The 135-pound division saw plenty of drama and breakthrough moments. England’s Jake Hadley (12-4) pulled off a highlight-reel submission, while Brazil’s Marcirley Alves (13-4), stepping in as an alternate, stunned former Bellator title challenger Leandro Higo by split decision. They’ll now meet in the Semifinals this June.

In the other bracket, American underdog Justin Wetzell (11-2) scored the night’s biggest upset with a dominant decision over Kasum Kasumov. Mexico’s Mando Gutierrez (11-3) also advanced, making quick work of Francesco Nuzzi with a rear-naked choke in the opening round.

Women’s Flyweight Bracket Now Locked In
Former Bellator World Champion Liz Carmouche (23-8) continues her tear through the division, stopping Ilara Joanne with brutal body shots in under 90 seconds. She’ll now face Elora Dana (8-0), who stayed undefeated with a first-round neck crank submission against Diana Avsaragova.

Jena Bishop (8-2) secured a unanimous decision over Kana Watanabe, while Ukraine’s Ekaterina Shakalova (9-2) submitted Juliana Velasquez in just over two minutes. Bishop and Shakalova now square off in the other Semifinal pairing.

Alves Makes the Most of His Shot
Thrown into the spotlight as a replacement, Marcirley Alves didn’t hesitate. In a gritty back-and-forth battle, he edged Higo by split decision.
“It means everything,” Alves said post-fight. “I knew I could beat anyone if I just got my chance, and tonight I proved that.”

Carmouche Continues to Dominate
Liz Carmouche remains one of the most consistent forces in women’s MMA. She made quick work of Joanne with body strikes that left no doubt.
“I want that title,” Carmouche declared. “And nobody’s going to stop me from getting it.”

Wetzell Turns Heads with Major Upset
Bookmakers didn’t see it coming, but Wetzell believed in himself and outpointed a dangerous opponent in Kasumov.
“People doubted me,” said Wetzell. “But I knew I had what it took to beat someone like Kasum. This win puts me right where I belong—in the hunt for the championship.”

Hadley Lands Rare Submission
Jake Hadley’s submission of Matheus Mattos via Scottish Twister was not only decisive—it was rare. That technical finish turned heads across the MMA world.

Full Results: PFL World Tournament 2 – April 11, 2025
Main Card

• Marcirley Alves def. Leandro Higo via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

• Liz Carmouche def. Ilara Joanne via TKO (body strikes) at 1:25 of round one

• Mando Gutierrez def. Francesco Nuzzi via submission (RNC) at 4:13 of round one

• Justin Wetzell def. Kasum Kasumov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Early Card

• Ekaterina Shakalova def. Juliana Velasquez via submission (RNC) at 2:05 of round one

• Jake Hadley def. Matheus Mattos via submission (Scottish Twister) at 2:16 of round three

• Jena Bishop def. Kana Watanabe via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

• Elora Dana def. Diana Avsaragova via submission (neck crank) at 4:48 of round one

Upcoming 2025 PFL World Tournament Events

• April 18 – First Round (Middleweights & Lightweights), Universal Studios Florida

• May 1 – First Round continues, Universal Studios Florida

• June 12 – Semifinals, Nashville Municipal Auditorium

• June 20 – Semifinals, INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita

• June 27 – Semifinals, Wintrust Arena, Chicago

• August 1 – Finals, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City

• August 15 – Finals, Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte

• August 21 – Finals, Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida