Sean O'Connell
Sean O’Connell discusses PFL Challenger Series, Kayla Harrison’s future, and more
Lead play-by-play commentator and former PFL champion Sean O’Connell previews the 2022 PFL Challenger series, discusses the future of Kayla Harrison, and more.
If there is anyone who knows and understands the ins and outs of the PFL business, it’s 2018 Light Heavyweight Tournament champion, MMA veteran, and now currently play-by-play man for the organization, Sean O’Connell. The lead voice of the PFL spoke with MyMMANews on a variety of topics and previewed PFL Challenger Series 1 which takes place Friday, February 18.
O’Connell has been a fixture of the PFL broadcast since he signed with them, moving from calling fights and actively fighting to now serving as the lead play-by-play commentator on all broadcasts. During his time with the promotion not only has he seen some great upsets throughout the season and playoff tournaments but he’s also been part of winning one, which led not only to the title but a $1 million prize as well.
Coming into the 2022 season, PFL has begun their PFL Challenger Series, a new series, which Sean O’Connell described as a “TV talent show mixed with professional mixed martial arts” where fighters will face each other for an opportunity to make the PFL official roster. After each fight, there will be a celebrity panel of judges which includes former NFL linebacker Ray Lewis and former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, who will determine which fighters have been selected to make the PFL roster.
The PFL Challenger Series will be streamed on FUBO Sports Network, part of the FUBO TV streaming service, and will air every Friday for the next eight weeks starting on February 18 with a four-fight card of light heavyweight competitors.
On top of their Challenger Series debut, the PFL has re-negotiated their deal with ESPN to broadcast their future events in 2022 and beyond, which was lucrative for both sides. The continuous good moves by the promotion have them climb up the ladder in terms of worldwide recognition and respect as a top-tier promotion alongside the other most well-known promotions.
In this interview, Sean O’Connell previews the PFL Challenger Series, what separates the promotion from every other promotion, the future of Kayla Harrison, and more.
