Jena Bishop Locks Up A Choke And Her Spot in the PFL World Tournament Finals

Ekaterina Shakalova made the most of a major opportunity last time out, furthering the strong start to the young career she’s had. Shakalova is a former regional champion who is 9-2 thus far, including a 1-1 stint in Bellator where she fought Aspen Ladd. Being elevated into the Women’s Flyweight Tournament on just one day’s notice, Shakalova had perhaps the Upset of the Year in MMA thus far with her first-round finish of former Bellator World Champion Julianna Velasquez.

Jena Bishop is known for her grappling as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, with four of her eight victories coming by submission. Bishop made it to the Playoffs of last year’s Women’s Flyweight Season, losing to eventual champion Dakota Ditcheva. Bishop now finds herself in tonight’s Semifinals after defeating Kana Watanabe in a highly entertaining fight from this past April.

Who will clinch the first spot in the World Tournament Final in two months’ time?

Round 1

Low kick from Shakalova. Small exchange of punches. And another. Shakalova with a level change on Bishop. Shakalova tries to press her into the fence, but Bishop locks on a guillotine. Shakalova escapes but it’s a battle in the clinch now. Bishop with a trip and she gets into mount. Bishop hunts for the back and gets the body lock in. The choke is right! Shakalova is able to free herself and she gets into the closed guard of Bishop. But now Bishop hunts for the leg, looking for a calf slicer or a heel hook. Shakalova escapes, but Bishop is still on her. Shakalova back to her feet and she presses Bishop into the fence – but not before Bishop lands a knee to the midsection.

Shakalova is warned for a fence grab and she loses the position. Shakalova lands an uppercut in the exchange. Shakalova presses Bishop into the fence again. Shakalova with another fence grab. The action goes to the ground with Shakalova on top. Bishop looks for an armbar. Bishop transitions into a triangle attempt, then an ankle lock attempt. Strong shots from the bottom by Bishop. Bishop looks for a heel hook now, but Shakalova is fighting it. Upkick from Bishop. Shakalova lands from up top in spite of Bishop’s attempts. Bishop with another ankle lock in the scramble. Calf slicer now! Shakalova tries to elbow her way out of it. They end the round in that position.

Round 2

The two women circle. One-two from Shakalova. Left hands from Bishop. Bishop shoots in and scores the takedown. Bishop gets to work and gets back into full mount. Bishop quickly gets to the back and starts attacking the neck. Bishop is too high, and Shakalova tries to roll through. She exposed her neck though! Bishop gets the choke in and the body triangle! Shakalova appears to be fading! She taps!

JENA BISHOP TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP! She finishes Ekaterina Shakalova with a rear naked choke. #PFLWorldTournament LIVE NOW
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Jena Bishop is on to the Finals!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Jena Bishop def. Ekaterina Shakalova via second-round submission (rear-naked choke, 2:07)