First it was The Ultimate Fighter. Now, the PFL Challenger Series is giving fighters a fighting chance.
The UFC changed the course of mixed martial arts history when they debuted The Ultimate Fighter series. Stars such as Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Stephan Bonnar and Michael Bisping came through the reality series.
While finding the top fighters was the key, the show also gave viewers a chance to see the “real life” of being in MMA. All the trials and tribulations, the ups and the downs; we were there to watch it.
The PFL Challenger Series is now taking note of that. While not going as in-depth with the pre-fight build and what happens when you lock several alpha males in a house together, the series is presenting us with the next generation.
Last week, the Challenger Series made its debut on Fubo Sports Network. In the main event, Josh Silveira earned a submission win over Mohamed Juma.
However, it was Bruce Souto that real winner, as his flying knee finish of Travis Davis impressed the likes of Ray Lewis. Souto was awarded a future contract with the PFL.
That gives him the opportunity to potentially compete for $1 million in the light heavyweight regular season tournament. The PFL regular season begins in April.
First, though, we will get to see eight more prospects take to the cage from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida this evening. Jarrah Al Silawi meets Michael Lilly at a catchweight of 177 pounds.
Dilano Taylor and Mark Martin, along with Carlos Leal and Korey Kuppe, battle in the welterweight division. The card kicks off with Chris Mixan and Nathan Pierce, also at a catchweight.
Female lightweights are on the agenda for March 4 with featherweights – highlighted by Pitbull prospect Reinaldo Ekson – in action. Heavyweights will conclude things in late March.
So while we await the return of Rory MacDonald, Ray Cooper III, Kayla Harrison and others, make sure to check out the next generation through the PFL Challenger Series.