The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returned to action on June 20 with its second round of the 2025 World Tournament, hosted at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. This marked the league’s first event in the state, and it drew a vibrant crowd both in the arena and online through live broadcasts on ESPN and ESPN+. With a lineup featuring pivotal semifinal bouts across several weight divisions, the night offered a compelling mix of knockouts, submissions, and dominant decisions that set the stage for the tournament finals later this summer.
The headline bout of the evening saw defending lightweight champion Gadzhi Rabadanov assert his dominance once again. Facing former UFC star Kevin Lee, Rabadanov wasted no time in showcasing his superior striking. The Dagestani fighter floored Lee with a clean combination midway through the first round. Lee attempted a takedown in response but collapsed awkwardly, appearing to suffer a shoulder injury in the process. The referee stepped in promptly to halt the contest at 2:37 of round one, awarding Rabadanov a TKO victory. With this win, Rabadanov extended his unbeaten streak, which dates back over four years, and punched his ticket to the lightweight final.
Across the other main card bouts, Alfie Davis delivered a gritty performance to edge out Brent Primus by unanimous decision. Davis, known for his technical stand-up and durability, effectively neutralized Primus’ grappling attempts and scored consistently with clean strikes. He now moves on to face Rabadanov in the lightweight finale, promising a stylistic clash between aggression and precision.
In the women’s flyweight division, MMA veteran Liz Carmouche continued her strong run in the PFL with a unanimous-decision win over rising prospect Elora Dana. Carmouche, a former Bellator champion and UFC title challenger, leaned on her experience and tactical discipline to control the fight over three rounds. Dana had moments of offense but struggled to cope with Carmouche’s pressure and cage control. Meanwhile, Jena Bishop, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout, impressed earlier in the night with a submission victory over Ekaterina Shakalova. Bishop secured a rear-naked choke in the second round, maintaining her perfect PFL record and earning a place in the final opposite Carmouche. The upcoming matchup between the veteran Carmouche and the surging Bishop promises to be one of the most intriguing fights of the season.
Bantamweight contenders Marcirley Alves and Justin Wetzell both advanced to the final with decisive wins. Alves outclassed Jake Hadley with superior cage control and consistent offense, earning a unanimous decision with scores of 30-26 across the board. Wetzell, known for his wrestling pedigree, used relentless pressure and top control to defeat Mando Gutierrez by unanimous decision as well. Their upcoming title fight will determine the top bantamweight in the PFL’s tournament structure.
The prelims were just as action-packed, featuring a series of early finishes that electrified the Wichita crowd. Vinicius Cenci kicked off the night with a first-round triangle choke submission. Darragh Kelly followed with a neck crank finish over Mike Hamel in the third round, and Nick Meck added to the momentum by securing a rear-naked choke in the opening frame of his bout. These undercard highlights reinforced the depth of talent in the PFL roster and offered a preview of future contenders in the promotion.
Fan turnout in Wichita was strong, reflecting the PFL’s growing presence outside of traditional MMA markets. The event generated significant buzz on social media, especially around Rabadanov’s knockout and Bishop’s submission. Clips of these moments quickly went viral, amplifying the league’s visibility and reinforcing its strategy to position itself as a legitimate alternative to the UFC. The PFL’s format, which combines a season-long structure with playoff-style brackets, continues to resonate with both fighters and fans, providing a clear path to a $500,000 prize for each divisional winner.
Looking ahead, the finals are slated for August, with confirmed matchups including Rabadanov vs. Davis in the lightweight division, Carmouche vs. Bishop in the women’s flyweight bracket, and Alves vs. Wetzell for the bantamweight crown. Each of these matchups offers a compelling blend of experience, rising talent, and contrasting fighting styles. As anticipation builds, the PFL is expected to capitalize on this momentum through promotional campaigns and a strong broadcast presence.
PFL World Tournament 6 delivered on its promise of elite MMA competition, featuring breakout performances, established names, and high-stakes consequences. With its blend of decisive finishes and strategic battles, the event highlighted why the PFL is gaining ground as a major player in the global MMA landscape. Fans now turn their eyes toward August’s finals, where champions will be crowned, and legacies further defined.