Earlier today, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) confirmed its new residency in Orlando, Florida, which will commence with the opening round of its first-ever World Tournament. All four opening-round events will be held at Stage 19 at Universal Studios.

Alongside this announcement, the promotion revealed the eight welterweight fighters set to compete in the tournament. The welterweights will feature on the promotion’s first event of the year, scheduled for 3rd April.

PFL Welterweight Competitors

The complete list of welterweights competing in the tournament is as follows:

• Jason Jackson (18-5)

• Florim Zendeli (10-1-1)

• Andrey Koreshkov (28-5)

• Magomed Umalatov (17-1)

• Mukhamed Berkhamov (17-2)

• Giannis Bachar (9-2)

• Logan Storley (16-3)

• Masayuki Kikuiri (10-2-1)

Notable Absences from the Line-up

Interestingly, last year’s PFL welterweight champion, Shamil Musaev (20-0-1), and Bellator’s welterweight champion, Ramazan Kuramagomedov (13-0), are absent from the tournament line-up. After noticing their omission, I reached out to the promotion for clarification but have yet to receive a response.

With Bellator being phased out and the PFL restructuring its championship system, there is growing speculation that Musaev and Kuramagomedov may end up facing each other for the newly established welterweight title.

Regardless, the tournament boasts an impressive roster, featuring former Bellator champion Jason Jackson and last year’s runner-up, Magomed Umalatov.