Preview: PFL 4 ‘Loughnane vs. Pinedo’

Featherweights

Bubba Jenkins (20-6, 6-2 PFL) vs. Sung Bin Jo (10-2, 0-1 PFL): Jo will make his first appearance of the 2023 season after he was not medically cleared for a matchup against Jesus Pinedo at PFL 1. “The Korean Falcon” is an aggressive fighter with decent power and toughness, but he is hittable and struggles against strong wrestlers. Jenkins, a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler, is a nightmare matchup for the one-time UFC veteran. Jenkins is coming off an impressive victory over Chris Wade in a rematch where he was able to neutralize his foe’s scrambling and submission threats with takedowns and positional control. That is the clear blueprint for victory against Jo, because any extended period on the feet is the Korean’s only chance for an upset. Jenkins by decision or submission is the pick.

Featherweights

Marlon Moraes (23-12-1, 0-2 PFL) vs. Gabriel Braga (10-0, 1-0 PFL): Moraes was given a difficult matchup at PFL 1, and the former World Series of Fighting champion was not competitive in a second-round technical knockout loss to defending champion Brendan Loughnane. Moraes has lost six consecutive fights via knockout or technical knockout, and at this point in his career, it is hard to trust his durability, even if he occasionally shows flashes of his old abilities. Braga performed admirably on 24 hours’ notice, earning a split decision over Jesus Pinedo in a preliminary bout at PFL 1. The former PFL Challenger Series competitor did his best work with calf kicks, which is noteworthy because that is exactly what led to Moraes’ demise against Loughnane. Otherwise, Braga did not show much of an ability to hurt his opponent, despite a willingness to walk forward and sling leather. Could Moraes opt for a conservative approach and win a decision? It is a risk betting on the UFC veteran, even with a significant advantage in experience. Braga wins by decision or late stoppage.

Featherweights

Chris Wade (22-9, 10-6 PFL) vs. Ryoji Kudo (11-5-1, 1-3 PFL): Things did not go as planned for Wade in his rematch with Bubba Jenkins at PFL 1, where the UFC veteran was neutralized by his opponent’s wrestling in a clear-cut decision loss. Wade has been on the cusp of a breakthrough in the PFL, but his time could be running short. He gets a favorable matchup against Kudo, who has struggled in recent defeats against wrestlers in Jenkins and Movlid Khaybulaev. While Kudo does possess some power in his hands, it might be difficult to find openings to land a fight-altering blow against Wade, who likes to pressure forward behind his jab, kicks and knees. Wade also transitions well between the different aspects of MMA, so he should be able to mix it up enough to keep Kudo guessing. Wade wins by decision.

Light Heavyweights

Impa Kasanganay (12-3, 1-0 PFL) vs. Tim Caron (13-5, 0-0 PFL): Early returns have been promising on the move to light heavyweight for Kasanganay, who, after competing as low as 170 pounds in the UFC, has earned back-to-back victories in his new division. Caron enters his PFL debut on the heels of capturing the middleweight bout under the CES MMA banner. The Manchester, New Hampshire, native is well-traveled, with bouts in organizations such Bellator MMA, Legacy Fighting Alliance and Dana White’s Contender Series. While Caron will not be intimidated, Kasanganay has the more impressive physical tools and may just be coming into his own. He wins a decision.

Light Heavyweights

Taylor Johnson (9-3, 0-0 PFL) vs. Andrew Sanchez (13-7, 0-0 PFL): Johnson flashed his power and showed good finishing instincts in making short work of Trey Williams to improve to 2-0 in as many appearances on the PFL Challenger Series. The American Top Team Portland product has some notable bouts on his ledger, including a first-round submission victory against Ed Ruth under the Bellator banner. “Tombstone” has faltered against top-tier fighters, however, suffering lopsided defeats to the likes of Johnny Eblen and Andre Muniz. Sanchez, who won Season 23 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” boasts wins over the likes of Khalil Rountree, Trevor Smith, Marc-Andre Barriault and Wellington Turman on his resume. Overall, the former Resurrection Fighting Alliance champion never quite lived up to expectations during his UFC tenure, as his gas tank failed him on more than one occasion after he had built up an early lead on the scorecards against his Octagon opponents. Sanchez is relatively well-rounded, and he will likely look to put the pace early on Johnson. If Johnson can weather that storm, he has the power and wrestling ability to gradually turn the tide in his favor. Johnson wins via decision or late stoppage.

Women’s Featherweights

Abigail Montes (3-2, 1-2 PFL) vs. Brandy Hester (0-0, 0-0 PFL): Montes is perhaps best known for handing boxing champion Claressa Shields her first MMA defeat in October 2021, but she has since dropped back-to-back split decisions against Olena Kolesnyk and Marina Mokhnatkina. The Lobo Gym MMA representative is still a developing talent, but she has a good team behind her and should be favored against an opponent who is making her professional debut. Based at American Top Team Atlanta, Hester enters her first MMA foray with a muay thai background. Montes has not shied away from the chance to brawl thus far during her PFL tenure, but a gameplan based on pressure and control—which was successful against Shields—may be the safer path to victory. Either way, Montes has the edge in experience and presumably more ways to win, so expect her to capture a decision.

Featherweights

Alexei Pergande (2-0, 1-0 PFL) vs. Akeem Bashir (3-1, 0-0 PFL): Pergande is just a few weeks removed from turning 22, so he is the type of prospect who could potentially show significant improvement on a fight-to-fight basis. Thus far, “Russian DNA” has displayed solid wrestling, positional control and durability. Working at a camp such as Kill Cliff Fight Club figures to help his development going forward. Anchored at American Top Team Atlanta, the 35-year-old Bashir appears to be on the card to appease the home folks, but he could still have a chance to pull off an upset against an opponent who is rounding out his skill set. Pergande has the greater upset and is the safer bet. The Russian wins a decision.