Kendly St. Louis showcased his grappling prowess on Thursday, scoring an impressive victory at the PFL World Tournament Semis held in Nashville. In a thrilling matchup, St. Louis submitted Mukhamed Berkhamov in the third round, marking a significant moment in his career as he became the first fighter ever to submit Berkhamov in a professional MMA bout.
The victory improved St. Louis's record to 11 wins and 4 losses. This win was especially significant for the 34-year-old welterweight, who had trained intensively for over six weeks leading up to the fight. After the match, St. Louis expressed his excitement and relief during a post-fight scrum with Cageside Press. He stated, "Feels good. Feels great. We trained pretty hard for this camp."
St. Louis and his team created a game plan centered around Berkhamov’s tendency to play on the outside due to his length. However, St. Louis emphasized that he fought his own fight. “I knew the finish was going to come; just don’t force it, your finish is going to come,” he explained, revealing his strategy paid off as he executed the submission effortlessly.
Although the fight served as a significant milestone in his journey, St. Louis was not shy about what he desires for his next matchup. He immediately called out Sarek Shields, the fighter who was competing in another bout that night against Joseph Luciano. "I already said it. The two guys that’s fighting right now, Sarek Shields vs. Joseph Luciano. Sarek Shields, he’s a Viking. I’m a highlander. Let’s fight,” St. Louis declared with confidence.
This fight has not only added to St. Louis's credibility as an MMA fighter but also highlighted his potential to challenge top contenders in the PFL welterweight division. Fans and followers are now eagerly anticipating a potential showdown between St. Louis and Shields, who have contrasting fighting styles that could lead to an exciting matchup.
Kendly St. Louis's victory at the PFL World Tournament Semis is a turning point in his career, proving his abilities as a submission specialist and setting the stage for high-stakes bouts ahead. As he looks toward the future, combat sports enthusiasts are keenly watching how his career unfolds in the PFL welterweight division.
