PFL 9 2021 Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Round 1

Opening the card, Brandon “The Human Highlight Reel” Jenkins (13-6)
faces very recent UFC veteran Jacob Kilburn (8-4), who fought in
that organization in January of this year. Keeping a close eye on
them will be referee Gary Copeland. Jenkins starts the fight with a
leg kick, and Kilburn returns one, only harder. Kilburn lands a
sneaky left hook soon after. They get into a clinch, and the longer
Jenkins gets a Thai clinch, partially landing a few knees.
Eventually, Kilburn gets out of it and pushes Kilburn into the
fance, with Kilburn holding an underhook. They jockey for position,
and eventually Jenkins gets away, landing a nice knee to the head
on the break. He adds a leg kick for good measure, and checks
Kilburn’s attempt at one of his own. They exchance punches, with
Jenkins’ right hook being the most impactful blow. Kilburn is
feeling himself, throwing a wheel kick that misses. He goes back to
the calf kick, but Jenkins checks it well. Jenkins lands a leg
kick. Kilburn lands a few solid jabs, and then a nice flurry that
partially gets through. Suddenly, the loose, lanky Jenkins throws a jumping
switch knee and it connects beautifully, with Kilburn crumpling to
the canvas like a sack of potatoes. After a few follow-up punches,
Gary Copeland waves off the contest. Tremendous finish, as
Brandon Jenkins lives up to his nickname of “The Human Highlight
Reel”.

The Official Result

Brandon Jenkins def. Jacob Kilburn via KO (Flying Knee) at 2:56 of
Round 1

Round 1

Next up, Mexico’s Alejandro Flores Garcia (18-3), who has fought
most of his career in Combate Americas and had a losing stint on
Dana White’s Contender Series, is a large favorite over Carl Deaton
(13-4). Is that justified? We’ll soon see, as will referee Keith
Peterson. Flores starts out circling on the outside. Deaton charges
forward, but is unable to land. Flores attempts a leg kick, but he
misses as well. So far, they’re very cautious roughly a minute in.
Flores misses another leg kick, but fully blocks a a wide Deaton
overhand left. He blocks another overhand left, and this time, is
able to counter with a straight punch, causing Deaton to lose his
footing and then retreat, although it may have been more of a slip.
Flores lands an inside leg kick, although it’s not too hard. He
catches Deaton coming forward with a knee and adds a jab for good
measure. Flores is moving well and has a good feel for the
distance. He dodges Deaton’s punches again, as Deaton looks to
counter whenever Flores throws leg kicks. Deaton does, however,
score with a nice leg kick of his own. They exchange in the pocket,
but none of the punches actually land. A front kick by Deaton
misses, too. A head kick by Flores misses by a considerable margin.
A leg kick by Flores partially lands. Flores misses a solitary jab,
as both are defending well. An eager jumping head kick by Flores
misses by a large margin, too. Deaton jumps forward and Flores
almost counters him with an uppercut, but not quite. Flores opens
up with some kicks that land to end the stanza. Deaton gets in
Flores’ face at the end, gesticulating, but it would have served
him better to show more of that during the actual fight. 10-9
Flores.

Round 2

Flores lands a leg kick to begin the stanza. He then adds a hard
one soon after. Flores is going for several hard side-kicks to the
obliques, and he manages to land a good one. Deaton is coming
forward looking to counter, but his punches aren’t landing. A 1-2
by Deaton does find a little success, getting through a little.
Flores throws a jumping switch-kick, but it’s blocked. He lands a
nice inside leg kick, however. Flores gets a little lazy, dropping
his hands, and Deaton throws a combination punctuated with a left
hook that briefly drops Flores. He gets up immediately, but that
was easily the best strike of the contest. Flores tries to get it
back, throwing some punches, but Deaton is ready and moves out of
the way. Flores is more caution now, and the pace really slows.
Deaton finally explodes forward, and once again, Flores briefly
stumbles, although this time it may have been more of a slip.
Flores goes back to the leg kicks, but is missing them now, as
Deaton is ready. Flores lands a jumping switch-kick to the body. He
comes forward again, and gets countered by Deaton’s right cross.
Flores lands a nice head kick with about 30 seconds, his best of
the round. They clash with simulatenous leg kicks at the end.
Deaton lands a nice jumping knee and then a right hook that wobbles
Flores. Nice comeback round for Deaton, one which he clearly won.
10-9 Deaton.

Round 3

Flores misses a leg kick to begin the final stanza. He goes for a
flying knee of his own, but it misses. Deaton lands a solid leg
kick. Flores finally tries a few jabs again, but they’re all short.
A winging left hook misses, too. Flores misses another jab, as
Deaton is defending well. A Flores leg kick, however, lands. More
jabs by Flores, but Deaton moves his head well to defend. Deaton is
defending well, but is waiting a little too long to attack, perhaps
hoping for another perfect moment as in round 2. Deaton partially
gets a right hand through, but it’s not enough. Flores throws a few
kicks, and the leg kick scores. An overhand right by Deaton misses.
A Flores jab finally connects. Flores throws an interesting
switch-kick that connects with Deaton’s leg. Deaton finally comes
forward with punches, but it’s mostly blocked. Flores lands another
leg kick. Deaton partially counters a Flores jab with one of his
own. Flores with another leg kick, even if it’s not very hard. With
40 seconds left, Flores is winning the round on activity alone.
Deaton goes for a takedown, and while Flores briefly stumbles, he
soon gets back to his feet and gets away. Deaton throws another
left hook, but Flores avoids it. Deaton lands a jab near the end,
but it’s just not enough. Deaton is heated and triumphant as the
final bell rings, but he appears to have given this contest away.
10-9 Flores (29-28 Flores).

