PFL 5 Pre-fight Preview

PFL 5 Pre-fight Preview

Abdullah Ouazri|
June 24, 2022|
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The Proffesional Fighter's League returns to the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Georgia for PFL 5. This is the final opportunity for fighters to advance to the Playoffs. Let's take a look at the main card.

Bruno Capelozza vs. Matheus Scheffel

The PFL's 2021 Heavyweight champion Bruno Capelozza (15-5) has gone undefeated in five fights since signing to the promotion after facing current UFC Light Heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka. He finished all but one in brutal fashion and looks to continue that streak against his next opponent, Matheus Scheffel.

Scheffel (15-8) is an always game knockout artist looking to rebound from a recent defeat in his PFL debut in the biggest fight of his life. Boasting seven first round KO's, he is a dangerous fight for anyone in the Heavyweight division.

As dangerous as he is though, the Verdict Community doesn't see the fight ending well for him, with over 85% predicting Bruno to win, most popularly by 1st round KO.

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Anthony Pettis vs. Stevie Ray

There isn't enough that can be said about the former UFC and WEC Lightweight champion Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis (25-12). He secured a speedy submission in his last ouing, tapping out Myles Price to a first round triangle choke, earning 6 points in the PFL tournament. Prior to that he lost a controversial decision to Raush Manfio, a fight that the Verdict community clearly scored for him. He now seeks another win over a tough opponent in Stevie Ray.

Stevie Ray (23-10) is an experienced UFC veteran with wins over Joe Lauzon, Ross Pearson, and Michael Johnson. He is a well rounded mixed martial artist that showcases his skills everywhere, and in multiple sports. He submitted UFC star Paddy Pimblett during a grappling match. He's no easy outing for anyone.

With that said, he is heavily favored against by the Verdict Community, with over 83% predicting Anthony Pettis to win, and neary 30% predicting it to be a KO finish.

Renan Ferreira vs. Klidson Abreu

Renan Ferreira (9-2-0 1NC) is a mountian of a man, standing at 6'8 with and 85" inch reach, he is the largest fighter on the PFL roster. Perhaps more impressive than his hulking stature is the athleticism and speed he possesses. Lightning quick for a heavyweight, he has finished seven of his nine wins inside the distance and is coming off of a stunning first round KO.

His adversary is Klidson Abreu (16-5). A product of the renowned gym American Top Team and a polished UFC veteran. He's fought the likes of Magomed Ankalaev, Jamahal Hill, and Sam Alvey. His last fight saw him defeat then undefeated Adam Keresh at the PFL 2 earlier this year.

The odds are stacked against him though as only 17% of the Verdict community predict him to win. The world's most common pick is Renan Ferreira by first round KO.

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Chris Wade vs. Kyle Bochniak

Chris Wade (21-7) is a formidable Featherweight that has given trouble to some of the best fighters in the world, such as Islam Makhachev, during his UFC run. He has become a staple of the PFL, having competed in 13 bouts under the promotion, his last a unanimous decision win over two time PFL champion, Lance Palmer. He truly believes his well rounded skillset will lead him to one day call himself the best in the world.

On the topic of believing that you're the best in the world, his opponent Kyle Bochniak ( 11-6) is lacking no confidence. Producing back and forth fights with Zabit Magomedsharipov, Hakeem Dawudu, and Sean Woodson, Bochniak knows he can hang with the best. His last fight a decision loss to Bubba Jenkins, he's looking to rebound in a big way and set his career trajectory towards the coveted $1 million prize.

This fight is one of the closer contested of the evening, with approximately 63% predicting Wade to win, whereas 37% believe Bochniak will get it done.

Ante Delija vs. Shelton Graves

Ante Delija (20-5) is a powerful and well rounded heavyweight mixed martial artist. He last competed against one of tonight's main event fighters, Matheus Scheffel. He finished him in under 1 minute with a powerful right cross. Scheffel isn't the only man on this card he has fought though. He defeated Denis Goltzov via unanimous decision and gave Bruno Capelozza one of his hardest fights in an all time classic war in October of last year.

He faces off against Shelton Graves, (9-5) a heavy hitter with ill intent. Six of his nine wins have come by way of stoppage. He's a dynamic fighter, with wins coming by way of knees, kimura, and punches.

He's a sizeable underdog tonight.

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Bubba Jenkins vs. Reinaldo Ekson

Bubba Jenkins (17-5) is a gritty PFL veteran with wins over Kyle Bochniak and Lance Palmer. His imposing style makes him a difficult test for anyone on any given night. He is looking to extend his winning streak to two with a win tonight in hopes of getting closer to the coveted PFL prize of $1 million.

The man standing in his way is Reinaldo Ekson (18-5). Reinaldo is a dangerous submission threat on the ground, riding a 4 fight win streak with 3 of those coming by tapout. This is his second fight in the PFL and what he believes is his biggest opportunity to showcase who is is to the fans.

Denis Goltzov vs. Maurice Green

Denis Goltzov (28-7) is a fighter that is discontent with letting the judges decide the winner. He has finished 23 of his opponents with an array of methods, spanning from ezekial chokes to spinning backfists. His last win saw him earn a first round ground and pound finish over Gary Goodale at the PFL 2 earlier this year.

Maurice Green (10-6) is a seasoned UFC veteran that competed on the Ultimate Fighter: Whittaker vs Gastelum. He began is UFC career 3-0 with two first round finishes. He would compete against the high level elites such as Aleksei Oleinik, Sergei Pavlovich, and Gian Villante before parting ways with the promotion. He's currently coming off of a first roud arm-triangle choke victory and will make his PFL debut tonight.

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