PFL Europe 2 brought the action to ING Arena in Brussels with a mix of knockouts, submissions, and dominant decisions. In the main event, Habirora Stuns Brussels with Vicious Head-Kick KO.
The ING Arena lit up on July 5, 2025, as PFL Europe 2 delivered a night full of explosive finishes, rising talent, and statement performances. With fans packed into the venue and anticipation running high, the main event ended in dramatic way as Habirora Stuns Brussels with Vicious Head-Kick KO.
In the welterweight main event, Patrick Habirora of France stepped into the biggest moment of his young career, taking on seasoned UFC veteran Danny “Hot Chocolate” Roberts. Patrick Habirora, who was making his return to the PFL cage with an undefeated 6-0 record made his way into the octagon to make a statement again. His opponent Roberts, meanwhile was making his PFL debut and competing for the first time since exiting the UFC off a loss to Jonny Parsons in 2023. Both fighters stepped into the octagon to make history again
At first, the fight started slowly. Habirora moved forward carefully, not throwing a punch right away. It took 30 seconds for the first jab, and the crowd was clearly getting anxious for action. The two exchanged a few kicks and punches, and it looked like Roberts may have poked Habirora in the eye but the fight didn’t stop. Roberts quickly moved in to grapple and pushed Habirora against the cage.
Roberts landed some toe stomps and a few knees. Habirora used his elbow to create space, but Roberts stayed close and tried to go for a takedown. Habirora managed to break free and move back to the center of the cage. With 90 seconds left in the round, it was still a close fight. Habirora landed a jab to the body, took a leg kick, then landed a one-two. Roberts answered with a strong right hand. Habirora stayed on his toes and went for another punch that just missed.
Then, out of nowhere, Habirora throws a powerful head kick that hit Roberts clean on the head. Roberts dropped hard to the mat, trying to protect himself, but two more hammerfists from Habirora ended it. The referee stepped in and it was all over.
The crowd went wild. Habirora jumped out of the cage into the cheering fans some even lit flares in the stands. He ran across the arena, climbed back into the cage to the sound of “Seven Nation Army,” and danced. After Roberts recovered, the two hugged in a great show of respect. Habirora dropped to his knees, before sitting down in his corner, full of emotion.
In his post-fight interview , Habirora was given the microphone to speak. He thanked the crowd and fans around the world. At just 24 years old, he had delivered the biggest moment of the night. And before leaving the cage, he had one message for the PFL lightweight division: “Knock knock, I’m coming.” Patrick Habirora didn’t just win, he made a statement
Another standout moment on the card was the thrilling co-main event that featured former UFC fighter Taylor Lapilus and Ali Taleb, the 2024 PFL MENA tournament winner. Taylor Lapilus dominates Ali Taleb via unanimous decision. Lapilus used clean footwork, sharp jabs, and smart movement to control the fight from start to finish. Taleb tried to pressure, but couldn’t land anything big. In Round 2, Lapilus dropped him with a strong left hook and stayed in control on the ground. Lapilus stayed focused and did enough to win all three rounds which all the judges later scored the fight in his favor.
Main Card:
Patrick Habirora def. Danny Roberts via KO (R1, 4:32)
Taylor Lapilus def. Ali Taleb via unanimous decision
Gaetano Pirrello def. Salvatore Liga via submission (D’Arce choke) (R1, 3:22)
Boris Atangana def. Bruno Santos via TKO (R1, 0:56)
Chequina Noso Pedro def. Khamzat Abaev via unanimous decision
Preliminary Card:
Movsar Ibragimov def. Gerardo Fanny via submission (Von Flue choke) (R2, 1:42)
Ibragim Ibragimov def. Mathys Duragrin via unanimous decision
Dean Garnett def. Tuomas Grönvall via unanimous decision
Mahio Campanella def. Matiss Zaharovs via unanimous decision
Catalin Safta def. Nicolas Di Franco via split decision
Gustavo Oliveira def. Anas Azizoun via KO (R1, 3:25)
Jan Ciepłowski def. Julien Lopez via TKO (R1, 3:43)
Paulina Wiśniewska def. Jessica Cunha via submission (rear-naked choke) (R1, 4:12)
Adam Meskini def. Tiziano Ferranti via TKO (R2, 4:56)
Levi Batchelor def. Fahdi Khaled via technical submission (Ezekiel choke) (R3, 4:56)
Salvo Giudice def. Brice Belghazi via submission (rear-naked choke) (R3, 2:14)
