PFL Challenger Series Week 7 - Light Heavyweights
Official Betting Card
Roland Dunlap -115 bet 2.3 units to win 2
Billy Elekana -140 bet 1.4 units to win 1
Parlay them both for +220 bet 1 unit to win 2.2
Bets I would take if I had access to the lines
Impa Kasaganay round 1 +250
Taylor Johnson by Submission +225
Roland Dunlap vs Monte Morrison
Dunlap is taking on Monte Morrison. Morrison is a kick boxer. He’s patient in the cage and throws with big power when given the chance. Both fighters sit at a perfect 3-0. Although Morrison is the more decorated striker, he is very hitable and that won’t be good against a guy like Roland Dunlap. Dunlap has a karate style on the feet and that style, paired with his high school and college wrestling background, make Dunlap a hard fighter to deal with. Morrison struggles with grappling and I expect Dunlap to be the more complete fighter. The line is right at -115.
Billy Elekana vs Tristan Overvig
Elekana may only be 4-1 as a professional, but he had an extensive amateur career. As an amateur he fought and beat the likes of Bellator standout Sullivan Cauley and TUF winner Bryan Battle. Billy Elekana takes that experience into his PFL Challenger Series fight with Tristan Overvig. Overvig is a grappling specialist. This guy can submit you from the top or bottom and he’s proven that with all 5 of his professional wins coming by way of submission.
At 23 years old Overvig has a lot of room for improvement. He lacks size to be a true contender at 205. With lack of size you would probably expect other advantages such as speed and cardio. Na, Tristan Overvig lacks both of those traits. Elekana may have lost his last fight, but he showed some good takedown defense early. You should fully expect Elekana to defend some takedowns and make Overvig pay. -140 for a fighter with more experience, more cardio and more tools makes for a juicy bet.
The two smash spots
Impa and Taylor Johnson are both in smash spots. Yes, impa is a 205er now, but he doesn’t look out of place. He’s so athletic and has so much power, he is going to destroy this dude.
Johnson is a submission specialist who has fought and submitted way better competition than this. Wouldn’t be shocked if he grabbed a heal hook