Quick Read
- Cris Cyborg (28-2) faced undefeated Sara Collins (6-0) for the vacant PFL women’s featherweight title at LDLC Arena in Lyon.
- Cyborg entered as a heavy favorite (-1050 odds), Collins as a +600 underdog; the over/under was set at 1.5 rounds.
- Vadim Nemkov and Renan Ferreira battled for the vacant heavyweight title in the main event.
- PFL Europe 4 also featured bantamweight and lightweight finals, plus rising European talents.
- Live results and analysis were provided by MMA Junkie and MMA Fighting.
PFL Lyon 2025: Cyborg Returns, Collins Rises
On December 13, 2025, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) returned to Lyon, France, for its penultimate event of the year. Hosted at the LDLC Arena, the evening’s spotlight shone on two vacant world titles, drawing global attention from MMA fans, pundits, and bettors alike. With the main card streaming live on ESPN’s Ulmtd plan from 11:00 a.m. ET, anticipation built not just for the fighters’ performances, but for the stories that would unfold.
Cris Cyborg vs. Sara Collins: Featherweight Title Fight
The co-main event pitted legendary Brazilian striker Cris Cyborg (28-2) against Australia’s undefeated grappling specialist Sara Collins (6-0). For Cyborg, this was more than a title shot—it was a chance to cement her legacy across three major promotions. She entered the cage riding an eight-fight win streak, her last defeat dating back to a 2018 clash with Amanda Nunes. Collins, meanwhile, stepped onto the PFL stage for the first time, having gone 3-0 in Bellator and earning three submissions in her six professional bouts.
The stakes could not be higher. Cyborg’s record boasted 22 finishes, a testament to her aggressive style and fight IQ. Collins, though less experienced, had yet to taste defeat and showed a knack for handling high-pressure moments—her previous win over Leah McCourt in September 2024 still fresh in fans’ minds.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Cyborg was the overwhelming favorite at -1050, while Collins entered as a +600 underdog. The over/under for the fight stood at 1.5 rounds, with the over favored at -154. Historically, Cyborg’s recent fights tended to last beyond the first round, and Collins herself had only finished two bouts in the opening frame. That stat fueled predictions for a competitive, tactical battle, rather than a quick stoppage.
Heavyweight Showdown: Nemkov vs. Ferreira
In the main event, Russia’s Vadim Nemkov (19-2) faced Brazil’s Renan Ferreira (13-4) for the vacant PFL heavyweight crown. Nemkov entered with an impressive 13-0 run (plus one no-contest) in his last 14 outings, while Ferreira had won four of his last five. With both men known for explosive finishes, fans expected fireworks—and with the PFL’s unique playoff format, every round mattered.
PFL Europe 4: Full Card, Results, and Atmosphere
The Lyon event wasn’t just about the two title fights. The card showcased rising European talents and established veterans across several divisions:
- Patrick Habirora vs. Kevin Jousset
- Liam Gittins vs. Taylor Lapilus
- Asael Adjoudj vs. Fred Dupras
- Baris Adiguzel vs. Dean Garnett – PFL Europe bantamweight final
- Boris Mbarga Atangana vs. Guilherme Soares
- Aleksandr Chizov vs. Connor Hughes – PFL Europe lightweight final
- Movsar Ibragimov vs. Gustavo Oliveira
- Sabrinna de Sousa vs. Paulina Wisniewska
- Rayan Balbali def. Levi Batchelor via split decision (28-29, 28-29, 30-27)
Each bout, from featherweights to heavyweights, contributed to the festive but intense atmosphere at LDLC Arena. The European finals in bantamweight and lightweight divisions provided local fans with extra drama, while international viewers tuned in for the star power of Cyborg and Nemkov.
Betting, Analysis, and the Road Ahead
For those watching with a betting slip in hand, the Cyborg-Collins matchup drew particular interest. Analyst Ryan Wohl, writing for DraftKings, recommended the over 1.5 rounds, citing both fighters’ durability and the tactical nature of championship bouts. The odds suggested a Cyborg win, but Collins’ submission record and composure left room for upset speculation.
Meanwhile, the results for the main card were tracked live by MMA Junkie and MMA Fighting, providing blow-by-blow updates and post-fight breakdowns. While the final outcomes for Cyborg vs. Collins and Nemkov vs. Ferreira were not confirmed at the time of writing, their impact on the division’s future was already clear: fresh titleholders, new rivalries, and the promise of further PFL innovation in 2026.
Legacy, Opportunity, and the Global Stage
PFL Lyon illustrated the league’s growing international reach and its ability to attract both legacy fighters and emerging prospects. For Cyborg, every bout now carries the weight of a storied career and the hunger to make history. For Collins, the night represented a leap into the global spotlight—a chance to prove herself against an all-time great.
The heavyweight battle between Nemkov and Ferreira similarly symbolized the league’s depth and competitive parity. With both men capable of highlight-reel finishes, the division’s future looked anything but predictable.
As the 2025 season winds down, the PFL’s blend of sport and spectacle is stronger than ever. From Lyon’s electric crowd to the streaming reach of ESPN Ulmtd, the organization continues to push boundaries, deliver drama, and shape MMA’s next chapter.
PFL Lyon’s dual title fights not only underscored the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, but also revealed the shifting dynamics of women’s and heavyweight divisions. As veterans like Cyborg pursue one last claim to greatness and newcomers like Collins seize their moment, the league’s commitment to competitive matchmaking and international growth sets a new standard for MMA in 2025.