Combat sports enthusiasts were able to learn more about other MMA and boxing promotions that they might not have followed with the same fervour because it was a UFC-free Saturday.
Brendan Loughnane and Marlon Moraes headlined PFL 1, the first contest of the promotion’s 2023 season, while Rob Wilkinson introduced Thiago Santos to the promotion in the co-main event.
After a close first round, Loughnane knocked out Moraes with leg kicks to win the Knockout of the Night title. The Britishman has now defeated Moraes six times in a row in mixed martial arts, raising his commercial record to 9-1.
The winner of the PFL Light Heavyweight Grand Prix used his grappling to control the match and negate ‘Marreta’s’ striking to beat Santos by unanimous decision.
In the main event, PFL rookie Will Fleury faced off against Krzysztof Jotko and prevailed by split vote.
Ryoji Kudo was defeated by unanimous decision thanks to the wrestling of Movlid Khaybulaev.
Chris Wade and Bubba Jenkins squared off in the first fight on the main event, with Jenkins winning by unanimous decision.
One of two submissions occurred last night in the main event of the preliminary program, when Marthin Hamlet submitted Mohammad Fakhreddine in Round 1 of their fight with a face crank.
In Round 1 against Sam Kei, Josh Silveira also won by submission after quickly establishing a rear-naked choke through a series of grappling manoeuvres.
The final four fights on the preliminary programme were all decided by decisions.
Alejandro Flores prevailed by majority decision in his fight against Daniel Torres after a cautious three rounds of combat.
Jesus Pinedo and Gabriel Braga traded blows for three rounds before Braga, who agreed to the fight on short notice, was given the decision win.
Delan Monte was soundly defeated by Ty Flores, who prevailed by unanimous vote. Impa Kasanganay, a former UFC fighter, defeated Cory Hendricks by unanimous decision in the night’s opening battle.
In other MMA and boxing news, Gamebred Promotions, run by Jorge Masvidal, presented Gamebred Boxing 4 last night. Anthony Pettis, a former UFC champion, and boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. headlined the event.
Numerous MMA legends appeared on the event’s card, including Jose Aldo, Pettis, Vitor Belfort, and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.
By outworking Jones Jr. for the bulk of the fight, “Showtime” upset the odds by defeating the fighter by a majority decision.
In the co-main event, Vitor Belfort and Ronaldo Souza fought, with Belfort landing more lethal blows en route to a unanimous decision win.
The evening’s main event, Jose Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens, was adjudged to be a majority tie. Aldo expressed his feelings during the post-fight interview despite a competitive battle.
Before Luis Feliciano won the fight by unanimous decision, Clarence Booth and Feliciano exchanged blows for eight rounds.
In the third round of their confrontation, Devin Cushing beat Damian Marciano by TKO.
Six rounds of combat were fought between Gina Mazany and Pearl Gonzalez, with Mazany ultimately winning by overwhelming vote.
Josh Burns was defeated by Dillon Cleckler via TKO in Round 1 of their fight after being repeatedly thrown to the ground.
Following a hard-fought fight, Bi Nguyen triumphed over Andy Nguyen by majority decision.
In Round 3 of their battle, Markus Perez used a series of hooks to TKO former BKFC fighter Joe Riggs.
Ryan Reber was beaten by Mandeep Jangra via TKO after Reber’s corner stopped the match between Rounds 2 and 3.
In the night’s first fight, Cade Howell thoroughly outclassed Christopher Wingate and won by unanimous decision.
