October 27, 2021
Manfio defeated Loik Radzhabov via unanimous decision (48-46, 48-46, 49-46) at the PFL Championships on Wednesday night in Ford Lauderdale.
ANALYSISManfio actually trailed in the total strike tally over the first two rounds, despite likely winning each, as he was landing the harder shots and doing damage to the legs. He likely dropped the third frame due to Radzhabov's wrestling and control, but bounced back in a big way in Round 4, dominating on the feet and likely earning a 10-8 nod. Credit to a battered Radzhabov for coming out for Round 5, but Manfio stayed in control and even recorded a takedown of his own. With wins over Jolton Lutterback,
Anthony Pettis,
Clay Collard and now Radzhabov in the 2021 season, Manfio will become the first of six fighters to be awarded a $1 million championship prize Wednesday night. You could argue things are just getting started for the Brazilian, who doesn't turn 30 for one more week. Even more surprising is that he closed as a betting underdog in all four of his 2021 fights, with oddsmakers listing him at approximately (+225) for the championship bout. Not bad for someone who started as just an alternate.