Kyle Bochniak will look to knock off one of the tournament’s frontrunners immediately upon entry into the PFL season.
A short-notice replacement, Bochniak (11-5) steps in to face Bubba Jenkins (16-5) Thursday at 2022 PFL 2, which takes place at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The main card streams on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET. after prelims begin on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET.
Bochniak, 35, was a fan favorite during his UFC tenure, but never quite got over the hump. Currently riding a three-fight winning streak in his post-octagon run, including a win over Carlton Minus earlier this month, Bochniak thinks he’s primed to beat the odds.
“I’m gonna make my mark known,” Bochniak told MMA Junkie at the 2022 PFL 2 media day. “I’m coming here to shake up the division. After this fight, the underdog is gonna be on top and everybody’s gonna hope they’re not gonna get matched up against me.”
He continued, “I fought three weeks ago. I’m already in the mindset. I don’t care who’s in front of me. Bubba’s the name, it doesn’t really matter. Any one of these guys in this division can get it, and I’m a terrible matchup for anyone.”
Jenkins (16-5) picked up wins over two-time PFL featherweight champion Lance Palmer and ex-UFC fighter Bobby Moffett, before he was eliminated by Chris Wade in the semifinals last season. Although Bochniak is competing against a Division I wrestler in Jenkins, he’s confident his opponent won’t be able to impose his will.
“I think I’m one of the mentally strongest guys in this world,” Bochniak said. “I can bring the fight to anyone. I’m a brawler. I can strike technically. On the ground I can use my jiu-jitsu. I’m extremely difficult to hold on the mat. I got cardio for days, and I think Bubba is gonna come out and try to strike with me and once he feels my power and how comfortable on the feet I am, he’s gonna panic wrestle and he’s gonna do desperate shots and I’m gonna see him gas out, I’m gonna see him look at the clock, I’m gonna take his soul and finish the fight.”
Check out the full media day interview with Bochniak in the video above.
