Preview: PFL 7 ‘Jenkins vs. Pinedo’

2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Semifinal

Joshua Silveira (11-1, 3-1 PFL) vs. Ty Flores (13-4, 2-0 PFL)

Silveira sets up as a favorite in the light heavyweight field following the exit of Rob Wilkinson due to a failed drug test. The American Top Team standout is still developing after turning professional in 2019, but he has made quick progress thus far, becoming a two-division champion in Legacy Fighting Alliance and winning three of four PFL appearances in impressive fashion. The son of Marcus “Conan” Silveira is a well-rounded athlete with the striking and grappling skills to match. He attacks with a variety of kicks on the feet, lands knees in the clinch and is an opportunistic submission specialist who is quick to capitalize on the mistakes of his opponent.

Flores, meanwhile, was fortunate that PFL rule changes in 2023 led to his only being deducted one point for a 5.2-pound weight miss ahead of his unanimous decision triumph against Dan Spohn at PFL 4. The Elevation Fight Team product is a grinder who prefers to impose his will through takedowns and ground-and-pound while occasionally threatening with submissions. Flores is hittable on the feet but is often able to maintain his composure under duress. If hurt, he will simply look to revert to his wrestling, but that could leave him exposed to submissions against an opponent as skilled as Silveira. The grinding approach also takes its toll on Flores’ gas tank in later rounds.

A Pac-12 wrestling champion at Arizona State University, Silveira has the pedigree to neutralize Flores and as the superior overall athlete, it is likely he can find an opening for knockout or submission. “Coninha” gets it done inside the distance.

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