The Professional Fighters League Challenger Series continued tonight in thrilling fashion at Universal Studios where the Welterweight card delivered two PFL contracts and four TKOs. Following the final fight, the all-star panel of judges Ray Lewis, Tyron Woodley and Jeremy Piven were in agreement with the fan vote, giving the contract nod to Jarrah Al-Silawi.
Chris Mixan’s performance did not go unnoticed as PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo awarded the 23-year-old with a PFL developmental contract. Al-Silawi and Mixan became the second and third PFL Challenger Series fighters to earn contracts, alongside Week 1 Light Heavyweight winner Bruce Souto.
In the evening's main event, Al-Silawi squared off with Michael Lilly, with the former Brave welterweight champion making an electrifying PFL debut with a 1st round TKO. The Jordanian Lion registered his seventh career knockout, and improved his pro record to 17-3-0. Al-Silawi will look to continue his momentum into the PFL Regular Season in the highly competitive Welterweight division.
Mixan and Nathan Pierce kicked off the second week of the PFL Challenger Series inside the SmartCage. Mixan showcased an impressive striking performance, ultimately defeating Pierce via 2nd round TKO. The result improves the Ukranian’s undefeated record to 3-0 with all wins coming by finish.
“The Professional Fighters League returned in thrilling fashion tonight after a successful PFL Challenger Series premiere last week,” said Peter Murray, PFL CEO. “The action was fast and furious with the welterweight fighters looking to earn a PFL contract. The PFL Challenger Series represents the best of what we are: a true meritocracy. Jarrah and Chris, welcome to the PFL.”
“The welterweights of the PFL Challenger Series put on a show for MMA fans around the world tonight,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL. “This is the type of action the PFL Challenger Series was meant to produce: hungry fighters looking to earn a place at the table. Congratulations to both Jarrah Al-Silawi and Chris Mixan, you have earned your places.”
Further action saw Dilano Taylor match up with Mark Martin, with Taylor wasting little time coming away victorious with a 1st round TKO after the doctor called for a stoppage. Taylor entered the PFL Challenger Series as a former Titan FC welterweight champion, and now boasts a pro record of 8-1, with the result pushing his winning streak to seven.
In a fast yet entertaining bout, LFA welterweight champion Carlos Leal brought the action straight to Korey Kuppe. Leal ended the contest by TKO, just 56 seconds into the first round. The outcome pushed Leal's winning streak to nine, and gave him his 6th career knockout.
The PFL Challenger Series action returns to Universal Studios next Friday night, March 4, with the Women’s Lightweight division matchups. Martina Jindrova will make her highly anticipated PFL debut, headlining the card when she takes on Jacqueline Cavalcanti.
OFFICIAL 2022 PFL CHALLENGER SERIES WEEK 2 RESULTS
Fubo Sports Network Card
Jarrah Al-Silawi def. Michael Lilly by 1st round TKO (2:54)
Dilano Taylor def. Mark Martin by 1st round TKO (5:00 - Doctor Stoppage)
Carlos Leal def. Korey Kuppe by 1st round TKO (0:56)
Chris Mixan def. Nathan Pierce by 2nd round TKO (3:31)
About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and was broadcast and streamed live worldwide last year to 160 countries with partners including RMC Sport, FPT, Sky Sport, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.
PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
