​The Professional Fighters League has confirmed the lineup for its upcoming Austin, Texas event, with a late change to the main card necessitating one adjustment. The organization announced that Levy Saul Marroquin has been removed from the PFL Austin card, which is scheduled for July 18 at Moody Center. In his place, Joey Ruquet will now clash with former PFL featherweight champion Jesus Pinedo in a 145-pound showdown, ensuring a compelling start to the televised portion of the event.
The evening’s top bout remains a showcase for the middleweight division, as former Bellator MMA middleweight champion Johnny Eblen is set to collide with Impa Kasanganay, the 2023 PFL light heavyweight tournament winner, in an interim PFL middleweight championship bout. This matchup was arranged after the promotion’s undisputed middleweight champion, Costello van Steenis, was sidelined due to an injury, creating an opportunity for Eblen and Kasanganay to vie for the interim title on the main stage.
On the co-main event, a late substitution reshapes the lineup: Rafael do Nascimento steps in to take on 2024 PFL Europe bantamweight champion Lewis McGrillene-Evans, following the withdrawal of Sergio Pettis due to injury. This replacement adds another dynamic clash to the card, keeping the audience engaged as the event unfolds.
The undercard continues to fill with noteworthy fights. Caolan Loughran is scheduled to face Julio Arce in a featherweight bout that promises to be a technical, action-packed affair. Meanwhile, Pinedo versus Ruquet stands out as a marquee 145-pound pairing to close out the televised portion of the card, ensuring a high-energy finish to the main-broadcast segment.
The middleweight title fight headlines PFL Austin, with the main card going live on Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN. For fans looking to catch the action, the PFL Austin telecast offers a stacked lineup that highlights both emerging talents and established contenders within the promotion’s expanding roster.
In addition to the main and co-main events, the preliminary card features a diverse slate of fights designed to attract a broad audience. Biaggio Ali Walsh will take on Gamid Khizriev in a lightweight contest, while Andrea Vazquez faces Aleksandra Savicheva in another compelling matchup. Unbeaten prospect Mia Grawe is set to square off against Ashley Thiner, and Jackson Glass will fight Zak Flessas at featherweight. Women’s flyweight action features Victoria Alba against Borena Tsertsvadze, adding further depth to the event’s overall competition.
As the date approaches, fans and practitioners of MMA alike are watching closely to see how the changes impact the event’s outcomes. The PFL Austin lineup remains packed with intriguing matchups across multiple weight classes, from the main event landscape of the middleweight division to the early rounds featuring rising stars and seasoned veterans. The July 18 show promises to deliver high-quality action on ESPN, reflecting the league’s ongoing commitment to growing the sport and delivering exciting entertainment for fans around the world.