Black Friday is one of the most highly anticipated days leading to the Holiday Season. Now we have two things to look forward to. The PFL Playoffs concluded yesterday at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. It was truly spectacular, setting the tone for the million-dollar finale that November night. Run out and get a brand new TV in the morning to watch the blockbuster event later that day.
PFL Fight of the Year
The ending of the semi-finals was fireworks! Hurricane Shane Burgos took on Clay Collard in what arguably may be the PFL Fight of The Year. Especially, after all three rounds were filled with non-stop action. Burgos and Collard stood toe-to-toe most of the fight and became each other’s punching bags. Throw in some heavy leg kicks from Burgos that made Collard’s inner thigh look purple. Hand it to Collard, because he fought through that obvious pain and was throwing bombs at Burgos all night. It went to the judges and Collard won the UD with 29-28 on all three cards. He now moves on for a chance at the million-dollar prize at lightweight in November.
In the other lightweight semi-final, Olivier Aubin-Mercier got the stop in round two over Bruno Miranda. Aubin-Mercer had his way with Miranda from the start and it was just a matter of time before he got the win. The victory sets up the 1v2 battle against Clay Collard in the November finals.
Welterweight Semi-Finals
Carlos Leal faced 2022 PFL Welterweight Champ Sadibou Sy in their semis. Leal missed weight and was penalized. He needed a finish or a two-point win to advance. Leal came out slow. Considering what was needed of him, this may have cost him the fight. Too little too late in his performance, as he lost a close one. The split decision went 28-29, 29-28, 29-28. They fought once before, with Sy winning by decision. Makes you wonder about the team’s game plan coming into that one.
The Other Side of the Bracket
Magomed Magomedkerimov took on Solomon Renfro in the other welterweight semis. Renfro took the match on 12 days-notice and was clearly out-classed by Magomedkerimov, who has been to multiple finals. Renfro put up the fight of his life, impressing the crowd with a body slam of his opponent very late in the third. He would lose by UD but will be one to watch at 170 in the future. Magomedkerimov takes on Sy in the welterweight finale in November.
Other Notable Matches
Michell Montague runs back some of her moves in a post-fight discussion with Impa Kasanganay (Photo by Peter Maiorano/Belly Up Sports)
Michelle “the wild one” Montague defeated Abigail Montes via rear-naked choke in the second round. Montague is a submission specialist having won all four of her matches by rear-naked choke. Look forward to seeing more of her in the future.
Sting Like a Bee
In a special amateur bout to kick off the main card. Muhammed Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh stopped Ed Davis in the second round. Both Ali Walsh and Davis thought the referee was quick in ending the fight as well as the crowd who had a lot to say, too. Ali Walsh seems to have inherited some skills from the great one. We will see if he has what it takes when he turns pro.
Thank you for reading my PFL article. Head to my Belly Up Sports Page. Follow me on Twitter. For more articles on the PFL and all other sports go to Belly Up Sports. Featured image credit Cooper Neill/Getty Images.
