Battle vs. Rosta Lead Trio of Middleweight Bouts Announced for PFL Charlotte Announced for PFL Charlotte
The PFL Middleweight division will take center stage when the promotion heads to the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte on August 7th with three bouts that could reshape the top of the division.
With the interim middleweight championship set to be contested between Johnny Eblen and Impa Kasanganay at PFL Austin on July 18, the outcomes in Charlotte could have major implications for the division’s future title picture.
Headlining the newly announced card is a clash between No. 8-ranked Bryan “The Butcher” Battle and No. 4-ranked Dalton “Hercules” Rosta. The contest pairs two fighters with very different paths but similar ambitions as both look to move closer to championship contention.
Battle enters the fight with a 12-3 record with one no contest and remains one of the most recognizable names in the division. Known for his toughness and willingness to engage, Battle is searching for a signature win that would reestablish him among the elite at 185 pounds. Across from him stands Rosta, who has built a reputation as one of the division’s most physically imposing competitors. At 11-3, Rosta’s pressure-heavy style has proven difficult for opponents to handle, making this a crucial test for both men.
The co-featured middleweight contest brings together two fighters who have already proven they belong among the division’s upper tier. Seventh-ranked Josh Silveira meets sixth-ranked Aaron Jeffery in a matchup that could produce the next title challenger.
Silveira, a finalist in the 2023 PFL Middleweight Tournament, has consistently faced top competition throughout his career. His aggressive pace and well-rounded skill set have kept him in the championship conversation despite competing in one of the deepest weight classes in the promotion.
Jeffery enters with plenty of credentials of his own. The former Bellator title challenger has battled some of the sport’s toughest middleweights and possesses the experience needed to thrive in high-pressure situations. With both men sitting inside the division’s top ten, a victory would significantly strengthen their championship aspirations.
Also joining the main card is a matchup between No. 9-ranked Josh Fremd and Jhony Gregory. Fremd made an immediate impact in his PFL debut by scoring a first-round knockout, while Gregory enters the bout riding momentum from a recent submission victory. Both athletes are looking to continue climbing the rankings and establish themselves as serious threats within the division.
As the middleweight landscape begins to take shape around the upcoming interim title fight, the results in Charlotte could determine who emerges as the next wave of contenders. With rankings implications attached to every matchup, August 7 promises to be a pivotal night for the PFL’s 185-pound division.
PFL Charlotte takes place at Bojangles Coliseum and airs live on ESPN beginning at 10 p.m. ET, with preliminary action streaming on ESPN platforms starting at 7 p.m. ET.
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