Photos: 2022 PFL 3 ceremonial weigh-ins and faceoffs

Check out these photos from the 2022 PFL 3 ceremonial weigh-ins.

Check out these images from the 2022 PFL 3 ceremonial weigh-ins and faceoffs at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photos by Matthew Wells, MMA Junkie)

Graphic video: Mark Martin’s eye bulges out out of head as injury ends PFL Challenger Series 2 bout

This could be one of the most graphic eye injuries suffered in the history of high-level MMA.

Even before the official decision, [autotag]Mark Martin[/autotag] was immediately transported to the hospital – and for seemingly good reason.

At PFL Challenger Series 2, Martin lost to [autotag]Dilano Taylor[/autotag] by doctor’s stoppage in between the first and second round. Almost immediately upon the cage-side physician’s entrance into the cage, the signal was given the bout was over. His eye bulged out of his head.

Martin (7-2) found success early, but a couple of hard shots from Taylor (8-1) caused swelling and damage to the left eye of Martin. As he turned and faced the camera, the severity of the injury became apparent. Not only was the eye puffy, it protruded out of the socket in grotesque fashion. The broadcast announced Martin was headed to a local hospital minutes after the bout was halted.

Check out the gruesomeness below, if you dare.

PFL Challenger Series 2 took place Friday at Universal Studios in Orlando and streamed on fuboTV.

The PFL Challenger Series 2 results include:

  • Dilano Taylor def. Mark Martin via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
  • Carlos Leal def. Korey Kuppe via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:56
  • Chris Mixan def. Nathan Pierce via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:29

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Former BRAVE CF champion Jarrah Al-Silawi joins welterweight cast of PFL Challenger Series

Jarrah Al-Silawi will lead a list of surging welterweight prospects in the second episode of PFL’s new Challenger Series.

[autotag]Jarrah Al-Silawi[/autotag] will lead a list of surging welterweight prospects in the second episode of PFL’s new Challenger Series.

Al-Silawi (16-3), a former BRAVE CF super welterweight champion, will take part in PFL Challenger Series 2, which features welterweights including NCAA wrestling standout [autotag]Mark Martin[/autotag] and LFA 170-pound champion [autotag]Carlos Leal[/autotag] (14-3).

Also taking part in the welterweight episode is returning Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace [autotag]Lucas Barbosa[/autotag] (2-1), [autotag]Dilano Taylor[/autotag] (7-1), [autotag]Michael Lilly[/autotag] (7-6), [autotag]Troy Green[/autotag] (4-1) and [autotag]Socrates Pierre[/autotag] (12-6).

PFL’s new Challenger Series officially kicks off Feb. 18 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., with light heavyweights on tap for Episode 1. The second episode takes place a week later.

The new series airs exclusively on Fubo Sports Network and sees athletes gunning for a PFL contract that could either serve as a developmental deal or see them enter directly into the promotion’s regular season and its $1 million prize. One fighter each week will earn the contract.

Jordan’s Al-Silawi headlines the welterweight talent. Winner of 11 of his past 12, two-time BRAVE CF champ Al-Silawi holds notable wins and finishes over UFC welterweight Carlston Harris, French prospect Abdoul Abdouraguimov and ex-UFC welterweight Ismail Naurdiev.

Al-Silawe explained he wanted to get his feet wet before entering the 2022 season and the PFL Challenger Series is the perfect opportunity for him to do that.

“I’m excited to compete for the PFL before the season,” Al-Silawi told MMA Junkie. “The plan was to join the season right away, but this fight in February, I wanted to take. I’m very excited for my first fight in the PFL. I prepared very well for the fight. I’ve been training for a while, so God willing, this fight will be different.

“It’s my first time to go to America and fight there, so I’m very excited for that. It’s a different place. I’m also excited to show everyone the level in the Middle East. I always say we don’t have too many fighters in the Middle East, but we carry a message. We want to prove to the world that we can compete at the highest level, and this is a big opportunity for me to prove this point.”

On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC or Bellator with December wins

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey starts long before they strap on UFC or Bellator gloves.

Every champion in MMA history started out somewhere.

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey begins long before they strap on UFC or Bellator gloves. Modern-era fighters progress through the regional ranks with hopes of accomplishing the highest accolades. Many will try, few will succeed.

This month, five fighters on the verge of achieving major promotion notoriety – one for the second time – return to the cage for what could be their stepping stone fight. There are dozens of fighters close to making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.

This month:

  • A second-generation mixed martial artist could obtain LFA champ champ status – and a subsequent major promotional phone call shortly thereafter.
  • A Pitbull Brothers protege continues to build on his experience as he travels across the ocean to battle for a South African title.
  • An undefeated Canadian fighter hopes to make up for lost time, and a lost Dana White’s Contender Series opportunity, with her first LFA title win.
  • One of the highest-touted flyweight prospects in the world hopes to continue his domination as he tears through the CFFC scene.
  • An under-the-radar Titan FC champion thinks a sixth-straight victory could propel him into the ranks of the UFC.