Tag: 2022 PFL Playoffs 3

Video: Kayla Harrison declared herself ‘the queen of women’s MMA.’ Is she?

Kayla Harrison is 15-0 and on the verge of winning her third consecutive PFL title. Does that make her the queen of women’s MMA?

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] is headed to her third consecutive PFL women’s lightweight final after running through Martina Jindrova in the semifinals this past Saturday at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3.

Afterward, Harrison was hyped up and fired a shot at, well, everyone but especially Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg and upcoming opponent Larissa Pacheco when she said this to say in her post-fight interview.

“I’m here to tell you I am the queen – not of PFL, not of the 155-pound division. I am the queen of women’s MMA,” Harrison said. ” And if those three Brazilians would take off their track shoes and meet me, then you’d find out!”

“Queen of women’s MMA,” huh? What do we think of that declaration? Is Harrison the queen of women’s MMA?

[lawrence-related id=2573560]

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Nolan King, Danny Segura and Brian “Goze” Garcia answered that question with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia. You can watch their discussion in the video above or check out this week’s full episode below.

Spinning Back Clique: Edwards’ comeback title win, Rockhold’s legacy, ‘Queen’ Harrison and more

“Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show, discusses Leon Edwards’ comeback win, Luke Rockhold’s legacy, Kayla Harrison and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

Our panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King and Danny Segura discuss five topics with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.

  • [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] pulled off one of the great stunners in MMA history when he snatched victory from the proverbial jaws of defeat against Kamaru Usman. In the UFC 278 main event, Edwards was down 3-1 on the scorecards heading to the fifth, and he hadn’t done much in the final round to make a case that the fight was very close if he lost a decision. But with 56 seconds left, he hit the welterweight champ with a head kick to knock him out and win the title. Joe Rogan called it the best head-kick KO in MMA history. Given Usman’s accolades and the stakes, was Edwards’ win the best come-from-behind moment ever?
  • Former UFC middleweight champ [autotag]Luke Rockhold[/autotag] was swept on the scorecards by Paulo Costa in the UFC 278 co-main event, but his loss wasn’t what most people were talking about after the event. Instead, Rockhold’s heart and guts were at the forefront of most conversations, given he was beaten and bloody, but kept coming forward and landed a bunch of big shots of his own. That he did it in a return after more than three years away just added to his lore. Plus, he said immediately after the loss that it likely was his last fight. If that proves to be the case, what is Rockhold’s legacy, and is he a lock for the UFC Hall of Fame?
  • [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] had little to no problem once again Saturday. She advanced to her third PFL women’s lightweight final, and in November she’ll go after a third $1 million paycheck. The unbeaten two-time Olympic gold medal winner in judo was a highly coveted free agent before she returned to the PFL this year. After her first-round submission win over Martina Jindrova in London, she called herself the “queen of women’s MMA.” Is she right?
  • [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] put on a classic brawl in the BKFC 27 main event in London. Their bareknuckle fight was ruled a draw after five rounds, but BKFC rules allow a sixth sudden-victory round to get a winner. After one more frame, former UFC fighter Perry got his hand raised against Page, a Bellator standout on loan to BKFC for a big fight in front of his home England fans. Was Perry the rightful winner? If there’s a rematch, should it be in BKFC under the same ruleset, or should they fight in MMA?
  • We know who the winners and losers were on paper at UFC 278, the PFL’s third playoff event, and BKFC 27. But beyond those easy-to-track folks in the win and loss columns, who were the biggest winners from the three events this past Saturday? And who will be looking back on the day a little less fondly?

“Spinning Back Clique” is released each Tuesday on MMA Junkie’s YouTube channel. You can watch the full episode in the video above.

[listicle id=2573496]

[vertical-gallery id=2573336]

[vertical-gallery id=2571959]

[vertical-gallery id=2573839]

[vertical-gallery id=2573559]

MMA Junkie Radio #3288: UFC 278, PFL Playoffs and BKFC recaps

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here.


Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here.

On Episode 3,288, the fellas look back at a big Saturday of combat sports and recap UFC 278, which saw the change of the welterweight title and retirement of a former middleweight champ; the PFL Playoffs event in London with more Kayla Harrison dominance; and the BKFC card in London, which saw ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry outlast Bellator star Michael Page. They also talk about the latest MMA news stemming from the results from those cards. Tune in!

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at OmnyStudio. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.

[listicle id=2573496]

[vertical-gallery id=2573336]

[vertical-gallery id=2573559]

[vertical-gallery id=2573839]

PFL’s Brendan Loughnane elated after Chris Wade win: ‘The best performance of my life’

Brendan Loughnane thrilled with his performance against Chris Wade.

