PFL 8 Betting Preview: Josh Silveira Seeks Revenge Against Impa Kasanganay

Josh Silveira was once considered one of the PFL’s biggest coups in signing young fighters. The UFC and Bellator courted Silveira, and he signed with the upstart PFL. Last season, it appeared Silveira would have an opportunity to deliver on that promise.
He reached the final PFL Light Heavyweight tournament and fought journeyman fighter Impa Kasanganay. But Kasanganay proved he had figured things out. Before last year’s PFL season, Kasanganay was best known for being on the receiving ends of one of the most devastating knockouts in UFC history.
However, Kasanganay would claim the light heavyweight title by dominating Silveira. MMAfighting latest news shows that Kasanganay dominated every aspect of the fight, including striking and grappling. Silveira’s return to the playoffs this season came mostly due to a lucky break.
Silveira’s first regular-season opponent, Sadibou Sy, suffered a finger injury in the first round, which gave Silveira a win. During Silveira’s second fight, he lost a split decision to Rob Wilkinson. Kasanganay won both of his regular-season fights by finish.
This is a dog-or-pass kind of spot on the moneyline. It’s tempting to back Silveira at the number, but Kasanganay was dominant during last year’s meeting. This should be an exciting rematch where it is paying to play the underdog at a high price. However, it may be smarter to bet on one of these fighters to pick up a finish this time around.
Bets to consider: Fight to not go the distance
Defending Champion Looks to Shake Off Rough Performance

Rob Wilkinson won the PFL light heavyweight crown in 2022. He dominated all four fights and looked like he could have a long run atop the decision. But Wilkinson would end up popping for performance-enhancing drugs and missing the 2023 season.
Since returning this season, Wilkinson has knocked out Tom Breese in the first round and struggled in a split-decision win over Silveira. He has a 19-2 record with one no-contest in his career and has finished 17 of his 19 career victories, according to MMA news sites.
Wilkinson would like to reclaim his throne, but he will have to beat Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov in the semifinals to earn the opportunity. Yagshimuradov is riding a five-fight winning streak into this fight, and he has the power to put opponents out.
This should be a fun fight that won’t require judges to settle things.
Bets to consider: Wilkinson by KO, Wilkinson -135, Under 2.5 rounds
Collard Plans to Wear Down Old Man Primus

Clay Collard is a difficult fighter to bet on. Collard, 31, fights with a style designed to tire out his opponents. He doesn’t have the power to stop someone with one shot, but the accumulation of his damage can break his opponents. Collard enters his third appearance in the PFL playoffs, coming off a disappointing decision loss to Mads Burnell, who needed a finish to reach the playoffs.
Collard has now lost three of his four fights, including in the 2023 PFL lightweight tournament final against Olivier Aubin-Mercier. Brent Primus is an accomplished fighter and former Bellator champion.
However, Primus, 39, looked vulnerable in his second regular-season fight with Solomon Renfro. Primus got dropped and nearly finished in the first round. He had to battle back and secured a third-round submission win.
Collard’s pressure shouldn’t bother Primus, who may look to turn that against him to secure a takedown. This should be a typical Collard fight. It will likely go to decision and should see divided scorecards.
Bets to consider: Primus -130, Over 2.5 rounds
Rabadanov Ready For Surprising Playoff Entrant
Michael Dufort may be the most surprising PFL playoff entrant, regardless of weight class. MMA latest updates show that Dufort punched his ticket to the semifinals by submitting Mads Burnell during the second round of their fight in April. However, Dufort returns to Earth when he loses to Adam Piccolotti during his next fight.
Gadzhi Rabadanov will present Dufort with a tough challenge during their lightweight fight. Rabadanov is on an eight-fight winning streak but doesn’t exactly have a sexy style. He mostly leans on his wrestling to pick up comfortable decision wins. Dufort isn’t the kind of fighter who can slow down Rabadanov’s momentum.
Bets to consider: Rabadanov, by decision, Over 2.5 rounds
Ali Walsh Has A Lot to Prove
The PFL brought Biaggio Ali Walsh along slowly. Walsh, the grandson of famed boxer Muhammad Ali, had mostly been fighting amateur fights over the past few years to build experience. However, Walsh was knocking out amateur opponents during PFL events, unlike many amateurs who operate outside of the spotlight.
When Walsh made his professional debut during the PFL vs Bellator card last February, he faced adversity for the first time. While Walsh picked up a decision win over Emanuel Palacio, he had to work hard to earn the victory.
Walsh’s next opponent is Brian Stapleton, who was 4-4 during his amateur fights. This should be another opportunity for Walsh to pad his win total against a fighter making his professional debut.
Bets to consider: Under 1.5 rounds
Sabatello Trending in the Wrong Direction
Danny Sabatello fought Raufeon Stots for the Bellator interim bantamweight title in December 2022. Sabatello lost a narrow split decision. Since then, Sabatello has gone 1-2 and returned to fight after a nine-month absence.
Sabatello’s challenge will be an up-and-coming fighter, Lazaro Dayron. Dayron has yet to fight any top-level competition but has piled up an 8-0 record on the regional scene. Sabatello should win this fight, but his moneyline is too high to play.
Bets to consider: Fight to go the distance
Here’s a look at some quick picks on the rest of the card:
- Lightweight, Elvin Espinoza (-110) vs Mads Burnell (-110)
- Light heavyweight, Thad Jean (-298) vs Chris Brown (+240)
- Featherweight, Jordan Oliver (-1000) vs Braydon Akeo (+650)
- Women’s featherweight, Michelle Montague (-1200) vs Marilia Moais (+750)
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By Dean McHugh.