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Hollywood, FL – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continued to deliver electrifying MMA action at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, as part of the 2024 PFL Global Playoffs. The event, held on August 16, 2024, featured high-stakes semifinal matchups in the Light Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions, where fighters battled for a coveted spot in the PFL World Championship and a chance to win $1 million.
In the night’s main event, Light Heavyweight contender Impa Kasanganay once again showcased his dominance, securing a unanimous decision victory over Josh Silveira. With this win, Kasanganay has earned his second straight appearance in the PFL World Championship, setting his sights on another world title and million-dollar prize.
The co-main event saw Dovlet Yagshimuradov take on Rob Wilkinson in another Light Heavyweight semifinal. Yagshimuradov emerged victorious with a unanimous decision, becoming the first fighter from Turkmenistan to advance to the PFL World Championship. He will face Kasanganay in what promises to be a thrilling showdown for the Light Heavyweight crown.
In the Lightweight division, Brent Primus punched his ticket to the PFL World Championship by defeating 2023 finalist Clay Collard. The bout went the distance, with Primus securing a unanimous decision victory. He will face Gadzhi Rabadanov, who earned his spot in the final with a second-round knockout of Michael Dufort. Rabadanov’s victory marked his ninth consecutive win, setting up an intriguing matchup against Primus for the Lightweight title.
“Tonight, we witnessed four incredible athletes continue their journey toward PFL gold,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “The 2024 PFL Playoffs have been nothing short of spectacular, and we look forward to the final playoff event on August 23 in Washington, D.C.”
The evening also featured several exciting showcase bouts. In the opening main card fight, Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, made a statement with a first-round knockout of Brian Stapleton, just 55 seconds into the bout. This victory marks another step forward in Ali Walsh’s promising MMA career.
Other notable performances included Danny Sabatello and Lazaro Dayron’s Bantamweight showdown, which ended in a majority draw after a closely contested battle. Mads Burnell continued his winning ways in a Lightweight showcase, defeating Elvin Espinoza by unanimous decision. Meanwhile, Thad Jean kept his undefeated record intact, earning a unanimous decision victory over Chris Brown in a Welterweight clash.
Featherweight standout Jordan Oliver also impressed, securing a unanimous decision win over Braydon Akeo, while New Zealand’s Michelle Montague dominated Marilia Morais, winning by first-round submission in their Women’s Featherweight bout.
(Brawl between Brendan Allen and Martin Vetorri)
The 2024 PFL Playoffs will conclude on August 23 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., where the remaining semifinalists in the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions will compete for their chance at a spot in the PFL World Championship. The event will be broadcast across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and on DAZN in Canada and Europe, reaching fans in 160 countries worldwide.
Complete Results
Main Card:
Light Heavyweight Semifinal: Impa Kasanganay def. Josh Silveira via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Light Heavyweight Semifinal: Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Rob Wilkinson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lightweight Semifinal: Brent Primus def. Clay Collard via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Catchweight Showcase: Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Brian Stapleton via 1st round KO (0:55)
Early Card:
Bantamweight Showcase: Danny Sabatello vs. Lazaro Dayron ended in a majority draw (29-27 Sabatello, 28-28, 28-28)
Lightweight Alternate: Mads Burnell def. Elvin Espinoza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight Showcase: Thad Jean def. Chris Brown via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Featherweight Showcase: Jordan Oliver def. Braydon Akeo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Women’s Featherweight Showcase: Michelle Montague def. Marilia Morais via 1st round submission (1:44, rear-naked choke)
The PFL continues to revolutionize MMA with its unique sports-season format, where fighters compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship each year. With an expansive global vision, the PFL is building the "Champions League of MMA" and advancing innovation with its proprietary SmartCage technology, powering advanced fight analytics, real-time betting, and AI-driven scoring.
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