PFL 6 2021 Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Klidson Abreu (258) vs. Jamelle Jones (245)

Round 1

Starting the night's action, we have recent UFC veteran Klidson Abreu (15-4) taking on Jamelle Jones (10-6), perhaps best known for losing via flying knee to Mike Rodriguez on the Contenders Series. Officiating will be referee Gary Copeland. Abreu and Jones come out cautiously to start matters off. Abreu fires off several wild kicks, and his second one, to the legs, is caught by Jones, who scores a single-leg. Jones is in half-guard, but Abreu immediately works to sweep. Jones blocks it and the pace slows a little. Abreu eventually regains full guard, causing Jones to back off. He then re-engages, but it's not long before Abreu postures up and looks to get up. However, Jones is persistent, and pushes him back down, punishing him with hammerfists in the process. Abreu is doing little to defend himself against the blows, and they are clearly bothering him. Suddenly, Jones throw Abreu's legs off, moves to side control and rains down hammerfist after hammerfist, badly hurting Abreu, who is doing nothing to defend himself. Gary Copeland has no choice but to step in and half the contest. A surprising, sudden result!

The Official Result

Jamelle Jones def. Klidson Abreu via TKO (Punches) at 1:43 of Round 1

Kaitlin Young (155.6) vs. Mariana Morais (154.2)

Round 1

In the second bout of the evening, Kaitlin Young (12-10), having won five of her last six fights, faces Mariana Morais (16-11), whose 3 fight winning streak was snapped last month by Kayla Harrison. Referee Gasper Oliver presides. Morais starts out with a leg kick which Young moves out of range of. Young scores a jab counter to Morais' next attempt. Not liking the striking, Morais clinches, with a 50/50 position. Not long afterwards, Young shucks her off. Morais keeps trying leg kicks, and Young keeps countering her with jabs. Morais tries a few punches, but they miss, and they clinch, where Young scores a few knees. Morais finally lands a jab of her own. Young returns the favor with one of her own. Morais throws more punches, but they either miss or are blocked. Morais once again tries the clinch, but they disengage soon. Another clinch soon after only results with Young landing an uppercut. Young then adds a few jabs for good measure at range. Clinching yet again, she adds a few knees. Morais is utterly at a loss at what to do! She throws a straight-armed overhand right that misses by a foot, and Young is firmly in control. Morais tries to mix it up and does touch Young with a left hook, although it does little damage. Young is a little tentative suddenly, although she does land a few jabs and then a leg kick. As Morais misses again with a 1-2 coming forward, Young finally counters her with a right cross rather than a jab. As Morais is moving back, Young catches her with a kick to the head that stuns Morais, who is wobbly, and receives several follow-up shots. Young partially connects on another head connect, but gets too aggressive coming forward, with Morais taking her down with a neat hip toss. However, her joy is short-lived, since Young hits a beautiful sweep to mount, and then pounds away at her as the last few seconds tick away. 10-9 Young.

Round 2

After some small strikes from both fighters, Morais clinches again, and yet again, Young disengages. Morais is throwing some punches, but they have little power or technique and fall on Young's gloves. Young touches her with a 1-2. Morais throws a jab that is blocked, and then another straight-armed overhand right hits nothing but air. Young is being economical with her strikes, looking to counter, partially connecting on a right cross when Morais misses. After Morais misses a jab, Young tries another head kick, but this one misses and almost causes her to lose her balance. She then lands a couple of jabs at range while avoiding Morais' blows. Young is fixated on the jab, as it's almost the only shot she is throwing now, lightly catching Morais but doing little damage. Young tries another head kick but Morais comes forward, crowding her, and clinches. This time, she hits the same hip toss she did in round 1, although there are only 80 seconds remaining. She has side control, but Young does a good job scrambling up, and with 50 seconds left, they are back at range on their feet. Morais tries a right cross that only hits Young's shoulder. A 1-2 partially touches Young now, who looks slower. They clinch and then Young touches Morais with a kick on the break. Much closer round. 10-9 Young.

