French lightweight contender Mansour Barnaoui will take the main event spotlight as he features at the top of the card when PFL Europe returns to Paris, France on May 24.
The event, which is set to take place at the Accor Arena, will feature a full slate of PFL Europe season matchups, and two showcase bouts have now been confirmed for the top of the fight card.
Barnaoui will headline the event against undefeated American Archie Colgan, who heads to France having already defeated one Frenchman – Thibault Gouti – in his career. Now he’s looking to beat another.
“I have a huge opportunity at the Accor Arena on 24 May to make a statement and finish an undefeated fighter,” said Barnaoui.
“I expect a tough fight from Colgan who is an excellent opponent, but when the referee lifts my hand, the PFL will realise they have a true Lightweight title contender on their hands, and I have ambitions of becoming the champion. The French crowd will bring the energy like they always do, and I will bring the fight like I always do.”
The 11-0 contender will face a tricky operator in Barnaoui, who has gone 10-2 in his last 12 outings, with his Bellator losses to former champion Brent Primus and Jay Jay Wilson both coming via the judges’ scorecards.
“Paris! I’m back and ready to show everyone why I am one of the best lightweights in the world,” said Colgan.
“The French fans always bring a great atmosphere so I’m ready to put on a show at the Accor Arena and show why I am in this conversation for the title shot. We will see you Saturday May 24th inside the SmartCage.”
Also on the fight card for Paris is a lightweight showcase bout between one of Belgium’s hottest talents, Patrick Habirora and Nicolas Di Franco.
Former amateur standout Habirora is unbeaten at 6-0, and considered one of European MMA’s most exciting rising stars. “The Belgian Bomber” has already picked up two wins under the PFL banner. Now he’s going for his third, and faces Di Franco, who will be making his PFL debut just two weeks after his brother Sebastian, who will take part in the PFL Europe lightweight tournament at PFL Belfast on May 10.
The card also features French veteran and new PFL signing Taylor Lapilus, who will face an opponent to be named in due course.
“Paris holds a special place in PFL’s heart. The French fans have made their case to be amongst the best in the world, and they tear the roof off the Accor Arena every time we bring the SmartCage, so it was a must-visit for us,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray.
“Barnaoui hunts for the finish no matter his opponent, but Archie Colgan has never been stopped. French fans are about to find out what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, and I know it’s going to build on the history of French MMA.”
“We also know what happens when we bring Patrick Habirora to France, so the energy is going to be off the charts. He faces a tough challenge against his Belgian compatriot, so let’s see if his star continues to rise or if Nicolas Di Franco can steal the hype and make a name for himself.”
