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PFL 8 results: Explosive finishes set the stage for thrilling championships

Headlining the event at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Renan Ferreira faced off against Maurice Greene in a highly anticipated showdown.

By Mohit | Aug 19, 2023 | 3 Min Read

Headlining the event at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Renan Ferreira faced off against Maurice Greene in a highly anticipated showdown. Ferreira is known as “Problema” and he lived up to his moniker as he swiftly dispatched Greene with a thunderous right hand sealing the victory just 14 seconds before the end of the first round. With this emphatic win, Ferreira’s record moved to an impressive 5-1 with 2 No-Contests in the PFL Smartcage. This triumph secured his place in the 2023 Championships set to take place later this year pending the announcement of the date and venue.

While Ferreira’s knockout was a show-stealer. Larissa Pacheco was equally devastating in her co-main event clash against Olena Kolesnyk. Pacheco is the 2022 women’s lightweight champion and she displayed her dominance by obliterating Kolesnyk with a series of punches a mere 14 seconds into the first round.

This stunning victory punched Pacheco’s ticket to the women’s featherweight final. A remarkable feat considering her previous two first-round wins over Kolesnyk. Pacheco’s prediction of a victory in under a minute came true further solidifying her prowess within the PFL. Her record in the PFL now stands at 11-2 adorned with eight first-round finishes. A victory in the featherweight final would make her the PFL’s first two-division champion adding a historic layer to her already impressive accomplishments.

Explosive finishes set the stage for thrilling championships

The event also witnessed Denis Goltsov’s dominant performance in the heavyweight division. Goltsov efficiently dispatched Jordan Heiderman with a first-round arm-triangle choke, securing his place in the 2023 heavyweight finals. This marks Goltsov’s first trip to the finals a significant achievement after having qualified for the heavyweight playoffs three times previously. His impending showdown against Renan Ferreira in the Championships promises an electrifying clash between two formidable heavyweights.

Marina Mokhnatkina’s journey in the women’s featherweight division continued with a submission victory over Amber Leibrock. Mokhnatkina swiftly secured an armbar just 1 minute and 45 seconds into the first round, marking the fastest submission victory for any woman in PFL history. With a record of 5-1 in the PFL Smartcage, Mokhnatkina’s only loss came at the hands of Kayla Harrison last year. Her victory over Leibrock sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated showdown against Larissa Pacheco in the women’s featherweight finals at the PFL Championships.

Nathan Kelly kicked off the main card with a unanimous decision win over Damion Nelson showcasing his superior striking skills. The victory marked Kelly’s third under the PFL banner potentially positioning him as a strong contender for the 2024 featherweight tournament.