Professional Fighters League Playoffs: Ferreira Picked to Progress
Heavyweights and Women’s Featherweights
The Professional Fighters League playoffs are upon us, headlined by the heavyweights and women’s featherweights. We’re excited about Maurice Greene vs Renan Ferreira, but there are three other fights on the MMA fight schedule on Friday. A spot in the final is on the line, and it’s one of the most significant MMA events this week.
Ferreira is a Beast
The 33-year-old is the -525 favorite with MMA odds, which is about as short as it gets for a professional fight.
Following a quality win, he is 10-3 in his career and 4-1 in the PFL. However, the most attractive aspect of betting on Ferreira is his size.
He stands at 6’8”, so Greene could have an awful time getting close enough to land a knockout blow.
Greene is a fine fighter in his own right, but he’s also the +315 underdog for a good reason. We expect Ferreira to be running through many Professional Fighters League playoffs parlays.
“To be out here fighting in the semifinals, to have an opportunity to hold the belt, to be fighting in a major promotion, is already the culmination of my dream. Going out there and winning $1 million, changing the financial status of my family, this is what matters to me,” Ferreira said.
Goltsov Owns No.1 Ranking
We talked about how impressive Ferreira has been, but Denis Goltsov owns the top ranking in the heavyweight division. The Russian took just 18 seconds to dispatch Yorgan De Castro in June, which scored him his fourth consecutive win.
He went the distance against Greene last year, which could be a good form guide, and his two wins since have been devastating. His -580 odds suggest he’ll breeze into the final, so that’s the challenge presented to Jordan Heiderman. Heiderman is a perfect 7-0 following a win over Patrick Brady.
The first-round knockout was impressive, but his inexperience could play its part. As always, with the heavyweights, it’s usually the first to land the first blow to a chin. We think that will come from Goltsov.
Pachero Dominates Betting
It’s rare to see a -1400 price, but that’s the nature of the Professional Fighters League playoffs. Larissa Pachero is expected to hand Olena Kolesnyk a loss on Friday, and it’s hard to bet against the dominating favorite. She is 21-4 following eight consecutive wins, which includes two wins against Kolesnyk, so it’s hard to imagine Kolesnyk turning the tables.
Pachero won both meetings with a first-round knockout, which adds to her appeal. The total rounds line is set at 1½, and it has been backed into -290, so most expect her to finish the fight in the opening five minutes. Taking a fighter at such short odds isn’t easy, but we can’t see her losing.
Mokhnatkina Rising the Ranks
Marina Mokhnatkina is 10-3 after winning her fourth straight win in June. The Russian won her opening fight in the PFL before losing to Kayla Harrison, but she bounced back with impressive wins, including a submission and a knockout victory.
The same can’t be said for Amber Leibrock, who hasn’t been able to win the big fights in her career. She won four consecutive fights before being knocked out in 45 seconds against Pachero, which is a big concern for bettors.
Taking another favorite to win is risky business, but Lebrock would need to improve on her most recent effort, and Mokhnatkina could have too much in the tank. Bookmakers have -450 for the favorite, and she’s worth including in selections.
For MMA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
