PFL 3 2022 Regular Season Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Vanessa Melo vs. Martina Jindrova

Round 1

The PFL schedule has been jarring, with one fight card on Wednesday, another Thursday and this show on Friday, but it is nevertheless back in action mostly with welterweights and women’s lightweights on tap. All women at the event will be looking up towards Kayla Harrison as the ultimate mountain to climb this season, but they need to reach the playoffs first. We start off with the ladies, when ex-UFC bantamweight Melo (11-8, 0-0 PFL) battles it out with Challenger Series signee Jindrova (4-2, 1-0 PFL). This classic matchup of Brazil vs. the Czech Republic will draw officiating from referee Kerry Hatley, and the women touch gloves ahead of their card opener. Melo walks into a leg kick as she swipes out with a left hook, and Jindrova pushes her back with a kick up the middle. The Brazilian swings with a few more punches, and Jindrova keeps her at bay with long legs. They both throw hands and come up short, and Melo is slowly advancing and backing her Czech foe up. Jindrova sneaks in a right over the top, and the pace slows as they adjust. Jindrova chops down the lead leg with a single strike, and she intercepts Melo plodding forward with a straight left hand. Melo snakes a left over the guard, but it is one-and-done as she prefers to calmly pressure forward instead of attacking with anything of merit. Jindrova remains composed with leg kicks, and a two-punch combination tags Melo cleanly. Melo shakes it off and comes forward to punch the midsection, only to find Jindrova more elusive. The Challenger Series pickup kicks the body as Melo wades forward, and has her lead leg kicked relatively hard in response. Jindrova leads forward with a punch that inadvertently turns to an elbow – a banned strike – and Melo pays her back with a crisp right hook. They take turns landing occasionally on one another, with volume at a premium while Jindrova the far busier of the two. Jindrova sneaks in a pair of punches before leaning back when Melo returns fire, and she flicks out a jab as Melo walks forward. Melo scores a single punch, and she goes back to walking forward but doing little else. Jindrova pops her in the chops with a right hand, and she sits down on a clean uppercut as Melo is forced to blink it out. The round ends. 10-9 Jindrova

Round 2

The lightweights meet in the middle with a glove touch, and Melo is the aggressor, as she leads off with a looping right hand that makes Jindrova stagger to the side. The Czech fighter gathers herself and slings back, with the two trading intermittently as they still look to find their range. Jindrova strings together a few punches, and she leads into a lengthier combination as Melo stands and stares and eats the punches cleanly. Melo gets backed off with jabs, and she tries to counter one with a windmilling left hand, but it is well shy of the mark. Jindrova kicks the leg, and she pushes out with jabs that do enough damage to redden the nose of her opponent. The Brazilian charges forward after absorbing the strikes, crashing into the clinch and pressing Jindrova up to the wall as her face leaks plasma. Melo changes levels in search of a single-leg takedown, and when that does not come, she grinds her foe into the wire. Melo keeps her full body weight pressed until Jindrova shucks her shoulder out and gains some space, where she kicks Melo right in the breadbasket on the exit. Jindrova distracts with a front kick so that she can snap out a left hook, and it drills Melo on the side of the jaw. Melo does not slow as she is consistently moving forward, but Jindrova is largely controlling the action with rangier strikes and a much higher volume. Jindrova jabs and mixes in low kicks, beating Melo to the punch and rolling with an overhand left. Jindrova keeps a busy jab that is able to stop Melo from landing on her, and allowing her to slip or preempt offense coming at her. Melo does get off a single right hand, but she gets popped with two in response and a leg kick. Melo cracks her with a left hand, and Jindrova shakes it off as the horn sounds. 10-9 Jindrova

Round 3

Gloves get touched to start of the final round, and Jindrova rings Melo’s bell right out of the gate with a right hand. Melo tries to reply in kind, but Jindrova is well out of harm’s way and able to sting her opponent coming at her. Melo gets beaten to the punch with a pair of strikes, and she whiffs when countering. Jindrova chips at the lead leg a few times, one that is starting to turn red, and she stays at a safe striking range to not get clubbed with the occasional looping shot targeting her head. Jindrova strides forward with a one-two, and she cannot quite escape in time and absorbs a leg hook. Jindrova keeps her pitter-patter leg kicks irritating Melo and stalling her out, with enough effective offense to fluster Melo while not doing any notable damage. Jindrova connects with a left, and she kicks the lead leg with both of her shins in the inside and outside, while sliding out of the way from a straight left that soars at her face. Melo does split the guard with one punch, but before she lands again, Jindrova has scored three or four at least. Melo lines up a left hook, and when that misses the mark, she targets the body. Jindrova flicks out jabs, and she keeps her footwork constantly active to her benefit as she evades the brunt of the power counters. Jindrova kicks the low calf and draws a grimace out of her opponent, and Melo swings wildly and does a number on the air but cannot find the target of Jindrova’s head. Jindrova snaps her head back with a right at the end of a few punch combination, forcing Melo to run forward and tie her up. In the clinch, “Miss Simpatia” drills the midsection with several knees, and Jindrova tries to explode out of the position at the 10-second clapper. Melo holds her in that position to the bell, signaling an end to this first women’s lightweight match of the season, and likely earning Jindrova three points to start off her 2022 run at a $1 million check. 10-9 Jindrova (30-27 Jindrova)

The Official Result

Martina Jindrova def. Vanessa Melo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Olena Kolesnyk vs. Abigail Montes

