Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream the PFL and UFC on
ESPN+ live on your computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via
the ESPN app.
Sherdog's live
2019 PFL Championship coverage will begin at 7 p.m. ET.
Check out the
MMA
Forums to discuss the card or enter your comments and
predictions below.
Round 1
The featherweights touch gloves and this showcase bout is underway.
Loughnane is beginning by feeding a steady diet of low kicks to his
opponent. The Englishman alternates between inside and outside low
kicks before having a high kick blocked. A long right hand connects
for Loughnane. Duarte is switching stances on occasion as Loughnane
continues to work the lead leg. The Contender Series alum stalks
Duarte and lands a pair of solid right hands near the cage.
Loughane goes with a side kick to the body followed by a liver
kick, then finishes with a solid right. Duarte lands a hook to
briefly back his opponent up. Loughnane is really mixing up his
kicking attack, as he goes to a spinning back kick to the
midsection. The combatants clinch after a Loughnane high kick is
blocked, but they quickly separate. Loughnane lands a nice one-two
during an exchange, while Duarte struggles to find the range on his
punches. 10-9 Loughnane.
Round 2
Loughnane takes the center of the cage and attacks with a kick to
the body followed by another low kick. Loughnane lands a low kick
and then sticks Duarte with a jab. Loughnane is effective with a
low kick-left jab combination. Moments later, a right hand
connects. Loughnane backs up Duarte with another right hand.
Loughnane finds the range with a kick to the body. Duarte,
meanwhile, is struggling to pull the trigger against his opponent’s
multi-faceted offense. A straight left lands for Duarte, but he
can’t follow up on that success. Loughnane launches a flying knee,
then exits the clinch with a left hand moments later. Loughnane is
really pressuring in the final 30 seconds, and Duarte shoots for a
telegraphed takedown attempt that the English fighter easily
avoids. Loughnane lands another right hand before the frame
concludes. 10-9 Loughnane.
Round 3
Loughnane lands a jab behind a blocked high kick at the outset.
Duarte is throwing punches in more volume early, but he’s largely
whiffing. A left hook from Duarte lands on Loughnane’s ear.
Loughnane catches a kick and trips Duare to the mat near the fence
about a minute into the round. Loughnane goes to work in his
opponent’s half guard, landing some ground-and-pound before
standing and allowing Duarte to return to his feet. Loughnane keeps
the pressure on and lands a body kick. Duarte is winging hooks but
isn’t landing much. A one-two connects for Loughnane, who follows
up with a body kick. A low kick precedes a two-punch combination
from Loughane, and the English fighter remains in total control.
Duarte attempts to counter a body kick but again can’t find the
range. Loughane ducks under a punch and lands a takedown with about
a minute left in the contest. From half guard, Loughane does a nice
job creating space to land some ground-and-pound. Duarte’s
mouthpiece pops out with 20 seconds to go. Loughnane ends the fight
attacking from top position. 10-9 Loughnane (30-27 Loughnane).
The Official Result
Brendan Loughnane def. David Alex Duarte via Unanimous Decision
(30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
Round 1
Gilpin is a replacement for Daniel Pineda, who was removed from the
finals due to a pending disciplinary hearing for a failed drug test
in relation to his PFL playoff victories in October. It’s a
tentative beginning as both featherweights hunt for an opening.
Gilpin is pressuring and pokes Palmer in the left eye during an
exchange. The action is halted and he’ll be examined by a
physician. Palmer checks out and the fight resumes. Gilpin throws a
couple high kicks, which creates an opening for Palmer to land a
powerful takedown in the center of the cage. Palmer immediately
passes to side control. Gilpin reverses the position and
transitions to a north-south choke. Palmer is able to escape, but
now Gilpin is on top in side control. Palmer explodes to his feet
in a scramble, using an underhook to shove Gilpin off of him.
Palmer backs Gilpin up with a pair of left hands. The defending
check counters a kick with another left hand. Gilpin attempts a
flying knee and is taken down near the fence. Gilpin briefly
threatens with a guillotine, but Palmer negates it and assumes side
control. “The Party” drops some left hands from top position as the
round winds down. Gilpin can’t scramble up before the horn. 10-9
Palmer.
