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PFL 4 happens tonight as the 2023 PFL season marches on to the million in each of their divisions this week, and they’ve got a batch of really good matchups on order. We should note from the start that this fight card was snakebitten and is rife with cancellations due to injuries and, well… a whole other mess.
Without a doubt the recent drug test failures have led to light heavyweight being wide open now. And this week we’ve got light heavyweight as well as featherweight competitors duking it out. That means we’ll see things move along in short order as PFL 4 tries to put this latest fracas to rest.
Below are five reasons you should tune in to the PFL 4 card tonight.
Featherweights will steal the show at PFL 4
Last year’s tournament winner and feel-good story of the year Brendan Loughnane (27-4) will be part of the main event against Peruvian finisher Jesus Pinedo (20-61 draw). Pinedo stumbled out the gate in his first fight this year, and could possibly make a massive statement with an upset win over Loughnane.
That’s possible, albeit not very likely. But it’s a fun fight from an action perspective. Same goes for 2021’s tournament champion Movlid Khaybulaev (20-0, 1 draw). Remember him? You should, because his highlight reel is nuts.
He’s got a chance to make more magic happen against Team Alpha Male rep and former Ultimate Fighter contestant Tyler Diamond (12-2). “Bad Man” Bubba Jenkins (20-6) came close to nabbing the crown last year in the finals against Loughnane, but fell short. He faces former GLADIATOR and Top FC champion Sung Bin Jo (10-2). Long Island’s Chris Wade (22-9) has always been a force in PFL, and he’s up against Ryoji Kudo (11-5, 1 draw).
Where does light heavyweight go now?
Well, the only direction to go is forward. 205 still has a nice stable of fighters, but it’s hard not to feel a bit of name value is gone since Thiago Santos and Krzysztof Jotko are now out. Sure they both lost their first 2023 bouts, but they’re better-known among the bunch and established veterans. Then you’ve got last year’s champ Rob Wilkinson, who has made drastic improvements since arriving in PFL.
Despite these losses to the roster, we have submission ace Marthin Hamlet (11-4) facing Sam Kei (8-7). Ty Flores (12-4) came in extra heavy at 211.2lbs but is still scheduled against Dan Spohn (19-8, 1 draw). UFC vet Impa Kasanganay (12-3) welcomes Tim Caron (13-5) to the PFL cage.
What’s going on with Marlon Moraes?
Marlon Moraes (23-12, 1 draw) has had a steady decline, and it was a bit of a shock when it was announced that he had not only signed with PFL, but that he was moving up to featherweight to do so. His two PFL appearances to date have been sad to watch, getting finished by Sheymon Moraes and Brendan Loughnane. Now he meets an undefeated hot prospect in Gabriel Alves Braga (10-0). If he loses this one, his losing streak will be extended to seven. Might be time to seriously consider hanging up the gloves for good if that happens. Or even if it doesn’t.
Abby Montes might be PFL’s next pet project
Mexican featherweight Abby Montes (3-2) made something of an impression defeating Claressa Shields in Shields’ second fight. She lost two straight since then but now faces a less experienced opponent in Brandy Hester. Hester’s making her pro debut, and this appears to be a showcase to get Abby back in the swing of things and perhaps build more momentum.
Josh Silveira might be the future
PFL light heavyweight Josh Silveira (10-1) is a dazzling prospect. He’s the son of famed ATT icon Conan Silveira, and has some amazing skills. He made waves in LFA, and now that he’s in PFL, he’s a problem.
He started the year with a win over Sam Kei, and hopes to keep on rolling against hard-hitting Delan Monte (9-4). Silveira does need to keep his defense tight, as Monte had a wild upset last year against Emiliano Sordi. Monte might have a small chance of doing something like that here, too. Not likely, but possible.
PFL 4: Loughnane vs Pinedo takes place this Thursday night. Check out how to stream the event here.
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