Career Averages - Payton Talbott
Career Averages - Felipe Lima
Payton Talbott
Felipe Lima
Payton Talbott - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Cejudo | 0 | 60 of 116 | 51% | 77 of 136 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 2:39 |
| Payton Talbott | 1 | 134 of 217 | 61% | 156 of 240 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henry Cejudo | 0 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 26 of 49 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 40 of 57 | 70% | 50 of 67 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 | |
| 2 | Henry Cejudo | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 30 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:13 |
| Payton Talbott | 1 | 50 of 88 | 56% | 57 of 95 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 | |
| 3 | Henry Cejudo | 0 | 20 of 34 | 58% | 21 of 35 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 44 of 72 | 61% | 49 of 78 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Cejudo | 60 of 116 | 51% | 33 of 83 | 10 of 12 | 17 of 21 | 51 of 104 | 7 of 10 | 2 of 2 |
| Payton Talbott | 134 of 217 | 61% | 89 of 167 | 34 of 39 | 11 of 11 | 90 of 168 | 28 of 31 | 16 of 18 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henry Cejudo | 22 of 44 | 50% | 11 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 14 | 18 of 39 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
| Payton Talbott | 40 of 57 | 70% | 28 of 45 | 7 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 29 of 46 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 7 | |
| 2 | Henry Cejudo | 18 of 38 | 47% | 11 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 16 of 34 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Payton Talbott | 50 of 88 | 56% | 35 of 69 | 13 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 29 of 62 | 12 of 15 | 9 of 11 | |
| 3 | Henry Cejudo | 20 of 34 | 58% | 11 of 25 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 17 of 31 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Payton Talbott | 44 of 72 | 61% | 26 of 53 | 14 of 15 | 4 of 4 | 32 of 60 | 12 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Payton Talbott, acknowledging Henry Cejudo's Olympic wrestling credentials but believing Cejudo is too old and past his prime. He notes that Talbott is much larger, athletic, and has improved his wrestling since the Hani Barcelos fight. Angelo expects Talbott to use his size and speed to overwhelm Cejudo, despite his personal admiration for Cejudo.
Big Brady picks Payton Talbott, noting Cejudo's retirement talk, lack of recent wins, and decline. He highlights Talbott's improvements in takedown defense and scrambling after the Barcelos fight. He expects Talbott to win by third-round knockout.
Cody is hesitant but picks Talbott, noting that Cejudo's recent fights show he doesn't wrestle enough. He points out that Cejudo's takedown attempts have declined and he relies on striking, where Talbott has a reach advantage. He mentions that Talbott's wrestling looked improved against Felipe Lima. He is tempted by Cejudo's dog odds but doesn't trust him to wrestle.
Connor picks Talbott, arguing that Cejudo doesn't want to wrestle and will likely revert to his preferred striking. He notes that Talbott has shown improvement in defensive wrestling since the Barcelos fight, and his pressure-volume style is effective. Connor believes Cejudo can hit takedowns but doubts his ability to stick with a wrestling-heavy game plan, especially at 38. He sees Talbott as a younger, more dynamic striker who understands pace and pressure.
Daniel picks Talbott, citing Cejudo's age (38), size disadvantage (5'4 vs 5'10), and decline since retirement. He expects Cejudo to have early success but fade, while Talbott's power and athleticism will take over. He notes Talbott's learning from his first loss and improved confidence.
Lucrative James believes Henry Cejudo is not fully committed to MMA, citing his content creation and retirement talk. He thinks Talbott's relentless pressure and body work will wear down Cejudo, especially in rounds 2 and 3. He notes Talbott's presence and striking flow are exceptional and predicts a round 3 stoppage or decision win.
The host expects the fight to be more competitive than the -255 odds suggest but still picks Talbott to land more effective damage and do enough defensive grappling to keep Cejudo from grinding. He predicts a decision win for Talbott.
Paul picks Talbott, echoing Cody's concerns about Cejudo's wrestling. He notes that Cejudo's best wins came against older or smaller opponents and that he hasn't knocked anyone out since 2020. He believes Talbott's length and accuracy will cause problems for Cejudo, who is reluctant to shoot takedowns. He thinks Talbott wins by decision or TKO.
The Guru picks Henry Cejudo as a +230 underdog over Payton Talbott. He believes Talbott is being pushed too fast and Cejudo's experience and chin will be too much. The Guru predicts a 29-28 decision win for Cejudo.
Zane agrees with Connor, noting that Cejudo's career shows a reluctance to wrestle unless forced. He points out that Talbott's game is built on pressure and volume, similar to Colby Covington's approach, but with actual striking talent. Zane believes Talbott will come in improved after the Lima fight, where he showed better defensive wrestling. He thinks Cejudo's takedowns will be less effective as the fight goes on, and Talbott's pace will overwhelm him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 59 of 118 | 50% | 97 of 165 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 4:49 |
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 26 of 58 | 44% | 37 of 70 | 3 of 15 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 14 of 26 | 53% | 22 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:43 |
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 17 of 27 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:45 | |
| 2 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 21 of 46 | 45% | 35 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:52 |
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 11 of 22 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 | |
| 3 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 24 of 46 | 52% | 40 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 9 of 21 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 59 of 118 | 50% | 48 of 103 | 5 of 7 | 6 of 8 | 37 of 93 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 23 |
| Felipe Lima | 26 of 58 | 44% | 17 of 48 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 21 of 52 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 14 of 26 | 53% | 11 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 5 |
| Felipe Lima | 10 of 20 | 50% | 8 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Payton Talbott | 21 of 46 | 45% | 19 of 42 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 12 |
| Felipe Lima | 9 of 20 | 45% | 5 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Payton Talbott | 24 of 46 | 52% | 18 of 39 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 6 |
| Felipe Lima | 7 of 18 | 38% | 4 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Felipe Lima because he believes Lima is a better all-around fighter than Payton Talbott, with superior grappling and the ability to mix striking and takedowns. He notes that Talbott's takedown defense was exposed in his last fight, and Lima has better wins in the UFC. He disagrees with the odds, saying both are even prospects and the line should be closer, but he still favors Lima.
Big Brady identifies a clear hole in Payton Talbott's game: his wrestling and ground defense, as seen in the Barcelos fight where he was taken down repeatedly. He notes that Felipe Lima is well-rounded and a high-level grappler who can take Talbott down and control him. Brady believes Lima will use his wrestling advantage to secure a decision win, as Talbott's striking is good but Lima can hang on the feet and then dominate on the mat.
Connor picks Talbott but acknowledges the risk. He believes Talbott is a special striker with a deep understanding of pace and pressure, and that he will likely land big shots early. However, he notes that Lima is incredibly durable and mentally resilient, and that Talbott has shown vulnerability to wrestling and grinding fights. He thinks this is reckless matchmaking for Talbott after his loss.
The host considers Lima a higher-level prospect than Talbott, expecting Lima to touch him up with combinations and takedown attempts, grinding out a decision win.
The host picks Felipe Lima, arguing that Talbott's wins have aged poorly and that Lima is more well-rounded. He criticizes Talbott's head movement and ground defense, noting that he gives up his back often. He believes Lima will finish by rear-naked choke in the first or second round, as he is a more proven prospect with better striking and grappling.
Zane also picks Talbott but is cautious. He agrees that Talbott is a special striker and that Lima's wrestling may not be enough to exploit Talbott's weaknesses. However, he notes that Lima is a tough, durable fighter who can turn the fight into a war, and Talbott has not been in such a fight before. He thinks there is a strong chance Talbott loses composure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raoni Barcelos | 0 | 49 of 84 | 58% | 59 of 95 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 62 of 85 | 72% | 91 of 115 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 2 | 0 | 9:43 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raoni Barcelos | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 19 of 23 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 | 0 | 4:51 | |
| 2 | Raoni Barcelos | 0 | 25 of 44 | 56% | 26 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 17 of 22 | 77% | 23 of 28 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 2:35 | |
| 3 | Raoni Barcelos | 0 | 22 of 38 | 57% | 31 of 47 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 37 of 52 | 71% | 49 of 64 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 2:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raoni Barcelos | 49 of 84 | 58% | 39 of 74 | 7 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 37 of 67 | 7 of 10 | 5 of 7 |
| Payton Talbott | 62 of 85 | 72% | 59 of 81 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 18 of 30 | 5 of 5 | 39 of 50 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raoni Barcelos | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Payton Talbott | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 11 | |
| 2 | Raoni Barcelos | 25 of 44 | 56% | 21 of 40 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Payton Talbott | 17 of 22 | 77% | 14 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 | |
| 3 | Raoni Barcelos | 22 of 38 | 57% | 18 of 34 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 22 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 7 |
| Payton Talbott | 37 of 52 | 71% | 37 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 14 | 3 of 3 | 27 of 35 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Talbott (-1200), Barcelos (+750)
Round 1
A red-hot commodity in flashy, undefeated Talbott (9-0, 3-0 UFC) will serve as the preliminary headliner, hoping to wrest the torch from aging Brazilian Barcelos (18-5, 7-4 UFC) in a pivotal bantamweight affair. Talbott has only heard the final bell one time, while his opponent can say he has been involved with more decisions than Talbott has pro fights. Referee Herb Dean will serve as the arbiter of this bout, and the fighters acknowledge him and one another but do not tap their gloves together. Barcelos starts the fight by leaping at Talbott’s left leg, pursuing a single without letting the youngster get started. Talbott backs himself to the wall and sets up a guillotine choke, but the veteran trips him up and puts him on his seat without fear of the submission. Talbott is loudly warned by grabbing inside of Barcelos’ gloves, and he wall-walks to get back up and lean against the fence. Barcelos laces his legs between his opponent’s in hopes of snaking him down, and he jumps on Talbott’s back to further threaten him. Talbott shakes him off, and Barcelos tries again to be a malicious backpack but settles for pulling the unbeaten fighter face-first to the floor. Barcelos wraps his leg around the waist for a single hook, and Talbott is once more warned for foot grabs. Barcelos times a Talbott scramble perfectly to wrap his forearm around the neck, only to let it go so he can start slugging Talbott on the side of the head. Talbott turns to his side while under fire, and he fights off a choke and finds himself in a second. Barcelos does not have the choke under the chin and is more neck/face cranking him to make his life miserable, and he once more releases it to shift into full mount. The Brazilian drops down a powerful elbow and he moves to half guard to he can set up an arm-triangle choke, squeezing down hard but not going for broke to get it done. Talbott remains calm and composed despite getting dominated, and Barcelos leaps over him and holds him down from the other side while in half guard. Barcelos gets directly to full mount like a hot knife cutting through butter, and he lets Talbott give up his back so he can go for one final choke before time runs out in the round. The one-sided round ends before Barcelos can get it.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Barcelos
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Barcelos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Barcelos
Round 2
The fighters race towards one another to start the second round, and Talbott is the aggressor as he pushes jabs out to keep Barcelos honest. Barcelos scores a few low kicks, but one is met with a right hand over the top. Barcelos shoots, and Talbott shuts him down. As Talbott slides forward to strike, Barcelos deftly trips him up and places him flat on his back. Barcelos lands immediately in half guard, and he is active on top. Talbott scrambles to get to his knees, and he takes a knee on the chin while freeing himself. Talbott walks Barcelos down with long, straight punches, and Barcelos returns fire with a right hand that leads into a clean takedown. The Brazilian hits the mat on top in side control, and he leaps into full mount uncontested. Barcelos gets a little high, and before Talbott can buck him off or sneak out the back, he moves himself down a bit. This does not matter, as Talbott still escapes to get up, but not before taking a knee on the liver. Talbott is surprised by the strike, opening Barcelos up to nail him with a spinning back fist. The prospect walks forward ready to trade, and he connects with a few punches only to get nailed with a right hand on the way back. Talbott smiles and waves him on, as he is much more comfortable in a wild striking exchange than a grappling affair. Talbott shucks off a takedown and connects with a powerful uppercut, and he fights off another takedown try. On the third, Barcelos manages to wrangle Talbott to the floor, and he gets to half guard and hops to the side to drop down a powerful elbow. As Barcelos is about to set up a crucifix, the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barcelos
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Barcelos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barcelos
Round 3
The bantamweights get right to it to start off the last round, with Talbott pressuring fully and clipping Barcelos with an uppercut. A few more punches are strung together, and Barcelos goes after a telegraphed takedown. Talbott sees it coming and hits a beautiful throw that reverses the Brazilian and puts him on the mat. As “USA” chants echo through the Intuit Dome, Barcelos worms his way to the fencing but absorbs some ground-and-pound to get there. Talbott scores a few punches, and Barcelos tosses his leg up to hook an omoplata shoulder lock. As he does this, he hooks his hand in the fence, and Dean sees it and pauses the fight. Dean offers to take away the position from the foul, and when Talbott says no, they resume in the position they left off. Barcelos explodes back to his feet and blasts the youngster with a flurry of punches, including a flying knee that does some damage. Talbott responds with a flying knee that rocks the Brazilian, and as they both hit the ground from wild strikes, they climb back up and trade again. Barcelos backs off to take some breathes, and Talbott drops his hands and marches forward like a Terminator. Barcelos fakes a level change, and Talbott answers with a spinning wheel kick that slaps him in the face. Barcelos grins and attacks another takedown, landing it and taking some of the wind out of the American’s sails. Talbott turns to his knees, and Barcelos follows him every step of the way and wraps his legs around his waist. Barcelos slides into full mount when Talbott turns to his back, and he sets up an arm-triangle choke. Barcelos releases the choke and sits up to wrench on the arm with an unorthodox straight armbar, and he switches gears for a rear-naked choke that is not under the chin. Talbott signals a thumbs-up, and Barcelos lets it go to pound on Talbott with punctuating ground-and-pound. Barcelos unleashes a fury of punches and elbows, laying down one final bombardment that only ends with 15 minutes elapsing—a few more seconds and he might have gotten the stoppage. The elder statesman put on a show here, shutting down the likely formerly unbeaten prospect and spring what may be “Upset of the Year” with Talbott closing with a betting line around -1200. What a performance, as Barcelos appears to have found the fountain of youth at the tender age of 37.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barcelos (30-26 Barcelos)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Barcelos (30-26 Barcelos)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barcelos (30-26 Barcelos)
The Official Result
Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Angelo is extremely confident in Payton Talbott, citing his youth, speed, and striking ability. He believes the age and speed gap will be decisive and expects Talbott to potentially knock out Barcelos. He warns against betting Talbott at -1200, calling it too risky.
Cody picks Payton Talbott confidently, viewing him as a rising star. He notes Talbott's exceptional striking, athleticism, and rapidly improving takedown defense. Cody points out that Barcelos is 37 and has slowed down, with recent losses showing regression in wrestling, striking defense, and reflexes. He believes Talbott's speed and power will be too much, and that Barcelos's best days are behind him. Cody expects Talbott to win dominantly, possibly by knockout.
Daniel picks Talbott by knockout, citing his volume, power, and swag. He notes that Barcelos is almost 40 and has taken too much damage in recent fights. Daniel mentions that Barcelos is a savvy vet but Talbott is quicker, younger, and more durable. He says he cannot lay -1200 but expects Talbott to win by knockout.
The host is a huge Barcelos fan but acknowledges Talbott is a much slicker striker who uses speed and power to land big shots. He expects Talbott to put Barcelos away in under one and a half rounds.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Talbott. He notes that Talbott looks like he's in the Matrix and is a new-generation fighter. Paul believes Barcelos is too slow and past his prime, and that Talbott's speed and striking will be decisive. He also mentions that Barcelos has been taken down and outworked by younger fighters recently. Paul is not stepping in front of the Talbott train.
The MMA Guru picks Payton Talbott to win by TKO. He notes Barcelos' chin is deteriorating with age (37), and Talbott is a big bantamweight with reach advantage. He worries about Talbott's activity and social media distractions but believes he will catch Barcelos on the feet. He predicts a KO late in the first or second round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 1 | 13 of 13 | 100% | 13 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Yanis Ghemmouri | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 1 | 13 of 13 | 100% | 13 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Yanis Ghemmouri | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 13 of 13 | 100% | 12 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 9 |
| Yanis Ghemmouri | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 13 of 13 | 100% | 12 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 9 |
| Yanis Ghemmouri | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Talbott, calling him a future star. He notes that Talbott has excellent footwork, speed, and precision, and that he has finished all his opponents. Cody believes Ghemmouri is a step down in competition and that Talbott will likely win by knockout. He also mentions that Talbott's takedown defense has improved and that he is comfortable striking.
Daniel sees Talbott as a rising star with astronomic improvements, citing his win over Cameron Simon as eye-opening. He thinks Ghemmouri is a solid but low-output kickboxer who lacks the 'it factor.' He expects Talbott to eventually make reads and finish, possibly by guillotine or head kick, but acknowledges it could go the distance.
The host does not discuss this fight at all in the transcript. The entire podcast is focused on the Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight, which is not on the provided fight card. Therefore, no pick is made for this fight.
The host is very confident Talbott will win, calling him one of the best bantamweight strikers. He expects a highlight-reel knockout, noting Talbott's speed, footwork, and improved takedown defense. He criticizes Ghemmouri's management for taking this fight and says Talbott should have no trouble finishing him.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Talbott is a massive favorite for a reason. He points out that Talbott has never finished anyone in the first round but wears opponents down with volume. Paul believes Talbott will eventually get a knockout or submission, but the minus-1700 price is too high to bet straight. He suggests the knockout prop at minus-250 as a better option.
The Guru picks Payton Talbott over Yanis Ghemmouri. He acknowledges Talbott's hype but notes he is not a future champion. He believes Talbott has composure and finishing potential. He predicts a TKO in the second or third round, but warns that Ghemmouri may have moments and that Talbott should not be such a heavy favorite.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 1 | 79 of 129 | 61% | 83 of 135 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Cameron Saaiman | 0 | 31 of 64 | 48% | 33 of 66 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 59 of 105 | 56% | 63 of 111 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Cameron Saaiman | 0 | 31 of 62 | 50% | 33 of 64 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Payton Talbott | 1 | 20 of 24 | 83% | 20 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Cameron Saaiman | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 79 of 129 | 61% | 52 of 96 | 21 of 27 | 6 of 6 | 54 of 98 | 6 of 8 | 19 of 23 |
| Cameron Saaiman | 31 of 64 | 48% | 13 of 40 | 11 of 17 | 7 of 7 | 30 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 59 of 105 | 56% | 32 of 72 | 21 of 27 | 6 of 6 | 53 of 96 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 1 |
| Cameron Saaiman | 31 of 62 | 50% | 13 of 38 | 11 of 17 | 7 of 7 | 30 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Payton Talbott | 20 of 24 | 83% | 20 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 22 |
| Cameron Saaiman | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Payton Talbott, citing his dangerous striking and the poor performance of Saaiman in his last loss. He notes that Talbott's takedown defense is a concern, but Saaiman is not a great wrestler. He is undecided on a bet but may place a small wager or include Talbott in a high-risk parlay due to the even odds.
Big Brady picks Payton Talbott, citing his striking volume, power, pressure, cardio, and durability advantages. He notes Saaiman's takedown threat is a concern but believes the fight will primarily be on the feet. He predicts Talbott wins by decision, possibly finishing late.
Cody prefers the known commodity in Saaiman, who has proven his toughness and volume. He notes that Talbott is untested and lost the first round against Nick Aguirre. Cody believes Saaiman's forward pressure and volume will earn him rounds, and he likes the plus money on the underdog.
Daniel Vreeland leans toward Payton Talbott, citing his physical attributes, durability, and cardio. He notes Talbott is a slow starter but comes on strong in later rounds, while Saaiman is more technically sound. He expects a competitive fight but thinks Talbott's intangibles edge him out.
Talbott is the cleaner striker with good combinations and improving defensive grappling. Saaiman relies on athleticism and power but has been taken down and ground out before. Talbott should keep the fight standing and land cleaner shots, possibly opening up a finish. Saaiman's power is a threat, but Talbott's technical edge should win a decision.
Paul leans toward Talbott based on his reach advantage and high volume output (145 significant strikes in his Contender Series fight). He acknowledges Saaiman's takedown ability but thinks Talbott's striking and familiarity with the Vegas environment give him an edge. Paul sees it as a close fight.
The MMA Guru picks Cameron Saaiman over Payton Talbott, citing Saaiman's kicks and clinch work as key. He thinks Talbott is kickable and that Saaiman's body kicks and low kicks will be effective. He also favors Saaiman's grappling and scrambles. He predicts Saaiman wins a decision, losing the third round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 28 of 53 | 52% | 58 of 90 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 3:25 |
| Nick Aguirre | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 18 of 29 | 2 of 10 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 5:46 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Nick Aguirre | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 13 of 20 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 4:50 | |
| 2 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 39 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:00 |
| Nick Aguirre | 0 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 4 of 5 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 | |
| 3 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 14 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Nick Aguirre | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 28 of 53 | 52% | 22 of 46 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 26 |
| Nick Aguirre | 5 of 12 | 41% | 4 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Nick Aguirre | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Payton Talbott | 15 of 29 | 51% | 14 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 17 |
| Nick Aguirre | 4 of 5 | 80% | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Payton Talbott | 12 of 22 | 54% | 8 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 |
| Nick Aguirre | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Payton Talbott, noting he is a flashy striker with power and movement. He acknowledges Talbott can be out-grappled but expects him to starch his opponent. He comments that the odds at 4-to-1 or 5-to-1 seem wide but the UFC is building him up.
