The fourth week of the 2023 Professional Fighters League Challenger Series emanated from Universal Studios, in Orlando, Florida, and featured a four-fight card with eight fighters from the Lightweight division.
At the conclusion of the evening, the all-star judging panel consisting of Vitor Belfort, Tyron Woodley and Michael Carter-Williams helped award the fourth contract of the 2023 Challenger Series to Elvin Espinoza. Espinoza joins Heavyweight Abraham Bably, Women’s Featherweight Amanda Leve and Welterweight Thad Jean, as PFL Challenger Series contract winners this year. The event was streamed exclusively on Fubo Sports, the live, free-to-consumer TV network from FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO), the leading sports-first live TV streaming platform.
Espinoza earned his PFL contract with an impressive grappling display, submitting Damir “The Bosnian Barn Cat” Ferhatbegovic in the second round. “The Prodigy” remains unbeaten in eight career fights.
The co-main event of the night featured a battle of Brazilian finishers, as Manoel Sousa faced the inspirational Paulo Laia, the first deaf fighter to compete in the PFL. The back-and-forth affair went the distance where Sousa edged Laia by split decision, remaining undefeated.
“Tonight The PFL Challenger Series continued to showcase some of the most talented fighters from around the world, each looking to earn a life changing PFL contract,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL. “After four hard-fought contests, we’re pleased to welcome Elvin Espinoza to the PFL after his outstanding performance.”
Further action saw Canada’s Anthony Romero defeat Australian Antonio Caruso via unanimous decision. Romero entered with five wins by finish; the victory tonight improved his career record to 12-1.
Kicking off the Lightweight card, Charlie Decca, who trains at the world famous American Top Team, matched up with Jose Aguayo. Decca put on a striking clinic and landed 20 leg strikes in the second round en route to a unanimous decision victory. The win is the fifth of Decca’s MMA career.
The PFL Challenger Series returns to Universal Studios next Friday night, February 24, with the Women’s Flyweight division. All PFL Challenger Series events stream live on primetime, exclusively on Fubo Sports leading up to the 2023 PFL Regular Season.
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Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide on all key metrics and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship. The Company has four global live fight franchises: PFL League Season, PFL Challenger Series, PFL PPV Super Fights, and PFL Europe.
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