Lapilus faces undefeated McKee for inaugural PFL bantamweight title in Lyon farewell

Taylor Lapilus will fight for a world title on home soil when he faces undefeated prospect Mitch McKee for the inaugural PFL bantamweight championship on December 19 in Lyon, France. The bout headlines the final PFL card before the promotion rebrands as Most Valuable Promotions in 2027.

Lapilus (25-4) arrives on a four-fight winning streak since leaving the UFC, where he went 6-2 across two stints. The 34-year-old French fighter most recently defeated Jake Hadley in May, and will now compete in front of a home crowd with a first major title on the line.

“My whole career has led to this moment,” Lapilus said. “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.”

McKee (11-0) enters as a decorated wrestler and the only unbeaten fighter in the matchup. The American earned his title shot with a decision victory over former Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis in April — his debut under the PFL banner following an 8-0 run in LFA.

“Taylor is a great fighter, he’s experienced, and I know fighting him in France means I’m walking into his backyard,” McKee said. “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.”

MVP CEO John Martin framed the Lyon card as a landmark occasion for the organisation. “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,” Martin said. “I can’t think of a better city or a better stage for it.”

Before reaching Lyon, PFL has three further events scheduled: Chicago on October 16, followed by a pair of November shows. The December card in France will close out the promotion’s identity before the full transition to the MVP name.