PFL Brussels set as Patrick Habirora faces Benson Henderson in welterweight main event

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The Professional Fighters League returns to Belgium with a compelling showcase as PFL Brussels lands at the ING Arena on Saturday, May 23. The event features a classic rising star versus seasoned veteran matchup that could significantly impact the welterweight landscape.

Belgium’s undefeated standout Patrick Habirora (8-0) puts his perfect record on the line in the main event against former UFC champion Benson Henderson (30-12). The bout positions one of Europe’s most promising prospects opposite one of MMA’s most battle-tested veterans.

The ING Arena in Brussels hosts a major PFL showcase on May 23.
The ING Arena in Brussels hosts a major PFL showcase on May 23.

Pre-sale tickets for PFL Brussels became available Tuesday, March 3 at 12 p.m. CET, with general public sales opening Wednesday, March 4 at 12 p.m. CET through pfl.info/brussels.

Patrick Habirora looks to protect perfect record

Habirora enters PFL Brussels carrying significant momentum and growing expectations across the European MMA scene. The Belgian welterweight remains unbeaten at 8-0, with seven of those victories coming via knockout or technical knockout, highlighting his reputation as a dangerous finisher.

“The Belgian Bomber” made his loudest statement last December at PFL Lyon when he dismantled Kevin Jousset in what was widely considered his toughest test to date. A thunderous first-round knockout followed by relentless ground-and-pound electrified the Lyon crowd and further elevated his status as a rising contender.

Currently ranked No. 10 at welterweight, Habirora now faces the biggest name of his career in front of a home crowd in Brussels. A victory over a former world champion would dramatically accelerate his climb in the division.

Benson Henderson brings championship pedigree

Henderson arrives in Brussels with nearly two decades of elite-level experience and one of the most decorated résumés in modern MMA. A former WEC and UFC champion, “Smooth” has consistently faced — and defeated — top-tier opposition throughout his career.

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Among Henderson’s notable victories are wins over Nate Diaz, Frankie Edgar (twice), and Jorge Masvidal, underscoring the level of competition he has conquered across multiple eras of the sport.

Recently, Henderson has continued sharpening his skill set across several combat disciplines, including grappling, karate, wrestling, and boxing. He now returns to MMA competition aiming to prove that his experience and versatility still make him a dangerous threat in the welterweight division.

The PFL Brussels card will stream in the United States via the ESPN App for viewers with access to the ESPN Unlimited plan, expanding the event’s global reach.

Updated PFL Brussels Main Card
ING Arena — Brussels, Belgium
6 p.m. CEST | 12 p.m. EST | Saturday, May 23, 2026

Broadcast: ESPN App (U.S.) | RMC Sport (France)

Welterweight Main Event: #10 Patrick Habirora (8-0) vs. Benson Henderson (30-12)

Upcoming PFL schedule
Friday, March 20 — PFL Madrid — Palacio Vistalegre — Madrid, Spain
Saturday, March 28 — PFL Pittsburgh — UPMC Events Center — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Saturday, April 11 — PFL Chicago — Wintrust Arena — Chicago, Illinois
Thursday, April 16 — PFL Belfast — SSE Arena Belfast — Belfast, Northern Ireland
Saturday, May 2 — PFL Sioux Falls — Sanford Pentagon — Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Saturday, May 23 — PFL Brussels — ING Arena — Brussels, Belgium

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