AJ calls Song a lock, citing his youth, speed, power, and well-rounded game. He thinks Figueiredo is past his prime, with recent weight misses and a decline in performance. AJ expects Song to win by KO, possibly later in the fight, as Figueiredo's chin may not hold up.

Angelo picks Song Yadong, citing his size, speed, and power advantages over the aging Figueiredo. He notes that Figueiredo's success comes from bullying opponents, but Song is bigger and hits harder. He believes Song will win, possibly by decision, and mentions that a decision prop could provide extra value. He is surprised the odds are widening in Figueiredo's favor.

Big Brady is confident in Song Yadong, citing Figueiredo's age (38), weight cut struggles at bantamweight, and poor performance against Umar Nurmagomedov where he landed only seven strikes in 15 minutes. He notes Song has never been dropped, has good takedown defense and getup game, and believes Figueiredo is washed. He predicts a decision win for Song, acknowledging Figueiredo's toughness and lack of official KO losses.

Cody is fully confident in Song Yadong, citing his higher trajectory, superior skills, cardio, durability, and striking volume. He notes Figueiredo's power hasn't translated to 135, his cardio is poor, and he's on a 1-4 slide. Cody sees no path for Figueiredo except a puncher's chance, which he dismisses due to Figueiredo's low volume and one-and-done style.

Connor agrees with Zane, stating that Song Yadong is the clear pick. He emphasizes that Figueiredo has fallen off the pace cliff and needs opponents who won't push him, while Song Yadong is a hyper-elite athlete who maintains a hard fight round after round. Connor also notes that Song Yadong doesn't have a major grappling deficiency, making Figueiredo's path to victory unclear.

Daniel Levi picks Song Yadong, citing his exceptional boxing, underrated durability, and improved grappling. He believes Figueiredo's best path is via submission but doubts his cardio to sustain grappling over five rounds. Levi notes Song's momentum and timing, and suggests a potential knockout.

Jacob picks Song Yadong because he is good enough to win and Figueiredo slows down as the fight goes. He notes that Song has a tendency to be cocky and put himself in bad positions, but overall he should win. He warns that Figueiredo is always live for a submission or knockout.

Lucrative James picks Song Yadong primarily due to the 10-year age advantage and being in his prime versus Figueiredo who is 38 and past his prime. He emphasizes Song's superior cardio, speed, durability, and youth, noting that Figueiredo has changed his style to be less aggressive and lacks the physicality he once had. He acknowledges Figueiredo's guillotine threat but believes Song's improved grappling and overall athleticism will be too much. He predicts a knockout, citing Song's point to prove after a close loss to Sean O'Malley.

The host picks Song Yadong, citing his youth, speed, power, and cardio advantage. He believes Song's grappling is good enough to halt Figueiredo's takedowns and that he will outstrike and outpoint Figueiredo over five rounds. He expects a decision win and doesn't mind the chalky price.

Paul agrees with Cody, calling Song Yadong a clear play across the board. He emphasizes Song's trajectory, hometown advantage, and Figueiredo's decline. Paul notes Figueiredo's low output (e.g., 8 significant strikes in 15 minutes vs Umar) and that he needs high volume to beat Song, which he can't provide.

The MMA Guru picks Song Yadong to win by finish in the third round. He notes that Song is a good boxer with leg kicks and pressure, and Figueiredo needs to get the fight to the ground to win. He believes Song's takedown defense is proven against better wrestlers, and he will overwhelm Figueiredo with volume and boxing, finishing him in the third round.

Angelo picks Sean O'Malley, arguing that O'Malley's best version (when he was partying and podcasting) would win. He believes O'Malley's clean footwork and accuracy will exploit Yadong's lack of striking defense. He notes Yadong is hittable and throws with power, but O'Malley should pick him apart. He hopes O'Malley returns to his old lifestyle for the win.

Big Brady notes O'Malley's losses came when opponents took him down repeatedly, but Song Yadong averages less than one takedown per 15 minutes. He believes O'Malley is the better striker and will win a striking match. He worries about O'Malley's mentality after two losses to Merab but expects the best version to win by decision.

Cody picks Sean O'Malley but is hesitant due to O'Malley's potential lack of motivation and Song Yadong's durability. He notes O'Malley's length and accuracy should allow him to win the first two rounds, but worries about a gritty third round. He suggests O'Malley by decision as a prop.

