Controversial comedian Russell Brand has traveled to Nashville to connect with the PFL for their semi-finals event tonight.
The well-known personality is combining his television hosting background with his interest in combat sports, taking on a role on the broadcast for PFL’s first set of semi-finals. He attended the ceremonial weigh-ins on Thursday, where chairman Donn Davis showed him the cage and provided a tour.
Sources have confirmed that he recorded a segment with main event fighters Jason Jackson and Thad Jean at the weigh-ins, which is expected to air soon. Notably, he will also be involved on fight night in a capacity that has not yet been revealed.
Russell Brand`s Role at PFL World Tournament Semi-Finals
Russell Brand’s presence at the PFL World Tournament semi-final weigh-ins attracted significant attention on social media, leading fans to speculate about his involvement at the event. It can now be revealed that he is participating in various aspects with the promotion.
The Ballers star is recognized as a fight enthusiast and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Chris Cleere. However, it remains uncertain what specific expertise he will bring to the broadcast concerning MMA and the PFL organization in particular.
Brand arrived in Nashville via private jet on Thursday with his team to witness the ceremonial weigh-ins. During the event, he was allowed inside the cage and received a tour of the venue from promotional co-founder Donn Davis before conducting interviews with Jackson and Jean.
Sources indicate that Brand is a fan of the PFL format and may potentially participate in future events following Thursday night’s show.
Heated Feuds Settle at PFL World Tournament Semi-Finals
The comedian`s appearance coincides with a week where tensions are extremely high in two key semi-final bouts. The main event has been volatile since its announcement in April, with Jean and Jackson developing a notable rivalry over the past eight weeks.
Additionally, in the featherweight tournament, 2023 champion Jesus Pinedo and Gabriel Braga, the fighter he defeated in that final, will face off again to settle their score. The two competitors have a 1-1 record against each other from their previous two meetings in the 2023 season.
Pinedo maintains that the split decision loss he suffered in their first encounter was incorrect and largely validated his claim in their rematch. In that fight, he knocked out Braga, who was undefeated at the time, within the first minute of the third round.
Now, they will have one more opportunity to compete against each other in a high-stakes $500,000 Tournament semi-final.
Gareth Pendleton