Connor sees Ribovics as a durable, violent striker who enjoys pocket exchanges, which neutralizes Brener's main weapon. He notes Ribovics has technical skills and a camp that can improve him, while Brener's reckless style leaves him open to counters. Connor believes Brener's game is unsustainable and that Ribovics will land more significant shots.

Lucrative James views Ribovics as the more educated striker with a diverse arsenal, including body shots. He notes Brener's durability may be declining, as he was hurt in recent fights by Joel Alvarez and Oro. He acknowledges Ribovics' takedown defense is a weakness but doubts Brener has the grappling skill to exploit it for three rounds. He predicts Ribovics will land heavy shots and finish inside the distance, possibly by knockout or TKO.

Angelo picks Brener but is hesitant because of the submission threat from Alvarez. He notes Alvarez has never taken anyone down but submits opponents who take him down, except Arman Tsarukyan. He thinks Brener is the more powerful striker and may keep it on the feet, but worries about Brener's submission defense if he wrestles.

Big Brady is leaning towards Brener despite Alvarez's dangerous finishing ability. He notes Alvarez has a 100% finish rate but questions his durability and ability to handle pressure, recalling Alvarez's loss to Arman Tsarukyan where he was beaten on the ground. He thinks Brener's pressure and pace could break Alvarez later in the fight, predicting a third-round TKO.

Cody picks Joel Alvarez, citing his massive size advantage and superior BJJ. He notes that Brener is undersized and has been hurt by smaller opponents. Cody thinks Alvarez can use his reach and knees to keep Brener at range, and if Brener shoots, Alvarez can submit him. He also mentions that Alvarez has good striking and has finished fights standing. Cody believes Brener's upset streak ends here.

Alvarez is more dangerous with his size, length, and power. He can shell opponents up and pick them apart, and has more tools to sink in chokes and use elbows and knees. He should finish Brener within two rounds.

Paul picks Joel Alvarez, noting his size and submission skills. He thinks Alvarez can win inside the distance, possibly by submission. Paul acknowledges that Brener could take over if the fight goes deep, but he expects Alvarez to finish early. He also mentions that the fight ends inside the distance is a good prop.

Angelo is confident in Orolbai, disagreeing with the public narrative that Brener is a good underdog. He views Brener as a grappler despite his knockout wins, and believes Orolbai's relentless wrestling and cardio will overwhelm him. He compares it to Orolbai's win over Uros Medic.

Big Brady is impressed with Orolbai's upside, calling him 'great everywhere' and noting his dominant debut. He acknowledges Brener's toughness and finishing ability but believes Orolbai has more ways to win. He predicts a decision due to both fighters' durability.

Cody picks Brener as a dog, citing his takedown defense, scrambling, and striking advantage. He notes Orolbai is coming down from 170 and may have weight cut issues, and his wrestling-heavy style may not impress judges. Cody expects Brener to win a close decision or get a finish.

Daniel Vreeland picks Orolbai, comparing his wrestling style to Khabib Nurmagomedov. He highlights Orolbai's pressure, takedown entries against the cage, and ability to stick to opponents. He believes Orolbai's suffocating style will be too much for Brener, who may struggle to create separation. He is willing to lay juice on Orolbai due to his dominant attributes.

Orolbai is very dangerous with his relentless grappling approach and better gas tank. He will put Brener through the ringer and finish him in the second or third round. The money line around -250 is acceptable.

Paul picks Orolbai, citing his physical strength and takedown ability. He notes Brener has been taken down before and Orolbai's power at lightweight will be a factor. Paul expects Orolbai to get takedowns and control the fight.

Angelo picks Kruschewsky (referred to as 'reix' or 'rabix') despite Brener's upset win over Guram. He thinks the striking gap is wide and Brener's knockout was a lucky punch in a fight he was losing. He notes Kruschewsky has sneaky power, solid BJJ, but takedown defense is a concern. He placed a half-unit bet on Kruschewsky at +113, now +130.

Daniel Levi picks Elves Brener, noting his well-rounded skills, toughness, and ability to overcome adversity. He acknowledges that Brener's kill-or-be-killed style leaves openings and he gets hurt in fights, but he has never been finished. Levi is wary of Kruschewsky's short-notice debut and his own impressive record, but believes Brener's preparation and hometown advantage give him the edge. He expects an exciting fight and picks Brener, but cautions that an upset wouldn't surprise him.

