PFL Europe announces Brussels show, Patrick Habirora set to star

PFL Europe is heading to Belgium, with the SmartCage set to land in Brussels’ ING Arena on July 5.

The event, which will feature the first round of the PFL Europe bantamweight tournament, will see the homecoming of rising Belgian MMA star Patrick Habirora, who will feature in a main card showcase bout against an opponent to be named in due course.

“It’s always been my dream to bring a major global MMA organisation to Belgium,” said Habirora.

“Something that’s never been done before. 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.”

The main event is still to be confirmed, but the co-main is already locked in, with French bantamweight and new PFL signing Taylor Lapilus set to take on 2024 PFL MENA bantamweight champion Ali Taleb. Also set for action is Belgium’s undefeated Boris Mbarga Atangana.

“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 Peter 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 a professional fighter in his home country of Belgium.

“Stay tuned, as we’re going to stack this card with elite fights such as our co-main event between Taylor Lapilus and Ali Taleb, and more Belgian athletes are set to be added. Get your tickets, because we’re going to make history.”