PFL Challenger Series event kicked off tonight at Universal Studios, in Orlando Florida. Check out the PFL Challenger Series 1 results and recap.
The four-fight card 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, and featured fighters competing in the Welterweight division.
At the end of the evening, the all-star judging panel, consisting of Ray Lewis, Wiz Khalifa, and Tyron Woodley, gave the first contract nod of the 2023 Challenger Series competition to Thad Jean.
PFL Challenger Series 1 Recap
In the evening’s main event, Brazilian Lucas Barbosa squared off with Itso Babulaidze of Georgia. In a tightly-contested three-round affair, it was Babulaidze who emerged victorious, banking on his striking and takedown defense to get the unanimous decision result, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28.
With the win, Babulaidze improves to 3-0 in his career.
Further action on the card saw Eric Alequin of the United States match up with Thad Jean, who hails from Haiti.
Utilizing a solid mix of striking and grappling, Jean dominated Alequin for three rounds to earn a clear-cut unanimous decision win, with scores of 30-27 across the board.
Jean, who received high praise from MMA legend Vitor Belfort, remains undefeated and improves to 5-0 in his career while earning a highly-coveted PFL contract.
“Tonight we saw world class Welterweight action as The 2023 PFL Challenger Series kicked off,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL.
“Congratulations to Thad Jean,welcome to The PFL and the beginning of your $1 million dream.”
American Zach Juusola faced off against Jozef Wittner of Slovakia.
After three exciting rounds that saw the action go back and forth, it was Juusola who earned the unanimous decision nod, getting a 30-27 score from all of the judges. The Xtreme Couture product improves his career record to 13-9.
In an intriguing matchup between two Americans, Kendy St. Louis and Nick Alley took to the PFL SmartCage in a Catchweight affair of 175 lbs.
Coming in on just 24 hours’ notice, St. Louis pulled off an impressive second-round rear-naked choke submission to move to 8-4 in his career and earn his fourth win by submission.
All 2023 PFL Challenger Series events stream live on primetime, exclusively on Fubo Sports leading up to the 2023 PFL Regular Season.
PFL Challenger Series 1 Results
Welterweight bout:
Lucas Barbosa def Itso Babulaidze via UD (30-27,29-28,29-28)
Welterweight bout:
Thad Jean def Eric Alequin via UD (30-27,30-27,30-27)
Welterweight bout:
Zach Juusola def Jozef Wittner via UD (30-27,30-27,30-27)
Catchweight bout:
Kendly St. Louis def Nick Alley via Sub Rd 2 (rear naked choke)
Thats a wrap for the first night of 2023 PFL Challenger Series with Thad Jean standing out tonight who will be next?.
The PFL Challenger Series action returns to Universal Studios next Friday night, February 3, with the Women’s Featherweight division.
Image Credit PFL
