R. Cooper III dominated R. MacDonald and won on points. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
Ray Cooper III is in the PFL welterweight (up to 77kg) Grand Prix final. This Friday (13), the North American hit Rory McDonald in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), in the main fight of the seventh edition of the organization in 2021 and guaranteed his classification. Current champion, he faces Magomed Magomedkerimov in the decision, which awards the winner US$ 1 million (about 5,2 million).
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Ray Cooper III passed Jason Ponet, Nikolai Aleksakhin and Rory McDonald to reach the tournament finals. In his career, he has a record of 23 triumphs, seven setbacks and one draw.
Moreover, Rory McDonald – who was the big name in the division in the tournament, bows out in the semifinals. The Canadian suffers his eighth negative result. He also has 22 positives and a draw.
THE FIGHT
In the opening seconds, MacDonald placed Cooper III with his back to the fence. The North American, however, surprised and pinned his opponent to the ground. Then, he took half guard from above and managed to land punches from above. In the last moments, Ray attempted a katagatame and saw Rory saved by the bell.
If it worked, Ray Cooper repeats it. The North American attacked with a takedown, took MacDonald down and was in half guard working blows from the waist line to frustrate the Canadian's momentum. The referee, however, preferred to place the athletes back in the center of the cage. Standing, Rory tried a knee, but saw Ray fall again.
In the third and final round, Ray Cooper III followed the tone and fell again Rory McDonald. He remained in his opponent's guard, connected hard blows and secured his advantage for the remainder of the round. The North American still had a small gap and the fight was back on its feet, but there was no change in the final stretch.
In a warm fight, Magomed Magomedokerimov defeats Sadibou Sy and is a welterweight finalist
M. Magomedkherimov (left) defeated S. Sy (right). Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
In the first decision for a place in the final of the playoffs in the welterweight division (up to 77kg), Magomed Magomedokerimov dominated Sadibou Sy and won the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), in the second fight more important part of PFL #7 this Friday (13).
If your opponent is called 'Magomed', you can't run the risk of falling short. After unsuccessfully attempting a kick to the waist, Sadibou Sy had his leg raised and was taken down by Magomed Magomedkerimov. On top, the Russian dominated with transitions on the ground and strikes in the 100kg position. for most of the round.
In the second round, Sy managed to land the best blows and managed to knock Magomedkerimov off balance. At a disadvantage, the Russian adopted his tactics from the first round to take down his opponent once again. In half guard, however, he was not very effective in his attempts.
The third and final round was also marked by Magomed's pressure against Sadibou on the cage. Willing to secure his place in the final, the Russian did his 'homework' and secured his place.
Magomedkerimov, who qualified in the first round after winning just one fight, reaches the finals of the tournament. The Russian now has a record of 28 triumphs and five setbacks in his career. On the other hand, Sy feels the 'bitter taste' of his sixth defeat as an MMA professional. The Swede also has nine positive results, two draws and one fight without result.
PFL #7 Results
MAIN CARD
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Rory McDonald x Ray Cooper (semi-final)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Magomed Magomedkerimov defeated Sadibou Sy by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – (semifinal)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Raush Manfio defeated Clay Collard via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – (semifinal)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Loik Radzhabov defeated Alexander Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27) – (semifinal)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Gleison Tibau submitted Micah Terrill with a katagatame 2m17s into R1
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Olivier Aubin-Mercier defeated Darrell Horcher by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 29-27)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Brett Cooper defeated Tyler Hill by knockout at 2:32 of R1
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Magomed Umalatov derrotou Leandro Buscapé in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Michael Lombardo defeated Kyron Bowen by technical knockout (medical stoppage) at 3:42 of R1
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Elvin Espinoza beat Hopetown Stewart by submission (guillotine) at 2m45s of R1
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