After a week off between events, the Professional Fighters League postseason rolls on with heavyweights and women’s featherweights taking over the spotlight. Barring a last-minute change, it appears that a new heavyweight champion will be crowned by season’s end, as Renan Ferreira, Maurice Greene, Denis Goltsov and Jordan Heiderman are all in pursuit of their first PFL crown. Meanwhile, it looks like a case of Larissa Pacheco versus the field at featherweight, as the 2022 lightweight queen is a heavy favorite to add another $1 million to her bank account.
Now to the PFL 8 “Ferreira vs. Greene” preview:
Heavyweights
Renan Ferreira (10-3, 4-1 PFL) vs. Maurice Greene (11-8, 1-2 PFL)When presented with the right matchup, Ferreira is a sight to behold. Such was the case at PFL 5, where he faced Matheus Scheffel—an opponent with a significant reach deficit and a penchant for brawling. Ferreira capitalized by overwhelming his adversary ahead a 50-second knockout victory, his fourth career triumph in less than a minute. At 6-foot-8 with an 85-inch reach, “Problema” is at his best when he can attack with straight punches and an arsenal of kicks. However, he does not always control distance all that well for someone with his physical tools, and his defensive grappling and wrestling usually leave plenty to be desired.
Greene, a 6-foot-7 training partner of UFC heavyweight king Jon Jones, enters the bracket for the injured Marcelo Nunes, whom he defeated via second-round TKO in April. “The Crochet Boss” has decent kickboxing skills and an active submission game, but he has not fared well against dominant wrestlers. Fortunately for him, Ferreira is not that type of opponent. Though he will face a three-inch reach deficit, that is not nearly as significant as what most of Ferreira’ foes have faced. The Jackson-Wink MMA representative will want to avoid Ferreira’s power, and he could have a slight advantage should the action go to the canvas.
This one should be nothing if not entertaining. If the bout stays at kickboxing range, Ferreira will have the edge thanks to his formidable power. Greene should look to keep the Brazilian off-balance by using his striking to close the distance for level changes and clinches. Ferreira has been frustrated in the past when planted on his back, and Greene has the ability to capitalize should “Problema” become reckless and make a mistake in a scramble. However, Greene is not the type of grappler who will be able to impose his will repeatedly in a drawn-out fight, and eventually, trading with Ferreira will lead to his demise. Ferreira by KO/TKO is the pick.
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Ferreira vs. Greene
Pacheco vs. Kolesnyk
Goltsov vs. Heiderman
Mokhnatkina vs. Leibrock
Kelly vs. Nelson
The Prelims