PFL Playoffs 2 (ESPN/ESPN+) took place Friday at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla., and MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round coverage throughout the card.
The event featured semifinal bouts in the lightweight and light heavyweight divisions.
In the main event, 2023 light heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay (18-4) punched his finals ticket by winning a unanimous decision over Josh Silveira (13-4). In the other 205-pound semifinal bout, Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1) swept the scorecards to defeat Rob Wilkinson (19-4).
The lightweight semifinal bouts saw one finish and a dominant decision. Gadzhi Rabadanov (23-4-2) floored Michael Dufort (13-6) for a Round 2 knockout victory, and Brent Primus (15-3) controlled Clay Collard (25-14) on the mat for a unanimous decision.
Full 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 lineup
MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET)
- Impa Kasanganay def. Josh Silveira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Rob Wilkinson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Michael Dufort via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:51
- Brent Primus def. Clay Collard via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
- Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Brian Stapleton via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:55
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET)
- Danny Sabatello vs. Lazaro Dayron ruled a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
- Mads Burnell def. Elvin Espinoza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Thad Jean def. Chris Brown via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jordan Oliver def. Braydon Akeo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Michelle Montague def. Marilia Morais via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:44
Impa Kasanganay vs. Josh Silveira
Round 1 – Silveira comes out with a pair of body kicks to start. Kasanganay comes back with hooks. Both stay light on their feet as they move about the cage exchanging single punches and kicks. A big knee from Silveira knocks Kasanganay off his feet! Silveira is feeling confident and turns up the pressure. Kasanganay gets a clinch to slow things down for a moment. Back in space now, Kasanganay connects with a big right hand. Silveira answers with a left and clinches. Kasanganay lands another left after the separation. Now, it’s Kasanganay leading the action with a combination into a clinch. The action slows a bit as the round comes to a close.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Silveira.
Round 2 – They get right back into it, trading punches in combinations. A clinch from Silveira slows things up as he presses Kasanganay into the cage. They separate, and Kasanganay unloads a combination, adding punches to the body. Silveira looks for a Thai clinch and a knee. Kasanganay gets free and lands a right. They both start swinging punches upstairs. Silveira lands three unanswered and then a clinch follows. Kasanganay looks for a high kick and then fires off a series of punches. Silveira lands a big left and keeps coming forward. They’re just trading now, both landing clean punches! Kasanganay grabs a clinch in the closing seconds.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kasanganay.
Round 3 – An opening exchange goes right into a clinch, but they quickly separate. Kasanganay goes forward with strikes into a clinch, this time getting Silveira against the cage. Silveira pushes him off and looks to land a combo as Kasanganay closes back in to clinch again. Short punches from Silveira here and Kasanganay knees to the body, but the referee still separates them. Silveira goes first with punches and ducks under into a single leg attempt, resulting in a clinch. They separate, and Kasanganay lands a few solid punches before another clinch. One minute to go. Kasanganay lands a clean right as they briefly separate before another clinch. Kasanganay gets a beautiful off-balance takedown. Silveira scrambles back up and the fight ends in the clinch.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kasanganay, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Impa Kasanganay def. Josh Silveira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Records: Kasanganay (18-4), Silveira (13-4)
Division: Light Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Rob Wilkinson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov
Round 1 – They touch ’em up and begin the feel-out process. Wilkinson darts forward with punches, pushing Yagshimuradov into the fence as well. Back in the center, Wilkinson connects with a left hook. Yagshimuradov lands a punch of his own. Both go for leg kicks at the same time and they clash shins. Ouch. Two minutes to go and there’s a heated exchange of punches. Wilkinson lands a leg kick. Yagshimuradov cracks with a two-punch combo. A moment later he shoots for a takedown, but can’t get it. Wilkinson charges forward with a punch. Another takedown attempt from Yagshimuradov, but Wilkinson denies him again before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Yagshimuradov.
Round 2 – Single strike exchanges comprise the start of Round 2. Neither fighter commit to combinations, causing some frustration from the crowd. Yagshimuradov goes high with a kick. Wilkinson controls from the center and looks for a left. Yagshimuradov lands a clean right, and looks for more, but Wilkinson backs away. Yagshimuradov looks for another right and Wilkinson presses forward with a combo. Yagshimuradov throws a wheel kick that makes a loud sound on the connection, but Wilkinson had his guard up and signals it didn’t hurt him. Now the action heats up a bit as both offer strikes before the round ends.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Yagshimuradov.
