Sports
Dalton Rosta Dominates Sadibou Sy in PFL 3 Showdown

ORLANDO, Fla. — Dalton Rosta made a significant statement in the PFL World Tournament on April 18, 2025, defeating former champion Sadibou Sy by submission in the second round. This match marked Rosta’s first official appearance in the Professional Fighters League as he competes in the newly introduced middleweight division.
Rosta, who entered the bout with a record of 9-1, showcased his striking and grappling skills throughout the fight. “I think his striking is good, but I definitely saw holes that I could exploit, and I felt like my strengths would overcome his weaknesses,” Rosta said of Sy ahead of the bout.
The fight began with Rosta controlling the pace. Early in the first round, he pressured Sy, landing significant strikes including a solid knee to the body. Sy attempted to counter with kicks and jabs but struggled to maintain distance as Rosta closed the gap, pushing him against the cage.
As the first round concluded, Rosta executed a last-minute takedown, delivering ground-and-pound strikes that set the tone for the remainder of the fight. “I felt like I was winning on my feet and was able to control him on the ground as well,” Rosta noted post-fight.
The second round saw Rosta continuing his aggressive approach. He landed early kicks before again utilizing his wrestling to take Sy to the ground. While Sy fended off an Americana attempt, Rosta transitioned smoothly into a D’Arce choke, forcing Sy to tap out at 3:29 of the second round.
This victory not only marked Rosta’s first submission finish but also positioned him for a highly anticipated rematch against Aaron Jeffery, the only fighter to defeat him previously. “If we fight again, it’s going to go completely different. Everybody will know that first fight was a fluke,” Rosta stated confidently.
Rosta’s impressive win signals his readiness for the next stage of the tournament, with eyes set on avenging his only career loss. As he steps into the octagon for future matchups, Rosta’s performance against Sy solidifies him as a contender to watch in the PFL.