The Official Result

Alejandro Flores Garcia def. Carl Deaton via Split Decision (29-28,
28-29, 29-28)

Round 1

We have a very intriguing fight on our hands here, as two UFC
veterans in Bobby Moffett (13-6) and Jason Knight (22-6) square
off. Knight was once 20-2 with a 4 fight winning streak in the UFC
including a triumph over Dan Hooker, but was cut after losing 4
straight. After a stint in bare knuckle boxing, he has won 2
straight since returning to MMA. He will absolutely be looking to
strike, while Moffett, who missed weight by over 2 pounds, will
surely be looking to grapple, while going for his go-to submission,
the brabo/anaconda choke. Having the best vantage point for this
fight will be referee James Larry Folsom, Jr. Knight starts
throwing out the jab to test the waters. He soon lands a nice front
push-kick to the body. Moffett throws a cautious leg kick that does
little damage. As Knight comes forward with punches, Moffett shoots
a double-leg. Knight sprawls but doesn’t angle off, and Moffett
chain-wrestles. They end up in an exotic position, a type of
North-South with both on their sides. Knight is looking for a
possible inverted triangle choke, and manages to get his legs
around Moffett’s throat. Knight gets the higher position,
practically sitting on Moffett, and landing a few body punches to
boot. Moffett continues to defend, and Knight continues throwing
some body punches, some of them being hard. Eventually, Moffett
manages to rise, and Knight partially slides off, although he keeps
the hold. Moffett almost gets him off, but Knight retains it. As he
rises again, Knight lands some absolutely vicious punches to the
body, with tremendous, thudding impact. With 70 seconds left,
Moffett finally escapes and both men get back to their feet.
Moffett throws punches, but none land. Knight partially lands to
the body, and then misses a leg kick. Both are a little tired from
that grappling exchange. Moffett comes forward and Knight lands a
few body punches. Moffett lands a big body kick to end the round
that clearly hurt Knight. It’s almost enough to steal it, but not
quite. 10-9 Knight.

Round 2

Knight begins the round jabbing, and lands a few leg kicks, as
Moffett is unable to counter. Knight is throwing some straight
punches, but none are doing more than touching Moffett. Moffett
goes for a single-leg, and gets Knight against the cage. Knight
goes for a flying triangle, but it’s ill-advised, with no chance of
succeeding, and Moffett now on top in half-guard against the fence.
This might feel like deja vu for Knight, who has lost many
decisions going for submissions off his back. Knight does manage to
sit up against the cage, and eventually posts up. Moffett, however,
simply picks him up and slams him away from the cage. Knight goes
for a rubberguard, but he is simply keeping Moffett in his guard,
little more. Moffett is landing very little from the top, but
Knight is doing little of his own. Knight manages to spin out, but
Moffett gets a hold of the neck and is possibly looking for his
patented Brabo choke. Knight eventually spins onto his back and now
uses a triangle guard, which is little better. He looks for an
armbar with 30 seconds left, but there is nothing there. Knight
goes for a rubber guard again, but there is nothing. With less than
10 seconds left, Knight goes for a triangle and it’s tight!
However, time runs out. You know what? With Moffett doing
absolutely nothing from the top, Knight winning the striking, and
almost submitting him at the end, I’ll give him the round. 10-9
Knight.

Round 3

They are cautious to begin the round, but Knight lands a nice left
cross. Moffett grabs the neck, however, and lands a few uppercuts.
Oddly, it’s Knight who shoots a double-leg and gets Moffett down!
Moffett scrambles up, but Knight briefly takes the back. They
continue scrambling, however, and Moffett ends up on top. Knight
has an interesting body lock from the bottom going on, but I don’t
believe he has anything against Moffett. Moffett gets out and is in
side-control. Moffett is, however, not throwing anything from the
top position, except for a few very meager strikes, more touches
than anything. However, it’s Knight’s job to get up, not the
referee’s to bail him out. With 2 minutes remaining, Knight is
talking trash to Moffett rather than actually fighting. Finally,
Knight gets to his knees and starts posting up with about 90
seconds left. He gets up, but with 70 seconds left, Moffett again
scores on a double-leg pick-up and slam. Moffett is is in
half-guard now, looking for a possible arm triangle. Moffett lands
a few very minor arm punches. Finally, with 30 seconds left, the
referee stands them up. Knight lands a small leg kick. Knight looks
a little too tired to do much. He moves forward, but his punches
are slow and miss. Moffett easily ducks and grapples with him. This
was similar to Round 2, except with Knight doing much less, so I
have it for Moffett. I have it for Knight, but given how much
judges reward simply being on top, wouldn’t be surprised to see
Moffett take it. 10-9 Moffett (29-28 Knight).

The Official Result

Bobby Moffett def. Jason Knight via Unanimous Decision (29-28,
29-28, 29-28)

Round 1

In our third straight featherweight contest, Frenchman Anthony Dizy
(13-4) is a considerable favorite against American Jesse Stirn
(11-5). No clue why this is higher billed than the previous
contest. Referee Andrew Glenn will oversee the action. Dizy throws
a jab and Stirn blocks it, while bouncing around on the outside.
Dizy throws a 1-2, but Stirn again defends it well. Dizy fires a
solid jab, but Stirn again evades. Stirn is moving a lot on the
outside, but throwing little offense of his own. Dizy comes forward
with punches, but Stirn again just barely manages to get away.
Stirn throws a jab of his own, but it’s blocked by Dizy. Stirn does
land a straight left (not a real jab), and soon after, Dizy decides
to wrestle. His initial single-leg is blocked, so he continues
grinding against the cage. Stirn works the whizzer well, however,
and moves his hips correctly. Dizy manages to get an angle, though,
and has a rear waist-lock, while kneeing Stirn’s thigh. He
momentarily gets Stirn down, but Stirn immediately gets up and
turns into the Frenchman. Dizy goes for some old-school footstomps.
He gets a bodylock, but isn’t able to convert it into a takedown.
With 70 seconds left, Stirn finally gets off the cage. They both
throw punches, but they’re largely blocked or dodged. Stirn lands
another straight left. Dizy goes for a double-leg, but Stirn
defends this one easily. A Dizy jab misses. Dizy lands a solid left
hook, probably the best strike of the round. Dizy shoots in to end
the round, but Stirn stays upright. Close, largely uneventful
round, but Dizy just barely edged it out. 10-9 Dizy.

Round 2

Dizy begins the round jabbing, although Stirn circles away nicely.
He continues doing so, evading a Dizy cross. Stirn scores with a
leg kick. Dizy goes for a few uppercuts, and one of them touches
Stirn. Stirn lands a solid right hand, as Dizy overextended. They
get close, and Dizy grabs Stirn around the waist, grinding for
another takedown. He manages to get a rear waistlock against the
cage, grapevining Stirn’s legs. Stirn drops to his knees, as Dizy
throws a few punches while draped over him. Dizy is looking for a
RNC too, which Stirn is forced ot defend. Eventually, Dizy flattens
Stirn, but Stirn nimbly turns around and regains half-guard,
averting possible disaster. Stirn tries to posture up, but Dizy
controls the wrists well and gets him back down flat. Dizy lands a
few punches and then gets to half-guard. Stirn begins to wall-walk,
but Dizy tries to take the back and go for the RNC again. Stirn
manages to get to his feet though, and then turns nicely into Dizy.
Stirn then goes for an outside trip of his own, but Dizy shows
powerful legs and stays up. He turns into Stirn and is now back in
top position. An ill-advised grappling attempt by Stirn! Dizy is in
deep half-guard, trying to get his leg out to get into side
control, while landing some right hands, although none are
especially powerful. He finally gets his leg free and throws some
short shoulder strikes from side control. Stirn scrambles with his
feet to get up, although Dizy is threatening his neck. Stirn does
get up, though, and with 10 seconds left, he scores with a few
punches, and then some solid leg kicks. He then scores with a nice
flying knee as time expires. That last exchange made it close, but
I still have to give it to Dizy. 10-9 Dizy.

Round 3

Dizy jabs to begin the final stanza, and Stirn evades. Stirn scores
with a nice outside leg kick, and then adds a second one for good
measure. Dizy is missing the jab now, as Stirn circles well. Dizy
lands with a few straight punches, though none are eespecially
hard. His follow-ups are all evaded well by Stirn, though. Stirn
lands a solid straight left. Stirn lands a decent body kick. Stirn
evades some punches, but is touched by a Dizy right hook. Dizy
lands an uppercut more solidly, as Stirn is having too much fun
defending, but isn’t landing enough himself. Another Dizy uppercut
touches Stirn. Stirn comes forward and misses a straight punch.
Dizy ducks down and goes for a single-leg. Stirn defends it against
the cage, as Dizy slowly comes up, pushing his opponent hard into
the fence. Dizy looks for the angle to get the single-leg, but
Stirn frames well and temporarily turns him around. Dizy drops
levels for the legs, but it doesn’t work. Stirn pushes him off,
with 85 seconds remaining. Dizy’s punches are tired now, but Stirn
isn’t taking advantage. A head kick is easily blocked by Dizy. Dizy
misses a 1-2. Stirn dodges a few jabs and then connects on a leg
kick. Stirn then lands a more solid leg kick. Dizy partially
connects on an uppercut. Stirn is clowning around as the fight
ends, and the commentators are as flabbergasted by it as I am, as
he has absolutely lost the fight. 10-9 Dizy (30-27 Dizy).

