The PFL returns to competition this week as we get another quality card headlined by Alex Martinez facing off in a Lightweight clash with Clay Collard coming off his win over former UFC fighter Jeremy Stephens, who takes on Myles Price to kick off the main card. There are some steep favorites on this card, so let's see whos worth the price.
**All Odds Provided by Stake.com Accurate as of 8:00 AM EST 6/16/2022
Collard gets another main event spot after his impressive win in this role in week one of the PFL season. Collard has proven a tough competitor, and his only PFL loss was a controversial decision in the semi-finals. Martinez is coming off a good win over Stevie Ray, although Ray had been on a long layoff, and he has been labeled a considerable underdog in each of his PFL fight prior.
I like Collard here as he has looked very good and consistent in each of his PFL showings thus far. His price tag is within reason to make a play on his Moneyline, or it could be brought down using one of the large favorites before this fight.
Pick: Collard
*Odds Unavalible at Stake.com
Last season's light heavyweight champion comes in a massive favorite again here as Antonio Carlos Junior looks to continue his unbeaten PFL run with a win over Bruce Souto. Carlos Junior is known for his world-class grappling, which has led him to three first-round submissions over his PFL run. Souto has bounced around different organizations for the past few years and is coming off a loss in his PFL debut.
Souto may not be on the same level as the PFL champ, but this price is way too much to get anything out of, even as a parlay piece. Just leave this fight alone; there is nothing to gain from betting on either side.
Pick: Carlos Junior
Here we get a good matchup between the former PFL Lightweight champion and a former UFC fighter, with both coming off wins to start their season. Manfio looked rough to start his last fight but managed to pull through with a huge third-round knockout to cash his underdog ticket. Aubin-Mercier put on an impressive performance over another former champ in Natan Shulte, using his striking to get the win.
I understand why they are giving Olivier Aubin-Mercier the respect on the line here, as he has looked very good of late. Still, Raush Manfio has cashed five straight tickets as an underdog in the PFL, and there is no way I am putting my money against that streak at this steep a price.
Pick: Aubin-Mercier
Many may be surprised to see Stephens this size a favorite despite his losing streak; however, I think he is going to dominate this fight as the line would suggest. Stephens has had a rough run lately, but this looks to be a nice step down in competition compared to each fight he has lost. Price is coming off a first-round loss to Anthony Pettis, who was on a similar slide to Stephens, and in that fight, he did not put up much resistance, which I do not expect to change in this fight.
This price is justified as the bookies know better than to leave this low enough as they did with Price's last fight leaving him under -300. Despite the tough line, I am eager to bet on Stephens in this spot and will likely use him in a parlay or look for a finish prop.
Pick: Stephens
Collard/Stephens Moneyline Parlay -130