Sadibou Sy (born November 27, 1986) is a Swedish mixed martial artist who competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League.
| Sadibou Sy | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 27, 1986 Stockholm, Sweden |
| Other names | The Swedish Denzel |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) |
| Division | Light heavyweight Welterweight |
| Reach | 80 in (203 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Team | Xtreme Couture |
| Years active | 2005-2012 (Kickboxing) 2013–present (MMA) |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 28 |
| Wins | 17 |
| By knockout | 9 |
| By decision | 8 |
| Losses | 8 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| By submission | 2 |
| By decision | 3 |
| Draws | 2 |
| No contests | 1 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
Representing  Sweden
| ||
| Muay Thai | ||
| World Championships | ||
 |
2010 Bangkok | −86 kg |
 |
2012 St. Petersburg | −86 kg |
| Kickboxing | ||
| World Championships | ||
|
2007 Coimbra | −86 kg |
|
2008 Phnom Penh | −86 kg |
|
2009 Olomouc | −86 kg |
|
2010 Alicante | −86 kg |
| European Championships | ||
|
2007 Szentes | −86 kg |
Background
editSadibou Sy, a mixed martial artist with Senegalese roots, grew up in a large family with six siblings in Sweden. He initially played soccer before transitioning to martial arts when he was in his teens. Sy began training at Wasa Martial Arts Center, focusing on kickboxing and later competed in Thai boxing. From the age of 13 until February 2017, Sy only had between 20 and 40% vision.[1] He was then fitted with contact lenses to alleviate the chronic inflammation he suffered from. The lenses gave him about 80% vision and since then, he says his progress has been "huge".[2][3] Despite his vision problems, he started competing in martial arts at the age of 15.[4][5]
Sy has worked various jobs throughout his career, but now focuses on training at the Martial Arts Lab in Östermalm, where he also works as a personal trainer. Sy's goal is to minimize his work commitments and concentrate on his MMA career, aiming to secure better pay and sponsorships.[4]
Muay Thai career
editOn October 13, 2012, Sy faced Corentin Jallon at Supremacy League in Stockholm, Sweden, for the vacant WKN Oriental rules Cruiserweight title.[6][7][8] Sy won the fight by unanimous decision.[9]
Mixed martial arts career
editEarly career
editBefore transitioning to MMA, Sy won both the World Championship and World Championship (B) in Thai boxing in 2010. He also claimed the ISKA (International Sport Karate & Kickboxing Association) World Championship title in 2008 and 2010.[10] Sy began his MMA career in Stockholm-based organization IRFA (International Ring Fight Arena) and amassed a 2–1 record before joining Superior Challenge.[11] In his debut at SC 12, he defeated Englishman Carl Booth via first-round TKO.[12] After two fights with other organizations, Sy returned to Superior Challenge with a 6–2 record. At SC 14, he gained widespread attention for his viral head-kick KO against Welshman David Round. Sy continued his winning streak at SC 16, defeating Greek fighter Nikos Sokolis with another first-round TKO.
Professional Fighters League
edit2018 Season
editSadibou Sy, boasting a 6–2 record, joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) with an ambitious goal of winning the top prize of one million USD. He debuted against UFC and Bellator veteran Bruno Santos at PFL 3, ultimately losing via unanimous decision. In his second fight of the 2018 season at PFL 7, Sy defeated Brazilian Caio Magalhães with a first-round head kick KO, securing his spot in the playoffs. During the playoffs at PFL 10, he faced Santos once again, resulting in a draw but advancing due to PFL tiebreaker rules, before being eliminated by German Abusupiyan Magomedov via unanimous decision.[13]
2019 Season
editStarting the 2019 season at PFL 1, Sy began with a stunning 17-second liver kick KO victory over American David Michaud.[14] However, he lost his next fight to Glaico França at PFL 4 via TKO in the third round.[15] Despite the loss, Sy advanced to the playoffs at PFL 7 based on points.
