Preview: PFL 2025 World Tournament 3

Middleweight Quarterfinal

Dalton Rosta (9-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Sadibou Sy (17-8-2, 11-6-2)

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.

With a name like “Hercules,” there’s no denying that Rosta looks like the prototypical middleweight. The 6-foot American Top Team prospect is shredded and has the skills on the mic to become a rising star, but his performance in this tournament will determine whether or not he’s more hype than hero. In 10 fights, he has only tasted defeat once in a back-and-forth bout with Aaron Jeffery. Rosta started the fight strong but found himself in unfavorable positions throughout the next two rounds and lost by decision. He’s a magnificent athlete who can do a little bit of everything, but he hasn’t found his niche in the cage yet. There are better strikers and wrestlers than Rosta in the tournament, but there isn’t a place where he’s entirely out of his depth. He just needs to compete. It may be tough to categorize Rosta’s skill set, but that isn’t the case with Sy. The Swedish kickboxing standout throws nasty kicks and blistering fast combinations. When he’s in his flow state, he’s as dangerous as any standup fighter around. Sy won the 2022 PFL welterweight title but bit off more than he could chew when he moved up to 205 pounds. Middleweight could be the perfect middle ground for the 6-foot-3 out-fighter. He will have height and reach on Rosta and could use that to his advantage.

For Rosta to win this fight, he must do what he does best: mix up his attack. Sy wants to kickbox and counter from the outside. Rosta needs to close the gap and apply pressure to the lanky Swede. Constant shots and level changes will make him harder to pinpoint and counter. If Rosta can keep Sy hesitant and guessing, he can limit his output and outwork him on the scorecards. Sy has shown that he can put a fighter away with one shot. Rosta can’t afford to stand on the outside, so Sy should be ready to fight on his back foot. One well-timed elbow or knee could quickly turn the fight’s balance. This could be a fight where the 38-year-old Sy turns back the clock and reminds fans who he is with a highlight-reel finish.

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Kasanganay vs. Edwards
Rosta vs. Sy
Rabadanov vs. Diakiese
Wilson vs. Burnell
The Prelims