The stacked MMA schedule this week is full of very important fights from multiple organizations. In the PFL, a key heavyweight semifinal bout between Denis Goltsov and Jordan Heiderman is set to take place a the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York on Friday night. Read more for the complete Denis Goltsov vs Jordan Heiderman betting analysis and prediction ahead of making your MMA picks on this week’s betting slate.
Denis Goltsov vs. Jordan Heiderman Information
Denis Goltsov vs Jordan Heiderman
Location: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, NY, USA
Date and Time: August 18, 2023. 9 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Denis Goltsov vs. Jordan Heiderman Last Fight Record
Goltsov is coming off a record-setting fasted heavyweight PFL KO against Yorgan De Castro in June.
Heiderman is also coming off a quick finish due to leg kicks over Patrick Brady in his PFL debut.
Denis Goltsov vs. Jordan Heiderman Betting Analysis
Denis Goltsov
Goltsov is a massive, 6’6”, 250 lb Russian martial artist with a professional record of 31-7 with 15 KOs and ten submissions. With a background in Combat Sambo and also currently training in a Sambo gym, Goltsov has all the tools that make the best MMA fighters in the world right now.
“The Russian Bogatyr” is very experienced at age 33, being in the PFL playoffs twice already and coming up short. He’s the #1 seed aiming to become world champion this year.
Jordan Heiderman
Heiderman is a young, undefeated MMA prospect with a professional record of 7-0 with two KOs and three submissions. At 6’3”, 242 lbs, and 78” reach, Heiderman will still be the smaller man in the SmartCage Friday.
He luckily got into the playoffs this season with only one fight in the PFL, but this is his opportunity to really kickstart his fighting career. You might recognize him from competing in The Ultimate Fighter Season 30, where he beat a talented Chandler Cole but then got KO’d by Zac Pauga in the semifinals.
Updates
No injuries have been reported to the PFL.
Denis Goltsov vs. Jordan Heiderman Betting Preview
After breaking down the Denis Goltsov vs Jordan Heiderman betting analysis, it’s time to take a look at the available betting lines for this heavyweight semifinal bout.
Goltsov is coming in as the massive -750 betting favorite over Heiderman, who’s the +550 underdog. Right now, there aren’t any more MMA odds for this bout. There should be more released later in the week as it gets closer to fight night on Friday.
Look for any interesting prop bets for someone to get a finish inside the distance or a decision. Those prop bets can increase payouts a lot, especially if there’s a massive favorite you want to bet on, like this bout. Making MMA picks can be very difficult when there aren’t many odds available, and there’s a -750 favorite.
Comparing Skill Sets: Goltsov Clearly Ahead
When breaking down this matchup on the technical side, it’s pretty clear to see from the film of both guys that Goltsov is the much more skilled martial artist. His hand speed, fight IQ, power, and grappling abilities stand out.
Heiderman is powerful but seems one-dimensional, focusing on wrestling and submissions. This will be the toughest test for Heiderman by far in his young MMA career.
Denis Goltsov vs. Jordan Heiderman Betting Prediction
This fight is a pretty one-sided affair throughout the media, and you probably can guess who has the big advantage. After breaking down the Denis Goltsov vs Jordan Heiderman betting analysis and betting preview, we have a prediction.
Goltsov is going to get his hand raised on Friday night after giving Heiderman his first official professional loss. The -750 moneyline isn’t worth betting on, but you can wait and see if there is a TKO/KO prop bet for Goltsov to get it done by that method.
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