Angelo picks Khamzat Chimaev, citing his dominant wrestling and control. He believes Strickland's takedown defense (76%) won't be enough against Chimaev's elite level. He notes Chimaev's cardio looked fine in his 25-minute fight with DDP. He expects Chimaev to get takedowns and control each round, similar to Islam vs JDM. He mentions Strickland's conflicting training stories and thinks Chimaev's wrestling is too much.

Angelo is very confident in Khamzat Chimaev, stating that nobody has stood up on him and that his wrestling is too good. He dismisses arguments about Chimaev getting tired in the Gilbert Burns fight, noting it was at a different weight class years ago. He expects a dominant, possibly boring fight.

Big Brady confidently picks Khamzat Chimaev, expecting him to wrestle and grapple. He notes Strickland's win over Fluffy Hernandez had an asterisk due to a poor game plan. Brady believes Chimaev will take down Strickland, take his back, and finish with a submission in the first round. He acknowledges Strickland could make it interesting if he survives the early rounds, but expects an early finish.

Cody picks Chimaev, citing his superior wrestling and ability to take Strickland down early. He notes Chimaev's improved pacing and control, as seen against Whittaker and Du Plessis, and believes he can neutralize Strickland's jab and volume striking. Cody expects Chimaev to win by decision, as Strickland is durable and hard to submit, but he also mentions live betting Strickland in later rounds if Chimaev tires.

Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing Chimaev's wrestling is the best in MMA history as a takedown artist, better than Khabib or Islam. He notes Strickland's mental fragility when pressured, and that Chimaev can wrestle for five rounds as shown against Dricus. Connor sees Strickland's only path as winning late rounds if Chimaev gasses, but doubts Strickland can rally convincingly.

Daniel believes Chimaev's relentless wrestling and takedown pressure will be too much for Strickland, especially in the early rounds. He notes that Chimaev is a different level of wrestler compared to Fluffy Hernandez, who only attempted one takedown against Strickland. Daniel expects Chimaev to get takedowns and wear Strickland down, though he acknowledges Strickland has a chance if it goes to championship rounds.

The host does not make a pre-fight bet on this fight. He considers Chimaev unplayable at 1.17 odds and notes that Strickland is a live underdog but has a tendency to be passive. He prefers to live bet this fight, watching how much energy Chimaev exerts early. He mentions that if Strickland starts fast and makes Chimaev work, he could win rounds 4 and 5, but he doesn't commit to a pick.

Predicted method: Submission Round 2. Chimaev remains undefeated with dominant wins over top competition, including a submission of Robert Whittaker and a decision over Dricus du Plessis. His relentless wrestling and 5.29 takedowns per round will be a nightmare for Strickland, who has only 76% takedown defense and struggles against pressure grapplers. Strickland's high-volume striking (6.04 SLpM) is effective, but he lacks the power to deter Chimaev's takedowns. Expect Chimaev to secure takedowns early, control the fight, and eventually find a submission or win a clear decision.

Jacob is confident in Chimaev, expecting him to be more aggressive now that he has the belt. He thinks Chimaev will finish Strickland early, similar to the Whittaker fight, and that Strickland's scrambling will lead to mistakes. He notes that Chimaev was tapping Strickland in training.

Lucrative James believes Khamzat Chimaev is a generational talent and one of the greatest fighters ever. He argues that Chimaev's early storm of wrestling and grappling will be too much for Strickland, who has been tapped by Chimaev in training. He predicts Chimaev will submit Strickland in round two, as Strickland's better takedown defense will lead to giving up his back. He notes Strickland's elite anti-grappling but thinks Chimaev's skill set is superior.

The host picks Chimaev by submission in rounds 1-2, citing his grappling dominance and Strickland's defensive grappling vulnerabilities. He believes Chimaev will come out hungry and get an early takedown, eventually forcing a tap. He notes that if it goes later, Strickland could scramble, but expects an early finish.

Paul leans Chimaev but is not heavily invested. He thinks Chimaev's wrestling and pressure will be too much, but he also sees value in late-round Strickland props if Chimaev fades. He mentions Chimaev's health issues and training changes, but ultimately expects a Chimaev win, possibly by submission.

The MMA Guru picks Khamzat Chimaev despite wanting Strickland to win. He believes Chimaev's wrestling is on another level, citing his dominant performance against Du Plessis. He notes Strickland's takedown defense is good but not elite, and Chimaev's ability to secure back position and threaten chokes will be decisive. He predicts a submission by d'arce choke in the first or second round.

