PFL 4 headliner was a major upset as the PFL superstar Brendan Loughnane got ko’d by Peru fighter Jesus Pinedo. Assumed Loughnane was going to dominate Pinedo in masterclass performance, but Pinedo proved to everyone there’s talented fighters all over the world which I love to see.
Last card shown the PFL featherweight division has the most depth talent wise. Featherweight playoffs will be very interesting as the four fighters all have winnable chance to win the one million dollar prize.
Movlid Khaybulaev
2021 PFL Featherweight Champion took a year off and now returned to the PFL ring to win another million dollars considered the favorite to win 2023 PFL tournament.
Favorite to win because he’s one unstoppable force taking advantage of his world class sambo skills leading to his undefeated 21-0 record. List of wins include Loughnane, Chris Wade, Lance Palmer shows how talented Movlid truly is.
Definitely believe Movlid is one of the best featherweights today and will continue to prove it in 2023 as he’s highly capable of winning the PFL Featherweight Tournament with Loughnane out of the playoffs.
Bubba Jenkins
Second favorite to win PFL Featherweight Tournament has strongest opportunity to win in 2023 with Loughnane injured, toughest competitor for Movlid Khaybulaev.
Former 2011 NCAA Championship Wrestler out of Arizona State can dominate any MMA fighter with his world class wrestling ability en route to winning most fights but to win the PFL Championship. Jenkins striking gradually improved since 2022 and that can lead him to victory.
Mixes up Arizona State Wrestling with simple but effective striking can win the PFL Featherweight Championship against Movlid Khaybulaev. Changing his life forever by winning one million dollar prize in addition of his base salary.
Jesus Pinedo
Former UFC fighter had short stint only two fights than released, Never gave up after being cut began fighting for Peru promotion Inka FC than Professional Fighters League signed him.
Great signing for PFL as he’s only 26 years old, still hasn’t touched the surface of his potential. Proven that in his last PFL fight surprising the world defeating Brendan Loughnane with a vicious first round KO.
Pinedo with defeating Loughnane gave him boost of confidence that can lead to to finals appearance. Pinedo compared his competitors might have the best striking which will pay dividends if Pinedo can keep the fight standing against Movlid or Jenkins.
Jesus Pinedo continues to train at American Kickboxing Academy, obsessively improving his grappling defense maybe Pinedo can surprisingly win the PFL final. Training with Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Enrique Barzola will definitely help.
Pinedo MMA skills from closing distance well, smooth fluid boxing, fast footwork can lead to winning the PFL finals and earning himself life changing one million dollars.
Peruvian fighter Jesus Pinedo reminds me of WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres.
Gabriel Braga
Earned PFL contract from fighting on PFL Challenger Series by defeating Ago Huskic, now on two fight winning streak.
Both PFL wins are Jesus Pinedo & Marlon Moraes two really good fighters. Pinedo was split decision win & Moraes was first round KO that lead to his retirement.
11-0 record only 25 years old has great potential to become a PFL superstar and PFL Featherweight Champion.
Gabriel Braga Skills
- three round conditioning
- dealing with adversity
- counter striking
- fighting in close range
- throwing three & four punch combinations
- accurate shots to the body and face
Love what I saw in his three PFL fights, potential to become a PFL Finalist and one day win the tournament but less likely this year. Definitely will continue to watch Gabriel Braga as his career will prosper.
Billy's MMA Blog 
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