PFL has signed Josh O’Connor to their roster, making him the first Welshman to sign with the organisation. The 23-year-old will make his debut on August 13th on PFL’s Cardiff play-off card.
The card will be the promotion’s first in Wales and will be the second event of the league’s 2022 post-season. The welterweight and heavyweight divisions will be on display, with former Bellator champ Rory MacDonald headlining the ESPN card.
Josh O’Connor
O’Connor holds a professional record of 1-0 after picking up his first pro win at Budo 47. A first-round win against Mickey Miller got things up and running in his pro career.
Undefeated as an amateur and securing the Cage Warriors Academy Wales lightweight strap in his last amateur bout. O’Connor has been on the rise for some time now, and it has finally paid off for him.
He’s set to face Emran Sakhizada in front of his home crowd next month. Sakhizaada is a Muay Thai fighter and will also be the first Afgan fighter to debut with the promotion. A hard-hitting fighter with a tricky style to anticipate.
Fighting Style
The Welshman is training out of Two4 Martial Arts, a gym known for its jiu-jitsu, with a growing number of young Welsh prospects. As well as CF24, under head-coach Dino Gambatesa.
Fans can expect to see a fighter willing to do whatever it takes to win. Someone who is smart with the shots he throws and is always working for that takedown. He understands when to push for the submission and can win a fight on the feet or on the ground.
With his signing to PFL confirmed, Wales now holds fighters in the UFC, Bellator, Cage Warriors and the rising PFL. It’s clear that Wales is now one of the largest up-and-comers within the MMA world.
Does Josh O’Connor maximise the debut in Cardiff? Tune into ESPN on August 13th to find out. More news to follow.
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