As a huge fan of Pgl I've tanked Ifrit successfully and yes, you can evade the swipes but it's rare. Alpine Warjacket makes it a bit easier though.

I've also done Pgl DD on Ifrit and it works great, just stack on tank and stick with that rear combo. Just a few things, can't do a full combo between eruptions especially after hellfire. Keep out of sear range and rely on throwing weapons and invigorate for TP when your HP gets below half. Also let the tank build plenty of hate before you go in otherwise 2 combos later you're gonna be tanking. xD

Oh and don't use Fists of Fire unless you wanna heal him, lol.