Angelo picks Ben Johnston because he is more well-rounded with good striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. He is concerned about Wes Schultz's potential if he uses his wrestling, but Schultz's last fight showed poor game planning and flopping on the ground. Angelo is hesitant because if Schultz wrestles effectively, he could win, but he trusts Johnston's overall MMA skills.

Big Brady picks Ben Johnston to win by second-round knockout, but expresses hesitation due to Johnston's long layoff and limited experience. He notes that Johnston has a black belt in BJJ and better cardio, while Wes Schultz has poor cardio and wrestling that hasn't translated. Brady calls the fight a 'mess' and says he would pass on betting it.

Cody picks Schultz, citing Johnston's long layoff, recent shoulder surgery, and lack of striking training. He believes Schultz's wrestling and grappling will be too much for the rusty Johnston.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Schultz because Johnston is incredibly undercooked and Schultz will aggressively go for takedowns. He notes that Schultz has been proven to lack athleticism but his wrestling and aggression should overwhelm Johnston. He calls it a good rule of thumb to go with the wrestler in this matchup.

Daniel Vreeland had no clear pick and flipped a coin to decide. He noted that both fighters have significant unknowns: Johnston's layoff and takedown defense, Schultz's spastic style and loss to Dylan Budka. The coin landed on heads, so he picks Ben Johnston.

Lucrative James picks Wes Schultz to win via submission. He cites Ben Johnston's two-year retirement and shoulder surgery as major red flags, and believes Schultz's unorthodox style and UFC experience will be decisive. He acknowledges Johnston may have better skills but favors the intangibles.

The host picks the upset, believing Schultz is the better wrestler and BJJ specialist, and that his activity and wrestling advantage will allow him to grind down Johnston. He expects a round two or three finish. The host is not impressed with Johnston's strength of schedule or grappling, and thinks Schultz is fringe UFC level but capable.

Paul picks Schultz, agreeing with Cody about Johnston's red flags. He notes Schultz's wrestling advantage and Johnston's inactivity, making Schultz the logical choice.

The MMA Guru picks Ben Johnston, citing his power, submission skills, and athleticism. He notes that Wes Schultz has been finished in recent fights and may not have the chin for the sport. He predicts a TKO win for Johnston, especially given Schultz's quick turnaround from a KO loss.

Angelo picks Wes Schultz because of his credentialed wrestling and ability to take down Damian Pinas, whose takedown defense is just okay. He notes that in Mexico, wrestling is scored more favorably than in Vegas. He acknowledges Pinas's power but believes Schultz can neutralize it with takedowns.

Big Brady picks Damian Pinas, citing his knockout power and youth at 23. He acknowledges Pinas is green and has concerns if the fight hits the mat, as Wes Schultz has good jiu-jitsu and a submission win on the Contender Series. However, Brady believes it will be hard for Schultz to take Pinas down, and if he doesn't, Pinas will put him away. He predicts a first-round knockout.

Cody picks Pinas, believing his power and youth will eventually overcome Schultz's wrestling. He expects Pinas to tire Schultz out and knock him out in later rounds. He sees Pinas as the better prospect.

Connor picks Pinas, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Schultz's loss to Dylan Budka is a huge red flag, as Budka caught him with a body lock and slammed him. Pinas hits hard and is instinctive, and Schultz puts himself in position to take hard punches.

Daniel does not discuss this fight in the transcript.

The host finds this fight difficult to predict due to limited footage of both fighters going past the first round. He notes that Damian is explosive and powerful but has never been to a decision, while Schultz has cardio concerns but may have improved. The high altitude in Mexico City adds uncertainty. He concludes it's a great fight for live betting but not for pre-fight bets.

James believes Pinas is the better striker and has superior cardio, while Schultz tends to fade. He expects Pinas to win, likely by knockout, as Schultz's grappling may not be enough.

The host picks Damian Pinas to win by first-round knockout, citing Pinas's athleticism and power. He notes that Pinas is a raw but powerful striker who can put Schultz away early. However, he warns that if the fight goes past the first round, Schultz's wrestling and cardio could take over. He prefers the round 1 KO prop at +250 over the moneyline at -260.

Paul took a small shot on Schultz at +215, citing his superior wrestling and Pinas's potential cardio issues at altitude. He notes Schultz's tendency to gas but believes his grappling can win early rounds. He acknowledges Pinas's power and upside.

The MMA Guru picks Damian Pinas based on his explosiveness and power, noting that Wes Schultz tends to shy away from punches and has shown fear against athletic opponents. He predicts a first-round TKO, citing Pinas's sharp striking and Schultz's vulnerability. He also mentions that Pinas might get cut if he loses, but that doesn't affect his pick.