Julio Arce will make his PFL debut this Saturday in Pittsburgh when he faces undefeated featherweight prospect Alexei Pergande. The bout comes after a long, uncertain break following Arce’s exit from the UFC.
Frustrating end to his UFC run
Arce finished his UFC contract with a second-round knockout over Herbert Burns. That fight followed a missed weight at UFC Atlantic City in March 2024. After that win, Arce spent many months waiting to hear if the promotion would re-sign him.
“It was like a seven to eight month wait so then you just don’t know what’s happening,” Arce said. He described watching other fighters get matchups while he waited and wondering about behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Arce won six of 10 fights in the UFC. He picked up notable wins over Dan Ige and Julian Erosa during his time in the organization. While he is proud of his work there, the unclear ending left him wanting a cleaner break so he could start his next chapter sooner.
A fresh start in the PFL
Now Arce gets a new start in the PFL. His first fight under the promotion’s rules comes this Saturday in Pittsburgh at the event known as PFL Pittsburgh. The PFL uses a season and tournament format, which is different from the standard fight-by-fight approach.
The matchup with Alexei Pergande is a big test. Pergande arrives as an undefeated prospect. For Arce, the fight is a chance to prove he can compete at a high level on a new stage after nearly a decade in top-level mixed martial arts.
What to expect in the cage
Arce is a veteran with experience against tough opponents. He has shown he can finish fights and compete with ranked foes. Pergande is an up-and-comer with an undefeated record, hungry to make a name for himself.
Arce said he would like more clarity when contracts end, but he is focused now on preparing for a fast start in the PFL season. The bout gives him a clear goal and a new structure to chase.
Fight details
The featherweight bout takes place this Saturday in Pittsburgh as part of the PFL Pittsburgh event. It is Arce’s first time fighting under PFL rules and formats.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Julio Arce | Second-round knockout over Herbert Burns; finished UFC contract; missed weight at UFC Atlantic City in March 2024 |
| Alexei Pergande | Undefeated featherweight prospect |
This bout will be a key moment for both men. Arce wants to show he still belongs at the top level, and Pergande aims to keep his perfect start and move up the featherweight ladder.
