Vadim Nemkov vs Tim Johnson PFL Predictions, Odds & Picks

Vadim Nemkov looks to stay sharp against veteran heavyweight Tim Johnson as the two big men collide on the undercard of this afternoon's PFL card.

MMA odds have Nemkov a -2,000 favorite with Johnson a +900 underdog. Here are my best Nemkov vs. Johnson predictions and free betting picks from the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Nemkov vs Johnson prediction and best bet

• My fight prediction
  Nemkov moneyline (-2000 at BET99)
  
  
• My best bet
  Nemkov moneyline (-2000 at BET99)

Fight analysis

Vadim Nemkov has been fighting between the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions in recent years, though has been inactive since submitting Bruno Cappezola in February 2023.

The inactivity has been a source of frustration for Nemkov, who has had to endure some additional setbacks with the change of opponents before Tim Johnson ended up drawing the assignment. The sambo specialist is one of the best light heavyweight champions Bellator ever had, and he now has his sights set on heavyweight glory.

Johnson may be a late entry, but he is a proven veteran who has had varied success in the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. He’s also a true heavyweight and will carry a significant size advantage as well as his established striking power, having won 10 of his 18 fights by knockout. He’s coming off a first-round TKO loss to Denis Goltsov in August, which stopped a three-fight winning streak.

All that does for Johnson is give him a puncher’s chance because Nemkov is better in every area of his game than a past-prime, middling heavyweight who is coming in on short notice. With Nemkov looking to work off some ring rust and adjust to his new heavyweight frame, this is looking like a tune-up fight in every sense of the word for one of the standout PFL fighters as he looks to become a two-division champion shortly.

What this comes down to is that Nemkov should be able to handle Johnson with relative ease. Johnson is well past his best and never possessed the skills to exploit whatever weakness Nemkov may have. Nemkov is the pick.

Best bet analysis

Nemkov’s speed and skill set will be able to see him close the distance on Johnson and get off some big shots before Johnson can get settled in. An initial flurry will keep Johnson honest, but Nemkov will look for opportunities to take Johnson to the ground where he’s been stopped in his most recent losses. 

Under 1.5 rounds is also a logical option if you're looking for a better return.

Vadim Nemkov vs Tim Johnson odds

Method of Victory	Nemkov	Johnson
To win outright	-2000	+900
O/U 1.5 rounds	+175	-250
Draw	+2500	+2500

Odds as of 1-25.

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Vadim Nemkov vs Tim Johnson tale of the tape

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