He faced Ray Cooper III in the quarterfinals at PFL 7 on October 11, 2019, with the fight ending in a draw with Cooper advancing, due to PFL rules where the winner of the first round advances, which led to Sy's elimination from the 2019 playoffs.[16]
2021 Season
editAfter the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID, Sadibou returned at PFL 2 on April 29, 2021, against Nikolay Aleksakhin, with the bout ending in a no contest after an accidental eye poke in the second round led to Aleksakhin being unable to continue.[17]
Sy faced Alexey Kunchenko at PFL 5 on June 17, 2021.[18] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[19]
Sy, replacing João Zeferino, faced Magomed Magomedkerimov in a Semi-Final match-up at PFL 7 on August 13, 2021.[20] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[21]
2022 Season
editSy rematched Nikolay Aleksakhin on May 6, 2022, at PFL 3, winning the close bout via split decision.[22]
Sy faced Rory MacDonald on July 1, 2022, at PFL 6.[23] In an upset, Sy won the bout via unanimous decision.[24]
In the semi-finals at PFL 8, Sy faced Carlos Leal, winning the bout and advancing to the finals via unanimous decision.[25][26]
At the finals on November 25, 2022, at PFL 10, Sy won the bout and the $1 million dollar cumulative prize via unanimous decision.[27]
2023 Season
editSy started off the 2023 season against Jarrah Al-Silawi on April 14, 2023.[28] Sy won the bout via TKO after knocking out Al-Silawi with knee to the body followed up with punches.[29]
Sy faced Shane Mitchell on June 23, 2023, at PFL 6.[30] He won the fight via spinning wheel kick knockout in the third round.[31]
In the semi-finals, Sy faced Carlos Leal at PFL 9 on August 23, 2023.[32] At weigh-ins, Carlos Leal weighed in at 172 pounds, 1 pound over the Welterweight limit. Leal was fined 20 percent of his purse, which went to his opponent Sy, and started the bout with a one point subtraction.[33] Sy won the fight via split decision to advance to the finals.[34]
In the final, Sy faced Magomed Magomedkerimov on November 24, 2023, at PFL 10.[35] He lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the third round.[36]
2024 Season
editMoving up to Light Heavyweight, Sy started the 2024 season with a bout against Josh Silveira on April 12, 2024 at PFL 2.[37] He lost the fight by technical knockout as a result of a finger injury.[38]
Sy was expect to face Tom Breese on June 21, 2024, at PFL 5. However, Breese withdrew at the last minute and was replaced by Andrew Sanchez.[39] Sy won the fight via TKO in the third round.[40]
Championships and accomplishments
editMixed martial arts
editKickboxing
editMixed martial arts record
edit| 28 matches | 17 wins | 8 losses |
| By knockout | 9 | 3 |
| By submission | 0 | 2 |
| By decision | 8 | 3 |
| Draws | 2 | |
| No contests | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 17–8–2 (1) | Andrew Sanchez | TKO (punches) | PFL 5 (2024) | June 21, 2024 | 3 | 4:02 | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | |
| Loss | 16–8–2 (1) | Josh Silveira | TKO (finger injury) | PFL 2 (2024) | April 12, 2024 | 1 | 1:40 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Light Heavyweight debut. |
| Loss | 16–7–2 (1) | Magomed Magomedkerimov | Submission (guillotine choke) | PFL 10 (2023) | November 24, 2023 | 3 | 1:17 | Washington, D.C., United States | 2023 PFL Welterweight Tournament Final. |
| Win | 16–6–2 (1) | Carlos Leal | Decision (split) | PFL 9 (2023) | August 23, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, United States | 2023 PFL Welterweight Tournament Semifinal; Leal missed weight (172 lb). |
| Win | 15–6–2 (1) | Shane Mitchell | KO (spinning wheel kick) | PFL 6 (2023) | June 23, 2023 | 3 | 1:35 | Atlanta, Georgia, United States | |
| Win | 14–6–2 (1) | Jarrah Al-Silawi | TKO (knee to the body and punches) | PFL 3 (2023) | April 14, 2023 | 2 | 2:14 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 13–6–2 (1) | Dilano Taylor | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 10 (2022) | November 25, 2022 | 5 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, United States | Won the 2022 PFL Welterweight Tournament. |
