<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11134941" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sung-bin-jo">Sung Bin Jo</keyword>, a fighter and celebrity from South Korea, returns to <keyword id="6403489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="mma">MMA</keyword> competition Friday at <keyword id="1715557" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="PFL">PFL</keyword> 1.</li><li>Better known as <keyword id="11134940" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="korean-falcon">Korean Falcon</keyword> for his ability to hunt and finish, Sung fights Tyler Diamond on ESPN.</li><li>Ahead of the fight he called for peace and used his platform to give a speech against anti-Asian hate.</li></ul>MMA fighter Sung Bin Jo, better known as Korean Falcon, gave a passionate speech about stopping anti-Asian hatred during an interview with Insider just days before his <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/pfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Professional Fighters League (PFL)</a> debut Friday.Korean Falcon had been soaring in Asian <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/mma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MMA</a> up until a one-fight call-up to the UFC where his performance level did not match what he had shown throughout his career in South Korea.The 28-year-old, who is as capable of knocking opponents out with strikes as he is submitting them with chokes, is hoping to recapture any lost momentum as he competes in PFL's highly-anticipated 2021 season.They call him the Korean Falcon because of his ability to finish a fight with a variety of different techniques on a moment's notice - much like the falcons when they hunt."They never miss," he said of the bird that inspired his nickname.Ahead of the PFL 1 event, which will be broadcast on ESPN from the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, Korean Falcon wanted to use his media platform to call for peace."There have been a lot of Asian-related hate crimes near New York and around the States," he told us via a translator, referencing a rise in COVID-related abuse against Asian Americans.<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-56218684" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to the BBC</a>, recent crimes include a Filipino-American who was slashed with a box cutter and a Chinese woman who was set on fire.In March, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/atlanta-shooting-victims-6-of-8-dead-were-asian-women-2021-3">eight people were shot dead,</a> including six Asian women, in an attack on three Atlanta massage parlors.Commenting on atrocities such as these, Korean Falcon said: "We're all humans, and I just wish the best for everyone."I hope for peace at the end, and for everybody to make good harmony around the communities. I will always try my best to do that as well."<h2>Korean Falcon fights Tyler Diamond at PFL 1 on Friday</h2><div type="image" title="Sung Bin Jo" height="625" width="1250" msid="82179714" hostid="261"></div>Korean Falcon got into <keyword id="6356028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports">sports</keyword> from a young age and, through MMA, has become a celebrity in Korea. He filmed a drama with a famous actor in his homeland, shot a commercial, and took part in a variety show.At 21, he enlisted into the army for his mandatory service and told us he was smart to do that from a young age. Military service taught him patience, and to try to understand the viewpoints of other people, he said.He spoke to us while in quarantine, as part of the PFL's bubble in Atlantic City, and said he relaxes by watching movies, playing games, and singing K-Pop, Korean ballad, and rap songs.Despite preparing for his first pandemic-era fight, he said he is approaching his athletic peak and is ready for Friday opponent Tyler Diamond."Tyler Diamond may have an edge over me with his wrestling technique, but I won't be easy to take down, and I have the edge over the striking position," he said."I'm not setting huge goals right now because I'm focusing solely on the steps in front of me at the PFL and my first match against Tyler Diamond, though I'm aware the biggest threat at featherweight is Lance Palmer - the two-time winner of this tournament."In a closing remark, Korean Falcon said: "Please love all the players in PFL, and love the tournament."Since I came across from Korea, please remember the Korean Falcon because I'll do my best and always try to make a good impression."