Angelo acknowledges the common narrative that DDP wins if he survives early, but he questions Chimaev's cardio criticism, noting his tough weight cuts at 170. He believes the skill gap is wider than people think and that Chimaev can win multiple rounds. He picks Chimaev as the attacker rather than the survivor, despite rooting for DDP.

Big Brady picks Khamzat Chimaev to win by first-round submission. He thinks Chimaev will get takedowns easily and put du Plessis in bad spots early. He worries about Chimaev's cardio if the fight goes to the third round, as du Plessis has shown good cardio and could take over late. He notes Chimaev has never seen a fourth or fifth round. He sees it as Chimaev early or du Plessis late, but leans Chimaev by early submission.

Connor picks Chimaev, arguing that du Plessis has never faced a wrestler of Chimaev's caliber and that his takedown defense is poor, as shown in the Derek Brunson fight where he was taken down in 10 seconds. He believes Chimaev is the best one-round fighter in MMA history and will likely finish du Plessis early. However, he acknowledges that if Chimaev doesn't get the finish, du Plessis's resilience and ability to weather storms could make it competitive.

The host believes Chimaev's wrestling, top control, and submission game will be too much for du Plessis. He predicts Chimaev will secure a submission within two rounds, becoming the new middleweight champion. The host emphasizes Chimaev's grappling advantage as the key factor.

The Guru picks Dricus du Plessis to survive the early grappling onslaught from Khamzat Chimaev and take over as the fight progresses. He believes du Plessis's Brazilian jiu-jitsu background and experience against high-level grapplers will allow him to avoid being finished in round one. As Chimaev's cardio fades, du Plessis will turn the fight into a striking match and eventually finish him with a TKO in round three or four. The Guru compares this to Chimaev's fights with Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, where he struggled once the fight went past the first round.

Angelo picks Khamzat Chimaev as the second leg of his villain parlay with a full unit bet. He acknowledges Chimaev's cardio issues and that Whittaker could survive early and take over late, but believes Chimaev's early pressure and wrestling will be too much. He notes that Whittaker's takedown defense hasn't been tested against someone like Chimaev.

Big Brady picks Chimaev to win by first-round submission. He notes that Chimaev has power on the feet and is dangerous on the ground, and that Whittaker has shown vulnerability on the bottom against Dricus du Plessis. He acknowledges that if the fight reaches the third round, Whittaker becomes a live underdog, but he expects Chimaev to get takedowns and finish early. He calls it a great live bet spot for Whittaker if it goes past the first round and a half.

Cody picks Robert Whittaker as a plus 220 underdog, citing Chimaev's cardio issues and history of pulling out due to illness. He notes that Chimaev has been extended in fights against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, and that Whittaker's takedown defense and five-round experience will be crucial. Cody believes that if Whittaker survives the first two rounds, he will take over in the later rounds. He also mentions that Chimaev's wrestling may not be as effective against a true middleweight.

Connor picks Whittaker despite a gut feeling that Chimaev will win. He notes that Chimaev's resume against top competition (Burns, Usman) shows he fades and lacks control, while Whittaker has excellent takedown defense and striking. Connor worries about Whittaker's tendency to get caught in big moments but believes if Whittaker survives the early onslaught, he can win the later rounds.

Daniel Vreeland picks Khamzat Chimaev to win, predicting a submission finish via rear-naked choke or D'Arce choke. He highlights Chimaev's dominant grappling performance against Kamaru Usman, noting that Usman's takedown defense was flawless until that fight. Vreeland also references Dricus du Plessis' judo throw on Whittaker as a sign that Whittaker's takedown defense may be vulnerable. He dismisses concerns about Chimaev slowing down, arguing that even in later rounds he can still dominate.

Lucrative James picks Khamzat Chimaev to win, likely inside the distance. He emphasizes Chimaev's wrestling dominance, noting that he has taken down everyone he's wanted to, including elite wrestler Kamaru Usman. He questions Whittaker's chin, pointing out that Whittaker has been hurt in many recent fights, and believes Chimaev can hurt him on the feet or take him down and finish with ground and pound or submission. He acknowledges Whittaker's takedown defense but thinks Chimaev's physicality and grappling are superior.

Whittaker will deal with Chimaev's early onslaught and then run away with the fight in the later rounds. He can get a decision victory or find big shots to put Chimaev away in the fourth or fifth round. Whittaker reestablishes himself among the top middleweights.

Paul picks Robert Whittaker, echoing Cody's concerns about Chimaev's cardio and durability. He highlights that Chimaev has only fought lower-level competition and struggled against Burns and Usman. Paul believes Whittaker's experience and ability to survive the early onslaught will lead to a victory in the later rounds. He also notes that Chimaev's frequent pullouts due to illness are a red flag.

