The PFL Finals is looking to have a lot of familiar faces. At a press conference in New York City, all the finalists talked about why they were going to win the $1 million and championship belt in their respective divisions. Main eventing the show will be a women’s lightweight finals between Kayla Harrison and Larissa Pacheco.
After the press conference, Harrison, Lance Palmer, and Ray Cooper III talked to the media about the finals.
Kayla Harrison
Harrison (6-0) has become the face of the PFL. The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist made it to the finals after beating all of her opponents in the women’s lightweight division. She will be rematching Brazil’s Larissa Pacheco (13-3). The two fought earlier in the season on short notice at PFL 1. Harrison beat Pacheco by unanimous decision. She is the only opponent not finished by Harrison.
Lance Palmer
Lance Palmer (21-3)has the opportunity to once again earn $1 million. He won the inaugural PFL tournament last year, taking home the 145-pound belt and $1 million to his bank account. He faces a familiar foe in Alex Gilpin (14-3). The two have fought twice before in this season’s PFL bracket. Palmer won both times by unanimous decision. Palmer’s initial opponent was supposed to Daniel Pineda but was pulled due to failing a drug test.
Ray Cooper III
Hawaii’s Cooper III (19-7-1) once again makes his way to the PFL finals in the welterweight division. He made it to the finals last year but wound up losing to Magomed Magomedkerimov by guillotine choke. He takes on David Michaud (18-5), who lost his first fight but managed to make a comeback and win a finalist spot. Talking to the media, one of the fighters he hopes to face off next year is the newest PFL signee, Rory MacDonald.
You can watch the PFL Finals live Tuesday, December 31, 6 PM EST on ESPN 2,
Andrew has been a long time MMA and pro wrestling fan. When he isn't writing about MMA, he is usually training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, playing video games, or going bar hopping (he only drinks on days that end in "y"). He also co-hosts the RIZIN focused podcast "We are RIZIN" which you can listen to on Soundcloud & Stitcher.
In a recent episode of the Couch Warrior Podcast, host Mike welcomed Charalampos Grigoriou, who recently won a contract during season 7 of Dana White's Contender Series after knocking out Cameron Smotherman one minute into the fight. The conversation delved into Grigoriou's martial arts journey, his feelings on representing Cyprus and Greece, and future plans.
