Tomorrow the PFL rolls through Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the final regular season event before the playoffs begin later this year. Featherweights and welterweights will be looking to take one step closer towards one million dollars and the 2024 PFL world championship.
A featherweight showcase will headline the card tomorrow night as 2022 champion Brendan Loughnane (28-5) takes on Justin Gonzales (14-4). Three years ago, Justin Gonzales was unbeaten and considered a top prospect in Bellator. Then, he lost to Aaron Pico. He bounced back strong after that with two straight wins, but it’s been downhill since.
Gonzales will enter the Smart Cage tomorrow riding a three-fight losing streak. Most recently he was knocked out by Gabriel Braga (13-1) at the end of the first round in the opening fight of the season. That knockout netted Braga six points which put him in second place behind Loughnane.
Loughnane hadn’t fought since his knockout loss to Jesus Pinedo last June when he made the walk back on April 19th. He took on Pedro Carvalho (13-9) and stopped him in under 90 seconds. With that win, the 2022 PFL champion made a statement that he’s coming for his second world title.
PFL 6 Featherweights
While Loughnane and Braga both have six points, there are three fighters who currently have three points, but one of them is not fighting tomorrow night. Adam Borics (19-2) who was a favorite in the eyes of many for the PFL 2024 title is not fighting tomorrow night after he withdrew from his fight against Brett Johns (20-4).
Tyler Diamond (13-3) is fighting Johns now and despite having not fought in the first round, Diamond can potentially earn a spot in the playoffs with a finish. Timur Khizriev (15-0) will look to remain unbeaten and get the amount of points he needs to advance when he takes on Enrique Barzola (20-8-2). Barzola lost a decision to Borics in his first fight.
Kai Kamaka III (13-5-1) opened a lot of eyes when he defeated Bubba Jenkins (21-8) in the first round by decision. Kamaka will be taking on Pedro Carvalho tomorrow night while Jenkins will take on Gabriel Braga. With two fighters having three points and one of the first round winners out, there are wide open spots for the PFL Playoffs. Should make for a fun night tomorrow night in South Dakota.