The fledgling Global Fight League continued to get its business in order Thursday with several important announcements.
Last month, the GFL, headed by co-founder Darren Owen, announced plans for its official launch this year, with the concept of team-based mixed martial arts at the forefront.
The GFL will feature six teams from six cities competing in a league format that includes playoffs. As part of its initial announcement, the GFL said it had signed a plethora of big-name fighters – chalk full of former UFC champions and legends of the sport – ahead of a scheduled Jan. 24 draft date. The GFL hopes to put on its first event in April.
On Thursday, the promotion announced new draft entrees, team locations, as well as team managers and coaches.
Who are the new GFL draft entrees?
The GFL confirmed that Renan Barao, Todd Duffee, Douglas Lima, Chad Mendes, Yoel Romero, Mauricio Rua, and Ovince Saint Preux will enter the draft.
The GFL’s announcement also teased that “additional athletes will be revealed in the days leading up to the draft.”
Where will the GFL teams be located?
Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Sao Paulo will serve as the homebase for the GFL’s six teams.
Who will manage and coach the GFL teams?
The coaches and managers for the six GFL teams will be as follows:
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Dubai – Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, who awaits sentencing after pleading no contest to an attempted murder charge in California, will be manager, with American Kickboxing Academy’s Javier Mendez serving as coach.
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London – Six-fight UFC veteran Luke Barnatt will manager, while Manchester Top Team’s Carl Prince will coach.
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Los Angeles – UFC Hall of Famer Wanderlei Silva will be the manager for the L.A. team, with famed coach Rafael Cordeiro.
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Miami – The American Top Team duo of Thiago Alves (manager) and Conan Silveira (coach) will lead the way for Miami.
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New York – No manager has been determined, but Ray Longo will serve as coach.
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Sao Paulo – Former UFC champion Lyoto Machida (manager) and legendary coach Andre Pederneiras (coach) will head the Brazilian squad.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: GFL announces new draft entrees, managers, coaches, and team cities
