Danny Roberts signs with PFL Europe, faces Patrick Habirora in PFL Europe Brussels headliner

England’s Danny Roberts has a new fighting home, and he’s ready to step into the main event spotlight on his promotional debut.

“Hot Chocolate” has signed with the Professional Fighters League as he looks to start a new chapter in his MMA career following a 14-fight run in the UFC.

Now “Hot Chocolate” will bring his fan-friendly fighting style to the PFL SmartCage, where he’ll take on rising Belgian star Patrick Habirora in the main event of PFL Brussels.

Habirora will take centre stage in his homeland as he looks to extend his perfect professional record by claiming his seventh straight win. Of his six professional victories, five have come by knockout, and he’s only been out of the first round twice so far in his pro career.

“It’s always been my dream to bring a major global MMA organisation to Belgium. Something that’s never been done before,” said Habirora.

“I’ve always had to fight abroad, carry the flag far from home, and prove myself outside my country. But now, it’s finally time to come back, on 5 July. Time to come home.

“This isn’t just another fight. This is something special. For my people. For my country. For every Belgian who’s been supporting me since day one. I’m preparing something incredible for you all. And I truly can’t wait for that day to come because it’s going to be historic.”

Roberts, by contrast, has 36 pro fights to his name, with 18 career victories, and 13 finishes. The 37-year-old Fight of the Night wars with Dominique Steele, David Zawada and Jonny Parsons in the UFC, and had memorable knockouts of Bobby Nash, Oliver Enkamp and Zelim Imadaeav during a UFC run that consistently delivered crowd-pleasing fights.

Arguably his most memorable fight came at UFC 204 in Manchester, when he stood toe to toe with Mike Perry in an unforgettable clash he ultimately lost in the third round. But whenever Roberts stepped into the Octagon, an exciting fight invariably followed.

Now he’ll look to show that he’s still a factor at 170 pounds by handing Habirora the first defeat of his professional career.

Habirora vs. Roberts tops a fight card that features the PFL Europe bantamweight tournament, as well as a host of showcase matchups, including a bantamweight co-main event between France’s Taylor Lapilus and Sweden’s PFL MENA champion Ali Taleb.

“PFL is making its first ever trip to Brussels, and we are going to put on a show in the ING Arena for the people of Belgium like nothing they’ve seen before,” said PFL CEO Pete Murray.

“We have an absolute star on our hands with Patrick Habirora, and his fans are going to erupt when they see him make his first-ever walk as the main event.”