PFL Week 5: Clay Collard vs. Mads Burnell continues on the main card with a fight between Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov and Simon Biyoung in the light heavyweight division. Yagshimiradov kicked off his PFL debut with a vicious first-round knockout meanwhile, Biyong’s debut didn’t go as well when he was submitted in round one. With that said, check out our PFL odds series for our Yagshimiradov-Biyong prediction and pick.

Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov (22-7-1) came into his PFL regular season debut on the heels of three consecutive wins. He was then able to make a big splash in his debut when he scored a first-round knockout and 6 points in the standings when he knocked out Jakob Nedoh. Now, Yagshimiradov will be looking to extend his winning streak to five in a row and secure his spot in the playoffs when he faces off against Simon Biyong on Friday night.

Simon Biyong (9-4) was once considered a top prospect in Bellator’s light heavyweight division only to go 2-2 in his time with the promotion losing some steam. Now, he is 0-2 in his last two fights and most recently getting finished by Antonio Carlos Junior via first-round rear-naked choke as he looks to get back on track on Friday night when he takes Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov this Friday.

Here are the PFL 5 Odds, courtesy of BetOnline. 

PFL 5 Odds: Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov-Simon Biyong Odds

Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov: -360

Simon Biyong: +285

Over 1.5 rounds: -170

Under 1.5 rounds: +140

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Why Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov Will Win

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov is poised to secure a victory over Simon Biyong at PFL 5 on Friday.

Yagshimuradov’s extensive experience and impressive record of 22-7-1 demonstrate his prowess in the cage. His ability to secure wins through various methods—13 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 5 by decision—showcases his versatility and adaptability in different fight scenarios. This diverse skill set will be crucial against Biyong, who has a record of 9-4 with a strong knockout game but less experience in high-stakes matches.

Yagshimuradov’s recent performance has been stellar, with a current streak of four wins, including notable victories over Maciej Rozanski and Julius Anglickas in Bellator. His ability to maintain composure and execute strategies effectively in the later rounds, as evidenced by his unanimous decision wins, highlights his endurance and tactical acumen.

Yagshimuradov’s training with American Top Team, a renowned MMA camp, ensures he is well-prepared and conditioned for this bout. His comprehensive training regimen and strategic planning will likely outmatch Biyong’s efforts, leading to a decisive victory for Yagshimuradov at PFL 5.

Why Simon Biyong Will Win

Simon Biyong is set to triumph over Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov at PFL 5 on Friday

Biyong’s physical attributes provide a significant advantage. Standing at 6’6″, Biyong has a notable height and reach advantage over Yagshimuradov, which he can utilize to control the distance and dictate the pace of the fight. His striking power is formidable, with 6 of his 9 wins coming by knockout, showcasing his ability to end fights decisively and quickly.

Biyong’s recent performances have been impressive, including a dominant victory over Luke Trainer at Bellator 281, where he showcased his striking and defensive skills. His ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes will be crucial against Yagshimuradov, who has shown vulnerabilities in his defense in past fights.

Biyong’s training at the renowned MMA Factory in Paris, under the guidance of top coaches, has significantly improved his overall game. His enhanced grappling skills and improved takedown defense will be key in neutralizing Yagshimuradov’s submission attempts, which have been a critical part of his opponent’s arsenal.

Biyong’s mental toughness and resilience have been evident in his fights, where he has demonstrated the ability to adapt and overcome adversity. This psychological edge, combined with his physical advantages and improved skill set, positions him well to secure a victory over Yagshimuradov at PFL 5.

Simon Biyong’s physical attributes, striking power, and comprehensive training give him the capability of getting the win against Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov on Friday.

Final Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov-Simon Biyong Prediction & Pick

This should be a barnburner for however long it lasts between these two light heavyweights. Yagshimiradov will be looking to make his first PFL playoff appearance with a win on Friday meanwhile, Biyong will be searching for an early-round finish to secure his spot in the PFL playoffs. While Biyong certainly has the physical attributes, Yagshimiradov has been the smaller opponent and knows how to navigate a height and reach a disadvantage. Ultimately, Biyong will have some success early until Yagshimiradov finds his range and finds his chin and puts him away midway through round two.

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Final Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov-Simon Biyong Prediction & Pick: Dovletdzhan Yagshimiradov (-360), Under 1.5 Rounds (+140)