PFL Playoffs San Antonio Prelims Recap (8-4-23)
By: Victor Herrera
Headline Photo Courtesy: PFLMMA.com
SAN ANTONIO, TX-(Light Heavyweight) Billy Elekana v. Chuck Campbell – The first round never got going with any action. Campbell attacked more with strikes. However, Elekana was defending most of the round as Campbell was attempting takedowns to take the game to the ground. Elekana started to catch a rhythm and came out in the second round attacking. Halfway through the second round, Campbell was able to execute a takedown. Campbell ended the round with force but failed to complete the second takedown of the round. Both fighters exchanged heavy blows near the bell. Both fighters came out of the final round looking to strike, but both were careful to not expose themselves. Elekana showed more authority on the strikes. Halfway through the round Campbell created a good exchange and is pressing Elekana. Nearing the end Campbell attempted a takedown and continued to press Elekana against the cage. Campbell showed more force in the third and finished stronger with more exchanges. Although Campbell had more attack and kept Elekana on the defensive side in most of the fight. He was not given the decision and lost by split decision. Elekana got the win and moved to 6-1.
(Women Flyweight) Chelsea Hackett v. Ky Bennett – Bennet wasted no time trying to set the tempo as she did not touch gloves and went straight to attacking Hackett. Hackett got the early takedown. Hackett kept Bennet against the cage for most of the first round. Hackett with another takedown to close the first. After what seemed to be a promising start, the round stalled as the Hackett kept Bennett against the cage. Bennett was able to generate 2 takedowns. Hackett continued with the pressure to start the second. Hackett landed massive blows and created another takedown. Hackett was able to fully mount Bennett and establish control. Hackett attempted a rear naked choke that she is unable to finish. Hackett moved to back control and rolled into full mount again. Hackett continued to dominate on the ground countering every one of Bennett’s attempts to escape. The ground game was too much for Bennett and Hackett was able to complete a rear naked choke to gain the victory. This was Hackett’s debut with PFL and it was an impressive one.
(Welterweight) Anthony Ivy v. Carson Hardman – Hardman started fast trying to take the crowd out of the fight for the San Antonio native Ivy. Ivy was able to takedown Hardman and establish full mount. Ivy gained control and got the back of Hardman. Ivy did not disappoint the hometown as he completed a rear naked choke and won by submission in the first round.
In between fights, the city of San Antonio was able to celebrate as 6 new airmen were sworn into the United States Air Force on stage.
(Women Flyweight) Desiree Yanez v. Lisa Mauldin – There was no shortage of strikes to begin this fight. Neither fighter attempted to touch gloves and both went for the attack. Mauldin established ground control halfway through the first round and attempted a rear naked choke. Ultimately Mauldin was able to get the choke to set in and made Yanez tap in the first round for the win.
(Welterweight) Thad Jean v. Ali Omar – Leg kicks were exchanged to start the fight at a rapid pace. Omar the underdog tried to keep the same tempo with Jean. The undefeated Jean is trying to send a statement with an early round finish as he continued to press hard. Jean got that early round finish as Omar was caught with an uppercut causing him to slip and lose balance. This opened the door for Jean to attack and finish the fight in the first round via TKO.
