Introducing the 2021 PFL Heavyweight Roster [April 2021]

As exciting as all mixed-martial arts matches are, rarely do they top the thrilling competitors in the heavyweight class. These fighters are some of the world’s greatest, and his year’s PFL Heavyweight roster does not disappoint. With a great batch of return contenders, this season is guaranteed to excite and enthrall casual viewers and fans alike.

Where can I watch?

Round 1 of the Heavyweight match-ups take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021. MMA fans can watch all of the PFL1’s Main Card Heavyweight Fights on ESPN from 7 – 11 pm ET (4 – 8 pm PT). The Preliminary fights take place before the main ESPN Card and can be streamed via ESPN+ starting at 5.30 pm ET (2.30 pm PT).

What are the Key Heavyweight Match-Ups in Round One?

The first matchup of the Main Card is Fabricio Werdum vs. Renan Ferreira. Both reigning from Brazil, Werdum is a key addition to the PFL roster this year after his suspension from UFC, with Ferreira making headlines as the tallest fighter on any roster this year. Fabrico Werdum, a former UFC Heavyweight champion and, one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time, was signed to the PFL in late 2020. He was called the “Tom Brady of the PFL” by PFL CEO Peter Murray, and boasted an incredible winning streak in the UFC before being suspended. His fight against Renan “Problema” Ferrieira won’t be an easy one. On top of being the tallest fighter in the league, Ferreira boasts a 100% finish rate, and won 5 of his 6 wins in a TKO. This is a classic rookie vs veteran match that is sure to entertain.

Did you know? Fabrico Werdum holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Judo, and Muay Thai.

The second matchup of the Main Card packs more drama, with Russia’s 2019 Heavyweight Champion Ali Isaev vs Hatef “Boss” Moeil of Germany. Boasting a perfect record in his first season in the PFL and an unforgettable knockout with one second remaining in the 2019 PFL semi-finals against #1 seed Denis Goltsov, Isaev is posed to dominate this season. These contenders are evenly matched size-wise: both are 6’3’’ with an arm reach of 78’’. But if anything was learned from the first round lightweight matches, it is speed, not size, that matters [backlink to blog 4].

Did you know?: Hatef Moeil is entering the PFL on a 6 fight winning streak.

Who else is fighting?
Besides the Main Card matches, there are more matches you don’t want to miss. You can watch the ESPN+ Card fights on ESPN+ starting at 5:30 pm ET (2:30 pm PT) featuring:

Mohammed “The Motor” Usman vs. Brandon “Man of War” Sayles

Denis “The Russian Bogatyr” Goltsov vs. Justin Willis

Ante “Walking Trouble” Delija vs. Bruno Cappelozza

Did you know?: Ancient Russian fairy tales inspired Goltsov’s nickname, the Bogatyr. The character is akin to the Western-European knight.

Is there anything else important about this year’s Heavyweight roster?

Many of these competitors are returning to the PFL, so they have a lot of experience, and a lot to prove.

Round 1 of the Heavyweight match-ups take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021. MMA fans can watch all of the PFL1’s Main Card Heavyweight Fights on ESPN from 7 – 11 pm ET (4 – 8 pm PT). The Preliminary fights take place before the main ESPN Card and can be streamed via ESPN+ starting at 5.30 pm ET (2.30 pm PT).