Preview: PFL 7, 2022 Playoffs

Light Heavyweights

Cory Hendricks (9-4, 2-1 PFL) vs. Marthin Hamlet (9-4, 3-3 PFL): This is a rematch of a 2021 regular season PFL encounter, which Hendricks won by third-round submission. The most impressive aspect of that fight was Hendricks’ ability to recover and rally after being hurt badly in the opening stanza, as he took advantage of Hamlet’s fatigue down the stretch. Hamlet would like to grind this one out, but Hendricks has the right blend of wrestling and striking skill to avoid being stalled for too long, and his gas tank is more likely to hold up in the later rounds. Hendricks does not go to the judges often in victory, so look for him to stop Hamlet within two rounds.

Heavyweights

Marcelo Nunes (8-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Dylan Potter (5-1, 0-1 PFL): Nunes impressed on the PFL Challenger Series, surviving some rough waters in the opening round before submitting UFC veteran Bevon Lewis with an arm-triangle choke in the second stanza. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt anchored at Drysdale’s Jiu-Jitsu, Nunes is dangerous from his back or on top position, with the ability to sweep, scramble and submit his opponents. Potter, a late replacement for Adam Keresh, has experience on Dana White’s Contender Series and in the Legacy Fighting Alliance, as well as past fights against UFC veterans Ronny Markes and Anthony Hamilton. Potter is perhaps best known for a controversial submission loss to Lukasz Brzeski that was later overturned. That aside, Potter showed some deficiencies on the canvas which could be exposed by his current opponent. Nunes by submission is the pick.

Welterweights

Mahmoud Sebie Fawzy (3-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Itso Babulaidze (1-0, 0-0 PFL): Fawzy, known as “Prince of Egypt,” suffered his first professional defeat at Bellator 271, falling to Ethan Hughes via third-round TKO. Babulaidze has competed extensively for Cage Fury Fighting Championships—including multiple amateur bouts—and was successful in his pro debut at CFFC 106 in March. Another coinflip fight, given the lack of experience for both men. Fawzy by KO/TKO is the pick.

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Ray vs. Pettis
Silveira vs. Akhmedov
Aubin-Mercier vs. Martinez
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The Prelims
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