Week four of the PFL Challenger Series saw the men’s lightweight division go under the spotlight, with Nicaragua’s Elvin Espinoza producing the outstanding performance of the event to earn a contract to compete in the PFL’s 155-pound class.
Espinoza competed in the main event of the evening against Damir Ferhatbegovic, and needed less than a round and a half to find a route to victory as he snatched a rear-naked choke to submit “The Bosnian Barn Cat” and claim the only finish of the night at Universal Studios in Orlando.
The co-main event saw Manoel Sousa battle to the scorecards with Paulo Henrique, with the judges split on the identity of the winner. The cards read 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 in Sousa’s favor, with the undefeated 25-year-old claiming bragging rights in the all-Brazilian clash.
Things were much more clear-cut in the first two matchups of the night, with Canada’s Anthony Romero dominating Australia’s Tony Caruso to earn scores of 30-26 from all three judges, while Charlie Decca improved his record to 4-1 with a shutout victory on the cards against Jose Aguayo. All three judges saw it 30-27.
“Tonight the PFL Challenger Series continued to showcase some of the most talented fighters from around the world, each looking to earn a life changing PFL contract,” said PFL president of fighter operations Ray Sefo.
“After four hard-fought contests, we’re pleased to welcome Elvin Espinoza to the PFL after his outstanding performance.”
PFL Challenger Series: Week 4 results
- Elvin Espinoza def. Damir Ferhatbegovic via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:53
- Manoel Sousa vs. Paulo Henrique via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Anthony Romero def. Tony Caruso via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
- Charlie Decca def. Jose Aguayo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
