Preview: PFL 9 2024 | Featherweight, Welterweight Playoffs

Welterweight Semifinal Magomed Umalatov (16-0, 7-0 PFL) vs. Neiman Gracie (13-5, 1-1 PFL)

It has been a long time coming for Umalatov. After many injuries and visa issues, Umalatov has all the cards to make a run at the welterweight title. Umalatov started his season by ragdolling former Bellator champion Andrey Koreshkov before submitting Brennan Ward in the first round. The submission win surprised the Russian slugger, who boasts 11 knockouts on his ledger. Coming into the welterweight tournament, Umalatov was installed as an early favorite and could make due on his high expectations with a win here. Gracie wasn’t the original plan for Umalatov, but after Don Madge stepped aside with an injury, the former jiu-jitsu prodigy was given the call. Gracie has been criticized for lacking a well-rounded understanding of mixed martial arts throughout his career, but that wasn’t the case in his upset win over Madge in June. Gracie fought one of the best fights of his career behind consistent pressure. He says he’s fighting with an increased sense of urgency and is willing to do the dirty work to raise his hands. Gracie lacks the power to trade with Umalatov consistently, but don’t expect him to go away quietly. He has only been stopped once in his career, and his expertise on the ground makes him a tougher matchup than Madge. Umalatov needs to push Gracie early and deny him from establishing any momentum. If Umalatov can turn Gracie back to his one-dimensional ways, a ground-and-pound finish could be awaiting him on the mat.

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Loughnane vs. Kamaka
Umalatov vs. Gracie
Braga vs. Khizriev
Musaev vs. Ramazanov
The Prelims