S. Ray defeated A. Pettis in the main event of PFL 7 2022 (Photo: Reproduction/Youtube)
In the main fight of PFL 7 2022, valid for the semifinals of the lightweight tournament (up to 70,3 kg), Stevie Ray won again Anthony Pettis and guaranteed a place in the competition's big decision. After submitting the former UFC champion in the regular season, this time the Scot emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) and will face Olivier Aubin-Mercier in the grand finale of the season.
Classified with the fourth and final spot for the playoffs, Steven Ray secured a place in the lightweight grand final in his first season in the PFL.
Anthony Pettis, on the other hand, continues without finding success in the organization's decagon. Former UFC lightweight champion, the American suffered his fourth defeat in five fights in the PFL.
THE FIGHT
Steven Ray started by kicking low. Pettis responded with a high kick that exploded into the Scot's guard. Ray shortened it, but Pettis managed to put him back against the fence. The two separated and returned to the center of the decagon. Pettis connected with a good kick to Ray's waistline. The Scotsman landed a good shot on Pettis' face, who responded with a combination of jab and straight shot. Another kick from Pettis exploded around Ray's waist. Steven Ray cut short again and this time managed a nice takedown on Pettis. The Scot passed guard and transitioned to the 100k position and then to the north-south position. The Scot squeezed Pettis' neck, who exploded and managed to escape the position before the end of the round.
At the beginning of the second round, Anthony Pettis connected with a beautiful kick to the head of Steven Ray, who quickly closed the distance and stuck. Pettis escaped the hold and left a good hook on the way out. The two exchanged simultaneous blows, but it was Pettis's right that landed cleanly on Ray's face, who again sought a grappling fight. After some insistence, Steven Ray got the takedown and quickly got Pettis' back. For more than two minutes, the Scot tried to attack the North American's neck, who defended well and survived until the end of the round.
Anthony Pettis He started the third round working well on combinations with his fists. A high kick from the American went past Steven Ray's face. Pettis unleashed a good sequence of kicks from the belt line and straight. Steven Ray tried to shorten it, but Pettis rejected it. Another kick from Pettis exploded around Ray's belt. The American connected with a direct shot and tried a high kick afterwards, but stopped in the Scot's guard. Steven Ray again tried to close the distance, but Pettis pushed him away. Steven Ray started to impose more volume and managed to shorten the distance. With just a few seconds left, Anthony Pettis He kicked the Scot's base hard, who lost his balance and fell, but quickly got up.
Olivier Aubin-Mercier dominates Alexander Martinez and secures place in the final
O. Aubin-Mercier surpassed A. Martinez in the PFL 7 2022 (Photo: Reproduction/Youtube)
In the first semifinal of the PFL lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) tournament, Olivier Aubin-Mercier overcame Alexander Martinez in a unanimous decision by the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-26) and qualified for the grand decision of the PFL. season.
The “Canadian Gangster” managed knockdowns in the first moments of the second and third rounds, managed quick transitions to the Paraguayan's back on both occasions, but came up against his rival's good defense and was unable to finish.
With the result, Aubin-Mercier remains undefeated since leaving the UFC and arriving in the PFL in 2021. The Georges St-Pierre pupil now has five consecutive victories in the organization's decagon.
Semi-finalist for the second time in a row, Alex Martinez remains without playing in a PFL final. The Paraguayan has three victories and three setbacks in the organization.
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