[ad_1]
The PFL’s lightweights and light heavyweights finalized their playoff positioning a week ago, and now it’s the turn of the heavyweights and featherweights on Friday at PFL 5 (ESPN and ESPN+, main card at 8 p.m. ET and prelims at 6 p.m.).
The main event at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta pits 2021 heavyweight champion Bruno Cappelozza against Matheus Scheffel. Cappelozza is one of three heavyweights (along with Denis Goltsov and Renan Ferreira) who have 6 points and are in good position to earn a playoff spot. Scheffel lost his first fight of the season.
Friday’s co-main event is actually the one remaining regular-season lightweight bout, in which Anthony Pettis faces Stevie Ray. Pettis already has clinched a playoff spot on the strength of his first-round submission in his first bout, while Ray lost his season opener.
There’s still much to sort out. Here’s how I see Friday’s fights playing out, along with playoff scenarios calculated by the PFL.
Heavyweight: Bruno Cappelozza vs. Matheus Scheffel
After being knocked out in his PFL debut in April, Scheffel might be looking at a similar fate on Friday as he takes on the reigning champ. Cappelozza is a nightmare matchup for most, with his aggressive striking and his brutal knockout power. I don’t see this fight going any differently than his last one. Look for Cappelozza to pressure right away and get it done early, securing his spot in the playoffs. Prediction: Cappelozza via KO in the first round.
-
What Cappelozza needs to make the playoffs: As part of the night’s final fight, he will know going in what he needs for the top seed. But a win of any kind would sew up a playoff spot.
-
What Scheffel needs: A first- or second-round stoppage would keep him alive, pending earlier results.
Lightweight: Anthony Pettis vs. Stevie Ray
Pettis returned to the PFL this season in a big way,…
[ad_2]
Source : espn
