PFL Battle of Giants Betting Preview: Has Time Passed Francis Ngannou By?

Ferreira won the 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament to earn inclusion on the PFL vs Bellator card early in 2024. Ferreira introduced himself to a wider audience by knocking out former Bellator heavyweight champion and UFC veteran Ryan Bader.

Ngannou is a big favorite to win this fight, but there should be questions about how ready he is to fight MMA again. Ngannou was knocked out badly by Anthony Joshua during his last boxing match. Ferreira has a lot of power.

The number has moved to Ferreira since it first opened, but this fight seems like a dog or pass spot. Ngannou could dominate well, but he is unplayable at north of -300 straight up on the moneyline. There will be an intense amount of pressure on everyone involved with this fight card. PFL president Donn Davis has said that the promotion has spent more than $20 million on this card, about the amount the UFC spent on the event at the Sphere.

The main event for this card will produce sparks.

Bets to consider: Ferreira by KO/TKO/DQ, Under 1.5 rounds

What Does Cyborg Have Left?

Cris Cyborg wanted another legacy fight before she retired. Whether or not Larissa Pacheco fulfills that desire is still up in the air. But there is no hiding that Pacheco is a dangerous fighter who has won 10 straight fights.

Pacheco is 23-4 during her career and has finished 19 of her 23 wins. But Pacheco’s lengthy list of accomplishments pale in comparison to what her opponent, Cris Cyborg, has done during her career. Cyborg was one of the true pioneers of women’s MMA.

She has been a UFC and Bellator champion. Throughout her career, she has fought some of the top names in the sport. While MMA breaking news indicates that Cyborg is toward the end of her career, she has shown she still has power in her hands.

Cyborg knocked out Cat Zingano during her last fight. Pacheco may not have beaten Cyborg in her prime, but this is a good setup for her to steal a win here.

Bets to consider: Pacheco -135, Under 2.5 rounds

Eblen Wants to Show First Fight Was No Fluke

Johnny Eblen is unclear about why he didn’t have his fight with Fabian Edwards a few months ago. But despite the delays and the drama, that bout is finally set to happen this weekend. The two men first met for the Bellator middleweight championship back in September 2023.

While Edwards came into the bout on a hot streak, he was no match for the undefeated Eblen. But, in a result that surprised everyone, Eblen didn’t just wrestle his way to a decision. Instead, Eblen caught Edwards off guard with a stiff punch and finished the fight just 21 seconds into the third round.

Eblen is one of the top middleweights in the world, regardless of the promotion. He defeated the top PFL middleweight, Impa Kasanganay, during the PFL vs. Bellator card earlier this year.

Expect this fight to be another strong one between two motivated opponents. Edwards should keep it closer this year, but Eblen will pull out a victory.

Bets to consider: Eblen by decision, Over 2.5 rounds

Is Hughes the Real Deal?

The PFL signing Paul Hughes was seen as a big deal for the promotion. By grabbing the Irish star, the PFL beat the UFC in a bidding war. Now it’s up to Hughes to prove that he was worth the team and investment.

Instead of building Hughes up slowly or dropping him into a season-long tournament, the PFL paired Hughes up with former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee. McKee’s only career loss came to Patricio Pitbull at Bellator 27 in April 2022.

However, since the Bellator and PFL merger was consummated, McKee hasn’t had too busy a schedule. McKee did quick work on Clay Collard in February, submitting the former PFL title challenge in 70 seconds.

McKee has a 22-1 record in his career and has 14 wins by finish. While Hughes is a solid striker who succeeded in Cage Warriors, this is a big leap in competition. I’m surprised Bellator would give Hughes this tough a matchup right away.

Bets to consider: McKee ML

Stots Ready to Rebuild His Reputation

Raufeon Stots has a 20-2 career record but was a major disappointment in April 2023 when he lost by KO to Patchy Mix for the Bellator bantamweight world championship. Stots bounced back with a win over Danny Sabatello, but he will need more if he wants to grab another championship belt.

Stots’ opponent, Marcos Breno, is coming off a disappointing submission loss to Sabatello. During Breno’s career, he has yet to break through with wins in a major international promotion. Breno is a solid fighter.

He has a 15-3 record with eight knockouts and five submissions. But he won’t be adding another victory to his tally this weekend.

Bets to consider: Stots ML

Here are some odds for the rest of the card:

Makkasharip Zaynukov (-345) vs. Dedrek Sanders (+275)

Ibragim Ibragimov (-950) vs. Nacho Campos (+625)

Husein Kadimagomaev vs. Zafar Mohsen

*Tariq Ismail vs. Taha Bendaoud*

*odds unavailable at time of writing