Despite tough losses in the return of PFL this past week, stars such as Anthony Pettis, Lance Palmer and Natan Schulte are far from out of advancing to compete for titles and the ultimate prize.
Thanks to the unique format of holding a regular season to determine who qualifies for the tournament, the PFL offers these fighters and more the chance to remain on course for their goal.
However, all three – and those that suffered setbacks at PFL 1 from Atlantic City – will need to be on top of their game coming their second chance to compete.
Pettis, a former UFC champion, was topped by Clay Collard in the main event live on ESPN2. “Showtime,” though, has shown over the years that he cannot be left forgotten about.
The Milwaukee native owns wins over the likes of Donald Cerrone, Stephen Thompson and Charles Oliveira during his career, highlighted by 11 knockout and seven more submission wins.
Facing a fighter like Pettis who has his back against the wall will be a very, very difficult challenge for his next opponent.
Palmer, who lost to Bubba Jenkins, and Schulte, who was bested by Marcin Held, are both experienced in the ways of the PFL and understand what it takes to survive and advance. Both dropped close decisions to their adversaries, and much like Pettis, will be ready to rock come round two of the regular season.
At the same time, those that scored wins like Collard, Jenkins and Held hold the upper-hand in the standings with those key points under their respective names.
PFL 2 takes place this Thursday night with Rory MacDonald meeting Curtis Millender in the main event in the welterweight division. The card also features welterweight regular season bouts between Ray Cooper III and Jason Ponet along with Gleison Tibau vs. Joao Zeferino.
The light heavyweight division will also be in action including Emiliano Sordi vs. Chris Camozzi.
Check out highlights from PFL 1 in the video below: