MMA News

Tag: PFL Chicago

  • Mitch McKee Uses Wrestling To Take Decision Over Sergio Pettis

    Mitch McKee Uses Wrestling To Take Decision Over Sergio Pettis

    In just one fight with the PFL, Mitch McKee has established himself as someone to watch out for at bantamweight, defeating Sergio Pettis in the main event of PFL Chicago.

    McKee’s wrestling proved to be the distance from the start, taking Pettis down quickly and overwhelming him with grappling control and ground-and-pound. McKee continued this strategy in the second round, and while Pettis looked for multiple submissions, McKee was able to easily shake those off.

    Pettis, needing a finish, looked to pick up his striking in the final round. He, however, had no answer for McKee’s takedowns, as McKee went on to score 29-28 totals on all three scorecards.

    Mitch McKee defeats Sergio Pettis In PFL Chicago Main Event

    McKee made his PFL debut tonight, spending most of his career with the LFA. He last fought at LFA 217 in September, defeating Pedro Nobre.

    Pettis, the former Bellator bantamweight champion, scored a pair of wins in his first two PFL appearances last year. He defeated Raufeon Stots by decision in June and scored a highlight knockout of Magomed Magomedov in October.

  • Jena Bishop Chokes Out Borena Tsertsvadze At PFL Chicago

    Jena Bishop Chokes Out Borena Tsertsvadze At PFL Chicago

    After falling just short in last year’s World Tournament, Jena Bishop is back in the win column, scoring a quick finish of Borena Tsertsvadze during the PFL Chicago prelims.

    Bishop quickly took the center and got the fight to the ground, getting in a dominant position early. Bishop then flattened Tsertsvadze out, raining down blows before locking in a body triangle.

    From there, Bishop searched and found the choke, scoring the submission just before the halfway mark of round one.

    Jena Bishop Submits Borena Tsertsvadze In Under Three Minutes At PFL Chicago

    Bishop, a veteran of LFA and Bellator, came close but fell short in both women’s flyweight tournaments in 2024 and 2025. She lost to the eventual champions — respectively, Dakota Ditcheva (in the semifinals) and Liz Carmouche (in the finals).

    This marked Tsertsvadze’s PFL debut and marks her first professional MMA loss. She entered this fight 6-0, most recently defeating Mobina Babanataj in November.

  • Omar El Dafrawy Quickly Starches James Vake At PFL Chicago

    Omar El Dafrawy Quickly Starches James Vake At PFL Chicago

    Omar El Dafrawy rebounded from his first PFL defeat in a big way, scoring a quick, first-round knockout of James Vake during the UFC Chicago preliminary card.

    El Dafrawy had the reach advantage in this one, and he used that well by connecting with several kicks to start things off. Vake got working with his hands early, but El Dafrawy’s reach and offense kept him at bay.

    Then, El Dafrawy landed a left hand that put Vake down to the mat immediately, leaving him unable to defend himself and continue. The fight ended in just 1:12.

    Omar El Dafrawy KOs James Vake At PFL Chicago

    El Dafrawy, a veteran of Brave CF and UAE Warriors, was the original PFL MENA welterweight champion in 2024. He won that tournament by going through Anthony Zeidan, Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi, and Mohammad Alaqraa. In 2025, El Dafrawy submitted Daniele Miceli but dropped a decision to Florim Zendeli.

    Vake entered this fight, his PFL debut, on a four-fight win streak and with a 7-1 professional MMA record. This was Vake’s first fight since his October 2024 win over Cameron Clatworthy.

  • Biaggio Ali Walsh Gets Sub-Minute Finish At PFL Chicago

    Biaggio Ali Walsh Gets Sub-Minute Finish At PFL Chicago

    Biaggio Ali Walsh’s journey into combat sports continues, as the grandson of Muhammad Ali starched Dash Harris in under a minute during the PFL Chicago prelims.

    Ali Walsh targeted the body with shots in the opening seconds, and that did Harris in then and there. Ali Walsh continued with flurries, while also preventing Harris’ efforts to grapple.

    Ali Walsh overwhelmed Harris until he folded, prompting “Big” John McCarthy to step in 46 seconds into the fight.

    Biaggio Ali Walsh Stops Dash Harris In 46 Seconds At PFL Chicago

    Ali Walsh, who has been with PFL since his amateur days, is now 4-1 as a pro. He entered this fight off a win over Adryan Grundy in August.

    Harris, who made his PFL debut tonight, loses as a pro for the first time. Harris, who missed weight for this fight, fought in Elite Fight Night twice in 2025, defeating Michael Anderson and Devon Jackson.

  • PFL Chicago Loses Co-Main Event Minutes Before Start Time

    PFL Chicago Loses Co-Main Event Minutes Before Start Time

    PFL Chicago’s planned co-main event bout between Jordan Newman and Josh Silveira will not take place as scheduled.