MMA fighter Korean Falcon gave a passionate 'Stop Asian Hate' speech just days before his PFL debut

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Rapper <keyword id="521223" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Wiz-Khalifa">Wiz Khalifa</keyword> has invested in the Professional Fighters League (<keyword id="1715557" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="PFL">PFL</keyword>).</li><li>PFL is an <keyword id="6403489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="mma">MMA</keyword> firm that has a broadcasting deal with ESPN for its season format of fight events.</li><li>"I've been MMA training for years," Wiz Khalifa said. "To bring my vision to the sport is exciting."</li></ul>Rap sensation Wiz Khalifa has invested in <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/pfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PFL MMA</a> and will serve as an adviser for the fight firm.Renowned for smash hits "Roll Up," "No Sleep," and "See You Again," Khalifa has won multiple awards for his music and is a fan and practitioner of mixed martial arts.He joins an investment group that includes Washington <keyword id="6356028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports">sports</keyword> mogul Ted Leonsis, and the comedian and actor Kevin Hart.According to a PFL statement sent to Insider, Khalifa will "play an active role in continuing to shape the PFL brand for this generation's sports fan."As an advisor, Khalifa - real name Cameron Thomaz - will collaborate with the company on how pop culture can be incorporated into the upcoming season, which begins Friday on ESPN with PFL 1."I'm so proud to join forces with the Professional Fighters League," Khalifa said. "I've been doing MMA training for years now, and am also the biggest MMA fan."To be able to bring my expertise and vision to the sport is super exciting and I can't wait for the action to get started."PFL CEO Peter Murray said: "I'm excited to welcome Wiz Khalifa to the PFL's ownership group and partner with a gifted music and cultural icon."Wiz will play an active role in shaping and amplifying the voice of the PFL brand and how it resonates with fans around the world."Khalifa's music will be synonymous with PFL's season, playoff, and championship events. He will also co-produce original MMA content.Former UFC champion Anthony Pettis headlines the behind-closed-doors PFL 1 event at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, competing in a lightweight bout against Top Rank boxing cult hero Clay Collard.British athlete Brendan Loughnane, <a href="https://www.insider.com/brendan-loughnane-could-win-1-million-pfl-tournament-analyst-says-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tipped by PFL analyst Kenny Florian to go all the way and win the $1 million finals</a>, opens the preliminary card on ESPN+ in a match involving Sheymon Moraes.Sung Bin Jo, <a href="https://www.insider.com/korean-falcon-gives-impassioned-stop-asian-hate-speech-before-pfl-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">otherwise known as Korean Falcon</a>, also fights on the prelims and takes on Tyler Diamond in a featherweight bout.

Rap star Wiz Khalifa has invested in PFL MMA and will serve as an adviser for the fight firm

