UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates

Angelo picks Jack Della Maddalena, citing his volume, jab, and clean boxing. He notes that Carlos Prates has power and variety but has been hit by jabs before (e.g., Trevin Giles, Ian Garry). He believes JDM's boxing and potential wrestling backup plan will secure the win, though he expects a tense fight with Prates having moments.

Big Brady picks Carlos Prates to win by third-round knockout. He describes Prates as a 'moment winner' with devastating power, noting he has knocked out durable fighters like Leon Edwards and Geoff Neal. Brady acknowledges Jack Della Maddalena's volume and durability but believes Prates will land a big shot as Jack pressures forward, leading to a knockout.

Cody picks Jack Della Maddalena as a slight underdog, believing his superior volume and output in later rounds will overcome Carlos Prates' power. He notes Prates may lack drive after making money and that Jack's durability and home crowd advantage are key factors.

Daniel Vreeland leans towards Carlos Prates due to his more versatile striking arsenal and knockout power. He notes that JDM's take-one-to-give-one mentality could be dangerous against a finisher like Prates. He also mentions the historical trend of former champions having a letdown performance after a title loss.

Prates is a slight favorite and the better striker: more diverse, better defensively, takes less damage. Maddalena is one-dimensional, struggles against good strikers (e.g., Belal Muhammad, Kevin Holland). This is likely a stand-up fight. Home advantage for Maddalena is a concern, but Prates should win a decision or KO.

Lucrative James picks Carlos Prates to win via knockout. He believes Prates has a more diverse striking arsenal and better fight IQ, allowing him to get reads faster and land the kill shot. He acknowledges his bias as he knows Prates personally but states the pick is objective based on tape study.

The host sides with Prates, believing his Muay Thai will be more dangerous and he is more likely to get a finish. He expects Prates to cut Maddalena up and win by knockout. The host notes Maddalena's susceptibility to cuts and that Prates has a reach advantage. He thinks the line will move further towards Prates.

Paul picks Carlos Prates, calling him a 'Paul Shag guy' and citing his power and ability to win moments. He questions Jack's ability to handle Prates' reach and power, and notes Prates' unorthodox lifestyle might help with time zone adjustment.

The MMA Guru picks Jack Della Maddalena, believing he is a level above Prates in striking. He notes JDM's education, body work, and ability to avoid clean shots. He predicts a TKO in round three or four via body shots. He acknowledges Prates' power but thinks JDM will maintain composure.

Angelo picks Quillan Salkilld, acknowledging that Beneil Dariush is past his prime with a compromised chin and cardio. He believes Salkilld is the better striker and should win, but hopes Dariush doesn't get knocked out badly. He notes that if Salkilld tries to grapple, Dariush might have an advantage.

Big Brady picks Quillan Salkilld to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Beneil Dariush has elite skills but a completely compromised chin, and that Salkilld has power and has knocked out durable opponents. Brady believes Dariush will get touched early and finished, especially given his age and weight cut issues.

Cody picks Salkilld by knockout, citing Dariush's declining durability and history of getting knocked out. He notes Salkilld's power and length, and believes Dariush's chin is no longer reliable.

Daniel Vreeland picks Quillan Salkilld, believing he is catching Beneil Dariush at a good time. He notes Salkilld's well-rounded skills and momentum, while Dariush has shown vulnerability to knockouts and may be past his prime. He expects a competitive fight but sees Salkilld's damage as decisive.

Odds feel very wide; Salkilld is a big favorite but unproven. Dariush is declining but skilled. The fight spread on Dariush (+3.5) and over 1.5 rounds are interesting but not committed. No bet on moneyline; dog or pass.

Lucrative James picks Quillan Salkilld to win via knockout in round one. He cites Beneil Dariush's declining chin and recent knockout losses, and believes the UFC is setting up Salkilld as a prospect. He notes Dariush's weight cut issues and desire to move up to welterweight.

The host picks Salkilld due to his youth, durability, and well-rounded skills. He expects Salkilld to strike first and find a knockout, likely early in round one. The host notes Dariush's chin issues and recent knockout loss, making it hard to trust him despite his grappling prowess.

Paul agrees with Cody, stating Dariush has all the skills but can't take a punch anymore. He highlights Salkilld's power and the fact that Dariush has been knocked out repeatedly, making Salkilld by KO the likely outcome.

The MMA Guru picks Quillan Salkilld, citing his first-round finishing potential and the pattern of younger athletes beating Dariush. He notes Dariush's recent chin issues and believes Salkilld will get a first-round TKO. He acknowledges Salkilld's grappling skills but expects a striking finish.

