Wichita isn't exactly the first place you think of for a global MMA powerhouse to set up shop. But when the Professional Fighters League (PFL) brought the PFL Wichita fight card to the INTRUST Bank Arena on June 20, 2025, the energy was legitimately different. It wasn't just another regional stop. This was the win-and-you’re-in semifinal round. Basically, the stakes were $1 million and a chance at a world title.
If you followed the 2025 season, you know how chaotic the lead-up was. Injuries and visa issues turned the original lineup into a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. But honestly, the replacements ended up delivering some of the most memorable moments of the year.
The Last-Minute Switch That Stole the Show
Most fans were geared up to see Gadzhi Rabadanov face off against Jay-Jay Wilson. Then, the news dropped. Wilson was out with a broken jaw. In a move that nobody really saw coming, the PFL signed former UFC star Kevin Lee to step in on short notice.
It was a massive gamble for Lee. Coming in to face a wrecking ball like Rabadanov without a full camp is "sorta" terrifying.
Rabadanov didn't care about the name value. He stayed patient and then just exploded. The TKO came at 2:37 of the very first round. Just like that, the 2024 champ secured his spot in the finals, looking like an absolute monster in the process. It was a cold reminder that in the PFL, momentum is everything.
Women’s Flyweight: Experience vs. The New Wave
The co-main event was a classic "vet vs. prospect" narrative. Liz Carmouche, a pioneer who has been fighting at the highest level since the early days of the UFC and Bellator, took on the undefeated Elora Dana.
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Dana had a lot of hype. She was 8-0 and looked like the future of the 125-pound division. But Carmouche did what Carmouche does. She neutralized the speed, controlled the clinches, and made it a "gritty" fight.
It wasn't a highlight-reel finish, but it was a masterclass in veteran savvy.
- Liz Carmouche won via unanimous decision (30-27 across the board).
- Jena Bishop also secured her spot in the finals by submitting Ekaterina Shakalova in the second round.
Bishop's ground game is legitimately scary. She locked in a rear-naked choke that looked tight the second it was applied. Watching her transition from the clinch to the back is one of those things that makes you realize why she’s a world-class grappler.
Chaos in the Bantamweight Division
The bantamweight portion of the PFL Wichita fight card was where things got really unpredictable. Originally, the bracket looked very different, but visa issues and injuries forced a lot of shuffling.
Marcirley Alves and Jake Hadley put on a technical war. Hadley, a former UFC standout, has that "never die" attitude, but Alves was just a step ahead with his striking. It was a unanimous decision win for the Brazilian, who has quietly become one of the most dangerous 135-pounders on the roster.
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Then you had the "friends turned foes" match. Mando Gutierrez and Justin Wetzell used to train together. That's always a weird dynamic. You know each other's tells. You know exactly what the other guy hates. Wetzell ended up taking the unanimous decision, using his wrestling to stifle Gutierrez’s offense.
PFL Wichita Results: The Full Breakdown
If you missed the broadcast on ESPN, here is how the primary bouts shook out. No fancy formatting here, just the raw data of who moved on and who went home.
Gadzhi Rabadanov defeated Kevin Lee via TKO (Punches) in Round 1.
Liz Carmouche defeated Elora Dana via Unanimous Decision.
Archie Colgan defeated Mansour Barnaoui via Unanimous Decision.
Marcirley Alves defeated Jake Hadley via Unanimous Decision.
Alfie Davis defeated Brent Primus via Unanimous Decision.
Justin Wetzell defeated Mando Gutierrez via Unanimous Decision.
Jena Bishop defeated Ekaterina Shakalova via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 2.
The prelims had some gems too. Nick Meck, the local Kansas favorite, got a massive pop from the Wichita crowd. He didn't disappoint either, finishing Alan Dominguez with a rear-naked choke in the first round. There is something about a hometown fighter winning that just changes the acoustics of an arena.
What This Event Meant for the 2025 Finals
Wichita acted as the ultimate filter. By the time the dust settled at the INTRUST Bank Arena, we had our finalists for Lightweight, Bantamweight, and Women’s Flyweight.
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The biggest takeaway? The PFL's lightweight division still runs through Gadzhi Rabadanov. People keep waiting for him to slip up, but he just keeps finding ways to finish fights early. On the flip side, the rise of Alfie Davis has been a "kinda" shocking storyline. He took out Clay Collard earlier in the season and then outpointed a former champ in Brent Primus in Wichita.
Why the PFL Format Works (and Why It's Brutal)
The PFL isn't like the UFC. You can't just talk your way into a title shot. You have to fight, earn points, and then survive these semifinal "sprints."
A lot of fighters struggle with the quick turnaround. Fighting in April, then May, then June is a heavy toll on the body. You saw some of that fatigue in the later rounds of the Wichita card. But it also proves who has the best conditioning and the most disciplined camps.
Key Insights for Future PFL Events
If you're looking to follow the PFL as they move into their 2026 season, there are a few things to keep in mind based on what we saw in Wichita.
- Watch the Alternates: In 2025, guys like Kevin Lee and Vinicius Cenci proved that the alternate list is vital. If you're betting or just following the sport, don't ignore the "showcase" bouts. Those fighters are often one injury away from a main event spot.
- Home Field Advantage is Real: Nick Meck's performance showed that the PFL is smart to pick regional hubs. The crowd participation in Wichita was way higher than some of the studio shows in Florida.
- Elbows Changed the Game: 2025 was the first year PFL allowed elbows in all rounds. It made the clinch and ground-and-pound much more impactful. You could see the difference in the damage levels on the Wichita card compared to previous years.
The PFL Wichita fight card served its purpose perfectly. It gave us clear favorites for the million-dollar finals and provided a platform for local talent to shine on a global stage.
To stay ahead of the next major MMA event, make sure to monitor the official PFL fighter rankings, as the 2025 results heavily dictate the seeding and roster spots for the upcoming 2026 season. Paying attention to the medical suspension lists after events like Wichita can also give you a head start on predicting who might be forced to sit out the next tournament cycle.