3 Fights For Shane Burgos In The PFL

Free agency, an avenue fighters in the UFC didn’t really consider until recently, after all, who’d depart from the MMA giants of their own accord? A lot more fighters than previously thought It seems, amid a battle for financial fair play and a realisation that having a successful career isn’t mutually exclusive to a UFC roster spot.

Notorious crowd pleaser and #14 ranked UFC featherweight, Shane Burgos (15-3) has become the latest fighter to part ways with the UFC and try his hand else where, expressing his desire to explore the world of free agency after fighting out his contract in July. During his UFC run, Burgos garnered a reputation as an all action fighter, following barnburners with the likes of Billy Quarantillo and Charles Jourdain, while amassing an impressive record of 8-3.

In a move that Burgos describes as one he “couldn’t turn up”, ‘hurricane’ has signed with the PFL for their 2023 season.

If the 1 million dollar jackpot wasn’t already a big enough incentive, the PFL are building an increasingly impressive talent pool by the day, with the featherweight division Burgos will be joining standing as one of the finest the promotion has to offer. The quality of the PFL’s competition is as good as ever, with UFC standouts such as Rory Macdonald and Anthony Pettis both failing to realise their divisional jackpot after mutiple seasons with the promotion, a testament to the rosters ability.

Still at just 31 years old, with a boatload of potential and a style that never gets old, the entertainment level Burgos will bring to the PFL can’t be understated. His value as a fighter is evidently high on both sides, with UFC president Dana White admitting that letting him go was a mistake. He has the ability to reach the very top with the PFL and we can’t wait for him to get stuck in next season, with that being said, here are three exciting matchups for Shane Burgos in the PFL.

1. Brendan Loughnane

If you like violence, any Burgos fight would be right up your ally, but a fight with Loughnane? Thats a clash of styles guarenteed to be a barnburner. With Loughnane establishing himself as one of the top dogs at featherweight and as of last weekend booking himself a place in this seasons final, wouldnt he just be a great welcome to the organisation? Burgos has fought top strikers so it’s hardly throwing him in at the deep end, he gets the opportunity to prove himself against one of the PFL’s best while Loughnane has a chance to take out a top fighter imported straight from the UFC rankings. Big upside for both men, not to mention the fact that they both relish a stand up war with their boxing heavy styles. I’d pay good money to see these two slug it out for any number of rounds and thanks to the PFL, it may very well happen.

2. Ryoji Kudo

Kudo may have lost out on a spot in the finals last weekend after being submitted in the first by Bubba Jenkins, but this is a man who has proven to be as tough a matchup as any when he’s standing and banging with the divisions best. The Japanese man has a record of 11-4 with 7 of those 11 wins being via a strike or strikes. He hits hard, he can take a hard hit and he loves to bang, even dropping Loughnane when the pair squared off back in April and viciously sparking out Alejandro Flores in his 2nd regular season contest with a huge right hand. Burgos loves a war of attrition and I think Kudo would welcome the challenge, the volume of the American vs the power of the man from Japan. Another matchup which I’m sure would captivate the masses.

3. Clay Collard

Although Burgos is a featherweight and has been throughout his UFC run, a move to lightweight is something he’s alluded to a number of times, stating after his KO loss to Edson Barboza that 155 is “definitely” in his future. Using this information, it’s not crazy to assume the Burgos may grace the PFL’s lightweight division somewhere down the line, with Clay Collard harnessing the perfect style to give him a baptism by fire. With boxing experience and over 30 MMA fights (10 KOes), Collard has displayed a versatile striking game throughout his career, whether it be picking off the likes of Anthony Pettis with his in your face leather throwing, or tearing it up in the pocket with the always dangerous Jeremy Stephens, if Collard is stood up he spawns excitement. Burgos brings a similar volume striking style to the table and so the pair clashing would undoubtly be a kickboxing car crash.

In short, Burgos has the fan friendly style to create a whole lot of carnage when he steps into that PFL cage. Whether it be featherweight or lightweight, I’m sure we will see some memorable contests involving his name and who knows, possibly even a belt around his waist.

How well do you think Shane Burgos will do in the PFL and who would you like to see him face?