
Updated: October 25, 2026 | The Grueling Truth
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continues to establish itself as one of the leading organizations in mixed martial arts, showcasing elite competitors, former UFC stars, international prospects and some of the most accomplished champions in combat sports.
The organization’s championship landscape has undergone significant changes in 2025 and 2026, moving beyond its traditional season-ending tournament format toward a championship structure featuring established titleholders and individual title defenses.
As of October 25, 2026, the PFL features eight reigning undisputed world champions across its men’s and women’s divisions, along with an interim middleweight champion. The men’s bantamweight title remains vacant, with a championship fight scheduled for December.
From women’s MMA legend Cris Cyborg to undefeated lightweight superstar Usman Nurmagomedov, the promotion offers an impressive collection of athletes competing for world championship gold.
Here is a breakdown of the current PFL men’s and women’s champions, how they captured their championships and the contenders who could challenge them next.
Current Champion: Cris Cyborg
PFL Super Fights Championship Won: October 19, 2024
Defeated: Larissa Pacheco by unanimous decision
PFL Women’s Featherweight World Championship Won: December 13, 2025 — PFL Lyon
Defeated: Sara Collins
Method: Third-round submission (rear-naked choke), 2:55
Most Recent Title Defense: Defeated Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision, August 22, 2026
Potential Contenders: Larissa Pacheco, Sara Collins and Ketlen Vieira
Cris Cyborg is one of the most decorated fighters in the history of women’s mixed martial arts.
The Brazilian superstar has captured championships in the UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, Invicta FC and PFL, demonstrating remarkable longevity and consistency.
Cyborg entered the PFL championship picture in October 2024, when she defeated Larissa Pacheco by unanimous decision to capture the promotion’s Super Fights women’s featherweight championship.
In December 2025, she faced undefeated Australian contender Sara Collins in Lyon, France.
Although Collins brought strong judo and submission credentials into the matchup, Cyborg demonstrated her versatility by securing a rear-naked choke in the third round to capture the PFL Women’s Featherweight World Championship.
Her latest defense came against former UFC contender Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa on August 22, 2026.
Despite Vieira missing weight and the contest proceeding at a catchweight, Cyborg earned a unanimous decision victory. The PFL recognized her as retaining the featherweight championship.
The victory marked Cyborg’s 30th professional MMA win.
1. Larissa Pacheco
A rematch with Pacheco would provide one of the most compelling options in the division.
Pacheco previously established herself as a dominant PFL tournament champion before losing to Cyborg in 2024.
Her aggressive striking and finishing abilities could create another exciting matchup.
2. Sara Collins
Collins could potentially earn a rematch after rebuilding her momentum.
Her judo background and ground skills make her an intriguing opponent, although Cyborg’s previous submission victory demonstrated the difficulty of challenging the veteran champion.
3. Ketlen Vieira
Vieira remains a recognizable opponent because of her UFC experience and previous meeting with Cyborg.
However, her missed weight in August would be an important consideration before any potential rematch.
Cyborg’s championship future is unusual.
Her August fight was promoted as a potential retirement contest, but she subsequently indicated that she intends to compete in MMA again.
Whether that includes another PFL championship defense remains uncertain.
No future PFL featherweight title defense has been officially confirmed, making the long-term direction of the championship unclear.
Regardless of what comes next, Cyborg’s accomplishments have already established her among the greatest female fighters in mixed martial arts history.
Current Champion: Jena Bishop
Championship Won: October 16, 2026 — PFL Chicago
Defeated for the Championship: Liz Carmouche
Method: Unanimous decision
Leading Contenders: Dakota Ditcheva, Liz Carmouche, Taila Santos and Sabrinna de Sousa
Jena Bishop’s championship victory represents one of the most significant recent developments in the PFL women’s divisions.
An accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and former world-class grappling competitor, Bishop has built her mixed martial arts career around elite submission skills, positional control and tactical discipline.
Her championship opportunity arrived at PFL Chicago on October 16, where she faced former Bellator champion Liz Carmouche.
The matchup carried additional significance because Carmouche had previously defeated Bishop in the 2025 PFL World Tournament final.
In their rematch, Bishop overcame a competitive opening round before establishing control through her superior grappling.
She consistently brought Carmouche to the ground and threatened submissions, including a dangerous rear-naked choke attempt in the third round.
Although Carmouche survived, Bishop maintained enough control throughout the five-round contest to earn a unanimous decision victory.
The result made Bishop the inaugural PFL Women’s Flyweight World Champion.
1. Dakota Ditcheva
Ditcheva is arguably the most exciting potential opponent for Bishop.
