Ray Cooper III is as unlikely a star as you’ll find in MMA, but his stock has never been higher. After being defeated in the 2018 finale, Cooper III stormed back in 2019 to win the championship, despite being knocked out during the regular season by John Howard.

Heading into 2021 (and let’s keep in mind that the 2020 season was cancelled), the Hawaiian was immediately overshadowed by Rory MacDonald. The defending champ wasn’t even a favorite to win his own weight class, and media attention seemed to focus on the ex-Bellator champ and UFC veteran.

Then, Cooper III went and out-wrestled MacDonald, won every fight in the regular season and semifinals, and finished rival Magomedkerimov in their rematch to secure his second straight championship.

Cooper III has made it clear he wants to win multiple championships. He’s a soft-spoken guy who believes he’s the best at what he does, and whether that is in the UFC or elsewhere, Cooper is likely to put on more fun fights in the years to come.

Then there’s Kayla Harrison. Judo Kayla has long been the darling of the PFL, a ready-made star from the Ronda Rousey mold, who appears to have everything it takes to smash just about anyone at 145 or 155lbs. She could be the spark that truly ignites the higher weight classes for women, and after back-to-back PFL championships of her own, she appears primed to move to the bright lights of the UFC — if Dana White opens the pocket books.

For now, here’s one last look at Cooper III and Harrison’s wins from the PFL 2021 World Championship, plus the rest of the card.

PFL 2021 World Championship Fight Night

PFL 2021 World Championship Post-Fight Press Conference

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Having won the league’s 2021 season at lightweight, she was the heavy favorite against the little known Taylor Guardado. As much as a -4000 favorite, by the time the fight arrived in Hollywood, Florida.

Harrison proved exactly why

An early clinch saw Guardado fire off a couple of knees, but Kayla Harrison planted her opponent on the mat care of an inside trip. Harrison was exactly where she wanted to be, uncorking some heavy punches, then working the body. Harrison transitioned to half-guard, then side control. Guardado reclaimed half-guard, but that was a rare bright spot.

Before long, Harrison worked on a kimura, americana, moved to full mount, and peppered Guardado with shots. Harrison took the back, and all Guardado could do was cover up, clearly out-matched. They’d roll, and Harrison had one hook in. Guardado turned to the side, and eventually managed to get Harrison back in her guard. So Harrison stood up, fired a heavy punch, and let Guardado up. Guardado fired a front kick, which Harrison answered with a left hand. When Guardado closed the distance, Harrison put her back down with a judo toss.

Round two was more dominance from Kayla Harrison. Guardado was soon on her back, awkwardly stacked against the fence. Before long, Harrison moved into mount, which Guardado held on for dear life. Guardado went belly down, and Harrison began dropping more volume, punch after punch to the head. Not a lot of heat behind them, but Harrison managed to grab an arm shortly after, rolling into an arm-bar. She forced the tap, and secured her second straight PFL women’s lightweight championship!

KAYLA HARRISON GETS THE FINISH!!#PFLChampionship pic.twitter.com/LxQbsHS3ZE

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 28, 2021

Harrison’s title win comes in the final fight of her current UFC deal. Whether she returns to the promotion, or tests the waters in the UFC or Bellator MMA, will likely come down to who gives her the best offer. It was clear once against Wednesday, however, that the PFL is very much the Kayla show.

Official Result: Kayla Harrison def. Taylor Guardado by submission (arm-bar), Round 2, 4:00

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Magomed Magomedkerimov defeated Ray Cooper III in the 2018 tournament final; a year later, with the Russian forced out of the season, Cooper III won it all. The end result was a champ vs. champ fight of sorts, given Magomedkerimov had technically never lost the crown.

Wednesday’s championship rematch opened with some significant leg kicks from Magomedkerimov. Cooper then got his jab going, before the Russian fired another leg kick on the outside. Another kick would land low on Cooper, however, halting the action ever so briefly.

Later in the round, Cooper would press the action, backing Magomedkerimov up against the cage.

In the second, Cooper would land a takedown in the opening two minutes. That gave the Hawaiian plenty of time to work, and work he did. Cooper locked in an arm-triangle choke, putting on the squeeze. The shoulder may have been just ever-so-slightly out of position, and Magomedkerimov managed to survive.

In the third, Cooper had to withstand an early onslaught. Magomedkerimov took the fight to him, and Cooper was soon dropping his hands and gasping for air. He did find enough in the tank to take some wild swings back, and while he swing wild, a later attack hit the mark — and finished the fight.

