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BRITISH fighter Simeon Powell is in with the chance to star in the Professional Fighter League's $1million winner-takes-all season.

US promotion PFL has a quarters, semis and final knockout format with the last two in each of the eight divisions battling out for the massive cash prize.

Simeon Powell is in with the chance to star in the PFL's $1million winner-takes-all season
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Simeon Powell is in with the chance to star in the PFL's $1million winner-takes-all seasonCredit: Instagram @smooth_mma
PFL champion Kayla Harrison, Mike Tyson and PFL CEO Pete Murray
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PFL champion Kayla Harrison, Mike Tyson and PFL CEO Pete MurrayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

But this year they have introduced a 'Challenger Series' which gives four contenders a night the chance to earn their spot in the regular season.

It means you can go from an unknown prospect to millionaire champion in a year.

PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis told SunSport: “What’s happening is each and every week, we will award a contract which gets you into the PFL season.

“Once you’re in the PFL season, nothing stands between you, a championship and the $1million.

“You can go from an unknown off the street, to the penthouse championship in the same year. That is a real-world Rocky story.”

The series will stretch over eight weeks, starting from February 18 and finishing on April 8.

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There will be four fights a night but only one of the winners will be awarded the PFL seasonal contract, which is decided by a four-man guest panel, which includes ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley, Saturday Night Live star Keenan Thompson, heavyweight boxing icon Mike Tyson and even fans at home.

Fighting on week one is England's Powell, who did not have to think twice about accepting this 'no-brainer' offer.

He continued: “There’s no nerves, I’m confident in my skill set and I’m going to get that contract 100 per cent.”

Powell, who stands 6ft 4in, reveals he has drawn comparisons to MMA royalty, having been dubbed 'the next Jon Jones'.

But the light-heavyweight hopeful, unbeaten at 4-0, believes he can surpass Jones' legendary legacy.

Powell is 4-0 as an MMA pro
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Powell is 4-0 as an MMA proCredit: Instagram @smooth_mma
The light-heavyweight has been likened to UFC legend Jon Jones
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The light-heavyweight has been likened to UFC legend Jon JonesCredit: Instagram @smooth_mma

He claimed: “I’ve got the potential to be a lot greater than Jon Jones. It sounds arrogant, but I truly believe that.”

Powell, 23, started training aged 16 in Muay Thai before transitioning to MMA with a 6-1 amateur record.

He lost his first bout, but has not tasted defeat as an amateur or pro since.

Powell knows he will have to impress the celebrity panel with more than just a win when he faces 3-1 Karl Williams - especially if Iron Mike is in the house.

He said: "He’s a legend, he’s a fan-pleasing fighter and it would be crazy to get his attention.

“You grow up watching Mike Tyson growing up, all fighters do no matter what combat sport. It will be crazy to impress him.”

PFL founder Donn Davis next to Natan Schultz and Mike Tyson
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PFL founder Donn Davis next to Natan Schultz and Mike TysonCredit: PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE

If Powell is victorious and receives the PFL contract, he will then enter the two-fight regular season where he will compete in the playoffs.

That consists of a two-round quarter-final and three-round semi-final in one night, where the winner advances to the championship finale.

Powell has already envisioned reaching the showpiece event, where the life-changing $1m winnings are only five rounds and 25 minutes away.

He said: “I’ve got plans if I win it. It would change my family's life 100 per cent. It would help my mum, help my other siblings out.

“I would never just blow my money. Of course, you’d want to buy some things but it’s about helping people that got me to this position as well.

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“You’ve got to visualise it so it can come true and you can work hard towards it.

“I’ve put in the work and this is what I want. I don’t go the gym daily to just be an average fighter.”

Powell is in the PFL's 'challenger series'
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Powell is in the PFL's 'challenger series'Credit: Instagram @smooth_mma
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