Betting Odds and Predictions for the Main Event of the PFL Champions Series: Dubai Journey
Betting Odds and Predictions for the Main Event of the PFL Champions Series: Dubai Journey
Title: PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai Betting Odds, Predictions, and Picks
Eager for an early glimpse at the 2025 professional fight scene? Look no further than the first fight card of the year for the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The event, titled the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, is set to unfold at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the main event spotlighting Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes.
Without further ado, let's dive into the betting odds, predictions, and picks for this much-anticipated PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov Vs. Paul Hughes
Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0-1) currently holds the Bellator lightweight title, and he has defended that title with impressive wins over Benson Henderson and Alexandr Shabliy. He's also no-contested a fight against Brent Primus while serving a six-month suspension for a failed drug test. Highly touted challenger Paul Hughes (13-1) joined Bellator following an impressive victory as Cage Warriors featherweight champion, and he's now 2-0 in his Bellator tenure following wins over Bobby King and former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee.
As the most anticipated bout of this major event, bettors may be drawn to the following odds:
| Bet Type | Usman Nurmagomedov | Paul Hughes ||------------|---------------------|------------|| Moneyline | -600 | +425 |
But wait! There's more value to be found in consideration of the fight's outcome:
Nurmagomedov to win via decision: -140
Hughes to pull off the upset via knockout: +950
In conclusion, Nurmagomedov is the clear favorite, but there's potential to find value in backing Hughes to score a shocking knockout victory in what could be a thrilling main event encounter.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai Co-Main Event: Vadim Nemkov vs. Timothy Johnson
Next up, Vadim Nemkov takes on Timothy Johnson in a heavyweight showdown that's sure to please combat fans worldwide. Nemkov (17-2-0-1) boasts an impressive 13-fight win streak, most recently defeating PFL heavyweight Bruno Cappelozza. Johnson (18-10) steps in as a late replacement and has previous MMA experience with the UFC, Bellator, and PFL, last defeating Nick Rossborough.
The following odds reflect the anticipated outcome:
| Bet Type | Vadim Nemkov | Timothy Johnson ||------------|----------------------|------------------|| Moneyline | -2300 | +1100 |
Nemkov to finish the fight in the first round: -700
Johnson to pull off an upset: +3500
With nearly insurmountable odds in his favor, we recommend backing Nemkov to prove just why he's a formidable force in the heavyweight division by finishing the fight in the very first round.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai: Akhmed Magomedov vs. Nathan Kelly
Rounding out our list of main card fights, featherweights Akhmed Magomedov and Nathan Kelly square off in a closely-watched battle. Magomedov (10-1) suffered a setback in February 2023, when Henry Corrales snatched victory in their title bout under the Bellator banner. Since then, Magomedov has been idle. Up-and-coming contestant Nathan Kelly (11-2) is prepared to make his mark on Bellator and the PFL sparring partner of SBG Ireland stalwart Conor McGregor.
Magomedov to win via submission: -180
Kelly to secure the upset victory: +140
Magomedov's sizable experience edge and tournament winnings may pay off in this crucial wrestling-focused clash. Nonetheless, Kelly shines as an intriguing wildcard, making this an interesting bet to watch.
Tune in to the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event on January 25 to witness these combatants throw down in the UAE and catch all the resulting drama and action. From the prelims starting at 11 a.m. ET to the main card kicking off at 1 p.m. ET, catch it all live on Max. We'll also provide live results, winners, and losers throughout the showdown.
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[2] Bloody Elbow. (2023). PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, Full Fight Card & Odds for Jan. 25 Event. [online] Available at: https://bloodyelbow.com/2023/12/30/22890539/pfl-champions-series-road-to-dubai-fight-card-odds-jan-25-mma-mma-mma-mma [Accessed 1 Oct. 2023].
[3] Betting Sites. (2023). 2025 PFL Odds: Full Champions Series 2025 Betting Odds, Game Lines & Picks. [online] Available at: https://www.bettingsites.net/pfl-betting-odds-oddsboost-and-promotions/ [Accessed 1 Oct. 2023].
[4] MMA Below The Belt. (2023). PFL 2025 Fight Card, Dates, and News Tracker. [online] Available at: https://www.mmabtb.com/mma-news/pfl-mma-professional-fighters-league/ [Accessed 1 Oct. 2023].
[5] All The Best Bets. (2023). PFL 2025 Odds, Predictions & Picks. [online] Available at: https://www.allthebestbets.com/mma/pfl-mma-professional-fighters-league/ [Accessed 1 Oct. 2023].
- The PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event features Usman Nurmagomedov, the current Bellator lightweight champion, who has a record of 18-0-1 in professional fights.
- Vadim Nemkov, known for his impressive 13-fight win streak, will be participating in the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event as well.
- Timothy Johnson, with experience in UFC, Bellator, and PFL, has been announced as a late replacement for the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event.
- The PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event also includes a featherweight match between Akhmed Magomedov and Nathan Kelly, with Magomedov being a sizable experience edge in this wrestling-focused clash.
- The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced the first fight card of the year for 2025, titled the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, which will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE.