2023 PFL Challenger Series Week 5: Desiree Yanez earns Flyweight Contract

25 February 2023

Eight women competed in the four-fight event for the fifth week of the 2023 Professional Fighters League Challenger Series, which was broadcast live from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. At the conclusion of the event, Desiree Yanez was given the fifth contract of the 2023 Challenger Series by the all-star judging panel, which also included Paige VanZant, Megan Anderson, and Sam Darnold.

This year's PFL Challenger Series contract winners include Yanez, Lightweight Elvin Espinoza, Heavyweight Abraham Bably, Women's Featherweight Amanda Leve, and Welterweight Thad Jean. The event was broadcast exclusively on Fubo Sports, the leading sports-first live TV streaming platform owned by FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO), a live, free-to-consumer TV network.

Yanez, a native of Texas, competed against Maira Mazar of Sao Paulo. Yanez prevailed after tense exchanges with a unanimous vote. Yanez won for the second time in a row to raise her record to 7-4 and secure a significant PFL contract.

In the Women's Flyweight main event, Katherine "The Animal" Corogenes, who had won all three of her victories via finish, faced Kaytlin "Katniss" Neil, who had won her previous two fights. Neil outperformed Corogenes on all fronts, winning the match by a unanimous vote. Neil improved to 7-4 overall with her third straight victory.

Shanna Young and Sandra Lavado squared off in the night's co-main event. Young won the unanimous decision after putting in a strong performance over the course of three rounds. Young's MMA record has improved to 9-5.

“The PFL Challenger Series resumed action tonight with eight women seeking an opportunity to earn a contract with the PFL,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL. “It’s our honor to welcome Desiree Yanez to the PFL and the beginning for her $1 million journey.”

Helen Peralta, a champion in bare-knuckle combat, faced Lisa Mauldin in the opening bout of the women's flyweight event. Throughout the fight, Mauldin showed off some good grappling, but it was her striking that ended Peralta's fight by TKO in the third round.

Next Friday, March 3, the PFL Challenger Series will return to Universal Studios with the Featherweight division. Prior to the 2023 PFL Regular Season, every PFL Challenger Series event streams live in primetime exclusively on Fubo Sports.