The biggest card in PFL history “Battle of the Giants” airs this Saturday on ESPN+ PPV (1 p.m. EST). Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou returns to compete in Mixed Martial Arts after a two-year absence from the sport. Ngannou will make his promotion debut against 6’8 Brazilian finisher Rennan “The Problema” Ferreria. The Co-main event is a highly anticipated women’s bantamweight contest between a legend of the sport in Cris Cyborg and PFL standout Larrisa Pachecho. Cyborg hasn’t lost since leaving the UFC in 2018, while Pachecho is riding a ten-fight winning streak of her own. The Bellator middleweight title will be up for grabs in Saudi Arabia as well, when undefeated champion Johnny Eblen rematches English striker Fabian Edwards.
Also on the card, Lightweight phenom and former Bellator featherweight champion A.J McKee welcomes newcomer Paul Hughes to the PFL. Hughes was a champion in the Cage Warriors promotion in Europe, but he will be facing one of the most talented fighters alive in a major step up in competition.
Francis Ngannou (17-3) vs. Rennan Ferreira (13-3)
In the Main event, two massive Heavyweight power-punchers collide as Francis Ngannou makes his long awaited PFL debut against Renan Ferreira. The PFL have created a super fight title for this matchup, with the winner earning the 12-pound gold strap. Ngannou left the UFC as their sitting Heavyweight champion and over the last two years has competed at the highest level in Boxing. Ngannou took on Tyson Fury in a surprisingly competitive contest, in which he knocked down the reigning Heavyweight champion. Following that performance, Ngannou bite off more than he could chew and was knocked out cold by Anthony Joshua in his next fight. Ferreira has finished four opponents in a row and is the most athletic fighter Ngannou has ever faced. Currently online sportsbooks heavily favor Ngannou (-310).
I don’t see this fight hitting the ground at any point. Both competitors have similar seek-and-destroy styles with one punch knockout power. Coming off a dramatic knockout loss, it will be interesting to see if Ngannou bounces back this weekend.
Prediction: Rennan Ferreira by KO/TKO
Cris Cyborg (27-2) vs. Larissa Pachecho (23-4)
MMA legend Cris Cyborg returns to the cage Saturday for one of the most anticipated women’s fights in recent memory. Her opponent Larissa Pachecho is the only fighter do defeat two-time Olympian Kayla Harrison. Pachecho will be the smaller fighter by two inches (5’6) but enters this contest as the betting favorite at online sportsbooks (-148). Cyborg is the more experienced fighter who throughout her career has faced the best in the world.
Both competitors are dangerous strikers who have double digit knockout wins. Cyborg defeated Cat Zingano in a one-sided fight at Bellator 300, retaining her Featherweight world title. Pachecho has never faced an opponent with the striking skill or aggressiveness of Cyborg.
Prediction: Cyborg by KO/TKO
(C) Johnny Eblen (15-0) vs. Fabian Edwards (13-3)
A Bellator Middleweight title rematch will be featured on the Battle of the Giants main card. Undefeated former collegiate wrestler Johnny Eblen faces English striker Fabian Edwards. In their first matchup, Eblen was able to take over as the fight progressed, stopping Edwards with ground and pound. Edwards couldn’t keep Eblen off of him in the first fight and had a significant grappling disadvantage. Entering this championship rematch online sportsbooks have Eblen as a massive betting favorite (-400).
Edwards is the brother of former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, and like his brother has a very dynamic striking style. In the beginning of the first fight, Edwards was able to open Eblen up with an elbow causing a significant cut. Edwards will want to keep this fight at range where he can pick Eblen apart with kicks to the body and legs. Eblen needs to implement his world class grappling, much like he did in the first fight.
Prediction: Johnny Eblen by Decision
A.J. Mckee (22-1) vs. Paul Hughes (12-1)
A lightweight showdown with title contention on the line has fight fans buzzing when A.J. Mckee faces PFL newcomer Paul Hughes. Mckee is widely regard as one of the premier talents in the sport and is a former Bellator Featherweight champion. Hughes enjoyed success on the European regional scene where he became a champion in Cage Warriors. At 27 years old Hughes is entering the prime of his career, but he may be biting off more than he can chew against a well-rounded superstar in Mckee. Entering this fight online sportsbooks slightly favor Mckee (-170).
On the feet Hughes is athletic and has good punching power but may have problems with the creativity of McKee. Hughes has not faced anyone near the level of competition that he will this weekend which is alarming from a betting perspective. Mckee has finished world class opposition in the past such as Patricio Pitbull and Clay Collard. On the ground Mckee will have an advantage, where he’s secured 8 submission wins throughout his career.
Prediction: A.J. Mckee by Decision
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