In the heart of ‘The Windy City’, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) delivered an electrifying evening of combat sports that left fans on the edge of their seats. The event, held at the Wintrust Arena on April 11, 2026, was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts.
The main event saw the undefeated Mitch McKee (11-0) pull off a stunning upset against the former world champion and No. 1-ranked Sergio Pettis (25-8). McKee, a two-time NCAA Division I All-American, demonstrated his wrestling prowess, effectively neutralizing Pettis’ game plan and threatening multiple finishes. The unanimous decision victory is expected to catapult McKee into the Top 10 rankings, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The co-main event featured a clash of elite grapplers, with two-time NCAA Division II Champion Raufeon Stots (21-4) facing off against the No. 6-ranked Renat Khavalov (12-0). The bout was a closely contested affair, with both fighters showcasing their skills and inflicting damage. A powerful knee from Stots in the third round dropped Khavalov, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges, who scored the fight in favor of Khavalov, preserving his undefeated record.
In a battle of UFC veterans, Viviane Araujo (13-7) and Shanna Young (11-8) engaged in a 15-minute war. Araujo, making her PFL debut, started to pull away as the fight progressed, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory with a score of 30-27. The main card also saw Gabriel Braga (17-3) overcome early pressure from Cheyden Leialoha (11-3) to earn a unanimous decision victory, demonstrating his striking prowess and resilience.
The preliminary card was equally thrilling, with several fighters making impressive statements. Jena Bishop (10-3) secured a technical submission victory, while Omar El Dafrawy (15-6) delivered a knockout blow. Paulina Wisniewska (7-1) and Alexandr Romanov (22-4) also emerged victorious, showcasing their skills and determination.
Looking ahead, the PFL schedule promises more exciting events. Upcoming fights include PFL Belfast at the SSE Arena Belfast on April 16, PFL Sioux Falls at the Sanford Pentagon on May 2, and PFL Brussels at the ING Arena on May 23. As the PFL continues to deliver high-stakes action, fans can expect more unforgettable nights of combat sports.
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