PFL has signed more familiar names.
PFL continues to add to their already impressive roster, announcing some surprising names and bolstering their women’s lightweight division. Former UFC fighter Gleison Tibau (35-14) and former M-1 champ Aleksei Kunchenko (20-2), both joining the welterweight division.
The announcement was made via press release and on social media, highlighting their accomplishments and what fans can expect to see from them. Tibau is a known veteran that has faced a who’s who in the UFC but was ultimately released from the organization after four straight losses. He rebounded with a 2018 win over Efrain Escudero and a submission over former Bellator champ Will Brooks in Korea’s Battlefield FC in 2018.
How does he deal with the long layoff in a crowded tournament field at a weight class he’s not used to? It’s hard to say, but he’s still a tough out for anyone else they add to the mix.
Kunchenko is the other ace they’ve secured here, a talented vet that had a great run as M-1 welterweight king before moving on to the UFC and notching wins against Thiago Alves and Yushin Okami. This was followed by back to back decision losses to Gilbert Burns and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.
Former UFC talent Chris Wade (17-6) will have his third go-round in PFL, having made the playoffs twice already. His most notable wins have been his two victories over Nate Andrews and his decision victory over Akhmet Aliev.
French talents Anthony Dizy (13-3) and Jason Ponet (20-12, 1 draw, 1 no contest) were also announced as recent signings. Dizy (13-3) bounced around the Euro scene with fights in Bellator and M-1, currently holding back to back wins. Ponet is on a three-fight win streak, having also been in a bevy of different promotions.
Light heavyweight will enjoy the addition of former Ultimate Fighter contestant Nick Roehrick (9-1), a professional since 2013.
Taylor Guardado may only be 0-1 as a pro, but had a very successful and extensive amateur record (9-1). After an eight-year hiatus, she was a finalist in the third Invicta Phoenix Rising tournament where she was a finalist, falling short to eventual winner Taneisha Tennant. She’ll be joining the fray at PFL along with former Invicta matchmaker Kaitlin Young.
Young (11-10, 1 draw) took a break from the sport between 2014 and 2018 only to hit the ground running with wins against Reina Miura, Faith McMah, and the recently departed Sarah Patterson. Her streak was halted against Pam Sorenson, but her last Invicta fight was a win over another heavy striker in Latoya Walker.
PFL kicks off in April, so be sure to follow further coverage right here on BloodyElbow.com for more developments.