The undefeated British fighter has established herself as one of the PFL’s most promising stars through powerful striking, technical precision and impressive finishing ability.
She returned to competition in July 2026 with a unanimous decision victory over Denise Kielholtz.
A championship matchup between Ditcheva and Bishop would present a classic striker-versus-grappler showdown.
Ditcheva would attempt to control the contest with her striking, while Bishop would look to bring the fight to the ground.
2. Liz Carmouche
Carmouche remains one of the division’s most accomplished fighters.
Her championship background and previous victory over Bishop could create interest in a third meeting.
However, she would likely need another significant victory before receiving another championship opportunity.
3. Taila Santos
Santos possesses extensive experience against elite flyweights and has demonstrated strong wrestling, grappling and striking skills.
Her balanced approach makes her a dangerous potential challenger.
4. Sabrinna de Sousa
De Sousa’s impressive victory over Taila Santos at PFL Tampa strengthened her standing in the division.
Her striking ability and continued development could position her for a future championship opportunity.
Bishop’s grappling creates serious problems for any opponent who cannot consistently defend takedowns.
However, the flyweight division features an outstanding collection of experienced champions and emerging prospects.
A potential matchup with Dakota Ditcheva could become one of the promotion’s most anticipated women’s championship fights.
Current Champion: Vadim Nemkov
Championship Won: December 13, 2025 — PFL Lyon
Defeated for the Championship: Renan Ferreira
Method: First-round submission (arm-triangle choke), 4:00
Next Confirmed Challenger: Sergei Bilostenniy — November 14, 2026, PFL Dubai
Other Leading Contenders: Oleg Popov, Denis Goltsov and Alexandr Romanov
Vadim Nemkov has established himself as one of the most technically complete heavyweight fighters in mixed martial arts.
A former Bellator light heavyweight champion and accomplished combat sambo competitor, Nemkov developed his skills under the guidance of legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko.
His transition to heavyweight provided an opportunity to demonstrate his combination of technical striking, wrestling, submissions and championship experience against larger opponents.
At PFL Lyon in December 2025, Nemkov faced dangerous Brazilian knockout artist Renan Ferreira for the heavyweight championship.
Ferreira entered the contest with tremendous punching power and a significant physical presence.
However, Nemkov quickly established control through wrestling and ground positioning.
He eventually secured an arm-triangle choke, forcing Ferreira to submit in the first round.
The victory made Nemkov the inaugural PFL Heavyweight World Champion.
1. Sergei Bilostenniy — Confirmed November 14, 2026
Bilostenniy has earned his championship opportunity through an impressive series of heavyweight performances.
He possesses dangerous striking, submission abilities and experience training within the same broader Team Fedor system as Nemkov.
Their scheduled showdown at PFL Dubai will test whether Nemkov can successfully defend his heavyweight championship against another versatile Russian fighter.
2. Oleg Popov
Popov is among the highest-ranked heavyweight contenders.
His wrestling, conditioning and technical discipline make him an intriguing future challenger.
3. Denis Goltsov
Goltsov brings extensive experience, strong grappling and finishing ability.
A championship opportunity would provide another major test of his career.
4. Alexandr Romanov
Romanov’s physical strength and wrestling-heavy approach could create interesting tactical problems for Nemkov.
Nemkov’s ability to combine striking and submissions makes him exceptionally difficult to defeat.
His November defense against Bilostenniy will help determine whether he can establish a dominant reign in the heavyweight division.
Current Champion: Corey Anderson
Championship Won: October 3, 2025 — PFL Champions Series, Dubai
Defeated for the Championship: Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov
Method: Unanimous decision
Leading Contenders: Antonio Carlos Jr., Luke Trainer, Simeon Powell and Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov
Corey Anderson’s championship success represents the culmination of years competing against elite mixed martial artists.
A former UFC contender and Bellator light heavyweight champion, Anderson has consistently demonstrated outstanding wrestling, physical strength and the ability to control opponents.
At the PFL Champions Series event in Dubai on October 3, 2025, Anderson faced Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov for the light heavyweight championship.
Although Yagshimuradov landed dangerous punches early in the contest, Anderson’s wrestling eventually became the deciding factor.
He repeatedly secured takedowns, maintained control and prevented his opponent from establishing sustained offensive momentum.
After five rounds, Anderson earned a unanimous decision and captured the PFL Light Heavyweight World Championship.
1. Antonio Carlos Jr.
The Brazilian submission specialist possesses outstanding Brazilian jiu-jitsu abilities.
His grappling could create a fascinating matchup against Anderson’s powerful wrestling.
