PFL 8 is taking place at the Motorpoint Arena this Saturday. The card has suffered two major card changes due to visa issues. The two fights in question are Rory McDonald vs Magomed Umalatov and Matheus Scheffel vs Denis Goltsov.
In each bout, it is the Russian combatants who have had trouble getting a visa to fight. Despite the short notice of this, both have been replaced and PFL 8 goes ahead.
Stepping up in the Welterweight division to take on Rory McDonald will now be the Jamaican Dilano Taylor. In the Heavyweight division former UFC alumni Juan Adams takes the place of Denis Goltsov to take on Matheus Scheffel.
Juan Adams
At 30-years old he currently has a professional record of 10-4. As previously mentioned he has made several appearances in the UFC. Things didn’t go his way in the organisation. However, since leaving he has made big improvements which see him losing just one of his last six, going 5-1.
Making his second appearance for PFL his first outing was a TKO victory against Sam Kei at PFL 5. Looking to upset the apple cart on short notice. Juan will be hoping to advance to the final in style taking out this year’s dark horse at Heavyweight in Matheus Scheffel.
Dilano Taylor
Fighting twice this year in the Welterweight bracket. Taylor won one and lost one. Now being given the chance to make amends he enters the semi-finals with a huge chance to advance. With Rory McDonald standing in his way It will be no easy task. However, anything is possible in the world of MMA.
9-2 as a professional and still only 25, he provides an interesting challenge for “The Red King”. Not here to make up the numbers, Taylor will look to pull the upset and announce himself to the MMA world with a massive upset win at PFL 8.
The Steaks
Both men have a huge opportunity to advance. Not facing the easy competition they will both have their work cut out for them. But, with the tournament-style format, anything is possible.
Should either man win they will advance to their respective weights final. Still one hell of a show in Cardiff, these two deserve a lot of respect for keeping the show alive.
Does either man pull the upset at PFL 8?
Featured image credit to @PFLMMA on Twitter
