A Grant Combat Academy product, Jack Grant has proven to be quite the dangerous grappler, bringing out aggression and making full use of his skills as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. Grant has scored finishes in 19 of his 20 victories thus far, including a first-round TKO of Nathan Jones at Bellator 267. While Grant dropped a decision to Abdoul Abdouraguimov in Paris in March, he rebounded with a victory via slam and punches against Charlie Hughes in June in Newcastle.

 

Florim Zendeli has strong wrestling and striking skills, scoring a regional welterweight championship on the way to PFL Europe. Zendeli is a dangerous finisher, with all eight of his victories coming via KO or submission. Zendeli scored a first-round technical submission of Tomasz Langowski in March.

 

Who will face Daniele Miceli with the 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Title on the line?

 

 

Round 1

 

Grant delivers three hard low kicks to start things off. Zendeli is hit on the cup with a low kick as he tries to go for a front kick. Left hand by Zendeli. Dirty boxing displayed between the two. Zendeli with several low knees – only for the fight to be paused again for a low blow. Two pauses not even a minute into the fight. Low kick from Zendeli. And another. Grant goes low and then high with a kick. Push kick from Zendeli. Left hook from Grant lands hard on Zendeli. Grant goes for the takedown, but Zendeli keeps his balance. Zendeli now pressing Grant against the fence.

 

Another low blow on the break, and another call for time. The referee looks for a replay, and it’s deemed not an illegal shot. The fight resumes with both men exchanging in the center. Zendeli coming to life with his striking. Grant lands a combination, and he’s rocked! Grant drops Zendeli! Grant follows him to the ground and looks for a submission! Grant goes for a guillotine, but Zendeli pops his head out. Zendeli is busted open as Grant looks for a ninja choke. Grant is unable to lock it in. Zendeli looks to burst and take control in a clinch. Zendeli still looks wobbly. Grant looks to pursue but walks into a jab by Zendeli. Grant with a pair of knees as Zendeli holds him against the fence. The referee calls for more activity but doesn’t get it, causing a separation. Zendeli with a combination before another grappling battle. Zendeli appears to have a broken nose.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Zendeli looks to use his kicks to get off to a strong start in the round. Zendeli catches a kick from Grant and brings him to the fence. Grant easily works his way off, however. Zendeli with a check hook before taking Grant down. Zendeli looks to get a hook in. Zendeli with a pair of knees. Zendeli continues to land knees, winning the position battle thus far. The referee calling for more activity. Zendeli tries for a trip, but Grant keeps his balance. The referee warns again and has to step in and separate the two. Grant with a strong jab and a strong right hand. Zendeli looks to answers with jabs. Strong right hand for Zendeli. Big knee from Grant. One-two from Zendeli.

 

Battle in the clinch. Grant tries for a jumping armbar but fails and finds himself with Zendeli on top of him! Zendeli lands shots on the ground, as Grant tries and fails for a kimura! Zendeli has the back and is landing shots. Grant looks to roll through, but it doesn’t work. Zendeli hangs on and may be searching for a choke. Grant tries to roll through again, but Zendeli stops it. Grant gets back to his feet before the bell, but Zendeli stays in control, pressing Grant into the SmartCage barrier.

 

 

Round 3

 

Zendeli with a low kick, and Grant tries to bring pressure right away. The two are swinging away early in this round. Right hand by Grant. Zendeli goes for a takedown, but Grant stuffs it. Grant stops another takedown attempt. Grant lands right hands to the body from short distance. Grant appears to be setting up an armbar or triangle choke, but Zendeli slips out. Zendeli bleeding from the nose again. Zendeli trying to press Grant, but Grant using short punches to disrupt Zendeli’s posture. The referee separates the two.

 

The two clinch up, and Zendeli tries to bring Grant over to the fence. Grant instead pins Zendeli against the fence. Grant lands a left knee to the body. Zendeli with a right knee. Zendeli works his way over to the back, trying to get a hold and get hooks in, while Grant looks to shake him off. Zendeli ends up sliding off, and Grant gets right into control. Grant looks to lock up a submission, but Zendeli gets back into top position and gets onto the neck as Grant tries to stand. Grant gets out of it. Zendeli scores another takedown, but Grant gets back up on his feet and works over Zendeli’s nose again with short shots. Another takedown by Zendeli before the bell.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Florim Zendeli def. Jack Grant via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)