Taylor Lapilus vs. Mitch McKee to crown bantamweight champion in last PFL event

The Professional Fighters League will crown its inaugural bantamweight champion on December 19 in Lyon, France, when Taylor Lapilus faces undefeated prospect Mitch McKee in the main event. The bout marks the final PFL card before the promotion transitions to the MVP banner in 2027.

Lapilus, a 34-year-old Frenchman with a 25-4 record, joined the PFL after departing the UFC on a two-fight winning streak. The bantamweight has thrived under the PFL banner, winning four consecutive bouts, most recently defeating Jake Hadley in May. During his two stints in the UFC, Lapilus compiled a 6-2 record, establishing himself as an experienced campaigner at 135 pounds.

McKee brings an unblemished 11-0 record to the championship bout, having earned his title shot by defeating former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis via decision in April during his PFL debut. The decorated wrestler compiled an 8-0 run in the LFA before joining the PFL, establishing himself as a top prospect at the weight class.

Both fighters have expressed confidence heading into the matchup. "My whole career has led to this moment," Lapilus said in a release. "I'm here to become champion, leave my mark on this sport, and cement my legacy." McKee countered: "I've believed from day one that I'm the best bantamweight in the PFL, and in December I get the opportunity to prove it."

The Lyon event will be the fourth and final PFL card before the year concludes, with earlier shows scheduled for October 16 in Chicago and two additional November events. MVP CEO John Martin highlighted the significance of staging the championship bout in France, where passionate fans will witness one of their own pursue world gold.