The Professional Fighters League, the fastest growing and most innovative sports league in the world, keeps the momentum going tonight, with Week 8 of the 2022 PFL Challenger Series. Mixed martial artists from around the world will compete for a chance at a life-changing contract with the PFL. The final week of the 2022 PFL Challenger Series features fighters looking for a second chance to take home a highly-coveted PFL contract.
The 2022 PFL Challenger Series emanates from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and viewers can watch starting at 9PM ET. PFL Challenger Series is available on Fubo Sports Network, the live, free-to-consumer TV network from sports-first live TV streaming platform fuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO).
BOUT #4 - Welterweight: Carlos Leal (15-3) vs. Chris Brown (8-3)
Tonight’s main event features Welterweights Carlos “The Lion” Leal of Brazil taking on Chris “Breezy” Brown of the United States.
Leal returns to the PFL SmartCage after a scintillating 56-second knockout victory back in Week 2 of the PFL Challenger Series. The LFA Welterweight Champion is riding an impressive nine-fight winning streak, and hopes to finally secure a PFL contract this time around. Back in Week 1, Leal’s impressive outing wasn’t enough to earn him a ticket to the PFL roster, falling just behind contract winners Jarrah Al Silawi and Chris Mixan.
Making his PFL debut, Brown comes in with a three-fight winning streak and will look to make the most of this massive opportunity. The Jackson-Winkeljohn product has won five of his eight career wins by stoppage.
BOUT #3 - Light Heavyweight: Simeon Powell (4-0) vs. Tobias Baker (2-1)
In the co-main event, Light Heavyweights clash as Simeon “Smooth” Powell of Great Britain faces Tobias “The Heathen” Baker of the United States.
Initially scheduled to compete in Week 1 of the PFL Challenger Series, Powell missed out due to visa issues. Now, the undefeated Brit gets another chance at joining the PFL roster. Powell’s first four professional wins have all come by stoppage, with two knockouts and two submissions to his name.
Following an undefeated run in the amateurs, Baker jumped to the pro ranks and compiled a 2-1 record, with both of his victories ending in first round knockouts. The Florida native now has a chance to earn the biggest win of his young career and earn a contract with the fastest growing and most innovative sports league in the world.
BOUT #2 - Women’s Lightweight - Jackie Cataline (1-0) vs. Jeslen Mishelle (1-0)
In a Women’s Lightweight contest, PFL Challenger Series veterans collide as Jackie “The Hybrid” Cataline of the United States takes on fellow American Jeslen “Wrecking Ball” Mishelle.
Cataline turned in an impressive professional debut back in Week 3 of the PFL Challenger Series, needing just under a round to submit Camee Adams. Her standout performance wasn’t enough to earn her a PFL contract however, as it went to Martina Jindrova.
It was a similar situation for Mishelle, who made her pro debut in Week 3. Mishelle finished off Julia Dorny by TKO in the first round, but also went home without a PFL contract.
Tonight, both Cataline and Mishelle get another shot at a life-changing win and a spot on the PFL roster.
BOUT #1 - Featherweight: Aaron Blackie (8-2) vs. Ali Zebian (7-2)
In a Featherweight bout, New Zealand’s Aaron “The Educator” Blackie faces Lebanese-American Ali “VIP” Zebian.
Week 4 of the PFL Challenger Series was slated to mark the PFL debut of Blackie, but visa issues also prevented him from showcasing his skills on the big stage. Tonight, the Aussie submission specialist gets his shot at a PFL contract. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo black belt owns an 8-2 professional record, with seven of his wins coming by way of submission.
With stints in Bellator and LFA, Zebian is no stranger to the bright lights. Tonight however, he steps into arguably the most important bout of his career, with a chance at joining the PFL roster on the line. Zebian comes into tonight’s bout having won four of his last five bouts.
OFFICIAL 2022 PFL CHALLENGER SERIES WEEK 8 FULL FIGHT CARD:
Fubo Sports Network card
Welterweight Bout:
Carlos Leal vs. Chris Brown
*Catchweight at 176 lbs
Light Heavyweight Bout:
Simeon Powell vs. Tobias Baker
Women’s Lightweight Bout:
Jackie Cataline vs. Jeslen Mishelle
Featherweight Bout:
Aaron Blackie vs. Ali Zebian
*Catchweight of 149 lbs (PR)
