Alex Martinez upsets Clay Collard and advances to the playoffs

Tight submissions help Alex Martinez to a win over Clay Collard in the PFL 4 Main Event, secure Martinez a postseason spot and end Collard’s 2022 PFL campaign

Alex Martinez will have another chance to become PFL Lightweight champion, thanks to an upset but controversial decision win clay cabbage at PFL 4.

As a result of his win, Martinez is guaranteed a berth in the lightweight portion of the 2022 PFL playoffs while Collard’s season is over.

Martinez’s postseason seedings will be determined after Anthony Pettis and Stevie Ray meet at PFL 5 next week.

Alex Martinez advances to the PFL playoffs with a win over Clay Collard at PFL 4

Collard seemed off to a hot start with strong combinations, but Martinez forced him to eat a hard punch to keep him at bay. Collard was after Martinez’s corpse with several boxing combos, and it seemed to get to Martinez. Collard defeated Martinez twice in the opening round, although Martinez finished the round on top.

Collard continued to work the body in the second round, although Martinez came up to Collard and pressured him for his grappling. Collard dropped Martinez with a straight in the lap, and while Martinez climbed more than once, Collard followed suit. Collard attempted to include an armbar, but Martinez escaped and took a dominant position. Martinez managed to lock Collard in a rear naked choke and almost got the submission, but Collard got away.

Collard tried to get back on track in the final frame, but he got into trouble again thanks to an arm-triangle choke and a guillotine from Martinez. It was a very successful round for Martinez thanks to his superior grappling.

All three judges scored the fight 29-28, with two awarding the fight to Martinez to give him the split nod.

PFL 4: Clay Collard vs. Alex Martinez took place live from the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, GA on Friday June 17, 2022. Follow FanSided MMA who was there for all your news and highlights.