The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continued its thrilling 2023 PFL Playoffs, lighting up the canvas in both the Welterweight and Lightweight divisions, all unfolding at the legendary Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The main event was a slugfest that will go down in the annals of fighting. Lightweights Clay Collard and Shane Burgos squared off, fists flying, in a bout that felt like a classic prizefight. Over three grueling rounds, Collard and Burgos traded leather, neither giving an inch. Collard emerged as the victor by unanimous decision, punching his ticket to his first PFL World Championship, where he will dance with Olivier Aubin-Mercier.
The co-main event of the evening saw Olivier Aubin-Mercier, the reigning 2022 PFL Lightweight Champion, demonstrate his striking prowess. Aubin-Mercier pummeled his way back to the PFL World Championship, laying out Bruno Miranda with a second-round TKO. Aubin-Mercier continues to stand tall in the PFL, unbeaten and undeterred.
In the Welterweight ring, 2022 PFL Welterweight Champion Sadibou Sy edged his way back to the PFL World Championship, earning a hard-fought split decision victory over Carlos Leal. A showdown with Magomed Magomedkerimov awaits Sy in the Welterweight final, setting the stage for an explosive encounter.
Welterweight Playoff action was ignited by 2018 PFL Welterweight Champion Magomed Magomedkerimov, who outpointed Solomon Renfro, winning by unanimous decision. The decisive victory propels Magomedkerimov back to the PFL World Championship, where he’s aiming to claim his second $1 million title.
Adding a touch of boxing royalty to the MMA world, Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of the great Muhammad Ali, kept his winning streak alive with a fifth straight stoppage, defeating Ed Davis by second-round TKO in an enthralling amateur Lightweight Showcase bout.
PFL CEO Peter Murray weighed in on the extraordinary night, “The 2023 PFL Playoffs delivered must-see action from San Antonio to New York City, and now the gloves are off for the Richest Night in MMA, The PFL World Championship. On November 24, live from Washington D.C., twelve fighters across six weight divisions will brawl for the title of PFL World Champions and the sweet $1 million prize.”
PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo applauded the night, saying, “Tonight’s bouts sealed the 2023 PFL Playoffs with a bang, showcasing four warriors who battled with all their heart and soul. They’re now headed to the pinnacle of MMA, The PFL World Championship. Hats off to the fighters moving forward, and we’re gearing up for a spectacular season finale this November.”
In other action, Alexei Pergande, a 2022 PFL Challenger Series contract winner, moved to 4-0 with a masterful unanimous decision win over Shawn Stefanelli. Mostafa Rashed Nada made a triumphant PFL debut, besting Korey Kuppe by TKO in the first round of their Middleweight Showcase bout, improving his MMA record to 8-3. Michelle Montague showed off her grappling wizardry, choking out Abigail Montes with a second-round rear-naked choke submission, keeping her record unblemished.
Abdullah Al-Qahtani continued his success streak in the PFL SmartCage, outclassing David Zelner by unanimous decision, marking his seventh career victory. John Caldone also added to the excitement, securing a first-round TKO over Nathaniel Grimard, upping his career tally to 5-1.
With all eyes fixed on Washington D.C., Friday, November 24, marks the biggest night in MMA, the 2023 PFL World Championship at The Anthem, where a whopping $6 million prize awaits the new PFL World Champions.
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