By Cédric Dumas
The second event of the 2025 PFL Europe season took place in Brussels this past weekend, offering fans a showcase of promising talent, including several IMMAF alumni making strides in their professional careers. The packed ING Arena witnessed strong performances from athletes who continue to build on their amateur foundations on the international stage.
Belgium’s Patrick Habirora (7–0) delivered a composed and mature performance in front of his home crowd, defeating UFC veteran Danny Roberts with a first-round knockout. A well-timed head kick followed by precise damage on the ground earned him his most significant professional win to date. A former IMMAF gold medalist, Habirora continues to grow into his role as one of the leading figures in Belgian mixed martial arts. Movsar Ibragimov (7–0) extended his unbeaten record in the bantamweight division with a submission win over Gerardo Fanny. The Belgian prospect secured a rare Von Flue choke at 1:42 of the second round, underlining both his wrestling foundation and his evolving submission game. A multiple-time IMMAF medalist, Ibragimov’s steady rise reflects the depth of experience he gained through years of international amateur competition.
2024 PFL Europe Women’s Flyweight Champion Paulina Wiśniewska (6–0) showcased textbook technique and control in her performance on Saturday. After securing an early takedown, the Polish athlete advanced to back control and locked in a rear-naked choke to close the match in the first round. Wiśniewska remains unbeaten and continues to impress with her consistent progression and strategic approach. IMMAF veteran Salvatore Liga (5–1) was also part of the Brussels card. Despite a promising start, he was submitted in the first round, offering a learning opportunity as he continues to grow in the pro ranks.
IMMAF alumni were also active around the world this weekend, producing strong results across a range of promotions.
In Australia, Steve Jez Premier Fight Night featured three former IMMAF standouts. In the main event, two-time IMMAF World Champion Nina Nikolija Milošević (7–1) recorded a quick stoppage victory, adding a fifth professional win to her 2025 campaign. Her activity and consistency this year make her a strong candidate for regional athlete of the year honours. Fellow IMMAF graduate and 2022 World Champion Faine Mesquita (4–0) also earned a first-round victory, showcasing her trademark composure and striking accuracy. Bantamweight prospect Cooper Royal (7–1) completed the trio of successes, earning the first knockout win of his career and continuing to demonstrate the technical refinement that defined his amateur years.
Elsewhere in Australia, Oliver Schmid (3–2) added another win to his record at SFC: Rivalry, capitalising on a well-timed strike to secure a stoppage. The multiple-time IMMAF competitor continues to develop as a measured and intelligent fighter.
In the UK, Iceland’s Aron Leo (4–0) stepped up to face experienced opposition at Caged Steel 40. He defeated Bellator veteran Ryan Scope with an assertive performance, marking an important milestone in his young career. Although the bout was not counted as a title defence due to weigh-in discrepancies, Leo’s ability to manage a high-level opponent has opened new opportunities for the former IMMAF standout as he moves forward.
These results highlight a growing trend across the global MMA landscape: IMMAF alumni are no longer just prospects; they are becoming headliners and key figures in top regional promotions. With increasing frequency, former IMMAF athletes are securing main event slots, earning titles, and delivering high-level performances marked by technical excellence and smart finishes. As the pathway from amateur to professional continues to mature, IMMAF graduates are proving that the future of the sport is being shaped, in large part, by its well-developed amateur roots.
