There is no more heartbreaking of a success story in professional sports than that of Bruno Cappelozza.
Just moments after he captured the PFL heavyweight title and claimed a million dollars in prize money last season, Cappelozza’s joy turned to sorrow as his team informed him that his father had died three days prior. His family had held back the news, so as not to distract him from the task at hand. It worked — he won, and no doubt made his father proud — but the moment was one he called both the happiest and saddest of his life.
At PFL 2 on Thursday night, Cappelozza opened up his 2022 campaign against England’s Stuart Austin. Austin had campaigned for the fight, after a one-and-done appearance for the league last year.
Utilizing some low kicks early, it wasn’t long before Cappelozza had clinched up with Austin along the fence. Cappelozza changed levels, hunted for a single leg, but Austin displayed some solid balance. When he finally was taken down, the Brit was right back to his feet; he briefly looked for a guillotine, and Cappelozza backed up, resetting.
This time, when Cappelozza moved in, he landed a left hook; Austin shot for a takedown, but couldn’t land it. Cappelozza stayed heavy on him, looking for a body lock from the back as Austin went to a knee. Pressure was key for Cappelozza, but Austin would stay upright, and they’d move back to center. Austin, however, was cracked by a right hand moments later, and wound up dropped to the ground covering up!
Bruno lands a shot and drops Stuart in the 1st#2022PFL2 pic.twitter.com/eWpMqIIHM7
— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 29, 2022
Cappelozza moved into half guard; Austin looked to tie him up with an overhook, then fought the wrists, taking time off the clock. Cappelozza moved to mount, parallel to the fence, and Austin would up covering up as Cappelozza dropped bombs, which soon sent the ref in!
The big finish from Cappelozza was one of several stoppages by the heavyweights on the PFL 2 card. Ante Delija, Renan Ferreira, and Denis Goltsov also got the job done early, in what looks like a competitive heavyweight field.
6 Points and the 1st round finish for Bruno Cappelozza!#2022PFL2 pic.twitter.com/HcBajmTR8W
— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 29, 2022
Official Result: Bruno Cappelozza def. Stuart Austin by TKO (ground n’ pound), Round 1, 4:24
