The PFL returns for PFL Dubai this Saturday night. Live from the Coca-Cola Arena, Vadim Nemkov returns for the first time this year to defend his heavyweight title against Sergey Bilostenniy.

The co-main event sees Belgian standout Patrick Habirora look to stay undefeated as he takes on Egypitan, Omar El Dafrawy.

We give you our PFL Dubai betting tips and picks ahead of an exciting night in the Middle East.

PFL Dubai Main Card Betting Tips

Vadim Nemkov outright

Vadim Nemkov is the best fighter outside of the UFC at heavyweight and has been for some years. With a record of 20-2, the Fedor protege dominated at light heavyweight and has done the same since moving up. Having not lost in over 10 years, Nemkov is riding a wave of momentum like no other.

Bilostenniy is 15-4; however, he is enjoying a two-fight winning run, both of which have come via finish. Most recently, the Russian finished Renan Ferreira in the third round to earn himself the shot at Nemkov.

Ultimately, the champion has competed at a far higher level for much longer and that will be a huge advantage in this one. Expect to hear ‘and still’ in the main event.

Patrick Habirora to win via knockout

‘The Belgian Bomber’ is an extremely apt nickname for Patrick Habirora. The 25-year-old has nine wins, eight of which have been via knockout. Under the PFL banner, he’s 3-0, all via first-round finishes, all of which have come against well-respected names. He debuted against Danny Roberts, followed that up with a big win over Kevin Jousset and then headlined PFL Brussels against Benson Henderson, resulting in a 20-second finish.

Omar El Dafrawy only has a single knockout loss on his record; however, he’s never faced anyone like Habirora before. He’s enjoying a two-fight winning run, most recently winning in New York with a win over Jonathan Piersma.

Lewis McGrillen via knockout

26 year old Lewis McGrillen returns for the third time this year, looking to end it on a positive. After being choked out by Rafael do Nascimento in July, he returned in August to pick up a decision victory.

He returns this Saturday against Nawras Abzakh, and expect the Englishman to fabricate some type of beef during fight week. 

The Jordan native is 15-6 but has suffered three knockouts in his career. With a hitter as hard as McGrillen, that isn’t a good factor. With that being said, he could ground the fight and submit the Englishman, but we don’t expect that to happen. McGrillen by KO is the pick here.