Storley’s Repeat Takedowns Carried Him Through Kikuiri
Logan Storley defeated Masayuki Kikuiri by unanimous decision in the PFL World Tournament semifinals on June 12, 2025. Scores of 30–27, 29–27 and 29–28 sent the American welterweight into the final after three rounds in Nashville.
Top pressure immediately tested Kikuiri
Storley drove through an early takedown and established control around Kikuiri’s hips. Elbows and punches from above made the opening round difficult for the Japanese fighter.
Kikuiri stood, but Storley stayed attached and returned him to the mat. Another stretch of ground strikes kept the former interim Bellator champion in command through the end of the round.
The second round offered more resistance
Kikuiri found openings with right hands, an uppercut and front kicks as Storley kept pursuing the clinch. He also returned to his feet more quickly after several takedowns.
Storley responded by repeating the entries rather than abandoning his approach. Fence pressure, leg attacks and further mat returns prevented Kikuiri from establishing a prolonged striking rhythm.
A final round of control settled the decision
Storley again took the fight down in the third and pinned Kikuiri near the cage. He pursued improved positions and landed punches as his opponent worked to stand.
The unanimous verdict at Nashville Municipal Auditorium secured Storley’s place opposite Thad Jean, who won the other welterweight semifinal later that night. The completed bracket gave Storley another championship opportunity after a performance built on the wrestling and positional pressure that had defined his earlier Bellator success.
Sources
- PFL: top pressure, repeated takedowns and official decision
- PFL: Nashville venue and Storley–Jean final
- MMA Fighting: June 12 card and semifinal results
