Tag: 2022 PFL 3

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, May 10: Carla Esparza, Charles Oliveira, Ryan Bader move up P4P list

Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC 274, Bellator 280 and 2022 PFL 3.

The USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie men’s and women’s pound-for-pound rankings saw major movement coming out of a weekend of UFC, Bellator and PFL action.

At UFC 274, [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] – after losing his championship belt over a half-pound miss at weigh-ins – solidified his status as the best lightweight on the planet with a first-round submission of Justin Gaethje in the night’s main event. In the co-headliner, [autotag]Carla Esparza[/autotag] became a two-time UFC strawweight champion after earning a split decision from Rose Namajunas in a lackluster fight – but it was a win no less for “Cookie Monster.”

One day earlier at Bellator 280, heavyweight champion [autotag]Ryan Bader[/autotag] grinded out a clean-sweep unanimous decision win over Cheick Kongo. And at 2022 PFL 3, [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] made her season debut with a ho-hum performance (“utter dog crap” in her own words) that led to a unanimous decision over Marina Mokhnatkina.

What do those results mean for this week’s pound-for-pound rankings?

On the men’s side, Oliveira jumped up two spots from No. 7 to 5, while Bader advanced one spot from 11 to 10. As for the women, Esparza, who is now on a six-fight winning streak, catapults herself from honorable mention to No. 5, dropping Namajunas a spot to No. 6, as well as Harrison from No. 9 to No. 10.

The pound-for-pound categories weren’t the only ones to be shaken up. Take a look at the full rankings in the dropdowns coming out of UFC 274, Bellator 280, and 2022 PFL 3.

Anthony Pettis: This version of ‘Showtime’ is the one that should’ve been seen in 2021

Anthony Pettis is confident the version of himself on display to open his 2022 PFL season is the real deal.

ARLINGTON, Texas – [autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] is confident the version of himself on display to open his 2022 PFL season is the real deal – and not the one who fizzled out quickly in his first PFL season in 2021.

Pettis (25-12) forced Myles Price (11-8) to tap to a first-round mounted triangle choke Friday at the PFL’s third event of the regular season. In 2021, he lost both his fights. But a first-round finish Friday got him 6 points, meaning a win in his second fight, no matter how, would have him nearly assured a playoff spot.

Pettis said the newness of the PFL’s season and playoff format was something he wasn’t prepared for in 2021 after signing as a free agent after years in the UFC, including as its lightweight champion.

“Last year was all new for me – coming to a whole new organization, a lot of adjustments were made,” Pettis said in his post-fight news conference in Arlington, Texas. “But I just refocused. I’ve been here before. I’ve had (multiple) losses in a row before. I know how to redo it. I just had a baby, so I have a lot of motivation this camp.

“… Last year, last season, I didn’t put in the right amount of work. I tried to attune my training camp for a full-season fight. That’s not how this thing works. The season format is totally different than how I was used to. I feel like the training gives me the confidence that I had in there. … Last year, I definitely underestimated what I was getting myself into.”

Pettis said he was tempted to be flashy against Price, but thought better of it in the moment. Instead, after some adversity from his opponent, he found a way to lock up his finish.

And even though he says he wasn’t going to go after typical “Showtime” moves, a mounted triangle choke might amount to something almost in that vein, anyway.

Still, Pettis said he will stay focused on being read for his second regular season fight, knowing the two fighters who beat him in 2021 sit just behind him in the standings.

“I’m not going to get big-headed,” Pettis said. “(I’m going to) go right back into camp. I’ve got three more fights to win, and I’ve got two tough dudes in front of me: Clay Collard and (Raush Manfio), and I want both of them guys.”

[vertical-gallery id=2544546]

Kayla Harrison def. Marina Mokhnatkina at 2022 PFL 3: Best photos

Check out these photos from Kayla Harrison vs. Marina Mokhnatkina which headlined 2022 PFL 3 in Arlington, Texas.

