PFL Playoffs 3 (ESPN/ESPN+) passed off Friday at The Anthem in Washington, and MMA Junkie supplied stay round-by-round protection all through the cardboard.
The occasion featured semifinal bouts within the featherweight and welterweight divisions.
In the primary occasion, 2022 featherweight heavyweight champion Brendan Loughnane (30-5) took on Kai Kamaka (14-6-1), edging out a cut up choice to earn his place within the $1 million remaining.
Within the different 145-pound semifinal bout, Timur Khizriev (16-0) got here away with a victory over Gabriel Braga (14-2), organising a finals matchup between Loughnane and Khizriev.
The welterweight semifinal bouts stuffed out the primary card. Within the co-main occasion, unblemished Magomed Umalatov (17-0) defeated Neiman Gracie (13-6). In the primary card opener, unbeaten Shamil Musaev (19-0-1) defeated on Murad Ramazanov (12-2). The welterweight finals will see Umalatov and Musaev battle for $1 million.
Full 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 outcomes
MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
Brendan Loughnane def. Kai Kamaka through cut up choice (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Magomed Umalatov def. Neiman Gracie through unanimous choice (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Timur Khizriev def. Gabriel Braga through cut up choice (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Shamil Musaev def. Murad Ramazanov through unanimous choice (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Ray Cooper III through cut up choice (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Enrique Barzola def. Tyler Diamond through unanimous choice (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jose Perez def. Jesse Stirn through unanimous choice (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Kent Mafileo through TKO (punches) – Spherical 2, 4:50
Shido Boris Esperanca def. Tyler Hill through TKO (punches) – Spherical 1, 3:31
Brendan Loughnane vs. Kai Kamaka
Spherical 1 – Loughnane first out a jab and Kamaka solutions with a kick. Each keep affected person as they hunt for openings and provide single strikes at a time. A stable spinning again kick to the physique from Loughnane. Kamaka responds with a kick and an overhand proper. Loughnane threatens one other spinning assault however doesn’t commit. Kamaka fires off a speedy kick and punches to the physique. Loughnane lands a quick 1-2. One other spinning again kick to the physique and it’s stable. Kamaka seems to be harm and retreats! Loughnane is on the hunt for the end! He’s unloading strikes now! Knees and punches in shut. Kamaka goes to the bottom! Loughnane nonetheless swarming, however there’s the horn. Wow.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Loughnane.
Spherical 2 – Loughnane comes out pressuring. Kamaka seems recovered from the final spherical, and fires out a quick mixture. Loughnane spins with a kick, however this one hits beneath the belt, pausing the battle. It’s a brief break, they usually commerce proper arms on the restart. Kamaka with one other good combo. Loughnane solutions with a punch and one other spinning kick to the physique. Kamaka lands punches to the physique. One other spinning again kick from Loughnane. Kamaka with a 1-2. A pair of head kick choices from Loughnane are partially blocked.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Kamaka.
Spherical 3 – Kamaka with a pointy physique kick. They clinch up and Kamaka digs in a pleasant knee earlier than they separate. Loughnane lands a pleasant combo. They’re within the heart exchanging punches. Loughnane kicks to the lead leg and evades Kamaka’s punches. Kamaka lands within the subsequent sequence although, as does Loughnane. Kamaka with a stable proper. The exchanges are quick and frequent proper now. Loughane seems to be for the takedown however can’t get it. Loughnane pops Kamaka’s head again with a left. The motion stays excessive because the time will get quick. Kamaka solutions with a proper, and Loughnane goes to the spinning kick once more. Loughnane with a left hand. One other spinning kick from Loughnane. A left jab from Loughnane and yet one more spinning kick to the physique.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Loughnane, giving him the battle 29-28.
