PFL Championships alternate fighters list announced
The Professional Fighters League could potentially see some substitutions ahead of their PFL Championships event at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden. Ahead of the fight, PFL set a list of championship alternates. These fighters will be in reserve should fighters not be allowed to fight.
Daniel Pineda is still hoping to face defending featherweight champion Lance Palmer. Amidst irregular test results, Pineda will have to appear before the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Dec. 18 in hopes of still fighting. The test results came after his Playoff fight in October. Should Pineda not be cleared to fight, Alex Gilpin will step in for his chance at the featherweight belt.
At welterweight, the championship currently features Ray Cooper III v. David Michaud. In an interesting twist PFL features two alternates in this division. Welterweight alternate Glaico Franca, will also appeal the NSAC on Dec. 18. Should he fail in his appearance, and a fighter is unable to perform, Christopher Curtis will get the call for the welterweight championship bought and a chance at $1 million.
League rules designate alternate fighters for championships as the highest seeded semifinal fighter for each weight class.
The 2019 PFL Alternates:
Featherweight – Alex Gilpin
Women’s Lightweight – Sarah Kaufman
Lightweight – Chris Wade
Welterweight – Glaico Franca (Chris Curtis is the second alternate)
Light Heavyweight – Bozigit Ataev
Heavyweight – Denis Goltsov
The PFL Championships can be viewed live on ESPN2 Dec. 31 at 7:00pm ET
