PFL Playoffs 2 (ESPN/ESPN+) came about Friday at Laborious Rock Dwell in Hollywood, Fla., and MMA Junkie supplied reside round-by-round protection all through the cardboard.
The occasion featured semifinal bouts within the light-weight and light-weight heavyweight divisions.
In the primary occasion, 2023 mild heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay (18-4) punched his finals ticket by successful a unanimous resolution over Josh Silveira (13-4). Within the different 205-pound semifinal bout, Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1) swept the scorecards to defeat Rob Wilkinson (19-4).
The light-weight semifinal bouts noticed one end and a dominant resolution. Gadzhi Rabadanov (23-4-2) floored Michael Dufort (13-6) for a Spherical 2 knockout victory, and Brent Primus (15-3) managed Clay Collard (25-14) on the mat for a unanimous resolution.
Full 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 lineup
MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET)
Impa Kasanganay def. Josh Silveira by way of unanimous resolution (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Rob Wilkinson by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Michael Dufort by way of knockout (punches) – Spherical 2, 1:51
Brent Primus def. Clay Collard by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Brian Stapleton by way of knockout (punch) – Spherical 1, 0:55
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET)
Danny Sabatello vs. Lazaro Dayron dominated a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Mads Burnell def. Elvin Espinoza by way of unanimous resolution (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Thad Jean def. Chris Brown by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Jordan Oliver def. Braydon Akeo by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Michelle Montague def. Marilia Morais by way of submission (rear-naked choke) – Spherical 1, 1:44
Impa Kasanganay vs. Josh Silveira
Spherical 1 – Silveira comes out with a pair of physique kicks to start out. Kasanganay comes again with hooks. Each keep mild on their toes as they transfer in regards to the cage exchanging single punches and kicks. A giant knee from Silveira knocks Kasanganay off his toes! Silveira is feeling assured and turns up the strain. Kasanganay will get a clinch to gradual issues down for a second. Again in house now, Kasanganay connects with a giant proper hand. Silveira solutions with a left and clinches. Kasanganay lands one other left after the separation. Now, it’s Kasanganay main the motion with a mixture right into a clinch. The motion slows a bit because the spherical involves a detailed.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Silveira.
Spherical 2 – They get proper again into it, buying and selling punches in combos. A clinch from Silveira slows issues up as he presses Kasanganay into the cage. They separate, and Kasanganay unloads a mixture, including punches to the physique. Silveira seems to be for a Thai clinch and a knee. Kasanganay will get free and lands a proper. They each begin swinging punches upstairs. Silveira lands three unanswered after which a clinch follows. Kasanganay seems to be for a excessive kick after which fires off a collection of punches. Silveira lands a giant left and retains coming ahead. They’re simply buying and selling now, each touchdown clear punches! Kasanganay grabs a clinch within the closing seconds.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Kasanganay.
Spherical 3 – A gap trade goes proper right into a clinch, however they shortly separate. Kasanganay goes ahead with strikes right into a clinch, this time getting Silveira towards the cage. Silveira pushes him off and appears to land a combo as Kasanganay closes again in to clinch once more. Quick punches from Silveira right here and Kasanganay knees to the physique, however the referee nonetheless separates them. Silveira goes first with punches and geese below right into a single leg try, leading to a clinch. They separate, and Kasanganay lands a couple of stable punches earlier than one other clinch. One minute to go. Kasanganay lands a clear proper as they briefly separate earlier than one other clinch. Kasanganay will get a ravishing off-balance takedown. Silveira scrambles again up and the battle ends within the clinch.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Kasanganay, giving him the battle 29-28.
End result: Impa Kasanganay def. Josh Silveira by way of unanimous resolution (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)Data: Kasanganay (18-4), Silveira (13-4)Division: Gentle HeavyweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Keith PetersonPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Rob Wilkinson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov
Spherical 1 – They contact ’em up and start the feel-out course of. Wilkinson darts ahead with punches, pushing Yagshimuradov into the fence as nicely. Again within the middle, Wilkinson connects with a left hook. Yagshimuradov lands a punch of his personal. Each go for leg kicks on the similar time they usually conflict shins. Ouch. Two minutes to go and there’s a heated trade of punches. Wilkinson lands a leg kick. Yagshimuradov cracks with a two-punch combo. A second later he shoots for a takedown, however can’t get it. Wilkinson fees ahead with a punch. One other takedown try from Yagshimuradov, however Wilkinson denies him once more earlier than the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Yagshimuradov.
