PFL Playoffs 3 (ESPN/ESPN+) took place Friday at The Anthem in Washington, and MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round coverage throughout the card.
The event featured semifinal bouts in the featherweight and welterweight divisions.
In the main event, 2022 featherweight heavyweight champion Brendan Loughnane (30-5) took on Kai Kamaka (14-6-1), edging out a split decision to earn his place in the $1 million final.
In the other 145-pound semifinal bout, Timur Khizriev (16-0) came away with a victory over Gabriel Braga (14-2), setting up a finals matchup between Loughnane and Khizriev.
The welterweight semifinal bouts filled out the main card. In the co-main event, unblemished Magomed Umalatov (17-0) defeated Neiman Gracie (13-6). In the main card opener, unbeaten Shamil Musaev (19-0-1) defeated on Murad Ramazanov (12-2). The welterweight finals will see Umalatov and Musaev fight for $1 million.
Full 2024 PFL Playoffs 2 results
MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
- Brendan Loughnane def. Kai Kamaka via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
- Magomed Umalatov def. Neiman Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Timur Khizriev def. Gabriel Braga via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
- Shamil Musaev def. Murad Ramazanov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET)
- Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Ray Cooper III via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Enrique Barzola def. Tyler Diamond via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jose Perez def. Jesse Stirn via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Kent Mafileo via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:50
- Shido Boris Esperanca def. Tyler Hill via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:31
Brendan Loughnane vs. Kai Kamaka
Round 1 – Loughnane first out a jab and Kamaka answers with a kick. Both stay patient as they hunt for openings and offer single strikes at a time. A solid spinning back kick to the body from Loughnane. Kamaka responds with a kick and an overhand right. Loughnane threatens another spinning attack but doesn’t commit. Kamaka fires off a speedy kick and punches to the body. Loughnane lands a fast 1-2. Another spinning back kick to the body and it’s solid. Kamaka looks hurt and retreats! Loughnane is on the hunt for the finish! He’s unloading strikes now! Knees and punches in close. Kamaka goes to the ground! Loughnane still swarming, but there’s the horn. Wow.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Loughnane.
Round 2 – Loughnane comes out pressuring. Kamaka appears recovered from the last round, and fires out a snappy combination. Loughnane spins with a kick, but this one hits below the belt, pausing the fight. It’s a short break, and they trade right hands on the restart. Kamaka with another nice combo. Loughnane answers with a punch and another spinning kick to the body. Kamaka lands punches to the body. Another spinning back kick from Loughnane. Kamaka with a 1-2. A pair of head kick offerings from Loughnane are partially blocked.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kamaka.
Round 3 – Kamaka with a sharp body kick. They clinch up and Kamaka digs in a nice knee before they separate. Loughnane lands a nice combo. They’re in the center exchanging punches. Loughnane kicks to the lead leg and evades Kamaka’s punches. Kamaka lands in the next series though, as does Loughnane. Kamaka with a solid right. The exchanges are fast and frequent right now. Loughane looks for the takedown but can’t get it. Loughnane pops Kamaka’s head back with a left. The action remains high as the time gets short. Kamaka answers with a right, and Loughnane goes to the spinning kick again. Loughnane with a left hand. Another spinning kick from Loughnane. A left jab from Loughnane and one more spinning kick to the body.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Loughnane, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Brendan Loughnane def. Kai Kamaka via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Records: Loughnane (30-5), Kamaka (14-6-1)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Neiman Gracie vs. Magomed Umalatov
Round 1 – Umalatov starts things off with a snappy jab. Gracie lands in the next exchange. Gracie nearly gets a hold of Umalatov, but can’t secure the grip. Umalatov fires a two-punch combo and Gracie clinches, nearly getting the fight to the ground. Umalatov quickly evades and resets. A big right hand from Umalatov connects to get Gracie’s attention. A few moments later, they both start swinging. Umalatov adds in a nice step-in knee in the middle of an exchange.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Umalatov.
Round 2 – Umalatov offers a few kicks to the lead leg and to the midsection to start the round. Gracie gets tripped up and invites Umalatov to the ground, but isn’t having it. Back on the feet, Gracie charges forward with a takedown shot that is easily denied. Gracie lands a combination with an uppercut. He connects again with a right in another combo. Umalatov breaks up another clinch attempt. A solid uppercut to left hook for Umalatov now. A sharp left jab is not far behind it. A short left hook from Umalatov catches Gracie clean. Another solid combination from Umalatov connects. Gracie fires back with a right. One minute left. Gracie is in on the hips, and they wrestle for position against the fence. They separate. Both go for jumping knees before the horn, and it’s Gracie who gets knocked to the ground.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Umalatov.
