PFL Challenger Series 1 takes place on Friday, February 18 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. The offshore sportsbooks recently opened up the betting odds for the event, and MMAOB staff writer Adam Martin takes a look at the opening odds below.
PFL Challenger Series 1 Opening Odds
Josh Silveira -500
Mohamed Juma +375
Taylor Johnson -150
Alexander Poppeck +120
Bruce Souto -130
João Paulo Fagundes +100
Simeon Powell -400
Karl Williams +300
Here are my quick thoughts on the PFL Challenger Series 1
- The main event of PFL Challenger Series 1 is a light heavyweight bout between Josh Silveira and Mohamed Juma. Silveira was a two-division champion in LFA who is undefeated with a perfect 7-0. I thought the UFC would have signed him, but he chose to sign with PFL instead and take a shot at potentially winning the $1 million grand prize. Silveira is an excellent prospect at 205lbs who is only 29 years old. Although all of his wins have come by stoppage and there is no reason to think he will be slowing down in the PFL Challenger Series, where he will arguably be fighting a step down in competition when he takes on Juma. Although Juma has a nice 8-2 record, his level of competition has not been great. Silveira should win this fight, and it makes perfect sense to me why he opened as such a massive favorite.
- The co-main event sees Alexander Poppeck against Taylor Johnson at 205lbs. Poppeck actually fought on the Contender Series a few years ago but he lost by knockout to Jamahal Hill. Since then, though, Poppeck has won three straight fights. As for Johnson, he also lost on the Contender Series to Andre Muniz. Since then, he has gone 2-2 in Bellator. It’s hard to say what you will get with Johnson, who can look great at times and bad at others. Poppeck seems to be a bit more consistent and perhaps he is worth taking a look at as an underdog.
