On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the UFC heavyweight division features a matchup between Thomas Petersen and Don’Tale Mayes. Both fighters are eager to rebound from recent defeats and begin a winning streak. Continue reading to get our thoughts on Thomas Petersen vs Don’Tale Mayes, including our best bet for the long heavyweight matchup on this card.
Thomas Petersen vs Don’Tale Mayes Preview
Thomas Petersen enters the octagon with a professional record of 9-3. His most recent bout ended in a first-round knockout loss to Shamil Gaziev on February 1, 2025. Petersen, known for his wrestling background, has demonstrated powerful takedowns and ground control in previous fights. However, his striking defense has shown vulnerabilities, as evidenced in his last outing. He has dropped two of his last three fights and could certainly use a win here.
Don’Tale Mayes, holding an 11-8 record, is also seeking redemption after a submission loss to Valter Walker on February 15, 2025. Mayes, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 266 pounds, brings a significant physical presence to the cage. Training out of Jackson-Wink MMA, he has showcased knockout power with six wins by KO/TKO. Despite this, Mayes has struggled with consistency, losing two straight fights and three of his last four.
Betting Insights
As of April 29, 2025, the betting odds for this matchup at Sportzino are as follows:
- Thomas Petersen: -260
- Don’Tale Mayes: +200
These odds suggest that Petersen is the favorite thanks to the struggles of Mayes in recent outings. Bettors considering this fight should weigh Petersen’s wrestling advantage against Mayes’s reach and power.
Thomas Petersen vs Don’Tale Mayes Prediction
Don’Tale Mayes (+200) over Thomas Petersen
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- Neither of these fighters should be favored as heavily as Petersen is in this fight given their recent struggles.
- Mayes is a good enough striker to steal this matchup as an underdog.
Petersen’s path to victory lies in avoiding the powerful striking of Mayes. His wrestling pedigree could neutralize Mayes’s striking if executed effectively. Conversely, Mayes will aim to utilize his reach advantage and boxing skills to keep Petersen at bay. If he can maintain distance and prevent takedowns, his chances of landing significant strikes increase substantially.
Considering both fighters’ recent performances and skill sets, my prediction leans towards Don’Tale Mayes securing a victory. His experience and striking prowess may prove decisive, especially if he can thwart Petersen’s takedown attempts.
Prediction: Don’Tale Mayes wins via TKO in Round 2.
