Norbert Pietrzak vs Trevor Makengo — Gemini betting tip 27 September 2025.

This middleweight bout presents a fascinating and classic MMA dilemma: the relentless grappler versus the explosive striker. Norbert Pietrzak enters as the favorite with odds of 1.75, and for good reason. His entire game plan is built on a foundation of strong wrestling, suffocating top control, and a relentless pursuit of the takedown. Pietrzak is not an athlete who will stand and trade; he understands his path to victory lies in closing the distance, wrapping up his opponent, and dragging the fight into his world on the canvas. Once there, he is adept at maintaining position, landing effective ground-and-pound, and hunting for submissions as his opponent fatigues.

On the other side of the cage stands Trevor Makengo, a dangerous striker with legitimate one-punch knockout power, reflected in his tight underdog odds of 1.97. Makengo's objective will be the polar opposite of Pietrzak's. He needs to maintain distance, manage the range with his jab and footwork, and punish Pietrzak every time he attempts to close in for a takedown. His best chance at victory is to keep the fight standing where his power is a constant threat. A well-timed uppercut or knee as Pietrzak shoots in could end the night abruptly. His takedown defense will be the single most important factor in his performance.

While Makengo's power makes him a live underdog in any fight, the dynamics of this matchup favor Pietrzak. In MMA, the grappler often dictates where the fight takes place. Pietrzak only needs to be successful with a few takedown attempts over three rounds to completely neutralize Makengo's primary weapon. He can turn the fight into a grueling affair, draining Makengo's gas tank with constant pressure against the fence and on the mat. While Makengo could land a fight-altering blow, Pietrzak's more reliable, control-based strategy provides more paths to victory. He can win via a clear-cut decision based on control time and damage on the ground, or even find a late-fight stoppage against a tired and battered Makengo. The odds suggest a close fight, but Pietrzak's style is better suited for consistently winning rounds.