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11136371" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="brendan-loughnane">Brendan Loughnane</keyword> has what it takes to win the $1 million <keyword id="1715557" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="PFL">PFL</keyword> <keyword id="6403489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="mma">MMA</keyword> tournament in 2021.</li><li>That's according to PFL analyst and ex-fighter Kenny Florian, who is impressed by the British competitor.</li><li>The PFL starts its 2021 season on Friday. It will be broadcast on ESPN+ and ESPN 2.</li></ul>British fighter Brendan Loughnane has enough talent and potential to win the $1 million <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/pfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PFL MMA</a> featherweight tournament.That's according to PFL analyst and commentator Kenny Florian, a former fighter himself, who recently told Insider that he is blown away by the striker's footwork and believes the 31-year-old could come of age in 2021."I've been watching Brendan for a long time and always felt like he's one of those guys who had a tremendous amount of potential," former UFC athlete Florian said. "It now seems like he's realizing that potential."Loughnane has fought twice in PFL before but competes in the 145-pound competition Friday as the company's new season begins after a 16-month COVID-enforced hiatus. Loughnane fights Sheymon Moraes in the first round.The first event in the new season, PFL 1, takes place behind-closed-doors at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, and additional points will be awarded to fighters if they win by knockout or submission. The earlier the finish, the more points that athlete gets. These extra points can prove vital as fighters vie for league rankings, and a playoff push later in the campaign, before a high-stakes $1 million final at the end of the year.The featherweight bracket is home to 2019 champion Lance Palmer, who will be hoping to retain his title this season.But Florian expects Loughnane to impress in 2021."Watching him compete over the last few years it seems like he's a much more mature fighter who is really believing in his skills, and putting it all together extremely well," said the commentator."For me, he's one of the favorites. He's in a tough division, but the way he moves and fights … this tournament is coming at a very good time for Brendan, and I think he can go very far and potentially even take the whole thing."It is easy to analyze Loughnane's striking and say he can throw good kicks and nasty elbows, but Florian said what really separates him from other strikers is his expert footwork."Brendan possesses excellent footwork," Florian said. "He knows how to get in, and get out. And for the most part, he's defensively responsible."This is unlike a lot of mixed martial art strikers. There's a lot of good offensive strikers out there, but I think Brendan balances his defense extremely well while staying active. That's a rarity in MMA, generally speaking."His footwork sets him apart, certainly from Sheymon Moraes who is a dangerous striker but doesn't really possess the in-and-out footwork, and understanding of angles, like Brendan."<div type="image" title="Kenny Florian joins PFL MMA" height="500" width="1000" msid="82183637" hostid="261"></div>Florian tipped <keyword id="11136372" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="movlid-khaibulaev">Movlid Khaibulaev</keyword> as a dark horse in the competition because the Russian athlete has the benefit of being schooled by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the late father and trainer of recently-retired UFC king Khabib Nurmagomedov.But it is Loughnane who Florian believes is a clear tournament favorite."Brendan can throw everything at you and, for me, it's really his fight to lose. He's good with knees, kicks - low level kicks, high level kicks, body - he knows how to attack the body with his hands. He knows how to mix it all up."And he's not a one-dimensional striker. That gives him the ability to go far in this tournament because he has a lot of tools, and he knows how to use them."Loughnane and Moraes contest the very first match and open the PFL 1 show.<a href="https://www.insider.com/korean-falcon-gives-impassioned-stop-asian-hate-speech-before-pfl-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sung Bin Jo, otherwise known as the Korean Falcon, fights Tyler Diamond</a> on the preliminary card on ESPN+ ahead of a main card on ESPN that features Anthony Pettis against Clay Collard in the main event.

British fighter Brendan Loughnane could win the $1 million PFL tournament, according to analyst Kenny Florian

