Angelo believes Da'Mon Blackshear is the better fighter with far better striking and good wrestling. He thinks Cody Stamann will get outstruck and then shoot sloppy takedowns. However, he notes Blackshear is 2-4 in the UFC and hasn't had a key win over a division staple like Stamann, so he is not confident enough to bet. He might consider a plus 3.5 round bet on Stamann if the odds are good.

Big Brady favors Blackshear due to his size, reach, and youth advantage over the 35-year-old Stamann. He believes Blackshear's striking is underrated and his grappling is elite, with a black belt in BJJ. He expects Blackshear to have success wherever the fight goes and predicts a decision win, though he acknowledges the line may be too wide.

Cody is high on Stamann as a dog, citing Blackshear's cardio issues and lack of power. He notes Stamann's wrestling credentials and ability to get back up from takedowns. Cody expects a close decision and thinks the +230 line is too wide for a veteran like Stamann.

Connor picks Stamann, noting Blackshear is too willing to start from negative positions and it has cost him. He thinks Stamann's neutralizer style will make Blackshear make mistakes. Connor expects a narrow split decision, possibly ugly. He mentions Stamann is the underdog at +217 to +232.

Daniel Vreeland picks Da'Mon Blackshear, citing his physical advantages (reach, height) and higher aspirations compared to Cody Stamann, who may be nearing retirement. He acknowledges Stamann's takedown defense and ability to make fights close, but believes Blackshear's grappling and motivation give him the edge. Vreeland expects a close fight.

Stamann is being overlooked as a +230 underdog. His defensive wrestling should keep him away from Blackshear's BJJ, allowing him to dictate the striking pace and pull away in the second and third rounds as Blackshear slows down. Expect a decision win.

Paul agrees, questioning how Blackshear can be such a favorite given his recent KO loss and cardio problems. He thinks Stamann's experience and wrestling will keep the fight competitive, and the price is too good to pass up. Paul calls it a clear dogger pass.

The Guru picks Da'Mon Blackshear, citing his size, strength, and youth. He criticizes Cody Stamann's lack of finishing ability and short reach. He notes Blackshear gave Mario Bautista a tough fight and believes he is the better fighter. He mentions the odds might be worth betting on Blackshear as a favorite.

Angelo picks Taylor Lapilus, citing his superior kickboxing and outstanding takedown defense. He notes that Cody Stamann is well-rounded but lacks power, and Taylor's ability to work in and out of range should be key. However, he worries that Taylor might be too tentative like in his last fight, where he was afraid of takedowns and didn't throw enough. He thinks Taylor is the better overall fighter but the fight could be close.

Big Brady picks Taylor Lapilus to win by decision. He highlights Lapilus's elite takedown defense and get-up game, as well as a 9-inch reach advantage. He notes that Cody Stamann hasn't wrestled since 2020 and has only completed five takedowns, so the fight will likely stay standing where Lapilus has the edge.

Cody picks Lapilus, noting that Stamann has been inactive and has not looked interested in wrestling recently. Lapilus is a smooth striker with good takedown defense. Cody expects Lapilus to outpoint Stamann on the feet and win a decision. He trusts Lapilus' activity and technical striking.

Daniel confidently picks Stamann as a plus-money underdog, arguing that Lapilus fights close decisions and doesn't run through opponents. He notes Stamann is experienced and competitive with everyone, and that the line is too wide. He expects a controversial split decision for Stamann.

Jacob picks Taylor Lapilus, agreeing with the odds. He notes that Taylor is probably twice the fighter Cody is, with great striking and takedown defense. Cody is tough and has boxing and wrestling, but Jacob thinks Taylor's skills should win the fight, likely by decision. He warns that the -250 odds might make people sweat because Cody is no pushover and could win rounds. He also mentions that Taylor's -3.5 round line might be risky because Taylor is not high volume.

Lapilus has speed and striking advantage from distance, but his takedown defense is a concern. Stamann has a wrestling background but doesn't use it enough. Lapilus should land better strikes and stuff takedowns to win a decision, but the line at -265 is too wide for comfort.

Paul picks Lapilus, noting that Stamann has not used his wrestling in recent fights and seems to have lost interest. Lapilus is the better striker and should win a competitive decision. Paul thinks Stamann's inactivity and lack of urgency will cost him.

Angelo gives a slight lean to Cody Stamann, citing his wrestling and pace. He notes Douglas Silva de Andrade hits hard and is strong at 135, but Stamann can stick with the pace. He says both are durable and if he bets, it would be over 2.5 rounds. He calls it a slight lean.

