PFL Adds Female Flyweights To Upcoming Challenger Series

The PFL has added the female flyweight division to the 2023 PFL Challenger Series.

Fights begin January 27 and stream live on Fubo Sports Network from the backlot of Universal Studios in Florida.

The main event of the card will feature Chelsea Hackett and Desiree Yanez for a matchup inside the PFL SmartCage. Hackett, a kickboxing prospect out of Australia, is a WMC and WBC Muay Thai champion and recently transitioned to MMA ahead of the pandemic.

The 22-year-old will take on Texas native Desiree Yanez. The 32-year-old Yanez is the current Peak Fighting champion, with four wins by finish including three knockouts and one submission.

“As we approach the kickoff to the 2023 PFL Challenger Series, we are excited to introduce our new Women’s Flyweight division as a part of this year’s eight-week competition being held live from the backlot of Universal Studios Florida,” said PFL President of Fighter Operations, Ray Sefo.

The co-main event of the fifth week of the 2023 PFL Challenger Series will see American Kaytlin Neil square up with Griet Eeckhout, a Belgian fighter who is set to become the second fighter from Belgium to fight under the PFL banner.

Further action on the card will see Shanna Young, an American who fights out of Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, battle Sandra Lavado, the “Peruvian Zombie,” along with Helen Peralta, an American who fights out of Iowa, will clash with fellow American, Lisa Mauldin, who trains at Team Oyama with Carla Esparza, Alex Perez and Louis Smolka.

PFL Challenger Series winners will be determined by a judging panel comprised of combat sports champions and celebrity guests. The PFL is at the forefront of innovation, recently reaching an agreement with Jake Paul, who will compete in, recruit for, and promote the league’s PPV Super Fight division.