The Professional Fighters League has officially revealed the full fight card for its highly anticipated return to Northern Ireland with PFL Belfast, set for Thursday, April 16 at the SSE Arena Belfast.
The event will be headlined by a clash between two rising lightweight contenders as Ireland’s undefeated star Darragh Kelly takes on New Zealand knockout threat Jay Jay Wilson in a pivotal three-round showdown.
Darragh Kelly Faces Biggest Test Yet
Kelly (9-0), nicknamed “The Moville Mauler,” enters the bout as the No. 7-ranked PFL lightweight and one of Ireland’s most promising MMA prospects.
Known for his relentless forward pressure and grappling-heavy style, the Donegal native has finished seven of his nine professional victories.
Taking the fight on three weeks’ notice after a change of opponent, Kelly will look to maintain his undefeated record and continue climbing toward the PFL lightweight championship picture.
Jay Jay Wilson Brings Dangerous Finishing Ability
Standing across the cage will be Wilson (11-2), the No. 8-ranked lightweight in the promotion.
“The Māori Kid” has never been finished in his professional career and possesses a well-rounded arsenal, with four knockout victories and four submission wins.
Wilson’s only defeats have come against elite competition, including top contenders Gadzhi Rabadanov and Archie Colgan, making this matchup a critical opportunity for both fighters to move closer to title contention.
Rhys McKee Makes PFL Debut in Co-Main Event
The co-main event features a catchweight clash at 176 pounds as Northern Ireland’s Rhys McKee makes his PFL debut against France’s Alex Lohoré.
McKee (14-7-1), nicknamed “Skeletor,” is a former U.K. champion who has never needed the judges in any of his professional victories, scoring 11 knockouts and three submissions in his 14 wins.
Lohoré (26-11), currently the interim super welterweight champion of BRAVE Combat Federation, brings a wealth of international experience and hopes to spoil McKee’s homecoming performance.
Key Bouts Added to the Card
Additional bouts include SBG Dublin standout Pedro Carvalho facing Mexico’s Sergio Cossio at 165-pound catchweight, while Dublin-based Finnish fighter Omran Chaaban meets Chequina Noso Pedro in a welterweight contest.
The main card also features a light heavyweight bout between former Bellator standout Dovlet Yagshimuradov and Australian veteran Tyson Pedro.
Broadcast Information
The PFL Belfast preliminary card will stream in the United States on the ESPN App beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT.
The main card will air live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
Main Card
(ESPN2 – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT)
Lightweight Main Event
- Darragh Kelly (9-0) vs. Jay Jay Wilson (11-2)
Catchweight (176 lbs) Co-Main Event
- Rhys McKee (14-7-1) vs. Alex Lohoré (26-11)
Light Heavyweight Bout
- Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-8-1) vs. Tyson Pedro (10-5)
Preliminary Card
(ESPN App – 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT)
- Chris Mixan (7-1) vs. Eoin Sheridan (4-0) – Welterweight
- Pedro Carvalho (14-10) vs. Sergio Cossio (27-11-1) – Catchweight 165 lbs
- Omran Chaaban (9-1) vs. Chequina Noso Pedro (10-4) – Welterweight
- Ciaran Clarke (10-0) vs. Dean Garnett (14-4-1) – Bantamweight
- Caolan Loughran (10-3) vs. Alan Philpott (21-17, 1 NC) – Bantamweight
- David Martinez (16-6) vs. Giannis Bachar (9-3) – Welterweight
- Sean Gauci (10-1) vs. Liam Gittins (13-5, 1 NC) – Bantamweight
- Eoghan Masoliver (1-0) vs. Shane Mullen (1-0) – Bantamweight
- Chelsea Hackett (4-3-1) vs. Andrea Vazquez (8-2) – Women’s Flyweight
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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