2022 PFL welterweight champion Sadibou Sy made SportsCenter’s Top 10 highlights with a wicked knockout.
Sadibou Sy was always known for his electric striking, especially after winning the 2022 PFL welterweight championship and the $1 million grand prize. But as he worked to defend the belt in the 2023 season, he earned the win of his life, which earned him worldwide fame and recognition.
Sy, a top training partner of UFC stars like Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, returns to the PFL SmartCage this weekend in the opening round of the PFL World Tournament. He’ll face Dalton Rosta for a spot in the semifinals of the league’s new tournament format.
If you blink at the wrong time, you could miss one of Sy’s blistering fast head kicks, as he showcased against Shane Mitchell during the 2023 PFL welterweight season.
Sadibou Sy knocked his opponent unconscious with a spinning wheel kick
Mitchell was considered by many fans and pundits as the ‘dark horse’ of the PFL welterweight division when he faced Sy at 2023 PFL 6. But after a back-and-forth first two rounds of their fight, Sy flattened Mitchell with one of the most brutal head kicks you’ll ever see.
As Mitchell briefly lowered his guard as he pressured Sy against the cage, Sy countered and capitalized on the opening by landing a spinning wheel kick right to Mitchell’s head. Mitchell immediately went unconscious before he landed on the canvas, sending the Atlanta spectators into a frenzy.
Sy’s knockout earned him a spot on ESPN SportsCenter’s ‘Top 10’ later that evening, helping to bring new eyes to the PFL and MMA. The Swede clinched a playoff spot with the win over Mitchell, defeating Carlos Leal in the semifinals before a loss to Magomed Magomedkerimov at the 2023 PFL World Championship.
Sadibou Sy is one of the PFL’s veteran stars after several big names left the SmartCage for the Octagon
Sy is one of the few remaining PFL stars on the league’s roster after a slew of fighters departing for the UFC and other opportunities. Patricio ‘Pitbull’, arguably the greatest fighter in Bellator history, was granted his release from the PFL after a tumultuous dispute with the league brass.
Pitbull made his UFC debut last weekend at UFC 314, losing by unanimous decision to former interim champion Yair Rodriguez. Former Bellator featherweight star Aaron Pico was signed to the promotion earlier this month and is expected to make his promotional debut
Former PFL superstar Kayla Harrison will fight for the UFC women’s bantamweight title at UFC 316 after a 2-0 run in the Octagon. She parted ways with the PFL last year after becoming the face of the league during the earlier stages of her career.
As Sy prepares for his middleweight return this Friday, he’ll fight with a lot to prove as he competes for another PFL championship. Even at 38 years old, it’s best not to doubt Sy’s elite kickboxing.
