Fighters Only : PFL Europe signs British prospect Lewis McGrillen to exclusive deal

Simon Head

May 29, 2023

One of the standout performers from the inaugural PFL Europe event has been rewarded for his efforts with an exclusive contract.

Lewis McGrillen’s larger-than-life personality during the build-up to his non-season bout at PFL Europe 1 saw him elevated up the fight card, and his performance on fight night backed up the PFL’s faith in him as he produced an eye-catching display to knock out Salih Kulucan in two minutes, 33 seconds to extend his perfect professional record to 7-0.

Now, as the promotion gears up for PFL Europe 2 in Berlin on July 8, PFL officials have confirmed that they have signed McGrillen to an exclusive multi-fight contract ahead of his appearance in that event in Germany.

The 22-year-old Manchester Top Team product will join PFL Europe’s bantamweight division, and joins a strong British contingent that includes Dakota Ditcheva and Simeon Powell.

Speaking about McGrillen’s signing, PFL Europe’s director of fighter operations Dan Hardy said, “We are very excited to bring Lewis McGrillen into the PFL Europe family, and watch him develop into the star that his trajectory predicts.

“There has been a lot of buzz around him since his amateur days, and after his breakout performance in Newcastle, we can see why. He is a young, powerful, and confident fighter, undefeated and right at the beginning of his promising journey.

“There is no doubt that his presence on any PFL Europe event will bring an intensity and excitement that will follow McGrillen throughout his career.”

PFL Europe 2 takes place on Saturday, July 8 at the Verti Music Hall in Berlin, and streams live on DAZN. Headlining the card is a battle between Berlin-based bantamweight Farbod Iran Nezhad and Italy’s Francesco Nuzzi, who enters PFL Europe in incredible form having won his last eight fights.

The co-main event will feature German striker Khurshed Kakhorov as he takes on experienced Frenchman Mokhtar Benkaci, with both fighters look to book their place in the 2023 PFL Europe Playoffs.