Preview: PFL 1 ‘Collard vs. Stephens’

The Professional Fighters League will kick off its 2022 campaign in earnest with a card that features lightweights and light heavyweights beginning their pursuit of a $1 million payout at the end of the season. PFL 1 has a little something for everyone, including what figures to be a striker’s delight between Clay Collard and recent signee Jeremy Stephens at the top of the bill. Additionally, 2021 champions Raush Manfio and Antonio Carlos Jr. begin their respective defenses at lightweight and light heavyweight, while prospects-to-watch such as Don Madge and Simeon Powell attempt to make a solid first impression to kick off the season.

PFL 1 “Collard vs. Stephens” takes place on Wednesday at Esports Stadium Arlington in Arlington, Texas. The main card airs on ESPN and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/PT, while the prelims stream to ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Now to the preview:

Lightweights

Clay Collard (20-9, 2-1 PFL) vs. Jeremy Stephens (28-19, 0-0 PFL)

BETUS ODDS: Stephens (-130), Collard (EV)

Collard improved his reputation during a professional boxing stint that saw him win nine of 10 appearances at one point from 2019 to 2020. That has faded somewhat on the heels of a four-bout skid, including a loss this past December after the PFL season concluded, but that background is nonetheless an asset in his MMA career. The Pit Elevated Fight Team member stays active with volume punching, landing in combination to the head and body while pressing forward aggressively. Though he is known for his boxing, Collard is not one dimensional. He’s capable of implementing effective kicks, mixing in takedowns and throwing up submissions, as he has shown throughout his MMA career. Durability and an ability to recover relatively quickly benefit Collard, who is still known to throw caution to the wind in a firefight. Stephens was one of the most intriguing signings for PFL during its latest roster turnover for the 2022 campaign. While “Lil Heathen” is in the midst of a six-bout winless streak, his losses have come against top-tier competition and at this point in his career, there is very little the longtime UFC veteran has not seen in the cage. Stephens ended an 18-bout stint at featherweight last July, when he was submitted by Mateusz Gamrot at UFC on ESPN 26. He will remain at lightweight for the matchup with Collard, who also has vacillated between 145 and 155 pounds. Stephens’ approach is still pretty straightforward, though he has cut back on his brawling tendencies later in his career. Still, his best assets are heavy hands, whipping leg kicks and fairly sturdy chin. Collard has the ability to frustrate Stephens by landing with volume while moving in and out of danger. However, if he engages in an all-out slugfest, Stephens still has the ability to put anyone to sleep. Neither man favors a wrestling-based approach, but Collard might be more likely to shoot for a surprise takedown to mix things up. With years of battles on his ledger, Stephens is older than his 35 years suggest. Collard will be able to stay more active, rack up points and avoid the headhunting of his opponent to capture a closely contested decision.

Continue Reading » Madge vs. Manfio

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