The average mixed martial arts fan might be forgiven for looking at the roster of Professional Fighters League’s middleweight season and thinking, “Really? One of these guys is going to win a million bucks?” The most recognizable name among the group is likely that of John Howard, who is best known for going 7-7 across two stints in the UFC -- as an undersized welterweight.
Former welterweight or not, “Doomsday” Howard occupies second place in the standings thanks to a second-round submission win over Gasan Umalatov last month at Professional Fighters League 3. He sits just behind Abusupiyan Magomedov, the Germany-based Russian who scored a TKO over Danillo Villefort with a nasty body kick and follow-up punches at the same event. While Howard and Magomedov can clinch playoff berths with any kind of victory this week, no fighters have been eliminated yet and the playoff seedings are wide open. If the rest of PFL’s divisions are any indicator, this means we can expect plenty of surprises and finishes as some relatively no-name fighters make names for themselves and stake their claim on the playoffs and the $1 million prize.
The PFL regular season continues through August, with the playoffs scheduled to begin in October.
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