Ray Cooper III Shuts Down Magomed!#PFLChampionship pic.twitter.com/bOgZpphY5G

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 28, 2021

An overhand right clipped Magomedkerimov, and though the follow-up left missed, another right hand turned out the lights. The follow-up sealed the deal, and just like that, Ray Cooper III had his second straight PFL championship victory!

“Told you I was going to knock him out. I’m the best,” Cooper said following the victory. Earlier this year, Cooper told Cageside Press that he wanted to continue defending the title — and he’ll be the favorite come next season, after defeating Magomedkerimov and Rory MacDonald this year.

Official Result: Ray Cooper III def. Magomed Magomedkerimov by knockout, Round 3, 3:01

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Shields was paired up with Mexico’s Abigail Montes, in one of just four non-title fights featured at the event — and the only non-title fight on the main card.

Early on, Montes stayed on the outside, circling, while Shields held center, working her 1-2. Montes was out of range early on, and fired a leg kick before Shields pressed forward. The pair would clinch, with Shields using an underhook to put Montes against the fence. Montes then got an underhook of her own, clasping her hands for a body lock, but she couldn’t get Shields down. They’d spend the remainder of the round in this position, which might have been a moral victory, but on the scorecards, it was Montes in control.

Shields charged forward to open round two, firing off a few punches before Montes tied her up again. Shields, again, showed some impressive takedown defense. This time, she was able to turn her opponent and create space, then charge in firing a combination. Shields was taking some big swings, but that opened her up to Montes shooting a takedown out in the open. She landed it; Shields quickly shrimped back to the fence. Montes dropped ground n’ pound, and with just under 30 seconds in the round, Shields powered up.

Round three had Shields again firing some big punches, but loading up, she was opening herself up to takedown attempts. Montes nearly scored a takedown, then drove Shields up against the cage as she had in the first two frames. This time, Shields got underhooks in, moved Montes to center and briefly landed a takedown of her own. Back in the open, her hands were going again, again, a big swing led to a takedown. Montes closed out the round on top, moving to full mount and dropping serious ground n’ pound until the bell. In the end, her game plan of capitalizing on Shields’ mistakes, and winning the positional battles along the fence, paid off.

ABIGAIL MONTES UNLOADS!#PFLChampionship LIVE NOW
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 28, 2021

Claressa Shields will likely learn a valuable lesson from that fight: less is more. Fewer big swings leaving her open to takedowns, and she might have had a different result. Through two fights, Shields still looks like a boxer getting the fundamentals down; if she can build from this loss, she’ll still have plenty of upside.

Official Result: Abigail Montes def. Claressa Shields by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

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The Hollywood, Florida-based card featured six title fights, with each winner claiming one million dollars in prize money.

Delija carried the torch for Croatian MMA, with his mentor none other than the legendary Mirko Cro-Cop. But thanks to his 46-second knockout of Delija earlier this year, Cappelozza was the favorite come fight night.

The ensuring war was not what anyone likely expected. It was, however, arguably one of the best PFL fights of all time.

Bruno Cappelozza apparently decided he needed to finish Wednesday’s heavyweight title fight even quicker than his first meeting with Delija. He came out guns blazing, rocked Delija, and put him down. Cappelozza got on topp unleashing ground n pound. Delija somehow survived, only for Cappelozza to back off, re-engage, and unleash another furious storm of ground strikes. Delija looked like he might be out of it, but he again survived. Cappelozza got on top, and tried to pass to mount, but Delija was given an assist by the cage, which blocked the Brazilian’s progress.

Delija, at that point, was holding on for dear life. With a full two minutes left in the round, that might not have been the best strategy. Cappelozza finally made his way to mount, and Delija was well out from the fence with no avenue of escape. Cappelozza locked in an arm-triangle choke, and suddenly, Delija escaped out to his feet, and rocked Cappelozza! Delija finished the round in the driver’s seat, after nearly being finished himself.

After a wild first round, things slowed just slightly in the second. Delija shot for a takedown, and nearly gave up position as he was too far out. Cappelozza leaned on him a bit before the pair moved back to center. Before long, Delija would rock Cappelozza, and the Croatian got on top, landing hammer fist after hammer fist! The Brazilian appeared close to being out, held on, but was eating a lot of punishment. Delija stepped into side control, then into a north-south position, but Cappelozza moved enough to stave off the choke. Delija then gave up position off another choke attempt, and Cappelozza took the back, raining down blows – with a few illegal shots to the back of the head mixed in. Delija did just enough to prevent a stoppage, rolled to his back, and wound up saved by the bell.

Ladies and gentleman, we have ourselves a heavyweight classic.

After two absolutely wild rounds, Cappelozza started the third teeing off on Delija, who covered up and somehow survived, then fired back, and later shot for a takedown. Cappelozza reversed, and both men got a much-needed rest spot. Back in the open, Cappelozza fired a body shot, and Delija worked his jab. He’d shoot in for a takedown, and just barely grab on to a leg. Delija couldn’t complete the shot, however.

LETS GOOOO! A HEAVYWEIGHT WAR!#PFLChampionship LIVE NOW
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 28, 2021

Early in round four, Cappelozza stuffed a takedown attempt, then took the back, getting one hook in. Delija was on one knee, and looking to power up; he finally did, with Cappelozza right on him, looking for knees and a takedown. But it was Delija who would eventually land the takedown, allowing him to spend some time on top, softening up Cappelozza. The Brazilian would escape back to his feet in the final minute, and stuff another takedown attempt by Delija.

Round five saw Cappelozza land a key takedown about a minute in. Delija closed his guard, at least initially. Cappelozza went body-head with the ground n’ pound, until Delija escaped out, only to be forced to contend with another Cappelozza takedown attempt. Cappelozza landed hammer fists to Delija’s leg, and worked the body, then finally landed a big takedown — which very well may have won him the round, and possibly the fight.

The fight was, again, a heavyweight classic, arguably one of the best fights in PFL history. Incredible heart was shown by both men, and both fought like there was a million dollars on the line — which there was. But at the end of the night, only one could be winner — and that honor went to Bruno Cappelozza.

Official Result: Bruno Cappelozza def. Ante Delija by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46)

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With two-time champ Palmer knocked out earlier in the season, Long Island’s Chris Wade and Dagestani powerhouse Movlid Khaybulaev instead threw down at the PFL 2021 World Championship in Florida on Wednesday.

Khaybulaev, a student and training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov, had looked unstoppable during the regular season.

Movlid Khaybulaev got Chris Wade’s attention early in the PFL’s 2021 featherweight finale. A right hand had Wade out of position, and Khaybulaev soon pressed him into the cage. It took a moment, but Khaybulaev did get his opponent down. Wade was soon back to his feet, but Khaybulaev stayed on him, and secured another takedown. This time, Wade gave up his back, albeit with under a minute in the round. The round would come to a close before Khaybulaev could secure a choke.

Round two saw more grappling, with Khaybulaev leading the dance. But when the action stalled about 90 seconds in, the ref restarted things at center. Khaybulaev then connected with a left hand, while Wade worked his jab. He was getting lit up with counters, however, and backed up to the fence. After getting his back off the cage, Wade was forced right back as Khaybulaev pursued a takedown. Later in the round, a trip takedown landed for Khaybulaev, and Wade was dripping blood after the battering he’d taken earlier in the frame.

Chris Wade needed a change of pace in round three. Or simply a change of plan. Instead, he was once again fighting off the takedowns of Movlid Khaybulaev. But even when Wade got his back off the fence and reversed Khaybulaev, there was little he could to in terms of damage, or landing his own takedown. Some footstomps were the best he could muster before Khaybulaev got back in the driver’s seat — just before the ref restarted the action at center.

Khaybulaev blasted his way into a takedown to open round four. Wade was immediately on his back, and the Dagstani had tons of time to work. When Wade finally got up after a few minutes, he was taken right back down. Late in the round, Wade reversed and tried for a guillotine, only to be planted on his back yet again moments later.

Movlid's Wrestling is RELENTLESS!#PFLChampionship LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN2 & ESPN
🌍 https://t.co/WfOt9XBfzk pic.twitter.com/eqe9s2N3wa

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 28, 2021

Round five didn’t allow for Wade to alter what seemed like an inevitable outcome. Instead, Khaybulaev cruised to a decision care of eight takedowns across five rounds, and heaps of control time.

The lopsided decision win gives Khaybulaev the PFL 2021 featherweight championship — and he’ll be a tough one to beat next season.

Official Result: Movlid Khaybulaev def. Chris Wade by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

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Antonio Carlos Junior hailed from Brazil, a hotspot for the sport of MMA. Marthin Hamlet arrived in Florida all the way from Norway, where MMA has yet to be legalized.

Both men wanted to claim gold, and the million dollars in prize money. For Hamlet, however, a win could mean that much more — potentially spurring his home country to finally lift the ban on mixed martial arts.

“Shoeface,” who won The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 tournament and went on to a lengthy UFC career, was no easy out however.

