Preview: PFL 7 2024 | Heavyweight, Women’s Flyweight Playoffs

Women’s Flyweight Semifinal

Taila Santos (21-3, 2-0 PFL) vs Liz Carmouche (22-7, 2-0 PFL)

This is what we’ve all been waiting for. Santos made waves when she signed with the PFL earlier this year, and fans eagerly waited for the former UFC title challenger to be seriously tested by the PFL competition. That didn’t happen in Santos’ first fight, as she easily walked through Ilara Joanne in one round. Santos, however, got more than she bargained for in her second outing against Jena Bishop. Santos controlled the slow-paced fight for most of the evening but allowed Bishop back into the scrap in the third round. Santos ultimately escaped a face crank attempt and held on for the split decision win, but the performance underwhelmed fans. With the unimpressive victory, Santos’ stock took a hit but she can regain the momentum with a win over a reigning Bellator champion. Carmouche has been taking out the best flyweights in the world for over 14 years. Like Santos, she found much success after leaving the UFC and made a name for herself as the Bellator empress. Carmouche’s all-around game makes her a nightmare matchup for anyone looking to have an easy night. Her wrestling is her foundation, but “Girl-Rilla” can bang, as well. She has heavy hands that can accumulate fight-ending damage as the fight goes on. It’s no surprise to see her in the playoffs after her PFL journey consisted of former opponents she already battered in Bellator. Juliana Velasquez and Kana Watanabe had nothing new to offer in their rematches with the champ, but how will Carmouche fair with an unfamiliar foe in the SmartCage? On paper, this is the best fight that the women’s flyweight division has produced this season. Both fighters have dangerous all-around games and will be comfortable wherever the fight goes. Santos carries a slight power advantage, but Carmouche’s aggressive wrestling may nullify much of her submission game. Wherever the fight goes, it’s a 50/50 coinflip on who will hold the advantage. With that said, Carmouche has been a champion for two years and knows what it takes to dig deep and win the rounds when they count. She could press for the finish or control Santos long enough to get an edge on the scorecards. If Santos comes out aggressive and stays out of long clinches with Carmouche, she will definitely have a shot of pulling this off, but expect the latter’s experience and unrelenting wrestling to play a huge role in a split decision win.

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Goltsov vs. Johnson
Ditcheva vs. Bishop
Popov vs. Vassell
Santos vs. Carmouche
The Prelims