MMA News

Category: PFL

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a mixed martial arts organization founded in 2018. It is the first major MMA promotion to feature a regular season, post-season and championship.

  • Former Turner CEO John Martin Named New CEO Of PFL

    Former Turner CEO John Martin Named New CEO Of PFL

    The Professional Fighters League has announced former Turner and Time Warner executive John Martin is joining the organization as its new Chief Executive Officer.

    The PFL confirmed the news on the morning of Thursday, July 10, with a press release. This followed an initial hinting of a move in PFL’s management by longtime boxing promoter Don King on social media the evening before, as well as a series of posts on X (fka Twitter) from Robert Joyner.

    Martin will oversee all aspects of the PFL’s operations, including the promotion’s finances, management, strategies, and personnel decisions.

    “John Martin is THE ideal CEO to lead the next chapter of growth at PFL,” Donn Davis, PFL Founder and Chairman said in the statement. “He is a proven media, content, and sports executive who is a respected global leader and business operator at scale. I am thrilled to work closely with John to deliver on the vision to make PFL everything the fans, fighters, and sport of MMA deserves.”

    PFL Gains New CEO In John Martin

    Martin replaces Peter Murray, who the PFL says will be transitioning to a role as CEO of PFL International, “where he will lead the accelerated launch and growth of the PFL’s International Leagues” and serve under Martin.

    Martin previously served as Chairman and CEO of Turner from 2014 to 2018, overseeing the various cable networks, content, and digital platforms run by the company — including the Turner Sports brand, as well as the TBS, TNT, and CNN channels. He left Turner in 2018 following the AT&T-Time Warner merger.

    Prior to that role, Martin worked at Time Warner, working as Head of Investor Relations before going on to become CFO of Time Warner Cable and eventually CFO of Time Warner Inc. During his role there, Martin was an early advocate for expanding the UFC’s cable distribution, having become a fan of the UFC since the promotion’s earliest events.

    Martin himself has been a martial artist since his 20s, earning a black belt in karate and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

    “MMA represents the biggest opportunity in sports, and the PFL has secured a unique position that will never be replicated,” Martin said in the statement. “I’m incredibly excited about the future of the PFL and confident that we’re only at the beginning of what this organization will achieve. My two greatest passions are leading media companies and MMA, so stepping into the position of PFL CEO is truly a dream role for me.”

    The PFL made significant changes in 2025, establishing the PFL Champions Series — a rebrand following the official dissolution of Bellator, which the PFL purchased in late 2023 — as well as eliminating its regular-season and playoff format in favor of eight World Tournaments, all of which will conclude at three PFL events in August.

    PFL’s Jonathan Coachman recently told MMA Fighting that the Champions Series will see eight PFL champions crowned, and the PFL World Tournament winners will go on to challenge those champions.

    The PFL has also been expanding on the number of international leagues, with PFL Europe starting in 2023, PFL MENA starting in 2024, and PFL Africa set to start next Saturday, July 19, with the PFL Cape Town event.

  • ‘Looks Like Another European Star For PFL’ – Fans React To Patrick Habirora Landing Devastating KO With Head Kick In PFL Brussels Main Event

    ‘Looks Like Another European Star For PFL’ – Fans React To Patrick Habirora Landing Devastating KO With Head Kick In PFL Brussels Main Event

    Patrick Habirora is slowly making a name for himself in the PFL with his young career, and he may have just taken himself to a new level of status with his performance in front of his home country.

    Habirora scored a first-round knockout over UFC veteran Danny Roberts in the main event of PFL Brussels, held at the ING Arena in Belgium.

    Habirora controlled the center early, but Roberts pressed him into the fence after some exchanging. Roberts landed knees and short punches in the clinch, but Habirora eventually broke free.

    Habirora found his rhythm and worked combinations before landing a powerful headkick that dropped Roberts for the win.

    Patrick Habirora Knocks Out UFC Veteran Danny Roberts At PFL Brussels

    https://twitter.com/FrenchSavagery/status/1941606868314456154

    Habirora advances to 7-0 as a pro, including a 3-0 PFL Europe record that has also seen him finish Catalin Safta and score a decision over Claudio Pacella.

    Roberts fought in the UFC from 2015 to 2023, with his run ending on a three-fight losing skid that included a loss to current UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.

  • 2025 PFL Europe 2 Results & Highlights: Patrick Habirora Makes Statement With First-Round Head-Kick KO

    2025 PFL Europe 2 Results & Highlights: Patrick Habirora Makes Statement With First-Round Head-Kick KO

    The second PFL Europe event of the 2025 season took place on Saturday, July 5, with the PFL’s first venture to Brussels, and MMA News has you covered with all the action!

    PFL Europe was the initial expansion effort of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), an effort that has since grown out to MENA in 2024. PFL Africa and PFL Pacific will start up this year as well, with the former’s first event taking place in two weeks’ time.

    After the first leg of the third PFL Europe season started up in Belfast in May, today’s action continued to see who would advance to the playoffs card, now set for September 26 in France — and that will show who we’ll see at this year’s PFL Europe Championships (also in France) this December.

