Magomed Umalatov is the PFL 6 fighter to watch
The PFL will return for their last appearance in Atlanta this season with lightweights and welterweights vying for a playoff spot. In the welterweight division, current leader Magomed Umalatov is in a tight race where just picking up a win won't guarantee him a playoff spot. Umalatov faces Nayib Lopez, who needs a first-round knockout to stay alive.
Russia's Umalatov is undefeated at 13-0 and was 9-0 with nine finishes before joining the PFL roster in 2021. Umalatov beat Kyron Bowen and Leandro Silva but wasn't featured in the playoffs until the next season. Umalatov was scheduled to face former champion Ray Cooper III to open up the season but had to withdraw. Umalatov scored a first-round knockout of Jarrah Al Silawi at PFL 6 to clinch the last playoff spot, but Visa issues took him out of the playoffs. Umalatov scored another first-round knockout of Dilano Taylor at PFL 3 this year and now looks for another chance to make the playoffs.
Magomed Umalatov is looking to make the playoffs with a win over Nayib Lopez
Umalatov's opponent Lopez is also undefeated at 16-0 and was local promotion Lux Fight League's middleweight champion. Lopez moved down to welterweight and beat Shane Mitchell at PFL 3 but is currently sitting outside the standings with three points, while the four in front of him have five or six. Lopez will need a first-round knockout to have a chance.
While both fighters are somewhat identical in height and reach, their undefeated records will tell the story. Umalatov is the finisher in this matchup, but this could turn out to be a risk or reward situation since neither fighter wants to lose their zero. Umalatov has unfinished business he can very well take care of with a finish Friday night.
Next. What is a no contest? . dark
PFL 6: Lightweights and welterweights take place on Friday, June 23rd, 2023, live from Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, GA. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.