Round 3

Morais starts round 3 with a body kick that barely grazes Young. She then lands a leg kick that Young doesn't even try to counter now. Young keeps looking for the head kick, but it's mostly blocked when she throws it. Young throws a tentative jab that Morais has little trouble avoiding. Morais is starting to have a little success with her punches now, not inflicting much damage, but at least touching Young. Morais ducks under a few Young punches, which she was unable to do in Round 1. Morais is now dancing around Young, while Young is badly slowed. Young tries a kick of her own, but Morais catches it and touches her with a few jabs off of it. Morais switches to southpaw and hits Young with a few rights. Young lands a weak leg kick but her follow-up jab misses. Morais lands a right hook to the body, although it's not hard. Young finally lands a right cross, her best connect of the round. Morais comes forward with punches, misses, but Young's right cross counter misses a ducking Morais, too. Both women are throwing now, especially 1-2s, but very little is landing for either. Suddenly, Young is the one to clinch but her attempt to land knees from it is unsuccessful. A few more 1-2s from both women miss. Morias finally ends the drought with a jab that connects, and then lands a few right hooks against a Young throwing a kick. With 30 seconds left, Young shoots a very slow double-leg that is stuffed with ease. Morais gets a wrestling ride and punishes her with punches, the best, hardest strikes of the round. Young pushes her off with her legs, but Morais charges back, looking for hammerfists. The round ends, this one clearly for the Brazilian. A very close fight, which it certainly didn't seem like it would be after the first stanza. 10-9 Morais (29-28 Young)

The Official Result

Mariana Morais def. Kaitlin Young via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Taylor Guardado (155) vs. Laura Sanchez (155.2)

Round 1

Coming up next, Laura Sanchez (1-1) faces Taylor Guardado (1-1). Despite the similar pro records, Guardado has a long 9-1 amateur record including victories over Raquel Pennington and Ashlee Evans-Smith, with her lone loss coming to a certain Ronda Rousey. Referee Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro looks on. Sanchez tentatively fires a jab at range, none of which land. Guardado scores a solid 1-2, and after Sanchez awkwardly backs up, shoots a single-leg into outside trip that easily puts Sanchez on her back. Guardado immediately has half-guard and is looking to move her way up. The pace slows, as Sanchez has Guardado in a head-lock and then regains full-guard, using a triangle guard. Guardado isn't doing much from the top, with the occasional half-hearted punch, mostly to the body. Still, the old-school MMA legend Vitor Ribeiro is letting her work; there were few stands-ups in the early days of MMA! Guardado eventually pushes Sanchez up against the fence, but does little from there. Sanchez gets her legs up very high on Guardado's back, but is unable to turn it into a submission attempt or sweep. Guardado finally lands a few punches to Sanchez's face, which is completely stationary against the fence. With about 90 seconds left, Sanchez slowly, deliberately wall-walks back up with the help fo the cage. Guardado lands a few knees to the body in the clinch and retains her body lock. Sanchez eventually lands a knee to the body of her own, as Guardado continues trying to take her down. Guardado lands a knee to the body and it's Sanchez trying to take her down with an outside trip, but with no success. The round ends. 10-9 Guardado.

Round 2

Sanchez starts the stanza agressively, firing jabs. Guardado goes in for a telegraphed, awkward takedown attempt, and this time Sanchez moves her hips well to end up on top herself. She is in half-guard, but both fighters are doing little. Eventually, Sanchez tries to pass but is blocked in her efforts. She then gets too high and Guardado hits her with a sweep, ending up on top herself. She throws a few punches to the head and once again pushes Sanchez's head against the fence. Sanchez is looking for an armbar or triangle, but Guardado is wise to it and changes position accordingly. Afterwards, she lands a little more ground-and-pound. Sanchez is looking to possibly wall-walk, but Guardado is controlling her wrists this time, and after a while, she accepts bottom position. She does try to angle with her legs and actually gets a rubber guard, but only briefly. Sanchez briefly gets up thanks to the cage, but Guardado drags her back down soon after. They are now more in the middle of the cage and Sanchez is trying to push Guardado off, but to little avail. She briefly gets a loose triangle on, but Guardado simply pulls back out and re-establishes top control. Guardado is doing little from the top, just the occasional punch, mostly to the body, but it's more than Sanchez has done. Sanchez is trying from her back, but none of it is effective enough against a solid grappler like Guardado. The round ends with Guardado on top, landing a few punches to the body. 10-9 Guardado.

Round 3

As soon as the round starts, Guardado instantly lumbers forward for the takedown, and in the clinch, she hits a double-leg to put Sanchez on her back again. As with the last 10 minutes, she is pushing Sanchez against the fence, but now Sanchez is on her butt instead of her back, so she is able to get up far more quickly. Guardado tries to take her back down, but both women end up on their backs and Sanchez is able to get back to her feet, albeit still in a clinch. Sanches is now the one pushing Guardado into the fence, hitting a few knees to the body from time to time. With 3 minutes left, Guardado neatly turns her around against the fence. Sanchez goes for what appears to be a ninja choke, but Guardado simply scoops her up and slams her down in the process. She is now in side control, as Sanchez desperately tries to push off the cage. Guardado is heavy from the top, though, and those efforts are futile. Guardado manages to attain full mount for the first time in the fight, from where she is able to land some solid punches. Despite being very, very high, Sanchez is struggling to shuck her off. Finally, Sanchez turns her back and Guardado slips off, ending on her own back. Sanchez, unfortunately, only has a minute left to work with. She throws a few hammerfists while separated before Guardado ties her up again. She throws a few more hammerfists, mostly blocked, as the fight ends. 10-9 Guardado (30-27 Guardado)

