The fifth week of the 2023 Professional Fighters League Challenger Series continued live from Universal Studios, in Orlando, Florida, and featured a four-fight card with eight fighters from the Women’s Flyweight division. At the conclusion of the evening, the all-star judging panel consisting of Paige VanZant, Megan Anderson and Sam Darnold helped award the fifth contract of the 2023 Challenger Series to Desiree Yanez. Yanez joins Lightweight Elvin Espinoza, Heavyweight Abraham Bably, Women’s Featherweight Amanda Leve and Welterweight Thad Jean, as PFL Challenger Series contract winners this year. The event was streamed exclusively on Fubo Sports, the live, free-to-consumer TV network from FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO), the leading sports-first live TV streaming platform.
Yanez, a Texas native, took on Maira Mazar of São Paulo. Back-and-forth action saw Yanez win via unanimous decision. Yanez captured her second-straight win as she improves to 7-4 and earns a life changing PFL contract..
In the main event of the Women’s Flyweight card, Kaytlin “Katniss” Neil entered the contest riding a two-fight winning streak against Katherine “The Animal” Corogenes, who earned all three of her wins by finish. Neil turned in an impressive all-around performance to defeat Corogenes by unanimous decision. Neil picked up her third consecutive win and improved to 7-4 in her career.
The co-main event of the night featured a fight between Shanna Young and Sandra Lavado. Young put on a well-rounded performance over the course of three rounds to earn the unanimous decision. Young improved to 9-5 in her MMA career.
“The PFL Challenger Series resumed action tonight with eight women seeking an opportunity to earn a contract with the PFL,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL. “It’s our honor to welcome Desiree Yanez to the PFL and the beginning for her $1 million journey.”
Kicking off the Women’s Flyweight card, Helen Peralta, a Bare-knuckle fighting champion, matched up with Orange, California’s Lisa Mauldin. Mauldin displayed some excellent grappling throughout the bout, but it was her striking that got it done, finishing Peralta off by TKO in the third round.
The PFL Challenger Series returns to Universal Studios next Friday night, March 3, with the Featherweight division. All PFL Challenger Series events stream live on primetime, exclusively on Fubo Sports leading up to the 2023 PFL Regular Season.
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