ROUNDHOUSE MMA

A rematch nearly 8 years in the making, UFC women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, will defend her title against a woman who finished her in December of 2014.

In their first meeting, both women were finalists in The Ultimate Fighter Season 20 - the first female instalment of the series. There was immense pressure on the contestants, which featured Randa Markos, Joanne Wood, Jessica Penne, Felice Herrig, Justine Kish, Angela Hill, Tecia Torres, Heather Jo Clark, and Bec Rawlings, in addition to Namajunas and Esparza, to perform and become the first strawweight champion in the division’s history.

![the-ultimate-fighter-20-cast-red-carpet1.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/39c9342f-0272-4a21-3682-fa0d33bf7600/pub "The cast of the 20th season of the Ultimate Fighter. (USA Today Sports)")


Esparza was the number one seed during the show and dominated her way into the finals using her trademark wrestling pedigree. On the other hand, Rose, who was a mere 22 years old at the time, was very raw in the sport. 
In their first meeting, which took place at the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas, Rose came out extremely aggressive, showing fluid combinations on the feet, but several mistakes led to Esparza taking her down repeatedly. As the fight went on, Esparza continued to dominate on the ground, landing five total takedowns and controlling Namajunas from the top, and back positions, which over the course of the fight, started to frustrate Rose.

![087_Carla_Esparza_vs_Rose_Namajunas.0.0.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/d13fa75b-d660-4619-782b-17d7f9b76900/pub  "Carla Esparza celebrating her win against Rose Namajunas. (Esther Lin)")

While Rose may have had the better striking skills at the time, it really did not seem to matter, as her takedown defense was very poor, and Esparza was able to take her down at ease. After the second round, it was clear that the fight was heading in the right direction for Esparza, and Rose looked defeated and frustrated in her corner. Ultimately, Esparza finished Namajunas with a rear-naked choke a minute and 26 seconds into the third round to become the inaugural Strawweight Champion. 

As Namajunas reflects on her first encounter with Esparza on the annual UFC Countdown show, she recalls that she overlooked Esparza, and felt the immense pressure to be the next Ronda Rousey in the sport. Rose also admits that while she has never given up in a fight, she gave up in that fight against Esparza. 
Nearly 8 years later, we are seeing a completely different version of both fighters. 
Rose is the dominant two-time champion, coming off of a three-fight win streak that includes a knockout against Zhang Weili where she reclaimed the title that was once hers. Esparza, since losing her title to Joanna Jedrzejczyk shortly thereafter, mixed in some wins and losses, but has been on an impressive five-fight win streak, and is undoubtedly the number one contender in the division today.

![Rose-Namajunas-Carla-Esparza-05062022.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/c671b7e6-22a3-4b8a-5d91-1f304705a800/pub  "Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza face off after nearly 8 years. (Getty Images)")

It will be interesting to see how both of these women approach the fight. Rose is no longer a 22-year-old. She’s experienced in five-round fights, has won the title twice, something no strawweight on the planet has done and has greatly improved her wrestling. She’s dominated fights on the ground, and her striking is still as good as ever. Esparza, despite going through a rough patch after losing the title, has shown flashes of dominance, something we saw during TUF 20, and she will always be one of the best wrestlers in the division.


Comparing Namajunas/Esparza 1 and 2

Taylor Dow

Charles Oliveira da Silva was born on October 17th, 1989 to Ozana Oliveira and Francisco Antonio da Silva into the favela of Vicente de Carvalho, Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil. Charles’ parents worked two jobs to support him and his brother, Hermison, who also helped financially by selling recycled cardboard and food on the street to survive. 

![Screen Shot 2022-05-05 at 9.00.21 PM.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/4bf92240-8c3f-4160-3dde-dada0bf0ee00/pub "Charles Oliveira with his mother Ozana Oliveira.")

At an early age, he took a large interest in soccer and had dreams of becoming a professional, but at age 7 he began to feel pain in his ankle, to the point where he struggled walking. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and heart murmurs, medics telling his family that he may become paraplegic. Charles spent the next 2 years in a hospital, being treated with immunosuppressants and engaging in physical therapy with his loving mother standing by at all times, most nights sleeping on the floor by his side. 


At the age of 11, he was released from the hospital on the condition he gets injections twice per week and does not engage in any physical activity. Two months later a neighbouring friend in the favela, Paulo, introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It was two months after this point when Charles Oliveira won a white belt local championship in BJJ.

![Sun_Instagram_image_download_charlesdobronxs_154809jpg-JS698494934.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/0493e557-0f51-404f-9c81-09d191eb5700/pub "Charles Oliveira stays close to his roots in the favelas.")

Charles continued taking injections until he was 18, claiming he no longer suffered any problems with his limbs, which were now being used to strike in amateur MMA. 
After receiving his black belt under Jorge Patino and Ericson Cardoso and amassing  a flawless 12-0 amateur MMA record (6 KO, 5 Sub), Charles would coin the nickname “do Bronx” which means “from the Favelas”.

He went from competing in amateur fights to professional fights, winning his first 12 fights which led him to getting a call from the UFC. At just 20 years old, Oliveira made his UFC debut in August of 2010 against Darren Elkins and finished him by submission in just 41 seconds.


Today, Oliveira stands atop the most talent-filled division as champion with the most submissions in UFC history, most finishes in UFC history and most post-fight bonuses in UFC history. 

![a398509431b7e97a7fbdf8cb40e28187_crop_north.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/5a04ab55-5700-4fe5-9c50-cd0e10198200/pub "Charles Oliveira realizes his dream of becoming a UFC Champion. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)")

From being a kid who could barely walk selling cheese salad in a favela, to becoming one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. To say Charles has come a long way is an understatement. 

From the brink of being paraplegic to becoming a UFC Champion: The Charles Oliveira Story

Jack MacCool

MMA is a sport with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and not many fighters embody this saying better than Tony Ferguson. Though his career-high point somehow did not include fighting for or winning an undisputed title, Ferguson made up for it with an incredible 12 fight winning streak over six years in arguably the UFC’s best division.  Now just days before his next fight, Ferguson faces circumstances few could have predicted for him just two years ago—a possible four-fight losing streak. 

Ferguson is set to face off with Michael Chandler at UFC 274 in Phoenix, Arizona in a matchup that has captured the attention of MMA fans with many citing it as their most anticipated bout on the pay-per-view card.  Both Ferguson and Chandler are entering the fight on losing streaks, making this fight massive for the trajectory of both athletes; especially Tony.  At 38 years old, Ferguson is far from a spring chicken in the UFC lightweight division, and having taken heavy damage throughout his career there are questions surrounding Ferguson’s durability and how much he has left for the sport at an elite level.  

But with that being said, it is important to remember just how good Ferguson is, and has been.  He made his UFC debut in June of 2011 when he won The Ultimate Fighter following a first-round TKO of Ramsey Nijem.  From there he won two more fights before losing a unanimous decision to Michael Johnson in mid-2012. 

It was then that Tony would put together his unprecedented streak of 12 wins including victories over names like Anthony Pettis, Edson Barboza, and Rafael Dos Anjos.  Not only did Tony win but he made his eccentric style and personality known, collecting nine performance of the night awards as well as nine finishes before being placed in a last-minute matchup with Justin Gaethje in May of 2020.  It was then that everything changed for Tony.  

Entering UFC 249, 70% of the Verdict Community predicted Ferguson would defeat Gaethje. Unfortunately for Tony, after two competitive rounds, Gaethje began to pull away, landing massive shots with great efficiency.  Ferguson was ultimately stopped in the fifth round after taking heavy punishment from Gaethje.  Immediately fans were concerned with the damage Ferguson had taken and how it would affect him going forward, but the loss was looked at as a hiccup for Tony who had been unbeatable to that point.

![Group 7.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/deac5b23-8087-4422-79f4-f18fe935bd00/public)

Ferguson’s next fight would come against the current UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira. The Verdict community thought Ferguson would bounce back against Do Bronx, with 72% predicting he would get the win.  Ultimately Oliveira dominated Ferguson, controlling him for over eleven minutes while coming as close as one could to capturing the submission.  After winning 12 in a row, Ferguson had now lost dominantly in back-to-back fights in two very different ways.

Ferguson’s most recent bout came in May of last year when he faced Beneil Dariush.  Once again Tony was controlled for upwards of eleven minutes while also choosing not to tap to a deep heel hook in round number two.  All three judges scored the contest 30-27 in favour of Dariush, making it the 10th round in a row Ferguson had lost on the Global Scorecard.

