Clay Collard Hopes Shane Burgos Brings It on the Feet in the PFL Playoffs

Even if his opponent will try to wrestle and grapple with him, Clay Collard is ready for anything ahead of the Professional Fighters League playoffs on Aug. 23.

The upcoming 155-pound clash between Collard (23-10, 1NC; 5-2 PFL) and fellow Ultimate Fighting Championship alum Shane Burgos is one of the most exciting matchups in the PFL playoffs. Both fighters are known for their entertaining fighting style and finishing rate. “Cassius” looks forward to putting on a show for the fans and hopes his dancing partner will be on the same page. Collard also believes Burgos might try to wrestle him. If the fight goes to the mat, Collard — who has important experience in boxing — feels confident he will surprise his opponent like he surprised Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Steven Ray in their clash in June. When asked about his fight prediction, Clay suggested he might finish Burgos in the second round via submission or knockout. He also playfully confessed to considering calling out Jake Paul after winning the PFL championship.

"I hope he brings it on the feet. He wrestled [Yamato Nishikawa] the whole time, though. He took Yamato down and held him down and he needed six points to even get in the tournament, so that kind of caught me off guard to see him wrestling. I think once he starts getting a taste of my hands, he's gonna try to wrestle me. I think we do him see him try to take it to the mat.”

(00:00) Intro
(00:24) His summer
(01:00) How his son is doing
(01:40) Preparing for Burgos
(02:28) Hoping for a striking contest
(03:20) Defeating Ray
(04:14) Neutralizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts
(05:12) His take on Natan Schulte vs. Raush Manfio
(06:35) Aiming to finish Burgos in Round 2
(07:22) Staying constantly in shape
(08:37) Calling out Jake Paul in case of victory
(09:20) Outro