PFL 5 Matchups: Bruno Cappelozza, Anthony Pettis Return

Former UFC and WEC champion Anthony Pettis and defending PFL heavyweight champion Bruno Cappelozza will headline PFL 5 on June 24th. The PFL announced the full fight card in a press release for the upcoming June 24th event as fighters such as Cappelozza and Pettis push for a playoff spot. Heavyweights and featherweights will be…

Continue Reading PFL 5 Matchups: Bruno Cappelozza, Anthony Pettis Return at MMA News.

Former UFC and WEC champion Anthony Pettis and defending PFL heavyweight champion Bruno Cappelozza will headline PFL 5 on June 24th.

The PFL announced the full fight card in a press release for the upcoming June 24th event as fighters such as Cappelozza and Pettis push for a playoff spot.

Heavyweights and featherweights will be the main features on the card, except for Pettis’ lightweight fight against Stevie Ray. Cappelozza will face Matheus Scheffel, who fell to 2021 runner-up Ante Delija at PFL 2 back in April via a second-round knockout.

Cappelozza will get a second-straight main event slot after dismantling Stuart Austin in his 2022 PFL debut. He won the 2021 PFL heavyweight title over Delija via a unanimous decision.

Pettis makes his return to the PFL cage after a first-round submission win over Myles Price. He is looking to clinch a playoff spot after failing to reach the PFL postseason last year.

Cappelozza and Pettis’ matchups will be preceded by the return of 2021 featherweight finalist Chris Wade, along with former 145lb champion Lance Palmer. Brendan Loughnane also returns against former Dana White’s Contender Series standout Boston Salmon while Bubba Jenkins faces Saba Bolaghi.

The next three PFL cards, including the June 24th card, will take place in Atlanta, GA at the Overtime Elite Arena.

What are your thoughts on the PFL 5 card on June 24th? What are your predictions for Bruno Cappelozza and Anthony Pettis?

Continue Reading PFL 5 Matchups: Bruno Cappelozza, Anthony Pettis Return at MMA News.

Cappelozza’s 2021 PFL Title Win Was Happiest & Saddest Day Of His Life

2021 PFL heavyweight champion Bruno Cappelozza’s best day of his MMA career was also the worst in his personal life. Cappelozza’s first season in the PFL wrapped up with an exciting win over Ante Delija at the 2021 PFL Championships. After a back-and-forth war, Cappelozza won the fight via unanimous decision to earn the heavyweight…

Continue Reading Cappelozza’s 2021 PFL Title Win Was Happiest & Saddest Day Of His Life at MMA News.

2021 PFL heavyweight champion Bruno Cappelozza’s best day of his MMA career was also the worst in his personal life.

Cappelozza’s first season in the PFL wrapped up with an exciting win over Ante Delija at the 2021 PFL Championships. After a back-and-forth war, Cappelozza won the fight via unanimous decision to earn the heavyweight belt and the $1 million grand prize.

But disaster would strike for Cappelozza and his family amidst the chaos and celebration at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.

Cappelozza’s father, Joao, passed away before the event started. His family withheld news of his passing from Cappelozza so he could focus on the biggest fight of his MMA career.

During his PFL 2 pre-fight media day, Cappelozza was asked if he has more motivation following the death of his father.

“Absolutely,” Cappelozza said. “My Dad was always my biggest fan, my biggest supporter. So I’m here to keep following my dream, the dream of my family, and his dream as well. I know that wherever he’s at, he’s following me closely and what I’m achieving. My dreams are his dreams as well.”

Cappelozza was just minutes removed from winning the title when he got word that his father had passed away in his native Brazil. He was able to work through the whirlwind of emotions by relying on those closest to him.

“It was the happiest and saddest day of my life,” Cappelozza admitted. “My Dad is everything for me and for my family and we’re still mourning him. But I’m certain of his place in heaven. We all are. I’m just happy to provide for my family and happily represent them.”

Cappelozza will make his 2022 debut against British prospect Stuart Austin at PFL 2 on Thursday night. He’s won four-straight fights after a loss to current UFC light heavyweight contender Ji?í Procházka at RIZIN 11.

Cappelozza will look to become the first back-to-back PFL heavyweight champion in the league’s history and will use the lessons and love his father provided him with to continue on his path to success.

Do you think Bruno Cappelozza will repeat as PFL heavyweight champion in 2022?

Continue Reading Cappelozza’s 2021 PFL Title Win Was Happiest & Saddest Day Of His Life at MMA News.

Bruno Cappelozza Reacts To Winning $1m At PFL 10, Finding Out His Father Passed Away

Bruno CappelozzaBrazilian heavyweight, Bruno Cappelozza has described last night’s PFL 10 heavyweight tournament victory as both the happiest and saddest day of his life, after family members informed him following his decision win over Ante Delija, that his father, Joao Cappelozza had passed away last Sunday. Competing against Rizin FF and M-1 Global veteran, Delija, Cappelozza […]

Bruno Cappelozza

Brazilian heavyweight, Bruno Cappelozza has described last night’s PFL 10 heavyweight tournament victory as both the happiest and saddest day of his life, after family members informed him following his decision win over Ante Delija, that his father, Joao Cappelozza had passed away last Sunday.

Competing against Rizin FF and M-1 Global veteran, Delija, Cappelozza managed to take home a decision victory in a close back-and-forth — clinching the heavyweight tournament win, as well as scooping the PFL $1 million fight purse for the win.

However, soon after his exit from the cage, Cappelozza was informed that his father had passed away on Sunday, with PFL commentator and former UFC fighter, Sean O’Connell explained that Cappelozza’s family had elected against informing the heavyweight of his father’s passing prior to his fight with Dileja as to not cause the Brazilian a distraction.

Bruno Cappelozza describes yesterday as the happiest and saddest day of his life 

Taking to his official Instagram account following his win over Delija, Cappelozza thanked his late father, Joao, as well as describing yesterday as the happiest and saddest of his life.

Happiest and Saddest day of my life,” Cappelozza posted on Instagram. “I didn’t know I had lost my greatest love and friend of my life. Thank you for everything, things that only God can explain. I love you beyond life, thank you for teaching me to be this human being that I am.

According to a report from MMA Junkie, Cappelozza’s team confirmed their client would be returning to Sao Paulo, Brazil on Thursday in order to be with his family, catching the first available flight.

The 32-year-old Jau native landed the fourth consecutive victory of his professional career with last night’s win over Delija scoring him his fourteenth professional triumph — with his most recent loss coming against UFC light heavyweight contender, Jiri Prochazka. 

During his impressive run, Cappelozza managed to score an impressive 46-second knockout over Delija before last night’s decision victory — in between a pair of knockouts over btoehr Mo DeReese and Jamelle Jones. A Jungle Fight alum, Cappelozza also holds wins over both Klidson Abreu and Sandro Bezerra.