PFL Brussels featured multiple finishes, headlined by Patrick Habibora knocking out Benson Henderson in the first round. Other notable results included Taylor Lapilus defeating Jake Hadley by unanimous decision (30-27 across all scorecards), Boris Mbarga Atangana knocking out Jared Gooden at 1:05 of Round 1, and Asael Adjoudj finishing Keisuke Sasu with a high kick at 2:22 of Round 2. Additional victories came from Naoki Inoue by split decision, Gustavo Oliveira by guillotine choke in Round 2, and Movsar Ibragimov by rear-naked choke in Round 1.
Patrick Habibora delivered a stunning first-round knockout of Benson Henderson to headline PFL Brussels on May 23, a card that produced finishes throughout the night across multiple weight classes.
Henderson, known as "Smooth," entered the bout with a 24-7 record and brought more than a decade of elite-level experience to the cage. The 42-year-old American, who trains out of MMA Lab, is a former world champion and one of the most decorated lightweights of his generation. Fighting out of a southpaw stance, Henderson averages 2.93 significant strikes landed per minute and 2.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat even late in his career. Habibora's first-round finish was a notable statement on the PFL stage.
The co-main and undercard also delivered. Taylor Lapilus earned a dominant unanimous decision over Jake Hadley, with all three judges scoring it 30-27. Boris Mbarga Atangana needed just 65 seconds to put away Jared Gooden by knockout in the opening round, while Asael Adjoudj stopped Keisuke Sasu with a high kick at 2:22 of the second round.
Naoki Inoue picked up a split-decision victory to move to 11-1. The 29-year-old Japanese fighter, representing Kill Cliff FC, averages 3.67 significant strikes per minute and posts 2.5 submission attempts per 15 minutes, showing a diverse offensive game inside the cage.
Gustavo Oliveira added a guillotine choke finish in Round 2, and Movsar Ibragimov wrapped up his night quickly with a rear-naked choke stoppage in the first round.
Why it matters
- Habibora's knockout of a former world champion in Henderson carries significant weight in the PFL lightweight picture
- Multiple first-round finishes signal a physically aggressive crop of PFL talent emerging from the European scene
- Inoue's split-decision win keeps his record nearly unblemished at 11-1, keeping him relevant in the lightweight conversation
