Shooto Brazil will host a one-night tournament in March to determine which Brazilian lightweight will join the PFL roster in 2020, the promotion announced.
The PFL recently unveiled the new series in January, and Shooto Brazil revealed the date, names and match-ups for the upcoming 155-pound grand prix.
The promotion’s bantamweight champion, Dayana Silva (8-4), will move up to 155 pounds to face Mariana Morais (14-10) in a two-round bout, while Bianca Daimoni (7-3) battles Yana Gadelha (3-0) in the other semifinal. The event takes place at the ViVi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 1.
The fighters who emerge victorious will meet in a three-round final later that night. The tournament winner will be crowned the inaugural Shooto Brazil lightweight champion and sign a deal with PFL, promotion officials told MMA Fighting.
PFL will also partner with local MMA promotions in Russia, Germany, United Arab Emirates and Australia to find new talents for the 2020 season.
The fight card is headlined by Rono Junior vs. Mairon Santos Alves for the featherweight title. Julio Tyson vs. Junior Luiz, Bruno Rodrigues vs. Rangel de Sa, and Walber dos Anjos vs. Vanilto Antunes are also featured on the card.
