PFL Europe 3: Best Finishes Before Nantes
PFL is rapidly expanding across the globe, and its European branch has quickly become a proving ground for some of the sport’s most dangerous rising stars. With PFL Europe 3 set to take place in Nantes on September 26, 2025, fans are buzzing about the talent on display. Ahead of fight night, we revisit some of the best knockouts and submissions from fighters who will step into the cage in France — the highlight-reel moments that prove why they’ve earned their place on this stage.
Connor Hughes: Precision Striker With a Killer Instinct
Few names in the European lightweight scene are generating as much excitement as Connor Hughes. Known for his explosive boxing combinations and calmness under pressure, Hughes has repeatedly delivered finishes that electrify crowds. At PFL Europe 3, he faces Dutch standout Gino van Steenis in a bout that could determine the next true contender at 155 pounds. If Hughes can replicate his past knockout performances, he could emerge as one of the must-watch athletes in the entire PFL system.
Gustavo Oliveira: The Submission Hunter
Brazilian-born but Europe-based, Gustavo Oliveira has become a dangerous grappler in the bantamweight division. His slick jiu-jitsu and ability to capitalize on scrambles make him a nightmare for strikers who overcommit. Oliveira’s upcoming clash with Baris Adiguzel is a fight fans are circling as a potential grappling clinic. His past highlight finishes via rear-naked choke and armbar serve as reminders: if the fight hits the mat, Oliveira is always a threat to end it within seconds.
Alain Mbarga Atangana: The Heavyweight Hammer
At heavyweight, one punch can change everything — and nobody embodies that more than Alain Mbarga Atangana. A powerhouse with natural knockout ability, Atangana’s highlight reels are filled with thunderous finishes that leave no doubt about his power. He’ll meet Jhony Gregory in Nantes, a matchup expected to produce fireworks. If you’re looking for the next viral knockout from PFL Europe, this might be the fight that delivers it.
Jan Cieplowski and Aleksandr Chizov: Featherweights to Watch
The featherweight division continues to heat up, with two names in particular worth following. Polish striker Jan Cieplowski takes on Dean Garnett in a pivotal clash (Cieplowski vs Garnett), while Russian prospect Aleksandr Chizov meets Italian veteran Claudio Pacella (Chizov vs Pacella). Both fighters have showcased crisp striking and aggressive pacing in past bouts, making them prime candidates for highlight-reel performances in France.
Darragh Kelly and Mark Ewen: Ireland and Scotland Represent
Europe’s regional talent pool wouldn’t be complete without a strong showing from the UK and Ireland. Darragh Kelly, a Bellator-tested talent now making waves in PFL Europe, will look to impose his wrestling-heavy style against Bakhtiyar Abdulaev (Kelly vs Abdulaev). On the other side, Scotland’s Mark Ewen faces Sebastien Di Franco (Ewen vs Franco) in a bout that promises nonstop action. Both men have delivered emphatic stoppages in their careers, and both are hungry to use PFL Europe 3 as their launchpad to global recognition.
PFL Europe’s Place in the Global MMA Landscape
While PFL has already established itself as a powerhouse alongside the UFC and ONE Championship, PFL Europe is carving out a unique identity. With a $100,000 prize and a PFL Europe Championship Belt on the line, every fight carries real stakes. The winners in Nantes could not only change their careers overnight but also position themselves for spots in PFL’s global tournaments in the United States. In that sense, PFL Europe is not just about regional pride — it’s about fighters taking the first step towards international stardom.
Looking Ahead to Nantes
From Hughes’ striking to Oliveira’s grappling, from Atangana’s knockout power to the rising stars like Cieplowski, Chizov, Kelly, and Ewen, PFL Europe 3 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting MMA events of 2025. These highlight reels are more than entertainment — they’re previews of what could unfold on September 26. With a card stacked with finishers, don’t be surprised if Nantes becomes the stage for multiple viral moments that MMA fans will be replaying for years.
