A highly anticipated bantamweight bout is set to ignite PFL Brussels on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as Brazil’s Marcirley Alves prepares to face Japan’s Naoki Inoue. This international clash pits two formidable champions against each other: Alves, the reigning 2025 PFL World Tournament Bantamweight Champion, and Inoue, a former RIZIN titleholder, promising a high-stakes encounter for fight fans.
PFL vs. RIZIN: Championship Pedigree Collide
Marcirley Alves arrives in Brussels having cemented his status as a breakout star in the PFL. His impressive run through the 2025 World Tournament culminated in him securing the bantamweight championship. He clinched the title with a unanimous decision victory over Justin Wetzell in a hard-fought final, winning with scorecards of 49-46 and 48-47 twice. Alves’s path to the championship included significant wins against seasoned opponents such as former Bellator contender Leandro Higo and Jake Hadley, showcasing his ability to turn the tide in challenging contests.
Turning professional in 2017, Alves has built a strong career, including a previous tenure with Bellator before joining the PFL’s bantamweight division. By early 2026, his rapid ascent within the PFL’s tournament format earned him a spot among the league’s top five bantamweights. His fight record further highlights his aggressive style, boasting double-digit knockout or technical knockout finishes.
Naoki Inoue: Japan’s RIZIN Veteran Ready for International Challenge
Opposing Alves is Naoki Inoue, a consistent force in RIZIN’s lighter weight classes over recent years. The Japanese bantamweight claimed the vacant RIZIN title in September 2024 with a dominant first-round TKO against Kim Soo-chul in Saitama. He successfully defended his belt twice in 2025, first against Yuki Motoya via a split decision and then securing a unanimous decision over Ryuya Fukuda. Inoue’s championship reign concluded on New Year’s Eve 2025, when he suffered a close split decision loss to Danny Sabatello in Saitama.
Inoue brings a comprehensive martial arts background rooted in karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, allowing him to seamlessly transition between long-range striking and opportunistic grappling exchanges. His international fighting career began in 2014, including a stint in the UFC before he returned to Japan to re-establish himself with RIZIN. With over 20 professional victories to his name, Inoue’s recent schedule has been packed with high-level championship competition, preparing him for this PFL debut.
PFL Brussels on May 23 signifies the league’s continuous expansion into the European market. The promotional narrative for the Alves vs. Inoue clash emphasizes a compelling “Brazil meets Japan” storyline. The event promises a blend of established talent and emerging European prospects, with this bantamweight showdown standing out as a crucial stylistic test. Alves’s powerful, forward-moving approach will meet Inoue’s measured and technical game. The fighter who successfully dictates the pace and range over three rounds in Brussels will earn a pivotal victory, significantly impacting their standing in the global 135-pound division.