Outcome: Brendan Loughnane def. Kai Kamaka through cut up choice (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)Data: Loughnane (30-5), Kamaka (14-6-1)Division: FeatherweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Mario YamasakiPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
Neiman Gracie vs. Magomed Umalatov
Spherical 1 – Umalatov begins issues off with a quick jab. Gracie lands within the subsequent change. Gracie practically will get a maintain of Umalatov, however can’t safe the grip. Umalatov fires a two-punch combo and Gracie clinches, practically getting the battle to the bottom. Umalatov rapidly evades and resets. A giant proper hand from Umalatov connects to get Gracie’s consideration. Just a few moments later, they each begin swinging. Umalatov provides in a pleasant step-in knee in the midst of an change.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Umalatov.
Spherical 2 – Umalatov provides a number of kicks to the lead leg and to the midsection to start out the spherical. Gracie will get tripped up and invitations Umalatov to the bottom, however isn’t having it. Again on the ft, Gracie fees ahead with a takedown shot that’s simply denied. Gracie lands a mixture with an uppercut. He connects once more with a proper in one other combo. Umalatov breaks up one other clinch try. A stable uppercut to left hook for Umalatov now. A pointy left jab isn’t far behind it. A brief left hook from Umalatov catches Gracie clear. One other stable mixture from Umalatov connects. Gracie fires again with a proper. One minute left. Gracie is in on the hips, they usually wrestle for place towards the fence. They separate. Each go for leaping knees earlier than the horn, and it’s Gracie who will get knocked to the bottom.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Umalatov.
Spherical 3 – Gracie comes out aggressively however finally ends up on the receiving finish of a giant punch. Gracie drops to his again, as soon as once more inviting Umalatov into his guard. Umalatov lands a few punches from the highest earlier than being pulled into guard. Gracie finally goes for a heel hook, however the battle finally ends up on the ft within the heart of the cage. Umalatov cracks Gracie wit ha huge mixture. Gracie waves him on, getting the group into it. They’re now chanting “U-S-A” on this battle between a Russian and a Brazilian. Anyway, Umalatov threatens a takedown, however doesn’t commit. They find yourself clinched within the subsequent sequence anyway and Gracie goes for a flying armbar! Umalatov defends it nicely. Within the scramble, Umalatov will get warned for grabbing the fence, however in the end finally ends up on prime in guard. Gracie throws up a submission try and punches the pinnacle as Umalatov rides out prime management till the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Umalatov, giving him the battle 30-27.
Outcome: Magomed Umalatov def. Neiman Gracie through unanimous choice (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)Data: Gracie (13-6), Umalatov (17-0)Division: WelterweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Jason HerzogPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
Gabriel Braga vs. Timur Khizriev
Spherical 1 – Khizriev blitzes ahead with strikes right into a takedown try. Braga retains issues standing and returns to the middle. Braga kicks to the physique as Khizriev kicks to the leg. They change punches upstairs, with Khizriev getting the higher of it. Khizriev continues to fireplace first, mixing up his targets nicely. Two minutes to go. Braga kicks to the legs, however meets counter punches. Khizriev shoots and get the battle to the mat, however Braga will get his again to the cage and walks up. Khizriev seems to be to land punches on the exit and shoots once more, however Braga circles away. Khizriev connects with a number of extra strikes earlier than the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Khizriev.
Spherical 2 – Khizriev stays aggressive, going first in placing exchanges. Braga lands a stable proper hand. Khizriev stays gentle on his ft, darting out and in with single strikes. Braga stays affected person as he hunts for openings, however important motion begins to stall and the group will get stressed. Khizriev doubles up the jab as he circles and continues to guide the motion. Braga swings with hooks however comes up with air. Issues warmth up within the remaining 10 seconds with an intense change that sees Braga join and causes Khizriev to stumble.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Khizriev.
Spherical 3 – Khizriev comes out aggressively with a takedown try. Braga defends nicely and will get on the hunt on the ft. Khizriev is out and in with strikes. Braga practically journeys him up with an outdoor kick. Just a few moments later, Braga lands a stable kick to the physique. Khizriev responds with a fast 1-2. Khizriev rips one other fast combo simply as the group pours in a number of extra boos. A Khizriev takedown is stuffed. Placing exchanges begin to warmth up once more with a minute to go. Each fighters land, however nothing important to alter the battle.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Khizriev, giving him the battle 30-27.
