MMA Match Preview: Takeshi Izumi vs. Vinicius Cenci

Venue & Event Details

Location: Coca‑Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Time: 3:00 p.m. UTC (11:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. local)

Promotion: PFL Champions Series 2

Division: Lightweight (155 lbs)

Injury Report

Takeshi Izumi (Japan, 36 years old): No reported injuries; enters healthy after a full camp.

Vinicius Cenci (Brazil, 29 years old): Cleared to fight; no major injuries reported.

Fighter Matchups

Takeshi Izumi

Style: Pressure striker with grappling background.

Strengths: Durability, ability to push pace, experience.

Recent Form: Lost to Makkasharip Zaynukov in July 2025; previously defeated Spike Carlyle in March 2025.

Keys to Win: Avoid early damage, use clinch and volume striking to wear down Cenci.

Vinicius “Chambinho” Cenci

Style: Aggressive striker with knockout power.

Strengths: Finishing ability, athleticism, reach advantage (74” vs. Izumi’s 69”).

Recent Form: Stopped Tony Caruso by first‑round TKO in June 2025; lost to Brent Primus by late TKO in April 2025.

Keys to Win: Keep fight standing, use reach and power to dictate exchanges, avoid being dragged into a grinding battle.

Fight History

Head‑to‑Head: This is their first professional meeting.

Career Notes: Both fighters are coming off mixed results in 2025, making this bout a crucial test for momentum.

Betting Trends

Izumi: 3 of last 4 fights have gone the distance; tends to push fights into later rounds.

Cenci: 2 of last 3 fights ended by KO/TKO inside two rounds.

Market Sentiment: Cenci favored due to youth, reach, and finishing ability, but Izumi’s experience makes him a live underdog.

FIGHT ODDS

Takeshi Izumi                     + 255

Vinicius Cenci                    – 300

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, October 2, 2025