AJ is confident Pavlovich will win, calling Teixeira not very good and noting his competitive fight with Tai Tuivasa and loss to old Derrick Lewis. He highlights Pavlovich's destruction of Tuivasa and win over Waldo Cortes-Acosta. AJ thinks Pavlovich will knock him out, possibly in round one, but also acknowledges Pavlovich can be patient and go to decision. He calls it a tune-up fight for Pavlovich.

AJ picks Sergei Pavlovich confidently, expecting a knockout despite Pavlovich's recent patient approach. He notes Pavlovich's punching power and underrated wrestling, while Teixeira is hittable and takes risks. AJ thinks Pavlovich will eventually land a big shot, possibly after the over 1.5 rounds mark, but is confident in a KO win.

AJ calls Pavlovich a lock, citing his terrifying boxing, knockout power, and defensive grappling. He thinks Teixeira is not ready, noting his poor defense and panic grappling. AJ predicts a first-round KO, as Pavlovich has the reach and power to put Teixeira away early.

Angelo confidently picks Sergei Pavlovich by KO, calling Teixeira a 'bum' who only wins because he's big. He notes Pavlovich's power and speed against a lower-level opponent, predicting a quick knockout similar to Derrick Lewis's finish.

Angelo picks Sergei Pavlovich because he is too fast, too powerful, and too dangerous. He notes that Pavlovich's only losses are to elite fighters and that Tallison Teixeira has poor striking defense. He expects a knockout.

Angelo picks Sergei Pavlovich, citing his speed, power, and experience. He notes that Teixeira struggled against higher competition and doesn't have a good jab like Volkov, who gave Pavlovich trouble. He believes Pavlovich is better everywhere and should find a knockout, though he acknowledges the odds are too rich to bet.

Big Brady is very confident in Pavlovich, calling Teixeira a fraud for failing to submit Tai Tuivasa and gassing out. He believes Pavlovich's power and size will be too much, and Teixeira is defensively irresponsible with tall man's defense. He predicts a first-round knockout, noting Pavlovich has gone to decision in his last three but Teixeira is less durable than Waldo Cortes-Acosta.

Cody sees this as a setup match for Pavlovich to get a highlight-reel knockout. He notes Pavlovich's wrestling background and power, and that Teixeira has been knocked out before (Derrick Lewis). Cody believes Pavlovich will pressure, land overhands, and finish early, putting him back in title contention. He acknowledges the risk of a heavyweight fight but is confident in a vintage performance.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Pavlovich. He notes that Teixeira's game is still raw and he tends to back himself into the cage, which plays into Pavlovich's pressure. Connor also mentions that Pavlovich has evolved a jab and counterpunching, making him more dangerous at range. He expresses hope that Teixeira might have leveled up from the Tuivasa fight, but doubts it given the short turnaround.

Levi is extremely confident in Pavlovich, calling the fight a mismatch. He criticizes Teixeira's poor defense, citing his chin-up, hands-down style exposed against Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa. Levi expects Pavlovich to knock Teixeira out easily.

Jacob picks Sergei Pavlovich because Tallison Teixeira is not very good and has terrible striking defense. He notes that Pavlovich is the better striker and that Teixeira's win over Tai Tuivasa was unimpressive. He acknowledges the price is thick but believes Pavlovich should win.

Lucrative James is very confident in Pavlovich, calling him a 'home run' in this fight. He criticizes Teixeira's poor defense, cardio issues, and lack of high-level competition, noting that Teixeira struggled against a washed Derrick Lewis and a past-prime Tai Tuivasa. He highlights Pavlovich's power, improved wrestling, and smart fight IQ, referencing his camp with a Russian national boxing team member to prepare for Teixeira's height. He predicts a knockout, believing Pavlovich will land clean and finish early.

The host picks Sergei Pavlovich, citing his knockout power and speed. He notes Pavlovich has taken a more disciplined approach but is much more explosive and powerful than Teixeira, predicting a first-round knockout.

