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The 2024 PFL Playoffs reach their finale in Washington, D.C., as The Anthem hosts the decisive "win or go home" event. This installment features the top four fighters in the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions, all vying for a shot at the PFL World Championship and $1 million prize. With past champions no longer in the mix, the stage is set for new contenders to emerge victorious.
Welterweight Division:
Just three men have dominated the Welterweight division over the past five years: Magomed Magomedkerimov (2018, 2023), Ray Cooper III (2019, 2021), and Sadibou Sy (2022). With all three champions out of the picture, a new titleholder will be crowned in 2024.
Semifinal Matchups:
Magomed "Prince" Umalatov vs. Neiman Gracie: Undefeated Russian standout Magomed Umalatov (16-0) makes his long-awaited playoff debut after being forced to withdraw in the last two seasons. Thirteen of Umalatov's 16 wins are finishes, and he's now 7-0 in the PFL with four stoppages. He faces Brazilian submission specialist Neiman Gracie, a BJJ black belt with nine submission wins among his 13 career victories. Gracie steps in for the injured Don Madge and will be making his PFL Playoffs debut.
Shamil Musaev vs. Murad Ramazanov: Undefeated Russian Shamil Musaev (18-0-1) takes on Murad Ramazanov in a rematch from the 2024 Regular Season, where Musaev handed Ramazanov his first career loss. Musaev has finished 13 of his 18 career victories, and both his PFL wins have come by knockout. Ramazanov, now 12-1-1, seeks redemption in this high-stakes rematch.
Featherweight Division:
The Featherweight division is set to crown a new champion in 2024, with 2023 PFL Featherweight Champion Jesus Pinedo not competing this season.
Semifinal Matchups:
Brendan Loughnane vs. Kai Kamaka: The 2022 PFL Featherweight Champion Brendan Loughnane is trying to reclaim his title after missing the playoffs last year. Loughnane, now 11-2 in the PFL, is known for his striking prowess, with 16 of his 29 wins coming by knockout. He faces Bellator veteran Kai Kamaka, who earned his playoff spot with unanimous decision victories over Bubba Jenkins and Pedro Carvalho. Kamaka, riding a five-fight winning streak, is making his postseason debut.
Gabriel Braga vs. Timur Khizriev: 2023 PFL Featherweight Runner-Up Gabriel Braga is back in the semifinals, motivated by the tragic loss of his father earlier this year. Braga began his career with a 12-0 record before falling to Jesus Pinedo in the 2023 Championship. He faces undefeated Dagestani Timur “Imam” Khizriev, who enters the postseason with a perfect 16-0 record. Khizriev’s disciplined style has led him to 12 decision wins and a 3-0 record in Bellator.
Showcase Bouts:
In addition to the playoff action, two showcase bouts feature fighters who will be part of the inaugural PFL Africa roster launching in 2025.
Shido Boris Esperança vs. Tyler Hill (Welterweight): Angola's Shido Boris Esperança, a former WSC Welterweight Champion, makes his PFL debut against Tyler Hill. Esperança, who grew up in Spain and fights out of Luanda, Angola, is riding a two-fight winning streak. Hill, a veteran fighter with experience in Bellator and Dana White’s Contender Series, returns to the PFL after last competing in 2021.
Maxwell Djantou Nana vs. Kent Mafileo (Heavyweight): Cameroonian striker Maxwell Djantou Nana, a former Combat Sambo World Champion, makes his PFL debut against Utah's Kent Mafileo. Nana, who fights out of Douala, Cameroon, is on a five-fight winning streak, while Mafileo, who grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the current FFC Heavyweight Champion.
As the 2024 PFL Playoffs come to a thrilling conclusion, the stage is set for new champions to emerge, and the future stars of PFL Africa to make their mark on the global stage. With so much at stake, these matchups promise to deliver action-packed bouts as the fighters look to cement their legacies in PFL history.
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