PFL Challenger Series lightweight lineup set for March 18
The lineup is set for another PFL Challenger Series event. Lightweights will be up in March.
On March 18, 155-pounders will have a shot at a PFL contract. As MMA Junkie previously reported, the eight-week series of prospects-based events all air on Fubo Sports Network from Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. The first event takes place on Feb. 18.
“We could not be more excited about the lightweight talent entering the inaugural PFL Challenger Series,” PFL president Ray Sefo stated. “When the lightweights square off with a potential PFL roster spot up for grabs on March 18, MMA fans are guaranteed action and excitement.”
In the headlining bout, Brazil’s Bruno Miranda (13-3) takes on Carson Frei (9-4). Miranda has a four-fight winning streak. Frei has won three of his past four fights.
Damir Ferhatbegovic (5-2-1) is the Valor FC lightweight champion. His opponent, BJ Bland (16-10), trains at City Kickboxing in New Zealand with fighters including UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya and UFC featherweieght titleholder Alexander Volkanovski.
Michael Dufort (8-4), a training partner of the PFL’s Olivier Aubin-Mercier, has all eight of his wins by stoppage. He fights Arut Pogosian (9-3), who trains at Elevation Fight Team in Colorado. Pogosian has a three-fight winning streak, including two first-round knockouts.
Israel’s Yanal Ashmoz (6-0) meets Dennis Hughes (7-3) in the fourth matchup. Ashmoz is unbeaten with five straight finishes, including four by knockout. Hughes has won three straight and has finishes in six of his seven wins.
The complete lineup for the March 18 lightweight card includes:
- Carson Frei vs. Bruno Miranda
- BJ Bland vs. Damir Ferhatbegovic
- Michael Dufort vs. Arut Pogosian
- Yanal Ashmoz vs. Dennis Hughes