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Professional Fighters League, an <keyword id="6403489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="mma">MMA</keyword> tournament, restarts its live events business Friday.</li><li><keyword id="1715557" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="PFL">PFL</keyword> 1 will be broadcast on ESPN+ and ESPN2 from a bubble environment in a $200 million casino.</li><li>PFL CEO <keyword id="5885869" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Peter-Murray">Peter Murray</keyword> told Insider why he thinks 2021 will be his company's biggest yet.</li></ul>Wanton violence returns to ESPN Friday as the <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/pfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Professional Fighters League</a> showcases its unique brand of <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/mma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mixed martial arts</a> from a state-of-the-art bubble inside a $200 million casino in Atlantic City.The PFL postponed its entire 2020 season because of the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, as it wanted to preserve the structure of its league format.The New York-headquartered company is unlike other fight promotions that rely on standalone matches designed to propel winners further up rankings until they can potentially challenge the champion in their weight class.Instead, the PFL has a similar structure to the NFL and NBA, with a regular season and playoffs before tournament finals worth $1 million to each winner."We couldn't be more excited to start the season, and get back to action," PFL CEO Peter Murray told Insider this week.The regular season will take place behind-closed-doors at the Ocean Casino Resort. As there will be no fans at the venue, the PFL will maximize the space inside its studio to enhance the made-for-TV product, Murray said.There's an improved roster with talent acquisitions like <a href="https://www.insider.com/anthony-pettis-confident-of-a-big-win-clay-collard-pfl-2021-4">the former UFC champion Anthony Pettis, who features at the PFL 1 main event in a lightweight bout against Clay Collard.</a>And there are technological innovations that will showcase unique data points and camera angles through its smart cage and referee cam. Other new innovations include a live damage meter for fighters, almost like something from a video game."I'm super pumped about the damage meter where we measure damage inflicted and damage absorbed with real analysis, and unique live integration and graphics," Murray said.The PFL leaned on the NFL's quarterback rating (QBR), which encapsulates a quarterback's statistics into one number, and has applied that type of formula for it's Fighter Performance Rating (FPR)."This is about what's taking place in the cage with the damage meter, and giving it broader context on our athletes and how they compare to one another," Murray said. "It's story-telling, that will enhance the presentation."<h2>Competitors have endured a 17-day quarantine - here's why</h2><div type="image" title="Clay Collard vs. Anthony Pettis" height="750" width="1000" msid="82220511" hostid="261"></div>One of the unique features of PFL's bubble is a mandatory 17-day quarantine for athletes.For Murray, the fight firm wanted to err on the side of being "super conservative" about COVID safety.He said he looked at what worked and what did not work at other bubbles in other <keyword id="6356028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports">sports</keyword>, from the NBA to other combat sports, including MMA.PFL's focus is always on ensuring that those who begin the season are able to complete it, he said, allowing the promotion to preserve the integrity of the league."We have to structure it like a traditional season format and what 17 days [can] provide, is we test the fighters before they get on a plane to arrive. These are our tests, we ship it to them in advance."We then test them on arrival, and no matter what, they go into quarantine for a window of time. When they're all clear, we test them every day."If a fighter lands, and for whatever reason tests positive, that fighter still has a chance, if they're not experiencing symptoms, to quarantine for an extended time in that window and if they then test negative, with no symptoms, they can still fight, having stayed in the bubble."Murray said there have only been a few instances of positive tests in the bubble - including trainers - but all fighters have so far tested negative, meaning PFL 1 has a full slate of fights.<h2>PFL hopes to have escaped lower sports viewership in the middle stages of the pandemic</h2><div type="image" title="Rory MacDonald PFL MMA" height="1331" width="2000" msid="82220515" hostid="261"></div>A New York Times article in October <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/22/sports/tv-ratings-sports.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted how TV sports ratings were down across the board</a>.Murray said upheaval to people's lives, as well as disruption to the structure of sports, likely caused a decrease in interest."We made the right decision to pivot and reschedule our season," Murray said. "We came out of 2020 a lot stronger with increased capital, star signings, an enhanced technology with respect to smart cage features, and new sponsorships. While also keeping our fighters safe."Now, when we look at the landscape of sports, there was a lot of disruption with COVID. It affected attendance, and people's head space."We were all dealing with a world of disruption in society and in our lives. At home, with our families. Occupation, and business. While sports is a great distraction, that created disruption in viewership and patterns."Sports were on pause, some came back but in different iterations. People like the seasonality and continuity of things."So that disruption and with everything going on with COVID, affected fans engagement."Murray expects that to recalibrate as vaccination drives continue to progress, and the worst of the pandemic remains in the past.He foresees a pent-up demand for MMA in April and beyond."There's added marketing that ESPN is putting behind the property," he said. "There's a digital and social focus. It's lining up for an incredible debut of the season on Friday."Here are select fights taking place at PFL 1 on ESPN2 and ESPN+:<ul><li>Anthony Pettis vs. Clay Collard - lightweight</li><li>Natan Schulte vs. Marcin Held - lightweight</li><li>Lance Palmer vs. Bubba Jenkins - featherweight</li><li>Sung Bin Jo vs. Tyler Diamond - featherweight</li><li>Brendan Loughnane vs. Sheymon Moraes - featherweight</li></ul>In the weeks ahead, the former UFC fighter Rory MacDonald makes his PFL debut, Fabricio Werdum makes his PFL debut, and Claressa Shields - the self-described GWOAT of boxing - makes her MMA debut."We have it all lined up to be the best season yet for the PFL," said Murray."The audience will surpass where we've been in years past, and we're poised to grow even further."

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MMA fighter Korean Falcon gave a passionate 'Stop Asian Hate' speech just days before his PFL debut

Alan Dawson

Rap star Wiz Khalifa has invested in PFL MMA and will serve as an adviser for the fight firm

Alan Dawson

British fighter Brendan Loughnane could win the $1 million PFL tournament, according to analyst Kenny Florian

Alan Dawson

PFL MMA is gearing up for its biggest season to date, and is leaning on innovations from the NBA and NFL

Alan Dawson