Round 1

Keeping to women’s lightweight, two fighters in Kolesnyk (5-4, 1 NC; 0-2 PFL) and Montes (3-0, 1-0 PFL) come into this pairing with drastically different momentum behind them. While Kolesnyk has lost her last four, the unbeaten Montes upset Claressa Shields in 2021 to earn a place on the tournament roster this season. Whether Ukrainian-born Kolesnyk can right her ship or Montes will keep on rolling, referee Keith Peterson will be the first to know as the nonsense is nowhere to be found in the building. The gloves are not touched, and Kolesnyk is a woman possessed as she rushes out to throw hands immediately. Montes stays back and throws leg kicks and long punches, while Kolesnyk crowds the pocket and swings hammers at her. A one-two finds the mark from the Ukrainian woman, who is giving chase to Montes and keeping hands in her face regularly. Montes looks to back her off with a front kick, and Kolesnyk responds in kind. With an intense expression, Kolesnyk throws caution to the wind with a long series of looping punches, and she catches Montes coming at her with a few punches. Montes responds with a right hand, but she fails to make Kolesnyk take a step back. Kolesnyk has malice in her eyes, and she slings three punches that get Montes’ attention. Montes does not shy away from a brawl, and she catches her opponent with her own strikes. They continue to slug it out until they take a moment to reset, in which Kolesnyk readies several intercepting right hooks. When Montes throws, Kolesnyk loads up on a check right hook, and she successfully lands one. Montes chops down her leg when getting countered, and Kolesnyk measures a left hand right down Broadway that gets her attention. Montes connects with two right hands, and Kolesnyk is right in her face to brawl back. Kicks get traded until Kolesnyk grabs hold of her opponent and presses her to the wall. “Cannon” uses her weight to pin Montes against the wall, landing short knees on the thigh and considering a single for a moment. Montes cannot spin her around for more than a second, and Kolesnyk lands a few punches when she plans to break away. Montes throws and misses, while Kolesnyk counters and raises her arms to bring it on. Montes kicks the body with body legs, and the close round ends. 10-9 Kolesnyk

Round 2

Like the previous round, Kolesnyk is the initial aggressor, but Montes strikes first with a solid right hand that knocks Kolesnyk back a step. Kolesnyk sits down on a high kick, and the impact on the guard ricochets around the arena. She pushes out a left hand, and dances back when Montes attacks her lead leg. Montes rushes out to throw hands, and Kolesnyk counters with some and gets knocked back with other punches that soar at her. “Cannon” blasts another head kick that careens off the guard, and she slides out of the way when Montes throw one at her to mimic her. Kolesnyk pushes off with a front kick to the chest, and Montes charges and swings loose punches. Kolesnyk counters, but she gets tagged with wide strikes from Montes. Montes gets her attention with a right hand, and she spams several of them as she makes Kolesnyk bounce off the fence. After landing a series of successive blows, Montes ducks down for a double-leg takedown, and Kolesnyk sprawls with her back to the wall. “Brave” turns it to a single-leg try, but the Ukrainian turns her around in the clinch and leans heavily. They jockey for position while tied up, and Kolesnyk pushes off after absorbing a knee to the torso. Montes connects with a low kick that surprises her opponent, and prompts Kolesnyk to load up on a right hand that pounds into the red-haired woman. They both crack the other with heavy punches, and Kolesnyk drills a left into Montes’ jaw as Montes advances. Kolesnyk slips out of the way of swinging punches that target her, and she puts three punches together that surprise Montes. They both start brawling, and they smile and celebrate their work. The 10-second clapper sounds, and Kolesnyk puts her hands up under the belief the round is over. Peterson says that they need to keep fighting, and Montes charges to unleash a final assault while Kolesnyk is distracted. Kolesnyk puts her guard up to block the sudden offense as the bell sounds. 10-9 Montes

Round 3

The two meet in the middle to pick up where they left off, and Kolesnyk interrupts one combination that comes at her with leg kicks. Montes fires off a right hook, and another as it successfully lands. Kolesnyk retreats and circles on the outside to find a better angle, and she lands three punches and a front kick. Kolesnyk slams her shin into Montes’ thigh, and she just misses a left hand. Montes rushes out and throws hooks, and Kolesnyk meets her in the middle and spins through to just miss a spinning back fist as Montes backpedals. Kolesnyk counters a hard-charging Montes with a few strikes, but she cannot slow Montes from clinching up with her and mashing her into the fencing. They stay tied up as they twirl about, and Kolesnyk is the one to break off and land a front kick right on the stomach. Kolesnyk targets a kick to the same spot as she exerts a kiai, and a third comes up short. Kolesnyk keeps these kicks constant, and she tosses out a low kick that allows Montes to nail her with a right hand. Montes lunges forward to throw bombs, and Kolesnyk grins at her and slings leather right back. Montes is advancing but missing with huge shots, while Kolesnyk is more composed and tagging her on the way or out. Meanwhile, the front kicks from the Ukrainian still connect on the same spot, allowing her a moment to slide back as Montes throws recklessly. Kolesnyk puts two punches on the chin and another push kick, and she kicks Montes’ lead leg as Montes ducks down to throw fists. Kolesnyk plays the matador to Montes’ bull, and she sits down on two punches when Montes crashes forward. Kolesnyk absorbs a clean right hook, one that draws a Robbie Lawler-esque smile on her face after taking the blow, and she fires back and punches into a clinch. Montes pushes away and a right hand backs her off, and Kolesnyk has her mouthpiece dislodged after a flurry. She replaces it as Peterson allows her to do so without getting tagged while being distracted. With seconds to spare, they throw bombs right to the bitter end, and we go the distance as Kolesnyk unleashes several guttural yet seemingly victorious screams. This is a close one, and judges could see it either way. The victor will take home three points, at the end of an entertaining slugfest at 155 pounds. 10-9 Kolesnyk (29-28 Kolesnyk)

The Official Result

Olena Kolesnyk def. Abigail Montes via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Gleison Tibau vs. Jarrah Al-Silawi

Round 1

The first welterweight clash of the season will go down between longtime UFC lightweight Tibau (37-15, 2-1 PFL) – who made headlines again for his “Robbery of the Year” decision win over Rory MacDonald in 2021 – and Challenger Series pickup Al-Silawi (17-3, 1-0 PFL). Drawing the assignment is referee Gary Copeland, who bears witness to a glove touch that seals the cage around them. They measure one another with opposing hands, swiping out with half-hearted punches or kicks that are well away from the other. The first partial strike lands about a minute into the round, in the form of a leg kick from the Jordanian. Tibau blocks a high kick and crashes forward for a takedown, but Al-Silawi pushes him back and stay upright. Tibau redoubles his effort, only to get kneed up high from the flexible Al-Silawi. The knee makes Tibau back away, and a clash of kicks leads to Tibau getting his cup checked. The Brazilian can continue, and he quickly brings up his guard to stop a high kick. Al-Silawi sits down on a body kick, and dips back when Tibau charges. Al-Silawi slips and counters, and sprawls to stop a single that comes from the longtime vet. Try as he might, Tibau cannot land the takedown, and Al-Silawi circles off and escapes to stab a right hand to the midsection. Al-Silawi targets the same spot with a kick, and he leaps forward with a punch that Tibau ducks in the nick of time. Al-Silawi continues to pepper the midsection of his opponent, and he whiffs on a huge uppercut as Tibau comes toward him uncorking bombs. Al-Silawi boots the side with another kick, and Tibau tries and fails to counter him, while marching forward to corner “The Jordanian Lion.” Al-Silawi, with ample space, brings up a kick, and it gets blocked properly. Tibau spins but does not throw a strike, and Al-Silawi walks him down to land a straight right hand right before the bell rings. 10-9 Al-Silawi

Round 2

Gloves are touched by the welterweights to start off the second round, and Al-Silawi kicks the same spot he had worked over in the previous round. As Tibau comes forward leaned over, Al-Silawi staggers him with a right hand briefly, but the Brazilian shakes off the cobwebs and continues moving forward. Al-Silawi steps in with a knee, and he slings a head kick that slaps off the guard. Tibau dives forward in pursuit of a single, and the takedown defense of Al-Silawi holds up until Tibau finally lifts him off the ground and down to his seat. Tibau hangs on to keep Al-Silawi stuck with his back leaning on the fence on the floor, but little other offense materializes beyond control time. Al-Silawi bursts to his knees and then back to his feet, with Tibau grinding on him all the way up. Tibau hangs on, squeezing Al-Silawi to the fence until Al-Silawi tosses him to the side and breaks free. With space, Al-Silawi wings a high kick, and Tibau slips back and drills his foe with a left on the chin. Al-Silawi takes it flush and absorbs two more, and Tibau counters a leg kick with a right hook. Tibau blocks a body kick, and he blasts his man with a right hand as Al-Silawi comes at him with a knee. Tibau blocks a kick to make Al-Silawi stumble, and he lets loose with a left hook that goes wide and makes him crash into the wall. The round ends as Tibau bounces off the fence. 10-9 Tibau

Round 3

There is a greeting touch of gloves to start off the last round, and Al-Silawi takes the driver’s seat and chases Tibau down but does not connect with anything. Tibau likewise remains defensive, and they suddenly burst into offense landing single strikes one after the other. Tibau charges for a takedown, and Al-Silawi slides out of the way and scores a calf kick. The Jordanian goes after another to the exact same place, and Tibau pushes him back with jabs that make Al-Silawi stumble momentarily. Al-Silawi boots the body with his shin, and he protects his mug from damage when Tibau wings a right hand at him. Tibau blocks a step-in knee, and Al-Silawi prods him with other kicks. Tibau lets loose with a pair of punches, and Al-Silawi intercepts him with a crisp uppercut. Tibau swings for the fences, hitting little but air as he does, as Al-Silawi is nimble and does not let himself get caught. Tibau again throws a hammer of a punch, and his forward momentum turns into a double that plans Al-Silawi on his back with two minutes left on the clock. Al-Silawi scrambles and nearly bucks his man off of him, until Tibau regathers his position and ties Al-Silawi’s left leg up to pin him down. Tibau holds on with his shoulder, and Al-Silawi speaks to his corner as he is not concerned from Tibau throwing anything at him. Tibau is in the guard as Al-Silawi scoots his way to the fence, but no strikes come from him at all while Al-Silawi pokes his side with short shots. Tibau lifts him up to suck Al-Silawi’s hips out from beneath him and disallow him to stand, and Tibau finally opens up with a few punches to the dome. Tibau rains down punches and even gets off a shoulder strike as he stays active, and he ends the grueling match on top while dropping down the heaviest blows he has mustered thus far. Three points go to the victorious man tonight, and the few fans in the building hope that the next bouts are more exciting than this one. 10-9 Tibau (29-28 Tibau)

The Official Result

Jarrah Al-Silawi def. Gleison Tibau via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

Sadibou Sy vs. Nikolay Aleksakhin

Round 1

Running back a matchup that ended unsatisfyingly just over a year ago due to an accidental eye poke from Sy (9-6-2, 1 NC; 3-4-2, 1 NC PFL), he and Aleksakhin (24-6, 1 NC; 1-1, 1 NC PFL) will get a second chance to get one over on one another. The welterweights, with sights set on a wide-open division due to the visa issues for ex-champ Magomed Magomedkerimov and weight issues for returning champion Ray Cooper III, will receive oversight from referee Kerry Hatley. Hoping things remain clean this time around, the fighters touch gloves, and Sy takes the center of the cage immediately. Walking his Russian foe down, Sy does not strike first, instead absorbing a few kicks to this longer legs. Sy pokes out a jab, and Aleksakhin bears down on him with a few punches before springing back before counters follow him. Aleksakhin chips at Sy’s calves with kicks, and the punches both throw at one another do not find their respective targets. Sy shrugs off low kicks so that he can push out with the ball of his foot, and Aleksakhin swarms him with punches. As Aleksakhin charges, Sy pushes off with his left hand, and his thumb jams into Aleksakhin’s eye. Aleksakhin falls to the ground in serious pain, and he lets out a yelp of agony as that poke was deep. The Russian tries his best to clear his eye, and Hatley warns Sy of pokes and outstretched fingers. When Aleksakhin is able to resume, Sy instantly reaches out apologetically, as he does not want the fight to end like this again. Sy then starts jabbing, utilizing his range and keeping Aleksakhin at the end of his punches. Aleksakhin advances, only to get clipped with a counter that makes him backpedal. The Russian catches a kick, and he tries to go down the pipe with it for a takedown, but Sy retracts it fast enough to not succumb to a takedown. Sy pierces out with more jabs, and Aleksakhin charges like a bull and wings a left hand that Sy ducks away from and escapes. Sy is elusive as Aleksakhin comes at him with short punch salvos, with Aleksakhin landing to the body as Sy backs away and picks away with jabs and lengthy kicks. Sy rips the body with a loud kick, and Aleksakhin returns with the exact same strike to the same target. Sy pops out multiple jabs when Aleksakhin comes towards him, and Aleksakhin settles for a leg kick when his own punches do not find the mark. Sy has a slapping low kick and one to the body find their homes as Aleksakhin comes at him, and Aleksakhin spins with a wheel kick that brushes off the shoulder right before the bell. Like so many rounds tonight to this point, this one is incredibly close while not terribly thrilling. 10-9 Sy

