A seven-time Sambo World Champion, Marina Mokhnatkina has won six of her last seven fights, with her sole loss in that span coming against two-time PFL World Champion Kayla Harrison. In last year’s PFL Women’s Lightweight Division, Mokhnatkina missed the playoffs after her 2022 season saw her decision loss to Harrison and a decision win over Abigail Montes. Now, Mokhnatkina seeks her first PFL World Title after a finish of Yoko Higashi and a decision over Evelyn Martins during this year’s regular season, earning her the No. 2 seed for the playoffs.
Leibrock will be looking for her first PFL World Championship, making the playoffs in her debut PFL season. Leibrock, a Muay Thai specialist, will be looking to rebound after getting stopped by top-seeded Larissa Pacheco in 45 seconds – the quickest finish in women’s PFL history. Prior to that loss, Leibrock had a four-fight win streak, including a first-round knockout of Martina Jindrova, which helped elevate her to her third-place finish in the women’s featherweight standings.
Which of these two women will be the first to clinch their spot in the first-ever PFL women’s featherweight title fight?
Round 1
Mokhnatkina presses forward to start as the two exchange in a clinch battle against the fence. Mokhnatkina gets the trip and lands on top in the takedown. Leibrock has her legs up on Mokhnatkina’s head but lets go. Mokhnatkina grabs a hold of Leibrock’s arm as Leibrock tries to get out of danger. Mokhnatkina looks for either an armbar or a kimura and gets in a great top position, though Leibrock wraps her legs around Mokhnatkina’s head again. Mokhnatkina gets the extension of Leibrock’s arm, locking in the armbar and getting the first-round submission!
Marina Mokhnatkina is going to the 2023 #PFLWorldChampionship!!!!#PFLPlayoffs LIVE NOW
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 19, 2023
🇺🇸 ESPN
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This now marks the fastest submission in women’s PFL history.
Marina Mokhnatkina advances to the PFL World Championship with ease!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Marina Mokhnatkina def. Amber Leibrock via first-round submission (armbar, 1:45)