The lightweight episode in PFL’s upcoming “Challenger Series” show has been fully announced. The promotion revealed four matchups for their March 18th episode recently, unveiling eight names that will compete for a spot in the 2022 PFL Regular Season.
A win on the episode won’t simply earn fighters a spot in the 2022 roster. Instead, judges on the show will pick just one standout fighter by the end of the night to sign with the promotion. Here are the names that will fight for that opportunity:
The top matchup in the four-fight card sees Bruno Miranda face Carson Frei. Miranda has been inactive since 2019, although he currently holds a four-fight winning streak that includes three finish wins. Frei scored a submission win in his last appearance, defeating Westin Wilson on a Fierce FC card in May 2021.
Valor Fighting Lightweight Champion Damir Ferhatbegovic is expected to appear in the co-main event against BJ Bland. Bland is the most experienced fighter on the episode, having won 16 fights through 26 pro appearances.
Lower on the card, Michael Dufort will meet Arut Pogosjan. Dufort is coming off a loss, as he was beaten by UFC alum Kyle Preploec in November. Before then, he had two consecutive finish wins. Pogosjan saw success in Fury FC last year, stopping one opponent within a round and defeating another via decision.
The show will open with undefeated prospect Yanal Ashmoz facing Dennis Hughes. Ashmoz moved his undefeated record to six wins in October, scoring a third-round stoppage win over Ryan Rizco on a CFFC card. Hughes had a very active 2021, attaining three wins through four appearances.
Five episodes of PFL’s “Challenger Series” have now been unveiled. The fighters in the final episode, which is expected for March 25th, have not been revealed yet.
Full Lineup
Bout 4: Bruno Miranda (13-3) vs. Carson Frei (9-4) (Lightweight)
Bout 3: Damir Ferhatbegovic (5-2-1) vs. BJ Bland (16-10) (Lightweight)
Bout 2: Michael Dufort (8-4) vs. Arut Pogosjan (9-3) (Lightweight)
Bout 1: Yanal Ashmoz (6-0) vs. Dennis Hughes (7-3) (Lightweight)
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