The Official Result

Anthony Dizy def. Jesse Stirn via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28,
29-28)

Round 1

Moving up to the light heavyweight division, a revitalized Chris
Camozzi (26-15), who very nearly defeated PFL champion Emiliano
Sordi during the regular season and then scored a big upset of
former UFC contender Cezar Ferreira, is practically a pick’em
against Cory Hendricks (8-3), who had his own nice upset this PFL
season with a submission victory over Marthin Hamlet. Referee Gary
Copeland will be dwarfed by the fighters, but keep them honest,
regardless. Hendricks shoots a few jabs to test the distance, and
then lands a leg kick. Camozzi comes forward with short punches and
lands a knee to the head when Hendricks ducks. Camozzi then lands a
leg kick when at range. They both punch, but evade one another’s
blows. Hendricks shoots for a takedown, but Camozzi defends it
easily. Camozzi throws a few short punches and they partially get
through. Camozzi touches Hendricks with another leg kick. Camozzi
throws a 1-2 and the cross partially lands. He comes forward again
and touches Hendricks with another punch. Camozzi records another
leg kick, as Hendricks seems a little off-balance and uncertain.
Camozzi gets in another leg kick and then a wild Hendricks head
kick almost causes him to fall down. Camozzi tries a flying knee,
as Hendricks retreats. Camozzi lands two hard leg kicks, and
Hendricks is starting to feel it, moving them in obvious pain.
Another Hendricks jab is evaded and Camozzi uses it to counter with
more short punches and then adds what else, but another hard leg
kick. As Hendricks wades forward, Camozzi hits him with a short
combo to the exposed chin. Hendricks finally has some success,
landing a leg kick of his own. Hendricks then gets a jab through.
Camozzi throws an axe kick that partially lands. Hendricks lands a
punch of his own. A big power punch by Hendricks, however, hits
nothing but air. Camozzi scores more on some small punches to end
the round. Camozzi threw more to land than to damage with his
punches, but in doing so, they’re faster, and Hendricks will have
to figure out what to do, especially in conjunction with the kicks.
10-9 Camozzi.

Round 2

Hendricks paws a few jabs and then throws a hard head kick, but
Camozzi is ready and blocks it well. Camozzi throws another
combination as Hendricks simply covers up. Hendricks changes levels
as Camozzi comes forward and briefly gets him down, but Camozzi
immediately gets up. They grapple against the fence and it’s
Camozzi with underhooks, but a Camozzi attempt at an outside trip
is blocked and Hendricks pushes him down to get on top. Camozzi is
undeterred and goes for a heel hook. Hendricks tries to get away,
but in the ensuing scramble, Camozzi ends up on top. Hendricks
isn’t discouraged either, though, and he scrambles to the side and
as Camozzi doesn’t react in time, takes Camozzi’s back! Crazy
ground action! Hendricks threatens with a RNC, which looks clsoe,
but Camozzi manages to barely defend. Camozzi tries to find ahip,
and with a little less than 2 minutes remaining, starts scrambling
and getting to his feet. Hendricks moves with him, though, and
pushes him back down onto the canvas. Hendricks works for an arm
triangle, but Camozzi manages to defend. Camozzi finds another hip
and tries to get up, as Hendricks holds onto his hip for dear life.
Suddenly, Camozzi gets Hendricks’s arm into a kimura lock and it
looks very deep! Hendricks winces in tremendous pain, but refuses
to tap. Camozzi continues cranking it and uses it to sweep into top
position. With the arm seemingly badly damaged, he lets go of the
hold. Camozzi goes for a guillotine to end the round, but it’s
unsuccessful. Absolutely insane round, but that kimura looked very
close and painful, and Camozzi did win the striking for as long as
it lasted there. 10-9 Camozzi.

Round 3

Hendricks barely touches Camozzi with a left hook and barely dodges
the straight punch counters. Camozzi lands on another leg kick.
Hendricks lands a good jab, his best one of the fight. Camozzi
lands a few leg kicks in response. Camozzi comes forward, but he is
slower, and Hendricks dodges out of the way. A wild head kick by
Hendricks misses by a large margin. Camozzi lands another leg kick,
but it doesn’t have the same starch as earlier rounds. He doubles
up on the jab, both of which land. Camozzi comes forward and lands
a couple of nice uppercuts as Hendricks covers up. Camozzi lands
another leg kic and then lands a few short punches as Hendricks
suddenly looks very tired himself. Hendricks throws a very tired
jab to Camozzi’s stomach, which lands but does little damage.
Hendricks shoots for a takedown, but it’s slow and telegraphed now,
and Camozzi easily defends. Camozzi lands a leg kick, and Hendricks
counters with a right hook, but it has little on it despite the
flush connect, not particularly hurting Camozzi. They clinch
against the cage, with Camozzi having a bodylock. Hendricks blocks
the takedown attempt and soon breaks off, landing a knee for good
measure. Camozzi comes back with a nice 1-2, with the cross landing
flush. A few follow-up jabs land as well. Hendricks is tired and
Camozzi continues to excel at close range, landing a multitude of
small punches. Hendricks clinches and Camozzi very nearly gets an
outside trip, but Hendrick manages to stay on his feet. They clinch
against the cage, with both men visibly tired. They break off, but
soon re-engage. As they break off again, Camozzi lands another
combination, and then pushes Hendricks back into the cage.
Impressive performance by Camozzi against a tough opponent, showing
skills on the ground as well as the feet. 10-9 Camozzi (30-27
Camozzi).

