PFL Announces Star-Studded 2025 Middleweight Tournament Field

The Professional Fighters League has set the stage for an electrifying 2025 season with the announcement of its middleweight tournament field. On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the promotion unveiled a roster of eight formidable fighters who will compete for the coveted PFL middleweight championship and the substantial prize money that comes with it.

One Shot to WIN. One Shot to ADVANCE. One Shot at a WORLD TITLE 🏆

Get to know the Middleweights set to compete in the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ #PFLWorldTournament

[ #PFLWorldTournament | Friday , April 18th | 📺 7 PM EST | ESPN | B2YB @atturotires ] pic.twitter.com/DtfGVmhmwR

— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 25, 2025

The tournament marks a significant return to the 185-pound weight class for the PFL, which last featured middleweights in its inaugural season-formatted year in 2018. The decision to bring back the division adds a fresh dimension to the promotion’s offerings and promises to deliver thrilling matchups for fight fans around the world.

A Diverse Field of Contenders

The lineup for the 2025 PFL middleweight tournament is nothing short of impressive, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans, former champions, and rising stars. Among the notable names are former Bellator middleweight title challengers Fabian Edwards (13-4) and Aaron Jeffery (15-5), both looking to make their mark in a new promotion.

Adding to the star power is Impa Kasanganay (18-5), the 2023 PFL light heavyweight champion, who will be dropping down a weight class to compete at middleweight. His inclusion in the tournament adds an intriguing element, as fans will be eager to see how his skills translate to the lower weight division.

Former Bellator middleweight contenders Dalton Rosta (9-1) and Mike Shipman (17-4) will also be vying for the title, bringing their wealth of experience and proven track records to the tournament. Murad Ramazanov (12-2), a former ONE Championship standout, adds an international flavor to the competition and will be looking to make a name for himself on this new stage.

Rounding out the field are Josh Silveira (13-4), the 2023 PFL light heavyweight runner-up, and Sadibou Sy (17-8-2), the 2022 PFL welterweight champion. Both fighters will be adjusting to new weight classes, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament.

The PFL has also named two alternates for the tournament: undefeated prospect Jordan Newman (7-0) and experienced campaigner Khalid Murtazaliev (17-3). These fighters will be ready to step in should any of the main competitors be unable to compete.

The Road to Glory

The 2025 PFL middleweight tournament is set to kick off with the quarterfinals on April 18 at PFL 3, taking place at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. Fight fans can catch all the action live on ESPN and ESPN+, though specific matchups for the opening round have yet to be announced.

The return of the middleweight division to the PFL is a strategic move that addresses a gap in their weight class offerings. Since 2019, the promotion had replaced the middleweight category with women’s lightweight, largely due to the emergence of star fighter Kayla Harrison. However, the reintroduction of the 185-pound division signals the PFL’s commitment to providing a diverse and competitive platform for fighters across various weight classes.

As the tournament approaches, speculation will undoubtedly build around potential matchups and favorites to win the championship. The diverse backgrounds and styles of the competitors promise a tournament filled with exciting clashes and potentially career-defining moments for these athletes.

The 2025 PFL middleweight tournament represents not just a competition for individual glory, but also a significant moment in the promotion’s evolution. By assembling such a talented and diverse field of fighters, the PFL is positioning itself as a major player in the global MMA landscape, offering unique opportunities for athletes and compelling content for fans.

As April 18 draws near, all eyes will be on Orlando as these eight warriors begin their quest for middleweight supremacy in what promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent MMA history.