The Professional Fighters League returned to Brussels, Belgium at the ING Arena for PFL Brussels. Patrick Habirora, an unbeaten hometown favorite, fought Benson Henderson in the main event. Henderson returned from retirement after competing for the first time since March 2023, when he lost to Usman Nurmagomedov in a Bellator lightweight title fight. The matchup offered Habirora a major step up in competition and name value, while Henderson sought to get back in the win column. Joe Schilling returned to MMA after last fighting in 2019 and moved to light heavyweight to face Donegi Abena. Taylor Lapilus and Jake Hadley served as the co-main event, with additional bouts on the main and preliminary cards.
"The night's main event found a hometown favorite in the unbeaten Patrick Habirora taking on a UFC and WEC great, Benson Henderson. A former champ in both promotions as well as a contender/title challenger in Bellator MMA, "Smooth" was returning from retirement for the fight, competing for the first time since March 2023, when he lost to Usman Nurmagomedov in a title fight that was part of the Bellator lightweight grand prix."
"Henderson isn't expected to become a contender at age 42, but Saturday did mark the opportunity to get back in the win column rather than retiring off a loss. For Habirora, meanwhile, it was a big step up in competition and name value."
"Kickboxing Joe Schilling also returned to action on the PFL Brussels card, having last fought in MMA in 2019. He was moving to light heavyweight to take on Donegi Abena. A pair of UFC veterans served as the night's co-main event with Taylor Lapilus facing Jake Hadley."
"Saturday, May 23, 2026 sees the Professional Fighters League at the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium for PFL Brussels: Habirora vs. Henderson. In the U.S. the card streams on the ESPN App. Full results can be found below. PFL Belgium: Habirora vs. Henderson Results"
Read at Cageside Press
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