2023 PFL Challenger Series 4 results: Elvin Espinoza earns contract after second-round submisison

The PFL’s Challenger Series returned for the fourth week of 2023, with athletes gunning for a PFL contract that could either serve as a developmental deal or earn them a spot directing into the regular season to compete for its $1 million prize.

2023 PFL Challenger Series 4 took place Friday at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., and aired live on fubo Sports Network. The event featured four lightweight bouts.

The first three bouts of the evening saw Charlie Decca, Anthony Romero and Manoel Sousa win their bouts on the judges’ scorecards. The final bout of the evening saw the lone finish of the night, where Elvin Espinoza tapped Damir Ferhatbegovic in the second round.

The celebrity panel this week consisted of NBA free agent point guard Michael Carter-Williams, along with former UFC champions Vitor Belfort and Tyron Woodley. The panel, along with the fans, chose Espinoza as the lightweight contract winner.

JUDGES VOTE: ELVIN
FAN VOTE: ELVIN

ELVIN ESPINOZA GETS THE WEEK 4 PFL CONTRACT!#PFLonFubo pic.twitter.com/mKNRFhW4CI

— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023

Official results for 2023 PFL Challenger Series 4 include:

• 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)