The headline fight at the 2024 PFL Regular Season event features Andrey Koreshkov making his PFL debut against undefeated veteran Magomed Umalatov. Koreshkov is riding a five-fight win streak, with his most recent victory being a split decision win over Lorenz Larkin in 2023. On the other hand, Umalatov, despite being undefeated, has never competed for a PFL championship. The matchup promises to be a striking fest between two skilled competitors, with Umalatov’s wrestling potentially being the x-factor in this fight. It is surprising that Umalatov is not a heavier favorite going into this bout, but as long as he avoids gassing out, he is expected to come out on top.
In the co-main event, Brendan Loughnane looks to bounce back from missing the PFL playoffs for the first time in his career last season. Loughnane, a former PFL featherweight champion, faces off against Bellator veteran Pedro Carvalho. Loughnane’s previous season ended in disappointment when he was finished by Jesus Pinedo in the first round, costing him a shot at back-to-back titles. His opponent, Carvalho, is on a two-fight losing streak, with his most recent loss coming via knockout to Aaron Pico. Loughnane is expected to be a heavy favorite in this matchup, making him a strong candidate to win inside the distance or be included in a parlay.
One underdog to watch in this event is Gracie, who is surprisingly not the favorite in his matchup. Gracie is a well-rounded fighter with strong striking and world-class jiu-jitsu. His opponent, Yamauchi, is coming off a significant leg injury suffered in his last fight. Gracie is expected to capitalize on this and use his striking to set up his grappling game for a victory. As an underdog, Gracie presents an intriguing betting opportunity for those looking to take a risk.
Will this be the year that Jenkins finally claims his first PFL title? Jenkins faces a tough opponent in Kamaka, but he holds the advantage on the mat. Jenkins is known for his strong boxing and wrestling, which he is likely to utilize to set the pace of the fight. If Jenkins can implement his game plan and get the fight to the ground, he is expected to be in control and move one step closer to his championship aspirations.
The 2024 PFL Regular Season event featuring the Welterweights and Featherweights presents an exciting lineup of matchups with potential for upsets and dominant performances. From debuting fighters like Koreshkov to former champions like Loughnane, the event promises to deliver thrilling action for MMA fans. As the fighters step into the cage in Chicago, all eyes will be on them as they look to make a statement and pave their way towards PFL glory.
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