Featherweight prospect Alexei Pergande continued his rise in the Professional Fighters League on Thursday night, earning a first-round submission win over veteran Ethan Goss in a showcase bout at the PFL World Championship from the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, FL.
Alexei Pergande Locks in Third Submission Win Thursday Night
The 24-year-old Alexei Pergande, now 7–0 as a professional, wasted no time taking control. From the opening bell, he pressured Goss against the fence with smooth footwork and slick boxing. A clean punch dropped Goss midway through the round, and a follow-up knee opened him up. Hunting the finish, Pergande quickly secured an anaconda choke and forced the tap at 3:52 of Round 1.
It was Alexi Pergande’s third career submission, adding to his diverse finishing record between pro and amateur. The victory also extended his undefeated streak and reminded us why many view him as one of the PFL’s top young prospects.
2024 PFL 7: Nashville Playoffs at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Cooper Neill / PFL)
Competitive Violence in Alexei Pergande’s Blood
A product of Kill Cliff FC in Florida, Alexi Pergande trains alongside elite competitors and has been consistently improving since signing with the promotion. His path to the PFL began with the Challenger Series in 2022, where he impressed enough to earn a contract. Since then, he has made the most of his opportunities on showcase cards, turning each outing into a chance to display his all-around skillset.
Combat sports run in Alexi Pergande’s family. He competed in 88 amateur boxing matches as well as wrestling and grappling contests from a young age before turning professional, following in the footsteps of his father, who logged more than 200 boxing bouts. His mother also trained in martial arts, giving Pergande a foundation that has carried over into mixed martial arts.
Against Goss, who entered the cage with a 12-7 record and experience in Bellator, Pergande showed the composure of a veteran. He controlled the action, mixed his weapons well, and once again proved capable of finishing fights on the ground.
Has Alexei Pergande Done Enough to Secure 2026 Tournament Spot?
What’s next? Alexei Pergande appears ready to take the next step. With another victory added to his resume, expectations are that he will enter the featherweight tournament next season. PFL matchmakers may choose to book him for one more showcase bout before then, but his performance Thursday suggested he is prepared for the league’s tough season format.
For the PFL, Alexei Pergande represents the type of young, homegrown talent the promotion has aimed to develop through its Challenger Series pipeline. With an undefeated record, a skillset that continues to evolve, and training at one of the sport’s top gyms, Pergande has positioned himself as a fighter to watch in 2026 and beyond.
For more on the 2025 PFL season, check out MMA Sucka’s PFL coverage.
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