PFL Super Fights ‘Battle of the Giants’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Taha Bendaoud (145.5) vs. Tariq Ismail (145.1)

Round 1

Bryan Miner will referee the opening bout of the card at featherweight. Ismail closes the distance and clinches with Bendaoud before landing a takedown. Bendaoud is active with his guard and he threatens with his guard, but Ismail is able to pass to side control. Ismail nearly has Bendaoud trapped in a crucifix but the moment is fleeting. Bendaoud shifts his hips and threatens with an inverted triangle. Ismail escapes, stands briefly and dives back into top position. Bendaoud tries to build a base, but Ismail simply powers him back to the mat. Ismail keeps the pressure on from half guard. Bendaoud pushes off the cage with his legs and then transitions to a leg lock attempt. Bendaoud gives up on that and clings to a single leg. After a scramble, Ismail regains top position and moves to side control, where he lands a short elbow. That’s how the round will end.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ismail
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Ismail
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Ismail

Round 2

Bendaoud comes out with a cut and some swelling under his left eye. Ismail waits about 20 seconds before he closes the distance. He locks his hands, lifts Bendaoud and puts him on his back. Ismail stands for a moment and then moves back into top position. Ismail postures up and lands a series of left hands. Miner is taking a close look. Ismail continues to stay busy, peppering his opponent with shots while navigating the guard of Bendaoud. Ismail moves to full mount, and he lands a series of right hands. Bendaoud tries to threaten with a leg lock, but it doesn’t have a chance. Ismail escapes and gets back to work with ground-and-pound. Bendaoud is using his guard to try and keep Ismail at bay. Ismail gets careless and falls right into a triangle choke. He tries to back out of the manuever, but it’s too deep. Ismail has no choice but to tap out just moments after he appeared to be well on his way to pounding out a victory from top position.

The Official Result

Taha Bendaoud def. Tariq Ismail via Submission (Triangle Choke) R2 3:51

Nacho Campos (145.9) vs. Ibragim Ibragimov (145.5)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta will be in charge of this featherweight clash. Ibragimov probes with kicks early before shooting for a takedown against the fence. Campos defends and lands an elbow to the side of the head. Ibragmiov lands a knee to the midsection and a shoulder strike from the clinch. Ibragimov gets his foe down with an inside trip and lands inside guard. Campos quickly works up to his knees. Ibragimov wraps up Campos legs. Campos gives up his back in order to stand, but Ibragimov is still attached to him. Ibragmiov executes a mat return and traps Campos’ wrist. Ibragimov works to take the back, and he locks in a body triangle. Ibragimov lands some short shots to the head while maintaining back control. Campos rolls as Ibragimov looks to slide his arm under the chin. Ibragimov is comfortably in control from this position, and he drives an elbow into Campos’ ear late in the period. Campos gets to his feet in the waning seconds, but this was a dominant round for Ibragimov.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov

Round 2

Ibragimov punches his way into the clinch, but he absorbs a knee to the midsection for his efforts. Ibragmiov seems to be OK, and he dives low for a single leg. Campos steps over and nearly takes his opponent’s back. Ibragimov is able to regain control, however, and he takes Campos down against the fence. Ibragimov secures a leg bind and now Campos is stuck in a seated position against the wire. Ibragimov extends his hips to keep the leg bind in place and he lands some short punches to the body. Campos works his way up, but Ibragimov pulls him right back down. Campos stares at Miragliotta, perhaps seeking a standup. Ibragimov has Campos’ legs secured again, and he’s staying busy with short body punches. Ibragimov keeps the heavy top pressure on. Campos gets to his feet, but it’s only temporary. Ibragimov is relentless with his pressure and control. Campos stands in the waning seconds, and he lands a knee and short elbow in the clinch before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov

Round 3

Ibragimov ducks under a hook but Campos denies an initial takedown. Ibragimov resets and shoots again, pushing Campos into the fence and eventually planting him on the floor. Once again, Ibragimov binds Campos’ legs to neutralize him on the canvas. Campos creates a scramble but gives up his back. Campos is able to stand, but Ibragimov stays on his foe’s hips, grinding away against the fence. Campos lands a backward elbow, but Ibragmiov is unfazed as he drags his man back to the canvas. Ibragimov has a body triangle in place, and he chips away with short shots to the head from back control. Ibragimov punches under the armpits of his opponent, adding some extra force to his shots. Ibragimov is able to transition to mount, and he drops some elbows and punches in the waning seconds as Campos scrambles in vain.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov (30-27 Ibragimov)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov (30-27 Ibragimov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Ibragimov (30-27 Ibragimov)

The Official Result

Ibragim Ibragimov def. Nacho Campos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Dedrek Sanders (154.9) vs. Makkasharip Zaynukov (153.6)

Round 1

Mike Beltran will officiate this lightweight bout. Zaynukov with an inside leg kick about 45 seconds in. Zaynukov lands a body kick. A left hook stuns Sanders momentarily. Zaynukov with a front kick down the middle. Sanders connects with a body kick of his own. Zaynukov moves forward with a couple right hands. Another left hook lands for Zaynukov and Beltran warns the fighters about a potential clash of heads. Zaynukov forces the clinch and then gets in on a single leg against the fence. Zaynukov collects his foe’s legs and then drags Sanders to the mat. Sanders is up quickly as Zaynukov shoves him into the fence. Zaynukov trips Sanders to the canvas with a little more than a minute to go. Sanders utilizes a butterfly guard, and he eventually scrambles up, only to be taken right back down to the floor. Sanders gets up one more time before the horn, but he can’t break free from Zaynukov’s grip.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zaynukov
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Zaynukov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Zaynukov

Round 2

Zaynukov probes with a head kick, but it’s blocked. Sanders tries to fake his way into range, but eats a left hook for his efforts. Another head kick from Zaynukov. Sanders is able to get a left through the guard of his adversary. Zaynukov catches a kick and plants Sanders on his back in the center of the cage with more than three minutes to work. Zaynukov works from inside full guard, creating openings to land a couple short elbows. Sanders gets to the fence and works his way to his feet, only to give up his back during a mat return. Zaynukov is content with maintaining control and mat returns. The Russian puts Sanders on his back with a little more than a minute left. Sanders is up, but he can’t break free from Zaynukov, who picks his man up and slams him to the mat. Zaynukov is able to get one hook in and ride out the rest of the round near the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zaynukov
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Zaynukov
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Zaynukov

Round 3

Zaynukov begins with a front kick, and he shucks Sanders aside as his opponent pressures. Zaynukov lands a three-punch combination, knocking Sanders off balance. Zaynukov with a front kick followed by a heavy right hook. A right hand connects for Zaynukov. A head kick partially lands for Zaynukov and he gets a takedown near the fence shortly thereafter. he has three minutes to work from top position. Zaynukov advances to full mount. Sanders scrambles and gets to a knee, but Zaynukov gets one hook in and makes the American carry his weight. Sanders tries to throw his opponent over the top, but instead, Zaynukov threatens with a choke before moving back to full mount. Zaynukov continues to methodically dominate, as he takes Sanders’ back. Zaynukov hammers away with right hands before Sanders rolls to his back. Zaynukov stays busy with short elbows and punches from mount. Zaynukov alternates between punches and hammerfists, and Sanders barely makes it to the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Zaynukov (30-26 Zaynukov)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-8 Zaynukov (30-26 Zaynukov)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-8 Zaynukov (30-26 Zaynukov)

The Official Result

Makkasharip Zaynukov def. Dedrek Sanders via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) R3 5:00

Marcos Breno (136) vs. Raufeon Stots (135.8)

Round 1

Mike Beltran will ref this featured preliminary clash at bantamweight. An inside low kick lands for Stots. Stots sticks a jab and Breno kicks the body. Berno is pressuring with straight shots. A combination by the Brazilian prompts a level change from Stots, but the Brazilian defends well. Breno digs a hook to the body. A body kick lands for Breno, and Stots responds in turn. Breno is sprawling nicely after his offense. A right hand by Breno makes Stots’ legs buckle, and he shoots unsuccessfully again. Breno remains in Stots’ face, and he lands a straight right to the body. Breno with a right to the head followed by a hook to the body. A jab gets through for Stots. Stots lands a thudding kick to the body. Stots grabs a single leg, but Breno defends with a wizzer. Stots remains determined, and he pushes Breno into the cage with a rear waist lock in place. Stots spins around to the back, and he wants a choke. He doesn’t have his hooks in, so he transitions to top position, putting Breno on his back. Stots moves to half guard, and he’ll end the round in top position.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Breno
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Breno
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Breno

Round 2

Breno steps in with a knee, but Stots is able to elude it. Stots kicks the body and Breno returns the favor. Breno with an inside leg kick, a body kick and a punching combination. Stots flicks out a jab. A straight left from Stots counters a Breno leg kick. Stots times a level change and gets in on Breno’s hips against the fence. Breno tries to break Stots’ grip, but he is dragged to the mat. Breno stands but Stots drags him right back down. Stots is on the back now, and then he takes top position in a scramble. Stots has Breno in a crucifix, but Breno pulls his arm free. Stots is still in control, though Breno is able to regain full guard with less than a minute remaining. Stots drops an elbow from above. Another couple short elbows land for Stots before the end of the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Stots
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Stots
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Stots

Round 3

Breno kicks the lead leg. Stots fires off a quick jab. Another jab gets through for Stots. Breno is pressuring, but a hard body kick lands for Stots. A couple lefts by Stos back up Breno. Breno ducks under a punch and executes a nicely timed takedown. Stots counters with a guillotine but Breno is able to escape from danger and remain on top. Stots is able to bridge over and reverse into top position, setting up in half guard. We’re at the halfway point of the round, and the fight is up for grabs. Stots stands and then spins to Breno’s back. He lands a couple shots to the head, and then when Breno postures up, Stots quickly drags his foe back into a rear-naked choke. It’s tight, and Breno taps in a matter of seconds.

The Official Result

Raufeon Stots def. Marcos Breno via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 3:01

A.J. McKee (155.8) vs. Paul Hughes (155.8)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta will officiate the first main card bout, which takes place at lightweight. McKee pens up with a body kick and it’s caught by Hughes, who misses a right hand. McKee with a stomp kick to Hughes’ lead leg. They trade, and McKee lands a quick combination. McKee is pressuring against the fence, and Hughes nearly times a knee. McKee gets in on a single leg, but Hughes defends. McKee throws a knee in close, and Hughes complains that it landed low. Miragliotta tells him to keep fighting. McKee drops low for a takedown, and he has his hands locked for a body lock. McKee lands a left in close before Hughes reverses. They break and Hughes lands a left as they separate. As McKee changes levels, Hughes throws a knee, which connects more with the shoulder than they head. Hughes defends the ensuing takedown and a scramble ensues. Hughes hovers over a grounded McKee and looks to rain down punches. McKee transitions to a kneebar. Hughes escapes and drops two heavy standing to ground shots. Hughes settles into top position, working from his foe’s half guard. Hughes with a short elbow and then he stands. McKee is active with upkicks. McKee tries to roll through, but Hughes floats and then stands over a grounded McKee. Hughes sprawls as McKee attempts a low single. When McKee stands, Hughes leaps in with a knee. Hughes catches a body kick and he lands a knee as he shoves McKee into the fence. With time winding down, Hughes tags McKee with a right hook on the chin it buckles him. McKee clings to Hughes’ legs as the horn sounds. McKee might have been saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hughes
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Hughes
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Hughes

