Preview: PFL 3 2024

Welterweights

Murad Ramazanov (11-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Laureano Staropoli (13-5, 1-0 PFL): Ramazanov is an impressive prospect who has been plagued by inactivity. The Dagestani warrior last fought for ONE Championship in 2022 in a fight that was halted prematurely by an illegal groin strike he threw. He comes from a Greco-Roman wrestling background and has fought from featherweight all the way up to middleweight. You would like to see him find some consistency on the scales, and the 170-pound weight class could provide that. Staropoli went 2-4 in the UFC before he was cut in 2021. He has tangled with experienced fighters like Thiago Alves, Roman Dolidze and Jaime Pickett while holding his own. Since leaving the UFC, he has rattled off four straight wins, including a dominant second-round TKO in his PFL debut in September. Staropoli’s seven knockouts prove his capability on the feet, but the Argentinian will have his hands full keeping Ramazanov off his legs. ODDS: Ramzanov (-550), Staropoli (+400)

Welterweights

Don Madge (10-4-1, 1-1 PFL) vs. Brennan Ward (17-7, 0-0 PFL): Ward was headed toward a Bellator welterweight title shot before his TKO loss to Logan Storley in August. At 35, does he have what it takes to rediscover his momentum? Gifted with power in both hands, the Whaling City Boxing product has knocked out 12 fighters in 17 wins and has only gone to a decision once in his career. Ward’s finish-or-be-finished mindset is a perfect fit for Madge. “The Magic Man” from Johannesburg, South Africa, loves to trade and go out on his shield. Although Madge has not fought since the 2022 PFL season, he will not take long to warm up. This fight could produce fireworks. ODDS: Madge (-200), Ward (+160)

Welterweights

Luca Poclit (10-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Zach Juusola (14-9, 2-0 PFL): Poclit suffered defeat in his first pro fight and then lost the taste for it. The SBG Ireland prospect carries a 10-fight winning streak and a dangerous ground game into the PFL season. Poclit is not a big puncher, but he can lock up a submission fast. Juusola earned his shot in the PFL with a pair of surprising upset wins over Jozef Wittner and Brandon Jenkins. Juusola’s record is not eye-catching, but the 36-year-old Minnesotan comes to fight and could be stubborn enough to break Poclit’s momentum. ODDS: Poclit (-300), Juusola (+240)

Featherweights

Enrique Barzola (21-7-2, 0-0 PFL) vs. Adam Borics (18-2, 0-0 PFL): Borics fell short of Bellator gold his last time out but comes into the PFL with high potential. The Kill Cliff Fight Club featherweight does not have a big name but has beaten a number of dangerous opponents, such as Mads Burnell, Jeremy Kennedy and Aaron Pico. Borics does not thrive in a single area but is a smart, patient fighter who is still in his physical prime. Barzola went 6-3-1 in the UFC and has only been finished once in his career. The Peruvian is a gritty scrapper who trains with the Pitbull Brothers and is coming off a win over formerly unbeaten Jaylon Bates. Typically a bantamweight, Barzola is a bit undersized for featherweight and will surrender a four-inch height disadvantage to Borics in the cage. ODDS: Barzola (-135), Borics (-105)

Featherweights

Timur Khizriev (14-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Brett Johns (20-3, 1-0 PFL): Khizriev is your typical Dagestani fighter—a great wrestler with decent striking. In 14 victories, Khizriev has stopped only four opponents, but his inability to finish fights does not hinder his habit of controlling them. Khizirev hides his dominant wrestling with solid kickboxing fundamentals and a strong clinch game, but Johns could be his toughest test to date. The Welshman is experienced, game and has only lost to Aljamain Sterling, Pedro Munhoz and Danny Sabatello. Despite only being 32, Johns has felt championship glory, having claimed belts in Cage Warriors Fighting Championship and Titan Fighting Championship. On the feet, Johns has stopped two of his last three opponents, but Khizriev should be cautious with him on the ground. His calf slicer on Joe Soto in 2017 was a finalist for “Submission of the Year.” ODDS: Khizriev (-230), Johns (+190)

Featherweights

Otto Rodrigues (14-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Tyler Diamond (12-3, 1-2 PFL): Team Alpha Male’s Diamond is looking for his first PFL win since his debut in 2021. The former “Ultimate Fighter” contestant fights at an exciting pace, and his chin lives up to his name. He survived an onslaught from Brendan Loughnane, but his power has not led him to a knockout in over six years. Rodrigues is not a slugger, either. Coming in on a 13-fight winning streak, seven of Rodrigues’ victories were via submission. He took out Brian Moore with an arm-triangle in his Bellator debut. This fight may start on the feet but will heat up on the mat. ODDS: Rodrigues (-175), Diamond (+145)

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The Prelims