The host picks Pavlovich, citing his speed, power, and tougher strength of schedule. He believes Pavlovich will stop Teixeira's grappling and find his chin quickly, leading to a knockout. He notes Teixeira's chin is a question mark after being knocked out by Derrick Lewis.

Paul agrees with Cody, calling it a setup match. He notes Pavlovich's first-round finishes in his first seven UFC fights and that his recent decision losses were against tall fighters (Volkov) but Teixeira is not at that level. Paul expects Pavlovich to pressure and land big shots, finishing Teixeira early.

The MMA Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich to win. He believes Pavlovich will make a comeback and knock out Teixeira. He notes that Pavlovich has experience at a high level and despite recent tentative performances, he should be able to land his punches. He also mentions that Teixeira has been fast-tracked and his wrestling isn't a threat to Pavlovich.

The Guru picks Pavlovich at a very high clip. He notes Pavlovich has fight-ending power, good boxing combinations, and a surprising reach advantage over the 6'7 Teixeira. Teixeira is athletic and has power but is outmatched everywhere. The only path for Teixeira is an errant knockout shot.

The Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich over Talison Teixeira, calling it a 'hydrogen bomb versus coughing baby' matchup. He believes Pavlovich's power, patience, and cardio will break down Teixeira, who has questionable cardio and has fought low-level competition. He expects Pavlovich to find a late finish after Teixeira slows down.

Angelo is confident in Waldo Cortes Acosta as a dog, calling him more well-rounded, athletic, and durable. He notes that Pavlovich is one-dimensional as a boxer and that Waldo can shoot takedowns and has a giant chin. He has a moneyline bet on Waldo at +225, which he thinks is crazy. He references Waldo's toughness and evolution as a fighter.

Big Brady picks Sergei Pavlovich to win, but with hesitation due to Pavlovich's recent lack of killer instinct since being knocked out by Aspinall. He notes that Pavlovich has been hesitant in recent fights, but if the old Pavlovich shows up, he will knock out Cortes Acosta in the first round. He is worried Pavlovich might stick at range or wrestle, making the fight harder.

Connor is confident Pavlovich should win, as he is the first elite-level heavyweight Cortes Acosta has faced. He notes that Pavlovich has better punching mechanics, more power, and a significant reach advantage (84 inches vs 78). However, he worries that Pavlovich might get deer-in-the-headlights against Cortes Acosta's size and durability, leading to a staring contest. Connor also mentions that Pavlovich looked good in his last fight, showing improved wrestling and striking choices.

The host initially thought he would like the plus money on Cortes Acosta, but after seeing the confidence and discipline from Pavlovich in his last fight, he thinks Pavlovich can shut down the jab of Cortes Acosta and land big shots leading to knockdowns, knockouts, or takedowns. He expects Pavlovich to be in the driver's seat and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round KO. He highlights Pavlovich's 14-inch reach advantage and believes he is more athletic, faster, and more powerful than Cortes Acosta. He criticizes Cortes Acosta's close decisions against unranked opponents and notes that Pavlovich has finished similar fighters quickly. He also mentions that Pavlovich can use grappling and low kicks if needed.

Angelo picks Jairzinho Rozenstruik, citing his technical striking and counter-striking ability. He notes that Sergei Pavlovich struggles against a jab, as seen in his loss to Volkov. He believes Rozenstruik's Muay Thai and patience will allow him to frustrate Pavlovich and take over as the fight goes on. He acknowledges Pavlovich's power and speed but thinks Rozenstruik's technique wins.

Big Brady thinks Sergei Pavlovich needs to be aggressive to win. He notes Pavlovich looked terrible against Volkov when he wasn't aggressive, but when he rushes forward he knocks people out. Brady believes if Pavlovich brings aggression, he will sleep Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the first round. He chalks up the Volkov fight to them being friends/training partners.