![Group 9.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/375be0ab-89da-4212-561a-b00a177e8800/pub)

With the ever-dangerous Michael Chandler waiting for him, Ferguson knows how massive this fight is for him. Chandler provides a massive threat to anyone with his power, wrestling, and physicality.  A win at UFC 274 would in all likelihood preserve Ferguson’s top 10 rankings and prove that he can still compete with the best lightweights in the world.  A loss however would be devastating for Tony.  It would mark the end of his top 10 aspirations and at 38, Ferguson’s UFC tenure could come to a close sooner than we think.  

If there’s anything MMA fans have learned from Tony Ferguson over his 11 years in the UFC, it’s to never doubt ‘El Cucuy’.  Whether it was returning from an LCL tear to TKO Anthony Pettis without proper rehabilitation or submitting Kevin Lee from his back in a title fight, Ferguson had overcome all odds on numerous occasions.  

Regardless of the result this weekend, Tony Ferguson is a MMA legend who will be remembered forever as one of the greatest lightweights to ever step foot in the Octagon.  

The Crossroads of Tony Ferguson

Verdict MMA

The UFC will return to the Footprint Center in Phoneix, Arizona on May 7th for UFC 274. From top to bottom, this is a stacked card that features 2 Championship fights. Let’s take a look at all of the fights on the main card.

## Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje

If there’s ever a fight that’s guaranteed to be action-packed, it’s Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje. Charles Oliveira has competed in 41 professional fights and 88% of those fights have ended by stoppage. Justin Gaethje has competed in 26 professional fights and 89% of those fights have ended by stoppage. As it stands, 90% of the Verdict Community is predicting their fight at UFC 274 to end by stoppage. Charles Oliveira is finally getting his respect from the Verdict Community, as he’s the favorite for the first time since fighting Jared Gordon in November of 2019. This will be Gaethje’s second attempt at fighting for the UFC Lightweight title. He was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov in his first attempt in October of 2020. Much of the Verdict Community is predicting Gaethje to lose by submission again, as 49% predict Oliveira will submit him.

![Group.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/eacf9f23-8d31-477e-caf7-2b286ac4a100/public)

## Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2

Rose Namajunas will get the opportunity to avenge her loss to Carla Esparza at UFC 274. The two first competed in December of 2014, in the finals of the Ultimate Fighter. Not only did the winner of that Season become the Ultimate Fighter, the winner also became the inaugural UFC Strawweight Champion. Going into the fight, Namajunas was still new to the sport with a professional record of 2-1. Esparza went on to finish Namajunas with a rear-naked choke to become the first UFC Strawweight Champion in history. A lot has happened since that fight. Esparza lost the title in her next fight while Namajunas reinvented herself as a fighter. Nearly 8 years later, Namajunas is the reigning Strawweight Champion while Esparza has earned her way back into a title shot. Though the first fight ended in dominant fashion, the Verdict Community is very confident in Namajunas with 80% predicting her to defeat Esparza in the rematch.

![Group 5.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/1ceba369-d9e2-48e7-e2d4-557ac1710f00/public)

## Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson

For a lot of people, this is the most anticipated fight on the card. Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson is a dream fight that many have been waiting to see for a long time. As exciting as the matchup is, it’s a dangerous fight for Tony Ferguson who’s in danger of losing his 4th consecutive fight. If Ferguson loses, there’s going to be a lot of questions regarding what he’s supposed to do next. Chandler is coming into this fight with back to back losses against Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. He absorbed a lot of punishment in both of those fights. The majority of the Verdict Community are backing Michael Chandler, with 73% predicting him to win.

![Group 3.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/4977c270-ffe0-4718-36ca-df82f1d25f00/public)

## Shogun Rua vs. Ovince Saint Preux

This is a rematch of a fight that took place in November of 2014. The first fight didn’t last long, as OSP finished Shogun by knockout in just 34 seconds. Both Shogun and OSP are coming into this fight off TKO losses. Many are expecting the rematch to end like the first fight, as 34% of the Verdict Community is predicted OSP to finish Shogun by knockout. 

![Group 2.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/6d4f3a55-1362-4d83-d534-b658882b2d00/pub)

## Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon

The UFC 274 main card kicks off with a battle between two legends. After finishing Jonathan Pearce by TKO in October of 2019, Joe Lauzon decided to retire from the sport. However, his competitive spirit is making him come out of retirement. He’ll make his return against future UFC Hall of Famer Donald Cerrone. This looks like a must-win situation for Cerrone who’s failed to win in his last 6 fights. This is great matchmaking given where both of these fighters currently are in their careers.

