What I Got: PFL Chicago Matchmaking — Who’s Next?

PFL Chicago delivered a night of pivotal results on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Wintrust Arena, headlined by Jena Bishop capturing the inaugural PFL Women’s Flyweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Liz Carmouche. Elsewhere, Timur Khizriev maintained his undefeated record, Sarvarjon Khamidov delivered another emphatic finish, and several emerging talents took important steps forward. With the event in the books, attention now turns to what comes next for the fighters who competed in the Windy City.

What’s Next for the PFL Chicago Winners?

Jena Bishop vs. Dakota Ditcheva — PFL Women’s Flyweight Championship

There should be little debate about what comes next for Jena Bishop. After avenging her previous defeat to Liz Carmouche and capturing the inaugural PFL Women’s Flyweight Championship, Bishop has positioned herself for a highly anticipated meeting with undefeated superstar Dakota Ditcheva.

The matchup carries history. Ditcheva previously defeated Bishop by technical knockout in 2024, and Bishop now has an opportunity to avenge another loss, this time with championship gold on the line.

Ditcheva entered the cage following Bishop’s victory, making the direction of the division increasingly clear. With an established rivalry, a championship at stake, and contrasting fighting styles, this is the fight PFL should prioritize for 2027.

Timur Khizriev vs. Razhabali Shaydullaev — PFL Featherweight Championship

Timur Khizriev maintained his undefeated record with a closely contested split-decision win over Gabriel Braga. Although the result wasn’t the dominant performance some might have expected, the win further solidified his position among PFL’s premier featherweights.

A matchup with Razhabali Shaydullaev would be one of the most compelling fights available in the division. Both fighters have established themselves as dangerous talents, and the stylistic possibilities make this a particularly intriguing contest.

Rather than recycling familiar opponents, PFL could use this matchup to establish further clarity at the top of its featherweight division. It has the potential to headline an event and carry significant championship implications.

Sarvarjon Khamidov vs. Lázaro Dayron

Sarvarjon Khamidov needed less than two minutes to dispatch Rafael do Nascimento, recording a first-round knockout and adding another impressive finish to his résumé.

At this stage, Khamidov needs opponents who can challenge his development while keeping him moving toward the upper echelon of the bantamweight division.

Lázaro Dayron would represent an interesting next assignment. It is a pairing that could give PFL another opportunity to evaluate Khamidov against meaningful opposition rather than allowing him to stagnate against overmatched competition.

Oualy Tandia vs. Kendly St. Louis or Jonathan Piersma

Oualy Tandia continued his progression with a unanimous decision victory over JP Saint Louis in their catchweight contest.

For his next appearance, PFL has two intriguing options in Kendly St. Louis and Jonathan Piersma. Either matchup would offer Tandia an opportunity to build on his success while testing himself against another welterweight talent.

St. Louis could provide a competitive matchup between developing fighters, while Piersma represents another interesting measuring stick. Both options make more sense than rushing Tandia into the championship picture before he has established himself against additional opposition.

Eliezer Kubanza vs. Florim Zendeli

Eliezer Kubanza delivered one of the night’s most impressive performances, stopping Trey Waters with strikes just 96 seconds into the opening round.

The emphatic finish should earn Kubanza another meaningful opportunity in the welterweight division. Florim Zendeli would be an intriguing opponent as PFL continues developing its talent across international markets.

For Kubanza, the objective should be straightforward: continue facing increasingly competitive opposition and demonstrate that his finishing ability translates as the level of competition rises.

Emiliano Sordi vs. Sullivan Cauley

Former PFL champion Emiliano Sordi returned to the winner’s column with a second-round technical knockout of Abraham Bably, proving that he remains a relevant presence in the light heavyweight division.

A matchup with Sullivan Cauley would bring together an established veteran and another notable name in PFL’s light heavyweight picture.

For Sordi, the fight would represent another opportunity to establish himself as a contender. For Cauley, defeating a former champion would provide a valuable addition to his résumé.

It’s exactly the type of veteran-versus-contender matchup that can help establish the division’s hierarchy.

Kevin Pease vs. Pedro Carvalho

Kevin Pease submitted Cassio Barao with a rear-naked choke, securing a notable victory in Chicago and creating an opportunity for a step forward in the lightweight division.

Pedro Carvalho would provide a recognizable and experienced opponent. Carvalho’s experience at a high level of professional MMA makes him an appealing test for Pease, who would have an opportunity to further establish himself within the promotion.

For PFL, this matchup offers a balance of recognizable talent and the continued development of a fighter coming off an impressive submission victory.

Shannon Clark vs. Tatiana Postarnakova

Shannon Clark earned a third-round technical knockout over Lucero Acosta, strengthening her standing in a women’s flyweight division that now has an established champion.

