Conor McGregor’s 6ft 5ins sparring partner scores horrifying KO on US debut at PFL Tampa

Aug 23, 2026 - 11:00

Eoin Sheridan made his American debut with a bang at PFL Tampa on Saturday.

The 6ft 5ins self-proclaimed ‘most avoided welterweight in Europe’ and sparring partner of Conor McGregor fought James Vake on the card headlined by MMA icon Cris Cyborg.

Eoin Sheridan throws a punch against James Vake during PFL Tampa — Sheridan has been tipped to become a future PFL welterweight champion

Sheridan had told talkSPORT.com ahead of his appearance in Tampa that the fight would set him up for a future shot at welterweight gold in the PFL.

And the Irishman will no doubt have his sights set firmly on the prize after a remarkable knockout to announce himself to a US audience at PFL Tampa, which fans in the UK can watch back for free on talkSPORT.

Sheridan’s sensational KO at PFL Tampa

After a tense opening few minutes and a brief timeout due to a low blow from Vake, Sheridan got to work, using his large frame to pin Vake against the cage.

Attacking the lead leg, a well-timed one-two then stunned the New Zealander just before the one-minute mark and Sheridan smelled the finish.

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After a knee to the body, some nasty right hands and a near-miss high kick, the Irishman was just seconds away from stopping Vake.

Then, out of nowhere, Sheridan grabbed Vake’s neck against the cage and landed an almighty knee to the jaw, which sent his opponent’s mouthguard flying to the canvas as he was knocked unconscious.

It was quite a frightening scene in the aftermath of Sheridan’s KO as Vake lay immobilised on the canvas with his eyes wide open, unable to move.

“He is a terrifying character in this welterweight division,” PFL commentator Dan Hardy said as replays showed Sheridan’s knee almost took Vake’s head off.

Sheridan is now 6-0 in his professional MMA career, having made his debut back in September 2023.

It was the first time ‘The Sheriff’ had ever fought on American soil as part of a stacked PFL Tampa show.

James Vake lies unconscious after a knockout loss to Eoin Sheridan at PFL Tampa — Vake was immobilised after Sheridan’s violent knee knockout at PFL Tampa

Sheridan looks on before fighting James Vake — Ireland’s Sheridan has his sights set on fighting for championship gold in the near future

Before this weekend, Sheridan had explained his plan to climb up the PFL welterweight rankings through a win over Vake.

“I’m right up the top now,” he said, also highlighting his excitement at the PFL’s merger with Jake Paul‘s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which will be complete by January, 2027.

“My next couple of fights are probably going to be deciders.

“Hopefully we’re coming towards the title. That’s what I’m looking for.”

Sheridan was the No. 10-ranked PFL welterweight before his win in Tampa and will now likely climb one or two spots.

Elsewhere at PFL Tampa, Cris Cyborg called out Claressa Shields and Kayla Harrison after securing a record-breaking unanimous decision victory in her main event with Ketlen Vieira.

Eoin Sheridan celebrates after fighting against James Vake during PFL Tampa — Sheridan stole the show in his first fight on American soil

Cyborg’s 30 MMA wins are the most of any female fighter in the history of the sport.

Furthermore, Briton Luke Trainer scored a wild front-kick knockout victory over Roland Dunlap, moving his record to 11-1.

PFL debutant Javid Basharat also came out victorious with a points win against Belgian talent Movsar Ibragimov in his first fight since a messy UFC exit.