Undefeated Irish giant Eoin Sheridan targets PFL welterweight title run ahead of Tampa bout

Eoin Sheridan steps into the PFL Tampa cage against James Vake with a perfect 5-0 professional record and a clear sense of where he is headed. The 6‘5” Irish welterweight, who has won three of those bouts under the Professional Fighters League banner, is already ranked inside the top ten and views the Vake fight as another step toward a title shot he expects to arrive in 2027.

Sheridan is not approaching the matchup as a tactical puzzle. Rather than dissecting Vake’s game, the Dublin-linked fighter intends to impose his own style from the opening bell.

“I just can’t wait to go out there and just do what I do,” Sheridan told Sherdog.com. “Whatever presents itself in this fight, I’ll look for it. I don’t think too much into fighting or the matchup, fighting comes second nature to me. I’m dangerous in the cage for anybody. I’m a 6‘5” sniper, so be careful — he needs to be careful.”

Sheridan’s bout is part of the final event of the PFL Summer Series, a card headlined by Cris Cyborg’s promotional debut against Ketlen Vieira in a women’s featherweight title fight.

Beyond the immediate contest, Sheridan carries a broader sense of purpose. He speaks openly about representing Ireland and has expressed a desire to help bring a PFL event back to Dublin, pointing to a deep well of Irish fighting talent he believes has yet to fully emerge on the global stage.

“I think the Irish are built for fighting, it’s in our blood,” he said. “It’s an honour to represent Ireland, and I’m a kickboxer so I like to stand and bang — that’s how the Irish like to do it. We’re well-rounded fighters and there’s plenty more of us that haven’t even broke onto the scene yet. But I’m happy to be one that’s leading the way.”

Sheridan, who acknowledged having to work on his public speaking during college, is now comfortable projecting confidence ahead of his bouts. He has set 2027 as his target for entering the PFL welterweight title picture as the promotion moves into its next phase alongside MVP. As for Saturday’s fight with Vake, his message was direct: “Expect fireworks. The Sheriff is coming.”