Round 3 – Single punches from Wilkinson and Yagshimuradov to start. Yagshimuradov adds a leg kick. Wilkinson kicks to the body. Yagshimuradov lands a fast 1-2, connecting well. Wilkinson comes back with a swooping hook a moment later. Wilkinson darts forward with a solid left hand. Yagshimuradov answers with another 1-2. Yagshimuradov looks for a takedown, but can’t get the single leg. Wilkinson offers a two-punch combo of his own. Yagshimuradov thinks about another takedown on short time, but they end up trading until the final bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Wilkinson, but the fight for Yagshimuradov, 29-28.
Result: Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Rob Wilkinson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Records: Wilkinson (19-2), Yagshimuradov (23-7-1)
Division: Light Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marcos Perez
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Michael Dufort
Round 1 – They touch gloves and begin feeling out the range, pawing out punches. Dufort darts forward with a punch. A moment later, a 1-2 from Dufort just misses the mark. Rabadanov doubles up the jab after Dufort kicks to the body. They continue to trade jabs in the center. A sharp counter from Rabadanov connects. Dufort looks for a front kick. Rabadanov feints and quickly changes levels for a nice double leg with 90 seconds to go. Dufort counters with an arm-in guillotine, slowing Rabadanov’s progression. Rabadanov gets his head free and ends the round standing over Dufort throwing kicks to the legs.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rabadanov.
Round 2 – After opening exchanges, Dufort looks for a takedown, but is denied. He tries for a second, but is easily brushed aside. Rabadanov resets to the center and starts looking for an opening. BANG! The left hook crushes Dufort! He’s down! Rabadanov swarms with follow-up punches and it’s all over!
Result: Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Michael Dufort via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:51
Recap: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 video: Gadzhi Rabadanov crushes Michael Dufort with left hook to reach finals
Records: Rabadanaov (23-4-2), Dufort (13-6)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Christopher Mignocchi
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Brent Primus vs. Clay Collard
Round 1 – After the opening size up and early single strike offerings, Primus gets in on the hips for a takedown. Collard defends well initially, but gets dragged to the mat. Primus scrambles to the back as Collard stands up. Collard stays calm and attempts to shake Primus off, but he’s not budging. Primus attempts a couple of short punches, but really appears to focus on the position, which is all but stalled out here. The crowd starts to express their displeasure and the round eventually ends without the position changing.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Primus
Round 2 – Collard comes out pressing with punches. Primus gets a hold and the clinch battle is back on against the cage. Primus gets the trip and takes top position. Collard tries to get up and gives up his back. Primus is once again in backpack mode as Collard stands up. Primus punches to the head as Collard tries to free himself. A cut is opened up on Collard as Primus continues to punch. Collard drops down to the canvas and covers up as Primus unloads. The referee steps in and warns Collard to fight back. Collard gets two hands on one to slow the offense, but Primus adjusts and goes for a rear-naked choke before the round ends.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Primus.
Round 3 – Collard comes out again putting punches together. He goes for a knee to the body, but Primus catches it to get a takedown. Collard urgently gets back to his feet, but Primus still has both hands clasped and gets him to the mat. Once again, Collard powers up, but can’t get Primus off him. Primus is latched on to Collard’s back, but this time he gets shaken off. Collard rains down some punches and an axe kick before waving Primus back to his feet. Collard pours on the strikes, but gets wild with a spinning punch, giving Primus an opening to clinch. Primus kicks out the leg and takes the back with both hooks in. One minute to go. The body triangle is locked in now. Collard tries to punch and talk his way out, but Primus just clamps down harder and punches too.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Primus, giving him the fight 30-26.
Result: Brent Primus def. Clay Collard via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Records: Primus (15-3), Collard (25-14)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Biaggio Ali Walsh vs. Brian Stapleton
Round 1 – Ali Walsh comes out working behind a left jab. A sharp right connects as well. Stapleton kicks and takes Ali Walsh off balance, but he gets up quickly. Ali Walsh drops Stapleton with a right, but doesn’t rush in. Stapleton gets up and they continue to exchange. BANG! A right hand from Ali Walsh folds Stapleton, and it’s over after two follow-up punches that weren’t really needed!
Result: Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Brian Stapleton via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:55
Recap: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 video: Biaggio Ali Walsh floors opponent in 55 seconds
Records: Walsh (2-0), Stapleton (0-1)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marcos Perez
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Danny Sabatello vs. Lazaro Dayron
Round 1 – Both fighter run across the cage at each other and collide mid-air! They were both looking for an opening flying knee. Sabatello scrambles into a takedown attempt and the wrestling game is on. Knees to the body for Sabatello in the clinch. They separate and Dayron lands a nice punch. He keeps moving forward with punches. BANG! A huge right hand from Dayron drops Sabatello! It looked as if Sabatello was out, but he defended himself when Dayron rushed in. Dayron can’t get the finish, and they’re back to the feet in the center. Dayron lands another clean 1-2. Sabatello shoots for a double and gets him down in the center. One minute to go, and Dayron explodes to his feet. Sabatello is back in on a single leg and gets the fight on the ground. Dayron gets up and lands another big punch after catching a kick.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Dayron.
