Lightweights
Shane Burgos (15-4, 0-1 PFL) vs. Yamato Nishikawa (21-4-6, 0-1 PFL)It should not have been a surprise that Burgos came up short against Olivier Aubin-Mercier in his PFL debut. Aubin-Mercier is an intelligent fighter who was able to neutralize Burgos with clinches and back takes, but it was somewhat concerning that he was also outstruck by the Canadian in Round 1. With that said, Burgos should have a better opportunity to showcase his skills against Nishikawa, an equally offensive-minded fighter who will be willing to trade in in the pocket against the Team Tiger Schulmann representative.
Because he will face a nearly five-inch reach deficit against Burgos, Nishikawa would be wise to target the legs of his rangier opponent, a strategy that nearly worked for him in a decision loss to Clay Collard in his PFL debut. Burgos will not hesitate to pressure his 20-year-old adversary with combinations and low kicks of his own, but Nishikawa will also need to be wary of the New Yorker’s countering ability during exchanges, as “Hurricane” possesses an especially dangerous left hook.
Burgos has never been one to shy away from absorbing punishment to get the fight that he wants, but it would not be the worst idea to mix in some takedowns against the former Shooto champion, who is not especially stout with his defensive wrestling but is active from his back. Overall, Burgos does not seem like a free-agent signee that was on the downside when he came to PFL. Instead, he just ran into the most difficult opening matchup possible in Aubin-Mercier. This pairing seems more conducive to Burgos’ style, and Nishikawa is likely still several years from his best days as a fighter. Burgos gets it done inside the distance.
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