Angelo picks Steve Erceg despite being a known hater, because he believes Erceg is the cleaner, more technical grappler. He thinks Erceg's durability and wrestling will overcome Tim Elliott's pressure. However, he criticizes the -400 odds as too high and finds it hard to connect the dots.

Big Brady picks Steve Erceg to win by third-round submission. He believes Erceg is the better striker and has underrated grappling, while Tim Elliott slows down and has poor submission defense (submitted six times). Brady expects Elliott to be competitive early but fade, allowing Erceg to catch a late submission.

Cody picks Erceg but is hesitant, noting Erceg's inconsistency and chin issues. He believes Erceg's takedown defense and counter grappling will be key, and that Elliott's age and travel fatigue may work against him.

Daniel Vreeland picks Steve Erceg, expecting him to take over in the later rounds. He notes Tim Elliott's funky style and early-round danger but believes Erceg's cardio and submission threat will prevail. He also mentions Elliott's jet lag complaints as a potential factor.

Erceg has every advantage: home crowd, younger, better striker, better grappler. Elliott has poor striking, bad takedown defense, and is weak off his back. Erceg went five rounds with Pantoja, so submission risk is low. Surprised Erceg isn't a bigger favorite; tempted to bet straight.

Lucrative James picks Steve Erceg to win via submission in round three. He expects Tim Elliott to start strong but fade, allowing Erceg to take over in later rounds with superior cardio and grappling. He references Erceg's past performances where he dominated late rounds.

The host picks Erceg, believing his Muay Thai and BJJ will nullify Elliott's grappling. He expects Erceg to land more damage on the feet and win a decision, possibly catching Elliott in a submission. The host notes Elliott's value but thinks Erceg is the more skilled fighter.

Paul picks Erceg, emphasizing his strong takedown defense and performance against top competition. He notes Elliott's age and travel issues, and believes Erceg will edge out a close decision in Australia.

The MMA Guru picks Tim Elliott after initially considering Steve Erceg. He worries about Erceg's inconsistency, citing the Ode Osbourne fight, and believes Elliott's craftiness will lead to a split decision win. He thinks Erceg may fumble in the big moment.

Big Brady picks Marwan Rahiki to win by first-round knockout. He dismisses Ollie Schmid's skills, noting that Schmid was finished by Demsey Gillies, which caps his ceiling. Brady expects Rahiki to be a massive favorite and predicts an early finish.

Cody picks Rahiki, noting his relentless cardio and striking volume. He believes Rahiki will overwhelm Schmid, who is a short-notice replacement with limited experience.

Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Marwan Rahiki to win by exciting finish. He praises Rahiki's exciting style and believes he will overcome Ollie Schmid, who is a late replacement. He notes that Rahiki leaves openings but expects him to extend his win streak.

Paul picks Rahiki, agreeing that he is a massive favorite. He notes Rahiki's cardio and pressure, and believes he will finish Schmid early.

The MMA Guru picks Marwan Rahiki, noting he is a -800 favorite. He praises Rahiki's recovery and action-fighting style, while criticizing Ollie Schmid's record and short-notice replacement. He believes Rahiki will find a home for his strikes.

Angelo picks Brando Peričić, relying on his athleticism and striking. He acknowledges Shamil Gaziev's wrestling potential but believes Brando's takedown defense will hold up. He notes that if Brando defends early takedowns, he will outstrike Gaziev. However, he admits uncertainty about Brando's takedown defense at a high level.

Big Brady picks Brando Peričić to win by first-round knockout. He praises Peričić's massive power and aggressive style, comparing him to a heavyweight Terrance McKinney. Brady notes that Gaziev is overrated and coming off a knockout loss, and believes Peričić's power will be too much early in the fight.

Cody picks Peričić, calling him 'his boy' and believing he will knock out Gaziev. He notes Gaziev's poor cardio and wrestling, and thinks Peričić's kickboxing and volume will overwhelm him.

Daniel Vreeland picks Brando Peričić based on momentum, but is not confident due to Gaziev's takedown threat and Peričić's untested chin. He notes Gaziev's cardio issues and Peričić's ability to get up from takedowns.

Perišić is a slight favorite with dangerous striking and good takedown defense shown against Sutherland. Gaziev is slow, clunky, and has poor takedown entries. Perišić should keep the fight standing and knock Gaziev out, but his cardio is unknown. A speculative bet, not too big.

Lucrative James picks Brando Peričić to win via knockout in round one. He admits bias as he knows Peričić personally, but believes Peričić's firepower and Gaziev's recent knockout loss make it likely. He notes Gaziev is a tough opponent but expects Peričić to get the finish.

The host fades Peričić, believing Gaziev's strength and wrestling will get the fight to the ground and lead to a TKO or submission. He thinks Peričić still has grappling holes and Gaziev is the right stylistic matchup to exploit them. The host notes Gaziev's explosive grappling and power.

Paul picks Peričić, citing his youth and pace, and questions Gaziev's cardio and wrestling effectiveness at heavyweight. He believes Peričić will outland and finish him.

The MMA Guru picks Brando Peričić, praising his well-rounded skills and grappling. He believes Peričić will maul Gaziev's legs and finish him in round one. He notes Gaziev's hand speed but thinks Peričić is a better-trained martial artist.

Angelo picks Tai Tuivasa confidently, calling Louie Sutherland a modern-day Tank Abbott with no skill. He believes Tai's power and experience will overwhelm Sutherland, who was knocked out by Brando Peričić. He hopes Tai's cardio is better after a long layoff and expects a finish.

Big Brady picks Tai Tuivasa to win by decision, though he acknowledges Tuivasa's long losing streak and lack of career seriousness. He notes that Sutherland is a step down in competition and that Tuivasa should win, but expects the fight to get 'greasy' and go the distance. Brady is hesitant due to Tuivasa's recent form.

Cody picks Tuivasa by knockout, noting Sutherland's poor UFC performances and likely lack of drug testing. He believes Tuivasa's power and durability will be too much for Sutherland.

Daniel Vreeland picks Tai Tuivasa to snap his losing streak, but is hesitant due to the risk of laying chalk on a six-fight skid. He believes Tuivasa's experience and power give him the edge, but warns that a loss would be embarrassing for bettors.

Tuivasa has a striking advantage but his ground game is terrible. Sutherland is not a good offensive wrestler but could still take Tuivasa down. Tuivasa's odds have declined and offer no value. The fight likely ends inside the distance but no bet recommended.

The host picks the underdog Sutherland, believing his speed and grappling advantage will allow him to take Tuivasa down and grind out a decision. He notes Tuivasa's poor form and lack of investment, while Sutherland is more serious. The host acknowledges Tuivasa's knockout power but thinks Sutherland can avoid it.

Paul picks Tuivasa, agreeing that Sutherland is a step down and that Tuivasa's KO prop is fair. He notes Sutherland's deflated physique and poor durability.

The MMA Guru picks Tai Tuivasa, believing he is more built for heavyweight and will win a messy brawl. He notes Tuivasa's heart and ability to get back up from bad positions. He thinks Junior Tafa is tailor-made for Tuivasa and predicts a first-round win.

Angelo picks Cam Rowston but is very hesitant, calling it a trap. He notes that Cam is very hittable and Robert Bryczek is a clean boxer, but Cam has a good chin and grappling upside. He thinks the -260 odds are too wide and plans to avoid betting, possibly taking the over on rounds.

Big Brady picks Cam Rowston to win by decision. He likes Rowston as a prospect with good grappling and power, and notes that Robert Bryczek is not a wrestler and has poor cardio. Brady expects Rowston to take over as the fight goes on, as long as his chin holds up, and mentions Bryczek's only chance is an early knockout.

Cody picks Rowston but is hesitant, noting his tall man defense and vulnerability to power punchers. He believes Rowston's cardio and volume will outlast Bryczek, but acknowledges the risk of a knockout loss.

Connor picks Bryczek because he thinks Rowston may not fight a good fight, similar to how Poitier didn't. He notes that Rowston does poorly when forced to go backwards, and Bryczek is willing to press forward into the pocket. He sees it as a fine filler fight between two action-forward middleweights.

Daniel Vreeland picks Robert Bryczek as an underdog, believing the odds are off. He notes Bryczek's superior boxing and power, and Rowston's tendency to leave his head on the center line. He took Bryczek at plus 230 and sees value at plus 155.

Bryczek is a good bet at underdog odds because this fight is 50/50 at worst. Rowston is tall and lanky, slow, clunky, and bad defensively, while Bryczek is ultra-aggressive, powerful, and pressures well. Bryczek's takedown defense is unknown but his body type makes him hard to take down. The fight spread on Bryczek is also interesting but not locked in.

