PFL Playoffs: Dilano Taylor Stuns Rory MacDonald, Advances

Dilano Taylor took advantage of his opportunity at PFL Playoffs Saturday.

Taylor, a last-minute replacement, knocked out Rory MacDonald in the main event. The card took place from Cardiff, Wales, airing live on ESPN.

The 25-year-old Jamaican floored MacDonald in the welterweight semifinals, advancing to a meeting with Sadibou Sy for the title and $1 million.

The heavyweight finals are also set, as Ante Delija and Matheus Scheffel both earned wins.

Delija finished Renan Ferreira in the first round and Scheffel knocked out Juan Adams in the third. Both were tabbed as replacements in the playoffs.

Sy earned a decision over Carlos Leal to advance.

“PFL’s UK debut in Cardiff showcased the best MMA action in the world, as fighters earned trips to the PFL World Championship and competed for positions in the inaugural PFL Europe Season,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “We now look forward to the continuation of the 2022 PFL Playoffs on August 20 at Copperbox Arena in London.”

“The PFL athletes always rise to the occasion and give MMA fans the best action in the world,” said PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo. “Congratulations to the fighters moving on to the 2022 PFL World Championship and to our fighters who earned a spot in the inaugural PFL Europe season. I am looking forward to an exciting PFL Playoff finale next week in London.”

The PFL will return to action on August 20 live from Copper Box Arena in London, England, as the 2022 PFL Playoffs resumes with the featherweight and women’s lightweight divisions.

Two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison will look to advance to her third straight PFL Championship appearance in the main event of next week’s PFL Playoffs. Meanwhile, top-seeded featherweight Chris Wade matches up with Manchester’s own, Brendan Loughnane, and a victory earns him the chance to redeem himself with a return to the $1 million matchup.

PFL Playoffs Results

Dilano Taylor def. Rory MacDonald via 1st round TKO (3:59)

Ante Delija def. Renan Ferreira via 1st round TKO (4:31)

Matheus Scheffel def. Juan Adams via 3rd round TKO (3:45)

Sadibou Sy def. Carlos Leal via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Nathan Kelly def. Ben Ellis by 1st round submission (rear-naked choke – 2:45)

Will Fleury def. Anthony Salamone via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)

Radu Maxim def. Vojto Barborik by 1st round submission due to injury (1:15)

Mokhtar Menkaci vs. Francesco Nuzzi – no contest accidental eye poke (doctor stoppage 4:10)

Josh O’Connor def. Emran Sakhizada by 3rd round submission (rear-naked choke – 2:56)

Marcin Wojcik def. Mick Stanton by 1st round submission (rear-naked choke – 4:04)

Chris Mixan def. Christian Stigenberg via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Szymon Bajor def. Ronny Markes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-27)