Eliezer Kubantsa from DRC, with a record of 10–1, stated that his impressive performance at the PFL Chicago tournament deserves a shot at the middleweight title. He also used this fight as a sharp warning to the reigning champion Tady 'Silver Back' Jin, who has a record of 12–0.
Kubantsa participated in the bout at the Wintrust Arena on Friday and secured his third consecutive knockout victory under the PFL banner. He began his promotional career in December of last year with PFL Africa.
As expected, 'King Kong' continued his impressive streak, stopping Trey Waters (10–3) with a brutal first-round knockout at 1:36. After the fight, Kubantsa suggested that his performance made Jin 'fear'.
Kubantsa said: 'I think I deserve a shot at the title next. I made it into the top 10, and now I had another test, and I just proved that I deserve to be in this conversation.' He added that he hopes Jin is currently thinking: 'Damn, this guy is a real professional.' He also addressed everyone else in the division, stating: 'King Kong is here. You guys need to get ready and go home because I am here. I am not here to kiss anyone's feet.'
Earlier this year in Washington, Jin won the PFL middleweight championship by securing a technical knockout in the third round against Ernesto 'Starbearer' Rodriguez (11–2).
In a tense confrontation, Jin overcame difficulties after being thrown to the canvas, having to fight against Rodriguez, who put on a performance that almost led Kubantsa to the championship gold. 'Starbearer' turned the fight into a brawl, closing the distance and landing heavy blows. However, Jin's power ultimately proved too much in the third round. He took down Rodriguez and unleashed a flurry of punches until the referee intervened, crowning 'Silver Back' the champion in the nation's capital.
Although Kubantsa is set to challenge the reigning champion, he admitted that he needs to resolve some personal matters before returning to active competition. 'Right now, I have some personal business that I need to take care of. So, I hope early next year, unless something comes up sooner in December. I hope to come back next year, you know. I will compete, I will stay active,' Kubantsa added.
In the main event of PFL Chicago, Jena Bishop (12–3) demonstrated her superior grappling skills, defeating former Bellator champion and PFL World Tournament 2025 champion Liz Carmouche (26–9) to become the first-ever PFL Women's Flyweight Champion (125 lbs).
Bishop weathered a tough first round from Carmouche before taking control of the remainder of the fight through her ground game. In the third round, Bishop was close to finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke, but resilient Carmouche managed to survive. After five rounds, Bishop achieved a unanimous decision and made history in Chicago.
In the co-main event, two lightweight contenders (145 lbs) went the distance, with the second-ranked Timur Khiziriev (19–0) defeating the fifth-ranked Gabriel Braga (17–4) via split decision.
PFL Chicago Main Card Results
PFL Women's Flyweight Championship (125 lbs) Main Event: No. 4 Jena Bishop (12–3) defeated No. 2 Liz Carmouche (26–9) by unanimous decision (48–47 x3).
Lightweight Co-Main Event (145 lbs):
No. 2 Timur Khiziriev (19–0) defeated No. 5 Gabriel Braga (17–4) by split decision (29–28 x2, 28–29).
Welterweight Bout (135 lbs):
No. 6 Sarvarjon Hamidov (18–1) defeated Rafael du Nascimento (13–3) by knockout (punches) at 1:49 in the first round.
Middleweight Bout (173 lbs):
Ouali Tandia (6–0) defeated JP Saint Louis (12–6) by unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28 x2).
PFL Chicago Preliminary Card Results:
Welterweight Bout (170 lbs): No. 8 Eliezer Kubantsa (170.2 lbs) defeated Trey Waters (170.4 lbs) by knockout (punches) at 1:36 in the first round.
Heavyweight Bout (205 lbs): No. 9 Emiliano Sordi (27–14–1) defeated No. 5 Abraham Babli (8–4) by technical knockout (punches) at 3:13 in the second round.
Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Kevin Price (9–0) defeated Cassio Barao (10–2–1) by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:28 in the second round.
Women's Flyweight Bout (125 lbs): No. 10 Shannon Clark (9–1) defeated Lucero Acosta (6–3) by technical knockout (punches) at 1:59 in the third round.
Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Hamid Khiziriev (6–0) defeated Michael Boylan (6–2) by technical knockout (elbows) at 3:04 in the first round.
Welterweight Bout (135 lbs): Kobe Fair (5–0) defeated Rosario Romero (4–1) by submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:58 in the first round.
Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Levan Khabalaev (6–0) defeated Brock Hammer (5–2) by technical knockout (punches) at 1:01 in the first round.
Women's Flyweight Bout (125 lbs): No. 5 Paulina Wisniewska (8–1) defeated Chelsea Hackett (5–4–1) by unanimous decision (29–28 x3).
Lightweight Bout (145 lbs): Noah Hermosillo (2–0) defeated Cade Cox (2–1) by technical knockout (body kick and punches) at 1:43 in the third round.