The Professional Fighters League closes out its latest campaign with the PFL Europe 2024 Finals on Saturday at LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. Four fighters will be $100,000 richer and could earn the opportunity to make an impact on the world stage in the next PFL global season. In the main event, heavy-handed Argentinian Laureano Staropoli battles France’s Abdoul Abdouraguimov, who rides in on an impressive eight-fight winning streak. The 13-fight card also showcase a number of eye-catching prospects, including bantamweight Lewis McGrillen-Evans, lightweight Jakub Kaszuba and women’s flyweight Paulina Wisniewska.
Welterweight
Abdoul Abdouraguimov (18-1, 2-0 PFL) vs. Laureano Staropoli (13-6, 1-1 PFL)Abdouraguimov may be called “The Lazy King,” but his fights are anything but stagnant. Abdouraguimov claimed two titles in Ares Fighting Championship, one of France’s top MMA promotions, and comes into this matchup with 12 submissions on his ledger. He split two epic battles with PFL MENA’s Jarrah Al-Silawi and has only tasted defeat once. Staropoli isn’t known for his grappling prowess but has competed at the highest levels of the sport. An Ultimate Fighting Championship alum, Staropoli has wins in the UFC and has taken skilled fighters like Jamie Pickett and Roman Dolidze the distance. His record may not be gaudy, but he carries fight-ending power and isn’t afraid to let his hands go.
This fight is all about a contrast of styles. Abdouraguimov leans on high-level grappling, and he can eventually find a submission among most people he faces. Staropoli would be wise to keep his distance and pick him apart before landing a big shot, but with Abdouraguimov’s stock rising and the French crowd on his side, it’s hard to see him not taking full advantage of this matchup. Look for him to negate Staropoli early and become only the second man to submit the Argentinian vet.
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Abdouraguimov vs. Staropoli
Luster vs. McGrillen-Evans
Hughes vs. Kaszuba
Wisniewska vs. Scatizzi
Miceli vs. Zendeli
Non-Championship Bouts