Big Brady thinks Talbott is a big favorite for a reason, with incredible striking and improved takedown defense. He notes Aguirre's striking is non-existent and that Dan Arretta out struck him 27-13. He predicts Talbott will drown Aguirre with volume and finish him in the second round, unless Aguirre gets a first-round submission. He says the price is wide but warranted.
Cody does not make a clear pick for this fight. He notes that Talbott is a huge favorite at -700 but is making his UFC debut, which makes him hesitant. He considers a sprinkle on Aguirre by submission as a dog play but does not commit to a pick.
Aguirre is a slick submission specialist with crafty BJJ. Talbott is a striker who has struggled with grappling control in the past. Aguirre can get the fight to the ground via clinch or pulling guard and find a submission. The line is too wide; a small poke on Aguirre by submission at +1000 is a steal.
Paul also does not make a clear pick. He discusses the line being too high for an unproven debutant and mentions that Aguirre has a chance via submission. He leans towards not betting the favorite but does not pick a side.
The MMA Guru picks Payton Talbott to win by TKO, calling Nick Aguirre 'garbage' and criticizing the matchup as a gimme for Talbott. He praises Talbott's striking from the Contender Series and believes he will easily win.
Felipe Lima - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 0 | 59 of 118 | 50% | 97 of 165 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 4:49 |
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 26 of 58 | 44% | 37 of 70 | 3 of 15 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 14 of 26 | 53% | 22 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:43 |
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 17 of 27 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:45 | |
| 2 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 21 of 46 | 45% | 35 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:52 |
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 11 of 22 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 | |
| 3 | Payton Talbott | 0 | 24 of 46 | 52% | 40 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 9 of 21 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Talbott | 59 of 118 | 50% | 48 of 103 | 5 of 7 | 6 of 8 | 37 of 93 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 23 |
| Felipe Lima | 26 of 58 | 44% | 17 of 48 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 21 of 52 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton Talbott | 14 of 26 | 53% | 11 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 5 |
| Felipe Lima | 10 of 20 | 50% | 8 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Payton Talbott | 21 of 46 | 45% | 19 of 42 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 12 |
| Felipe Lima | 9 of 20 | 45% | 5 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Payton Talbott | 24 of 46 | 52% | 18 of 39 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 6 |
| Felipe Lima | 7 of 18 | 38% | 4 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Felipe Lima because he believes Lima is a better all-around fighter than Payton Talbott, with superior grappling and the ability to mix striking and takedowns. He notes that Talbott's takedown defense was exposed in his last fight, and Lima has better wins in the UFC. He disagrees with the odds, saying both are even prospects and the line should be closer, but he still favors Lima.
Big Brady identifies a clear hole in Payton Talbott's game: his wrestling and ground defense, as seen in the Barcelos fight where he was taken down repeatedly. He notes that Felipe Lima is well-rounded and a high-level grappler who can take Talbott down and control him. Brady believes Lima will use his wrestling advantage to secure a decision win, as Talbott's striking is good but Lima can hang on the feet and then dominate on the mat.
Connor picks Talbott but acknowledges the risk. He believes Talbott is a special striker with a deep understanding of pace and pressure, and that he will likely land big shots early. However, he notes that Lima is incredibly durable and mentally resilient, and that Talbott has shown vulnerability to wrestling and grinding fights. He thinks this is reckless matchmaking for Talbott after his loss.
The host considers Lima a higher-level prospect than Talbott, expecting Lima to touch him up with combinations and takedown attempts, grinding out a decision win.
The host picks Felipe Lima, arguing that Talbott's wins have aged poorly and that Lima is more well-rounded. He criticizes Talbott's head movement and ground defense, noting that he gives up his back often. He believes Lima will finish by rear-naked choke in the first or second round, as he is a more proven prospect with better striking and grappling.