Round 3 – Gracie comes out aggressively but ends up on the receiving end of a big punch. Gracie drops to his back, once again inviting Umalatov into his guard. Umalatov lands a couple of punches from the top before being pulled into guard. Gracie eventually goes for a heel hook, but the fight ends up on the feet in the center of the cage. Umalatov cracks Gracie wit ha big combination. Gracie waves him on, getting the crowd into it. They’re now chanting “U-S-A” in this fight between a Russian and a Brazilian. Anyway, Umalatov threatens a takedown, but doesn’t commit. They end up clinched in the next sequence anyway and Gracie goes for a flying armbar! Umalatov defends it well. In the scramble, Umalatov gets warned for grabbing the fence, but ultimately ends up on top in guard. Gracie throws up a submission attempt and punches the head as Umalatov rides out top control until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Umalatov, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Magomed Umalatov def. Neiman Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Gracie (13-6), Umalatov (17-0)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Gabriel Braga vs. Timur Khizriev
Round 1 – Khizriev blitzes forward with strikes into a takedown attempt. Braga keeps things standing and returns to the center. Braga kicks to the body as Khizriev kicks to the leg. They exchange punches upstairs, with Khizriev getting the better of it. Khizriev continues to fire first, mixing up his targets well. Two minutes to go. Braga kicks to the legs, but meets counter punches. Khizriev shoots and get the fight to the mat, but Braga gets his back to the cage and walks up. Khizriev looks to land punches on the exit and shoots again, but Braga circles away. Khizriev connects with a few more strikes before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.
Round 2 – Khizriev stays aggressive, going first in striking exchanges. Braga lands a solid right hand. Khizriev remains light on his feet, darting in and out with single strikes. Braga remains patient as he hunts for openings, but significant action begins to stall and the crowd gets restless. Khizriev doubles up the jab as he circles and continues to lead the action. Braga swings with hooks but comes up with air. Things heat up in the final 10 seconds with an intense exchange that sees Braga connect and causes Khizriev to stumble.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.
Round 3 – Khizriev comes out aggressively with a takedown attempt. Braga defends well and gets on the hunt on the feet. Khizriev is in and out with strikes. Braga nearly trips him up with an outside kick. A few moments later, Braga lands a solid kick to the body. Khizriev responds with a quick 1-2. Khizriev rips another quick combo just as the crowd pours in a few more boos. A Khizriev takedown is stuffed. Striking exchanges start to heat up again with a minute to go. Both fighters land, but nothing significant to change the fight.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Timur Khizriev def. Gabriel Braga via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Records: Braga (14-2), Khizriev (17-0)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Vitor Shaolin
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Shamil Musaev vs. Murad Ramazanov
Round 1 – Ramazanov pressures from the center early. Musaev gets the action started with leg kicks. Musaev looks for a left hook. Ramazanov shoots, but can’t get the fight to the mat due to Musaev showing off excellent takedown defense. A couple of punches from Musaev on the exit. Ramazanov shoots again and gets sprawled. Another takedown attempt from Ramazanov and this time he’s successful. Musaev gets to his feet quickly, but Ramazanov keeps the body lock and the wrestling continues. Musaev separates, but Ramazanov immediately shoots for a single that gets stopped. Musaev throws a wild wheel kick that catches air as Ramazanov ducks under. Musaev shakes off another takedown attempt and throws punches until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev.
Round 2 – Musaev attempts a spinning kick just as Ramazanov closes in to shoot. The wrestling battle against the cage is on again. Musaev scrambles to a reversal and takes top position. Ramazanov gets to his feet as Musaev controls the back along the fence. Musaev sneaks in a few short strikes. Ramazanov turns around and Musaev takes him to the mat. Punches from the top from Musaev now. Musaev tries to get a crucifix, but Ramazanov is able to scramble to his feet. Musaev lands a fast combo on the exit. Ramazanov shoots with a few seconds left and is denied.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev.
