Undefeated Lightweight Elvin Espinoza Earns Contract at PFL Challenger Series Week 4

It seems the third time was a charm for Elvin Espinoza.

And just like that, the Professional Fighters League has a new lightweight prospect as the Nicaraguan won for the third time in as many tries in the PFL. After previously winning “showcase” bouts during the 2021 and 2022 PFL Playoffs, Espinoza punched his ticket to the major leagues with an impressive Round 2 submission of Damir Ferhatbegovic at PFL Challenger Series 4. Still unblemished at 8-0, Espinoza took the first frame on all three unofficial Sherdog score cards and then put a stamp on his performance by making Ferhatbegovic (6-3-1), who missed weight Thursday, tap to a tight rear-naked choke at the 1:53 mark.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship divisional rulers Tyron Woodley and Vitor Belfort were joined by 2014 NBA rookie of the year Michael Carter-Williams as celebrity judges for the event. Both the celeb panel and online fan vote handed the contract to Espinoza, who is expected to compete in the 2023 PFL Season.

Elsewhere, Manoel Sousa took a split decision from Paulo Henrique Laia in the co-feature. Sousa kept his perfect record intact and moved to 10-0 with the win.

Laia, winner of the 2022 PFL International Qualifier Series, was an inspiration to all observers as he lost his voice and ability to hear due to a childhood illness; he required non-verbal instructions from his corner.

Laia, 14-6, escaped a bevy of tight submission attempts including kimuras, armbars and arm-triangle chokes. Although the official judges saw the action 29-28, 28-29, 29-28, many, including the unofficial Sherdog scorers, felt Souza was the clear victor.

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King of the Cage, Legacy Fighting Alliance and Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Anthony Romero cruised to a lopsided unanimous decision against Antonio Caruso. All three official judges saw the tilt 30-26.

Romero (12-1) dominated throughout, controlling his opponent with tight positioning and nearly finished the Australian with a torrent of punches and hammerfists on the floor in Round 2. Caruso (8-2) grabbed the fencing to escape and reverse potion; he was immediately docked a point by referee Larry Folsom for the foul.

In the evening’s curtain jerker, Charles Decca outpointed Jose Aguayo en route to a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across the board. All three unofficial Sherdog virtual scorers saw the contest 29-28 for the eventual winner.

Decca (5-2-1), of American Top Team, utilized leg kicks throughout the scrap to hold serve on the feet. Aguayo, of Nick Diaz Fight Team, had little to offer outside of several failed submission attempts from the bottom. The Californian dropped to 5-3 with the loss.