James passes on this fight because he hasn't taped Kruschewsky yet, as the fight was made only 24-48 hours ago. He mentions he had a bet on Rivaldo Vieira against Brener at +145, but that fight was called off. He does not provide a pick or analysis for this matchup.

Brener has a BJJ black belt but doesn't often grapple; however, his path to victory is through grappling. Kruschewsky has sketchy takedown defense and Brener can control him on the ground. Brener is competitive enough in striking and has durability. If he implements grappling, he could get a submission finish, but there's low confidence because he doesn't usually grapple.

Angelo picks Guram Kutateladze confidently, stating his striking is light years ahead and his takedown defense is some of the best in the division. He believes Elves Brener has no path to victory, as Guram won't get taken down or submitted. He thinks the line should be much higher, like -1100.

Big Brady picks Guram Kutateladze to win by second-round knockout. He sees a massive skill discrepancy, noting Kutateladze went competitive with Mateusz Gamrot and Damir Ismagulov, while Brener's best attribute is grappling, which won't work against Kutateladze's takedown defense. He believes Kutateladze will land repeatedly and eventually finish Brener.

Cody thinks Kutateladze is a legitimate top-15 talent with strong wrestling and physicality. He notes Brenner's win over Zubaira Tukhugov was controversial (all media scored for Tukhugov) and that Tukhugov was an undersized featherweight. Cody expects Kutateladze to win by KO or decision, but acknowledges his injury history and short notice. He still picks Kutateladze.

Daniel confidently picks Kutateladze, citing his superior striking and power. He notes Brener has never been finished but expects Kutateladze to dominate, possibly by knockout or decision. He acknowledges Brener's toughness and submission threat but believes Kutateladze is on a different level, as reflected in the -600 line. He expects a clear win, though he leans decision.

Paul picks Kutateladze but notes the minus-700 price is hard to back. He mentions Kutateladze's layoff and injury issues, but believes his talent is far superior. Brenner's win over Tukhugov was controversial and Tukhugov was out of shape. Paul thinks Kutateladze should win, but it's risky at such short odds.

Angelo picks Zubaira Tukhugov, citing his excellent wrestling and takedown ability, which should dominate Elves Brener, who is stepping up on short notice. He notes that both have mediocre striking, but Zubaira's wrestling is the difference-maker. He expects the fight to go to decision and advises against including Zubaira in parlays due to the risk.

Big Brady is very confident in Tukhugov, citing his superior striking and takedown defense. He notes that Tukhugov has fought much better competition and has 100% takedown defense, while Brener is a grappler with poor takedown defense. He predicts a first-round knockout, as Tukhugov has power and will go after Brener early.

Cody picks Tukhugov but hates the -600 price. He notes Tukhugov is talented but often fights to the level of his competition and has many split decisions. He thinks Brener is a step up in competition and durable. He expects a close fight and would not bet Tukhugov at that price.

Connor picks Tukhugov, agreeing that Brener has zero structure and can be taken out of the fight in any position. He notes that Tukhugov is an insane athlete who has moved past his bad fight period and now looks structured. Connor thinks even a bad Tukhugov would likely win, and that Brener is a regional-level fighter.

Tukhugov's overhand right and clinch grappling will be too much for the short-notice debutant Brener. Brener has a tendency to end up on his back, where Tukhugov can control him. Tukhugov's striking is limited but effective at crashing the pocket. Brener may have success with kicks early, but Tukhugov's pressure and wrestling will take over. The fight likely goes to a decision with Tukhugov grinding out a win.

Paul picks Tukhugov but is not confident. He notes Tukhugov's wrestling and durability should be enough to control Brener, but the -600 line is unplayable. He sees Brener as durable and tough, but thinks Tukhugov wins by decision or late finish. He passes on betting.

The MMA Guru picks Zubaira Tukhugov over Elves Brener, noting that Brener is stepping in on short notice and lacks impressive competition. He believes Tukhugov will take it slow and steady, finishing Brener in the second or third round by TKO. He trusts Tukhugov's experience despite some past losses.