Shido Boris Esperança turned pro in 2018, winning six straight fights, and coming into tonight with an 8-1 record competing on the African and Middle Eastern regional scene. Esperança is a striking specialist who won regional welterweight gold in his fifth pro fight. The 29-year-old last fought in October, scoring a first-round submission of Lionel Padilla.
This isn’t Tyler Hill’s first rodeo with the PFL, as he competed in a Showcase bout back in 2021, losing to Brett Cooper. Hill, also a striking specialist, has competed for a number of notable promotions and is a former regional welterweight champion as well. Hill, who has 11 finishes in his 12 victories, has lost three of his last four, most recently getting submitted by Handesson Ferreira in May.
Who will help start the night of strong in the capital of the U.S.?
Round 1
The two meet in the center of the SmartCage. Front kick from Hill. A big three-pinch combination from Esperança early! Esperança is just letting loose and he is pounding away at Hill against the fence! Hill seems hurt! Hill gets off the fence, but Esperança takes him down almost immediately. Esperança gets into mount. Esperança looks for an arm-triangle, and he appears to have it locked in. Esperança ends up letting go and just getting into side control. We’re less than 90 seconds into this fight and had that much action! Esperança traps both of Hill’s arms, and Esperança is pounding away with the right hand. Hill taking a beating to the head! Hill is trying to turn out of it, but Esperança is keeping him down! Esperança figure-fours one of Hil’s arms.
Hill looks to roll through. He manages to stop the pressure briefly. Esperança looks for an Americana, but Hill escapes again! Esperança is right on his back, however, and he is quickly looking for a choke. Hill fights it off, but Esperança is mounted on Hill’s back. Esperança pounds away, and the referee steps in!
The ref has seen enough! A Successful PFL debut for the "Machine"
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 23, 2024
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Esperança may be one to watch out for when he competes in PFL Africa next year!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Shido Boris Esperanca defeats Tyler Hill by 1st round TKO (3:31) in a PFL Welterweight Showcase Fight
- Esperanca moves his career record to 9-1 with his 5th career knockout
- Esperanca will be competing in the inaugural 2025 PFL Africa season