PFL suspend Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio, Shane Burgos makes playoffs

Some fans had their apprehensions coming into the PFL 6 in Atlanta, Georgia. Two-time lightweight champion Natan Schulte was set to take on former titlist Raush Manfio, with the winner poised for a shot in the playoffs. While, on paper, there was nothing wrong with this matchup, fans questioned placing Schulte and Manfio – two close friends – against one another. Some feared that it would result in a drab affair.

Those fans were, unfortunately, correct in their assessments. Schulte and Manfio were timid in their performances, with the former earning the judges’ nods after three rounds. The win set Schulte up for a bout against Clay Collard, who sat on top of the table after the event.

Now, however, the PFL have decided to take action against Schulte and Manfio. In a press release, the promotion stated that the two combatants would be suspended for the rest of the season and neither man would receive points in the league table.

“Last night, Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio did not meet the standards which all PFL fighters agree to uphold in competition,” they said. “PFL immediately suspended both fighters from the season and deemed the fight to have 0 points for the purposes of league standings.”

With Schulte suspended, UFC alumnus Shane Burgos will now take a spot on the playoffs. He is set to take on Collard in the semi-final matchups, with 2022 champion Olivier Aubin-Mercier scheduled to fight Challenger Series signee Bruno Miranda.

Reception to the decision has been largely negative, as of the time of writing.

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