Zane also picks Talbott but is cautious. He agrees that Talbott is a special striker and that Lima's wrestling may not be enough to exploit Talbott's weaknesses. However, he notes that Lima is a tough, durable fighter who can turn the fight into a war, and Talbott has not been in such a fight before. He thinks there is a strong chance Talbott loses composure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 31 of 137 | 22% | 35 of 143 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:35 |
| Miles Johns | 0 | 55 of 134 | 41% | 60 of 140 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 | 0 | 2:55 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 12 of 43 | 27% | 12 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Miles Johns | 0 | 20 of 48 | 41% | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 15 of 61 | 24% | 18 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Miles Johns | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 27 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 3 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 4 of 33 | 12% | 5 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:32 |
| Miles Johns | 0 | 11 of 28 | 39% | 13 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:09 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felipe Lima | 31 of 137 | 22% | 21 of 122 | 5 of 7 | 5 of 8 | 31 of 135 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Miles Johns | 55 of 134 | 41% | 43 of 112 | 7 of 10 | 5 of 12 | 52 of 126 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felipe Lima | 12 of 43 | 27% | 9 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Miles Johns | 20 of 48 | 41% | 13 of 34 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 9 | 18 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Felipe Lima | 15 of 61 | 24% | 9 of 54 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 15 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Miles Johns | 24 of 58 | 41% | 21 of 52 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 24 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Felipe Lima | 4 of 33 | 12% | 3 of 29 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 31 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Miles Johns | 11 of 28 | 39% | 9 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 2 |
Angelo picks Miles Johns despite acknowledging Felipe Lima is more talented. He trusts Johns' veteran savvy and wrestling, but is hesitant because Johns has a history of abandoning wrestling to sit on right hands. He notes Lima slowed in his last fight and that Johns could win if he actually wrestles. He emphasizes this is a pick, not a bet, and would only consider betting if Johns is a big underdog.
Big Brady picks Miles Johns as a big underdog, calling the line 'nonsense'. He thinks Johns is the better wrestler and can dictate where the fight goes, and notes Johns has elite defensive striking (69% defense). He believes Lima is overhyped and that his win over Naimov was aided by Naimov quitting. He expects a close fight and takes the plus money.
Cody picks Felipe Lima, citing his well-rounded skills, excellent grappling, and striking. He notes that Miles Johns has a wrestling advantage but has struggled with cardio and was caught for PEDs. Cody believes Lima's volume and scrambling will win the fight, though he doesn't love the line.
Connor also picks Lima, noting that Lima's game is built on the idea that he will bounce back from anything, and that Johns needs to convince opponents they can't tussle with him, which is hard against a confident young fighter like Lima. He acknowledges that Lima will get into trouble but thinks Johns' control is a veneer and that Lima's finishing ability gives him the edge.
Daniel Vreeland picks Felipe Lima, contingent on him pushing a high pace. He notes Miles Johns fights at a low output and Lima must stay in his face and not give him time to rest. Vreeland believes Lima's grappling and volume can overwhelm Johns, who dislikes high-paced fights. He warns that if Lima fights at a low pace, Johns will win.
Lima's more technical and aggressive striking approach, combined with defensive grappling, should allow him to land more damage and eke out a decision. However, the odds are considered too wide, and Miles Johns is a potential dog at +200, making this a hesitant pick.
Paul picks Felipe Lima, agreeing with Cody. He notes that Johns has a path via wrestling but Lima's superior striking and grappling should prevail. Paul is not confident enough to bet heavily but sees Lima as the likely winner.
The MMA Guru picks Felipe Lima, citing his speed, dynamic kicking, and more diverse striking compared to Miles Johns, who he describes as a boxer with limited combinations. He notes that Johns is moving up to featherweight for the first time and may not have the size advantage. He also mentions Lima's youth (26) and the momentum of Brazilian prospects. He predicts Lima will finish Johns inside the distance.