2. Luke Trainer
Trainer has emerged as a dangerous contender through his combination of physical strength and explosive striking.
His knockout victory at PFL Tampa in August strengthened his championship credentials.
3. Simeon Powell
Powell is another developing contender with the athleticism and technical ability to potentially challenge the division’s elite.
4. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov
Yagshimuradov remains among the ranked contenders despite losing his championship opportunity against Anderson.
A rematch would require him to demonstrate improved takedown defense and greater consistency.
Anderson’s wrestling remains one of the division’s most effective weapons.
However, the emergence of dangerous strikers and submission specialists means every championship defense could present a different challenge.
Current Undisputed Champion: Costello van Steenis
Championship Won: July 19, 2025 — PFL Cape Town
Defeated for the Championship: Johnny Eblen
Method: Fifth-round technical submission (rear-naked choke), 4:51
Most Recent Title Defense: Defeated Fabian Edwards by third-round knockout, March 20, 2026
Interim Champion: Johnny Eblen
Leading Contenders: Johnny Eblen, Fabian Edwards, Impa Kasanganay and Bryan Battle
Costello van Steenis produced one of the most dramatic championship victories in recent MMA history.
Facing Johnny Eblen at PFL Cape Town in July 2025, van Steenis entered the contest against an accomplished former Bellator champion known for relentless wrestling and physical strength.
Throughout much of the fight, Eblen appeared to have the advantage.
However, van Steenis continued searching for an opportunity.
With fewer than ten seconds remaining in the fifth round, he secured a rear-naked choke that rendered Eblen unconscious.
The remarkable comeback victory gave van Steenis the PFL Middleweight World Championship.
He followed that performance with an impressive title defense against Fabian Edwards in Madrid on March 20, 2026, stopping Edwards with elbows in the third round.
1. Johnny Eblen — Interim Champion
Eblen is the most significant challenger in the middleweight division.
After losing his championship to van Steenis, he rebounded with important victories.
At PFL Austin on July 18, 2026, Eblen defeated Impa Kasanganay by third-round knockout to capture the interim middleweight championship.
A rematch between van Steenis and Eblen would unify the undisputed and interim championships.
It would also provide Eblen an opportunity to avenge one of the most devastating defeats of his career.
2. Fabian Edwards
Edwards remains an accomplished middleweight despite his unsuccessful championship challenge.
His combination of striking, athleticism and experience could help him work back toward another opportunity.
3. Impa Kasanganay
A former PFL tournament champion, Kasanganay has demonstrated powerful striking and the ability to compete against high-level opposition.
4. Bryan Battle
Battle offers an intriguing combination of size, striking and submission skills.
Additional victories could strengthen his position in the title conversation.
The most important fight available in the middleweight division is a championship unification between van Steenis and Eblen.
Their first contest produced an unforgettable finish.
A second meeting would determine whether van Steenis can repeat his success or whether Eblen can reclaim his position at the top of the division.
Current Champion: Thad Jean
Championship Won: July 25, 2026 — PFL Washington, D.C.
Defeated for the Championship: Ernesto Rodriguez
Method: Third-round TKO (punches), 2:44
Leading Contenders: Shamil Musaev, Magomed Umalatov, Abdoul Abdouraguimov and Patrick Habirora
Thad Jean has become one of the PFL’s most exciting rising stars.
Known by the nickname “The Silverback,” Jean combines physical strength, powerful striking and impressive athleticism.
After winning the 2025 PFL welterweight tournament championship, he continued pursuing the promotion’s newly established divisional world title.
His opportunity arrived at PFL Washington, D.C., in July 2026.
Jean had originally been scheduled to face Shamil Musaev, but complications during Musaev’s weight cut forced a late change.
Ernesto Rodriguez stepped in as the replacement challenger.
Jean capitalized on the opportunity, using his striking and physical pressure to secure a third-round TKO victory.
The win established Jean as the PFL Welterweight World Champion.
1. Shamil Musaev
Musaev remains one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.
His outstanding grappling, technical skills and previous tournament success make him a natural championship candidate.
The cancellation of their originally scheduled meeting creates additional interest in a future fight.
2. Magomed Umalatov
Umalatov possesses powerful striking and extensive PFL experience.
His ability to finish opponents makes him a legitimate threat.
3. Abdoul Abdouraguimov
Abdouraguimov brings exceptional submission skills and creative grappling techniques.
His style could create difficult situations for Jean if the fight reaches the ground.
4. Patrick Habirora
Habirora is one of the promotion’s fastest-rising European prospects.
His aggressive striking and growing popularity make him a potential future championship attraction.
Jean’s physical tools and finishing ability give him considerable championship potential.
However, the welterweight division contains several experienced grapplers and dangerous knockout artists capable of challenging his reign.
A rescheduled meeting with Shamil Musaev would be particularly compelling.
Current Champion: Usman Nurmagomedov
PFL World Championship Won: October 3, 2025 — PFL Champions Series, Dubai
Defeated for the Championship: Paul Hughes
Method: Unanimous decision
Most Recent Title Defense: Defeated Archie Colgan by first-round TKO, July 31, 2026
Leading Contenders: Alexander Shabliy, Gadzhi Rabadanov, Alfie Davis and Paul Hughes
Usman Nurmagomedov has established himself as one of the most talented lightweight fighters competing outside the UFC.
A member of the renowned Nurmagomedov fighting family, Usman combines powerful wrestling, outstanding submissions and increasingly sophisticated striking.
His championship experience began in Bellator, where he established himself as one of the organization’s most dominant fighters.
After transitioning into the PFL title structure, Nurmagomedov faced Irish contender Paul Hughes in a highly anticipated rematch at the October 2025 Champions Series event in Dubai.
The contest followed their competitive first meeting earlier that year.
Nurmagomedov demonstrated tactical discipline, technical striking and strong defensive grappling to earn a unanimous decision victory.
The win officially established him as PFL Lightweight World Champion.
He subsequently defended his championship against Alfie Davis in February 2026.
His latest defense came against previously undefeated Archie Colgan in July.
Nurmagomedov delivered a devastating first-round finish, using a head kick, punches and ground strikes to secure the TKO victory.
1. Alexander Shabliy
Shabliy is currently one of the division’s highest-ranked contenders.
His technical striking, experience and ability to fight effectively at multiple distances make him a compelling future challenger.
2. Gadzhi Rabadanov
Rabadanov previously captured the PFL lightweight tournament championship.
His powerful wrestling and strong overall skill set could produce an extremely competitive matchup with Nurmagomedov.
3. Alfie Davis
Although Nurmagomedov has already defeated Davis, the British fighter remains among the leading ranked lightweights.
Another championship opportunity would require significant momentum.
4. Paul Hughes
Hughes remains one of the division’s most recognizable contenders because of his rivalry with Nurmagomedov.
Although he has lost twice to the champion, his aggressive striking and previous competitive performances could keep him in future title discussions.
Nurmagomedov is arguably the PFL’s strongest pound-for-pound champion.
His ability to blend wrestling, submissions and striking makes him extremely difficult to defeat.
While numerous talented lightweights are pursuing his championship, Nurmagomedov has demonstrated that he possesses the tools to remain at the top for years.
Current Champion: Razhabali Shaydullaev (also known as Razhabali Shaidulloev)
Championship Won: September 10, 2026 — Super RIZIN 5, Osaka, Japan
Defeated for the Championship: A.J. McKee
Method: Unanimous decision (30–27 on all three scorecards)
Leading Contenders: Timur Khizriev, A.J. McKee, Jesus Pinedo and Salamat Isbulaev
Razhabali Shaydullaev has emerged as one of the most impressive international featherweight fighters in MMA.
Already an established RIZIN champion, Shaydullaev entered a historic cross-promotional championship matchup against former Bellator champion A.J. McKee.
The September 2026 contest was particularly significant because both the RIZIN and PFL featherweight championships were at stake.
Competing under RIZIN rules in Osaka, Shaydullaev demonstrated strong wrestling, positional control and effective striking.
Although McKee entered with substantial championship experience, Shaydullaev controlled enough of the contest to earn a unanimous decision victory.
The result established him as a champion in two major MMA promotions simultaneously.
1. Timur Khizriev
Khizriev represents one of the strongest possible challengers.
The undefeated former PFL tournament champion combines relentless wrestling with technical discipline.
His split-decision victory over Gabriel Braga at PFL Chicago in October 2026 reinforced his status as an elite featherweight.
A matchup between Khizriev and Shaydullaev could become a high-level battle between two exceptional grapplers.
2. A.J. McKee
McKee remains one of the promotion’s biggest names.
His striking creativity, submission abilities and extensive championship experience make him a possible rematch opponent.
However, he would need to show improvement after losing their first encounter.
3. Jesus Pinedo
Pinedo has built his reputation through aggressive striking and exciting finishes.
A championship opportunity could provide him with the chance to establish himself against another elite featherweight.
4. Salamat Isbulaev
Isbulaev is another ranked contender whose continued development could eventually lead to a championship opportunity.
Shaydullaev’s international championship success demonstrates the growing relationship between major MMA promotions.
