PFL Playoffs 3 (ESPN/ESPN+) took place Friday at The Anthem in Washington, and MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round coverage throughout the cardboard.
The event featured semifinal bouts within the featherweight and welterweight divisions.
Within the fundamental event, 2022 featherweight heavyweight champion Brendan Loughnane (30-5) took on Kai Kamaka (14-6-1), edging out a split decision to earn his place within the $1 million final.
In the opposite 145-pound semifinal bout, Timur Khizriev (16-0) got here away with a victory over Gabriel Braga (14-2), organising a finals matchup between Loughnane and Khizriev.
The welterweight semifinal bouts filled out the fundamental card. Within the co-main event, unblemished Magomed Umalatov (17-0) defeated Neiman Gracie (13-6). Within the fundamental card opener, unbeaten Shamil Musaev (19-0-1) defeated on Murad Ramazanov (12-2). The welterweight finals will see Umalatov and Musaev fight for $1 million.
Full 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 results
MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
- Brendan Loughnane def. Kai Kamaka via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
- Magomed Umalatov def. Neiman Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Timur Khizriev def. Gabriel Braga via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
- Shamil Musaev def. Murad Ramazanov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET)
- Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Ray Cooper III via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Enrique Barzola def. Tyler Diamond via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jose Perez def. Jesse Stirn via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Kent Mafileo via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:50
- Shido Boris Esperanca def. Tyler Hill via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:31
Brendan Loughnane vs. Kai Kamaka
Round 1 – Loughnane first out a jab and Kamaka answers with a kick. Each stay patient as they hunt for openings and offer single strikes at a time. A solid spinning back kick to the body from Loughnane. Kamaka responds with a kick and an overhand right. Loughnane threatens one other spinning attack but doesn’t commit. Kamaka fires off a speedy kick and punches to the body. Loughnane lands a quick 1-2. One other spinning back kick to the body and it’s solid. Kamaka looks hurt and retreats! Loughnane is on the hunt for the finish! He’s unloading strikes now! Knees and punches in close. Kamaka goes to the bottom! Loughnane still swarming, but there’s the horn. Wow.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Loughnane.
Round 2 – Loughnane comes out pressuring. Kamaka appears recovered from the last round, and fires out a quick combination. Loughnane spins with a kick, but this one hits below the belt, pausing the fight. It’s a brief break, they usually trade right hands on the restart. Kamaka with one other nice combo. Loughnane answers with a punch and one other spinning kick to the body. Kamaka lands punches to the body. One other spinning back kick from Loughnane. Kamaka with a 1-2. A pair of head kick offerings from Loughnane are partially blocked.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kamaka.
Round 3 – Kamaka with a pointy body kick. They clinch up and Kamaka digs in a pleasant knee before they separate. Loughnane lands a pleasant combo. They’re in the middle exchanging punches. Loughnane kicks to the lead leg and evades Kamaka’s punches. Kamaka lands in the following series though, as does Loughnane. Kamaka with a solid right. The exchanges are fast and frequent immediately. Loughane looks for the takedown but can’t get it. Loughnane pops Kamaka’s head back with a left. The motion stays high because the time gets short. Kamaka answers with a right, and Loughnane goes to the spinning kick again. Loughnane with a left hand. One other spinning kick from Loughnane. A left jab from Loughnane and yet another spinning kick to the body.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Loughnane, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Brendan Loughnane def. Kai Kamaka via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Records: Loughnane (30-5), Kamaka (14-6-1)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Neiman Gracie vs. Magomed Umalatov
Round 1 – Umalatov starts things off with a quick jab. Gracie lands in the following exchange. Gracie nearly gets a hold of Umalatov, but can’t secure the grip. Umalatov fires a two-punch combo and Gracie clinches, nearly getting the fight to the bottom. Umalatov quickly evades and resets. An enormous right hand from Umalatov connects to get Gracie’s attention. A number of moments later, they each start swinging. Umalatov adds in a pleasant step-in knee in the course of an exchange.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Umalatov.
Round 2 – Umalatov offers just a few kicks to the lead leg and to the midsection to start out the round. Gracie gets tripped up and invites Umalatov to the bottom, but isn’t having it. Back on the feet, Gracie charges forward with a takedown shot that is definitely denied. Gracie lands a mixture with an uppercut. He connects again with a right in one other combo. Umalatov breaks up one other clinch attempt. A solid uppercut to left hook for Umalatov now. A pointy left jab will not be far behind it. A brief left hook from Umalatov catches Gracie clean. One other solid combination from Umalatov connects. Gracie fires back with a right. One minute left. Gracie is in on the hips, they usually wrestle for position against the fence. They separate. Each go for jumping knees before the horn, and it’s Gracie who gets knocked to the bottom.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Umalatov.