The Official Result

Taylor Guardado def. Laura Sanchez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Renan Ferreira (251) vs. Carl Seumanutafa (260)

Round 1

Renan Ferreira (6-2), whose initial knockout victory over Fabricio Werdum last month was overturned, faces veteran Carl "Badwater" Seumanutafa, whose nickname has always confused me. Referee Keith Peterson will keep them honest. They begin cautiously, with neither man making the first move. Ferreira firest first with a nice body kick and then follows it up with a leg kick that stumbles Seumanutafa. Seumanutafa comes forward with a wide overhand left but Ferreira drops him with a nice uppercut. On his back, Ferreira punishes Seumanutafa mercilessly with a series of brutal right hands to the body. As Seumanutafa desperately defends, he then nails him with a series of heavy right hammerfists. Seumanutafa gains a respite when he ties him up, but every so often, Ferreira breaks free, connecting on another powerful burst with his right hand. Ferreira is comfortable in half-guard, alternately clubbing Seumanutafa to the body and then battering him with right hammerfists. Rinse and repeat. Seumanutafa tries to posture up, but Ferreira easily pushes back him down and lands more ground-and-pound in the bargain. With 75 seconds left, Seumanutafa tries to hip-escape, but opens himself up to a barrage of heavy punches in the process, forced to take refuge against the fence. Ferreira then follows it up with more devastating body punches that are painful to merely look at. Seumanutafa is in complete survival mode as the round ends, and Ferreira continues punishing him with punishes to the head and body. 10-8 Ferreira.

Round 2

Seumanutafa is cautious to begin the round, instantly retreating when Ferreira fires a jab. He lands a leg kick of his own, possibly his first connect of the round. Ferreira resets and lands several kicks of his own, first a teep kick and then a very hard leg kick. Once again, Seumanutafa wades forward and gets caught with a counter, this time a right cross. He again falls and Ferreira immediately batters him with vicious ground-and-pound as the referee takes a closer look. Yet again, Seumanutafa shows his toughness and ties up his opponent, although he gets hit with a burst of punches from time to time. Ferreira is once again sitting in half-guard, decimating his opponent at his leisure. Halfway through the round, and Ferreira's pace has slowed a little, although Seumanutafa is flat on his back, not even trying to get back up. Ferreira notices this and takes the opportunity to easily advance to mount. He lands some short hammerfists from this position. Seumanutafa is holding on to the Brazilian's head for dear life. Ferreira may be conserving energy for a final burst, though, as he is taking his time. Eventually he separates and fires several more brutal punches to the body. Then, he wisely locks in an arm triangle and steps over Seumanutafa. Incredibly, Seumanutafa keeps showing the thumbs up sign, despite doing little to defend. Eventually, with 15 seconds left, Ferreira gives up the attempt to return to mount and batter Seumanutafa some more with ground-and-pound. This is as dominant a fight as one could imagine. 10-8 Ferreira.

Round 3

Ferreira looks a little slower to begin the final stanza, but he still manages to fire a fancy switch kick to the head that barely misses. Seumanutafa decides to clinch and drives the Brazilian to the fence. There, he picks up Ferreira and slams him to the canvas; where was this during the first two rounds? Ferreira isn't content with being on his back, however, and shrimps to the cage, managing to sit up as Seumanutafa desperately hangs on. Seumanutafa isn't throwing punches from the top, and it's actually Ferreira that is throwing the occasional short punch. However, Ferreira isn't using the cage to get back up, either, content to sit on his butt. Seumanutafa drags him all the way back down but Ferreira instantly gets back on his butt. Seumanutafa decides to posture up, standing all the way up, but does little from there. Despite spending almost 3 minutes on top so far, it's questionable if Seumanutafa has landed a single blow! Meanwhile, Ferreira continues landing short, annoying punches. Seumanutafa isn't complaining, however, as he simply stays on top and holds on to his opponent. With 30 seconds left, the pace has slowed tremendously, as both combatants are doing very little except waiting for the bell to ring. After a few half-hearted punches by Ferreira from a seated position, Seumanutafa finally opens up with punches from the top, although most miss. Ferreira uses the opportunity to finally get back up and nails his opponent with a knee to the head as time expires. 10-9 Ferreira (30-25 Ferreira)

