Preview: 2022 PFL Championships

Light Heavyweight Championship

Rob Wilkinson (16-2, 3-0 PFL) vs. Omari Akhmedov (24-7-1, 3-1 PFL)

ODDS: Wilkinson (-200), Akhmedov (+160)

Wilkinson and Akhmedov have been reborn since moving to 205 pounds, setting the stage for a matchup of UFC veterans in the light heavyweight final. Despite having previously competed at middleweight, Wilkinson seems massive in his new weight class and will have a three-inch height and nine-inch reach advantages against his Russian opponent. Wilkinson has only gone the distance in victory once in his career, so it would be in Akhmedov’s best interest to make this an ugly, grinding affair with plenty of clinch work and takedown attempts. That will be easier said than done against Wilkinson, who can throw punching combinations at range and do serious damage in close quarters with uppercuts, hooks and knees. Wilkinson has been hittable in his fights—he was rocked by Delan Monte in his last outing—but his chin has held up thus far.

Akhmedov has faced tougher competition over the course of his MMA career, and his decision win over American Top Team stablemate Joshua Silveira was arguably more impressive than anything Wilkinson has done this season. In that bout, Akhmedov utilized a well-rounded approach that included counter rights, low kicks and combination work to the head and body. Perhaps most importantly, he was able to avoid precarious positions on the ground against a dangerous submission artist. Like Wilkinson, Akhmedov is hittable on the feet and has been known to tire out in fights that go long. In this case, if Wilkinson and Akhmedov are still fighting in the championship rounds, it could be a sloppy affair.

Wilkinson is going to put the pressure on Akhmedov from the opening bell, and if the Russian can survive the initial sprint, momentum could very well swing in his favor. However, Akhmedov’s suspect gas tank and middling takedown defense will not help him in a five-round fight. Wilkinson by KO/TKO is the pick.

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Harrison vs. Pacheco
Loughnane vs. Jenkins
Delija vs. Scheffel
Aubin-Mercier vs. Ray
Ladd vs. Budd
Sy vs. Taylor
Wilkinson vs. Akhmedov
The Prelims