Angelo picks Israel Adesanya despite acknowledging his age and chin issues. He believes Adesanya's technical striking and range management can keep him safe until Joe Pyfer's cardio fades. He notes that Adesanya looked good in recent losses before getting finished, and that Pyfer's wrestling is not at the level of Dricus du Plessis. However, he says he would not be surprised if Pyfer knocks him out.

Big Brady picks Israel Adesanya to win by decision, but he is hesitant. He acknowledges Adesanya is on a three-fight skid and may be declining, but notes his losses have come against top competition. He thinks Adesanya's elite takedown defense and striking volume will be key, especially with the big cage. He believes if Adesanya's chin holds up, he will outpoint Pyfer over five rounds. He also notes Pyfer's path is via knockout or wrestling, but doubts Pyfer can maintain wrestling for 25 minutes.

Cody acknowledges Adesanya's recent losses and durability concerns but believes Pyfer's cardio issues and reliance on early power will allow Izzy to take over in later rounds. He notes Pyfer's limited wrestling and tendency to gas, making Adesanya the pick despite the risk.

Connor acknowledges that Pyfer is the more rational pick given Adesanya's recent decline and tendency to get hurt, but he stubbornly picks Adesanya because he doesn't think Pyfer is good enough. He notes that Adesanya can fence Pyfer off and make him uncomfortable, but can never fully neutralize the danger. He compares his pick to a classic 'vibes' pick, admitting it's a prove-it question.

Daniel believes Izzy is on the decline, having lost four of his last five and been finished in three. He thinks Pyfer's power and grappling, combined with Izzy's diminished reflexes and chin, will lead to an upset. He picks Pyfer to finish Adesanya.

The host is torn on this fight. Adesanya is a bad stylistic matchup for Pyfer on paper (better striker, good takedown defense), but Adesanya has shown signs of decline (KO loss to Imavov, submission loss to Du Plessis). The host cannot confidently pick either side and passes pre-fight, preferring to live bet the fight.

Lucrative James picks Israel Adesanya to win, believing Adesanya hasn't fallen as far as some think and that his experience and takedown defense will be key. He thinks Joe Pyfer will need a finish to win, but Adesanya's striking and durability make that unlikely. He also notes that Pyfer may fade in later rounds, giving Adesanya an edge.

The host is torn but leans towards Pyfer, citing Adesanya's recent decline in reflexes and durability. He thinks Pyfer's power and wrestling could lead to a finish, possibly by submission similar to Dricus du Plessis. However, he admits low confidence and may not bet it, noting Adesanya could also win by picking Pyfer apart from distance.

Paul agrees with Cody, stating they've never been Pyfer guys. He thinks Adesanya's takedown defense is sufficient and that Pyfer hasn't shown elite wrestling. He's comfortable with the moneyline at -150.

The MMA Guru picks Israel Adesanya, despite acknowledging Joe Pyfer's power and grappling. He believes Adesanya's striking levels are above Pyfer's, citing his ability to avoid Pereira's left hook and his performance against Imavov. He expects Adesanya to use low kicks to neutralize Pyfer's right hand and eventually find a finish. He predicts a third-round TKO.

Angelo picks Joe Pyfer despite his negative attitude, believing Pyfer is better than Abusupiyan Magomedov everywhere: striking, wrestling, and grappling. He notes both fighters fade, but Pyfer hits harder and has better skills. He thinks the odds are a discount because of Pyfer's personality, but he is confident in the pick.

Big Brady is confident in Joe Pyfer, noting his power from the Kelvin Gastelum fight where he dropped Gastelum multiple times. He believes Abusupiyan Magomedov gets hurt easily and has poor cardio. He thinks Pyfer's power will lead to a first-round knockout.

Connor picks Magomedov out of spite for Pyfer, but also because he believes Magomedov is the smarter pick for a decision win. He notes that Magomedov's game is shallow but consistent, and if Pyfer doesn't finish early, Magomedov's ability to frustrate with long-range strikes and takedowns will likely lead to a win. Connor considers it a coin flip but leans toward Magomedov's consistency.

Magomedov is seen as overlooked and a better all-around fighter on paper. If he survives Pyfer's early power, his striking and grappling should lead to a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Joe Pyfer, despite concerns about his calf kick defense. He notes Abus Magomedov's poor cardio and tendency to get sloppy, while Pyfer's conditioning and power should prevail. He predicts a second-round KO.

Angelo picks Joe Pyfer because Kelvin Gastelum is unreliable with poor work ethic and weight issues. He notes Kelvin has a granite chin and power, but Joe is a powerful striker with slick BJJ. He warns Joe not to get frustrated if the knockout doesn't come quickly. He thinks the 4-to-1 odds are fair but not a cakewalk.

