Brendan Loughnane (29-5) vs. Kai Kamaka III (14-5)

In the Main Event of the PFL D.C. Playoffs, European striker and 2022 PFL tournament champion Brendan Loughnane faced MMA veteran and Extreme Couture product Kai Kamaka. Both fighters started tentatively trying to establish range at a distance.

Loughnane landed a few leg kicks early before blitzing Kamaka with punches against the cage at the end of round one. Loughnane would find a rhythm and outland Kamaka significantly on the feet. The second round was the best of the fight for Kamaka who battled tough after an early knockdown to go the distance.

After 15 minutes the judges scored the fight a split decision. Again David Terrelli went in the opposite direction of the other two judges and scored the contest for Kamaka. Thankfully the other two officials overruled his score and had Loughnane winning the fight (29-28, and 30-27). Loughnane will face undefeated Russian Timur Khizriev in the PFL world championships later this year.

Magomed Umalatov (16-0) vs. Neiman Gracie (13-5)

In the Co-main event of this PFL D.C. card, “The Prince” Magomed Umalatov took on Gracie family member Neiman Gracie in the second Welterweight semifinal matchup. Umalatov is regarded as one of the best fighters in the PFL and picked up wins over Brennan Ward and Andrey Koreshkov in the regular season. Gracie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt who beat Don Madge in the regular season, earning a spot in the playoffs.

Early in the fight, Umalatov established range fighting well at a distance. Gracie fought with toughness walking forward through the big shots of Umalatov. Entering the third round I had the fight scored two rounds to zero for Umalatov. Gracie fought his best round in the final five minutes and threatened the undefeated Russian prospect with submissions on the ground. After fifteen hard-fought minutes, the judges scored the contest (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) in favor of Umalatov. Shamil Musaev and Umalatov will face off for a million dollars with both of their undefeated records on the line!

Gabriel Braga (14-1) vs. Timur Khizriev (16-0)

The first fight in the Featherweight semifinals featured undefeated Russian phenom Timur Khizriev and dangerous Brazilian striker Gabriel Braga. The first round started out with a feeling-out process on the feet before Khizriev landed a takedown with 1:15 remaining in the opening round. Braga scrambled back to his feet, but Khizriev dictated the pace in the opening round. In the second, Braga bounced back and scored a flash knockdown at the end of the round. This was a highly competitive fight with some people having it 1-1 entering the third. Khizriev was able to find a takedown early in the third round before Braga worked back up to his feet. Once standing, Braga walked Khizriev down landing multiple combinations to the body of his opponent.

We went to the judge’s scorecards after three rounds and their decision was split. One judge David Terrelli scored the fight for Braga while the other two judges saw it for Khizriev. Extending his record to (17-0) Khizriev has cemented his place in the Million Dollar Final.

Rest of PFL D.C. Fight Card Results:

The PFL D.C. prelims began at 7:30 EST on ESPN+.

Shido Boris Esperanca Def. Tyler Hill by TKO (Ground and Pound) in round one.

Maxwell Djantou Nana Def. Kent Mafileo by KO (Right Hand) in round two.

Jose Perez Def. Jesse Stirn by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27).

Enrique Barzola Def. Tyler Diamond by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mukhamed Berkhamov Def. Ray Cooper III by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Shamil Musaev Def. Murad Ramazanov by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

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