![Group 4.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/4060edfd-bef3-44a2-182f-193cf2593400/pub)


A deep dive into a stacked UFC 274

The final event of the first half of the 2022 PFL Regular Season will take place on May 6th. This is arguably the most stacked PFL card of all time as it features the likes of Kayla Harrison, Anthony Pettis, Rory MacDonald, and Ray Cooper III. Let’s take a deeper look at all of the fights on the main card.

## Kayla Harrison vs. Marina Mokhnatkina

After Kayla Harrison won the 2021 PFL Championship, she entered the free agency market. There was interest from all promotions including the UFC and Bellator. She was even shown on camera before Julianna Pena fought Amanda Nunes. Had Amanda Nunes won, the UFC was looking to make a super fight between Nunes and Kayla Harrison. The plans changed after Nunes lost to Julianna Pena. Harrison ultimately re-signed with the PFL. She’s a former 2x PFL Champion, has won over $2 Million with the promotion, and is the face of the organization. She’s more motivated than ever and is coming into this season with bad intentions. She’s a massive favorite with over 91% predicting her to defeat Marina Mokhnatkina.

![Group 4.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/b84f0b50-11e6-489a-3385-5340fa27ad00/pub)

## Ray Cooper III vs. Carlos Leal

Like Kayla Harrison, Ray Cooper III is a 2x PFL Champion that’s won $2 Million. In the last Championship event, Cooper competed against Magomed Magomedkerimov who had previously defeated him. Cooper had an opportunity to avenge a loss and that’s what he did. After being rocked badly in the 1st round, Cooper rallied back and finished Magomedkerimov by 3rd round knockout to win the 2021 PFL Welterweight Championship. He’ll take on Carlos Leal who hasn’t lost a fight since 2015.

![Group 6.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/ae215655-091f-448d-59a7-ccf95c832a00/pub)

## Anthony Pettis vs. Myles Price

Anthony Pettis’ entry to the PFL didn’t go as he expected as he failed to win a single fight in 2021. He was the former UFC Champion that was favored to win the PFL Championship. Clay Collard spoiled his PFL debut as he defeated him by unanimous decision. Pettis lost a unanimous decision to eventual PFL Lightweight Champion Raush Manfio in his next fight. Pettis returns to the PFL this season for another attempt at a Championship and $1 Million. His first fight takes place against Myles Price who hasn’t competed since 2019. Pettis is a big favorite, with 82% of the Verdict Community predicting him to win.

![Group 2.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/d7ccad47-674a-476b-2c3b-554a20bb4300/pub)

## Rory MacDonald vs. Brett Cooper

Rory MacDonald had a great start to the 2021 PFL season as he finished Curtis Millender by 1st round submission. It was in his next fight that his season went downhill. He lost a highly controversial decision against Gleison Tibau. This fight had the biggest final score difference in the history of the Verdict Scorecard where the opposite fighter had won. It seemed as if MacDonald’s will to compete diminished after this fight as he lost a decision to Ray Cooper III in a fight where he looked like he wasn’t driven. Now that he’s been off for 9 months, it will be interesting to see if MacDonald can re-spark his motivation and come to win. The Verdict Community certainly believes so, as 87% are predicting him to win.

![Group 3.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/137a0892-2047-42c3-6282-0d98f7576000/public)

## Larissa Pacheco vs. Zamzagul Fayzallanova

In 2021, Larissa Pacheco won both of her fights by 1st round knockout. It seemed as if she was well on her way to compete for a PFL Championship, but a failed weight cut forced her out of competition. The failed weight cut cost her a chance at a Championship and $1 Million. Pacheo is back this year and will look to correct her mistakes. She’ll take on Zamzagul Fayzallanova who’s making her PFL debut.

![Group.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/59c1a056-931f-488e-80fd-571f72687200/public)

 Perhaps the most stacked PFL card of all time

A bantamweight bout between Marlon Vera and Rob Font headlined UFC Vegas 53. As expected, this fight stole the show. Let’s talk about all of the fights from this card.

