Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio have been reprimanded by the PFL due to their contentious fight last Friday in Atlanta.
The odd contest happened during the preliminary rounds of PFL 6, where lightweights Schulte and Manfio largely abstained from executing substantial attacks throughout the three rounds. The bout seemed more akin to a practice match rather than a critical battle with the prospect of securing a postseason spot and a potential $1 million prize. Schulte emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision.
Saturday morning saw the league announcing the suspension of both fighters due to the substandard nature of their bout, which failed to adhere to the league’s competition standards, subsequently resulting in Schulte’s removal from the postseason.
Below is the complete statement from PFL regarding the issue.
In last night’s fight, both Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio failed to uphold the competition standards that all PFL fighters agree to maintain.
As per their PFL Fight Agreements, all fighters pledge to utilize their “best efforts … skills and abilities as a professional athlete to compete … and defeat any opponent.”
It was evident that Natan and Raush fell short of meeting this contractual standard in yesterday’s fight.
Both fighters were immediately suspended from the season by the PFL and the bout was assigned 0 points in the League standings.
The PFL undertook this measure in acknowledgement of its obligation to all PFL fighters and fans.
In the wake of Schulte and Manfio’s suspension, Shane Burgos moves up to the playoffs as the No. 4 seed where he will compete against No. 1 Clay Collard in the lightweight semifinals. Olivier Aubin-Mercier, the 2022 tournament champion, is set to fight Bruno Miranda on the opposite bracket.
The predictability of the Schulte and Manfio match was no surprise considering their well-known friendship. Schulte is the godfather of Manfio’s daughter and Manfio has expressed gratitude for Schulte’s financial support in the past.
“He’s my best friend,” Manfio said in an April 2021 interview with MMA Hook. “He has helped me with everything I asked. He had the money of the [previous PFL seasons] and helped me pay for my rent several times when I had no money, he bought something for me to eat. I’m [in the United States] because of him. He’s a friend sent by God. On the other side, I felt terrible for having to ask him that.”
While aware of the possibility of facing Schulte in the PFL, Manfio confessed that he was “praying we only meet in the final.” The two were originally slated to face off in the 2021 regular season, but Manfio was rescheduled to fight Anthony Pettis instead.
MMA Hook is currently awaiting comments from Schulte and Manfio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PFL Suspension
Who were suspended by the PFL recently?
Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio were recently suspended by the PFL for their substandard bout.
Why were Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio suspended?
The PFL suspended Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio due to the lackluster nature of their bout, which failed to adhere to the league’s competition standards.
What was the outcome of the match between Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio?
Natan Schulte defeated Raush Manfio by unanimous decision in a bout that was subsequently deemed substandard by the PFL.
What happens to the postseason spot vacated by Natan Schulte?
With Schulte suspended, Shane Burgos now advances to the playoffs as the No. 4 seed.
What is the relationship between Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio?
Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio are close friends, with Schulte being the godfather of Manfio’s daughter. Manfio has also acknowledged Schulte for helping him financially in the past.
More about PFL Suspension
- PFL Official Statement
- Natan Schulte Fight History
- Raush Manfio Fight History
- MMA Hook Interview with Raush Manfio
- Shane Burgos Fight History
4 comments
Schulte and Manfio are friends. Fighting a friend ain’t easy, man! give them a break…
finally someone’s doing something bout these kinda fights… was like watching paint dry…
This shows the PFL’s commitment to quality fights, but feel bad for Schulte and Manfio. tough break, especially for Schulte.
Can’t believe they got suspended for that fight… thought it was a bit slow but not that bad.