Chizov Knocks Out Hughes in PFL Europe Final
Alex Chizov knocked out Connor Hughes to win the PFL Europe lightweight tournament on December 13, 2025, at LDLC Arena in Lyon. The finish came fifty seconds into the third round after an action-filled final in which both men had threatening moments.
Two proven tournament routes converged in France
Chizov reached the final by beating Mark Ewen and Claudio Pacella. Hughes returned to the championship bout after losing the previous season’s final to Jakub Kaszuba.
Both made the lightweight championship limit: Hughes weighed 154.7 pounds and Chizov 154.6. The final shared the Lyon card with the bantamweight tournament decider and two PFL world-title contests.
The opening rounds featured sustained exchanges and momentum changes
Jabs, combinations and low kicks marked an active first round that left both fighters bloodied. Hughes answered Chizov’s forward attacks rather than allowing him to control every exchange.
A right hand from Hughes hurt Chizov in the second and led into clinch work and a takedown. Chizov returned to his feet and continued finding punches, keeping the final competitive.
One clean right hand supplied the championship finish
The third began with another exchange before Chizov landed the decisive right. Hughes fell, and the contest ended without reaching the judges’ scorecards.
Chizov completed the tournament with a knockout and claimed the lightweight championship. Hughes suffered another defeat in a PFL Europe final, despite creating a genuine opportunity to turn the fight his way during the middle round.
Sources
- PFL: official finish and momentum changes
- PFL: December 13 date, venue and official weights
- MMA Fighting: championship knockout
