PFL Announces 2024 Playoff Main Cards, Former Bellator Champ Replaced In Semifinal

Following the conclusion of the promotion’s latest global regular season, the lineups are set for this year’s PFL Playoffs. 2024 was always going to be a big one for the PFL, as it marks the first season since it acquired a rival promotion in Bellator. After kicking off the year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a […]

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Following the conclusion of the promotion’s latest global regular season, the lineups are set for this year’s PFL Playoffs.

2024 was always going to be a big one for the PFL, as it marks the first season since it acquired a rival promotion in Bellator. After kicking off the year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a cross-brand event and commencing its sophomore PFL Europe campaign in Paris, eyes turned to the global season.

And having hosted six events across April and June, the brackets for the 2024 PFL Playoffs were decided, and the main cards are now set.

A recent press release announced which semifinals will feature in main event slots, as well as the order below them.


PFL Playoffs 1: Goltsov vs. Johnson (August 2)

This year’s PFL playoffs will kick off with heavyweight and women’s flyweight action at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 2.

In the main event, PFL veteran Denis Goltsov makes his bid for a second championship final in what will be his fourth semifinal appearance. The Russian has worked his way back to the postseason courtesy of knockout wins over Linton Vassell and Thiago Santos. He’ll next face Tim Johnson, whose six-point finish of Danilo Marques saw him secure a playoff place in his SmartCage debut.

The other heavyweight semifinal has undergone a change. In the second fight of the night, Linton Vassell will battle Oleg Popov for a place in the final. The former didn’t qualify in the top four spots but has been handed a chance at redemption following an injury to former interim Bellator champion Valentin Moldavsky.

Co-headlining for the women’s flyweights will be Dakota Ditcheva, who breezed to top-seed status in the regular season by extending her perfect professional record with crushing TKOs against Lisa Mauldin and Chelsea Hackett. She’s next set for her toughest test to date opposite Jena Bishop.

Opening the main card, meanwhile, will be an intriguing semifinal matchup between two flyweight elites in ex-UFC title challenger Taila Santos and Bellator champ Liz Carmouche, both of whom recorded consecutive wins to secure their playoff spots.

Main Card (9 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN+):

  • Heavyweight Playoffs Main Event: Denis Goltsov (34-8) vs. Tim Johnson (18-9) 
  • Women’s Flyweight Playoffs Co-Main Event: Dakota Ditcheva (12-0) vs. Jena Bishop (7-1)
  • Heavyweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Oleg Popov (18-1) vs. Linton Vassell (25-9) 
  • Women’s Flyweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Liz Carmouche (22-7) vs. Taila Santos (21-3) 


PFL Playoffs 2: Kasanganay vs. Silveira (August 16)

The second stop in the PFL’s postseason sees the SmartCage head to Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, for light heavyweight and lightweight fights on August 16.

In the main event, Impa Kasanganay continues his pursuit of a second straight PFL championship against the man at the expense of whom he captured the 205-pound crown in 2023, Josh Silveira. The other light heavyweight contest comes in the co-headliner, with 2022 title winner Rob Wilkinson battling Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov.

Opening the main card on August 16 will be the always entertaining Clay Collard, whose quest for a first PFL title must next go through former Bellator standout Brent Primus. Elsewhere in that division, Gadzhi Rabadanov and Michael Dufort will share the cage.

Main Card (9 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN+):

  • Light Heavyweight Playoffs Main Event: Impa Kasanganay (17-4) vs. Josh Silveira (13-3)
  • Light Heavyweight Playoffs Co-Main Event: Rob Wilkinson (19-2) vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (23-7-1)
  • Lightweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (22-4-1) vs. Michael Dufort (13-5) 
  • Lightweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Brent Primus (14-3) vs. Clay Collard (25-13) 

PFL Playoffs 3: Loughnane vs. Kamaka III (August 23)

The featherweights and welterweights will round out the semifinal action at The Anthem in Washington D.C. on August 23.

