PFL x Atlanta 2023: Week 1 Recap

PFL x Atlanta 2023: Week 1 Recap

Abdullah Ouazri|
June 10, 2023|
0

The Professional Fighters League has found a second home at the Overtime Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This time last year, they filled the rafters, and they've done it again.

Let's recap everything notable that went down in the first week of their return to the ATL:

Light Heavyweights Show Out

Josh Silveira before a fight. Credits to: The PFL.
Josh Silveira before a fight. Credits to: The PFL.

UFC vet Impa Kasanganay and Josh Silveira both earned some quick points to advance in the playoffs. Kasanganay earned the 'Fabulous Five' points with a 2nd round arm triangle, and Silveira picked up a 'Quick Six' after twisting his opponent's knee on a takedown attempt, forcing an end to the fight.

Silveira leads the pack with 12 total points, and Impa stands at 3rd with 5.

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Chaos at Featherweight

Bubba Jenkins after a big win. Credits to: The PFL.
Bubba Jenkins after a big win. Credits to: The PFL.

Every Featherweight fight ended in an emphatic finish at the PFL. Bubba Jenkins picked up a 'Quick Six' with a submission, and so did Chris Wade. Gabriel Braga announced his presence with a KO over Marlon Moraes. Jesus Pinedo blasted through 2022's champion Brendan Loughnanne to steal a playoff spot, eliminating his opponent and Chris Wade. Lastly, the boogeyman Movlid Khaybulaev improved to 21-0 and earned 5 points for demolishing his opponent en route to an arm triangle choke.

Jenkins and Braga are tied with 9 points each, while Movlid follows with 8, and Pinedo clinches 4th place with 6.

A Legend Retires

Marlon Moraes calls it a career. Credits to: The PFL.
Marlon Moraes calls it a career. Credits to: The PFL.

Marlon Moraes called it a career after seven straight KO/TKO losses. He remained dangerous and entertaining till the end and told us that's what he wanted. He hopes his career will be remembered for the excitement he brought fans every fight and is proud of everything he's done.

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The Bronze Bomber Puts an MMA Glove

Deontay Wilder seeks an MMA fight. Credits to: Wilder and Ngannou.
Deontay Wilder seeks an MMA fight. Credits to: Wilder and Ngannou.

Deontay Wilder appeared as a part of the broadcast team at the PFL and was wearing an MMA glove on his hand. He challenged Francis Ngannou to a 2-fight series, one in boxing and one in MMA.

What did you think of the show? Let us know in the comments below.

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