“I love tournament structures personally. I’ve been wanting to do a tournament for a while, but that’s what got offered to me,” Davis told Cageside Press.

“I’m a prize fighter, there’s a big prize there, so I’m coming to rob the bank and get out of there with my money.”

Davis (17-5-1) gets a shot at the tournament and the $500K prize that goes to the winner. It comes with a belt as well, but that may be more of an accessory to the big check that comes with it.

“I’d have to say money, mate. As I said I’m a prize fighter, and I like fighting, and that’s what I do it for. Equally the prestige of having the title will bring in more money,” he said.

“PFL as a brand, I think if you get a title in the PFL, in future years that’s going to be a massive statement.”

Money, a belt, and a rule change make Davis happy to be part of the tournament. The PFL recently added elbows as a weapon in tournament fights which is a change from recent years.

“I like an elbow personally. I’ve dropped a few people with elbows before. I’m a striker and I think in close I’m very good with elbows. It’s very good for me I would say personally. The cut scenario, it’s not ideal, but I don’t think I’ll be on the receiving end of that.”

At the time of the interview the matchups had not been released, but Davis gave insight into how PFL put together the first round matchups.

“100% it’s a very exciting matchup. I think what they’ve done in the first, judging by who I’ve heard, they’ve matched people on the styles on which they think will compliment each other,” he said.

Watch the entire interview with Alfie Davis above.

The post Alfie Davis Excited For Tournament, “I’m a prize fighter. There’s a big prize there.” appeared first on Cageside Press.

On Wednesday, promotion officials announced the full eight-man line-up for the tournament, expected to kick off this April, via press release. Among the names announced, former Bellator MMA lightweight champion Brent Primus, who also competed in the 2024 tournament and appeared in the final opposite Gadzhi Rabadanov.

Rabadanov, despite having won it all last year, will return to the new-look tournament, which offers $500,000 in prize money to the winner, on top of purses collected throughout the grand prix (previous seasons awarded a cool one million, though that included fight purses).

Bellator alums Alexander Shabliy, Jay Jay Wilson, Mads Burnell, and Alfie Davis are also set to compete. Of note, Wilson is done serving a suspension under both USADA and the NSAC after testing positive for a banned substance, an infraction that was traced back to a contaminated vape pen.

Rounding out the eight fighters that will compete in the win and move on, grand prix-style tournament are UFC vet Marc Diakiese, and multi-time PFL post-season vet Clay Collard.

The line-up breaks down as follows:

• Gadzhi Rabadanov (24-4-2) of Russia
• Alexander Shabliy (24-4) of Russia
• Marc Diakiese (18-7) of England
• Jay Jay Wilson (10-1) of New Zealand
• Mads Burnell (20-6) of Denmark
• Alfie Davis (17-5-1) of England
• Brent Primus (15-4) of U.S.A.
• Clay Collard (25-14) of U.S.A.

Sergio Cossio (27-10-1) of Mexico and Robert Watley (15-3) of the U.S. serve as lightweight alternates. Also announced on Wednesday, Russia’s Khalid Murtazaliev (17-3) and American Jordan Newman (7-0) will be alternates for the middleweight division, the roster of which was revealed earlier this week.

The post Numerous Bellator Alums Set for PFL’s 2025 Lightweight World Tournament appeared first on Cageside Press.

Collard had made the most season in 2021, and in 2023 went to the final only to come up short against Olivier Aubin-Mercier. On Friday, he looked to punch his ticket to the final for a second straight year against former Bellator lightweight champ Brent Primus.

In what on paper was a wrestler (Primus) versus striker (Collard) match-up, Clay was clearly cognizant of the takedown threat. He worked from the outside accordingly, but Primus eventually trapped him against the fence. He’d work for a takedown and wind up taking the back as the pair moved back to center, Collard carrying his opponent’s weight.

Round two saw a nearly identical scene unfold, with Primus again scaling the back, this time near the fence. Collard had been bloodied care of a cut by the eye, while Primus battered him with right hands. While his corner urged him to “look for the sub” Primus instead stayed on the ground n’ pound, tenderizing Collard further. With a minute left on the clock, it became of a matter of whether Clay Collard could survive the round. He would, by the skin of his teeth.

Collard had to contend with more of the wrestling of Brent Primus in round three, much to the displeasure of the Florida crowd. And once again, Primus scaled the back, Collard carrying him like a backpack. This time, Primus started to slide off and Collard slammed him down. Collard backed off, firing an axe kick to the midsection before doing so. As Primus re-engaged, Collard ripped a body shot, then fired a kick to the midsection to follow it up. Another punch would back up Primus. Collard fanned on a spinning back fist, and Primus took advantage to tie things up. He’d eventually take the back again, getting Collard down and locking on a body triangle. The finish would not come for Brent Primus, but the win would, in a fight that was anything but crowd-pleasing.

Primus apologized for the “boring” fight afterwards, adding “I had to win this, he’s a tough, tough dude in stand-up.”

Official Result: Brent Primus def. Clay Collard by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

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Lightweights and light heavyweights were in action, with Impa Kasanganay, the 2023 PFL light heavyweight champion, headlining the show in a rematch with Josh Silveira. American Top Team’s Silveira was the man Kasanganay had defeated last year to win the title and million dollars in prize money; the rematch would either reaffirm Kasaganany’s dominance, or give Silveira his revenge.

2022 champ Rob Wilkinson could be found in the other 205lb semifinal, taking on Bellator alum Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov. Wilkinson had failed a drug test in 2023 that cost him the entirety of the season.

At lightweight, former Bellator champ Brent Primus faced PFL mainstay Clay Collard in one semifinal, while Canada’s Michael Dufort was paired up with Gadzhi Rabadanov in the other.

Where to Watch PFL Hollywood

Friday’s 2024 PFL 8 sees the playoffs continue at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. The card airs live on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S., and DAZN in Canada and Europe. Full results can be found below. The preliminary card goes live at 6:30PM ET.

PFL Hollywood: Kasanganay vs. Silveira 2 Results

Main card

Impa Kasanganay def. Josh Silveira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) — light heavyweight semifinal
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Rob Wilkinson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) — light heavyweight semifinal
Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Michael Dufort by KO, Round 2, 1:51 — lightweight semifinal
Brent Primus def. Clay Collard by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) — lightweight semifinal
Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Brian Stapleton by KO (punch), Round 1, 0:55

Preliminary card

Danny Sabatello vs. Lazaro Dayron ends in a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Mads Burnell def. Elvin Espinoza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Thad Jean def. Chris Brown by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Jordan Oliver def. Braydon Akeo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Michelle Montague def. Marilia Morais by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 1:44

The post PFL Hollywood: Kasanganay vs. Silveira 2 Full Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

A first-round finish would snag a playoff spot for Burnell, while a win of any kind would land Collard in another post-season. Were he to lose by finish, Collard needed it to come later in the second, or third round to advance to the post-season.

Collard, to the surprise of no-one, worked his boxing early, targeting the body – while both men mixed in kicks. Burnell ripped off an overhand, a kick to the midsection, and proved he was not adverse to standing toe-to-toe with “Cassius” Clay. Still, just over a minute in, Burnell opted to shift gears, change levels, and pull the legs out from under Clay. He could not keep Collard down, however, with the Utah native wall-walking up, once again letting his hands go. Strong body work by Collard underscored his game plan, and he seemed to be a step ahead of Burnell.

With a minute and a half on the clock, Mads Burnell again scored a takedown, but again, he could not keep Collard on the mat. Another takedown attempt led to similar results; Collard fought hands, posted up and regained his feet, only to roll and grab an arm from bottom just prior to the bell.