In the main event, 2022 featherweight kingpin Brendan Loughnane looks to continue his momentum from a strong regular season en route to another dose of PFL success. To do so, he must stall the charge of Kai Kamaka III, who is looking to capture the $1 million check in his first taste of season action. The other featherweight semifinal sees 2023 finalist Gabriel Braga tasked with blemishing the perfect record of Timur Khizriev.

Co-headlining the August 23 card will be Magomed Umalatov, whose submission of Brennan Ward last time out has left him as a potential favorite in the eyes of many. He’ll look to further prove those predictions right by eliminating South Africa’s Don Madge from the equation. Opening the main card at 170 pounds, meanwhile, is a rematch between the undefeated Shamil Musaev and Murad Ramazanov. While the latter was knocked out by his fellow countryman in June, his first regular season bout was enough to keep him inside the divisional top four.

Main Card (9 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN+):

  • Featherweight Playoffs Main Event: Brendan Loughnane (29-5) vs. Kai Kamaka (14-5-1) 
  • Welterweight Playoffs Co-Main Event: Magomed Umalatov (16-0) vs. Don Madge (11-5-1) 
  • Featherweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Gabriel Braga (14-1) vs. Timur Khizriev (16-0) 
  • Welterweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Shamil Musaev (18-0-1) vs. Murad Ramazanov (12-1)

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VIDEO | Khabib Nurmagomedov Reacts To Fedors KO Victory

Khabib NurmagomedovKhabib Nurmagomedov was ecstatic to watch one of his favorite fighters ever Fedor Emelianenko KO his opponent Tim Johnson at Bellator 269. ‘The Last Emperor’ made his return to the octagon and provided absolute fireworks for the Russian crowd. The card was held in Emelianenko’s home country of Russia. In the stands going crazy for Emelianenko’s return […]

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov was ecstatic to watch one of his favorite fighters ever Fedor Emelianenko KO his opponent Tim Johnson at Bellator 269.

‘The Last Emperor’ made his return to the octagon and provided absolute fireworks for the Russian crowd. The card was held in Emelianenko’s home country of Russia. In the stands going crazy for Emelianenko’s return to the octagon was ‘The Eagle’ Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Khabib has always been a big fan of ‘The Last Emperor’ since he saw him fight in the early 2000’s. In a Facebook post from 5 years ago, Khabib said “First time I saw Fedor fight live was in 2004, at Combat Sambo Dagestan Championship. He wasn’t that famous at that moment, but I knew him, and was watching him fight that whole day. That day he won, took first place and after since he was first for me, no matter lose or win”.

Khabib had also named Emelianenko as one of his six GOAT’s of the sport itself. A list that included Emelianenko, Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, GSP, Daniel Cormier, and Demetrious Johnson. The two seem to have a good relationship as well and Khabib has even given Emelianenko some advice in the past.

Emelianenko’s win over Johnson was the legends 40th professional win inside the octagon and his fourth win under the Bellator banner. The most logical matchup for Emelianenko, (since he has already proclaimed this was not his last fight) would be to fight Ryan Bader next. He previously lost to Bader in the Heavyweight World Grand Prix Finals back in 2019 by TKO. That would be a really fun matchup to run back if both fighters would want to.

Did you enjoy seeing Fedor Emelianenko back inside the octagon? Would you be interested in a rematch between Fedor Emelianenko and Ryan Bader?

Bellator 269: Fedor vs. Johnson Results & Highlights, Fedor Gets The KO

Bellator 269: Fedor vs. Johnson has wrapped up, and you can catch all of the highlights and results right here! Today, Bellator 269 took place from the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. The main event saw Russian legend Fedor Emelianenko battle the #2-ranked heavyweight Tim Johnson. Also on tap on the main card was undefeated […]

Continue Reading Bellator 269: Fedor vs. Johnson Results & Highlights, Fedor Gets The KO at MMA News.

Bellator 269: Fedor vs. Johnson has wrapped up, and you can catch all of the highlights and results right here!

Today, Bellator 269 took place from the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. The main event saw Russian legend Fedor Emelianenko battle the #2-ranked heavyweight Tim Johnson. Also on tap on the main card was undefeated prospect and cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Usman Nurmagomedov, who was scheduled to face the 11-8 Patrik Pietila. The co-main event saw heavyweights Vitaly Minakov (22-1) up against Said Sowma (7-2).