Round 2

The gloves get touched to start off Round 2, and Aleksakhin goes back to kicking the lead leg while Sy tries to stay at the end of his jab. They slap at one another with lead legs, and Aleksakhin reaches out with a straight right to the ribs and a head kick that pounds into the Russian’s skull. Aleksakhin eats it like stroganoff and keeps right on marching forward, forcing Sy to back away whenever he throws something of note. Aleksakhin spins with a back kick, and that glances off the side. Aleksakhin darts in with punches to the chest, and Sy keeps utilizing his range effectively with prodding kicks and long jabs. Aleksakhin follows one jab with three punches, and when those fall short, he spins with a back kick as Sy ducks out of the way that connects cleanly on Sy’s side. The Swede reaches out with a front kick or two, and his body kick slams into the guard. Aleksakhin finds his range with a few punches, and one kick lands on the cup as Sy turns away in frustration. Sy recovers, and he dances back as Aleksakhin lets fly a spin kick his direction. Aleksakhin plows forward, swinging looping punches that only partially graze the target if landing at all. Sy keeps up with his single distance-keeping blows, with most having little more effect than disruptive. Sy pushes out with his fingers outstretched and scrapes his foe around the eye again, and Aleksakhin sighs and looks at him as if he wanted to put his hands on his waist. There is no break, and Sy lets him have it with a few high kicks. Aleksakhin gives it right back with swinging punches, and his sheer momentum of a combination pushes Sy into the wall. The Russian holds Sy against the wire until the horn sounds, and this round could also go either way. 10-9 Aleksakhin

Round 3

The not-so-bitter rivals hug it out to start off the last round, and Aleksakhin strikes first with a right hand after the tender embrace. Sy stings him back with a kick to the chest, and this makes Aleksakhin readjust his approach as Sy kicks the low calf. Aleksakhin kicks on the outside by the ankle, forcing Sy to stumble for a second, and Aleksakhin unleashes a right hand over the top that partially connects. Sy settles down and kicks the body, and he chops at the Russian’s knee with a few more kicks. Sy kicks the body flush, and Aleksakhin tries to do the same only to get blocked. Aleksakhin walks forward to tie his opponent up, and they do a little dance when in a body lock as they turn the other about. Aleksakhin suddenly explodes into a takedown try, tripping Sy’s legs out and planting the Swede on his back. Sy bursts to get right back to his feet after only getting set on his back for seconds, and Aleksakhin redoubles his effort to ground Sy. Sy sprawls, turns around to lean against the fence, and powers through to push and attempt to turn the table and drag Aleksakhin to his knees. Aleksakhin keeps his hand on the floor so that Sy cannot knee him in the head, and Sy holds on and looks to take his back standing up. Sy fights off a reversal attempt, and Aleksakhin hits a sneaky switch to yank Sy to the mat. Sy does not stay down for more than a couple seconds before jumping back up, where Aleksakhin gloms on to him and holds on tight. Short, meaningless knees come from the Russian until the final bell resounds through the building, and we have yet another razor-close matchup that judges could score any direction. Whoever gets their hand raised will receive three points in the welterweight standings, and fight fans can breathe a sigh of relief that it is over. 10-9 Aleksakhin (29-28 Aleksakhin)

The Official Result

Sadibou Sy def. Nikolay Aleksakhin via Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

Genah Fabian vs. Julia Budd

Round 1

With her opponent Fabian (4-2, 3-2 PFL) missing weight egregiously, former Bellator queen Budd (16-3, 1-0 PFL) already has three points on the board, and she will search for more with a finish. Due to Fabian coming in at nearly 161 pounds for a lightweight fight, the New Zealand native has lost one point and cannot score any tonight even if she records a stoppage. This one-sided regular season matchup brings with it referee Keith Peterson as the nonsense-free overseeing official, and Fabian does not offer nor receive a glove touch, possibly because of the perceived disrespect from the significant weight miss. The ladies start fighting, throwing strikes at one another from a distance, but neither lands anything. They block, check and try to counter, and the blows are largely defended against. Budd catches a body kick that gets through so she can pursue a single, and she drives the Kiwi back to the fence. Fabian hops back and keeps her hips steady beneath her with a balanced stance to not let the ex-Bellator great get her down. Budd lifts her up, but cannot set the heavier woman down on her back. Fabian ties up with a possible arm-in guillotine choke as Budd stays locked in pursuit for the takedown, but there is absolutely nothing to the choke as she uses it to mostly control Budd’s neck. Budd hunts for a trip, and she turns the corner to put “Fabioso” on her backside. Landing in half guard, Budd is quick to advance to side control, and she starts landing short ground punches. Budd looks for wrist control, and Fabian posts off and stands back up without worrying about what Budd brings to the table. Budd stays attached to her opponent tightly and rips the body with a few knees, and Fabian replies with short strikes while jammed to the wall. Buddy continues to stay pressed against the larger woman, but Fabian muscles her way out. Fabian reaches out with a one-two, and Budd keeps her at bay with a push kick. She uses another to back Fabian off, and the round concludes. 10-9 Budd

Round 2

Fabian strikes first to start off the second round, with a low kick as Budd backs off early. Fabian reaches out with several inaccurate jabs, allowing Budd to kick her in the body. Fabian punches her way in to a clinch opportunity, and she begins kneeing the side several times as she presses the Canadian up against the wall. Budd threatens with a counter throw, which forces Fabian to separate and get back to striking range. “Fabioso” delivers a clean one-two down the pipe, and she looks to follow it with a high kick only for that strike to be blocked. Fabian whiffs on a leg kick, and the punches that come after collide with Budd’s high guard. Budd’s offense is neutralized while standing with Fabian, as she remains defensive while not even considering a takedown. Budd blocks a straight left hand, and she comes up short with a left hook. They trade punches at the same time, and the blow from the Kiwi appears to land heavier and pushes Budd back. Budd retreats when punches come her direction, and she absorbs a kick to the body when trying to block high. Fabian leans forward with a left, and Budd responds with the same punch. Budd uses her front kick effectively as Fabian throws longer punches, and she gets Budd’s attention with a solid one-two. A few additional punches in a longer string of them force Budd into action, who shoots low for a double and chains it into a single when that does not succeed. “The Jewel” cannot shine with her takedown effort, and Fabian stands her up and pushes her back to the wall. Fabian unloads with one final punch barrage as the horn blares to separate them. 10-9 Fabian

Round 3

The last round opens as Fabian pushes forward, backing Budd up early and planting a left hand on Budd’s temple. The Canadian sits back and delivers a body kick with her rear leg, and Fabian completely ignores it so that she can drive Budd back with punches. The momentum of Fabian’s punches lead her to a tie-up, and Budd turns her around and starts kneeing the body. Fabian returns fire with those same strikes, and Budd begins to stomp on her toes when not spamming knees. Budd drops down to go after a double, and she bails on it to try to isolate Fabian’s left leg with a single. “The Jewel” even goes all the way down to her knees to find an angle, but she cannot elevate the heavier woman or even trip her up to ground her. Budd doggedly pursues a single, and Fabian stands strong while remaining jammed up against the chain-link fencing. Budd once more hunts for a single, and Fabian powerfully pushes Budd down to the mat. With Budd on her knees, Fabian unloads with several powerful punches upside the head. Budd takes an extremely deep breath and goes after a desperation double when standing, and Fabian bowls her right over and puts Budd on her back. Budd keeps a high guard, and possibly looks to set up a submission when walking off the wall, but there is no arm to be found in this posture. Fabian stays heavy and flat on top of her opponent, not sitting up to allow Budd to lock anything down. Budd again brings her legs up with a rubber guard, and Fabian stacks her up and punches her with light strikes until the final horn concludes this slog of a match. No points will likely be awarded at the end of this one should the heavy Fabian indeed prevail as expected, but judges have been inconsistent tonight, so any scorecard would not be overly shocking. No matter what happens, however, Budd will keep the three points she picked up due to Fabian missing weight. 10-9 Fabian (29-28 Fabian)

The Official Result

Genah Fabian def. Julia Budd via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Dilano Taylor vs. Joao Zeferino

Round 1

One man’s loss is another‘s gain. In this case, it is Challenger Series victor but not contract-winner Taylor (8-1, 1-0 PFL), who will step in on ultra-short notice for Magomed Magomedkerimov against company staple Zeferino (26-9, 8-3 PFL). The Russian withdrew from the event due to visa issues, so Taylor was ready on standby for this welterweight affair, and had no issue making weight either. This new fight take place under the watchful eye of referee Gary Copeland, and the fighters are amped up and ready to get after it without bothering to touch gloves. Taylor loads up on a pair of leg kick to start off, and Zeferino darts forward and nails him with a left hook. Taylor clips him with a counter, forcing Zeferino to surge ahead in pursuit of a double. Zeferino drags the late replacement to the mat, and Taylor bursts right back to his feet only to succumb to a quick mat return. Taylor fights to his feet again, and hops around on one leg when Zeferino looks to trip another out. When Zeferino takes his man down this time, he gets a hook in from behind and sets up a body triangle. Taylor muscles his way to turn Zeferino around and plant the Brazilian on his back, no longer in submission danger. As Taylor stays complacent on top, Zeferino is active and hits a sweep to flip Taylor over. Zeferino lands in half guard, and he pounces over to side control where he is fast to set up a crucifix. “The Postman” times his man perfectly to pop out of the dangerous position, and Zeferino circles around and takes his back. Zeferino holds on to the back with a body triangle hooked in, and he immediately fishes for a rear-naked choke by sliding his left arm under the chin. In the blink of an eye, “The Brazilian Samurai” transitions into an armbar, and he breaks the grip to pull it tight. The torque of the submission is only momentarily problematic, as Taylor turns his shoulder and slides his arm free to power out of the position and stand back up. “The Postman” allows Zeferino to stand back up so that he can deliver packages in the form of fists upside Zeferino’s head, as Zeferino resets and circles away on the outside. Taylor walks him down, and he fakes a punch and goes up high with a head kick that nails his opponent. Possibly hurt, Zeferino dives into a single attempt, and he pushes Taylor to the wall as round comes to a close. 10-9 Zeferino

Round 2

Taylor is fired up to start off the second round, running at his opponent and straight into a one-two. Zeferino then changes levels for a takedown, and Taylor bowls him over and backs off to motion for Zeferino to stand back up. The Brazilian gets to his feet, and he instantly ducks down for another takedown entry, only for Taylor to give him a little shove and halt it from succeeding. “The Postman” goes airmail with a jumping switch kick, and he slams into Zeferino’s guard and makes his man back off. Taylor gives chase with a few punches, and they clash heads when Zeferino tries to take him down. Taylor winds up with a right hand that just misses the mark, and he settles down with a jab that snaps the head back. Zeferino whiffs on right hand, and his faked takedown setup does not make Taylor flinch. Taylor strides forward, brimming with confidence, and he prepares to slug it out only to get caught on his way in. Taylor blinks the punches out and goes back to walking his foe down, where he scores a left and gets caught with a sharp counter. Zeferino wings a right hand over the top as Taylor walks him down, and the Taylor punches collide with the guard as Zeferino stays high and tight. From a distance, Zeferino changes levels, and Taylor plants his open hand on Zeferino’s head like an older brother holding the forehead of a younger sibling back mockingly. They both swing for the fences one after the other, and they find themselves missing the mark. Zeferino spins with a back fist, and the trajectory of his fist actually slams into Taylor’s side instead of chin. The momentum of Zeferino is used for him to dive in for a takedown, and Taylor sprawls and knees him in the chest to back him off. Taylor flicks out an effective jab as Zeferino struggles for answers, and he doubles up on it while darting away from a Zeferino kick. The second round ends as Taylor grins at his opponent. 10-9 Taylor

Round 3

A low calf kick starts the last round, and Zeferino is intent on going after the takedown. Taylor stays slick and quick with his footwork to not let Zeferino bear down on him. After absorbing a punch, Zeferino crashes the pocket to take the fight down, only for Taylor to spin him right around on the fencing. They continue to jockey for posture as Taylor gets off a few short knees, and it is Taylor who gives a heavy shove to gain some space and take the center of the cage again. Taylor looks for a left hand, and he steps back as Zeferino leaps at him. “The Postman” addresses several punches to Zeferino’s cheek and jaw, and after Zeferino fails to take the fight down, he gets amped up unexpectedly. Zeferino starts goading Taylor in to brawl with him, even with Taylor outlanding him from range and not taking that much on the way back. Zeferino telegraphs a takedown, and Taylor hops out of the way and motions a matador-like pose to showboat a little. If Matt Hughes is watching this fight somewhere, he is likely extremely disappointed in that posturing. Zeferino desperately seeks a takedown, and Taylor laughs it off and shoves the Brazilian into the wall. Taylor pops his man with a few punches, and Zeferino drops down for a double with all his might. Taylor defends with several elbows to the side and upside Zeferino’s head, and Copeland loudly warns Taylor for the fouls. Zeferino finally gets Taylor down, and he frantically throws everything he has but is tied up. Taylor spams short punches from his back, and the fight is now mercifully over. It cannot be overstated that judges are getting tested tonight, and putting in plenty of work, as we have reached them once more. Three points are the spoils to the victor, who will be tied on top of the welterweight leaderboard thus far. 10-9 Taylor (29-28 Taylor)

The Official Result

Dilano Taylor def. Joao Zeferino via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Larissa Pacheco vs. Zamzagul Fayzallanova

Round 1

In the 2021 season, number one seed Pacheco (15-4; 4-2 PFL) was gunning for another rematch with Harrison, reaching the playoffs on the heels of two first-round knockouts. Instead, the Brazilian missed weight ahead of the playoff event and ejected herself from the tournament. She will look to try again this year with a fresh start, and will meet promotional newcomer and stout Kazakhstani grappler Fayzallanova (7-1, 0-0 PFL). The lightweights are joined by referee Kerry Hatley in the cage, and he stands back as they do not touch gloves to open up the main card. Pacheco takes the center and flashes out a left hand, and a low kick leads to a huge overhand right. The punches of Pacheco have hurt the Kazakhstani newcomer badly, and Fayzallanova falls back into the unexpected hands of Hatley, who scoots out of the way so he does not interfere, Fayzallanova gathers her thoughts and backs off to reset, and she spins with a back fist as Pacheco bears down on her. Fayzallanova dives after a double-leg takedown, and Pacheco pushes her off and starts unloading on her. Looking to claim a quick stoppage, the Brazilian unleashes a fury of punches, hitting Fayzallanova so hard that Fayzallanova spins around and falls to the ground. A few more hellacious yet accurate blows are all that she needs to end the fight, as Hatley thankfully steps in to give us the first finish of the night. That’s a clean six points for Pacheco, who is on the top of the women's lightweight board with style points while giving Harrison something to match tonight, a stoppage in less than 90 seconds.

The Official Result

Larissa Pacheco def. Zamzagul Fayzallanova R1 1:25 via TKO (Punches)

Rory MacDonald vs. Brett Cooper

Round 1

Hoping to get back on track after a rough 2021 campaign, ex-Bellator champ MacDonald (22-8-1, 1-2 PFL) meets the well-traveled Cooper (28-15, 1-0 PFL) in the welterweight division. While MacDonald has largely seen walls of KOTC, UFC, Bellator and PFL, Cooper has traveled far and wide to take matches across the world. The longtime vet that has fought under the Shooto, IFL, Affliction, Bellator, KSW and ACB/ACA banners will try to find his home in the PFL this year. Whether he does or not, he and MacDonald will tangle while nonsense-destroying Keith Peterson watches on. Gloves are sportingly touched for these two that made their professional debuts on the exact same day in 2005, just 30 hours apart from one another. They are understandably tense, jittery and looking to land on one another early. Cooper sticks his fist out a few times to find his range, and MacDonald zooms forward to snatch hold of a single leg and throw Cooper to the mat. MacDonald speedily gets to side control, where he aims to pass to full mount while not letting Cooper have an inch off his back. MacDonald lifts up and drops down a heavy knee to the gluteus maximus, and he starts dropping down ground-and-pound as Cooper looks to pull him back to his guard. MacDonald slips over to three-quarter mount, and he pops his foot out to secure full mount and start raining down punches. Cooper turns, and MacDonald sits up and smashes him in the face with powerful punches. Cooper covers up and turns to his back, and MacDonald is on a rear-naked choke seconds after taking back control. The Canadian cinches his arm beneath Cooper’s neck while he simultaneously sets up a body triangle with his legs, and he locks up the choke so there is nowhere to go. Cooper grits his teeth, and realizes he needs to surrender in a hurry before he goes out. Cooper taps, and MacDonald has now pocketed six points to start off his 2022 run in dynamite fashion.

The Official Result

Rory MacDonald def. Brett Cooper R1 2:23 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Anthony Pettis vs. Myles Price

Round 1

Do not adjust your screen, former UFC lightweight champ Pettis (24-12, 0-2 PFL) is not moving a division to fight at welterweight. Instead, due to scheduling conflicts, his bout as part of the 155-pound bracket was moved to this card, where he will take on Irish newcomer Price (11-7, 0-0 PFL). This oddball lightweight fight that buts up against the welterweight and women’s lightweight momentum the card was finally building will see shredded referee Gary Copeland serve as the in-cage official. The 155ers touch gloves sportingly, and Price immediately dives straight into a low single. Pettis pushes off and blasts Price with an uppercut, and hurting the Irishman. Pettis delivers several standing-to-ground punches before Price pulls him down to his guard, and although he brings his legs up high, Pettis shrugs it off and starts doing work. Price closes up so that Pettis cannot get off much offense, but “Showtime” jams Price against the corner between the floor and the fence so that Price is trapped with no leverage to get up. Price snags hold of Pettis’ left wrist in search of a kimura to force a sweep, but Pettis pays it no mind as he frees his hand and postures up to punch Price in the face. Pettis softens Price up with some punches to open Price’s guard, and he thinks about slamming down with elbows before remembering that they are illegal. Price sits up to try to turn the tables and go after his own single, only for Pettis to snatch on to a guillotine choke and push Pettis to his back while going after full mount. Pettis spins out when Price goes after a leglock so that he can take Price’s back, and a wild scramble from Price allows him to slip out the back door and take top position. Price inadvertently falls right into triangle choke danger, as Pettis’ legs snare around Price’s neck with one arm in. Pettis rolls over to mount with the triangle locked down cold and hard, and Price is done like dinner. As soon as Pettis assumes the high mount with the legs firmly connected around Price’s head from on top, Price motions to tap out, and he subsequently does so with Pettis’ crotch fully in his face and the mounted triangle brutally tight. Pettis is thrilled and high fives anyone that comes by, including PFL head Ray Sefo, as he gets back to the win column and pulls off his first finish since 2019. That is a six-point victory for “Showtime,” who claims the top spot on the lightweight leaderboard after the first round of fights.

The Official Result

Anthony Pettis def. Myles Price R1 4:17 via Submission (Triangle Choke)

Ray Cooper III vs. Carlos Leal Miranda

Round 1

The news of Magomedkerimov bowing out of tonight’s event – and possibly the tournament as a whole, depending on if he can get his visa issues resolved by next month – was substantial, as it seemed to pave the way for Cooper III (24-7-1, 11-2-1 PFL) to make a return path to the $1 million check. Instead, “Bradda Boy” missed weight by 5.4 pounds, forfeiting his right to earn any points on the card while actually losing one in the process. Leal (16-3, 2-0 PFL) will end his night with at least three points, no matter what, and potentially more if he scores the mighty upset and finishes Cooper. Taking charge of the cage for this 177-pound affair will be referee Kerry Hatley, and one could cut the tension with a knife. There is no real touch of gloves for this one, as they would rather get right after it. Cooper throws wildly to start things off, and when Leal catches him with a counter, Cooper goes after a double. Leal turns him around and squeezes the 2021 champ into the cage, and he considers his own takedown before getting spun back around. Cooper aims to set up a single, and Leal knees him in the chest and backs him away. Leal fires off a jab to get Cooper to back off, and Cooper crashes forward for another double. Leal stuffs this attempt as well, and Cooper turns it to a single and cannot elevate the leg and put Leal on his back. The Brazilian lands a pair of knees on the breadbasket, and a few more lift Cooper up and give him some pause. Leal continues to hammer the midsection with knees, and holding Cooper tightly against the wall. Lean has a shoulder strike and a trio of knees get through until Cooper attempts to explode out of the position, and Leal greets him and knees him in the gut. Right hands from Leal get through, and another knee may have glanced off the cup as Cooper rolls his eyes. Leal bops Cooper a few times with his shoulder again, and Cooper times a knee to shoot in for a double. When they separate, Leal lands two punches on the break, giving a shiner to match his own – but Leal came in with his. Cooper appears flat, plodding forward and practically only interested in takedowns, while Leal is loose and light on his feet, ready to counter or nail Cooper with knees. Leal has an elbow strike the side, and he remembers not to throw this prohibited strike. Cooper fails on a double and then a subsequent single, and Leal strings together a few knees and punches to back Cooper off. Cooper whiffs on a huge counter, and Leal leaps in with a knee. The Brazilian finishes the round very strong with a Thai plum clinch and a handful of knees on the jaw, and the horn sounds to break them up. 10-9 Leal

Round 2

Cooper comes out of his corner plodding ahead, only for his leg to get kicked hard as Leal chops at it. Cooper ducks down to fake a takedown, and he ducks low enough to avoid a looping right hook. Cooper shoots for a takedown, and Leal stops it in its tracks and kicks Cooper in the lead leg as Cooper wobbles. Leal picks and pokes away from range, seeing Cooper throw recklessly and inaccurately, and Leal jumps in the air with a knee that clips Cooper. The 2021 champ goes after a takedown, and Leal gets set on his set for a moment before scrambling well enough to get back to his feet and chop at Cooper’s lead leg. Leal tags Cooper with a body kick that stuns him, and a few punches from “The Lion” wobble Cooper. A desperation single comes from Cooper, who clings to Leal as best he can while trying to get his wits about him. All the while, Leal is smacking him upside the head with his fists. A few more punches ring true while Cooper stands up, and Leal drills him in the chin with a knee that makes Cooper again hunt for a takedown. Leal sprawls and threatens with an anaconda choke setup before instead shoving the Hawaiian up to the fence on his knees. Leal does some work from above, but Cooper powers to his feet and walks right into a head kick. Leal admires his work before splitting the guard with a right hand, and Cooper stands before him unconcerned. Leal rips at Cooper’s lead leg on both angles, making Cooper nearly fall to the mat, and Cooper is a standing heavy bag at this point. Leal tosses out a leg kick, unafraid of a reprisal, and as he does, Cooper catches him with a left hook. Leal continues to batter Cooper’s left leg with kicks on the calf, and Cooper is struggling to put any weight on it. Leal lets loose with body kick, and he slides back when a telegraphed looping right hand soars past his chin. Leal scores a right and pounds the inside of Cooper’s thigh with a kick, and the round ends. 10-9 Leal

Round 3

The fighters meet in the middle, and Cooper walks Leal down and absorbs a right hand on his way forward. Cooper misses on a right, but he bites down on his mouthpiece and tries to slug it out. Leal gets surprised from the strikes, and Cooper suddenly shoots for a takedown instead of letting his hands go more. Leal drives a knee to the solar plexus, and Cooper drops down to his knees in big trouble. “The Lion” tries to finish the job with punches, and Cooper rolls out of it and turns the tables to take Leal down. When they both manage to stand up, Leal lays into Cooper with a long barrage of unanswered knees and punches, and Cooper is tough but not giving anything back. Cooper covers up his body from the strikes, and he throws one single punch to the midsection in response, and Leal backs off as if he might have punched himself out looking for that finish. They tie up, and Cooper slowly presses the Brazilian to the wall. Leal lets rip a knee to the body, and Cooper replies with an uppercut to the midsection. Cooper advances, and Leal lets go with a few punches and low kicks, but Cooper is continues to lumber forward. “Bradda Boy” throws a few punches on the inside, leading Leal to go after his own takedown try. Cooper locks on to a standing guillotine choke to threaten when Leal bends over, and Leal wrenches his neck out and reaches out with a few left hands. Leal kicks at the leg, but Cooper is gritting through them and lands three punches that surprise Leal. Cooper gets a reaction out of Leal when he lands, as the Brazilian tells him to bring it on, so Cooper obliges him. Leal responds with a head kick and a few punches that are also blocked, and they clash together in a clinch. Cooper rocks Leal with a right, and a left, and Leal is split open and bleeding on the top of his head. Cooper delivers one clean uppercut up the middle before the horn blares, and we have surprisingly made it to the final bell. Leal will remain with three points, as he already earned them from Cooper missing weight, and he will remain tied for second place -- only Rory MacDonald and his six points stand above at welterweight for now.

