PFL Chicago Staff Picks: Women's 125-lbers Battle For Title

 In the co-main event, it’s Russia versus Brazil, as Timur Khizriev takes on Gabriel Braga.   

PFL Chicago Main Event

At 42 years of age, Carmouche is back in title contention after stringing together four consecutive wins, including one over the same woman she is fighting this Friday night. Now on the cusp of hoisting mixed martial arts gold above her head since her days in Bellator, “Girl-Rilla” is aiming to put a definitive conclusion to her rivalry with Bishop at PFL Chicago.

Trading blows with Carmouche in 2025 back in North Carolina, Bishop saw her flyweight tournament run come to a stunning end after suffering a disappointing knockout setback. Wanting nothing more than to prove she has what it takes to capture a major world championship, the Missouri native puts her two-fight win streak on the line against the last person to defeat her.

PFL Chicago Co-Main Event

Boasting an incredible professional record of 18-0, Khizriev has steamrolled his way through the Bellator/PFL featherweight landscape. Coming off a phenomenal tournament victory over British competitor Brendan Loughnane, the Dagestani is seeking to stake his claim to being called one of the best in the world in his weight class at PFL Chicago.

In 2024, Braga came out on the wrong end of a split decision against Khizriev. In the time since then, the Brazilian contender has gone 3-1 in his last four matches, including a triumph over Jeremy Kennedy.

More Bouts on PFL Chicago Main Card

Also on the main card, Rafael do Nascimento battles Sarvarjon Khamidov. Also, Oualy Tandia tests himself against J.P. Saint Louis.

PFL Chicago 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.

Staff picks in 2025 were won by Hank Strandberg with a record of 216-119.

Find our PFL Chicago picks and fight odds below.

Staff records after DWCS 96:

1. Hank Strandberg: 205-100

2. Drew Zuhosky: 159-148

3. Frazer Krohn: 146-118

4. Andrew Benjamin: 29-27

*Note – not all staff pick for every event*

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Oualy Tandia -240

Vs.

J.P. Saint Louis +200

WELTERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Tandia by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Saint Louis by First Round Knockout

Frazer Krohn: Tandia by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Tandia: 2

Staff picking Saint Louis: 1

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Sarvardzhon Khamidov -450

Vs.

Rafael do Nascimento +350

BANTAMWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Khamidov by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Nascimento by First Round Knockout

Frazer Krohn: Nascimento by First Round Knockout

Staff picking Khamidov: 1

Staff picking Nascimento: 2

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Timur Khizriev -400

Vs.

Gabriel Braga +300

FEATHERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Khizriev by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Braga by First Round Submission

Frazer Krohn: Khizriev by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Khizriev: 2

Staff picking Braga: 1

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Liz Carmouche -410

Vs.

Jena Bishop +310

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Carmouche by Third Round Submission

Drew Zuhosky: Carmouche by Unanimous Decision

Frazer Krohn: Bishop by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Carmouche: 2

Staff picking Bishop: 1