Preview: PFL 8, 2022 Playoffs

Lightweights

Josh O'Connor (1-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Emran Sakhizada (0-1, 0-0 PFL): In a matchup of Wales versus Afghanistan, two inexperienced competitors with far different results in their professional debuts will square off. The fact that Sakhizada submitted to punches just 53 seconds into his first professional foray is not an encouraging sign. O’Connor remains unbeaten and gets the finish.

Light Heavyweights

Mick Stanton (9-6, 0-0 PFL) vs. Marcin Wojcik (15-8, 0-0 PFL): Stanton steps in as a late replacement for Mohammad Fakhreddine. “The Huyton Hammer” is a longtime Cage Warriors Fighting Championship veteran who enters the bout on a three-fight winning streak, including a notable decision against UFC veteran Darren Stewart. Wojcik is a veteran of the Polish circuit, a run that includes a 4-2 mark in KSW. He has won four of his last five, which included a brief stint as Fight Exclusive Night light heavyweight king. Wojcik gets it done by KO/TKO within two rounds.

Welterweights

Chris Mixan (3-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Christian Stigenberg (3-1, 0-0 PFL): During a victory over Nathan Pierce on the PFL Challenger Series, Mixan displayed the ability to utilize a significant reach advantage behind his jab and utilize punching combinations when the opportunity arose. Sweden’s Stigenberg is five inches shorter and will have to navigate similar difficulties to get inside on his American opponent. Mixan uses his physical advantages to capture a decision here.

Heavyweights

Hatef Moeil (12-4, 0-0 PFL) vs. Szymon Bajor (23-9, 0-0 PFL): Moeil enters the matchup with Bajor on an eight-bout winning streak that includes victories over recognizable names such as James McSweeney and Ricco Rodriguez. The powerfully built German likes to punch his way into clinch or takedown range, and he will be persistent in attempting to take his opponent to the canvas. If he can advance to full mount, he is capable of dropping forceful ground-and-pound. Currently the FEN interim heavyweight king, Bajor is a Rizin Fighting Federation and KSW veteran with noteworthy bouts against the likes Marcin Tybura, Denis Goltsov, Valentin Moldavsky and Oli Thompson. The Pole will throw heavy overhands in exchanges but is susceptible to takedowns against powerful wrestlers. Bajor will be the smaller man, and unless he can prevent Moeil from closing the distance, he will likely find himself on his back repeatedly. Moeil by TKO or decision is the pick.

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MacDonald vs. Umalatov
Delija vs. Ferreira
Goltsov vs. Scheffel
Sy vs. Miranda
The Prelims
Qualifiers