Check out these photos from Kayla Harrison’s unanimous decision victory over Marina Mokhnatkina at 2022 PFL 3. (Photos courtesy of Cooper Neill, PFL)

2022 PFL 3: Best photos from Arlington

Check out these photos from 2022 PFL 3 which took place at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Check out these photos from 2022 PFL 3 which took place at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photos courtesy of Cooper Neill, PFL)

2022 PFL 3 results: Kayla Harrison cruises to victory in ‘utter dog crap’ season debut

That’s a harsh self-assessment of her 2022 PFL 3 performance, a victory over former Bellator fighter Marina Mokhnatkina.

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] pocketed three points and kept her unblemished record in tact Friday, but she wasn’t pleased with her performance.

Over the course of three rounds, Harrison (13-0) cruised to a win over former Bellator fighter [autotag]Marina Mokhnatkina[/autotag] (6-3) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27). The bout served as the 2022 PFL 3 main event, which took place at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

From start to finish, Harrison controlled position whether on the feet or on the mat, with the exception of some brief leg submission threats from Mokhnatkina, a former Bellator fighter. Despite her control, Harrison was not able to muster up much damage, nor threaten with any significant submission attempts.

After the decision reading, Harrison gave in-cage interviewer and former UFC fighter Sean O’Connell a brutal self-assessment of her 2022 season debut.

“I think it was utter dog crap,” Harrison said. “Sorry to the fans. I wanted to put on a better show for you. Sometimes, these girls are tougher than you think. I make it look easy sometimes, but other nights, not so much. My hat goes off to Marina. She’s a game opponent, very tough, very skilled. I wish her the best of luck in the upcoming season. Thank you guys for coming out and tuning in. I appreciate it. … You have to take everything with a grain of salt. This is a learning experience. I’m still young in my career. The more time I get in the cage, the better I’m going to get. I’m ready for the next one.”

The fight for Harrison was her first since a spotlighted free agency over the off-season. After talks with the UFC and Bellator, Harrison ultimately returned to PFL. She recently revealed on The MMA Hour that she initially signed with Bellator, but PFL had matching rights and ultimately obtained her services that way.

Since her professional MMA debut in 2018, Harrison has won all 13 fights including five TKOs, five submission, three decisions, and two $1 million championships. Her second fight of the 2022 PFL season is expected for July 1 against a yet-to-be-designated opponent.

[vertical-gallery id=625516]

[vertical-gallery id=2544352]

2022 PFL 3 results: Carlos Leal dominates, snaps Ray Cooper III’s lengthy winning streak

Carlos Leal accepted the fight approximately a week ago. Friday, he upset the defending, two-time PFL champion.

Perhaps fight fans weren’t overly familiar with the name [autotag]Carlos Leal[/autotag] as they entered 2022 PFL 3. One dominant victory later over two-time PFL champion [autotag]Ray Cooper III[/autotag] and things might’ve changed.

At 2022 PFL 3, Leal (17-3) battered Cooper (24-8-1) en route to a unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27). The fight served as the co-main event for the event, which was held Friday at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Leal, 29, entered the matchup against Cooper approximately one week ago, on a short-notice basis. His entry into the season came on the heels of back-to-back wins for PFL Challenger Series since Feb. 25.

From the opening bell, Leal didn’t look the slightest bit out of place. He actually showed evidence of the contrary. As the fight progressed, so did Leal’s dominance. He pummeled Cooper with knees and elbows in the clinch. His hands were heavy. Leal stunned Cooper in Round 2 and nearly finished the fight in the first half of Round 3.

Cooper showed resilience and even had his moments late in the fight. However, the damage was done as Leal swept the judges’ scorecards.

With the victory, Leal earns three points in the 2022 PFL welterweight standings. He has won 11 fights in a row, including an LFA welterweight title win in July 2021. His streak stretches all the way back to 2014.

