PFL Dubai Preliminary Card Betting Tips

The PFL returns to Dubai this weekend and is headlined by a world title fight between Vadim Nemkov and Sergey Bilostenniy. 

We’re focusing on the preliminary card and giving you our betting tips and picks for what is a strong undercard for the PFL. With all eyes fixed on the main card, there are some good underdogs to look out for during the early portion of the card.

PFL Dubai Preliminary Card Betting Tips

Connor Hughes Outright

In an all-Liverpool battle, Shem Rock makes his PFL debut against Connor Hughes. Rock had a dismal time in the UFC, going 0-2 and looking dreadful in the process. He didn’t look ready to step out of the regional scene, despite making a name for himself in Oktagon.

Hughes has been a member of the PFL roster since 2023. His promotional record sits at  5-3, with his overall record an impressive 12-3. 10 of his wins have come via finish and although he lost last time out via knockout, that loss came against Alex Chizov in the final of PFL Europe 4.

Hughes is a finisher and could end things early in this one. With that being said, Rock knows how to avoid danger for 15 minutes. It’s too risky to pick Hughes via finish in this one, so back him to win in any way, which he should do with ease.

Khasan Magomedsharipov vs Adam Borics to go the distance

Khasan Magomedsharipov returns for his second outing of 2026 when he takes on former Bellator vet, Adam Borics. It is certainly a step-up in competition for the undefeated Russian, who holds a record of 11-0. Magomedsharipov has eight finishes, including one in his last fight.

Borics is far more skilled than anyone Magomedsharipov has faced before. He’s been in there with names including AJ McKee, Jeremy Kennedy, Jesus Pendo and Aaron Pico, amongst a whole host of others. With 10 finish victories and nine via decision, expect this one to go the distance.

Denis Goltsov via finish

Denis Goltsov has been a stalwart of the MMA scene since turning professional in 2010. Early on his career, he slipped to 5-4 but has gone on to amass a record of 37-9. 51% of his wins have come via knockout and 32% have come via submission. He’s extremely well-rounded and has faced a high level of competition throughout his career.

Taking on the relatively inexperienced Maxwell Djantou Nana, Goltsov should have the edge. The Cameroonian is heavy-handed with seven knockouts across nine wins, including an impressive body shot finish over Eduardo Neves last time out.

With that being said, expect Goltsov to time Nana, ground him and finish him with ease.