Preview: PFL 9, 2022 Playoffs

Main Card Non-Tournament Bouts

Flyweights

Dakota Ditcheva (5-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Hassna Gaber (4-1, 0-0 PFL)

ODDS: Ditcheva (-900); Gaber (+550)

Could the PFL be on the verge of adding a women’s flyweight division to its next season? This pairing would seem to indicate that it is, though nothing is a given at this point in time. Thus far, the organization has been content to soldier onward with lightweight as its lone female division. The 23-year-old Ditcheva looks like an intriuging prospect regardless of if the PFL is in her long-term future. The British muay Thai champion has flashed the striking skills one might expect from someone with her background, as she has finished fights with punches, elbows and knees on the regional level. Ditcheva is a life-long martial artist but only transitioned to MMA within the last three years, so her ability to hold her own in the grappling and wrestling aspects of a fight will be key to her progress. Gaber likely can’t match Ditcheva on the feet, so her best bet will be to try to get her opponent to the canvas. That task could prove to be easier said than done, however. Ditcheva by decision or late TKO.

Light Heavyweights

Simeon Powell (6-0, 0-0 PFL) vs. Nemanja Uveric (11-5, 0-0 PFL)



ODDS: Powell (-600); Uveric (+425)

A rangy 6-foot-5 with an 80-inch reach, the 23-year-old Powell could be a fighter to watch in future PFL seasons. The Titan Fighter Gym export is capable of controlling the range with his jab, and he’ll also attack with kicks to all levels and devastating knees — which he can bring to the head of his opponents with relative ease given his length. Powell’s takedown defense is only so-so, but he has shown the ability to return to his feet when he is grounded, and thus far his submission defense has held up. Uveric enters the PFL on a five-bout winning streak under the Serbian Battle Championship. Four of those victories have come inside of a round, including a stoppage of former Bellator and UFC talent Maiquel Falco. Of course, Falco is well past his prime, and none Uveric’s other opponents were especially noteworthy. It’s clear who is the B-side in this matchup. Powell using his advantages and puts Uveric away inside the distance.

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