The semifinals in the PFL heavyweight and female featherweight tournaments are now set after the action at PFL 5. The event aired live on ESPN and ESPN+ from the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
New PFL Heavyweight Champion To Be Crowned
Reigning heavyweight champion Ante Delija was a winner in the main event of PFL 5. However, it was not quite enough to get him back into the final four.
Delija scored a decision over Maurice Greene, but after missing the first half, he needed a finish. Instead, Denis Goltsov, Renan Ferreira, Marcelo Nunes and Jordan Heiderman moved on to the next round.
“The 2023 PFL Regular Season continued tonight on ESPN at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta with eight more athletes clinching playoff spots and continuing their million dollar dreams,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “PFL’s unique format delivers the best action to MMA fans across the world, with fighters entering the SmartCage knowing what they must do to advance.”
Ferreira was among the big winners, knocking out Matheus Scheffel in the first round in just 50 seconds. Goltsov stopped Yorgan De Castro in 18 seconds, Nunes downed Danilo Marques in the first round and Heiderman picked up a win by injury in the first.
Reigning Champ Back In Featherweight Final Four
Larissa Pacheco made sure she would get the chance to defend her title, stopping Amber Leibrock in the first round.
Pacheco, who stunned Kayla Harrison last year, will enter as the No. 1 seed. Joining her will be Marina Mokhnatkina, Leibrock and Olena Kolesnyk.
Aspen Ladd just missed out on qualifying, as she picked up a second round submission to open the main card.
“Tonight eight fighters across the Heavyweight and Women’s Featherweight divisions earned spots in the 2023 playoffs,” said PFL President of Fighter Operations, Ray Sefo. “Congratulations to all winners and we look forward to our final regular season card next Friday as our Lightweights and Welterweights take to the SmartCage.”
Biaggio Ali Walsh Rolls Again
With Ali in your name, you are going to generate headlines. Biaggio Ali Walsh continues to do just that, earning a first round knockout of Travell Miller.
The grandson of Muhammad Ali, Ali Walsh continues to improve his skills and showcase himself to the masses.
Julia Budd was among the other winners, as she downed Martina Jindrova.
What Is Next?
The PFL returns to Overtime Elite Arena next Friday, June 23 as the league’s lightweights and welterweights make their last attempts to advance to the 2023 PFL Playoffs.
Reigning lightweight champion Olivier Aubin-Mercier will return to the SmartCage with his eyes set on a second title. Meanwhile, welterweight champion Sadibou Sy looks to return to the playoffs in the competitive division.
