The PFL’s Challenger Series returned after debuting in 2022, with athletes seeking a PFL contract that could either serve as a developmental deal or earn them a regular-season berth for around the $1 million prize to fight.
2023 PFL Challenger Series 1 took place at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida on Friday and was broadcast live on fubo Sports Network. The event included welterweights and was officiated by Lucas Barbosa vs. Itso Babulaidze.
With the bouts completed, the four winners were narrowed down to Thad Jean and Kendly St. Louis to use a live fan vote to determine which fighter would receive a PFL contract.
Jean defeated Eric Alequin by unanimous decision 30-27 points across the board while St. Louis stopped Nick Alley with a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.
The prominent jury of Wiz Khalifa, Tyron Woodley and Ray Lewis voted unanimously for Jean. The fan vote failed by choosing St. Louis. The tiebreaker went to Ray Sefo, who ruled Jean would receive the PFL contract.
Below is the full lineup and official results for the 2023 PFL Challenger Series 1:
- Itso Babulaidze def. Lucas Barbosa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Defeated Thad Jean. Eric Alequin by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Zach Juusola defeated. Jozef Wittner by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Kendly defeated St.Louis. Nick Alley via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2, 2:17
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2023 PFL Challenger Series 1: Best photos from Orlando
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