PFL Austin Staff Picks: Previous Champions Throw Down
PFL Austin takes place tonight and MMA Sucka's staff picks are in for tonight's show. Who'd our guys choose?
Middleweight contenders Johnny Eblen and Impa Kasanganay cross paths once more at PFL Austin in a much-anticipated rematch with the interim strap on the line. In the co-main event, the bantamweights take control of the smart cage, as Lewis McGrillen trades blows with Rafael do Nascimento.
PFL Austin Main Event
Jumping back into the win column this year after dismantling Bryan Battle at PFL Pittsburgh, Eblen makes his return to the spotlight. Formerly a reigning Bellator champion with three title defenses, “Pressure” is no stranger to high-stakes matches.
Going 2-0 in his latest appearances in the cage, Kasanganay is riding a wave of momentum after dominant wins over Ultimate Fighter winner Andrew Sanchez and Dalton Rosta. Eager to finally even the score with Eblen after losing to him back in 2024, the former light heavyweight king is seeking to pick up his third straight victory this Saturday.
PFL Austin Co-Main Event
Two years ago, McGrillen announced himself as a premier name in his weight class when he won the PFL’s European 2024 135-lb tournament. Owning 10 wins by knockout, “The McGrizzla” has proven to be a deadly tactician with his hands.
Winner of four straight tilts, Nascimento walks into the Moody Center at PFL Austin with all the confidence in the world. Previously showcasing his talents in the LFA, where he accrued a 6-1-1NC record, “Mulisha” is looking to put on a vintage performance in his promotional debut.
More Bouts on PFL Austin Main Card
Also on the main card, Caolán Loughran and Julio Arce battle it out. Then, Jesus Pinedo goes toe-to-toe withJoey Ruquet.
PFL Austin 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).
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UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
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PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
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ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
Find our PFL Austin picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC 329:
1. Hank Strandberg: 109-52
2. Frazer Krohn: 86-70
3. Drew Zuhosky: 80-84
4. Andrew Benjamin: 18-18
;*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Jesus Pinedo -1800
Vs.
Joey Ruquet +900
FEATHERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg:Pinedo by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Pinedo by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Pinedo by First Round Submission
Staff picking Pinedo: 3
Staff picking Ruquet: 0
Julio Arce -160
Vs.
Caolan Loughran +140
FEATHERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg:Arce by Second Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Arce by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Loughran by Split Decision
Staff picking Arce: 2
Staff picking Loughran: 1
Lewis McGrillen -335
Vs.
Rafael do Nascimento +275
BANTAMWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: McGrillen by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Nascimento by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: McGrillen by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking McGrillen: 2
Staff picking Nascimento: 1
Johnny Eblen -600
Vs.
Impa Kasanganay +425
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Eblen by Unanimous Decision ;
Drew Zuhosky: Kasanganay by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Eblen by Fourth Round Submission
Staff picking Eblen: 2
Staff picking Kasanganay: 1
