Pillow Fight Championship crowns winners in first-ever pay-per-view event, as proponents now lobby for Olympic inclusion
From being a children's pastime to being a full-fledged professional combat sport last year, the Pillow Fight Championship (PFC) has taken it to the next level and crowned the champions of its first-ever live pay-per-view event in Florida on Jan. 29.
Sixteen men and eight women hailing from the dog-eat-dog world of mixed martial arts and boxing slugged it out in the octagon ring.
PFC contenders also included superstars, like Ultimate Fighting Championship's Marcus Brimage, the debut opponent of Conor McGregor, as well as Markuz Perez.
Also present was Milton "Supreme" Lacroix, boxing coach of YouTuber Logan Paul who has had an exhibition match with Floyd Mayweather. Lacroix was seen giving advice to a competitor.
The participants engaged in hand-to-hand combat, armed with specialized pillows as they advanced to the brackets.
No blood was seen dripping, much less feathers flying, so a clean conscience is guaranteed to make a soft pillow.
Brazil's Istela Nunes overpowered America's Kendahl Voelker in the women's division, while America's Hauley Tillman defeated Brimage in the men's division.
The winners were awarded a title belt and a cash prize of $5000 (about P255,000).
Steve Williams, PFC chief executive officer, once expressed hope that the "relatable" sport will gain mainstream appeal brought about by bedroom nostalgia.
"Think about how they mixed country music with rap music and brought these diverse audiences together," Williams said. "That's what we're doing, and we hope it brings in a different kind of viewer."
Only time will tell if Williams's dream will come true, though.
A focus group of athletes met with the International Modern Pentathlon Union to propose alternatives to riding as the fifth discipline for the Olympics after Paris 2024. Guess what? Pillow fighting was among their eight suggestions.
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You may watch the highlights of the PFC event here.