Freeport's Harrison victorious by decision

Freeport’s own Andre “The Bull” Harrison returned to NYCB Live at Nassau Coliseum on May 23 in a victorious effort against Peter Petties at PFL (Professional Fighters League) 2.

Harrison used his wrestling background to neutralize the striking prowess of Petties and grounded his opponent repeatedly, earning a 30-27 on all three judge’s scorecards for the unanimous decision victory.

The 31-year old’s latest victory was the 21st of his professional career that spans over ten years. This win also marks his first since suffering his lone defeat to eventual PFL Season 1 Featherweight Champion Lance Palmer in October of 2018.

“Last year didn’t end the way I wanted it to end,” Harrison said. “So, this year I have to do everything I can to make sure it ends the way I want it to.”

The PFL employs a regular-season and playoff format that incorporates a point system for stoppages via knockout, technical knockout or submission. A stoppage in the very first round ensures three bonus points, in the second round ensures two, and in the third, one. A win is worth three points, a draw is worth one for each fighter, and a loss is worth zero added points. This unique format entices fighters to push for an early finish.

In a night that saw multiple quick finishes, including the fastest knockout in PFL’s featherweight division’s history, Harrison had to grind out three points in a grappling-dominant decision victory.

“I did what I needed to do to make sure I secured the win,” Harrison said. “I pushed the action where I could’ve and went from there.”

Petties came out with a clear game plan: push Harrison to the cage and pressure him with punches, elbows, knees and kicks all coming from a variety of angles. Harrison’s tried and true wrestling acumen shined through, though, and the south-shore Long Islander was able to land multiple takedowns on Petties. Maryland’s Petties was noticeably frustrated during grappling exchanges, but had no answer for Harrison’s ground pressure. “Anytime he tried to hip-escape or do anything on the ground, I had an answer for it,” Harrison said. “That is something I’ve been working on, being more dominant in controlling positions.” Harrison passed Petties guard a handful of times, but mostly controlled his opponent from the side control positon.

PFL President Ray Sefo shared his thoughts on the action, or lack thereof, in the Harrison-Petties bout. “I thought the referee did a horrible job,” Sefo said. “I felt like it should have been stood up.” Sefo made sure to clarify in saying it wasn’t either fighter’s responsibility, but rather the referee’s. “It wasn’t them, it is the referee that controls the fight, and I felt like he let it stalemate for as long as it did.”

Petties showed a true acumen in the striking game, but Harrison’s ability to dictate where the fight took place was the difference-maker in the contest. A relieved and happy Harrison was adamant, although desiring a finish that getting his hand raised was the utmost priority after his first career loss.

“It’s easy for you to lose focus a little bit, or let certain things overshadow others,” Harrison said. “I think I just had to refocus and get my mind set on what I had to do.”

Running high on emotion, Harrison was not shy in giving his official quote to PFL reps after the fight: “Here’s your quote, I’m going to win this whole damn thing.”