PFL 2 Preview: Former Champions Target Repeat Title Runs

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continues its 2022 season on Thursday, April 28th at the Esports Stadium Arlington in Arlington, Texas.

Just eight days after their exciting season-opener that saw bouts in the lightweight and light heavyweight division, the promotion is back with another stacked card, this time featuring heavyweights and featherweights.

Taking top billing will be a heavyweight clash between 2021 champion Bruno Cappelozza of Brazil and Stuart Austin of the United Kingdom.

One of PFL’s highly-touted recruits heading into the 2021 season, Cappelozza wasted little time in proving that he was worthy of the hype as he needed all of just 46 seconds to blast Ante Delija in his promotional debut.

Cappelozza followed that up with two more spectacular KO victories before defeating Delija once again to capture the PFL heavyweight championship.

It was a bittersweet moment for the Nova Uniao product as he learned of his father’s death following his championship win.

This season, Cappelozza looks to build off his 2021 season and become a two-time PFL titleholder.

Standing in Cappelozza’s way will be London’s Austin, who comes in with a wealth of championship experience of his own.

The former EMC and BAMMA Heavyweight champion has won 12 of his 15 career victories by finish, with eight knockouts and four submissions.

Austin has won two of his last three bouts and will look to make a massive statement at the expense of the 2021 champion.

In the co-main event, former two-time PFL featherweight champion Lance Palmer of the United States meets compatriot and 2021 runner-up Chris Wade.

Palmer was easily one of PFL’s first big stars, having been completely dominant in his first two seasons with the league.

The Xtreme Couture product blasted through everyone put in front of him through the course of two seasons, going undefeated en route to back-to-back PFL titles.

This was far from the case during the 2021 season as Palmer suffered back-to-back losses and missed out on the postseason for the first time in his career.

Now, "The Party" has a fresh start, and more importantly, a chance at becoming a three-time PFL titleholder.

Wade, on the other hand, has yet to miss the PFL postseason in his career.

The New York-native made the semifinals in back-to-back seasons, only to ultimately come up short of winning a PFL championship.

A move to the featherweight division proved to be a wise move for Wade as he made the finals in last season’s tournament, albeit still coming up short in his ultimate goal of winning a title.

This season, the Long Island MMA product will aim to improve on last season’s runner-up finish and hoist the PFL’s 145-pound strap.

Also on the card is 2021 featherweight semifinalist Brendan Loughnane of the UK as he welcomes Japan’s Ryoji Kudo, while Renan Ferreira locks horns with Jamelle Jones in a heavyweight clash.

PFL 2 will air live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 PM ET. The main card airs on ESPN starting at 9:00 PM ET.

Complete PFL 2 Fight Card:

MAIN CARD

Heavyweight:

Bruno Cappelozza vs. Stuart Austin

Featherweight:

Lance Palmer vs. Chris Wade

Featherweight:

Brendan Loughnane vs. Ryoji Kudo

Heavyweight:

Renan Ferreira vs. Jamelle Jones

Heavyweight:

Denis Goltsov vs. Cody Goodale

PRELIMINARY CARD

Heavyweight:

Ante Delija vs. Matheus Scheffel

Featherweight:

Bubba Jenkins vs. Kyle Bochniak

Heavyweight:

Klidson Abreu vs. Adam Keresh

Featherweight:

Sheymon Moraes vs. Boston Salmon

Featherweight:

Alejandro Flores vs. Saba Bolaghi