The PFL returns on June 10th for PFL 4, headlined by boxing phenom, Claressa Shields. The card from top to bottom is stacked with well known names, solid and competitive fights. We take a look at the key fights on PFL 4 card and suggest how they might play out.
PFL 4
Main Card
Shields vs. Elkin
We told you back in April that Claressa Shields would be making her MMA debut in June. She will take on 3-6, Brittney Elkin at 155lbs. Elkin hasn’t competed in MMA since 2019, but has fought for PFL before. She took on Kayla Harrison in June 2018 but lost by armbar. The most interesting thing about picking Elkin to face Shields in her debut is that she is a decent grappler. Her last seven competitive bouts have all be grappling bouts, going 4-3. If Elkins is clever, she’ll look to leg kick Shields and get her to the ground as quick as possible. Whatever happens, the 11-0 GWOAT female boxer’s MMA debut will be a spectacle in itself.
Pettis vs. Martinez
Former UFC lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis will make his second PFL appearance at PFL 4 on June 10th. After a lot of hype for his debut, Pettis took on Clay Collard at PFL 1 back in April. Unfortunately for Pettis, he was surprised by Collard, leading to a unanimous decision loss for ‘Showtime’. He will face 8-0, Alex Martinez. With six finishes, Martinez has impressed throughout his career thus far. In his PFL debut, he defeated Loik Radzhabov by split decision. Expect Pettis to get back in the win column here, his experience (24-11) will likely be too much for Martinez.
With his back against the wall, @Showtimepettis preps for his next challenge at #2021PFL4! pic.twitter.com/38KHgCW88i
— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 5, 2021
Jenkins vs. Moffett
Bubba Jenkins returns to make his second PFL appearance having had a fairly successful Bellator career. Having gone 8-3 in Bellator, Jenkins had four fights outside of the promotion, including a winning the Brave CF featherweight strap before he signed for the PFL. Making his debut at PFL 1this year, he surprised many by defeating Lance Palmer. Jenkins’ opponent at PFL 4 will be 13-5, Bobby Moffett. Moffett will be making his PFL debut after Jenkins’ original opponent, Anthony Dizy withdrew. After an unsuccessful three fights in the UFC, Moffett will be looking to bounce back at PFL 4. Having been out of action since August 2019, ring rust may be a factor leading to a fairly straight forward victory for Jenkins.
Loughnane vs. Diamond
PFL 4 Prelims
The PFL 4 prelims are full of well known names in the sport. The highlight is arguably Marcin Held vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier. These two UFC vets go at it at lightweight. Aubin-Mercier will be making his PFL debut after three straight losses in the UFC. Held has gone 1-0 in the PFL so far in his career, defeating Natan Shulte by unanimous decision. Expect this one to play out mostly on the floor, arguably with Held having the advantage.
Also on the prelims Clay Collard returns, this time to face Joilton Lutterbach. Lutterbach has a lot of experience at 34-9 but Collard’s high level experience will likely be too much for the Brazillian. Lance Palmer also returns to face Jesse Strin. Palmer was scheduled to face Lazar Stojadinovic, however, he was forced to withdraw.
Also, keep an eye on the undefeated Movlid Khaybulaev. At 16-0, the Russian is experienced in the PFL having had four fights for the promotion. He’s well known for his brutal 10 second flying knee knockout back at PFL #2019 2.
Featured Image
Photo from PFL Twitter