Outcome: Timur Khizriev def. Gabriel Braga through cut up choice (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)Data: Braga (14-2), Khizriev (17-0)Division: FeatherweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Vitor ShaolinPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
Shamil Musaev vs. Murad Ramazanov
Spherical 1 – Ramazanov pressures from the middle early. Musaev will get the motion began with leg kicks. Musaev seems to be for a left hook. Ramazanov shoots, however can’t get the battle to the mat because of Musaev exhibiting off glorious takedown protection. A few punches from Musaev on the exit. Ramazanov shoots once more and will get sprawled. One other takedown try from Ramazanov and this time he’s profitable. Musaev will get to his ft rapidly, however Ramazanov retains the physique lock and the wrestling continues. Musaev separates, however Ramazanov instantly shoots for a single that will get stopped. Musaev throws a wild wheel kick that catches air as Ramazanov geese underneath. Musaev shakes off one other takedown try and throws punches till the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Musaev.
Spherical 2 – Musaev makes an attempt a spinning kick simply as Ramazanov closes in to shoot. The wrestling battle towards the cage is on once more. Musaev scrambles to a reversal and takes prime place. Ramazanov will get to his ft as Musaev controls the again alongside the fence. Musaev sneaks in a number of quick strikes. Ramazanov turns round and Musaev takes him to the mat. Punches from the highest from Musaev now. Musaev tries to get a crucifix, however Ramazanov is ready to scramble to his ft. Musaev lands a quick combo on the exit. Ramazanov shoots with a number of seconds left and is denied.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Musaev.
Spherical 3 – Ramazanov seems to be for the takedown and may’t get it. Musaev fires off a few punches because the tempo slows. A pleasant mixture from Musaev now. Ramazanov is denied one other takedown. Musaev fires off one other sequence of punches as he circles on the surface. Ramazanov seems to be for an overhand proper however can’t join. Musaev will get a clinch and dumps Ramazanov. They rapidly return to the ft, and the clinch battle continues. The referee pauses the battle to warn Ramazanov about grabbing the gloves. On the restart, Musaev lands punches earlier than yet one more clinch earlier than the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Musaev, giving him the battle 30-27.
Outcome: Shamil Musaev def. Murad Ramazanov through unanimous choice (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)Data: Musaev (19-0-1), Ramazanov (12-2)Division: WelterweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Mario YamasakiPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
Mukhamed Berkhamov vs. Ray Cooper III
Spherical 1 – Cooper pressures ahead early, with Berkhamov circling on the surface. Berkhamov provides leg kicks and Cooper closes in for a takedown try. Berkhamov reverses and escapes. Now it’s Berkhamov with a degree change. He will get Cooper down, however he instantly will get up. They reset within the heart, and Cooper fees in and dumps Berkhamov to the mat. Cooper takes prime place in half guard. Cooper seems to be for floor and pound, however Berkhamov scrambles free. Berkhamov will get a good Thai clinch and drills a sequence of massive knees to the pinnacle and physique. Cooper someway doesn’t appear phased on the separation. Berkhamov steps in with a knee, and that one harm Cooper. They change punches, and Cooper cracks with a giant one! Cooper will get a takedown proper on the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Berkhamov.
Spherical 2 – Berkhamov works on the surface, pawing out proper arms and leg kicks. Cooper seems to be to land a proper hand as he feints degree modifications. Berkhamov goes for a takedown however is brushed away. Berkhamov facet kicks to the knee. Cooper seems to be for a giant overhand left. Berkhamov kicks to the physique Berkhamov seems to be for one more single leg, however Cooper isn’t having it. Berkhamov will get again to pumping out the best jab. Cooper lands an uppercut earlier than the top of a slower-paced Spherical 2.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Berkhamov.
Spherical 3 – Berkhamov comes out seeking to come up with Cooper instantly, however can’t management him. Berkhamov retains his arms excessive as he stands in punching vary and Cooper pops his head again with a giant proper hand. Berkhamov shoots in an will get a takedown. Cooper rapidly will get up, however Berkhamov sticks with him and pulls him again down. Berkhamov tries to safe again mount as Cooper stands once more. Berkhamov will get a leg wrapped up and pulls the battle again right down to the mat. Cooper powers up, however is tripped once more. Lastly, Cooper totally will get up and separated with 20 seconds left. Berkhamov lands a number of punches earlier than the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Berkhamov, giving him the battle 30-27.
Outcome: Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Ray Cooper III through cut up choice (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)Data: Berkhamov (17-2), Cooper III (25-11-1)Division: WelterweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Fernando YamasakiPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
Enrique Barzola vs. Tyler Diamond
Spherical 1 – Diamond will get issues began working behind a repeated left jab. Woah! Diamond cracks Barzola with a giant punch and Barzola goes down! Diamond rushes in to observe up as Barzola rapidly will get again to his ft. Diamond stays regular with strain, however Barzola recovers and lands a pleasant mixture. Now Barzola begins mounting offense. Diamond responds with a pleasant proper hand that catches Barzola off-balance. Barzola seems to be for a takedown however is sprawled. Diamond lands one other huge proper hand earlier than the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Diamond.
Spherical 2 – Diamond seems to be for an early takedown, getting Barzola right down to a knee towards the fence. Barzola escapes, however Diamond comes ahead and will get again on the hips. He drops for a single leg however will get sprawled. Barzola seems to be for a Thai clinch and eats a proper hand on the exit. Diamond seems to be to clinch once more, however can’t get it. Now they’re buying and selling punches within the heart. Diamond in on the hips once more, getting Barzola to a knee, however he scrambles up. Again to buying and selling punches. It’s Barzola with an enormous left hand! Diamond is wobbled badly and appears for the panic takedown! Barzola unloads punches on the bottom whereas Diamond holds on to a single, however he survives to listen to the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Barzola.
Spherical 3 – Barzola comes out firing and Diamond shoots in. It’s sprawled properly, and Barzola threatens a choke. They’re again to standing and each are throwing punches. Barzola knocks out Diamond’s mouthpiece and the ref enable him to get it again. One other takedown from Diamond is stuffed. Barzola punches from the highest whereas Diamond holds on to the one leg. He seems to be to the ref for a stoppage, however they’re not damaging sufficient. Diamond scrambles to get Barzola down for a second, however he rapidly will get again to standing. Just a few punches, and now it’s Barzola capturing in. Diamond reverses, they usually find yourself again on the ft. Barzola shoots once more, this time getting Diamond down and punches from the highest till the ultimate horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Barzola, giving him the battle 29-28.
Outcome: Enrique Barzola def. Tyler Diamond through unanimous choice (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)Data: Barzola (21-9-2), Diamond (14-4)Division: FeatherweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Vitor ShaolinPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
Jose Perez vs. Jesse Stirn
Spherical 1 – Perez comes out pressuring ahead as Stirn seems to be to land early leg kicks. Large overhand proper from Perez is partially blocked. A tough kick to the physique not far behind it. Stirn circles and provides entrance kicks to the physique. He then catches a Perez kick and fires considered one of his personal to the physique. A stiff jab lands for Stirn. Perez steps in with a tough inside leg kick, and a short clinch follows. Each discover success with punches and kicks as they change, masking all sides of the cage. Perez places collectively a pleasant 3-punch combo. In a clinch, Perez digs in a knee to the physique, and will get a pleasant takedown proper on the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Perez.
Spherical 2 – We’re proper again to the placing exchanges at a excessive tempo as Perez controls from the middle. Leg kicks are traded as Perez tries to shut the gap. A giant proper hand connects for Perez, knocking Stirn off stability. Stirn pops proper again up, and Perez turns up the strain. Working behind a left jab, Perez provides quick strikes. Stirn lands with a stiff calf kick that causes Perez to stumble down. Perez will get up and shakes it off, and Stirn rushes in for a takedown. He doesn’t get it, and Perez will get again to controlling the middle. The motion is even sooner now. Stirn push kicks to the physique, however Perez nonetheless comes ahead and lands a pleasant knee. Perez finds a clinch a clinch and jumps on a guillotine, then transitions to an arm triangle on the bottom, however the horn sounds.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Perez.
