In a stunning turn of events, 27-year-old featherweight Jesus Pinedo defied all odds and secured a massive upset over top-seeded Bubba Jenkins during the PFL 2023 playoffs in San Antonio. Pinedo, hailing from Peru, dominated the former NCAA Division I national champion wrestler and secured a standing TKO victory at 4:40 of the second round.
Jenkins, a two-time finalist aiming for his second consecutive trip to the PFL finals, attempted to utilize his wrestling skills to control the 145-pound bout. However, Pinedo showcased exceptional defensive skills and repeatedly thwarted Jenkins’ takedown attempts, punishing him with powerful strikes. With a relentless assault of jabs and straight left hands, Pinedo continuously found Jenkins’ chin, causing significant damage to his right eye. Referee Kerry Hatley ultimately intervened and called off the fight, awarding Pinedo the well-deserved victory.
Following his upset victory, Jesus Pinedo will face Brazil’s Gabriel Alves Braga in the PFL finals. Braga, boasting an undefeated record of 12-0, advanced to the championship match after defeating Chris Wade, another former PFL finalist. Braga exhibited exceptional defensive wrestling skills, thwarting Wade’s takedown attempts and securing his spot in the finals.
The clash between Pinedo and Braga promises to be an exhilarating showdown, as these two underdogs aim to cement their status as featherweight contenders in the PFL.
While the featherweight division provided the night’s biggest upsets, the light heavyweight category showcased two standout performances from Josh Silveira and Impa Kasanganay.
Silveira, the son of renowned MMA coach Conan Silveira, delivered a devastating knockout blow to Ty Flores in the first round. Employing vicious standing knees from the Thai clinch, Silveira demonstrated his precision and power, securing a quick and impressive victory.
Kasanganay also earned his place in the finals with a highlight-reel one-punch knockout of Marthin Hamlet in the opening round. His knockout power and accuracy were on full display, leaving the audience in awe.
The PFL 2023 playoffs witnessed a changing of the guard, as all four winners, including Jesus Pinedo, Gabriel Alves Braga, Josh Silveira, and Impa Kasanganay, advanced to the finals for the first time. This remarkable outcome signifies the rise of a new generation of fighters who have surpassed more established names in their respective divisions.
As the PFL 2023 playoffs continue to unfold, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming heavyweight and female featherweight divisions scheduled for August 18th in New York. With underdogs consistently defying expectations, anything can happen. Will we witness more shocking upsets or will the established fighters reclaim their dominance? Only time will tell as the PFL playoffs march towards their thrilling conclusion.
Leave a Reply