    The card, which took place at the ING Arena, saw seven Belgian fighters compete throughout the 16-fight card — a mix of bantamweight tournament and showcase bouts. And in the main event, Patrick Habirora blew the roof off the venue in his home country with a first-round knockout of UFC veteran Danny Roberts, who was making his PFL debut.

    The event was broadcast on DAZN in most countries, as well as being the first PFL Europe card broadcasted in the U.S. on the new PFL app. If you missed any of the action, MMA News has you covered below with the full results and all the highlights below.

    2025 PFL Europe 2 Results & Highlights

    Main Card:

    • Welterweight Showcase Main Event: Patrick Habirora def. Danny Roberts via KO (R1, 4:32)
    • Bantamweight Showcase Co-Main Event: Taylor Lapilus def. Ali Taleb via unanimous decision
    • Featherweight Showcase: Gaetano Pirrello def. Salvatore Liga via submission (D’Arce choke) (R1, 3:22)
    • Light Heavyweight Showcase: Boris Atangana def. Bruno Santos via TKO (R1, 0:56)
    • Welterweight Showcase: Chequina Noso Pedro def. Khamzat Abaev via unanimous decision

    Preliminary Card:

    • Bantamweight Showcase: Movsar Ibragimov def. Gerardo Fanny via submission (Von Flue choke) (R2, 1:42)
    • Featherweight Showcase: Ibragim Ibragimov def. Mathys Duragrin via unanimous decision
    • Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Dean Garnett def. Tuomas Grönvall via unanimous decision
    • Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Mahio Campanella def. Matiss Zaharovs via unanimous decision
    • Lightweight Showcase: Catalin Safta def. Nicolas Di Franco via split decision
    • Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Gustavo Oliveira def. Anas Azizoun via KO (R1, 3:25)
    • Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Jan Ciepłowski def. Julien Lopez via TKO (R1, 3:43)
    • Women’s Flyweight Showcase: Paulina Wiśniewska def. Jessica Cunha via submission (rear-naked choke) (R1, 4:12)
    • Featherweight Showcase: Adam Meskini def. Tiziano Ferranti via TKO (R2, 4:56)
    • Bantamweight Showcase: Levi Batchelor def. Fahdi Khaled via technical submission (Ezekiel choke) (R3, 4:56)
    • 163-Pound Catchweight Showcase: Salvo Giudice def. Brice Belghazi via submission (rear-naked choke) (R3, 2:14)

    Salvo Giudice def. Brice Belghazi

    Levi Batchelor def. Fahdi Khaled

    Adam Meskini def. Tiziano Ferranti

    Paulina Wiśniewska def. Jessica Cunha

    Jan Ciepłowski def. Julien Lopez

    Gustavo Oliveira def. Anas Azizoun

    Catalin Safta def. Nicolas Di Franco

    Mahio Campanella def. Matiss Zaharovs

    Dean Garnett def. Tuomas Grönvall

    Ibragim Ibragimov def. Mathys Duragrin

    Movsar Ibragimov def. Gerardo Fanny

    Chequina Noso Pedro def. Khamzat Abaev

    Boris Atangana def. Bruno Santos

    Gaetano Pirrello def. Salvatore Liga

    https://twitter.com/PFLMMA/status/1941594334970654910

    Taylor Lapilus def. Ali Taleb

    Patrick Habirora def. Danny Roberts

  • VIDEO: Gustavo Oliveira Scores KO Of The Year Candidate With Stunning Spinning Backfist

    VIDEO: Gustavo Oliveira Scores KO Of The Year Candidate With Stunning Spinning Backfist

    One week after Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues made a strong case for Knockout of the Year, Gustavo Oliveira made a case of his own in his knockout win over Anas Azizoun at PFL Brussels.

    As a result of his win, Oliveira moves on in this year’s PFL Europe bantamweight tournament.

    Oliveira and Azizoun both came out aggressive, with Oliveira trying to press the action, including a left hook that briefly dropped Azizoun. The fight would return to the feet, and Azizoun battled back with strong combinations.

    Oliveira then landed a spinning backfist that dropped Azizoun out cold for a highlight finish.

    Gustavo Oliveira Flattens Anas Azizoun With Sudden Spinning Backfist

    This was Oliveira’s first MMA fight since July 2022, losing to Patrick Surdyn.

    Azizoun has now lost back-to-back fights after a five-fight win streak.

  • 2025 PFL MENA 2 Results & Highlights

    2025 PFL MENA 2 Results & Highlights

    The PFL MENA season continued on Friday, July 4, and we have all the results and highlights from the action here at MMA News!

    PFL MENA was set up last year as part of the promotion’s expansion efforts, and alongside the already-established PFL Europe and soon-to-debut PFL Africa and PFL Pacific, PFL MENA has ventured on into its second season.

    The card took place at The Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    In the showcase main event, 2024 PFL MENA welterweight champion Omar El Dafrawy was able to come away with a quick submission win over 2023 PFL Europe welterweight finalist Daniele Miceli. Miceli scored a takedown and looked to get a Von Flue choke submission. But El Dafrawy escaped it and was able to lock up a triangle choke, surviving a pair of slams before getting the tap just 1:15 into the fight.

