Former UFC Star Jeremy Stephens Headlines 2022 PFL Season Opener

KEY POINTS

Jeremy Stephens will make his PFL debut against 2021 semifinalist Clay Collard
Bruce Souto is set to take on Rob Wilkinson in his first main-roster bout
Natan Schulte is booked to test mettle of Oliver Aubin-Mercier

The 2022 PFL season kicks off with fighters from the lightweight and light heavyweight divisions taking center stage at PFL 1 on Wednesday, April 20 at the Esports Stadium Arlington in Arlington, Texas.

Headlining the season opener will be a lightweight bout between 15-year UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens and 2021 semifinalist Clay Collard.

From 2007 to 2021, Stephens competed inside the UFC’s Octagon 33 times and holds notable victories over the likes of Rafael dos Anjos, Renan Barao and Gilbert Melendez.

“The Lil Heathen” has also shared the cage with former world champions like Anthony Pettis, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar.

In early 2022, it was announced that Stevens had signed PFL.

For his promotional debut, Stephens will be facing Collard, who went on a Cinderella run in last year’s lightweight tournament.

Collard stunned the world during last season’s opener, defeating Anthony Pettis by decision.

Moreover, he went on to reach the semifinals before bowing to eventual champion Raush Manfio.

Speaking of Manfio, the Brazilian 2021 PFL lightweight king will be competing in the co-main event, taking on South African lightweight standout Don Madge.

2021 PFL light heavyweight champion Antonio Carlos Junior will also begin his title defense as he takes on fellow Brazilian Delan Monte.

The 2022 season opener will also feature two-time lightweight champion Natan Schulte of Brazil battling Canada’s Oliver Aubin-Mercier and former light heavyweight title holder Emiliano “He-Man” Sordi of Argentina squaring off with Corey Hendricks.

PFL Challenger Series Week 1 contract winner Bruce Souto will also be making his main roster debut against Australia’s Rob Wilkinson.

“We are excited to deliver fans our next-gen product as well as the opportunity to follow the season-long journeys of our returning PFL Champions and top-ranked fighters from around the world compete in MMA’s most challenging and rewarding format,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray in their official release.

“The PFL has put together an action-packed card to kick off the 2022 Regular Season. I’m excited for fight fans around the world to watch the elite talent in our Lightweight and Lightweight Heavyweight divisions on April 20 live in primetime on ESPN,” added PFL president Ray Sefo.

A bout between former UFC champion Anthony Pettis and Myles Price was initially scheduled for this card as well, but it was eventually moved to PFL 3.

PFL 1 will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

PFL 1 2022 Fight Card

ESPN Card