Kayla Harrison will be the featured attraction this Friday night at PFL Championships.
The event concludes the 2022 season live from Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. And, for the first time in promotional history, it airs live on pay-per-view.
Through ESPN+, the main card will be offered on pay-per-view beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Along with Harrison and Larissa Pacheco, five other title matches are set.
Brendan Loughnane meets Bubba Jenkins, Ante Delija faces Matheus Scheffel, Stevie Ray battles Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Sadibou Sy takes on Dilano Taylor and Rob Wilkinson squares off with Omari Akhmedov.
The only non-title fight on the main card will be Julia Budd battling Aspen Ladd.
Here are predictions for the six main card bouts:
Kayla Harrison vs. Larissa Pacheco – women’s lightweight final
This is the Kayla Harrison show, and the unbeaten Olympic gold medalist tends to deliver when the spotlight is thrust on her. Harrison did so in winning Olympic gold and will once again over Larissa Pacheco.
Prediction: Harrison via second round submission
Brendan Loughnane vs. Bubba Jenkins – featherweight final
Both Brendan Loughnane and Bubba Jenkins are veteran fighters who know what it takes to get the job done. In this one, the wrestling of Jenkins could be the difference.
Prediction: Jenkins via split decision
Ante Delija vs. Matheus Scheffel – heavyweight final
Two big boys with knockout power square off for the heavyweight title, as Ante Delija meets Matheus Scheffel. Do not expect to see this one go the distance.
Prediction: Delija via first round TKO
Julia Budd vs. Aspen Ladd
In 2023, Julia Budd and Aspen Ladd will be competing to be right back here in the finals. For now, though, they will meet for bragging rights and a leg-up on the other.
Prediction: Budd via unanimous decision
Stevie Ray vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier – lightweight final
Oh boy, this could be the show-stealing match of the night. Under the bright lights, will it be Stevie Ray or Olivier Aubin-Mercier that comes through?
Prediction: Ray via third round submission
Sadibou Sy vs. Dilano Taylor – welterweight final
This is where the run of Dilano Taylor comes to an end, as Sadibou Sy just has too many skills for him.
Prediction: Sy via unanimous decision
Rob Wilkinson vs. Omari Akhmedov – light heavyweight final
Much like the heavyweight final, this one between Rob Wilkinson and Omari Akhmedov has all the makings of a quick finish.
Prediction: Akhmedov via first round KO