    Hattan Alsaif competed in her fourth amateur MMA bout on this night as well, scoring another second-round finish in front of a hometown crowd. Alsaif defeated Nour Al Fliti after a knockdown saw Al Fliti suffer an injury to her right leg.

    The 2024 PFL bantamweight and welterweight tournaments opened on this night, as participants looked to get their way into the semifinals this fall.

    In addition to being broadcasted live on DAZN in most countries, this event marked the first time that American viewers could watch an international PFL event live on the PFL App!

    If you missed any of the action, we here at MMA News have you covered with everything that went down. See below!

    2025 PFL MENA 2 Results & Highlights

    • Welterweight Showcase Main Event: Omar El Dafrawy def. Daniele Miceli via first-round submission (triangle choke)
    • Welterweight Co-Main Event: Mohammad Alaqraa def. Omar Hussein
    • Amateur Women’s Atomweight Showcase: Hattan Alsaif def. Nour Al Fliti via second-round verbal submission (retirement [injury])
    • Welterweight: Mohamed Zarey def. Ayman Galal via unanimous decision
    • Bantamweight: Xavier Alaoui def. Ziad Ayman Mokhtar via unanimous decision
    • Bantamweight: Moktar Benkaci def. Marcel Adur via first-round TKO (body punch)
    • Welterweight: Badreddine Diani def. Ahmad Abdelbast Darwish via unanimous decision
    • Welterweight: Amir Fazli def. Rostem Akman via second-round KO
    • Bantamweight: Nawras Abzakh def. Ali Yazbeck via second-round KO (knee and strikes)
    • Bantamweight: Islam Youssef def. Benyamin Ghahraman via second-round KO (flying kick)
    • Lightweight: Abdelrahman Alhyasat def. Anthony Zeidan via second-round submission (rear-naked choke)

    Abdelrahman Alhyasat def. Anthony Zeidan

    Islam Youssef def. Benyamin Ghahraman

    Nawras Abzakh def. Ali Yazbeck

    Amir Fazli def. Rostem Akman

    Badreddine Diani def. Ahmad Abdelbast Darwish

    Moktar Benkaci def. Marcel Adur

    Xavier Alaoui def. Ziad Ayman Mokhtar

    Mohamed Zarey def. Ayman Galal

    Hattan Alsaif def. Nour Al Fliti

    Mohammad Alaqraa def. Omar Hussein

    Omar El Dafrawy def. Daniele Miceli

  • ‘Never Looked Better’ – Fans React As Fabian Edwards Puts On Solid Performance To Earn PFL World Tournament Finals Spot In PFL Chicago Main Event

    ‘Never Looked Better’ – Fans React As Fabian Edwards Puts On Solid Performance To Earn PFL World Tournament Finals Spot In PFL Chicago Main Event

    Fabian Edwards is going to have another crack at becoming a champion in MMA like his brother, as he’s now one fight away from the middleweight PFL World Tournament title after defeating Joshua Silveira in the PFL Chicago main event.

    After a strong leg kick trading battle to start, Edwards began to find a rhythm, mixing up combinations and leg kicks. Silveira, however, got Edwards off balance with one of his leg kicks and pressed the action in the clinch.

    Edwards, however, became more of the presser with his striking during the second round, working the body. Silveira got another clinch, but he was hurt by a big knee. Edwards was able to get the fight to the ground and control the action from there, landing strong strikes, including elbows.

    Edwards continued to bring the pressure before wobbling Silveira with a left hand during the final round. Edwards continue to completely outwork Silveira both on the feet and ground en route to a decision victory.

    Fabian Edwards Outclasses Joshua Silveira To Reach Middleweight PFL World Tournament Final

    https://twitter.com/freysavage/status/1938825787152482668

    Edwards has now won six of his last eight. He reached tonight’s semifinals with a finish of former PFL light heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay in April.

    Silveira, a former PFL light heavyweight finalist, earned this semifinal spot with a decision win over Mike Shipman in April.

  • ‘A Stud Everywhere’ – Fans React To Sullivan Cauley Pulling Out The Stops To Defeat Phil Davis In PFL World Tournament Semifinal At PFL Chicago

    ‘A Stud Everywhere’ – Fans React To Sullivan Cauley Pulling Out The Stops To Defeat Phil Davis In PFL World Tournament Semifinal At PFL Chicago

    In a major upset, Sullivan Cauley manages to secure one of the spots in the PFL World Tournament light heavyweight final, defeating Phil Davis via unanimous decision in the PFL Chicago co-main event.

    Cauley will now face Antonio Carlos Jr. in the light heavyweight tournament finals in August.

    The opening round was competitive, with both men exchanging as Davis tried to assert control with his wrestling and takedowns. Cauley caught Davis’ attention late in the round with a sharp right hand, setting the tone for what would come.

    Davis was using wrestling to his advantage more in the second round, busting open Cauley’s cheek with a pair of clinch knees to the head. But the momentum of the fight swung dramatically when Cauley rocked Davis late in the round with a right hand before a combination scored him a knockdown.

    Cauley continued to get the better of Davis in the third, landing the more effective strikes and defending his wrestling and grappling well, going on to earn the nod on all three judges’ cards.

