On February 24th, Saudi Arabia will witness a heavyweight clash for MMA supremacy as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Bellator lock horns in a unique cross-promotion event. This exciting encounter pits current and former champions, alongside rising title contenders, in a showcase of top-tier talent vying to prove who truly reigns supreme in the world of MMA.
The eagerly awaited main event showcases a heavyweight championship showdown between PFL’s reigning champion, Renan Ferreira, and his counterpart from Bellator, Ryan Bader. Who will emerge as the ultimate king in this dazzling desert clash? Our comprehensive betting preview of Ryan Bader vs. Renan Ferreira is designed to assist you in making well-informed betting choices for this bout, using the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 22nd, 2:00 P.M. (GMT)
The latest Ryan Bader vs. Renan Ferreira odds from bookmaker William Hill places Bader as the marginal favourite to win the tie. Ryan Bader, nicknamed “Darth Bader” for his relentless style that’s reminiscent of the iconic Star Wars villain, is a wrestling powerhouse with an impressive pedigree. A three-time Pac-10 championships gold medalist, Bader’s dominance on the mat is undeniable.
While he’s known for his crushing knockouts in Bellator, his true strength lies in breaking down opponents with relentless wrestling pressure, gradually wearing them down until victory becomes inevitable. While not a submission specialist, Bader’s ability to control and dismantle his foes on the ground is a force to be reckoned with.
Ferreira may not have envisioned himself in this position two years ago. The Brazilian fighter endured a challenging 2022, marked by a suspension for substance abuse and a string of lackluster performances. However, he turned the tide last year, securing his spot in the PFL tournament final with first-round knockouts of Mattheus Scheffel and Maurice Greene. He ultimately clinched the heavyweight title by defeating Denis Goltsov in the final’s second round.
While his redemption arc is quite fascinating, can Ferreira expect his streak to continue in Saudi Arabia? Ferreira is a juggernaut himself, but Bader is a heavyweight icon who can tackle anything that comes his way. At 40 years old, Ryan Bader remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division. He’s arguably one of the toughest match-ups for any fighter, combining his veteran experience with lethal quickness. A decorated D-1 wrestler and black belt in BJJ, his grappling prowess is undeniable.
He boasts an impressive second-most wins record in UFC light heavyweight history and currently reigns as Bellator’s heavyweight champion. This potent combination makes Bader a true threat in any cage. But age catches up to everyone. The six year age advantage might hand Ferreira the decisive edge in this battle. We expect Bader to start strong, but Ferreira can regain control as the bout progresses and exploit Bader’s fatigue to send him to the mat. We will back the underdog at 1.91.
