PFL Madrid Live Results: Nacho Campos Wins Main Event Over Mathys Duragrin in Thrilling Feastweight Bout

Madrid’s WiZink Center erupted into a cacophony of chants and stomping feet on Friday afternoon as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) made history by hosting its first-ever MMA event on Spanish soil. Nacho Campos, the hometown featherweight favorite, stepped into the cage against French challenger Mathys Duragrin in a thrilling featherweight bout that served as the co-main event of PFL Madrid. The fight, contested at a catchweight of 146 pounds after Duragrin missed weight by half a pound, delivered fireworks from the opening bell to the final horn. Campos, representing Black Panther Gym, emerged victorious via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), but not before both men left everything in the cage during a back-and-forth war that showcased the grit and technique of European MMA.

PFL Madrid Marks Historic First for European MMA

The Professional Fighters League’s decision to bring a live event to Madrid was not merely a logistical move—it was a strategic declaration of intent. The PFL, fresh off its merger with the former Bellator parent company, Paradigm Sports, has been rapidly expanding its footprint beyond its traditional U.S. market. By selecting Madrid, a city renowned for its passion for combat sports and deep amateur MMA culture, the league positioned itself as a true global player in the mixed martial arts landscape. The WiZink Center, a 15,000-capacity arena that has hosted everything from NBA preseason games to major boxing title bouts, provided the perfect stage for this landmark event.

How PFL Madrid’s Fight Card Unfolded: Round-by-Round Breakdown

• Nacho Campos defeated Mathys Duragrin via unanimous decision after a brutal three-round war.
• Claudio Pacella outpointed David Mora in a closely contested light heavyweight bout.
• Mattia Giordano secured a hard-fought unanimous decision over Ernesto Schisano in a bantamweight clash.
• The event marked the first major MMA card in Spain, featuring multiple European fighters in high-stakes matchups.

Nacho Campos vs. Mathys Duragrin: A Fight That Would Not End

The co-main event between Spain’s Nacho Campos and France’s Mathys Duragrin was a tactical chess match disguised as a brawl. Campos, known for his crisp boxing and relentless pace, came out swinging early, using sharp low kicks to keep Duragrin off balance. The Frenchman, however, answered with an aggressive wrestling-heavy approach, repeatedly testing Campos’ takedown defense. Referee Jose Villar was kept busy early as Campos nearly locked in a guillotine choke, only for Duragrin to scramble out of danger.

Round 2 saw Duragrin take control, using his strength to stuff Campos against the cage and threatening submissions of his own. A controversial moment arose when Duragrin claimed a groin strike, though replay showed the knees were legal. The Frenchman’s pressure paid off as he secured a dominant top position, threatening a rear-naked choke before Campos escaped and nearly finished him with a flurry of knees and elbows in the final minute.

The decider saw Campos regain his composure, using his footwork to evade Duragrin’s wild swings. Campos’ clinch entries and body kicks began to take their toll, with Duragrin visibly slowing. A late flurry of elbows on the feet sealed the victory for the Spanish fighter, who celebrated with his team as the judges raised his hand.

David Mora vs. Claudio Pacella: Italian Grit Outlasts Spanish Fire

In the welterweight bout that followed, Italian standout Claudio Pacella used his vast cage experience to outpoint Spain’s David Mora in a tactical war of attrition. Pacella, a product of SBG Ireland, came out firing, landing early combinations that rocked Mora and drew blood from his nose. Mora, however, refused to back down, using his footwork to stay elusive and land occasional counter strikes.

The second round saw Pacella take over, using a blistering pace of knees and elbows from the top position to wear Mora down. By the third stanza, Mora’s stamina began to fade, and Pacella capitalized with a barrage of strikes that culminated in a referee stoppage call for a cut. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 30-26, and 30-27 in favor of Pacella, handing Mora his first loss in the PFL.

Mattia Giordano vs. Ernesto Schisano: A War of Styles Ends in Decision

The bantamweight clash between Spaniard Mattia Giordano and Italian Ernesto Schisano was a clash of contrasting styles—Giordano’s technical kickboxing versus Schisano’s brawling power. The first round saw Schisano’s aggressive forward pressure nearly overwhelm Giordano, but the Spanish fighter’s sharp counters kept him in the fight.

Round 2 saw Giordano assert himself with precise striking and takedown attempts, while Schisano responded with showboating and wild power punches. The final five minutes were a war of attrition, with both men tiring but neither willing to yield. Giordano’s judges’ cards read 29-28 across the board, securing him the unanimous decision and a critical step forward in his PFL campaign.

Why PFL Madrid Matters for the Future of European MMA

The success of PFL Madrid could redefine how major MMA organizations approach the European market. Spain, with its thriving jiu-jitsu culture and strong amateur MMA scene, has long been fertile ground for talent but lacked a major league platform. The PFL’s decision to invest in a live event, complete with a Middleweight World Title Fight headliner, signals a new era of globalization for the sport.

Local fighters like Nacho Campos and Mattia Giordano are now positioned to become household names in Europe, while the PFL gains a foothold in a market long dominated by the UFC and Bellator. The event also served as a proving ground for the PFL’s new broadcasting deal with DAZN, which streamed the card live across multiple countries.

Key Takeaways from PFL Madrid: Rising Stars, Tactical Fights, and a Historic Night

• Nacho Campos emerged as a European star with a hard-fought win over Mathys Duragrin in the co-main event.
• Claudio Pacella’s veteran experience proved decisive in outpointing David Mora in a grueling welterweight affair.
• Mattia Giordano’s technical striking carried him to a unanimous decision over Ernesto Schisano in the bantamweight division.
• PFL Madrid marked the first major MMA event in Spain, signaling the league’s aggressive expansion into Europe.
• Local fighters like Campos and Giordano delivered standout performances, setting the stage for future PFL success in the region.

What’s Next for the PFL After Its Landmark Madrid Event?

With the success of PFL Madrid, the league is expected to double down on its European expansion strategy. Reports suggest that PFL officials are already in talks to bring events to other major cities, including London and Berlin. The Madrid card also served as a litmus test for the PFL’s new broadcasting partnership with DAZN, which provided live coverage across Spain, Italy, and France.

For the fighters, the event was a career-defining moment. Campos and Giordano, in particular, have positioned themselves as contenders in the PFL’s European rankings, while Pacella’s victory could earn him a spot in the league’s 2025 season. The PFL’s Middleweight World Title Fight headliner, scheduled for later in the year, could also feature a European champion, further solidifying the league’s commitment to the region.

Frequently Asked Questions About PFL Madrid