The Official Result

Chris Camozzi def. Cory Hendricks via Unanimous Decision (30-27,
30-27, 29-28)

Round 1

Talented striker and UFC veteran Sheymon Moraes (12-5), who just
snapped a 3 fight losing streak by going to his grappling and
winning via kimura, faces Lazar Stojadinovic (14-8), who was done
no favors in his PFL debut in April, having faced this card’s main
eventer, Movlid Khaybulaev. This should be a more winnable contest.
Referee Keith Peterson will keep a keen eye on the fisticuffs.
Stojadinovic pumps out a quick jab, but Moraes is out of range.
Moraes is very calm to begin the fight, not throwing a single
strike for the first minute. A Stojadinovic 1-2 misses. He touches
Moraes with a leg kick, but it’s not damaging. Stojadinovic throws
a front kick to the face that Moraes dodges, too. Moraes STILL
hasn’t thrown, over 90 seconds into the contest. Finally, he throws
a neat jab that partially lands. A head kick by Stojadinovic is
blocked by a follow-up body kick partly connects. Stojadinovic
comes forward with punches, misses, but lands a knee on the break.
Stojadinovic goes for a telegraphed single-leg, but Moraes defends
it very easily. Stojadinovic touches Moraes with a jab, but misses
the follow-up cross. The action has been very slow through the
first 3 minutes. Finally, they open up a little, with an exchange
in the pocket that Stojadinovic gets the better of. Stojadinovic
clinches from there and then lifts Moraes from the side and slams
him down. Stojadinovic appears to briefly have mount, but Moraes
does a beautiful job of hip-escaping and getting back up. They
continue grappling and Stojadinovic overextends, with Moraes taking
him down and now working from the top. However, Moraes postures up
and Stojadinovic uses it to sit up and push Moraes against the
fence. Stojadinovic has double underhooks, as Moraes appears a
little confused and listless. They finally disengage, with
Stojadinovic missing two big hooks on the break. Stojadinovic
throws a body kick that is blocked and which causes him to fall as
the round ends. Not a big round for Stojadinovic, but he won it
since Moraes did so little. 10-9 Stojadinovic.

Round 2

Moraes misses a leg kick to begin the round. That’s more activity
than he showed in the first 90 seconds of Round 1! Moraes lands a
front kick to the face. Stojadinovic pursues him, but Moraes times
him well with a nice body kick. Stojadinovic decides to grapple
after this, pushing Moraes against the fence. Moraes gets some
space and disengages, although Stojadinovic lands a few hooks in
the process. Moraes lands a couple of jabs and then a head kick
that is barely blocked. Stojadinovic comes forward aggressively,
but Moraes hip-tosses him, using his momentum against him.
Stojadinovic instantly gets up, and they separate again to strike
at range. Moraes digs a right hook to the body and the left hook
upstairs barely misses. Stojadinovic throws a few hooks of his own,
but they’re largely blocked. A Stojadinovic head kick almost gets
through however, as they’re finally fighting more actively now.
Stojadinovic throws an off-balance kick and Moraes counters him
with a punch to the body, as Stojadinovic loses his footing. They
come forward in the pocket and clash heads, as Moraes also gets the
better of the punch exchange. Stojadinovic paws a jab, but gets
nothing from it. Moraes lands another nice body kick. Stojadinovic
tries one of his own, but Moraes catches him and gets Stojadinovic
down. Once again, however, Stojadinovic immediately explodes back
up. Moraes times his opponent and comes forward with a beautiful
knee to the body that stumbles him back. An overhand left by
Stojadinovic partially gets through. A Stojadinovic kick is neatly
countered by a Moraes overhand right that stumbles him back.
A Moraes head kick partially connects with
Stojadinovic, who then decides to rush forward. He regrets it, as
he eats a gorgeous overhand right that connects right to the center
of the temple. Stojadinovic wobbles back and then his legs give
out. Moraes jumps all over him and pounds him out with hammerfists
and then punches. Great turn-around by Sheymon Moraes from the
first round, and a fine, highlight reel knockout.

The Official Result

Sheymon Moraes def. Lazar Stojadinovic via TKO (Punches) at 4:45 of
Round 2

Round 1

In a battle of musclebound light heavyweight grapplers, Marthin
Hamlet (7-2) is a small favorite against former UFC contender Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira (14-9). The third man in the cage will be James
Larry Folsom, Jr. Ferreira starts the fight with a solid body kick.
However, after it lands, Ferreira pulls the leg back gingerly,
screaming in pain, and holding on to the hamstring. Hamlet rushes
forward, Ferreira falls down while retreating on the injured leg,
and Hamlet swarms with punches until the referee stops it. A
very bizarre and anti-climactic opening to the main card. One hopes
that “Mutante” isn’t too badly injured, as the doctors tend to him
after the fight is over, with him still clutching his leg on the
canvas.