| Win | 12–6–2 (1) | Carlos Leal | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 8 (2022) | August 13, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Cardiff, Wales | 2022 PFL Welterweight Tournament Semifinal. Leal was deducted one point in round 3 due to a groin strike. |
| Win | 11–6–2 (1) | Rory MacDonald | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 6 (2022) | July 1, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlanta, Georgia, United States | |
| Win | 10–6–2 (1) | Nikolay Aleksakhin | Decision (split) | PFL 3 (2022) | May 6, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Arlington, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 9–6–2 (1) | Magomed Magomedkerimov | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 7 (2021) | August 13, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | 2021 PFL Welterweight Tournament Semifinal. |
| Win | 9–5–2 (1) | Alexey Kunchenko | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 5 (2021) | June 17, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| NC | 8–5–2 (1) | Nikolay Aleksakhin | NC (accidental eye poke) | PFL 2 (2021) | April 29, 2021 | 2 | 1:56 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Accidental eye poke rendered Aleksakhin unable to continue. |
| Draw | 8–5–2 | Ray Cooper III | Draw (unanimous) | PFL 7 (2019) | October 11, 2019 | 2 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | 2019 PFL Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal. Eliminated via first round tiebreaker. |
| Loss | 8–5–1 | Glaico França | TKO (punches) | PFL 4 (2019) | July 11, 2019 | 3 | 4:29 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 8–4–1 | David Michaud | TKO (body kick and punches) | PFL 1 (2019) | May 9, 2019 | 1 | 0:17 | Uniondale, New York, United States | Return to Welterweight. |
| Loss | 7–4–1 | Abus Magomedov | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 10 (2018) | October 20, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Washington, D.C., United States | 2018 PFL Middleweight Tournament Semifinal. |
| Draw | 7–3–1 | Bruno Santos | Draw (majority) | 2 | 5:00 | 2018 PFL Middleweight Tournament Quarterfinal. Advances via first round tiebreaker. | |||
| Win | 7–3 | Caio Magalhães | KO (head kick and punches) | PFL 7 (2018) | August 30, 2018 | 1 | 2:06 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Loss | 6–3 | Bruno Santos | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 3 (2018) | July 5, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Washington, D.C., United States | |
| Win | 6–2 | Nikos Sokolis | TKO (punches) | Superior Challenge 16 | December 2, 2017 | 1 | 3:43 | Stockholm, Sweden | Welterweight bout. |
| Win | 5–2 | David Round | KO (head kick) | Superior Challenge 14 | October 8, 2016 | 1 | 0:41 | Stockholm, Sweden | Catchweight (176 lb) bout. |
| Loss | 4–2 | Zauri Maisuradze | TKO (punches) | Scandinavian Fight Nights 1 | June 4, 2016 | 1 | N/A | Stockholm, Sweden | |
| Win | 4–1 | Karol Linowski | Decision (unanimous) | PLMMA 67 | May 21, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Łomianki, Poland | |
| Win | 3–1 | Carl Booth | TKO (kick to the body and punches) | Superior Challenge 12 | May 16, 2015 | 1 | 2:07 | Malmö, Sweden | Catchweight (176 lb) bout. |
| Win | 2–1 | Gábor Boráros | TKO (punches) | IRFA 7 | November 22, 2014 | 2 | 4:37 | Stockholm, Sweden | Welterweight bout. |
| Loss | 1–1 | Oskar Piechota | Submission (triangle choke) | IRFA 6 | April 5, 2014 | 2 | N/A | Stockholm, Sweden | |
| Win | 1–0 | Robert Bryczek | Decision (unanimous) | IRFA 5 | October 19, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Stockholm, Sweden | Middleweight debut. |
Muay Thai and Kickboxing record
