Shane Burgos Inside Fighting Exclusive

Inside Fighting

April 4, 2025

Reflecting on His Time in the PFL and His Future in the UFC

In an exclusive interview with former UFC fighter turned PFL competitor Shane Burgos, the seasoned MMA athlete opens up about his transition to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), his reflections on his time with the promotion, and his future in the sport. With his signature aggressive style and relentless approach in the cage, Burgos has been one of the most exciting fighters to watch. However, after a stint in the PFL, Burgos is now setting his sights on returning to the UFC to finish his career where it all began.

Burgos, who made the move from the UFC to the PFL, acknowledges that the decision to leave was a significant one, but one he doesn’t regret. “It’s all good. I have no bad blood,” he says when reflecting on his time with the PFL. Despite the ups and downs, Burgos emphasizes that he still holds a level of respect for the organization. “I’m still going to watch the PFL. I still think they have good fighters,” he added, noting that the promotion has great potential.

However, the fighter was candid about the challenges that came with the transition, particularly following the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator. “There’s just some wrinkles they need to iron out a little bit since they made the purchase of Bellator,” Burgos said. This seems to hint at the ongoing adjustments the PFL must make to integrate Bellator’s roster and ensure its long-term success as a major competitor in the MMA world. Despite these challenges, Burgos acknowledges that the PFL still holds a unique place in the landscape of mixed martial arts.

Burgos’ move to the PFL was in large part motivated by financial opportunities. While he admits that his time with the organization allowed him to make solid money, it’s clear that his heart is set on something else now. “I made good money moving to the PFL, but my mind is set on furthering my career in the UFC,” Burgos admits, showing no reservations about his decision to return to the promotion that made him a household name in MMA.

When asked about his future in the UFC, Burgos made it clear that he is mentally focused on one thing: finishing his career in the UFC. “There’s basically one option for me at this point in my head mentally. I want to finish my career in the UFC,” Burgos said while the PFL provided an exciting chapter in his career, he views his time in the UFC as the ultimate platform to showcase his talents and achieve his career goals.

Although Burgos’ path forward seems clear, he emphasized that his experience with the PFL was far from a negative one. “I have no regrets,” he says, adding that the opportunity to test himself outside of the UFC was invaluable. However, it’s clear that Burgos feels the UFC represents the culmination of his career aspirations.

Looking back at his journey, Shane Burgos remains a fighter committed to growth and legacy. While the PFL has been an important step for him, it seems his future lies back where it all started—within the UFC. Fans of Burgos will no doubt be eagerly awaiting his next move, hoping to see the dynamic fighter continue to thrive at the highest levels of MMA competition.