The Official Result

Renan Ferreira def. Carl Seumanutafa via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Genah Fabian (155.6) vs. Julija Pajic (156)

Round 1

Moving up the card, Genah Fabian (3-1) meets Julija Pajic (3-1). Despite the similar records, Fabian is coming off a victory in her first PFL appearance this year while Pajic was knocked out by Larissa Pacheco in under a minute. Looking on will be referee Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro, an early MMA pioneer and legend. Pajic begins the round circling away from Fabian. Fabian comes forward, pawing cautiously. Fabian strikes first, with a leg kick. Pajic throws a very slow, telegraphed head kick that misses by a foot. Fabian then throws a 1-2, but it's blocked. Pajic tries another kick, this time to the legs, but it's again easily avoided. Fabian, meanwhile, touches Pajic with kicks to the legs and body. Pajic isn't dissuaded, however, and throws another head kick that misses by a lot. Fabian is throwing punches, but isn't really committing to them, perhaps fearing a counter. Fabian throws a 1-2 and this time the 2 lands, snapping Pajic's head back. Not long after, she lands another left cross, again bothering Pajic. Pajic then finally lands a leg kick. Fabian then comes forward and nails her with a short right that causes Pajic to cover up. They clinch and Fabian punishes her opponent with knees to the body. As they disengage, Fabian lands another solid punch for good measure. Pajic is now in defense mood as she eats another leg kick. Fabian comes forward again, landing an overhand right and clinching, the same strategy she had used to defeated Laura Sanchez last month. They disengage and a slow punch from Pajic misses. Fabian throws a pawing jab that either misses or is blocked. She then goes back to the 1-2, which partially lands. Pajic's only offense is the occasional leg kick she is landing, and it's not very hard. As the round comes to a close. Fabian continues clipping Pajic with left crosses. She is completely in control. 10-9 Fabian.

Round 2

Pajic is a little more aggressive to begin the round, and even connects on a body kick, though it's not very hard. She then touches Fabian a few more times with leg kicks. Fabian lands a leg kick of her own, and it's at least a little harder. Still, Pajic is moving well, going back to her circling, and Fabian's few punches miss as a result. Fabian eventually grazees her with a left cross to the body, and Pajic's misses her own punches in retaliation. Fabian comes forward, but misses badly on a 1-2, with a wild, straight-armed left hook from Pajic missing the mark even more. Fabian lands a leg kick, but on the way out, Pajic lands a body kick. They are going strike for strike now, and Fabian is being oddly tentative, given her success in the opening stanza. Fabian lands a leg kick again. They then exchance crosses at the same time, and Fabian's is much harder, knocking out Pajic's mouthpiece. After a reset to pick up, Fabian is being a little more aggressive, coming forward with jabs and the occasional cross. Pajic is purely defending, and Fabian lands a leg kick. Then, with Pajic instinctively looking to defend against another Fabian kick, Fabian instead goes upstairs to the head with it, dropping Pajic. From there, she unleashes a barrage of punches, mostly a series of short left hands, that forces referee Ribeiro to step in, halting the contest. An impressive showing by the fighter from New Zealand, who continues to improve and has won both her fights during the PFL regular season.

The Official Result

Genah Fabian def. Julija Pajic via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) at 4:16 of Round 2

Ante Delija (239.2) vs. Chandler Cole (262)

Round 1

Ante "Walking Trouble" Delija (17-4), having suffered a brutal knockout only 7 weeks prior, will seek to right the ship against PFL newcomer Chandler Cole (8-2). Watching the two big men will be referee Keith Peterson. Cole immediately opens up with a big overhand right that is nevertheless easily avoided by Delija. Once at range, Cole wastes little time in shooting in, which Delija defends, although Cole pushes him against the fence. Delija lands a short knee to the body. They trade knees as they jockey for position. Cole goes for a sacrifice throw, but it doesn't end up well for him, as Delija gets a wrestling ride and nails Cole with hard, flush punches to the head. Cole makes his way to the fence on hands and feet, but Delija is still in control, continuing to pelt him with punches from time to time. Delija then switches to a front headlock, likely a mistake, but Cole is making little attempt to get back up. Delija is able to transition back to a wrestling ride and from there even takes Cole's back with both hooks in. Cole is showing very little resistance. Then, Delija gets unstable and Cole turns into him, ending up with him back on his feet, pushing the Croatian fighter into the fence. Cole is working on a single-leg and to his credit, he manages to muscle it through, picking up Delija and slamming him down. However, Delija instantly gets up, and Cole is unable to secure the takedown. From there, Delija neatly slips to Cole's back and once again brings him to his knees, with the same wrestling ride. This time, he is even more aggressive, with punches, landing many hard shots to the head. Eventually, he again overextends and it's Cole with the wrestling ride. Unlike Cole, however, Delija instantly gets back up and they grapple against the fence. Cole then desperately goes for a takedown, but ends up pushed on his back for his efforts. From here, Delija is absolutely merciless with ground-and-pound, ripping Cole apart with one brutal punches after another, as Cole is stunned and can only cover up. Keith Peterson has no choice but to stop the contest, with only about 20 seconds left in the round. A very nice comeback win by Delija after being brutally knocked out less than 2 months ago.

