PFL Europe’s inaugural event takes place this weekend from the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle. The landmark event marks the first of four European legs for the company, with the others taking place in Berlin, Paris, and Dublin respectively. For British fans, there is a whole host of local talent taking centre stage in the Northeast. Let’s take a look at the British fighters in action at PFL Europe 1.
Simeon Powell
The main event of the evening sees Simeon Powell, out of London, England, take on Mohammed Amine. Powell is a young prospect training out of Great Britain Top Team alongside the likes of Nathaniel Wood, Marc Diakiese, and Dominique Wooding. Also, he earned his contract with the PFL on their 2022 Challenger Series where prospects are matched up to compete for a shot inside the company. The 24-year-old light heavyweight stands at 6’5” tall with a staggering 85” reach and has amassed an undefeated professional record of 7-0 within less than two years of professional competition. He is no stranger to a finish either, with only one of his seven wins by way of decision – and a spectacular KO of Clinton Williams on his highlight reel.
Dakota Ditcheva
In the co-main event, Dakota Ditcheva goes up against Malian Hermansson in an attempt to cement herself as one of the biggest female prospects in MMA. She is a British Muay Thai champion and was part of the national side that won the IFMA World Championships in Jönköping, Sweden. The daughter of a multiple-time world kickboxing champion, she has been surrounded by a family of martial artists since birth which, in turn, influenced the 24-year-old to begin training in various disciplines. Before transitioning to professional MMA in 2021, ‘Dangerous’ built up an impressive amateur record in both kickboxing and Muay Thai – winning multiple titles in both sports. The Sale native is a flyweight that sure packs a punch. With six KO/TKOs in her seven professional bouts, Ditcheva is must-see television and could definitely steal the show in Newcastle this coming Saturday.
Lewis McGrillen
In the third fight of the night, the hotly anticipated mainstream debut of Lewis McGrillen takes place when he faces fellow Brit, Salih Kulucan. After picking up six knockouts in six fights on the regional circuit, McGrillen has gathered somewhat of a following on social media, particularly through TikTok, where a lot of his highlight reel knockouts have gone viral. His 100k followers on the app prove that there is a star in the making, with the 22-year-old looking to steal the show and launch himself into the eyes of the mainstream.
Salih Kulucan
Across from McGrillen will be Salih Kulucan, a twelve-fight professional who isn’t a stranger to this level of competition. Having fought in both Cage Warriors and Bellator, ‘Mr. Kool’ will be looking to steal the spotlight on Saturday night. However, the 30-year-old has been out of action since September 2019 and goes into the fight with McGrillen as a +700 underdog.
Louis Lee Scott
Alongside Dakota Ditcheva and Lewis McGrillen, another Manchester Top Team fighter in Louis Lee Scott heads to Newcastle on Saturday night with the intending to make a name for himself. ‘Lightning’ has finished all of his opponents and has yet to taste defeat so far in his professional career, also possessing a fairly extensive amateur career. The 23-year-old bantamweight had 15 amateur bouts before turning pro, including a win over Cage Warriors prospect Reece McEwan as well as competing at both the IMMAF World and European Championships. The IMMAF championships has seen some of the current best MMA fighters in the world compete there – with Muhammad Mokaev, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Magomed Ankalaev to name a few.
Sam Robinson
Up against Scott will be a fellow undefeated fighter out of Itaipava Jiu Jitsu, Sam Robinson. Robinson has notched up two wins in the professional ranks thus far in his career, with both of them by way of arm triangle choke. Although, he hasn’t fought since 2018 and goes into the fight as a +250 underdog.
Lewis Monarch
The opening fight of the night pits Lewis Monarch against Oscar Ownsworth. Monarch has had a massive 18 fights coming into the clash and has not gone to the distance in any of his 12 wins. The TFT MMA fighter is currently riding a two-fight winning streak following a short stint in Cage Warriors.
Oscar Ownsworth
The first man to make the walk on Saturday night will be Oscar Ownsworth, who faces the previously mentioned Lewis Monarch. ‘Ginger Fury’ is unbeaten in his last six fights and goes into the contest with Monarch full of confidence. Overall, he has a record of 6-2-1 although his two losses were early in his career.
PFL Europe 1 Full Card
Who are you looking forward to seeing at PFL Europe 1?
Featured image credits to PFL MMA
