The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has stirred excitement with its latest reveal— the lineup for the 2025 middleweight tournament. In a move that fans have been eagerly anticipating, we’re seeing some familiar faces making their way back into the fray.
Among the returning competitors, there’s Impa Kasanganay, who clinched the light heavyweight championship in 2023. Kasanganay made it to the finals once again in 2024, only to be edged out by Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov. Joining him is Josh Silveira, who not only reached the finals in 2023 but also battled his way to the semifinals in 2024, only to be thwarted by Kasanganay both times.
Before this season, the PFL hadn’t included a dedicated middleweight category in its format, which nudged fighters like Kasanganay, originally a 185-pound contender in the UFC, to compete in higher weight classes.
This year’s tournament is not just about comebacks. Fresh talent is stepping into the spotlight as well. Bellator veteran Aaron Jeffrey enters the scene after an impressive victory against Douglas Lima, a former Bellator welterweight champ. Also making their debut are Dalton Rosta and Fabian Edwards from Bellator MMA. Fabian, who happens to be the brother of ex-UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, is eager for redemption and another shot at a global title after a couple of tough matches against Johnny Eblen.
Now, here’s a look at the full eight-man roster set to compete:
– Impa Kasanganay from the U.S., sporting an 18-5 record
– England’s Mike Shipman, holding a record of 17-4
– England’s Fabian Edwards with a 13-4 record
– Aaron Jeffery from Canada, boasting a 14-5 record
– Josh Silveira from the U.S., coming in with a 13-4 record
– Sweden’s Sadibou Sy, with a 17-8-2 record
– Russia’s Murad Ramazanov, with a 12-2, 1NC record
– Dalton Rosta from the U.S., having a 9-1 record
We can expect the announcement of alternates soon, rounding out this promising lineup and adding more fuel to what promises to be an exhilarating tournament.
