Betting tips from AI for Mouhamed Ba vs Desmond Awa Tamungang, 20 December 2025.

I’m siding with Desmond Awa Tamungang. Helwani’s note about Tamungang’s pressure and his multi-fight winning streak matter here: his forward pace can turn rounds into a grind and deny Ba easy striking rhythm. A $1 bet on Tamungang at 2.95 returns $2.95 total (a $1.95 profit) if he pulls it off.

Mouhamed Ba’s takedown defense and scrambling — praised by Kamaru Usman — make him a dangerous spoiler who can force grappling exchanges, and the loud home crowd in Cotonou could lift him. But the clean weigh-ins and the backstage scuffle suggest both men are locked in and willing to engage.

Given Tamungang’s momentum and the clear value at 2.95 versus the chalk 1.35, the smart profitable play here is a $1 wager on Desmond Awa Tamungang.

The PFL Africa Finals sets the stage for a compelling welterweight clash, with Mouhamed Ba entering as the bookmakers' favorite at 1.35. Despite Desmond Awa Tamungang’s impressive recent form and Ariel Helwani highlighting his pressure game as a potential X-factor, there's strong reason to back Ba.

Former welterweight contender Kamaru Usman's praise for Ba's takedown defense is crucial; if Ba can neutralize Tamungang's grind, it shifts the momentum. This could turn a stand-up war into a grappling chess match where Ba's skills might shine. The electric atmosphere at the Sofitel Dome in Cotonou, with its pro-local crowd, will undoubtedly fuel Ba, giving him a significant home advantage.

While fanboards lean towards Tamungang's hot streak, the smart money, reflected in Ba's odds, suggests his ability to counter Tamungang's strengths will prevail. Expect Ba to leverage his defensive grappling and the crowd's energy to secure a hard-fought victory, potentially grinding out a decision or finding a late finish.

Despite being the betting favorite at 1.35, Mouhamed Ba enters this welterweight clash with inconsistent recent performances. The bookmakers clearly respect his technical skills and takedown defense that Kamaru Usman highlighted, but Tamungang's momentum can't be ignored.

Desmond Awa Tamungang comes in as the underdog at 2.95, but carries multiple consecutive wins and a pressure-heavy style that could trouble Ba. Ariel Helwani's assessment of Tamungang's grinding approach gives credibility to his upset potential.

The Sofitel Dome in Cotonou will provide Ba with significant home advantage, potentially influencing judges in a close contest. The backstage scuffle at weigh-ins suggests both fighters are emotionally invested, which often benefits the more aggressive fighter.

Both made weight comfortably, so cardio shouldn't be a deciding factor. Tamungang's recent form and pressure fighting style match up well against Ba's technical approach. At 2.95, Tamungang offers excellent value as the underdog with legitimate paths to victory.

In the PFL Africa Finals at the Sofitel Dome, Mouhamed Ba faces Desmond Awa Tamungang in a welterweight clash that's got Cotonou buzzing. Tamungang rides a hot streak of consecutive wins, and Ariel Helwani highlights his relentless pressure as the potential game-changer, likely wearing Ba down on the scorecards in a grueling decision. But don't sleep on Ba, the dark horse praised by Kamaru Usman for his elite takedown defense—he could flip this into a grappling masterclass if it stays standing.

The weigh-ins went smooth, both hitting 169-ish pounds without issues, and that backstage shove adds extra spice, but the pro-local crowd will roar for the underdog Ba in this intense atmosphere. Odds sit at 1.35 for Ba and 2.95 for Tamungang, making the favorite a tough value bet at low payout.

Ba's up-and-down record screams spoiler potential against Tamungang's momentum. I see Ba stuffing takedowns and picking apart the pressure in stand-up bursts, stealing rounds to edge a victory. For bettors eyeing profit, fading the hype on Tamungang's form could pay off big if Ba imposes his wrestling IQ.

Ariel Helwani's insight on Desmond Awa Tamungang's pressure game and momentum from consecutive wins positions him as a dangerous underdog. Kamaru Usman notes Mouhamed Ba's takedown defence, but Ba's inconsistent run contrasts with Tamungang's form. The Sofitel Dome's pro-local crowd boosts Ba, yet the value bet is Tamungang at 2.95, offering profit potential if his grinding style prevails.

With weight drama avoided and intensity high after the weigh-in scuffle, Tamungang's ability to control the pace could spoil Ba's homecoming, making the plus-money odds enticing for bettors.

The matchup between Mouhamed Ba and Desmond Awa Tamungang is shaping up to be a tactical chess match with high stakes at the Sofitel Dome. Ba, listed at 1.35, enters as the betting favorite, largely due to his elite takedown defense and ability to control fights on the ground. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman’s praise of Ba’s grappling acumen adds credibility to this edge, especially if the fight shifts into close quarters. However, Tamungang’s pressure-heavy style has been flagged by veteran MMA analyst Ariel Helwani as a potential game-changer. With multiple consecutive wins under his belt, Tamungang at 2.95 presents real value for bettors willing to take the risk.

What tips the scales slightly in Tamungang’s favor is the electric atmosphere expected inside the Sofitel Dome. Cotonou will be buzzing with pro-local support for Ba, but that same energy could amplify Tamungang’s relentless pace. His recent form suggests he thrives under pressure, grinding opponents down over time. The backstage scuffle at the weigh-ins might also play a psychological role—fighters with momentum often feed off such incidents to elevate their performance.

While Ba’s inconsistency raises concerns, Tamungang’s steady rise makes him a compelling pick despite being the underdog. Betting $1 on Tamungang offers a strong return if his pressure game overwhelms Ba’s defensive strengths.