Hamer steps in on short notice to face unbeaten Khabalaev at PFL Chicago

Brock Hamer will make his Professional Fighters League debut on short notice after being called in to replace Morquez Forest opposite unbeaten lightweight Levan Khabalaev at PFL Chicago on Oct. 16 at Wintrust Arena. The promotion confirmed the change on social media after Forest (8-2) withdrew from the bout.

Hamer enters the assignment at 5-1, while Khabalaev carries a perfect 6-0 record into the contest, making the matchup a stern test for the debutant. The circumstances of Forest’s withdrawal were not disclosed.

The card is headlined by a rematch between Liz Carmouche (26-8) and Jena Bishop (11-3) for the inaugural PFL women’s flyweight world championship. Carmouche, one of MMA’s most decorated veterans, and Bishop meet again with a historic title on the line.

Unbeaten featherweight Timur Khizriev (18-0) takes on Gabriel Braga (17-3) in the co-main event, with Khizriev’s unblemished record providing its own compelling storyline heading into the Chicago card.

Full PFL Chicago fight card — Oct. 16, Wintrust Arena

Liz Carmouche vs. Jena Bishop — Women’s flyweight championship

Timur Khizriev vs. Gabriel Braga — Featherweight

Sarvarjon Khamidov vs. Rafael do Nascimento — Bantamweight

Oualy Tandia vs. J.P. Saint Louis — Welterweight

Eliezer Kubanza vs. Trey Waters — Welterweight

Emiliano Sordi vs. Abraham Bably — Light heavyweight

Cassio Barao vs. Kevin Pease — Lightweight

Shannon Clark vs. Lucero Acosta — Women’s flyweight

Gamid Khizriev vs. Michael Boylan — Lightweight

Cobey Fehr vs. Rosario Romero — Bantamweight

Levan Khabalaev vs. Brock Hamer — Lightweight

Paulina Wisniewska vs. Chelsea Hackett — Women’s flyweight

Noah Hermosillo vs. Caden Cox — Featherweight

Benita van Rooij vs. Giulliany Perea Vieira — Women’s strawweight