The second season of PFL Europe ended up featuring a surprise star when Lewis McGrillen came in and took the bantamweight division by storm.
McGrillen was one of the big signings made by the PFL Europe when the promotion debuted but following his first loss in December last year, it seemed like it might be the time to pump the brakes.
The 24-year old knockout artist did not read that script and after bouncing back with a win this past June, he received a massive opportunity.
With multiple opponents pulling out, Dean Garnett was in need of a replacement for his bantamweight semi-final in Glasgow and in stepped the man they call "The McGrizzla".
McGrillen left no doubts that he belonged in the finals after producing a fight of the year contender with Garnett which ended in a one-shot knockout for the Manchester Top Team fighter.
Following yet another incredible fight with Alexander Luster in Lyon this past weekend, Wythenshawe's finest had the final say once again after dropping and stopping his opponent in the second round.
In his post-fight interview, the fourth and final PFL Europe champion in 2024 spoke about how this smash and grab title win is down to years of hard work:
"I just come in and robbed the bank mate. I come in like Anton Chigurh, coming for that dough but you know what, I just don't know what to say like. Honestly, sometimes in my life, I think where's my life going and stuff like that. I'm just grinding, getting me head down and grinding. I go through trials and tribulations every day, not just in the gym, in my life and you know what, you have to kill me to take what I want. I'm a dog man, I'm a fighter at heart, I was born to fight. I'll do anything to get what I want."
McGrillen says that though he will not be separated from his dreams, he doesn't do it for himself or his own personal benefit.
His single-minded focus is so that he can give back to those who have supported him and helped him out on this journey.
After winning $100,000 by producing two of the best fights you will see this year, McGrillen was grateful to the important people in his life and the French fans in Lyon who got behind him from the start.
"Well I'm not gonna try and go too hard with me dough, I need to be smart but everyone that's helped me out through camp and through the grind man, it's all for you."
