The electrifying energy of the second 2024 PFL Global Season event reverberated through the arena as five first-round finishes illuminated the stage, highlighting the remarkable prowess of the Light Heavyweight division’s contenders. Among the victors were Kasanganay, Wilkinson, Yagshimuradov, Carlos Jr., Silveira, Dufort, Collard, Primus, Espinoza, and Rabadanov, each etching their names in the annals of the PFL with resounding victories.
As the combatants prepared to enter the arena, anticipation hung thick in the air, heralding a night of unparalleled martial arts action. The venue, The Theater at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas, served as the battleground for the clash of titans from the Light Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions, promising spectators an unforgettable spectacle within the confines of the PFL SmartCage.
The main event of the evening featured a showdown between two formidable adversaries: the reigning 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, Impa Kasanganay, and his challenger, Alex Polizzi. With lightning speed and unyielding determination, Kasanganay unleashed a barrage of punishing strikes upon Polizzi, culminating in a first-round TKO victory and securing six crucial points in the fiercely competitive division.
In the co-main event, Rob Wilkinson, the distinguished 2022 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, made his triumphant return to the PFL SmartCage to face off against Tom Breese. Displaying masterful technique and unwavering resolve, Wilkinson swiftly dispatched Breese with a first-round TKO, earning six points and reaffirming his dominance in the division.
The night was replete with thrilling matchups, including Clay Collard’s clash with Patricky Pitbull, a battle of attrition that culminated in Collard’s 25th career victory and five points in the Lightweight standings. Similarly, Michael Dufort’s commanding performance against Mads Burnell saw him emerge victorious with a second-round submission, earning him five points and solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the Lightweight division.
Reflecting on the evening’s events, PFL CEO Petery Murray remarked, “The second event of the 2024 PFL Global Season delivered unmatched MMA excitement to fans around the globe.” He emphasized the unique format of the PFL’s season, which serves as a catalyst for action, with elite athletes fully cognizant of the stakes and impact of each contest in the Global Season standings.
Echoing Murray’s sentiments, Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations at PFL, lauded the depth of talent showcased by the Light Heavyweights and Lightweights, expressing pride in the athletes and eagerly anticipating their return to the PFL SmartCage in Chicago on April 19.
The night also witnessed standout performances from Josh Silveira, who secured a first-round TKO victory over Sadibou Sy, and Antônio Carlos Jr., the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, who swiftly submitted Simon Biyong in the first round. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov’s overwhelming victory over Jakob Nedoh and Brent Primus’s submission win against Bruno Miranda further underscored the caliber of competition within the PFL.
In the Lightweight division, Gadzhi Rabadanov emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against Solomon Renfro, while Elvin Espinoza, stepping into the PFL SmartCage on short notice, maintained his undefeated record with a third-round knockout victory over Adam Piccolotti.
The evening culminated in a showcase bout in the PFL Heavyweight division, where Marcelo Nunes secured a first-round submission victory over Jordan Heiderman, adding another impressive win to his professional record.
Looking ahead, the 2024 PFL Global Season action continues on April 19 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, promising fans another exhilarating display of talent and skill in the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions.
With events broadcast live across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and DAZN in Canada and Europe, in addition to distribution on international premium sports platforms reaching 150 countries worldwide, the PFL Global Season continues to captivate audiences and redefine the landscape of professional mixed martial arts.
As the journey unfolds, each bout, each victory, and each defeat shape the narrative of the season, propelling athletes closer to glory and etching their legacies in the annals of combat sports history.
COMPLETE RESULTS
PFL Las Vegas Main Card Results:
Impa Kasanganay (16-4) def. Alex Polizzi (10-4) 1st round TKO (3:29)
Rob Wilkinson (18-2, 1 NC) def. Tom Breese (18-5) 1st round TKO (1:10)
Clay Collard (25-12, 1 NC) def. Patricky Pitbull (25-13) 2nd round TKO (1:32)
Michael Dufort (13-4) def. Mads Burnell (18-6) 2nd round submission (1:03)
Josh Silveira (13-3) def. Sadibou Sy (17-8-2, 1 NC) 1st round TKO (injury 1:14)
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (22-7-1) def. Jakob Nedoh (8-2) 1st round TKO (2:54)
Antônio Carlos Júnior (16-5, 2 NC) def. Simon Biyong (9-4) 1st round submission (4:34)
Early Card Results:
Brent Primus (12-3, 1 NC) def. Bruno Miranda (16-4) 2nd round submission (1:49)
Gadzhi Rabadanov (21-4-2) def. Solomon Renfro (11-5) unanimous decision (29-28×3)
Elvin Espinoza (10-0) vs. Adam Piccolotti (14-6) 3rd round KO (2:23)
Marcelo Nunes (11-2) def. Jordan Heiderman (7-2) 1st round submission (2:40)