The Official Result

Marthin Hamlet def. Cezar Ferreira via TKO (Leg Injury) at 0:13 of
Round 1

Round 1

BJJ legend Antonio Carlos Junior (11-5), whose striking has looked
noticeably improved since he came to the PFL, faces PFL champion
and star Emiliano Sordi (23-8-1), who has looked shaky this PFL
season, including giving up a draw to Dan Spohn. The lines reflect
this, favoring the Brazilian over the Argentinian. Keeping them
honest will be referee Andrew Glenn. Junior fires a jab to begin
the fight. Sordi responds with two of his own, but Junior evades
well. They’re both throwing jabs, and Sordi eventually lands a
solid one to the body. Junior touches Sordi with a jab of his own.
A short while later Junior lands a hard leg kick that stumbles
Sordi. Junior is boxing well, and lands an interesting type of
slapping right hand after a technical jab. Sordi pumps the jab and
very nearly lands a cross at the end of his punches as Carlos
Junior retreats. Junior comes forward with punches, misses, and
throws a head kick which Sordi gets out of range of. Sordi comes
forward now, and lands a nice right cross that gets Carlos Junior’s
attention. Junior answers with another hard leg kick. Sordi throws
a neat jab into an overhand right that just barely misses. Junior
comes forward aggressively with punches, misses, but gets the
clinch against the fence. Sordi defends, however, and manages to
turn Junior around. There is a brief halt to the occasion as Sordi
lands a knee low and the Brazilian winces in pain. They resume and
throw jabs simultaneously, with Sordi’s landing better. Sordi comes
forward again and lands a night right cross. He throws a 1-2 and
the 2 connects again. Sordi is starting to take over in the
striking now. He comes forward with another 1-2, but is a little
overeager, and Junior counters with a right cross of his own,
although his is less powerful. Sordi misses another 1-2, Junior
goes for a takedown, bails, and lands a cross. Sordi doubles up a
jab, and then touches Junior with a right cross. Carlos Junior
lands a spinning back kick to the body as the round ends. Very
close, but Sordi’s big connects did more damage. 10-9 Sordi.

Round 2

Both men throw jabs to begin the round, but Sordi’s is more
successful. Sordi then lands a decent leg kick. Junior goes for one
of his own, but Sordi pulls his leg out of range. Sordi touches
Carlos Junior with a couple of jabs. Carlos Junior lands a nice leg
kick. Junior goes for a couple of takedown attempts, but each one
is easily blocked, and he eats an uppercut on one of them. Junior
is now cut, with blood pouring down from his face. Sordi scores
with a jab to the body. Sordi lands a leg kick, but it’s naked and
Carlos Junior lands a right cross. He soon lands another right
cross, but these punches lack the sting of Sordi’s own fists.
Junior manages to duck a 1-2 by Sordi, and he lands a jab, while
missing the follow-up overhand right. Sordi lands a nice little
left hook to the body, although Junior barely dodges the follow-up
right hand. Sordi’s jab is working now, touching the Brazilian
again. Carlos Junior grabs Sordi’s leg, but Sordi wrenches it out
soon, and Carlos Junior is once again stifled in his attempts to
get it to the ground. Sordi scores with another leg kick. A big
overhand right by Junior misses. Sordi partially gets a 1-2
through. Junior is tough though, and partially lands a right cross.
He throws a jumping knee, misses, but then finally gets Sordi down.
However, Sordi almost immediately gets up. The round ends. A very
close one, but I think Carlos Junior just barely edged this one
with his strikes at the end. 10-9 Carlos Junior.

Round 3

Both men hug to begin the final round. Carlos Junior pops the jab
twice, and touches Sordi with each one. Sordi returns the favor,
connecting with Junior’s body. Sordi continues using the jab, but
Carlos Junior evades it. Junior lands a leg kick. They then
exchange jabs, with neither one’s being clearly better. Sordi lands
a leg kick of his own. Sordi lands a jab, and Junior isn’t quite
able to counter with a right hand. Carlos Junior comes forward and
clinches, pushing Sordi against the fence. He wrenches hard and
breaks Sordi’s balance briefly, but Sordi gets up. Sordi blatantly
grabs the cage, getting only a warning from the ref, although it
may have kept him upright. Carlos Junior is undeterred, however,
and eventually scores on an inside trip. Sordi builds up his base
against the cage, but Junior gets a backpack position. Eventually,
he bails on it, going for a double-leg in a clinch against the
cage. Sordi sprawls well though, and eventually spins away, gaining
separation! Both men are tired now, with 2 minutes to go. Sordi
throws a few slower punches, and Carlos Junior is able to evade.
Carlos Junior goes for another single-leg, but Sordi is ready and
easily turns him around. Sordi lands a knee to the body and once
again gets separation. Undeterred, Carlos Junior goes back to the
same single-leg, and after grinding, he gets him down! Carlos
Junior tries to take the back, but Sordi builds back up to his
feet. Carlos Junior takes him down again. Yet again, Sordi uses the
cage to get up. As the fight ends, Carlos Junior has a rear
waistlock. A very close round yet again. Given how even the
striking was, I do give Carlos Junior the smallest of edges for his
takedowns, though he did little with them. 10-9 Carlos Junior
(29-28 Carlos Junior)

