PFL Suspends Natan Schulte, Raush Manfio for Lackluster Fight; Postseason Updated

There was a price to pay for the forgettable fight between Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio at PFL 6 on Friday night.

Schulte defeated Manfio via unanimous decision in a lightweight bout at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta to clinch a spot in the postseason. However, the fight resembled little more than a sparring match, which perhaps shouldn’t have been a surprise since the two athletes are longtime friends, training partners and the godfathers of each other’s children. As a result of the lackluster fight, the PFL has suspended both fighters and removed Schulte from the postseason.

“Last night Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio did not meet the standards which all PFL fighters agree to uphold in competition,” read a statement from the organization. “All fighters in their PFL Fight Agreements agree to use their best efforts ... skills and abilities as a professional athlete to compete ... and defeat any opponent.

“It was very clear that Natan and Raush did not meet that contractual standard in yesterday’s bout. PFL immediately suspended both fighters from the season and deemed the fight to have 0 points for purposes of League standings. PFL takes this action in recognition of its responsibility to all PFL fighters and all PFL fans.”

Shane Burgos, who defeated Yamato Nishikawa via unanimous decision, will replace Schulte in the playoffs. Burgos will enter as the fourth seed and face No. 1 Clay Collard on Aug. 23 in New York. In the other half of the bracket, No. 2 Olivier Aubin-Mercier will square off against Bruno Miranda.

OFFICIAL: Revised matchups are set for the Lightweight Semifinals#PFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/FNVTSLLxVu

— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 24, 2023