Connor picks Pavlovich, believing he can overwhelm Rozenstruik early with his power. He notes that Rozenstruik is a trigger counter puncher who stands with locked knees, making him vulnerable to a bull rush. Connor thinks Pavlovich's loss to Volkov was due to familiarity and that he will revert to his aggressive style. However, he acknowledges that if Pavlovich hesitates or tries to be technical, he will lose.

James picks Pavlovich to win by knockout in round one, but he is not confident and sees value on Rozenstruik. He notes Pavlovich's tendency to fade if he doesn't get an early KO, and that Rozenstruik has a chance to win by decision or knockout in later rounds. He mentions Rozenstruik's decision prop at +700 as a potential small play. He is undecided on betting Rozenstruik.

Rozenstruik is the technically better striker and will use his mobility, straight jabs, and counters to pick apart Pavlovich's wild combinations. He is expected to win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round TKO. He believes Pavlovich has a great chin and will remind people he is a top heavyweight. He notes Rozenstruik was finished by Volkov and that Pavlovich took a beating from Volkov but never got finished. He expects a dominant performance.

Angelo picks Volkov, citing his height, reach, experience, and well-rounded game. He thinks Volkov will slow the pace, lean on Pavlovic, and grind out a win. He notes Pavlovic is a powerful boxer but lacks cardio and wrestling. He believes the friendship between them will lead to a feeling-out process, making the over 1.5 rounds a good bet. He placed a bet on over 1.5 rounds at plus money.

Big Brady picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round knockout, citing his devastating power and Volkov's admission that Pavlovich hurts him in sparring. He notes that if Volkov tries to wrestle, it's not his game, and striking with Pavlovich is dangerous. Brady expects Pavlovich to swarm and finish early.

Cody picks Volkov as an underdog, highlighting his reach, counter-striking, and cardio advantage. He believes Volkov can use kicks to keep distance, time Pavlovich's charges with counters, and potentially take the fight to the ground where Pavlovich is vulnerable. He notes Pavlovich's tendency to walk straight in with his hands down.

Daniel Vreeland picks Alexander Volkov as the underdog, citing Pavlovich's lack of experience past round one in the UFC and potential cardio issues. He believes Volkov can use his reach, jabs, and teeps to pick Pavlovich apart if he survives the early onslaught. However, he is hesitant because Pavlovich's power could end the fight early.

Jacob picks Volkov, noting he doesn't lose to strikers and knows how to keep range and mix in takedowns. He worries about the friendship angle potentially leading to a sparring match, but thinks if Pavlovic pulls punches, Volkov wins. He also notes Pavlovic looks jacked but that might work against his cardio. He advises staying away from betting on this fight entirely.

JP is a Volkov hater and confidently picks Pavlovich by KO/TKO, citing Pavlovich's wins over Curtis Blaydes, Tai Tuivasa, and Derrick Lewis. He expects Pavlovich to clip Volkov early. Brevan disagrees, picking Volkov by decision, arguing that Volkov's size, chin, and experience will take Pavlovich into deep waters. He notes Volkov's technical striking and ability to survive round one. The hosts have opposing picks.

Paul agrees with the underdog pick, citing Volkov's length, experience, and submission threat. He notes that Pavlovich is a battering ram but has shown vulnerability when taken down, as seen against Aspinall. Paul believes Volkov can survive the early storm and take over in later rounds.

Angelo picks Aspinall, citing his well-roundedness and ability to mix in takedowns. He notes Pavlovich has insane power but is untested in later rounds and against takedowns. He thinks Aspinall's wrestling and BJJ will be the difference, but he is not betting due to the even odds and volatility.

Big Brady slightly leans Tom Aspinall, citing his multiple paths to victory. He notes Aspinall has a significant advantage on the ground with his BJJ and ground-and-pound, while Pavlovich has shown nothing off his back. However, he acknowledges Pavlovich's terrifying power and that Aspinall must get the fight to the mat. Brady says he probably won't bet the moneyline but might look at a prop.

