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PFL 2025 World Tournament: First Round 2 Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: Saturday, 12 April 2025 Time: 3:00 AM BST Venue: Universal Studios, Orlando, FL, USA

SportsBoom previews the 2025 PFL First Round: Bantamweights & Women's Flyweights, featuring exciting matchups as the journey begins to the championship. With half a million dollars on the line, the 2025 PFL First Round is sure to bring thrilling action. For fans looking to wager on the event, check out our MMA betting guide for the best offers and trusted sites.

Joshua Gaillard
J.G.

Last Updated: 2025-04-09

Chad Nagel

6 minutes read

SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence. For more information, see our Content Transparency and How We Review pages.

2025 PFL World Tournament First Round

2025 PFL World Tournament First Round/Getty Images

The 2025 PFL First Round 2: Bantamweights & Women’s Flyweights — A Road to Glory

The 2025 PFL First Round is here. Bantamweights and women's flyweights compete for a spot in the playoffs. This event promises the brightest stars in MMA facing off against contenders looking to make their mark in the league, with millions of dollars up for grabs.

In the main event of the evening, Taila Santos and Juliana Velasquez are set for an exciting battle. Santos has some serious knockout power and solid grappling skills, while her opposition, Velasquez, is a seasoned veteran who can easily rest on her striking to claim victory.

Meanwhile, Leandro Higo faces the debuting Josh Rettinghouse in the co-main. Higo’s wealth of experience against high-level ops puts him at a distinct advantage.
When these talented combat athletes step into the cage, their ultimate goal is clear: PFL glory.

Pre-Fight Odds and Win Probability: Santos Big Favourite

In the final bout of the night, two of Brazil’s finest flyweights meet in a stylistic clash that could shape the narrative of the entire tournament going forward. Once a UFC title challenger, Santos has made a strong transition into the PFL. She is as dangerous as they come, with 10 career knockouts under her belt, and her underrated grappling that she often peppers here and there to keep opponents on their toes will be on full display.

Standing across from her is a former Bellator Champion, Juliana Velasquez, known for her durability. However, the now 38-year-old is not considered a raw athlete like her opponent, yet Velasquez has a knack for staying calm under fire and picking opponents apart. Seven of her 13 wins have come by decision, she knows how to slow things down and win on the scorecards. She won’t rush anything, and if she can drag this into a methodical striking battle, she’s got a real shot.

The key to this fight could be tempo: if Santos can impose her rhythm early and mix in takedowns to stifle Velasquez’s striking, she should be able to bank rounds or even force a late finish. Velasquez, however, will look to frustrate Santos with movement and volume, trying to turn the fight into a patient chess match over three rounds.

Odds courtesy of 1Win, subject to change.

  1. Taila Santos to Win: 2/7 (1.29) – 77.5%

  2. Juliana Velasquez to Win: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%

  3. Prediction: Taila Santos by decision.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute Taila Santos Juliana Velasquez 
Age 3138
Height 168 cm (5’6”)172 cm (5’8”)
Weight 57kg (125 lbs) 57kg (125 lbs) 
Reach 173 cm (68”) 171 cm (67.5”) 
Record 22-4-013-3-0 
KO/TKO 45% (10 wins)38% (5 wins)
Submission 18% (4 wins)8% (1 win)
Decisions 36% (8 wins)54% (7 wins)

Santos’ power and youth contrast sharply with Velasquez’s experience and decision-heavy approach. With nearly identical reach and weight, this matchup could come down to tempo and control — two areas where Santos has shined recently.

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Rest of Main Card Breakdown and Predictions

Leandro Higo (23-6-0) vs Josh Rettinghouse (0-0-0)

Veteran Leandro Higo is vastly more experienced, bringing polished submission skills and a composed stand-up game. Rettinghouse, despite being untested at this level, enters with hunger and unpredictability. Expect Higo's seasoned ground skills and fight IQ to guide him through this clash comfortably.

  • Leandro Higo to Win: 2/7 (1.29) – 77.5%
  • Josh Rettinghouse to Win: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
  • Prediction: Leandro Higo by submission.

Mando Gutierrez (6-2-0) vs Francesco Nuzzi (9-1-0)

This matchup promises intensity. Gutierrez is known for aggression and early finishes, while Nuzzi combines impressive technique and durability. The technical striking and endurance of Nuzzi should carry him to victory as Gutierrez fades under pressure.

  • Francesco Nuzzi to Win: 4/13 (1.31) – 76.3%
  • Mando Gutierrez to Win: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
  • Prediction: Francesco Nuzzi by decision.

Kasum Kasumov (16-1-0) vs Justin Wetzell (7-1-0)

Kasumov enters as a hot prospect with dangerous finishing capabilities and elite-level striking. Wetzell is tough and gritty but lacks Kasumov’s striking diversity. Expect Kasumov to showcase his skill set, possibly securing a highlight-reel stoppage.

  • Kasum Kasumov to Win: 1/6 (1.17) – 85.5%
  • Justin Wetzell to Win: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
  • Prediction: Kasum Kasumov by KO/TKO.
Taila Santos throws a kick against Jena Bishop during PFL 2024

Taila Santos throws a kick against Jena Bishop during PFL 2024/Getty Images

Suggested Bets

Here are three bets to consider placing for PFL 2025 World Tournament: First Round 2 (odds from Stake):

  1. Taila Santos to Win by Decision: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%

  2. Leandro Higo by Submission: 7/5 (2.40) – 41.7%

  3. Kasum Kasumov to Win by KO/TKO: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%

  4. For sports betting in the world of MMA, staying informed about the fighters' form and any last-minute changes is crucial. For comprehensive analyses and updates on PFL events, consider exploring sports betting online for major or minor details that could sway your pick for the better. 

Value Bets

For those seeking higher returns on the upcoming PFL event, here are three value bets worth considering based on current odds from Stake. These outcomes may be less likely but offer stronger payouts for bold punters, and taking advantage of a free signup bonus can provide extra value when placing wagers on these high-potential outcomes.

    • Francesco Nuzzi to Win in Round 3: 9/1 (10.00) – 10%
    • Taila Santos to Win by KO/TKO: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%

  3. Justin Wetzell to Win by Decision: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.3%

Full Card Predictions (Including Prelims)

Here are our picks for every bout at PFL 2025 First Round 2

  1. Taila Santos to defeat Juliana Velasquez via Decision

  2. Leandro Higo to defeat Josh Rettinghouse via Submission

  3. Francesco Nuzzi to defeat Mando Gutierrez via Decision

  4. Kasum Kasumov to defeat Justin Wetzell via KO/TKO

  5. Liz Carmouche to defeat Ilara Joanne via Decision

  6. Jake Hadley to defeat Matheus Mattos via Decision

  7. Kana Watanabe to defeat Jena Bishop via Decision

  8. Elora Dana to defeat Diana Avsaragova via Decision

  9. Marcirley Alves da Silva to defeat Vilson Ndregjoni via KO/TKO

  10. Katerina Shakalova to defeat Saray Orozco via Submission

Joshua Gaillard
Joshua Gaillard Sports Writer

Joshua Gaillard is a freelance editor and dedicated Arsenal fan, known for creating fact-based, insightful content. His work, featured on top South African websites, blends analysis with engaging storytelling for clear, impactful articles.