Simeon Powell earned a PFL contract on the final episode of the promotion’s “Challenger Series” show. He beat fellow finalist Carlos Leal, along with successful fighters Jeslen Mishelle and Ali Zebian.
Powell is now on the PFL roster, although it is not known where he will fit into their 2022 season. The promotion has already announced its first light heavyweight card of the year, which will take place on April 20th.
Friday’s show was themed as a “second chance” night for fighters, inviting back many names that appeared on previous episodes in the season. However, many talents that appeared on the card did not actually fight earlier in the season.
Powell dominated a tough Tobias Baker in his fight, defeating him via unanimous decision after three rounds of action.
Powell advanced on the feet against Baker during all three rounds with strikes. While his striking was incredibly accurate and connected frequently, Baker remained on his feet and kept in the fight until the clock ran out of time.
Both fighters did not appear on a previous episode of the PFL “Challenger Series.” Powell was booked for a February card, although he ended up not fighting on that card.
Powell’s record is now a strong five wins and no losses.
Baker was returning for the first time since 2019. His previous fight was his first pro loss.
Leal Wins In Main Event
Carlos Leal had a close win in the main event, prevailing in a hectic three-round stand-up battle against fellow LFA vet Chris Brown. Leal’s close battle against Brown ended in a split decision, with two judges giving Leal the nod.
The welterweights had a back-and-forth battle on the feet, both connecting at moments. The unusual movement from Brown on the feet made it an interesting watch the entire time.
Leal, a former LFA Welterweight Champion, has now scored four wins over the past year. His previous PFL appearance saw him earn a 56-second victory over Korey Kuppe due to strikes.
Brown, who didn’t appear earlier in the season, was entering the card on a three-fight winning streak.
Mishelle Goes The Distance For Second Pro Win
Jeslen Mishelle had a hard-fought three-round battle against Jackie Cataline to win via unanimous decision.
Mishelle battled back from a tough first round to earn two rounds on scorecards and walk away with the win.
Cataline won the first frame with grappling. She spent a large portion of the round searching for a rear naked choke on Mishelle.
Mishelle succeeded far more in the second and third rounds as the fight remained on the feet. She was significantly more active than Cataline on the feet and won both the second and third rounds because of it.
Both fighters made their pro debut in their last fight, and their appearances only lasted one round each.
Cataline’s debut concluded in the third minute, as she caught Camee Adams with a rear naked choke. Mishelle used striking to win her debut last month, defeating Julia Dorny.
Zebian Earns Decision Win To Keep Winning Streak Alive
Ali Zebian opened the card with a unanimous decision win over featherweight fighter Aaron Blackie.
The victory saw Zebian get the best of stand-up exchanges and grappling battles. He out-landed Blackie on the feet and took him down numerous times as well.
Zebian was one of the few people on the card who didn’t appear on an earlier episode of the “Challenger Series.” Previous wins in his career include a 2020 Bellator appearance.
Blackie was booked for a PFL fight earlier this year, although he did not compete. He had a two-fight winning streak before Friday’s card.
Quick Results
Main Card (9:00PM EDT) (FuboTV)
Bout 4: Carlos Leal def. Chris Brown via Decision, Split
Bout 3: Simeon Powell def. Tobias Baker via Decision, Unanimous
Bout 2: Jeslen Mishelle def. Jackie Cataline via Decision, Unanimous
Bout 1: Ali Zebian def. Aaron Blackie via Decision, Unanimous
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