Alex Chizov wins striking-filled affair to reach 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Finals

Claudio Pacella is someone who has tried to set himself up for future greatness, having won a bronze medal at the 2014 Italian U23 Nationals and a regional lightweight title. A judo black belt, Pacella has won four of his last five. He scored a decision win over Gavin Hughes in their first-round matchup back in May.

Alex Chizov is a two-time Latvian Combat Sambo champion who trains alongside Khamzat Chimaev. A former regional MMA champion at both lightweight and welterweight, Chizov has scored finishes in nine of his 11 victories, and most of his fights have not gone past the first round. He scored a first-round knockout of Mark Ewen during their First Round tournament battle in May.

Who will be the first to advance to this year’s PFL Europe Lightweight Finals matchup?

Round 1

A couple of long jabs from Pacella. Left hand from Chizov. Left hand from Chizov to answer an overhand right from Pacella. And again. Chizov has been working the jab well so far. Combination from Pacella backs Chizov up. A right hand lands for Pacella. Pacella just narrowly misses a strong overhand. Strong uppercut and a straight right from Chizov backs Pacella up. Chizov is back on the jab now. Left hand by Chizov. A left and a right from Chizov. Combination by Pacella now, trying to pressure his way back in. Pacella with a right hand.

A couple of one-twos by Pacella. Left hand by Chizov. Left hand by Pacella. Jab by Chizov. Left hand for Pacella again. Left hand by Chizov again, followed by a right. A left and a right for Pacella. Pacella paws at one of his eyes. Chizov briefly holds Pacella against the fence. A pair of left hands land for Pacella. A strong combination lands for Pacella. Pacella misses a high kick. One-two by Chizov. Chizov with a straight.

Round 2

Pacella is coming out with heavy strikes to start round two. Right hand by Pacella. Combinations from both men as they exchange early. Chizov throws with the right hand. Inside shot from Pacella as the two briefly clinch. Left jabs from Chizov as Pacella’s right eye starts to swell. Chizov tries for a kick, but Pacella is out of range. Chizov with a knee. Pacella works the left jab. Left hand by Pacella. Right hand by Pacella. Pacella lands a left hook, and he gets Chizov against the fence. Uppercut misses for Chizov after the action moves away from the fence. Body shot by Pacella. Left hand by Pacella lands on the head. One-two by Chizov.

Small combination from Pacella. Right hand from Pacella, and Chizov presses him into the fence. Pacella works his way off the fence with just under two minutes left. Pacella lands a right to the body. Left hands from both men. A combination from Chizov, and Pacella responds in kind. A couple of lefts and a right by Chizov. Left hook by Chizov. Pacella presses and lifts Chizov, but Chizov gets himself back to his feet, preventing the takedown.

Round 3

Big right hand from Pacella to start! And another that rocks Chizov! Chizov is punching his way back into things. Pacella presses Chizov back against the fence. Left hand and a right from Chizov after working off the fence. Chizov lands on the inside quickly. Overhand right by Pacella, and we’re back to the fence. Strong elbow from Pacella, but his takedown attempt is unsuccessful. A couple of knees to the body by Pacella. Left hand by Pacella. Knee on the inside by Chizov during an inside exchange.

Right hand by Chizov. One-two by Pacella, and another lift. This time he gets the takedown! Chizov puts up his guard right away. Chizov tries to scramble his way back up, but Pacella gets a choke attempt! Chizov rolls out of it, and he gets Pacella pressed to the fence now! Chizov continues to work Pacella over on the fence with his grappling. Chizov looks to potentially go for a takedown, but Pacella with a Whizzer to stop it. Chizov with a knee. Pacella reverses the position before the final horn.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Alex Chizov defeats Claudio Pacella by split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2) in a Lightweight Semifinals Bout.