The PFL’s Challenger Sequence returned after making its debut in 2022, with athletes gunning for a PFL contract that would both function a developmental deal or earn them a spot directing into the common season to compete for its $1 million prize.
2023 PFL Challenger Series 1 passed off Friday at Common Studios in Orlando, Fla., and aired aired stay on fubo Sports Network. The occasion featured welterweights and was headlined by Lucas Barbosa vs. Itso Babulaidze.
After the conclusion of the bouts, the 4 winners had been narrowed all the way down to Thad Jean and Kendly St. Louis to find out which fighter can be awarded a PFL contract with the assistance of a stay fan vote.
Jean defeated Eric Alequin by unanimous resolution with scores of 30-27 throughout the board, whereas St. Louis stopped Nick Alley within the second spherical with a rear-naked choke submission.
The superstar panel of Wiz Khalifa, Tyron Woodley and Ray Lewis unanimously voted for Jean. The fan vote disagreed by selecting St. Louis. The tiebreaker went to Ray Sefo, who determined Jean would obtain the PFL contract.
Under is the entire lineup and official outcomes for 2023 PFL Challenger Sequence 1:
- Itso Babulaidze def. Lucas Barbosa by way of unanimous resolution (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Thad Jean def. Eric Alequin by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Zach Juusola def. Jozef Wittner by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Kendly St. Louis def. Nick Alley by way of submission (rear-naked choke) – Spherical 2, 2:17
