In an electrifying fight, Raush Manfio makes history and pockets a US$1 million prize from the PFL

R. Manfio makes history and wins the PFL lightweight tournament. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

He made history! The Brazilian Raush Manfio He won, for the first time, the PFL Lightweight Grand Prix (up to 70,3kg). This Wednesday (27), the Brazilian had an electrifying fight against Loik Radzhabov and took the final in the judges' decision. As a result, the gaucho pocketed the sum of US$1 million (around R$5,5 million at current prices).

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Manfio, who entered the tournament at the last minute, had overcome Joilton Pelegrino, Anthony Pettis and Clay Collard to the grand final. The Brazilian now has a record of 15 triumphs and three setbacks in his career.

Loik Radzhabov, in turn, 'hits the post' again. He reached the finals in 2019, but ended up being beaten – in the same way – by Natan schulte. The Tajik suffers his fourth career defeat. He also has 15 wins and one draw.

The fight

At an intense pace, Raush Manfio he seemed, in fact, ready to define the fight in the opening minutes. Concentrated, the Brazilian assumed the center of the decagon from the beginning and reached Loik Radzhabov. The Tajik, who found it difficult to find his footing in the duel, relied on counterattacks to hit his opponent and even tried to take him down, but was unsuccessful.

In the second round, both athletes committed to striking with great balance at close range. Manfio continued with his offensive momentum and tried to connect his sequence through boxing. He even worked on the low kicks that hurt Radzhabov's left leg.

The summary of the fight was also maintained in the third round and, this time, Loik seemed to want to make up for the loss. The Tajik was already opting for a more offensive tactic and touching Raush's face more. Radzhabov also changed his strategy and got a takedown, but saw Manfio get out of position.

In the fourth round, total control of Raush Manfio. Sovereign, the Brazilian defended the attempts to take down Loik Radzhabov and, with a game of muay-thai, he imposed his frenetic rhythm with his knees. The Tajik felt it, but remained standing and without being knocked out.

With an atmosphere of tension, the two athletes justified their qualities to be in contention for the millionaire prize and left everything they had in the decagon. With great tiredness, Raush Manfio He suffered hard blows and tried to remain intact, marching forward. In the same way, Loik Radzhabov He went for 'all or nothing' and, despite a cut on his nose, he didn't give up fighting either. The fight remained balanced until the last seconds.

In a surprising turnaround, Jordan Young shows heart and knocks out Omari Akhmedov in the third round

J. Young knocked out O. Akhmedov in the third round. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

PUBLICITY:

A spectacular turnaround marked the third fight on the preliminary card. Pressured after losing two rounds, Jordan Young showed heart, bet on frank striking and knocked out Omari Akhmedov in the third round. Despite the great achievement, the North American celebrated in a calm and shy way.

With the triumph, Jordan Young manages to win for the first time in the organization – also being his first knockout. He has now reached his 12th positive result and has two defeats.

Akhmedov, in turn, is unsuccessful in his debut in the organization's cage. The Russian, who was in the UFC, suffered his second defeat in a row and now has a record of 22 wins, seven setbacks and one draw.

Julia Budd fights smart and overcomes Kaitlin Young in her PFL debut

J. Budd wins in PFL debut. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

Brought with its weight in Bellator gold, julia budd debuted on the right foot in the PFL. In a warm fight, the Canadian played an intelligent game to overcome Kaitlin Young in the unanimous decision of the judges. With the victory, the athlete must participate in the organization's lightweight tournament (up to 70,3kg) for 2022.

Budd now has his third consecutive victory – the 16th of his career. She also has three defeats – against Amanda nunes, Chris Cyborg e Ronda Rousey. On the other hand, Young has a 'balanced' record, with 12 triumphs, 12 setbacks and one draw in his career in mixed martial arts.

Rookie of the night, Don Madge does well and submits Nathan Williams with a rear naked choke

D. Madge submitted N. Williams in the first fight of the night. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

With a jiu-jitsu class, Don Madge proved that he could be one of the big favorites for the lightweight prize (up to 70,3kg.) in the 2022 season. Former UFC fighter, the South African managed to submit Nathan Williams in the second round with a rear naked choke. The fight marked the opening of the night's preliminary card.

At 30, Madge now has a record of ten wins, three losses and one draw. Williams, 34, suffers his eighth career setback and 'updates' his record to 13 positive results and eight negative results.

PFL #10 Results

MAIN CARD (21:30 p.m., Brasília time):

Lightweight: Kayla harrison x Taylor Guardado - Final of the tournament

Welterweight Weight: Ray Cooper III x Magomed Magomedkerimov - Final of the tournament

Lightweight: Claressa shields x Abigail Montes

Heavyweight: Bruno Cappelozza x Before Delija - Final of the tournament

Feather weight: Movlid Khaybulaev x Chris Wade - Final of the tournament

PRELIMINARY CARD (17:30 p.m., Brasília time):

Light Heavyweight: Antonio Shoe Guy x Martin Hamlet - Final of the tournament

Lightweight: Raush Manfio derrotou Loik Radzhabov in the decision of the judges (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