The PFL Playoffs rolled on Thursday evening in Hollywood, Fla., with an intriguing women’s lightweight showdown between Miranda Barber and Amanda Leve. 


A non-Playoffs affair, this bout still brought plenty to watch for, as Leve made her professional MMA debut. As a standout grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Leve amassed a 2-0 record (one submission) as an amateur before turning to grappling competition for the majority of 2019 and 2020. 


Round 1 


Referee Keith Peterson kicks us off in this one. They immediately get to trading, with both women landing some hard shots on the feet early. Leve stalks Barber and lands a leg kick, followed by a left. Barber responds with heavy punches of her own. 


They circle for a bit before Leve finds a home for a body kick. Barber responds with a spinning heel kick that misses the mark. Another spinning kick, this time to the body, lands for Barber, and Leve responds with a rush of punches. Barber’s angling out and keeping the distance well here early, avoiding any grappling exchanges. 


Another rush from Leve, and Barber finds a home for a nice check hook. Massive overhand right from Barber lands, planting Leve on the ground. She stands for a moment, but another right is behind it, putting her right back on the mat. 

 


Somehow, Leve survives and clinches, getting a takedown and landing some heavy ground-and-pound before taking Barber’s back. What a wild turn of events. 


Leve is under the chin, and it’s tight. Barber taps, and this one is over. From nearly knocked out to the victor –– that’s MMA, baby. 

 


Verdict


It wasn’t easy for Leve, and Barber nearly had the early knockout herself, but in the end the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt went to the ground and got it done. Leve wins her professional debut with an impressive comeback submission. 


Official Result: Amanda Leve def. Miranda Barber via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1 (4:18)