Adiguzel’s Explosive Start Won the PFL Europe Final
Baris Adiguzel stopped Dean Garnett to win the PFL Europe bantamweight tournament on December 13, 2025, at LDLC Arena in Lyon. The technical knockout was recorded at 0:44 of the first round, although Garnett immediately disputed the referee’s intervention.
An alternate’s opportunity became a championship assignment
Adiguzel had entered the tournament as an alternate and finished Julien Lopez in September to reach the final. His career had already been marked by fast finishes.
Garnett advanced through Tuomas Gronvall and Jan Cieplowski. At the weigh-in, Adiguzel registered 134.9 pounds and Garnett 134.8, making their championship matchup official.
A short exchange produced the decisive knockdown
The fighters began with punches and low kicks before Adiguzel increased the intensity. His left-hand attacks sent Garnett down, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
Garnett was reaching for a leg during the sequence and quickly rose to challenge the decision. His reaction reflected the belief that he remained able to grapple and defend despite the knockdown.
The official result awarded Adiguzel the tournament championship
The protest did not change the recorded result on the night. Adiguzel left with a first-round technical knockout and the 2025 PFL Europe bantamweight title.
The finish completed a rapid tournament rise from alternate to champion. It also left a debated ending for Garnett, whose attempt to continue wrestling was overtaken by the referee’s decision that the fight should be stopped.
Sources
- PFL: official time, tournament route and disputed stoppage
- PFL: December 13 date, venue and official weights
