Preview: 2023 PFL 1 ‘Loughnane vs. Moraes’

Featherweights

Chris Wade (22-8, 10-5 PFL) vs. Bubba Jenkins (19-6, 5-2 PFL)

ODDS: Wade (-180), Jenkins (+150)

Both Wade and Jenkins enter the 2023 PFL campaign looking for a breakthrough. Wade has been in the postseason each of the last three years, notably falling to Movlid Khaybulaev in the 2021 final. Jenkins, meanwhile, reached the 2022 final but suffered a fourth-round TKO loss to Brendan Loughnane in November. At this point, both Wade and Jenkins have to believe they have all the necessary skills and experience to make another serious run at the $1 million PFL prize.

Wade and Jenkins are familiar foes, which adds intrigue to this bout. “The Long Island Killer” defeated Jenkins via unanimous decision in the 2021 postseason in a bout where he was able to offset his opponent’s successful takedowns through scrambling and constant submission threats. While Wade is not a wrestler on the level of Jenkins, a two-time NCAA All-American, his MMA grappling is probably better and he excels in the transitional phases of the sport. Wade is not a consistent finisher, recent head kick knockout of Kyle Bochniak aside, but he is a versatile striker who works behind consistent forward pressure with a solid jab, knees and kicks. If he does have a potential fight-finishing weapon, it is his head kick. Jenkins, meanwhile, prefers to strike at range and will occasionally land something spectacular, but he still prefers to rely on takedowns, clinch work and ground-and-pound. If his initial takedown attempt does not work, Jenkins will chain together multiple tries until he can get his opponent to the mat.

Unless something significant has changed since their first meeting, this just seems like a difficult matchup for Jenkins. “The Bad Man” will be able to ground Wade, but the UFC veteran’s ability to scramble and threaten with submissions makes it difficult for Jenkins to maintain an approach based on holding dominant positions. If they are standing, Wade is simply more versatile in a striking battle. Wade by decision is the pick.

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