Lightweight Clay Collard is once again headlining a Professional Fighters League card, facing Mads Burnell in the main event of PFL 5 this Friday in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Collard (25-12, 1NC) has become a go-to guy for the PFL, known for exciting, all-action bangers, while still being good enough to make the 155lb finals in 2023. He holds wins over Anthony Pettis, Jeremy Stephens, Stevie Ray, Shane Burgos, and Patricky Pitbull, among others. With that sort of resume, it’s no surprise to see Collard headlining, which is a spot he’s become accustomed to.
“I’m getting used to being the main event spot at this point. I think I’m the right man for the job,” Collard exclaimed during the PFL 5 media day this week. “I feel prepared, I feel ready to go in there and battle.”
On the topic of Burnell, Collard was both enthusiastic and cautious. “It’s an exciting match-up. He’s definitely a game opponent. I just hope he doesn’t try to wrestle me the whole time, which I think he is. I want to go out there and put on that banger, put on a show for my fans. I’m just hoping he steps up to the plate and throws down with me like a man.”
As to why Burnell might take the wrestling route, “he don’t wanna get pieced up,” suggested Collard.
Clay Collard gets to fight at home in Utah this Friday, something that hasn’t happened for the lightweight star in over half a decade.
“Performing in front of my fans alone is a win in itself. It’s been six years since I’ve been home and been able to fight in front of my friends and family, so I’m super-stoked about it. To get the win and the number one seed is just the cherry on top.”
Watch the full 2024 PFL 5 media day appearance by Clay Collard above.
