Balbali Wins Split Decision Over Batchelor
Rayan Balbali defeated Levi Batchelor by split decision in the opening bout of PFL Lyon on December 13, 2025. Judges returned 30–27 and 29–28 for Balbali, with the remaining card 29–28 for Batchelor after three bantamweight rounds at LDLC Arena.
A French newcomer faced an unbeaten finishing prospect
Balbali was making his PFL debut after winning his professional opener earlier in the year. Batchelor entered with three victories, all finishes, including a July submission of Fahdi Khaled.
Both made weight for the showcase: Balbali registered 135.2 pounds and Batchelor 135.9. Their bout began a card featuring both European tournament finals and PFL world championships.
Batchelor’s wrestling met repeated escapes and choke threats
Batchelor secured takedowns and worked along the fence, but Balbali repeatedly sat up, rebuilt his stance and threatened guillotines. The defensive responses made maintaining dominant position difficult.
Balbali also found punches and kicks between those grappling exchanges. Batchelor continued pursuing takedowns, while the French fighter tried to make the standing moments count through more damaging offense.
The final round could not produce a unanimous view
Another series of clinch battles and takedown attempts carried the fight toward the final horn. Balbali continued escaping to his feet, and both men landed punches before time expired.
Two judges preferred Balbali’s work, giving him a successful promotional debut and ending Batchelor’s unbeaten start. The split result reflected a close comparison between positional wrestling and the more effective attacking moments on the feet.
Sources
- PFL: official verdict, debut background and repeated escapes
- PFL: December 13 date, venue and official weights
