Marcelo Nunes contains a perfect blend of power and submission skills, and his life’s story is one of constant diligence and sacrifice toward chasing a dream. Nunes has won five of his last six and has never fought past the second round. After impressing PFL officials in 2022 with a submission of Bevon Lewis in that year’s Challenger Series and a submission of Dylan Potter, Nunes entered the 2023 heavyweight season. Though he was stopped by Maurice Greene, Nunes rebounded in a big way with a first-round knockout of Danilo Marques.

 

Likewise, though Jordan Heiderman is a wrestling specialist, his boxing and jiu-jitsu help to showcase him as a well-rounded fighter. Heiderman, who holds a 7-1 record with five wins coming via a finish, made it to the PFL heavyweight postseason in 2023 after a win over Patrick Brady. Heiderman, however, lost to Denis Goltsov in the semifinals.

 

Which name from last season’s heavyweight roster will score a big victory in this showcase showdown?

 

 

Round 1

 

Front kick from Nunes. Heiderman flashes his jab and then throws a right hand. Nunes’ back is near the PFL SmartCage. Leg kicks from both men. Nunes shoots in and gets Heiderman against the fence. Nunes hooks the back and gets the fight to the ground, stopping the attempts of Heiderman to get back to his feet. Nunes moves on top, battling against Heiderman’s legs as he’s against the SmartCage. Nunes makes his way into full mount, and Heiderman fails a hip escape.

 

Heiderman appeared to escape, but Nunes counters and locks in a triangle! He transitions into an armbar and gets the tapout!

 

 

A strong performance by Nunes to open things up here in Vegas!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Marcelo Nunes defeats Jordan