Kasumov vs Wetzell best bets feature an impressive Bantamweight battle which will take place on Friday night in the first round of the PFL Playoffs. Who will advance between Kasum Kasumov and Justin Wetzell?
That is what we seek to figure out ahead of Friday, April 11, when the PFL goes back to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. This will be the second week of playoffs after last week's exciting action.
- What: PFL Playoffs First Round - Men's Bantamweights and Women's Flyweights
- When: Friday, April 11, 2025
- Start Time: 8 p.m. EDT (preliminary bouts), 11 p.m. EDT (main card)
- Where: Orlando, Florida
- Venue: Universal Studios
- Where to Watch: ESPN+/ESPN2
- Main Card: Kasumov vs Wetzell on the PFL First Round of playoffs
The 30-year-old Kasumov heads into the PFL Playoff with an overall record of 16-1-0. The Russian fighter works hard and has only lost once in 17 professional bouts for a reason. Kasumov fights, claws, grounds, pounds, and does whatever he needs to do to win. With a shorter reach of 66.5 inches, the Russian uses the other parts of his game to get opponents to tire out. Yes, his style can be exhausive but when executed, is extremely effective.
For Kasumov, this is the big break he has been looking for. He is already 2-0 in PFL/Bellator fights. That is what got him noticed. His #28 ranking in the bantamweight class is very deceiving. People know the talent here comes from a Russian stable of fighters that have won multiple titles in MMA circles. With that kind of pedigree and attacking nature, there is no wonder why Kasumov was approaching -400 at some sportsbooks for this fight.
Then, there is Justin Wetzell. He comes to PFL with a lifetime record of 10-2-0. Unlike Kasumov, he has fought in the United States over the past calendar year. The 33-year-old Wetzell has picked up consecutive victories. Most recently, he decisioned ABekhzod Usmonov last Novmber. Before that, the Colorado native took care of Renzo Martinez (TKO/punches) and submitted Brandon Lewis.
Now, the questions are obvious. Can Wetzell use his six inch reach advantage effectively against Kasumov? Will Kasumov get Wetzell on the ground often enough? These are just a few of the questions heading into this bout on Friday night. Okay, next up are the numbers of course.
PFL Main Card: Kasum Kasumov vs. Justin Wetzell Betting Lines
This match will again mark Kasumov's first playoff foray at the PFL level. Usually, this means a fighter stares at longer odds. Do not look at the online UFC betting lines for Kasumov vs. Wetzell. They will not be there as the UFC 314 numbers will be. Anyway, current numbers give Kasumov the designation of being a substantial favorite:
Always keep both eyes on those PFL playoff betting odds right up until you actually submit your wager. Our PFL online betting lines are accurate entering Tuesday, April 8. This gives the best online PFL betting sites time to make adjustments ahead of the opening bell on April 11.
Kasum Kasumov Favored To Defeat Justin Wetzell
Kasum Kasumov comes from one of the best MMA staples in the world. The problem comes in the form of figuring the system out. Kasumov is a prospective talent that is approaching 31. Time is kind of ticking and yet it isn't. He fights under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov retired in 2021, undefeated at 29-0. He was the UFC Lightweight champion from 2018 until his retirement. Most sites have him ranked as the top MMA lightweight of all time.
That is potentially a blessing and a curse going up against Justin Wetzell. Wetzell will want to stay the course and try to knock the Russian out.
Sure, the younger Kasumov packs the stronger ground game. But there is always some uncertainty. That’s why the fighter must seize the momentum early. If Kasumov gets Wetzell down early, this fight could be over by submission and early.
What’s more, the numbers do not lie about Krylov's ground attack. That is not necessarily ideal—for his stamina either. Generating the energy to wear down his opponent takes a toll on himself. At the same time, opponents cannot be enamored with facing 60% of the bout on the ground. Ground and pound makes Krylov a favorite here.
Can Justin Wetzell Upend Kasum Kasumov?
Height is about the same between Wetzell and Kasumov (1 inch) but that six inch reach advantage is a significant asset here. The angles Wetzell will try to utilize could be effective against a straight charging Kasumov. Wetzell also has several submissions in his arsenal. Usually, that gets set up with his ability to hit the straight jab and crosses. His Muay Thai discipline and boxing backgrounds merge well enough that even his leg strikes are considered above average.
This is where looking at the best global sportsbook bonuses and promotions are useful. After all, Wetzell's biggest question mark is his accuracy. Rafael do Nascimento exposed a large weakness in Wetzell's defense. He was able to counter his long reach and use his own crosses. It was a right cross that knocked out Wetzell late in 2022. The Colorado fighter has improved in this regard but his defensive rates are still low.
Still, if one likes upsets, this merits potential.
If Wetzell can stay off the ground and not get pounded, this may be a match ripe for a Wetzell knockout.
PFL Picks for Kasumov vs Wetzell
This is tough because Wetzell was just recently signed less than two weeks ago for this fight. Does he truly know what he is getting into?
With the potential rate of a submission, that could be an option as the props hone in on a solid value.
The expectation is for a Kasumov late submission maybe a decision.
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