edit| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-12-01 | Loss | Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King | Los Angeles, California, US | KO (left elbow) | 3 | 1:07 | |||
| 2012-10-13 | Win | Supremacy League | Stockholm, Sweden | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 3:00 | |||
| Wins the vacant WKN European Oriental Rules Cruiserweight title | |||||||||
| 2012 | Win | The Knockout League 2 | Stockholm, Sweden | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |||
| 2011-08-13 | Win | The Knockout League 1 | Stockholm, Sweden | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |||
| 2011-07-12 | Win | BOK 7 | Stockholm, Sweden | KO | 1 | 0:20 | |||
| 2011-05-18 | Win | Battle of kings 3 | Stockholm, Sweden | TKO | 3 | 1:00 | |||
| 2011-03-11 | Win | Battle of kings | Stockholm, Sweden | Decision (Split) | 3 | 3:00 | |||
| 2011-02-10 | Win | BOK | Stockholm, Sweden | KO | 3 | 0:35 | |||
| 2009-09-26 | Loss | Battle of Sweden II | Stockholm, Sweden | Decision (Split) | 5 | 3:00 | |||
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | |||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-09-13 | Loss | 2012 IFMA World Championships, Final | Saint Petersburg, Russia | Decision | 4 | 2:00 | ||
| Wins the 2012 IFMA World Championships -86 kg/189 lb Silver Medal. | ||||||||
| 2012-09-11 | Win | 2012 IFMA World Championships, Semi Finals | Saint Petersburg, Russia | Decision | 4 | 2:00 | ||
| 2012-09-09 | Win | 2012 IFMA World Championships, Quarter Finals | Saint Petersburg, Russia | Decision | 4 | 2:00 | ||
| 2010-12-03 | Win | 2010 IFMA World Championships, Final | Bangkok, Thailand | KO | 3 | |||
| Wins the 2010 IFMA World Championships B-class -86 kg/189 lb Gold Medal. | ||||||||
| 2009-08- | Win | 2009 ISKA World Championships, Final | Olomouc, Czech Republic | |||||
| Wins the 2009 ISKA World Championships Oriental Rules -86 kg/189 lb Gold Medal. | ||||||||
| 2009-08- | Win | 2009 ISKA World Championships, Final | Olomouc, Czech Republic | |||||
| Wins the 2009 ISKA World Championships Low Kick -86 kg/189 lb Gold Medal. | ||||||||
| 2007-12- | Loss | 2007 ISKA World Championships, Final | Coimbra, Portugal | Decision (2:1) | 3 | 2:00 | ||
| Wins the 2007 WAKO World Championships Full Contact -86 kg/189 lb Silver Medal. | ||||||||
| 2007-12- | Win | 2007 ISKA World Championships, Semifinals | Coimbra, Portugal | Decision (2:1) | 3 | 2:00 | ||
| 2007-11- | Win | 2007 ISKA World Championships, Quarterfinals | Coimbra, Portugal | Decision (3:0) | 3 | 2:00 | ||
| 2007-11- | Win | 2007 ISKA World Championships, First Round | Coimbra, Portugal | Decision (2:1) | 3 | 2:00 | ||
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | ||||||||
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Sherdog.com. "Sadibou Sy's Quest for PFL Glory". Sherdog. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ Taliercio, Johan (2018-09-10). "Sadibou Sy tävlade med 30 procents synförmåga: "Tänkte inte på det"". MMAnytt.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ ""Ulf Kristersson vet nog inte vem jag är"". www.expressen.se (in Swedish). February 2023. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ a b "Sadibou Sy". 2020-08-04. Archived from the original on 2020-08-04. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (2018-07-04). "Kickboxing stud Sadibou Sy shooting for an MMA coming out party at PFL 3". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ "Sadibou Sy for Supremacy Rising". Solid Sport. 11 October 2012.
- ^ "Supremacy League - Supremacy Rising". Supremacy League. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- ^ "Sadibou Sy - World Kickboxing Network". World Kickboxing Network. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
- "KICKBOXING ORIENTAL RULES EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS". World Kickboxing Network. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
- ^ "BILDSPECIAL OCH GENOMGÅNG AV SUPREMACY LEAGUE". MMA NYTT. 16 October 2012.
