After their planned Bellator Champions Series show in Paris fell through last fall, the PFL are now headed to the Accor Arena on May 24 with some big names in tow.
In a press release issued Thursday, PFL officials announced that Bellator alums Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan will face off on the Paris card, in lightweight action. Additionally, recently released UFC bantamweight Taylor Lapilus will make his debut at the event.
Lapilus (21-4) does not yet have an opponent. His signing, and release from the UFC, made waves in recent days. In two stints with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Lapilus is 6-2. In both cases, the French star, a former regular for Canadian promotion TKO, was released off wins. This time around, he’s won two straight, notching victories over Cody Stamann and Vince Morales.
That makes Lapilus’ release all the more puzzling, especially with the UFC active in the French market. However, their loss is the PFL’s gain, as “Double Impact” joins French stars like Barnaoui and Cedric Doumbe under the Professional Fighters League banner.
As for Barnaoui (22-6), he’s won two straight, most recently defeating Alfie Davis when the PFL visited Saudi Arabia in November. Opponent Archie Colgan, who trains alongside Justin Gaethje, is an undefeated 11-0, meanwhile, returning for the first time since a September win over Manoel Sousa.
“Paris! I’m back and ready to show everyone why I am one of the best lightweights in the world. The French fans always bring a great atmosphere so I’m ready to put on a show at the Accor Arena and show why I am in this conversation for the title shot. We will see you Saturday May 24th inside the SmartCage,” Colgan was quoted as saying in Thursday’s press release.
Also announced for May’s PFL Paris card, an all-Belgium lightweight battle as Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (6-0) takes on Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1).
