Preview: PFL 5 2024

Lightweights

Patricky Freire (25-13, 0-1 PFL) vs. Bruno Miranda (16-5, 3-2 PFL)

Freire ended his 12-year Bellator run on a loss, and his PFL debut didn’t go much better. The former lightweight kingpin is still dangerous at 38, but his explosiveness comes in spurts. Power is the last gift to leave a fighter, and Freire’s still has plenty of it. With 17 KOs on his resume, Freire still has pop, but that might not be enough. In his last fight, Freire dropped Clay Collard flat on his back. The right hand was crisp, explosive and damaging, but Freire lacked the juice to follow up. Collard recovered and boxed circles around the Brazilian. Freire couldn’t take the angles or close the distance and was picked apart. If Freire caught Collard again, he could’ve stopped him, but the Utah native’s mounting pressure was too much to handle. Miranda hopes to end a two-fight skid, as well. The PFL sophomore stopped Carson Frei to earn a roster spot in 2023 but has underperformed since. After two decision wins, Miranda was stopped in the second round by Olivier Aubin-Mercier in the playoffs, then was dominated by Brent Primus at PFL 2. “Robusto” has dynamite in his fists and is four years younger than Freire. With a third straight loss hanging over their heads, this fight feels like a must-win for Freire and Miranda. Freire was once one of the best lightweights in the world, but retirement is looming. Miranda has been in the game since 2011, so he’s no spring chicken, either. Whatever’s left in these fighter’s tanks will be left in the cage. Expect “Pitbull” to come out early and set the tone ahead of a stoppage.

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Collard vs. Burnell
Kasanganay vs. Nedoh
Freire vs. Miranda
Wilkinson vs. Silveira
Yagshimuradov vs. Biyong
Carlos Jr. vs. Polizzi
The Prelims