It was a memorable night punctuated by a competitive main event at PFL 4 in Atlanta, Georgia. Let's take a look back at the action and results.
The first round began with action as Alex Martinez (10-2) and Clay Collard (21-10) traded on the feet. Though back and forth, the advantage was in favor of Collard who landed powerful blows to the body. Round 2 was much of the same with Collard continuing to land until dropping Alex Martinez with a left hook. Collard followed him to the ground seeking a finish but ultimately got reversed after a few scrambles and lands with Martinez on his back. Alex locks up a rear-naked choke that has the crowd gasping. Clay somehow escapes and the round ends. The final round was opened with more body work from Collard. Martinez eats it and finds a takedown. Collard tries to shake him off but finds himself in a squeezing guillotine. Collard escapes and they resume the action on the feet. Alex kicks while Clay lands to the body, a flurry ensues and Alex fonds himself on top for the remainder of the round.
The 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight champion Antonio Carlos Junior (15-5) showcased a well-rounded skillset against Bruce Souto (15-5), shutting him out across 3 rounds to earn a dominant unanimous decision. The bout took place largely on the feet as Bruce displayed excellent takedown defense. It mattered not to Antonio, though. He picked his openings well and cruised to a firm nod from all three judges.
Purely clinical is the only way to describe Olivier Aubin-Mercier's (15-5) win over Raush Manfio (16-4) at PFL 4 2022. He controlled rounds 1 and 2 comfortably with elusive striking and control. He landed powerful kicks throughout, frequetly finding the body of Manfio. The third was much of the same with Manfio becoming slightly more aggressive. In an interview with Verdict MMA after the fight, Olivier told Abdullah Ouazri that he believed Manfio knew he'd secured a place in the tournaments and was simply trying to coast through this fight to avoid damage. Although critical of its entertainment value, Aubin-Mercier was happy with his overall performance and is ready to move on in the tournament. He expressed his desire to meet Clay Collard next.
Jeremy Stephens (29-20) picked up his first win in 6 fights in the form of a split decision vs Myles Price (11-9). Lil' Heathen started the fight strong, decisively winning round one. The second was far closer with Jeremy seemingly chasing a finish, although unsuccsessful. Price managed the round well, finding his shots in between bursts, making it a very close 5 minutes. He landed a powerful takedown in the 3rd and largely controlled the rest of the fight outside of a late flurry from Stephens in the final 10 seconds. It was too little too late for Price, however, and it was Stephens who walked away with the win.