UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo · May 06, 2023 · Middleweight · Completed
Prev Fight UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo
Age 33
Height 6' 1"
Reach 77"
Weight 185 lbs.
Stance Orthodox
Age 30
Height 6' 4"
Reach 80.0"
Weight 185 lbs.
Stance Orthodox
Career Averages - Cláudio Ribeiro
3.59 SLpM
51.0% Str. Acc.
4.9 SApM
30.0% Str. Def.
0.56 TD Avg
50.0% TD Acc.
66.0% TD Def.
0.0 Sub. Avg
Career Averages - Joseph Holmes
2.88 SLpM
53.0% Str. Acc.
3.08 SApM
54.0% Str. Def.
1.49 TD Avg
40.0% TD Acc.
50.0% TD Def.
0.8 Sub. Avg
Cláudio Ribeiro
Moneyline
BetMGM -155
KO/TKO
BetRivers -114
Submission
BetRivers +2200
Decision
BetRivers +900
Joseph Holmes
Moneyline
FanDuel +136
KO/TKO
FanDuel +900
Submission
BetMGM +400
Decision
FanDuel +650
Cláudio Ribeiro - Fight History
TKO (elbows and punches) R2 1:57 · UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev · Mar 02, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Christian Leroy Duncan 0 65 of 92 70% 75 of 105 1 of 2 50% 0 0 2:15
Cláudio Ribeiro 0 4 of 26 15% 13 of 39 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:03
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Christian Leroy Duncan 0 41 of 61 67% 48 of 70 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:59
Cláudio Ribeiro 0 3 of 20 15% 12 of 33 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:44
2 Christian Leroy Duncan 0 24 of 31 77% 27 of 35 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:16
Cláudio Ribeiro 0 1 of 6 16% 1 of 6 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:19
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Christian Leroy Duncan 65 of 92 70% 39 of 62 8 of 10 18 of 20 31 of 50 12 of 15 22 of 27
Cláudio Ribeiro 4 of 26 15% 1 of 19 1 of 3 2 of 4 4 of 24 0 of 2 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Christian Leroy Duncan 41 of 61 67% 16 of 34 8 of 9 17 of 18 29 of 46 12 of 15 0 of 0
Cláudio Ribeiro 3 of 20 15% 1 of 14 1 of 3 1 of 3 3 of 18 0 of 2 0 of 0
2 Christian Leroy Duncan 24 of 31 77% 23 of 28 0 of 1 1 of 2 2 of 4 0 of 0 22 of 27
Cláudio Ribeiro 1 of 6 16% 0 of 5 0 of 0 1 of 1 1 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Feb 25, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Christian Leroy Duncan

Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan as the more technical fighter, noting that both are dangerous strikers but Duncan has better technique. He expects the fight to end inside the distance due to both fighters' recklessness. He mentions that Cláudio Ribeiro is nuts dangerous but Duncan should win.

Fight does not go to the distance (juiced odds, suggests parlaying if possible)
"CLD is the more technical fighter here and he should win he's going to be the pick but claudo is nuts dangerous and the bet here should be fight does not go to the distance"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Feb 27, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Christian Leroy Duncan

Big Brady picks Duncan to finish Ribeiro by knockout in the second round. He notes Duncan is much more skilled, with good defensive wrestling and a ton of striking tools. He criticizes Ribeiro's 31% striking defense and poor cardio, and expects Duncan to wear him out and finish him late second round.

second round knockout
"I think Christian Leroy Duncan drags his fight into deeper waters and finishes Claudia hio late second round there by knockout"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Feb 28, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Christian Leroy Duncan

Cody picks Duncan, emphasizing Ribeiro's poor durability and lack of defense. He notes that Ribeiro is explosive for one round but fades quickly, and Duncan's precision striking from the outside will be effective. Cody compares Ribeiro to Dennis Tulin, whom Duncan already beat. He expects Duncan to win by knockout in the second or third round.

"Duncan's got much better wrestling right so if lud wants to take the fight to the ground or if he start to Tire or if he got clipped with something and he need to take a break he could take …"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Feb 26, 2024 (5 days before fight)
Christian Leroy Duncan

Duncan is the bigger, stronger fighter and should control the majority of the fight. He can clinch Ribeiro against the cage, wear on him with knees and elbows, and deflate Ribeiro's power and explosiveness. Duncan's maturity was shown in his last fight against Tulan, where he slowed the pace and found the finish in the second round. The over 1.5 rounds at plus money is intriguing, but Duncan should get the knockout in the second round.

over 1.5 rounds at +100 considered, Duncan by knockout
"I think Duncan can control the majority of it he is the bigger stronger fighter in my opinion and I think he might look to go the same route that he did against tan where he was able to clinch …"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Feb 28, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Christian Leroy Duncan

Paul picks Duncan, noting his technical striking and ability to fight at range. He contrasts Ribeiro's one-dimensional brawling style and poor cardio. Paul believes Duncan will counter Ribeiro's wild swings and finish him inside the distance, similar to how he handled Dennis Tulin. He acknowledges the small cage could be a factor but favors Duncan's skill.

