Lewis McGrillen Claims PFL Europe Bantamweight Championship

Lewis McGrillen, a British fighter, claimed the PFL Europe bantamweight title in Lyon, France, by defeating Germany’s Alexander Luster via second-round knockout. Ten of McGrillen’s victories have been achieved by stoppage. Throughout the contest, McGrillen repeatedly sent his German adversary to the canvas, ultimately delivering the decisive strike with a powerful left hand. This triumph secured the 24-year-old Manchester native the tournament’s top prize of $100,000 (£78,000). McGrillen commented on his journey, stating, “I go through trials and tribulations every day. Not just in the gym but in my life. I’m a fighter, I’m a dog, I was born to fight.” McGrillen entered this fight following an impressive semi-final showing, during which he and opponent Dean Garnett exchanged 14 knockdowns before McGrillen concluded the match with a left hook. The encounter with Luster once again showcased McGrillen’s skill, as he caused the 26-year-old to falter repeatedly in the opening round with his potent left hand. Luster, visibly with a bloodied nose, responded with kicks aimed at the body and head; however, he proved unable to withstand the British fighter’s force and was knocked down by a straight left. Luster managed to continue into the second round, but the decisive moment arrived shortly thereafter when McGrillen again knocked Luster down with his left hand, prompting the referee to halt the contest on the ground as the German fighter covered himself. McGrillen celebrated his victory inside the cage with his team, among whom was UFC star Lerone Murphy, thereby improving his professional record to 11 wins and one loss. This win made him the second British competitor to secure a PFL title this year, following the success of fellow Mancunian Dakota Ditcheva, who triumphed in the global flyweight tournament last month. “Thank you so much – shout out to every pub in Wythenshawe that streamed the fight, I love you to bits,” McGrillen further stated. “I’ll be down for a beverage as soon as I’m back.” However, there was a setback for another British fighter, Connor Hughes, who was stopped in the fourth round of his lightweight title contest against Poland’s Jakub Kaszuba. Hughes, hailing from Liverpool, began the fight strongly, knocking down his 29-year-old adversary in the first round with a left hook and repeating the feat in the second round with an uppercut. Nevertheless, Kaszuba, the reigning champion from the previous year, seized control in the third round, executing an early takedown and dominating the ground exchanges with several elbows. This pattern continued into the fourth round, where he once more brought the fight to the ground, launching a relentless assault with elbows until the referee intervened to conclude the match. In his post-fight interview, Kaszuba light-heartedly remarked, “give me more elbows,” and subsequently disclosed that he had competed with torn ligaments in his leg, which he described as “painful despite the adrenaline.” While Kaszuba successfully defended his title and extended his undefeated streak to 15 bouts, the 27-year-old Hughes recorded the second loss of his 12-fight professional career.