[autotag]Brendan Loughnane[/autotag]’s night at the office was a good one, to say the least.

The PFL featherweight punched his way to the 2022 season final with a stellar performance Saturday. Loughnane (25-4) beat Chris Wade by unanimous decision in the co-main event of 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 in London.

It was a dominant showing that had Loughnane up 30-27 on all three judges’ scorecards, and Loughnane was more than pleased with his performance.

“This is probably the best opponent that I’ve beat,” Loughnane told
Mike Owens Media post-fight. “That should put me right up there in the world rankings.

“It was just about belief tonight. In the last two fights, I don’t know who that guy was in there, and I started to think, ‘F*cking hell, have I lost it? Who is that guy?’ And I come out with a world’s best performance, the best performance of my life. I’m so happy.”

[lawrence-related id=2573417,2572515]

Apart from this being one of, if not, the best performance of his career, the bout against Wade also marked one of his most heated matchups. Both Loughnane and Wade had plenty to say about each other in the lead-up to their semifinal clash.

However, now that the bout is over with, Loughnane does feel for Wade.

“I actually didn’t like Chris Wade, (but) he’s got to go back to his family,” Loughnane said. “The fight is done now, and I actually feel sorry for him now, seeing how upset he was. He’s a world-class fighter and unfortunately one of us had to lose.”

[vertical-gallery id=2573546]

Kayla Harrison expects 2022 PFL season to be her last, requests elbows for final vs. Larissa Pacheco

Kayla Harrison thinks the 2022 PFL women’s lightweight season will be the last time she competes under that format.

We may be seeing the last of [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] competing under the PFL season format.

The two-time PFL women’s lightweight winner and two-time Olympic judo gold medalist was successful in her return to the cage when she defeated Martina Jindrova (6-3) in quick and dominant fashion in the main event of Saturday’s 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 in London. Harrison (15-0) now heads to her third consecutive PFL final, which she thinks will be her last.

“I have two more fights on my contract after this next fight,” Harrison said post-fight to MikeOwensMedia. “I think this will be my last season, but I’m still going to fight with the PFL.

“Also, I think it’s time for me to pass the torch. We saw Dakota (Ditcheva) tonight, and she had an amazing fight. She’s an up-and-coming fighter. I’m super excited to watch her build the division and to be the next generation.

“That’s what it’s about. I’m standing on the shoulders of giants and on women who helped make this possible for me, and I want these young women to do the same. I want them to stand on my shoulders and continue to grow the sport and change the game.”

PFL plans to launch pay-per-views in 2023 and Harrison is a big part of those plans. Harrison thinks that’s where her future will be with the PFL.

[lawrence-related id=2573433,2572807]

In terms of this season, the 32-year-old is now set to take on Brazil’s Larissa Pacheco, whom she holds two previous wins over. Harrison says there’s no rivalry or bad blood, but is determined to put away Pacheco.

If this is truly Harrison’s last run under the PFL season format, she hopes to go out with a bang and would love to see the PFL remove the ban on the use of elbows.

“I think what would make a great difference in this fight and what everyone wants to see, it’s some elbows,” Harrison said. “I think we should have elbows in the final.”

[vertical-gallery id=625516]

Kayla Harrison def. Martina Jindrova at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos

Check out these photos highlighting Kayla Harrison’s submission win over Martina Jindrova at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3.

Check out these photos highlighting [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag]’s submission win over Martina Jindrova at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 from OVO Wembley Arena in London. (Photos courtesy of PFL)

Brendan Loughnane def. Chris Wade at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos

Check out these photos highlighting Brendan Loughnane’s unanimous decision win over Chris Wade at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3.

Check out these photos highlighting [autotag]Brendan Loughnane[/autotag]’s unanimous decision win over Chris Wade at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 from OVO Wembley Arena in London.

2022 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from London

Check out these photos highlighting the action at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 from OVO Wembley Arena in London.

Check out these photos highlighting the action at 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 from OVO Wembley Arena in London. (Photos courtesy of PFL)

2022 PFL Playoffs 3 results: Kayla Harrison dominates Martina Jindrova, declares herself queen of women’s MMA

Kayla Harrison keeps dominating and will fight for a third consecutive PFL championship.

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] just keeps winning.

The two-time PFL women’s lightweight champion and two-time Olympic judo gold medalist maintained her undefeated status Saturday at 2022 PFL 3 Playoffs. Harrison (15-0) defeated [autotag]Martina Jindrova[/autotag] (6-3) with an arm-triangle submission a little over three minutes into the first round.

