Yazid Chouchane has been a pro MMA fighter since 2012, coming into tonight’s bout with a 10-4 record. A striking specialist and former rugby player, Chouchane is 1-1 in PFL Europe so far, though this is his first time competing in the regular season. Chouchane competed in a pair of Showcase bouts, scoring a decision over Henrique Madureira in September but being submitted by Dylan Tuke in December.

 

After dropping his debut fight in 2014, Ignacio Capella has won all seven fights he’s had in the time since then, scoring five knockouts and a submission in the process. Capella has been sporadic in his time in competition, having last fought in February 2022, when he beat Ago Huskic.

 

With a spot in the PFL Europe Playoffs at lightweight on the line, who will rise to the occasion?

 

 

Round 1

 

Chouchane fires off a left jab, followed by a low kick. Chouchane continues to flash his jab. Chouchane lands a right hand. Capella fires off a couple of hooks. Chouchane throws a couple of right hands. Capella knocks Chouchane down with a couple of hooks! He gets back to his feet, but Chouchane looks hurt! Capella fires more and forces a level change. The two continue to exchange until a toss attempt by Chouchane. Unfortunately for him, Capella lands on top and gets a body lock. Chouchane looks for butterfly locks while Capella tries to work him over. Chouchane has some swelling under one of his eyes.

 

 

Chouchane gets back to his feet, but Capella greets him with a pair of hooks. The two trade in the center of the PFL SmartCage. Both swing and Chouchane lands the quicker strikes. Chouchane misses a low kick. Chouchane lands a jab, but Capella simultaneously lands a hook. Capella misses a right hand. Chouchane shoots for a takedown and ends up pulling guard on Capella. The two ride out the final minute of the round from there.

 

 

Round 2

 

Low kick from Chouchane to start the round. Body kick by Chouchane. Both throw jabs, and Capella misses a hook. Chouchane seems to have been rocked briefly, and Capella sticks with his pressure. Chouchane firing off combinations while on the back foot, both ending in a kick. Jab by Chouchane. Low kick by Chouchane. There is a combination from Chouchane, but Capella continues to fire off. Both men miss big hooks. Both throw lefts. Chouchane lands a short hook. Capella throws a hook. Capella seems to have wobbled Chouchane.

 

Chouchane tries to come in and Capella lands an uppercut that drops Chouchane out cold! He remains out cold as Capella celebrates in the SmartCage!

 

 

In enemy territory, Ignacio Capella gets the job done and moves on to the playoffs!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Ignacio Capella defeats Yazid Chouchane by 2nd round KO (2:31) in the Lightweight Regular Season, clinching a spot in the 2024 PFL Europe Playoffs. Capella will face Connor Hughes in the Semifinals.