LAS VEGAS – 2022 PFL welterweight champion Sadibou Sy is ready to pick up right where he left off.
Four straight victories in 2022 led Sy (13-6-2 MMA, 7-4-2 PFL) to the championship and a $1 million prize, and he’s ready to do it all over again. His 2023 campaign starts off in a main event showdown against Jarrah Al-Silawi (18-4 MMA, 2-1 PFL) at 2023 PFL 3 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels.
Last season, he began the year coming off a loss. This time, he starts as the champion, so has that caused any mental shift or change in preparation this time around?
“Both yes and no,” Sy told reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “It’s hard to be – because I truly feel like I know what it takes. I know the path to victory, so having that gives me a sense of security. I know last season what I did in the preparation for each fight to be able to find the right regimen for my body, for my mind to be there.
“So, going through all of that, feeling what makes me feel great standing here in front of you guys. So, with that, I would say yes, but at the same time, a fight is a fight. So, I always expect the unexpected. I expect him to come out and give his all.”
Al-Silawi will be looking to erase the memory of the ending to his 2022 campaign. At 2022 PFL 6, Al-Silawi was finished in the first round by Magomed Umalatov, snapping a five-fight winning streak. Sy, however, is here to make sure that he doesn’t have a successful rebound, and believes he will be able to take care of business with ease.
“I believe I can go out and dominate this guy. Stylistically, I believe that his style and my style – I wouldn’t say, I believe there’s other fighters in the bracket that would make for a more exciting fight, but with that being said, I like this matchup because I’m going to be able to put on a show for you guys.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL 2023, Week 3.
