MMA Superstars Return to the Cage
This Saturday, the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) will witness the highly anticipated return of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to the cage. Ngannou will face off against Renan Ferreira at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A New Chapter for Ngannou
After leaving the UFC, Ngannou ventured into boxing, taking on former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Although he lost both fights, Ngannou’s experience in the boxing ring could prove to be a valuable asset in his MMA comeback.
Ferreira’s Dominant Run
Meanwhile, Ferreira has been on a tear in the PFL, racking up four wins and one no-contest since 2023. Each of his victories came via knockout, including wins over Denis Goltsov for the 2023 PFL heavyweight championship and Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader.
Co-Main Event: Pacheco vs. Cyborg
In the co-main event, 2023 PFL women’s featherweight champion Larissa Pacheco will face off against Bellator champion Cris Cyborg. Both fighters enter this matchup on impressive winning streaks, with Pacheco having won 10 fights in a row and Cyborg having won her last seven bouts.
UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira
Also on Saturday, middleweights Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira will clash in the main event at UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Hernandez has won his last five fights, including finishes over his last three opponents, while Pereira has reeled off eight consecutive victories in the Octagon.
Expert Analysis
ESPN analyst and veteran MMA coach Din Thomas shared his insights on the PFL Super Fights championships, while ESPN betting expert Ian Parker provided analysis on the main event and other intriguing bets.
Ngannou vs. Ferreira: A Battle of Powerhouses
According to Thomas, Ngannou needs to use his boxing experience to outsmart Ferreira, moving around the cage and finding openings with his hands. Ferreira, on the other hand, should utilize his reach advantage and long leg kicks to chew up Ngannou’s lead leg and set him up for a combination or big punch.
Pacheco vs. Cyborg: A Clash of Styles
Thomas believes that Cyborg needs to use her footwork to navigate the cage and avoid a firefight, while Pacheco should get in the pocket and let her hands go, turning the fight into an ugly and intense battle.
Hernandez vs. Pereira: A Battle of Wills
Thomas thinks that Hernandez needs to keep his hands up and constantly pressure Pereira, exploiting his dynamic fighting style and making him defend takedowns or fight off the fence. Pereira, on the other hand, should use angles to create openings for his offense and keep Hernandez turning, never allowing him to set his feet.
Betting Analysis
Parker recommends taking Ferreira to win at +225 odds, citing Ngannou’s inactivity in MMA and recent knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in boxing. He also likes Cyborg to win at +125 odds, believing that she is better than Pacheco in all aspects and has been underrated by the oddsmakers. In the UFC middleweight matchup, Parker favors Pereira to win at +120 odds, citing his lateral speed and ability to create openings for his offense.
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