The 2025 PFL middleweight tournament kicks off with a highly anticipated bout between Fabian Edwards and former PFL light-heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay. Scheduled for April 18 at Universal Studios Florida, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The Fighters

• Fabian Edwards: The 31-year-old British fighter, younger brother of former UFC champion Leon Edwards, enters the tournament as one of the favorites. Despite losing two competitive matches against former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen, Edwards has notable victories over Mike Shipman and Aaron Jeffery.

• Impa Kasanganay: The American fighter, with a record of 18 wins and 5 losses, is coming off a knockout loss in the 2024 PFL light-heavyweight tournament final. Kasanganay is known for his resilience and striking power, making him a formidable opponent.

Tournament Format

The 2025 PFL tournament adopts a knockout format, a departure from previous years where the first round contributed to a division league table. The eventual champions will receive a substantial prize of £395,000 ($500,000).

Other Notable Fights

The first-round match-ups also feature several other exciting fights:

• Jake Hadley vs. Sarvarjon Khamidov (bantamweight)
• Ciaran Clarke vs. Kasum Kasumov (bantamweight)
• Linton Vassell vs. Oleg Popov 2 (heavyweight)
• Karl Moore vs. Antonio Carlos Jr (light-heavyweight)

Key Dates

• April 3: Nathan Kelly vs. Taekyun Kim (featherweight)
• April 11: Sarvarjon Khamidov vs. Jake Hadley (bantamweight), Ciaran Clarke vs. Kasum Kasumov (bantamweight)
• April 18: Impa Kasanganay vs. Fabian Edwards (middleweight), Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Marc Diakiese (lightweight), Josh Silveira vs. Mike Shipman (middleweight), Clay Collard vs. Alfie Davis (lightweight)
• May 1: Antonio Carlos Jr vs. Karl Moore (light-heavyweight), Karl Albrektsson vs. Simeon Powell (light-heavyweight), Linton Vassell vs. Oleg Popov 2 (heavyweight)

What to Expect

This tournament is set to deliver high-octane action with some of the best fighters in the world. The clash between Edwards and Kasanganay is particularly intriguing, as both fighters have a lot to prove. Edwards aims to establish himself as a top contender, while Kasanganay seeks redemption after his recent loss.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable series of fights in the 2025 PFL middleweight tournament!