The PFL Playoffs fighter to watch is Alexei Pergande

The PLF playoffs are among us and we think Alexei Pergande is a fighter to watch.

The PFL Playoffs are here and we’re about to begin a three week journey to see who’ll end up the PFL Championships in November. To get there, the top four talents in all six competing weight divisions fight one more time, and the winners advance to the million dollar finals. One name who will be on the card but not participating in either tournament is Challenger Series winner and undefeated lightweight Alexei Pergande.

Pergande is a new name and is only 1-0 in MMA. He won his first pro fight against Joe Hamm in PFL Challenge Series 7. Pergande defeated Hamm by submission with an arm-triangle choke. While it was his first pro fight and first pro win, Pergande is no stranger to fighting.

Between 2019 and 2021, Pergande went 4-0 as an amateur, winning all four of his fights by stoppage, with three submissions and a TKO to his credit. So while he’s on a map with former UFC Champion Anthony PettisPergande is the fighter that fans should really pay attention to.

The PFL needs fighters like Alexei Pergande

Pergande is just 21 years old and has only competed five times, once as a professional. However, when you look at his work, his ability to finish fights and the fact that the PFL were able to land him for his first pro fight, it’s easy to see why he has a future with the brand.

This is a good thing as the PFL needs more homegrown stars rather than bringing in veterans from other promotions. While someone like Rory MacDonald makes sense given that he’s still in his prime, relying on guys like Jeremy Stephens and Fabricio Werdum just eats away at the money.

The biggest star in the PFL is Kayla Harrison, a woman who has fought and won every single one of her pro fights in the PFL; apart from one with Invicta which PFL allowed her to take. Because of this brand loyalty, she has not only won millions of dollars, but has also established herself as a star in promotion and esports.

Pergande is a talent who could be the next Harrison; someone who builds the brand and sees him become a star. Guys with his old pedigree are hard to find and should they progress and grow with their careers they can become big names that fans will tune in to see.

Now all that’s left for Pergande to do is win and he’ll take the next step towards potentially becoming the next big name in the PFL.

PFL Playoffs: Anthony Pettis vs. Stevie Ray takes place live at Madison Square Garden on Friday, August 5, 2022 in New York, NY. Follow FanSided MMA who is on site for all your news and highlights.