## Marlon Vera and Rob Font compete in a classic

![16513727107034.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/bff2dc56-4900-421f-6f12-832478650300/pub "Marlon Vera hits Rob Font with a sidekick. (Jeff Bottari - (Getty Images)")

We knew this was good matchmaking when the fight was made, but Marlon Vera and Rob Font exceeded expectations for their fight at UFC Vegas 53. This was Marlon Vera’s first 5 round fight and he showed that he gets better as the fight progresses. After losing the 1st round, Vera found his rhythm and hurt Font at the end of every remaining round. Vera showed great improvements with his kicks as he hurt Font on several occasions with knees, sidekicks, and head kicks. Though he was hurt, Font pushed the action and never wavered. With this win, Marlon Vera has put himself in a prime position for a big fight next in the Bantamweight division.

## Arlovski vs. Collier ends in controversy

![Group 5.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/70796479-1837-4a61-8e5f-c904bb279a00/pub "The Verdict Scorecard")

Andrei Arlovski made history as he tied Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone for the most wins in UFC history by defeating Jake Collier. However, that win came with some controversy as many believed that Collier won the fight. Every round of the fight was competitive, as each round on the Verdict Scorecard had a differential of less than 0.46. What was most surprising was the official decision itself. Judges Doug Crosby and Sal D’Amato scored the fight 29-28 for Andrei Arlovski while judge Michael Bell scored the fight 30-27 for Jake Collier. Any time one judge scores every round for a fighter and that fighter loses a decision, expect controversy to follow. 

## Joanderson Brito finishes Andre Fili

![1394685941.0-P94inp.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/670a1cad-d455-4b2f-f2c5-730b0f83c400/pub "Joanderson Brito celebrates his stoppage of Andre Fili. (Jeff Bottari - (Getty Images)")

Going into this card, Andre Fili was the biggest favorite with 88% of the Verdict Community predicting him to defeat Joanderson Brito. It seemed like this would be a guaranteed win for Fili based on the predictions. Joanderson Brito proved a lot of people wrong as he finished Fili by knockout in just 41 seconds. This was the first time since his fight against Yair Rodriguez that Andre Fili had been finished by knockout. 

## Grant Dawson continues to win

![Jotko-GM3.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/8a9b0f7e-c55c-4514-33c6-de156deaf000/pub "Grant Dawson gets his hand raised against Jared Gordon - (Getty Images)")

As he said in his post-fight speech, Grant Dawson hasn’t lost a fight since Barack Obama was the US President. Dawson defeated Jared Gordon and is now unbeaten in his last 10 fights dating back to July of 2016. 4 out of his 7 wins in the Octagon have come by stoppage. Jared Gordon has been fighting as a professional since 2011 and this was the first time in his career that he's lost a fight by submission. 

## Darren Elkins wins his 27th fight

![1394678985.0.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/0a331dc5-fc27-4b46-c2f0-4a98c9be9500/pub "Darren Elkins presses forward - (Getty Images)")

It was a clear win for Darren Elkins who won every round on every judge’s scorecard against Tristan Connelly. Elkins has been competing inside the Octagon for over 12 years and is still winning fights. He handed Connelly his second consecutive loss inside the Octagon. Connelly’s lone win in the UFC came against Michel Pereira. 

## Krzysztof Jotko ends Gerald Meerschaert's winning streak

![Jotko-GM3.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/8a9b0f7e-c55c-4514-33c6-de156deaf000/pub "Krzysztof Jotko outstrikes Gerald Meerschaert - (Getty Images)")

After suffering a 17-second knockout loss against Khamzat Chimaev, Gerald Meerschaert went on a streak where he finished 3 consecutive fights by submission. This winning streak was snapped as Jotko as he defeated him by unanimous decision. Jotko was an underdog heading into the fight with only 39% predicting him to defeat Meerschaert.

UFC Vegas 53 Post Fight Report

It was a quick night at PFL 2, with 3 out of the 5 fights on the main card ending in the 1st round. The 2022 season has started to shape up and we saw a few fighters that are strong candidates to make it to the PFL Championship this year. Let’s take a look.

## Bruno Cappelozza picks up where he left off

![b0f5839da050cf14ff9688c9610de069.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/e1c64b3c-2fb6-4413-5760-68603fd58e00/pub "Bruno Cappelozza vicious against Stuart Austin. (Professional Fighters League)")

After winning the PFL Heavyweight Championship and $1 Million in 2021, Bruno Cappelozza is back this year to do it again. At this point, it’s been well documented that Cappelozza found out his father had died immediately after winning the PFL Championship last year. This motivated him more this year and you could see it in his first fight of the 2022 regular season against Stuart Austin. Cappelozza finished Austin by 1st round TKO which earned him 6 points. This put Cappelozza in a prime position to advance to the PFL Playoffs.