The second round found Burnell going back to the takedown just inside of a minute. This time, Burnell was in guard with Collard stacked up against the fence. Collard was warned for grabbing the fence; Burnell had wrist control. and finally got to spend some time on top. Collard would make it back up, with just about three minutes left in the frame. He fired a spinning back fist that fell well wide, but after all the time that had passed, Burnell was eliminated from the post-season, ensuring that no matter the outcome of the fight, both Collard and Michael Dufort were safe.

Burnell, meanwhile, landed another takedown, two minutes still on the clock in round two. Not a popular approach from the fans, who were in the house to see another Clay Collard banger. Instead, it was Burnell scaling the back with Collard on his feet; Burnell was a bit high up, and Collard tried to shake him off over the top. Eventually, Collard got his opponent off his back, and they ended the frame continuing to grapple along the fence, Burnell pursuing a single-leg takedown.

The opening two minutes of round three of the PFL 5 main event were spent mostly in the stand-up world, Collard and Burnell trading. Again, Collard was a step ahead, though both men had slowed ever so slightly. Burnell then blasted into a double-leg takedown two minutes in, landing it well away from the cage. Burnell got into half-guard, threading his leg around Collard’s. With the playoff bracket set, it was all about bragging rights, and the pair would ultimately go the distance, with the judges seeing it in favor of Burnell.

Official Result: Mads Burnell def. Clay Collard by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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On paper, thanks to five first round finishes in the 205lb division in April, light heavyweight looked ready to explode. Only four fighters could move to the post season, meaning someone with six points was set to be left on the outside, looking in. In the running to move forward were 2023 champ Impa Kasanganay, that year’s runner up in Josh Silveira, ex-champ Antonio Carlos Junior, ex-champ Rob Wilkinson, and Bellator import Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov.

On the lightweight side of things, Clay Collard headlined the show opposite Mads Burnell in a possible banger, while Patricky Pitbull looked to get on the board, and 155lb leader Michael Dufort looked to carry the torch for Canada in the PFL, after taking over for retired teammate Olivier Aubin-Mercier.

Due to a late withdrawal by Tom Breese, Andrew Sanchez was moved up the card into a fight with Sadibou Sy, with the announcement made just hours prior to showtime. That left Karl Albrektsson as the odd man out.

Where to Watch PFL 5

Friday, June 21, 2024 sees lightweights and light heavyweights in action at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The main card airs live on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. following prelims found exclusively on ESPN+, while Canadian and European viewers can catch the action on DAZN. Full results from the event can be found below.

2024 PFL 5: Collard vs. Burnell Results

The post 2024 PFL 5: Collard vs. Burnell Full Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

He’ll be met by Clay Collard, a fellow fan-favorite who uses his boxing prowess and granite chin to force the action in the center and create highlight reel finishes. Collard finishes as runner-up in last year’s $1M lightweight tournament, and will also be looking to stamp his way to the playoffs with a victory tonight as he strives to secure the highly coveted $1M grand prize and a world championship belt.

Burnell, however, isn’t focused on any of that. He doesn’t care that he’s the main event, that his face is on the posters, that he’s fighting in Collard’s home state of Utah. He just wants to fight, perform well, and walk away with a win. Simple as that.

“I want to make great fights. That’s what I fight for,” Burnell said in an interview with Cageside Press. “The money is the cherry on top. I love this sport. I love this game.”

Mads Burnell takes on Clay Collard in a PFL Main Event bout on Friday, June 21, at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Main card is set to get underway at 9 PM ET on ESPN.

The post For Mads Burnell It’s Not About The Money, But It’s A Nice Bonus appeared first on Cageside Press.

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.

The post PFL 5’s Clay Collard “Getting Used to” Being Main Event appeared first on Cageside Press.

The Salt Lake City card will take place on June 21 with lightweights Clay Collard and Mads Burnell headlining, promotion officials announced on Monday. In addition, 2023 light heavyweight champ Impa Kasanganay will face Jakob Nedoh in the co-main event.

