Taylor Lapilus will fight Mitch McKee for the inaugural PFL bantamweight world championship in the PFL Lyon main event on December 19. The promotion confirmed the matchup Wednesday, placing the 135-pound title fight at LDLC Arena in Décines, France.
The booking gives Lapilus a championship chance in his home country and sends unbeaten McKee into his second PFL appearance. It also follows the promotion’s recent run of title announcements, including Vadim Nemkov’s heavyweight defense against Sergei Bilostenniy.
Lapilus enters at 25-4 and is ranked No. 3 by the promotion. McKee is ranked No. 1 at 11-0 after defeating former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis by unanimous decision in his PFL debut in April.
PFL Lyon Will Close The Promotion’s Current Chapter
PFL said the December card will be its final event before its shows move under the Most Valuable Promotions name on January 1, 2027. MVP CEO John Martin tied the matchup to that transition and to Lapilus fighting before a French crowd.
“Lyon has become one of the great fight cities in the world, and the energy French fans bring for their athletes is palpable,” Martin said. “On December 19, fans will have the opportunity to see one of their own fight for a world championship as Taylor Lapilus takes on the biggest test of his career in the undefeated Mitch McKee. Taylor has earned this opportunity with dominant performances, and now he has the chance to make history in front of his home crowd. The night will also mark a major milestone for our company as the final event under the PFL banner before we move forward as MVP in 2027. I can’t think of a better city or a better stage for it.”
Lapilus went 6-2 across two UFC stints before joining PFL in 2025. He has since beaten Ali Taleb, Liam Gittins, Kasum Kasumov and Jake Hadley, extending his winning streak to six. His path resembles other fighters who have rebuilt outside the UFC, including Daniel Marcos before his PFL debut.
Lapilus And McKee Set Their Stakes For December 19
Lapilus described the title shot as the product of his entire career and called on his supporters to turn LDLC Arena into a difficult assignment for McKee.
“My whole career has led to this moment. I’m here to become champion, leave my mark on this sport, and cement my legacy. And when I look back, I want to know I was part of the moment everything changed for French MMA. This is more than a title fight. This is history in the making.”
“To my people, you’ve supported me all the way through my career. On December 19, we need to make sure Mitch McKee knows what it’s like to enter the lion’s den at the LDLC Arena.”
McKee reached 11-0 by beating Pettis in Chicago. The former University of Minnesota wrestler said the road assignment is part of what he wanted from his title opportunity.
“Fighting for a PFL world title is exactly why I came here. Taylor is a great fighter, he’s experienced, and I know fighting him in France means I’m walking into his backyard. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’ve believed from day one that I’m the best bantamweight in the PFL, and in December I get the opportunity to prove it. I’m going to Lyon to bring that belt home.”
The bout will crown the first PFL bantamweight world champion. The same venue hosted Nemkov’s heavyweight title win over Renan Ferreira in December 2025, but Lapilus and McKee now carry a separate piece of promotional history into the final PFL-branded event.