Round 3 – Ramazanov looks for the takedown and can’t get it. Musaev fires off a couple of punches as the pace slows. A nice combination from Musaev now. Ramazanov is denied another takedown. Musaev fires off another series of punches as he circles on the outside. Ramazanov looks for an overhand right but can’t connect. Musaev gets a clinch and dumps Ramazanov. They quickly return to the feet, and the clinch battle continues. The referee pauses the fight to warn Ramazanov about grabbing the gloves. On the restart, Musaev lands punches before one more clinch before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Shamil Musaev def. Murad Ramazanov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Records: Musaev (19-0-1), Ramazanov (12-2)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Mukhamed Berkhamov vs. Ray Cooper III
Round 1 – Cooper pressures forward early, with Berkhamov circling on the outside. Berkhamov offers leg kicks and Cooper closes in for a takedown attempt. Berkhamov reverses and escapes. Now it’s Berkhamov with a level change. He gets Cooper down, but he immediately gets up. They reset in the center, and Cooper charges in and dumps Berkhamov to the mat. Cooper takes top position in half guard. Cooper looks for ground and pound, but Berkhamov scrambles free. Berkhamov gets a tight Thai clinch and drills a series of big knees to the head and body. Cooper somehow doesn’t seem phased on the separation. Berkhamov steps in with a knee, and that one hurt Cooper. They exchange punches, and Cooper cracks with a big one! Cooper gets a takedown right at the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Berkhamov.
Round 2 – Berkhamov works on the outside, pawing out right hands and leg kicks. Cooper looks to land a right hand as he feints level changes. Berkhamov goes for a takedown but is brushed away. Berkhamov side kicks to the knee. Cooper looks for a big overhand left. Berkhamov kicks to the body Berkhamov looks for another single leg, but Cooper isn’t having it. Berkhamov gets back to pumping out the right jab. Cooper lands an uppercut before the end of a slower-paced Round 2.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Berkhamov.
Round 3 – Berkhamov comes out looking to get a hold of Cooper immediately, but can’t control him. Berkhamov keeps his hands high as he stands in punching range and Cooper pops his head back with a big right hand. Berkhamov shoots in an gets a takedown. Cooper quickly gets up, but Berkhamov sticks with him and pulls him back down. Berkhamov tries to secure back mount as Cooper stands again. Berkhamov gets a leg wrapped up and pulls the fight back down to the mat. Cooper powers up, but is tripped again. Finally, Cooper fully gets up and separated with 20 seconds left. Berkhamov lands a few punches before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Berkhamov, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Ray Cooper III via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Records: Berkhamov (17-2), Cooper III (25-11-1)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Enrique Barzola vs. Tyler Diamond
Round 1 – Diamond gets things started working behind a repeated left jab. Woah! Diamond cracks Barzola with a big punch and Barzola goes down! Diamond rushes in to follow up as Barzola quickly gets back to his feet. Diamond stays steady with pressure, but Barzola recovers and lands a nice combination. Now Barzola starts mounting offense. Diamond responds with a nice right hand that catches Barzola off-balance. Barzola looks for a takedown but is sprawled. Diamond lands another big right hand before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Diamond.
Round 2 – Diamond looks for an early takedown, getting Barzola down to a knee against the fence. Barzola escapes, but Diamond comes forward and gets back on the hips. He drops for a single leg but gets sprawled. Barzola looks for a Thai clinch and eats a right hand on the exit. Diamond looks to clinch again, but can’t get it. Now they’re trading punches in the center. Diamond in on the hips again, getting Barzola to a knee, but he scrambles up. Back to trading punches. It’s Barzola with a huge left hand! Diamond is wobbled badly and looks for the panic takedown! Barzola unloads punches on the ground while Diamond holds on to a single, but he survives to hear the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Barzola.
Round 3 – Barzola comes out firing and Diamond shoots in. It’s sprawled nicely, and Barzola threatens a choke. They’re back to standing and both are throwing punches. Barzola knocks out Diamond’s mouthpiece and the ref allow him to get it back. Another takedown from Diamond is stuffed. Barzola punches from the top while Diamond holds on to the single leg. He looks to the ref for a stoppage, but they’re not damaging enough. Diamond scrambles to get Barzola down for a second, but he quickly gets back to standing. A few punches, and now it’s Barzola shooting in. Diamond reverses, and they end up back on the feet. Barzola shoots again, this time getting Diamond down and punches from the top until the final horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Barzola, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Enrique Barzola def. Tyler Diamond via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Barzola (21-9-2), Diamond (14-4)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Vitor Shaolin
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Jose Perez vs. Jesse Stirn
Round 1 – Perez comes out pressuring forward as Stirn looks to land early leg kicks. Big overhand right from Perez is partially blocked. A hard kick to the body not far behind it. Stirn circles and offers front kicks to the body. He then catches a Perez kick and fires one of his own to the body. A stiff jab lands for Stirn. Perez steps in with a hard inside leg kick, and a brief clinch follows. Both find success with punches and kicks as they exchange, covering all sides of the cage. Perez puts together a nice 3-punch combo. In a clinch, Perez digs in a knee to the body, and gets a nice takedown right at the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Perez.
