2022 PFL heavyweight champion Ante Delija is looking to cash another million-dollar check in 2023 but to do so, he’ll need to score a quick six after bowing out of a bout at the beginning of the season. Delija stepped into the Smart Cage on Friday night against Maurice Greene, who looked to punch his ticket to the PFL playoffs after earning a second-round knockout against Marcelo Nunes in April.
Round 1
The opening minute saw very little action as both men sized up one another. Greene opened up the offense with a series of kicks to the body, followed by a few to the legs of Delija. Offering little offense in the first 90 seconds, Delija pressed Greene up against the fence just past the two-minute mark of the round but was quickly reversed by his opponent. Greene held his favorable position against the fence, working knees before switching to a double leg and dragging Delija to the mat. Delija gave up his back in an attempt to get up, and it worked out in his favor, allowing him to get upright and separate. Knowing he needs a finish, Delija begins to unleash a barrage of strikes. Greene moves in for a takedown and clinches against the fence through the end of the first.
Round 2
Delija came out much more aggressive in the second, landing a shot that sent Greene to the mat. Delija jumped on his man, looking to finish things, but Greene was able to bounce back up and once again clinch up against the fence. With two minutes left in the round, the fighters separate and re-center, with Delija once again pushing the pace. Delija lands a big right hand that has Greene literally running away and protecting himself against the fence once again. They separate and again, Delija is the aggressor while Greene circles the outside of the Smart Cage. Delija throws another flurry of strikes as the round closes.
Round 3
Greene comes out, targeting the leg to create space as Delija continues to bring the pressure. Delija pushes Greene to the fence and works for a single leg, eventually getting Greene to the ground. Delija keeps Greene planted on his back throughout the remainder of the round. Despite the less-than-stellar performance, Greene gets up at the end of the round and begins dancing.
Official Result: Ante Delija def. Maurice Green via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Ante Delija vs. Maurice Greene Below:
We go to the 2nd round!
Ante Delija is officially eliminated from making the #PFLPlayoffs. #PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/t6UH7PQftQ— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 17, 2023
Ante Delija starts the 2nd round swinging! Greene survives…#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/2ul6aFI6Hl— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 17, 2023
"Don't talk to me… Stay focused" – Jon Jones#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/Z6TneKxyMM— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 17, 2023
Ante Delija picks up the W over Maurice Greene & that sends Jordan Heiderman to the #PFLPlayoffs!#PFLRegularSeason pic.twitter.com/G53ZyRU7XC
— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 17, 2023
