PFL Challenger Series Week 6: Brahyan Zurcher wins PFL Contract

04 March 2023

Eight competitors from the Featherweight class were on the four-fight event for the sixth week of the 2023 Professional Fighters League Challenger Series, which was broadcast live from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Brahyan Zurcher was given the sixth contract of the 2023 Challenger Series by the all-star judging panel, which included Tyron Woodley, Megan Anderson, and Tim Kennedy, after the conclusion of the event.

This year's PFL Challenger Series contract winners are Zurcher, Women's Flyweight Desiree Yanez, 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.

The main events on tonight's featherweight card were Zurcher and David Evans. Zurcher defeated David Evans with a rear-naked choke submission to maintain his perfect record. The conclusion occurred at 1:37 into the second round. Zurcher's career record now stands at 5-0, with three of those victories coming within the PFL SmartCage.

Nathan Kelly of Ireland and Zack Hicks, a high school teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, clashed in the night's co-main event. Kelly, who competes out of Dublin's renowned SBG Ireland gym, needed just 2:30 to submit Hicks with an arm-triangle choke. Kelly now has seven straight victories.

“Tonight the Featherweight division put it all on the line at 2023 PFL Challenger Series, in the hopes of earning a life changing PFL contract. Congratulations to Brahyan Zurcher on an outstanding performance, welcome to the PFL,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL.

Ivan Huskic, who defeated Brendan Loughnane in the 2022 PFL Regular Season, then faced up against Gabriel Braga, a Brazilian player making his American debut. Braga put up a commanding performance as he easily won by unanimous decision, 30-25, 30-27, and 29-28. Braga has a 9-0 career record and is still unbeaten.

Vikas Singh Ruhil, the first-ever fighter from India to compete in the PFL, took on James Gonzalez in the opening bout of the featherweight event. Gonzalez had never been knocked out in 14 professional fights, although Ruhil had won seven of his previous 10 contests. Gonzalez defeated Ruhil via TKO at the 4:20 mark of Round 1 after dropping him late in the round. Gonzalez attacked Ruhil while mounted.