Round 2
Palmer presses forward and lands a left hand. Another two lefts
land for Palmer as he attempts to combat Gilpin’s pressure. Palmer
shoots for a double leg, pulls his man off the fence and lands in
side control. Gilpin recovers full guard, then scrambles to his
feet. A body kick connects for Gilpin. Palmer changes levels and
gets another takedown, but Gilpin is immediately threatening with a
choke. Palmer escapes and sets up shop in his opponent’s full
guard. Palmer lands three punches to the ribs before attacking the
head. Gilpin looks to create space with his guard, but Palmer dives
back into top position. Palmer stands near the fence, and he drives
Gilpin against the fence when he stands. Gilpin is able to turn off
the fence and land a pair of knees to the body. Moments later
Palmer gets another takedown and assumes top control with less than
30 seconds remaining. Palmer lands some shots to the body before
the bell sounds. 10-9 Palmer.
Round 3
Gilpin again takes the center of the cage, but he eats a lead right
hook from Palmer as he attempts to close the distance. Gilpin
shoots for a double leg against the fence, but Palmer counters with
a crotch-lift and dumps his opponent to the canvas. Now it’s Palmer
on top again, floating over Gilpin’s guard as he lands punches to
the ribs. Gilpin attempts to kick Palmer off him, but “The Party”
dives right back on top. Gilpin continues to attempt to push off
with his legs, but Palmer’s top pressure is relentless. Gilpin
looks to sit up near the fence, but Palmer takes full mount briefly
before his foe recovers guard. Palmer has been stifling this round.
Palmer postures up and lands a left hand. Palmer mixes up his shots
to the head and body as time ticks down. Gilpin has now answers as
the period draws to a close. 10-9 Palmer.
Round 4
Gilpin immediately pressures forward and is taken down within 15
seconds. Palmer sets up in his adversary’s full guard, where he has
been for much of this fight. Gilpin is doing his best to land
punches from his back, but they don’t have much power behind them.
Another scramble ensues, and again Palmer retakes top position at
its conclusion. They scoot toward the cage, where Palmer attempts
to pass to side control. Gilpin quickly recovers guard. Gilpin
attempts to use the fence to stand, but Palmer drags him right back
down. Gilpin utilizes a butterfly guard, but Palmer continues to
smother. Gilpin is up to a knee but is put down on his back in a
matter of seconds. Palmer passes to half guard, landing short
punches as the round draws to a close. 10-9 Palmer.
Round 5
Gilpin lands a right hand to counter an inside leg kick from
Palmer. Palmer lands a glancing right hand and moments later plants
Gilpin on his back — this time about 45 seconds into the round.
Palmer is in side control for a moment before Gilpin recovers full
guard. Palmer is staying heavy on top while landing occasional
short punches to the body and head. Palmer passes to side control
after Gilpin attempts to force a scramble. Palmer drops some left
hands to the head of his opponent as he maintains side control.
Gilpin battles and regains full guard, but he’ll need to do more
with two minutes left in the fight. Palmer continues to grind away,
as a repeat as PFL featherweight champion is well within his grasp.
Gilpin is still trying to stay active, but Palmer remains
relentless with his top pressure. Palmer passes back to side
control with 30 seconds left. Palmer fires off a few more left
hands to the head and that’s where the fight will end. 10-9 Palmer
(50-45 Palmer).
The Official Result
Lance Palmer def. Alex Gilpin via Unanimous Decision (50-43, 50-44,
50-44) R5 5:00
Round 1
Schulte lands a low leg kick and Radzhabov attacks with a punching
combination. Radzhabov again counters a low kick with a heavy
combination. Radzhabov lands a heavy leg kick. Radzhabov continues
to move forward, landing combinations. Schulte answers with a hard
low kick. Schulte is picking at the legs of his foe, but so far
Radzhabov continues to attack. Suddenly, Schulte buckles Radzhabov
with a right hook. Radzhabov stumbles backward and Schulte attacks
and drags his foe down near the fence. Radzhabov secures an
underhook and scrambles his way up. Radzhabov lands a knee in the
clinch. Radzhabov is throwing combinations in close quarters, while
Schulte has gone back to attacking with the low calf kick.
Radzhabov sticks a one-two and absorbs a low kick in return.
Radzhabov lands a leg kick to the thigh. Radzhabov is throwing
punches with volume as the round draws to a close. A right hook
lands for Radzhabov, then a jab. Schulte briefly stuns Radzhabov
with a short left just before the bell. 10-9 Schulte.
