Kicking off this edition of TTP is our interview with Oktagon bantamweight, Jonas Magard. Magard discusses his close, split decision loss to Igor Severino last December and shares how he’s driven for a rematch. With Severino booked for a title shot in the new year, there is even more motivation to get that fight. However, before that, Magard has a date this weekend with Elvis Silva. The two will throw down on this weekend’s Oktagon 81 card to end the MMA year right.

Combat Countdown: 5 From Unranked to Title Shot (11:10)

Just about every year in recent memory, someone comes out of nowhere and picks up a UFC title shot. For years we saw someone rise from the level of the unranked to make it to the top – like Volkan Oezdemir. While we didn’t get one this year, Joshua Van did go from #15 to holding the belt. Continuing in our tradition, we once again are counting down the top five most likely to make this jump in the new year. It happens more often then you think and we have the ones that we think will do it. For this segment, all odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Kaitlin Young Interview (18:12)

Closing out this edition of TTP is our interview with Minnesota Top Team head coach, Kaitlin Young. Young shares her thoughts on a legendary career as an MMA and Muay Thai fighter, and then talks about the transition away from fighting. She talks about what it is like to coach, why she is drawn to it, and also all the things that separate good fighters from great fighters. In addition, she also talks about some of the fighters she is currently coaching. From discussing Steven Asplund’s viral moments to talking about who is next for Minnesota Top Team, she chats about anything and everything.

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In place of Budd was veteran Kaitlin Young, looking to do the unthinkable and bounce Harrison from the PFL 2022 post-season.

Young would flash her left hand early, trying to live up to her “Striking Viking” nickname. But barely a minute in, Harrison scooped up Young and slammed her to the mat. Harrison landed right in side control, and while Young worked her way to the fence, and then to her knees, Harrison threatened to take the back. Moments later, Harrison was on Young’s back, landing a series of unanswered strikes. While none were overly damaging, Young appeared unable to defend, at best simply trying to keep moving. That was enough for the ref to call it, a decision Young immediately protested.

It wouldn’t change the outcome. Another win, another finish for Kayla Harrison, who improved to 14-0 with the victory. She has 11 finishes in the span, and more importantly, the two-time PFL women’s lightweight champion now moves on to her third consecutive post-season with the company.

Harrison will face Martin Jindrova in her next fight, with maybe the only surprise being that she’s not the #1 seed overall. That honor belongs to Larissa Pacheco, who will fight Olena Kolesnyk in the playoffs.

Official Result: Kayla Harrison def. Kaitlin Young by TKO, Round 1, 2:35

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Harrison (13-0), who has gone on to win back-to-back PFL championships, has spent the entirety of her fighting career with the league (save for a lone fight under the Invicta FC banner during the coronavirus pandemic). She was the hottest free agent on the market earlier this year, before returning to the promotion that gave her her start.

On Friday, at PFL 6 in Atlanta, Georgia, Harrison was back in action. Although not against the opponent she’s initially been scheduled against. With Julia Budd pulling out due to injury, Harrison was instead matched up with Kaitlin Young — a pioneer of women’s MMA, but one who lacked the championship caliber of Budd.

In the co-main event, former Bellator champ Rory MacDonald returned, looking to secure his spot as the heavy favorite in this year’s welterweight field.

PFL 6 goes down live on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 6PM ET on ESPN+, with the main card kicking off at 8PM on ESPN (TSN in Canada). Full results can be found below.

PFL 6: Harrison vs. Young Weigh-In Results

Main Card

Kayla Harrison def. Kaitlin Young by TKO, Round 1, 2:35
Sadibou Sy def. Rory MacDonald by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Ray Cooper III def. Brett Cooper by TKO, Round 1, 0:24
Magomed Magomedkerimov def. Dilano Taylor by TKO, Round 2, 3:26
Larissa Pacheco def. Genah Fabian by TKO, Round 1, 2:39
Magomed Umalatov def. Jarrah Al Silawi by KO, Round 1, 3:33

Preliminary Card

Nikolai Aleksakhin vs. Carlos Leal Leal receives three points after Aleksakhin withdraws
Marina Mokhnatkina def. Abigail Montes by split decision (30–27, 27–30, 30–27)
Martina Jindrova def. Zamzagul Fayzallanova by TKO, Round 1, 4:04
Olena Kolesnyk def. Vanessa Melo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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On Thursday, ESPN was first to report that Budd was out of her fight with Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo. The match-up on paper had looked to be the biggest test of Harrison’s career, which has seen her go a perfect 13-0 since her debut in 2018.

