The PFL will return to action on Jan. 27 with the latest installment of the Challenger Series card where a group of fighters compete for an opportunity at potentially joining the $1 million season tournament.
First up in 2023, the PFL Challenger Series will feature a group of welterweights all vying for the chance to join the roster where Sadibou Sy is currently the reigning champion at 170 pounds following his win in 2022.
Itso Babulaidze will be taking on Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Ace Lucas “Hulk”. Itso was previously knocked out in the PFL in August while competing on a preliminary. As for Barbosa, he’s a multi-time grappling champion with a long list of accolades on his resume including notable wins over UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns and former Bellator champion Rafael Lovato.
Also, Quemel Ottoni (current Jungle Fights welterweight champ) will be taking on Jozef Wittner. He is the only UFC champion to beat Alex Pereira in MMA. His win over Pereira came back in 2015 when Ottoni secured a third-round rear naked choke to finish the future UFC champion.
Overall, Ottoni holds a 12-3 record in his career and he’s currently riding a five fight win streak as he seeks to join the PFL roster.
Undefeated Cage Fury Fighting Championships welterweight champion Eric Alequin will also compete on the first Challenger Series card as he faces Thad Jean.
Nicholas Alley will take on Mostafa Rashed Nada in the final fight of the 4-fight card.
The PFL Challenger Series cards are broadcast on FUBO TV. Friday’s card, Jan. 27, will kick off the series. This is the first of eight cards that will lead into the regular season.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/14/23509074/pfl-announces-first-challenger-series-card-2023-welterweights-including-only-man-beat-alex-pereira?rand=96749