"Duncan's going to find something Duncan will get the job done inside the distance"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Feb 27, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Christian Leroy Duncan

The MMA Guru believes Duncan has better movement, kickboxing, and strength in the clinch. He notes Ribeiro has no good wins and is coming off a KO loss, while Duncan is coming off a TKO win. He predicts a highlight-reel KO for Duncan.

KO win
"I think Christian Leroy Duncan moves way better than Ribeiro, way better kickboxing... I reckon we're going to see Christian Leroy Duncan get a highlight reel KO"
LOSS vs Roman Kopylov
KO/TKO R2 0:33 · UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 · Jul 29, 2023
WIN vs Joseph Holmes
KO/TKO R2 3:21 · UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo · May 06, 2023
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Lean picked May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Cláudio Ribeiro

Connor picks Ribeiro as well, noting that Holmes has never shown the ability to confidently pressure like Abdul Razak Alhassan did to beat Ribeiro. He sees Ribeiro's athleticism as the difference, though both are one-dimensional.

Holmes opened +177, now +150; Ribeiro opened -200, now -168.
"I'll take Ribeiro too, but I could easily see this going either way."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Lean picked May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Cláudio Ribeiro

Zane picks Ribeiro because of his athleticism and power, which often win at middleweight. He notes Holmes is awkward and limited, and Ribeiro's speed and strength should be enough. However, he acknowledges Holmes could win if he gets to body locks and tires Ribeiro.

Holmes opened +177, now +150; Ribeiro opened -200, now -168.
"I am going to pick Ribeiro because it's middleweight. Where middleweight is sort of the starting the dividing line where it becomes important to be that guy."
KO/TKO R2 0:28 · UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov · Jan 14, 2023
Joseph Holmes - Fight History
KO/TKO R2 3:21 · UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo · May 06, 2023
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Lean picked May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Cláudio Ribeiro

Connor picks Ribeiro as well, noting that Holmes has never shown the ability to confidently pressure like Abdul Razak Alhassan did to beat Ribeiro. He sees Ribeiro's athleticism as the difference, though both are one-dimensional.

Holmes opened +177, now +150; Ribeiro opened -200, now -168.
"I'll take Ribeiro too, but I could easily see this going either way."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Lean picked May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Cláudio Ribeiro

Zane picks Ribeiro because of his athleticism and power, which often win at middleweight. He notes Holmes is awkward and limited, and Ribeiro's speed and strength should be enough. However, he acknowledges Holmes could win if he gets to body locks and tires Ribeiro.

Holmes opened +177, now +150; Ribeiro opened -200, now -168.
"I am going to pick Ribeiro because it's middleweight. Where middleweight is sort of the starting the dividing line where it becomes important to be that guy."
LOSS vs JunYong Park
Submission (rear-naked choke) R2 3:04 · UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Allen · Oct 29, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
JunYong Park 0 20 of 40 50% 21 of 42 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:39
Joseph Holmes 0 18 of 33 54% 48 of 76 2 of 4 50% 2 0 4:37
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 JunYong Park 0 18 of 36 50% 19 of 38 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:39
Joseph Holmes 0 12 of 24 50% 22 of 36 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:55
2 JunYong Park 0 2 of 4 50% 2 of 4 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Joseph Holmes 0 6 of 9 66% 26 of 40 1 of 2 50% 2 0 2:42
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
JunYong Park 20 of 40 50% 8 of 24 5 of 7 7 of 9 19 of 37 0 of 1 1 of 2
Joseph Holmes 18 of 33 54% 13 of 26 0 of 0 5 of 7 14 of 28 0 of 0 4 of 5
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 JunYong Park 18 of 36 50% 7 of 21 5 of 7 6 of 8 17 of 33 0 of 1 1 of 2
Joseph Holmes 12 of 24 50% 8 of 19 0 of 0 4 of 5 12 of 24 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 JunYong Park 2 of 4 50% 1 of 3 0 of 0 1 of 1 2 of 4 0 of 0 0 of 0
Joseph Holmes 6 of 9 66% 5 of 7 0 of 0 1 of 2 2 of 4 0 of 0 4 of 5
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Oct 25, 2022 (4 days before fight)
JunYong Park

Big Brady picks JunYong Park to win by decision. He notes that Park has fought much better competition and has superior cardio and striking volume. He acknowledges Holmes' height and reach advantage but believes Park can mix in takedowns and win minutes against the cage. Brady points out that Holmes has never been finished but expects Park to grind out a decision.

