Lucas 'Hulk' was surpassed in the 'Challenger Series' and loses his chance to enter the PFL season. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
It didn't work for Lucas 'Hulk' Barbosa. Two-time jiu-jitsu world champion, the Brazilian entered the PFL's circular cage to participate in the 'Challenger Series', looking for a chance in the 2023 regular season, but was unable to take advantage of the chance. After a strong start, he got tired and ended up being defeated by Itso Babulaidze in a unanimous decision by the judges (29-28, 30-27, 29-28). The event was held this Friday (27), in Orlando (USA).
In the first edition of the 'Challenger Series', eight athletes competed for places in the welterweight division (up to 77kg). Hulk, who was outscored on points, did not get a contract. His opponent, Babulaidze, also didn't do enough to convince the celebrity jury and fan vote, which benefited Thad Jean.
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With the result, Lucas Hulk had a 'balanced' record, with two wins and two defeats in his career. The fighter, who in jiu-jitsu has already beaten names like Gilbert Durinho and Leandro Lo, has not yet achieved the same success in mixed martial arts.
Lucas Hulk starts well, but gets tired and loses to Itso Babulaidze
Barbosa had the first initiative and 'glued' Babulaidze to the fence, looking for a takedown. The Georgian, however, managed to make the save and the fight returned to striking, in the center of the cage. Smaller, the Brazilian had difficulty finding distance, but hit his opponent with good overhands and knees in the clinch. He then took advantage of an opponent's kick to grab his leg and put him on the ground. From the guard, Hulk was unable to develop his game and remained in position until the end of the round.
If it works, Lucas tries to repeat it. The Brazilian chose not to change and, in the opening seconds, looked for a takedown. He tried hard, but saw Babulaidze defend himself and take advantage of his apparent fatigue to mark his face with good punches from long distance. Taking risks, he returned to his initial plan and went after the Georgian's legs in search of a new takedown, but was again frustrated. His rival, standing, decided to work on kicks to his left leg and good striking combinations.
Visibly exhausted, Lucas Hulk tried to change and took advantage of his opponent's fall to attack the legs, right from below. With technique, he tried to open up space, but he didn't adjust his position and ended up being defeated by the judges' unanimous decision.
Thad Jean shows skill, runs over Eric Alequin and leaves with contract for the PFL regular season
Thad Jean defeated Eric Alequin via unanimous decision by the judges. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
The weight of debuting in the PFL and fighting for a contract in the regular season was not scary Thad Jean. The Haitian, who took part in the co-main fight, showed skill in striking and used kicks and punches at close range to hurt – and beat – Eric Alequin. The fight was decided by points and, at the end of the show, the fighter received the contract for competition in the organization's regular welterweight (up to 77kg) season.
Jean remains undefeated in five fights in his career. The Haitian had the support of family and friends, who supported him in the arena. Alerquin, on the other hand, loses his unbeaten record and has seven positive results and one negative result.
Cast at the last minute, Kendly St. Louis does well and submits Nick Alley
Last-minute roster, Kendly St. Louis beats Nick Alley. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
Cast at the last minute, Kendly St. Louis took advantage of his chance in the 'Challenger Series'. The fighter, who opened the card, overcame fatigue and finished Nick Alley with a submission in the second round. The duel was decided by a rear naked choke, after the North American moved to mount and transitioned to his back.
St. Louis achieved its fifth consecutive victory in its career and, after an irregular start, has a record of eight positive results and four negative results. Alley, on the other hand, has seven triumphs and six setbacks.
Zach Juusola sets the pace of the game, dominates Josef Wittner and wins on points
Zach Juusola beat Jozef Wittner in points in the PFL Challenger Series. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
In the second fight of the night, it was Zach Juusola. Based on grappling, the fighter set his pace, worked well on takedowns and hurt Jozef Wittner with punches from above. He emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
With spells at BKFC, Eagle FC and LFA, Juusola 'broke the bank', as he won despite replacing Brazilian Quemuel Ottoni, already in the week of the card. In his career, the North American has 13 positive results and nine negative results.
A Slovakian promise in MMA, Wittner did not have a good performance in his first appearance in the PFL. The fighter now has 16 triumphs and three setbacks in his professional career, which began in 2012.
PFL Challenger Series 2023 fight list
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Itso Babulaidze defeated Lucas 'Hulk' Barbosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Thad Jean defeated Eric Alequin via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Zach Juusola defeated Jozef Wittner via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Kendly St. Louis defeated Nick Alley by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:17. from R2
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