Preview: PFL 1 2024

Heavyweights

Blagoy Ivanov (19-6) vs. Sergey Bilostenniy (11-3): Ivanov needs a fresh start after going 3-5 in the UFC. Despite coming off back-to-back losses, Ivanov has never been knocked out and can take a punch. He’ll need one for Bilostenniy, who’s stopped nine people in the first round.

Steve Mowry (10-1-1) vs. Oleg Popov (16-1): They call Mowry “Tall” for a reason. The 6-foot-8 behemoth towers over Popov, but the Russian slugger isn’t going to let a seven-inch disadvantage slow him down. Popov won 14 straight, but he’s taking a step up in the PFL. Mowry is no slouch, and the Kill Cliff FC standout has a nasty submission game. If Popov gets inside, he could hurt Mowry in the clinch, but that win streak might be in trouble if the fight goes to the ground.

Women’s Flyweight

Dakota Ditcheva (10-0) vs. Lisa Mauldin (6-3): Manchester’s Ditcheva is a young knockout machine whose talent could sweep the competition. She won the PFL Europe championship with three straight knockouts, and her striking is only getting better. It’ll be tough to see anybody win a kickboxing match with her. Mauldin has never been finished as a pro, but she hasn’t maintained any serious momentum. Last year, she won a spot on the challenger series and cruised to a first-round submission in her PFL debut. A win over Ditcheva would be the biggest part of her career, but at this point, Ditcheva looks like a more polished fighter in every way.

Taila Santos (19-3) vs. Ilara Joanne (11-8): Santos was on the cusp of a UFC title less than two years ago, and the 30-year-old is still at the top of her game. She’s a heavy-handed striker whose discipline on the ground makes it nearly impossible for her to stop. She’s dropped three disputed decisions and is hungry for the spotlight. Joanne lost her last two fights and was submitted in the first round, which was her last time out. Santos could make a statement with an early finish.

Kana Watanabe (12-2-1) vs. Shanna Young (9-5): Watanabe was one of the best flyweights in Bellator but struggled against the top dogs. Carmouche stopped in her first round, and she lost a split decision to Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, but Watanabe can compete with the best. Her hands are sharp, and she knows how to carry a fight. Young’s UFC stint was short-lived, but she got back on track with a win in the PFL Challenger series. However, her standup doesn’t compare to that of a striker as skilled as Watanabe.

Chelsea Hackett (4-1-1) vs. Jena Bishop (6-0): Bishop is another contender who could make a big splash in the tournament. Bishop is a former International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation no-gi champion, and her grappling is among the world's best. She’s finished half her opponents by submission, but her striking is primarily used to set up her grappling. On the flip side, Hackett’s strength is striking. The former muay thai world champion transitioned to MMA five years ago, and her skills are rounding out, but when in doubt, she’s going to throw her hands. This should be a fun clash of styles.

Featherweights

Lucas Brennan (9-0) vs. Dimitre Ivy (12-7): Undefeated Brennan was one of Bellator’s most promising homegrown prospects before the sale. “Skywalker” has finished fighters in different ways, and every time he steps into the cage, he’s due for a highlight. Ivy’s getting the chance of a lifetime in his PFL debut.

Bantamweights

Bryce Meredith (5-0) vs. Ty Johnson (13-6): MMA Lab prospect Meredith has finished every opponent he’s faced in his young career, but Kalista has won his last seven fights and is a skilled submission artist. Could the PFL Season kick off with a highlight reel finish?

Jump To »
Delija vs. Moldavsky
Goltsov vs. Vassell
Carmouche vs. Velasquez
Golm vs. James
The Prelims