​The PFL is returning to Texas this week, headlined by a former champion facing a replacement opponent in the main event. Here’s everything you need to know to watch PFL Austin, including the lineup, fight details, and more. The event takes place Saturday at the Moody Center in Texas, with coverage on ESPN2 and ESPN+. The prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the four-fight main card at 8 p.m. ET.
PFL Austin’s lineup features a top bout between Johnny Eblen and Impa Kasanganay. Eblen, holding a dominant 17-1 record, is set to clash with Kasanganay, who carries a 20-6 record. Kasanganay’s career has been marked by a notable two-time victory over Alex Polizzi and several impressive wins leading up to this matchup, including a victory in the 2023 PFL light heavyweight season. Eblen’s path to this moment has included a controversial split-decision win over Kasanganay in a 2024 Bellator vs. PFL event, a reminder that their rivalry is a highly anticipated rematch. Kasanganay also handed Eblen a hard punch in their first meeting, dropping him and almost finishing the fight in the second round, underscoring the strategic stakes of their latest encounter within a five-round framework this time around.
In addition to the main event, the main card features Lewis McGrillen vs. Rafael Nascimento, with each fighter bringing a sharp bantamweight record (McGrillen at 12-1 and Nascimento at 12-2). McGrillen has a strong résumé, including a notable win over Shuya Kamikubo, while Nascimento looks to build on two decisive performances that have positioned him as a rising contender in the division.
The main card also includes Julio Arce versus Caolan Loughran, and Levy Saul Marroquin versus Jesus Pinedo. These matchups promise a mix of veteran experience and up-and-coming talent, with the potential for exciting exchanges and decisive finishes.
The preliminary portion of the card (beginning at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+) features a full slate of fights, including:
– Andrea Vazquez and the PFL Belfast ceremonial weigh-ins
– Sergio Cossio vs. Kolton Englund
– Aleksandra Savicheva vs. Andrea Vazquez
– Gamid Khizriev vs. Biaggio Ali Walsh
– Zak Flessas vs. Jackson Glass
– Victoria Alba vs. Borena Tsertsvadze
– Brandon Davis vs. Luciano Pereira
– Mia Grawe vs. Ashley Thiner
Both the prelims and the main card are integral to the event’s overall arc, offering a full day of competitive MMA with implications for the PFL season standings and future matchups.
This report originally appeared on MMA Junkie, providing viewers with a comprehensive guide to watching PFL Austin, including fighter profiles, the lineup, start times, and odds to help optimize search engine visibility.