    The promotion announced the news in an update minutes before the PFL Chicago preliminary card began. According to the PFL, Newman made the last-minute withdrawal.

    It is currently unknown what prompted Newman’s withdrawal.

    Due to the last-minute nature of the circumstance, no replacement opponent has been named for Silveira. It is unknown if the promotion will attempt to re-book Newman vs. Silveira for a future PFL card.

    The bantamweight bout between former interim Bellator champion Raufeon Stots and Renat Khavalov will now serve as the evening’s co-main event.

    Additionally, the bout between Viviane Araujo and Shanna Young has been promoted from the prelims to the main card. The main card will go on with four fights.

    The main event of PFL Chicago sees former Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis face the unbeaten Mitch McKee.

  • PFL Chicago Results: Pettis vs McKee Live Updates & Highlights

    PFL Chicago Results: Pettis vs McKee Live Updates & Highlights

    PFL Chicago results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The main event will feature a bantamweight bout between Sergio Pettis and Mitch McKee. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Sergio Pettis vs. Mitch McKee – Bantamweight Main Event

    Pettis is 2-0 since arriving in the PFL, giving him two straight wins and eight wins in his last 10 fights. After dropping the Bellator bantamweight title to Patchy Mix in the promotion’s final event, Pettis fought Kyoji Horiguchi in RIZIN before debuting in the PFL last year. Pettis’ 2025 saw him earn a decision over Raufeon Stots and score a highlight knockout of Magomed Magomedov.

    This is the PFL debut for the 10-0 McKee. The highly touted prospect is an LFA and Bellator veteran. McKee most recently fought at LFA 217 in September, knocking out Pedro Nobre.

    The co-main event will be a middleweight battle between the undefeated Jordan Newman and PFL veteran Josh Silveira.

    Newman is 8-0 and fought exclusively in Bellator before the promotion’s closing. He made his PFL debut last August, needing just one round to put away Eslam Abdul Baset.

    Since coming to the PFL from the LFA, where he was a champion, it’s been a case of “the bridesmaid but never the bride” for Silveira. The 15-5 fighter is a veteran of the promotion’s old light heavyweight and middleweight tournaments, consistently falling short. Silveira made the 2023 PFL light heavyweight tournament final, only to lose to Impa Kasaganay.

    Silveira is 3-3 in his last six but has won two of his last three. He most recently fought in August, scoring a decision over Murad Ramazanov.

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

    How to Watch PFL Chicago

    • Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
    • Venue: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois
    • Streaming: ESPN Unlimited (full card), ESPN2 (main card), ESPN+ (prelims)
    • Prelims: 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT
    • Main Card: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

    PFL Chicago Quick Results

    • Main Event: Sergio Pettis vs. Mitch McKee — Mitch McKee def. Sergio Pettis via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Co-Main Event: Raufeon Stots vs. Renat Khavalov — Renat Khavalov def. Raufeon Stots via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Viviane Araujo vs. Shanna Young — Viviane Araujo def. Shanna Young (30-27 x3)
    • Gabriel Braga vs. Cheyden Leialoha — Gabriel Braga def. Cheyden Leialoha via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    PFL Chicago Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (ESPN+, 6 PM ET)

    Welterweight: Valanti Atsas vs. Nate Jennerman

    Result: Valanti Atsas def. Nate Jennerman via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight: Biaggio Ali Walsh vs. Dash Harris

    Result: Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Dash Harris via TKO (Rd. 1, 0:46)

    Heavyweight: Alexandr Romanov vs. Rodrigo Nascimento

    Result: Alexandr Romanov def. Rodrigo Nascimento via submission (guillotine choke) (Rd. 2, 3:10)

    Women’s Flyweight: Kana Watanabe vs. Paulina Wisniewska

    Result: Paulina Wisniewska def. Kana Watanabe via TKO (Rd. 2, 3:15)

    Welterweight: Omar El Dafrawy vs. James Vake

    Result: Omar El Dafrawy def. James Vake via KO (Rd. 1, 1:12)

    Women’s Flyweight: Jena Bishop vs. Borena Tsertsvadze

    Result: Jena Bishop def. Borena Tsertsvadze via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 1, 2:21)

    Main Card (ESPN2, 9 PM ET)

    Featherweight: Gabriel Braga vs. Cheyden Leialoha

    Result: Gabriel Braga def. Cheyden Leialoha via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Women’s Flyweight: Viviane Araujo vs. Shanna Young

    Result: Viviane Araujo def. Shanna Young (30-27 x3)

    Bantamweight: Raufeon Stots vs. Renat Khavalov

    Result: Renat Khavalov def. Raufeon Stots via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Middleweight: Jordan Newman vs. Josh Silveira – NEWMAN WITHDRAWS FOR UNKNOWN REASON, BOUT CANCELED

    Result:

    Bantamweight: Sergio Pettis vs. Mitch McKee

    Result: Mitch McKee def. Sergio Pettis via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

  • ‘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.