PFL Playoffs Preview and Picks 2023 for Aug. 4 Fights

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02 August 2023

PFL Playoffs Preview and Picks 2023 for Aug. 4 Fights

MMA enthusiasts are pumped as the 2023 Professional Fighters League playoffs are set to begin this week. Fans will be treated to featherweight and light heavyweight matchups this Friday as the PFL playoffs take over Boeing Center in San Antonio, Texas.

With several upcoming matchups worth checking out, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, your friends at Betting News have put together a PFL postseason preview with everything you need to know, ranging from the latest odds to our picks for each fight.

All odds are via BetOnline as of 10:36 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2.

PFL Playoffs 2023 — Featherweight Division

Fight 1: Bubba Jenkins (-400) vs. Jesus Pinedo (+300)

Bubba Jenkins (21-6) is the clear-cut favorite in his matchup with Jesus Pinedo (21-6-1). Jenkins is 10-2 in his last 12 fights before the PFL playoffs and is currently 2-0 in 2023 with wins over Chris Wade and Sung Bin Jo.

Meanwhile, Pinedo has done decently for himself, winning five of his last six fights. He dined on the bitter taste of disappointment when he lost his PFL debut but bounced back nicely with a first-round KO win against Brendan Loughnane back in June.

While Pinedo has shown promise, I’m sticking with Jenkins. He’s fought in the featherweight playoffs twice before and even made it to the finals last year. That experience will pay off as he outlasts Pinedo in a lengthy clash.

Best Bet: Bubba Jenkins by Points (-125)

Fight 2: Gabriel Braga (-125) vs. Chris Wade (-105)

Gabriel Braga (11-0) was originally scheduled to face Movlid Khaybulaev in the 2023 PFL Playoffs until he latter pulled out due to injury. Taking Khaybulaev’s place is none other than the well-established Chris Wade (23-9).

Braga most recently kept his momentum going just under two months ago, knocking out former UFC Bantamweight Championship challenger Marlon Moraes. On the flip side, Wade aims to reach the featherweight finals for the second time since 2021 after submitting Ryoji Kudo.

While Wade has more playoff experience, he’s also just 1-3 in four previous semifinal tilts. It’s hard to imagine his luck changing with how dominant Braga has been, showing no signs of slowing down.

With the odds being as close as they are, I see this fight going the distance. In other words, Braga by points is the way to go.

Best Bet: Gabriel Braga by Points (+160)

PFL Playoffs 2023 — Light Heavyweight Division

Fight 1: Joshua Silveira (-455) vs. Ty Flores (+355)

Josh Silveira (11-1) is out for revenge after a semifinal elimination in the 2022 PFL Playoffs. He looked great during the 2023 regular season, beating Sam Kei (via submission) and Delan Monte (via TKO) with both wins coming in the opening round.

At the same time, Ty Flores (13-4) is riding a four-fight winning streak into San Antonio. “Big Medicine” holds two unanimous decision victories over Monte and Dan Spohn this season, leaving time to tell if he has what it takes to advance to the finals.

Flores’ run has been solid, but Silveira is too good to doubt. The Miami, Florida native has finished eight of his 12 previous opponents in the first round with three of those instances occurring in his last four fights.

With Silveira being a heavy hitter combined with Flores having been knocked out thrice before, I won’t be surprised if the favorite stands tall with another KO/TKO win.

Best Bet: Joshua Silveira by KO/TKO (+105)

Fight 2: Marthin Hamlet (+195) vs. Impa Kasanganay (-245)

Marthin Hamlet (12-4) is experiencing one of the better runs of his career. The 31-year-old veteran has won each of his last three outings, most recently picking up a unanimous decision win over Sam Kei on June 8.

Impa Kasanganay has also been red-hot, though, winning four straight fights ahead of the PFL playoffs. Three of those victories came by a finish, including his latest win against Tim Caron (via submission).

Kasanganay looks rejuvenated ever since his UFC departure and I don’t see his momentum stopping this week. He’s going to wear Hamlet down the longer the fight goes on before winning by some form of decision — much like how he’s picked up seven of his 13 career victories.