Round 3 – Gracie comes out aggressively but finally ends up on the receiving end of an enormous punch. Gracie drops to his back, once more inviting Umalatov into his guard. Umalatov lands a few punches from the highest before being pulled into guard. Gracie eventually goes for a heel hook, however the fight finally ends up on the feet in the middle of the cage. Umalatov cracks Gracie wit ha big combination. Gracie waves him on, getting the group into it. They’re now chanting “U-S-A” on this fight between a Russian and a Brazilian. Anyway, Umalatov threatens a takedown, but doesn’t commit. They find yourself clinched in the following sequence anyway and Gracie goes for a flying armbar! Umalatov defends it well. Within the scramble, Umalatov gets warned for grabbing the fence, but ultimately finally ends up on top in guard. Gracie throws up a submission attempt and punches the pinnacle as Umalatov rides out top control until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Umalatov, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Magomed Umalatov def. Neiman Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Gracie (13-6), Umalatov (17-0)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Gabriel Braga vs. Timur Khizriev
Round 1 – Khizriev blitzes forward with strikes right into a takedown attempt. Braga keeps things standing and returns to the middle. Braga kicks to the body as Khizriev kicks to the leg. They exchange punches upstairs, with Khizriev getting the higher of it. Khizriev continues to fireside first, mixing up his targets well. Two minutes to go. Braga kicks to the legs, but meets counter punches. Khizriev shoots and get the fight to the mat, but Braga gets his back to the cage and walks up. Khizriev looks to land punches on the exit and shoots again, but Braga circles away. Khizriev connects with just a few more strikes before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.
Round 2 – Khizriev stays aggressive, going first in striking exchanges. Braga lands a solid right hand. Khizriev stays light on his feet, darting out and in with single strikes. Braga stays patient as he hunts for openings, but significant motion begins to stall and the group gets restless. Khizriev doubles up the jab as he circles and continues to guide the motion. Braga swings with hooks but comes up with air. Things heat up in the ultimate 10 seconds with an intense exchange that sees Braga connect and causes Khizriev to stumble.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.
Round 3 – Khizriev comes out aggressively with a takedown attempt. Braga defends well and gets on the hunt on the feet. Khizriev is out and in with strikes. Braga nearly trips him up with an out of doors kick. A number of moments later, Braga lands a solid kick to the body. Khizriev responds with a fast 1-2. Khizriev rips one other quick combo just as the group pours in just a few more boos. A Khizriev takedown is stuffed. Striking exchanges begin to heat up again with a minute to go. Each fighters land, but nothing significant to vary the fight.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Timur Khizriev def. Gabriel Braga via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Records: Braga (14-2), Khizriev (17-0)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Vitor Shaolin
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Shamil Musaev vs. Murad Ramazanov
Round 1 – Ramazanov pressures from the middle early. Musaev gets the motion began with leg kicks. Musaev looks for a left hook. Ramazanov shoots, but can’t get the fight to the mat as a consequence of Musaev showing off excellent takedown defense. A few punches from Musaev on the exit. Ramazanov shoots again and gets sprawled. One other takedown attempt from Ramazanov and this time he’s successful. Musaev gets to his feet quickly, but Ramazanov keeps the body lock and the wrestling continues. Musaev separates, but Ramazanov immediately shoots for a single that gets stopped. Musaev throws a wild wheel kick that catches air as Ramazanov geese under. Musaev shakes off one other takedown attempt and throws punches until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev.
Round 2 – Musaev attempts a spinning kick just as Ramazanov closes in to shoot. The wrestling battle against the cage is on again. Musaev scrambles to a reversal and takes top position. Ramazanov gets to his feet as Musaev controls the back along the fence. Musaev sneaks in just a few short strikes. Ramazanov turns around and Musaev takes him to the mat. Punches from the highest from Musaev now. Musaev tries to get a crucifix, but Ramazanov is capable of scramble to his feet. Musaev lands a quick combo on the exit. Ramazanov shoots with just a few seconds left and is denied.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev.
