- George Chung
- Dec 15, 2024
- 3 min read
The PFL Europe Championship Lyon concluded at the LDLC Arena, marking a landmark night for European MMA. It showcased top talents and emerging fighters from France, alongside the elite and newly crowned 2024 PFL European Champions.
The Lyon audience electrified the LDLC Arena with an enthusiastic welcome for its inaugural major MMA main event, as France's own Abdoul "Lazy King" Abdouraguimov (19-1) delighted the locals with a unanimous decision win over Argentina's Laureano "Pepi" Staropoli (13-7), demonstrating his signature grappling prowess.
The eagerly awaited co-main event featured the Belgian star maintaining his undefeated streak as Patrick "The Belgian Bomber" Habirora (5-0) knocked out Swiss PFL newcomer Catalin Safta (5-3) with a spectacular single punch, leaving his opponent unconscious on the mat as he leaped from the SmartCage to celebrate with the crowd.
The 2024 PFL Europe Bantamweight title was claimed by Lewis "The McGrizzla" McGrillen (11-1), who concluded his year triumphantly by winning the PFL Europe Bantamweight Championship, defeating Alexander "Schlingel" Luster (9-2) in the second round via TKO, once again proving his left hand to be one of MMA's most formidable weapons.
The 2024 PFL Europe Men's Lightweight Season wrapped up in Lyon, with Jakub "The Auditor" Kaszuba (14-0) becoming the first athlete to achieve consecutive victories in PFL European history by defeating Connor Hughes (10-2). The Pole overcame early challenges from the Liverpudlian's power, but his experience and determination enabled him to capitalize on top position, exemplifying why elbows were legalized in PFL, finishing the fight in the fourth round via TKO.
The 2024 PFL Europe Men's Welterweight season concluded as Florim Zendeli (10-1-1) delivered a remarkable performance by submitting Daniele "The Cyborg" Miceli (13-6, 0, 1 NC) in the first round to become the champion, once again demonstrating his formidable prowess, having won nine of his ten victories by finish.
The evening's ceremonial crownings began with the Women's Flyweights, as Paulina Wiśniewska (5-0) extended her unbeaten record and captured the 2024 PFL Europe Women's Flyweight Championship by defeating Valentina Scatizzi (3-4) in a stunning fashion, dropping the Italian in the first round with powerful ground strikes that prompted the referee to stop the fight.
Finally, Cédric "The Best" Doumbé awarded three PFL contracts to Salvo Giudice (12-9), Mahio Campanella (7-1), and Mathys Duragrin (4-0) after their stellar performances at the PFL Europe Championship Lyon, proving to be the most promising prospects emerging from French MMA.
PFL Europe Championship Lyon - RESULTS
Welterweight Showcase Bout:
Abdoul Abdouraguimov (19-1) def. Laureano Staropoli (13-7) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
165lb Catchweight Showcase Bout:
Patrick Habirora (5-0) def. Catalin Safta (5-3) by 3rd round KO (2:16)
Heavyweight Showcase Bout:
Mickaël Groguhe (6-2) def. Lamine Sene (5-8) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
PFL Europe Bantamweight Championship Bout:
Lewis McGrillen (11-1) def. Alexander Luster (9-2) by 2nd round TKO (3:52)
PFL Europe Lightweight Championship Bout:
Jakub Kaszuba (14-0) def. Connor Hughes (10-2) by 4th round TKO (4:07)
Featherweight Doumbé Decides Bout:
Mathys Duragrin(4-0) def. Yassin Chtatou (2-5-1) by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 20-25)
Bantamweight Doumbé Decides Bout:
Mahio Campanella (7-1) def. Ezzoubair Bouarsa (7-4) by 1st round submission (Arm Triangle Choke, 4:45)
177lb Catchweight Doumbé Decides Bout:
Salvo Giudice (12-9) def. Atilla Kobas (2-2) by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-25)
PFL Europe Welterweight Championship Bout:
Florim Zendeli (10-1-1) def. Daniele Miceli (13-6,0, 1 NC) by 1st round submission (Rear-Naked Choke, 4:24)
PFL Europe Women’s Flyweight Championship Bout:
Paulina Wiśniewska (5-0) def. Valentina Scatizzi (3-4) by 1st round TKO (0:20)
Weltweight Showcase Bout:
Eoin Sheridan (2-0) def. Brice Belghazi (1-1) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lightweight Showcase Bout:
Claudio Pacella (5-2) def. Oscar Ownsworth (8-4-1) by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
