MMA News

Tag: PFL Brussels

  • Patrick Habirora Puts Away Benson Henderson In Just 20 Seconds

    For Patrick Habirora, it was the statement win over an MMA legend that gave a notable name on his resume. For Benson Henderson, it was a disastrous return to MMA after his retirement three years earlier.

    Habirora defeated Henderson by knockout in just 20 seconds in the main event of PFL Brussels.

    Habirora started to get things going, feeling things out with Henderson while landing a big body kick.

    But Habirora brought things to an end quickly when he connected with a left hand that slumped Henderson face-first in the center of the cage.

    Patrick Habirora KOs Benson Henderson In Mere Seconds At PFL Brussels

    Habirora is now 9-0 as a pro, including a 4-0 PFL record. He came into this bout off first-round knockouts of Danny Roberts and Kevin Jousset in 2025.

    This marked Henderson’s first MMA fight since 2023. While the former UFC and WEC champion has fought in boxing, Karate Combat, and RAF since, Henderson last fought MMA at Bellator 292, retiring after unsuccessfully challenging Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title.

  • Taylor Lapilus Gets One-Sided Decision Over Jake Hadley

    Taylor Lapilus continues to rack up victories on the world’s biggest MMA stages, as he scores a decision win over Jake Hadley in the PFL Brussels co-main event.

    Hadley’s key to success in this fight would have been to use his wrestling and score takedowns. Lapilus, however, was ready, consistently stuffing his opponent’s attempts.

    Lapilus followed that up by landing a number of combinations over the 15-minute contest, knocking Hadley down more than once. Hadley showed little in the way of offense as Lapilus continuously shut him down.

    Taylor Lapilus Defeats Jake Hadley In Uncompetitive Co-Main Event

    Lapilus went on to sweep the scorecards.

    Lapilus has now won six straight and is 4-0 in the PFL since jumping over from the UFC. He entered this fight off a finish of Kasum Kasumov in February.

    Hadley has now lost three of his last four and five of his last seven.

  • Boris Mbarga Atangana Scores 65-Second Win In Brussels

    In front of a native crowd in Belgium, Boris Mbarga Atangana delivered a highlight, starching Jared Gooden in just over a minute at PFL Brussels.

    Atangana had the upper hand from the start, using pressure and striking to keep Gooden on the back foot. Atangana then quickly stumbled Gooden with a high kick.

    Pressing Gooden against the fence, Atangana fired off combinations that started with a strong right hand. A couple of solid hooks — one from the left and three from the right — cracked Gooden, seemingly knocking him out on his feet, bringing a quick end to the fight.

    Boris Mbraga Atangana Stops Jared Gooden Quickly At PFL Brussels

    Atangana is now 9-0 in MMA, including a 4-0 PFL record. He came into this bout off a second-round submission of Guilherme Soares at PFL Lyon in December.

    Gooden, who was making his PFL debut tonight, has now lost three straight and four of his last five.

  • Donegi Abena Wins MMA Debut with Bizarre Retirement

    One of the more interesting bouts on the PFL Brussels card was the debut of Donegi Abena, as he took on the returning Joe Schilling. And that fight ended up producing one of the most bizarre finishes in PFL history.

    Abena ended up getting the win after committing a foul, with his opponent refusing to continue.

    The fight quickly went to the ground with Abena on top. While there, Abena headbutt Schilling, resulting in referee Mike Beltran calling a timeout and deducting a point from Abena.

    Schilling was furious with his opponent, walking around the cage and refusing to stay in his corner.

    Donegi Abena Gets Win After Joe Schilling Refuses To Continue After Foul

    When Beltran checked in on Schilling, Schilling told him, “I’m done,” prompting the fight to be waved off.

    Abena found success in the world of kickboxing, competing for GLORY Kickboxing from 2019 to 2024. Abena is a one-time former GLORY light heavyweight champion and a former GLORY Light Heavyweight Grand Prix winner.

    Schilling, also a kickboxer, was fighting for the first time since 2019. He was knocked out by Tony Johnson in his last fight at Bellator 229.

  • PFL Brussels Results: Habirora vs. Henderson Live Updates And Highlights

    PFL Brussels results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium. The main event will feature a welterweight bout between Patrick Habirora and Benson Henderson. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Patrick Habirora vs. Benson Henderson – Welterweight Main Event

    Patrick Habirora is one of Europe’s hottest MMA prospects, let alone perhaps PFL’s. Habirora is 8-0 in professional MMA, including a 4-0 PFL record so far, with seven finishes to his name. He comes into this bout off back-to-back first-round finishes of Danny Roberts and Kevin Jousset.

    Henderson, the former UFC and WEC lightweight champion, comes out of retirement for his first professional MMA bout in three years. Henderson’s last MMA fight came at Bellator 292, when he unsuccessfully challenged Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title during the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix.

    Henderson has since kept busy in other disciplines, defeating Chris Avila and losing to Idris Virgo in boxing, losing to Anthony Pettis in Karate Combat, and losing to Aljamain Sterling in RAF.

    The co-main event will be a bantamweight contest featuring Taylor Lapilus and Jake Hadley.

    Lapilus has won five straight and 11 of his last 12, which includes a 3-1 stint with the UFC. Lapilus is 3-0 since moving from the UFC to the PFL, most recently finishing Kasum Kasumov at PFL Lyon in December.

    Hadley, the former Cage Warriors champion, had his own stint in the UFC after winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. After going 3-4 with the UFC between 2022 and 2024, Hadley arrived at the PFL last year. He scored a Scottish twister submission of Matheus Mattos before losing to eventual Bantamweight World Tournament champion Marcirley Alves.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from PFL Brussels!

    How to Watch PFL Brussels

    • Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
    • Venue: ING Arena, Brussels, Belgium
    • Streaming: ESPN Unlimited (full card), ESPN2 (main card), ESPN+ (prelims)
    • Prelims: 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT
    • Main Card: 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT

    PFL Brussels Quick Results

    • Main Event: Patrick Habirora vs. Benson Henderson – Patrick Habirora def. Benson Henderson via KO (Rd. 1, 0:20)
    • Co-Main: Taylor Lapilus vs. Jake Hadley – Taylor Lapilus def. Jake Hadley via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
    • Boris Mbarga Atangana vs. Jared Gooden – Boris Mbarga Atangana def. Jared Gooden via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:05)
    • Marcirley Alves vs. Naoki Inoue – Naoki Inoue def. Marcirley Alves via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
    • Asael Adjoudj vs. Keisuke Sasu – Asael Adjoudj def. Keisuke Sasu via KO (Rd. 2, 2:22)

    PFL Brussels Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (ESPN+, 12:30 PM ET)

    Welterweight: Rustam Serbiev vs Ashley Reece

    Result: Ashley Reece def. Rustam Serbiev via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Featherweight: Adam Meskini vs Keweny Lopes

    Result: Adam Meskini def. Keweny Lopes via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Welterweight: Khamzat Abaev vs Luca Poclit

    Result: Khamzat Abaev def. Luca Poclit via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:56)

    Bantamweight: Movsar Ibragimov vs Youssouf Binate

    Result: Movsar Ibragimov def. Youssouf Binate via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 1, 3:28)

    Light Heavyweight: Joe Schilling vs. Donegi Abena

    Result: Donegi Abena def. Joe Schilling via TKO (retirement) (Rd. 1, 0:37)

    Bantamweight: Baris Adiguzel vs Gustavo Oliveira

    Result: Gustavo Oliveira def. Baris Adiguzel via submission (guillotine choke) (Rd. 2, 1:10)

    Main Card (ESPN+, 3 PM ET)

    Featherweight: Asael Adjoudj vs Keisuke Sasu

    Result: Asael Adjoudj def. Keisuke Sasu via KO (Rd. 2, 2:22)

    Bantamweight: Marcirley Alves vs Naoki Inoue

    Result: Naoki Inoue def. Marcirley Alves via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Middleweight: Boris Mbarga Atangana vs Jared Gooden

    Result: Boris Mbarga Atangana def. Jared Gooden via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:05)

    Bantamweight: Taylor Lapilus vs Jake Hadley

    Result: Taylor Lapilus def. Jake Hadley via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Welterweight: Patrick Habirora vs. Benson Henderson

    Result: Patrick Habirora def. Benson Henderson via KO (Rd. 1, 0:20)

  • WATCH: PFL Brussels Faceoff Turns Ugly As Fighters And Teams Brawl While Dan Hardy Gets Caught In Wild Crossfire

    Tensions boiled over ahead of PFL Brussels as a scheduled bout nearly erupted a day early during the ceremonial weigh-ins.

    What was supposed to be a routine faceoff between Khamzat Abaev and Luca Poclit quickly spiraled into chaos when both fighters brought unexpected intensity to the stage. Poclit stepped forward aggressively with his guard raised, prompting an immediate reaction from Abaev.

    The situation escalated within seconds. Abaev responded with a shove and even swung a kick in close quarters, forcing officials to step in. However, attempts to calm things down only made matters worse, as members of both camps got involved and punches began flying behind them.

    In the middle of it all was Dan Hardy, who was overseeing the faceoffs. The former UFC fighter found himself caught in the chaos, nearly getting struck during the exchange as he tried to keep the fighters separated.

    Despite Hardy’s efforts, the situation briefly spiraled out of control before security intervened and restored order. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident added unexpected drama to the event’s buildup.

    Ironically, the altercation came ahead of a preliminary card welterweight bout, not the main event. The card itself is set to take place at ING Arena in Brussels, with Benson Henderson headlining against Patrick Habirora.

    After Friday’s explosive scenes, all eyes will now be on Abaev and Poclit to see if they carry that same intensity into the cage when they officially meet on Saturday night.

  • Patrick Habirora to Face Benson Henderson in PFL Brussels Main Event on May 23

    Patrick Habirora to Face Benson Henderson in PFL Brussels Main Event on May 23

    Belgium’s undefeated welterweight star Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (8-0) will return to his home country for a massive main event showdown against former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson on May 23 at PFL Brussels. He officially announced the news on Monday’s Helwani Show.

    Habirora’s Rise

    Habirora has established himself as one of PFL Europe’s most exciting prospects, going a perfect 4-0 inside the PFL SmartCage. The 24-year-old Belgian has five of his victories coming by way of KO/TKO, powered by a devastating striking skillset that has made him a fan favorite. In his most recent outing, Habirora headlined PFL Europe Brussels in July 2025, delivering a spectacular first-round head kick knockout of UFC veteran Danny Roberts at the 4:32 mark.

    Henderson’s Credentials

    Benson Henderson is a decorated MMA veteran and former UFC lightweight champion who has remained active in combat sports since departing Bellator. Henderson has competed across multiple organizations since his MMA career wound down, including Karate Combat, Misfits Boxing, and grappling competitions, making him a seasoned and dangerous opponent for any prospect.​

    What’s at Stake

    This fight represents a significant step up in competition for Habirora, who already proved himself on home soil in 2025 by knocking out another UFC veteran in Roberts. A win over Henderson would dramatically elevate Habirora’s profile and signal his readiness for elite-level competition.

    PFL Brussels has become a signature event for Belgian MMA, with Habirora serving as the face of that movement.

  • 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.