Budd’s withdrawal comes about as the result of an undisclosed injury. In her place steps Kaitlin Young (12-12-1), a trailblazer among female fighters who competed for EliteXC and Invicta FC before retiring in 2014.

After a stint as Invicta’s matchmaker, Young returned to the cage in 2018, going 3-1 through her first four fights with Invicta and then the PFL. However, she’s lost her last two, including her season opener against Budd this year.

The loss of Harrison vs. Budd brings back memories of the PFL’s 2019 season, which saw former Strikeforce and Invicta FC bantamweight champion Sarah Kaufman part of the field. Kaufman was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals, and the highly anticipated match-up between herself and Harrison never came to pass.

Young remains a battle-tested veteran, but she lacks the championship pedigree that Budd brought to the anticipated match-up. Budd could still make the post-season, as she was awarded three points due to Genah Fabian missing weight for their fight earlier this year — but some key names will need to lose next month.

PFL 6 takes place July 1, 2022 at the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

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The longtime former Bellator featherweight champion has found a new home.  On Wednesday, ESPN reported that Julia Budd had signed with PFL after recently becoming a free agent.  Shortly afterward, PFL confirmed the news with the announcement that she would make her promotional debut on October 27 against Kaitlin Young on the prelims of the Season 3 championship event.

CONFIRMED: Welcome to the PFL, @JuliaBudd! She faces @kaitlin_young at the 2021 #PFLChampionship! pic.twitter.com/Ixp3SCNlqh

— PFL (@PFLMMA) September 29, 2021

A former Strikeforce and Invicta veteran, Budd has established herself as arguably the second best female featherweight of the past decade.  After starting her career in Strikeforce where she faced future UFC champions Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes, and Germaine de Randamie, “The Jewel” went on a 4-0 run in Invicta.  Budd then elected to sign with Bellator where she won seven more consecutive fights, winning the featherweight title and defending it three times along the way.  Following her loss to Cris Cyborg in 2020, Budd recorded two more victories under the Bellator banner before electing to test free agency earlier this summer.

Young is also an Invicta veteran who previously challenged for the promotion’s title and has fought her share of standouts in Gina Carano, Lauren Murphy, Leslie Smith, Pam Sorenson, and Julie Kedzie.  Young signed with the PFL earlier this year and went 1-1 during the season and did not qualify for the playoffs.  She was scheduled to fight in August but an injury removed her from the bout.

Notably, the announcement comes as promotional star Kayla Harrison is set to enter free agency following the end of the season.  While the PFL has made great strides in signing more notable talent, Harrison has been the centerpiece of the promotion for the past several years and is expected to be highly coveted on the free agent market should she win a second championship.  Harrison has frequently discussed her desire to be considered the best female fighter of all-time and how it requires eventually facing talent that has not been available in the PFL.  With the recent announcement that the PFL will also be entering the pay-per-view business in 2022, Budd’s signing is seen as part of the push to re-sign Harrison.

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In particular, the May 7 PFL card will be headlined by a familiar name as the former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum fights Renan Ferreira. Additionally, the card will feature one of the winners of the previous PFL season. That will see Olympic gold medalist in Judo Kayla Harrison return to action. The decorated Olympian is looking to start her PFL season off strong and take home her second million-dollar prize.

PFL: Werdum vs. Ferreira – Three Fights That Demand More Detail

Prior to the action kicking off, here is a closer look at a trio of fights that need more attention. First, a pivotal scrap at 155lbs between Cindy Dandois (16-5) and Kaitlin Young (11-10-1) is on deck. Then, a closer look at the heavyweight slobber knocker between UFC alum Justin Willis (8-2) putting his record on the line against Denis Goltsov (25-6). In an effort to save the best for last, we will conclude this segment with an examination of UFC champion Kamaru Usman’s brother, Mohammed Usman (7-1), who is looking to fend off fellow heavyweight Brandon Sayles (5-1) in the main event of going under the radar.

The company is already preparing fighters by placing them in a safety bubble ahead of their scheduled fights. 

.@Umohammed97 checks in at @thehealthrover testing pod ahead of his #2021PFL3 debut! pic.twitter.com/RjRhez83w4

— PFL (@PFLMMA) May 1, 2021

Cindy Dandois vs. Kaitlin Young – 155lbs

Following two decision loss results, Dandois understood it was time for a change. Seemingly, the 36-year old fighting since 2009 flipped a switch after the split-decision loss to Iony Razafiarison. After the close loss, the Belgium-born fighter went on a four-fight win streak. Interestingly, Dandois hasn’t fought since 2019, where she had probably the best year of her entire career. Not only did she rack up four wins, but she also was able to finish each fight by submission (3 subs in the first round, 1 sub in the second round).

https://twitter.com/DandoisCindy/status/1386865572282044416

On the other hand, Young doesn’t have the momentum Dandois has, but her tenacity has won her many fights that she was counted out in. When she lost to Pam Sorenson at Invicta FC 36, many were curious if the 35-year old could right the ship and mount another title run. With one win, and possibly another on the way, there is no doubt that Young has the tools and willpower to control the fight, but she will need to weary of Dandois and her ability to submit opponents when they have a false sense of security on the mat.

