Preview: PFL 1 ‘Collard vs. Stephens’

Light Heavyweights

Emiliano Sordi (23-9, 7-2-1 PFL | -350) vs. Cory Hendricks (8-4, 1-1 PFL | +250): The Nova Unaio-trained Sordi has knockout power, a deadly top game and submission ability, but many of his struggles to repeat as champion in 2021 came as a result of his tendency to fatigue if a quick finish failed to arrive. Hendricks was rebooked to replace Joshua Silveira, an undefeated former two-division Legacy Fighting Alliance champion and the son of American Top Team coach Conan Silveira. Hendricks competed on Season 23 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series and made waves with his submission of Khalil Rountree. He gained some solid PFL experience in 2021, notably rallying from the brink of defeat early to submit Marthin Hamlet in his promotional debut. The Syndicate MMA product is fairly battle-tested, with wins over UFC veterans Luke Barnatt and Konstantin Eorkhin on his resume, but this appears to be a mountain too high for him. Expect Sordi to seize the reins on the way to a second- or third-round stoppage.

Lightweights

Alex Martinez (8-2, 1-2 PFL | -145) vs. Steven Ray (23-9, 0-0 PFL | +115): Ray, an 11-fight UFC veteran, returns to the cage for the first time since October 2019, when he bested Michael Johnson in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 162. The Scot announced his retirement soon after, citing a knee injury as the primary motivation behind his decision. Martinez faced a tough draw during his debut PFL campaign, but he was competitive in three bouts against Loik Radzhabov and Natan Schulte. There is a question of Ray’s health, though the layoff could prove to be rejuvenating. Despite the gap in experience, this is a tough matchup for Ray. Martinez by decision is the pick.

Light Heavyweights

Marthin Hamlet (8-3, 2-2 PFL | -250) vs. Teodoras Aukstuolis (11-5, 0-0 PFL | +200): Hamlet’s most notable PFL win of 2021 came when Cezar Ferreira suffered an apparent hamstring injury while throwing a kick in their playoff bout. While he does technically qualify as a light heavyweight finalist, Hamlet largely remains a mystery heading into the new season. Aukstuolis, a four-time Rizin Fighting Federation veteran, owns a notable finish of PFL heavyweight king Bruno Henrique Cappelozza. Both men have quick finishing ability, but this could become a slog if it goes longer than expected. The pick is Aukstuolis via submission.

Light Heavyweights

Viktor Pesta (18-6, 0-0 PFL | -130) vs. Omari Akhmedov (21-7-1, 0-1 PFL | +110): Akhmedov has competed at as low as 170 pounds and is a smallish light heavyweight. Still, his PFL debut against the late Jordan Young was going well for two rounds before he was rocked and stopped in Round 3. Pesta has won three straight fights since dropping to 205 pounds, and even during a forgettable 1-4 UFC stint, he showcased admirable toughness under duress. Pesta’s size could be a problem, and he will try to tax Akhmedov’s conditioning through wrestling, grappling and clinch work. Pesta by decision is the pick.

Light Heavyweights

Rob Wilkinson (13-2, 0-0 PFL | -180) vs. Bruce Souto (15-3, 0-0 PFL | +150): Wilkinson owns the unenviable distinction of being Israel Adesanya’s debut opponent in the UFC. After technical knockout losses to Adesanya and Siyar Bahadurzada, Wilkinson returned to the Australian regional circuit to pick up a pair of first-round finishes. Wilkinson is tough, well-rounded and capable of putting away low-caliber opposition, but he falters at the highest levels. Souto made a splash on the PFL Challenger Series, earning a promotional contract thanks to a flying knee knockout of journeyman Travis Davis. Souto has proven himself capable of winning on the scorecards in numerous triumphs over regional veterans, so he will not necessarily be reliant on the spectacular here. However, look for Wilkinson to make it an ugly affair and win by decision or submission.

Light Heavyweights

Simeon Powell (5-0, 0-0 PFL | -300) vs. Clinton Williams (9-5, 0-0 PFL | +220): The 38-year-old Williams had a two-bout stint in World Series of Fighting from 2015 to 2016 but has competed infrequently in recent years, though he did notch a pair of victories on the regional scene in 2021. What that means in the grand scheme of things remains to be seen. Powell was one of the standouts on the first run of the PFL Challenger Series, as the undefeated Brit picked apart and outpointed a game but visibly outmatched Tobias Baker to earn a spot on the PFL roster less than two weeks ago. His true ceiling remains in question, but at just 23 years of age, time is on his side; and Powell appears to have all the advantages, outside of experience, heading into his organizational debut. Powell by TKO is the pick.

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