PFL Signs Former UFC Flyweight Title Challenger Taila Santos

The Professional Fighters League has bolstered its new flyweight bracket in a big way.

Per the PFL at the end of 2023, it will be eliminating the women’s featherweight division from tournament stakes and move a few remaining competitors like Larissa Pacheco to its “Pay-Per-View division.” In its place will be a women’s flyweight tournament, and the total number of participants is still undisclosed, although it will feature 2023 PFL Europe winner Dakota Ditcheva. According to OCP News on Friday, and confirmed shortly thereafter by the fighter and multiple outlets, Taila Santos (19-3) has joined the PFL roster to compete in the 2024 season.

The Astra Fight Team product was released from the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster on the heels of a decision loss to Erin Blanchfield in April 2023. Prior to her defeat to Blanchfield, Santos vied for the flyweight belt against Valentina Shevchenko, and ultimately dropped a narrow split decision. Santos made her way to the title picture with four straight wins, with the final victory a first-round submission over Joanne Wood. The 30-year-old celebrates additional victories over names including Roxanne Modafferi, Gillian Robertson and Molly McCann.