The Professional Fighters League (PFL) will determine its 2024 playoff finalists in six weight classes over the course of three fight cards in August. The main cards will be broadcast on ESPN, with all fights, including prelims, available for streaming on ESPN+. The playoffs kick off with the semifinals in two heavyweight and two women’s flyweight categories in Nashville, Tennessee. Subsequent semifinals will take place in Hollywood, Florida, and Washington. The championship finals for all weight classes will culminate in a single fight card at a later date.
In Nashville, Denis Goltsov (1) will face Tim Johnson (4) in one of the heavyweight semifinals. Goltsov, a former finalist and playoff semifinalist, looks to capitalize on his No. 1 seed after finishing both of his regular season opponents by knockout. On the alternate card, Tyrell Fortune will square off against Sergei Bilostenniy. Goltsov’s performance will be closely watched as he aims to secure a spot in the championship finals.
The women’s flyweight division features a compelling lineup with Dakota Ditcheva (1), Jena Bishop (4), Taila Santos (2), and Liz Carmouche (3). Carmouche, a Bellator champion and seasoned veteran, will face tough competition from rising star Santos and undefeated prospect Ditcheva. The women’s fights are expected to be highly competitive and showcase the diverse talent in the PFL.
The action moves to Hollywood, Florida, where the light heavyweight and lightweight semifinals will take place. Defending champion Impa Kasanganay (1) will clash with Joshua Silveira (4) in the light heavyweight division. The lightweight bracket features former Bellator champion Brent Primus (1) against PFL veteran Clay Collard (4). Kasanganay and Wilkinson, the 2022 season champion, could potentially set up a champion vs. champion showdown in the finals.
In Washington, Brendan Loughnane (1), Kai Kamaka III (4), Magomed Umalatov (2), Don Madge (3), Gabriel Braga (2), Timur Khizriev (3), Shamil Musaev (1), and Murad Ramazanov (4) will compete in the featherweight and welterweight semifinals. Umalatov, the only undefeated fighter in the playoffs, aims to overcome past setbacks and secure his first postseason victory. Loughnane, a former champion looking for redemption, hopes to reclaim the $1 million crown after missing the playoffs last year.
Throughout the PFL playoffs, there are several compelling storylines to follow. Will veterans like Denis Goltsov and Liz Carmouche continue their impressive performances and vie for the championship titles? Can rising stars like Dakota Ditcheva and Magomed Umalatov make a mark in their respective weight classes? Fans can expect intense matchups, unexpected upsets, and thrilling moments as the fighters battle for glory and the ultimate prize of becoming PFL champions.
By analyzing the matchups, storylines, and fighter backgrounds in the 2024 PFL playoffs, fans can anticipate an action-packed and dramatic series of fights that will showcase the best of mixed martial arts talent. Stay tuned for updates, results, and highlights from the playoff action as the fighters compete for their shot at greatness in the PFL.
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