Ante Delija

Ante Delija (born August 7, 1990 ) is a Croatian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Heavyweight division of Professional Fighters League (PFL). He won the 2022 PFL Heavyweight Championship. He fought in several other organizations such as M-1 Global, Rizin Fighting Federation, KSW.

M-1 Global
On February 28, 2014, Delija made his M-1 Global debut in the main event of M-1 Challenge 45 against Estonian Denis Smoldarev and lost via submission (keylock).

On September 20, 2015, Delija faced Marcin Tybura at M-1 Challenge 61 for the M-1 Global Heavyweight Championship and lost after he suffered horrible open fracture of tibia. Delija had two surgeries on the leg and after second surgery he got infected by hospital bactery.

RIZIN
Three years after injury, Delija made his comeback in the sport on May 6, 2018, in Fukoka, Japan at RIZIN 10 against Ricardo Prasel and won by unanimous decision.

KSW
On November 9, 2019, Delija made his debut for Konfrontacji Sztuk Walki, in which he TKOed Englishman – Oli Thompson in the second round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Delija was supposed to make his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. Korean Zombie on October 17, 2020, in Abu Dhabi against Ciryl Gane. Bout was cancelled due to Delijas active contract with Professional Fighters League.

Professional Fighters League
On February 9, 2021, it was announced that Delija would be part of the PFL heavyweight roster for 2021 season.

Delija opened the PFL 2021 season on May 6 in New Jersey at PFL 3 against Bruno Cappelozza and lost via TKO in first round.

On June 25, Delija defeated Chandler Cole via TKO in first round at PFL 6 and secured place in the PFL Playoffs.

On August 19, Delija defeated Denis Goltsov via unanimous decision at PFL 8 and advanced to the PFL Playoff finals.

On October 27, Delija faced Bruno Cappelozza in the PFL finals at PFL 10 and lost in five round bout via unanimous decision.

Delijas PFL 2022 season campaign started with a KO victory over Matheus Scheffel on April 28 at PFL 2.

On June 24, Delija defeated Shelton Graves via unanimous decision and secured his place in the 2022 PFL Playoffs.

In the PFL Playoff semi-finals, Delija faced Renan Ferreira at PFL 8 and won by TKO in first round and advanced to the finals.

In the finals, Delija was set to face Scheffel, whom he already defeated in first round of tournament and this time was no different. Delija knocked him out in the first round, becoming the PFL 2022 Heavyweight champion and earning the 1 milion dollar prize in the process.

Delija faced Maurice Greene on June 16, 2023 at PFL 5. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Delija faced Valentin Moldavsky at PFL 1 on April 4, 2024. He lost the bout by technical knockout in the first round.

Mixed martial arts

 * Professional Fighters League
 * 2022 PFL Heavyweight Championship
 * 2021 PFL Heavyweight Championship Runner-up