The Official Result

Antonio Carlos Junior def. Emiliano Sordi via Unanimous Decision
(30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Round 1

In the co-main event, two PFL mainstays collide, as Chris Wade
(19-6) takes on Bubba Jenkins (16-4). Referee Gary Copeland gets
this assignment. As the fight begins, Jenkins runs straight at Wade
and throws a crazy flying knee which goes over the top without a
clean connect. They soon grapple, with Wade desperately using a
whizzer, but with Jenkins chain-wrestling, eventually getting Wade
onto his butt. He eventually gets Wade firmly on the canvas. Wade,
however, starts building up, and eventually wall-walks along the
cage. Before long, however, Jenkins gets a single-leg and takes him
back down. As Jenkins grapples, though, Wade gets a deep guillotine
choke in! Jenkins, however, neatly spins out of it. As he gets out,
it’s Wade who decides to wrestle, pushing Jenkins against the cage
and looking for alternately a single-leg or ankle pick. Jenkins is
too experienced of a wrestler, and he puts his full weight on
Wade’s back. He pancakes him, landing a few punches to the body. He
goes for a switch, but Wade just manages to get his leg out,
although he is still in bad position. Wade manages to get his head
up and Jenkins goes over the back of him. Jenkins looks for a
possible inverted triangle, but he misses and Wade is on top. They
continue wrestling, with Wade briefly taking the back before
Jenkins bucks him off. These grappling exchanges are absolutely
insane. As Jenkins pushes Wade against the cage, Wade gets a
beautiful cradle takedown that gets Jenkins down. He lands some
ground-and-pound from the top, with Jenkins’ head trapped against
the fence as he absorbs punches. He continues pounding away for the
final 30 seconds, stealing the round. 10-9 Wade.

Round 2

Wade begins the round with a nice leg kick. Jenkins tries a jab and
then a body kick, but neither connects. Wade throws a few kicks,
including a spinning wheel-kick, but Jenkins dodges them. They
exchange kicks, but all are blocked. Wade then partially lands a
leg kick. A 1-2 by Jenkins misses. Jenkins throws a two-punch
combination and immediately drops levels, looking for a takedown.
Jenkins drops down to his knees, but his head is too low, and Wade
is able to get a kimura grip and then sit up. They scramble and
Wade has a front headlock. Chris Wade gets an angle and works a
possible guillotine or anaconda attempt. Jenkins fights to get out,
but Wade is close to rolling for an anaconda choke. Wade’s left
hand is already through and gripping his right bicep, but Jenkins
is fighting the hands well. However, he eventually gives it up and
Jenkins pushes forward. Wade, however, goes right back to the
anaconda and has it in deep! Jenkins, however, beautifully spins
out of it yet again. Wade follows him, and and continues to have
dominant position. Jenkins tries to get out, but Wade has him in
three quarters mount, occasionally threatening with a RNC. He lands
a few small punches as the round ends. A tactically brilliant
performance by Wade thus far. 10-9 Wade.

Round 3

Wade throws a leg kick to begin the round, but Jenkins blocks it.
Bubba Jenkins throws some fast punches, including an overhand right
that touches Wade, and uses it to clinch. This time, he is more
successful, getting deep position and then working to taking the
back. He is, however, very high. Wade shakes him off and ends up on
top. Wade is in side control now, pushing Jenkins into the fence,
with heavy shoulder pressure. Jenkins pushes with his feet against
the cage to rotate, with Wade now in north-south position.
Eventually, Jenkins bails on it and uses the cage to wall-walk back
up, with Wade having a rear waistlock. Wade drops levels for a
double-leg takedown. As in round 1, Jenkins collapses his weight on
Wade’s neck, and then spins around to a wrestling ride. Wade
desperately hangs onto Jenkins’ wrist. Jenkins has Wade’s back, but
yet again, he is far too high. Wade works to shake him off and
eventually does so, taking Jenkins’ back. He has him largely
flattened. After a few short punches, Wade goes for a rear-naked
choke. He gives up on it, but lands a few punches from the top.
Jenkins gets against the cage to try to get up, but Wade is draped
all over him, and controls the hips to keep him from rising. Wade
works for a possible guillotine with roughly 25 seconds remaining.
Wade poses to the crowd with 5 seconds left, having achieved a very
nice upset. 10-9 Wade (30-27 Wade).

