PFL Week 3 Preview
Kasanganay vs Edwards - Kasanganay is a vet who has fought everywhere from the UFC to PFL and Eagles. He's not scared to fight anyone and has already won a $1 million tournament while signed with PFL. He is great in stand-up and has excellent takedown defense, but he won't need the latter in this fight against Edwards, Leon Edwards' younger but more powerful brother. I don't see this fight hitting the mat at all unless one of them gets dropped. This is a great fight to have in the main event. Hopefully, ESPN doesn't have volleyball on during the time slot again this week on a Friday night.
Rabadanov vs Diakiese - Last year's winner, Rabadanov, will face the best striker he has encountered in his career thus far. He had a great season last year when he made it to the championship and beat Primus via a third-round finish. However, Diakiese is a UFC vet with dynamic striking who has struggled with being put on his back in the past.
Sy vs Rosta - Rosta is another prospect from whom we will learn a lot when they close the smart cage doors. He will face one of the better strikers on the planet, Sy, who will try to stay at range and find the shot to put him out. This is the only fight on the card where both competitors' skills are evenly matched, and either could win. I would not be surprised if this were the fight that stole the show. However, I can also see this fight being a lackluster bout because of how good both fighters are, along with their outstanding camps and coaching.
Burnell vs Wilson - Wilson is one of the sport's more promising prospects outside of the UFC, who is coming off a loss to Aljo in a grappling event for Karate Combat. However, in the cage, he is 10-1 with seven finishes and one decision loss. He will fight against a vet who has competed in the UFC, PFL, Bellator, and Cage Warriors. He even secured a win against Clay Collard last season. Wilson is game and will bring the fight straight at Burnell. This fight will teach us a lot about the prospect Wilson.
Collard vs Davis - PFL mainstay and UFC veteran Collard is making another push toward a season title when he faces the runner-up from last year's tournament, Davis. The fighter from London has looked like a top performer most of the time. He isn't a finisher, but he's a very well-rounded fighter with an amazing team behind him.
Silveira vs Shipman - This fight could also steal the show, as we have two fighters who constantly look for a finish. I would be shocked to see this one hit the final bell. Silveira has 12 of his 13 wins by way of finish, and Shipman has 15 finishes out of 17 wins. This should be a fun, fan-engaging scrap that won't hear the final bell and probably won't make it out of the first.
Primus vs Cenci - Another high-level fight features two fighters who are capable on the ground and in striking. Cenci hasn't had a loss since he was defeated by Sam Patterson on the Contender Series. He's coming into this fight as a +400 underdog, and I don’t understand why. His only loss, besides his debut, is to a fighter who is ranked in the UFC. I think the oddsmakers got this wrong; the line should be a tad bit closer. Even though Primus is a great fighter, he is coming off a loss in the championship last season, so we will see if he is ready to bounce back.
Jeffery vs Ramazzanov - Ramazzanov has beaten everyone he has faced, except for Musaev, who you could argue is the best fighter on the planet not signed to the UFC. He is coming off back-to-back losses against Musaev, being finished in the most recent one. He is fighting Jeffery, who, besides Musaev, will be the best fighter he has faced. If Jeffery can stay on his feet and avoid the takedowns, Ramazzanov might be in for a long night against a fighter who has faced top-level competition.
Caruso vs Watley - The 35-year-old Watley is getting a shot at a huge prize after a great career thus far, with losses to Chris Wade and Will Brooks, and in his debut. I honestly expect him to get the job done here. He is fighting a guy who came in on short notice after his original opponent withdrew. Watley’s strength of schedule should push him through this round. If Caruso wants to win, he needs to get him to the ground quickly and often. If he doesn’t do that, I don't see how he gets it done.
Best Bets
Watley ML - I think he is better than Caruso everywhere and feel comfortable laying the chalk with him; I honestly believe he gets the night started with a finish, so you might want to sprinkle on that as well.
Wilson ML - One of the better prospects signed to the PFL right now, he has no problem finishing fights when the opportunity arises.
Silveira vs Shipman Under 2.5 Rounds - This is probably one of the safer bets among my best picks. Both of these fighters are finishers of the highest order.
Primus KO/TKO/SUB - I think he will have a huge chip on his shoulder after training for an elite fighter in Shabliy. That's no disrespect to his current opponent, but it is a step down in competition. I’ll probably have two-way action on this fight to guarantee some profit.
