The UFC is absent this week, but Bellator and Premier Fight League will fix our MMA cravings. Betting odds for Bellator 264 & PFL 7 are now available. Read on for our complete betting guide and preview on this weekend’s main event matchups, including updated odds and our free expert betting predictions.
Bellator 264 Main Event Prediction
Gegard Mousasi vs. John Salter
Bellator Middleweight Title Bout
Friday, August 13, 2021 at Mohegan Sun Arena
Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2)
Bellator’s current middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi will defend his crown this Friday, and with a -300 price tag, he’s expected to dominate the opposition.
A long and prosperous mixed martial arts career for Mousasi doesn’t seem to be slowing down. With 56 fights under his belt, the 36-year-old Dutch native is still adding vital tools to his game.
Most known for a dangerous and diverse striking offense, Mousasi has refined his grappling game to a position where wrestlers and Jiu-Jitsu practitioners often struggle to utilize their game plans. And it is a one-on-one striking matchup; Mousasi is in his element.
Owning multiple division championships during his MMA tenure is something that Mousasi wants to continue, so with another successful title defense this Friday evening, we may witness him move up a weight class in an attempt to claim another title.
John Salter (18-4-0)
John Salter has the opportunity of a lifetime this weekend; not only can he become a Bellator champion, but a win against Gegard Mousasi would boost his recognition like never before.
Salter stems from a wrestling background, and more often than not, that’s where he’s looking to take his fights. He’s accomplished black belt status in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and these skillsets combined make up for the ideal finisher.
Bellator 264 Main Event Prediction
The current bookmakers’ odds heavily favour the defending champion, and this should come as no surprise. If John Salter fails to initiate a wrestling-heavy game plan, he could be in for a long night.
We already know Salter’s blueprint, sure; he’s a mixed martial artist and certainly knows how to fight in all areas – but his fight history shows that a wrestling base is what he relies on to win fights.
I predict that Mousasi will dictate the pace outside of a few potential takedowns, but I can’t see the champion allowing these positions to lose him in the fight. Mousasi will own a significant striking advantage and if you want a more desirable price, take him to win inside the distance.
Bellator 264 Best Bet: Gegard Mousasi to win @ -300 with FanDuel [3u returns 1u profit]
PFL 7 Main Card Prediction
Rory MacDonald vs. Ray Cooper III
PFL Playoffs Semi-final Welterweight Bout
Friday, August 13, 2021 at Mohegan Sun Arena
PFL 7 takes place on Friday, August 13th, live from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida, only on ESPN+.
Premier Fight League’s annual event is heating up as we head into the playoff brackets. Welterweight contenders are one fight away from competing in the final for a $1,000,000 cheque and a PFL championship.
Rory MacDonald owns a wealth of experience in MMA, having competed around the world for reputable organizations. But his previous bout versus Gleison Tibau was surrounded by controversy; in a split decision loss that was wrongfully judged, he’s lucky to be in the finals. Fortunately, Rory earned enough points to qualify for the finals.
Ray Cooper III will undoubtedly be the toughest test for the Canadian, owning a 9-2 record since joining PFL and having the experience of winning the tournament in 2019 and being a runner-up in 2018.
The 28-year-old Hawaiian native has already amassed 29 professional bouts, with just two of those bouts reaching the judges’ scorecards. With that said, we have a funny feeling this could be his third bout that the judges decide’.
Cooper loves to wrestle, and Rory is well skilled on the ground; this could lead to a stand-up war, and both men own an impressive wrestling background and durability in their respective careers.
Instead of predicting an extremely well-matched semi-final contest, I have more faith in this contest going the distance.
PFL 7 Playoffs Best Bet: Over 2 and a ½ rounds @ -160 with Draftkings [1.60u returns 1u profit]