Connor also picks O'Malley, emphasizing that Song Yadong is an unimaginative fighter who lacks variety in his approach. He notes that Song's best path to victory (low kicks and wrestling) is possible but unlikely given O'Malley's mobility and range. Connor believes O'Malley's swagger and ability to make opponents hesitant will be key, and that Song's inability to cut off the cage will leave him chasing O'Malley all night.

Daniel Vreeland picks Song Yadong to win by decision. He criticizes O'Malley's recent timidity and reliance on counters, and notes that O'Malley has talked about retirement. Vreeland believes Song has the speed, leg kicks, and wrestling to compete with O'Malley, and that his well-rounded approach and power will be the deciding factors. He also mentions that Song has taken down Peter Yan, which bodes well for his wrestling advantage.

James believes O'Malley is a level above everywhere, with superior fight IQ and striking IQ. He expects O'Malley to stay at range, pot shot, and win via decision. He notes Song's durability but thinks O'Malley's smart game plan will prevail. James also mentions O'Malley's high fight IQ and preparation with Paul Czech.

The host sees this as a favorable matchup for O'Malley, who faces a fellow striker in Song Yadong. He believes O'Malley's striking wizardry, footwork, and trap-setting will allow him to out-strike Yadong and potentially land a knockout. The host notes uncertainty about O'Malley's mentality after two losses but thinks this style matchup will bring back the 'Sugar Show'. He does not see enough value on Yadong to pick the upset.

Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing O'Malley's 5-inch reach advantage and Song Yadong's slow starts. He believes O'Malley will use his footwork and volume to win a decision, though he notes Song's grappling improvements could be a factor. Paul sees O'Malley by decision as the most likely outcome.

The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley by decision, noting Song Yadong's durability and toughness. He believes O'Malley's reach, kicks, and power will be key, and that Yadong's facial cuts could lead to a stoppage. He predicts a 30-27 decision.

Angelo picks Song Yadong despite being a huge Henry Cejudo fan. He notes Cejudo is 38 and hasn't won since 2020, while Song is young, fast, and a clean striker. He thinks Song will look better as the fight goes longer. He will not bet on the fight because he will be rooting for Cejudo and never bets on someone he doesn't think will win.

Big Brady picks Song Yadong, noting that Henry Cejudo is 38 years old and may not be taking his career seriously, citing an interview where Cejudo was smoking. He believes Song's takedown defense and get-up game have improved significantly since the Stamann fight, and that Song is 11 years younger with a height advantage. He expects Song to win a clear one-sided decision, with Cejudo maybe getting a takedown here or there but being outworked.

Connor picks Song Yadong but is hesitant, noting that if the fight were three rounds he would pick Cejudo. He acknowledges Cejudo's ability to take Song down early and grind, but doubts Cejudo can maintain pace or finish Song. Connor points out that Cejudo's speed may not shock a young fighter like Song, and that Song is very tough to finish.

The host thinks Song's striking style will be too much for Cejudo, who may make the fight closer than odds indicate. He believes the damage Song inflicts will lead to a decision victory.

The Guru picks Song Yadong by decision, arguing he is more athletic, faster, and has better footwork. He doubts Cejudo's takedown effectiveness, noting he hasn't seen a good takedown from him in years and that opponents often get back up. He believes Song's defensive grappling is strong and that he will outpoint Cejudo on the feet over five rounds, predicting a 48-47 score.

Angelo picks Song Yadong, feeling a changing of the guard. He notes Song hits hard, is fast, and can make the fight ugly, which is how you beat Yan. However, he acknowledges Yan is still very good and this is a tough test. He won't bet on it because it's too close.

Big Brady picks Petr Yan to win by decision, but has low confidence. He notes that Yan has lost four of his last five, but those losses were to top competition. He believes Yan's boxing and volume will edge out Song, who has more power but is less proven. He thinks the fight is razor thin and could go either way.

Cody is concerned about Yan's slow starts and poor decision-making in recent fights. He thinks Song's takedown defense, volume, and durability make him a live underdog, especially in a three-round fight where Yan's slow starts could cost him.

Daniel picks Yan to get back in the win column, but it's a lean. He believes Yan is not washed and has looked good in recent losses to elite competition. He notes Yan's takedown ability and diverse striking, but warns that Song is a massive bantamweight with heavy hands and can crack in the pocket. Daniel expects a competitive three-round war and thinks Yan's experience and technique will prevail, but acknowledges Song could knock him out.

Jeff Fox picks Song Yadong at even money, citing Petr Yan's three-fight losing streak and mental state concerns. He notes Song's continued improvement and youth, and believes Yan's slow starts in three-round fights are a liability. Fox thinks Song's wrestling has improved, as shown against Ricky Simon, and that he can tire Yan out by pushing the pace. He concludes that Yan refuses to win the first round, making him vulnerable.

Yan is on a three-fight losing streak and has a low-output style that often leaves him behind on the scorecards early. Song Yadong has improved his takedown defense and mixes his striking with grappling well. He is likely to be the more aggressive fighter, using kicks and volume to win rounds. Yan has power and can turn a fight with one shot, but his tendency to give up early rounds is a concern. I lean Song Yadong by decision, but this is not a lock.

Paul gives Yan a pass for some recent losses, noting he has fought the best in the division. He believes Yan's experience and multiple paths to victory (striking, wrestling) will be enough to beat Song, who hasn't proven himself against top-tier competition.

Connor is impressed with Simón's rapid improvement, especially his boxing and wrestling integration since the Rob Font loss. He notes Simón's flexibility, ability to counter off the back foot, and scrambling prowess. However, he acknowledges Song's power and chin, and the risk of a knockout. He ultimately favors Simón due to Song's stagnation and Simón's adaptability.

Angelo leans Sandhagen primarily because of his five-round experience and ability to recover from bad rounds. He notes that Sandhagen is a fluid striker with good combinations and BJJ, but he lacks takedown volume. Angelo is not confident and thinks the odds are wide. He considers a plus points bet on Yadong.

Big Brady picks Cory Sandhagen to win by decision. He argues that Sandhagen is the better striker overall with higher volume (6.42 significant strikes per minute) and has fought much tougher competition (Yan, Dillashaw, Sterling). Brady notes that Sandhagen has never been knocked out and has excellent striking defense. He believes Song Yadong's power is a threat, but Sandhagen's durability and output should carry him to a decision win. Brady also mentions that this is Song's first five-round fight, which could be a factor. He is surprised by the public support for Song as a dog.

Cody agrees Sandhagen is the more refined fighter with better cardio and versatility. He highlights Sandhagen's wrestling improvements since the Sterling loss and his ability to maintain high output. Cody thinks Song's lack of five-round experience and tendency to slow down will be exploited. He calls Sandhagen a good top ticket play but not the most confident pick on the card.

Daniel Levi picks Song Yadong at plus 175 odds, placing one unit on him. He believes Song has enough output to make his harder shots count against Sandhagen's volume, and that the fight could be close enough for Song's power strikes to sway judges. He notes Sandhagen's year off and potential ring rust, and thinks the odds should be closer. He respects Sandhagen but sees value in the underdog.

Jacob picks Yadong, comparing his style to Petr Yan's and noting that Yadong is faster and more powerful now at 24. He believes Yadong's speed and power will close the distance and land big shots, potentially knocking down Sandhagen. Jacob thinks Yadong is peaking at the right time and can win by decision or finish.

Sandhagen is the master of distance and will make Song whiff, tiring him out. Sandhagen's footwork and in-and-out movement will keep him out of the pocket where Song's power is most dangerous. Sandhagen's cardio is superior for five rounds, and he has been training BJJ with Ryan Hall to add submission threats. Song's best path is leg kicks or an early knockout, but Sandhagen's style is a tough puzzle for Song at this stage. I expect Sandhagen to take over as the fight goes on and win a decision.

Paul thinks Sandhagen's five-round experience against TJ Dillashaw and Petr Yan is a huge advantage. He notes Sandhagen's durability and high output will be key, as Song Yadong is a counter puncher who will struggle with Sandhagen's volume. Paul believes Sandhagen will outwork Song over five rounds, though he acknowledges Song's power and youth make it not a lock. He also likes the under 4.5 rounds at plus money.