Elvin Espinoza is now an official Professional Fighters League (PFL) fighter.
The 2023 PFL “Challenger Series” continued to unfold at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida tonight (Friday, February 17, 2023), adding Evin Espinoza to the PFL roster after an impressive finish as Espinoza (8-0) finished Damir Ferhatbegovic via a rear naked choke in the second round.
THE CROWD IS WILD! ELVIN ESPINOZA WINS THE ARRIVAL IN THE 2ND ROUND!#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/RXnMb95uFJ– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
Elvin Espinoza takes down Damir Ferhatbegovic! #PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/y320E8nzxv– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
Espinoza is no stranger to the PFL as he has competed for them twice in showcase fights before. He made his PFL debut against Hopeton Stewart in 2021 in a playoff show fight, winning submission in the first round. He would return to the promotion in his only fight of 2022 against Corey Jackson, winning a unanimous decision.
With Friday’s win, Espinoza more than likely clinched his ticket to the 2023 lightweight season.
MOOD
Elvin Espinoza with the @budlight Contract Cheers of the week
[ B2YB @budlight | #PFLonFubo ] pic.twitter.com/5n7anF18O3
– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
The other finalists in the running for a contract with the PFL were a Canadian prospect and a former Dana WhiteContender series of former Anthony Romero (12-1), who won his fight by unanimous decision against Tony Caruso.
“THE GENIUS” LAUNCHES CARUSO!#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/nzOy8tfBjd– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
Anthony Romero takes over Caruso! 2nd round starting now!#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/19PDYrHDtA– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
Caruso survives but is deducted 1 point for a closing catch #PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/9VFJ3yJtP5– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
The judges all see that 30-26 all in favor of @Genius_mma!#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/FyrXuQx3Cx– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
The other two fights of the night both saw decisions. Charlie Decca (4-2) kicked off the card and beat Jose Aguayo via unanimous decision.
Charlie Decca lands flush with a switch kick and wobbles Aguayo, then secures the takedown!#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/Jg0wjH9oh6– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
Manoel Sousa took a split decision on fellow Brazilian Paulo Henrique with entertaining exchanges.
Manoel Sousa attacks Laia’s legs! Entertaining 1st round! Round 2 soon…#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/UNyB3CMKyt– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
Manoel Sousa attacks with an armbar but Paulo Laia gets a nice breakaway! #PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/gNW5PTC51M– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
The crowd loves these exchanges. Great 2nd round so far between Sousa and Laia#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/aN4QpGDbeG– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
Sousa ends round 1 with an armbar attempt but Laia is able to escape AGAIN! 3rd round now!#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/WlqG8YDk4N– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
Sousa attacks with a triangle arm but Laia escapes!#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fuboSports
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: https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/XpMcr6LvvV– PFL (@PFLMMA) February 18, 2023
At the end of week four, Espinoza joins heavyweight Abraham Bably (watch), featherweight Amanda Leve and welterweight Thad Jean as winners of the PFL “Challenger Series” contract so far this year.
Check out the official results:
- Elvin Espinoza defeats. Damir Ferhatbegovic via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 2, 1:53
- Manoel Sousa v Paulo Henrique via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Anthony Romero beats. Tony Caruso via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
- Charlie Decca won. José Aguayo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
#Strong #points #Watch #Elvin #Espinoza #win #contract #submission