The Guru picks Robert Whittaker to win by TKO in the fourth round, arguing that Chimaev's hype exceeds his reality. He believes Whittaker's takedown defense and scrambling will survive Chimaev's early grappling, and that the five-round fight favors Whittaker's cardio. He notes Chimaev's lack of elite wins, his hand injury against Usman, and his tendency to fade. The Guru also mentions the humidity in Abu Dhabi and Chimaev's recent illness as factors. He predicts Chimaev will engage on the feet early, but Whittaker will take over as Chimaev gasses.

Zane also picks Whittaker, echoing Connor's concerns about Chimaev's cardio and lack of control against top opponents. He notes that Whittaker's takedown defense is elite and that Chimaev's striking is not as polished. Zane adds that Chimaev's recent health issues and lack of passion are red flags, making him lean toward Whittaker.

Angelo picks Khamzat Chimaev, citing the circumstances: short notice for Usman, moving up in weight, travel, and a three-round fight. He thinks Usman's cardio won't benefit him and Chimaev's wrestling will be too much. He is excited to see Chimaev's takedown defense tested but believes the factors favor Chimaev.

Big Brady picks Khamzat Chimaev to win by first round TKO. He questions Kamaru Usman's motivation and decline, noting his age (36), injuries, and poor performance in the second Leon Edwards fight. Usman is taking the fight on short notice and moving up in weight. Brady believes Chimaev will take Usman down and finish him, as Usman has rarely been on his back and looked bad when he was.

Cody picks Usman as a dog, arguing that Chimaev has not proven himself against top competition. He points out that Chimaev struggled with Gilbert Burns, who is a former lightweight, and that Usman is a former champion with elite wrestling and striking. Cody believes Usman's takedown defense will neutralize Chimaev's wrestling, and that Usman's jab and experience will carry him to victory. He also notes that Chimaev's lifestyle and lack of loyalty may affect his focus.

Daniel picks Khamzat Chimaev to defeat Kamaru Usman, arguing that Chimaev is on the rise while Usman is on the decline after his title reign. He believes Chimaev's athleticism, strength, and power are superior, and that the Burns fight humbled him and made him more mature. He notes Usman's cardio and durability but questions his knees and motivation, suggesting Usman is cashing out. Daniel expects Chimaev to show he is the next generation and win, possibly by finishing Usman early or outworking him.

James did not make a pick for this fight. He discussed the fight post-fact, noting that Chimaev dominated round one with a 10-8 but gassed out, and that Usman won rounds two and three on some scorecards. He expressed that Chimaev is beatable if he doesn't finish early, but did not state a pre-fight pick.

Usman is a former champion with high-level cardio, great wrestling, and improving striking. Despite short notice, he has been active and can stop Chimaev's takedowns, push the pace, and use forward pressure. Chimaev has question marks about cardio and activity. Expects Usman to win by decision, possibly with a third-round sprinkle.

Paul picks Chimaev, noting that Chimaev has been preparing for a big Paulo Costa and has had time to put on size for middleweight, while Usman is coming on short notice and hasn't added muscle. He believes Chimaev can use his wrestling and reach advantage, and questions Usman's durability after recent KO losses. Paul thinks Chimaev cruises here.

Angelo picks Khamzat Chimaev, stating he will win whether he grapples or stands. He thinks Chimaev's wrestling will destroy Holland, and if he stands, he will touch Holland up and cause a TKO. He notes the odds are heavily in Chimaev's favor and expects a dominant performance.

Big Brady picks Khamzat Chimaev to win by second-round TKO, calling the fight unfair. He notes Chimaev can win anywhere: striking (he hits harder than Masvidal) or wrestling (Nate Diaz has poor takedown defense). He expects Chimaev to take Diaz down, hurt him with ground-and-pound, and possibly get a doctor stoppage. He dismisses Diaz's chances outside of a fluke.

Cody is leaning towards the underdog Daniel Rodriguez, noting that Rodriguez has high volume and is hittable, but that Holland has a reach advantage and better cardio. He mentions that Holland's over 50.5 significant strikes is a reasonable prop, but he is not ready to pull the trigger on a bet yet, waiting for weigh-ins. He picks Rodriguez for the show.

Daniel Levi picks Li Jingliang to defeat Tony Ferguson. He notes Ferguson's decline, having lost four straight and been knocked out badly by Chandler. Levi believes Li's power and Ferguson's deteriorating chin and wrestling defense will lead to a knockout. He acknowledges his poor betting history on Li but still sees Li as the clear winner due to Ferguson's washed-up state.

