MMA fans are in for a treat this August: the PFL is bringing a double-bill of welterweight and heavyweight playoffs to the UK – starting in Cardiff. Alex Payne has all you need to know, and if you fancy going along yourself, keep reading to the end to find out how you can get FREE tickets to do just that!
The MMA Professional Fighters League is set to make its UK debut in Cardiff this August, with PFL Playoffs at the Motorpoint Arena. The Mixed Martial Arts event, which sees fighters utilise a range of fighting disciplines, will hope to be the start of PFL stealing viewers from bigger promotions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Bellator and Cage Warriors from the UK market.
Created in 2018 out of the ashes of the now-defunct World Series Of Fighting promotion, PFL distinguishes itself from its competitors by operating with a league system. Each weight class has 10 fighters that fight twice a season until all but the top four fighters are eliminated. Those four fighters then compete in a playoff; the Motorpoint will host the season’s second round of playoffs.
One week later, London will host the third round of these playoffs, at the Copper Box Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. PFL’s roster currently includes distinguished fighters such as Anthony Pettis, Claressa Shields, Jeremy Stephens, Stevie Ray, Clay Collard and Gleison Tibau, and has just signed a deal with Channel 4 for the rest of 2022.
The biggest fight on the card in Cardiff, meanwhile, will see Rory MacDonald facing Magomed Umalatov for the welterweight semi-final, with both having earnt six points earlier this season. Fighting out of Canada, MacDonald previously fought for the UFC, during which he beat big names like Nate Diaz, Demian Maia and BJ Penn. He’ll have something to prove, having recently lost in an upset to Sadibou Sy, and having lost to Gleison Tibau last season due to a controversial split decision. His opponent, Umalatov, fights out of Russia. He may not have quite the same legacy as Macdonald, but he’s currently on an undefeated 12-streak, which he’ll be hoping to add to in August.
The other semi-final to keep an eye on is in the heavyweight division. Croatia’s Ante Delija will have another go at taking the crown, having lost by decision to last year’s champion, Bruno Cappelozza from Brazil. He’s coming off of two strong wins and will be looking to beat Renan Ferreira, another Brazilian.
Other fights worth catching will be Sy against Leal at 170lb, and Denis Golstov, taking on Cappelozza at 265lb. With 12 fights announced for the full card, there will be a full evening of martial arts, although seasoned fans of the sport will know that there is no obligation to watch them all.
Professional Fighters League Welterweight and Heavyweight Playoffs, Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Sat 13 Aug
Competition now closed
More Info: here
words ALEX PAYNE
