The PFL is making historical past by turning into the primary main world MMA group to stage an occasion in Spain. On March 20 on the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid, two fights will seize consideration on the cardboard, with one providing a Spanish warrior a homecoming stage and the opposite positioning a heavyweight champion to defend his newly gained throne.
PFL Madrid Bulletins
Spain’s Acoidan “El Pei” Duque will struggle Russia’s Alexandr “Peresvet” Shabliy in a light-weight contest. Duque holds a file of 22-5 and enters the bout using momentum from victories in 5 of his final six fights. The Spanish fighter is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has made submission finishes a trademark of his profession, changing practically half of his wins by way of the grappling arts. With over 16 years competing on the skilled stage, Duque has fought throughout a number of MMA organizations worldwide and carries the Spanish flag with seen delight wherever he competes, persistently bringing motion to the cage.
Throughout from Duque might be Shabliy, who carries a 24-4 file and operates as a well-rounded technician. The Russian has compiled wins by way of various strategies, together with 12 knockouts and seven submissions throughout his profession. Shabliy’s newest outing noticed him problem PFL Light-weight World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov in September 2024, the place he fell quick by way of unanimous choice. Prior notable victories embrace wins over Alfie Davis and Patricky Pitbull, positioning him as a harmful striker looking for redemption in Madrid.
Within the heavyweight division, the cardboard includes a rematch between Denis “The Russian Bogatyr” Goltsov and England’s Linton “The Large Swarm” Vassell. Goltsov now carries the 2024 PFL Heavyweight Championship title after a shocking submission victory over Oleg Popov in November. The Russian entered the championship bout because the underdog however expertly trapped Popov in a triangle choke from the underside place at 2:55 of the opening spherical, snapping a 17-fight profitable streak and securing the title and a million {dollars}.
Goltsov’s path to that championship included consecutive wins over Linton Vassell on April 4, 2024, Thiago Santos, and Tim Johnson earlier within the 2024 season. His total file stands at 36-9, with a submission fee of roughly 50 %, making him as environment friendly ending opponents on the mat as he’s by way of knockout energy. The Russian has established himself as one of many division’s heaviest hitters, having collected 25 mixed knockouts between himself and Vassell.
Vassell carries a 25-10 skilled file and is making his return to face Goltsov in what quantities to a rematch after their April bout. The English heavyweight might be looking for to avenge that loss and restore his profitable file. At 41 years previous, Vassell brings a long time of expertise and has fought by way of a number of promotions together with Bellator earlier than signing with PFL. His end fee of 60 % in victories exhibits his means to finish fights decisively when the chance presents itself.
The announcement comes as PFL solidifies its place as the primary main promotion to host an occasion in Spain, forward of UFC discussions about probably bringing occasions to the nation. With these two bouts confirmed and extra fights anticipated to be introduced in coming days, the March 20 card is shaping as much as ship a compelling mixture of submission experience from Duque, hanging selection from Shabliy, championship-level heavyweight competitors, and redemption narratives.
