The 2022 PFL regular season will kick off on April 20 at the Esports Arena Arlington in Texas, featuring the lightweight and light heavyweight divisions.
Last year’s lightweight champion, Raush Manfio (15-3), will headline the event against Don “Magic Man” Madge (10-3-1), of South Africa. In the co-main event, former UFC champion Anthony Pettis (24-12) will meet PFL newcomer Myles Price (11-7).
The marquee light heavyweight matchup will feature 2021 champion Antonio Carlos Jr. (13-5) against Delon Monte (8-1).
“The PFL has put together an action-packed card to kick off the 2022 regular season,” PFL president of fighter operations Ray Sefo said. “I’m excited for fight fans around the world to watch the elite talent in our lightweight and light heavyweight divisions on April 20, live in prime-time ESPN.”
PFL follows a season and playoff format, which is unique in MMA. This year’s weight classes include heavyweight, light heavyweight, welterweight, men’s lightweight, women’s lightweight and featherweight. The promotion has announced six regular-season events, located in Arlington and Atlanta.
Regular-season contests award points to athletes based on outcome. The top four earners will advance to the playoffs. Champions will earn a $1 million prize.
Pettis, 35, was one of the league’s top free-agent signings in 2021. He stumbled in his first year under the PFL banner, however, losing back-to-back contests to Clay Collard and Manfio.
Entering the 2022 season, PFL extended its broadcast partnership with ESPN in the United States. Events air on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Other matchups on the April 20 event in Arlington include:
Raush Manfio vs. Don Madge, lightweight
Anthony Pettis vs. Myles Price, lightweight
Antonio Carlos Jr. vs. Delan Monte, light heavyweight
Clay Collard vs. Jeremy Stephens, lightweight
Emiliano Sordi vs. Joshua Silveira, light heavyweight
Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. TBA, lightweight
Marthin Hamlet vs. Teodoras Aukstuolis, light heavyweight
Omari Akhmedov vs. Viktor Pesta, light heavyweight
Robert Wilkinson vs. Bruce Souto, light heavyweight
Alexander Martinez vs. Stevie Ray, lightweight