The host predicts Brendan Allen to win by submission in round two, likely with a rear naked choke. He notes that Shahbazyan is dangerous in round one with knockout power, but after that, Allen's grappling advantage takes over. He mentions that Allen has good takedowns and a strong back take, and that Shahbazyan's takedown defense fades as the fight goes on.

AJ picks Allen by submission, emphasizing Allen's elite grappling and wrestling advantage over Shahbazyan. He acknowledges Shahbazyan's striking skills but believes Allen will get the fight to the ground and submit him. AJ notes Allen's recent wins over top competition and expects a submission victory.

Angelo picks Brendan Allen, citing his clear advantage in wrestling and takedowns. He notes that Shahbazyan's takedown defense is a huge hole, and as long as Allen sticks to the game plan of getting takedowns and keeping him on the ground, he wins. He is slightly concerned about Allen's recent training camp comments but assumes he is ready.

Big Brady picks Brendan Allen to win by second round submission. He is not impressed with Shahbazyan's recent wins and notes that Shahbazyan quits when grappled. He thinks Allen should take him down and submit him, but worries about Allen's fight IQ and tendency to strike. He believes Allen is the better fighter and should win.

Brendan Allen fights like an idiot and often sells fights, as seen against Chris Curtis and Anthony Hernandez. Edmen Shahbazyan has knockout power and will likely chin Allen in round two. Shahbazyan is a huge underdog but has been training takedown defense at Extreme Couture.

Cody confidently picks Brendan Allen, arguing that Allen's wrestling and grappling will overwhelm Shahbazyan as the fight progresses. He notes Shahbazyan is dangerous in the first round but fades, and Allen has proven cardio and durability against top competition. He sees Allen as a -600 fighter at -200.

Brendan Allen is picked because he has better versatility and can grapple with Edmen Shahbazyan. The host is not sold on Shahbazyan's resurgence, noting his wins over Andre Muniz and Andre Petroski are not impressive. Allen's ground and pound and submission skills are highlighted, though he makes mistakes. The host expects Allen to win by decision, using cage control and clinch work.

Allen is a top-five middleweight with a clear grappling advantage. Shahbazyan has been submitted by lesser grapplers and hasn't faced anyone near Allen's level. Allen should get a first-round submission.

Lucrative James acknowledges Brendan Allen is the better all-round fighter and would pick him if forced, but sees value in Edmen Shahbazyan as a plus-money underdog. He notes Shahbazyan's knockout power and Allen's questionable durability and fight IQ, especially after Allen's brawl with Marvin Vettori. He believes Shahbazyan's best path is a round 1 or 2 KO, and that the betting value lies on the underdog.

Allen has superior durability and cardio; he should weather Shahbazyan's early striking and then take over in later rounds with grappling and body kicks. Shahbazyan tends to fade, and Allen will likely get a rear-naked choke in round 2.

Angelo is confident Reinier de Ridder wins, citing his size, grappling, and durability. He notes de Ridder's impressive performances against Whittaker, Bo Nickal, and Cannonier. He believes Brendan Allen will fade, similar to his fight against Anthony Hernandez, and that Allen's camp change is a disadvantage.

Big Brady acknowledges de Ridder's unorthodox striking but highlights his size, power, and dangerous knees. He thinks de Ridder has better cardio than Allen on short notice and is more dangerous in both striking and grappling. He predicts de Ridder knocks out Allen in the second round.

Cody picks de Ridder, citing his size, physicality, and excellent jiu-jitsu. He notes de Ridder's funky striking and ability to tax opponents with cage control, as seen in the Whittaker fight. He believes Brendan Allen's cardio issues and short notice will be exploited over five rounds, leading to a late stoppage or decision.

Connor leans toward de Ridder but acknowledges Allen's chances. He notes that Allen is well-rounded and could be competitive if he pushes forward and stays confident. However, he thinks Allen is likely to grapple with de Ridder, which plays into de Ridder's strengths. Connor also mentions that de Ridder is defensively flawed and could be knocked out by a big shot.