Round 2
Radzhabov immediately opens up by landing a hard right hand over
the top. Radzhabov is attacking early and Schulte is on the
retreat. Radzhabov stalks his man and lands an uppercut. Atter
Radzhabov lands a right hand, Schulte is able to get his opponent
to the canvas. Radzhabov shrugs Schulte off him with the Brazilian
attempts to take his back. Radzhabov is relentless with his
punching volume right now. Schulte changes levels from the clinch
and gets Radzhabov down. Radzhabov is able to sweep and return to
his feet. They’re battling in close quarters and Radzhabov lands a
knee followed by a series of uppercuts. Schulte eats them all.
Schulte forces the clinch against the cage. Radzhabov lands a right
and an uppercut before Schulte drops low for a single leg. He give
that up, and they’re back to fighting in a phone booth. Radzhabov
digs to the body and Schulte lands a short left hook. Radzhabov
lands a knee from the clinch and Schulte answers with one of his
own. Radzhabov is still throwing, but his punches seem to have lost
some steam. Radzhabov lands a takedown from a rear waistlock as
time expires. 10-9 Radzhabov.
Round 3
The lightweights resume trading in close quarters. Radzhabov tries
for a takedown but Schulte shrugs it off easily. Radzhabov lands an
uppercut and a hook in close quarters. Schulte answers with a left
hook. A low kick from Schulte makes Radzhabov move back, but
they’re back to fighting in a phone booth. Both men continue to
land consistently, but neither seems to be gaining a clear
advantage. Radzhabov attempts to drive for a takedown, but Schulte
maintains his balance against the fence. Radzhabov with a nice
counter right hand. Schulte chops at Radzhabov’s leg and Radzhabov
wobbles with the impact. Schulte stuffs a takedown easily. Schulte
knocks his foe down with another low kick and he ends the frame in
full mount. 10-9 Schulte.
Round 4
Schulte easily defends a shot, but Radzhabov drives his foe into
the fence. They separate and Radzhabov is throwing with volume in
close again. Radzhabov is exhibiting better movement early until
Schulte buckles him with a low calf kick. The Brazilian easily
takes full mount with about 3:30 left in the period. Schulte frames
an arm-triangle choke but lets it go. Radzhabov is able to return
to his feet, but a low kick by Schulte makes him stumble backward.
Schulte stuffs a takedown and assumes full mount in an ensuing
scramble. Radzhabov attempts to frame a kimura but Schulte defends
it and continues to work from half guard. Radzhabov reverses
position but gets caught in a guillotine. Radzhabov rolls to his
side and is able to escape. However, Schulte is right back in top
position with less than a minute remaining. The round ends with
Schulte in control. 10-8 Schulte.
Round 5
Schulte immediately pressures forward as Radzhabov starts in the
southpaw stance to protect his battered leg. Radzhabov shoots for a
single leg as Schulte attempts a leg kick. Radzhabov turns the
corner and gets his foe down briefly, but Schulte pops right back
up. They’re back in the center of the cage, and Radzhabov lands
some uppercuts in tight. Radzhabov changes levels and Schulte
defends nicely with a wizzer. However, Radzhabov powers Schulte to
the mat. Radzhabov is in side control now, but the Brazilian is
able to recover full guard and then sweep into top position.
Radzhabov scrambles back up and he’s stuffed on a takedown.
Radzhabov secures a front headlock and Schulte defends near the
fence. Schulte is down on his knees and Radzhabov briefly
transitions to the back. Radzhabov is too high, however and he
slips off the top, allowing Schulte to take top position. Radzhabov
scoots toward the fence and looks to scramble to his feet. Schulte
drags him bag down and looks to advance position. With 15 seconds
left, Schulte has a rear waist lock and Radzhabov tries to roll out
of danger. Instead, Schulte lands in full mount and finishes the
fight in that position. 10-9 Radzhabov (48-46 Schulte).
The Official Result
Natan Schulte def. Loik Radzhabov via Unanimous Decision (49-44,
49-46, 48-47) R5 5:00
Round 1
Rosholt opens the contest with a pair of leg kicks. Isaev just
misses a spinning wheel kick. Isaev shoots behind a right hand and
completes the takedown. Isaev moves to side control and Rosholt
attempts to hold him close to prevent any damage. Isaev holds on to
a side headlock from the position, and Rosholt slips free through
the back door and returns to his feet. Rosholt presses Isaev into
the cage, looking for an opening to land a takedown. Isaev turns
him around and plants Rosholt on his back. Isaev gives up on a
choke attempt as Rosholt works back to his feet. Rosholt turns
Isaev off the fence and they eventually separate. Isaev throws a
spinning back kick but it’s blocked. Rosholt responds with a leg
kick. Another spinning back kick attempt by Isaev. The heavyweights
exchange simultaneous leg kicks. Rosholt moves forward but Isaev
changes levels for a takedown. Rosholt clamps on a guillotine, but
Isaev isn’t in any serious trouble. The round ends in this
position. 10-9 Isaev.
