Tom Pagliarulo brings the power with solid knee to the body for first-round KO

Matt Turnbull went 7-2 as an amateur, capturing an amateur bantamweight title before turning that into featherweight and lightweight gold. A self-described street fighter who fights out of Martinez BJJ in Philadelphia, Turnbull is currently on a three-fight win streak. He comes into tonight’s bout off a second-round submission of John Caldone less than two months ago.

Tom Pagliarulo has been a lifelong wrestler, having participated in the discipline since 4th grade, taking his talents eventually to Plymouth St. University. A two-time amateur featherweight champion and former regional featherweight champion, Pagliarulo has finishes in eight of his nine victories thus far, including seven first-round finishes. He’s won three straight, finishing Elijah Harris back on May 31.

Which of these two will impress as this featherweight showcase kicks off the Atlantic City action?

Round 1

Pagliarulo takes charge. Exchange of leg kicks. Body shot by Pagliarulo. Turnbull grabs a leg, but Pagliarulo avoids the takedown and goes back to striking. High kick from Pagliarulo. Left hand by Pagliarulo. Low kick by Turnbull. Right hand by Turnbull. Low kick by Turnbull. Body shot by Turnbull and a kick by Pagliarulo. Round kick by Pagliarulo is blocked. Right hand by Pagliarulo. Small combination coming forward for Turnbull. Pagliarulo trying to pressure and push Turnbull away. One-two from Pagliarulo. Low kick by Turnbull. Another Turnbull low kick. Turnbull goes for a body lock, but he can’t get it on for long.

Right hand by Pagliarulo. Low kick and a punch by Turnbull. Low kick by Turnbull. Left hand by Turnbull. Inside knee by Pagliarulo, and a two-punch combo from Turnbull. Low kick by Turnbull. Right hand by Pagliarulo. Pagliarulo gets Turnbull off balance but can’t get the takedown. One-two misses for Turnbull. Right hand lands for Turnbull. High kick from Turnbull is blocked. Inside combination from Pagliarulo. One-two by Pagliarulo. Low kick by Turnbull. Pagliarulo shows the right hand and lands a couple. Strong knee from Pagliarulo lands on the body, and Turnbull goes down! This one is over!

Tom Pagliarulo starts the night with a KO!

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Solid finish for Tom Pagliarulo here in his PFL debut!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Tom Pagliarulo defeats Matt Turnbull by 1st round KO (4:36) in a featherweight (145) showcase bout.

Pagliarulo moves his career record to 10-2

Pagliarulo gets his 8th career knockout (8 of 10 wins by KO/TKO)

Pagliarulo gets his 4th straight win

Pagliarulo is 28 years old, this was his PFL debut