Preview: PFL 9 2024 | Featherweight, Welterweight Playoffs

The time has finally come. Matchups for the 2024 Professional Fighters League Championships will be set upon completion of PFL 9 and the last semifinal rounds this Friday at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. Brendan Loughnane, the 2022 champion at 145 pounds, headlines the show against Kai Kamaka III. In the co-main event, undefeated welterweight Magomed Umalatov takes on playoff replacement Neiman Gracie. Elsewhere, Gabriel Braga sits one win away from his second straight championship appearance but has to take out fellow featherweight Timur Khizriev’s undefeated record first. Finally, a welterweight rematch between Shamil Musaev and Murad Ramazanov kicks off the main draw.

The prelims start at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. ET, with the main card set for 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Now to the PFL 9 preview:

Featherweight Semifinal

Brendan Loughnane (29-5, 11-2 PFL) vs Kai Kamaka III (14-5-1, 2-0 PFL)

An unstoppable force meets an immovable object in the main event. Loughnane’s striking is considered head and shoulders above the other featherweights in the field, and the Manchester, England, native is known for gunning for the early knockout. This can sometimes get him caught or cause him to fade later in fights, but make no mistake, Loughnane is one of the most dangerous fighters you will cross in the opening minutes of the battle. At 34, he carries the experience of being a former tournament winner into the semifinals and rides high on back-to-back knockout victories. Kamaka is a pup in Loughnane’s eyes, and he will look to put him down soon after the opening bell. After losing two of his first four fights, Kamaka has turned things around and is growing into a stubborn force of an opponent. He does nothing that would be considered exceptional, but he has an advanced understanding of where he is in a fight. In a striking battle, he will outwork you just enough to take the round, and his wrestling is strong enough to garner control time. Kamaka hasn’t had a finish since 2022 and likely won’t be looking for one against the dangerous Loughnane. No worries, however. If Kamaka stays loyal to his game plan, he could make this a frustrating night for the former champion. Loughnane may have steamrolled his first two opponents, but Kamaka has the toughness and work rate to force him into a rugged affair.

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Loughnane vs. Kamaka
Umalatov vs. Gracie
Braga vs. Khizriev
Musaev vs. Ramazanov
The Prelims