Ian Parker, ESPNA April 18, 2024, 9:15am ET
The remaining two PFL weight classes will play their first matches of the season in the 2024 PFL Regular Season at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena on Friday night at Welterweight and Featherweight (9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+) (7 p.m. for qualifying on ESPN+).
In the main event, Andrei Koreshkov will face undefeated PFL veteran Magomed Umalatov in his PFL debut. Koreshkov enters the fight on a five-game winning streak. In his final match of 2023, he defeated Lorenz Larkin by split decision. Although undefeated, Umalatov has never played in a PFL Championship.
In the co-main event, Brendan Loughnane will be back on the road to the playoffs after missing out on the PFL playoffs for the first time in his PFL career last season. In his first fight of the season, he faces Bellator veteran Pedro Carvalho. Rognan Rognan won the PFL featherweight title in 2022.
Here are my thoughts and analysis on the main event and other interesting bets on the card.
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Magomed Umalatov makes quick work of Delano Taylor
Magomed Umaratov starts the PFL 3 card by finishing off Delano Taylor with a flurry of punches.
Welterweight: Andrei Koreshkov vs. Magomed Umalatov
Umalatov wins. Umalatov was on the verge of reaching the semi-finals last year, but unfortunately visa issues prevented him from winning the title and competing for the $1 million prize. A first-round matchup with Bellator veteran Koreshkov should be an entertaining hitting extravaganza for as long as it lasts. Both are devastating strikers, but the biggest difference here will be Umalatov’s wrestling if he chooses to do so. I expected him to be a much bigger favorite in this match than his lines would suggest. As long as he doesn’t run out of gas, Umalatov will make it.
Featherweight: Brendan Locknane vs. Pedro Carvalho
Parker: Loughnane will win within range. Loughnane suffered the worst of their luck in the final game of the 2023 regular season. All he had to do was beat Jesus Pinedo or finish the fight within the first two minutes. However, at 1:34 of the first round, Pinedo caught Loughnane with a knee kick and won by TKO, ending Loughnane’s hopes for a consecutive title.
Editor’s Pick
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Loughnane will face Bellator veteran Carvalho, who is on a two-fight losing streak. Most recently, Carvalho was beaten by Aaron Pico and now he will face another talented striker at Loughnane. Loughnane is expected to be a strong favorite to win, so keep an eye out to see if he can win within the distance or serve as the leg of a parlay.
Welterweight: Goichi Yamauchi vs. Neiman Gracie
Gracie wins. I fully support Gracie as the underdog here. I don’t see why he’s not the favorite when he’s the better fighter no matter where he fights. Look for Gracie to use her striking to establish world-class jiu-jitsu and win. Also, it is important to pay close attention to Yamauchi’s health condition. He is recovering from a serious foot injury he sustained last year against Michael “Venom” Page.
Featherweight: Bubba Jenkins vs. Kai Kamaka III
Jenkins wins. Will this be the year Jenkins finally wins his first PFL title? The first thing to do is to break through the durable Kamaka. Kamaka and Jenkins are almost evenly matched on the feet, but Jenkins has the advantage on the mat. Expect Jenkins to come right out of the gate boxing and ready to wrestle. Once the battle is in full swing, he will take the lead.
