Bruno Cappelozza has an inspired performance, knocks out Jamelle Jones and is in the final of the PFL heavyweight GP

B. Cappelozza is in the final of the PFL heavyweight GP. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Brazil will have a representative in the final of Grand Prix heavyweights (up to 120,2kg) from PFL. With inspired performance, Bruno Cappelozza 'used and abused' low kicks, knocked out Jamelle Jones with a jab in the second round and now faces Before Delija, in a rematch, in search of the US$ 1 million prize (around R$ 5,2 million). The fight was the second most important of the organization's eighth edition in 2021.

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Brazilian surprise in the heavyweight tournament, Bruno Cappelozza arrives with morale at the tournament's decision and brutalized his three opponents along the way. Today, the São Paulo native has 13 victories – all on the fast track – and five defeats in his career.

Jones, who was undefeated this season, suffered his seventh setback in professional MMA. The North American also has 12 triumphs.

The fight

Right from the start, an anticlimax. Jamelle Jones ended up delivering a kick to the lower parts of Bruno Cappelozza, which caused the fight to be stopped. On the way back, with great intensity, the Brazilian took the opportunity to apply low kicks in a row and made the North American feel it. The fight continued with frank striking, with Bruno cornering and following the strategy of the low kicks to inhibit your opponent's movement.

In the second round, Jones already looked a little tired and was unable to continue moving around the decagon. With a fixed target, Cappelozza continued to set a great pace and landed a jab that knocked his opponent down. He still had time to throw other punches from above before the referee interrupted.

Mariana Morais fights evenly, but is defeated and loses the chance to qualify for the lightweight GP finals

T. Guardado (left) passes M. Morais (right) and is in the final of the lightweight GP. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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In the third most important fight of the night, Mariana morais, who took up the fight after Larissa pacheco didn't make weight, fought evenly, but was defeated by Taylor Guardado in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). As a result, she loses the chance to be one step away from the millionaire prize of US$ 1 million (around R$ 5,2 million) in the lightweight Grand Prix (up to 70,3kg.).

In the initial phase, the Brazilian athlete lost to Kayla harrison still in the first round, he recovered against Kaitlin Young and had not qualified. Still, she would face Claudia Zamora, but she took the fight the day before it took place, after Larissa pacheco fail on the scale.

Taylor Guardado took the first initiative, with a combination of jab and direct, which were defended by Mariana morais. The Brazilian, however, took advantage of a takedown attempt by the North American next to the big girl to apply a judo takedown and land in half guard. Still, she was unable to improve in the position and saw her opponent get up. The two fighters even exchanged blows before the end of the round.

On the way back, Taylor threw a kick to the waist and, soon after, put the fight down. In guard, the American worked on punches, but did not try to progress in the position. Morais, in turn, managed to stop the confrontation to inhibit the opponent's transitions and the central referee ordered the two to get up. Standing up, the scenario remained balanced and without a major advantage between the competitors.

The two fighters returned to the third and final round investing in open striking, with the North American prioritizing closing the distance, while the Brazilian – on a southpaw basis – worked to keep her opponent within her range. In technique, Mariana morais spiked Taylor Guardado on the ground with about two minutes left in the fight.

As a result, Morais loses again in the PFL and feels the 'bitter taste' of his 12th setback in MMA. The São Paulo native also has 17 triumphs. Guardado achieved his third career victory and, in his career, surpassed Olena Kolesnyk and Laura Sanchez in the tournament.

In an even fight, Ante Delija overcomes Denis Goltsov and is a heavyweight finalist

A. Delija (left) beat D. Goltsov (right) and is a finalist in the heavyweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

Pupil of the legendary Mirko CroCop, Before Delija he was the first to guarantee his place in the grand final of the PFL Grand Prix. The Croatian overcame Denis Goltsov in a unanimous decision by the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) and now faces Bruno Cappelozza in the big decision. The fight opened the main card of the night.

In the first round of combat, Before Delija He didn't care about exchanging blows while standing and flew into Denis Goltsov's legs. The Russian reversed the situation and got the takedown, but suffered a 'reversal' from the Croatian, who fell on top and managed to strike until the bell sounded.

In a resounding manner, Goltsov returned with a strong pace at the beginning of the second stage. The Russian managed to land a kick that knocked Delija off balance and, in grappling, he also threw hard punches. He, however, fell to the bottom after a takedown attempt and suffered from the Croatian's ground and pound in the final stretch.

If it worked, Delija repeats it. The Croatian, who managed to dominate Goltsov on the ground, took the fight to the ground again. Still, unlike the previous round, he didn't have any hard blows to hurt his opponent and score points. With 1m30s, the athlete continued pushing against the fence to guarantee his victory and his place in the playoffs final.

Coincidentally, Before Delija will face an old acquaintance in the grand final. The Croatian was knocked out in 46 seconds in the fight against Bruno Cappelozza in his debut in the competition and has the chance to 'get back' in the decision. He managed to recover and came third, shortly after defeating Chandler Cole. In his career, there are 19 triumphs and four setbacks.

Denis Goltsov, in turn, had qualified in second place – after victories against Mo DeReese and Brandon Sayles. Still, in the most important duel of his career, he failed to do enough to advance to the stage. Now, he has 27 positive results and seven negative results.

PFL #8 Results

MAIN CARD

Lightweight: Kayla harrison defeated Genah Fabian by technical knockout at 4:01 of R1 – semi-final

Heavyweight: Bruno Cappelozza defeated Jamelle Jones by technical knockout at 1m33s of R2 – semi-final

Lightweight: Taylor Guardado derrotou Mariana morais in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) – semi-final

Heavyweight: Before Delija defeated Denis Goltsov via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – semi-final

PRELIMINARY CARD

Heavyweight: Renan Problem defeated Stuart Austin by knockout 31s into R1

Heavyweight: Mo DeReese defeated Carl Seumanutafa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Lightweight: Marina Mokhnatkina defeated Claudia Zamora via unanimous judges' decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Lightweight: Amanda Leve submitted Miranda Barber with a rear naked choke at 4m18s of R1

Lightweight: Christian Lohsen defeated Jonas Flok via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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