    Sullivan Cauley Reaches PFL World Tournament Final With Upset Win Over Former Bellator Champ Phil Davis

    https://twitter.com/mulheron4/status/1938818750129594416
    https://twitter.com/CAPFREAKSON/status/1938816539949465851

    Sullivan Cauley scored this semifinal spot with a first-round finish of Alex Polizzi. This marked Cauley’s first victory that went past the first round.

    Davis, the former Bellator light heavyweight champion, earned his spot in tonight’s semifinals with a finish of former PFL champion Rob Wilkinson when they met in May.

  • ‘A Sparring Match’ – Fans Rip Into Sergio Pettis Besting Former Teammate Raufeon Stots In Lackluster Outing At PFL Chicago

    ‘A Sparring Match’ – Fans Rip Into Sergio Pettis Besting Former Teammate Raufeon Stots In Lackluster Outing At PFL Chicago

    A fight between former teammates and two of the best bantamweights in the world was ultimately lackluster; however, Sergio Pettis did enough to defeat Raufeon Stots at PFL Chicago.

    Pettis dictated the pace early with kicks, landing clean combinations, while Stots didn’t bring out his expert wrestling abilities until scoring a takedown with about 40 seconds left in the round.

    Pettis landed a slick backfist early in the second, but Stots responded by landing a strong punch that stumbled Pettis before landing a takedown. Pettis didn’t provide much defense from there, as Stots controlled the round on the ground.

    Both men traded in a stand-up affair for the third round before, again, Stots scored a takedown with 40 seconds left, but didn’t do enough to take the round.

    All three judges scored the fight for Pettis 29-28.

    Sergio Pettis Outworks Raufeon Stots In Battle Of Former Teammates At PFL Chicago

    https://twitter.com/ArbBetsEveryday/status/1938811357710725425

    Pettis, the former Bellator bantamweight champion, came into this fight off a pair of losses against Patchy Mix (losing his belt in the process) and Kyoji Horiguchi (a rematch of Pettis’ award-winning knockout in 2021).

    Stots, the former interim Bellator champion, is now 3-2 in his last five.

  • ‘Aaron Jeffery Just Got Robbed Big Time’ – Fans React To Split Decision That Sees Dalton Rosta Score Revenge At PFL Chicago And Advance To PFL World Tournament Final

    ‘Aaron Jeffery Just Got Robbed Big Time’ – Fans React To Split Decision That Sees Dalton Rosta Score Revenge At PFL Chicago And Advance To PFL World Tournament Final

    When the two first met in Bellator a few years ago, Aaron Jeffery was able to end Dalton Rosta’s then-undefeated record by forcing him away from his typical gameplan.

    The rematch at PFL Chicago was very close, but Rosta edged out a split decision to score the win in the rematch, earning revenge and the first spot in the middleweight final portion of the PFL World Tournament.

    Jeffery was aggressive in the opening round, trying to use his pressure early and bring clinch exchanges against the fence. Rosta, however, answered with strong knees and counters, including a sharp right hand and body shots late in the round that seemed to solidify momentum in his direction.

    Jeffery continued with the pressure in the second round, looking to control large stretches of time. Jeffery brought forward pace and pressure, though Rosta fired back with flurries.

    Rosta then found success with solid combinations and a late flurry in the third round, while Jeffery continued to push for takedowns.

    While one judge gave the fight to Jeffery with a 30-27, Rosta earned 29-28 scores on the other two cards, giving him the nod.

    Dalton Rosta Scores Revenge, PFL World Tournament Final Spot By Defeating Aaron Jeffery

    https://twitter.com/nicklosesmoney/status/1938802793382388165

    Rosta, who made his name as a rising young name in Bellator prior to the PFL, earned this semifinal spot with a submission of former PFL champion Sabidou Sy.

    Jeffery, a former CFFC champion, earned this semifinal spot with a split decision over Murad Ramazanov.

  • ‘Shoeface Is Harming This Man’ – Fans React As Antonio Carlos Jr. Completely Outworks Simeon Powell At PFL Chicago To Reach PFL World Tournament Finals

    ‘Shoeface Is Harming This Man’ – Fans React As Antonio Carlos Jr. Completely Outworks Simeon Powell At PFL Chicago To Reach PFL World Tournament Finals

    Antonio Carlos Jr. is one fight away now from taking home his second piece of PFL hardware, scoring a decision over Simeon Powell during PFL Chicago to advance to the light heavyweight finals of the PFL World Tournament.

    Carlos Jr. used his experience and grappling to control the pace from the opening round, working Powell to the fence early and often, landing knees and searching for openings. While Powell attempted to keep the fight at range, Carlos Jr.’s clinch work and pressure, as well as his takedown attempts, prevented that.

    Carlos Jr. was able to score his sole takedown of the fight in the second round, getting right to Powell’s back. Powell had some moments throughout the second and third rounds, but the fight was mostly Carlos Jr. imposing his will on the British fighter.

    Even a late outburst from Powell wasn’t enough, as the judges all gave the nod to Carlos Jr.

    Antonio Carlos Jr. Bests Simeon Powell To Advance To PFL World Tournament Finals

    https://twitter.com/imCellsy/status/1938795069076799952

    Carlos Jr., the 2021 PFL light heavyweight champion, advanced to tonight’s semifinal after defeating Karl Moore in May.