Wednesday’s title fight in Hollywood, Florida started out at a measured pace. Both men landed single strikes, but it was Hamlet scoring first with a big left hand that sent Carlos Junior flailing to the canvas. He recovered, seemingly no worse for the wear. The Brazilian would duck down and land a takedown with about ninety seconds left in the frame, and quickly took Hamlet’s back.

The Norwegian fought the wrists, but Carlos Junior soon had a rear-naked choke in place. Hamlet soon toppled back to the canvas, and Antonio Carlos Junior never let up. The tap came soon after!

#ANDNOW PFL LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!!! SHOEFACE GETS IT DONE IN THE 1ST ROUND!#PFLChampionship LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN+
🌍 https://t.co/WfOt9XBfzk pic.twitter.com/jsLyYhbAw2

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 27, 2021

From TUF, to UFC also-ran, to a millionaire — it’s been an incredible journey for Antonio Carlos Junior, who just two years ago was mired in a slump and pondering retirement.

Official Result: Antonio Carlos Junior def. Marthin Hamlet by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:49

The post PFL Championship 2021 Results: Antonio Carlos Junior Submits Marthin Hamlet appeared first on Cageside Press.

And, of course, one million dollars in prize money awaited the  lightweight tournament champion.

Raush Manfio had something of a storybook season, stepping in as a short-notice replacement, beating all three of his opponents, including Anthony Pettis, and landing in the championship finale. Loik Radzhabov had been here before, only to come up short against Natan Schulte in the 2019 final.

It was Manfio who got going early in Wednesday’s lightweight championship fight, finding a home for his right hand.

Manfio, who had claimed ahead of the fight that the first round would be Radzhabov’s most dangerous, seemed to do everything he could in the early going to ensure the round was his. He held center, forcing Radzhabov to the outside. That right hand landed more than once. Manfio did have to endure a barrage of strikes when Radzhabov charged forward near the midway mark, but the Brazilian weathered the storm. A low kick later spun Radzhabov around, and it seemed to signal a change in approach, as he put the fight, and his oppoent, against the fence, trying to land a takedown with a body lock.

Late in the frame, Radzhabov came forward slinging heavy leather. Manfio ducked under a punch and finished the round with a body lock by the fence.

A heated exchange kicked off round two, as both men pushed down on the gas pedal. Both men would connect; Radzhabov loaded up on a solid punch about 90s seconds in, but Manfio ate it before the pair clinched. That clinch didn’t last, and back at range, they continued to exchange. A kick appeared to trip up Radzhabov just as he was delivering a punch, and Manfio looked to target the limb again shortly after. He’d return to that as the round progressed, and Loik Radzhabov’s mobility appeared hampered, leaving him susceptible to a body kick late in the round.

A clinch opened up the third, with both men landing in close. Manfio’s right hand was in action once again, but Radzhabov was far from done, bullying his opponent back to the cage wall with a flurry of punches. Manfio landed a knee followed by a left hand; Radzhabov hit nothing but air with his counter. He’d find success with a short-lived takedown later in the round, and finish the frame strong, putting Manfio on his heels.

Another hot start in round four saw both men connecting, followed by a takedown by Loik Radzhabov. Manfio immediately escaped up, but Radzhabov connected with a combo, followed by his opponent landing knees and body kicks. Manfio’s right hand backed Radzhabov up, and Loik appeared hurt. Manfio tied up with him, and Radzhabov looked for a takedown but didn’t seem to have the energy let to complete it.

A comparatively fresher Manfio fired knees in the clinch and then went up top with a combo, walking Radzhabov down. More knees in the clinch followed. Each time Radzhabov retreated, Manfio would walk him down and clinch once again. Radzhabov was showing tons of heart, and manged to fire back, only to miss badly. He was beaten and bloodied, but Radzhabov would not go away. He escaped the round, arguably by the skin of his teeth.

Highlights from the 4th round!#PFLChampionship LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN+
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 27, 2021

Round five saw Radzhabov find some extra gas at the bottom of the tank. Manfio would again find success in the clinch, and by the midway mark, Radzhabov was practically stumbling around the smart cage, leg compromised, all but spent. Manfio dug to the body with a punch and followed that with a knee. Radzhabov fired off a spinning kick, but he didn’t have much behind it. They continued to exchange, and Manfio turned up the heat with a minute remaining. In the end they’d go the distance in a grueling and wildly entertaining five-round war.

“This a dream come true,” Manfio exclaimed following the fight, and understandably so. After entering the tournament as a virtual unknown, replacing Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Manfio overcame the odds, and went all the way — just as training partner and friend Natan Schulte had done twice previously.

