C. Leal (left) beat R. Cooper III (right) in points. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
There was a surprise in the second most important fight of PFL #3 2022, an event that took place this Friday (6). Underdog, Carlos Leal managed to overcome the current champion Ray Cooper III, in a fight valid for the welterweight tournament (up to 77kg.). At an intense pace, the Brazilian knew how to defend his opponent's takedowns and imposed punishment for three rounds to win by unanimous decision from the judges.
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A debutant in the tournament, Leal showed that he can fight among the best towards the title and a prize of US$ 1 million (around R$ 5 million, at current prices). The Brazilian has 17 triumphs and three setbacks, in addition to taking three points in the tournament.
Yes, Ray Cooper III their streak of six victories was broken and, after being champion in the 2021 season, they were surprised on their debut. At 29 years old, the Hawaiian has 24 triumphs, eight setbacks and one draw.
The fight
Cooper started looking for a takedown, but saw Leal reject his attempts. The Brazilian felt comfortable standing up and relied on low kicks to work on combinations. He then finished the round with some good clinch work.
The return was similar for Carlos, who continued better in the fight. With a right hand, he shook the current champion, who made the save by 'diving' on his legs. The Brazilian still tried to settle the bill, but continued to dominate in striking.
Ray Cooper III had a similar return and sought, once again, the fall. However, Carlos Leal made the save and landed several punches on his opponent's head next to the fence. In the end, the Brazilian appeared a little tired and suffered some blows from the champion, but he knew how to withstand the pressure until the end of the fight.
PFL 2022 Results #3
MAIN CARD (22pm Brasília time)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Kayla harrison defeated Marina Mokhnatikina by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Carlos Leal defeated Ray Cooper III in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Anthony Pettis submitted Myles Price with a triangle 4m17s into R1
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Rory McDonald submitted Brett Cooper with a rear naked choke at 2m23s of R1
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Larissa pacheco defeated Zamzagul Fayzallanova by knockout 1m25s of R1
PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)
Welterweight: Dilano Taylor defeated João Zeferino via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Genah Fabian defeated julia budd in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Sadibou Sy defeated Nikolai Aleksakhin via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Jarrah Al-Silawi defeated Gleison Tibau via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Olena Kolesnyk defeated Abigail Montes in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Martina Jindrova defeated Vanessa melo in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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