Photo Essay: MMA comes to DC

By Sage Russell, Senior Photo Editor • August 26, 2024

The Professional Fighters League called the beloved D.C. venue The Anthem home Friday for its third and final round of semi-final playoffs.

The PFL, founded in 2017, is a mixed martial arts organization that unlike its competitors, holds a sports-season format. On Friday, fighters competed for a place in the finals to go on to fight for a $1 million prize and the championship for their respective weight class.

Attendees line up outside of The Anthem waiting for the doors to open.

Featherweight Jose Perez raises his fist ahead of the third round against Jesse Stirn.

A fan cheers as the blue corner fighter is announced.

Welterweights Tyler Hill and Shido Boris Esperança touch gloves at the beginning of their bout.

The night included matches for weight classes spanning from featherweight — 145 lbs — to heavyweight — 206 to 265 lbs — with fighters from near and far, like Baltimore native Jesse Stirn to Magomed Umalatov from Russia. There were a total of nine fights, with two ending in a technical knockout, three by split decision and four unanimous decisions.

PFL heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou also made a promotional appearance for his upcoming defense against Renan Ferreira in October.

The PFL brought a competitive fight card to D.C. and was a strong showing for fight fans who rarely get the in-person experience.