PFL World Tournament 2025: Key Matchups, Stats & Smart Betting Picks for Week 3

On April 18, 2025, the PFL World Tournament returns for its third week at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, Florida, showcasing elite Middleweights and Lightweights vying for a spot in the semifinals and a $500,000 prize per division.

🏆 Tournament Overview

The PFL World Tournament 3 is set for Friday, April 18, 2025, with the main card airing live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 7 pm ET and the early prelims starting at 5 pm ET from Universal Studios Florida in Orlando.
This marks the third installment of the 2025 World Tournament series, featuring both the Lightweight (155 lb) and Middleweight (185 lb) brackets, where each winner advances toward the season’s championship finals.
The PFL, now in its seventh year of operation, continues to innovate with its bracketed tournament format, rewarding the division champions with a lucrative $500,000 prize each.

🔍 Key Matchups & Fighter Stats

Impa Kasanganay (18‑5) vs. Fabian Edwards (13‑4)
Impa Kasanganay, the former 2023 Light Heavyweight Tournament champion, holds an 8‑2 PFL record and has scored five knockout victories in the promotion. Fabian Edwards, on the rebound from recent losses, enters with a 13‑4 career mark and solid British striking pedigree. Analysts peg Kasanganay for a third‑round TKO victory in a close contest.

Gadzhi Rabadanov (24‑4‑2) vs. Marc Diakiese (18‑7)
2024 Lightweight champion Gadzhi Rabadanov, renowned for his grappling prowess after training with Team Khabib, boasts a 24‑4‑2 record and has not lost since 2020. Marc Diakiese, a seasoned former UFC competitor with 18‑7 overall, relies on striking versatility but is viewed as the underdog entering this bout. Experts forecast a second‑round submission finish for Rabadanov .

Dalton Rosta (9‑1‑0) vs. Sadibou Sy (17‑8‑2)
American standout Dalton Rosta, unbeaten in PFL competition (9‑1‑0), squares off against Sweden’s Sadibou Sy, a two‑time PFL finalist with a 17‑8‑2 record. Rosta’s wrestling-heavy style is predicted to earn him a third‑round TKO.

Mads Burnell (20‑6‑0) vs. Jay‑Jay Wilson (10‑1‑0)
Danish veteran Mads Burnell, 20‑6‑0, meets New Zealand prospect Jay‑Jay Wilson, who brings a 10‑1 mark and a diverse striking arsenal. Forecasts lean toward Burnell claiming a unanimous decision victory.

📊 Statistical Insights

Impa Kasanganay’s finishing rate sits at roughly 27.8% (5 KOs in 18 wins), underscoring his ability to close out fights once he gains momentum.
Gadzhi Rabadanov’s undefeated run since 2020 spans 10 fights across Bellator and PFL, marked by a 60% finish rate via submission or strikes, reflecting elite grappling and resilience.

💰 Betting Odds & Tips

According to NxtBets, Impa Kasanganay is listed at –142 versus Fabian Edwards at +120, offering moderate favorite value for Kasanganay backers .
Gadzhi Rabadanov’s steep –700 price tag against Marc Diakiese (+500) suggests limited upside, whereas Diakiese at +500 presents a high‑risk, high‑reward underdog play.
For sleeper value, Aaron Jeffery at +180 to upset Murad Ramazanov leverages Jeffery’s pedigree against favored opponents and may yield strong return.
Analysts at Forbes note Fabian Edwards at +113 versus Kasanganay represents a solid contrarian pick, given Edwards’s striking accuracy and ability to weather pressure.

📝 Conclusion

Week 3 of the 2025 PFL World Tournament features compelling matchups with significant tournament implications and betting intrigue. While favorites like Kasanganay and Rabadanov appear solid, savvy bettors may find edge plays in underdog positions such as Diakiese and Jeffery. As always, manage your bankroll responsibly and enjoy what promises to be an action‑packed night of MMA.