What we discovered — and had been shocked by — at PFL 2
Marc RaimondiESPN
The Skilled Fighters League kicked off two of its deepest 2019 divisions — light-weight and featherweight — on Thursday night time. And issues didn’t disappoint. Natan Schulte and Lance Palmer, the defending champions at 155 and 145 kilos, respectively, each began off with victories. Movlid Khaibulaev pulled off the quickest knockout in PFL historical past (10 seconds). And there have been 4 first-round finishes in 10 fights.
There was a lot to absorb from PFL 2, so listed below are some ideas on the night time’s large questions.
Is featherweight a two-horse race once more between Palmer and Andre Harrison?
Possibly not. Palmer, who took dwelling the $1 million examine final season, and Harrison, who completed as runner-up, are literally behind within the standings after the primary night time of 145-pound competitors. Khaibulaev landed probably the most violent jumping-knee knockouts you may ever see, taking out Damon Jackson in simply 10 seconds — the quickest KO in PFL historical past. That first-round end earned him six factors. And Luis Rafael Laurentino additionally obtained six factors by starching Jeremy Kennedy with a head-kick KO within the first spherical.
Palmer and Harrison each received by choice, incomes them three factors.
Neither of them regarded spectacular, however that is OK. A PFL season is a marathon, not a dash. With their wrestling capability — and sheer talent in getting the combat to the place they need it — these two guys are nonetheless the favorites on paper to be there on the finish. However you’ll be able to’t rely out these aforementioned names and their unimaginable finishes, both.
Lance Palmer obtained his hand raised, however the 2018 featherweight champion’s win didn’t put him in first place. PFL
Who impressed you most within the light-weight division?
Let’s get this half out of the way in which shortly: Schulte remains to be among the best fighters on the earth who has but to actually penetrate the consciousness of followers. The Brazilian received the $1 million PFL championship in 2018, but it surely nonetheless appears like he is unheralded as he tries to defend that throne this 12 months.
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Schulte received by way of first-round submission over Bao Yincang and regarded wonderful. He is the favourite to win once more, little question.
Nevertheless, probably the most spectacular efficiency within the 155-pound division Thursday was by Akhmed Aliev in his PFL debut. Oh, man, that man is nice. The pace of the overhand proper that he used to take Carlao Silva off his ft was uncanny. After which his machine-gun mixtures to complete the job had been downright horrifying. Energy and precision. The Russian “Butcher” is one to observe this season.
Which fighter who misplaced at PFL 2 should not be counted out?
Loik Radzhabov. No fighter regarded higher Thursday night time in a dropping efficiency, particularly given the competitors: Rashid Magomedov. Radzhabov was crushed by Magomedov for many of the three rounds, however he saved the strain on all through and was very efficient at occasions. It is clear he has strong wrestling, respectable putting and a willingness to get hit and preserve coming.
Magomedov, the UFC veteran and 2018 PFL light-weight runner-up, had his arms full with the Tajikistan native. The gang on Lengthy Island was even getting behind Radzhabov, chanting “Loik! Loik!” He will shock individuals this season.
Luis Rafael Laurentino pulled off one of many night time’s surprises with a head kick that led to a end of Jeremy Kennedy. PFL
What was the largest shock of the night time?
Laurentino. Kennedy was as a lot as a -450 favourite to beat the Brazilian. Kennedy got here in 13-1, together with a Three-1 mark within the UFC. His lone UFC loss? Alexander Volkanovski, who figures to combat for the UFC featherweight title earlier than the 12 months is up. Kennedy’s contract expired in 2018 and, for no matter purpose, the UFC determined to not convey him again. So, the Canadian went and received twice in Courageous CF earlier than coming to PFL for this season.
He was imagined to be — and nonetheless may very well be — a power within the 145-pound season. However Laurentino had different plans Thursday night time. He caught Kennedy in an trade with a quick-as-a-whip left head kick, then completed with a flurry on the bottom. Afterward, Kennedy was so out of it, he was making an attempt to place referee Yves Lavigne in a leg lock, considering the combat was nonetheless going. That was scary stuff.
Laurentino pulled off the massive upset and appears to have the explosiveness and energy to make issues attention-grabbing shifting ahead.