Nemkov, Cyborg Claim Inaugural PFL Titles in Lyon

Vadim Nemkov and Cris Cyborg claimed inaugural titles in the heavyweight and women's featherweight divisions on Saturday night, capping a thrilling 10-fight card at the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France, as the Professional Fighters League wrapped up its 2025 Champions Series 4 event.

In the main event, Nemkov, a former Bellator light heavyweight champion who has transitioned successfully to heavyweight, submitted Renan Ferreira with an arm-triangle choke at 4:00 of the first round to secure the PFL heavyweight championship. The Russian fighter, undefeated since 2016, controlled the bout from the outset, executing a takedown against the 6-foot-8 Brazilian and transitioning seamlessly on the ground to lock in the finish. Ferreira, a former PFL tournament winner making his first appearance since October 2024, offered brief resistance with hammerfists during a scramble but could not escape Nemkov's dominance. Following the victory, Nemkov expressed interest in facing former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in early 2026, a matchup that has been anticipated since his move to the division.

The co-main event saw Cyborg, a 40-year-old Brazilian legend with a storied career across...