Round 2

Hughes goes upstairs with a kick but it’s blocked by McKee. McKee steps in with a kick that lands under Hughes’ chin. An outside leg kick for McKee. McKee lands a kick to the chest of Hughes. Hughes kicks the body. Hughes pressures and fires a right hand. McKee lands a leg kick and lunges forward with a combination. Hughes forces the clinch, but McKee turns him into the fence. They trade knees in the clinch. McKee has a body lock secured. Hughes frees himself and separates. McKee uses a front kick to create space. McKee finds the range on a combination. Hughes with a leg kick. Hughes backs McKee up with a combination. McKee circles out. A McKee kick catches Hughes low and there’s a brief break. Action resumes with about 70 seconds to go. McKee kicks the body , but Hughes counters with a left hook. Hughes gets aggressive near the fence and lands a combination but slips on a jumping knee. McKee tries to take advantage and pull Hughes to the mat. He is able to work his way to Hughes’ back in the waning seconds. The round ends with McKee kneeing the thighs of Hughes.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hughes
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 McKee
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 McKee

Round 3

McKee follows a spinning back kick with a flurry of punches. Nothing lands clean, but McKee shoots for a takedown and shoves Hughes into the fence. McKee locks his hands for a body lock and lands some strikes in close. Hughes ducks under and McKee goes to the floor. Hughes stands over McKee, who is able to scramble to his feet. McKee changes levels and forces the clinch. He wants to drag Hughes to the mat, but the Irish standout is defending well. Hughes wants to break McKee’s grip, but the American is controlling the action against the fence. McKee lands a knee in the clinch, but Hughes escapes and tags McKee with a couple shots near the fence. McKee lands a jab to keep Hughes away. Hughes with a couple solid uppercuts. Hughes puts the pressure on and lands a right hook as he backs McKee into the fence. Hughes sprawls on a McKee takedown with about a minute to go. A scramble ensues and McKee ends up on Hughes’ back. Hughes defends and sprawls on a takedown. Hughes misses a knee as he backs away from McKee at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hughes (30-27 Hughes)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 McKee (29-28 McKee)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 McKee (29-28 McKee)

The Official Result

Paul Hughes def. A.J. McKee via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00

Husein Kadimagomaev (146) vs. Zafar Mohsen (145.8)

Round 1

Mike Beltran will be the third man in the cage for this featherweight contest. Mohsen upens up with a couple inside leg kicks. It’s an extended feeling-out process in this one, as not much has happened in the first minute or so. Kadimagomaev lands a looping right hand, then he grabs a single leg and puts Mohsen on his back. Mohsen gets an underhook and they scoot toward the fence. Mohsen stands and they separate. Kadimagomaev changes levels for a single leg and pushes Mohsen into the cage. It’s a reversal for Mohsen, who tosses Kadimagomaev to the canvas. Kadimagomaev regains his footing in a hurry and drives Mohsen back into the cage. Mohsen tosses Kadimagomaev again, but his opponent scrambles up and shoves the German into the barrier. They separate with about a minute to go. Mohsen with an inside low kick. Mohsen sticks a jab. An inside leg ick lands for Mohsen, who starts to mix up his offense late. Kadimagomaev slips on a high kick and the round ends without further incident.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen

Round 2

Mohsen lands a spinning back kick to the body. Kadimagomaev answers with a front kick down the middle. Kadimagomaev nearly eats a leaping knee while changing levels, and Mohsen sprawls on the takedown attempt. Eventually, Mohsen powers his way into top position. Kadimagomaev scrambles back to his feet and pushes Mohsen into the fence. Kadimagomaev is struggling to get the takedown. He pulls Mohsen off the fence with a single leg, but the German keeps his footing. Mohsen then uses his judo and throws Kadimagomaev to the mat. Mohsen is in his opponent’s full guard. Mohsen, who is bleeding from a cut near his right eye, passes to half guard. Kadimagomaev denies Mohsen’s attempt to move to full mount, and he hustles to his feet. Kadimagomaev pushes Mohsen into the fence, and he’s content to stay there until the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen

Round 3

A left lands for Mohsen and he sits Kadimagomaev down with a push kick. Kadimagomaev hustles to his feet. Kadimagomaev changes levels for a takedown, but Mohsen isn’t having it. They break from the clinch and Kadimagomaev shoots again, but Mohsen defends against the fence. Kadimagomaev gets his head outside and tries for a single leg. Again, Mohsen stuffs it. Mohsen is too powerful for his opponent, but Kadimagomaev won’t give up on his takedown attempts. They’re in the clinch and Beltran breaks the combatants up. Mohsen lands a push kick and an inside leg kick. Kadimagomaev just ducks under a head kick. More low kicks land for Mohsen, and then he tags Kadimagomaev with a right hook. Mohsen stuffs an ensuing takedown attempt. Mohsen is able to scramble into top position with less than a minute remaining. Mohsen drops an elbow from half guard. A couple more short elbows and some ground and pound land for Mohsen before the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen (30-27 Mohsen)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen (30-27 Mohsen)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Mohsen (30-27 Mohsen)

The Official Result

Zafar Mohsen def. Husein Kadimagomaev via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

PFL Super Fights Middleweight Title Bout:
Johnny Eblen (184.7) vs. Fabian Edwards (184.9)

Round 1

Mike Beltran will ref this rematch for the Bellator middleweight title. They exchange leg kicks early. Eblen follows a head kick with a right hand. They go back to trading leg kicks. Another high kick from Eblen but it misses the mark, Edwards catches Eblen with an uppercut. Eblen lands a right hand. A long left gets through for the Brit. Edwards throws a knee and is countered by an Eblen right. Eblen lands another right and Edwards is off balance. Eblen shoots for a takedown against the fence. The American Top Team product presses Edwards into the wire before the Englishman is able to turn off the cage. Eblen misses the mark on a high kick, and he shoots shortly thereafter. He slams Edwards to the canvas, but he’s on his feet in a hurry. Eblen with a big slam. Edwards gets up and is slammed down again. Eblen keeps the body lock and knees the thighs before executing another mat return. Eblen lands a short elbow along the fence. Edwards throws some knees with his back to the fence before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Eblen

Round 2

Edwards begins with a front kick, then a low kick. A straight counter left lands clean for Edwards. Eblen closes the distance behind a right hand and changes levels. Edwards gets some space for a moment, but Eblen’s second effort secures the takedown. Eblen appears to be thinking about an arm triangle from half guard. Eblen drops a short elbow. Edwards gets to the fence and stands, but Eblen lifts him and slams him back to the floor. Eblen is warned for landing strikes to the back of the head as he makes his foe carry his weight. Eblen with a mat return and Edwards pops up. Eblen fires an elbow as they go back to range. They trade leg kicks. Eblen jabs the body. An uppercut lands for Edwards during an exchange. The Englishman closes the frame with a counter left.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Eblen

Round 3

Edwards lands an outside leg kick to begin. Eblen answers with an inside low kick. Edwards just misses a straight left and Eblen shakes his head. Eblen fires off a jab. Edwards just misses on another counter. Edwards finds the timing on an nice counter uppercut. Eblen has a high kick blocked. Edwards answers a low kick with a front kick to the gut. Another front kick lands for Edwards. Eblen shoots behind a pair of right hands. He pulls Edwards off the fence and onto the canvas. Edwards gets to his knees with Eblen on his hips. Eblen is making his opponent carry his weight, grinding away. Edwards is to his feet, and they separate at about the 1:15 mark. Edwards lands a front kick to the body. A right from Eblen gets through Edwards guard. Edwards pressures with a combination and ends with a flying knee. Eblen follows an elbow with a level change, and he shoves Edwards into the fence in the waning seconds. Eblen ends the round there.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Eblen

