Ex-UFC contender Laureano Staropoli to make PFL Europe debut on play-off card in Paris

The 30-year-old fighter is currently on a three-fight winning streak and will be looking to add another victory at the Zenith Paris La Villette against Baba Boundjou Nadjombe (8-4).

As well as this exciting addition, the highly anticipated opponent ‘The Lazy King’ Abdoul Abdouraguimov in the co-main event has been confirmed as England’s ‘The Crazy Kid’ Brad Wheeler.

With an impressive professional record that includes 18 wins, the hugely experienced Wheeler will be aiming to silence the French crowd when he steps into the SmartCage against the two-weight Ares FC Champion.

Dan Hardy, Head of Fighter Operations for PFL Europe: “Staropoli is a young and exciting, well-rounded fighter, who will bring an intensity to the SmartCage that I know the French fans will appreciate.

"Nadjombe has lived and trained in France for a long time, and will feel like he's the 'good guy' in this match up, which is fine because Staropoli doesn't mind playing the heel.

"Abdouraguimov will be tested in all ranges by Brad Wheeler, who is one of the most well known veterans on the European MMA scene.

"He's always tough, always determined and well-conditioned. Now that Wheeler is training at GB Top Team, I know they'll prepare him with a clever game plan."

PFL Europe Playoffs at the Zenith Paris La Villette will be headlined by Cedric ‘The Best’ Doumbe (4-0), widely regarded as one of the best kickboxers in the world, with the 30-year-old French-based superstar and former Glory champion facing fierce local rival Jordan Zebo (4-0).

PFL Europe Playoffs in Paris will also host the Light Heavyweight, Female Flyweight, Bantamweight and Lightweight Semi-Finals of the inaugural season.

PFL Europe is the PFL’s first international league and showcases the very best MMA athletes across Europe and holds quarterly events throughout 2023, which began in Newcastle on March 25.

The league features 32 of Europe’s top fighters from 14 countries competing across four weight divisions.

After four events, four PFL Europe Champions will be crowned with each Champion taking home $100,000.

Champions also have a chance to earn a spot on the PFL Global Roster and the $1 million global season prize.

PFL Europe 2023 remaining schedule

- Saturday, September 30 - Paris, France - Zenith Paris La Villette (Playoffs)

- Friday, December 8 - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena (Final)