Meanwhile, Cooper has his six-fight winning streak snapped. His most recent victory prior to Friday came in July 2019 when he was knocked unconscious by UFC alumnus John Howard. Ahead of 2022 PFL 3, Cooper missed the welterweight limit by 5.4 pounds.

The up-to-the-minute 2022 PFL 3 results include:

  • Carlos Leal def. Ray Cooper III via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)
  • Anthony Pettis def. Myles Price via submission (mounted triangle) – Round 1, 4:17
  • Rory MacDonald def. Brett Cooper via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:23
  • Larissa Pacheco def. Zamzagul Fayzallanova via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:25
  • Dilano Taylor def. Joao Zeferino via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Genah Fabian def. Julia Budd via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Sadibou Sy def. Nikolay Aleksakhin via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
  • Jarrah Al-Silawi def. Gleison Tibau via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Olena Kolesnyk def. Abigail Montes via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Martina Jindrova def. Vanessa Melo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

[vertical-gallery id=2544352]

[vertical-gallery id=2544132]

2022 PFL 3 results: Anthony Pettis squeezes Myles Price into submission

Anthony Pettis picked up his first promotional win when he defeated Ireland’s Myles Price in Round 1.

[autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] has his first PFL win in the bag.

While it took him three tries, Pettis (25-12) kicked off his 2022 season with a victory Friday at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas, when he submitted Ireland’s [autotag]Myles Price[/autotag] (11-8) at 4:17 of Round 1.

In the opening seconds, Pettis connected on a rocking punch that sent Price to the canvas. Price survived, but Pettis was on top. From there, Pettis worked and worked while he maintained strong top control. Eventually, Price tried to sneak out from under Pettis – but Pettis used it to his advantage.

Pettis shifted to the bottom, but rolled Price right into a triangle choke submission. From there, he adjusted and readjusted. Pettis rolled Price and ended up on tap. There, Pettis secured a tight squeeze, a tap, and a win.

With the win, Pettis wins for the first time since his final UFC fight, which took place in December 2020 against Alex Morono. During the 2021 PFL season, Pettis didn’t qualify for the playoffs because he earned zero points and two losses to Clay Collard and eventual-champion Raush Manfio.

As for Price, he falls to 3-2 in his most recent five. 2022 PFL 3 marked the first in-cage competition for Price since February 2019. Prior to his PFL debut Friday, Price competed for Bellator, Brave CF, and Cage Warriors among other notable promotions.

The up-to-the-minute 2022 PFL 3 results include:

  • Anthony Pettis def. Myles Price via submission (mounted triangle) – Round 1, 4:17
  • Rory MacDonald def. Brett Cooper via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:23
  • Larissa Pacheco def. Zamzagul Fayzallanova via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:25
  • Dilano Taylor def. Joao Zeferino via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Genah Fabian def. Julia Budd via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Sadibou Sy def. Nikolay Aleksakhin via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
  • Jarrah Al-Silawi def. Gleison Tibau via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Olena Kolesnyk def. Abigail Montes via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Martina Jindrova def. Vanessa Melo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

[vertical-gallery id=2544132]

[vertical-gallery id=2544039]

2022 PFL 3 live and official results

Check out the results of 2022 PFL 2 taking place at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

ARLINGTON, Texas – The third event of the 2022 PFL season takes place on Friday at Esports Stadium, and MMA Junkie will be on the scene reporting and providing live and official results.

The 2022 PFL 3 event featured 11 fights in the welterweight and women’s lightweight divisions, including one men’s lightweight bout. The event airs on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET following prelims on ESPN+ beginning at 6 p.m. ET.

In the main event, 2021 champion Kayla Harrison (12-0) looks to continue her undefeated career as she takes on Marina Mokhnatkina (6-2). The co-main event features two-time PFL champion Ray Cooper III (24-7-1) taking on PFL Challenger Series signee Carlos Leal (16-3).

