Preview: PFL 8 ‘Ferreira vs. Greene’

Women’s Featherweights

Marina Mokhnatkina (10-3, 4-1 PFL) vs. Amber Leibrock (7-5, 1-1 PFL)

While Leibrock had hopes of using range, movement and kickboxing to upset Larissa Pacheco at PFL 5, she completely wilted under the pressure of the Brazilian in a 45-second stoppage loss. There is no shame in losing to perhaps the most feared women in the PFL, and Leibrock will not face anyone else with that type of fight-altering power in the league. Of course, to win a championship, she will likely have to get through Pacheco, which seems like a tall task.

Mokhnatkina, a six-time combat sambo world champion, is coming off a competitive victory over Evelyn Martins in which she blended her striking and takedowns well enough to secure a unanimous decision triumph. The most concerning thing about that victory was Mokhnatkina’s inability to defend against low kicks. Overall, the Russian is an experienced and durable grappler—she notably went the distance against Kayla Harrison in 2022—who is not afraid to try for submissions during scrambles on the mat. She is not a finisher on the feet, but she does throw her overhand right consistently while mixing in a variety of kicks. Her striking is mostly a means to set up takedowns, though she is not necessarily dominant with her top control.

Before the Pacheco fight, Leibrock impressed with a lead-leg head kick knockout of Martina Jindrova. At 6-foot with a five-inch reach advantage, the Combat Sports Academy export will present some challenges for Mokhnatkina when it comes to closing the distance. Her frame could also make it difficult for the Russian to implement her grappling game. With that said, Leibrock will struggle if the finish does not arrive, and Mokhnatkina is crafty enough to keep her guessing by mixing up her attacks. Mokhnatkina by decision or submission is the pick.

Jump To »
Ferreira vs. Greene
Pacheco vs. Kolesnyk
Goltsov vs. Heiderman
Mokhnatkina vs. Leibrock
Kelly vs. Nelson
The Prelims