With Jena Bishop and Dakota Ditcheva seemingly on a collision course, PFL has an opportunity to develop additional contenders beneath the championship picture.

A matchup with Tatiana Postarnakova would be a logical next step for Clark. Rather than rushing immediately toward a title opportunity, Clark could continue building momentum while establishing herself as a legitimate future challenger.

Gamid Khizriev vs. Landry Ward

Gamid Khizriev made quick work of Michael Boylan, earning a first-round stoppage and adding another victory to his professional résumé.

Landry Ward would be an interesting next opponent in the lightweight division, offering Khizriev another opportunity to continue his development.

With PFL possessing a deep pool of emerging international talent, matchups like this can help separate promising prospects from fighters ready for more established competition.

Cobey Fehr vs. Sean Gauci

Cobey Fehr recorded one of the fastest finishes of PFL Chicago, submitting Rosario Romero by rear-naked choke in just 58 seconds.

After such a convincing performance, Fehr deserves another opportunity to test his abilities against a competitive opponent.

Sean Gauci would make for an intriguing bantamweight matchup, providing both fighters with an opportunity to improve their standing in a division that features several exciting emerging talents.

Levan Khabalaev vs. Gino van Steenis

Levan Khabalaev needed just 61 seconds to finish Brock Hamer, delivering an impressive first-round technical knockout.

While quick finishes generate excitement, they also leave questions about how a fighter will perform against prolonged resistance and more challenging opposition.

A matchup with Gino van Steenis could help answer some of those questions. PFL should look to build on Khabalaev’s momentum while ensuring he receives the necessary competitive tests to continue progressing.

Paulina Wisniewska vs. Liz Carmouche

Paulina Wisniewska continued building her case for greater opportunities in the women’s flyweight division by earning a unanimous decision victory over Chelsea Hackett.

With the championship picture increasingly centered around Bishop and Ditcheva, Wisniewska needs an opponent who can help elevate her standing without immediately placing her in a title fight.

Former Bellator champion Liz Carmouche would be an ideal opponent. Despite losing the championship bout in Chicago, Carmouche remains one of the most experienced and accomplished fighters in the division.

For Wisniewska, defeating Carmouche would represent a significant career achievement and could establish her as one of the next leading contenders. For Carmouche, it would be an opportunity to prove she remains a force against the division’s emerging generation.

Noah Hermosillo vs. Robbie Ring

Noah Hermosillo secured a third-round stoppage against Cade Cox, demonstrating his ability to find a finish as the fight progressed.

Robbie Ring would be an intriguing next opponent for Hermosillo as both fighters work toward establishing themselves within the featherweight division.

Rather than immediately making a dramatic jump in competition, a matchup between developing talents would allow PFL to create meaningful opportunities while identifying which fighters are ready to advance toward higher-profile bouts.

What’s Next for the PFL Chicago Losers?

Not every fighter leaving Chicago with a loss needs to return against lesser competition. Some remain established contenders, while others would benefit from matchups against opponents in similar positions. Here is how Fight Chapel would approach the next assignments for those looking to rebound.

Liz Carmouche vs. Paulina Wisniewska

Carmouche’s defeat to Jena Bishop was a disappointing outcome for the veteran, particularly after previously defeating Bishop in their 2025 meeting.

However, the loss does not erase Carmouche’s accomplishments or her ability to compete against high-level opposition.

Rather than immediately pursuing another championship opportunity, Carmouche should face rising contender Paulina Wisniewska. The matchup would allow Carmouche to defend her position against a younger challenger while giving Wisniewska the biggest opportunity of her PFL career.

Gabriel Braga vs. Ibragim Ibragimov

Gabriel Braga once again pushed Timur Khizriev in a competitive featherweight encounter, ultimately falling short by split decision.

Despite the result, Braga remains a dangerous and accomplished fighter who should continue competing against meaningful opposition.

Ibragim Ibragimov would provide an intriguing next challenge. Both fighters have the potential to feature prominently in the division, and the matchup could produce an important result for the featherweight rankings.

Rafael do Nascimento vs. Jack Cartwright

Rafael do Nascimento suffered a difficult setback against Sarvarjon Khamidov, falling by first-round knockout.

Jack Cartwright would make for an interesting rebound opponent as do Nascimento looks to reestablish himself following the defeat.

For both fighters, the matchup would offer an opportunity to secure an important victory and improve their standing in PFL’s competitive bantamweight division.

Trey Waters vs. JP Saint Louis

Both Trey Waters and JP Saint Louis entered PFL Chicago with an opportunity to build momentum, but neither emerged victorious.

Waters suffered a first-round stoppage against Eliezer Kubanza, while Saint Louis dropped a unanimous decision to Oualy Tandia.

Matching the two against each other makes sense for their next appearances. Both are coming off defeats, and neither necessarily needs to face an opponent riding significant momentum.