The Official Result

Ante Delija def. Chandler Cole via TKO (Punches) at 4:39 of Round 1

Larissa Pacheco (156) vs. Helena Kolesnyk (Missed Weight: 157.6)

Round 1

2019 PFL Women's Lightweight runner-up Larissa Pacheco (14-4), who has only been decisioned twice by Kayla Harrison, faces Helena Kolesnyk (5-3), who lost to Taylor Guardado last month and missed weight for this contest. Unsurprisingly, Pacheco is a monster favorite, up to -1000 on some places. Referee Gasper Oliver gets this assignment. Kolesnyk begins with a left cross and pretty soon, both women are swinging like crazy! Most blows miss, and after a brief respite, they go back to exchanging strikes with reckless abandon. Kolesnyk appears to catch Pacheco, who goes stumbling back, but she isn't badly hurt. Pacheco then decides to clinch, and while she gets a good position, isn't quite able to take Kolesnyk down. Against the fence, Pacheco fires a few knees to the head, but Kolesnyk catches her knees and pushes her off, gaining separation. They are now more cautious at range. Kolesynk comes forward with punches and several land. After Pacheco touches her with a leg kick, Kolesnyk again comes forward witha series of punches, again bothering Pacheco. Another such aggressive charge ends with Pacheco retreating straight into the fence, as Kolesnyk partially catches her on the chin with a wild series of blows. Pacheco again clinches and turns Kolesnyk against the fence, working for a takedown. Only about half the round has gone by in this energetic contest! The pace slows, as Pacheco slowly looks to improve her position but is unable to get the fighter from Ukraine down. They eventually disengage. Pacheco fires a few leg kicks, with one landing, and she comes foward with punches, this time avoiding the receipts. Yet again, both fighters throw caution to the wind, unleashing a wild series of punches. While Kolesnyk is the one going forward, and Pacheco is retreating, Kolesnyk is completely wide open, and Pacheco catches her with a straight left and then a hard right cross that utterly crumples the Ukrainian. Gasper Oliver immediately jumps in to stop the fight. An exciting contest for as long as it lasted!

The Official Result

Larissa Pacheco def. Helena Kolesnyk via KO (Punches) at 4:48 of Round 1

Bruno Henrique Cappelozza (233.4) vs. Muhammed DeReese (254.2)

Round 1

In another battle of heavyweights, fearsome striker Bruno Henrique Cappelozza(11-5), all 11 of whose wins have come by knockout, meets grappler Muhammed DeReese (8-3). Should be entertaining. Referee Gary Copeland will have the best view in the house. Both fighters come out moving around, and Cappelozza strikes first, with a hard leg kick that bothers DeReese, and then follows it up with another that spins him around. DeReese comes forward to clinch, but gets caught, desperately holding onto a leg as he eats shots. Cappelozza gains space and then picks up DeReese from behind and slams him down. He lands another vicious leg kick that knocks DeReese off his feet and then starts brutalizing him with punches from close range. Furious action in the first minute! DeReese eventually separates and resets, but Cappelozza lands another burtal leg kick that almost knocks the grappler down again. DeReese lands a leg kick of his own, but it's much lighter. DeReese throws a few punches, but none land. Then, Cappelozza and DeReese throw punches at the same time, but Cappelozza's left hook does far more damage than DeReese's jab, causing DeReese to stumble back. Cappelozza instantly jumps all over him with a barrage of punches, a vicious series of hooks and uppercuts, as DeReese is badly hurt and barely defending. He finally fires back, to which Cappelozza throws a head kick that drops him, which is right around when Gary Copeland stops the contest. Another sensational knockout for Cappelozza after his destruction of Delija last month!