Cody leans Pavlovich, citing Aspinall's questionable cardio after the first round and his knee injury history. He thinks Pavlovich's power and pressure will be too much, and that Aspinall hasn't proven he can go into deep waters. He notes Pavlovich's training partners praise his cardio, and he believes Pavlovich will land something big and take over.

James picks Tom Aspinall, believing he should be a decent favorite despite the even line. He sees the striking as roughly 50/50, but gives Aspinall 80% of the grappling upside. He notes Pavlovich's takedown defense is untested and Aspinall has athletic takedowns. He acknowledges the short notice for Aspinall but thinks it matters less at heavyweight. He sees Aspinall having more paths to win: decision, submission, or knockout.

Aspinall's speed, agility, and athleticism will be key. He can land a straight right or secure a takedown and dominate from top position. Pavlovich's grappling vulnerability was exposed by Overeem. Aspinall's physicality will allow him to snatch the victory. Expects a finish, calling it round two. Short notice is less of a concern at heavyweight.

Paul is a believer in Pavlovich, having taken him at +135 earlier. He dismisses the Overeem loss as a debut five years ago, noting Pavlovich has improved immensely at Eagles MMA. He thinks Pavlovich's takedown defense and devastating power make him a problem, and that Aspinall's cardio and durability are unproven.

Angelo picks Curtis Blaydes because of his elite wrestling, which he believes will be the deciding factor. He notes that Blaydes averages over six takedowns per fight and has fast, clean entries. He acknowledges Pavlovich's dangerous striking and knockout power, but thinks Blaydes can survive the early rounds and then take over with wrestling. He mentions Blaydes' three knockout losses but still favors him. He is not betting on this fight.

Big Brady picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round knockout, specifically in the first two minutes. He notes that Pavlovich is very live to starch Blaydes early if Blaydes tries to strike. Blaydes has a clear path to victory via takedown, but if he doesn't shoot immediately, Pavlovich's power could end the fight. Brady thinks it's a 50/50 fight but leans Pavlovich because of his knockout power and Blaydes's tendency to fall in love with striking. He also mentions Pavlovich's poor ground game from past fights, but believes the knockout comes first.

Cody picks Pavlovich, emphasizing his first-round knockout streak and the fact that his only UFC loss was to Overeem in his debut at age 26. He argues Pavlovich has improved since then, trains at Tiger Muay Thai, and has a wrestling background. Cody criticizes Blaydes for sometimes choosing to strike instead of wrestling, as seen against Lewis and Daukaus, and notes that even when Blaydes gets takedowns, he doesn't always do damage. He believes Pavlovich can get back to his feet and land a knockout.

Connor picks Blaydes confidently, arguing that Blaydes does something no other heavyweight does: wrestle with diverse takedowns and control. He points out that Pavlovich's grappling is non-existent, as shown when Overeem took him down and he didn't know what to do. He also notes that Blaydes is durable and has weathered big shots before, and that Pavlovich's striking falls apart when he's not winning.

Curtis Blaydes has improved striking and distance management, using kicks and combinations to avoid trading in the pocket. He has the wrestling advantage and can take the fight to the ground, where he can control or finish. Pavlovich is a dangerous power puncher but tends to thrive when opponents exchange with him; Blaydes will not do that. The only loss on Pavlovich's record came via Alistair Overeem, who now trains with Blaydes, giving Blaydes insight. Blaydes is the more well-rounded fighter with better tools and experience.

Paul picks Pavlovich as a plus money underdog, citing his first-round finishing streak and heavy hands. He acknowledges Blaydes' wrestling and cardio advantages but believes Pavlovich's power and youth (30 at heavyweight) give him a real chance. He notes Pavlovich's wrestling base and training at Tiger Muay Thai, and points out that Blaydes has been knocked out by power punchers before. Paul also mentions a prop for Pavlovich to win in round one at plus 300.

