The PFL has begun to shore up its roster for the coming season. In a press release distributed on Tuesday, Professional Fighters League officials announced the signings of numerous fighters across multiple weight classes. In addition to the previously announced Olivier Aubin-Mercier, the PFL has also brought in the likes of Mohammed Usman, Justin Willis, Bubba Jenkins, and Marcin Held.
Jordan Young, Johnny Case, Clay Collard, Cindy Dandois, and Laura Sanchez have also been added to the fold, with additional fighters to be announced at a later date.
One name that will absolutely stand out to fight fans is Mohammed Usman. That’s the brother of UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Mohammed is getting a step up this year, and will join the PFL’s heavyweight division. Thus far, he’s 6-1 as a pro, with his only loss coming to current UFC fighter Don’Tale Mayes.
Johnny Case (27-7-1) is a former UFC athlete, who was last seen competing for RIZIN FF in their lightweight grand prix.
Marcin Held has spent time in both Bellator and the UFC. The Polish fighter, just 28-years old, has been competing since he was 16, and holds a record of 26–7. He left the UFC off a win over Nasrat Haqparast, and has won his last four fights, the other three coming under the ACB and ACA banners.
Justin Willis (8-2) was a one-time veteran of the World Series of Fighting, the PFL’s predecessor. He moved on to the UFC, going 4-1 at heavyweight. However, he was cut off an uninspiring loss to Curtis Blaydes last March.
Bubba Jenkins (14-4) is best known for his lengthy Bellator MMA run, but most recently, he’s been fighting for Brave CF. He happens to be their reigning featherweight champion.
Cindy Dandois (15-5) has competed for the UFC, Bellator, and RIZIN — a single fight for each promotion. She also had a three-fight stint for Invicta FC from 2014 to 2016. Coming off a three-fight win streak on the regional scene, she’ll join the PFL’s lightweight division.
Jordan Young (11-1) is something of a surprise addition to the PFL. Young had been a highly touted Bellator prospect, with just a single loss in his pro career, back in November to Julius Anglickas. He’ll represent a solid addition to the league’s light heavyweight division.
Clay Collard (18-8, 1NC) is a former UFC fighter and current SteelFist lightweight champion. Laura Sanchez (1-0), meanwhile, is the least experienced addition, having turned pro earlier this year. She’s a Team USA amateur MMA World Champ, not to mention a former Division-1 basketball player.
