PFL Chicago adds flyweight bout with rankings implications

The Professional Fighters League continues to expand its October 16 event in Chicago with the addition of a women's flyweight bout carrying significant divisional implications. Paulina Wisniewska, a Polish fighter riding a five-victory streak under the PFL banner, will face Chelsea Hackett in a matchup that could reshape the 125-pound rankings.

Wisniewska arrives off a second-round technical knockout of Kana Watanabe earlier this year in Chicago, maintaining an impressive professional record of 18–1. Her only loss came via split decision to rising contender Sabrinna de Sousa in 2025. Hackett, meanwhile, snapped a three-fight skid with a victory over Andrea Vazquez at PFL Belfast in April, positioning herself for a breakout performance against a top prospect.

The stakes are clear: a win for Hackett would establish her credentials for inclusion in the PFL women's flyweight rankings, while another victory for Wisniewska could solidify her standing near the division's summit. PFL Chicago is headlined by a women's flyweight title rematch between Liz Carmouche and Jena Bishop and airs Saturday, October 16 at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN. The full card includes Timur Khizriev vs. Gabriel Braga, Denis Goltsov vs. Maxwell Djantou Nana, Alexandr Shabliy vs. Landry Ward, Sarvarjon Khamidov vs. Rafael do Nascimento, Oualy Tandia vs. Kendly St. Louis, Emiliano Sordi vs. Abraham Bably, Shannon Clark vs. Lucero Acosta, Eliezer Kubanza vs. Trey Waters, and Cassio Junio vs. Kevin Pease.