PFL Sets Stage For Championship Finale, Reveals New Addition

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) will put a cap on 2021 and launch into 2022 with the upcoming championship finals.

The promotion held a special press conference on Wednesday, revealing the signing of female fighter Julia Budd.

Budd will make her debut on October 27 at the finals and prepare for the 2022 regular season. 

Unbeaten superstar Kayla Harrison will take the main event role for the finals live on ESPN2 as she faces Taylor Guardado. The two will compete for the women’s lightweight title and $1 million.

Five other league championships will be up for grabs including Ray Cooper III vs. Magomed Magomedkerimov. Both Cooper and Magomedkerimov are former champions and will compete in the co-main event.

“The PFL World Championship on Wednesday, October 27 will showcase the determination and resilience our world class fighters have showcased throughout the season in their quest to become a PFL World Champion,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “After what’s already been an incredibly successful season, I cannot wait to crown this year’s six champions.”

Claressa Shields, also on hand for the press conference with the 12 finalists, will face Abigail Montes in a featured attraction. 

The PFL also announced that Wiz Khalifa will perform during the championship event. Plans will be revealed in the coming weeks and months for more events, more talent signings and more original programming in the next year. 

PFL Championships

MAIN CARD (ESPN2, ESPN+/8 p.m. ET)

Women’s Lightweight Final: Kayla Harrison vs. Taylor Guardado

Welterweight Final: Ray Cooper III vs. Magomed Magomedkerimov

Claressa Shields vs. Abigail Montes

Heavyweight Final: Bruno Cappelozza vs. Ante Delija

Featherweight Final: Chris Wade vs. Movlid Khaybulaev

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+/4:30 p.m. ET)

Light Heavyweight Final: Antonio Carlos Junior vs. Marthin Hamlet

Lightweight Final: Loik Radzhabov vs. Raush Manfio

Omari Akhmedov vs. Jordan Young

Don Madge vs. Nate Williams