PFL Challenger Series

Last updated

PFL Challenger Series is an American mixed martial arts competition produced by the Professional Fighters League. Male and female MMA prospects will compete for a slot in the upcoming PFL tournament season and a chance at $1 million. The Series will have a rotating celebrity guest panel, featuring personalities in film, athletics, and music. Mike Tyson, along with NFL stars Ray Lewis and Todd Gurley have served as judges. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Season One

The PFL Challenger Series will debut on fuboTV. The eight events will stream on consecutive Friday nights starting Feb. 18, and run through March. It will also air on its linear network, Fubo Sports Network. [4]

Week 1 - February 18

PFL Challenger Series 1
Information
PromotionPFL Challenger Series
DateFebruary 18, 2022
Venue Universal Studios Florida
City Orlando, Florida, United States
Main Card
Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
Light HeavyweightJosh Silveiradef.Mohamed JumaSubmission (rear-naked choke)31:52
Light HeavyweightTaylor Johnsondef.Alexander PoppeckDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)35:00
Light HeavyweightBruce Soutodef.Travis DavisKO (flying knee and punches)14:43
Light HeavyweightKarl Williamsdef.Miles AmosDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–26)35:00

    Contract awards

    The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [5]

    • Bruce Souto

    Week 2 - February 25

    PFL Challenger Series 2
    Information
    PromotionPFL Challenger Series
    DateFebruary 25, 2022
    Venue Universal Studios Florida
    City Orlando, Florida, United States
    Main Card
    Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
    Catchweight (177 lb)Jarrah Al Silawidef.Michael LillyKO (knee)12:54
    WelterweightDilano Taylordef.Mark MartinTKO (doctor stoppage)15:00
    WelterweightCarlos Lealdef.Korey KuppeTKO (punches)10:56
    Catchweight (173.6 lb)Chris Mixandef.Nathan PierceTKO (punches)21:29 [lower-alpha 1]
    1. Originally a welterweight bout; Pierce missed weight.

    Contract awards

    The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [6]

    • Jarrah Al Silawi
    • Chris Mixan was signed to a development league contract

    Week 3 - March 4

    PFL Challenger Series 3
    Information
    PromotionPFL Challenger Series
    DateMarch 4, 2022
    Venue Universal Studios Florida
    City Orlando, Florida, United States
    Main Card
    Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
    Women's LightweightMartina Jindrovadef.Jacqueline CavalcantiDecision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)35:00
    Women's LightweightJackie Catalinedef.Camee AdamsTechnical Submission (rear-naked choke)12:41
    Women's LightweightJeslen Mishelledef. Julia Dorny TKO (punches)13:51
    Women's LightweightMichelle Montaguedef.Olivia ParkerSubmission (rear-naked choke)13:57

      Contract awards

      The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [7]

      • Martina Jindrová

      Week 4 - March 11

      PFL Challenger Series 4
      Information
      PromotionPFL Challenger Series
      DateMarch 11, 2022
      Venue Universal Studios Florida
      City Orlando, Florida, United States
      Main Card
      Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
      FeatherweightReinaldo Eksondef.Mike BarnettDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)35:00
      FeatherweightEdwin Cooper Jr.def.Troy LamsonDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–27)35:00
      Catchweight (148.6 lb)Boston Salmondef.Do Gyeom LeeTKO (corner stoppage)25:00 [lower-alpha 1]
      FeatherweightBrahyan Zurcherdef.Scottie StockmanDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)35:00
      1. Originally a featherweight bout; Lee missed weight.

      Contract awards

      The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [8]

      • Boston Salmon

      Week 5 - March 18

      PFL Challenger Series 5
      Information
      PromotionPFL Challenger Series
      DateMarch 18, 2022
      Venue Universal Studios Florida
      City Orlando, Florida, United States
      Main Card
      Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
      Catchweight (156.2 lb)Bruno Mirandadef.Carson FreiTKO (punches)33:40 [lower-alpha 1]
      LightweightDamir Ferhatbegovicdef.B.J. BlandKO (punches)12:41
      LightweightMichael Dufortdef.Arut PogosjanSubmission (rear-naked choke)24:02
      LightweightYanal Ashmouzdef.D.J. Hughes Jr.Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00
      1. Originally a lightweight bout; Miranda missed weight.

