Preview: PFL 8, 2022 Playoffs

2022 PFL Welterweight Semifinals

#2 | Sadibou Sy (11-6-2, 5-4-2 PFL) vs. #3 | Carlos Leal Miranda (17-3, 1-0 PFL)

ODDS: Miranda (-130), Sy (Even)

Sy has been up-and-down during his PFL tenure, but he earned the most significant victory of his career to date when he outpointed former Bellator champ and UFC title challenger Rory MacDonald on July 1. It was an ugly, grueling affair, with MacDonald focusing almost exclusively on takedowns with very little success. Sy deserves credit for his defensive wrestling, and while offense came at a premium, he also landed the most strikes of consequence in the bout. The rangy Swede has a proficient jab and throws kicks to all levels, but he has not been known for great volume with his striking. He is capable of spectacular finishes, but he will often spend significant periods of time waiting for the perfect opening.

Miranda pulled off an upset of two-time defending welterweight champion Ray Cooper III in his lone regular-season appearance. While Cooper III missed weight badly and appeared to be quite sluggish in the fight, Miranda took advantage of the situation by landing a variety of punches, knees to the body and kicks while denying his adversary’s repeated takedown attempts. Miranda is well-traveled with an 11-fight winning streak that includes victories in the PFL Challenger Series, Legacy Fighting Alliance and Bellator MMA. He’s durable with good finishing instincts and will probably look to force the action against Sy, who will enjoy a five-inch reach advantage. Miranda is a willing brawler but can also force his way into the clinch, where he can pursue takedowns and attack with heavy ground-and-pound from above. However, Sy’s defensive wrestling has held up against all but the most dominant grapplers, and his educated standup should be able to keep Leal at bay. It may be risky expecting consistency from Sy, especially because Miranda could steal rounds with his aggression. Perhaps Sy has turned a corner, with wins in three of his last four. He holds off Miranda for a decision win.

Jump To »
MacDonald vs. Umalatov
Delija vs. Ferreira
Goltsov vs. Scheffel
Sy vs. Miranda
The Prelims
Qualifiers