PFL Europe Paris: Barnaoui vs. Colgan headlines explosive MMA event on May 24

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The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returns to Paris with an action-packed event on May 24 at the Accor Arena. Headlining the card is a lightweight clash between France’s own Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui (22-6) and undefeated American Archie “King” Colgan (11-0).

Both fighters are looking to make a statement in the lightweight division, with Barnaoui aiming to secure a future title shot in front of his home crowd, while Colgan seeks to extend his unbeaten record and spoil the Frenchman’s homecoming.

Tickets for PFL Europe Paris go on sale on March 27 at 3 PM CET via AccorArena.com.

Barnaoui vs. Colgan: A showdown of lightweight contenders

The Accor Arena set to host PFL Europe Paris on May 24.
The Accor Arena set to host PFL Europe Paris on May 24.

Barnaoui is known for his relentless finishing ability, boasting 15 submission wins and six KO/TKO victories in his career. He has never been stopped inside the cage and is determined to prove he belongs at the top of the division.

“I have a huge opportunity at the Accor Arena on May 24 to make a statement and finish an undefeated fighter. The PFL will realize they have a true lightweight title contender on their hands,” Barnaoui stated.

Colgan, an NCAA Division-I wrestler, enters the SmartCage with an unblemished record and training experience alongside MMA legends Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman. His wrestling pedigree makes him one of the toughest lightweights in the promotion.

“Paris! I’m back and ready to show everyone why I am one of the best lightweights in the world,” Colgan said. “The French fans always bring a great atmosphere, and I’m ready to put on a show.”

Belgian lightweight clash: Habirora vs. Di Franco

The co-main event features a domestic Belgian showdown as Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (6-0) faces Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1) in a lightweight showcase bout.

Habirora has built a strong following in his last two PFL fights, and his third outing is highly anticipated. Meanwhile, Di Franco will make his PFL debut, just two weeks after his brother Sebastien Di Franco competes in the PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament in Belfast.

More action to be announced

New PFL signing Taylor “Double Impact” Lapilus (21-4) will also make his debut in Paris, with his opponent set to be announced soon.

PFL CEO Peter Murray expressed excitement for the event, saying, “Paris holds a special place in PFL’s heart. The French fans always create an incredible atmosphere, and this card will continue to build the legacy of French MMA.”

PFL Europe Paris fight card

📍 Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
📍 Venue: Accor Arena, Paris
📍 Broadcast: Exclusively on DAZN in France, UK, and Ireland

  • Lightweight Showcase Bout: Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui (22-6) vs. Archie “King” Colgan (11-0)

  • Lightweight Showcase Bout: Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (6-0) vs. Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1)

  • Additional fights to be announced

MMA fans can expect a thrilling night as top European and international fighters battle for supremacy inside the SmartCage.

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