Ali Akbar Rosady
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is slated to make its anticipated return to North Carolina, announcing an August 7 event at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. The card will be headlined by a compelling middleweight clash featuring local favorite Bryan Battle against former Bellator standout Dalton Rosta, a matchup with significant implications for the division’s competitive landscape. This event marks a strategic move for the PFL to engage local fanbases while showcasing top-tier talent vying for the coveted $1 million championship prize.
Bryan Battle, with a professional record of 12 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no-contest, returns to his adopted hometown as a significant draw. Though born in Missouri, Battle’s formative years and ongoing training ties to Charlotte have solidified his status as a beloved figure in the local mixed martial arts scene. His journey to the PFL is notable, having first garnered national attention as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 29 reality series. During his tenure with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Battle showcased a versatile skillset, securing victories over notable opponents. However, his UFC run, which saw him compile a respectable record, was eventually curtailed in 2024 due to recurring issues with making weight, a challenge that prompted his departure from the organization. Following his exit from the UFC, Battle transitioned briefly into the realm of Dirty Boxing, where he achieved success before signing with the PFL. His highly anticipated PFL debut in March of the current year, however, resulted in a submission loss to former PFL champion Johnny Eblen, a setback that underscored the elite competition within the PFL’s middleweight division. For Battle, this headlining bout in Charlotte represents a pivotal opportunity to rebound from his PFL debut, demonstrate his renewed commitment to the middleweight class, and solidify his position as a legitimate contender in front of a home crowd eager to support their local hero. His aggressive grappling and improving striking will be key factors in his approach to Rosta.
Standing opposite Battle will be Dalton Rosta, an accomplished fighter with a record of 11 wins and 3 losses, who brings a strong pedigree from his extensive career with Bellator MMA. Rosta was a consistent presence in Bellator’s middleweight division before making the transition to the PFL in 2025 as part of the promotion’s expanding roster. His inaugural year in the PFL saw him make a significant impact, navigating his way through a challenging tournament bracket to reach the finals of the 2025 middleweight tournament. Despite a valiant effort, Rosta ultimately fell short in the championship bout, losing to Fabien Edwards. This experience, however, cemented his status as a top-tier middleweight capable of competing at the highest levels. Aiming to rebound from his tournament final loss and make a strong statement in the current PFL season, Rosta entered March with high expectations but suffered a knockout defeat at the hands of Impa Kasanganay. This recent setback adds an extra layer of urgency to his clash with Battle, as both fighters are eager to regain momentum and demonstrate their championship aspirations. Rosta is known for his powerful striking and strong wrestling base, making him a formidable opponent for Battle’s dynamic style.
The main event between Battle and Rosta is expected to be a high-stakes affair, with both fighters needing a decisive victory to advance their standings in the competitive PFL middleweight division. Battle’s well-rounded game, characterized by his submission prowess and increasingly effective striking, will be tested against Rosta’s formidable power and wrestling. The "local favorite" dynamic for Battle could provide a significant psychological edge, but Rosta’s experience in high-pressure tournament situations suggests he will be undeterred by the partisan crowd. This matchup pits two fighters with distinct career trajectories and fighting styles, promising an engaging contest that could significantly shape the middleweight playoff picture.
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Beyond the headliner, the PFL Charlotte card will feature two other significant middleweight bouts, further solidifying the division’s competitive depth. These matchups are crucial for the fighters involved, as each victory contributes to their overall season standings and potential qualification for the playoffs and the ultimate $1 million prize.
One such pivotal contest will see PFL mainstay Josh Silveira take on Aaron Jeffery. Silveira, boasting a record of 15 wins and 5 losses, has been a consistent performer in the PFL, notably reaching the finals of the 2023 middleweight tournament where he ultimately lost to the formidable Impa Kasanganay. His most recent outing in August saw him secure a hard-fought decision victory over Murad Ramazanov, a win that underscored his resilience and technical proficiency. Silveira’s grappling acumen and strategic approach to fights have made him a perennial threat in the division. Aaron Jeffery, with a record of 16 wins and 6 losses, shares a similar background to Rosta, having spent a significant portion of his career competing in Bellator before joining the PFL in 2025. Jeffery is known for his aggressive striking and durability, consistently engaging in fan-friendly bouts. In his most recent fight last June, Jeffery experienced a narrow split decision loss to Dalton Rosta, highlighting his ability to compete at the highest level despite the outcome. The clash between Silveira’s methodical grappling and Jeffery’s relentless pressure promises an intriguing stylistic battle that could go the distance.
The third middleweight bout announced for the Charlotte card features Josh Fremd against Jhony Gregory. Fremd, holding a record of 12 wins and 6 losses, has established himself as a versatile competitor, having campaigned across several prominent organizations throughout his career, including stints in both the UFC and Bellator. His most recent professional victory came in April of the current year under the bare-knuckle boxing promotion BKFC, where he secured a compelling win, demonstrating his adaptability and striking power across different combat sports formats. This recent success outside of traditional MMA adds an element of intrigue to his return to the PFL cage. His opponent, Jhony Gregory, with a record of 10 wins and 5 losses, joined the PFL last year and has quickly made his presence felt within the promotion. Gregory has compiled a 1-1 record in the PFL, most recently securing a decisive victory over Haider Khan at PFL Dubai in February. Gregory’s dynamic striking and aggressive approach often lead to exciting exchanges, making this matchup against Fremd a potential show-stealer. Both fighters will be looking to establish themselves as serious contenders in the middleweight division, with a win providing crucial momentum for their PFL campaigns.
The PFL Charlotte event on August 7 at Bojangles Coliseum is poised to be a significant fixture in the Professional Fighters League’s calendar. With Bryan Battle leading the charge in his hometown, supported by a lineup of high-stakes middleweight clashes, the night promises compelling action and crucial developments in the race for the PFL championship. The main card will be broadcast live in the U.S. on ESPN, with coverage commencing at 10 p.m. ET, ensuring widespread access to the night’s premier matchups. Fans can anticipate a night of intense competition as fighters battle for supremacy and the opportunity to advance their careers toward the coveted $1 million grand prize.
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