vs
-250 +215
UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott · Apr 18, 2026 · Bantamweight · Completed
Prev Fight UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott
Age 31
Height 5' 7"
Reach 66"
Weight 135 lbs.
Stance Orthodox
Age 31
Height 5' 7"
Reach 70"
Weight 135 lbs.
Stance Southpaw
Career Averages - Jamie Siraj
2.21 SLpM
25.0% Str. Acc.
7.73 SApM
38.0% Str. Def.
0.0 TD Avg
0.0% TD Acc.
0.0% TD Def.
0.0 Sub. Avg
Career Averages - John Yannis
3.3 SLpM
53.0% Str. Acc.
0.55 SApM
71.0% Str. Def.
0.0 TD Avg
0.0% TD Acc.
66.0% TD Def.
0.0 Sub. Avg
Jamie Siraj
Moneyline
BetWay -250
KO/TKO
BetRivers +750
Submission
BetRivers +200
Decision
BetRivers +230
John Yannis
Moneyline
FanDuel +215
KO/TKO
FanDuel +550
Submission
FanDuel +2200
Decision
FanDuel +550
Jamie Siraj - Fight History
LOSS vs John Yannis
KO R1 2:43 · UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott · Apr 18, 2026
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Jamie Siraj 0 6 of 24 25% 6 of 24 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
John Yannis 1 21 of 34 61% 21 of 34 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:09
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Jamie Siraj 0 6 of 24 25% 6 of 24 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
John Yannis 1 21 of 34 61% 21 of 34 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:09
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Jamie Siraj 6 of 24 25% 4 of 17 2 of 5 0 of 2 6 of 24 0 of 0 0 of 0
John Yannis 21 of 34 61% 12 of 24 8 of 8 1 of 2 16 of 27 0 of 0 5 of 7
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Jamie Siraj 6 of 24 25% 4 of 17 2 of 5 0 of 2 6 of 24 0 of 0 0 of 0
John Yannis 21 of 34 61% 12 of 24 8 of 8 1 of 2 16 of 27 0 of 0 5 of 7
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Jamie Siraj vs. John Yannis
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Siraj (-250); Yannis (+200)

Round 1
It’s Canada against the world in this rough UFC Fight Night card that may yet deliver in terms of action but is sorely lacking in the rankings-relevance department. Nevertheless, we persist, as there are 43 fight cards to punch through this year and a fight fan does not dine on caviar alone. The ground turkey of a fight card provides 12 matches, with nine of those featuring a Canadian athlete against a foreign adversary. The first fight of the night is one of those bouts when newcomers collide, as Siraj (14-3, 0-0 UFC) reps his home country against Texas-based Yannis (9-4, 0-1 UFC) at 135 pounds. Drawing the first assignment of the evening is referee Chris Desautels. The combatants touch ‘em up to seal the cage around them, and it’s time for some action.
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Yannis, keeping his hands relatively low, positions himself early in the center of the cage. Siraj switches stances back and forth to introduce early difficulties to his foe, with the Canadian primed and ready to fire off heavy counters. He steps in, lands a low kick and hops back to evade one coming back at him. They pump-fake at one another until Siraj spurs into action with a right hand and a pair of front kicks. Yannis sits on a left hand to get Siraj’s attention, but he is similarly caught in an exchange. Yannis drills his opponent with a three-punch combo square on the jaw, knocking Siraj down to the mat. Rather than playing around in the guard, Yannis stands back up and allows Siraj to follow him, clipping him with another right on the way up. Siraj appears to have shaken the cobwebs out quickly, but he ducks down for a level change and has his bell rung again. Yannis staggers and erects himself upright again, but it is taking the right hand flush again and again.
Yannis opens up with a knee and another power right hook, shaking the Canadian up. Siraj collapses to his back in a bad way, and Yannis mounts his adversary and punishes him with ferocious elbows. Siraj might have been knocked out from the bombardment of elbows, and as he sits up, his eyes looking every direction but his opponent’s, Desautels waves the fight off as he must have seen something he did not like.
Yannis climbs off his fallen foe to celebrate, while the defeated Canadian breaks down in tears. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in one scene.

The Official Result
John Yannis
def.
Jamie Siraj
R1 2:43 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Apr 12, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Angelo picks Jamie Siraj because he believes Jamie's wrestling, though not dominant, is sufficient to exploit John Yannis's poor takedown defense. He notes that Yannis was cut after a submission loss and re-signed, and that the fight was made to showcase the Canadian. He advises caution on betting if odds are too short.

"The answer to that question was yes, Jamie can wrestle. He has wrestling. It's not great, and that's the unfortunate part."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Apr 14, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Big Brady picks Jamie Siraj based on his grappling advantage. He notes Siraj is a BJJ black belt with good wrestling and cardio, and that half his wins come by submission. He highlights John Yannis' struggles with takedowns and back-taking, citing losses to Austin Bashi and Nick Aguirre. Brady predicts Siraj will get takedowns and submit Yannis in the second round.

submission in round 2
"I'm going Siraj here. I'm going to take Siraj to get the takedowns and submit John Niangos in the second round."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Apr 15, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Cody picks Jamie Siraj but is not confident due to his durability issues. He notes that Siraj has good grappling and cardio, but his chin is a concern. He suggests a small play or live betting.

"I got Siraj. I just don't overpay for it because Paul's not wrong at all."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Lean picked Apr 17, 2026 (1 day before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Connor picks Siraj because he fights through ugly fights to find a way to win, whereas Yannis tries to be a low-output, crafty striker without the athleticism to carry it. He notes that Siraj is not bigger than Yannis, so crashing into the clinch won't put him at an athletic disadvantage like it does against better athletes. He sees Siraj's determination as the difference.

Siraj opened at -250, now -256; Yannis opened at +210, now +216
"I'm going to take Sarai just because I think he isn't trying to be cute with it."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Apr 14, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

The host believes Siraj will find a submission spot and force Yannis to tap. He notes that Siraj has a solid wrestling game for a BJJ specialist and a great gas tank, and that Yannis has shown issues in the grappling game. He expects Siraj to chain takedown attempts and eventually find a submission.

Siraj by submission
"I think it's just a matter of time before Siraj is able to find a submission spot and I think he forces the tap here from Yannis."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Apr 15, 2026 (3 days before fight)
John Yannis

Paul picks John Yannis as a dog, citing Siraj's durability issues. He notes that Yannis has power and that Siraj has been knocked down by lesser fighters. He expects Yannis to have a chance if he can land early.

"I took a small play on John on Yan like plus 224."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Lean picked Apr 17, 2026 (1 day before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Zane initially says he'll take Siraj too, but then jokingly switches to Yannis for a fake disagreement. However, his genuine pick appears to be Siraj, as he earlier agreed with Connor's reasoning. He notes that both fighters are bad, but Siraj at least tries to win ugly fights, while Yannis has a low-output style that doesn't work without elite athleticism.

Siraj opened at -250, now -256; Yannis opened at +210, now +216
"I guess I'll take Sarai too."
John Yannis - Fight History
SCHED vs Marcus McGhee
13
138 MMA Expert Confident picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

The host picks Marcus McGhee, noting that McGhee is a good striker with forward pressure and quick hands, and that he has solid grappling which he typically uses defensively but could use offensively here. The host believes McGhee has the style to beat Yannis, especially if he mixes in grappling, though he acknowledges that if it stays on the feet it could be close. The host is confident in McGhee as a big favorite.

"I'm going to take McGhee."
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Confident picked Jun 1, 2026 (5 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

AJ picks McGhee, citing his slick southpaw striking, speed, and combination punching. He acknowledges Yannis's power and toughness but believes McGhee's craftiness and stance will neutralize Yannis's leg kicks. AJ expects a competitive fight but McGhee to outpoint Yannis, possibly by decision, though a knockout is possible.

over 2.5 rounds plus 140; McGhee by decision
"I'm going with Marcus McGee. I really liked John Yanis last time out... but Marcus McGee is slick. Marcus McGee is lightning speed fast."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jun 3, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

Big Brady picks Marcus McGhee to win by decision. He thinks McGhee is on another level skill-wise and hits harder, but he doesn't love the price tag because McGhee is primarily a striker and Yannis' grappling is poor. He expects McGhee to win but notes the price is wide.

by decision
"Give me Marcus McGee to win this fight and win it by decision."
BU
Bum MMA Expert Confident picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

Marcus McGhee is a clear favorite due to his superior striking and experience. He took a round off Peter Yan and has a good jab that will trouble John Yannis. McGhee is expected to find a KO shot, possibly in the first round, as Yannis relies on his hands and lacks other skills.

KO in first round
"I think he'll knock out John Giannis in the first round."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Jun 3, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

Cody is very confident in McGhee, citing his power, striking, and defensive wrestling. He notes Yannis has poor takedown defense and gives up his back. McGhee's level of competition is far superior, and this is a major step down for him.

"Marcus McGee all over the place for me this week."
FI
Fight Night Picks Expert Confident picked May 31, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

Marcus McGhee is picked because he has more weapons on the feet and can mix in wrestling. John Yannis has good boxing but overcommits on his left hand, which McGhee can counter with body locks and trips. McGhee's cardio may be an issue, but he should take over after 1.5 rounds and win by decision. The host questions the matchmaking as McGhee is ranked much higher.

Marcus McGhee wins by decision
"Marcus McGee should win. ... I think he wins uh via decision."
GR
Greedo Plays MMA Expert Confident picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

McGhee is a borderline top-15 bantamweight who fought competitively with champion Merab Dvalishvili. Yannis is not on that level and took the fight on short notice. McGhee should win by first-round knockout.

first round knockout
"I like Marcus McGee to win this fight by first round knockout against John Yanis."
LU
Lucrative James Expert Lean picked May 30, 2026 (7 days before fight)
John Yannis

Lucrative James picks John Yannis as a significant underdog, arguing the odds are too wide. He believes the fight is close skill-for-skill and that Marcus McGhee's advantages are physical attributes rather than technique. He notes McGhee's age (36) and potential motivation issues after fighting Petr Yan, and sees value on Yannis' moneyline, predicting a decision win.

"I'm going to pick John Giannis in this fight as a plus 400 underdog."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jun 1, 2026 (5 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

McGhee's athleticism, speed, and power should be too much for Yannis, who is a technical striker but lacks explosiveness. McGhee can mix in takedowns and land significant damage. However, the -450 line is too steep; McGhee should be around -185 to -233. Passing on the chalk, but picking McGhee by decision.

McGhee by decision; line should be closer to -185 to -233
"I think that athleticism is going to be tough for Giannis to overcome and I think that will ultimately be the differencemaker here for McGee."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Jun 3, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Marcus McGhee

Paul picks McGhee, noting his stronger strikes and movement. He expects McGhee to dominate standing, similar to his fight against Jonathan Martinez. He has added McGhee to parlays.

"Markson, rifle favorite, a guy I have added to some parlays this week."
WIN vs Jamie Siraj
KO R1 2:43 · UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott · Apr 18, 2026
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Jamie Siraj 0 6 of 24 25% 6 of 24 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
John Yannis 1 21 of 34 61% 21 of 34 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:09
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Jamie Siraj 0 6 of 24 25% 6 of 24 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
John Yannis 1 21 of 34 61% 21 of 34 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:09
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Jamie Siraj 6 of 24 25% 4 of 17 2 of 5 0 of 2 6 of 24 0 of 0 0 of 0
John Yannis 21 of 34 61% 12 of 24 8 of 8 1 of 2 16 of 27 0 of 0 5 of 7
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Jamie Siraj 6 of 24 25% 4 of 17 2 of 5 0 of 2 6 of 24 0 of 0 0 of 0
John Yannis 21 of 34 61% 12 of 24 8 of 8 1 of 2 16 of 27 0 of 0 5 of 7
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Jamie Siraj vs. John Yannis
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Siraj (-250); Yannis (+200)

Round 1
It’s Canada against the world in this rough UFC Fight Night card that may yet deliver in terms of action but is sorely lacking in the rankings-relevance department. Nevertheless, we persist, as there are 43 fight cards to punch through this year and a fight fan does not dine on caviar alone. The ground turkey of a fight card provides 12 matches, with nine of those featuring a Canadian athlete against a foreign adversary. The first fight of the night is one of those bouts when newcomers collide, as Siraj (14-3, 0-0 UFC) reps his home country against Texas-based Yannis (9-4, 0-1 UFC) at 135 pounds. Drawing the first assignment of the evening is referee Chris Desautels. The combatants touch ‘em up to seal the cage around them, and it’s time for some action.
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Yannis, keeping his hands relatively low, positions himself early in the center of the cage. Siraj switches stances back and forth to introduce early difficulties to his foe, with the Canadian primed and ready to fire off heavy counters. He steps in, lands a low kick and hops back to evade one coming back at him. They pump-fake at one another until Siraj spurs into action with a right hand and a pair of front kicks. Yannis sits on a left hand to get Siraj’s attention, but he is similarly caught in an exchange. Yannis drills his opponent with a three-punch combo square on the jaw, knocking Siraj down to the mat. Rather than playing around in the guard, Yannis stands back up and allows Siraj to follow him, clipping him with another right on the way up. Siraj appears to have shaken the cobwebs out quickly, but he ducks down for a level change and has his bell rung again. Yannis staggers and erects himself upright again, but it is taking the right hand flush again and again.
Yannis opens up with a knee and another power right hook, shaking the Canadian up. Siraj collapses to his back in a bad way, and Yannis mounts his adversary and punishes him with ferocious elbows. Siraj might have been knocked out from the bombardment of elbows, and as he sits up, his eyes looking every direction but his opponent’s, Desautels waves the fight off as he must have seen something he did not like.
Yannis climbs off his fallen foe to celebrate, while the defeated Canadian breaks down in tears. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in one scene.

The Official Result
John Yannis
def.
Jamie Siraj
R1 2:43 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Apr 12, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Angelo picks Jamie Siraj because he believes Jamie's wrestling, though not dominant, is sufficient to exploit John Yannis's poor takedown defense. He notes that Yannis was cut after a submission loss and re-signed, and that the fight was made to showcase the Canadian. He advises caution on betting if odds are too short.

"The answer to that question was yes, Jamie can wrestle. He has wrestling. It's not great, and that's the unfortunate part."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Apr 14, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Big Brady picks Jamie Siraj based on his grappling advantage. He notes Siraj is a BJJ black belt with good wrestling and cardio, and that half his wins come by submission. He highlights John Yannis' struggles with takedowns and back-taking, citing losses to Austin Bashi and Nick Aguirre. Brady predicts Siraj will get takedowns and submit Yannis in the second round.

submission in round 2
"I'm going Siraj here. I'm going to take Siraj to get the takedowns and submit John Niangos in the second round."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Apr 15, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Cody picks Jamie Siraj but is not confident due to his durability issues. He notes that Siraj has good grappling and cardio, but his chin is a concern. He suggests a small play or live betting.

"I got Siraj. I just don't overpay for it because Paul's not wrong at all."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Lean picked Apr 17, 2026 (1 day before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Connor picks Siraj because he fights through ugly fights to find a way to win, whereas Yannis tries to be a low-output, crafty striker without the athleticism to carry it. He notes that Siraj is not bigger than Yannis, so crashing into the clinch won't put him at an athletic disadvantage like it does against better athletes. He sees Siraj's determination as the difference.

Siraj opened at -250, now -256; Yannis opened at +210, now +216
"I'm going to take Sarai just because I think he isn't trying to be cute with it."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Apr 14, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

The host believes Siraj will find a submission spot and force Yannis to tap. He notes that Siraj has a solid wrestling game for a BJJ specialist and a great gas tank, and that Yannis has shown issues in the grappling game. He expects Siraj to chain takedown attempts and eventually find a submission.

Siraj by submission
"I think it's just a matter of time before Siraj is able to find a submission spot and I think he forces the tap here from Yannis."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Apr 15, 2026 (3 days before fight)
John Yannis

Paul picks John Yannis as a dog, citing Siraj's durability issues. He notes that Yannis has power and that Siraj has been knocked down by lesser fighters. He expects Yannis to have a chance if he can land early.

"I took a small play on John on Yan like plus 224."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Lean picked Apr 17, 2026 (1 day before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Zane initially says he'll take Siraj too, but then jokingly switches to Yannis for a fake disagreement. However, his genuine pick appears to be Siraj, as he earlier agreed with Connor's reasoning. He notes that both fighters are bad, but Siraj at least tries to win ugly fights, while Yannis has a low-output style that doesn't work without elite athleticism.

Siraj opened at -250, now -256; Yannis opened at +210, now +216
"I guess I'll take Sarai too."
LOSS vs Austin Bashi
SUB R1 3:39 · UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park · Aug 02, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Austin Bashi 0 2 of 7 28% 48 of 67 1 of 1 100% 1 0 2:53
John Yannis 0 0 of 5 0% 2 of 9 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Austin Bashi 0 2 of 7 28% 48 of 67 1 of 1 100% 1 0 2:53
John Yannis 0 0 of 5 0% 2 of 9 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Austin Bashi 2 of 7 28% 2 of 7 0 of 0 0 of 0 2 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 1
John Yannis 0 of 5 0% 0 of 4 0 of 1 0 of 0 0 of 5 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Austin Bashi 2 of 7 28% 2 of 7 0 of 0 0 of 0 2 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 1
John Yannis 0 of 5 0% 0 of 4 0 of 1 0 of 0 0 of 5 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Austin Bashi vs. John Yannis
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bashi (-550); Yannis (+400)

Round 1
On ultra-short notice, Michigan native Bashi (13-1, 0-1 UFC) finds himself staring across the Octagon from Yannis (9-3, 0-0 UFC), a striker by trade. This shifted stylistic clash to one more in line with the grappler-striker archetype will be overseen by referee Mark Smith, and the featherweights opt to bump fists.
The newcomer takes to the center of the cage, keeping his guard up to block a head kick from the massive betting favorite Bashi. Yannis whiffs with a big punch, and Bashi responds with a mighty hook that knocks Yannis back to the wall. Yannis ricochets off to retaliate, but Bashi is nowhere to be struck. Bashi rushes at his foe and completes a single-leg takedown, lifting Yannis in the air and slamming him to the mat. Yannis scrambles, but he gives his back up along the way. Bashi takes it, and he lets Yannis stand up so he can cling to him like a malevolent backpack that hits him in the face. Bashi softens his foe up while Yannis lowers himself back to the floor, and the underdog tries all he might to shake Bashi of him. Bashi stays on the back spamming heavy right hands, allowing Yannis to turn so he can gain control of a traditional back take.
Bashi secures a body triangle while beating on Yannis on either side of the head. Yannis breaks out of the body lock while under fire, and he crawls the fence to wall-walk with Bashi still behind him.
Bashi, still on Yannis’ back, grips hold of a rear-naked choke and torques his way back to put ample pressure on Yannis’ throat. The submission is tight as a drum and going nowhere, and before Yannis drops to the floor and goes out, he surrenders.
The crowd in the Apex loudly cheers the victory of the Michigan native, with a fair number of fans in the building for the biggest favorite of the evening cashing without likely absorbing a single significant strike. That is one way to bounce back from your first career loss, by running over the next person placed in front of you.

The Official Result
Austin Bashi def. John Yannis R1 3:39 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Expert Picks (7)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Apr 12, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Angelo picks Jamie Siraj because he believes Jamie's wrestling, though not dominant, is sufficient to exploit John Yannis's poor takedown defense. He notes that Yannis was cut after a submission loss and re-signed, and that the fight was made to showcase the Canadian. He advises caution on betting if odds are too short.

"The answer to that question was yes, Jamie can wrestle. He has wrestling. It's not great, and that's the unfortunate part."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Apr 14, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Big Brady picks Jamie Siraj based on his grappling advantage. He notes Siraj is a BJJ black belt with good wrestling and cardio, and that half his wins come by submission. He highlights John Yannis' struggles with takedowns and back-taking, citing losses to Austin Bashi and Nick Aguirre. Brady predicts Siraj will get takedowns and submit Yannis in the second round.

submission in round 2
"I'm going Siraj here. I'm going to take Siraj to get the takedowns and submit John Niangos in the second round."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Apr 15, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Cody picks Jamie Siraj but is not confident due to his durability issues. He notes that Siraj has good grappling and cardio, but his chin is a concern. He suggests a small play or live betting.

"I got Siraj. I just don't overpay for it because Paul's not wrong at all."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Lean picked Apr 17, 2026 (1 day before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Connor picks Siraj because he fights through ugly fights to find a way to win, whereas Yannis tries to be a low-output, crafty striker without the athleticism to carry it. He notes that Siraj is not bigger than Yannis, so crashing into the clinch won't put him at an athletic disadvantage like it does against better athletes. He sees Siraj's determination as the difference.

Siraj opened at -250, now -256; Yannis opened at +210, now +216
"I'm going to take Sarai just because I think he isn't trying to be cute with it."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Apr 14, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Jamie Siraj

The host believes Siraj will find a submission spot and force Yannis to tap. He notes that Siraj has a solid wrestling game for a BJJ specialist and a great gas tank, and that Yannis has shown issues in the grappling game. He expects Siraj to chain takedown attempts and eventually find a submission.

Siraj by submission
"I think it's just a matter of time before Siraj is able to find a submission spot and I think he forces the tap here from Yannis."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Apr 15, 2026 (3 days before fight)
John Yannis

Paul picks John Yannis as a dog, citing Siraj's durability issues. He notes that Yannis has power and that Siraj has been knocked down by lesser fighters. He expects Yannis to have a chance if he can land early.

"I took a small play on John on Yan like plus 224."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Lean picked Apr 17, 2026 (1 day before fight)
Jamie Siraj

Zane initially says he'll take Siraj too, but then jokingly switches to Yannis for a fake disagreement. However, his genuine pick appears to be Siraj, as he earlier agreed with Connor's reasoning. He notes that both fighters are bad, but Siraj at least tries to win ugly fights, while Yannis has a low-output style that doesn't work without elite athleticism.

Siraj opened at -250, now -256; Yannis opened at +210, now +216
"I guess I'll take Sarai too."