A veteran of other MMA promotions, Danilo Marques has found a bounce-back with the PFL so far, beginning with a second-round submission of Ras Hylton in the PFL Challenger Series in February. A former Brazilian jiu-jitsu national champion, who also holds experience in taekwondo and boxing, Marques is now on a three-fight win streak. Marques’s 2023 season got off to a strong start in April, scoring a unanimous decision over Yorgan De Castro.

 

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert in his own right, Marcelo Nunes has finishes in all nine of his victories in his current 9-2 MMA record. After fights in the CFFC, Nunes submitted Devon Lewis with an arm-triangle choke in the 2022 PFL Challenger Series before a similar submission against Dylan Potter in a 2023 season qualifying bout. In April, however, Nunes was stopped by Maurice Greene.

 

Any kind of finish will clinch a playoff spot for Marques, while Nunes needs to win this fight to stay alive in the playoff race.

 

 

Round 1

 

A couple of kicks from Nunes to start things off. Marques’s one-two is blocked. Nunes nearly catches a body kick from Marques. Spinning crescent kick from Nunes. A leg exchange occurs before Nunes rushes forward and pins Marques against the SmartCage. Nunes delivers some knees to Marques’s thigh. After some lack of action, the referee brings the action back to the center. Nunes rushes forward with a combination. Nunes continues his path forward, but Marques catches him with a jumping knee.

 

Marques lands a combination. Nunes gets a couple of overhangs. A right hand from Nunes seems to hurt Marques, as Nunes cuts off the cage. Nunes rushes forward, throwing a blitz, and drops Marques out cold!

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Marcelo Nunes def. Danilo Marques via first-round KO (punches, 3:40)

 

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