James sees similarities between de Ridder and Dricus du Plessis, noting that de Ridder's unorthodox style, including a devastating step-in knee and judo trips, makes him difficult to prepare for. He believes Brendan Allen will start well but fade due to short notice and cardio issues, with de Ridder's pressure and grappling taking over in later rounds. James predicts a finish in rounds 3 or 4.

The host thinks de Ridder will utilize his aggressiveness to keep Allen on the back foot and mix in wrestling. He believes Allen's submission defense will be good enough to avoid a finish, but unless the short notice fight causes his gas tank to fail, de Ridder will keep top pressure and control to win on the scorecards.

Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing de Ridder's size and grappling pressure. He highlights Brendan Allen's tendency to fade in later rounds, as seen against Vettori and Curtis, and believes de Ridder's full camp and five-round experience will be decisive. He expects de Ridder to win by late stoppage or decision.

The MMA Guru picks Reinier de Ridder over Brendan Allen. He references de Ridder's performance against Whittaker and his body knees. He believes Allen is stationary and will be vulnerable to body knees, leading to a submission or TKO. He predicts de Ridder will hurt Allen with a knee to the body and finish with a submission in round two or three.

Angelo picks Marvin Vettori despite being an underdog, citing his durability and consistent forward pressure. He questions Brendan Allen's mental consistency and identity, noting Allen's talent but tendency to underperform. He suggests a plus 3.5 bet on Vettori as a safer play.

Big Brady leans Marvin Vettori, disagreeing with the line that makes Allen a heavy favorite. He argues Vettori has advantages in striking volume, cardio, and durability, and that Allen's best wins are unimpressive. He expects a close split decision, possibly influenced by Allen's hometown.

The host thinks this is a great matchup for Vettori to keep the fight upright, bully Allen in the clinch and in pocket exchanges, and pull away on the scorecards. This indicates a clear path to victory.

Angelo, a self-proclaimed 'fluffy underestimator', picks Anthony Hernandez for the first time. He credits Hernandez's incredible cardio as the key weapon that weaponizes his other skills, noting his win over Michel Pereira was wildly impressive. He thinks the pace will matter even in a three-round fight, and that Hernandez's work ethic makes the difference.

Big Brady picks Anthony 'Fluffy' Hernandez, noting his relentless wrestling and scrambling pace that most middleweights can't keep up with. He thinks Brendan Allen may have early success and win the first round, but Hernandez will wear him down, take him down, and dominate the later rounds. He references Allen's poor performance against Imavov, where he was out-grappled, and says if that version of Allen shows up, Hernandez finishes him. He predicts Hernandez by decision.

Connor picks Hernandez, agreeing that Allen's gas tank is a concern and that Hernandez's pressure will be too much. He notes that Allen improved a lot in the UFC and has submitted good grapplers, but Hernandez's style of constant scrambling and pace is a bad matchup. Connor also mentions that Hernandez's striking is terrible but his willingness to eat damage and keep pace makes it work.

The host believes Hernandez is clearly in his prime and will utilize his classic style: putting Allen through the ringer, pushing him against the cage, dragging him to the ground, and being too much. He predicts Hernandez wins on the scorecards.

The Guru picks Hernandez, citing his positional grappling dominance and better cardio compared to Allen. He notes Allen's tendency to lose position by chasing submissions, as seen in the Jacob Malkoun fight. He believes Hernandez is a better version of Malkoun—bigger, rangier, more durable—and will outgrapple Allen over three rounds. He also questions Allen's fight IQ.

Angelo picks Nassourdine Imavov, though he thinks the -200 favorite line is a bit wide. He believes Imavov's size and wrestling will be too much for Brendan Allen, who has improved but struggled with Chris Curtis until he wrestled. Allen won't be able to outwrestle Imavov, and Imavov's striking will give Allen trouble. He also likes the over 2.5 rounds.

Big Brady picks Nassourdine Imavov by second-round knockout, citing Imavov's superior striking and takedown defense. He notes Allen has been on a streak but has poor striking defense (47%) and has been knocked out before. He expects Imavov to land significant shots and finish Allen.

Cody sees Brendan Allen as a live underdog due to his superior wrestling and grappling. He notes that Imavov has been protected from wrestlers and has shown defensive grappling vulnerabilities. Allen's game plan of takedowns and top control should neutralize Imavov's striking, and the three-round format favors Allen's approach.

Connor picks Imavov because he believes Allen's defensive deficiencies on the feet will be exploited by Imavov's size, range, and power. He notes that Allen's best wins have come against grapplers or lower-level strikers, and he has struggled against fighters who can keep him at range. Connor also points out that Allen tends to be cautious against strikers he respects, which will play into Imavov's hands. He acknowledges that Allen could win if he pressures relentlessly, but doubts he will do so effectively.

Daniel Vreeland picks Imavov to win, but is not confident he covers the -210 price. He thinks Imavov's speed, power, and distance management will be key, and that he has a good chance to knock out Allen. However, he believes if Imavov doesn't finish, the fight will be close and Allen has value as a dog. He ultimately picks Imavov but notes the price is high.

JP picks Nassourdine Imavov because he thinks the three-round format favors Imavov's striking. He notes Brendan Allen has a grappling advantage but Imavov throws harder, more accurate strikes and is more mobile. He says if it were five rounds, he'd pick Allen, but in three rounds Imavov should edge it out by decision.

Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing Allen's seven-fight win streak and his ability to take down Chris Curtis six times. He believes Allen's grappling advantage is clear and that Imavov's defensive wrestling is suspect. Paul also notes that the line doesn't reflect the competitive nature of the fight, making Allen a good dog pick.

The MMA Guru picks Nassourdine Imavov over Brendan Allen, citing Imavov's technical striking and ability at all ranges. He notes Imavov's good takedown defense and performance against Strickland. He predicts Imavov will win a decision, possibly 30-27 or 29-28, and that Allen may get frustrated.

Angelo picks Chris Curtis because he already knocked out Brendan Allen in under two minutes in their first fight. He believes Allen's recent win streak is impressive but that he can only win by getting the fight to the ground, which is very difficult against Curtis's takedown defense. Angelo also notes that Curtis on short notice may be better because he doesn't overthink. He mentions that underdogs have won 63% of main events in 2024 and expects that trend to continue.

Big Brady picks Chris Curtis as the underdog, noting that he doesn't understand why Allen is a 2-to-1 favorite. He highlights Curtis's elite takedown defense, durability, and cardio, and believes the fight will take place on the feet, where Curtis is more defensively sound and durable. He thinks Allen is hitable and has been knocked out before, and predicts Curtis will find Allen's chin over 25 minutes and win by third-round knockout.

Cody agrees with Paul, noting that Allen's wins have come against one-dimensional grapplers, while Curtis is a sprawl-and-brawl boxer who works the body and legs. He points out that Curtis has looked midling lately but still has the style to beat Allen. Cody also highlights that Curtis knows Allen from sparring and took the first fight on short notice, and that the five-round fight favors Curtis's power and cardio. He expects Curtis to win by TKO again.

Daniel Vreeland picks Brendan Allen but is hesitant due to Allen's ego and past knockout loss to Curtis. He notes Allen has improved since their first fight, with a six-fight win streak and better grappling as a black belt. However, he worries Allen might get distracted by Sean Strickland's trash talk and engage in pocket exchanges where Curtis excels. Vreeland believes Allen has more paths to victory if he fights smart, using kicks and distance to avoid brawling, and can win by volume or submission if he gets top control.

Curtis has the striking advantage and an iron chin. Allen's wrestling isn't good enough to get Curtis down consistently. In the pocket, Curtis will land the bigger shots and likely knock Allen out again, as he did in their first fight. The line is too wide for Allen.

Paul thinks Chris Curtis is a bad matchup for Brendan Allen again. He notes Allen has improved but Curtis is a brick wall with solid boxing, body work, and five-round cardio. Paul believes Curtis's sprawl-and-brawl style will stifle Allen's takedowns and that Curtis will eventually land his power, likely by TKO. He also mentions Curtis took the fight on short notice last time and still won, and that the five-round distance favors Curtis's pressure.

Angelo is very confident in Brendan Allen, citing his five-fight win streak and well-rounded game. He notes Allen has better striking and wrestling than Paul Craig, and is putting everything together at the right time. He has bets on Allen and expects him to win.

Big Brady thinks the odds are silly because Paul Craig is always a live dog with his guard-pulling submissions. He questions Allen's fight IQ, expecting him to grapple despite the smarter path being striking. He picks Allen to win by submission, possibly a club and sub, but notes Craig is dangerous and can never be counted out. He says Allen has more ways to win but the fight could get tricky.

Cody picks Brendan Allen confidently, citing his significant advantages on the feet and well-rounded grappling. He notes that Paul Craig's only path is a submission via pulling guard, but Allen's top control and BJJ training make that unlikely. Cody mentions the line is wide but expects Allen to smash Craig, possibly by TKO. He acknowledges Craig's opportunistic submission game but sees Allen as too well-rounded.

Allen is the far superior striker with improved striking defense and a dangerous submission game. Craig has sketchy striking and relies on Jiu-Jitsu, but Allen can keep the fight standing and pick him apart. Allen will eventually find a TKO after posturing up with ground and pound, likely in the second or third round.

Paul agrees with Cody, fading Paul Craig as usual. He acknowledges Craig's magic touch and opportunistic submissions but notes that Craig's wins come against opponents with glaring weaknesses. Brendan Allen is young, well-rounded, and trains at a top gym. Paul highlights Allen's submission win over Andre Muniz and his ability to wrestle, grapple, and strike. He sees Craig's suspect gas tank as a liability in a five-round fight and expects Allen to win, likely by TKO.

Angelo leans toward Brendan Allen, thinking he probably wins if he avoids Bruno Silva's big power. He notes Allen is well-rounded and on a four-fight win streak, but historically inconsistent. He considers a bet on Bruno Silva inside the distance (finish only) at plus money if available.

Big Brady picks Brendan Allen despite not trusting him, citing Allen's tendency to make poor fight IQ decisions. He notes Silva's massive hole in grappling with seven submission losses. He believes if Allen takes the fight to the mat, he will dominate via submission. However, if Allen chooses to strike, he risks getting knocked out by Silva's power. He predicts a first-round submission.

Cody picks Allen, agreeing that his wrestling and jiu-jitsu will be decisive. He notes Silva's power but thinks Allen can make the fight ugly and take him down. He compares Allen to Pat Sabatini in terms of grappling advantage.

Connor picks Allen, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Silva is a dangerous puncher but lacks form and consistency. Allen has been improving his striking under Henry Hoof and has become more durable. Connor points out that Allen has only been finished once early in his career and that his grappling is elite. He sees Silva's only chance as landing a lucky shot.

Daniel Levi picks Brendan Allen but is concerned about a letdown spot after losing a main event booking. He acknowledges Allen's superior skills but notes Silva's knockout power and Allen's history of being knocked out. He thinks Allen is the more skilled fighter but sees this as a dangerous fight and a dog-or-pass situation at -180.

The host picks Brendan Allen to win by submission. He believes Allen's grappling advantage will be too much for Silva, as Silva has struggled against grapplers in the past. He expects Allen to get the fight to the ground, work to dominant positions, and eventually find a submission. He also suggests the fight doesn't go to decision as a prop.

Paul picks Allen, citing his grappling advantage and ability to take Silva down. He notes Silva's power but thinks Allen can neutralize it with wrestling and submissions. He acknowledges the risk but believes Allen's grappling is the key.

The Guru picks Brendan Allen but expresses worry about Allen's tendency to strike instead of grapple. He believes Allen is much better than Gerald Meerschaert, who dropped Silva, and that Allen can frustrate Silva by mixing in grappling. He predicts Allen will shoot a takedown when Silva rushes with a combo and win by TKO via ground and pound. He pleads with Allen to grapple and not trade power punches.