The fifth week of the PFL’s Challenger Series featured the women’s flyweight division, with Desiree Yanez awarded a PFL contract after producing the standout performance of the night at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
Fighting in the second bout of the night, Yanez defeated Brazil’s Maira Mazar after three action-packed rounds to claim a unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 30-27, 29-28, with the manner of her performance earning her the vote of the celebrity panel of former UFC fighters Paige VanZant and Megan Anderson, as well as NFL quarterback Sam Darnold. The fans also agreed with the panel, and also voted for Yanez to earn the PFL contract.
The main event bout saw Kaytlin “Katniss: Neil defeat Katherine “The Animal” Corogenes via unanimous decision to extend her win streak to three, while Shanna Young improved her career record to 9-5 with a unanimous decision victory over Sandra Lavado.
The opening bout of the night was the only one to produce a finish, as Lisa Mauldin defeated former BKFC champion Helen Peralta via third-round TKO.
“The PFL Challenger Series resumed action tonight with eight women seeking an opportunity to earn a contract with the PFL,” said the PFL’s president of fighter operations, Ray Sefo.
“It’s our honor to welcome Desiree Yanez to the PFL and the beginning for her $1 million journey.”
Yanez joins fellow PFL Challenger Series contract winners Elvin Espinosa (lightweight), Abraham Bably (heavyweight), Amanda Leve (women’s featherweight) and Thad Jean (welterweight) as new arrivals on the PFL roster.
PFL Challenger Series: Week 5 results
- Kaytlin Neil def. Katherine Corogenes via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Shanna Young def. Sandra Lavado via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Desiree Yanez def. Maira Mazar via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
- Lisa Mauldin def. Helen Peralta via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 3:51