2021 PFL Championship Finals: Ray Cooper III Gets Revenge Against Magomed Magomedkerimov
In a rematch of the 2018 PFL Finals, Ray Cooper III was able to knock out Magomed Magomedkerimov to become a two-time PFL Welterweight Champion.
Cooper, who won the 2019 championship final, survived a barrage of shots and landed one big one that took Magomedkerimov off of his feet. The crowd inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and those watching all over the world were shocked at what they witnessed.
There was no feeling out process, as Cooper and Magomedkerimov went right after one another. The latter would incorporate kicks that connected onto the stomach of Cooper, while Cooper used his hands. Magomedkerimov would then slam “Bradda Boy” to the ground, but the referee would force them up when there was no action. They would continue to strike one another, with Cooper going for the one big shot that could end it a few times.
Now Ray Cooper III shows off his own wrestling game!#PFLChampionship LIVE NOW
—- ESPN2 & ESPN
— https://t.co/WfOt9XBfzk pic.twitter.com/na96tql6LB— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 28, 2021
Magomedkerimov would be more aggressive in round two, as he landed a knee to the head of Cooper by the cage. Cooper tried to take him down and at one point caught him in a choke, but Magomedkerimov would escape.
Round three is where things got violent. Cooper took down Magomedkerimov after the latter landed a sharp jab. After coming off the ground, both would try their best to strike the other down. Magomedkerimov was controlling that part of the fight game, landing knees, lefts, rights, body shots, and head shots. Cooper was exposed and the end seemed to be near.
The end may be near!!!!#PFLChampionship LIVE NOW
—- ESPN2 & ESPN
— https://t.co/WfOt9XBfzk pic.twitter.com/pXXyUUDYMH— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 28, 2021
All of a sudden, Cooper was able to recover. He landed a few shots of his own before landing a vicious overhand hook that took down Magomedkerimov.
Ray Cooper III Shuts Down Magomed!#PFLChampionship pic.twitter.com/bOgZpphY5G
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 28, 2021
When it came to strikes, Cooper landed 36 while Magomedkerimov landed 69. It was Cooper’s 15th win via KO. The loss ends Magomedkerimov’s thirteen-fight win streak dating back to 2015.
As far as what is next for Cooper, Ray Sefo made it a point to state that he is not a free agent.
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