Matches to Make After 2023 PFL 4

PFL 4 was a unique event. Rather than the previously scheduled three regular season cards for male featherweights and light heavyweights, the promotion decided to end the season at just two events, making Thursday’s bill the last opportunity those martial artists had to make the postseason.

In the main event, one of Professional Fighters League's biggest stars and best featherweights anywhere, Brendan Loughnane, fought Jesus Pinedo. Loughnane, the 2022 PFL featherweight champion, had gone an incredible 12-1 since 2017, including 9-1 after a dominant victory over Bill Algeo on Dana White’s Contender Series, with the UFC boss foolishly declining to sign the Englishman. Loughnane's sole blemish was a controversial split decision against Movlid Khaybulaev, a PFL featherweight champion himself that year, in 2021. Everyone else Loughnane hadn't merely beaten but dominated.

Jesus Pinedo was a relatively unheralded Peruvian fighter who had a four-fight winning streak in smaller promotions snapped when he made his PFL debut earlier this year, losing a split decision to Gabriel Braga.

Despite that, Pinedo scored one of the biggest upsets of 2023 thus far, needing just 90 seconds to land a golden knee on Loughnane's chin, destroying his foe. With this incredible victory, Pinedo not only won the last playoff spot for the postseason, but eliminated defending champion Loughnane, making it a double loss for the popular Brit.

In the co-main, 2021 PFL featherweight king Khaybulaev, who is still undefeated as a pro, faced Tyler Diamond, who hadn't fought since losing by decision to Loughnane in 2021. The man from Dagestan was just too much for his foe, dominating him with grappling before finishing him with an arm-triangle in the second stanza, easily punching a ticket to the postseason.

In other significant action, last year's PFL featherweight runner-up Bubba Jenkins proved he is still an excellent grappler, requiring just 85 seconds to sink in a rear-naked choke on Sung Bin Jo that put “The Korean Falcon” to sleep; Gabriel Braga won the biggest fight of his career, taking just over three minutes to put Marlon Moraes' lights out. After the fight, Moraes, one of the world's very best bantamweights a little over three years ago, laid down the gloves and retired.

Talented grappler Joshua “Coninha” Silveira, son of American Top Team co-founder Marcus “Conan” Silveira, defeated Delan Monte in just 90 seconds when a takedown led to Monte suffering a knee injury. Silveira got the maximum number of points, 12, in a two-fight regular season, assuring himself the top seed among the light heavyweights. Impa Kasanganay, who has been on a tear since leaving the Ultimate Fighting Championship, only needed one fight to make the postseason, submitting Tim Caron with an arm-triangle choke in the second round for five points. Marthin Hamlet won a clear decision over Sam Kei with his wrestling, adding 3 points to the 6 points from his early submission win in his first outing. Lastly, despite missing weight by over 5 pounds, Ty Flores won a close decision, 29-28 on two cards, over Dan Spohn to make the playoffs.

Let's take a look at the upcoming postseason matchups:

Bubba Jenkins vs. Jesus Pinedo

Pinedo may have won the fight of his life, but how will he fare against the highly skilled, well-rounded veteran Jenkins? Is this the beginning of a great career for the 26 year-old Peruvian, or will he be ignominiously ground down with grappling? Jenkins will be a considerable favorite but it's an exciting match I will watch with interest, as many outcomes are possible.

Movlid Khaybulaev vs. Gabriel Braga

It's rare one sees two undefeated fighters with double-digit matches face one another, especially with the rigors and uncertainty of PFL's regular season. And yet, here we are. Braga is only 25 and appearing to get better and better, with dangerous striking. However, 32 year-old Khaybulaev is still the big favorite and may simply give Braga no chance with his grappling. Regardless, the victor will likely be the favorite in the finals.

Joshua Silveira vs. Ty Flores

While the difference between their regular seasons was night and day, Flores is an interesting challenge for Silveira. Flores has a weakness in the standup, but has never been out-grappled or lost by submission, being a big, strong, capable wrestler. Can Silveira tap him like he has most of his PFL opponents or will Flores force him to stand up and strike with him? And has Silveira improved enough to win such an encounter?

Marthin Hamlet vs. Impa Kasanganay

This will also be an interesting affair. Hamlet is much bigger and a better wrestler, but Kasanganay is clearly the better striker and will look to take over later in the fight. While Kasanganay would be heavily favored in a five-round contest, the semifinal match will only be three rounds, making it potentially very close. Will Kasanaganay continue his amazing ascent since leaving the UFC, or will the Norwegian be too strong and make the PFL finals for the first time?