Two of the top contenders will be tested in the PFL Washington welterweight title fight as they battle for championship gold. This is a big fight for both men because the winner will leave with more than just a belt and could become one of the biggest names in the promotion at 170 pounds.

Washington is a big stage for a clash of contrasting skills, pressure and tactical discipline. Both fighters are showing up with their game faces on and one mistake could determine who walks out of the cage as the welterweight champion.

PFL Washington Welterweight Title Fight Increases The Stakes

A championship fight is a different type of pressure than a regular 3 round fight. Fighters need to be ready for a longer fight but need to be aware of their energy, movement and defence.

Neither rival can afford to come out slowly. But if you go too hard in the first round, it may create problems for you later in the fight if it goes into the championship rounds.

So the title fight could be a test of patience. Both athletes will have to try to find weaknesses without giving away easy chances of their own.

It might be a matter of different fighting styles.

You can expect to see a mix of striking, grappling and submission threats in welterweight bouts. One fighter may want to control the fight from a distance with quick combinations, kicks and movement while the other may want to focus on takedowns and pressure against the cage.

The choice of where the fight takes place could be the biggest factor. A good wrestler may want to slow the fight down and control position on the ground, while a powerful striker will probably want to keep the fight standing.

Another key element will be transitions. A bad takedown attempt or a badly timed combo and the opponent can take control in an instant.

Championship rounds could test endurance

If the fight lasts more than three rounds, conditioning may be just as important as technique. It’s important to pace yourself, especially as you start to feel the effects of multiple grappling exchanges and defence moves. Title fights are five rounds long.

Usually the 4th and 5th rounds are the time to see who trained better. The mark of a champion is to remain sharp in hand speed, takedown defence and focus when tired.

And corner advice between rounds can also come into play. Little changes in distance, speed or defensive posture can swing the momentum of the fight.

A win can change the winner’s career

Winning a PFL title can be a major career boost for a fighter. The new champ may get more press, tougher fights down the line and a shot at being a major player in the promotion’s welterweight division.

It could also affect the overall picture of the title. Other leading contenders will be watching closely, waiting to challenge the winner of the Washington belt.

While the contest could still prove to be a valuable experience for the losing fighter, a return to another championship opportunity may require a number of significant victories.

Washington could benefit from a more crowded atmosphere

The title fight should have a nasty atmosphere from the Washington crowd. A big crowd can bring energy to a big event, but seasoned competitors need to stay focused and not get caught up in emotion and throw off their strategy.

The local support can be biassed and the reaction of the crowd does not influence the official scoring. The contest will be judged on effective striking, effective grappling, effective control and other scoring criteria.

So both guys have to focus on creating good offence that makes sense and not just looking for big moments.”

There are a number of things that could determine the championship

Tackling, positioning, stamina and composure are all things that could play a major part. As the rounds go on, the fighter who adapts faster can turn the tide.

Damage will also matter. One clean shot can turn the fight in a split second . Good ground control can take away an opponents chances and sway the judges .

PFL Washington main event has welterweight title on the line and all the ingredients for a close fight. The most technically sound, patient and able to perform well under pressure will probably win this fight.

Sources

• Professional Fighters League – Official Event Announcements, Fighter Information, Results & Championship News
• ESPN MMA – MMA news, fight previews, interviews and event coverage
• MMA Fighting – PFL news, fighter analysis, weigh-ins and post-fight coverage.
• MMA News – Results, Rumours, and Videos | MMA Junkie
• Sherdog – MMA, UFC & Boxing Fight Records, Stats & News