PFL vs Bellator Predictions & Preview

PFL and Bellator go head-to-head this weekend in a new era of MMA. This historic event will go down in Saudi Arabia. This card is full of action with a Champ vs Champ heavyweight main event with Renan Ferreira taking on Ryan Bader and a middleweight co-main with PFL's Impa Kasanganay taking on Bellator's Johnny Eblem. The winners will also receive an awesome custom-made belt!

Renan Ferreira vs Ryan Bader

Don't blink on this heavyweight main event. Two massive powerhouses come head-to-head for a custom belt. Bader stands at 6 foot 2, while Ferreira stands at 6 foot 8, a more natural heavyweight. Ferreira has pretty much knocked out all his opponents, of his last 12 wins, 10 have been knockouts and more than half in the first round. Bader still has KO power, but his game plan will be to wrestle. The real danger for Ryan will be in the first round, he needs to take him down early and keep him down. If we can't, I feel Renan may clip him (like he does with most opponents) and put him in danger. You'll need to watch this one. 

Prediction: Ferreira to win $1.72 

Impa Kasanganay vs Johnny Eblen

A middleweight matchup that promises to deliver the goods. Impa will drop down a weight class to fight undefeated star Johnny Eblen. Impa has gone on a crazy streak in the PFL with 5 mins, while Eblen has a perfect 14-0 MMA record with 10 inside Bellator. He even knocked out Fabian Edwards at Bellator 299. I think Impa has a genuine chance here. Eblen is a better fighter on the ground and he can control the fight there. However, I think this will stay on the feet, which gives Impa a stronger chance of connecting. 

Prediction: Impa to win $4

Jason Jackson vs Ray Cooper III

Ray Cooper III looks to step in for Welterweight Champ Magomed and coming off a loss to Derek Brunson, he's desperate for a win. Jackson has been on an absolute steak, with 7 straight wins in the Bellator cage. Cooper has the experience and can mix in wrestling if he needs to, but I think that will be a last resort for him. I think this stays on a feet, where Jackson has the cardio advantage to pick Cooper apart for 15 minutes. 

Prediction: Jackson to win $1.15

Thiago Santos vs Yoel Romero 

Two fighters who have aged like fine wines. Yoel is almost 47 years of age, however, you wouldn't know by looking at him. Both fighters would absolutely love a win here. Romero is 2-5 in his last 7 outings and Santos is 1-5-1. His entry into PFL fell short with a decision loss to Aussie Rob Wilkinson. Both are long-term veterans, with great experience, explosive power and great cardio. I think if Yoel gets busy early and doesn't leave it too late, he'll score well. 

Prediction: Romero to win $2.02

Patricio Pitbull vs Gabriel Braga

It's strange to see Pitbull on a 2 fight-losing streak, something that just sounds unfamiliar. Braga has heavy hands and some serious KO power, evident from his 5 knockout wins. Pitbull will take this one with a side of caution, I think this will be a technical battle and something amazing to watch. With everyone sleeping on Pitbull, I think we'll see a good old-fashioned masterclass. 

Prediction: Pitbull to win 

Bruno Cappelozza vs Vadim Nemkov

Nemkov is on a 12-fight run, winning 11 in a row and a no-contest against Corey Anderson. He's had 5 title defences and looks to be the GOAT of Bellator at the moment. For Bruno, well his resume is also pretty impressive. He won the 2021 PFL tournament via TKO, but that was overturned after a failed test result. In this case, I think Vadim has a strong grabbling advantage, but Bruno has the lights-out power with 14 of 15 fights being won by strikes. I think Nemkov will take this one deep, and control the fight. If he survives the first round, I feel he wins. 

Prediction: Nemkov to win $1.25

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