Justin Willis vs. Denis Goltsov – PFL: Werdum vs. Ferreira Under The Radar Co-Main 265lbs

Prior to getting clipped by a right hook and finished by Ali Isaev from ground and pound, Goltzof was riding high with a six-fight win streak. Overall, the Russian fighter’s record is downright impressive because of his versatility. The 30-year old heavyweight is young for the division and he has ten professional wins by TKO/knockout and ten wins by submission. Since the Russian’s finishing abilities are so diverse, a tentative game plan might be necessary to find a strategy to outwit “The Russian Bogatyr”.

Conversely, for Willis, perhaps his best chance at success is a wrestling-centric game plan to wear on the arms and power of Goltsov. Then, later in the fight when an opportunity presents itself, Willis would be more comfortable in the striking exchanges to carry out the necessary damage. Following his decision loss to Curtis Blaydes and the subsequent release from the UFC, certainly fans and pundits are curious to see how he bounces back from career adversity.

PFL: Werdum vs. Ferreira – Under The Radar Main Event – Mohammed Usman vs. Brandon Sayles 265lbs

In 2019, fans witnessed the Usman family power on full display as the African powerhouse slept two of his opponents in a row at Titan FC. Then, at Titan FC 63 Mohammed earned himself a hard-fought unanimous decision victory against Terrance Hodges. Without a doubt, the win illuminated his potential as a mixed martial artist, as he’s no longer just a one-round fighter, but capable of carrying dominance through three rounds on a consistent basis. The 32-year old training out of Fortis MMA is at a good camp, and it seems the heavyweight is steadily making improvements.

However, he has a tall task ahead of him in the 6″5″ package named Sayles. Also, the 39-year old is on a three-fight win streak. The Hawaiian has always packed a punch but hasn’t been active throughout his career. While there are advantages to only having six professional fights, like taking less damage, it’s paramount to see how he adapts to higher-level competition.

In the end, this heavyweight tilt should have it all because both athletes swing for the knockout, and when these two titans throw down, surely the fight world is anxious to see the type of weapons that UFC champion Kamaru Usman’s brother has sharpened while watching his brother ascend to heights that many believed couldn’t be reached.

The third event of the third PFL season goes down Thursday night in Atlantic City, airing on ESPN2/ESPN+ in the U.S.

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PFL officials announced the news in a press release Thursday. In addition, the promotion confirmed that it had signed Taylor Guardado, Nick Roehrick, Alexei Kunchenko, Anthony Dizy and Jason Ponet. The eight fighters listed cap off the PFL roster at 60 fighters across six divisions, all competing for one million dollars (per division) at the end of the playoffs.

Tibau (35-14) should be no stranger to UFC fans, having competed inside the octagon from UFC 65 in 2006, all the way until 2018. After spending the bulk of his career working for Dana White and co., Tibau tested the free agent waters following a three-fight skid in 2018. He went on to win two bouts outside the UFC, one at the infamous Golden Boy MMA Production featuring Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. Tibau has won his last two fights, and will compete in the PFL’s welterweight division, alongside the recently signed Alexei Kunchenko (20-2), who exited the UFC last year after posting a 2-2 record.

Chris Wade (17-6), who previously fought in the PFL’s lightweight division, will drop to featherweight this year. Kaitlin Young (11-10-1), well known to fighting fans from Invicta FC and as a pioneer on the women’s side of the sport, joins the lightweight division along with Taylor Guardado (0-1).

Anthony Dizy (13-3) and Jason Ponet (20-12-1) both hail from France, and have competed in the featherweight and lightweight divisions, respectively. Dizy was most recently fighting under the M-1 banner. Ponet will be moving up to welterweight.

Finally, Nick Roehrick (9-1) will join the promotion’s light heavyweight ranks after winning his last two bouts. The 33-year old from Florida had a single UFC bout in 2017, at the Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale, where he lost to current middleweight contender Jared Cannonier.

The PFL’s 2021 season kicks off on April 23 on ESPN2/ESPN+.