Radzhabov, meanwhile, goes back to the drawing board after losing his second straight tournament final.

Your PFL 2021 lightweight world champion: Raush Manfio!

Official Result: Raush Manfio def. Loik Radzhabov by unanimous decision (48-46, 48-46, 49-46)

The post PFL Championship 2021 Results: Raush Manfio Finishes Storybook Season With Win Over Loik Radzhabov appeared first on Cageside Press.

A veteran of Strikeforce whose only loses had come to Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes, and Cris Cyborg, Budd joined the PFL as a potential foil to Kayla Harrison — assuming the soon-to-be free agent returns to the promotion next year.

Budd’s debut came against a fellow veteran in Kaitlyn Young, who had come up short in this year’s regular season. It played out like many Julia Budd fights do.

Young worked her jab and leg kicks early, while Budd looked to close the distance, where she would have an obvious strength and size advantage. This dance played out for most of the round until Budd scored a key double-leg takedown in the final minute. That didn’t give Budd much time to work, however; she’d finish the round on top, in guard.

In the second round, it was Kaitlyn Young who scored the takedown on Budd, flipping the script. Budd didn’t stay down long, however, quickly escaping and getting on top with half the round remaining. Young worked herself back to the fence, but Budd tied up her legs to prevent any escape. Canada’s Budd ate up plenty of control time, but didn’t come close to a finish.

Julia Budd wrestles her way back on top! #PFLChampionship LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN+
🌍 https://t.co/WfOt9XBfzk pic.twitter.com/qbwnWC2fy9

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 27, 2021

In the third, Budd had the fight down much soon. She was also more active on top, though Young threw up an arm-bar to keep her at bay momentarily. Budd freed herself, and nearly stepped over into mount; Young managed to maneuver her opponent back into guard. Budd would step over a leg, getting to half-mount before Young regained full guard. The whole time, however, Budd kept her hands busy, going body-head frequently. Late in the around, she made a play for an arm-triangle choke, but time would expire without her able to finish.

Official Result: Julia Budd def. Kaitlyn Young by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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Returning champions were sparse this season, with Kayla Harrison, Ray Cooper III, and Magomed Magomedkerimov the only three back for another go — with the latter two fighting one another. Magomedkerimov had defeated Cooper III in the 2018 tournament final; with the Russian forced out of the 2019 season, Hawaii’s Cooper had won it all.

Heavyweight action saw Ante Delija up against Bruno Cappelozza, featherweight had Movlid Khaybulaev against Chris Wade, and light heavyweight featured Antonio Carlos Junior opposite Marthin Hamlet. At lightweight, Raush Manfio looked to secure a storybook ending against Loik Radzhabov, after entering the season as a replacement.

It was Harrison against relative newcomer Taylor Guardado in the main event, however. The two-time Olympic gold medalist Harrison was looking to make a statement in the final fight of her PFL contract.

Among the non-title fights were three debuting athletes: former Bellator MMA women’s featherweight champion Julia Budd, and ex-UFC fighters Omari Akhmedov and Don Madge. Boxing champ Claressa Shields was also in action, entering her second MMA fight.

Full results from the PFL 2021 World Championship, which takes place Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, can be found below. The action kicks off at 4:30PM ET.

PFL 2021 World Championship Weigh-In Results

Main Card

Kayla Harrison defeated Taylor Guardado via submission (armbar) Round 2, 4:00 for the PFL women’s lightweight title
Ray Cooper III defeated Magomed Magomedkerimov via knockout (punch) Round 3, 3:02 for the PFL welterweight title
Abigail Montes defeated Claressa Shields via split decision (28×29, 29×28 29×28)
Bruno Cappelozza defeated Ante Delija via unanimous decision (49×45, 49×45, 48×46) for the PFL heavyweight title
Movlid Khaybulaev defeated Chris Wade via unanimous decision (50×45, 50×45, 50×45) for the PFL featherweight title

Preliminary Card

Antônio Carlos Júnior defeated Marthin Hamlet via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 3:49 for the PFL light heavyweight title
Raush Manfio defeated Loik Radzhabov via unanimous decision (48×46, 48×46, 49×46) for the PFL lightweight title
Jordan Young defeated Omari Akhmedov via TKO (punches) Round 3, 1:31
Julia Budd defeated Kaitlin Young via unanimous decision (30×27, 30×27, 30×27)
Don Madge defeated Nathan Williams via submission (rear-nake choke) Round 2, 2:15

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