The 2023 PFL World Championship Finals, held at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., concluded with a series of spectacular fights, crowning six new champions who each earned a $1 million payday.
Lightweight Championship: Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs Clay Collard
Olivier Aubin-Mercier defeated Clay Collard by unanimous decision, becoming a two-time PFL lightweight champion. Aubin-Mercier successfully neutralized Collard's power throughout the fight despite sustaining leg injuries.
Heavyweight Championship: Renan Ferreira vs Denis Goltsov
Renan Ferreira triumphed over Denis Goltsov, securing the heavyweight title with a knockout in the second round.
Women's Featherweight Championship: Larissa Pacheco vs Marina Mokhnatkina
Larissa Pacheco made history as the first two-division champion in PFL history by winning the featherweight title against Marina Mokhnatkina
Welterweight Championship: Magomed Magomedkerimov vs Sadibou Sy
Magomed Magomedkerimov emerged victorious against Sadibou Sy through a submission, becoming a two-time welterweight champion. This match was a rematch from the 2021 PFL welterweight semi-finals.
Light Heavyweight Championship: Impa Kasanganay vs Josh Silveira
Impa Kasanganay outperformed Josh Silveira to claim the light heavyweight championship. Kasanganay's composed and strategic approach led him to a clear victory.
Two-time PFL Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison made her long awaited return to the PFL SmartCage in a Catchweight Showcase bout against Aspen Ladd. Harrison returned to dominance via unanimous decision victory and earned her 16th professional win.
Closing out the ESPN+ card, Jesus Pinedo completed his spectacular run to the PFL Featherweight Championship. Pinedo became the first ever MMA champion from Peru after defeating Gabriel Braga via TKO in the third round to become the 2023 PFL Featherweight Champion and earn the evening's first million-dollar prize.
Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, won his sixth consecutive fight via knockout. Ali Walsh stopped Joel Lopez in the second round in an Amateur Lightweight Showcase bout.
In a Bantamweight Showcase bout, Phil Caracappa spoiled the debut of Khai Wu, winning by unanimous decision.
Kicking off the PFL Showcase bouts on ESPN+, Jesse Stirn defeated Josh Blyden in a Featherweight contest by unanimous decision. The victory was the fifth consecutive for Stirn.
Complete Results of the 2023 PFL World Championship:
ESPN PPV Card: 2023 PFL World Championship Winners
# Olivier Aubin-Mercier def. Clay Collard by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
# Renan Ferreira def. Denis Goltsov by 2nd round TKO (0:26)
# Larissa Pacheco def. Marina Mokhnatkina by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
# Magomed Magomedkerimov def. Sadibou Sy by 3rd round submission (1:17)
# Impa Kasanganay def. Josh Silveria by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
# Kayla Harrison def. Aspen Ladd by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
# Derek Brunson def. Ray Cooper III by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-27, 30-25)
ESPN+ Card
# Jesus Pinedo def. Gabriel Braga by 3rd round TKO (0:58)
# Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Joel Lopez by 2nd round KO (1:24)
# Phil Caracappa def. Khai Wu by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
# Jesse Stirn def. Josh Bylden by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)