Preview: PFL 9 ‘Collard vs. Burgos’

Featherweights

Alexei Pergande (3-0, 2-0 PFL) vs. Shawn Stefanelli (4-2, 0-0 PFL): The 22-year-old Pergande flashed his potential against Akeem Bashir at PFL 4, where he hurt his opponent with a head kick, softened him with ground-and-pound and then transitioned to a brabo choke to secure a first-round submission victory. In previous outings, “Russian DNA” has also displayed decent wrestling, positional control and durability. Another impressive showing could position the Kill Cliff Fight Club export for a spot in a PFL season. Stefanelli appears to be the type of local journeyman that could allow the young prospect to make another strong impression. Pergande gets a finish within two rounds.

Middleweights

Mostafa Rashed Neda (7-3, 0-0 PFL) vs. Korey Kuppe (11-5, 0-0 PFL): Neda continues the PFL tradition of bringing in Middle East-based athletes with experience in organizations such as Brave Combat Federation and UAE Warriors. The Saudia Arabian was supposed to compete on the PFL Challenger Series in January but was forced to withdraw from the event after struggling with his weight cut. With previous bouts occurring at both light heavyweight and various catchweights, his progress to 185 pounds will be worth watching. Kuppe faltered on the PFL Challenger Series in 2022, as he was blitzed by current league contender Carlos Leal Miranda in 56 seconds at welterweight—the third first-round knockout loss of his professional tenure. The lanky Kuppe is moving up in weight, and he could struggle against a larger foe. Neda by decision is the pick.

Featherweights

Abigail Montes (4-2, 2-2 PFL) vs. Michelle Montague (3-0, 0-0 PFL): After dropping a pair of closely contested split decision against 2023 postseason participants Marina Mokhnatkina and Olena Kolesnyk in 2022, Montes showcased an ability to transition to dominant positions and land impactful ground-and-pound in a first-round stoppage of Brandy Hester in June. The Lobo Gym representative has already acquired some solid experience at just 23 years old—she also owns a win over boxing champ Claressa Shields in PFL competition—and figures to still be building her skill set. Montague, meanwhile, comes from a solid wrestling and grappling background in her native New Zealand and is anchored at American Top Team. She has rolled through largely overmatched competition thus far, winning all three of her bouts—two on the PFL Challenger Series—via rear-naked choke while displaying high-amplitude takedowns and slams, along with the ability to scramble and advance position on the canvas. Montes is a willing brawler when the situation calls for it, but her best performances have relied on pressure and control. While that could be a tough ask here, Montes is also more experienced in longer fights than Montague. Montes wins a decision.

Featherweights

Abdullah Al-Qahtani (6-1, 1-0 PFL) vs. David Zelner (4-2, 0-0 PFL): Though he entered his PFL debut with a high number of decision wins on his ledger, Al-Qahtani utilized aggressive grappling, scrambling and ground-and-pound before securing a first-round submission victory over Lamar Brown. It is still worth noting that the Brave Combat Federation veteran has experience in close fights—he is 2-1 in bouts ending via split decision—which can be beneficial for a young fighter. Zelner, a Millennia MMA product whose most notable fights have come under the Combate Global banner, will provide another opportunity for the Saudi Arabian fighter to earn a chance to compete on the next PFL season. Al-Qahtani wins by decision.

Featherweights

John Caldone (4-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Nathaniel Grimard (4-2, 0-0 PFL): This appears to be a matchup for local fans, as Caldone and Grimard have fought exclusively in the northeastern part of the United States. Given their respective levels of competition, it is difficult to predict how this might play out. However, Caldone, who trains at Long Island MMA and has fought for Ring of Combat, seems to have the more solid overall foundation. Caldone wins inside the distance.

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Collard vs. Burgos
Aubin-Mercier vs. Miranda
Sy vs. Miranda
Magomedkerimov vs. Renfro
Walsh vs. Davis
The Prelims