PFL World Tournament
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) will officially launch the 2025 World Tournament on April 3 at Universal Studios Florida and light the flame to a new era of combat sport. In a historic first, 64 of the best fighters in eight weight classes will compete for $500,000 and the title of PFL World Champion.
While there are many intriguing first-round pairings, here are a handful worth the extra focus because of the quality of talent involved and the ramifications for the divisions in which they compete:
PFL World Tournament Match-Ups
Welterweight Division
Main Event: Jason Jackson vs. Andrey Koreshkov: The first on April 3 sees former Bellator welterweight champions clash. Jackson, known for his pinpoint accuracy with lasting endurance, faces Koreshkov, an all-around warrior with years of experience. The battle is expected to be a battle of skill and strategy at a high level.
Logan Storley vs. Magomed Umalatov: Undefeated Umalatov is a known knockout artist who faces submission wizardry, power wrestling, and tenacity in storied AMMA compétiteur Storley. This clash is expected to be a typical striker vs. grappler matchup that carries major consequences in the welterweight hierarchy. For this and more bouts, check out the PFL expert predictions as delivered by SportyTrader experts. These are predictions meant to enhance your chances of getting yourself involved in a more rewarding betting experience.
Featherweight Division
Jesus Pinedo vs. Adam Borics, known for his exciting style and athleticism Pinedo faces young Hungarian Adam Borics. We could have a banger on our hands here, as this match should provide fans with a fast-paced and exciting bout on the feet.
Jeremy Kennedy vs. Movlid Khaybulaev: Kennedy, a fighter who tends to play the long game and stay calculated, will face Movlid Khaybulaev, an undefeated Dagestani grappler who boasts impressive wrestling skills. The matchup will test Kennedy’s takedown defense and Khaybulaev’s Ability to deal with an opponent who is well-versed in many areas.
Bantamweight Division
Magomed Magomedov vs. Leandro Higo: Magomedov is a Dagestani grappler with only one career loss while Higo is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist and a former title challenger. It is guaranteed to be a wrestling-heavy match, with plenty of elite-level holds and counter-holds being displayed.
Women’s Flyweight Division
Taila Santos vs. Juliana Velasquez: Joining Magomedov and Higo will be another top-five bout in the form of Santos, a precise and powerful striker, and Velasquez, an undefeated former champ with a judo background. The bout certainly shows the depth of the women’s fly division and should prove interesting as two elite fighters will square off in a chess match.
Middleweight Division
Impa Kasanganay vs. Fabian Edwards: On April 18, Kasanganay, an athletic pressure fighter, steps up against the versatile and sturdy British striker. Expect this bout to be one of will and versatility, and strategy and heart, with both fighters eager to stamp their names here.
Lightweight Division
Alexander Shabliy vs. Brent Primus: Shabliy is one of the best international free agents with a diverse skillset. He faces former world champ Primus, who is known for his submission game. A mix of tactical punches and grappling exchanges should make for an exciting clash of pure MMA skills.
Light Heavyweight Division
Rob Wilkinson vs. Phil Davis (May 1): Davis is a veteran grappler with a long history of success, while Wilkinson is a striker in his prime managing a long winning streak.
Heavyweight Division
Valentin Moldavsky vs. Sergey Bilostenniy (May 1): Moldavsky, a decorated sambo practitioner and former interim champion, takes on Bilostenniy, an up-and-comer with knockout power. Both fighters have the power to put their opponent away, so this heavyweight clash should be explosive.
Delivering excitement with a unique mix of veterans and rising stars, the 2025 PFL World Tournament lineup shapes up to be a thrilling collection of bouts. Expect a tournament full of strategy, highlight-reel finishes, and a championship drive.