## Renan Ferreira makes a statement

![9e300e7f39076ea3e850ee89ee4e9160.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/8b07aa1a-d38e-4b24-dde0-572c85116a00/pub "Renan Ferreira finishies Jamelle Jones in 25 seconds. (Professional Fighters League)")

If you’ve been following us on social media, you know that we think Renan Ferreira is a major prospect in the Heavyweight division. He’s 6’8 and 253 lbs of lean muscle. He hasn’t had a real loss since 2016 and he’s now finished 8 of his 9 wins by stoppage. Ferreira made history against Jamelle Jones at PFL 2, as he finished him by knockout in just 25 seconds, earning him the fastest knockout in PFL history. Many are picking Ferreira to make it all the way to the PFL Championship this year. He took a cage-side seat during the main event as he watched Bruno Cappelozza finish Stuart Austin. A fight between Ferreira and Cappelozza would be a dream scenario this year as they’re two of the most dangerous Heavyweights on the roster.

## Lance Palmer’s slump continues

![ed011edb2ef087aefd88162b4ffe36bc.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/fea8342d-39a6-4106-61a9-bc35b8c85400/pub "Chris Wade lands a jab against Lance Palmer. (Professional Fighters League)")

From 2018 to 2019, Lance Palmer won 2 PFL Championships and $2 Million. It seemed as if Palmer would become the face of the PFL for years to come but that all changed in 2021 when the PFL returned after a 1-year break due to the pandemic. He failed to win a single fight and attributed it to him not wanting to be there. He had a chance at starting 2022 with a clean slate when he took on last year’s PFL Championship finalist Chris Wade. Palmer lost the fight by unanimous decision and has now 3 straight losses on his record. 

## Brendan Loughnane vs. Ryoji Kudo ends in disappointment

![3806d495eebb19a086abc86a692219c8.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/85778740-d584-4aeb-8366-b4c7eff52000/pub "Ryoji Kudo with a gash on his forehead after a clash of heads. (Professional Fighters League)")

A featherweight clash between Brendan Loughnane and Ryoji Kudo came to an anti-climatic an end after an accidental clash of heads opened up a gash on the forehead of Ryoji Kudo in the 3rd round. Since the fight was stopped after the halfway point of the 3rd round, it was a scoreable round for the judges. Loughnane won the fight on a technical decision. Prior to the headbutt, it was a competitive fight tht saw Kudo become the first fighter to every drop Loughnane with strikes. Many are expecting Brendan Loughnane to win the PFL Featherweight title this year.

## Denis Goltsov wins big against Cody Goodale

![622025507b51d88dfddf1c5ff17c48ca.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/338a3ec7-b5f4-447b-c4cc-00e424aad600/pub "Denis Goltsov celebrates his win. (Professional Fighters League)")

After losing in the 2021 PFL Playoffs, Denis Goltsov bounced back with a big win against Cody Goodale. He finished Goodale by 1st round TKO and which earned him 6 points in the rankings. This years Heavyweight division is already shaping up to very competitive. There were 3 Heavyweights that earned 6 points because of 1st round knockouts last night. 

The PFL Season is starting to shape up and reveal Championship contenders

After an action packed PFL Season Opener last week, the PFL returns to action for the 2nd event of their regular season. Let's take a look at all of the fights on the main card.

## Bruno Cappelozza vs. Stuart Austin

In July of 2018, Bruno Cappelozza fought current UFC Light Heavyweight title contender Jiri Prochazka. After losing to Prochazka, Cappelozza had a 3 year absence away from the sport and it seemed like he wouldn’t be returning. It was in early 2021 when Cappelozza was offered a contract from the PFL to compete in their 2021 Season as a Heavyweight. Cappelozza signed the contract and made the most of it as he went on to win the PFL Championship and $1 Million. He went through a rollercoaster of emotions the night he won the Championship. After he had his hand raised, his corner informed him that his father had died. His team didn’t want to let him know of his father’s passing because they didn’t want him to be distracted heading into the biggest fight of his life. Cappelozza returns to the PFL this Thursday and will once again try to earn a Championship and $1 Million. He’s a big favorite on Verdict, with 82.3% of the community predicting him to defeat Stuart Austin in his season opener.

