The PFL Announces Eight Welterweights for $500,000 Tournament
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has unveiled the eight welterweights set to compete for a $500,000 grand prize in their upcoming tournament. The 170-pound bracket features a lineup of highly accomplished and determined fighters, each bringing a unique blend of experience and ambition to the ring.
Headliners: Jackson, Koreshkov, and Storley
At the forefront of this elite group are former Bellator titleholders Jason Jackson, Andrey Koreshkov, and Logan Storley. Jason Jackson, known affectionately as “The Ass-Kicking Machine,” boasts an impressive record of 18-5. Despite losing the Bellator welterweight title to Ramazan Kuramagomedov in June, Jackson is no stranger to victory, having secured eight consecutive wins prior to that setback. His most notable victory came against Yaroslav Amosov, where he claimed the championship through a decisive win.
Andrey Koreshkov, another former Bellator champion, has a formidable record of 28-5. He has won six of his last seven fights, with a recent victory over Goiti Yamauchi in the PFL, which followed a narrow loss to Magomed Umalatov. Koreshkov’s resilience and fighting spirit make him a formidable contender in any ring.
Logan Storley, the third former Bellator titleholder in the tournament, has a record of 16-3. His title reign was brief, sharing an interim title with split decision over Michael Page before losing the unification bout to Amosov. Despite alternating wins and losses in his recent bouts, Storley’s experience and determination remain a significant asset.
Emerging Talents: Umalatov and Zendeli
Joining the ranks of the veterans are emerging talents like Magomed Umalatov and Florim Zendeli. Umalatov, who made it to the 2024 PFL tournament finals, has shown his prowess with a 1-1 record in the PFL, including a notable victory over Koreshkov. His performance in the 2024 tournament marks him as a serious contender for the $500,000 prize.
Florim Zendeli, the 2024 PFL Europe champion, is a rising star with a record of 8-1-1. His first-round submission victory over Daniele Miceli not only earned him the PFL Europe tournament crown but also a $100,000 prize. Zendeli’s momentum and recent success make him a strong candidate for the main PFL tournament, where he aims to secure an even greater reward.
Fresh Faces: Bachar, Berkhamov, and Kikuiri
The tournament also welcomes fresh faces like Giannis Bachar, Mukhamed Berkhamov, and Masayuki Kikuiri. Giannis Bachar, a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 32, has an impressive record of 9-2. Though he didn’t advance past the opening round on the reality show, Bachar’s record outside TUF is stellar, with eight consecutive wins. His most recent victory, a 50-second knockout of Omiel Brown, earning him the Cage Warriors welterweight title, showcases his raw power and potential.
Mukhamed Berkhamov, with a record of 17-2, has a strong PFL and Bellator background. His split decision victory over two-time PFL champion Ray Cooper III this past August highlights his skill and determination. Berkhamov’s experience and competitive nature make him a formidable opponent.
Masayuki Kikuiri, with a record of 10-2-1, has also made a mark under the PFL/Bellator banner, going 2-0 in 2024 with knockouts of Herman Terrado and Alexey Shurkevich. Kikuiri’s aggressive style and recent success add an exciting edge to the tournament.
Tournament Format and Rewards
The PFL World Tournament is set to kick off on April 3 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. The winner of the 170-pound bracket will not only take home a substantial $500,000 prize but will also earn the prestigious title of 2025 champion. The tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and resilience, with each fighter vying for the ultimate prize and the recognition it brings.
A Glimpse into the Future
As the PFL gears up for this exciting welterweight tournament, the anticipation among fans and fighters alike is palpable. The blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents creates a dynamic and unpredictable environment, promising action-packed matches and unforgettable moments. The $500,000 prize and the 2025 champion status are more than just rewards; they symbolize the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. The fighters, each with their own story and journey, will step into the ring with the hope of etching their names into the annals of PFL history.
