Preview: PFL 2 2024

Lightweight

Mads Burnell (18-5, 0-0 PFL) vs. Michael Dufort (12-4, 1-0 PFL)

ODDS: Burnell (-200), Dufort (+160)

Burnell is only 30, but he has been around. After coming up in the Danish circuit, Burnell spent a year in the UFC before he was released after losing to Arnold Allen. Burnell rebounded and went on a seven-fight winning streak that saw him win the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship featherweight title and become a Bellator contender. After Adam Borics defeated Burnell in their title eliminator, things went sideways for the Arte Suave product. He lost again against Pedro Carvalho and faded entirely from the featherweight title picture. The move to PFL signifies a fresh start for Burnell in several ways. For one, he is competing in a new weight class. After spending most of his career at featherweight, Burnell is taking his talents to lightweight.

That is a question for Quebec’s Dufort. “The Machine” has never been stopped and has not been beaten since dropping a split decision in 2021. Like Burnell, he has nine submissions but has not faced the same opposition. Coming in as the naturally bigger man is something he can count on, though. Burnell is an experienced threat who could be a tough matchup stylistically in a three-round fight. Dufort will have to rely on more than just strength; it may be his best weapon. If this fight goes to the ground—and it likely will—smothering and roughing up Burnell is likely a better option than trying to outgrapple the former European no-gi champion.

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Kasanganay vs. Polizzi
Wilkinson vs. Breese
Collard vs. Freire
Burnell vs. Dufort
Sy vs. Silveira
Yagshimuradov vs. Nedoh
Carlos Jr. vs. Biyong
The Prelims