Two months removed from crowning its latest set of divisional champions, the Professional Fighters League on Friday returns to the mixed martial arts stage with the second season of its PFL Challenger Series at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. There, eight prospective competitors will seek potential spots on the Professional Fighters League roster in 2023 and beyond.
Here are three reasons to watch Week 1 of the PFL Challenger Series:
1. A Potential ‘Hulk’ Smash
Multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Lucas Barbosa, 30, will step into the cage for the first time in more than a decade when he meets Itso Babulaidze in the featured welterweight slot.