    Powell’s loss to Jakob Nedoh in the finals of the 2023 PFL Europe light heavyweight tournament was the sole loss of his career prior to tonight. Powell advanced to tonight’s semifinal after finishing Karl Albrektsson in May.

  • ‘A Stretcher For A Low Blow’ – Fans React As Alexandr Romanov Advances To PFL World Tournament Finals After No Contest, Stretchered Out From Low Blow By Valentin Moldavsky At PFL Chicago

    ‘A Stretcher For A Low Blow’ – Fans React As Alexandr Romanov Advances To PFL World Tournament Finals After No Contest, Stretchered Out From Low Blow By Valentin Moldavsky At PFL Chicago

    In one of the most surreal finishes in PFL history, Valentin Moldavsky vs. Alexandr Romanov ends in a no contest after a knee to the groin left Romanov unable to continue with 34 seconds left in the first round.

    Romanov was reportedly unable to stretch out his legs and had to be stretchered out of the cage.

    Romanov, however, was selected by the judges as the winner of the round and will now face Oleg Popov in the finals of the PFL World Tournament at heavyweight in August.

    Romanov used his wrestling to great success early, landing a belly-to-belly suplex and displaying top control, including a pair of submission attempts. Moldavsky landed a shot that wobbled Romanov late, with the pair swinging wildly until a clinch battle against the cage.

    And it was there where Moldavsky landed a knee to the groin, causing an accidental foul. Romanov was in significant pain, and the fight was called off by the referee, resulting in the no contest.

    Alexandr Romanov Advances To PFL World Tournament Finals After No Contest Vs. Valentin Moldavsky

    Moldavsky, the former Bellator interim heavyweight champion, competed in the 2024 heavyweight season, defeating Ante Delija before losing to Linton Vassell. Moldavsky earned a spot in tonight’s semifinal after defeating Sergey Bilostenniy in May.

    Romanov, who joined the PFL after parting with the UFC at the end of last year, made his PFL debut with a sub-two-minute submission of former interim Bellator heavyweight title challenger Tim Johnson in their first-round heavyweight tournament battle in May.

  • ‘Such A Fraud’ – Fans React To Biaggio Ali Walsh Suffering Massive Upset In First Pro Defeat, Submitted By Ronnie Gibbs At PFL Chicago

    ‘Such A Fraud’ – Fans React To Biaggio Ali Walsh Suffering Massive Upset In First Pro Defeat, Submitted By Ronnie Gibbs At PFL Chicago

    For the first time since his amateur debut, Biaggio Ali Walsh — the grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali — tastes defeat, as Chicago native Ronnie Gibbs pulled off the unbelievable upset with a submission during the early card of PFL Chicago.

    Ali Walsh entered this fight as a -1100 favorite per DraftKings, while Gibbs was a +950 underdog.

    Ali Walsh looked sharp in the opening round, making use of his crisp striking and power to drop and trouble Gibbs early. He outlanded Gibbs and delivered some strong ground-and-pound.

    Gibbs, however, stole the momentum in the second round. Gibbs got a takedown late in the first and managed to get the fight back to the ground in the second, landing some strong ground-and-pound before an arm-triangle put Ali Walsh unconscious to secure the massive upset.

    Ronnie Gibbs Scores Massive Upset Over Biaggio Ali Walsh At PFL Chicago

    Ali Walsh went 6-1 as an amateur, with most of his appearances coming with the PFL, before turning pro last year, winning two fights.

    Gibbs made his pro debut in March after his own 6-1 amateur stint, defeating Luis Unzueta.

  • ‘Complete Control’ – Fans React To Dominant, Classic Oleg Popov Performance As He Clinches Spot In PFL World Tournament Final At PFL Chicago

    ‘Complete Control’ – Fans React To Dominant, Classic Oleg Popov Performance As He Clinches Spot In PFL World Tournament Final At PFL Chicago

    Oleg Popov is known for his brute strength and overwhelming wrestling, and those were on display as he defeated Rodrigo Nascimento in the semifinals of the PFL World Tournament at heavyweight during the preliminary card of PFL Chicago.

    From the start, Popov smothered Nascimento with his grappling pressure, setting up low kicks before taking him down more than once during the opening frame, and keeping Nascimento seated against the fence. Nascimento tried to fight back with combinations during the second, but Popov continued his relentless pressure and worked him well on the ground.

    Popov appeared to do damage during the third round, rocking Nascimento with his punches, before continuing his grappling success en route to a one-sided decision.

    Oleg Popov Dominates His Way Over Rodrigo Nascimento To Earn Finals Spot In PFL World Tournament

    Popov earned his spot in tonight’s semifinals after defeating Karl Williams in the first round in May. Popov made the finals of last year’s heavyweight tournament before his win streak was snapped at the hands of Denis Goltsov.

    Nascimento, who joined the PFL after parting ways with the UFC at the end of last year, has now lost three of his last four. He earned his semifinal spot with a win over Abraham Bably in May.

