PFL 2025 World Tournament One to Watch: Sergey Bilostenniy

⚖️ #PFLWorldTournament 4 Weighs In

Valentin Moldavsky: 236.8 lbs
Sergey Bilostenniy: 240.8 lbs

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[ #PFLWorldTournament | Thursday , May 1st | 📺 10PM EST | ESPN 2 ] pic.twitter.com/edr3EyKS4H

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Heavyweights and light heavyweights will take center stage for the Professional Fighters League when the organization brings PFL 2025 World Tournament 4 to Universal Studios on Thursday in Orlando, Florida. The heavyweight bracket has already undergone some last-minute changes, with Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Karl Williams replacing Linton Vassell.

Plenty of other recognizable names dot the heavyweight field, from former Bellator MMA champion Valentin Moldovsky to Tim Johnson, Rodrigo Nascimento and Alexandr Romanov. Yet another entrant has won both of his PFL fights and carries an established reputation as a proven finisher. Russia’s Sergey Bilostenniy may not have the name recognition of some of the other participants in the heavyweight draw, but his 13-3 record should grab some attention. Moreover, nine of his 13 wins have come by stoppage, eight of them by knockout or technical knockout.

Bilostenniy heads into his quarterfinal pairing opposite Moldovsky on a three-fight winning streak. Personal feelings will have to be set aside. He faces a fellow Russian in Moldavsky, who admitted he was not a fan of the matchup against his countryman. Nevertheless, Bilostenniy has the opportunity to beat a former champion and start his push toward a tournament title.

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament LIVE Thursday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

If Bilostenniy succeeds in his showdown with Moldovsky, he will move on to face the Johnson-Romanov winner in the semifinals. A victory over Moldavsky and a subsequent win over either Johnson or Romanov would see the 29-year-old Russian punch his ticket to the final and gain the invaluable experience he needs to take his game to the next level. The tournament format allows Bilostenniy—and others—to fight at their preferred pace and pursue opponents however they see fit.

The first three events in the PFL 2025 World Tournament have provided several upsets and allowed rising young talents to put themselves on the map. Bilostenniy certainly appears to have the goods necessary to add his name to the list. It starts with Moldavsky, and the path forward means he will have to prove himself as one of the best heavyweights on the PFL roster. Undeniably dangerous, Bilostenniy could soon come to embody the PFL’s “One Shot” mantra for 2025.