It was a close out, but Chris Wade defeated Nate Andrews for the second time this year at PFL 8 2019, moving to the lightweight semifinals in the process.
Nate Andrews had the height and reach advantage, but Chris Wade had defeated him in the regular season. That set the stage for a lightweight quarterfinal rematch at PFL 8 2019 on Thursday night in Las Vegas. The pair were the final quarterfinal playoff bout on the night, with the winner of Wade vs. Andrews moving on to face Loik Radzhabov.
Wade imposed his will early in the rematch with Andrews, grinding and pressing his opponent up against the fence. Andrews reversed, and looked for a trip. He’d eventually bully Wade to the ground, only for Wade to pop up and take Andrews down in turn.
Wade had to contend with some heel kicks from Andrews while in guard. Wade would throw a left from the top while Andrews kept a high guard, taking advantage of the fence. Andrews would later try to scramble out, but the bulk of the remaining time would play out there.
The second would see Wade earning a key takedown once again. Pinning his opponent by the fence, he’d trap a leg with his own. Andrews, however, would power up, and reverse Wade, looking for a trip, then taking down Wade. Andrews looked to take the back, clearly on the hunt for a choke. The pair, however, wound up in North-South position.
Back on the feet, Andrews was swinging wild, loading up on uppercuts. Wade knew exactly what he needed to do, and drove his opponent back into the fence. Taking himself out of the line of fire in the process.
With neither man able to find the finish, the judges were in play. And while one would see it a draw, two would side with Wade, sending him to the semifinals later in the night.
Official Result: Chris Wade def. Nate Andrews by majority decision (19-19, 20-18, 20-18)
