PFL Tampa Staff Picks: Women's Legend Defends Championship

PFL Tampa serves as the last appearance of famed women’s mixed martial arts star Cris Cyborg. Attempting to defend her featherweight title for the first time in the main event, the Brazilian icon locks horns with newly-minted promotional signee Ketlen Vieira. In penultimate fight of the evening, Dagestani sensation Gadzhi Rabadanov  mixes it up with Tracy Reeder. 

PFL Tampa Main Event

Over the course of her illustrious career, Cyborg has racked up an incredible list of accolades that would be envied by any competitor, which include the Bellator and UFC women’s featherweight straps, and even the Women's International Boxing Association’s light middleweight title. With nothing left to prove as a fighter, the 41-year old leaves behind a legacy that will only be supplemented further if she can retain her throne Saturday night.

Previously embarking on a massive warpath through the UFC’s female bantamweight division, Vieira was almost immediately picked up by the PFL upon her departure from the former. Still eager to have world championship gold wrapped around her waist, “Fenômeno” enters PFL Tampa with one goal on her mind: win the 145-lb belt no matter the cost.

PFL Tampa Co-Main Event

Standing among the most dominant figures in the sport fighting out of Makhachkala, Rabadanov has buzzsawed his way into international fame during his time with the PFL. Securing wins over Jay-Jay Wilson, Kevin Lee, and Brent Primus, the American Kickboxing Academy product is considered one of the preeminent lightweights in the world.

Initially suffering a three-contest skid in 2024, Reeder has since seemingly reinvented himself as an athlete, rattling off five straight victories in a row. Earning a coveted co-main event showcase at PFL Tampa, the Oklahoma competitor poses a very real threat to his veteran foe, as all of his triumphs during his winning streak have all ended via finish.

More Bouts On PFL Tampa Main Card

Also on the main card, Taila Santos battles Sabrinna de Sousa. Also, Luke Trainer tests himself against Roland Dunlap.

PFL Tampa 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 Tampa picks and fight odds below.

Staff records after UFC 330:

1. Hank Strandberg: 144-65

2. Frazer Krohn: 117-82

3. Drew Zuhosky: 105-106

4. Andrew Benjamin: 27-23

*Note – not all staff pick for every event*

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Luke Trainer -400

Vs.

Roland Dunlap +300

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Trainer by First Round Submission

Drew Zuhosky: Trainer Unanimous Decision

Frazer Krohn: Trainer Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Trainer: 3

Staff picking Dunlap: 0

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Taila Santos -160

Vs.

Sabrinna de Sousa +140

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Santos by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Santos by Unanimous Decision

Frazer Krohn: Santos by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Santos: 3

Staff picking de Sousa: 0

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Gadzhi Rabadanov -3700

Vs.

Tracy Reeder +1396

LIGHTWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Rabadanov by First Round Knockout

Drew Zuhosky: Rabadanov by First Round Knockout

Frazer Krohn: Reeder by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Rabadanov: 2

Staff picking Reeder: 1

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Cris Cyborg -400

Vs.

Ketlen Vieira +316

WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Cyborg by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Cyborg by Unanimous Decision

Frazer Krohn: Cyborg by Third Round Knockout

Staff picking Cyborg: 3

Staff picking Vieira: 0