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Jesus Pinedo pulls off stunning quick-six finish to clinch playoff spot, featherweight seeding locked
June 9, 2023 | Thomas Albano
Considered one of the best featherweights in the world, Brendan Loughnane is off to a strong start in this PFL season, becoming the only featherweight to earn bonus points for a finish at the first featherweight event of the season. A 13-year professional MMA veteran, Loughnane is 9-1 in the PFL, with five straight wins and 14 of his 26 career victories coming by knockout.
After finishing as a semifinalist in 2021, Loughnane defeated Ryoji Kudo and Ago Huskic in last year’s regular season before a decision win over Chris Wade in the semifinals and a fourth-round finish of Bubba Jenkins to become the 2022 PFL featherweight champion. Loughnane scored a second-round stoppage of Marlon Moraes in April.
Jesus Pinedo is just as impressive of a finisher, with 15 of his 20 victories coming before the final bell. A striker who believes his speed is the key to his success, Pinedo made his PFL debut in April, dropping a split decision to Gabriel Braga.
A win of any kind gives Loughnane a playoff spot, and any kind of finish will secure him the No. 1 seed in the PFL Playoffs at featherweight. Pinedo, meanwhile, is in a win-or-go-home scenario in this matchup.
Round 1
Pinedo comes forward with a small flurry, but Loughnane gets away from him. Loughnane takes the center of the SmartCage, looking to control the action. Pinedo comes forward, but Loughnane dodges and manages to land a right hand on Pinedo. Pinedo lands a left that stumbles Loughnane a bit.
Then, in absolutely stunning fashion, Pinedo lands a knee to the face in the clinch — with his foot landing on Loughnane’s liver — dropping Loughnane out cold! Follow-up shots lead to the referee stepping in!
UPSET! UPSET! UPSET JESUS PINEDO IS GOING TO THE #PFLPLAYOFFS!
— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 9, 2023
Loughnane is eliminated!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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And just when it looked like Loughnane or Chris Wade would get the final playoff spot, both are now out thanks to a quick-six, first-round finish by Pinedo!
Jesus Pinedo, in major upset fashion, locks his spot in the PFL featherweight playoffs!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Jesus Pinedo def. Brendan Loughnane via first-round KO (knee, 1:34)
Featherweight Playoff Seeds:
1: Bubba Jenkins - 9 Points
2: Gabriel Braga - 9 Points
3: Movlid Khaybulaev - 8 Points
4: Jesus Pinedo - 6 Points