Spherical 2 – Single strike exchanges comprise the beginning of Spherical 2. Neither fighter decide to combos, inflicting some frustration from the gang. Yagshimuradov goes excessive with a kick. Wilkinson controls from the middle and appears for a left. Yagshimuradov lands a clear proper, and appears for extra, however Wilkinson backs away. Yagshimuradov seems to be for an additional proper and Wilkinson presses ahead with a combo. Yagshimuradov throws a wheel kick that makes a loud sound on the connection, however Wilkinson had his guard up and indicators it didn’t harm him. Now the motion heats up a bit as each supply strikes earlier than the spherical ends.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Yagshimuradov.
Spherical 3 – Single punches from Wilkinson and Yagshimuradov to start out. Yagshimuradov provides a leg kick. Wilkinson kicks to the physique. Yagshimuradov lands a quick 1-2, connecting nicely. Wilkinson comes again with a swooping hook a second later. Wilkinson darts ahead with a stable left hand. Yagshimuradov solutions with one other 1-2. Yagshimuradov seems to be for a takedown, however can’t get the one leg. Wilkinson gives a two-punch combo of his personal. Yagshimuradov thinks about one other takedown on quick time, however they find yourself buying and selling till the ultimate bell.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Wilkinson, however the battle for Yagshimuradov, 29-28.
End result: Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Rob Wilkinson by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)Data: Wilkinson (19-2), Yagshimuradov (23-7-1)Division: Gentle HeavyweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Marcos PerezPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Michael Dufort
Spherical 1 – They contact gloves and start feeling out the vary, pawing out punches. Dufort darts ahead with a punch. A second later, a 1-2 from Dufort simply misses the mark. Rabadanov doubles up the jab after Dufort kicks to the physique. They proceed to commerce jabs within the middle. A pointy counter from Rabadanov connects. Dufort seems to be for a entrance kick. Rabadanov feints and shortly modifications ranges for a pleasant double leg with 90 seconds to go. Dufort counters with an arm-in guillotine, slowing Rabadanov’s development. Rabadanov will get his head free and ends the spherical standing over Dufort throwing kicks to the legs.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Rabadanov.
Spherical 2 – After opening exchanges, Dufort seems to be for a takedown, however is denied. He tries for a second, however is well brushed apart. Rabadanov resets to the middle and begins in search of a gap. BANG! The left hook crushes Dufort! He’s down! Rabadanov swarms with follow-up punches and it’s throughout!
End result: Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Michael Dufort by way of knockout (punches) – Spherical 2, 1:51Recap: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 video: Gadzhi Rabadanov crushes Michael Dufort with left hook to succeed in finalsRecords: Rabadanaov (23-4-2), Dufort (13-6)Division: LightweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Christopher MignocchiPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Brent Primus vs. Clay Collard
Spherical 1 – After the opening measurement up and early single strike choices, Primus will get in on the hips for a takedown. Collard defends nicely initially, however will get dragged to the mat. Primus scrambles to the again as Collard stands up. Collard stays calm and makes an attempt to shake Primus off, however he’s not budging. Primus makes an attempt a few quick punches, however actually seems to deal with the place, which is all however stalled out right here. The gang begins to specific their displeasure and the spherical ultimately ends with out the place altering.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Primus
Spherical 2 – Collard comes out urgent with punches. Primus will get a maintain and the clinch battle is again on towards the cage. Primus will get the journey and takes high place. Collard tries to rise up and offers up his again. Primus is as soon as once more in backpack mode as Collard stands up. Primus punches to the pinnacle as Collard tries to free himself. A reduce is opened up on Collard as Primus continues to punch. Collard drops right down to the canvas and covers up as Primus unloads. The referee steps in and warns Collard to battle again. Collard will get two fingers on one to gradual the offense, however Primus adjusts and goes for a rear-naked choke earlier than the spherical ends.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-8 for Primus.