Round 2 – Sabatello changes levels and scrambles to Dayron’s back. He adjusts again to a single leg against the cage. Dayron keeps it standing and gives Sabatello a couple of knees to the body on the exit. Another sharp 1-2 for Dayron connects. Dayron shoots now, but gets sprawled and Sabatello scrambles to the back. Dayron gets to his feet and they return to the middle. A spinning backfist from Dayron gets ducked under, and Sabatello is in on another takedown. Sabatello hits a nice slam on Dayron. Sabatello is relentless with takedown attempts as Dayron continues to offer resistance. Back in striking range now, Dayron lands a leg kick. He then shoots and gets sprawled.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sabatello.
Round 3 – Sabatello offers punches and kicks before shooting in. Dayron sprawls nicely. Sabatello comes right back in and is denied again. Dayron gets back to his right hand, and connects. Sabatello looks for another takedown but is stuffed and pops back up, throwing punches. Dayron connects with a pair of big punches. Another right from Dayron and a takedown sprawl. The pace is crazy, and we’re just to the midpoint of the round. Dayron shoots now and he’s denied. Sabatello punches and evades the counter into a takedown attempt. Sabatello scrambles to the back and gets the standing body triangle. Dayron attempts to shake Sabatello off, and grabs the fence in the process. The referee takes a point! Back in action now, and Sabatello immediately shoots in and gets the back. Dayron gets back up and lets his hands go before the horn, but can’t land anything solid.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sabatello, but the point deduction makes it a 10-8. The overall score goes to Sabatello, 29-27.
Result: Danny Sabatello vs. Lazaro Dayron ruled a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Records: Sabatello (14-4-1), Dayron (8-0-1)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Christopher Mignocchi
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Elvin Espinoza vs. Mads Burnell
Round 1 – They meet in the center and immediately trade punches. Burnell adds a leg kick, but Espinoza charges forward for a takedown attempt. They result is a clinch along the fence, and the wrestle clinch is on. They separate and get back to trading punches. Espinoza lands a nice right after just missing with a step-in knee. They clinch again and trade short strikes. Espionza’s strikes get through cleanly as Burnell eats them and fires back. Espinoza digs in with a couple of hard body kicks. Burnell changes levels and gets a takedown, but can’t keep Espinoza down for long. They exchange more strikes before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Espinoza.
Round 2 – Espinoza opens with a front kick. Burnell presses forward as they exchange fast punches upstairs. Burnell with the clinch against the fence now, and lands a nice left on the exit. Back in the center, Espinoza fires off a hard combination. Burnell rolls with the punches and clinches again. Espinoza breaks free and comes forward with strikes. Burnell’s nose is bloodied now. Espinoza looks for the takedown, but Burnell isn’t having it. Bang! A big right hand from Burnell lands and Espinoza is hurt! Burnell takes control on the ground, looking for a choke. Espinoza scrambles to his feet. Burnell is still on the hunt for a finish. More punches land. Espinoza gets a clinch to slow things down. They jockey for position for a bit, and Burnell lands a hard knee to the beltline. Espinoza lets his guard down, and Burnell follows up with punches as the referee steps in to call a pause for a low blow. The fight resumes and Espionza rips a fast combination. A body kick lands before Burnell comes forward with a few punches.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Burnell.
Round 3 – They quickly meet in the center and trade punches in close. Burnell pushes a clinch into the cage. Short strikes against the cage for both. They separate for a moment, and Espinoza sneaks in a body kick before another clinch by Burnell. This time Burnell changes levels and nearly gets the fight to the mat, but the standing clinch resumes. Espinoza eventually punches his way out, and they meet in the middle to resume trading. Burnell shoots in and completes a nice takedown, and controls on the mat until the fight concludes.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Burnell, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Mads Burnell def. Elvin Espinoza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Espinoza (10-2), Burnell (20-6)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Thad Jean vs. Chris Brown
Round 1 – Heavy punches and kicks are offered early from both as Jean moves forward. Jean knocks Brown off balance with a kick and lets him return to his feet. Brown charges forward with a front kick followed by a head kick. Jean fires off a 1-2, and Brown responds with a crescent kick. Brown continues to mix up his strikes with awkward kick-punch combinations. Jean keeps his guard up and looks to land punches as Brown kicks to keep him away. Jean lands a solid left hand and a body kick not far behind it. Brown kicks to the body as well. Jean lands a sharp 1-2. A big right hand from Jean now! Brown is rocked badly! Jean leaps with a flying knee and Brown gets a takedown sprawled. Jean on top now, but Brown quickly scrambles up. Another right hand for Jean before the round ends.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Jean.
Round 2 – The action picks up at a fast pace to start. Both fighters unleash strikes as Jean presses forward. Brown’s offense continues to be varied, and a little reckless, as he attempts a jumping spinning kick in close range. Jean stays poised defensively and evades well. A hard kick from Brown goes low, and Jean folds over in pain. The replay shows Brown’s knee hit the groin area. After a short pause, they get back into it, with Brown firing a series of kicks. Jean closes in and gets clipped with a right hand. Jean resets and Brown pumps out front kicks. The wild offensive exchanges continue at a high pace as Jean controls the center. Brown appears tired now, but keeps throwing any technique that comes to mind.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Jean.
Round 3 – Jean presses forward and Brown offers a spinning kick to push kick combo to keep his opponent away. Jean lands a clean left hook. Brown’s kick is caught, prompting a wild exchange. Jean narrowly evades Brown’s attempts, and keeps moving ahead. Now Brown catches a kick and lands a nice right hook. Jean closes in, lands a right hand and ducks under for back control. Brown easily gets away and fires punches. Jean kicks the body and shoots for a takedown. Brown keeps things standing and they separate with 90 seconds to go. They trade punches in the center. Brown charges forward with a punching combination. The wild, high-volume exchanges continue. Brown lands a clean left, sending Jean stumbling off balance. More spinning stuff from Brown before the wild round, and fight ends.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Brown, but the fight goes to Jean, 29-28.
Result: Thad Jean def. Chris Brown via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Jean (8-0), Brown (10-5)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marcos Perez
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Jordan Oliver vs. Braydon Akeo
Round 1 – Oliver comes out quickly to control the center. A kick is caught, and Akeo fires a right hand down the pipe. Oliver resets and misses with a pair of hooks. Akeo lands a calf kick, and a right hand over the top. Oliver kicks high to the head. Both miss with punches in an exchange, and they trade leg kicks. Oliver lands a solid inside leg kick. Akeo responds with a right hand. Oliver unloads a few hooks, landing nicely in a combo. Oliver fires off a few more punches, and Akeo responds with a leg kick and a punch upstairs.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Akeo.
Round 2 – Akeo punches to the body, and Oliver answers with a kick to the midsection as he controls the center. Oliver lands a few hooks as Akeo comes forward. They clinch up for a moment, but Akeo gets out and lands a leg kick. Punches are exchanged as they circle the cage. Oliver steps in with a big right hand, landing clean in a combination. A sharp left jab from Oliver connects as Akeo kicks to the leg. Another big right hand for Oliver. Single strikes are offered from both as they travel the cage. A hard left kick from Oliver goes low. The fight resumes after a brief pause. Akeo offers a left jab but gets countered with a right.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Oliver.
Round 3 – Oliver stalks forward and shoots for a single leg. Akeo defends and the clinch battle against the fence is on. After working the position for a while, Oliver lifts and dumps Akeo to the ground, but the fight immediately returns to a standing clinch. Oliver keeps working for the single leg as time ticks away. With 90 seconds to go, Oliver releases the attempt and Akeo gets on the forward hunt. He spins with a kick, but doesn’t get much of it. Akeo fires off a combo, and Oliver counters. Oliver changes levels and completes a double leg with 30 seconds to go. From the back, Oliver looks to land punches until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Oliver, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Jordan Oliver def. Braydon Akeo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Oliver (2-0), Akeo (5-4)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Christopher Mignocchi
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
Michelle Montague vs. Marilia Morais
Round 1 – Montague wastes no time getting across the cage and right into a clinch. She gets a quick takedown and begins working from side control. Montague isolates an arm, looking for a kimura. She gets the arm fully extended and switches to an armbar. Somehow Morais doesn’t tap! Montague lets it go and transitions to the back. The rear-naked choke is in, and it’s deep! There’s the tap! Flawless victory for Montague, who entered as a massive favorite.
Result: Michelle Montague def. Marilia Morais via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:44
Records: Montague (6-0), Morais (3-2)
Division: Women’s featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 2: Best photos from Florida
2024 PFL Playoffs 2 weigh-ins gallery
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