Aaron Blackie’s debut in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) didn’t go the way he would have wanted, with the Queensland based fighter losing a decision to Ali Zebian on Saturday, Australian time.
Despite over three years since he last competed, Blackie started strong, as he took the opening round on the judges’ cards. The second round was closely contested with Zebian warming up as the fight went on. Both had their moments but the judges ultimately awarded the bout Zebian. All had it 29-28 unanimously.
Blackie’s team believe the bout was close and that the Aussie had done enough to win but were also left furious with the bout ultimately being contested at catchweight, claiming Zebian was never going to make weight.
The bout was contested at a 69kg catchweight after Zebian, who had not competed at featherweight since 2019, failed to make weight for the agreed 145lb limit.
The event, which took place at Universal Studios, in Florida, was the last of the PFL Challenger Series for this year with the regular season kicking off on April 21 AEST.
- Welterweight: Carlos Leal def. Chris Brown via Decision (Split)
- Light Heavyweight: Simeon Powell def. Tobias Baker via Decision (Unanimous)
- Women’s Lightweight: Jeslen Mishelle def. Jackie Cataline via Decision (Unanimous)
- Featherweight: Ali Zebian def. Aaron Blackie via Decision (Unanimous)
*Simeon Powell won the contract to compete in the regular season.