This would provide a competitive welterweight contest in which both fighters have an opportunity to get back on track, while the winner takes a meaningful step toward restoring his standing.

Abraham Bably vs. Maxwell Djantou Nana or Tyson Pedro

Abraham Bably’s second-round stoppage loss to Emiliano Sordi creates an interesting matchmaking question, particularly regarding his future weight class.

If Bably returns to heavyweight, Maxwell Djantou Nana would be an intriguing opponent. The matchup would give him an opportunity to reestablish himself in the division after competing at light heavyweight in Chicago.

However, if Bably elects to remain at 205 pounds, Tyson Pedro would represent an appealing alternative.

Ultimately, PFL’s decision should depend on Bably’s preferred weight class and long-term direction. Both matchups offer a logical way forward without immediately placing him against the very top of either division.

Cassio Barao vs. Robert Watley

Cassio Barao was submitted by Kevin Pease in the second round, ending his Chicago appearance in defeat.

Robert Watley would be a sensible next opponent as Barao attempts to rebuild momentum in the lightweight division.

Rather than focusing solely on promotional rankings, this matchup would give both fighters an opportunity to compete in a meaningful contest and work toward greater opportunities.

Lucero Acosta vs. Aleksandra Savicheva

Lucero Acosta fell to Shannon Clark via third-round technical knockout, leaving her searching for a rebound performance.

Aleksandra Savicheva would be an interesting opponent as PFL continues to develop its women’s flyweight roster.

With greater attention likely to surround the division following the introduction of its championship, bouts between developing fighters will play an important role in establishing depth beyond the leading contenders.

Michael Boylan vs. Max Metzgar

Michael Boylan suffered a first-round stoppage against Gamid Khizriev, making his next appearance an important opportunity to regroup.

Max Metzgar would provide a sensible opponent for Boylan as he looks to return to winning ways.

Not every defeat should be followed by an immediate increase in competition. For Boylan, a competitive matchup that allows him to demonstrate improvement would be a logical next step.

Rosario Romero vs. Michael Cyr

Rosario Romero was submitted in under a minute by Cobey Fehr, leaving little opportunity to establish himself during the contest.

Michael Cyr would be an intriguing next opponent for Romero as he looks to put the disappointing result behind him.

For both fighters, the matchup would represent an opportunity to gain valuable cage experience and build momentum within PFL’s bantamweight division.

Brock Hamer vs. Chamy Delva

Brock Hamer endured a difficult night in Chicago, suffering a first-round stoppage against Levan Khabalaev.

Chamy Delva would be a potential rebound opponent for Hamer in the lightweight division.

Following such a quick defeat, Hamer would benefit from a matchup that provides an opportunity to demonstrate more of his skill set while attempting to secure his next victory.

Chelsea Hackett vs. Shanna Young

Chelsea Hackett dropped a unanimous decision to Paulina Wisniewska, but remains an interesting presence in PFL’s women’s flyweight division.

Shanna Young would represent a logical next opponent, providing Hackett with an opportunity to return to the winner’s column against an experienced competitor.

For PFL, the matchup would also contribute to establishing greater depth in a division that continues to evolve around its new championship picture.

Cade Cox vs. Jackson Glass

Cade Cox suffered a third-round stoppage defeat to Noah Hermosillo, but the result presents an opportunity to evaluate his next step in the featherweight division.

Jackson Glass would be an interesting opponent as Cox looks to rebound from the loss.

A matchup between developing fighters could benefit both competitors, providing valuable experience while offering the winner an opportunity to regain momentum.

What Should PFL Prioritize After Chicago?

Several clear themes emerged from PFL Chicago. The promotion now has a women’s flyweight champion in Jena Bishop, an undefeated featherweight contender in Timur Khizriev, and a collection of promising fighters who delivered emphatic performances.

At the top of the card, the priorities should be straightforward. Bishop against Dakota Ditcheva is the most obvious championship matchup, while Khizriev against Razhabali Shaydullaev would provide a significant attraction in the featherweight division.

Beyond those high-profile fights, PFL has an opportunity to continue strengthening its roster by booking meaningful contests between rising prospects and established veterans. Sarvarjon Khamidov, Eliezer Kubanza, and Paulina Wisniewska are among the fighters whose next assignments could help shape their divisions.

For those coming off losses, sensible matchmaking is equally important. Pairings such as Trey Waters against JP Saint Louis would offer both athletes a chance to recover momentum, while a potential Liz Carmouche matchup with Wisniewska would test whether the veteran can maintain her position against the next generation.

Ultimately, successful matchmaking is about more than rewarding winners and finding opponents for those who lost. It is about creating competitive fights that move divisions forward, develop new contenders, and give fans compelling reasons to remain invested.

PFL Chicago provided the results. Now the promotion has an opportunity to turn those results into meaningful matchups heading into 2027.