Lucrative James picks Cam Rowston to win via decision. He acknowledges Robert Bryczek's power and durability make this a dangerous fight, but believes Rowston's superior skill set and multiple paths to victory (striking from outside, grappling) will earn him the win. He plans to study more tape on the wrestling matchup.

The host thinks Rowston will fight a safe game, mixing in clinch and ground work to wear down Bryczek. He expects a TKO or submission inside the distance, noting Rowston's striking power and BJJ brown belt. The host suggests a sprinkle on Bryczek KO as a hedge, but believes Rowston wins.

Paul leans towards Bryczek, citing his power and the possibility that his poor UFC debut was due to jitters. He likes the KO prop and thinks Bryczek can catch Rowston.

The MMA Guru picks Cam Rowston, citing his nasty KO wins and confidence from finishing Cody Brundage. He believes Rowston's striking will be effective against Robert Bryczek, who he expects to stand and trade. He predicts a TKO in round three and mentions fight of the night potential.

Zane picks Rowston because he believes Rowston's bad grappling instincts won't be as problematic against Bryczek, who is a hooks man limited to the pocket. He thinks Rowston will eventually figure out to use his reach and throw straight punches, avoiding the stupid fight that could get him knocked out. However, he acknowledges it could easily go either way.

Angelo leans Kevin Christian despite Junior Tafa being the better striker, because Tafa's takedown defense and ground game are terrible. He believes if Christian can get the fight to the ground, he will win. He expects a finish either way and mentions the under on rounds.

Big Brady picks Junior Tafa to win by first-round knockout. He calls Kevin Christian the worst fighter in UFC history, citing his lack of volume, chin, and wrestling. Brady notes Tafa has two UFC wins by knockout and believes Christian's only path is a triangle choke, which is unlikely. He trusts Tafa's power to finish early.

Cody picks Tafa but is hesitant, noting his poor cardio and submission vulnerability. He believes Tafa will likely win by knockout in the first round, but advises live betting Christian if it goes longer.

Connor picks Christian as a fun upset pick, noting that Tafa is a chaos fighter who either wins in the first round or loses. He points out that Tafa has no grappling and could get taken down or submitted by Christian's length. However, he admits Christian is bad and uncoordinated, making this a low-confidence pick.

Daniel Vreeland reluctantly picks Junior Tafa to win by knockout, but is wary of Tafa's poor ground game and history of losing as a favorite. He notes Kevin Christian's poor distance management but sees Tafa's power as the deciding factor.

Tafa is the favorite but his advantages are baked into the odds. He has bad cardio and ground game, while Christian is slow and hittable but could exploit Tafa's weaknesses if he grapples. The fight is likely to end inside the distance but odds are terrible. No bet recommended.

James is very confident in Junior Tafa because he believes Kevin Christian is a low-level UFC fighter with poor striking defense and cardio. He expects Tafa's superior boxing and kickboxing to lead to an early knockout, likely in the first round.

Lucrative James picks Junior Tafa to win via knockout. He considers Kevin Christian one of the worst fighters on the roster and believes Tafa is a much better striker. He expects Tafa's takedown defense to keep the fight standing where he has a clear advantage.

Despite normally fading Tafa, the host picks him here because Christian's grappling is not UFC level. He expects Tafa's initial grappling defense to keep the fight standing, and then Tafa will land a big knockout. The host notes Tafa's power and that Christian is hittable and lacks durability.

Paul picks Christian as an underdog, citing Tafa's history of gassing and getting submitted. He believes Christian's submission skills and durability could lead to an upset, especially if he survives the first round.

The MMA Guru picks Junior Tafa, despite his 6-5 record, believing he will catch Kevin Christian coming in. He notes Tafa looked improved in his last fight and dropped Billy Elekana. He also comments on Christian's background, suggesting it affects his pick.

Zane picks Tafa because he believes Kevin Christian is a bad athlete—flat-footed, slow, uncoordinated, and ungainly despite his height. He thinks Tafa, despite his own flaws, has enough power and aggression to finish Christian early. He notes that Christian is in Stefan Struve territory but without the toughness, and that Tafa should be able to beat him.

Angelo is extremely confident in Jacob Malkoun, calling Gerald Meerschaert washed and stating he has no chance. He criticizes Meerschaert's poor takedown defense and chin, and believes Malkoun's wrestling will dominate. He even threatens to ban anyone who picks Meerschaert by submission.

Cody picks Malkoun by TKO, noting Meerschaert's recent knockout losses and Malkoun's improved striking. He believes Malkoun will finish him early, possibly in the first round.

Connor agrees with Zane, calling Malkoun a smart technician who uses his jab and single-leg effectively. He notes that Meerschaert is a slow, aging fighter who relied on opponents being bad, and now faces a composed fighter who won't make those mistakes. He sees it as a clear win for Malkoun.

Daniel Vreeland picks Jacob Malkoun to knock out Gerald Meerschaert in the first round. He believes Malkoun's high pace and power will overwhelm Meerschaert, who he thinks is past his prime and likely to cover up when hit.

Malkoun is a massive favorite with an implied probability of 92%, but the odds offer no value. He is a solid MMA grappler with better wrestling, striking, cardio, and home advantage. Meerschaert is old, missed weight, and only has a Hail Mary submission path. The over 1.5 rounds at 1.64 is interesting because Malkoun is a decision eater and Meerschaert is tough, but not super confident due to Meerschaert's decline.

Lucrative James picks Jacob Malkoun to win via TKO. He believes Malkoun is a much better fighter and that Meerschaert is washed up. He notes Malkoun's wrestling and improved striking should be enough to finish Meerschaert, though he is not super confident on the method.

The host expects Malkoun to run through Meerschaert, citing Malkoun's superior BJJ, youth, and striking. He thinks Malkoun will get a TKO or submission inside the distance, as Meerschaert is on a four-fight losing streak and his durability is fading. The host does not like betting minus 1000 but expects a finish.

Paul picks Malkoun, citing his improved boxing and wrestling. He believes Malkoun will knock out Meerschaert, who has been knocked out repeatedly in the first round.

The MMA Guru picks Jacob Malkoun, noting he is a -1100 favorite but thinks the odds are too high. He praises Malkoun's skills and recent performances, while criticizing Gerald Meerschaert's recent losses and age. He acknowledges Meerschaert's submission threat but believes Malkoun is too good.

Zane picks Malkoun confidently, stating that Meerschaert is done—slow, old, and has been finished in three of his last four fights. He notes that Malkoun is a smart, strategic fighter with a good jab and single-leg takedown, which will be too much for Meerschaert's limited skills. He calls it a gentle send-off for Meerschaert.

Angelo picks Colby Thicknesse due to his wrestling advantage and ability to exploit Vince Morales's poor takedown defense. He notes that Morales is on a three-fight losing streak and tends to fizzle if he doesn't get an early finish. Angelo expects a close fight but believes Colby's wrestling and potential Australian judge bias will secure the win.

Big Brady picks Vince Morales to win by submission in the second round. He criticizes Colby Thicknesse's striking as nonexistent and his wrestling as poor, citing low takedown success rates. Brady praises Morales' underrated grappling and front chokes, and expects him to capitalize on Thicknesse's desperation in grappling exchanges.

Cody picks Thicknesse but is hesitant, noting Morales' submission threat. He believes Thicknesse's volume and home crowd will edge a decision, but warns against shooting into submissions.

Connor picks Thicknesse, noting that Morales is a total head case who cannot stick to a winning strategy. He thinks Thicknesse's doggedness and toughness could cause Morales to overthink and make mistakes. He points out that Thicknesse is hard to finish and constantly scrambles, which might frustrate Morales.

Daniel Vreeland picks Vince Morales to upset Colby Thicknesse, believing Morales is the better fighter despite his poor record. He notes Morales' veteran savvy and submission threat, while Thicknesse's skills are questionable. He admits it's hard to have confidence in Morales.

Lucrative James picks Vince Morales to win via decision. He expects a close fight where Morales' experience and striking edge, combined with his ability to get back to his feet after takedowns, will earn him a split decision. He notes Morales is likely the underdog, which adds value.

The host likes Morales as an underdog, citing his veteran experience, aggression, and superior grappling. He expects Morales to cut off the cage, keep Thickness from sticking and moving, and eventually win by submission. The host notes Thickness's raw level and that Morales has faced tougher competition.

Paul picks Morales as a small underdog, citing his submission threat and Thicknesse's tendency to shoot into chokes. He likes the Morales by submission prop.

The MMA Guru picks Vince Morales as an underdog despite his three-fight losing streak. He believes Morales is better than his record, citing close fights against Elijah Smith and Raul Rosas Jr. He criticizes Colby Thicknesse's performance against Ilia Topuria and a tough fight against an African prospect, suggesting Thicknesse is overhyped.