Round 4

Edwards opens up with low kicks and front kicks. He counters Eblen with a straight left. Edwards lands a right, but Eblen lands a short right of his own in close. Edwards with another counter left. He snaps Eblen’s head back with another left, which has been one of his best weapons. Eblen follows a combination with a takedown attempt and he gets Edwards down again. Eblen has a body lock, and he slams Edwards down after his foe stands. Eblen ragdolls Edwards back to the canvas. He continues to dominate position, bleeding time off the clock and racking up points through his wrestling. Edwards stands, but he can’t break Eblen’s grip. Another mat return for Eblen. It’s a grinding performance for the reigning Bellator champion, but Edwards seems to have no answer. They separate with less than 20 seconds. They trade at range, but no serious damage is done before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Eblen

Round 5

Edwards probably needs something big to turn the tide in his favor. Instead, he pokes Eblen in the eye as they exchange early in the period. Time is called, but the foul is accidental. The fight resumes and Eblen can’t quite get a single leg. Edwards is doing his best to up the pressure, but this time, a push kick lands on Eblen’s groin and we get another timeout. Eblen doesn’t need much of a break. Edwards shucks off a takedown and he looks to attack with front kicks to the body. Edwards with a head body combination followed by more front kicks. Eblen answers with a right. Edwards follows a left hand with a knee and Eblen fires back. Edwards denies a takedown by Eblen. Edwards continues to attack with front kicks. Edwards denies a couple takedown attempts and he ups the volume, landing a punching combination and a body kick. Edwards lands a left and several elbows. The Brit works the body in close. This is Edwards’ best round by far. Eblen changes levels and shoves Edwards into the fence with about 1:30 to go. Edwards is forced to defend, and Eblen lands an elbow on the break. Edwards closes the distance and lands an elbow. Edwards is working the body well as they trade in a phone booth. Edwards follows a left hand with a knee. They trade elbows. Edwards with a push kick, left hand and uppercut. Eblen is taking lots of shots this round and surviving. Eblen forces the clinch and pushes Edwards into the fence to run out the clock.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (49-46 Eblen)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (49-46 Eblen)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (49-46 Eblen)

The Official Result

Johnny Eblen def. Fabian Edwards via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) R5 5:00

PFL Super Fights Women’s Featherweight Title Bout:
Cris Cyborg (144.5) vs. Larissa Pacheco (144.1)

Round 1

Bryan Miner will officiate this featherweight duel. Cyborg jabs the body and circles on the outside. Pacheco wings on overhand and Cyborg takes the opportunity to clinch and push her foe into the cage. They separate and swing away. Cyborg ducks under a Pacheco punch and executes a high amplitude takedown. Cyborg is in side control, driving her forearm into the chin. Pacheco stands and eats a head kick. Pacheco is unfazed and swings wildly before Cyborg clinches again. Cyborg is bleeding from the nose. Cyborg with several knees to the body in close quarters. Cyborg lands a short elbow. They break and Cyborg tags her foe with a left. Pacheco swings wildly and Cyborg gets another takedown. This time, Pacheco frames a guilltone from her back. Cyborg isn’t in serious danger, so Pacheco just uses it to control her opponent. Cyborg pops her head free with 45 seconds left. She postures up and flurries with ground and pound for a few seconds. Cyborg stands and Miner orders Pacheco to follow. The round ends without further incident.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg

Round 2

Cyborg has cuts over both eyes as we begin the second frame. Pacheco comes out firing 1-2s. A high kick misses the mark for Cyborg. Cyborg whiffs on an overhand right. A right gets through for Pacheco. Cyborg with a leg kick. Cyborg makes Pacheco stumble with a leg kick. Pacheco pressures but Cyborg is able to clinch and turn her foe into the fence. Cyborg follows an elbow with a spinning back fist that lands clean. Pacheco is in pursuit, but Cyborg is able to time another takedown to put the former PFL champ on her back. Cyborg applies heavy shoulder pressure as she works from half guard. Cyborg lands an elbow from above. Cyborg drives her foearm into Pacheco’s chin. Cyborg stands and Pacheco kicks at her foe’s knee. With 30 seconds they’re standing. A nice right hand lands for Pacheco late in the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg

Round 3

Pacheco opens with an outside leg kick. They trade heavy hooks in the pocket, and both fighters land. Pacheco beckons Cyborg forward, but the Brazilian veteran is hanging back. Pacheco lunges in with strikes and Cyborg wings a right in response. Nothing lands especially clean, though. Pacheco pressures and lands a solid two-punch combo. Pacheco catches a kick and lands a right on Cyborg’s chin. Pacheco follows her foe to the mat, landing in full guard. Pacheco drives a short elbow into her opponent’s head. Pacheco is heavy on top, and Cyborg is warned for grabbing the cage. Pacheco with a right to the ribs. A couple more thudding shots to the ribs land for Pacheco. Pacheco is methodical and punishing from top position this round. Pacheco conclude the period with more elbows and punches from above.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pacheco
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Pacheco
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Pacheco

Round 4

Cyborg works on the outside, attacking with leg kicks early. Pacheco lands a leg kick of her own, and it’s heavy. Cyborg counters a front kick with a right hand. A low kick makes Cyborg stumble and the featherweights briefly sling leather. Pacheco lands a counter right off a Cyborg front kick. Pacheco backs up after an exchange, but moments later, the PFL veteran tags Cyborg with a solid right. Pacheco targets the calf with another low kick. Cyborg connects with an overhand right, and she connects on another solid shot against the fence. Pacheco squints but she seems to be OK. Pacheco counters another Cyborg kick and tags her with a right again. A left hook from Cyborg backs Pacheco up. Cyborg shoots for a takedown late. Pacheco shrugs it off and they trade until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg

Round 5

Cyborg jabs the body. Pacheco lands a low kick. It’s a slower pace this round. Pacheco lands a right, but Cyborg comes back with a fury, unloading with a series of punches that prompt Pacheco to shoot. Cyborg lets Pacheco up and she seems to have her wits. Pacheco is stalking and Cyborg misses the mark on a heavy combination. Pacheco counters a Cyborg kick with a right. Cyborg lands a glancing overhand right. Another overhand right lands for Cyborg and she resets, landing a jab. Cyborg times a takedown nicely, but Pacheco rolls through for a leg lock. Cyborg stands and they’re back up with 15 seconds to go. Both women land in a final exchange, and both absorb the final salvos well.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg (49-46 Cyborg)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg (49-46 Cyborg)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Cyborg (49-46 Cyborg)

The Official Result

Cris Cyborg def. Larissa Pacheco via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) R5 5:00

PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Title Bout:
Francis Ngannou (256.8) vs. Renan Ferreira (261.5)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta will referee the this battle of heavyweight giants. Ferreira takes the cenger of the cage and absorbs a heavy leg kick. Ferreira lands one of his own, but Ngannou responds with another. Ngannou stumbles after absorbing a leg kick, but he does land a right. Moments later, it’s Ngannou who changes levels and takes Ferreira down with relative ease. Ferreira does a good job neutralizing Ngannou and then he shifts his hips and frames a triangle. Ngannou gets out of trouble and is in half guard. Ferreira continues to control the wrist of his foe to limit ground and pound opportunities. Eventually, Ngannou postures up and lands a series of heavy punches. Ferreira goes to his knees. Ngannou is patient from this position, and he finds his opening. “The Predator” unloads with a series of heavy left hands and Ferreira is in trouble. The Brazilian isn’t defending himself, and the onslaught continues until Ferreira goes limp. Ngannou lands one more and then Miragliotta steps in to save “El Problema.” Seemingly overcome with emotion, Ngannou takes a moment to collect himself in the cage after the finish. Shortly thereafter, the former UFC champ shares an emotional embrace with his corner. It’s a successful return to MMA for Ngannou, as he earns his first victory in the cage since January 2022.

The Official Result

Francis Ngannou def. Renan Ferreira via KO (Punches) R1 3:32