The return of the PFL Challenger Series in 2023 will feature the women’s featherweight division.
Eight athletes will compete for an opportunity at PFL glory. The series begins in January on Fubo Sports Network.
PFL Challenger Series fight card
The main event of the 2023 PFL Challenger Series women’s featherweight card will see Amanda Leve, a world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and IBJJF World Champion, with a 1-0 professional record, look to earn a PFL contract when she steps into the PFL SmartCage against Naranjargal Tsend-Ayush.
Tsend-Ayush is an undefeated mixed martial artist who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics in judo. She will become the first Mongolian fighter to compete on the PFL’s world stage.
“As the PFL continues its growth we are excited to unveil our Women’s Featherweight division,” said PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo. “Through the Challenger Series, the PFL will give eight of the best female Featherweights an opportunity to showcase their talent with the chance to earn a PFL contract.”
Jeslen “Wrecking Ball” Mishelle, a grappling specialist with two PFL Challenger Series victories, looks to land the PFL contract which has eluded her, when she faces Evelyn “Spartan” Martins. Martins is a 21-year-old phenom fighting out of the world famous American Top Team gym in Coconut Creek, FL.
Karolina Sobek is a perfect 4-0 in the cage and boasts a submission victory over PFL semifinalist Martina Jindrova. Sobek faces high level Judoka Senna van de Veerdonk. Van de Veerdonk has won three professional MMA fights via armbar submission and has vast training in kickboxing to go along with her judo accolades.
Michelle “The Wild One” Montague returns to the PFL Challenger Series after posting a first-round submission win in 2022. Montague was a member of New Zealand’s National Wrestling Team and is one of the most highly regarded prospects in MMA. Her opponent, Shaquita “Queen Onyx Pire” Amador Woods, owns one amateur MMA win, which came by way of knockout seven seconds into her bout.