The PFL is heading back to New York this summer with one of its biggest cards of the year, featuring lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and undefeated star Dakota Ditcheva.
Promotion officials confirmed Tuesday that Nurmagomedov will defend his lightweight title against unbeaten contender Archie Colgan in the main event on July 31 at UBS Arena in Long Island.
Ditcheva is also scheduled to compete in the co-main event when she takes on veteran flyweight Denise Kielholtz.
Usman Nurmagomedov looks to extend dominant title reign
Nurmagomedov enters the matchup as one of the most accomplished fighters on the PFL roster. The reigning lightweight champion captured the belt with a commanding performance against Paul Hughes before successfully defending the title by stopping Alfie Davis.
Before joining the PFL, Nurmagomedov built his reputation in Bellator, where he defended the lightweight championship three consecutive times.
Colgan now gets his first shot at major championship gold after putting together a perfect 13-0 professional record. The 30-year-old has won nine straight fights across Bellator and the PFL. His latest victory came against Jay Jay Wilson by unanimous decision, earning him a crack at Nurmagomedov’s title.
Dakota Ditcheva finally returns after injury setback
The co-main event marks Ditcheva’s first appearance since a hand injury forced her out of a planned February clash against Kielholtz.
The undefeated British prospect has quickly become one of the PFL’s fastest-rising names. Ditcheva holds a 15-0 record with notable wins over Taila Santos, Jena Bishop and Sumiko Inaba.
Kielholtz enters the fight carrying momentum of her own after winning three straight bouts. Most recently, she defeated Antonia Silvaneide in February after Ditcheva withdrew from their originally scheduled matchup.
PFL continues summer push with Long Island event
The July 31 card is expected to feature additional bouts in the coming weeks as the PFL continues building its summer schedule.
The main card is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET and will air live on ESPN.