      Contract awards

      The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [9]

      • Bruno Miranda

      Week 6 - March 25

      PFL Challenger Series 6
      Information
      PromotionPFL Challenger Series
      DateMarch 25, 2022
      Venue Universal Studios Florida
      City Orlando, Florida, United States
      Main Card
      Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
      HeavyweightMarcelo Nunesdef. Bevon Lewis Submission (arm-triangle choke)22:39
      HeavyweightGiacomo Lemosdef.Billy SwansonTKO (punches)20:33
      HeavyweightAdam Kereshdef.Chad JohnsonTKO (punches)13:34
      HeavyweightDaiqwon Buckleydef.Jon CunninghamTKO (punches)21:46

        Contract awards

        The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [10]

        • Adam Keresh

        Week 7 - April 1

        PFL Challenger Series 7
        Information
        PromotionPFL Challenger Series
        DateApril 1, 2022
        Venue Universal Studios Florida
        City Orlando, Florida, United States

        The event will feature every fighter making their mixed martial arts debut. [11]

        Main Card
        Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
        Catchweight (172.6 lb)Andrija Stankovicdef.Louis BrewingtonDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00 [lower-alpha 1]
        LightweightChristian Turnerdef.Chayanne SerranoDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)35:00
        LightweightAlexei Pergandedef.Joe HammSubmission (arm-triangle choke)24:42
        HeavyweightRakim Talleydef.Santino ZuritaDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00
        FeatherweightDaeri Aldermandef.Jaylong McDanielDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)35:00
        1. Originally a welterweight bout; Brewington missed weight.

        Contract awards

        The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [12]

        • Alexei Pergande was signed to a development league contract

        Week 8 - April 8

        PFL Challenger Series 8
        Information
        PromotionPFL Challenger Series
        DateApril 8, 2022
        Venue Universal Studios Florida
        City Orlando, Florida, United States
        Main Card
        Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
        Catchweight (175.6 lb)Carlos Lealdef.Chris BrownDecision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)35:00 [lower-alpha 1]
        Light HeavyweightSimeon Powelldef.Tobias BakerDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00
        Women's LightweightJeslen Mishelledef.Jackie CatalineDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)35:00
        Catchweight (148.2 lb)Ali Zebiandef.Aaron BlackieDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)35:00 [lower-alpha 2]
        1. Originally a welterweight bout; Leal (171.2) and Brown (175.6) missed weight.
        2. Originally a featherweight bout; Zebian missed weight.

        Contract awards

        The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [13]

        • Simeon Powell

        Season 2

        Week 1 - January 27

        PFL Challenger Series 9
        Information
        PromotionPFL Challenger Series
        DateJanuary 27, 2023
        Venue Universal Studios Florida
        City Orlando, Florida, United States
        Main Card (FuboTV)
        Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
        WelterweightItso Babulaidzedef. Lucas Barbosa Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27)35:00
        WelterweightThad Jeandef.Eric AlequinDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00
        WelterweightZach Juusoladef.Jozef WittnerDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00
        Catchweight (175 lb)Kendly St. Louisdef.Nick AlleySubmission (rear-naked choke)22:17

          Contract awards

          The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [14]

          • Thad Jean

          Week 2 - February 3

          PFL Challenger Series 10
          Information
          PromotionPFL Challenger Series
          DateFebruary 3, 2023
          Venue Universal Studios Florida
          City Orlando, Florida, United States
          Main Card (FuboTV)
          Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
          Women's FeatherweightAmanda Levedef. Naranjargal Tsend-Ayush Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)35:00
          Catchweight (146.8 lb)Evelyn Martinsdef.Jeslen MishelleSubmission (rear-naked choke)21:38 [lower-alpha 1]
          Women's FeatherweightJackie Catalinedef.Senna van der VeerdonkTKO (punches)14:09
          Women's FeatherweightMichelle Montaguedef.Shaquita Amador WoodsSubmission (rear-naked choke)24:45
          1. Originally a featherweight bout; Martins missed weight.

          Contract awards

          The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [15]

          • Amanda Leve

          Week 3 - February 10

          PFL Challenger Series 11
          Information
          PromotionPFL Challenger Series
          DateFebruary 10, 2023
          Venue Universal Studios Florida
          City Orlando, Florida, United States
          Main Card (FuboTV)
          Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
          Heavyweight Danilo Marques def.Ras HyltonSubmission (rear-naked choke)22:33
          HeavyweightIsaiah Pinsondef.Vitor ResendeDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 30–27, 29–28)35:00
          HeavyweightAbraham Bablydef.Hassan GrahamTKO (punches)13:56
          HeavyweightLouie Sutherlanddef.Alton MeeksTKO (knee and punches)21:25

            Contract awards

            The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [16]

            • Abraham Bably

            Week 4 - February 17

            PFL Challenger Series 12
            Information
            PromotionPFL Challenger Series
            DateFebruary 17, 2023
            Venue Universal Studios Florida
            City Orlando, Florida, United States
            Main Card (FuboTV)
            Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
            Catchweight (157.2 lb)Elvin Espinozadef.Damir FerhatbegovićSubmission (rear-naked choke)21:53 [lower-alpha 1]
            LightweightManoel Sousadef.Paulo HenriqueDecision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)35:00
            LightweightAnthony Romerodef.Antonio CarusoDecision (unanimous) (30–26, 30–26, 30–26)35:00
            LightweightCharlie Deccadef.José AguayoDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00
            1. Originally a lightweight bout; Ferhatbegović missed weight.

            Contract awards

            The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [17]

            • Elvin Espinoza

            Week 5 - February 24

            PFL Challenger Series 13
            Information
            PromotionPFL Challenger Series
            DateFebruary 24, 2023
            Venue Universal Studios Florida
            City Orlando, Florida, United States
            Main Card (FuboTV)
            Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
            Women's FlyweightKaytlin Neildef.Katherine CorogenesDecision (unanimous) (29–27, 29–27, 29–27)35:00 [lower-alpha 1]
            Catchweight (127.6 lb) Shanna Young def.Sandra LavadoDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)35:00 [lower-alpha 2]
            Women's FlyweightDesiree Yanezdef.Maíra MazarDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 30–27, 29–28)35:00
            Women's FlyweightLisa Mauldindef. Helen Peralta TKO (punches)33:51
            1. Corogenes was deducted 1 point in Round 3 for an eye poke.
            2. Originally a flyweight bout; Lavado missed weight

            Contract awards

            The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [18]

            • Desiree Yanez

            Week 6 - March 3

            PFL Challenger Series 14
            Information
            PromotionPFL Challenger Series
            DateMarch 3, 2023
            Venue Universal Studios Florida
            City Orlando, Florida, United States
            Main Card (FuboTV)
            Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
            FeatherweightBrahyan Zurcherdef.David EvansSubmission (neck crank)21:37
            FeatherweightNathan Kellydef.Zachary HicksSubmission (arm-triangle choke)12:30
            FeatherweightGabriel Alves Bragadef.Ago HuskićDecision (unanimous) (30–25, 30–27, 29–28)35:00
            FeatherweightJames Gonzalezdef.Vikas Singh RhulTKO (punches)14:20

              Contract awards

              The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [19]

              • Brahyan Zurcher

              Week 7 - March 10

              PFL Challenger Series 15
              Information
              PromotionPFL Challenger Series
              DateMarch 10, 2023
              Venue Universal Studios Florida
              City Orlando, Florida, United States
              Main Card (FuboTV)
              Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
              Light Heavyweight Impa Kasanganay def.Osama ElseadyTKO (punches)14:15
              Light HeavyweightTaylor Johnsondef.Trey WilliamsTKO (punches)11:20
              Light HeavyweightBilly Elekanadef.Tristan OvervigDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00
              Light HeavyweightRoland Dunlapdef.Montè MorrisonDecision (unanimous) (29–27, 29–27, 29–27)35:00

                Contract awards

                The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [20]

                Week 8 - March 17

                PFL Challenger Series 16
                Information
                PromotionPFL Challenger Series
                DateMarch 17, 2023
                Venue Universal Studios Florida
                City Orlando, Florida, United States
                Main Card (FuboTV)
                Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
                LightweightKendly St. Louisdef.Paulo HenriqueDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)35:00
                Women's FeatherweightEvelyn Martinsdef.Jackie CatalineDecision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)35:00
                HeavyweightDenzel Freemandef.Raiden KovacsTKO (head kick and punches)10:27
                WelterweightAli Omardef.Sanon SadeckDecision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 30–27)35:09

                  Contract awards

                  The following fighters were awarded contracts with the PFL: [21]

                  • Denzel Freeman

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                  References

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                  2. Stitt, Anthony. "PFL Challenger Series Gearing Up For Debut, With Undiscovered Talent Set To Get A Big Break". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
                  3. "PFL Announces "Challenger Series" To Scout Up-And-Coming Talent". MMA News. 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
                  4. "Everything you need to know about PFL's Challenger Series". FanSided. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
                  5. "PFL Challenger Series 1 live stream and results: Bruce Souto wins first contract". MMA Junkie. 2022-02-19. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
                  6. "Al Silawi earns contract –– but two major surprises follow". www.pflmma.com. Retrieved 2022-02-26.
                  7. Sherdog.com. "Martina Jindrova Awarded Professional Fighters League Contact at PFL Challenger Series 3". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-03-05.
                  8. Staff (2022-03-11). "PFL Challenger Series 4 Full Results". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
                  9. Sherdog.com. "Overweight Bruno Miranda Wins Contract at PFL Challenger Series 5". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
                  10. Sherdog.com. "Professional Fighters League Signs Adam Keresh Following PFL Challenger Series 6 Stoppage". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
                  11. Sherdog.com. "PFL Challenger Series on April 1 to Feature Fighters Making Pro MMA Debuts". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-03-09.
                  12. "PFL Challenger Series 7 results: Alexei Pergande earns contract in pro debut". MMA Junkie. 2022-04-02. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
                  13. Sherdog.com. "Professional Fighters League Signs Simeon Powell in Wake of PFL Challenger Series 8 Rout". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
                  14. Sherdog.com. "Professional Fighters League Signs Thad Jean on Week 1 of PFL Challenger Series". Sherdog. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
                  15. Wells, Matthew (4 February 2023). "2023 PFL Challenger Series 2 results: Amanda Leve wins unanimous decision, PFL contract". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
                  16. Brian Knapp (2023-02-10). "Abraham Bably nets Professional Fighters League deal on PFL Challenger Series 3". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
                  17. "Undefeated Lightweight Elvin Espinoza Earns Contract at PFL Challenger Series Week 4". Sherdog. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
                  18. Sherdog.com. "Desiree Yanez Wins Contract at PFL Challenger Series 5". Sherdog. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
                  19. Wells, Matthew (4 March 2023). "2023 PFL Challenger Series 6 results: Brahyan Zurcher wins featherweight contract with submission win". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
                  20. Kirven, J.L. "Light Heavyweight Impa Kasanganay Secures Contract on PFL Challenger Series 7". Sherdog. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
                  21. Tyler Treese (2023-03-17). "Denzel Freeman earns final PFL Challenger Series 2023 contract". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2023-03-18.