CONNECTICUT: The Professional Fighters League resumed on Thursday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, with an 11-fight card in the men’s heavyweight and women’s flyweight divisions, that featured eight athletes earning 2024 PFL Playoff berths.
In the evening’s co-main event, Dakota Ditcheva defeated Chelsea Hackett by first-round knockout in a women’s flyweight bout.
Ditcheva remained undefeated at 12-0 with 10 knockouts, and clinched the top playoff spot in the division.
Valentin Moldavsky entered the PFL SmartCage in a highly anticipated trilogy matchup against Linton Vassell. After three punishing rounds, Vassell earned a split decision victory and is now 2-1 against his foe. Although he did not win, Moldavsky also heads to the 2024 PFL Global Season Playoffs.
Also in the heavyweight division, Denis Golstov defeated Thiago Santos by first-round technical knockout, to punch his ticket to his fifth PFL playoff.
In women’s flyweight action, former Bellator champion Liz Carmouche and Kana Watanabe squared off in an exciting rematch. The contest was even going into the third round and looked to be headed to the judges’ scorecards before Carmouche locked in an armbar submission with eight seconds remaining.
Said PFL CEO Peter Murray: “The 2024 PFL Global Season resumed this evening with the highest of stakes as the heavyweight and women’s flyweight divisions looked to secure 2024 PFL Global Playoff berths and continue their million-dollar journeys.
“The PFL is the only organization in which the athletes and fans know what is needed to advance, which provides for the best action and unparalleled synergy with the audience.”
Ray Sefo, president of fighter operations at the PFL, said: “Tonight in Connecticut we saw our world-class PFL athletes fight their way to the PFL Playoffs. We look forward to next week’s action in Salt Lake City. It is officially time to win or go home.”
Taila Santos and Jena Bishop met in women’s flyweight action, with both having a viable shot at a berth in the 2024 PFL Playoffs. Both women left it all in the PFL SmartCage for three rounds, with Santos winning by split decision.
Oleg Popov defeated Davion Franklin by unanimous decision in a heavyweight clash, and extended his winning streak to 16, the longest in mixed martial arts.
Marcelo Golm and Tyrell Fortune duked it out in heavyweight action, with the bout going the distance. Fortune took the unanimous decision win and secured three points in the season standings.
Flyweights Ilara Joanne and Shanna Young traded blows for three rounds, but it was Joanne who won via unanimous decision.
In heavyweight action, Tim Johnson made quick work of Danilo Marques with a first-round technical knockout. Johnson is now 18-9 with 10 knockouts. Johnson, who took the fight on short notice, earned six points.
In an exciting flyweight bout, Juliana Velasquez used her striking prowess to beat Lisa Mauldin by technical knockout in the second round. Velasquez is now 13-3 with five knockouts.
Kicking off the night, Sumiko Inaba defeated Saray Orozco by split decision in a women’s flyweight bout. Inaba moved her career record to 7-1 in her PFL debut.
The 2024 PFL Global Season continues Friday, June 21, from Salt Lake City, Utah, with light-heavyweight and lightweight action across ESPN platforms in the US and via DAZN in Canada and Europe.