Big Brady likes Joe Pyfer more now that the fight is at sea level instead of Mexico City. He believes Pyfer can win by any method: knockout, submission, or decision. He notes Pyfer's size, power, and black belt in jiu-jitsu, and that Gastelum has been submitted before. He thinks a decision is most likely due to Gastelum's durability, but sees Pyfer as the better fighter overall.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Pyfer. He emphasizes that Gastelum's best wins are against smaller or older opponents, and Pyfer's size and power pose a serious threat. Connor notes that Gastelum's defensive flaws and reliance on his chin make him vulnerable, especially at middleweight where he is not as big.

Gastelum can deal with Pyfer's power and then get to his own striking game, blitzing the pocket and landing big shots, possibly mixing in takedowns. His durability, cardio, and strength of schedule will allow him to get the victory over the younger Pyfer.

The MMA Guru picks Joe Pyfer by submission in the first round. He notes Pyfer's muscle advantage and underrated grappling, citing his training with Sean Brady and his submission wins. He believes Pyfer will land big shots early, then take Gastelum down and submit him with an arm triangle. He mentions Gastelum's granite chin but thinks Pyfer can finish him.

Cody picks Pyfer but is hesitant due to his cardio issues. He notes that Pyfer has heavy hands and usually finishes fights early, but if Barriault survives the first round, Pyfer may fade. Cody believes Pyfer will learn from his loss to Jack Hermansson and pace himself better, but acknowledges that Barriault's pressure and cardio could cause problems. He expects Pyfer to win a decision or get an early knockout.

Daniel thinks Pyfer has more power and is more physically imposing than Barriault. He notes that Barriault struggles against higher competition and lacks athleticism. He believes Pyfer learned from his loss to Hermansson and will come back better. He expects a three-round scrap where Pyfer's firepower makes the difference, whether by decision or knockout.

The host does not discuss this fight at all in the transcript. The entire podcast is focused on the Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight, which is not on the provided fight card. Therefore, no pick is made for this fight.

The host picks Pyfer by knockout but is hesitant, noting that Barriault's cardio and volume could cause problems if Pyfer doesn't finish early. He says the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Barriault. He suggests the knockout prop at +200 is a better way to play Pyfer, and also mentions Barriault's decision prop and round 3 prop as potential plays.

Paul leans toward Barriault as a live underdog, noting that Pyfer has cardio issues and that Barriault has a high-volume pressure style. He points out that Barriault has gone the distance with tough opponents and that Pyfer tends to slow down after the first round. Paul suggests betting Barriault live after the first round if he survives, as his odds will improve significantly.

Angelo acknowledges Jack Hermansson's grappling credentials but notes his low takedown accuracy (29%). Joe Pyfer has incredible power, good wrestling, and has trained with high-level grapplers, including a win over Gerald Meerschaert. Angelo believes Pyfer is the real deal and that this is a perfect stepping stone fight. He suggests betting or parlaying Pyfer.

Big Brady picks Joe Pyfer to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Pyfer has dynamite in his hands and hits like a truck, while Hermansson has been knocked out before and struggles to get fights to the mat. He thinks the small cage favors Pyfer's pressure, and he expects Pyfer to knock Hermansson out early. He acknowledges Hermansson's cardio and grappling but believes Pyfer's power is the difference.

Cody sees value in Hermansson as a plus money underdog. He questions Pyfer's cardio and five-round experience, noting Pyfer has never fought three rounds and relies on early finishes against lower-level competition. Hermansson has proven volume and cardio over five rounds, with wins over Chris Curtis and competitive fights with Strickland and Vettori. Cody believes Pyfer's -260 price is too high given the unknowns, making Hermansson a clear dogger pass pick.

Hermansson is a tough veteran with a grappling-heavy approach and good durability. He should be able to weather Pyfer's early power and then take over with his grinding style, potentially winning by decision or late stoppage. Pyfer's cardio is untested against a durable opponent. However, Hermansson is coming off a knee injury, and Pyfer has youth and power. Low confidence pick.

Paul agrees with Cody, calling Hermansson a clear dogger pass. He notes Pyfer's lack of five-round experience and that Hermansson has multiple tools and paths to victory. Paul points out that if the fight goes deep, Hermansson's cardio and volume will be decisive. He also mentions that Pyfer could win by early knockout, but the value is on Hermansson at plus money.

Angelo picks Joe Pyfer with high confidence, citing his powerful striking, pressure, and composure. He notes that Abdul Razak Alhassan is a powerful striker but headhunts and abandons his high-level Judo. Pyfer may also wrestle offensively. The only concern is Pyfer's lack of experience in longer fights, but Angelo trusts his hands and pressure.

Big Brady picks Joe Pyfer, noting that Pyfer has more ways to win, especially if he uses his grappling. He highlights Abdul Razak Alhassan's non-existent takedown defense and that Pyfer is a black belt in BJJ. He warns that if Pyfer stands and bangs, he risks Alhassan's power, but believes Pyfer will take the fight to the ground and secure a second-round submission.

Cody picks Joe Pyfer, highlighting his size, power, and well-rounded game. He notes that Alhassan is undersized at middleweight, has poor cardio, and relies on a puncher's chance. Pyfer's wrestling and durability give him multiple paths to victory, and Cody expects him to win, likely by knockout.

Daniel Levi leans Joe Pyfer but calls it a dog-or-pass situation at -450. He notes that Abdul Razak Alhassan has 12 first-round KOs but fades past round one, while Pyfer is the bigger natural middleweight. However, he is not fully sold on Pyfer's competition level and acknowledges that either fighter could get knocked out. He advises against putting Pyfer in parlays at this price.

Lucrative James picks Pyfer to win by finish, likely a TKO via ground and pound. He thinks Pyfer will use his underrated grappling, setting up takedowns with his jab. He notes Pyfer trains with high-level grapplers and has competed in grappling. He sees value in Pyfer by submission at +700 but leans TKO. He believes the line is wide and Alhassan is live but not betting him.

Pyfer has a reach and height advantage, and his power should be able to keep Alhassan at distance. Alhassan is dangerous but has durability issues and is 38. Pyfer should be able to counter Alhassan's overhand rights and get a knockout. However, the -450 line is too steep; I prefer the fight doesn't go to distance prop. Pyfer by finish is likely.

Paul agrees with Pyfer, noting his prospect status and Alhassan's cardio issues. He mentions that Alhassan is undersized and has struggled at middleweight. Paul considers a submission prop at +600 as a speculative play, but his main pick is Pyfer on the moneyline.

Angelo picks Joe Pyfer but is hesitant to bet because Pyfer is green and Gerald Meerschaert has defied odds before. He notes that Pyfer has good wrestling and enough Jiu-Jitsu to avoid submissions, and is the better striker. However, he is cautious because Meerschaert's chin has held up recently, and he doesn't want to risk a similar outcome to the Bruno Silva fight.

Big Brady picks Joe Pyfer to win by knockout, citing Pyfer's power and patience, and Meerschaert's questionable chin and striking defense. He notes that Meerschaert has been knocked out by lesser punchers. He predicts a second-round KO, but acknowledges Meerschaert's history of pulling off upsets as a dog.

Cody also picks Pyfer. He thinks Pyfer will be too much early, with better striking and wrestling. He notes Meerschaert often comes back after losing the first round, but Pyfer's cardio should prevent that. Cody suggests live betting Meerschaert after round 1 if Pyfer doesn't finish, as Meerschaert's value increases. He acknowledges Meerschaert's submission threat but believes Pyfer can avoid it.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Meerschaert. He emphasizes that Meerschaert has beaten better competition and that Pyfer's wins are not as impressive. Connor also notes that Meerschaert's experience and ability to handle adversity give him the edge.

Jacob is confident in Joe Pyfer, noting that he went into the breakdown looking for reasons to pick Meerschaert but came out with Pyfer as one of his more confident picks. He highlights that Pyfer throws straight, fast shots down the middle, which is exactly how Khamzat Chimaev knocked out Meerschaert. He believes Pyfer can knock him out, but warns that Pyfer can get over-aggressive and headhunt, which could allow Meerschaert to time a takedown.

Meerschaert is a veteran submission specialist with 9 UFC submissions, often winning as an underdog. He uses body kicks to set up takedowns and has crushing top pressure. Pyfer has hype but was submitted by a striker early in his career and hasn't faced a grappler of Meerschaert's level. I expect Pyfer to come out fast, but Meerschaert will weather the storm and find a submission in round 2 or 3.

Paul picks Pyfer, citing his youth, athleticism, and power. He notes Pyfer has a wrestling background and should be able to take Meerschaert down and avoid submissions. Paul believes Pyfer's power could knock Meerschaert out early, as Meerschaert has been knocked out before. He acknowledges Meerschaert's experience and submission threat but thinks Pyfer's cardio and strength will carry him.

The MMA Guru picks Joe Pyfer to win by 30-27 decision. He expects Pyfer to have a power advantage on the feet, causing Meerschaert to shoot predictable takedowns that Pyfer will stuff. He sees Pyfer landing better shots, sprawling on takedowns, and taking back position to control rounds. He does not predict a first-round KO despite Pyfer's danger, instead expecting a dominant decision.