In the past several years, the PFL has signed plenty of big-name talent away from organizations like the UFC.
But those big names often have arrived to their new promotion to unceremonious welcomes from their opponents – to the tune of some serious upsets.
There were some big names on the PFL’s list of upsets in 2024, as well. Check out the video above to see the promotion’s biggest stunners of the year – including in some crucial moments.
No. 5: Yagshimuradov def. Kasanganay
Result: Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Impa Kasanganay via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:58
Event: 2024 PFL Championship, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Date: Nov. 29
Odds: Kasanganay -185
Notes: Kasanganay started his 2024 with a split decision loss to Bellator champ Johnny Eblen, but rolled through the light heavyweight season with three wins. In his quest to become a repeat $1 million champion, though, after his 2023 victory in the final, he was handed the fastest loss of his career.
No. 4: Sanders def. Cossio
Result: Dedrek Sanders def. Sergio Cossio via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:34
Event: 2024 PFL Playoffs 1, Nashville
Date: Aug. 2
Odds: Cossio -300
Notes: Sanders’ first impression on the PFL in his promotional debut was a good one when he took out 3-1 favorite Cossio in a lightweight featured fight in front of a playoff crowd.
No. 3: Musaev def. Storley
Result: Shamil Musaev def. Logan Storley via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 0:27
Event: 2024 PFL 3, Chicago
Date: April 19
Odds: Storley -280
Notes: Like so many others who have come to the PFL, Storley got a rude welcome when Musaev unloaded on him early in the second round for a Windy City stoppage.
No. 2: Dafrawy def. Alaqraa
Result: Omar El Dafrawy def. Mohammad Alaqraa via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 0:57
Event: 2024 PFL Championship, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Date: Nov. 29
Odds: Alaqraa -280
Notes: Dafrawy won PFL’s MENA welterweight title when he handed the American Kickboxing Academy product the first loss of his career.
No. 1: Hughes def. McKee
Result: Paul Hughes def. A.J. McKee via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Event: PFL Battle of the Giants, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Date: Oct. 19
Odds: McKee -210
Notes: Hughes became just the second fighter to notch a win over former Bellator featherweight champion McKee, who came into the fight with a four-bout winning streak – all decisions – at lightweight.
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: PFL’s top 5 upsets of 2024 include ex-champs going down
