The second installment of the PFL’s Challenger Series saw one of the most prominent names in Middle Eastern MMA make a big statement as two PFL contracts were handed out at Universal Studios, Florida on Friday night.
Former BRAVE CF welterweight champion Jarrah Al Silawi impressed everyone watching, from the fans who voted for their favorite performance to the judging panel of NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, former UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley and Hollywood star Jeremy Piven.
Al Silawi defeated Michael Lilly with via first-round TKO to improve his overall record to 17-3, and was unanimously selected to receive a deal that will catapult “The Jordanian Lion” straight into the 2022 PFL welterweight season.
Also earning a PFL deal – albeit one of a different kind – was Chris Mixan, who defeated Nathan Pierce via second-round TKO to improve his fledgling MMA record to 3-0, with all of his victories coming inside the distance.
Mixan’s relative lack of experience meant PFL execs opted not to award him a spot in the 2022 season, but instead gave the 23-year-old a developmental contract.
The next division to go under the spotlight is the women’s lightweight division, with Czech prospect Martina Jindrova set to face Portugal’s undefeated Jacqueline Cavalcanti in the main event.
The event will also mark the professional debut of former two-time IMMAF women’s lightweight world champion, New Zealand’s Michelle Montague.
PFL Challenger Series: Week 2 Results
- Jarrah Al-Silawi def. Michael Lilly via TKO – Round 1, 2:54 (Al Silawi awarded full PFL contract)
- Dilano Taylor def. Mark Martin via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
- Carlos Leal def. Korey Kuppe via TKO – Round 1, 0:56
- Chris Mixan def. Nathan Pierce via TKO – Round 2, 3:31 (Mixan awarded developmental contract)
