Preview: PFL 4 ‘Collard vs. Martinez’

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Lightweights

Raush Manfio (16-3, 5-0 PFL) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (14-5, 3-0 PFL)

Manfio has not typically been known as a finisher under the PFL banner, but he delivered when he needed it most against Don Madge in a rousing Week 1 comeback victory. Down 2-0 on the scorecards after struggling with his opponent’s rangy kickboxing for 10 minutes, the defending lightweight champion finished Madge with a right cross and follow-up punches in the third round. Whether Madge got complacent is unknown, but credit Manfio for displaying the appropriate sense of urgency in that situation. Thus far, Manfio has managed to outduel some solid opposition under the PFL banner—Madge, Loik Razhabov, Clay Collard and Anthony Pettis—and his well-rounded offense and conditioning keep him competitive in virtually any fight. Aubin-Mercier emerged with a grueling and contentious split decision triumph over two-time PFL champion Natan Schulte in the opening week of the season. In a contest where the grappling skills of both men canceled each other out, it was encouraging to see “The Canadian Gangster” rely on a solid jab, movement, kicks and body work to edge a relentless opponent. It was a taxing approach for Aubin-Mercier, as he faded down the stretch and was seemingly hindered after absorbing a steady diet of leg kicks from Schulte. In most cases, Aubin-Mercier prefers to dictate the terms of a fight through his grappling, but it is clear that he is far more comfortable with his striking than he was early in his UFC career. Manfio should have the edge in exchanges, but his ability to remain upright and at a comfortable distance will determine how he fares against Aubin-Mercier. While Aubin-Mercier will do his best to make this an ugly affair through clinches, takedowns and scrambles, Manfio’s gas tank will hold up, and he should be able to rack up enough points on the feet through a versatile standup arsenal to capture a closely-contested decision win.


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Collard vs. Martinez
Carlos Jr. vs. Souto
Manfio vs. Aubin-Mercier
Stephens vs. Price
The Prelims