Preview: 2023 PFL 1 ‘Loughnane vs. Moraes’

Light Heavyweights

Krzysztof Jotko (24-6, 0-0 PFL) vs. Will Fleury (11-3, 1-0 PFL)

ODDS: Jotko (-450), Fleury (+325)

During its offseason run on free agents, the PFL’s signing of Jotko flew under the radar. The 33-year-old Polish competitor enters his debut with the league having won six of his last eight bouts against UFC competition. While Jotko has always been relatively successful under the UFC banner, he never quite put together the signature performance to make him stand out from the crowd. The American Top Team export is well-rounded, capable of striking on the outside, holding his own in the clinch and mixing in takedowns when the situation calls for it. He is not exceptional in any one area, however, and is often content to fight conservatively while attempting to neutralize his opponents. That, in part, is why Jotko has not finished a fight since 2016 and has gone the distance in 17 of his 24 professional triumphs.

A product of the SBG Ireland camp, Fleury was a staple of Bellator MMA’s European events before capturing the UAE Warriors middleweight crown in March 2022. The 34-year-old Irishman earned his fourth consecutive triumph in his PFL debut—a decision victory over previously unbeaten Frenchman Anthony Salamone. That was a relatively low-output win for Fleury, who maintained a methodical pace and relied heavily on kicks to get the nod over Salamone. He will have to push the tempo far more than he did in that bout if he wants to upset Jotko, who is far more seasoned against high-caliber opposition.

Jotko is quite content to fight on the outside with kicks, straight punches and elbows, and if Fleury gets too aggressive for his liking, the Pole will happily grind it out in the clinch. He also does well to set up his shots with striking, feints and movement. Both men are moving up to 205 pounds for this clash, so that should not make a significant difference. Expect a slow-paced fight, with Jotko having more ways to turn the action in his favor. The Pole wins a decision.

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