The MMA Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich after initially leaning toward Blaydes. He rewatched Blaydes' fights and found them less impressive, noting Blaydes is skittish against powerful strikers like Derrick Lewis and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. He believes Pavlovich's takedown defense has improved and that he will hurt Blaydes on the feet, stuff takedowns, and finish him. He predicts a first-round TKO.

Angelo picks Tai Tuivasa, citing his better leg kicks and chin. He notes both fighters have zero takedowns in the UFC, so it will be a striking match. He thinks Tuivasa's power and durability give him the edge, but acknowledges heavyweights can end anytime. He won't bet either side but recommends using Monkey Knife Fight's Knockout Kings prop because one of them will get knocked out.

Big Brady picks Pavlovich to win by first-round knockout, citing his nine-inch reach advantage, power, and forward pressure. He notes Tuivasa has been knocked out before and Pavlovich has five first-round finishes in the UFC. He acknowledges Tuivasa's power but believes Pavlovich lands first.

Cody agrees with Paul, citing Tuivasa's durability, power, and ability to weather early storms. He notes Pavlovich has never been tested past the first round and questions his cardio. He sees Tuivasa as a live dog with a legitimate shot.

Daniel Levi leans Pavlovich based on momentum, massive reach advantage (84 inches), and confidence. He acknowledges Tuivasa's knockout power and the possibility of an upset, especially if the fight extends past the first round. He is not betting but expects an entertaining stand-up war.

The host leans towards Pavlovich, believing he has more paths to victory, including potentially using takedowns. He likes the over 1.5 rounds at plus 170, thinking both fighters will respect each other's power and the fight could go into the second or third round. He is cautious about betting heavy on a heavyweight fight due to volatility.

Paul loves Tuivasa at plus money. He notes Pavlovich's low-level competition and questions his cardio. He thinks Tuivasa's durability and power make him live, especially if the fight goes past the first round. He also mentions the under 5 minutes on PrizePicks.

Big Brady picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round knockout. He cites Pavlovich's youth, reach advantage, and high volume striking. He notes Lewis has been finished in most of his losses and Pavlovich has power. He acknowledges Lewis can never be counted out but leans toward Pavlovich landing first.

Cody leans Pavlovich, noting his physical attributes: 84-inch reach, power, and youth. He acknowledges the unknown of Pavlovich's cardio beyond the first round, as all his UFC wins are first-round finishes. He also notes that Pavlovich is a wrestler but chooses to stand and bang, which could be dangerous against Lewis. He thinks Pavlovich's speed and boxing combinations will allow him to hit Lewis before Lewis can counter. He also mentions that Lewis is on the downswing, older, and less motivated.

Daniel likes Pavlovich's youth, output, size, and momentum after three straight wins. He notes Pavlovich's 5-inch reach advantage and his ability to flow punches into kicks. He acknowledges the risk of Lewis' one-punch knockout power, calling Lewis the greatest knockout artist in heavyweight history. He mentions Lewis' age (37), back problems, and tendency to sometimes not show up. He also notes that Lewis has lost in Texas before. He bet Pavlovich at plus 100 and is riding with it, but only one unit due to the volatility.

Preet picks Lewis, believing he will land his hammer and knock out Pavlovich in the first round. He notes Lewis's nuclear power and desire to make up for his loss to Tai Tuivasa. He thinks the odds are influenced by recency bias and that Lewis's Texas pride will drive him. He calls the fight volatile and prefers plus money on either side.

Paul picks Pavlovich but calls it a coin flip. He notes that neither fighter has much appetite for grappling and they will stand in the center. He mentions that Pavlovich has taken less punishment over his career and that Lewis is open to leg kicks and body shots, but Pavlovich is a head hunter. He thinks Pavlovich's reach and power are advantages, but he wouldn't be shocked if Lewis knocks him out. He also notes that Lewis is fighting in Texas and has a history of losing at home.