Zane picks Lima but is torn. He notes that Lima is a confident, opportunistic fighter who never gives up, similar to early Brandon Moreno, while Miles Johns is a wrestle-boxer with a dated style but hits hard. Zane points out that Johns has faded in fights and his wins have asterisks, while Lima's willingness to engage and recover could overwhelm Johns. However, Lima's lack of control is a concern.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 30 of 85 | 35% | 55 of 120 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 37 of 70 | 52% | 62 of 98 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 31 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 35 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:43 | |
| 2 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 18 of 54 | 33% | 18 of 54 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 24 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 6 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 2 of 11 | 18% | 3 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felipe Lima | 30 of 85 | 35% | 14 of 60 | 6 of 15 | 10 of 10 | 26 of 72 | 2 of 7 | 2 of 6 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 37 of 70 | 52% | 10 of 37 | 14 of 19 | 13 of 14 | 31 of 60 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felipe Lima | 7 of 19 | 36% | 3 of 13 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 6 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 14 of 23 | 60% | 3 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 18 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Felipe Lima | 18 of 54 | 33% | 10 of 39 | 3 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 51 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 21 of 36 | 58% | 7 of 19 | 8 of 10 | 6 of 7 | 20 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Felipe Lima | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 2 of 11 | 18% | 0 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 7 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Naimov, citing his power, size, and athleticism. He notes that Felipe Lima is moving up from bantamweight on short notice, which is a significant disadvantage. He acknowledges Lima is a very good prospect but believes the size and power difference will be too much. He is surprised Naimov is not a bigger favorite.
Cody picks Lima despite moving up a weight class on short notice, believing he is the better fighter. He notes Naimov's cardio issues and reliance on power wrestling, and expects Lima to survive early rounds and take over later. He acknowledges the risk of Naimov's size and strength.
Daniel Vreeland picks Felipe Lima but is hesitant due to the 'debut stunt' factor. He believes Lima is the more well-rounded and physical fighter with five-round experience, but worries about debut jitters. He acknowledges Naimov's toughness and improvements but sees Lima as the better fighter overall.
Jacob picks Lima, believing he is the more technical striker and well-rounded fighter. He worries about the short notice and weight cut but thinks Lima's technicality will trouble Naimov. He notes Naimov struggled with Nathaniel Wood, who is not a big featherweight, and thinks Lima could outfight him. He is not sure if he will bet it.
JP picks Naimov by submission, noting that Bagdasarian's only two losses are by submission and Naimov has 3 submission wins. He believes Naimov will take the fight to the ground and submit him. Brevan agrees, adding that Naimov can also win by ground-and-pound. He suggests a prop bet on under 2.5 rounds. Both see Naimov finishing the fight early.
Paul leans towards Naimov, citing his size advantage and the fact that Lima is moving up on short notice. He notes that Naimov has never been finished and that Lima's preparation is questionable. However, he doesn't bet the winner, instead taking the over 2.5 rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov over Felipe Lima, despite expressing dislike for Naimov. He notes that Naimov is a massive featherweight with power, while Lima is a bantamweight moving up and has been out for 11 months. He believes Lima is undersized and lacks finishing potential, while Naimov has shown he can rock opponents. He also cynically suggests that Naimov may cheat if needed, but ultimately picks him to win.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Felipe Lima because he believes Lima is a better all-around fighter than Payton Talbott, with superior grappling and the ability to mix striking and takedowns. He notes that Talbott's takedown defense was exposed in his last fight, and Lima has better wins in the UFC. He disagrees with the odds, saying both are even prospects and the line should be closer, but he still favors Lima.
Big Brady identifies a clear hole in Payton Talbott's game: his wrestling and ground defense, as seen in the Barcelos fight where he was taken down repeatedly. He notes that Felipe Lima is well-rounded and a high-level grappler who can take Talbott down and control him. Brady believes Lima will use his wrestling advantage to secure a decision win, as Talbott's striking is good but Lima can hang on the feet and then dominate on the mat.
Connor picks Talbott but acknowledges the risk. He believes Talbott is a special striker with a deep understanding of pace and pressure, and that he will likely land big shots early. However, he notes that Lima is incredibly durable and mentally resilient, and that Talbott has shown vulnerability to wrestling and grinding fights. He thinks this is reckless matchmaking for Talbott after his loss.
The host considers Lima a higher-level prospect than Talbott, expecting Lima to touch him up with combinations and takedown attempts, grinding out a decision win.
The host picks Felipe Lima, arguing that Talbott's wins have aged poorly and that Lima is more well-rounded. He criticizes Talbott's head movement and ground defense, noting that he gives up his back often. He believes Lima will finish by rear-naked choke in the first or second round, as he is a more proven prospect with better striking and grappling.
Zane also picks Talbott but is cautious. He agrees that Talbott is a special striker and that Lima's wrestling may not be enough to exploit Talbott's weaknesses. However, he notes that Lima is a tough, durable fighter who can turn the fight into a war, and Talbott has not been in such a fight before. He thinks there is a strong chance Talbott loses composure.
Comments (1)
Lima wrestling is ok but not elite.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!