The PFL has made several last-minute changes to its 2022 semifinals matchups on Friday in Cardiff, Wales.
Top-seeded welterweight Rory MacDonald (23-9-1) was supposed to face Magomed Umalatov (12-0), but will now meet Dilano Taylor (9-2) instead. Additionally, heavyweight Matheus Scheffel (16-8) will look to advance to the finals against late replacement Juan Adams (10-4), rather than his originally scheduled opponent, Denis Goltsov.
Visa issues were the cause of both last-minute replacements.
It results in two heavy losses to the PFL’s playoffs. Umalatov has looked outstanding in three appearances with the PFL, and he figured to be in for a big test against MacDonald, who is a former UFC title challenger and Bellator MMA champion. Goltsov, meanwhile, was the No. 1 seed at heavyweight, compiling nine points during the 2022 regular season.
Taylor, 25, debuted with the PFL on its Challenger Series in February. He went 1-1 in two regular season appearances, with a split decision victory over Joao Zeferino.
Adams, a UFC veteran, came in as a late addition to the PFL regular season in June. He picked up a win over Sam Kei, but did not initially score enough points to earn a playoff berth.
The PFL event takes place inside Cardiff Motorpoint Arena.