PFL Welterweight and Featherweight Playoffs Betting Preview: Expect Fireworks From Russian Fighters

August 21, 2024

3 months

Murad Ramazanov was expected to cause issues for everyone in the PFL’s welterweight division. The Russian fighter was a betting favorite to beat his countryman, Shamil Musaev, at PFL 6 in June. Ramazanov found out life wasn’t going to be so easy.

Musaev demonstrated his immense potential on the feet, flooring Ramazanov with a series of punches. He would finish the fight in the second round to hand Ramazanov his first career defeat. Anyone looking at MMAfighting latest news will find that Musaev has built himself quite the reputation already.

When Musaev debuted in the PFL in April, he surprised many by knocking out former Bellator interim champion Logan Storley. He is unbeaten in his career, recording 16 knockouts.

The lone blemish in Musaev’s career was a draw when he fought for KSW in October 2022. While Musaev just beat Ramazanov in April, the two were paired together in the PFL’s playoff format because Musaev earned the top seed while Ramazanov is seeded fourth.

While this fight isn’t the main event Friday night in Washington, D.C., it has the potential to steal the show.

Bets to consider: Under 2.5 rounds, Musaev by KO/TKO/DQ

Loughnane Tries to Return to Final

Brendan Loughnane inflicted about as much damage as humanly possible on his last opponent. The MMA latest updates show that Loughnane’s revenge tour on the division has been a successful one this year. Loughnane won both of his regular season fights by knockout.

Loughnane last won the featherweight championship in 2022. Last season, Loughnane had his season ended in an upset loss during his second regular season fight against Jesus Pinedo. Unfortunately for Loughnane, he can’t get revenge on Pinedo, who pulled out of this season due to injury.

Instead, Loughane will need to try to beat UFC and Bellator veteran Kai Kamaka III. Kamaka is on a five-fight winning streak and has turned into a strong striker capable of going the distance. Loughane won’t want to get the judges involved.

Loughnane is in good form and should be able to capitalize on Kamaka’s mistakes. Loughanen takes a lot of pride in being a champion. He wants to prove he is the best featherweight in the world regardless of promotion. Another victory in this contest should help establish that.

Bets to consider: Loughnane win by KO/TKO/DQ, Under 2.5 rounds

Gracie Looks to Make Most of Second Opportunity

Neiman Gracie made MMA breaking news by accepting a fight in the welterweight playoffs with Magomed Umalatov. Originally, Don Madge was supposed to compete but had to pull out with an injury. Gracie placed seventh in the regular season and is being called on to fill in.

The Bellator veteran will have his hands full with Umalatov. Gracie has produced mixed results over the past few years. During Gracie’s last five fights, he has picked up three losses.

Umalatov is a powerful puncher who hasn’t tasted defeat yet in his career. During the regular season, Umalatov picked up a submission and decision victory. But Umalatov’s best skill may be his striking.

He has 11 knockouts and will likely test Gracie’s chin in this matchup. If Gracie can’t grapple successfully, this could be a rough go of things. Gracie is at his best when he is able to ground opponents on the canvas. Nine of his 13 career victories have come by submission.

Bets to consider: Umalatov ML, Over 2.5 rounds

Khizriev Looks to Build Name Recognition

Featherweight Timur Khizriev feels like he’s another character off a successful Russian assembly line. No matter what promotion you go to, there seems to be an unlimited line of bearded fighters from Dagestan ready to wrestle you into submission. Khizriev fits the mold.

He doesn’t carry a ton of power in his hands but is able to control fights with his grappling. Khizriev is now 16-0 in his career and has picked up five consecutive wins by decision. Gabriel Alves Braga will hope to stay off the mat against Khizriev.

Braga carries a lot more power in his hands. In his career, he has finished seven of his 14 career wins by knockout. Braga’s only loss came in the PFL featherweight championship fight last year to Jesus Pinedo. Braga will want to try to stop the grappling and unleash hell with his hands.

It will be one heck of a challenge for him. Braga, however, is emotional this season. He lost his dad a few months before the season started and has been competing to honor his father’s memory. Braga would like to pair his skills with the emotional boost to pick up an impressive victory.

But the wrestler should find a way to pick up a win in this matchup of contrasting styles.

Bets to consider: Khizriev by decision, over 2.5 rounds

Can Ray Cooper III Get Weight Under Control?

The featured fight will have 2021 PFL welterweight tournament winner Ray Cooper III attempting to piece his career back together. The Hawaiian fighter has lost three of his past four fights. What has fans concerned is how he has handled his weight.

Cooper has come in over the weight limit in two of his past four fights. If Cooper isn’t engaged when it comes to cutting weight, things could get ugly against Mukhamed Berkhamov.

Berkhamov is a Bellator veteran who has an excellent ground game. During Berkhamov’s career, he has a 15-1 record and has wrapped up nine submission victories. If Cooper can’t keep this fight on its feet, it could go south quickly.

Bets to consider: Fight to end inside the distance, Berkhamov to win by finish

Here are other fights on the card not mentioned above: