Preview: 2022 PFL Championships

Heavyweight Championship

Ante Delija (22-5, 6-2 PFL) vs. Matheus Scheffel (17-8, 2-1 PFL)

ODDS: Delija (-240), Scheffel (+190)

After coming up short against Bruno Cappelozza in the 2021 final, Delija gets another opportunity at $1 million against an upstart opponent he defeated earlier in the season. Scheffel has shown improvement since that loss, earning victories over Capelozza and UFC veteran Juan Adams to punch his ticket to the championship. Still, Delija enters the matchup as a sizable favorite based on the previous result and his advantages in several key areas.

In their first meeting, Delija showcased his edge in power by dropping Scheffel twice—once in the first round and again in the second to set up the finishing sequence of ground-and-pound on the canvas. While Scheffel has solid hands and is typically eager to force a brawl, he was tentative early against Delija, perhaps due to the threat of the takedown. He was also susceptible to the counter after throwing kicks, an opening the Croatian fully exploited. Scheffel was taken down on multiple occasions in Round 1, though to his credit he was able to return to his feet.

Scheffel will undoubtedly be looking to make adjustments in the rematch, but everything hinges on his ability to remain upright. A standup battle evens the odds somewhat, though Delija still seems to have a more durable chin—Scheffel has six KO/TKO defeats on his ledger—and heavier hands. Expect the Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic protege to close the distance, where he can force clinches, execute takedowns and land ground-and-pound from top position. Even if Scheffel can deny some of the attempts or work his way back up, the approach will gradually take its toll on the Dana White’s Contender Series alum. Delija by KO/TKO is the pick.

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Harrison vs. Pacheco
Loughnane vs. Jenkins
Delija vs. Scheffel
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Ladd vs. Budd
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Wilkinson vs. Akhmedov
The Prelims