Latvian Legend: Chizov Gets His Chance at a PFL Tournament Win

The PFL returns with PFL Europe for the 2025 Finals in Lyon, France.

To end 2025 with a bang, the PFL scheduled two title fights and two tournament championships. In the main event, Vadim Nemkov battles Renan Ferreira for the PFL heavyweight championship, while Cris Cyborg and Sara Collins square off for the vacant PFL featherweight championship.

In the two tournament championships, Dean Garrett takes on Baris Adiguzel in the bantamweight final, while Latvian’s very own Aleksandr Chizov takes on the surging Connor Hughes.

How did Aleksandr Chizov get to the PFL Finals?

Chizov did not have the hottest start to his PFL career. He won his debut against Omar Hussein via rear-naked choke, but then lost his next two fights. Lucky for him, he turned it on at the right time. He was added to the European lightweight tournament and did not disappoint. In his first fight, he knocked out Mark Ewen with a beautiful left hook in the first round. Not only did it put him on the map, but he was well on his way to a semi-final matchup against Claudio Pacella. The fight was competitive, with both guys finding success.

BRUTAL Lightweight Semifinal! | Claudio Pacella v Alex Chizov | Full Fight | PFL Europe 3 2025

We spoke to Chizov after his fight, and he said it was a big learning experience for him. He’s not used to hitting a fighter with his best punches and watching him push forward, so it forced him to find ways to keep the fight in his favour and to win minutes over three rounds. He now takes on Connor Hughes in the PFL Europe lightweight final and is excited to fight someone he’s seen grow, just like him, over the years they’ve spent with the PFL.

Hughes vs. Chizov Betting Breakdown

Connor Hughes

1.55

2.30

Aleksandr Chizov

Hughes is a real problem on the feet. He doesn’t throw with plenty of volume, but he calculates and waits for the right moment to throw his power shots. He won his first fight with a nice right hook, then won his semi-final fight with a beautiful head kick in the first round.   

While both guys have been knocked out in the past, this fight will come down to how long it lasts. Hughes is a dangerous fighter early, but he packs a lot of muscle and could slow down as the fight progresses. Chizov proved that he can take a good flurry and land a few of his own. 

Chizov’s best bet to win this fight is to weather the storm early in the fight, the find ways to win minutes till he gets his opportunity to finish the fight. If he can avoid the early power, he has the cardio and skills to turn this fight around in the later rounds. 

If Chizov does engage in the striking battle early in the fight, forcing Hughes to make the first move will allow him to land counterstrikes and get out of the danger zone. It’s a tough fight for Chizov, but his development has been solid over the past few years, and he has a path to victory to pull off the upset and win the PFL lightweight tournament.       

The PFL Europe 4: 2025 Finals takes place this Saturday, at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. Check your local listing for the correct time for your region. Not sure where to watch? Check out the PFL’s website to find the best service to watch the fights live. With two title fights and two tournament championships, this is one of the better PFL cards recently, so you don’t want to miss out.