Clay Collard (Credit: PFL)
Clay Collard says fighting in front of home crowd is a win in itself, clinching top seed would be “cherry on top”
On Friday night in Salt Lake City, Utah, PFL lightweight contender Clay Collard will have a chance to secure the top seed in the 2024 lightweight tournament and the chance to do so will come in front of his home crowd in Utah. Collard, who has been a staple of the PFL roster and a headliner in many events over the years, has been consistent in his pursuit of the PFL world title and despite not having it on his resume yet, he’s been rightfully known as one of the most exciting fighters on the roster and a great representative of the promotion.
Speaking to the media ahead of the second round of the PFL lightweight tournament, Collard spoke about his main event fight against Mads Burnell, the possibility of securing the top seed in the divisional playoffs, and what it would mean to him to be able to get it done in front of his hometown crowd. When it comes to finally have a chance to return and perform in front of his home fans, that is something in itself that excites him.
“Just performing in front of my fans is the win in itself. It’s been six years since I’ve been home and been able to fight in front of my friends and family so I’m super stoked about it. To get the win and the number one seed is just the cherry on top.”
Always prepared for a war inside the PFL SmartCage and providing fans with the most entertaining fight possible, Collard said it would send a message of his singular focus, capturing the world title.
“We’ve been chasing that belt for years now and I really think 2024 is my year. Got tough competition but I’m not one to shy away from that, so it’s going to mean the world to me get there and get it done.”
There is no better better stage or platform than Salt Lake City for Clay Collard to stamp his ticket to the 2024 Playoffs, to clinch the top seed in the tournament, and get to the one thing that continues to motivate him as part of the PFL roster: the gold money can’t buy.
Clay Collard vs Mads Burnell will serve as the PFL 5 main event with the main card starting at 8pm ET on ESPN and ESPN+ live from Salt Lake City, Utah.
