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Sunday, March 23, 2025

PFL 2025: Top 5 Must-See Matchups and New Format Insights

2 mins read
PFL 2025: What are the fights and potential matchups to look forward to?

PFL 2025: Exciting Fights and New Tournament Format Coming Up!

Hey there, fight fans! If you’re itching for some intense MMA action, you’ll definitely want to mark your calendars for April 3rd. That’s when the newly revamped PFL (Professional Fighters League) kicks off in Universal Studios, Orlando, featuring a stellar lineup of fighters that will have you on the edge of your seat.

What’s New in PFL 2025?

This season brings a fresh new tournament format with eight bracket-style tournaments split by weight class. We’re talking a total of eight fights in each bracket, and it’s all happening live on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+. The first two divisions taking the spotlight will be welterweight and featherweight. Keep an eye on former Bellator and PFL champions like Jason Jackson and Jesus Pinedo as they gear up for battle!

Best First Round Matchups You Can’t Miss

Let’s break down some of the most exciting matchups that will kick off the tournament:

  • Welterweight: Jason Jackson vs. Andrey Koreshkov – April 3rd
    Get ready for a clash of titans! With both fighters being former champions, this has championship vibes written all over it. Jackson’s looking to bounce back from a recent title fight loss, while Koreshkov is in the twilight of his career but has the fire to go out big. Expect both striking and wrestling here!
  • Featherweight: Adam Borics vs. Jesus Pinedo – April 3rd
    This bout is set to be pure fireworks! Pinedo, fresh off his championship win, will face the relentless Borics in a matchup that promises plenty of striking and excitement. It’s a “Fight of the Night” contender for sure.
  • Lightweight: Marc Diakiese vs. Gadzhii Rabadanov – April 18th
    This fight features last season’s lightweight champion Rabadanov, and he’s up against a tricky opponent in Diakiese. Rabadanov has impressive wrestling skills but keep an eye on Diakiese — he’s got striking in his arsenal too!
  • Light Heavyweight: Phil Davis vs. Rob Wilkinson – May 1st
    A seasoned vet in Davis takes on the powerful Wilkinson, who’s looking for redemption after a semifinal loss last season. This match will showcase Davis’s wrestling against Wilkinson’s knockout punches.

Potential Championship Matchups

If all goes according to plan and these fighters shine in the first rounds, we could see some epic championship matchups in August. Here are a few dream matchups we’re hoping for:

  • Middleweight: Impa Kasanganay vs. Aaron Jeffery
    Two heavy hitters with different styles. This could be a chess match on the ground and an explosive showcase on the feet!
  • Lightweight: Alexander Shabliy vs. Gadzhii Rabadanov
    This is a showdown between skillful fighters who can go the distance. Their fight promises to be dynamic and thrilling!
  • Welterweight: Jason Jackson vs. Magomed Umalatov
    If both of them keep performing well, we could have a battle between wrestling aces. Whatever happens, fans are in for a treat!
  • Featherweight: Jesus Pinedo vs. Movlid Khaybulaev
    Two former champions with high stakes on the line. Will Khaybulaev’s grappling shine through, or will Pinedo keep the fight standing?

So, there you have it! It looks like PFL 2025 is shaping up to be a season to remember. Make sure you tune in and catch all the exhilarating action! Who are you rooting for?