On Friday, Natan Schulte picked up a rather lacklustre unanimous decision victory against Raush Manfio on the PFL prelims. Both fighters rarely engaged in any offence, and the pair were happy to engage in a light sparring session. Bearing in mind this fight was for a chance at a million-dollar payday, neither fighter looked like they wanted the money.
The PFL Suspends Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio
Due to how the rest of the card played out, this was enough to earn Schulte a spot in the PFL playoffs over former UFC fighter Shane Burgos. However, the PFL released a statement Saturday morning announcing that Schulte and Manfio have been suspended for their performances because the bout “did not meet the standards which all PFL fighters agree to uphold in competition”.
See the PFL’s statement on the suspension below.
Last Night Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio did not meet the standards which all PFL fighters agree to uphold in competition.
PFL Website
All fighters in their PFL Fight Agreements agree to use their “best efforts … skills and abilities as a professional athlete to compete … and defeat any opponent.”
It was very clear that Natan and Raush did not meet that contractual standard in yesterday’s bout.
PFL immediately suspended both fighters from the season and deemed the fight to have 0 points for purposes of League standings.
PFL takes this action in recognition of its responsibility to all PFL fighters and all PFL fans.
Shane Burgos Advances to the Playoffs
With Schulte and Manfio suspended post-season, Burgos will take the Brazilian’s place and fight in the PFL playoffs. Burgos is the biggest name in the division, so it comes across as controversial when he seemingly gets special treatment to advance ahead of two fighters that are a lot less known. While no one wants to complain about having to watch more of one of the most exciting fighters on the planet, it puts the integrity of the promotion into question.
It was no surprise to fans that the fight between Schulte and Manfio played out the way it did. The pair are best friends, with Schulte also being the godfather to Manfio’s daughter.
In a 2021 interview with MMAFighting, Manfio spoke candidly about his relationship with Schulte.
“He has helped me with everything I asked. He had the money of the [previous PFL seasons] and helped me pay for my rent several times when I had no money, he bought something for me to eat. I’m [in the United States] because of him. He’s a friend sent by God.”
The PFL could have avoided this situation by scheduling the fighters differently in the regular season. However, this would then be treating them differently from the rest of the competitors. It’s almost a loss-loss situation having two fighters that are such close friends competing in the season/playoff format.
The PFL heads to New York for the lightweight semi-finals in August, which now play out like this…
1 Clay Collard vs. #4 Shane Burgos 2 Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. #3 Bruno Miranda
Do you think the PFL made the right decision by suspending both fighters?
Featured image credits to PFL
