Taylor Lapilus wins striking war in strong, entertaining PFL debut in Lyon

Taylor Lapilus is a longtime member of the MMA Factory, having fought all over the world on notable stages. Lapilus is a former regional bantamweight champion who has won nine of his last 10 fights. He made his PFL debut in July, scoring a decision over Ali Taleb.

A teammate to Paddy Pimblett, Liam Gittins is an 18-fight veteran who makes his PFL debut tonight. A former regional bantamweight champion in his own right, Gittins has scored finishes in 10 of his 13 pro wins so far. Unbeaten in his last seven, Gittins’ last fight against Alessandro Giordano went to a no contest.

Which of these two bantamweights will have their hand raised?

Round 1

Lapilus and Gittins throwing down right away! One-two by Lapilus. Gittins trying to come forward. Lapilius catches a kick and briefly dumps Gittins to his back. Left hand by Lapilus. Both men land a jab. Left hand by Lapilus. Low kick by Gittins but he misses the spinning backfist. Lapilus continues to time the left hand well. Gittins lands to the body. Lapilus landing on the outside. Lapilus lands a knee up the midsection. Gittins goes for the elbow, but Lapilus avoids it. Left hand by Gittins as the two battle in close. Lapilus presses Gittins into the fence briefly. He gets off the fence and lands a left hand before trying a knee.

An elbow and a countershot by Lapilus. Lapilus pressing Gittins against the fence. Left hand by Gittins. Body shot by Lapilus. Jab by Lapilus. Right hand by Gittins. Combination by Lapilus. Knee by Lapilus, and Gittins answers with a jab. Left hand by Lapilus. Kick to the body by Lapilus. Gittins landing to the legs. Another leg kick, but Lapilus responds with a right hand. Low kick and a left hand by Lapilus. Gittins coming forward and attacking to answer. Lapilus working the left hand again. Knee by Lapilus as he presses Gittens into the fence.

THIS LYON CROWD THOUGH 🤌🇫🇷

Bringing the energy as the #PFLLyon Main Card is LIVE NOW#PFLLyon | LDLC Arena, Lyon | 📺LIVE NOW on the ESPN app pic.twitter.com/KD7nykoqs6

— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 13, 2025

Round 2

The two trade in the center. Lapilus slips, and Gittins presses forward, forcing Lapilus into retreat. Lapilus with a one-two, including a long left hand. Left hand and a right from Lapilus. Combination from Gittins, including a low kick. Lapilus presses him into a clinch, and Gittins lands well on the inside. Knee and an elbow by Gittens as Lapilus looks to continue the control. Gittins fends off a takedown attempt. Right hand by Lapilus. A couple of elbows from Gittins. Lapilus answers with more striking. Gittins keeps coming forward with the elbow.

Right hand by Lapilus and a low kick from Gittins. Both men land a left. Low kicks from Gittins. Right hand by Gittins. The two trade combinations. Gittins looks for control again. Gittins presses Lapilius against the fence. Both men land on the inside. Left hand and a big knee by Lapilus. One-two by Lapilus, and Gittins with a knee. The two trade in close range. Left hand and a low kick from Gittins. Right hand by Lapilius. Gittins presses Lapilus into the SmartCage again. Gittins continues to come forward on separation. Lapilus works a couple of combinations. Spinning elbow by Lapilus. Plenty of strikes through 10 minutes, with Gittins sporting blood over his face.

WE ARE SWINGING AWAY AT THE END OF ROUND 2!

Lapilus v Gittens heads into the third round!#PFLLyon | LDLC Arena, Lyon | 📺LIVE NOW on the ESPN app pic.twitter.com/rATEpHhYPM

— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 13, 2025

Round 3

Left hand and a low kick from Gittins, as he tries to pressure. Low kick from Gittins, and Lapilus answers with a front kick. A leg kick exchange before they go in the clinch and both land elbows. Right hands by Gittins. Strong knee lands for Lapilus, and he’s got Gittins retreating! Lapilus continues his attack, but Gittins grabs a hold of the legs to answer back. Lapilus with a left hand. Another strong body shot, and Gittins seems hurt. Gittins goes to his knees and gives up his back before getting back up against the fence. Lapilus continues to come forward. Left hand by Lapilus. Low kick from Lapilus and a one-two by Gittins.

Gittins scores a takedown and he gets to the back of Lapilus! Gittins looking for a choke here. Lapilus looks to get back to his feet, and he does so. A punch lands on the separation. Gittins continues to move forward. Gittins throws a pair of rights but Lapilus still controls things. Gittings throwing combinations, looking to steal momentum. Round kicks from Lapilus landing to the body. Low kick by Gittins. Hooks from both men. Gittins misses a spinning elbow. Left hand by Lapilus. Gittins with a low kick. Knee to the body by Lapilus. The horn sounds on this great contest!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Taylor “Double Impact” Lapilus defeats Liam Gittins by unanimous decision (30-27x2, 29-28)