PFL 5 Results: Rory MacDonald Upset, Advances To Playoff Round

PFL 5 Thursday night featured another upset, as Rory MacDonald was handed a split decision defeat to Gleison Tibau in the main event.

Airing live on ESPN, Tibau scored the victory, but MacDonald – the favorite – was able to advance to the playoff round alongside former champion Ray Cooper III.

Emiliano Sordi, Cezar Ferreira, Antonio Carlos Junior, Joao Zeferino, Magomed Magomedkerimov and Marthin Hamlet also earned spots in the next round.  

“PFL 5 was another intense event as our welterweight and light heavyweight fighters put it all on the line to try to earn their spot in the playoffs,” said Peter Murray, PFL CEO. “Heading into their bouts, each fighter knew exactly what was needed to advance and it brought out their best performances.” 

PFL 6 is set for next Friday with women’s lightweight and heavyweight action taking place. 

“With their backs up against the wall and facing win-or-go-home scenarios, we saw eight fighters showcase their talents and punch tickets to the 2021 PFL Playoffs,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL. “Our unique season format allows us to have thrilling, can’t-miss action at every event and I can’t wait to see what’s in store at our Regular Season finale next Friday.” 

PFL 5 Results

Gleison Tibau def. Rory MacDonald by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
 
Ray Cooper III def. Nikolai Aleksakhin by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
 
Emiliano Sordi and Dan Spohn ends in a unanimous draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)
 
Chris Camozzi def. Cezar Ferreira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
  
Antonio Carlos Jr. Vinny Magalhaes ends in a No Contest (accidental low blow, 2:45)
 
Cory Hendricks def. Marthin Hamlet by third round submission (4:09)
 
Joao Zeferino def. Jason Ponet by 2nd round submission (2:16)
 
Magomed Magomedkerimov def. Curtis Millender by 1st round submission (1:57)
 
Tom Lawlor def. Jordan Young (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
 
Saibou Sy def. Aleksei Kunchenko by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)