Betting tips from AI for Hamad Marhoon vs Walid Gounaine, 05 December 2025.

Bas Rutten’s read of a tactical fight favors Hamad Marhoon, and Marhoon’s camp went heavy on wrestling and ground-and-pound specifically to blunt Walid Gounaine’s combat sambo — a matchup advantage that matters in a debut where one clean gameplan can decide the fight.
Marhoon also benefits from regional support at PFL’s Khobar card and both men arrive healthy, but the strategic shift in Marhoon’s preparation is the key edge. Bookmakers list Marhoon as the favorite at 1.55 while Gounaine is 2.32.
Betting angle: back Hamad Marhoon — his tailored grappling approach directly targets Gounaine’s strengths, making the favorite the smart $1 play to minimize upset risk while still offering a reasonable payout.

This PFL MENA Finals debut promises a fascinating clash of styles. Hamad Marhoon, priced at 1.55, has clearly strategized for Walid Gounaine's sambo background, with his camp focusing heavily on wrestling and ground-and-pound. This tactical shift, as noted by MMA analyst Bas Rutten, could be the key to neutralizing Gounaine's strengths. Marhoon's confidence, coupled with a slight regional advantage fighting out of Bahrain in Khobar, could provide an extra edge. Given both fighters are making their professional debuts, the preparation and mental fortitude will be crucial. Marhoon's focused training to counter Gounaine's sambo suggests a well-thought-out game plan, making him the more favorable pick in this high-stakes encounter.

This PFL MENA Finals debut pits Hamad Marhoon against Walid Gounaine in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two MMA newcomers. With Marhoon entering as the 1.55 favorite, the oddsmakers clearly respect his preparation and recent training camp adjustments.

Marhoon's strategic shift to focus on wrestling and ground-and-pound techniques specifically to counter Gounaine's combat sambo background shows excellent fight IQ. As Bas Rutten highlighted, Marhoon's improved grappling will likely be the difference-maker in this contest.

The regional advantage shouldn't be overlooked either - fighting near his home of Bahrain at PFL's first Khobar event should provide Marhoon with additional motivation and crowd support.

While Gounaine's sambo credentials make him a dangerous 2.32 underdog, Marhoon's comprehensive preparation and tactical approach suggest he'll successfully neutralize Gounaine's strengths and secure a victory in this high-stakes debut.

In the flyweight clash at PFL MENA Finals, Hamad Marhoon faces Walid Gounaine in what promises to be a gripping debut for both undefeated prospects. Marhoon, fighting out of Bahrain, carries the momentum of local support at the Dhahran Expo, giving him a subtle edge in this regional showdown.

Bas Rutten's insight cuts to the core: Marhoon's sharpened grappling will clash head-on with Gounaine's sambo expertise, but the Bahrain native's dedicated training camp in wrestling and ground-and-pound positions him to neutralize those takedowns and dominate on the mat. Marhoon's own confidence shines through, as he dismisses Gounaine's credentials while emphasizing his preparedness for any scramble.

With no injuries clouding the picture and both entering at full throttle, this tactical battle favors the favorite at 1.55. Gounaine's underdog value at 2.32 tempts, but Marhoon's strategic evolution tips the scales—expect him to grind out a victory in a statement-making performance that launches his career.

In a clash of debutants at the PFL MENA Finals, Hamad Marhoon's tactical preparation could be the difference. Analysts like Bas Rutten highlight Marhoon's improved grappling as a key to neutralizing Walid Gounaine's sambo background.
Marhoon has focused his camp on wrestling and ground-and-pound, specifically to counter Gounaine's style, and enters with strong confidence. Fighting near home in Bahrain, he may enjoy a slight regional edge. With odds at 1.55, Marhoon is the favorite, and his strategic approach makes him a smart bet to win in Khobar.

This clash between Hamad Marhoon and Walid Gounaine presents an intriguing matchup of styles, making it a pivotal moment for bettors. Marhoon’s focus on grappling and ground-and-pound techniques during his training camp seems tailored to neutralize Gounaine’s combat sambo background, which MMA analyst Bas Rutten highlighted as the key battleground in this fight. The odds reflect Marhoon's perceived edge, with him sitting at 1.55 compared to Gounaine’s 2.32. These numbers suggest that oddsmakers view Marhoon as the favorite, likely factoring in his strategic preparation and regional support in Khobar.

Marhoon’s confidence ahead of his PFL MENA Finals debut further underscores his readiness for the challenge. While both fighters are newcomers to professional MMA, Marhoon’s adaptability and emphasis on countering Gounaine’s strengths give him a tactical advantage. Gounaine’s sambo credentials are formidable, but without a proven track record in high-level competition, it’s unclear how well he’ll handle Marhoon’s refined approach. Additionally, fighting in front of a supportive crowd in Saudi Arabia could elevate Marhoon’s performance, adding another layer to his favorability.

Given the dynamics at play, Marhoon’s preparation and psychological edge appear poised to deliver him the victory. Betting $1 on Marhoon at 1.55 aligns with a calculated strategy to maximize returns while minimizing risk.