PFL Belfast Staff Picks: Thrilling Irish Fighters Eager To Defend Home Turf
Europe becomes the stage for elite-level mixed martial arts action, as PFL Belfast seeks to kick off the spring season with a resounding bang. In the main event, native defender Darragh Kelly takes on New Zealand-based adversary Jay-Jay Wilson. Be...
Europe becomes the stage for elite-level mixed martial arts action, as PFL Belfast seeks to kick off the spring season with a resounding bang. In the main event, native defender Darragh Kelly takes on New Zealand-based adversary Jay-Jay Wilson. Before that, however, UFC veteran Rhys McKee tackles the very-experienced Alex Lohoré.
PFL Belfast Main Event
Holding a sterling record of 9-0, Kelly has climbed to become one of Ireland’s most notable prospects. An astounding performance this Thursday could all “The Moville Mauler” needs to raise his stock as a truly undeniable lightweight contender.
Coming off a disappointing setback to Archie Colgan in his last time out to the PFL smart cage, Wilson is back in action to embark on what he hopes is a fruitful 2026. Proven to be dangerous anywhere the fight goes, “The Māori Kid” is aiming to play spoiler for what appears to be a coming out party for his Irish opponent.
PFL Belfast Co-Main Event
A veteran of six UFC contests, McKee has shared the cage with a bevy of strong opposition, including current middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. Wanting to make a statement in his own backyard, the former Cage Warriors welterweight king will make his promotional debut to the roar of his countrymen as he endeavors to get his hand raised on home soil.
At 26-11, there aren’t many things that could easily surprise Lohoré at this point in his decorated mixed martial arts career. With a vast array of skills that were gained after 12 years as a professional, “Da Killa King” is easily a problem for almost anyone he encounters on his warpath.
More Bouts On the PFL Belfast Main Card
Also on the main card, previous PFL light heavyweight gold standard Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov locks horns with UFC alum Tyson Pedro.
PFL Belfast 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.
Find our PFL Belfast picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC 327:
- Hank Strandberg: 45-26
- Frazer Krohn: 41-31
- Drew Zuhosky: 31-39
- Andrew Benjamin: 11-10
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov -400
Vs.
Tyson Pedro +300
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Yagshimuradov by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Pedro by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Pedro by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking Yagshimuradov: 1
Staff picking Pedro: 2
Rhys McKee -350
Vs.
Alex Lohoré +285
WELTERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: McKee by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: McKee by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: McKee by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking McKee: 3
Staff picking Lohoré: 0
Jay-Jay Wilson -120
Vs.
Darragh Kelly +100
LIGHTWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Wilson by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Kelly by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Wilson by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking Wilson: 2
Staff picking Kelly: 1