  • VIDEO: Watch Rafael Xavier Put Away Karl Albrektsson In Lightning Fast Fashion To Open Up PFL Chicago

    VIDEO: Watch Rafael Xavier Put Away Karl Albrektsson In Lightning Fast Fashion To Open Up PFL Chicago

    Talk about a fast start — Rafael Xavier delivered that and then some, needing less than 30 seconds to finish Karl Albrektsson in the first bout of the PFL Chicago early card.

    Xavier landed a left jab that wobbled Albrektsson, who went in for a takedown in response. Xavier stuffed the attempt before landing a series of punches until the referee stopped the fight.

    Rafael Xavier Needs Less Than 30 Seconds To Defeat Karl Albrektsson In PFL World Tournament Card

    Xavier has now won three of his last four, with his sole loss coming to World Tournament semifinalist Simeon Powell.

    Albrektsson, who lost to Powell in the first round of the Light Heavyweight World Tournament in May, has now lost three straight.

  • ‘Kevin Lee Is Beyond Washed’ – Fans React To Gadzhi Rabadanov Putting Away Kevin Lee In Quick Fashion At PFL Wichita To Reach PFL World Tournament Finals

    ‘Kevin Lee Is Beyond Washed’ – Fans React To Gadzhi Rabadanov Putting Away Kevin Lee In Quick Fashion At PFL Wichita To Reach PFL World Tournament Finals

    Gadzhi Rabadanov is now one win away from back-to-back tournament titles with the PFL after defeating Kevin Lee in the semifinals of the lightweight PFL Tournament in the main event of PFL Wichita.

    Rabadanov dropped Lee early with a stiff jab, and from there, he didn’t let up. Rabadanov rocked Lee multiple times with his strikes, scoring another knockdown during the round.

    Lee tried to stay in it, but a relentless barrage eventually resulted in a faceplant knockdown, forcing the ref to wave it off.

    Gadzhi Rabadanov Reaches PFL World Tournament Final, KOs Kevin Lee At PFL Wichita

    Last year, Rabadanov ran through Solomon Renfro, Elvin Espinoza, Michael Dufort and Brent Primus to capture the 2024 PFL lightweight championship. He earned tonight’s semifinal spot with a first-round finish of Marc Diakiese in April.

    Lee made his PFL debut tonight, replacing an injured Jay-Jay Wilson. Lee had made his return to MMA after more than a year away this past September, scoring a first-round finish of Thiago Oliveira at Lights Out Championship 17.

  • ‘Still Out Here’ – Fans React To Liz Carmouche Easily Defeating Elora Dana At PFL Wichita To Clinch Another PFL World Tournament Final

    ‘Still Out Here’ – Fans React To Liz Carmouche Easily Defeating Elora Dana At PFL Wichita To Clinch Another PFL World Tournament Final

    Liz Carmouche can add to her trophy case with one more victory this summer, as she defeats Elora Dana in the semifinals of the PFL World Tournament in the co-main event of PFL Wichita.

    Carmouche wasted no time in the opening round, scoring an early takedown and landing a big elbow that created a hematoma on Dana’s head. Dana threatened with submissions off her back, but Carmouche’s ground-and-pound gave her the edge.

    Carmouche controlled clinch exchanges and landed another takedown in the second frame, briefly securing a crucifix position. Carmouche dished out ground strikes and a big elbow in the final seconds, rocking Sana to close the round.

    Dana tried to rally with combination in the third, but Carmouche remained composed and landed heavy low kicks and controlled the exchanges.

    Liz Carmouche Punches Ticket To Second Straight Women’s Flyweight Final At PFL World Tournament In Wichita

    Carmouche made the PFL women’s flyweight finals in last year’s season, losing to Dakota Ditcheva. Carmouche entered tonight’s semifinals off a first-round finish of Ilara Joanne. She’ll now face Jena Bishop in the August tournament final.

    Dana entered tonight’s bout with a perfect 8-0 record and four finishes. She earned her semifinal spot with a first-round submission of Diana Avsaragova.

  • ‘Archie Colgan Is A Contender’ – Fans React To Archie Colgan Putting On Scrappy Performance In Win At PFL Wichita

    ‘Archie Colgan Is A Contender’ – Fans React To Archie Colgan Putting On Scrappy Performance In Win At PFL Wichita

    Archie Colgan remained undefeated with a gritty decision victory over Mansour Barnaoui in a lightweight showcase bout during the PFL Wichita card as part of the PFL World Tournament.

    Barnaoui started strong with range strikes and clinch knees during the opening frame, but Colgan controlled the exchanges with consistent, sharp right hands. Colgan also scored a key takedown in the round, where he also busted Barnaoui’s nose up.

    Barnaoui appeared to clip Colgan early in the second round, but Colgan’s wrestling was relentless, landing multiple takedowns and threatening an arm-triangle choke. He also shook off submission attempts from Barnaoui from the bottom.

    Colgan then put a battering on Barnaoui in the third round after an early scare, landing plenty of damaging strikes.

    Barnaoui entered tonight with 10 wins in his last 12. He had most recently defeated Alfie Davis at the PFL World Championships card this past November.

    Colgan entered tonight undefeated in MMA. He had most recently fought at the Bellator event in London this past September, scoring a decision win over Manoel Sousa.

