- What: 2024 PFL World Championships
- Who: Brendan Loughnane vs. Timur Khizriev
- Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
- Location: King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Time: Main Card (1:00 p.m. ET)
- How to Watch: ESPN+
On Friday, November 29, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) will hold its 2024 World Championship event at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event will see six champions crowned. Each of those champions will receive $1 million in prize money. One of the most anticipated bouts on the PFL World Championship fight card is the featherweight main event between Brendan Loughnane and Timur Khizriev. Here is some background on the fighters before we discuss the betting breakdown for the 2024 PFL World Championships.
Brendan Loughnane (30-5) was the winner of the 2022 PFL featherweight tournament. Last year, Loughnane failed to make the playoff portion of the tournament. The 34-year-old bounced back this year with two TKOs and a decision to make it to the 145-pound PFL tournament final.
Timur Khizriev (17-0) is in his first year with PFL. The undefeated 29-year-old picked up three decisions on his way to the 2024 PFL World Championships. Before moving to the PFL, Khizriev went 3-0 with Bellator.
Before we look at the best bets for the Brendan Loughnane vs. Timur Khizriev scrap on the PFL World Championships card, check out the best PFL betting sites and where you can find our betting picks for the PFL women’s flyweight championship fight between Dakota Ditcheva and Taila Santos.
PFL World Championships: Brendan Loughnane vs. Timur Khizriev betting picks
To Win PFL Featherweight Championship | |||
Brendan Loughnane | +240 | +240 | +206 |
Timur Khizriev | -280 | -300 | -340 |
Brendan Loughnane betting breakdown
Brendan Loughnane was infamously denied a contract on the DWCS in 2019 when Dana White said the fighter’s decision to shoot for a takedown late in a fight he was winning cost him his chance at fighting for the UFC. Not long after that, Loughnane inked a deal with the PFL. A little more than three years later, Loughnane knocked out Bubba Jenkins to win the 2022 PFL featherweight tournament and earn the $1 million prize. Last year, Loughnane missed the PFL Playoffs, but he’s back in the finals in 2024 and looking for his second $1 million prize.
Loughnane earned his way to the 2024 PFL Playoffs with two knockout wins. The 34-year-old has looked improved since he came up short in 2023. He is a good striker, but he can also wrestle if the fight calls for it. He has a fair fight IQ and can make in-fight adjustments when needed. He’s been in this situation before, so he knows what type of pressure he will face in the PFL final. Loughnane’s ability to adjust during battle could come into play against a fighter like Timur Khzriev, who employs a wrestling-first style.
Timur Khizriev betting breakdown
The undefeated Timur Khizriev is known mostly for his wrestling. Khizriev manages distance well and has excellent timing. He excels at getting the fight to the mat and keeping it there. Khizriev’s wrestling skills allow him to time his opponent’s striking entrances well. He changes levels effectively, and then once he gets the fight on the ground, Khizriev has top-notch back control, which allows him to keep the fight where he wants it and grind out decisions. Khizriev is patient and comfortable on the mat. He doesn’t rush things, always looking for position over submission, but if an opening presents itself for ground strikes or a submission, Khizriev will open up.
Khizriev is not a one-dimensional fighter. He has shown growth and comfort in his striking, especially when it comes to his kicks, which he uses effectively on the feet. One thing Khizriev needs to overcome in this matchup is Loughnane’s speed and movement on his feet. If the former tournament winner can keep Khizriev from scoring takedowns, he has a chance of repeating as champion, but that’s a tall order against a talent like Khizriev.
Best bets: PFL World Championships – Brendan Loughnane vs. Timur Khizriev
The main event of the 2024 PFL featherweight world championship should be an exciting matchup, but look for the wrestling of Timur Khizriev to carry the day over the striking of Brendan Loughnane.
The betting pick is for Timur Khizriev to beat Brendan Loughnane via decision.
See below the top offshore sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you: