The Professional Fighters League Challenger Series continued tonight from Universal Studios where the Lightweight division delivered a night of captivating action, with Brazilian Bruno Miranda earning a PFL contract.
Judges Randy Couture, Vitor Belfort and Lolo Jones gave the nod to Miranda, while the fans cast their vote for Damir Ferhatbegovic. In the end, PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo agreed with the celebrity panel and Miranda became the sixth Challenger Series fighter to earn a PFL contract. He joins Week 4 Welterweight Boston Salmon, Week 3 Women’s Lightweight fighter Martina Jindrova, Week 2 Welterweight fighters Jarrah Al-Silawi and Chris Mixan, as well as Week 1 Light Heavyweight winner Bruce Souto.
Miranda defeated Carson Frei by technical knockout, notching the ninth knockout victory of his career in his U.S. MMA debut. Miranda punished Frei with hard, clean shots throughout the fight, eventually leading to a third-round finish. The Brazilian now has a career record of 14-3.
In the co-main event, Ferhatbegovic wasted little time, knocking out BJ Bland in the first round. “The Bosnian Barn Cat” dedicates each one of his fights to his parents, who escaped war-torn Bosnia when Damir was only 7 years old. Ferhatbegovic is now 6-2-1 overall and notched his second consecutive victory by knockout.
In the event’s second fight, Michael Dufort defeated Arut Pogosjan by submission with a rear-naked choke in the second round. “The Canadian Badass” earned his ninth career victory, all of which have come by stoppage. Dufort trains at two of Montreal’s most prominent gyms, H2O MMA and Tristar.
Opening the Lightweight card on fuboTV, Yanal Ashmouz defeated Dennis Hughes by unanimous decision in an action packed three-round affair. The 26-year-old Ashmouz hopes to become PFL’s first fighter to represent Israel, and the victory keeps his record perfect at 6-0.
“The Professional Fighters League Challenger Series continues to provide fans the best action in MMA,” said Peter Murray, PFL CEO. “Nothing in professional sports can compare to an athlete fighting for their dream. Tonight, Bruno your dream comes true, welcome to the PFL.”
“The action of the PFL Challenger Series is unrivaled,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations. “MMA fans have witnessed five weeks of amazing action from elite athletes, each with the hope of securing a life-changing opportunity. Congratulations to Bruno Miranda, you earned your PFL contract.”
The PFL Challenger Series returns to Universal Studios next Friday night, March 25, with the Heavyweight division matchups. Bevon Lewis will headline the card when he takes on Marcelo Nunes with a shot to earn a contract to the 2022 PFL Regular Season. fuboTV is the exclusive home of the PFL Challenger Series. Go to fubotv.com/pfl to start your free trial now!
OFFICIAL 2022 PFL CHALLENGER SERIES WEEK 5 RESULTS
fuboTV Card
Bruno Miranda def. Carson Frei by 3rd round TKO (1:20)
Damir Ferhatbegovic def. BJ Bland by 1st round KO (2:19)
Michael Dufort def. Arut Pogosjan by 2nd round submission (4:02)
Yanal Ashmouz def. Dennis Hughes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) (PR)