The Official Result

Bruno Henrique Cappelozza def. Muhammed DeReese via KO (Punches and Head Kick) at 2:21 of Round 1

Denis Goltsov (246.6) vs. Brandon Sayles (264.4)

Round 1

Tough Russian veteran Denis Goltsov (26-6), sporting the excellent nickname "The Russian Bogatyr", will seek to continue his winning ways against Brandon Sayles (6-1), a 40 year-old who shocked a lot of people by choking out Mohammed Usman last month, younger brother of UFC champion Kamaru. Keeping a close eye on them will be referee Gary Copeland. Sayles begins the contest with a leg kick. Goltsov tries to find the range with a jab, and chains a leg kick of his own to one that lands well. Goltsov then lands a jab and then a hard leg kick to follow up. Sayles attempts a few punches, but they miss. Goltsov then lands another solid leg kick. Sayles is being passive on the outside, as Goltsov fires jabs and leg kicks at will. Sayles tries a left hook, but it misses, and he is countered with a hard jab for his efforts. Goltsov then continues punishing Sayles with leg kicks, all of which make a satisfying smack upon impact. Sayles comes forward, but Goltsov circles well on the outside to stay on the outside. Sayles lands a leg kick of his own. Goltsov lands a jab and Sayles counters with a left hook, but Goltsov ducks under it in time. Sayles comes forward and times a kick as Goltsov bends down, partially connecting, but Goltsov then circles out. Goltsov continues to work the jab, which is habitually landing. Sayles lands a few leg kicks, but they're nto nearly as damaging as those of the Russian. After landing a leg kick, Goltsov goes for a takedown which Sayles easily defends. Sayles decides to clinch himself, as they reach a stalemate against the fence. The pace slows as 20 seconds remain in the round. Suddenly, Goltsov scores an outside trip, ending the round on top. 10-9 Goltsov.

Round 2

Sayles begins the round with a few light leg kicks. He then follows it up with a few more, and Goltsov then lands a jab. Goltsov then lands a neat combination, with a jab and then a head kick that partially gets through. Sayles continues with his leg kicks and Goltsov lands jabs. Goltsov then follows up with a solid straight right that connects. The two fighters clinch, and Goltsov immediately gets a trip. He slices through Sayles' guard, easily getting to mount, where he is looking for an Ezekiel choke. Sayles manages to grit it out, as Goltsov lands a few short punches to the head. Goltsov is being patient, solidifying his position in mount, landing a few punches to the body now. Goltsov goes back to the Ezekiel choke, squeezing hard. Yet again, Sayles just manages to grit out the attempt and survive. Goltsov gains separation and starts landing significant punches to a Sayles that is completely flat on his back, merely looking to survive. Goltsov goes back to the Ezekiel choke for a third time, but it's not the charm. He softens Sayles up with a few more punches, then goes back to it a fourth time, but again without success. Interestingly, Goltsov then moves to side control to land punches, and then to North-South. He goes for an Anaconda choke, but Sayles defends and gets to top position. The round ends with both fighters looking a little tired. 10-9 Goltsov.

Round 3

Goltsov begins the round with a very hard jab that stuns Sayles. He then follows it up with a right cross that hurts him. He then lands a leg kick and another hard jab for good measure against an exhausted Sayles. Goltsov follows it up with a 1-2 and a head kick, but then decides to clinch with Sayles. He trips him down again, however, punching him repeatedly against the fence as Sayles simply covers up. With Sayles showing no signs of intelligent defense, the referee has no choice but to stop it. Another impressive finish for the Russian veteran Denis Goltsov.

The Official Result

Denis Goltsov def. Brandon Sayles via TKO (Punches) at 1:24 of Round 3

Lance Palmer (146) vs. Movlid Khaybulaev (145.4)

Round 1

After having his 11-fight winning streak snapped by Bubba Jenkins, Lance Palmer (22-4) will seek to right the ship against undefeated Movlid Khaybulaev (16-0-1), hardly an easy rebound fight. Referee Gasper Oliver will be keeping them honest. Khaybulaev begins the action with a spinning back roundhouse kick, which Palmer avoids. After this, both men are cautious to begin the fight, trying to get a feel for the distance. Khaybulaev lands a leg kick, the first connect of the contest. He misses a jab, but scores on a solid front kick to the body. Palmer finally throws a kick of his own, a head kick that is solidly blocked. He then partially connects on a leg kick. Khaybulaev retaliates with a body kick. After some more movement by both men around the cage, Palmer scores on a more solid leg kick. He lands another leg kick a short while later. Khaybulaev comes forward to clinch but Palmer gets out of the way. Khaybulaev then goes upstairs for a head kick that is blocked, and Palmer scores on another leg kick. Halfway through the round, and the pace is very cautious from both fighters. Khaybulaev bursts forward with punches, suddenly, and Palmer catches him with a left cross that stumbles the Russian. He then clinches, which both men soon disengage from. Khaybulaev isn't deterred, however, coming forward and scoring on a solid right cross, his best connect of the night. Khaybulaev is now coming forward more, although Palmer is able to evade much of the time. Palmer then comes forward himself, barely missing on his own punch. With 30 seconds left, Khaybulaev goes for a switch kick, but it's solid blocked. He does, however, partially connect on a jumping left hook. As the last seconds of the round tick away, Khaybulaev lands a leg kick. Incredibly close round that could go either way, but Palmer did stun Khaybulaev with a punch when the Russian was coming forward that was the most significant of the stanza. 10-9 Palmer.

Round 2

Palmer comes forward to begin the round with punches, but misses. Khaybulaev lands a leg kick, and not long after, comes forward, taking down Palmer. As Palmer quickly wall-walks, the Russian punishes him with knees and punches, causing Palmer to go back to his knees. Khaybulaev is doing a fantastic job of controlling a very good wrestler now, as Palmer can't quite get away. As he finally rises, Khaybulaev hits a beautiful mat return, all while retaining a waistlock from behind. As Palmer turns around, Khaybulaev takes him ack down yet again. Palmer again rises to his feet, but Khaybulaev attacks his base, including some nice foot sweeps. Palmer keeps getting up and moving, but he just can't break Khaybulaev's iron grip. Khaybulaev lands some knees to the thighs on occasion. Palmer goes for a kimura grip, but isn't successful. Finally, with 75 seconds left in the round, Palmer gains separation. Suddenly, Palmer lands a nice left cross that connects well. Khaybulaev is going for big kicks, but they're all missing. Palmer then scores on another left cross, and then a third one. Khaybulaev then lands a right cross of his own with 30 seconds remaining. Palmer comes forward with another left cross, this one partially blocked. Khaybulaev dances around the cage to end the round. 10-9 Khaybulaev.

Round 3

Palmer comes forward first, but Khaybulaev lands with a left hook. Palmer tries a leg kick, but Khaybulaev moves out of the way this time. Both men are cautious, although an attempt to come forward by Palmer causes Khaybulaev to fire a 1-2 which just barely misses. Khaybulaev throws a few lead left hooks, but he doesn't set them up with much, causing them to miss. He does, however, land a solid body kick. Palmer comes forward this time, and is soundly punished with a left hook followed by a right cross that causes him to retreat. Khaybulaev lands several jabs on reaction to Palmer wading forward. Palmer shoots a high kick, but Khaybulaev is a good foot away. Khaybulaev comes forward to clinch, but Palmer defends and spins away. With 80 seconds left, Khaybulaev lands a spinning back kick to the stomach of Palmer. Khaybulaev looks energetic with a minute left, but continues to be cautious. Palmer throws a wide right hook that is easily avoided, and then a spinning back kick of his own that Khaybulaev easily avoids. Then, out of nowhere, Palmer lands a solid left cross, his best connect of the stanza. Khaybulaev responds with a flying knee and left hook that douses the fire of Palmer's aggression. The round ends, a fairly bloodless contest. 10-9 Khaybulaev (29-28 Khaybulaev)

The Official Result

Movlid Khaybulaev def. Lance Palmer via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Anthony Pettis (156) vs. Raush Manfio (156)

Round 1

In the co-main event, former UFC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis (24-11) will look for his PFL victory against Raush Manfio (12-3). Referee Keith Peterson gets this particular assignment. Pettis begins the action with a leg kick. However, a second such attempt is partially countered by a right cross from Manfio. Manfio then comes forward with a head kick, but it's now Pettis countering him with a right cross. Pettis throws a spinning backfist and then a spinning back roundhouse kick, but it all misses by a considerable margin. However, a more modest punch combination tags Manfio. Pettis continues spinning though, with another spinning back roundhouse missing. Pettis lands a solid jab to the body. Another jab, however, is countered by Manfio with a left hook, causing Pettis to retreat. Pettis paws with a jab, and Manfio throws a 1-2, which Pettis just barely avoids. Pettis goes for a body kick that Manfio catches, but Pettis gets his foot out without being taken down, a good sign for him. After the action slows, Manfio lands a nice body kick. Pettis responds with one of his own, but it's not as hard. Pettis throws a 1-2, but Manfio blocks it completely. Pettis is circling on the outside, and Manfio continues to come forward. Manfio throws a head kick and is partially countered by a right cross, exactly as it happened earlier this round. Manfio lands a big body kick, and an attempt by Pettis to counter with a cross isn't quite successful. Manfio then lands a leg kick. As the round ends, Pettis lands a leg kick. Very, very close round. 10-9 Manfio.