We’ve got you covered with the full main card highlights below followed by the quick results from today’s special event!

Anatoly Tokov vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Patrik Pietila

Vitaly Minakov vs. Said Sowma 

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Johnson

Bellator 269: Fedor vs. Johnson Quick Results

MAIN CARD

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Johnson via knockout (punches): Round 1, 1:46

Said Sowma def. Vitaly Minakov via TKO (doctor stoppage): R3, 3:08

Usman Nurmagomedov def. Patrik Pietila via submission (rear-naked choke): R1, 4:06

Anatoly Tokov def. Sharaf Davlatmurodov via split decision (28-29, 29-28×2)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Kirill Sidelnikov def. Rab Truesdale via TKO (strikes): R1, 2:01

Katarzyna Sadura def. Darina Mazdyuk via TKO (punches): R2, 3:17

Irina Alekseeva def. Stephanie Page via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28)

Nikita Mikhailov def. Brian Moore via unanimous decision (29-28×3)

Alexey Shurkevich def. Grachik Bozinyan via knockout (punches): R1, 2:25

Aiden Lee def. Alexander Osetrov via submission (rear-naked choke): R1, 3:41

Continue Reading Bellator 269: Fedor vs. Johnson Results & Highlights, Fedor Gets The KO at MMA News.

Fedor Emelianenko Scores Walk-Off KO Over Tim Johnson In Russia Homecoming – Bellator 269 Highlights

Fedor EmelianenkoMixed martial arts icon, Fedor Emelianenko successfully made his homecoming one to remember tonight to round out Bellator 269 in Moscow, Russia — stopping former interim heavyweight title challenger, Tim Johnson with a stunning, opening round walk-off knockout win inside two minutes of the first frame. Emelianenko, making his first appearance in Russia since June […]

Fedor Emelianenko

Mixed martial arts icon, Fedor Emelianenko successfully made his homecoming one to remember tonight to round out Bellator 269 in Moscow, Russia — stopping former interim heavyweight title challenger, Tim Johnson with a stunning, opening round walk-off knockout win inside two minutes of the first frame.

Emelianenko, making his first appearance in Russia since June of 2016 when he bested Fabio Maldonado, Emelianenko headlined the VTB Arena card in Moscow, taking on UFC alum and the #2 ranked Bellator heavyweight contender, Johnson.

Fedor Emelianenko lands huge walk-off KO in Russia homecoming against Tim Johnson

Circling from the outside and landing well during the numerous early exchanges, Emelianenko managed to unleash an almost classic, lightening fast combination on the chin of Johnson, landing with a huge straight hand, before swinging and crashing home with a pair of alternating hooks, sending Johnson to the canvas as he scored a massive walk-off finish on his home soil return.

Below, catch the highlights from Emelianenko’s massive stoppage of Johnson.

Bellator 269 Takes Place Live Tonight On Showtime

Bellator 269 brings Bellator MMA to Russia with one of the greatest heavyweights from the region in Fedor Emelianenko. As he continues his retirement tour in what could be his final fight against Bellator’s #2-ranked heavyweight in Tim Johnson at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. It’s Bellator’s first time in the region, so they’re […]

Continue Reading Bellator 269 Takes Place Live Tonight On Showtime at MMA News.

Bellator 269 brings Bellator MMA to Russia with one of the greatest heavyweights from the region in Fedor Emelianenko. As he continues his retirement tour in what could be his final fight against Bellator’s #2-ranked heavyweight in Tim Johnson at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. It’s Bellator’s first time in the region, so they’re showcasing a lot of Russia’s best fighters on this card.

Former Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Vitaly Minakov will face  Said Sowma in the co-main event and undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov also faces Patrik Pietila on the main card. Fans were expecting Andrey Koreshkov versus Rustam Khabilov on this card as well, but the bout was removed due to an undisclosed injury according to a press release from Bellator.

