Matthew Wagy, a seasoned MMA fighter and coach, recently sat down for an interview with RG to discuss his current endeavors and the upcoming Global Fight League (GFL) draft. With the draft set for January 24, 2025, at 8 PM EST, Wagy shared insights into his training regimen, coaching experiences, and expectations for the new league.
From Fighter to Coach
Wagy has been balancing his own fighting career with coaching for the past four years. He's been instrumental in developing a fight team at his gym, American Combat Gym, where he's seen significant success with his students.
"I've been coaching for the past, like, four years or so now, and Lucas was my first actual, like, student that, like, stayed with me from the very beginning," Wagy explained. He added, "I'm starting to, like, get together a little fight team here at our gym, and it's doing really well. Amateurs are turning into pros now, and everybody's starting to get better and better, which is good."
His coaching efforts have paid off, with notable successes among his fighters. "Charles is having a great run now. Since this UFC run, he's won every fight. You know, everybody's winning. So it's enjoyable for me to... to help my friends and to help other people with what I've learned," Wagy said.
The GFL Draft: A New Frontier
The conversation then shifted to the upcoming GFL draft, a novel concept in the world of MMA. Wagy expressed both excitement and uncertainty about the new league and its draft process.
"They're doing, like, the 10 pound increments which makes it better so like bantamweights can now fight at their natural... Like, they're fighting other bantamweights but weighing 145, as opposed to, you know, featherweight can be 145, and they can weigh 155," Wagy explained, highlighting one of the unique aspects of the GFL's weight class system.
The draft itself is shrouded in mystery, with many details still unknown to the fighters.
“We're all kind of learning on the fly with the GFL right now," Wagy shared. "Like, but it looks like they're doing like a draft that's been run by the NFL draft, the NBA draft, like all those people."
One of the most intriguing aspects of the GFL is its team-based format. Wagy elaborated, "It's a team versus team concept with two per weight class. Right now, that's what I know, but we're all, everybody, Lance doesn't really know anything. Like everybody's kind of just learning as it happens, you know?"
The contract structure for the GFL is also unique. "They give everybody contracts, but you don't have the contract take effect unless you get drafted or used by them. So that's how it works," Wagy explained. He also mentioned rumors of a salary cap system, similar to other professional sports leagues.
When asked about his preferred team, Wagy mentioned:
However, Wagy emphasized that being drafted to a team doesn't mean fighters have to train with that team exclusively. "There's no like obligation. It's an option. You can have them there, but it's not like they're the coach of the team," he clarified.
The GFL has been attracting big names in the MMA world. Wagy mentioned, "They just signed Tony Ferguson too. Tony Ferguson's on it now, Sage Northcutt, Paige [VanZant], all those people. There's a bunch of names."
As for his own plans for 2025, Wagy remains focused on the GFL opportunity but is keeping his options open. "GFL is the primary thing right now. And if I'm not drafted or not selected or not an alternate, whatever, then I'm going to look for a fight," he stated.
Wagy's enthusiasm for the sport and his career was evident throughout the interview. His final message to his supporters encapsulated his attitude: "Thank you guys so much for the support. I really appreciate it. I'm just trying to do my best and fulfill my purpose. And yeah, reach my full potential, whatever that may be in my fighting career and in my coaching career."
As the MMA world eagerly awaits the GFL draft, fighters like Matthew Wagy stand ready to embrace this new chapter in their careers. With its innovative format and high-profile signings, the GFL promises to shake up the MMA landscape in 2025 and beyond.
Garrett Kerman is an American sports writer specializing in MMA, boxing, and betting news. He has established himself as a prominent voice in combat sports journalism, providing expert analysis and breaking news. Kerman has covered major events and conducted interviews with notable figures in the industry, showcasing his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport. His insights are widely sought after by fans and bettors alike.