Round 2
A wheel kick opens the round for Isaev, but it’s only a glancing
blow. Rosholt lands a counter left hand and then Isaev shoves the
American to the canvas. Isaev just narrowly misses an illegal kick
on his downed foe. Moments later, Isaev elevates Rosholt and slams
him to the canvas. Isaev isolates Rosholt’s arm in a crucifix
position and drops a series of left hands from above. Rosholt
escapes the position and now Isaev is in half guard. Isaev
maintains control from inside Rosholt’s half guard, landing
occasional shots to the ribs of his opponent. Rosholt is showing no
ability to return to his feet as Isaev continues to apply pressure
from above. Isaev rides out the round from top position. 10-9
Isaev.
Round 3
As he has done previously, Isaev opens up with a spinning back
kick, but it doesn’t land. Rosholt throws some heavy punches. Isaev
changes levels and powers Rosholt to the canvas less than a minute
into the period. Isaev is back in half guard, using forearm
pressure on the neck and chin of his foe. Rosholt is able to
scramble back up and shoot for a double leg takedown of his own.
Isaev defends with a choke against the fence, and Rosholt relents.
The heavyweights clinch against the fence, with Rosholt in control.
They separate and Rosholt quickly forces another tie up. There’s
not much action here as the heavyweights remain in the clinch.
Isaev turns Rosholt into the fence, where he lands some short
punches to the body. Dan Miragliotta has seen enough and orders the
heavyweights to break. Rosholt lands a leg kick in the clinch, and
Isaev responds with a solid right hand that backs his opponent up.
They tie up in the center of the cage and Rosholt shoves Isaev back
into the fence as the round ends. 10-9 Isaev.
Round 4
Isaev lands a spinning back wheel kick to the jaw of Rosholt. The
blow isn’t clean, and the American is unfazed as he shoves Isaev
into the cage. Rosholt drops low for a single leg, but Isaev
defends well. Isaev with a knee to the midsection. Isaev lands a
few more knees to the gut as Rosholt controls the position. Isaev
pushes Rosholt back, lands an uppercut and forces a break. Rosholt
quickly goes back into the clinch, where he’s content to lean on
Isaev. Isaev stays busy landing knees while his back is to the
cage. Isaev reverses position and shoves Rosholt to the fence. He
drops down and puts Rosholt on his back. Isaev goes to work from
inside half guard, landing periodic left hands. Isaev picks up the
pace of his assault, landing left and right hands and Rosholt
appears to be hurt.
Isaev pours on the offense, and Rosholt is no
longer defending himself. After a stream of unanswered blows,
referee Dan Miragliotta has seen enough. This one is over.
The Official Result
Ali Isaev def. Jared Rosholt via TKO (Punches) R4 4:09
Round 1
Michaud tries a flying knee and eats a couple punches from Cooper
as a result. Michaud lands a hook and Cooper secures a body lock.
Michaud lands some hammerfists to the head as Cooper attempts to
take his foe down. Cooper with double underhooks as he lands a pair
of knees to the gut. Cooper still can’t get Michaud down as they
continue to battle against the cage. Cooper lands a knee and
Michaud grimaces as he is taken down. It’s unclear what hurt
Michaud as Cooper assumes top position. Cooper with some right
hands to the ribs before passing to half guard. Cooper continues to
stay heavy on top as we approach the 1:00 mark. Cooper isn’t doing
much to land offense from above, but he’s being allowed to keep the
position. Cooper finishes the round on top threatening with an
arm-triangle choke. 10-9 Cooper.
Round 2
A right hand and a left hook connect for Michaud, and Cooper
quickly shoots for a takedown. Michaud defends and they remain
standing. Michaud lands a straight right to the body. Michaud
stumbles forward after missing a right hand and Cooper tries to
capitalize with a takedown. It doesn’t work and Michaud has Cooper
in trouble as he tags him with heavy punches on the break. Cooper
fails on a single leg, but the Hawaiian is able to get a rear-body
lock and take his opponent down near the fence. Michaud stands and
attempts to break Cooper’s grip. Cooper transitions to a single leg
and drags Michaud down. Michaud is back up but Cooper maintains his
grip.
Cooper hurts Michaud with a big punch to the liver.
