Preview: PFL 6 2024

Welterweights

Magomed Umalatov (15-0, 6-0 PFL) vs. Brennan Ward (17-8, 0-1 PFL)

Is this the year we see Umalatov in the playoffs? The undefeated Russian has qualified for the postseason the last two years but was unable to compete due to injury or issues outside of the cage. At 15-0, Umalatov is a potential favorite to win the tournament, but he’ll have to offer more than he did in his last fight. Umalatov’s three-point decision win over Andrey Koreshkov in April kept him in the running for a playoff spot, but things aren’t guaranteed from where he sits. He’s currently tied with Goiti Yamauchi for No. 4 in the standings behind Shamil Musaev (five points), Murad Ramazanov (six points) and Don Madge (six points). He can’t count on the judges to send him to the playoffs. Ward was once on the cusp of a title shot in Bellator, but things have turned sour since suffering back-to-back stoppage losses. However, that doesn’t take away from the excitement he brings to the cage. In 25 fights, Ward has only gone the distance once. He either finishes you or you finish him, but you can guarantee it’s going to be a violent process to figure that out. This fight is a dream matchup for people wanting to see what Umalatov can do. Ward has dynamite in his fists and will starch Umalatov if given a chance, but he makes head-scratching decisions on the mat that can get him in trouble. If Umalatov keeps the fight standing, he might run into a punch that’ll knock him off his feet, or he might find the knockout that’ll send him to the PFL postseason.

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Loughnane vs. Gonzalez
Storley vs. Poclit
Umalatov vs. Ward
Braga vs. Jenkins
The Prelims