This is another Saturday event for Bellator MMA and earlier than fans are used to since it will be airing live from Russia. See the start times and where to watch below. Also, be sure to check back here at the conclusion of tonight’s event!

BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD: SHOWTIME (U.S.) | OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (U.K.) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND) Saturday, Oct. 23 – 10 p.m. MSK / 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. No. 2 Tim Johnson (15-7)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vitaly Minakov (22-1) vs. No. 8 Said Sowma (7-2)

160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: No. 6 Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8)

Middleweight Bout: Anatoly Tokov (29-2) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1)

PRELIMINARY CARD BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US) OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

7 p.m. MSK / 5 p.m. BST / 12 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Bout: Kirill Sidelnikov (12-6) vs. Rab Truesdale (10-7-1)

Lightweight Bout: Vladimir Tokov (6-1) vs. Aymard Guih (15-11-1)

Flyweight Bout: Darina Mazdyuk (4-1) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (4-4)

Flyweight Bout: Irina Alekseeva (3-1) vs. Stephanie Page (5-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (14-7) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (7-1)

Welterweight Bout: Grachik Bozinyan (11-4) vs. Alexey Shurkevich (12-4)

Featherweight Bout: Aiden Lee (9-5) vs. Alexander Osetrov (8-2-1)

Featherweight Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-1) vs. Alexander Belikh (9-4)

Continue Reading Bellator 269 Takes Place Live Tonight On Showtime at MMA News.

Fedor Explains Why He Chose To Fight Tim Johnson Over dos Santos

Even as his career comes to a close, “The Last Emperor” still wants to test himself.  Fedor Emelianenko was once considered by many as the best fighter on the planet. At 45-years-old, it seems Emelianenko’s fighting career should be coming to an end soon. Yet, even as the curtain closes on a historic run that […]

Continue Reading Fedor Explains Why He Chose To Fight Tim Johnson Over dos Santos at MMA News.

Even as his career comes to a close, “The Last Emperor” still wants to test himself. 

Fedor Emelianenko was once considered by many as the best fighter on the planet. At 45-years-old, it seems Emelianenko’s fighting career should be coming to an end soon. Yet, even as the curtain closes on a historic run that saw the Russian win 27 bouts straight, Emelianenko doesn’t want easy wins. 

Speaking with MMA Junkie, Emelianenko details why he chose to fight Tim Johnson. 

“Tim Johnson had quite a winning streak going on,” Emelianenko told MMA Junkie at a virtual news conference. “That obviously shows he’s quite a good fighter. Fighting someone who is spearheading the (division) is always a great opportunity.”

Fedor Emelianenko Quinton Jackson
Fedor Emelianenko leaves “Rampage” face down on the mat Image Credit: Bellator MMA

One man whose name was tentatively linked to a bout with the former PRIDE heavyweight champion is Junior dos Santos. After parting ways with the UFC, dos Santos began calling to fight Emelianenko in Russia. The match-up briefly seemed like a possibility, but it was soon announced that Johnson would be the man flying to Moscow. 

Johnson, at least for Emelianenko, made more sense as an opponent. 

“Aside from Tim Johnson, Dos Santos, for example, had a serious streak of losses alongside,” Emelianenko said. “He was also fighting for the UFC, as well. That is why I don’t think it would’ve been much suitable to fight him compared to Tim Johnson. Not to mention the fact that Bellator came up with a bunch of options and Tim was the obvious choice.”

dos Santos ended his long tenure with the UFC with four straight losses. While Johnson doesn’t have a “serious streak of losses,” the heavyweight has gone 3-3 since signing with Bellator. His most recent outing ended in a loss to Valentin Moldavsky. 

Emelianenko finds himself 3-2 since signing with Bellator in 2017. In 2019, Emelianenko knocked out Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in the first round. Since the victory, he’s been absent from the cage due to border closings and his own bout with COVID.

Bellator 269: Fedor vs. Johnson takes place this Saturday, October 23, 2021, from Dinamo Lev Yashin Stadium in Moscow, Russia and will air live on Showtime.

Continue Reading Fedor Explains Why He Chose To Fight Tim Johnson Over dos Santos at MMA News.