Round 3 – Ramazanov looks for the takedown and may’t get it. Musaev fires off a few punches because the pace slows. A pleasant combination from Musaev now. Ramazanov is denied one other takedown. Musaev fires off one other series of punches as he circles on the surface. Ramazanov looks for an overhand right but can’t connect. Musaev gets a clinch and dumps Ramazanov. They quickly return to the feet, and the clinch battle continues. The referee pauses the fight to warn Ramazanov about grabbing the gloves. On the restart, Musaev lands punches before yet another clinch before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Shamil Musaev def. Murad Ramazanov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Records: Musaev (19-0-1), Ramazanov (12-2)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Mukhamed Berkhamov vs. Ray Cooper III
Round 1 – Cooper pressures forward early, with Berkhamov circling on the surface. Berkhamov offers leg kicks and Cooper closes in for a takedown attempt. Berkhamov reverses and escapes. Now it’s Berkhamov with a level change. He gets Cooper down, but he immediately gets up. They reset in the middle, and Cooper charges in and dumps Berkhamov to the mat. Cooper takes top position in half guard. Cooper looks for ground and pound, but Berkhamov scrambles free. Berkhamov gets a decent Thai clinch and drills a series of huge knees to the pinnacle and body. Cooper by some means doesn’t seem phased on the separation. Berkhamov steps in with a knee, and that one hurt Cooper. They exchange punches, and Cooper cracks with an enormous one! Cooper gets a takedown right on the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Berkhamov.
Round 2 – Berkhamov works on the surface, pawing out right hands and leg kicks. Cooper looks to land a right hand as he feints level changes. Berkhamov goes for a takedown but is brushed away. Berkhamov side kicks to the knee. Cooper looks for an enormous overhand left. Berkhamov kicks to the body Berkhamov looks for an additional single leg, but Cooper isn’t having it. Berkhamov gets back to pumping out the suitable jab. Cooper lands an uppercut before the tip of a slower-paced Round 2.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Berkhamov.
Round 3 – Berkhamov comes out trying to come up with Cooper immediately, but can’t control him. Berkhamov keeps his hands high as he stands in punching range and Cooper pops his head back with an enormous right hand. Berkhamov shoots in an gets a takedown. Cooper quickly gets up, but Berkhamov sticks with him and pulls him back down. Berkhamov tries to secure back mount as Cooper stands again. Berkhamov gets a leg wrapped up and pulls the fight back right down to the mat. Cooper powers up, but is tripped again. Finally, Cooper fully gets up and separated with 20 seconds left. Berkhamov lands just a few punches before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Berkhamov, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Ray Cooper III via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Records: Berkhamov (17-2), Cooper III (25-11-1)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Enrique Barzola vs. Tyler Diamond
Round 1 – Diamond gets things began working behind a repeated left jab. Woah! Diamond cracks Barzola with an enormous punch and Barzola goes down! Diamond rushes in to follow up as Barzola quickly gets back to his feet. Diamond stays regular with pressure, but Barzola recovers and lands a pleasant combination. Now Barzola starts mounting offense. Diamond responds with a pleasant right hand that catches Barzola off-balance. Barzola looks for a takedown but is sprawled. Diamond lands one other big right hand before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Diamond.
Round 2 – Diamond looks for an early takedown, getting Barzola right down to a knee against the fence. Barzola escapes, but Diamond comes forward and gets back on the hips. He drops for a single leg but gets sprawled. Barzola looks for a Thai clinch and eats a right hand on the exit. Diamond looks to clinch again, but can’t get it. Now they’re trading punches in the middle. Diamond in on the hips again, getting Barzola to a knee, but he scrambles up. Back to trading punches. It’s Barzola with an enormous left hand! Diamond is wobbled badly and appears for the panic takedown! Barzola unloads punches on the bottom while Diamond holds on to a single, but he survives to listen to the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Barzola.
Round 3 – Barzola comes out firing and Diamond shoots in. It’s sprawled nicely, and Barzola threatens a choke. They’re back to standing and each are throwing punches. Barzola knocks out Diamond’s mouthpiece and the ref allow him to get it back. One other takedown from Diamond is stuffed. Barzola punches from the highest while Diamond holds on to the only leg. He looks to the ref for a stoppage, but they’re not damaging enough. Diamond scrambles to get Barzola down for a second, but he quickly gets back to standing. A number of punches, and now it’s Barzola shooting in. Diamond reverses, they usually find yourself back on the feet. Barzola shoots again, this time getting Diamond down and punches from the highest until the ultimate horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Barzola, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Enrique Barzola def. Tyler Diamond via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Barzola (21-9-2), Diamond (14-4)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Vitor Shaolin
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Jose Perez vs. Jesse Stirn
Round 1 – Perez comes out pressuring forward as Stirn looks to land early leg kicks. Big overhand right from Perez is partially blocked. A tough kick to the body not far behind it. Stirn circles and offers front kicks to the body. He then catches a Perez kick and fires one in all his own to the body. A stiff jab lands for Stirn. Perez steps in with a tough inside leg kick, and a transient clinch follows. Each find success with punches and kicks as they exchange, covering all sides of the cage. Perez puts together a pleasant 3-punch combo. In a clinch, Perez digs in a knee to the body, and gets a pleasant takedown right on the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Perez.
