Patrick Habirora vs Benson Henderson: the fight that also propels Project X Paris onto the PFL stage
Summary
On May 23, 2026, PFL Europe returns to the ING Arena in Brussels with a lineup already catching attention: Belgian prodigy Patrick Habirora will face former UFC champion Benson Henderson. A highly anticipated fight… and massive exposure for Project X Paris, whose fighter is an ambassador.
Patrick Habirora, the meteoric rise of a Belgian phenomenon
At 24 years old, Patrick Habirora establishes himself as one of the most exciting faces in European MMA. Turning professional in 2024 after his amateur world champion title, the Namur native moves forward with a perfect record: 8 wins in 8 fights, including 7 by stoppage.
At the first PFL Brussels, he already made a strong impact by dominating Danny Roberts, before following up with a victory over Kevin Jousset. Two performances that established the “Belgian Bomber” as one of the rising stars of the circuit.
His aura extends far beyond the cage: his fights generate millions of views and he gathers over 350,000 followers on Instagram.
Benson Henderson, a former UFC champion facing the new generation
For this second PFL event in Brussels, the organization chose a strong lineup. Habirora will face Benson “Smooth” Henderson, a respected figure in global MMA.
At 42 years old, the American holds 30 wins and 12 losses and a prestigious past: former UFC lightweight champion, he has defeated major names like Nate Diaz, Frankie Edgar, and Jorge Masvidal.
For the Belgian, this duel represents the biggest name of his career. A real-life test against a fighter with an impressive record.
PXP at the heart of Habirora’s rise
Beyond sport, Patrick Habirora embodies a new generation of athletes connected to urban culture. Ambassador of Project X Paris, he represents the energy of a scene where streetwear, sport, and lifestyle intersect.
This collaboration perfectly illustrates the brand’s DNA: supporting talents who break the mold and move culture forward. Habirora fits into this dynamic, between sporting performance and cultural influence.
His presence in the PFL Brussels cage will offer global visibility to this connection between MMA and streetwear.
Patrick Habirora: a fighter who also makes waves in fashion
The Belgian’s trajectory is not limited to fights. In January 2026, he walked the runway for Drôle de Monsieur during Paris Men’s Fashion Week.
His hybrid profile attracts attention: spectacular athlete, recognized face of urban culture, and personality followed by a large community. He is also listed in Forbes Belgium’s “30 Under 30”, proof that his influence goes beyond sport.
Brussels ready for an explosive night
The first PFL Brussels gathered nearly 8,000 fans. For this new edition, the ING Arena capacity increases to over 10,000 seats.
With Patrick Habirora headlining, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Between the rising Belgian star, the former UFC champion, and the streetwear universe represented by Project X Paris, the event on May 23, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the highlights of MMA in Europe.