PFL Lyon: Nemkov and Cyborg Reign Supreme as PFL Evolves Beyond Seasons
December 13,2025 – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continued its evolution Saturday night in Lyon,France,crowning two new champions in dominant fashion: Vadim Nemkov at heavyweight and the ever-dominant Cris Cyborg in the women’s featherweight division. PFL Lyon wasn’t just about title fights; it signaled a definitive shift for the promotion, moving further away from its season-based origins and solidifying its place as a major force in global MMA.
This article provides a complete recap of the event, analyzes the key matchups, and looks ahead too the future of the PFL, offering insights for both seasoned MMA fans and those new to the league.
Nemkov Overpowers ferreira to Claim Heavyweight Crown
Vadim Nemkov, a name synonymous with skill and precision, wasted no time establishing his dominance over Renan Ferreira in the PFL Lyon main event. The 33-year-old Russian, trained under the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, showcased a masterful grappling performance, securing a takedown within the first minute and controlling Ferreira for the remainder of the round. He ultimately finished the fight with a textbook arm triangle choke at the 4:00 mark.
The size difference was a pre-fight talking point, with Ferreira tipping the scales at a hefty 258.8 pounds – nearly 17 pounds heavier than Nemkov (241.9). While the weight disparity was visually apparent, it proved inconsequential once the fight hit the canvas. Nemkov’s strategy was clear: neutralize Ferreira’s striking advantage with his superior wrestling.
“My plan was to wrestle with him because he’s so tall and he’s a good striker,” Nemkov explained through an interpreter. “I’m multidimensional, so for me it was better to wrestle.”
This victory adds another prestigious title to Nemkov’s resume, having previously held the Bellator MMA light heavyweight championship. His performance at PFL Lyon underscores his versatility and cements his position as a top heavyweight contender. Nemkov’s grappling prowess and tactical approach are hallmarks of the Emelianenko school of MMA,demonstrating a focus on technique and control.
Cyborg Adds Another Title,hints at Boxing Future
In the co-main event,Cris Cyborg,arguably the most decorated female fighter in MMA history,added yet another championship to her collection. The 40-year-old Brazilian defeated Sara Collins via rear-naked choke at 2:55 of the third round, showcasing her well-rounded skillset and championship experience.
The fight wasn’t without its challenges. Collins, a former judo international, presented a credible threat, even attempting a submission of her own in the third round. However, Cyborg’s defensive grappling, honed specifically to counter judo-style attacks, proved decisive.
“I’ve been working this defense for judo side control,” Cyborg stated post-fight.
This victory is particularly significant as it represents Cyborg’s sixth championship across four major promotions – UFC, Invicta FC, Strikeforce, Bellator, and now PFL. She is the only fighter in MMA history to achieve this grand slam, a testament to her longevity and adaptability. Adding a PFL Super Fights championship last year and now a title in the PFL’s current format further solidifies her legacy.
However, Cyborg surprised fans by announcing that this may be her final MMA fight. She expressed a desire to focus on her burgeoning boxing career, but not before one last bout. She initially called for a fight against Leah mccourt, a former Bellator featherweight champion, but acknowledged McCourt’s extended inactivity (15 months).
Cyborg then proposed a compelling superfight against Dakota Ditcheva, the undefeated PFL flyweight champion. “Meet me in the middle,” Cyborg challenged, suggesting a catchweight of 135 pounds, bridging the gap between her usual 145-pound division and Ditcheva’s 125-pound weight class. This potential matchup has already generated significant buzz among fans and analysts.
PFL’s Evolution: Beyond the Season format
PFL Lyon is a clear indication of the institution’s strategic shift. For its first seven years, the PFL operated under a unique season format, culminating in playoffs and a championship final. Now, the league is increasingly focused on direct championship bouts and high-profile matchups, attracting established stars and expanding its global reach.
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