The Official Result

Chris Wade def. Bubba Jenkins via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27,
29-28)

Round 1

In the main event, Brendan Loughnane (21-3), who has been
sensational since Dana White claimed he wasn’t enough of a “killer”
to get a UFC contract after defeating Bill Algeo on Dana White’s
Contender Series (ironically, Algeo is presently fighting in the
UFC), faces an enormous challenge in undefeated Dagestani Movlid
Khaybulaev (17-0-1), who, as you may have guessed, is a superlative
grappler. Getting the final assignment of the night is referee
Keith Peterson. Loughnane lands a leg kick, but Khaybulaev uses it
to get a takedown. That took about 20 seconds! Khaybulaev goes body
to head with his punches on the ground, but Loughnane is landing
some solid punches off his back. Both exchange punches, with
Khaybulaev landing both lefts and rights, while Loughnane is mostly
throwing left hands off his back. Khaybulaev lands some solid
punches to the body, which might deplete Loughnane’s gas tank. As
times goes by, Loughnane’s offense from the bottom decreases, while
Khaybulaev continues landing well with punhches, maintaining a nice
rhythm with strikes to the body and then head. Halfway through the
round, and Loughnane is concentrating solely on defense. Loughnane
opens up his guard, but soon locks the full guard back up. With 90
seconds left, Khaybulaev lands a sharp left punch to the head, the
best connect of the round. When Loughnane presses Khaybulaev close,
the Dagestani takes advantage with a series of meaningful punches
to the body. Loughnane appears to be trapped on the bottom,
absorbing strikes, with Khaybulaev doing more than enough from the
top to stay there. With 30 seconds left, Khaybulaev lands a sharp
right handto the body. With just 5 seconds left, Loughnane manages
to hip-escape and get back to his feet. It’s not for long, as
Khaybulaev slams him back down to the canvas to end the round. A
very dominant opening. 10-9 Khaybulaev.

Round 2

Khaybulaev opens the round with an overhand right, but Loughnane
isn’t even close. Loughane lands a nice leg kick and gets out of
the way of Khaybulaev’s counter right hand. Loughnane fires a few
jabs, but he is out of range, and Loughnane is wary of coming
forward because of the possible takedown. Loughnane lands a
cautious leg kick and this time, Khaybulaev doesn’t take him down.
Loughnane misses a jab, and Khaybulaev lands a nice one of his own.
Loughnane tries another leg kick, but misses this one, as
Khaybulaev moves well on the outside, showing nice stand-up
defense. He then blocks a Loughnane jab. Khaybulaev misses a right
hook. Another right hand by Khaybulaev misses and Loughnane
partially connects with a jab. Khaybulaev shoots in for a takedown,
wrenches a leg against the fence, and gets Loughnane to his knees
against the fence. Loughnane works back up against the fence, but
Khaybulaev has his arms clasped around his back. Khaybulaev lands a
few knees to the thighs as he works to break the base. Loughnane
eventually stands up, but Khaybulaev soon muscles him back to his
knees against the canvas. He lands a few more knees to the thighs
and then laces a leg inside of Loughnane’s. Khaybulaev does a great
job of farside wrist control, breaking Loughnane down, and causing
him to solidly be on the canvas. With one of Loughnane’s hands
trapped, Khaybulaev is able to pound away with hard punches, all
landing flush. Finally, with a few seconds left, Loughnane gets his
hand out. But the damage is done, and it’s another round for the
undefeated Dagestani. 10-9 Khaybulaev.

Round 3

Loughnane throws a jab to begin the final stanza, and Khaybulaev
blocks it. Loughnane lands a leg kick, but Khaybulaev counters with
a technical 1-2. Khaybulaev blocks a Loughnane right cross.
Khaybulaev blocks another Loughnane right hand. Loughnane tries
another one, and yet again, the Dagestani blocks it. A Khaybulaev
left hook touches Loughnane. Loughnane responds with a nice inside
leg kick. Loughnane comes forward with a very sneaky right
uppercut, and it appears to wobble Khaybulaev! However, Loughnane
doesn’t capitalize, allowing the Dagestani to recover. Loughnane
finally gets back to work throwing a few jabs, but they’re all
solidly blocked. Loughnane touches Khaybulaev with a right cross,
but winning the round isn’t enough, he needs a finish. Loughnane
partially gets a pretty 1-2 through, as Khaybulaev’s face is badly
bloodied up. Khaybulaev clinches with Loughnane and lands some
dirty boxing. Loughnane retreats, but Khaybulaev hits him with
another punch coming forward and starts wrestling. He quickly gets
Loughnane down against the fence with just under 2 minutes
remaining. Off his back, Loughnane lands a few open-handed slaps to
Khaybulaev. Khaybulaev postures up, but Loughnane controls the
wrists. Loughnane tries to wall-walk, but yet again, Khaybulaev
utilizes expert wrist-control. Loughnane eventually rises, but
Khaybulaev is draped all over his back, and with a leg laced
through, brings him back to his knees. As the fight ends, Loughnane
works to get back up, but doesn’t manage to do so. I gave him the
final round due to damage, but it wasn’t enough. 10-9 Loughnane
(29-28 Khaybulaev).

The Official Result

Movlid Khaybulaev def. Brendan Loughnane via Split Decision (30-27,
28-29, 29-28)