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## Lance Palmer vs. Chris Wade

Lance Palmer has had great success in the PFL, as he’s won 2 PFL Championships and a total of $2 Million in 2018 and 2019. However, 2021 didn’t go that way for Palmer. He failed to win a single fight and his streak of winning PFL Championships came to an end. He’ll take on Chris Wade who competed in last year’s PFL Championship but lost to Movlid Khaybulaev. Both Palmer and Wade have had great success in the PFL and they’ll finally compete against each other this Thursday in their 2022 season opener. 

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## Renan Ferreira vs. Jamelle Jones

Of all of the Heavyweights competing for the PFL this year, Renan Ferreira might be the most dangerous. He’s 6’8 and 253 lbs. of lean muscle. He's only had 1 real loss in his 9 year career and that came in 2016. He’s finished 7 out of his 8 wins. His nickname “The Problem” is fitting because he really is a problem for every Heavyweight in the division. His fight against Fabricio Werdum ended in controversy last year after the athletic commission ruled it a no contest. The original ruling of the fight was Ferreira winning by TKO. The fight was overturned to a no contest after the athletic commission ruled that Ferreira had tapped to a triangle choke that the referee didn’t notice. This prevented Ferreira from advancing to the PFL Championship event. He’ll get a fresh start this Thursday when he takes on Jamelle Jones.

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## Brendan Loughnane vs. Ryoji Kudo

You might remember Brendan Loughnane from Dana White’s Contender Series. Loughnane won his fight, but was refused a UFC contract by the President after he shot for a takedown late in the fight. Since then, Loughnane signed to compete for the PFL. Many expected Brendan Loughnane to win the PFL Championship in 2021, but those dreams were spoiled by Movlid Khaybulaev. With Khaybulaev out of this years competition, Loughnane returns to the league to finish what he started: Become a PFL Champion.

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The PFL returns for their 2nd event of the Regular Season

The UFC matchmakers continue to show why they’re the best in the game and you can see it with this weekend’s main event. Rob Font and Marlon Vera will compete in a fight that’s almost split down the middle on Verdict. Let’s talk about the entire main card.

## Rob Font vs. Marlon Vera

After competing in the UFC for nearly 8 years, Marlon Vera finally gets his opportunity to headline a card when he takes on Rob Font in this weekend’s main event. Vera has been one of the best Bantamweight fighters in the world for the past 4 years as he’s won 8 of his last 10 fights. One of those losses was a highly controversial decision against Song Yadong. The Verdict Scorecard had Vera defeating Yadong by a significant margin. The other loss was against Jose Aldo. Though he lost, Vera made it a competitive fight against one of the greatest of all time. Vera is coming off of a highlight-reel knockout win against Frankie Edgar in a fight that earned him performance of the night honors. He’ll take on Rob Font who’s coming off of a loss against Jose Aldo as well. This is great matchmaking as the Verdict Community is almost split down the middle on who they predict will win. 

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## Andrei Arlovski vs. Jake Collier

There was a point in 2011 when fans and media were calling for the retirement of Andre Arlovski. Nearly 11 years later, Arlovski is still in the game and still is putting on winning streaks. Andrei Arlovski has won 3 consecutive fights and is looking for his 4th straight against Jake Collier. Arlovski is expected to win by the majority of the Verdict Community, as 75% predict him to defeat Collier with 62% predicting it will happen by decision.

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## Andre Fili vs. Joanderson Brito

Andrei Fili’s last appearance in the Octagon ended anti-climatically as his fight against Daniel Pineda was ruled a no-contest after Fili accidentally poked him in the eye. Prior to the eye poke, Fili was in full control of the fight and seemed like he was going to cruise to a win. Fili is the biggest favorite on this card with 88% predicting him to defeat Joanderson Brito.

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## Jared Gordon vs. Grant Dawson

The sole Lightweight fight on the main card will take place between Jared Gordon and Grant Dawson. Dawson will compete exactly 6 years after the only loss of his career when he takes on Gordon. He’s a big favorite on Verdict with 71% predicting him to win. You can expect fireworks any time Grant Dawson competes, as he has an 88% finishing rate.