Spherical 3 – Collard comes out once more placing punches collectively. He goes for a knee to the physique, however Primus catches it to get a takedown. Collard urgently will get again to his toes, however Primus nonetheless has each fingers clasped and will get him to the mat. As soon as once more, Collard powers up, however can’t get Primus off him. Primus is latched on to Collard’s again, however this time he will get shaken off. Collard rains down some punches and an axe kick earlier than waving Primus again to his toes. Collard pours on the strikes, however will get wild with a spinning punch, giving Primus a gap to clinch. Primus kicks out the leg and takes the again with each hooks in. One minute to go. The physique triangle is locked in now. Collard tries to punch and speak his approach out, however Primus simply clamps down tougher and punches too.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Primus, giving him the battle 30-26.
End result: Brent Primus def. Clay Collard by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)Data: Primus (15-3), Collard (25-14)Division: LightweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Keith PetersonPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Biaggio Ali Walsh vs. Brian Stapleton
Spherical 1 – Ali Walsh comes out working behind a left jab. A pointy proper connects as nicely. Stapleton kicks and takes Ali Walsh off steadiness, however he will get up shortly. Ali Walsh drops Stapleton with a proper, however doesn’t rush in. Stapleton will get up they usually proceed to trade. BANG! A proper hand from Ali Walsh folds Stapleton, and it’s over after two follow-up punches that weren’t actually wanted!
End result: Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Brian Stapleton by way of knockout (punch) – Spherical 1, 0:55Recap: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 video: Biaggio Ali Walsh flooring opponent in 55 secondsRecords: Walsh (2-0), Stapleton (0-1)Division: LightweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Marcos PerezPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Danny Sabatello vs. Lazaro Dayron
Spherical 1 – Each fighter run throughout the cage at one another and collide mid-air! They had been each in search of a gap flying knee. Sabatello scrambles right into a takedown try and the wrestling recreation is on. Knees to the physique for Sabatello within the clinch. They separate and Dayron lands a pleasant punch. He retains shifting ahead with punches. BANG! An enormous proper hand from Dayron drops Sabatello! It appeared as if Sabatello was out, however he defended himself when Dayron rushed in. Dayron can’t get the end, they usually’re again to the toes within the middle. Dayron lands one other clear 1-2. Sabatello shoots for a double and will get him down within the middle. One minute to go, and Dayron explodes to his toes. Sabatello is again in on a single leg and will get the battle on the bottom. Dayron will get up and lands one other massive punch after catching a kick.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Dayron.
Spherical 2 – Sabatello modifications ranges and scrambles to Dayron’s again. He adjusts once more to a single leg towards the cage. Dayron retains it standing and offers Sabatello a few knees to the physique on the exit. One other sharp 1-2 for Dayron connects. Dayron shoots now, however will get sprawled and Sabatello scrambles to the again. Dayron will get to his toes they usually return to the center. A spinning backfist from Dayron will get ducked below, and Sabatello is in on one other takedown. Sabatello hits a pleasant slam on Dayron. Sabatello is relentless with takedown makes an attempt as Dayron continues to supply resistance. Again in hanging vary now, Dayron lands a leg kick. He then shoots and will get sprawled.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Sabatello.
Spherical 3 – Sabatello gives punches and kicks earlier than taking pictures in. Dayron sprawls properly. Sabatello comes proper again in and is denied once more. Dayron will get again to his proper hand, and connects. Sabatello seems to be for an additional takedown however is stuffed and pops again up, throwing punches. Dayron connects with a pair of massive punches. One other proper from Dayron and a takedown sprawl. The tempo is loopy, and we’re simply to the midpoint of the spherical. Dayron shoots now and he’s denied. Sabatello punches and evades the counter right into a takedown try. Sabatello scrambles to the again and will get the standing physique triangle. Dayron makes an attempt to shake Sabatello off, and grabs the fence within the course of. The referee takes some extent! Again in motion now, and Sabatello instantly shoots in and will get the again. Dayron will get again up and lets his fingers go earlier than the horn, however can’t land something stable.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Sabatello, however the level deduction makes it a 10-8. The general rating goes to Sabatello, 29-27.