  • ‘Beat Jake Hadley To A Pulp’ – Fans React To Marcirley Alves Showing No Mercy To Jake Hadley In PFL World Tournament Semifinal

    ‘Beat Jake Hadley To A Pulp’ – Fans React To Marcirley Alves Showing No Mercy To Jake Hadley In PFL World Tournament Semifinal

    Marcirley Alves put on a dominant striking display, busting up Jake Hadley badly as he took the win in their bantamweight semifinal bout at the PFL World Tournament card in Wichita, Kansas.

    Alves set the tone early with crisp combination and relentless body work, frequently pressuring Hadley and controlling the pace. Things got more brutal in the second round, rocking Hadley with the body shots and dropping him with a strong left. By the end of the second round, Hadley was a bloody mess.

    Alves continued this body shot attack domination throughout the third, even landing a takedown in the closing seconds to seal the deal.

    Marcirley Alves Puts One-Sided Beatdown On Jake Hadley In PFL World Tournament Bout

    Alves has now won five of six, reaching tonight’s semifinals with an upset win over Leandro Higo in April. He’ll now face Justin Wetzell in the finals in August.

    Hadley had advanced to tonight with a Scottish twister submission of Matheus Mattos.

  • ‘That Second Round Was Magic’ – Fans React To Alfie Davis Putting On Striking Display In PFL World Tournament Semifinal Win Over Former Bellator Champion

    ‘That Second Round Was Magic’ – Fans React To Alfie Davis Putting On Striking Display In PFL World Tournament Semifinal Win Over Former Bellator Champion

    Alfie Davis put on quite the striking show as he defeated Brent Primus in their semifinal match in the PFL World Tournament card in Wichita.

    Primus controlled much of the opening round, thanks to an early takedown and repeatedly threatening submissions with his rubber guard. He added in elbows, which resulted in Davis bleeding from one of the sides of his head.

    Davis, however, turned things around in the second, preventing Primus’s takedown efforts and landing sharp strikes. He peppered Primus with combinations, and he even stunned the former Bellator champ with a spinning elbow despite Primus’s attempts to pressure.

    Davis continued to press the action with his strikes in the third, but Primus got back on top on the ground and threatened full mount. Davis scrambled and reversed the position, however, landing strong shots from up top late in the fight.

    Davis scored 29-28 totals on all three judges’ scorecards.

    Alfie Davis Edges Out Brent Primus In PFL World Tournament Matchup

    Davis has now won five of his last six. He entered tonight’s semifinal off a stunning knockout win over Clay Collard in April.

    Primus has now lost two of his last three. He had secured his semifinal spot with a submission of Vinicius Cenci.

  • ‘Extremely Lackluster Main Card Opener’ – Fans Blast Justin Wetzell Win Over Mando Gutierrez To Start PFL World Tournament Card In Wichita

    ‘Extremely Lackluster Main Card Opener’ – Fans Blast Justin Wetzell Win Over Mando Gutierrez To Start PFL World Tournament Card In Wichita

    Gutierrez had early striking success and attempted a guillotine in the opening round. Wetzell, however, reversed into top control and landed consistent ground-and-pound.

    That focus on the guillotine may have been Gutierrez’s downfall. The second round saw Wetzell assert more control with takedowns, positional advances, and steady ground striking. Gutierrez’s rubber guard and submission attempts weren’t enough for sustained offense.

    Wetzell continued to pressure and press the action on the ground in the third en route to a decision win.

    Justin Wetzell Earns Decision To Advance To PFL World Tournament Finals

    https://twitter.com/100PEAKTEAM/status/1936220890909601908

    Wetzell has now won five straight. He advanced to the semifinals with a decision over Kasum Kasumov in April.

    Gutierrez sees a three-fight win streak snapped. He earned tonight’s spot with a submission over Francesco Nuzzi.

  • ‘Class Grappling’ – Fans React To Jena Bishop Securing PFL World Tournament Finals Spot With Choke

    ‘Class Grappling’ – Fans React To Jena Bishop Securing PFL World Tournament Finals Spot With Choke

    Jena Bishop put on a submissions masterclass in her win over Ekaterina Shakalova, scoring a second-round finish to move on to the finals of the PFL women’s flyweight World Tournament.

    Bishop looked for submissions early in the opening round, as Shakalova attempted to pressure early, only to be thwarted by Bishop’s takedown attempts. Bishop constantly attacked from the bottom, adding hammerfists into attempts of a triangle, heel hook, and calf slicer — though Shakalova landed strong shots from up top.

    But in the second round, Bishop took quick control of the action, quickly advancing into mount and then taking the back. She sunk in a choke and scored the victory from there.

    Jena Bishop Advances To World Tournament Finals With Submission-Filled Performance

    https://twitter.com/easedbeecod/status/1936206356085653732

    Bishop made it to the semifinals of last year’s women’s flyweight season, losing to eventual champion Dakota Ditcheva. Bishop had made it into tonight’s semifinals with a win over Kana Watanabe in April.

    Shakalova made it to this semifinal fight with a major upset over former Bellator champion Julianna Velasquez in their opening round encounter.

