Preview: PFL 8 2024 | Light Heavyweight, Lightweight Playoffs

Welterweights

Thad Jean (7-0, 3-0 PFL) vs. Chris Brown (10-4, 0-1 PFL): Ever since his win in the PFL Challenger Series last year, the undefeated Jean has steadily raised his stock as a future contender. Coming off back-to-back first-round finishes, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native hopes to put on another dominant performance in front of his hometown fans. Brown dropped his first shot on the Challenger Series, but a two-fight winning streak in the Legacy Fighting Alliance has earned him the biggest fight of his career.

Lightweights

Elvin Espinoza (10-1, 5-1 PFL) vs. Mads Burnell (19-6, 1-1 PFL): Coming off the first loss of his career, Espinoza hopes to get back on track against a former Bellator contender in Burnell. Espinoza has fight-ending power and has shown that he can dig deep to pull out a tough win, but he has struggled as of late with well-rounded fighters. Burnell’s power doesn’t intimidate, but his ground game—and nine career submissions—shouldn’t be overlooked. This is a real crossroads fight for both men. Espinoza needs to avenge his first loss, but Burnell wants to show that he’s still among the best at lightweight.

Jordan Oliver (1-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Braydon Akeo (5-3, 0-0 PFL): A two-time NCAA wrestling champion at Oklahoma State University, Oliver jumps into the SmartCage looking for his second career win and taking a much-needed step up in competition. After submitting the winless Andrew Triolo last August, Oliver faces the rangy Akeo, who’s 5-foot-11 and has won two of his last three fights.

Women’s Featherweights

Michelle Montague (5-0, 3-0 PFL) vs. Marilia Morais (3-1, 0-0 PFL): The undefeated Montague bolsters the undercard with the only female fight of the night against Morais, who’s coming off a TKO loss last month. Montague has finished all five of her opponents by rear-naked choke, but might Morais’ chin be vulnerable enough for the prospect to find her first career knockout?

Bantamweights

Danny Sabatello (14-4, 0-0 PFL) vs. Lazaro Dayron (8-0, 0-0 PFL): Sabatello was one of Bellator’s most charismatic fighters, but the American Top Team product has lost three of his last four and needs a fresh start. Could the PFL be what he’s looking for? Sabatello could make a name for himself in the SmartCage with a win over the undefeated Dayron, who is coming off an impressive second-round submission.

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Kasanganay vs. Silveira
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The Prelims