PFL Europe Set for Blockbuster Lyon Event Featuring Nemkov Heavyweight Title Defense and Cyborg Featherweight Clash

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially unveiled the finalized fight card for its highly anticipated PFL Europe event on December 13, taking place at the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. The card is headlined by two championship bouts, showcasing elite talent from both the former Bellator roster and the PFL’s established ranks, underscoring the organization’s strategic expansion and recent acquisition of Bellator. Russian phenom Vadim Nemkov will defend his newly acquired heavyweight status against reigning PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira, while MMA legend Cris Cyborg makes her promotional debut in a featherweight title showdown against the undefeated Sara Collins.

Nemkov vs. Ferreira: A Clash of Champions at Heavyweight

The main event pits two formidable heavyweights against each other for divisional supremacy. Vadim Nemkov (19-2, 1 NC), the former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion, embarks on a new chapter in his career following a successful transition to the heavyweight division. Nemkov’s move up in weight class has been met with significant success, demonstrated by his back-to-back finishes over seasoned veterans Timothy Johnson and Bruno Cappelozza. His victory over Johnson came via a first-round TKO at PFL 10 in November, a dominant performance that signaled his immediate threat in the division. Prior to that, he dispatched Cappelozza, a former PFL Heavyweight Champion himself, with a second-round knockout, further solidifying his position.

Nemkov’s career is marked by a sterling record, including a dominant reign as Bellator’s 205-pound king, where he successfully defended his title four times against top contenders such as Phil Davis, Julius Anglickas, Corey Anderson, and Yoel Romero. His fighting style is characterized by precision striking, powerful ground-and-pound, and a high fight IQ, making him a complex challenge for any opponent. This bout represents Nemkov’s opportunity to claim a second major promotional title in a heavier division, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.

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Facing Nemkov is the formidable PFL Heavyweight Champion, Renan Ferreira (13-4, 1 NC). The towering Brazilian earned his PFL championship with a series of impressive performances. Ferreira’s path to the title was highlighted by his knockout victory over former two-division Bellator champion Ryan Bader in February, a fight that saw him seize the PFL heavyweight crown. His subsequent PFL season featured both triumphs and setbacks, including a controversial no-contest against Ryan Bader and a split decision loss to Denis Goltsov, before he avenged that loss with a TKO victory over Goltsov to secure his spot in the championship final. Ferreira’s primary weapons are his imposing size, significant reach, and devastating knockout power, with 11 of his 13 professional victories coming by way of knockout. He has demonstrated the ability to finish fights quickly, making him a constant threat from the opening bell.

This heavyweight title unification bout carries immense weight, symbolizing the integration of talent pools from the PFL and Bellator under one banner. It is a true champion-versus-champion contest, with Nemkov seeking to conquer a new division and Ferreira aiming to defend his PFL title against one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. The stylistic matchup promises a high-stakes affair between Nemkov’s technical precision and Ferreira’s raw power.

Cyborg’s PFL Debut Against Undefeated Challenger Sara Collins

In the co-main event, mixed martial arts icon Cris Cyborg (28-2, 1 NC) makes her highly anticipated PFL debut, challenging the undefeated Sara Collins (6-0) for the PFL Featherweight Title. Cyborg, widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time, brings an unparalleled resume to the PFL cage. A former champion in Strikeforce, UFC, and Bellator, she has dominated the featherweight division across multiple promotions for over a decade. Her last mixed martial arts appearance was in October 2024, followed by a successful venture into professional boxing where she secured three knockout victories, demonstrating her continued power and striking prowess.

Cyborg’s fighting style is characterized by relentless pressure, devastating striking, and exceptional power, which has led to 23 of her 28 victories coming by knockout. Her ability to finish opponents and her aggressive approach have made her a fan favorite and a formidable challenge for any opponent in her weight class. Her move to the PFL and immediate title shot against an undefeated contender signifies her intent to add another major championship to her illustrious career.

Her opponent, Sara Collins, presents a fresh challenge with an unblemished professional record of 6-0. Collins has steadily climbed the ranks, showcasing a well-rounded skillset that includes strong grappling and developing striking. While her experience level is considerably less than Cyborg’s, her perfect record indicates a fighter with significant potential and a high ceiling. This bout will be the biggest test of Collins’ career, providing her with an opportunity to make a monumental statement by dethroning a legend in her promotional debut. The stakes are incredibly high for Collins, as a victory over Cyborg would instantly elevate her to global recognition and cement her as a legitimate force in the featherweight division.

The matchup between Cyborg’s veteran experience and raw power against Collins’ undefeated momentum and hunger promises an intriguing contest. It is a critical fight for the PFL’s featherweight division, with a new champion set to be crowned and a potential changing of the guard, or another dominant performance from an enduring icon.

European Tournament Finals Highlight Regional Talent

Beyond the two blockbuster title fights, the PFL Europe card will also crown its European tournament champions, highlighting the depth of talent within the continent. In the lightweight final, Connor Hughes will face Aleksandr Chizov. Both fighters have navigated challenging paths through the PFL Europe regular season and playoffs, showcasing resilience and skill to reach the championship bout. Hughes, known for his aggressive striking, will look to impose his will against Chizov, who has demonstrated strong grappling and tactical prowess throughout the tournament. The winner will not only claim the PFL Europe Lightweight Championship but also secure a significant career boost and potential entry into the PFL’s global season.

Similarly, the bantamweight tournament final will feature Dean Garnett battling Baris Adiguzel. Garnett, a veteran with a diverse skillset, has utilized his experience to overcome younger contenders, while Adiguzel has impressed with his athleticism and finishing abilities. This matchup promises a clash of styles, with both fighters vying for the coveted PFL Europe Bantamweight title and the opportunities that come with it. These tournament finals are crucial for the PFL’s mission to develop and showcase regional talent, providing a pathway for European fighters to reach the sport’s highest levels.

Stacked Undercard Featuring Local and International Talent

The PFL Lyon card is further bolstered by a strong lineup of preliminary and main card bouts, featuring a mix of promising European prospects and established international fighters. Key matchups include:

Patrick Habirora vs. Kevin Jousset: A highly anticipated welterweight clash that could steal the show, featuring two dynamic strikers.
Taylor Lapilus vs. Liam Gittins: A bantamweight contest between two fighters known for their fast-paced and exciting styles.
Asael Adjoudj vs. Fred Dupras: A featherweight bout pitting two aggressive competitors against each other.
Boris Mbarga Atangana vs. Guilherme Soares: A heavyweight clash that promises explosive action.
Gustavo Oliveira vs. Movsar Ibragimov: A lightweight encounter between two rising stars.
Paulina Wisniewska vs. Sabrinna de Sousa: A women’s strawweight bout showcasing up-and-coming talent.
Rayan Balbali vs. Levi Batchelor: A preliminary bout featuring two determined fighters.

The PFL Europe event in Lyon represents a significant milestone for the Professional Fighters League, solidifying its presence in the European market and showcasing a unified roster of world-class athletes. The card will air live on DAZN in the United States, bringing the high-stakes action from France to a global audience. The integration of former Bellator champions and the crowning of new European titleholders underscore the PFL’s commitment to delivering a compelling and competitive product for mixed martial arts fans worldwide.