The 2025 PFL (Professional Fighters League) finals are shaping up to be an electrifying event, taking place this Thursday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. With three title bouts including the middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight finals, the event promises to showcase a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans in the mixed martial arts landscape. Viewers can catch the action starting at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ with prelims, leading to the main card at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Middleweight Final: Fabian Edwards vs. Dalton Rosta
How They Got Here
Fabian Edwards (15-4) is no stranger to title contention, marking his third opportunity for a championship in just six fights. He has solidified his place in the finals by defeating Impa Kasanganay via second-round TKO and edging out Josh Silveira in a unanimous decision during the semifinals.
Dalton Rosta (11-1), on the other hand, has also earned his spot with impressive performances. He secured his place in the finals by submitting Sadibou Sy in the second round and narrowly defeating Aaron Jeffery, a fight he described as a "revenge" match.
Key Statistics
- Number to Know: 0 – Rosta has a single loss against Jeffery but considers the judges’ decision flawed, claiming he decisively outperformed Jeffery in their rematch.
X-Factor
Edwards brings a wealth of experience, particularly in high-pressure situations. This will be his fifth fight since 2023 where he has held or fought for a title. In comparison, Rosta is relatively new to this level of competition, providing Edwards a potential edge.
What to Watch For
Expect a tactical battle as Rosta trained with Johnny Eblen, a fighter who previously handed Edwards two losses. Edwards’ previous experiences could guide him in countering Rosta’s strategies.
Heavyweight Final: Alexander Romanov vs. Oleg Popov
How They Got Here
Alexander Romanov (19-3, 1 NC) has demonstrated his grappling prowess, earning a spot in the finals via a first-round submission victory against Timothy Johnson and advancing through a controversial no-contest against Valentin Moldovsky due to an illegal strike.
Oleg Popov (21-2) has had a strong showing as well, defeating Karl Williams by split decision and later overcoming Rodrigo Nascimento in the semifinals, showcasing his striking and durability.
Key Statistics
- Number to Know: 28 – The combined total of finishes (submissions and knockouts) between Romanov and Popov across their respective careers.
X-Factor
Popov’s experience from competing in last season’s finals could benefit him. Although he lost that match against Denis Goltsov, he has firsthand experience of the finals’ intensity. In contrast, Romanov will be making his finals debut, adding an element of uncertainty to his performance.
What to Watch For
When two grapplers meet, they often either grapple or cancel out, leading to a striking contest. Given that both fighters know each other’s styles from their time shared in the gym, the fight’s dynamics could shift dramatically depending on who takes the initiative in grappling or striking.
Light Heavyweight Final: Sullivan Cauley vs. Antonio Carlos Jr.
How They Got Here
Sullivan Cauley (8-1) made headlines by defeating veteran Phil Davis in the semifinals after finishing Alex Polizza with a first-round TKO earlier in the tournament.
Antonio Carlos Jr. (18-6, 2 NCs) returned to the finals after defeating Karl Moore and Simeon Powell, showcasing his elite grappling skills that have earned him 12 of his 18 victories by submission.
Key Statistics
- Number to Know: 12 – The number of submissions for Carlos, highlighting his submission proficiency.
X-Factor
Cauley’s experience as a former Division-I wrestler raises questions about whether he will stick to a striking-heavy game plan or leverage his grappling background effectively against Carlos, who is known for exploiting mistakes in opponents’ performances.
What to Watch For
Cauley’s inclination toward striking may be tested, as Carlos aims to capitalize on his grappling acumen. With Cauley’s limited fight experience, the mental aspect of managing fights will be crucial.
Complete Fight Card
ESPN/ESPN+ Main Card (9 p.m. ET)
- Middleweight Final: Fabian Edwards vs. Dalton Rosta
- Heavyweight Final: Alexander Romanov vs. Oleg Popov
- Light Heavyweight Final: Sullivan Cauley vs. Antonio Carlos Jr.
- ESPN+ Preliminary Card (6 p.m. ET)
- Featherweight: Alexei Pergande vs. Ethan Goss
- Bantamweight: Bryce Meredith vs. Lazaro Dayron
- Middleweight: Impa Kasanganay vs. Andrew Sanchez
- Light Heavyweight: Guilherme Viana vs. Rasul Magomedov
- Heavyweight: Sergei Bilostenniy vs. Karl Williams
- Welterweight: J.P. Saint Louis vs. Tyler Ray
Conclusion
The 2025 PFL finals offer an exciting culmination of the season with its three featured weight classes. Fans are sure to witness dramatic stories of redemption and supremacy as athletes battle not just for titles, but for legacies. Each fight comes with its own narrative, strategies, and key players to watch. Tune in this Thursday for an exhilarating night of fights that will close out the PFL season on a high note.
