The Professional Fighters League Challenger Series returned to action at Universal Studios where the Women’s Lightweight card delivered an exciting night of fights and a hard-earned PFL contract.
At the conclusion of the four-fight card, the all-star panel of judges Tyron Woodley, Vitor Belfort and Jarvis Landry gave the nod to Martina Jindrova while the fans cast their vote for Jeslen Mishelle.
PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo broke the tie casting the deciding vote in favor of Jindrova, awarding her the PFL contract. She became the fourth PFL Challenger Series fighter to earn her shot in the league, joining Week 2 Welterweight fighters Jarrah Al-Silawi and Chris Mixan, as well as Week 1 Light Heavyweight winner Bruce Souto.
In the evening’s main event, Jindrova’s matchup with Jacqueline Cavalcanti lived up to the pre-fight hype and went the three-round distance. The judges awarded Jindrova the victory in a narrow split decision. Jindrova now looks forward to the PFL Regular Season with a contract in the highly competitive Women’s Lightweight division.
Mishelle squared off against Julia Dorny and swiftly finished her via 1st round TKO. Mishelle, who previously won three separate amateur MMA titles, made a solid impression in her professional debut.
In the co-main event, Jackie Cataline faced off with Camee Adams. Cataline continued the trend of dramatic finishes, ending the contest with a 1st round submission. “The Hybrid” is a two-time U.S. Open Wrestling Champion and began her MMA career with a commanding performance.
Kicking off the women’s lightweight card, former IMMAF lightweight world champion Michelle Montague wasted no time in her professional debut against Olivia Parker, coming away victorious by way of 1st round submission. The Kiwi entered the contest with an amateur record of 11-2 and continued her winning ways with a rear-naked choke to end the bout.
“Tonight the Professional Fighters League returned with Women’s Lightweight action in the third week of this unprecedented competition,” said Peter Murray, PFL CEO.
“These elite athletes brought intensity and determination to the SmartCage this evening knowing that a life-changing PFL contract hung in the balance. Martina, welcome to the PFL.”
“The PFL Challenger Series continues to showcase what MMA and the PFL are about,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL.
“The competitors put on thrilling performances that all MMA fans can appreciate. Congratulations to Martina, you have earned your contract.”
The PFL Challenger Series action returns to Universal Studios next Friday night, March 11, with the Featherweight division matchups. Reinaldo Ekson will make his highly anticipated PFL debut as he headlines the card against Mike Barnett.
PFL Challenger Series 3: Official Results
- Martina Jindrova def. Jacqueline Cavalcanti via split decision (29-28. 28-29, 29-28)
- Jackie Cataline def. Camee Adams via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:41
- Jeslen Mishelle def. Julia Dorny via TKO (punches) – Round 1 3:51
- Michelle Montague def. Olivia Parker via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:57
Via Professional Fighters League press release