Round 2 – We’re right back to the striking exchanges at a high pace as Perez controls from the middle. Leg kicks are traded as Perez tries to shut the gap. An enormous right hand connects for Perez, knocking Stirn off balance. Stirn pops right back up, and Perez turns up the pressure. Working behind a left jab, Perez offers fast strikes. Stirn lands with a stiff calf kick that causes Perez to stumble down. Perez gets up and shakes it off, and Stirn rushes in for a takedown. He doesn’t get it, and Perez gets back to controlling the middle. The motion is even faster now. Stirn push kicks to the body, but Perez still comes forward and lands a pleasant knee. Perez finds a clinch a clinch and jumps on a guillotine, then transitions to an arm triangle on the bottom, however the horn sounds.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Perez.
Round 3 – Striking exchanges proceed immediately. Each are landing punches and kicks, but nothing of real substance as they circle across the cage. There’s an enormous right hand from Perez. Stirn just misses with a jumping knee and Perez clinches into the cage. Stirn gets free, resets, and just misses again, this time with an enormous punch. Perez is on the clinch again and is successful with the takedown. He takes the back and threatens a submission, but Stirn turns to stop it. Perez tries to posture as much as land punches with Stirn’s wrist trapped behind his back. Perez finally gets some ground and punches in the ultimate 10 seconds.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Perez, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Jose Perez def. Jesse Stirn via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Records: Perez (9-1), Stirn (16-7)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Kent Mafileo vs. Maxwell Djantou Nana
Round 1 – Djantou Nana comes out firing punches after a glove touch. Mafileo is game for the early exchanges and returns strikes of his own. Djantou Nana offers just a few powerful, damaging leg kicks as he pressures forward. Mafileo puts together a pleasant combination of punches to the pinnacle. One other hard kick to the lead leg by Djantou Nana. Mafileo starts to maneuver forward, but gets poked in the attention in an exchange. There’s a brief pause, and Djantou Nana digs in additional leg kicks on the restart. Mafileo lands one other solid punching combo.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Djantou Nana.
Round 2 – Kicks fly early from Djantou Nana to the legs, but misses with a head attempt. Mafileo closes the gap with punches as Djantou Nana circles away. Djantou Nana rushes forward and just bulldozes Mafileo to the canvas. He swarms with ground and pound, causing the ref to step in close, but Mafileo escapes back to his feet. Djantou Nana immediately gets one other takedown, but opts to let Mafileo back to his feet. Djantou Nana keeps with the forward pressure as Mafileo looks to land a left hook. Mafileo catches a kick, but Djantou Nana quickly gets his balance and resets. Fast 1-2 from Djantou Nana. Mafileo lands a solid left hand. Djantou Nana starts working the body with hard punches. BANG! An enormous right hand upstairs from Djantou Nana sends Mafileo timbering to the mat! It’s over!
Result: Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Kent Mafileo via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:50
Recap: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3 video: Maxwell Djantou Nana lands hammerfist from the heavens for KO
Records: Djantou Nana (6-1), Mafileo (6-2)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Shido Boris Esperanca vs. Tyler Hill
Round 1 – Hill looks to search out the range with leg kicks, but Esperanca just blitzes forward with hooks like a maniac! He’s swinging for the fences on this wild barrage. Hill manages to not get clipped, but Esperanca gets a takedown and clamps on an arm triangle choke. It’s not there, and he’s back to working from side control. Esperanca starts chaining submission attempts as Hill just tries to survive. Now Esperanca postures up from the back, raining down hard punches. Hill can’t improve his position, and there it’s! Dominant first-round TKO stoppage for Esperanca.
The ref has seen enough! A Successful PFL debut for the “Machine”
[🇺🇸 LIVE NOW | ESPN+ | #PFLPlayoffs | #PFLDC | https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI] pic.twitter.com/olp6a12AOb
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 23, 2024
Result: Shido Boris Esperanca def. Tyler Hill via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:31
Records: Esperanca (9-1), Hill (12-9)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
2024 PFL Playoffs 3 weigh-ins gallery
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