Greece’s Giannis Bachar brings his striking repertoire to the PFL, making his debut tonight in the World Tournament. Bachar, a former regional welterweight champion, is 9-2 with eight knockouts to his credit – four of which came in the first round. Bachar, who is currently on an eight-fight win streak, scored a first-round knockout of Omiel Brown in November 2023.

 

Japan’s Masayuki Kikuiri has found his own success on the regional circuit as a former interim welterweight champion. The 29-year-old kickboxing practitioner currently sports a four-fight win streak, with seven of his 10 victories thus far coming by knockout. Kikuiri went 2-0 in Bellator, including a finish of Herman Terrado at the Bellator Champions Series card in San Diego this past September.

 

Which of these PFL debutants will make their way to the welterweight semifinals?

 

 

Round 1

 

Bachar presses Kikuiri into the fence right away, looking for an early takedown. Kikuiri is able to reverse the position after about 40 seconds. Bachar trying to pummel his way back into control. Bachar with a knee to the body. The referee asks the fighters for more activity. Bachar gets the reversal and scores a takedown – but Kikuiri gets back up right away. Bachar looks for another deep single-leg takedown, but Kikuiri landing strikes to defend. Kikuiri is then able to get control back, once again pushing Bachar into the SmartCage.

 

Kikuiri lands a kick on the separation, causing Bachar to shell up as he tries to land combinations. A couple of low kicks from Bachar. Body kick from Kikuiri. One-two from Bachar. Bachar goes for a double-leg takedown. Kikuiri lands a few shots to the head to defend again – and once again he reverses the position against the fence. Strong right hand lands for Kikuiri. Left hand from Kikuiri. Kikuiri rips to the body. Kikuiri working combinations. A small flurry from Bachar as he presses forward. Left hand from Bachar. Kikuiri now suddenly rushes forward for his own takedown attempt. Kikuiri uses a judo trip to score a takedown before the bell.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Low kick exchange to start the round. Bachar pressing forward with combinations already. Bachar catches a kick and lands another combination. Bachar presses Kikuiri into the fence as he looks for a takedown again. Kikuiri defends it well again before turning Bachar into the fence. The referee tells the two to work. Bachar separates himself and throws a right hand. Low kick from Bachar. Kikuiri goes for a single-leg now. Low kicks from Kikuiri. Left hand from Bachar. And again – this time a stronger shot.

 

Kikuiri with a strong jab. Kikuiri with another jab but he eats a low kick. Kikuiri lands to the body. Kikuiri scores a takedown. Bachar gets up quickly, but he is pressed against the fence. Kikuiri with a level change, but Bachar keeps himself up. Kikuiri lands an elbow on the separation. Right hand and a low kick from Bachar. Kikuiri lands a couple of jabs. Kikuiri drives forward looking for a double-leg takedown – and he gets it. Bachar reverses the position and gets on top, but Kikuiri quickly gets him up and gets him back to the fence. The action goes back to the ground with Bachar on top before the bell.

 

Getting ready for round three, but Bachar is refusing to get off the stool! He shakes his head! The fight is over! Bachar may have suffered a knee injury.

 

 

Bachar’s loss is Kikuiri’s gain. He moves on in the tournament!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Masayuki Kikuiri def. Giannis Bachar by TKO (Round 2: 5:00) in a welterweight first round fight.

 

Kikuiri improves record to 11-2-1

 

He moves to the semifinals where he will face the winner of Joseph Luciano vs. Logan Storley.