Spherical 3 – Placing exchanges proceed instantly. Each are touchdown punches and kicks, however nothing of actual substance as they circle across the cage. There’s a giant proper hand from Perez. Stirn simply misses with a leaping knee and Perez clinches into the cage. Stirn will get free, resets, and simply misses once more, this time with a giant punch. Perez is on the clinch once more and is profitable with the takedown. He takes the again and threatens a submission, however Stirn turns to forestall it. Perez tries to posture as much as land punches with Stirn’s wrist trapped behind his again. Perez lastly will get some floor and punches within the remaining 10 seconds.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Perez, giving him the battle 30-27.
Outcome: Jose Perez def. Jesse Stirn through unanimous choice (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)Data: Perez (9-1), Stirn (16-7)Division: FeatherweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Mario YamasakiPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
Kent Mafileo vs. Maxwell Djantou Nana
Spherical 1 – Djantou Nana comes out firing punches after a glove contact. Mafileo is sport for the early exchanges and returns strikes of his personal. Djantou Nana provides a number of highly effective, damaging leg kicks as he pressures ahead. Mafileo places collectively a pleasant mixture of punches to the pinnacle. One other laborious kick to the lead leg by Djantou Nana. Mafileo begins to maneuver ahead, however will get poked within the eye in an change. There’s a brief pause, and Djantou Nana digs in additional leg kicks on the restart. Mafileo lands one other stable punching combo.
MMA Junkie scores the spherical 10-9 for Djantou Nana.
Spherical 2 – Kicks fly early from Djantou Nana to the legs, however misses with a head try. Mafileo closes the gap with punches as Djantou Nana circles away. Djantou Nana rushes ahead and simply bulldozes Mafileo to the canvas. He swarms with floor and pound, inflicting the ref to step in shut, however Mafileo escapes again to his ft. Djantou Nana instantly will get one other takedown, however opts to let Mafileo again to his ft. Djantou Nana retains with the ahead strain as Mafileo seems to be to land a left hook. Mafileo catches a kick, however Djantou Nana rapidly will get his stability and resets. Quick 1-2 from Djantou Nana. Mafileo lands a stable left hand. Djantou Nana begins working the physique with laborious punches. BANG! A giant proper hand upstairs from Djantou Nana sends Mafileo timbering to the mat! It’s over!
Outcome: Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Kent Mafileo through TKO (punches) – Spherical 2, 4:50Recap: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3 video: Maxwell Djantou Nana lands hammerfist from the heavens for KORecords: Djantou Nana (6-1), Mafileo (6-2)Division: HeavyweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Jason HerzogPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
Shido Boris Esperanca vs. Tyler Hill
Spherical 1 – Hill seems to be to seek out the vary with leg kicks, however Esperanca simply blitzes ahead with hooks like a maniac! He’s swinging for the fences on this wild barrage. Hill manages to not get clipped, however Esperanca will get a takedown and clamps on an arm triangle choke. It’s not there, and he’s again to working from facet management. Esperanca begins chaining submission makes an attempt as Hill simply tries to outlive. Now Esperanca postures up from the again, raining down laborious punches. Hill can’t enhance his place, and there it’s! Dominant first-round TKO stoppage for Esperanca.
The ref has seen sufficient! A Profitable PFL debut for the “Machine”
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 23, 2024
Outcome: Shido Boris Esperanca def. Tyler Hill through TKO (punches) – Spherical 1, 3:31Records: Esperanca (9-1), Hill (12-9)Division: WelterweightBroadcast: ESPN+Referee: Fernando YamasakiPhotos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Greatest photographs from Washington
2024 PFL Playoffs 3 weigh-ins gallery
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Pictures: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3 weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs
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