Preview: PFL 9, 2022 Playoffs

Qualifiers

Lightweights

Marcin Held (27-9, 1-2 PFL) vs. Myles Price (11-9, 0-2 PFL)

ODDS: Held (-650); Price (+475)

It’s interesting that Held is in a qualifying bout considering his experience and the fact that he has split a pair of competitive bouts with two-time PFL champion Natan Schulte. Price had a rough road in the promotion coming off a lengthy layoff, but he seemed to be rounding into form in his second PFL appearance against Jeremy Stephens — a bout that could have very easily gone his way on the scorecards. Held is well known for his submission game, especially his leglocks — he’s won 14 fights via tapout — but recent outings have seen him adopt a more standup-oriented approach. His striking has improved, but he will have to navigate distance against the rangy Price, who blends punches and kicks well and employs an active ground game himself. Held won’t be threatened by Price’s power, however, and this could come down to who has the edge in grappling and scrambles. Held is a level above in that regard. The Pole wins via submission or decision.

Heavyweights

Louie Sutherland (4-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Abraham Bably (1-0, 0-0 PFL)

ODDS: Bably (-145); Sutherland (+115)

It’s a matchup of British heavyweights with extremely limited resumes. What both Sutherland and Bably have are quick finishes, with Sutherland posting four first-round knockouts thus far. The opposition hasn’t been great, as both men own a triumph over the 0-23 Jan Lysak, so it’s difficult to guess how this might play out. A logical assumption is it ends early. Sutherland by KO/TKO.

Welterweights

Tayo Odunjo (4-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Magnus Onyeka Iversen (1-0, 0-0 PFL) ODDS: Odunjo (-175); Iversen (+145)

Given the location of the event, this seems like an opportunity for the Team Rough House-trained Odunjo to impress the home folks in England. He’s got the edge in experience over his Norwegian foe, as well. Odunjo gets the job done inside the distance.

Welterweights

Zebenzui Ruiz (10-3, 0-0 PFL) vs. Raphael Uchegbu (6-0, 0-0 PFL)

ODDS: n/a

Ruiz, a Spanish grappling champion, enters his PFL debut with victories in seven of his last eight professional appearances — with his lone loss during that time coming under the Combate Global banner. Uchegbu’s undefeated mark is a bit misleading, as he has yet to beat an opponent with a winning record, and that includes a pair of fights in Bellator. However, he has finished five of his wins, which suggests he is rolling through inferior competition as a prospect should. This will mark his first featherweight appearance, but his 5-foot-10 frame should be well suited for a move up. Uchegbu by decision is the pick.

Welterweights

Ali Taleb (7-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Darius Mafi (4-0, 0-0 PFL)

ODDS: n/a

A UAE Warriors champion at 135 pounds, Taleb has finished six of his first seven career victories inside the distance. He has shown heavy hands, decent head movement and solid countering ability while establishing himself as one of Sweden’s top prospects. His last outing was arguably his most impressive to date, as he defeated the then 16-2 Vinicius de Oliveira Prestes de Matos to capture UAE Warriors gold. Mafi has a quartet of quick finishes to his credit, but the quality of opposition is severely lacking in comparison to his opponent. Look for Taleb to get the job done inside the distance.

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Harrison vs. Jindrova
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Main Card
Qualifiers
Prelims