Preview: PFL 2025 World Tournament First Round 2

Bantamweight Quarterfinal

Kasum Kasumov (15-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Justin Wetzell (10-2, 0-0 PFL)

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, April 11 at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2..

Another member from the famed Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov school, Kasumov hopes to add another title to the gym’s historic legacy. Kasumov has only tasted defeat once six years ago and has since gone 6-0 with four submissions. Kasumov has stepped up his competition in his last two fights. After signing with Bellator, Kasumov won a tight split decision over Josh Hill and outworked the heavy-handed Matheus Mattos on his way to a unanimous decision. Justin Wetzell is from Denver and has found his stride as a professional over the last few years. Since his most recent defeat, Wetzell has won his last three fights and shined in his last outing at LFA 195. Wetzell works behind his wrestling and thrives on making the fight grimy and full of demoralizing ground-and-pound.

It’s unlikely that this fight is a stand-and-bang type of affair. Both fighters opt to use their striking as a means to work their way inside and set up their wrestling. Unfortunately for Wetzell, Kasumov may be better at this game. With Kasumov’s background and proven record against elite competition, it’s hard not to see him pulling out the win.

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Higo vs. Rettinghouse
Velasquez vs. Shakalova
Nuzzi vs. Gutierrez
Kasumov vs. Wetzell
The Prelims