Following an entertaining expedition to Africa, the PFL makes its way back stateside for an extraordinary night of championship fights. Taking top billing, previous company belt-holder Gadzhi Rabadanov locks horns with Alfie Davis for the lightweight belt. In the co-main event, former Bellator women’s flyweight gold standard Liz Carmouche braces for a tough matchup opposite Jena Bishop for female 125-lb gold.
Main Event
Undefeated since 2020, Rabadanov has embarked on a stellar 12-bout winning streak, collecting significant victories against notable opponents such as Brent Primus, Marc Diakiese and Kevin Lee. Looking like a sure-fire pick to seize his second PFL championship, the phenom from Dagestan is looking to put a stamp on his dominance over the rest of the lightweight class.
After a disappointing organizational outing last year, which saw him lose to Mansour Barnaoui by third round submission, Davis returned to the Smart Cage with a newfound vigor in 2025. Collecting two stupendous wins over Clay Collard and Brent Primus, “The Axe Man” now enters the most important contest of his career, as he strives to claim his first major mixed martial arts belt.
Co-Main Event
Following a dominant loss to fellow one-time UFC title challenger Taila Santos, Carmouche is once again on the cusp of gold since besting Ilara Joanne and Elora Dana back-to-back with two masterful performances. Having held the Bellator women’s flyweight throne, amassing three title defenses, “Girl-Rilla” is no stranger to high-stake championship matchups, and the elite opposition that regularly accompanies them.
Scoring a win against Chelsea Hackett in her PFL debut back in April 2024, Bishop seemed to be on track toward becoming a remarkable competitor in the promotion. However, two consecutive setbacks to Taila Santos and PFL queen, Dakota Ditcheva, brought a staggering halt to her momentum. Going 2-0 in 2025 after an amazing comeback, the first-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wants to add even more to her budding resume by toppling the credentialed Carmouche, as well as nabbing championship gold.
More Bouts On the Main Card
Also on the main card, South American hard-puncher Marcirley Alves comes to blows with LFA veteran Justin Wetzell for the bantamweight strap. Finally, UFC alum Mads Burnell faces off with CFFC standout Robert Watley.
PFL 9 (2025) Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
- UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
- PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
- ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains.
Find our PFL 9 (2025) picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after DWCS 77:
- Hank Strandberg: 135-78
- Drew Zuhosky: 110-103
- Frazer Krohn: 101-77
- Jeremy Brand: 98-77
- Andrew Benjamin: 28-89
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Mads Burnell -170
Vs.
Robert Watley +145
LIGHTWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Burnell by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Burnell by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Burnell by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Burnell by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Burnell by Round 2 sub
Staff picking Burnell: 5
Staff picking Watley: 0
Marcirley Alves -200
Vs.
Justin Wetzell +170
BANTAMWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Wetzell by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Alves by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Wetzell by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Alves by Third Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Alves by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Alves: 3
Staff picking Wetzell: 2
Liz Carmouche -240
Vs.
Jena Bishop +205
WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Carmouche by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Carmouche by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Carmouche by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Carmouche by Second Round Submission
Frazer Krohn: Carmouch by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Carmouche: 5
Staff picking Bishop: 0
Gadzhi Rabadanov -950
Vs.
Alfie Davis +650
WELTERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Rabadanov by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Rabadanov by Third Round Submission Drew Zuhosky: Davis by First Round Submission
Andrew Benjamin: Rabadanov by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Rabadanov by Third Round Submission
Staff picking Rabadanov: 4
Staff picking Davis: 1
