Connor Hughes seals his spot in the Lightweight Finals with a highlight head-kick KO

Connor Hughes, who comes from a family of martial artists, was a junior kickboxing and karate champion, as well as a Golden Gloves finalist. He also is a multi-time junior world and European champion in both kickboxing and karate. Hughes made it to last year’s Finals, where he lost to Jakub Kaszuba. Now, Hughes finds himself one fight away from returning to the Finals after a first-round knockout of Sebastien Di Franco in May.

After his brother pulled off one of MMA’s most unbelievable finishes to become PFL Middleweight World Champion, Gino Van Steenis looks to find gold of his own through the PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament. After going 7-2-1 as an amateur, Van Steenis, a two-time amateur Dutch Muay Thai champion, is 6-1 as a pro thus far. The striking specialist scored a decision win over Declan McAleenan in May during the first round of the tournament.

Who will go on to face Alex Chizov for the 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Title in Lyon this December?

Round 1

Van Steenis misses a low kick. Low kick by Hughes. Another one from Hughes. Van Steenis with a counter jab. Low kick by Van Steenis. Low kick by Hughes. Left hook by Van Steenis. Calf kick by Hughes. Hughes stalking Van Steenis, who circles on the outside. Another strong low kick by Hughes. The two each throw a left hand. Low kick by Hughes misses. Another kick from Van Hughes. Body kick by Hughes. And another.

Low kick from Hughes, but Van Steenis lands a left jab to counter. Low kick by Hughes. Low kick and a body kick from Hughes. A high kick lands, and Van Steenis crumbles to the mat! WOW!

Right Leg: Hospital 🏥
Left Leg: Cemetary 🪦

HEAD KICK knockout by Connor Hughes!#PFLNantes | LIVE NOW | LIVE on DAZN | 🇺🇸 Streaming on The PFL App pic.twitter.com/KjB7X138IB

— PFL (@PFLMMA) September 26, 2025

What a finish! It’s onto the Finals for Connor Hughes – with a statement!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Connor Hughes defeats Gino van Steenis by 1st round KO [2:56] in a Lightweight Semifinals Bout.