Preview: PFL 2 2024

Light Heavyweight

Antonio Carlos Jr. (15-5, 5-0 PFL) vs. Simon Biyong (9-3, 0-0 PFL)

ODDS: Carlos Jr. (-260), Biyong (+200)

Another former PFL champion makes his long-awaited return on the main card. The Brazilian submission artist had shown flashes of brilliance in wins over Eddie Gordon, Marvin Vettori and Tim Boetsch, but his lack of punching power capped his stock in the UFC. Luckily for “Cara de Sapato” (Portuguese for “Shoe Face”), signing with the PFL in 2021 was the best decision of his career. The American Top Team product won the light heavyweight tournament in his first season. With $1 million in his pocket, he stormed back into the semifinals the following season for the opportunity to double up. However, an ACL injury would sideline him for nearly two years. With Carlos back in action, the division gains another confident contender who has not tasted defeat in the PFL and knows what it takes to win it all.

Biyong is an action figure who came to life. The 6-foot-6 Italian giant looks like Michelangelo himself chiseled his abs, and he has the power to turn opponents to stone. However, a large frame and a big punch will only take you so far. Biyong has been bested on the ground and the feet by more innovative, slicker fighters, and his confidence needs a boost after losing to Jose Augusto in his last fight. Biyong went 2-2 in Bellator and made little noise, but like Carlos, the PFL could be the fresh start he needs. This could be the most prominent clash of styles on the card. On one side stands a fighter who has never knocked out an opponent, and on the other lies a man who has zero submissions on his ledger. If Carlos can withstand Biyong’s assault on his feet early, he should be able to take the fight to the mat and make him suffer. However, a two-layoff could make Carlos’ chin ripe for the picking.

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Kasanganay vs. Polizzi
Wilkinson vs. Breese
Collard vs. Freire
Burnell vs. Dufort
Sy vs. Silveira
Yagshimuradov vs. Nedoh
Carlos Jr. vs. Biyong
The Prelims