Delan Monte was a 4-to-1 underdog, according to the 2022 PFL 4 broadcast – but he certainly didn’t fight like one.
Though he brought his judo background into the cage with him, Monte (9-2) utilized his boxing to quickly dismantle 2019 PFL light heavyweight champion Emiliano Sordi (23-11-1) en route to a TKO stoppage at 1:32 of Round 1.
2022 PFL 4 took place Friday at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta.
The finishing sequence was lengthier than many, with Sordi clipped off a mistimed takedown attempt. Monte immediately noticed his opponent’s stumble and went in for the kill. Sordi did a good job initially as he fended Monte off with counterstrikes. However, he was only able to do so for so long.
With his back against the fence, Sordi bobbed and weaved – but covered up, too. As his opponent ducked blindly, Monte threw an off-rhythm uppercut that dropped Sordi. From there, Monte followed up with a few more punches and the fight was waved off by referee Blake Grice.
DELAN MONTE PULLS OFF THE UPSET OVER SORDI! 6 POINTS FOR DELAN MONTE!#2022PFL4 LIVE on ESPN+
🌎 https://t.co/WfOt9XjEaK pic.twitter.com/FcqnZH641L— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 18, 2022
With the win, Monte earns six points and bounces back from a submission loss to Antonio Carlos Junior at 2022 PFL 1. As for Sordi, he moves to 0-3-1 in his most recent four outings.
The up-to-the-minute 2022 PFL 4 results include:
- Delan Monte def. Emiliano Sordi via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:32
- Robert Wilkinson def. Viktor Pesta via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:03
- Josh Silveira def. Marthin Hamlet via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:27
- Nate Jennerman def. Jake Childers via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:00 – showcase bout