His technical abilities and grappling strength make him an extremely dangerous champion.
However, with contenders such as Timur Khizriev pursuing championship gold, the featherweight division offers several intriguing future possibilities.
Current Champion: Vacant
Championship Status: Inaugural PFL World Bantamweight Championship to be decided
Confirmed Championship Fight: Taylor Lapilus vs. Mitch McKee
Date: December 19, 2026
Event: PFL Lyon
Location: LDLC Arena — Lyon, France
Other Leading Contenders: Renat Khavalov, Sergio Pettis and Lazaro Dayron
Unlike the PFL’s established championship divisions, the men’s bantamweight division has not yet crowned its first divisional world champion under the current title structure.
That will change on December 19, 2026.
The organization has announced that French standout Taylor Lapilus will face undefeated American prospect Mitch McKee for the inaugural championship.
Lapilus brings extensive experience, technical striking and a strong understanding of fight management.
McKee represents a younger generation of fighters, using an outstanding wrestling background and improving striking to overwhelm opponents.
McKee strengthened his position with a victory over former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis in April 2026.
Their meeting in Lyon will determine who becomes the first PFL Bantamweight World Champion.
1. Renat Khavalov
Khavalov is among the division’s highest-ranked contenders and could emerge as an early challenger.
2. Sergio Pettis
The former Bellator champion remains a dangerous and experienced bantamweight.
His technical striking and championship background make him an important figure in the division.
3. Lazaro Dayron
Dayron is another ranked competitor capable of moving into championship contention through continued success.
The December championship fight represents an important moment in PFL history.
Lapilus has the opportunity to capture championship gold in front of his home-country supporters.
McKee has the opportunity to establish himself as an undefeated world champion.
Regardless of the result, the bantamweight division will enter a new phase once its inaugural world champion is crowned.
Several championship developments could shape the immediate future of the organization.
Vadim Nemkov vs. Sergei Bilostenniy — November 14, 2026
The heavyweight championship will be defended in Dubai, with Nemkov looking to extend his reign against a dangerous challenger familiar with his fighting background.
Taylor Lapilus vs. Mitch McKee — December 19, 2026
The first PFL world bantamweight champion will be crowned in France, creating a new championship storyline for the division.
Costello van Steenis vs. Johnny Eblen — Potential Championship Unification
Although no date has been confirmed, this is one of the most logical and compelling future middleweight championship matchups.
Jena Bishop vs. Dakota Ditcheva — Potential Women’s Flyweight Championship
A matchup between Bishop’s elite grappling and Ditcheva’s dynamic striking could become one of the most anticipated fights in women’s MMA.
Razhabali Shaydullaev vs. Timur Khizriev — Potential Featherweight Championship
Two technically accomplished fighters with impressive records could produce an outstanding championship contest.
The PFL’s championship landscape reflects the organization’s continued evolution into a global mixed martial arts competitor.
The women’s divisions feature accomplished veterans and rising stars.
Cris Cyborg continues adding to one of the most remarkable championship careers in combat sports history, while Jena Bishop has established herself as the inaugural women’s flyweight world champion.
Among the men, Vadim Nemkov leads the heavyweight division with elite technical abilities, while Corey Anderson uses his wrestling and experience to control the light heavyweight championship picture.
Costello van Steenis has produced one of the sport’s most memorable comeback victories, but his rivalry with interim champion Johnny Eblen remains unfinished.
Thad Jean represents the next generation of talented welterweights, combining explosive power with significant championship potential.
Usman Nurmagomedov continues developing an extraordinary lightweight résumé and has established himself among the best fighters competing outside the UFC.
Razhabali Shaydullaev has demonstrated the significance of international MMA competition by capturing championship gold in both RIZIN and PFL.
Meanwhile, the vacant bantamweight championship will finally be decided when Taylor Lapilus and Mitch McKee meet in December.
Beyond the individual divisions, the PFL is entering an important organizational transition following its merger with Most Valuable Promotions. The promotion has announced that its events will operate under the MVP name beginning in January 2027.
That change creates additional questions about the future of its championship structure, international partnerships and roster of elite fighters.
However, the central appeal of mixed martial arts remains unchanged.
Every champion must continue proving that they belong at the top.
Every contender enters the cage believing they have the skills to become the next champion.
And every championship fight offers the possibility of an upset, a dramatic finish or the beginning of a new era.
For MMA fans, the PFL’s collection of established legends, undefeated prospects, dangerous finishers and world-class grapplers ensures that its championship picture will remain one of the most compelling stories in professional mixed martial arts.

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