End result: Danny Sabatello vs. Lazaro Dayron dominated a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)Data: Sabatello (14-4-1), Dayron (8-0-1)Division: BantamweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Christopher MignocchiPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Elvin Espinoza vs. Mads Burnell
Spherical 1 – They meet within the middle and instantly commerce punches. Burnell provides a leg kick, however Espinoza fees ahead for a takedown try. They result’s a clinch alongside the fence, and the wrestle clinch is on. They separate and get again to buying and selling punches. Espinoza lands a pleasant proper after simply lacking with a step-in knee. They clinch once more and commerce quick strikes. Espionza’s strikes get by means of cleanly as Burnell eats them and fires again. Espinoza digs in with a few laborious physique kicks. Burnell modifications ranges and will get a takedown, however can’t preserve Espinoza down for lengthy. They trade extra strikes earlier than the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Espinoza.
Spherical 2 – Espinoza opens with a entrance kick. Burnell presses ahead as they trade quick punches upstairs. Burnell with the clinch towards the fence now, and lands a pleasant left on the exit. Again within the middle, Espinoza fires off a tough mixture. Burnell rolls with the punches and clinches once more. Espinoza breaks free and comes ahead with strikes. Burnell’s nostril is bloodied now. Espinoza seems to be for the takedown, however Burnell isn’t having it. Bang! A giant proper hand from Burnell lands and Espinoza is harm! Burnell takes management on the bottom, in search of a choke. Espinoza scrambles to his toes. Burnell remains to be on the hunt for a end. Extra punches land. Espinoza will get a clinch to gradual issues down. They jockey for place for a bit, and Burnell lands a tough knee to the beltline. Espinoza lets his guard down, and Burnell follows up with punches because the referee steps in to name a pause for a low blow. The battle resumes and Espionza rips a quick mixture. A physique kick lands earlier than Burnell comes ahead with a couple of punches.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Burnell.
Burnell drops Espinoza however ELVIN SURVIVES! 2 minutes to go in spherical 2!
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LIVE NOW | ESPN+ | #PFLPlayoffs | #PFLHollywood | https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI ] pic.twitter.com/R1Kxe4Q2S4
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 17, 2024
Spherical 3 – They shortly meet within the middle and commerce punches in shut. Burnell pushes a clinch into the cage. Quick strikes towards the cage for each. They separate for a second, and Espinoza sneaks in a physique kick earlier than one other clinch by Burnell. This time Burnell modifications ranges and practically will get the battle to the mat, however the standing clinch resumes. Espinoza ultimately punches his approach out, they usually meet within the center to renew buying and selling. Burnell shoots in and completes a pleasant takedown, and controls on the mat till the battle concludes.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Burnell, giving him the battle 29-28.
End result: Mads Burnell def. Elvin Espinoza by way of unanimous resolution (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)Data: Espinoza (10-2), Burnell (20-6)Division: LightweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Keith PetersonPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Thad Jean vs. Chris Brown
Spherical 1 – Heavy punches and kicks are supplied early from each as Jean strikes ahead. Jean knocks Brown off steadiness with a kick and lets him return to his toes. Brown fees ahead with a entrance kick adopted by a head kick. Jean fires off a 1-2, and Brown responds with a crescent kick. Brown continues to combine up his strikes with awkward kick-punch combos. Jean retains his guard up and appears to land punches as Brown kicks to maintain him away. Jean lands a stable left hand and a physique kick not far behind it. Brown kicks to the physique as nicely. Jean lands a pointy 1-2. A giant proper hand from Jean now! Brown is rocked badly! Jean leaps with a flying knee and Brown will get a takedown sprawled. Jean on high now, however Brown shortly scrambles up. One other proper hand for Jean earlier than the spherical ends.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Jean.
Spherical 2 – The motion picks up at a quick tempo to start out. Each fighters unleash strikes as Jean presses ahead. Brown’s offense continues to be diversified, and a bit of reckless, as he makes an attempt a leaping spinning kick in shut vary. Jean stays poised defensively and evades nicely. A tough kick from Brown goes low, and Jean folds over in ache. The replay reveals Brown’s knee hit the groin space. After a brief pause, they get again into it, with Brown firing a collection of kicks. Jean closes in and will get clipped with a proper hand. Jean resets and Brown pumps out entrance kicks. The wild offensive exchanges proceed at a excessive tempo as Jean controls the middle. Brown seems drained now, however retains throwing any method that involves thoughts.
