B. Cappelozza (left) defeated A. Delija (right) on points and won the PFL belt. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @PFLMMA
A real battle. In the final of the PFL heavyweight tournament (up to 120,2 kg), held this Wednesday (27), in Florida (USA), Bruno Cappelozza e Before Delija They delivered a great show to the fans. In a confrontation marked by twists and turns, the Brazilian did not have an easy life, he was scared, but managed to overcome the adversities and win a 25-minute confrontation on points. After five rounds, the São Paulo native was declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges.
See too
With the victory, Cappelozza achieves an unprecedented feat in his career, winning the heavyweight belt. In addition to the title, the Brazilian also receives his dream check of US$1 million (around R$5,5 million), given to the champion of the tournament that started in May.
To reach the big decision, Bruno had an impeccable trajectory, overcoming all the opponents that came his way. Interestingly, the first victim of the Tupiniquim was Delija. At the time, the Croatian had no chance and ended up being knocked out less than a minute into the match.
Although he didn't win another knockout in his career, Cappelozza showed his resistance and extended the good moment in his career. Now, the combatant has four triumphs in a row.
Defeated by Bruno in his debut in the tournament, Delija came close to victory, but was unable to convince the side judges. The athlete loses his second in the last four fights.
The fight
In the opening seconds, Delija attacked the Brazilian's legs. Cappelozza defended well and hit his opponent with a straight right. Ante fell and Bruno attacked his opponent. From above, the São Paulo native launched attacks from top to bottom. The Brazilian continued punishing his opponent with punches. The Tupiniquim continued to punish the Croatian, who protected himself as best he could. Towards the final minute, Delija's face was already quite hurt. In the final seconds, Delija managed to explode, stood up and the athletes started to exchange franks. The Croatian attempted a takedown again, but there was no more time.
In the second stage, Ante again bet on a fall in the opening seconds. The Brazilian defended himself well again and began to pressure his opponent against the bars. The athletes moved away, but the Croatian showed that the plan was to try to act on the ground. Attentive to his opponent's attacks, Bruno did not allow his opponent's advances. Halfway through the round, Delija landed a right hand bomb on Cappelozza's face and shook the São Paulo native. Taking advantage of the good moment, the Croatian punished the Brazilian, who visibly felt it. Ante punished Bruno, who protected himself as best he could. Ante tried transitions and Cappelozza tried to recover. Delija tried a hand triangle, but the Brazilian took advantage of an oversight and reversed the position, reaching the back. From above, the Tupiniquim attacked his opponent with punches to the head. This time, it was the Croatian who tried to resist the punishment. The assault ended with Bruno on his rival's back.
The third stage began with Cappelozza attacking his opponent with combinations of punches. Even cornered, pressed against the bars, Delija showed danger in his counterattacks. At a disadvantage in the exchange, the Croatian went back to looking for the Brazilian's legs, while the São Paulo native tried to avoid the fall. Halfway through the round, it was the Brazilian who was looking for the takedown. Without much action, the referee interrupted the clash, forcing the athletes to resume their exchange. In the final seconds, Ante tried another takedown, but there was no more time.
In the fourth round, Bruno returned more aggressive, attacking his opponent with combinations of jabs and straight shots. Delija attacked the legs again, but the Brazilian defended well and reached the back. Glued to his opponent, the São Paulo native hit his opponent's head and attempted a submission. Delija managed to get up, but showed signs of tiredness. The Croatian insisted on fighting and, with just under three minutes left in the stage, he took Cappelozza to the ground. From above, Ante attacked the Tupiniquim, who tried to stop the confrontation. In the final minute, Bruno managed to stay on his feet, but the Croatian remained 'glued'. The assault ended with the fighters exchanging strength on the bars.
The last round began with the Brazilian taking the initiative, with a straight shot followed by a low kick. In the first moments, the Brazilian accepted the clinch with the Croatian and pressed his rival against the bars. Still in the first minute, Bruno surprised his opponent, taking him to the ground. In an advantageous position, the Tupiniquim attacked his opponent and scored with punches to the head and waistline. Halfway through the stage, Bruno managed to get to the back, but Delija managed to free himself from the position and stay on his feet. The Brazilian continued to press Ante against the bars and managed the result. The duel continued without much action in the final stretch. Close to the end of the confrontation, the Brazilian once again took down his rival. On top, the São Paulo native continued to control his opponent, until the bell sounded.
Cooper runs over in rematch and reaches second championship
R. Cooper III in victory for PFL. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
A historic rematch for the PFL marked the co-main event of the show. In a confrontation marked by aggression between two champions of the welterweight tournament (up to 77kg.), Ray Cooper III got the better of the reunion against Magomed Magomedkerimov. After being scared in the third round, moments later, the 2019 title holder managed to overcome himself and found victory with a brutal knockout.
With the victory, Cooper III was able to defend the title he won in 2019. In addition to keeping the belt, the athlete received another check for US$1 million.
Pupil of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib's father, Magomed had good moments in the confrontation and came close to victory. The athlete, however, ended up being careless and fell victim to the power of Ray's fists. The stumble interrupted a sequence of 13 positive results in the fighter's career.
Cooper's triumph ties the dispute between the fighters. In 2018, also in the final of the welterweight tournament, it was the Russian who came out on top, when he submitted his rival in the second round.
Abdulmanap pupil dominates, wins title
M. Khaybulaev in victory for PFL. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Pupil of Khabib's father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Movlid Khaybulaev He took all his strategy to the decagon and easily won in the final of the featherweight tournament (up to 65,7kg). Opponent of Chris Wade, the Russian showed cold blood and controlled his opponent for most of the five rounds of the confrontation. Abusing grappling, the combatant was declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges.
A debutant in the PFL in the 2021 season, Khaybulaev ended his participation in the tournament with 100% success. The Russian, who received the category belt after the triumph, won all four matches in the championship and also won the dream prize of US$1 million.
In an interview after the 'tour', Movlid made a point of remembering Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Russian MMA legend, who died in 2020, a victim of Covid-19. Khabib's father, the coach is responsible for revealing great athletes to Russia.
New millionaire and PFL champion, Khaybulaev, in addition to Wednesday's achievements, also defended his unbeaten record in his career. Now, the fighter has 19 positive results, one draw and one 'I didn't answer'.
Controlled for most of the 25 minutes, Wade, at first, refused to greet his opponent. With the defeat, the North American suffered the first setback in the last three challenges.
PFL #10 Results
MAIN CARD
Lightweight: Kayla harrison finished Taylor Guardado with an armbar 4m from R2 – end of the tournament
Welterweight Weight: Ray Cooper III derrotou Magomed Magomedkerimov by knockout 3m02s of R3 – final of the tournament
Lightweight: Abigail Montes derrotou Claressa shields in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Heavyweight: Bruno Cappelozza derrotou Before Delija in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-45, 48-46, 49-45) – final of the tournament
Feather weight: Movlid Khaybulaev derrotou Chris Wade in the judges' decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) – final of the tournament
PRELIMINARY CARD
Light Heavyweight: Antonio Shoe Guy finished Martin Hamlet with a rear naked choke at 3m49s of R1 – end of the tournament
Lightweight: Raush Manfio derrotou Loik Radzhabov in the judges' decision (48-46, 48-46, 49-46) – final of the tournament
Light Heavyweight: Jordan Young derrotou Omari Akhmedov by technical knockout at 1m32s of R3
Lightweight: julia budd derrotou Kaitlin Young in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lightweight: Don Madge finished Nathan Williams with a rear naked choke 2m15 from R2
You need login To comment.