Preview: PFL 5 ‘Cappelozza vs. Scheffel’

Lightweights

Anthony Pettis (25-12, 1-2 PFL) vs. Steven Ray (23-10, 0-1 PFL)

After a rough beginning to his PFL tenure in 2021, Pettis got a much-needed win against unheralded journeyman Myles Price in his first regular season appearance of the new campaign. “Showtime” displayed his crafty scrambling and submission game, finishing his opponent with a topside triangle choke in the opening stanza. The lanky Price was an ideal matchup for the former UFC lightweight king, because he didn’t possess the wrestling acumen to control Pettis from above, and his striking wasn’t threatening enough to make his opponent fight on his back foot.

Ray returned from retirement against Alex Martinez at PFL 1 and got stronger as the fight went on — as one might expect from someone who was competing for the first time since 2019. His aggression paid off when he dropped Martinez in the second frame, and an active submission game made for entertaining grappling exchanges on the mat. Though the official scorecards didn’t end up in his favor, it’s a fight more than a few observers thought could have gone his way. During his Octagon tenure, Ray was known as an aggressive southpaw counterpuncher with a solid clinch game. His suspect takedown defense and willingness to take risks with submission attempts — which surfaced again against Martinez — can cost him against strong grapplers, while his countering style can be ineffective against opponents that don’t force the issue.

Pettis is known to struggle against consistent forward pressure, which tends to negate his fancy toolbox of kicks. Though his right hand is solid, his overall boxing fundamentals — namely a jab, feints and movement — are lacking when an adversary is in his face. Ray is a game enough opponent, but his skill set isn’t the type to give Pettis problems. If the Scot waits too long for the right opening on the feet, Pettis will have ample opportunity to unleash one of his spectacular attacks, while Ray’s tendency to scramble and transition for submissions is exactly the type of game Pettis likes to play on the canvas. Ray will have his moments, but look for Pettis to have the slight edge in just about every aspect of the fight in an entertaining decision victory.

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Cappelozza vs. Scheffel
Pettis vs. Ray
Wade vs. Bochniak
Ferreira vs. Abreu