2024 PFL Playoffs 1 video: UFC vet Anthony Ivy continues career U-turn with comeback finish of Jaleel Willis

The improbable career turnaround for Anthony Ivy continues.

At 2024 PFL Playoffs 1, Ivy (15-7) mounted a comeback vs. Jaleel Willis (16-7) and finished the fight with a rear-naked choke at 4:49 of Round 2. The showcase bout Friday at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., was a 173-pound catchweight due to weight misses from both fighters.

Ivy, 34, extended his winning streak to seven – with all finishes. The stretch of success marks the extension of an unusual career rebound, as Ivy had lost five in a row and was finished three times prior to his current streak.

One of the attributes that’s allowed him to turn things around has been his toughness, which was on full display as he survived a knockdown in Round 1 and a near arm-triangle choke submission in Round 2.

Don't call it a comeback! Anthony Ivy gets his 8th career submission victory in round 2!

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With the defeat, Willis falls to 1-5 in his most recent six and could be on the cutting block. Willis is a former LFA welterweight champion who was imported from Bellator during the 2023 acquisition by PFL.

The up-to-the-minute 2024 PFL Playoffs 1 results include:

• Anthony Ivy def. Jaleel Willis via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:49
• Kevin Pease def. Nick Meck via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Playoffs 1.