With three Brazilian representatives, PFL promotes welterweight and heavyweight semifinals this Saturday

R. Problema (photo) is one of the Brazilian representatives in PFL 8 2022. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The time has come to start the semifinals of the PFL tournament in the welterweight (up to 77kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2kg) categories. This Saturday (13), at the Motorpoint Arena, in Cardiff, Wales, eight athletes will compete for places in the finals of their respective categories. The winner of the tournament earns US$1 million (around R$5 million, at current prices).

The show, which features 13 contests, will feature former UFC fighter Rory McDonald, who measures forces against Canadian Dilano Taylor, who assumed responsibility the week of the fight. In the other semi-final, Brazilian 'surprise element' Carlos Leal faces Swedish Sadibou Sy.

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In the heavyweight division, two Brazilians try to make history in the company. After replacing the current champion Bruno Cappelozza, Matheus Buffa will face Juan Adams. If he wins, the Curitiba native will next face the winner of Renan Problem e Before Delija, who also face each other on the card.

Even outside the tournament, Ronny Markes is one of the show's attractions. The athlete, who took on the responsibility at the last minute, will compete in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg) against Szymon Bajor.

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Rory MacDonald x Dilano Taylor | Carlos Leal x Sadibou Sy

After a 2021 season frustrated by a defeat to Ray Cooper III in the semi-finals, Rory McDonald tries to reach the decision for the first time. The Canadian has won just one of his last four fights and is coming off a defeat against Sadiboy Si. He, however, got past Brett Cooper and therefore has six points to go through.

Dilano Taylor, in turn, arrives 'last minute' in the dispute, having replaced Magomed Umalatov already in the week of the fight. The American passed João Severino in his debut, but was knocked out by Magomed Magomedkerimov in the most recent presentation.

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On the other side of the bracket, Carlos Leal aims to remain undefeated in the competition to reach his 'millionaire dream'. Brazilian representative in the semi-final, the Curitiba native was discovered on the 'Challenger Series' – a program for discovering new talents – and surprised by overcoming the great champion, Ray Cooper, in the first phase.

To do this, Leal will have to go through another great challenge. Sadibou Sy won in his two appearances in the first phase and scored six points, having won Rory McDonald and Nikolay Aleksakhin.

Matheus Buffa x Juan Adams | Renan Problema x Ante Delija

The chance to win the millionaire prize of US$ 1 million 'fell into the lap' of Matheus Buffa. Despite being knocked out in his debut, the Brazilian had a good performance and beat the current champion, Bruno Cappelozza, in its last exhibition. Without qualifying, he continued training and, with his compatriot's injury, he was called to face Denis Goltsov.

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The fight between Buffa and Goltsov was certain to happen, but a problem with the Russian's visa meant that the organization called up Juan Adams, who beat Sam Kei.

One of the favorites for the award, Renan Problem also fights on the card in search of a place in the final. The Brazilian, who lost in his last fight, got the spot by knocking out Jamelle Jones in his debut. He arrives with six points.

Before Delija will be Problem's opponent on the show. Finalist in the 2021 edition, the Croatian won his two initial fights and scored eight points, behind only Denis Goltsov. In the previous season, he was surpassed by Bruno Cappelozza and 'hit the post' in the tournament.