Round 2

Manfio lands a body kick and then a push kick. Pettis lands a nice right cross soon after, a better strike than anything he did in the first round. Unfortunately, not long after, Manfio connects on a front kick straight below Pettis' belt, causing a break in the action. Once they resume, Pettis continues to kick, with one to the legs landing well. Manfio is being a little robotic. He throws a 1-2, but it's avoided by the former UFC champion. Nevertheless, Pettis' own 1-2 combinations are being easily blocked by Manfio. Manfio partially connects on a front kick, this time in a legal region, the stomach. Pettis continues to fire 1-2s, and while they're technical, they are either blocked or avoided. A left hook by Pettis just barely misses Manfio. A Manfio head kick is also blocked. As Pettis comes forward, Manfio tags him with a right cross, his best shot of the round. A short while later, he lands a leg kick, too. Pettis responds with a leg kick of his own. Manfio then scores with a front kick to the body. A short while later, he lands another leg kick. Manfio is doing a good job trying to steal the round down the stretch. Pettis throws a 1-2, and this one partially connects. However, as Pettis comes forward, yet against Manfio connects with a very hard front kick below the belt, as Pettis yells in pain. Keith Peterson makes the decision not to take a point away. Pettis tries an overhand right, but it's blocked. Manfio's head kick is then barely avoided. Another very close round, but this time I have it for Pettis. 10-9 Pettis.

Round 3

Pettis begins the round with a light leg kick. Then, a more aggressive front kick to the face is blocked. Manfio goes for a big overhand right, but it's blocked. He scores on a leg kick, though. However, Manfio scores with an overhand right and Pettis is hurt, with Manfio landing several follow-up punches. Pettis falls to his back and Manfio decides to reset. Again, Manfio comes forward with an overhand right, stunning Pettis, and hitting him with several more follow-up shots. Then Manfio goes to work with a series of powerful knees, with a particularly hard one to Pettis' chin dropping him. Manfio senses the kill and starts pounding away with punches, but Pettis manages to get back up and survive. Eventually, after eating several more knees, Pettis manages to push Manfio off and gain separation. The action slows, with both men trading leg kicks. Pettis looks out of sorts throwing punches, with a very clumsy attempt at an overhand right missing. With 100 seconds left, Manfio lands a powerful kick to the body and follows it up with a few punches that partially get through. Manfio connects on another right hand when Pettis gets a little too close while dancing on the outside. As the round winds down, Manfio lands a very big calf kick that has Pettis limping. Pettis throws a 1-2, but it's slow and very easily avoided by the Brazilian. Pettis throws a switch kick but it's avoided easily, too. Both men throw punches as the round ends, but they all miss. On my scorecard, Pettis should be 0-2 in the PFL. 10-8 Manfio (29-27 Manfio).

The Official Result

Raush Manfio def. Anthony Pettis via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Kayla Harrison (156) vs. Cindy Dandois (152.2)

Round 1

In the main event, the PFL's biggest star Kayla Harrison (9-0) is an overwhelming favorite, up to -5000 some places, against Cindy Dandois (16-6), who is 0-3 against opponents with winning records since 2017. Referee Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro will get the final call. Harrison comes forward, walking Dandois down almost to the cage. Dandois moves laterally along the cage. Harrison lands a body kick. Dandois tries a low single, but of course, has no success, and Harrison pushes her down to end up on top. Harrison lands a few hard punches from the top as Dandois tries to tie her up. Harrison lands another big punch and uses it to pass to side control. Going for a crucifix, Harrison lands a number of short punches, again and again, which Dandois is doing little to avoid. Eventually, Dandois wrenches her arm out, briefly putting a stop to the Harrison attack. Dandois is able to briefly use the cage to flip over Harrison, but not for long, as Harrison, scrambles to return her back to the ottom. Harrison continues working with punches from the top, which Dandois is only partially turning away from. Harrison postures up against the cage, but Dandois breaks free and tries to defend off her back while Harrison occasionally kicks her legs. Suddenly, Harrison throws a big punch from the standing position that partially lands, getting her back on top. She soon passes straight to mount, where she throws a steady diet of punches to the body and head. Dandois tries hard to get out, but to no avail. Harrison then sets up a beautiful armbar, but sits on Dandois for a few moments to make sure she has her in the perfect position. When she falls to her back to crank the elbow, Dandois taps very quickly. Harrison looked as dominant as a -5000 betting line would suggest.

The Official Result

Kayla Harrison def. Cindy Dandois via Submission (Armbar) at 4:44 of Round 1