Michaud crumples to the canvas and Cooper unloads with
ground-and-pound on his fallen foe until the fight is halted.
After coming up short in 2018, Cooper is able to win a PFL
championship the second time around.
The Official Result
Ray Cooper III def. David Michaud via TKO (Punches) R2 2:56
Round 1
Pacheco is looking to land her right hand but comes up short on her
first couple offerings. The fighters accidentally clash heads, but
neither is worse for wear. Harrison catches a kick and secures a
body lock against the fence. The American Top Team product trips
her opponent to the canvas as Pacheco closes her guard. Harrison
creates space to land punches from above. Harrison has passed to
side control, and she drops some short left hands. Pacheco is able
to recover half guard. Harrison applies shoulder pressure while
remaining active with left hands. Harrison is back to side control
now with 1:30 remaining. A scramble ensues but Pacheco can’t escape
the position. Harrison is still on top in half guard, and she
passes to full mount with 20 seconds left. She postures up and
lands some ground-and-pound. Pacheco is able to stand just before
the end of the round. 10-9 Harrison.
Round 2
Pacheco counters an inside low kick with a right hand but it
doesn’t land clean. Harrison lands a left and then explodes for a
double-leg takedown against the fence. Harrison remains heavy on
top as she attempts to pass guard. She moves to full mount with
more than 3:00 remaining. From there, the Olympic gold medalist
postures up and appears to be setting up an armbar, but Pacheco
smartly scrambles out of danger. Harrison is attempting to take
Pacheco’s back. She has one hook in but is impeded by the fence.
Harrison is able to work her way to the Brazilian’s back and she
has both hooks in now. Harrison transitions back to full mount.
Pacheco recovers half guard, but Harrison remains in control.
Harrison is back to full mount, where she lands some short lefts to
the side of the head. She attempts to posture up to land heavier
ground-and-pound, but Pacheco defends well enough. Harrison remains
in full mount, however, and she’ll end the frame dropping more
punches on her helpless foe. 10-8 Harrison.
Round 3
Harrison wastes little time shooting for a takedown. Pacheco
defends against the cage and counters a takedown to end up in
control. Pacheco lands a big knee as Harrison powers her way back
up. Harrison presses Pacheco against the fence and eventually drags
her foe down. The American is in the full guard of her opponent
near the fence. Harrison lands some short body punches, stands and
attempts to land a big left as she clears Pacheco’s legs. Harrison
passes to half guard and pulls Pacheco away from the fence.
Harrison postures up and drops a big left hand. Pacheco attempts to
land some hammerfists from her back. Harrison remains busy working
punches to the head and body before standing. Harrison hesitates
for a moment before diving back into Pacheco’s guard, and that’s
where the round ends. 10-9 Harrison.
Round 4
Pacheco lands a nice right hand early on, one of her few positive
moments of the bout so far. Harrison whiffs on a big overhand left.
Pacheco counters a missed left hand by Harrison. Harrison explodes
for a powerful double-leg takedown and plants Pacheco on her back
with a little more than 3:00 remaining. Harrison now works to take
her foe’s back, and she tags Pacheco with some hard lefts to the
face. Pacheco is able to turn and now Harrison ends up on top in
half guard. Harrison moves to side control, where she lands some
punches before the Brazilian recovers full guard. Harrison stands
and Pacheco is able to make her opponent stumble with a sweep from
her back. That allows Pacheco to stand, but nothing comes of it
before the bell. 10-9 Harrison.
Round 5
The first minute is all on the feet, with neither lightweight able
to connect. Pacheco is following Harrison around the cage, and
Harrison has a takedown stuffed at the 3:15 mark. Pacheco connects
with a one-two combination. Pacheco continues to stalk and she
sprawls on a takedown. Pacheco tries to lock in a guillotine, but
Harrison defends it and drives her opponent into the fence. They
separate and Harrison throws a kick on the exit. Harrison lands a
left as Pacheco continues to pressure. Finally, Harrison executes a
hip toss at about the 1:30 mark. Harrison applies heavy pressure,
moving from side control to half guard to full mount. Harrison
wants to isolate an arm, but Pacheco is able to scramble out.
Harrison briefly takes her foe’s back, but Pacheco rolls to her
back. Harrison ends the fight on top. 10-9 Harrison (50-44
Harrison).
The Official Result
Kayla Harrison def. Larissa Pacheco via Unanimous Decision (50-43,
50-45, 50-45) R5 5:00
Related Articles