Big Brady sees this as a close fight. He notes Stamann has a volume edge on the feet, but Andrade has a four-inch reach advantage and all the power and finishing upside. He mentions Andrade has good takedown defense and an excellent get-up game, making it hard for Stamann to hold him down. Brady expects a competitive striking match that likely goes to decision, and picks Andrade to win by landing the bigger shots and having the bigger moments, possibly via split decision.

Cody picks Stamann but is hesitant, noting that Stamann often struggles against opponents he should beat. He points out Stamann's close fight with Luan Lacerda where he was outstruck in damage. He worries about de Andrade's power and takedown defense, and thinks the line is accurate. He expects a close decision.

Connor leans toward Stamann but is less confident, noting that Stamann's new aggressive style still has hitches and that de Andrade's power and unpredictability could cause problems. He thinks Stamann's counterpunching and body work are key, but de Andrade's wild swings could land. Connor sees this as a good test for Stamann's evolution.

Daniel Levi picks Cody Stamann via decision, describing him as a solid, meat-and-potatoes fighter who does just enough to win. He notes that Stamann's fights are usually close, but he consistently edges out opponents. Levi acknowledges Silva de Andrade's power and submission threats, but believes Stamann's takedown defense and point fighting will earn him a narrow decision. He calls it a dog-or-pass situation for betting.

Stamann's speed and footwork will keep him out of danger against the aggressive, powerful Silva de Andrade. He can dart in and out with combinations, mix in takedowns to slow the Brazilian, and pull away later in the fight. Stamann is motivated and will put on a complete performance to win by decision.

Paul picks Stamann, expecting him to utilize his wrestling and pace. He notes that Stamann should avoid striking exchanges and take the fight to the ground. He thinks the line should be closer to -200 and sees value at -145. He mentions Stamann's takedown prop on PrizePicks.

The MMA Guru leans towards Douglas Silva de Andrade, citing his toughness and dangerous pocket fighting. He notes that Cody Stamann has short reach and must be in the pocket, where Silva de Andrade is more dangerous. He predicts a close decision win.

Big Brady picks Cody Stamann as the rightful favorite due to fighting much better competition. He notes Lacerda has a legit BJJ black belt but often pulls guard and rolls for submissions, which doesn't work as well in the UFC. He thinks Lacerda won't be able to get takedowns and will have to rely on a Hail Mary submission. Stamann has been submitted twice but against elite grapplers like Sterling and Said. He predicts a decision win for Stamann.

Cody picks Cody Stamann confidently, noting his wrestling, cardio, and versatility. He says Stamann is a generalist who can do everything well, while Lacerda is a one-dimensional BJJ specialist. He thinks Stamann will neutralize Lacerda's grappling and win on the feet. He mentions Stamann's experience against top competition and his ability to avoid submissions.

Connor agrees, noting Lacerda is not proactive and Stamann is a tough gatekeeper. Lacerda's style is janky and he may not be able to exploit Stamann's flaws.

Paul picks Cody Stamann, noting his wrestling and striking advantages. He says Stamann is a safe bet among the big favorites on the card. He mentions Lacerda's BJJ is dangerous but thinks Stamann will avoid submissions and win a decision. He says Stamann's experience and versatility will be too much.

The Guru picks Stamann despite acknowledging the risk of decline. He notes Stamann's losses are to top bantamweights like Sterling, Develashvili, and Rivera, and he beat Eddie Wineland convincingly. At 33, Stamann is still hungry and training at Extreme Couture. The Guru believes Lacerda is not on the level of Sayed or Song to submit Stamann, and that Stamann's wrestling and pressure will carry him to a 29-28 decision after surviving an early bad situation.

Angelo picks Cody Stamann, citing his well-rounded skills, wrestling background, and pace. He notes Stamann averages almost 3 takedowns per fight and has no problem getting in his opponent's face. He acknowledges Eddie Wineland's experience and danger but believes Stamann's wrestling and pace will be the difference.

Big Brady picks Cody Stamann to win by second-round knockout. He acknowledges Stamann is a wrestler but believes he can outstrike Wineland, who has poor striking defense and a weak chin. He notes Wineland's takedown defense is historically good, but Stamann's power and Wineland's decline make a knockout likely.

Cody picks Stamann, noting his tough competition and advanced skill set. He thinks Wineland's chin and reflexes are gone, and Stamann will win by decision or TKO. He suggests waiting for weigh-ins due to Stamann's weight cut issues.

Daniel Levi confidently picks Cody Stamann, noting Eddie Wineland is damaged goods at 38 and has been knocked out by lesser fighters. Stamann is a competent, well-rounded fighter who wins rounds, though he rarely finishes. Levi expects a unanimous decision but acknowledges the -700 price is not worth betting. He simply states Stamann is the pick.