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Invicta FC 36 went down Friday in Kansas City, Kansas, and saw the promotion crown a new featherweight champion. The belt most recently vacated by Felicia Spencer is now held by Pam Sorenson, who was getting her second straight shot at gold (after losing to Spencer last fall). En route to winning the title, Pam ‘Bam’ got the better of Kaitlin Young, who since returning to action from retirement had been unbeaten through three fights between RIZIN and Invicta FC.

Also on the card Friday, former Bellator title contender Emily Ducote got the better of Janaisa Morandin, who came in heavy for the fight. Jessica Delboni, meanwhile, got the better of Lindsey VanZandt in atomweight action.

Check below for results and a gallery of highlights from Invicta FC 36! For more coverage, see our full recap from the event!

Invicta FC 36: Sorenson vs. Young Results:

Pam Sorenson def. Kaitlin Young via unanimous decision (50-44, 49-45, 48-45)
Emily Ducote def. Janaisa Morandin via knockout, Round 1 (4:03)
Jessica Delboni def. Lindsey VanZandt via split-decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Victoria Leonardo def. Stephanie Geltmacher via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Alyse Anderson def. Katie Saull via split-decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Caitlin Sammons def. Chantel Coates via submission (rear-naked-choke), Round 2 (2:10)
Erin Harpe def. Auttumn Norton via split-decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-27)
Julia Ottolino def. Megan Cawley via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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Invicta FC returned Friday night with Invicta FC 36, live from the Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas. Up for grabs in the main event, the promotion’s vacant featherweight title, left in limbo after Felicia Spencer made the jump to the UFC. That created a world of opportunity for comeback success story Kaitlin Young, and longtime Invicta fighter Pam Sorenson.

Also on the card, former Bellator MMA flyweight title contender Emily Ducote, who was dropping to to strawweight to fight Janaisa Morandin. Plus another interesting pairing in Lindsey VanZandt and Jessica Delboni. VanZandt was most recently seen over in Bellator as well, where she defeated RIZIN’s Rena Kubota at Bellator 222. It was back to her native atomweight division at Invicta FC 36 on Friday, however.

Check below come fight time for full results and a recap of the action from Invicta FC 36!

Invicta FC 36 Results:

Pam Sorenson def. Kaitlin Young via unanimous decision (50-44, 49-45, 48-45) – for the vacant Invicta FC featherweight championship

A back and forth first round, Young appeared to be better in the striking department, landing a couple of nice combinations in the first five minutes. However, Sorenson was clearly the better grappler in the first frame, getting two takedowns and getting Young’s back on both. However,  the second time around Young would spin out of the choke attempt, and throw an illegal knee as Sorenson was a downed fighter. The fighter would deduct a point for this, a somewhat surprising decision.

An interesting second round, Sorenson would take the fight to the ground almost immediately. Getting a blast double leg to slam Young down, she got the back almost instantly. She would follow up by looking for the choke and looked like she almost had it at points. However, Young would reverse position and end up on top. Following a standup, Sorenson was desperately looking for a takedown but couldn’t get it. An interesting
second round.

Round three would closely resemble round two. Sorenson would get the takedown and get Young’s back quickly. However, Young would reverse, and end up in full guard. Sorenson would try for an armbar before Young would stand up and bring the fight back to the feet. There, Young would have some success. However in the final minute, Sorenson landed a great flurry that may have stole her the round, while Young did fire back, it was a great moment for Sorenson.

Round four showcased some nice grappling by Young as opposed to Sorenson for a change. Despite being taken down and briefly being in trouble again, Young would turn the tables. Taking Sorenson’s back briefly, and then looking for an arm-triangle choke, she had some good success on the ground. However, Sorenson would again escape and take the fight to the feet, where Young would land a nice combination in the clinch prior to a takedown by
Sorenson to close out the round.

The last round was all Sorenson. Taking the back, Young had to fight off submissions all round. She never had a chance to breathe, and it didn’t help Young’s chance to win. Sorenson would go on to earn the championship, in a wide decision victory.

Emily Ducote def. Janaisa Morandin via knockout, Round 1 (4:03)

A back and forth fight early between former title contenders, got finished quick by Emily Ducote.  Morandin kept throwing those kicks to the body and legs, and Ducote picked up on
it. Ducote countered with a clean right straight and dropped Morandin. She would follow up with some ground and pound to finish the Brazilian. What a debut, and what a knockout win for the Oklahoman, Emily Ducote.