The Official Result

Carlos Leal Miranda def. Ray Cooper III via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)

Kayla Harrison vs. Marina Mokhnatkina

Round 1

Without looking at records or past performances, this matchup would have storylines galore: the U.S. vs. Russia, judo vs. sambo, a company mainstay vs. a fresh contender, and so on. However, with how Harrison (12-0, 11-0 PFL) has run PFL the last few years, Mokhnatkina (6-2, 1-0 PFL) is a hilarious betting underdog of historic levels for any major promotion at around +3000 – the kind of line usually pervasive in boxing squash matches. Whether it is a foregone conclusion or not, and regardless of Harrison clocking in at around -500 to finish the fight, referee Keith Peterson is ready for whatever comes next – as long as it is not nonsense. The headliners touch gloves, and they are hesitant to engage while Harrison holds the center of the cage. Mokhnatkina circles along the outside, and she absorbs a low kick and just avoids a leg hand. Mokhnatkina swings her way forward a few times, only for Harrison to connect with a left hand down the pipe. Harrison rushes forward to take the fight down, and she succeeds, planting the Russian on her back. Mokhnatkina keeps a high guard with a her foot stuck behind Harrison’s head, but Harrison shakes it off so that she can start unloading right hands. Mokhnatkina fights her way back up to her feet, and Harrison remains pinned to her against the wall while getting off short knee strikes. Harrison grapples her opponent against the cage, and Mokhnatkina rolls through to hunt for a leglock. Harrison spins around to get her foot out of the lock, and she settles down to drop right hands. The undefeated fighter claims Mokhnatkina’s back, and Mokhnatkina holds on to Harrison’s wrist with one hand until she can buck Harrison off of her. When Harrison does not succeed in getting the choke, she backs off and stands back up to reset. When upright, they keep a long range from one another, in a distance that allows Mokhnatkina ample time to react to anything Harrison plans to do, like a failed head kick or an overhand left that does land. The horn blows to end this first round. 10-9 Harrison

Round 2

Harrison leads the dance with a leg kick to start off Round 2, and she tosses out a left hand and a few jabs to back Mokhnatkina off early. Harrison bears down with a left hook, using it to punch her way into a double-leg attempt. The American jams the Russian into the wall, and she goes after a trip when the double does not succeed. Mokhnatkina turns and nearly gives up her back, and Harrison follows her through to toss Mokhnatkina to the ground with gravitas. Harrison does not land in an advantageous position, and Mokhnatkina is able to get an underhook back and not surrender back control. Harrison and her opponent knee one another, and Harrison stays tied to her adversary, not giving an inch. Harrison looks to muscle Mokhnatkina down with a throw, and Mokhnatkina keps her balance and leans up against the wall. Harrison uses a head lock throw to put Mokhnatkina on the mat, and Mokhnatkina snatches up a kneebar when they land. Harrison slides out of it and drills her opponent in the face with a solid right hand, and she climbs down into Mokhnatkina’s open guard. Mokhnatkina clings on tight to disallow Harrison from striking, and she lands a few hammerfists from her back to surprise Harrison. The undefeated fighter passed to side control, where she lines up a crucifix as Harrison rolls with her to go after an armbar. Mokhnatkina keeps turning, and she gives up her back but manages to sit up and lean Harrison up behind her against the fence, which keeps her safe from submission leverage. Harrison loops an arm under the chin, and she looks frustrated that this fight is about to reach the end of the second round. Mokhnatkina explodes up and grabs the fence, and Harrison hangs onto her until the round ends. 10-9 Harrison

Round 3

Between rounds, Mokhnatkina is warned very sternly by Peterson to not grab the cage again. The last round commences, and Harrison starts with a head kick that rolls over the shoulder. Mokhnatkina reaches out with a right hand, only to get clubbed with a left hook counter from the American. Mokhnatkina rushes in with a punch salvo, and Harrison uses the momentum against her and plants Mokhnatkina on the canvas. The Russian goes to her knees, and she cannot get Harrison off of her but does not have her back given up as she holds on to Harrison’s wrists for dear life. Harrison slides her left hand out, and she lays into Mokhnatkina with this fist again and again until Mokhnatkina climbs to the wall and upright again. Harrison tries for a few knees while she pins Mokhnatkina to the fencing, and little offense comes from either woman in this stalemate position. Harrison tries to power Mokhnatkina down to the floor with swift, jerking motions, but Mokhnatkina remains on her feet. The two-time champ embraces the grind, comfortable knowing that Mokhnatkina likely will not be able to threaten her unless she rolls for a leglock. Harrison lets loose with a few knees to the body, but none appear to have any appreciable impact. They proceed to knee one another in the torso, and Harrison keeps her balance as Mokhnatkina pursues a counter-throw. The ladies separate, and Harrison tosses out a front kick that is feet away from her intended target. Mokhnatkina charges with a right hand, and Harrison swats her away. This happens again, and Harrison sits back and pops her with a left hand. The 10-second clapper leads to Harrison spamming high kicks, and the Russian blocks them and remains defensive until the conclusion of the match. It is a fairly clear-cut if otherwise non-memorable performance for the two-time champ, who will earn three points and trail Pacheco in the divisional standings thus far. With that, this abysmal event – barring a few nifty first-round finishes – finally comes to a close, and PFL will go on hiatus for a little over a month while its fighters prepare for the second round of the regular season. 10-9 Harrison (30-27 Harrison)

The Official Result

Kayla Harrison def. Marina Mokhnatkina via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)