PFL Champions Series 2: Main Card Predictions
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The PFL Champions Series 2 card is stacked with high-stakes matchups that could reshape the promotion’s landscape. From the explosive rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes to rising stars like Archie Colgan and Caolan Loughran making waves, the main card is packed with intrigue, talent, and potential breakout performances.
Here’s our full set of predictions for the fights that fans won’t want to miss:
PFL Lightweight World Championship
Usman Nurmagomedov (c) vs. Paul Hughes
Evan: It’s absolutely fantastic to see this rematch finally happening between two of the PFL’s brightest stars. Their first matchup back in January is still a FOTY contender and arguably the best in the promotion’s history. Nurmagomedov struggled immensely with the Irishman’s doggedness and slippery takedown defense.
The way Paul made him pay too every time he missed a takedown, digging to the body with punches when they clinched, clearly zapped the Dagestani champion’s gas tank. I don’t expect Usman to take Hughes lightly this time, and believe he will make the adequate adjustments he needs to, primarily with being in better shape.
From a tactical standpoint though, throwing more countering combos behind his kicks and committing to clinch offense should be at the top of the list. From there I think he may have an easier time punishing Hughes with knees and elbows, as well as securing more potential takedowns. On the flip side, I believe Paul simply just needs to let his hands go at a higher rate.
He got off to a slow start last time and could benefit from a bit more urgency out of the gate. He’s clearly the better boxer of the two. If Hughes can control the range, cut the cage off, and force Usman to stay in the pocket with him, he’s got all the tools to win here. Either way, I expect another close, competitive scrap. But I will still give the slightest of edge to Nurmagomedov.
Official Prediction: Usman Nurmagomedov via Unanimous Decision
Joey: I don’t think there’s much more to add beyond what Evan mentioned. This is going to be a fun fight. But, I think Usman Nurmagomedov clearly underestimated Hughes last time and nearly paid the price. Now that they’re familiar with each other, the fight may not look drastically different, but the outcome will likely be the same. Paul has every tool to beat Usman, but Usman is just too good.
Official Prediction: Usman Nurmagomedov via Unanimous Decision
PFL Light Heavyweight World Championship
Corey Anderson (c) vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov
Evan: While much of the focus will rightfully be on the main event, we get a quality rematch as well here in the co-feature. Yagshimuradov has really come into his own since losing to Anderson the first time. He’s currently riding a seven fight winning streak, defeating Impa Kasanganay, Julius Anglickas, Rafael Carvalho, and Rob Wilkinson during this run.
While the Turkmenistan product is surging, I’m not sure he’s closed the skill gap enough to get revenge here. Corey’s pace, cage cutting, size, and wrestling gave him massive issues in their first meeting, which ultimately led to him getting finished in the third round. Dovlet has to stay off the cage at all costs and catch Anderson with something big to pull off the upset. I’m just not all that confident he can do either against the current PFL light heavyweight champ.
Official Prediction: Corey Anderson via 4th-Round TKO
Mishal: Since their first meeting almost five years ago, Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov has stacked seven straight wins over solid competition. But, Corey Anderson’s tools remain a bad matchup. In the original fight, Corey’s cardio, wrestling, and pressure gave him a big gap to fill in a potential rematch, leading to a third-round TKO. Unless Yagshimuradov can keep the fight in space and land something big, the likely outcome is Anderson repeating with another decisive win.
Official Prediction: Corey Anderson via Decision
Lightweight Bout
Archie Colgan vs. Jay Jay Wilson
Joey: Archie Colgan is one of my favorite prospects in the game today. He trains with the best in Colorado, and his wrestling pedigree at lightweight is nothing to mess with. He has all the tools to provide Usman Nurmagomedov with a competitive matchup. Unfortunately, he’ll have to wait until the situation with Paul and Usman is settled in the main event. Expect the winner here to be next in line for the title.
Jay Jay Wilson is no slouch either, probably one of the toughest opponents Archie has signed up to face. The only lingering concern is Wilson’s recent surgery and how that impacts him, which we covered, as it forced him to pull out of the PFL Lightweight World Tournament.
Official Prediction: Archie Colgan via Decision
Mishal: Arguably the sleeper of the entire card. Colgan has been perfect so far, using his wrestling foundation and grinding pace to rack up wins. Wilson, however, is an unpredictable threat; explosive, opportunistic, and dangerous if given space to work. Colgan’s path to victory is clear: pressure, takedowns, and staying disciplined to neutralize Wilson’s frantic style.
The issue is that Wilson can change a fight with one sequence, whether it’s a wild strike or a slick transition. If Colgan avoids getting drawn into chaos, he should be able to keep control and bank rounds. That said, Wilson is the kind of fighter who might just pull an upset if Colgan slips for even a moment.
Official Prediction: Archie Colgan via Decision
Catchweight Bout
Jack Cartwright vs. Caolan Loughran
Mishal: Lewis McGrillen is out; Cartwright steps in at 140. MMA fans love some good chaos, sometimes making for a better fight. Both are ex–Cage Warriors champs, but Loughran’s forward pressure, clinch, and pace make him the favorite here by a healthy margin.
Cartwright’s a clean, technical boxer with sharp counters and opportunistic grappling, yet he can get walked down by strong wrestlers and stuck on the fence, exactly where Loughran excels. Over three rounds, the extra five pounds probably helps “The Don” keep a mean tempo. Cartwright’s path is keeping this long behind the jab, chopping the lead leg, and timing those counters. Otherwise, expect minutes to accrue on Loughran’s side via cage control and dirty boxing.
Official Prediction: Caolan Loughran via 3rd-Round KO/TKO
Joey: Everything about this match changed when Jack Cartwright stepped in on short notice. He’s talented and a veteran in his own right, with experience under OKTAGON and Cage Warriors banners and even a Contender Series opportunity. Still, I think Caolan is improving every day. Leaving the UFC on a win to sign with the PFL was a bold move, despite what fans think. I believe Caolan is going to keep the pressure on and stay right in Cartwright’s face.
Official Prediction: Caolan Loughran via Unanimous Decision
Bantamweight Bout
Magomed Magomedov vs. Sergio Pettis
Evan: This is a phenomenal matchup between ageing veterans who are both still trying to remain relevant contenders in the bantamweight division. If Magomedov is able to consistently score takedowns and grappling scrambles, I feel this fight should lean in his favor.
However, if Pettis can nullify his grappling game, fight from a distance, and turn this into sort of a kickboxing battle, then the advantage swings towards him. While I believe Magomed is the more well rounded of the two, I just think Sergio will be able to outpoint him for the most part on the feet. I see him being the slicker striker and landing the crisper shots overall.
Official Prediction: Sergio Pettis via Unanimous Decision
Mishal: This is one of the more difficult-to-call fights on the card. Pettis brings championship experience and a more impressive resume, with notable names on his record and a well-rounded arsenal that keeps him dangerous wherever the fight goes. Magomedov, though, has the unorthodox grappling and striking that can throw opponents off their game plan.
The concern for him is whether he can sustain his style over three rounds against someone as experienced as Pettis, who thrives in deep waters. Pettis should be able to use his defensive grappling, striking, and fight IQ to edge the exchanges. Magomedov will bring the danger, but unless he finds a surprise submission, Pettis is the safer pick to grind a win out.
Official Prediction: Sergio Pettis via Decision
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