Bold shift in 125-pound talent acquisition: PFL lands another UFC veteran to boost its women’s flyweight division.
Montana De La Rosa, who closed her UFC run on a high note, is now under contract with the Professional Fighters League for an exclusive, multi-fight deal. The confirmation comes from Sherdog, citing a source close to the situation after MMA Junkie reported the development. No debut date has been announced, and contract terms remain undisclosed.
Background and trajectory
De La Rosa, a Season 26 contestant on The Ultimate Fighter, logged a 6-5-1 record during her UFC tenure. As a member of Elevation Fight Team, she started strong, winning four of her first five UFC appearances between 2017 and 2020. However, her momentum slowed with a 2-4-1 run before she left the promotion following a split-decision victory over Andrea Lee at UFC on ESPN 57 in June 2024.
Recent activity
The 30-year-old from Montana hasn’t fought since that UFC stint. A planned matchup with Luana Carolina this past March collapsed when Carolina withdrew from the event due to weight-cutting issues.
Context and implications
This move continues PFL’s strategy of enriching its 125-pound roster by adding established UFC veterans, following recent signings of Viviane Araújo and Ariane Lipski da Silva. The departure and subsequent signing highlight ongoing reshaping of women’s flyweight competition across major promotions, and raise questions about how De La Rosa will adapt to PFL’s format, scheduling, and potential rematches against former rivals.
What this means for fans and competitors
- For fans: more high-level matchups and potential cross-promotional narratives as UFC alumni transition to PFL.
- For contenders: DE La Rosa’s proven UFC experience may position her as a formidable challenger in a stacked division.
- For the sport: this trend signals increasing mobility among top talents, which could influence fighter incentives and contract dynamics.
Do you think De La Rosa’s experience will translate into immediate impact in the PFL? How might this move affect the balance of the 125-pound division in the coming year? Share your thoughts in the comments.
