PFL’s Swan Song in Lyon: Lapilus vs. McKee for Bantamweight Gold Before the MVP Era Begins

The Professional Fighters League is going out with a bang on home soil.

On December 12 at LDLC Arena in Lyon, France, Taylor Lapilus will face undefeated Mitchell McKee for the PFL bantamweight championship in what has been confirmed as the promotion’s final event under the PFL banner. Come January 1, 2027, the organization transitions fully into Most Valuable Promotions following the merger—making this card the last chapter of the PFL name as we know it.

For Lapilus, the timing could not be more perfect. The Frenchman (25-4) returns to his home country with a perfect 4-0 run since leaving the UFC. He has steadily climbed the ranks and now gets the chance to crown that journey with gold in front of a partisan French crowd. “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.”

Standing in his way is McKee (11-0), who wasted no time making an impression in his PFL debut. The undefeated prospect stepped in at PFL Chicago and defeated former title contender Sergio Pettis, immediately inserting himself into the title picture. “Fighting for a PFL world title is exactly why I came here,” McKee said. “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.”

The contrast is sharp: the experienced local favorite looking to cash in on momentum and home support versus the perfect-record newcomer hungry to announce himself as the division’s top dog on the biggest stage of his career so far.

PFL Lyon will also feature additional bouts, including Bryan Battle vs. Boris Mbarga, Atangana Abdoul Abdouraguimov vs. Andreeas Binder, and Fabian Edwards vs. Ilian Bouafia, rounding out a card that serves as both a title fight night and a symbolic send-off.

This is more than just another championship bout. It’s the closing of one era and the quiet opening of another. The PFL name has delivered seasons of competition, high-stakes tournaments, and memorable nights. On December 12 in Lyon, that chapter ends with a bantamweight title fight that already feels personal.

Will Lapilus deliver the fairy-tale ending in front of his people, or will McKee spoil the party and walk out of France as the last PFL bantamweight champion?

Mark the date. The final PFL event before the MVP rebrand is locked, loaded, and headed to Lyon.