Paul agrees, noting Wineland's age and recent KO losses. He thinks the UFC is giving Stamann a favorable matchup and he should win easily. He also suggests waiting for weigh-ins.

Angelo picks Cody Stamann, expecting his pace and takedowns to frustrate a ring-rusty Nurmagomedov. He compares it to Barcelos vs Nurmagomedov where Barcelos won a decision. He admits it's not a confident pick but likes Cody in that matchup.

Big Brady picks Said Nurmagomedov to win by decision, citing his striking advantage, volume, defense, and significant reach and height advantages. He notes that Stamann's path to victory is takedowns, but Stamann struggles to control opponents and Nurmagomedov has good takedown defense and scrambling. He expects the fight to stay on the feet where Nurmagomedov will outpoint Stamann.

Cody picks Cody Stamann as a live underdog, arguing that the line is off because people assume Nurmagomedov has grappling like other Nurmagomedovs, but Said is primarily a striker. He notes that Said has been taken down before (e.g., by Bibilatov) and that Stamann has good wrestling and game plans. Cody believes Stamann will use takedowns and top control to win a decision, and likes the plus money.

Daniel Levi leans toward Said Nurmagomedov but is not confident enough to lay the -200 price. He notes Nurmagomedov's explosive striking and six-inch reach advantage, but acknowledges Stamann's wrestling and ability to make fights close. Levi thinks Stamann can be competitive with anyone and that the fight could be a split decision. He ultimately gives a slight edge to Nurmagomedov due to his flashy striking and crowd-pleasing style.

The host believes the line is inflated due to the 'Russian tax' on Nurmagomedov. He argues that Stamann has the wrestling advantage and will be able to take Nurmagomedov down, especially in later rounds. He notes that Nurmagomedov prefers to strike from range, but Stamann can crash the pocket and use his wrestling. He expects Stamann to win a decision by out-grappling and out-working Nurmagomedov.

Paul agrees with Cody, picking Stamann as a live dog. He notes that Said's wrestling hasn't been tested at UFC level and that Stamann is a bigger bantamweight who has fought tough competition. Paul believes Stamann's wrestling and game planning will expose Said's defensive weaknesses. He also mentions that Stamann has scored takedowns in his last four fights.

Big Brady picks Merab Dvalishvili to win by decision. He highlights Merab's relentless pace, pressure, and takedown volume, even if he can't hold opponents down. He believes Merab will wear Stamann down with constant takedown attempts and cage pressure. Brady notes that both fighters are not finishers, so he expects the fight to go to decision. He also suggests Merab by decision as a parlay piece.

Cody is intrigued by Cody Stamann as an underdog. He notes that Merab's takedowns are often stuffed by better competition, as seen in the John Dodson fight (2 for 20). He thinks Stamann has the better striking and can stuff takedowns, making it a close competitive fight. He also mentions that Merab's main training partner Aljamain Sterling is out with surgery, which could affect his preparation. He acknowledges the sweat because Merab's grinding style is tough to bet against, but at +215 he finds it generous enough.

Daniel Levi picks Merab Dvalishvili to win, emphasizing his relentless pressure, takedown volume, and improved striking. He notes that Stamann is solid but tends to be a point fighter who may be outworked. Levi believes Dvalishvili's aggression and cardio will lead to a decision win.

The host picks Merab Dvalishvili by decision, citing his relentless pace and takedown volume. He notes that Stamann is a good wrestler but expects Dvalishvili's motor to be too much. He believes the fight goes the distance and Dvalishvili wins on volume.

Paul is leaning toward Merab, noting that he has made tons of improvements and is a grinding machine. He acknowledges that Stamann is a better striker and has decent wrestling, but Merab's relentless takedown pace could overwhelm him. He mentions that Merab's takedown numbers are impressive (11-13 per fight) and that even if Stamann gets up, Merab will drag him back down. However, he is not convinced Merab can dominate wrestling exchanges against Stamann, and he prefers the 'Merab by decision' prop at -125.

Big Brady picks Jimmie Rivera, believing he is the better striker and faster fighter. He thinks Rivera's 95% takedown defense will neutralize Stamann's wrestling, and that Rivera will land more and harder strikes. He predicts a decision win, noting neither fighter is a finisher, and suggests betting on Rivera by decision or the fight going to decision.

Daniel Levi picks Cody Stamann as a live underdog, citing his versatility, fight IQ, and ability to fight in multiple stances. He believes Rivera has an old-school style and hasn't evolved, while Stamann can outpoint and outwork him, possibly even knocking him down.