Championship fights are underway in Hollywood, Florida and things are certainly off to a great start. In an all-out war, top-seeded Loik Radzhabov took on third-seeded Raush Manfio in a five round match that saw a number of ups and downs for both fighters. Radzhabov got off to a fast start and controlled the early rounds before Manfio took over in the later rounds of the match. In the fourth round, Manfio nearly put his opponent out, but Radzhabov survived and pushed on to the fifth round. When things came to a close, the fans had Radzhabov winning and the analysts had Manfio on top. Ultimately, the judges scored it 48-46, 48-46 and 49-46 in favor of Manfio.
Manfio’s run is one for the books. Following in the footsteps of his best friend and training partner, Natan Schulte, has captured the lightweight crown and $1 million prize. To achieve this feat, he had take out top PFL competitors like Anthony Pettis and Clay Collard. With a record of 15-3, the future is bright for the Brazilian fighter as he nears his 30th birthday next week.
From Lightweight alternate in April to 2021 PFL Lightweight World Champion!
Congratulations @RaushManfio!#PFLChampionship pic.twitter.com/CdfNf13Xmd
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 27, 2021
