Lightweights and light heavyweights are on display at PFL Salt Lake City on Friday, June 21. Topping the card is a brawl between No. 2 ranked Clay Collard and No. 10 ranked Mads Burnell. Collard has been a staple in the PFL for several seasons and produced one of the greatest fights of all time opposite Jeremy Stephens. He holds wins over big names like Anthony Pettis, Shane Burgos, and Patricky Pitbull. Burnell was acquired by PFL during the Bellator acquisition and lost his debut via a second-round submission to Michael Dufort. He'll need a first-round finish in order to accrue points towards advancing to the finals.
Here's what each fighter needs to do in hopes of getting their hand raised on Friday night.
Clay Collard's keys to victory
Be himself
There's no reason that Collard shouldn't win this match-up fairly easily. He's got all the skills and the experience to dismantle Burnell across three rounds. He shouldn't go into this fight thinking he needs to be anything other than himself.
Dirty boxing
Collard has a strong boxing background and he should rely on that in this fight. Once Collard finds his rhythm, he's a maniac. His pressure and volume should be unmatched.
Don't get reckless
If Collard can get into the second and third rounds with Burnell he's probably already eliminated him. Collard should play it safe in the first, he can't risk getting eliminated in the first round. He needs to stay calm and calculated until he knows it's safe, then let the hands go.
Mads Burnell's keys to victory
Take risks
Burnell may only have one round to find the finish if he hopes to advance. He needs to come out swinging and hope he can land a shot on the incredibly durable Collard. He cannot play it safe or hope for a decision or even a late finish. With zero points, he has to go for the gusto!
Be on the offensive
Burnell needs to control the narrative. He cannot be on the defensive. He needs to start high-level boxing at the sound of the bell and not stop. He can't give Collard any chance to think or get comfortable.
Have fun
With all that's at stake, perhaps Burnell needs to just enjoy himself in there. This is MMA and anything can happen.
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