UFC 319 & PFL: MMA Expert Predictions & Betting

MMA Championship Weekend: UFC and PFL in the Spotlight

This weekend, mixed martial arts (MMA) fans have a must-see event. The excitement is concentrated in two stellar events: the UFC in Chicago and the PFL World Championships from Charlotte, North Carolina. On Saturday, the UFC presents its latest pay-per-view event of the summer. Meanwhile, on Friday, the PFL World Championships continues with its exciting fights.

UFC 319: Middleweight Titans Clash

In the main event of UFC 319, the middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, will defend his title for the third time. His opponent will be Khamzat Chimaev, ranked number 2 in the division by Alofoke Deportes. Both fighters arrive undefeated at the encounter, promising a high-caliber clash. In the co-main event, Aaron Pico will make his highly anticipated UFC debut against Lerone Murphy, an undefeated featherweight contender. The winner could have the opportunity to face champion Alexander Volkanovski.

PFL World Championships: Titles on the line

The second week of the PFL World Championships 2025 will be marked by the dispute of the lightweight, bantamweight, and women’s flyweight titles. Liz Carmouche will seek to add another belt to her collection by facing Jena Bishop. In addition, Alfie Davis and Gadzhi Rabadanov will face each other for the lightweight title, and Marcirley Alves and Justin Wetzell will compete for the bantamweight championship.

Expert Analysis and Predictions

Alofoke Deportes’ MMA analysts offer their predictions for the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev fight, while Alofoke Deportes’ betting expert, Ian Parker, shares his recommendations for betting on UFC and PFL cards.

Predictions for the Middleweight Fight

Dricus won’t be able to avoid the takedown. I don’t think Du Plessis can stop the takedown, but will he be good enough to get back to his feet and strong enough to get out of those situations? I think he’s good enough to get back to his feet. So we’re going to see Khamzat do something he’s never done, which is fight adversity in a five-round fight. I’m sticking with DDP for that. – Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith

A couple of months ago, I would have said DDP, but I’ve changed my mind. I think Khamzat’s grappling pressure is going to be too much. DDP needs to be the better fighter to win fights and stay where he wants, and that’s not the case in this one. – Din Thomas

Din Thomas

Betting Analysis: Parker: Chimaev to win before the distance (-140). In one of the most anticipated title fights of the year, Du Plessis will defend his title against the “giant killer” Chimaev. Can DDP defend himself from Chimaev’s chaotic pace and wrestling in the first round? It’s possible, but even if he does, I consider the narrative that suggests Chimaev doesn’t have the gas tank to last more than one round to be false. I think Chimaev is going to surprise a lot of people by connecting quality strikes early, unleashing his wrestling. We’ve seen DDP withstand getting hit before, but he hasn’t fought someone with Chimaev’s wrestling to back up his strikes. I think Du Plessis will face a rude awakening.

Parker’s Best Bets for the Rest of the UFC Card

Strawweight: Loopy Godínez vs. Jessica Andrade Godinez to win (-150). Andrade’s role in the strawweight division has become the litmus test for determining whether or not someone belongs in the top 10. Godinez is on a roll after a unanimous decision victory over Julia Polastri on March 29, and I think against Andrade she will use the same fighting approach we saw against Polastri. Unless she can go back in time and become the powerhouse she once was, I think Godinez will outwork her in the fight. Lightweight: Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose

Barboza to win (-140). Coming off a KO loss, Klose faces another devastating striker. The reality is, if Klose can’t take this fight to the ground and keep it there, he won’t win. There are very few better strikers than Barboza, whose leg kicking game remains at the top. Look for Barboza to defend takedowns early and accumulate calf kicks as the fight goes on.

Parker’s Best Bets for the PFL World Championships

Lightweight: Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Alfie Davis Rabadanov to win before the distance. Rabadanov has gone from being a fighter who wins by decision to a complete mixed martial artist who has been finishing his opponents non-stop, and I don’t think that will stop here. As good as Davis is as a striker, and he has KO power in his arsenal, Rabadanov can match him there. Rabadanov will also have a big advantage in the fight, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the victory by submission. However, if you want to play it a little safer, take under 4.5 rounds, as I don’t see this fight going to the final bell. Women’s Flyweight: Liz Carmouche vs. Jena Bishop Carmouche to win before the distance. Carmouche has shown us once again that age is just a number, as the 41-year-old fighter has another chance to win the world tournament. Unless Bishop catches her with an early submission, I see Carmouche not only winning but getting the finish. Look for her to take the top position and use her elbows and ground-and-pound to secure the victory. Bantamweight: Marcirley Alves vs. Justin Wetzell Alves to win. For Wetzell to win, he needs to take Alves down and keep him there, which I don’t see happening. Alves’ takedown defense has been impeccable this season, and if the fight stays on the feet, he has a big advantage. Look for Alves to pressure a lot of striking volume during this fight and win the tournament.