Jacob picks Chimaev but focuses on the round prop, predicting a first-round finish. He thinks Chimaev will try to prove a point by finishing the durable Nate Diaz early, using relentless ground and pound. He believes the ref will stop it due to carnage, and he is playing the under on rounds.

The host is extremely confident in Khamzat Chimaev, expecting him to take Nate Diaz down immediately and smash him on the ground. He dismisses Diaz's durability and jiu-jitsu, citing Chimaev's wrestling and size. He took under 1.5 rounds at +120 and suggests Chimaev round one at +165.

Paul picks Kevin Holland, citing his move to 170 as more natural and his improved wrestling. He believes Holland will be bigger and stronger, able to keep the fight standing, and that his cardio and output will carry him to a win in a competitive fight. He expects Holland to pull away down the stretch.

Angelo picks Khamzat Chimaev but acknowledges it's a big step up in competition. He praises Chimaev's wrestling, pace, and chain wrestling, but notes Burns' experience and power. He says Chimaev is safe for parlays but warns about the unknown factor of adversity.

Big Brady picks Khamzat Chimaev to win by first-round knockout. He notes Chimaev has absorbed only one strike in four UFC fights and has tremendous power. Burns is chinny, having been dropped by Usman and knocked out by Dan Hooker. Brady sees few paths to victory for Burns and expects Chimaev to dominate on the feet and finish early.

Cody is sold on Chimaev, agreeing with Paul that he's a generational talent. He notes Chimaev's size advantage, underrated striking, and ability to take Burns down without fear of submissions. Cody points out Burns' losses to undersized fighters and his lack of significant wins. He thinks Chimaev's wrestling and pressure will be too much, and that Burns' best chance is an early KO or submission, but unlikely.

Levi believes Chimaev is a special talent with elite wrestling, size, and work ethic. He thinks Chimaev will use a striking approach to avoid Burns's guard, and if he takes Burns down and passes to side control, he will be comfortable. He expects Burns to tire and flop to his back, leading to a finish. He acknowledges Burns is world-class but sees Chimaev as a future champion.

I think Chimaev's wrestling and top control will be too much for Burns. Burns has shown he can be broken, and Chimaev is one of the best at breaking people. I see Chimaev getting the finish inside the distance. The fight not going to decision is a safe spot I'll parlay.

Paul is extremely confident in Chimaev, calling him a generational talent and the best welterweight in the world. He has already bet Chimaev at plus money and plans to add more. Paul believes Chimaev's striking, footwork, and size advantage will overwhelm Burns, and that Burns' BJJ won't be a factor because Chimaev can control him on the ground. He thinks Chimaev rolls through Burns and fights for the title next.

Big Brady picks Khamzat Chimaev to win by second-round submission. He is very confident, citing Chimaev's dominant performances and wrestling. Li has poor takedown defense (59%) and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. The only concerns are Chimaev's cardio if the fight extends and the layoff, but he expects an early finish. He agrees with the line.

Cody is all in on Chimaev, noting the layoff might have improved his cardio. He thinks Chimaev's pace and wrestling will be too much for Li, who has poor takedown defense (59%). He expects Chimaev to take him down at will and grind him out. He calls it a 'perfect stylistic matchup'.

Daniel picks Khamzat Chimaev, citing his wrestling and power. He acknowledges Li Jingliang's knockout power and history of upsets but believes Chimaev's wrestling will be a big factor. Daniel notes Li takes damage early and has been dropped in fights. He expects Chimaev to grind out a win, possibly by late ground-and-pound stoppage, but warns the line is too high to bet.

Chimaev should dominate with his wrestling and pressure, but there are concerns about his recovery from COVID and potential cardio issues. He likely finishes early, so the under 1.5 rounds or inside distance are better bets than the moneyline. Li is durable and could capitalize if Chimaev fades.

Paul is confident in Chimaev, calling it a 'smash full out'. He notes Li has been taken down by Neil Magny and others, and Chimaev's wrestling will dominate. He thinks the moneyline is safer than inside distance because Chimaev mixes KOs and submissions. He would be stunned if Chimaev loses.

Big Brady picks Khamzat Chimaev, believing he is the better striker and can take Meerschaert down. He notes Meerschaert has poor takedown defense and has been knocked out and submitted multiple times. He predicts a first-round finish via ground and pound, though he acknowledges Meerschaert's experience and BJJ black belt as a concern.

The host is very confident in Khamzat Chimaev's wrestling and aggression, expecting him to take Gerald Meerschaert down and finish with ground-and-pound. He notes Meerschaert's poor takedown defense and tendency to pull guard, while Chimaev has shown no weaknesses. He recommends betting the under 1.5 rounds at -120 as the safest play, predicting a first-round TKO.