Dan Hardy Tips Winner of PFL Lyon Bout to Become 'One of the World's Best'

Dan Hardy has backed the winner of Connor Hughes vs. Aleksandr Chizov to become 'one of the world's best' ahead of their huge PFL clash in France.

PFL Champions Series 4 takes place in Lyon on December 13.

The highly-anticipated card features some of the best talent on the promotion's roster, including Vadim Nemkov and Cris Cyborg.

Not to mention budding prospects who are aiming to announce themselves on the world scene, with Patrick Habirora looking to secure another victory over a UFC veteran as 'The Belgian Bomber' faces Kevin Jousset.

Hughes, who fights out of the MMA Academy in Liverpool, and Chizov are also seeking breakout performances in view to going onto bigger and better things in 2026.

Hughes vs. Chizov compete in the 2025 PFL Europe lightweight tournament final and Hardy has tipped the winner to crack the world stage.

Ex-UFC star Hardy, who oversees the PFL's European events, told SPORTbible: "Connor is right on the precipice of something great and what I love about Connor's story is that he has been with PFL Europe all three years.

"He had a really disappointing debut against Dylan Tuke. It wasn't the fight that he expected. He came back the next year and looked great, but still didn't manage to beat Jakub Kaszuba in the finals and now here he is in the finals against Chizov.

"I honestly think we are going to find one of the best future lightweights in the world after this fight is done."

Hughes is on a two-fight winning streak following victories over Sebastien Di Franco and Gino van Steenis.

He stopped Di Franco in the second round before delivering a devastating head-kick knockout against Van Steenis in a Knockout of the Year contender.

The 28-year-old has emerged as one of the best fighters on PFL's European scene, but a win over Chizov would propel himself onto the world stage.

Hardy has high hopes for Hughes, who is on the cusp of becoming PFL's next UK star.

Winning the PFL Europe tournament would also see him follow in the footsteps of Dakota Ditcheva and Lewis McGrillen, who also won PFL Europe tournaments before becoming international stars.