PFL Champions Series 4: Nemkov vs. Ferreira to Headline in France

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to host "PFL Champions Series 4: Nemkov vs. Ferreira" on December 13, 2025, at the LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, France. This event marks PFL's second visit to the Lyon area, following their previous event in December 2024.

The main event features former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov (19-2) facing 2023 PFL Heavyweight Tournament winner Renan Ferreira (13-4) for the inaugural PFL Heavyweight World Championship. Nemkov, transitioning to heavyweight, has secured recent victories over Timothy Johnson and Bruno Cappelozza. Ferreira, known for his striking prowess, aims to add another title to his resume.

In the co-main event, MMA veteran Cris Cyborg (28-2) will compete against undefeated Australian fighter Sara Collins (6-0) for the inaugural PFL Women's Featherweight World Championship. Cyborg, a former champion in multiple organizations, returns to MMA after a series of boxing matches in 2025. Collins, a former judoka, seeks to make a significant impact in her PFL debut.

The event will also conclude the 2025 PFL Europe Tournament with finals in the lightweight and bantamweight divisions. Connor Hughes (12-2) faces Aleksandr Chizov (12-3) in the lightweight final, while Dean Garnett (14-3-1) takes on Baris Adiguzel (9-1) in the bantamweight final.

PFL CEO John Martin expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, "French MMA fans have been tremendous supporters of the PFL, and we are proud to deliver a card worthy of their passion and loyalty." (pflmma.com)

The main card is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM ET (8:00 AM PT) and will be available in the United States exclusively on the ESPN App for subscribers with the ESPN Unlimited plan. (pflmma.com) In France, Belgium, the UK, and Ireland, the event will be streamed on DAZN.

PFL's expansion into Europe is evident with this event, highlighting the organization's commitment to growing MMA's presence in the region. The partnership with Dada Drinks for events in Nantes and Lyon underscores this strategy. Dada Drinks CEO Mohamed Ghobni remarked, "PFL has created some of the most iconic moments in French MMA, and we can’t wait to be a part of it." (businesswire.com)

The growth of MMA in France has been notable since its legalization in 2020. Events have attracted significant audiences, and television broadcasts have expanded. However, challenges remain in securing sponsorships due to the sport's perceived violent image. Initiatives like "MMA Academy" on M6 aim to mainstream the sport and broaden its appeal. (lemonde.fr)

As PFL Champions Series 4 approaches, the event stands as a testament to MMA's rising prominence in France and PFL's dedication to delivering high-caliber competitions to a global audience.