By: Lonwabo Mtyeku Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Undefeated Irishman Darragh “The Moville Mauler” Kelly and New Zealand’s Jay Jay “The Māori Kid” Wilson made the PFL Belfast main event official as they weighed in at 155.3 lbs and 156 lbs respectively Photo Credit: Supplied
Belfast, Northern Ireland — The stage is officially set for a high-stakes night of mixed martial arts action as all fighters successfully made weight ahead of PFL Belfast, scheduled to take place at the iconic SSE Arena on Thursday, April 16.
Headlining the card is a compelling lightweight showdown between Ireland’s rising star Darragh Kelly and New Zealand’s dangerous contender Jay Jay Wilson. Both fighters hit their marks on the scale—Kelly at 155.3 lbs and Wilson at 156 lbs—clearing the final hurdle before what promises to be a high-intensity main event.
Kelly, undefeated at 9-0 and ranked No. 8, enters the bout with growing momentum and the backing of a home crowd eager to witness his continued ascent. Wilson, ranked No. 7 with an 11-2 record, brings experience, power, and a reputation for finishing fights—setting up a stylistic clash that could define the division’s immediate future.
“This is what you train for—big fights, big stages. I’m ready to prove I belong at the top,” Kelly said during the weigh-in proceedings.
The co-main event adds further intrigue as Rhys McKee makes his much-anticipated PFL debut against France’s seasoned competitor Alex Lohoré in a 176-pound catchweight bout. McKee weighed in at 176 lbs, while Lohoré came in slightly lighter at 175 lbs, finalising a matchup that blends local pride with international pedigree.
“Debuting on a card like this, at home, it doesn’t get bigger. I’m here to make a statement,” McKee remarked confidently.
Beyond the headline bouts, the main card features a pivotal light heavyweight contest between No. 2-ranked Dovlet Yagshimuradov and No. 9-ranked Tyson Pedro, both of whom made weight comfortably at just over 205 lbs. The fight carries significant implications for divisional rankings and potential title contention.
The preliminary card is equally stacked, showcasing emerging talent and seasoned fighters across multiple divisions. Notable matchups include welterweight action between Chris Mixan and Eoin Sheridan, as well as a featherweight clash featuring Caolan Loughran and Alan Philpott.
Fans can also look forward to appearances from athletes such as Pedro Carvalho, Ciaran Clarke, and Chelsea Hackett, all of whom successfully made weight and are primed for action.
Broadcast coverage ensures global accessibility, with the preliminary card airing via the ESPN App in the United States and digital platforms in the UK and Ireland, while the main card will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. The event underscores the continued international expansion of the Professional Fighters League, which has rapidly positioned itself as a major force in global combat sports.
With all fighters cleared and tensions building, PFL Belfast now shifts from preparation to execution. The weigh-ins have confirmed readiness; what remains is the spectacle inside the cage.
As anticipation reaches its peak, one thing is certain: Belfast is braced for a night of elite competition, where rankings, reputations, and momentum are all on the line.