Also competing is Anthony Pettis (24-12), who looks to get back on track against Myles Price (11-7) in the feature bout. Opening the main card is Rory MacDonald (22-8-1) vs. Brett Cooper (28-15).

Full results of 2022 PFL 3 include:

Main Card (ESPN2, ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET)

  • Kayla Harrison vs. Marina Mokhnatkina
  • Ray Cooper III vs. Carlos Leal
  • Anthony Pettis vs. Myles Price
  • Rory MacDonald vs. Brett Cooper
  • Larissa Pacheco vs. Zamzagul Fayzallanova

Preliminary card (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Joao Zeferino vs. Dilano Taylor
  • Genah Fabian vs. Julia Budd
  • Sadibou Sy vs. Nikolay Aleksakhin
  • Gleison Tibau vs. Jarrah Al-Silawi
  • Olena Kolesnyk vs. Abigail Montes
  • Martina Jindrova vs. Vanessa Melo

 

Photos: 2022 PFL 3 ceremonial weigh-ins and faceoffs

Check out these photos from the 2022 PFL 3 ceremonial weigh-ins.

Check out these images from the 2022 PFL 3 ceremonial weigh-ins and faceoffs at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photos by Matthew Wells, MMA Junkie)

2022 PFL 3 weigh-in results: Two fighters, including two-time champ, come in heavy

The weigh-ins are in the books for the PFL’s third event of the season, but not everyone hit the mark for Friday’s bouts.

ARLINGTON, Texas – The weigh-ins are in the books for the PFL’s third event of the season, and there was some drama on the scales.

The event features welterweights and women’s lightweights, including 2021 champions [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] and [autotag]Ray Cooper III[/autotag]. Former UFC champion [autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] also competes on the card against [autotag]Myles Price[/autotag] in the lone men’s lightweight bout.

Harrison (12-0) weighed in at 155 pounds and her opponent, [autotag]Marina Mokhnatkina[/autotag] (6-2) stepped on the scale at 154.2 pounds, making the main event bout official.

The co-feature bout was met with issues, as two-time welterweight season winner Cooper III (24-7-1) came in heavy at 176.4 pounds. He will be deducted one point in the welterweight standings and cannot earn points, regardless of the outcome of his bout on Friday. His opponent, [autotag]Carlos Leal[/autotag] (16-3) made weight, recording 169.9 pounds.

[autotag]Genah Fabian[/autotag] also had troubles on the scale, as she weighed in at 160.8 pounds for her lightweight bout against [autotag]Julia Budd[/autotag]. Fabian (4-2) will also lose a point and cannot earn points regardless of the result of the bout. Budd (16-3) made weight at 154.4 pounds.

The 11-fight PFL 2022, Week 3 event takes place Friday at Esports Arena in Arlington, Texas. The main card airs on ESPN2 following prelims on ESPN+.

The complete 2022 PFL 3 weigh-in results include:

MAIN CARD (ESPN2, 9 p.m. ET)

  • Kayla Harrison (155) vs. Marina Mokhnatkina (154.2)
  • Ray Cooper III (176.4) vs. Carlos Leal (169.6)
  • Anthony Pettis (155.4) vs. Myles Price (154.8)
  • Rory MacDonald (171) vs. Brett Cooper (169.8)
  • Larissa Pacheco (155.4) vs. Zamzagul Fayzallanova (153.4)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Dilano Taylor (170.6) vs. Joao Zeferino (170.8)
  • Julia Budd (154.4) vs. Genah Fabian (160.8)
  • Nikolay Aleksakhin (170.2) vs. Sadibou Sy (170.8)
  • Jarrah Al-Silawi (170) vs. Gleison Tibau (169.6)
  • Olena Kolesnyk (155.2) vs. Abigail Montes (154)
  • Martina Jindrova (155.4) vs. Vanessa Melo (155.8)

[pickup_prop id=”23004″]