Jessica Delboni def. Lindsey VanZandt via split-decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Jessica Delboni was the much shorter fighter against the bigger, grappling heavy VanZandt. Despite this, Delboni welcomed the grappling, taking the fight to the ground on her own on many occasions. However when on the ground, VanZandt seemed to control to an extent, throwing up many submission attempts off her back. However, it wouldn’t be enough, as Delboni used her heavy top pressure to land shots, and do more work on the feet
whenever the fight went there. Good win for Delboni, as she hands Vanzandt the second loss of her young career.

Victoria Leonardo def. Stephanie Geltmacher via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

A clear fight of the night frontrunner, Stephanie Geltmacher, and Victoria Leonardo put on a show for the Kansas crowd. Leonardo was much bigger and used that to her advantage. Using her strength in the clinch, and her jab to keep Geltmacher at bay, she brawled too. Geltmacher thrived in these situations, taking the fight to the taller Leonardo, both fighters got bloodied up and put on a show for the fans as they threw caution to the wind. A great fight, that may be ruined by the post-fight aftermath. As the fight was originally announced for Geltmacher, the commission reversed the decision after they realized they added the scores wrong. Still an incredible fight.

Alyse Anderson def. Katie Saull via split-decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

The entire fight was dominated and dictated by Anderson’s grappling. Saull showed heart, but she couldn’t do anything to keep Anderson off of her. The first round the fight nearly came to a close via a rear-naked-choke as Anderson quickly got the back, and while Saull would fight it off, it was a sign of things to come. Anderson dominated with her top pressure for the majority of the fight. While a split decision, it doesn’t show how dominant Anderson was, as she took the win.

Caitlin Sammons def. Chantel Coates via submission (rear-naked-choke), Round 2 (2:10)

Chantel Coates was looking to follow up her record-fast knockout her last time out, with another win. For almost two rounds it looked like that would be the case, landing hard and fast counters, she was controlling the standup in an entire standup fight. However about halfway through round two, Sammons forced Coates into the fence and got the takedown. She would follow up with getting the back and quickly getting the submission. What a comeback win by Sammons.

Erin Harpe def. Auttumn Norton via split-decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-27)

The crowd was on their feet for this one, Harpe attempted to use her grappling in this one. Taking Norton down in rounds one and three, she used dominating top pressure to keep Norton her back. However round two was clearly Norton’s landing many good combinations, and stopping Harpe’s takedown attempts, she took round two with her striking. However, it wasn’t enough, as she would go on to lose via split-decision.

Julia Ottolino def. Megan Cawley via unanimous decision (30-27 3x)

Ottolino’s leg kicks were the story of the fight. Despite Cawley landing some clean shots, including a left hook in the second that nearly dropped Ottolino, it wasn’t enough. Ottolino landed many brutal combinations, many in the third that almost closed the fight. A good win for the debuting Texan Ottolino.

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Invicta FC is back in action on Friday, bringing Invicta FC 36 to Kansas City, Kansas. All fighters hit the scales on Thursday in advance of the card, with two — Janasia Moradin and Chantel Coates — missing weight for their respective bouts. A percentage deduction from their purse later, and both fights are still on, mind you.

The main event players had no trouble hitting the mark, however. Both Pam Sorenson and Kaitlin Young hit 145lbs or less for their featherweight title fight. That belt is once again up for grabs, after three straight champions — Cris Cyborg, Megan Anderson, and Felicia Spencer — vacated the strap in order to jump to the UFC.

Given the featherweight situation in that promotion, the winner of Friday’s title fight may not stick around long. Time will tell, but first thing’s first.

Check below for weigh-in results, plus a gallery of highlights from the official Invicta FC 36 weigh-in!

Invicta FC 36 Weigh-In Results:

Featherweight: Pam Sorenson (144.8) vs. Kaitlin Young (145) – for the Invicta FC featherweight championship
Strawweight: Janaisa Morandin (119.6)* vs. Emily Ducote (115.8)
Atomweight: Jéssica Delboni (105.4) vs. Lindsey VanZandt (105.7)
Flyweight: Stephanie Geltmacher (125.5) vs. Victoria Leonardo (125.7)
Atomweight: Alyse Anderson (105.8) vs. Katie Saull (105.9)
Flyweight: Chantel Coates (126.5)** vs. Caitlin Sammons (125.2)
Bantamweight: Erin Harpe (134.5) vs. Auttumn Norton (136)
Bantamweight: Megan Cawley (135.5) vs. Julia Ottolino (135.1)

* – Morandin missed the strawweight non-title fight limit of 116 pounds and was fined 25 percent of her fight purse

** – Coates missed the flyweight non-title fight limit of 126 pounds and was fined 25 percent of her fight purse

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