PFL Europe Nantes comes to a close at the Zenith Nantes Metropole after an action-packed evening of mixed martial arts, showcasing the rising stars of French and European athletes.
The main event was a dream come true for Nantes’ own Amin “Fierceness” Ayoub (26-5) who brought the French fans to their feet as he stopped Keweny “Leão” Lopes (12-4-1), who put PFL’s growing Lightweight division on notice. Ayoub extended his unbeaten streak to ten straight fights, and was quick to call his shot on the microphone as he announced after his fight, “I will continue to KO any opponent I face in the PFL cage, I’m just waiting for the call for PFL, I’m ready for Dubai next week, baby!”
Undefeated Belgium bruiser Boris “Modern Gladiator” Mbarga Atangana (7-0) proved once again why he’s the next big thing in PFL as he finished Jhony Gregory (10-5) in the first round, earning his second victory this year with the organisation. Atangana’s ferocity and power has catapulted his status, who has stated he’s willing to take on all comers at Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight.
The PFL Europe Lightweight and Bantamweight Tournament Finals have now been finalised ahead of PFL Lyon on 13 December at the LDLC Arena.
Connor Hughes (12-2) will once again fight in the PFL Europe Lightweight final after an emphatic finish over Gino “The Ghost Assassin” van Steenis. He will look to avenge just falling short in 2024, and finally call himself the PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament Champion on 13 December in Lyon.
He will face Aleksandr “Pretty Boy” Chizov (12-3) who booked his flight to PFL Lyon as he earned a split decision victory over Claudio Pacella (6-3). The Latvian will now compete for the PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament title on 13 December.
Dean Garnett (14-3-1) continues to show levels to his game as he came out on top in the Bantamweight Semifinal against Jan Ciepłowski (9-1) via guillotine choke. The Liverpudlian is now one step closer to the title and the $100,000 cash prize.
He will meet France’s Baris “The Sniper” Adiguzel (9-1) who had a stunning debut in his fight against fellow countryman Julien “Boyka” Lopez (7-6-1) needing only 36 seconds to secure the in, cementing the PFL Europe Bantamweight Final in Lyon for all the marbles.
Full PFL Europe Nantes Results:
Amin Ayoub (26-5) def. Keweny Lopes (12-4-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:19 of round three
Boris Mbarga Atangana (7-0) def. Jhony Gregory (10-5) via TKO (punches) at 2:17 of round one
Baris Adiguzel (9-1) def. Julien Lopez (7-6-1) via KO (punches) at :36 of round one
Connor Hughes (12-2) def. Gino van Steenis (6-2) via KO (head kick) at 2:56 of round one
Dean Garnett (14-3-1) def. Jan Ciepłowski (9-1) via submission (guillotine choke) at :38 of round three
Aleksandr Chizov (12-3) def. Claudio Pacella (6-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Darragh Kelly (9-0) def. Bakhtiyor Abduloev (10-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:27 of round one
Vincent del Guerra (33-22-1) def. Sofiane Aïssaoui (11-7) via TKO (kick to body) at :23 of round three
Mark Ewen (7-2) def. Sebastien Di Franco (10-5) via submission (D’Arce Choke) at 3:18 of round one
Maria Guedez Jr (1-0) def. Kiya O’Sullivan (0-1) via split decision (30-26, 28-29. 29-28)