Park wins by decision
"give me a Jen Young Park to win I'll say wins by decision"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Oct 26, 2022 (3 days before fight)
JunYong Park

Cody picks Jun Yong Park, noting his durability and forward pressure. He acknowledges Park's poor ring IQ (getting caught by Gregory Rodrigues) but believes Park will break Holmes down over time. Cody is concerned about Holmes' grappling if Park ends up on his back, but expects Park to win a decision.

"I just think Johnny and park will eventually Break On Through break the guy down take his best shots wear on him Tire him out maybe even get a few takedowns of his own"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Oct 27, 2022 (2 days before fight)
JunYong Park

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Park as a clear favorite. He notes that Holmes is extremely raw and tentative, while Park is a busy, well-rounded fighter who can jab, take down, and grind. Connor mentions the size difference but believes Park's technical edge and pressure will be too much for Holmes.

Same odds commentary as Zane.
"Yeah, it's very favorable looking for him."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Lean picked Oct 26, 2022 (3 days before fight)
JunYong Park

Daniel Levi picks JunYong Park, citing his experience and veteran savvy. He acknowledges Holmes' physical advantages (height, reach) and improvement, but trusts Park's experience against tough competition. He notes Park has been rocked before, so an upset is possible, but leans with the experienced fighter.

"I'm gonna go with John Young park with the kind of Veteran Savvy the tactics."
JA
Jacob Lines Expert Hesitant picked Oct 25, 2022 (4 days before fight)
JunYong Park

Jacob picks Park as the safer pick, expecting him to be the cleaner striker and defend takedowns. However, he is hesitant because Park lacks danger and Holmes has dangerous jiu-jitsu. He calls the -230 odds insane and suggests Holmes is the value underdog.

inside the distance decision no action for Holmes; Holmes value underdog
"my official pick is Park but I think Holmes is the much more dangerous guy and the minus 230 odds are insane"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Oct 27, 2022 (2 days before fight)
JunYong Park

Park has excellent pace, pressure, and grappling. He gassed against Gregory Rodrigues only because he threw everything at him. Holmes relies on physical attributes but lacks the skill to handle Park's pressure. Park should finish Holmes in the second or third round. The fight doesn't go to decision prop at +120 is a good alternative.

Fight doesn't go to decision +120
"I feel very damn good about John Young Park here I think we're getting a very good price tag on him as well and I think he cruises in this matchup until he eventually gets that finish later on probably …"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Oct 26, 2022 (3 days before fight)
JunYong Park

Paul leans toward Park but is not betting due to the -220 price. He notes Holmes' reach advantage and decent grappling, but is unimpressed with Holmes' stand-up. Paul says the market price seems about right and he will pick Park to win but stay away from betting.

"I like Park as well but you know the market tells me it's buying this 220 for Park to win this fight which seems about right"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Oct 25, 2022 (4 days before fight)
JunYong Park

The MMA Guru picks JunYong Park over Joseph Holmes, questioning Holmes' gas tank and the quality of his wins. He notes Holmes' win over Alan Amadovsky is not impressive as everyone finishes him early. He praises Park's performances against Eric Anders and Gregory Rodriguez, and believes Park can survive Holmes' early explosiveness and then take over, predicting a third-round TKO.

"I'm gonna go with Park Hyun young here over Joseph Holmes"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Oct 27, 2022 (2 days before fight)
JunYong Park

Zane picks Park confidently, describing him as 'really quite good everywhere' with solid footwork, a good jab, takedowns, and brutal top control. He notes that Holmes is extremely raw, awkward, and uncoordinated, with only a puncher's chance. Zane acknowledges the size advantage Holmes has but believes Park's technical skills and pace will overwhelm him.

Holmes opened +195 now +193, Park opened -230 now -240.
"It should just be a walk for John Park, basically."
Submission (rear-naked choke) R1 1:04 · UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Vieira · May 21, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Joseph Holmes 1 16 of 23 69% 16 of 23 1 of 1 100% 1 0 0:21
Alen Amedovski 0 1 of 8 12% 1 of 8 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Joseph Holmes 1 16 of 23 69% 16 of 23 1 of 1 100% 1 0 0:21
Alen Amedovski 0 1 of 8 12% 1 of 8 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Joseph Holmes 16 of 23 69% 11 of 17 2 of 2 3 of 4 9 of 14 1 of 1 6 of 8
Alen Amedovski 1 of 8 12% 1 of 7 0 of 1 0 of 0 1 of 8 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Joseph Holmes 16 of 23 69% 11 of 17 2 of 2 3 of 4 9 of 14 1 of 1 6 of 8
Alen Amedovski 1 of 8 12% 1 of 7 0 of 1 0 of 0 1 of 8 0 of 0 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked May 15, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

Angelo picks Joseph Holmes because of his size, versatility, and ability to mix striking and grappling. He notes that Amedovski has been on a long layoff and has shown holes in his grappling. Holmes's length and takedown threat should open up his hands. Angelo will likely stay away from betting but trusts Holmes to get the win.

"i like joseph holmes here i love his size i love his versatility he can strike and he can grapple"
BI
Big Brady Expert Hesitant picked May 17, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

Big Brady picks Joseph Holmes to win by first-round submission, but calls it a sketchy fight between two low-level fighters. He notes Holmes has a size advantage and a brown belt in BJJ, while Amedovski has poor takedown defense and ground game. However, Amedovski hits hard and could knock Holmes out early. He says laying -200 on Holmes is not ideal.

first round sub
"give me homes to win but yeah laying minus 200 on joseph holmes just not seemed like the best idea in the world holmes holmes first round sub"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked May 18, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

Cody picks Holmes, citing his size advantage (6'4", 80-inch reach), youth (26), and multiple paths to victory. He notes Amedovski's poor takedown defense, lack of ground game, and three-year layoff. He believes Holmes' length, clinch knees, and improved cardio after a full camp will be too much for Amedovski.

"multiple paths of victory i think for joseph holmes but we need to put a little faith in them right and again at 26 and i think he's still with james krause i think that those improvements are going to …"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert picked May 21, 2022 (fight day)

The host does not discuss this fight in detail. He mentions Holmes in the context of live betting spots, suggesting Holmes after round one if grappling is heavy, but does not make a clear pick or provide analysis.

"holmes after round one i'd say"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Hesitant picked May 18, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

Paul is hesitant but leans Holmes. He notes Amedovski's terrible UFC performances and long layoff, but also acknowledges Holmes' green stand-up and cardio issues. He thinks Holmes' size and grappling should be enough, but is not fully confident.

"i'm really struggling with this one what's what's your take here"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Hesitant picked May 17, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

The MMA Guru picks Joseph Holmes but is hesitant. He thinks Holmes has a massive advantage on the feet and will land good shots while Amedovski struggles with takedowns. He trusts Holmes more now that he has octagon experience. He predicts a second-round TKO with a fadeaway hook.

second round TKO
"i'm gonna go joseph holmes"
LOSS vs Jamie Pickett
Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) R3 5:00 · UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Chikadze · Jan 15, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Jamie Pickett 0 50 of 122 40% 54 of 126 2 of 4 50% 0 0 3:02
Joseph Holmes 0 51 of 93 54% 59 of 101 0 of 2 0% 0 0 3:15
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Jamie Pickett 0 10 of 23 43% 12 of 25 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:24
Joseph Holmes 0 24 of 35 68% 26 of 37 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:54
2 Jamie Pickett 0 23 of 55 41% 24 of 56 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:18
Joseph Holmes 0 13 of 27 48% 18 of 32 0 of 2 0% 0 0 2:08
3 Jamie Pickett 0 17 of 44 38% 18 of 45 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:20
Joseph Holmes 0 14 of 31 45% 15 of 32 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:13
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Jamie Pickett 50 of 122 40% 22 of 86 19 of 24 9 of 12 40 of 108 10 of 14 0 of 0
Joseph Holmes 51 of 93 54% 30 of 65 13 of 19 8 of 9 41 of 82 10 of 11 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Jamie Pickett 10 of 23 43% 4 of 15 3 of 3 3 of 5 9 of 22 1 of 1 0 of 0
Joseph Holmes 24 of 35 68% 13 of 21 7 of 9 4 of 5 17 of 28 7 of 7 0 of 0
2 Jamie Pickett 23 of 55 41% 12 of 42 9 of 10 2 of 3 18 of 50 5 of 5 0 of 0
Joseph Holmes 13 of 27 48% 9 of 22 1 of 2 3 of 3 13 of 27 0 of 0 0 of 0
3 Jamie Pickett 17 of 44 38% 6 of 29 7 of 11 4 of 4 13 of 36 4 of 8 0 of 0
Joseph Holmes 14 of 31 45% 8 of 22 5 of 8 1 of 1 11 of 27 3 of 4 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Hesitant picked Jan 13, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Jamie Pickett

Angelo leans toward Pickett due to UFC experience, but worries about Holmes' equal size and grappling threat. He notes Pickett's reach advantage is neutralized and that both can be gun-shy. He calls it a razor-thin pick and says he won't bet on it.

Not throwing any money at this fight; too close to call.
"i am leaning towards pickett because of the experience but i do worry that joseph holmes is a genuine athlete"
BI
Big Brady Expert Lean picked Jan 10, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Jamie Pickett

Big Brady thinks the odds are off, as Joseph Holmes is inexperienced and has fought low-level competition, while Jamie Pickett has faced UFC-caliber fighters. He calls it a coin flip and says he would not bet it, but if forced to pick, he takes Pickett as a dog by decision. He notes both fighters have similar skill sets and low volume.

"i'm going to pick jamie pickett i'm going to pick him by decision"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Jan 12, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

Cody leans toward Holmes, citing his length and reach advantage. He notes Holmes's camp (James Krause) will have a good game plan. He expects Holmes to use his range striking and avoid grappling. However, he admits Holmes looked green and the fight could go either way.

"i would say holmes fight probably over one and a half over two and a half figures of distance"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Lean picked Jan 13, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

Daniel Levi leans toward Joseph Holmes, citing his physical advantages (6'4", 80-inch reach) and finishing ability (submission and KO). He notes that Pickett has folded under pressure in the past, losing by first-round finishes to Charles Byrd and Jordan Wright. Levi is hesitant because Holmes hasn't been tested at UFC level, but he believes Holmes will outwork Pickett in a close fight. He also mentions Pickett's mental struggles and that he's seeing a therapist.

"i'm going to go with joseph holmes here man"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Lean picked Jan 9, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

The host leans toward Joseph Holmes, expecting him to dictate the pace with clinch work and takedowns against the cage. He notes Pickett's durability but thinks Holmes' aggression and control will win rounds. The host is not confident in a finish, predicting a decision. He mentions the over 1.5 rounds as a possible bet due to both fighters' low finishing rates.

Over 1.5 rounds at -185 mentioned as a possible bet.
"i'm gonna be going joseph holmes and i'm actually gonna take him to win this fight via decision"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Jan 12, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Jamie Pickett

Paul leans toward Pickett as an underdog, citing his experience and durability. He notes Holmes is very green and his striking is telegraphed. He expects Pickett's strength in the clinch to be a factor. However, he acknowledges Holmes's length and potential if he keeps the fight at range.

"i'm leaning towards pickett here as an underdog uh plus 120 is the price to pay just more way more experience"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jan 10, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Joseph Holmes

The MMA Guru picks Joseph Holmes to win by first-round TKO. He highlights Holmes' Muay Thai background, range, power, and accuracy on the feet, and notes that Holmes already beat Pickett on the regional scene by first-round destruction. He doesn't see Pickett's grappling as a threat, as Holmes is rangier and better at controlling distance. He expects Holmes to land a clean shot early and finish the fight quickly, similar to how Jordan Wright did.

"i'm gonna trust in joseph holmes to beat jamie picker here"
Expert Picks (2)
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Lean picked May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Cláudio Ribeiro

Connor picks Ribeiro as well, noting that Holmes has never shown the ability to confidently pressure like Abdul Razak Alhassan did to beat Ribeiro. He sees Ribeiro's athleticism as the difference, though both are one-dimensional.

Holmes opened +177, now +150; Ribeiro opened -200, now -168.
"I'll take Ribeiro too, but I could easily see this going either way."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Lean picked May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Cláudio Ribeiro

Zane picks Ribeiro because of his athleticism and power, which often win at middleweight. He notes Holmes is awkward and limited, and Ribeiro's speed and strength should be enough. However, he acknowledges Holmes could win if he gets to body locks and tires Ribeiro.

Holmes opened +177, now +150; Ribeiro opened -200, now -168.
"I am going to pick Ribeiro because it's middleweight. Where middleweight is sort of the starting the dividing line where it becomes important to be that guy."