The first PFL event of the year, this Wednesday (20), features the presence of current champions Antônio Cara de Sapato and Raush Manfio, former champion Natan Schulte, in addition to the debut of Jeremy Stephens in the decagon.
Undefeated for six years and nine fights, Bruce Souto is the first Brazilian in action this season. Signed through the Challenger Series, the Minas Gerais native faces ex-UFC Rob Wilkinson.
Defeated by Cara de Sapato in last year's final, Norwegian Marthin Hamlet faces Teodoras Aukstuolis in the opening of the new season.
Two-time lightweight champion in 2018 and 2019, Natan Schulte begins his journey to his third title in the first event of the season.
Natan's opponent will be Olivier Aubin-Mercier. After five years fighting in the UFC, the Canadian is undefeated in the PFL with two victories in 2021.
Antônio Cara de Sapato is also a confirmed presence in PFL 1. Current light heavyweight champion, the Brazilian is looking to defend his title in the new season.
Cara de Sapato's first challenge will be against compatriot Delan Monte. Owner of a record of eight wins and just one defeat, the Curitiba native makes his debut at the event.
Another Brazilian looking to defend the title in the new season is Raush Manfio. Current lightweight champion, the gaucho won the four fights he had last year.
Manfio's opponent will be South African Don Madge, who debuted in the organization on the same night that the Brazilian became champion and has been undefeated since 2015.
The main fight of PFL 1 marks Jeremy Stephens' debut in the organization. The veteran worked in the UFC between 2007 and 2021, but left the organization after six fights without winning.
Stephens' opponent will be fellow former UFC fighter Clay Collard, who returns to the decagon after being defeated by Raush Manfio in the semifinals in 2021.