- ^ "Svenskt VM-guld i thaiboxning". www.aftonbladet.se (in Swedish). 2010-12-03. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ Cavian, Mazdak (2013-08-18). "Sadibou Sy gör MMA-debut på IRFA 5". MMAnytt.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ Staff, MMA Viking (2015-05-18). "Cageside photos : Sadibou Sy vs Carl Booth at SC 12". Nordic MMA Everyday at MMA Viking. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2018-10-21). "PFL 10 results: Ray Cooper III makes finals with fourth straight KO". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ Fernando, Quiles Jr. (May 9, 2019). "Watch: PFL's Sadibou Sy Starches David Michaud With Liver Kick". MMANews.com.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2019-07-11). "PFL 4 2019 Results: Glaico Franca Finishes Sadibou Sy Late". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2019-10-11). "PFL 7 2019 Results: Ray Cooper III Advances Following Draw with Sadibou Sy". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ "Sy and Aleksakhin Deemed No-Contest After Accidental Foul". www.pflmma.com. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ Newswire, MMA Fighting (2021-05-19). "Rory MacDonald vs. Gleison Tibau headlines PFL 5 main card with welterweights and light heavyweights". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
- ^ "PFL 5: Rory MacDonald, Ray Cooper III, Emiliano Sordi secure playoff spots". ESPN.com. 2021-06-17. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
- ^ "2021 PFL Playoffs 1 sees four matchups altered, one fight added". MMA Junkie. 2021-08-04. Retrieved 2021-08-04.
- ^ Alexander, Mookie (2021-08-13). "PFL 2021 Playoffs results and highlights: Ray Cooper III, Magomed Magomedkerimov return to final". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ "Sadibou Sy wins a razor close split decision in rematch with Nikolai Aleksakhin". www.pflmma.com. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ "Harrison gets toughest test yet vs. Budd at PFL 6". ESPN.com. 2022-06-01. Retrieved 2022-06-01.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-07-01). "PFL 6: Sadibou Sy Upsets Rory MacDonald, But Both Fighters Head to Playoffs". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-07-02.
- ^ Meshew, Jed (2022-08-13). "PFL Playoffs 2 results: Rory MacDonald fails to advance to welterweight finals, falls in first round to Dilano Taylor". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ Dewar, Val (2022-08-13). "Sadibou Sy Advances to PFL Welterweight Final With Decision Over Carlos Leal". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ Dewar, Val (2022-11-25). "PFL World Championship: Sadibou Sy Stays the Course, Wins Welterweight Title Against Dilano Taylor". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
- ^ Tafari, Ashah (2023-02-02). "2022 world champ Sadibou Sy returns against former BRAVE title holder in PFL 3 co-main event". Frontkick.online. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ "2023 PFL 3 video: Sadibou Sy crushes Jarrah Al-Silawi with nasty knee to the body". 15 April 2023.
- ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2023-05-12). "PFL announces second-half event lineups following 9 fighters receiving drug test suspensions". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ "Sadibou Sy walks into PFL playoffs with walk-off KO, seeking to repeat as champion". www.pflmma.com. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Ferreira-Greene leads pair of PFL cards in N.Y." ESPN.com. 2023-07-12. Retrieved 2023-08-23.
- ^ "2023 PFL Playoffs 3 weigh-in results: Carlos Leal heavy, deducted scorecard point". MMA Junkie. 2023-08-22. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
- ^ "Sadibou Sy now looks for second straight PFL welterweight title after split decision win". pflmma.com. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
- ^ "Meet the 2023 PFL finalists, including three potential repeat $1 million winners". MMA Junkie. 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
- ^ Dewar, Val (2023-11-25). "Magomed Magomedkerimov Subs Sadibou Sy, Wins Second 170lb Title at 2023 PFL Championship". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-11-26.
- ^ Cruz, Guilherme (2024-03-11). "PFL announces full line-ups for first 3 season events, 8 ex-Bellator champions debut". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
- ^ "2024 PFL 2 video: Takedown mutilates Sadibou Sy's thumb, ends Josh Silveira fight quickly". MMA Junkie. 2024-04-13. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
- ^ Staff (2024-06-21). "2024 PFL 5: Collard vs. Burnell Full Results". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ "Sadibou Sy's speed and kicks on display en route to a last-minute finish". pflmma.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "European Oriental Rules Cruiserweight Championship". worldkickboxingnetwork.com.
- ^ "Sadibou Sy MMA Stats - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved 2 December 2022.