“We are excited for the toughest test in MMA, the PFL Global Season, to debut in Salt Lake City,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray in Monday’s press release announcing the destination. “The PFL’s sports season format lends itself to action for fans in attendance and those watching in 160 countries worldwide. 2024 PFL Playoff berths and the chance to continue their $1 million journey hang in the balance for these elite athletes.”

Collard (25-12-1) sits in the #2 spot in the lightweight division after a big finish of Patricky Pitbull earlier this month. “Cassius” Clay has become a go-to for the PFL, with notable wins over Stevie Ray, Anthony Pettis, and Jeremy Stephens in addition to Pitbull. Last year, he made it all the way to the final, coming up short against Olivier Aubin-Mercier.

Bellator vet Mads Burnell (18-6) didn’t have quite the same start to his season. In his PFL debut, Burnell fell victim to an upset submission by Canadian Michael Dufort.

As for Kasanganay (16-4), the 2023 champ has six points but still sits in fourth place in the division after every winning light heavyweight scored a first-round finish to start the season.

The full PFL 5 card in Salt Lake City, Utah breaks down as follows:

• Lightweight: Clay Collard vs Mads Burnell
• Light Heavyweight: Impa Kasanganay vs Jakob Nedoh
• Lightweight: Patricky Pitbull vs Bruno Miranda
• Light Heavyweight: Rob Wilkinson vs Josh Silveira
• Light Heavyweight: Dovlet Yagshimuradov vs Simon Biyong
• Light Heavyweight: Antonio Carlos Jr. vs Alex Polizzi
• Lightweight: Brent Primus vs Solomon Renfro
• Light Heavyweight: Sadibou Sy vs Tom Breese
• Lightweight: Gadzhi Rabadanov vs Elvin Espinoza
• Lightweight: Michael Dufort vs Adam Piccolotti
• Lightweight: Anthony Romero vs Sergio Cossio
• Light Heavyweight: Laurynas Urbonavicius vs Karl Albrektsson
• Featherweight: Brayhan Zurcher vs TBA

The post 2024 PFL 5 Set for Salt Lake City on June 21, Clay Collard vs. Mads Burnell Headlines appeared first on Cageside Press.

It didn’t come easy, with Brazil’s Pitbull willing to stand with the heavy-handed Collard, at least until the second round when Collard (25-12, 1NC) put him away. When it came to Pitbull landing some heavy shots of his own, Collard gave credit to his chin.

“I’m the ‘Crimson Chin,’ man. So he caught me with a pretty good one, but I wouldn’t say that I was hurt,” Collard told media outlets including Cageside Press following the bout. “He kind of knocked me off-balance a little bit, but my head was still 100% in the game.”

A win over a former champ and popular Brazilian, meanwhile, has Collard satisfied, at least for now. “We just keep adding them up at this point, so it’s just another feather in the cap. On to the next.”

Other feathers in the cap for Collard have included Jeremy Stephens, Shane Burgos, and Anthony Petts. Getting back in the win column, after losses to A.J. McKee and Olivier Aubin-Mercier, was also key.

“You know what they say, you’re only as good as your last fight. As of right now, we’ve got a finish so that’s a bonus. We’re back in the winning column, and that’s what we were looking for so we’re happy about that.”

One thing that did not surprise Clay Collard at PFL 2 was Patricky Pitbull’s willingness to stand and trade with him. Ahead of the fight, Pitbull had been marketed as Bellator MMA’s Knockout King.”

“You can’t claim you’re the ‘Knockout King’ and then go wrestling,” noted Collard. “I would have dogged him hard if he would have wrestled claiming he’s the Knockout King.”

As for the toughness displayed on Friday, “you have to be tough to fight, that’s kind of a no-brainer,” said Collard. “I don’t think there’s any single person in the game tougher than me, hands down.”

Watch the full PFL 2 post-fight press conference with Clay Collard above.

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