Alex Chizov needs one punch in strike-filled contest to win PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament

Connor Hughes, one of the most prominent names in PFL Europe, is a decorated martial artist, coming from a martial arts family and earning recognition in karate, boxing, and kickboxing. Hughes made it to the final of last year’s tournament, falling to Jakub Kaszuba. Now, he’s back in the final in a major way after scoring highlight knockouts of Sebastien Di Franco and Gino Van Steenis.

Alex Chizov is also a striking specialist who has fought as an MMA pro for nine years. A teammate to Khamzat Chimaev, Chizov has earned a pair of regional titles, while also being a former Combat Sambo champion. Chizov reached the Final with victories over Mark Ewen and Claudio Pacella.

Who will be the 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament Winner?

Round 1

Low kick by Hughes. Left hand by Chizov. Low kick by Hughes. Left jab by Hughes. Another low kick by Hughes. Chizov works the left hand. Trade of low kicks. Right hand by Chizov. Jabs from both men. Low kicks from Hughes. Left hand and a low kick by Chizov. Hughes comes forward with a combination. Round kick is blocked by Hughes. Right hand by Chizov. Left hand by Chizov. Combination by Chizov. Left hand by Chizov. Low kick by Chizov. Right hand by Hughes catches Chizov coming in. Left hand by Chizov. They trade. Low kick by Hughes. Three-punch combination by Hughes. Left hand misses for Chizov.

Hughes lands an inside leg kick. Left hand by Chizov. Left hand to the body by Chizov. Combination from Chizov. Stiff jab makes Hughes step back. Hughes lands to the body now. A Hughes kick is caught. Chizov with a combination, and Hughes fires a counter right. Left hand by Chizov. Hughes with a left hand. Left hand by Chizov. Hughes presses Chizov briefly on the inside. Kick from Hughes misses. Chizov aims for the legs. Both men are bleeding after just one round. A low kick from Chizov is answered by Hguhes with a one-two. Pair of jabs by Chizov.

DANGER IN THE FIRST!

Aleksandr Chizov wobbles Connor Hughes and then Hughes returns fire as the action continues in this PFL Europe Lightweight Title bout!#PFLLyon | LDLC Arena, Lyon | 📺LIVE NOW on the ESPN app pic.twitter.com/M0uuwcEu0e

— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 13, 2025

Round 2

Left hands from Chizov. Kick to the body by Hughes. Hughes with a left to the body. Low kick by Hughes. One-two by Hughes. One-two by Chizov now. Right hand stuns Chizov! Hughes throws an elbow before clinching Chizov against the fence. Hughes scores the takedown. Chizov is able to get back to his feet quickly, and he presses Hughes into the fence now. Combination by Chizov. Low kick by Hughes. Right hand by Chizov. One-two by Chizov. Left hands from both men.Low kick by Chizov. Uppercut from Chizov.

THE MOMENTUM NOW SWINGS THE OTHER WAY!

CONNOR HUGHES WITH THE RIGHT! #PFLLyon | LDLC Arena, Lyon | 📺LIVE NOW on the ESPN app pic.twitter.com/wC1vM7rdHG

— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 13, 2025

Low kick by Chizov. A left hook now. A low kick from Hughes is partially caught. Chizov lands with his lead leg. Right hook to the body by Chizov. Now he lands upstairs with a combination. Counter left by Hughes. Both men land a right hand. Round kick by Chizov. High kick by Chizov. Right hands from both men. Round kick is blocked by Hughes. Left hand by Chizov. Left hand by Chizov is blocked. Left hand by Hughes to the body. Jab bu Hughes. The two exchange in the center. Round kick to the body by Chizov.

Round 3

An exchange starts off this round, as both men look to control the action. Two-punch combination by Hughes. Chizov lands a right hand. One-two by Chizov. Chizov mixes things up, but Hughes lands a right hand. Left hands by Chizov. Right hand PUTS CONNOR HUGHES OUT COLD!!!

LIGHTS OUT! 💡

Aleksandr Chizov turns off the lights with a 3rd Round KO over Connor Hughes to win the @PFLEurope Lightweight Title!#PFLLyon | LDLC Arena, Lyon | 📺LIVE NOW on the ESPN app pic.twitter.com/ETOf1jPh3J

— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 13, 2025

Alex Chizov has claimed the PFL Europe Tournament gold!!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Alex “Pretty Boy” Chizov defeats Connor Hughes by 3rd round KO (0:50) to win the 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament.