Angelo picks Josh Hokit, calling him a potential superstar with athleticism, speed, and power. He acknowledges Denzel Freeman's impressive highlights but notes his terrible UFC debut where he made noises instead of fighting. He expects Hokit's wrestling and forward pressure to be too much, though he warns the fight could be oddly competitive.

Big Brady leans Freeman despite his poor UFC debut, citing his striking and wrestling background. He thinks the line is inflated due to recency bias. He expects a striking fight since both are wrestlers, and Freeman has the edge on the feet. He predicts Freeman by decision, though he thinks the fight might be slow.

Cody leans toward Ian Freeman, citing his wrestling and durability. He notes Freeman's Greco-Roman background should help him stuff takedowns, and his striking is underrated. Cody believes Freeman can outwork Hokit if the fight goes past the first round, and likes the over 1.5 rounds prop.

Connor picks Freeman because he can grind out tough fights and has shown durability, never being knocked out. He notes that Hokit seems like a fighter who either wins instantly or melts down, and Freeman has experience in ugly, grindy fights. Connor is not confident but leans Freeman.

Daniel Vreeland picks Josh Hokit but is not confident. He notes that Hokit is a good prospect but needs to prove himself against better competition. Freeman is an awkward wrestler with a Greco background, which could neutralize Hokit's wrestling. Vreeland is curious to see how the fight plays out on the feet and whether Hokit can dominate on the ground.

James leans towards Freeman as an underdog, citing his better overall striking and value at plus odds. He notes Hokit has knockout power but Freeman's kicking and boxing are superior. However, he is not confident and plans to tape study more.

The host leans towards Hokit by TKO, citing his fight IQ and ability to push a pace. He acknowledges Freeman is more skilled but believes Hokit is the better fighter who will dig deeper. He suggests Freeman is a no-brainer dog shot due to his skill advantage, but picks Hokit to smother Freeman and finish in the second or third round.

Paul picks Josh Hokit but is not confident, noting Freeman's wrestling background and size advantage. He believes Hokit's athleticism and pressure could overwhelm Freeman, but worries about Hokit's cardio and inexperience. Paul prefers the over 1.5 rounds prop.

The MMA Guru picks Josh Hokit, calling him a 'blob destroyer' who finishes fights early. He contrasts Hokit's first-round TKOs with Denzel Freeman's forgettable debut, and believes Hokit will become a contender. He predicts a first-round finish.

Angelo picks Denzel Freeman over Marek Bujło, expressing surprise that 75% of Tapology voters favor Bujło. He describes Freeman as a better wrestler, striker, and athlete, while Bujło is a one-dimensional grappler who avoids striking. Angelo compares it to Josh Hoett's win over a jiu-jitsu guy, expecting Freeman to dominate with powerful shots and takedowns.

Big Brady picks Denzel Freeman based on his superior competition and wrestling background. He notes Freeman's significant striking and cardio advantages, and expects him to stuff takedowns and finish early. He predicts a first-round knockout, citing that BJJ specialists often struggle if they can't get the fight to the ground.

Cody picks Ian Freeman, noting his wrestling and cardio. He believes Bujło is inexperienced and has only fought low-level competition. Cody thinks Freeman can take Bujło down and finish him or win a decision.

Connor agrees, picking Bujło. He notes that Bujło is bigger and has a more traditional martial arts background, and is undefeated. Freeman has lost a couple of times and is smaller. He says there are no other distinguishing characteristics.

Freeman is a wrestler with a taekwondo background, moves well, and has a striking advantage. He should be able to work back to his feet if taken down and eventually finish Merrick in the second round. Merrick has faced no real opposition and will struggle against Freeman's resistance.

Paul picks Ian Freeman, citing his wrestling and experience. He notes that Bujło has only fought once in three years and has never been past the first round. Paul believes Freeman's wrestling and cardio will be decisive.

The MMA Guru picks Denzel Freeman over Marek Bujło, citing Bujło's untested competition and Freeman's more proven record. He notes Freeman has KO power, a wrestling background, and a size advantage of 20 lbs. He believes Freeman's experience against undefeated heavyweights like Asplund gives him the edge.