What's Next for Eliezer Kubanza After PFL Chicago 2?

Eliezer 'King King' Kubanza continued his impressive run on the global PFL stage with another victory at PFL Chicago 2. The Congolese welterweight has set his sights on PFL Welterweight Champion Thad Jean, but the road to a potential shot could require another step up in competition.

From DWCS Setback to PFL Contender

Eliezer Kubanza has built a reputation as one of the Democratic Republic of Congo's most notable mixed martial artists, putting together a 10-1 professional record over the years. Following his debut with Scuffle Combat, he subsequently rose to prominence in BRAVE Combat Federation's super welterweight division, although a championship eluded him during his tenure with the promotion.

In late 2025, Kubanza received an opportunity to secure a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series, but he unfortunately suffered the first defeat of his professional career against Chris Alvidrez. Rather than allowing that setback to derail his ambitions, Kubanza redirected his attention towards the PFL.

He made his PFL Africa debut at the 2025 PFL Africa Finals in Benin, and even entered 2026 as one of the most anticipated contenders in the sub-promotion's welterweight tournament. Visa complications prevented him from competing in the tournament's first round in Pretoria, but this ultimately opened another route to the PFL global stage.

Has He Earned A Shot at Thad Jean?

At PFL Washington, D.C., in July, Kubanza submitted Chris Mixan with a D'Arce Choke in the second round, securing the first submission victory of his professional career. He followed that up with an explosive first-round knockout of Trey Waters at PFL Chicago 2.

The victory extended Kubanza's record to 10-1 and his unbeaten run under the PFL global banner to two fights. More importantly, it strengthened his case for a place among the division's leading contenders. This is particularly intriguing, as the division just crowned Thad Jean as its new champion.

Following the PFL Chicago 2 victory, Kubanza made his ambitions clear, calling out Jean. However, Kubanza remains ranked eighth in the PFL welterweight division, behind seven other contenders who have their own cases for a championship opportunity.

Three Potential Opponents for Eliezer Kubanza

At present, Jean does not have a scheduled bout that will serve as his first title defense. This means he could be watching the activity at 170 pounds very closely.

Having yet to defeat a ranked opponent in the PFL, Kubanza could benefit from at least one more high-profile victory before challenging for the title. Here are three potential ranked opponents who could make sense for his next bout.

1. Florim Zendeli

Albania's Florim Zendeli could represent the most practical next step for Kubanza. Ranked seventh, Zendeli sits directly above the Congolese fighter in the welterweight rankings and would offer him an opportunity to move up the standings without immediately jumping into the division's top five.

Zendeli is also coming off a loss and could be motivated to get back into the win column. With a previously scheduled August bout having fallen through, depending on his current circumstances, he could be an option for an earlier booking.

For Kubanza, this match could provide an opportunity to demonstrate that his recent performances can translate into success against ranked opposition. For Zendeli, it would be a chance to halt Kubanza's momentum and protect his position in the division.

Although it might not carry the same name recognition as a fight against the higher-ranked contenders, a victory over Zendeli could be precisely the result Kubanza needs to make his title ambitions more difficult to ignore.

2. Ernesto Rodriguez

Ernesto Rodriguez presents another compelling option, especially because of his connection to the championship picture. Rodriguez was the opponent Jean defeated to claim the welterweight title, making a potential match-up with Kubanza an opportunity for the latter to establish himself against a fighter who has already competed for the title.

The two fighters also have relatively comparable levels of experience, making this an intriguing test of where Kubanza stands in relation to the division's established names. The main obstacle, however, is timing.

The Cuban has an upcoming bout scheduled for PFL Dubai on November 14. Depending on the outcome and his recovery, a match-up with Kubanza might not be realistic until early 2027.

That could be a lengthy wait for Kubanza, who has finished his last two opponents and is eager to capitalise on his momentum. But if he is willing to wait, Rodriguez would offer a meaningful test and a clear route towards strengthening Kubanza's position in the title conversation.

3. Abdoul Abdouraguimov

If Kubanza is prepared to take a more ambitious route towards the championship, Abdoul Abdouraguimov could be an intriguing option.

Ranked third in the welterweight division, the French-Russian fighter represents a substantial step-up in competition. A victory over such an experienced fighter would do considerably more to establish Kubanza as a legitimate title threat than another match-up against an unranked opponent.

Abdouraguimov was expected to compete at PFL Lyon, but that bout has ultimately fallen through. From a competitive standpoint, the match would carry considerable risk for Kubanza. He looked impressive in his two PFL global appearances, but Abdouraguimov would present a different level of challenge and experience.

Still, if Kubanza wants to accelerate his progress towards Jean, this could be the kind of opportunity that changes the conversation around his championship credentials. Beating a contender ranked inside the top three would make a strong statement that he belongs among the division's elite.

The Only Way is Up for Eliezer Kubanza

Kubanza's callout of Jean at PFL Chicago 2 reflects the confidence he has built through his performances. But a championship opportunity may require more than an impressive winning streak against unranked opponents.

'King Kong' has made an emphatic start to his global PFL career. The next challenge is to turn that momentum into a ranked victory - and move closer to the title opportunity he wants.