On Wednesday, we received the announcement that Irish superstar Paul Hughes (13-2) will face Bruno Miranda (17-5) in the main event at the first PFL Europe event of 2025 in Belfast, Ireland, on May 10th.
Today, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) revealed the eight fighters who will compete in the PFL Europe lightweight tournament, which will take place on the undercard of that same event at the SSE Arena.
The list includes some familiar names, along with a few intriguing new signings.
Let’s take a look at the quarterfinal matchups set for May 10th:
Decky McAleenan vs. Gino Van Steenis
Two new signings will make their PFL smartcage debuts in the opening quarterfinal, as Ireland's Decky McAleenan (9-5-1) takes on Spain's Gino Van Steenis (5-1).
McAleenan has been competing in Cage Warriors since 2019, with ten appearances in the promotion’s iconic yellow gloves. He’s built a reputation as a dangerous and exciting striker, most recently securing a knockout win over Ville Mankinen at Cage Warriors 170 last April.
Across from McAleenan on May 10th will be Gino Van Steenis, "The Ghost Assassin" and former Phoenix FC champion. Van Steenis joins his brother, Costello, in the PFL.
Gavin Hughes vs. Claudio Pacella
Another former Cage Warriors competitor, Gavin Hughes (11-4), is making the jump to the PFL smartcage. The 37-year-old Scouser is set to face Italian fighter Claudio Pacella (5-2).
Hughes has had an action-packed career, finishing ten of his eleven professional victories inside the distance. "Big Tasty" last fought in September, submitting Dean Trueman at Cage Warriors 178.
Pacella fought three times in the PFL smartcage in 2024. He lost to Belgian prospect Patrick Habiroba in Paris, France, last March, but bounced back with two decision victories over Mark Ewan and Oscar Ownsworth later in the year.
Connor Hughes vs. Sebastien Di Franco
The runner-up in last year’s PFL Europe lightweight tournament, Connor Hughes (10-2), returns for another shot at glory. After defeating Anatolij Baal and Ignacio Capella to reach the finals, Hughes was stopped in the fourth round by Jakub Kaszuba at the final hurdle in Lyon last December.
Promotional newcomer Sebastien Di Franco (10-3) faces a tough test in his PFL debut. The 30-year-old fought just once in 2024, with his last win coming in February 2023.
Mark Ewen vs. Alex Chizov
Two fighters well-acquainted with the PFL smartcage face off in this matchup. Scottish phenom Mark Ewen (6-1) made two appearances in the promotion last year. After a loss to Claudio Pacella, Ewen bounced back with a stunning submission win over Yassin Chtatou when the PFL visited his hometown of Glasgow in September.
Chizov (10-3) won his promotional debut in 2022, submitting Team Alpha Male's Omar Hussein. However, after losses to Acoidan Duque and Daniele Scatizzi, "Pretty Boy" will be eager to get back to his winning ways on May 10th.
The quarterfinals of the PFL Europe lightweight tournament will take place at Belfast’s SSE Arena on May 10th.
