PFL Chicago Preview For Welterweights and Featherweights Friday By Brett Cagle
The PFL regular season kicks off in Chicago for welterweights and featherweights Friday. In the main event, undefeated Russian prospect Magomed Umlatov takes on former Bellator welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov. Umlatov was forced to withdraw from last season's tournament and will be facing the toughest test of his professional career. In the Co-main event, 2022 PFL champion Brendan Loughnane looks to get back in the win column against former Bellator title challenger Pedro Carvalho.
The PFL Chicago prelims are filled with fantastic fights. Undefeated contender Timur Khizriev (12-0) faces former UFC veteran Brett Johns (20-3). Khizriev is (3-0) in the city of Chicago and is one of the most talented fighters in the world at 145 pounds. Also on the prelims, the all-action "Irish" Brennan Ward (17-7) makes his PFL debut against Don Madge (10-4-1).
Magomed Umalatov (14-0) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (27-4)
The main event this Friday will feature two world-class welterweight fighters from Russia. Magomed Umalatov is the former Eagle FC champion and had a very impressive amateur career before turning pro. Former Bellator welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov hasn't lost since 2019 and has twice the amount of fights as his opponent. Both fighters are known for their finishing ability and hold double-digit knockout wins on their record. Entering this contest Umlatov is a slight betting favorite at online sportsbooks (-136).
Eleven of Umalatov wins have come by knockout, but he stated at media day yesterday he would like to show his full skillset on Friday Night. Koreshkov has a tremendous resume and has defeated former world champions Benson Henderson and Douglas Lima. This is going to be a highly competitive fight and is a perfect way to kick off the PFL season at 170 pounds.
Brendan Loughnane (26-5) vs. Pedro Carvalho (13-8)
2022 PFL champion Brendan Loughnane returns to the cage this weekend against former Bellator title challenger Pedro Carvalho. Loughnane was finished for the first time in his career against Jesus Pinedo last June and wants to get this PFL season started with a win. Carvalho is 2-3 in his last five fights, but he's been facing elite competition. Carvalho was recently knocked out by rising prospect Aaron Pico in September and is looking to make a statement in his PFL debut. Loughnane enters this contest as a massive betting favorite (-600) at online sportsbooks.
On the feet, Loughnane is a fast and calculated striker who can pick opponents apart at range. Carvalho has six submission wins on his record and may try to take this fight to the ground. Loughnane has never been submitted but should have a speed advantage while striking.
Bubba Jenkins (21-7) vs. Kai Kamaka (12-5-1)
A 145-pound matchup between credentialed wrestler Bubba Jenkins and fan favorite Kai Kamaka may steal the show. PFL standout Bubba Jenkins has made it to the tournament playoffs three times before and has been a staple of the promotion's featherweight division since 2021. Kamaka joined the Bellator roster three years ago and is currently on a three-fight win streak. At Bellator 300, Kamaka put on a memorable fight with Henry Corrales which he won by decision. Jenkins is currently a slight betting favorite at online sportsbooks (-160).
Jenkins is a dominant grappler who will try and take this fight to the ground. Kamaka and his team have been training takedown defense all camp with the likes of Aljamain Sterling, Jeremey Kennedy, and Patchy Mix. This could very easily end up being the fight of the night.
PFL Chicago Prelims:
The PFL Chicago prelims feature many talented fighters. Undefeated Russian Timur Khizriev (12-0) faces the toughest opponent of his career on Friday in former UFC veteran Brett Johns (20-3). Khizriev defeated Justin Gonzalez last November and is an exciting addition to this regular season tournament. Johns is on a three-fight win streak. Also on the PFL Chicago prelims, Brennan Ward (17-7) fights Don Madge (10-4-1). Ward is an all-action fighter who put on some of the most exciting fights in Bellator history. Madge had a short run with the UFC before joining the PFL in 2021.
Madge was knocked out by Raush Manfio in his last fight and will have to be mindful of the power in Ward's hands. If Madge is unable to take Ward to the ground this is going to be a very entertaining fight from start to finish.
The PFL Chicago prelims begin at 6 p.m. CT. The main card starts on ESPN+ and ESPN at 8:30 p.m. CT.