PFL 2025 World Tournament One to Watch: Justin Wetzell

Justin Wetzell could not have made a stronger first impression with the Professional Fighters League. After an injury forced Ireland’s Ciaran Clarke to withdraw from the bantamweight tournament, Wetzell stepped in as a short-notice opponent for Kasum Kasumov and proceeded to defy the odds.

Entering his matchup with Kasumov, Wetzell was a +700 underdog. His opponent was a -1100 favorite with just one lost in 17 career bouts. Not only did Wetzell spring the upset via unanimous decision, but he managed to defend against Kasumov’s offense and outgrapple the well-respected Russian. After having gone 4-1 during his tenure in the Legacy Fighting Alliance, Wetzell posted the most significant victory of his career and now stands just two wins away from becoming a PFL champion. He did not seem outclassed or intimidated by Kasumov or his record.

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the Semifinals of the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, June 20 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+

Wetzell will face another major challenge when his bantamweight semifinal opposite Mando Gutierrez buoys PFL 2025 World Tournament 6 on Friday at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Similar to Wetzell, Gutierrez was a betting underdog ahead of his first-round matchup with Francesco Nuzzi, only to make quick work of him with a rear-naked choke submission in a little more than four minutes. It should make for an exciting semifinal showdown with Wetzell.

The 33-year-old Wetzell boasts an 11-2 record, with six wins by decision. He does not figure to be an easy out for Gutierrez, who has seven submission victories to his credit.

Having already displayed his willingness and excellence in the grappling department against Kasumov, Wetzell will almost certainly stick to a similar game plan. Should he do so successfully again, he would establish himself as a true championship contender at 135 pounds.