Preview: 2022 PFL Championships

Featherweights

Marlon Moraes (23-10-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Sheymon Moraes (14-6, 3-2 PFL): Before the World Series of Fighting organization rebranded as the PFL, “Magic Marlon” was a dominant champion, posting an 11-0 mark and six consecutive title defenses. During that stretch, he defeated Sheymon Moraes via third-round submission in August 2015. More than seven years later, they will meet again, with Sheymon stepping in as a late replacement for prized free-agent acquisition Shane Burgos. While still only 34 years old, Marlon is ending a short-lived retirement to enter the PFL on the heels of four straight brutal KO/TKO defeats in the UFC. While those all came against top-level bantamweights, it is fair to wonder how well his chin is going to hold up at this point in his career. Sheymon, meanwhile, never quite lived up to the top prospect label that was assigned to him early in his career, but he remains a dangerous striker who throws virtually everything with full power and is capable of finishing a fight with his feet and hands. His patience can lead to a lack of volume, however. Marlon has shown flashes of brilliance even in his recent defeats, and he can still be dangerous when faced with an opponent who does not force the issue. That is where a matchup with his old foe could be ideal, as Sheymon’s tendency to trend toward inactivity will give “Magic Marlon” an opportunity to find his rhythm. Still, there is also the possibility that Marlon’s chin fails him, and Sheymon is an opponent who is more than capable of landing a fight-altering blow. Sheymon by KO/TKO is the pick.

Lightweights

Natan Schulte (22-5-1, 11-2-1 PFL) vs. Jeremy Stephens (29-20, 1-1 PFL): A two-time PFL champion, Schulte is a well-rounded competitor who can wear down opponents through forward pressure, conditioning and solid clinch work. The Brazilian judoka is competent on the feet—leg kicks are his best weapon—and durable enough to absorb shots to get the fight to his preferred range. Stephens’ first PFL campaign did not go as planned, but he is still a dangerous opponent who throws power punches and heavy calf kicks. “Lil Heathen” is not as much of a brawler as he was early in his career, but Schulte has the skill set to keep the UFC veteran off-balance and the gas tank to pull away on the scorecards down the stretch. Schulte by decision.

Welterweights

Magomed Magomedkerimov (29-6, 11-1 PFL) vs. Gleison Tibau (37-16, 2-2 PFL): Had visa issues not derailed his season, Magomedkerimov may very well have ended up in the welterweight final. Case in point: The 2018 PFL champion was impressive in a second-round technical knockout victory against current finalist Dilano Taylor. Magomedkerimov blends punches and kicks well on the feet—he put Taylor on the defensive with several overhand rights—but he does his best work through his wrestling and suffocating control. Tibau presents an interesting challenge thanks to his physical strength, solid defensive wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu background. However, the UFC veteran is 39 years old and has never been a high-volume striker. Tibau excels at making fights ugly, but it is hard to see an area where he will have an advantage against his Dagestani opponent, especially in the twilight of his career. It will not always look pretty, but Magomedkerimov prevails via decision.

Flyweights

Dakota Ditcheva (6-0, 1-0 PFL) vs. Katherine Corogenes (3-0, 0-0 PFL): Ditcheva overwhelmed Hassna Gabner in her promotional debut, folding her opponent with knees to the midsection in less than a minute. The British muay thai champion is capable of doing damage with punches, elbows, kicks and knees, so her progress hinges on her ability to round out the rest of her game. Corogenes is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt based at Nova Uniao Phuket, but Ditcheva is a significant step up from her previous level of competition. Look for Ditcheva to keep her momentum going with another stoppage victory.

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The Prelims