Chris Brown’s model is enjoyable to observe!
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 16, 2024
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Jean.
Spherical 3 – Jean presses ahead and Brown gives a spinning kick to push kick combo to maintain his opponent away. Jean lands a clear left hook. Brown’s kick is caught, prompting a wild trade. Jean narrowly evades Brown’s makes an attempt, and retains shifting forward. Now Brown catches a kick and lands a pleasant proper hook. Jean closes in, lands a proper hand and geese below for again management. Brown simply will get away and fires punches. Jean kicks the physique and shoots for a takedown. Brown retains issues standing they usually separate with 90 seconds to go. They commerce punches within the middle. Brown fees ahead with a punching mixture. The wild, high-volume exchanges proceed. Brown lands a clear left, sending Jean stumbling off steadiness. Extra spinning stuff from Brown earlier than the wild spherical, and battle ends.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Brown, however the battle goes to Jean, 29-28.
End result: Thad Jean def. Chris Brown by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)Data: Jean (8-0), Brown (10-5)Division: WelterweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Marcos PerezPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Jordan Oliver vs. Braydon Akeo
Spherical 1 – Oliver comes out shortly to regulate the middle. A kick is caught, and Akeo fires a proper hand down the pipe. Oliver resets and misses with a pair of hooks. Akeo lands a calf kick, and a proper hand excessive. Oliver kicks excessive to the pinnacle. Each miss with punches in an trade, they usually commerce leg kicks. Oliver lands a stable inside leg kick. Akeo responds with a proper hand. Oliver unloads a couple of hooks, touchdown properly in a combo. Oliver fires off a couple of extra punches, and Akeo responds with a leg kick and a punch upstairs.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Akeo.
Spherical 2 – Akeo punches to the physique, and Oliver solutions with a kick to the midsection as he controls the middle. Oliver lands a couple of hooks as Akeo comes ahead. They clinch up for a second, however Akeo will get out and lands a leg kick. Punches are exchanged as they circle the cage. Oliver steps in with a giant proper hand, touchdown clear in a mixture. A pointy left jab from Oliver connects as Akeo kicks to the leg. One other massive proper hand for Oliver. Single strikes are supplied from each as they journey the cage. A tough left kick from Oliver goes low. The battle resumes after a quick pause. Akeo gives a left jab however will get countered with a proper.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Oliver.
Spherical 3 – Oliver stalks ahead and shoots for a single leg. Akeo defends and the clinch battle towards the fence is on. After working the place for some time, Oliver lifts and dumps Akeo to the bottom, however the battle instantly returns to a standing clinch. Oliver retains working for the one leg as time ticks away. With 90 seconds to go, Oliver releases the try and Akeo will get on the ahead hunt. He spins with a kick, however doesn’t get a lot of it. Akeo fires off a combo, and Oliver counters. Oliver modifications ranges and completes a double leg with 30 seconds to go. From the again, Oliver seems to be to land punches till the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Oliver, giving him the battle 29-28.
End result: Jordan Oliver def. Braydon Akeo by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)Data: Oliver (2-0), Akeo (5-4)Division: FeatherweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Christopher MignocchiPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
Michelle Montague vs. Marilia Morais
Spherical 1 – Montague wastes no time getting throughout the cage and proper right into a clinch. She will get a fast takedown and begins working from aspect management. Montague isolates an arm, in search of a kimura. She will get the arm absolutely prolonged and switches to an armbar. One way or the other Morais doesn’t faucet! Montague lets it go and transitions to the again. The rear-naked choke is in, and it’s deep! There’s the faucet! Flawless victory for Montague, who entered as a large favourite.
Michelle Montague switches to the choke and that is over! One other W for the “Wild One”
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 16, 2024
End result: Michelle Montague def. Marilia Morais by way of submission (rear-naked choke) – Spherical 1, 1:44Records: Montague (6-0), Morais (3-2)Division: Girls’s featherweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Keith PetersonPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Finest photographs from Florida
2024 PFL Playoffs 2 weigh-ins gallery
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Pictures: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs
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