With the victory, Harrison is set to take on Larissa Pacheco in a trilogy bout in the women’s lightweight final, expected to go down in November. Pacheco punched her ticket to the final earlier with a first-round win over Olena Kolesnyk.

As many expected, Harrison’s win came quickly. After a short feeling-out process, Harrison took the fight to the ground. From there, she advanced to mount, locked in an arm-triangle and shortly after got the tap.

After the bout, Harrison declared herself queen of women’s MMA and took a not-so-subtle shot at Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg and Pacheco.

[lawrence-related id=2573377,2573417,2573396]

 

With this result, Harrison continues her dominance. The 32-year-old has been steamrolling her opposition ever since she began her journey in MMA. Harrison remains undefeated and will advance to her third consecutive PFL final in hopes to win a third belt along with its $1 million prize.

Complete 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 results:

MAIN CARD (ESPN, 2 p.m. ET)

  • Kayla Harrison def. Martina Jindrova via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 3:17 – advances to the women’s lightweight final
  • Brendan Loughnane def. Chris Wade via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)  – advances to the featherweight final
  • Larissa Pacheco def. Olena Kolesnyk via TKO – Round 1, 2:09 – advances to women’s lightweight final
  • Bubba Jenkins def. Ryoji Kudo via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:49 – advances to featherweight final
  • Dakota Ditcheva def. Hassna Gaber submission (strikes) – Round 1, 0:58
  • Simeon Powell def. Nemanja Uveric via TKO (leg kicks) – Round 2, 1:56.

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)

  • Stuart Austin def. Sofiane Boukichou via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Aleksandrs Chizhovs def. Omar Hussein via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:12.

[vertical-gallery id=2573559]

2022 PFL Playoffs 3 results: Brendan Loughnane puts striking clinic on Chris Wade en route to final

Brendan Loughnane heading to the PFL featherweight final after an impressive win over Chris Wade.

[autotag]Brendan Loughnane[/autotag] put on one of the best – if not the best – performance of his career Saturday.

The PFL featherweight put on a striking clinic against veteran [autotag]Chris Wade[/autotag] in the co-main event of 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 in London. Loughnane (25-4) outpointed Wade (22-8) to win a unanimous decision that read 30-27 across all three judges’ scorecards.

With the win, Loughnane is now set to take on Bubba Jenkins, who submitted Ryoji Kudo earlier, in the 2022 PFL featherweight final expected to go down in November.

Loughnane, who was fighting on home soil, put on an absolute clinic.

In the first round, both fighters started pretty evenly matched. Around the two-minute mark, Wade landed a head kick followed by a takedown. He controlled Loughnane for almost a minute, and then Loughnane was able to get back to his feet. Loughnane stunned Wade with a couple of clean shots before getting pressed against the cage. Loughnane would eventually break away and picked apart Wade with varied shots until the final bell.

The second round was all Loughnane. In an outstanding performance, Loughnane stuffed any takedown attempts thrown his way and pieced up a very tough Wade on the feet. Wade was making Loughnane work, but he had little to offer on the feet. Loughnane looked sharp.

In the final five minutes, the momentum carried over. Wade made the fight a little more complicated for Loughnane, but it was still mainly one-way traffic.

[lawrence-related id=2573433,2573417,2573396]

With this win, Loughnane makes the PFL finals for the first time in his career. He had come up short in his first season back in 2021, losing to Movlid Khaybulaev by split decision in the semifinals. The Englishman is 7-1 since joining the PFL in 2019.

Meanwhile, Wade fails to qualify to the finals after being the runner-up last season. Wade is 10-5 since joining the PFL in 2018 following his departure from the UFC. He’s competed in three seasons, with his first being at lightweight and his past two at 145 pounds.

Up-to-the-minute 2022 PFL Playoffs 3 results:

  • Brendan Loughnane def. Chris Wade via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)  – advances to the featherweight final
  • Larissa Pacheco def. Olena Kolesnyk via TKO – Round 1, 2:09 – advances to women’s lightweight final
  • Bubba Jenkins def. Ryoji Kudo via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:49 – advances to featherweight final
  • Dakota Ditcheva def. Hassna Gaber submission (strikes) – Round 1, 0:58
  • Simeon Powell def. Nemanja Uveric via TKO (leg kicks) – Round 2, 1:56.

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)

  • Stuart Austin def. Sofiane Boukichou via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Aleksandrs Chizhovs def. Omar Hussein via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:12.

[vertical-gallery id=2573128]