After going 9-1 in Brave CF, where he was a two-division world champion, Jarrah Al Silawi earned a PFL contract in the 2022 Challenger Series with a first-round knockout of Michael Lilly. The kickboxing specialist earned a decision win over Gleison Tibau in last year’s regular season before suffering a first-round knockout loss to Magomed Umalotov. He’s 0-1 in this year’s season thus far after getting stopped by Sadibou Sy in April.
Solomon Renfro, who makes his PFL debut tonight on six days’ notice, went 8-1 before dropping a pair of bouts, one in the Contender Series and one in the LFA. Since then, however, Renfro rebounded with a pair of victories on the regional circuit that included a decision over James Cannon and a first-round knockout of Michael Irizarry.
Both men will need a finish to stay alive in the playoff race. Al Silawi will need a finish in the first round or in the first 74 seconds of the second, while Renfro needs a first-round finish.
Round 1
Al Silawi starts the fight with a high kick. Renfro lands a low kick, but Al Silawi fires off a high kick and a kick to the body. Another low kick by Al Silawi and Renfro answers with one of his own. Al Silawi continued to mix up kicks to the legs and body of Renfro. Outside leg kick by Al Silawi, but Renfro comes forward with a one-two. Renfro comes forward and gets Al Silawi near the SmartCage, but Al Silawi handles distance well.
Front kick by Renfro, and Al Silawi responds by dodging and keeping distance. The two continue to trade leg kicks. While Renfro is on the front foot, he’s arguably not necessarily controlling the action. Al Silawi with another outside kick. A high kick and a low kick from Al Silawi.
Round 2
One-two by Al Silawi. Renfro fires a left, but Al Silawi backs up. Renfro comes forward again, but Al Silawi gets around him. Kick to the body and a left hand by Al Silawi. Head kick by Al Silawi. Renfro cracks Al Silawi with a couple of left hooks against the SmartCage! Another one-two and Al Silawi is out cold!
SOLOMON RENFRO! WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE!
— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 23, 2023
Renfro earns 5 points in the Welterweight standings#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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Unfortunately, due to a second-round finish for Renfro, neither fighter moves on to the playoffs. But Renfro certainly leaves his mark in his first SmartCage appearance!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Solomon Renfro defeats Jarrah Al Silawi by 2nd round KO (1:44), earning 5 points in the PFL Welterweight Division