Lance Palmer and Natan Schulte not lacking motivation in attempts at PFL championship repeats

Anyone who’s followed PFL knows the selling point and appeal of the organization’s format: there’s $1 million on the line for the champion in each weight class.

What about the fighters who have already won, whose lives have already been changed, and whose millionaire status is known to the world? Is there a sense of complacency?

Only two of last year’s six tournament winners have a chance to repeat at PFL 2019 Championship on Dec. 31: featherweight Lance Palmer and lightweight Natan Schulte.

According to these two men, motivation is not an issue. Neither feel complacent. After all, two (million) is better than one, right?

But money isn’t simply dollars and cents. It represents life improvements. That’s how the fighters differ. It’s likely their earnings will go toward different ventures, all with the same general purpose. For Palmer, a victory solidifies his financial future – and that of his future family as well.

“It cements more of a secure retirement,” said Palmer, who meets Alex Gilpin in the final. “A secure college fund set up for my future kids. It’s a lot of things. $1 million is a lot of money, but it doesn’t go as far as a lot of people think. This second million would definitely mean a lot to me from a family perspective and a future perspective.”

Schulte, who will meet Loik Radzhabov, is also trying to lock down a secure future. The Brazilian fighter said he’s investing money in the hopes of making it reach even further.

“I’ve been learning how to invest my money and allocate it into stocks,” said Schulte. “I’ve been working with really top-notch people who have been able to help me have my money work for me. So that’s what I’ve done with the bulk of last year and what I intend on doing with this year’s earnings, as well.”

Money isn’t the only thing on the line Dec. 31. Legacies are at stake, too. It may seem cliche, but both fighters want to prove what they’re made of.

When Palmer reflects on his career, he’s proud of taking the road less traveled. A top competitor outside the UFC for years, Palmer is now reaping the benefits of sticking with PFL.

“It’s always been to do things people haven’t done yet,” Palmer said. “In PFL, there hasn’t been a (repeat). I was the first 145-pound champ in PFL and I’m going to try to be the first two-time champ in PFL history. I’m just trying to cement myself and make more firsts. I want to be the one to do these firsts in this organization.”

As for Schulte, another tournament championship would further validate his faith. He’s always trusted in God and as he continues to win, it confirms he’s been following the correct path.

“I just always knew all I needed was an opportunity,” Schulte said. “I’m a man of God and I’ve had faith God was going to open these doors for me. The moment is this opportunity. It came to life. I knew that I was ready, it was just a matter of someone granting me this chance.”

There’s further evidence these two men aren’t solely participating for the lucrative prizes. $1 million is life-changing money, no doubt. But while both men talk about securing financial futures with a win in New York, that doesn’t mean they’re going to be hanging the gloves up even if they win.

“That’s not really on the table for me,” Palmer said. “I’m a competitor and until I don’t feel I have that competitive drive or the physical or mental health to be able to do it any more. I really feel like I’m just now hitting my prime. I’m getting better every day. It’s hard for me to say it’s time to hang it up right now.

“That’s a question I’ve asked myself before,” Schulte said. “I just love doing this and do it because I love it. Even when we were on the off-season when we didn’t have fights scheduled, this is what I do for joy. It’s a hobby for me as well as it is my profession. It’s what I know how to do.”

PFL 2019 Championship takes place Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. The card airs on ESPN2.