MMA
Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer 2y

Visa issues for Magomed Umalatov, Denis Goltsov force PFL to adjust semifinal matchups

MMA, PFL

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.

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