Round 2 – We’re right back to the striking exchanges at a high pace as Perez controls from the center. Leg kicks are traded as Perez tries to close the distance. A big right hand connects for Perez, knocking Stirn off balance. Stirn pops right back up, and Perez turns up the pressure. Working behind a left jab, Perez offers fast strikes. Stirn lands with a stiff calf kick that causes Perez to stumble down. Perez gets up and shakes it off, and Stirn rushes in for a takedown. He doesn’t get it, and Perez gets back to controlling the center. The action is even faster now. Stirn push kicks to the body, but Perez still comes forward and lands a nice knee. Perez finds a clinch a clinch and jumps on a guillotine, then transitions to an arm triangle on the ground, but the horn sounds.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Perez.
Round 3 – Striking exchanges continue immediately. Both are landing punches and kicks, but nothing of real substance as they circle around the cage. There’s a big right hand from Perez. Stirn just misses with a jumping knee and Perez clinches into the cage. Stirn gets free, resets, and just misses again, this time with a big punch. Perez is on the clinch again and is successful with the takedown. He takes the back and threatens a submission, but Stirn turns to prevent it. Perez tries to posture up to land punches with Stirn’s wrist trapped behind his back. Perez finally gets some ground and punches in the final 10 seconds.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Perez, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Jose Perez def. Jesse Stirn via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Records: Perez (9-1), Stirn (16-7)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Kent Mafileo vs. Maxwell Djantou Nana
Round 1 – Djantou Nana comes out firing punches after a glove touch. Mafileo is game for the early exchanges and returns strikes of his own. Djantou Nana offers a few powerful, damaging leg kicks as he pressures forward. Mafileo puts together a nice combination of punches to the head. Another hard kick to the lead leg by Djantou Nana. Mafileo starts to move forward, but gets poked in the eye in an exchange. There’s a short pause, and Djantou Nana digs in more leg kicks on the restart. Mafileo lands another solid punching combo.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Djantou Nana.
Round 2 – Kicks fly early from Djantou Nana to the legs, but misses with a head attempt. Mafileo closes the distance with punches as Djantou Nana circles away. Djantou Nana rushes forward and just bulldozes Mafileo to the canvas. He swarms with ground and pound, causing the ref to step in close, but Mafileo escapes back to his feet. Djantou Nana immediately gets another takedown, but opts to let Mafileo back to his feet. Djantou Nana keeps with the forward pressure as Mafileo looks to land a left hook. Mafileo catches a kick, but Djantou Nana quickly gets his balance and resets. Fast 1-2 from Djantou Nana. Mafileo lands a solid left hand. Djantou Nana starts working the body with hard punches. BANG! A big right hand upstairs from Djantou Nana sends Mafileo timbering to the mat! It’s over!
Result: Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Kent Mafileo via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:50
Recap: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3 video: Maxwell Djantou Nana lands hammerfist from the heavens for KO
Records: Djantou Nana (6-1), Mafileo (6-2)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
Shido Boris Esperanca vs. Tyler Hill
Round 1 – Hill looks to find the range with leg kicks, but Esperanca just blitzes forward with hooks like a maniac! He’s swinging for the fences in this wild barrage. Hill manages to not get clipped, but Esperanca gets a takedown and clamps on an arm triangle choke. It’s not there, and he’s back to working from side control. Esperanca starts chaining submission attempts as Hill just tries to survive. Now Esperanca postures up from the back, raining down hard punches. Hill can’t improve his position, and there it is! Dominant first-round TKO stoppage for Esperanca.
The ref has seen enough! A Successful PFL debut for the "Machine"
[🇺🇸 LIVE NOW | ESPN+ | #PFLPlayoffs | #PFLDC | https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI] pic.twitter.com/olp6a12AOb
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 23, 2024
Result: Shido Boris Esperanca def. Tyler Hill via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:31
Records: Esperanca (9-1), Hill (12-9)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Yamasaki
Photos: 2024 PFL Playoffs 3: Best photos from Washington
2024 PFL Playoffs 3 weigh-ins gallery
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Playoffs 3.
