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PFL was able to get the playoffs set in the Lightweight and Light Heavyweight Divisions thanks to their PFL 5 card. It had some fun matchups, with some of them delivering. Let’s take a look at the results…
Main Card
Mads Burnell def. Clay Collard* via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Impa Kasanganay* def. Jakob Nedoh via TKO (strikes) (R2, 5:00)
Bruno Miranda def. Patricky Pitbull via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Rob Wilkinson* def. Josh Silveira* via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov* def. Simon Biyong via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Alex Polizzi def. Antonio Carlos Junior via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
Brent Primus* def. Solomon Renfro via submission (rear-naked choke) (R3, 3:21)
Sadibou Sy def. Andrew Sanchez via TKO (strikes) (R3, 4:02)
Gadzhi Rabadanov* def. Elvin Espinoza via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Adam Piccolotti def. Michael Dufort* via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Sergio Cossio def. Anthony Romero via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Brahyan Zurcher def. Julian Ruiz via KO (punch) (R2, 1:26)
*Qualified for playoffs
The Prelims
Let’s take a look at what stood out to me…
Brahyan Zurcher had a heck of a KO in the opening fight. Highlight reel worthy.
Michael Dufort lost and made the playoffs. The PFL standings are good and bad at the same time sometimes. I was surprised to see Dufort not go for it as much with the standings being really close. But hey…he’s in.
Sadibou Sy didn’t make the playoffs this season, but it was nice to see him get back on track with a clear win.
Brent Primus and Solomon Renfro was fun. Primus got a big submission to solidify his spot in the playoffs. He will be tough to beat.
Alex Polizzi vs. Antonio Carlos Junior
This was a close, back and forth fight. With a win, I believe Carlos Junior would have made the playoffs. Instead, both men will be looking on from the outside. We’ll see if they get featured on a future card this season as others fight for the title.
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov vs. Simon Biyong
Yagshimuradov did what he had to do to make the playoffs. No offense to Biyong, but I think Yagshimuradov has all the skills necessary to have gotten a more impressive win to lock in his spot. Either way, I think Yagshimuradov has a legitimate chance to do some damage in the playoffs, but he’ll have to bring it.
Rob Wilkinson vs. Josh Silveira
This was a war and fun to watch. Both men clearly wanted the win and went for it. Silveira tried to take Wilkinson down a lot, but Wilkinson was able to find his range and keep Josh at a distance at the right moments. This was definitely close, but Rob got the big win. With the standings so close, Josh was also able to sneak into the playoffs, so…despite the loss, this was a win-win for the fans as both of these men are great to have in the title hunt.
Bruno Miranda vs. Patricky Pitbull
This was an awesome fight. Both men wanted it. Both men went for it. I’m honestly surprised that this went the distance with the wild swinging and hard connections that were going on. I hope these guys get a chance at a big card later in the year even though neither man made the playoffs.
Impa Kasanganay vs. Jakob Nedoh
You know, this is why I love MMA and sports. Not many people gave Jakob Nedoh a chance in this one. And yeah, sure - he lost. But man, he was close to finishing Impa a couple of times, it seemed. It would have been a heck of an upset. However, Impa is Impa and he pulled it out. Kasanganay will certainly be considered a favorite in the playoffs.
Mads Burnell vs. Clay Collard
Despite the loss, Clay Collard will make it back into the playoffs. This was a close, back and forth fight that was a fun way to close the main card. I think that Clay will take a lot from this loss and try to adjust for his next time out.
The Playoffs
The Lightweight matchups are…
Brent Primus vs. Clay Collard
Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Michael Dufort
The Light Heavyweight matchups are…
Impa Kasangany vs. Josh Silveira
Rob Wilkinson vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov
The Primus/Collard fight is one to watch - banger alert, for sure. Impa vs. Josh should deliver, as well. Should be fun!
My Picks
I went 7-5 with my picks here. Definitely not the best, but it goes to show that some upsets are bound to happen.
Overall, I think this was a fun card. I will be honest, I was pretty excited for the show and I’m not sure if it fully lived up to my expectations. However, it was fun to watch how the playoffs developed and I’m looking forward to seeing who comes out as the winners of the divisions.
What did you think of the show? Who do you think will advance to the finals? Let me know at matt.tenhoeve@gmail.com. I’ll be back later this week to break down the busy MMA weekend, which includes PFL, Invicta, and UFC.