  • VIDEO: Watch Vinicius Cenci Lock Up Fast Triangle Choke Submission At PFL Wichita

    VIDEO: Watch Vinicius Cenci Lock Up Fast Triangle Choke Submission At PFL Wichita

    Before the PFL World Tournament semifinals kicked off in Wichita, a series of showcase bouts showed fighters looking to make an impact and standout in their performances.

    Vinicius Cenci appeared to understand the assignment, scoring a first-round submission over Antonio Caruso in under two minutes during the event’s early card.

    Caruso had pressed Cenci into the fence and was looking for a takedown, only for Cenci to turn the tables on him. After Cenci looked for a guillotine initially, he threw up his guard for a triangle choke attempt.

    Vinicius Cenci Scores Triangle Choke Over Antonio Caruso In Early Card Of PFL Wichita

    Caruso looked to slam Cenci, but that just tightened the choke, with Cenci scoring the submission.

    Cenci rebounds after losing his PFL lightweight tournament first-round bout against former Bellator lightweight champion Brent Primus in April.

    Caruso had won two straight but now finds himself 0-2 in the PFL.

  • ‘Thad Jean By Robbery’ – Fans & Fighters Debate Thad Jean’s Narrow, Controversial Split Decision Win Over Jason Jackson In PFL World Tournament Semifinal

    ‘Thad Jean By Robbery’ – Fans & Fighters Debate Thad Jean’s Narrow, Controversial Split Decision Win Over Jason Jackson In PFL World Tournament Semifinal

    The rise of the “Silverback” continues, as Thad Jean edged out former Bellator welterweight champion Jason Jackson in a split decision in the main event of the PFL World Tournament semifinals event in Nashville.

    As a result of his win, Jean will now meet former interim Bellator welterweight champion Logan Storley in the PFL welterweight World Tournament finals.

    It was a back-and-forth encounter, with Jackson relying on his wrestling and clinch control. He landed multiple takedowns throughout the fight, pressing Jean against the fence. Jean, however, responded with some crisp striking, including a knockdown from a jab in the opening seconds of the fight.

    Jean also made use of sharp counterstriking and did damage to the body in the later frames of the fight. While both men had their moments, it was Jean’s cleaner shots and timely reversals that most likely helped him earn the nod.

    One judge each scored the bout 29-28 for a fighter, while the third had Jean winning all three rounds to seal the split decision in his favor.

    Thad Jean Edges Out Jason Jackson To Earn Final Spot In Welterweight PFL World Tournament

    https://twitter.com/BenTheBear69/status/1933393007455158427

    Jean, an alumnus of the PFL Challenger Series from 2023, is now 10-0 in MMA, including a now 5-0 PFL record with three finishes in the PFL cage.

    Jackson has now lost two of his last three. His April first-round win over Andrey Koreshkov had been a rebound after dropping his welterweight title last year to Ramazan Kuramagomedov.

  • ‘One Of The Top 10 Featherweights On The Planet’ – Fans React To Jesus Pinedo Quickly KOing Gabriel Braga To Move On To Featherweight PFL World Tournament Final

    ‘One Of The Top 10 Featherweights On The Planet’ – Fans React To Jesus Pinedo Quickly KOing Gabriel Braga To Move On To Featherweight PFL World Tournament Final

    After each man scored a win over the other, Jesus Pinedo and Gabriel Braga met in a trilogy bout that also served as a semifinal in the 2025 PFL World Tournament at featherweight.

    And just like in their second encounter, which saw Pinedo win the 2023 PFL featherweight title, Pinedo knocked out Braga to claim the spot in the tournament final.

    After a brief couple of exchanges, Pinedo landed a sharp counter right hook that stunned Braga, followed by another hook that dropped Braga. Pinedo landed ground-and-pound briefly to put the fight, and rivalry, away for good.

    Jesus Pinedo Delivers Stunning Fast KO Of Gabriel Braga In Trilogy Bout, Moves On To Featherweight Final

    BACKGROUNDS

  • ‘Super NyQuil’ – Fans Critical Of Logan Storley’s Performance As He Moves On To PFL World Tournament Finals

    ‘Super NyQuil’ – Fans Critical Of Logan Storley’s Performance As He Moves On To PFL World Tournament Finals

    Logan Storley’s wrestling was on full display as he took a decision win over Masayuki Kikuiri at the PFL World Tournament event in Nashville to clinch a spot in the welterweight final.

    From the opening bell, Storley imposed his gameplan with relentless wrestling and pressure, delivering on early takedown attempts and suffocating top control and ground-and-pound. Kikuiri showed some resilience with the pressure, and he appeared to do some damage with his striking during the second round.

    Storley, however, repeatedly grounded him and maintained control with clinch knees and mat returns. Storley continued his grind in the third round, delivering more on takedowns and pressure against the fence, leaving Kikuiri little room to do much damage, as the former Bellator interim champion cruised to a decision win.

    Logan Storley Earns Welterweight Final Spot In PFL World Tournament With Win Over Masayuki Kikuiri

    https://twitter.com/MmaRicky/status/1933373659227279406

    Storley has now won four of his last five, showing some rebounding after losing his welterweight title shot against Yaroslav Amosov in February 2023 and missing the playoffs in the 2024 PFL season.

    Kikuiri now sees a five-fight win streak snapped, which included three straight finishes between Bellator and PFL performances.