HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA: The Professional Fighters League continued the 2024 PFL Global Playoffs on Friday night with four bouts across the Light Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.
In the main event of the evening, Impa Kasanganay and Josh Silveira battled with a spot in the 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship on the line.
After three full rounds, Kasanganay earned the unanimous decision victory and now has the opportunity for a second straight $1 million check and world title belt.
In the co-main event of the evening, Rob Wilkinson earned a unanimous decision victory against Dovlet Yagshimuradov to advance to the 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship, while becoming the first fighter representing Turkmenistan to qualify for the PFL World Championship.
To kick off PFL Playoff action in the Lightweight division, Brent Primus overcame 2023 PFL Lightweight finalist Clay Collard to clinch his spot in the 2024 PFL World Championship via unanimous decision.
Further Lightweight action saw Gadzhi Rabadanov defeat Michael Dufort via second-round knockout, earning a spot in the 2024 PFL World Championship. Rabadanov secured his ninth straight victory and will face Brent Primus for the 2024 PFL Lightweight World Championship.
“Tonight, MMA fans around the world witnessed four remarkable fighters continue their million-dollar PFL dreams,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “The 2024 PFL Playoffs have showcased the very best in MMA and we look forward to the third PFL Playoff event on Aug. 23 to determine the remaining matchups in the 2024 PFL World Championship.”
PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo said: “The PFL provided fans with can’t-miss action in another entertaining PFL Playoff thriller this evening. Congratulations to the four athletes who punched their tickets to the 2024 PFL World Championship.”
Opening the main card, Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, returned to the PFL SmartCage for the second pro fight of his budding career against Brian Stapleton. The Las Vegas native showcased his skills and quickly finished Stapleton via first-round knockout just 55 seconds into the fight.
A Bantamweight showcase bout featured Danny Sabatello and the undefeated Lazaro Dayron. The opening frame saw Dayron nearly finish “The Italian Gangster,” but Sabatello used his grappling skills to rebound throughout the bout. In the end, a third-round fence grab by Dayron docked him a point on the scorecards, resulting in a majority draw.
The 2024 PFL Playoff action continues from The Anthem in Washington, DC for the final playoff event on Friday, Aug. 23. Eight fighters across the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions will enter the PFL SmartCage in pursuit of a 2024 PFL World Championship opportunity.
