The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returns to action on Friday, June 16, 2023, with PFL 5. The event will be held at the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
The PFL brings us this card only a month after signing former UFC champ Francis Ngannou. Continuing to pick up speed and grow in popularity, read more about the PFL’s rise to popularity here at MMA Sucka.
The main card will feature a heavyweight clash between Ante Delija and Maurice Greene. Delija is ranked #2 in the PFL heavyweight rankings, while Greene is ranked #3. This is a big fight for both men, as the winner could be in line for a title shot.
In the women’s featherweight division, Larissa Pacheco takes on Amber Leibrock. Pacheco is ranked #1 in the division, while Leibrock is ranked #4. This is a potential title eliminator, and the winner could be the next challenger for Kayla Harrison’s title.
Other key matchups on the main card include Biaggio Ali Walsh vs. Travell Miller, Aspen Ladd vs. Karolina Sobek, and Renan Ferreira vs. Matheus Scheffel.
The preliminary card will also feature a number of exciting matchups, including Denis Goltsov vs. Yorgan De Castro, Marina Mokhnatkina vs. Evelyn Martins, Danilo Marques vs. Marcelo Nunes, Julia Budd vs. Martina Jindrova, Olena Kolesnyk vs. Yoko Higashi, Patrick Brady vs. Jordan Heiderman, and Isaiah Pinson vs. Denzel Freeman.
The fights will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+. The main card begins at 10:00 PM ET, and the preliminary card begins at 6:30 PM ET.
Here are some of the key matchups to watch for:
Main Event: Ante Delija vs. Maurice Greene
Delija is a former Glory Kickboxing champion who has transitioned to MMA in recent years. He is known for his powerful striking and his ability to finish fights. Greene is a former UFC fighter who has also found success in PFL. He is a well rounded fighter who is dangerous on the feet and on the ground. This should be an exciting heavyweight bout with a lot of potential for fireworks.
Co-Main Event: Larissa Pacheco vs. Amber Leibrock
Pacheco is the reigning PFL women’s featherweight champion. She is a powerful striker who has finished her last four fights. Leibrock is a former Invicta FC champion who is known for her wrestling and ground game. This should be an exciting title eliminator with a lot of potential for drama.
Biaggio Ali Walsh vs. Travell Miller
Ali Walsh is the grandson of Muhammad Ali. He is a highly touted prospect who is making his PFL debut. Miller is a veteran fighter who has faced some of the best in the world. This should be a tough test for Ali Walsh, but he has the potential to be a star.
Aspen Ladd vs. Karolina Sobek
Ladd is a former title challenger who has lost two of her last three fights. Sobek is a rising star in the women’s featherweight division. This is a must win fight for Ladd if she wants to stay in title contention.
Check out PFL 5 staff picks here at MMA Sucka.
