Preview: PFL 3 2024

Featherweights

Brendan Loughnane (26-5, 9-2 PFL) vs. Pedro Carvalho (13-8, 0-0 PFL)

ODDS: Loughnane (-505), Carvalho (+380)

Loughnane, the 2022 PFL featherweight champion, was on a tear heading into last season before Jesus Pinedo starched him in the first round. Do not expect the Manchester, England, native to get gun-shy, though. Loughnane did not chalk up 14 career knockouts by playing it safe, and he is willing to use his striking skills against anybody in the field. Loughnane is a PFL staple and eager to get his hands on the new faces from Bellator, but his history in the organization gives him confidence against familiar foes like Bubba Jenkins and Chris Wade. Carvalho, meanwhile, has dealt with inconsistency throughout his career but routinely competes against the best. During his five years in Bellator, Carvalho locked horns against Patricio Freire, Jay-Jay Wilson, Mads Burnell, Jeremy Kennedy and Aaron Pico. The SBG Ireland combatant has some of the best jiu-jitsu in the gym but has not locked up a submission in over four years.

This fight comes at a crossroads for both men. Loughnane and Carvalho could use the momentum, with both coming off losses. With that said, this is the perfect matchup for a fighter like Loughnane. Carvalho is a game opponent but routinely falls short against the best strikers. Loughnane once dispatched Marlon Moraes with leg kicks and sent Jenkins to the shadow realm, but Carvalho is not thought to be on their level. If Loughnane presses this fight, it might not make it out of the first round.

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The Prelims