Preview: PFL 6 2024

J.L. KirvenJun 25, 2024

Welterweights

Lorenz Larkin (25-8, 0-0 PFL) vs. Alan Dominguez (11-6, 0-0 PFL): Larkin dropped his first fight in six years in a disputed split decision loss to Andrey Koreshkov in July, but the former Bellator contender is still a tough out for anybody in the field. Larkin’s 13 career knockouts are nothing to brush over, and he could prove to be too experienced for the 27-year-old Dominguez, who brings a three-fight winning streak into his PFL debut.

Welterweights

Murad Ramazanov (12-0, 1-0 PFL) vs. Shamil Musaev (15-0-1, 1-0 PFL): This battle of unbeatens could be the best fight on the card. Ramazanov punished Laureano Staropoli for missing weight in their season-opening showdown and picked up six points with the first-round submission win. Musaev was just as impressive in his PFL debut, becoming the first man to knock out Logan Storley. While Ramazanov’s game is more well-rounded, Musaev carries a significant advantage in power and will turn out the lights if given the chance. Somebody’s “0” has to go, and neither man is going to let it go without a war.

Featherweights

Timur Khizriev (15-0, 1-0 PFL) vs. Enrique Barzola (20-8-2, 0-1 PFL): The undefeated Khizriev hasn’t stopped an opponent in over three years. Still, his Dagestani-backed wrestling makes him a nightmare to handle in a three-round fight. Khizriev routinely got to a superior position in his win over Brett Johns but never threatened to finish the fight. Barzola will want to engage and throw hands but lacks the power to keep Khizriev honest. Of course, he could land something stunning, but Khizriev’s high-pressure style will likely dictate the pace until the final bell.

Welterweights

Goiti Yamauchi (29-6, 1-0 PFL) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (27-5, 0-1 PFL): Both fighters spent over a decade in Bellator but were never matched. A former Bellator welterweight champion, Koreshkov showed he can still hang with the best after giving undefeated Russian Magomed Umalatov a run for his money. Koreshkov’s heavy hands make him threatening at all times, but his pace can dip on occasion. Yamauchi could exploit this and force Koreshkov to burn his energy on the mat. Yamauchi’s 21 career submissions make him as threatening on the mat as Koreshkov is standing.

Featherweights

Kai Kamaka III (13-5-1, 1-0 PFL) vs. Pedro Carvalho (13-9, 0-1 PFL): Kamaka hasn’t lost since dropping a split decision to Justin Gonzalez two years ago. He has found ways to win by sticking to a well-rounded game plan. He’s an active striker who will push forward enough to win rounds, and his grappling is strong enough to keep him out of bad positions. Kamaka pulled off the biggest win of his career by beating Bubba Jenkins, and Carvalho will be another tough test. Carvalho is on a three-fight skid, but he’s routinely matched against the best. Kamaka hasn’t shown that he’s on the level of Brendan Loughnane, Aaron Pico or Jeremy Kennedy, and he could make a mistake that the Portuguese veteran exploits.

Welterweights

Don Madge (11-4-1, 2-1 PFL) vs. Neiman Gracie (12-5, 0-1 PFL): Madge has won eight of his last nine and is surging with confidence after submitting Brennan Ward in the first round. Conversely, Gracie could desperately use some momentum after losing three of his last four fights. Although Madge isn’t known exclusively for his striking, he’s levels above Gracie on the feet and could find success if he lets his hands go. Madge doesn’t fear taking Gracie to the mat, but willingly grappling with a Brazilian jiu-jitsu prodigy isn’t the wisest game plan.

Featherweights

Tyler Diamond (13-3, 2-2 PFL) vs. Brett Johns (20-4, 1-1 PFL): Team Alpha Male’s Diamond broke through a two-year-long cold streak with a unanimous decision win over Otto Rodrigues in April. Diamond controlled the fight with traditional boxing and stifling wrestling and looked dominant throughout. Johns’ season opener didn’t go his way as he fell short on the cards against Timur Khizriev, but the Welsh warrior showed some flashes throughout. Johns can box with Diamond but might be outmatched in the wrestling department. Expect a close scorecard.

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