Light heavyweight and welterweight fighter announcement update
The PFL Challenger Series to air live beginning Friday, February 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET exclusively
on fuboTV’s linear network, Fubo Sports Network
NEW YORK (January 24, 2022) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced the matchups for the inaugural PFL Challenger Series. The PFL Challenger Series will be held at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL beginning Friday, February 18 airing exclusively on Fubo Sports Network, the live TV network from sports-first live TV streaming platform fuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO).
The PFL Challenger Series is a platform in which MMA fighters with elite fighting pedigree square off in a series of high performance events with the ultimate quest being the PFL podium for a million dollar prize as a PFL rostered fighter. The PFL continues to innovate the sport of MMA by expanding opportunities for exceptional fighters from around the globe. More than 500 MMA managers and trainers submitted applications on behalf of fighters with the most significant accolades in a mixed martial art discipline to compete in the PFL Challenger Series. Only 56 fighters were selected by PFL for this unique series.
On February 18, the light heavyweight card will be headlined by LFA double-champion Josh Silveira will face off with South Sudanese brawler Mohamed Juma in what is expected to be an action-packed affair. Germany’s Alexander Poppeck will matchup with American Taylor Johnson in a battle of finishers.
One week later, February 25, Jordan’s Jarrah Al Silawi will bring his talents to North America for the first time when he meets American striker Michael Lilly. Dilano Taylor and Mark Martin, both American wrestlers will duel in a match of top 170-pound prospects.
“It has been a great experience for myself and our team as we went in search of the best fighters from all over the world,” said Ray Sefo, PFL President of Fighter Operations. “We are proud of the roster of elite fighters that will be on display starting Feb. 18 when our light heavyweights step into the cage. I am very excited to see these amazing athletes square off for this life-changing opportunity. And then we’re going to do it all over again, one week later, with the welterweights.”
Light Heavyweight Matchups - Feb. 18
- Josh Silveira vs. Mohamed Juma
- Alexander Poppeck vs. Taylor Johnson
- Joao Paulo Fagundes vs. Bruce Souto
- Simeon Powell vs. Karl Williams
Welterweight Matchups - Feb. 25
- Jarrah Al Silawi vs. Michael Lilly
- Dilano Taylor vs. Mark Martin
- Carlos Leal vs. Socrates Pierre
- Lucas Barbosa vs. Troy Green
Viewers watching the PFL Challenger Series can also interact with the live competition through fuboTV’s popular predictive, free-to-play games. During the bouts, fans can answer predictive questions about the action all on one screen using their remote control. Fubo Sportsbook, now live in Iowa and Arizona, is also the exclusive gambling sponsor of the PFL Challenger Series.
Fubo Sports Network is fuboTV’s linear TV network dedicated to featuring sports stories on and off the field. Fans can stream live sports, original programming and partner content on Fubo Sports Network as part of fuboTV’s subscription packages of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.
About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and was broadcast and streamed live worldwide last year to 160 countries with partners including RMC Sport, FPT, Sky Sport, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.
PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)
About Fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, Fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, Fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming such as No Chill with Gilbert Arenas and Getcha Popcorn Ready with T.O. and Hatch and partner content from Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, Stadium, USA TODAY, Flex Fight, World Poker Tour, and BeIN Sports Xtra, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels, Sports on Tubi, Plex, Hisense Smart TVs, and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s subscription packages of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.
