PFL Europe: Dean Garnett’s journey from the ‘wild west’ to a $100,000 final
Garnett has won two fights this year to reach Saturday’s finale and at 37 said everything in his career is “falling into place.”
Garnett has won 14 of his 18 professional fights since making his pro debut in 2020, losing three and drawing one.
If he beats Adıgüzel, Garnett aims to stay in the sport for about two more years before retiring from competing.
Garnett could take inspiration from Manchester’s Dakota Ditcheva, who won the PFL Europe women’s flyweight belt in 2023 before winning the global tournament the following year.
“This is the biggest fight of my career from a financial standpoint. From a professional standpoint it’s a championship fight, so it’s actually a European championship. It’s the biggest moment of my career to date,” adds Garnett.
“Winning the European title will open up bigger challenges for me out there; it will prepare me to potentially compete for the world title.”
Whether he wins or loses against Adıgüzel, who won nine of the 10 matches he played professionally, Garnett is satisfied with what he has achieved throughout his career.
“I would love to be a good example of someone who is well-rounded in sports and achieves success both inside and outside the cage. I would love to be recognized for that,” Garnett says.
“I want to do much more than I have done, but I can’t blame myself if it ends tomorrow. I am committed to the sport, I gave 110% and I will continue to do so.”
