For the third season in a row, the PFL will crown a new heavyweight champion.
Defending 2019 champion Ali Isaev has been forced to withdraw from next Friday’s PFL 6 event in Atlantic City, N.J., after not being medically cleared to compete, the league announced Thursday. Stepping in for Isaev to fight Renan Ferreira (6-2, 1 NC) will be PFL newcomer Stuart Austin (15-6).
Isaev won the PFL heavyweight championship at the conclusion of the 2019 season, following 2018 winner Philipe Lins (there was no 2020 champion due to that season being cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic).