The Professional Fighters League light heavyweight and featherweight playoff finals are set with Josh Silveira and Impa Kasanganay facing off in the former, while Jesus Pinedo will rematch Gabriel Braga in the latter, after a busy night of fights in San Antonio, Texas.
The Professional Fighters League light heavyweight and featherweight playoff finals have been determined, following an eventful night of fights on Friday in San Antonio, Texas. Among the highlights, Josh Silveira, son of American Top Team founder Conan Silveira, secured a long-awaited placement in the 205-pound final. His ticket to the final came after an incredible first-round TKO over Ty Flores, landing eight knees to the head in the clinch which led to a stoppage.
Silveira will face Impa Kasanganay in the million-dollar final on Dec. 8 in Dublin, Ireland. Kasanganay, a UFC veteran, made his own mark on the night with a stunning knockout. He effectively countered Marthin Hamlet’s takedown attempts and then managed to drop him with a powerful right hand. A further left punch seemed to rouse Hamlet, but this was enough for referee Jeff Rexroad to end the bout and Kasanganay secured his 4-0 standing in the PFL in 2023.
In the featherweight division, Jesus Pinedo delivered a spectacular performance over Bubba Jenkins. Building on an impressive upset over Brendan Loughnane in June, Pinedo managed to knock Jenkins down in the first round. Though the veteran fighter was saved by the bell, Pinedo maintained his momentum in the second round and finally ended Jenkins via TKO. Pinedo is now set to take on Gabriel Braga, after the Brazilian secured a significant win over veteran Chris Wade. Landing superior punches on the feet with one-two combos, Braga managed to avoid Wade’s best efforts, which included a swift guillotine attempt in the second round, and went on to win in a split decision.
The preliminary part of the show captured attention with an impressive first-round knockout victory from undefeated prospect Thad Jean. Lisa Mauldin, Anthony Ivy, and Chelsea Hackett each brought consecutive rear-naked choke finishes. For complete PFL 7 results, click on the link provided.