BELFAST (10 MAY) – PFL Europe Belfast has come to a close at The SSE Arena following an evening of incredible action, with shining stars and standout performances set to put the continent, and world, on notice.
The Belfast crowd erupted as Paul “Big News” Hughes (14-2) made his way into the SmartCage, and delivered on his promise of dismantling the marauding Brazilian Bruno “Robusto” Miranda (17-6). Following a special entrance courtesy of Irish music icon Foy Vance, Hughes carried the country on his back and made easy work of the Brazilian, needing only 42 seconds to catch the kick and counter into a perfectly placed left hook that sent him to the canvas and erupting the hometown crowd.
In the co-main event, 2024 PFL Europe Bantamweight Champion, Lewis “The McGrizzla” McGrillen (12-1) showed once again why he’s the biggest prospect in the division, adding his first submission stoppage to his incredible list of finishes as he defeated Alan “Super Ali” Philpott (21-17-0, 1 NC) after he sunk in a picture-perfect rear naked choke. McGrillen’s ferocity proved too much, beginning the fight with heavy strikes, eventually slamming Philpott in the middle of the SmartCage to start a series of scrambles that eventually lead to the incredible finish.
The first 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament bouts of the year kicked off in Belfast, with four fighters punching their ticket to the Semifinals: Connor Hughes, Gino Van Steenis, Alex Chizov and Claudio Pacella.
Connor Hughes (11-2) showcased his trademark power to overcome Sebastian Di Franco (10-4) in a hotly contested battle, putting the 2024 PFL Europe Lightweight finalist in pole position for the 2025 Tournament. The Liverpudlian knocked out his opponent in the second round with a one clean right hand at 2:36.
In the PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament, Spain’s Gino “The Ghost Assassin” Van Steenis (6-1) showed he was too much for Decky McAleenan (9-6-1) at The SSE Arena, and advances through to the next round. After a right hand dropped him in the second round, Van Steenis was able to edge out a 29-28×3 unanimous decision win. Gino Van Steenis will face Connor Hughes in the Lightweight Semifinal of the 2025 PFL Europe Tournament.
In a Catchweight Showcase Bout, Haider “Darth” Khan (10-1) continued his impressive start at PFL as he defeated Sean McCormac (3-3) in hard-fought unanimous decision, making this his sixth straight win.
Latvia’s Alex “Pretty Boy” Chizov (11-3) denied the oddsmakers as he defeated Mark Ewen (6-2) to advance in the 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament against Claudio Pacella. Chizov made quick work of Ewen, with a barrage of left hands sending him to the canvas at 1:33 of the very first round.
Italy’s Claudio Pacella (6-2) also secured his place in the Semifinal of the 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight tournament, turning in a huge performance to prove his grit and toughness to defeat Liverpool’s Gavin “Big Tasty” Hughes (11-5). After an electrifying three rounds of heavy striking, Pacella was able to secure an unanimous decision win. Claudio Pacella will face Alex Chizov in the Lightweight Semifinal of the 2025 PFL Europe Tournament.
Eoin Sheridan (3-0) came out victorious in a Welterweight Showcase Bout against Malichi “Di General” Edwards (4-2) with a KO in the first round. Sheridan connected early, dropping Edwards who was able to scramble back up, only to get dropped again at 1:53 where the referee stepped in.
Gemma Auld (2-0) has now shown the world twice that you can be a full time teacher and a professional MMA fighter, as she beats “The Ghetto Cinderella” Sammy-Jo Luxton (2-1) in a fiercely competitive Women’s Flyweight Showcase Bout. After some ferocious ground-n-pound, Auld was able to sink in the rear naked choke at 2:42 in the second round.
And finally, after three hard rounds of heavy striking and slicing elbows, Corey McLaughlin (1-1) secured his first pro win and set off team Fight Academy Ireland to a victorious start as he defeated Nahom “Blessed” Wedi (0-1) by unanimous decision.
PFL Europe Belfast – RESULTS
Lightweight Main Event Showcase Bout:
Paul Hughes (14-2) def. Bruno Miranda (17-6) by first round TKO at (0.42)
Bantamweight Co-Main Event Showcase Bout:
Lewis McGrillen (12-1) def. Alan Philpott (21-17-0, 1 NC) by second round submission (RNC) at 3:17
PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament Bout:
Connor Hughes (11-2) def. Sebastian Di Franco (10-4) by second round KO (2:46)
PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament Bout:
Gino Van Steenis (6-1) def. Decky McAleenan (9-6-1) via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
PFL Europe Catchweight Showcase Bout:
Haider Khan (10-1) def. Sean McCormac (3-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28×2)
PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament Bout:
Alex Chizov (11-3) def. Mark Ewen (6-2) by first round TKO at (1:33)
PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament Bout:
Claudio Pacella (6-2) vs. Gavin Hughes (11-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28×2)
PFL Europe Welterweight Showcase Bout:
Eoin Sheridan (3-0) def. Malichi Edwards (4-2) by first round KO at 1:53
PFL Europe Women’s Flyweight Showcase Bout:
Gemma Auld (2-0) def. Sammy-Jo Luxton (2-1) by second round submission (RNC) at 2:42
PFL Europe Featherweight Showcase Bout:
Corey McLaughlin (1-1) def. Nahom Wedi (0-1) by unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28)