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## Darren Elkins vs. Tristan Connelly

Tristan Connelly made a memorable UFC debut in his hometown when he took on Michel Pereira. This was the fight that changed Pereira’s career. He exhausted himself against Connelly by showboating and flipping around the Octagon. Connelly stayed composed and grinded out a unanimous decision win handing Pereira his first loss in the UFC. Connelly has competed only once since that fight and that was in a loss against Pat Sabatini. Connelly returns to the Octagon this weekend to take on 12-year UFC veteran Darren Elkins. As we’ve seen, both fighters have a lot of grit.

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## Krzysztof Jotko vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Since losing a 17 second knockout against Khamzat Chimaev, Gerald Meerschaert has bounced back and has won 3 consecutive fights by submission. He’ll look to continue that streak when he takes on Krzysztof Jotko. Much of the Verdict Community is confident that Meerschaert will secure his 4th consecutive submission win as Meerschaert by 2nd round submission is currently the world’s most common pick on Verdict.

![Group.png](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/168b2a31-e1eb-46d9-3da0-8d64da00ad00/public)

UFC Vegas 53 Pre Fight Verdict Preview

It was a quick night in Las Vegas, as 4 out of the 5 fights on the main card ended by 1st round stoppage. Let’s talk about the grappling heavy card.

## Jessica Andrade makes history

![1393239319.0.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/6cd47917-f575-4cd4-e192-04fb39938e00/pub "Jessica Andrade locks Amanda Lemos in a standing arm triangle choke. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)")

Jessica Andrade made history in her main event against Amanda Lemos, as she became the first fighter in UFC history to win a fight with a standing arm-triangle choke. Andrade continues to prove that she’s one of the most powerful women’s fighters in the world. Her last 5 wins have all come by stoppage. Since moving to Las Vegas, Andrade has reinvigorated her career and wants to compete for the UFC Strawweight title again. Andrade is 1-1 against the current Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas, so a trilogy is very possible if she continues to win.

## Marc-André Barriault submits Jordan Wright

![gettyimages-1393231596.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/903cfd5b-3a37-4b7d-021a-4eb70a5adf00/pub "Marc-André Barriault securing the first submission win of his career. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)")

This fight got bumped up to the main card after Chase Sherman was forced to withdraw from his fight against Alexander Romanov. Marc-André Barriault has been competing as a professional fighter for nearly 8 years and finally earned the first submission win of his career against Jordan Wright when he finishes him with a guillotine choke. Only 0.66% of the Verdict Community predicted Barriault to win by 1st round submission.

## Charles Jourdain submits Lando Vannata

![1393233396.0.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/de9c2d5f-b976-449e-6615-97914a81cc00/pub "Charles Jourdain gets his hand raised against Lando Vannata. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)")

In terms of predictions from the Verdict Community, this was the closest matchup of the card. The fight started fast with both Jourdain and Vannata trading strikes. The action hit the floor and that’s when Jourdain finished Vannata with a guillotine choke. This fight ended almost exactly like the previous fight. Whereas Marc-André Barriault took 2:36 to submit Jordan Wright with a guillotine choke, Jourdain took 2:32 to finish Vannata with his guillotine choke.

## Maycee Barber defeats Montana De La Rosa

![1330445007.0.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/6f3bb6ae-9579-4b91-ec8c-10ef1b569d00/pub "Maycee Barber lands a spinning back elbow on Montana De La Rosa. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)")

Maycee Barber’s fight against Montana De La Rosa was the only decision on the main card at UFC Vegas 52. Rounds 1 & 3 were dominant for Barber whereas the 2nd round was competitive and had De La Rosa edging it out on the Verdict Scorecard. Barber, who once wanted to become the youngest Champion in UFC history still has her eyes set on UFC gold. 

## Claudio Puelles submits Clay Guida

![clauio-puelles-kneebar-clay-guida-screenshot.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/bcce6bde-9554-4212-1c05-287ad5b3f900/pub "Claudio Puelles finishing Clay Guida with a kneebar. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)")

Out of all the submissions that took place on this card, Claudio Puelles’ submission of Clay Guida might have been the most impressive. As soon as the fight hit the ground, you could immediately see that Puelles was a far superior grappler than Guida. He transitioned from multiple positions and eventually secured Guida in kneebar that forced him to tap immediately. This was Puelles’ second consecutive win via kneebar and it earned him performance of the night honors. Puelles is now on a 5 fight winning streak in the UFC’s Lightweight division. 

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