The 2021 PFL heavyweight champion, Bruno Cappelozza, has pulled out of the upcoming fight card scheduled for April 4 in San Antonio. The promotion made the announcement on social media, revealing that Cappelozza was set to face Sergey Bilostenniy but has now been replaced by Blagoy Ivanov. The reasons behind Cappelozza’s sudden withdrawal remain undisclosed, leaving fans and analysts wondering about the circumstances surrounding his absence.
In addition to Cappelozza’s departure, another shift in the fight card lineup involves former UFC women’s flyweight title challenger Taila Santos. Originally slated to fight Denise Kielholtz in her PFL debut, Santos will now step into the cage against Ilara Joanne instead. This unexpected alteration adds an element of unpredictability to Santos’ upcoming bout and raises questions about the impact on her preparation for the fight.
Furthermore, the fight between flyweights Kaytlin Neil and Sumiko Inaba has been completely removed from the card, leaving fans disappointed and wondering about the reasoning behind this decision. The absence of this matchup creates a void in the fight card lineup and potentially affects the overall excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
For Bruno Cappelozza, his withdrawal from the fight card signifies a setback in his journey towards reclaiming the PFL heavyweight title. After making it to the playoffs in 2022, Cappelozza’s recent string of injuries and suspension due to a failed drug test has raised concerns about his future in the sport. His loss to Vadim Nemkov in a light heavyweight bout last month further compounds the challenges he faces in his comeback.
The changes to the PFL season-opening fight card have introduced a wave of uncertainty and speculation within the MMA community. With key fighters like Bruno Cappelozza and Taila Santos experiencing last-minute adjustments to their matchups, the landscape of the event has shifted significantly. As fans eagerly await the upcoming fights, the lingering question remains: will the fighters dropping off the card make a return later in the season, or are these changes indicative of larger issues at play within the promotion?