Preview: PFL 7, 2022 Playoffs

Lightweights

Brahyan Zurcher (3-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Ricardo Jimenez (1-1, 0-0 PFL): Zurcher relied his wrestling to capture a unanimous decision victory against Scottie Stockman at PFL Challenger Series 4 on March 11. The 26-year-old is based at Xtreme Couture and also has a victory under the Combate Global banner to his credit. Meanwhile, New York native Jimenez has split a pair of bouts in the East Coast-based Ring of Combat organization. A matchup of developing fighters like this is always something of a toss-up, but Zurcher might be slightly ahead in his development. Zurcher by decision is the pick.

Lightweights

Elvin Espinoza (6-0, 1-0 PFL) vs. Corey Jackson (5-2, 0-0 PFL): Espinoza has racked up an impressive finishing streak through six professional appearances, but those results have come against largely forgettable opposition. Jackson, while perhaps a slight step above the majority of those opponents, still represents another opportunity for Espinoza to showcase his skills. Espinoza gets it done inside the distance.

Lightweights

Alexei Pergande (1-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Elvis Lebron Quiles (0-0, 0-0 PFL): A Tennessee native who has spent time training at Sanford MMA, Pergande relied on distance control, clinch work and takedowns before submitting Joe Hamm with an arm-triangle choke at PFL Challenger Series 7, an event that focused entirely on professional MMA newcomers. Now Pergande will welcome another debutante in Quiles, who has amateur experience in organizations such as Cage Fury Fighting Championships and Ring of Combat. Pergande would seem to have a slight edge based on experience and camp pedigree, so look for him to win a decision.

Welterweights

Lucas Barbosa (2-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Elmar Umarov (4-1, 0-0 PFL): A decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with multiple championships to his name, Barbosa was initially announced as a one of the fighters on the PFL Challenger Series but ultimately did not compete. “Hulk” has not fought MMA since 2012, but it is safe to assume he will have a significant advantage on the ground against the majority of his opponents. Russia’s Umarov is coming off a 2-1 stint in the Legacy Fighting Alliance, but his two victories came against foes with a combined 1-6 mark. Barbosa by submission is the pick.

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Ray vs. Pettis
Silveira vs. Akhmedov
Aubin-Mercier vs. Martinez
Wilkinson vs. Monte
The Prelims
Qualifiers