Zane picks Morales despite his headcase tendencies, because Thicknesse is a bad athlete with no discernible skill set. He notes that Morales has a significant technical edge everywhere and should be able to win, but acknowledges that Morales often loses fights he should win due to mental lapses. He thinks Thicknesse's constant errors might give Morales opportunities.

Angelo picks Ben Johnston because he is more well-rounded with good striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. He is concerned about Wes Schultz's potential if he uses his wrestling, but Schultz's last fight showed poor game planning and flopping on the ground. Angelo is hesitant because if Schultz wrestles effectively, he could win, but he trusts Johnston's overall MMA skills.

Big Brady picks Ben Johnston to win by second-round knockout, but expresses hesitation due to Johnston's long layoff and limited experience. He notes that Johnston has a black belt in BJJ and better cardio, while Wes Schultz has poor cardio and wrestling that hasn't translated. Brady calls the fight a 'mess' and says he would pass on betting it.

Cody picks Schultz, citing Johnston's long layoff, recent shoulder surgery, and lack of striking training. He believes Schultz's wrestling and grappling will be too much for the rusty Johnston.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Schultz because Johnston is incredibly undercooked and Schultz will aggressively go for takedowns. He notes that Schultz has been proven to lack athleticism but his wrestling and aggression should overwhelm Johnston. He calls it a good rule of thumb to go with the wrestler in this matchup.

Daniel Vreeland had no clear pick and flipped a coin to decide. He noted that both fighters have significant unknowns: Johnston's layoff and takedown defense, Schultz's spastic style and loss to Dylan Budka. The coin landed on heads, so he picks Ben Johnston.

Lucrative James picks Wes Schultz to win via submission. He cites Ben Johnston's two-year retirement and shoulder surgery as major red flags, and believes Schultz's unorthodox style and UFC experience will be decisive. He acknowledges Johnston may have better skills but favors the intangibles.

The host picks the upset, believing Schultz is the better wrestler and BJJ specialist, and that his activity and wrestling advantage will allow him to grind down Johnston. He expects a round two or three finish. The host is not impressed with Johnston's strength of schedule or grappling, and thinks Schultz is fringe UFC level but capable.

Paul picks Schultz, agreeing with Cody about Johnston's red flags. He notes Schultz's wrestling advantage and Johnston's inactivity, making Schultz the logical choice.

The MMA Guru picks Ben Johnston, citing his power, submission skills, and athleticism. He notes that Wes Schultz has been finished in recent fights and may not have the chin for the sport. He predicts a TKO win for Johnston, especially given Schultz's quick turnaround from a KO loss.

Zane picks Schultz because he thinks Schultz's funky wrestling will be too much for Johnston, who is undercooked and has never seen that style. He notes that Schultz is a bad athlete and his striking is risky, but Johnston's lack of experience against wrestlers gives Schultz the edge. He acknowledges Schultz has failed UFC tests before.

Angelo picks Jonathan Micallef because he believes Micallef's pressure wrestling will neutralize Themba Gorimbo's range striking. He expects Micallef to crowd Gorimbo, take away his distance, and drag him to the ground for control. Angelo also mentions the possibility of Australian judges favoring Micallef in a close fight.

Big Brady picks Jonathan Micallef to win by submission in the second or third round. He criticizes Themba Gorimbo's style as panic wrestling and notes his poor durability and submission defense. Brady believes Micallef is dangerous everywhere, especially with his kicks, and that Gorimbo will make a mistake in the grappling as he slows down, leading to a submission.

Cody picks Micallef, noting his youth and improvement. He believes Micallef's grappling and submission skills will overcome Gorimbo's wrestling, and likes the submission prop.

Connor picks Micallef, agreeing that Gorimbo is a mess who overwhelms bad athletes but gets flung around by good ones. He notes Micallef is a good athlete with reach and a high-output kicking game, and Gorimbo's wrestling is not good enough to neutralize him. He calls it a worthwhile test for Micallef.

Daniel Vreeland leans towards Jonathan Micallef to win a split decision, but is not confident. He thinks Gorimbo may win the first round but fade, while Micallef's body lock and kicking game could take over. He notes the odds are off but doesn't trust Gorimbo.

Lucrative James picks Jonathan Micallef to win via submission. He believes Micallef's jiu-jitsu is a level above Gorimbo's, and expects Gorimbo to make a grappling mistake that Micallef can capitalize on. He notes Gorimbo's training in North Ossetia may improve his wrestling, but still favors Micallef's submission skills.

The host thinks Micallef is the better and stronger fighter, with a grappling edge that will show in deeper waters. He expects Micallef to grind out a decision, but advises waiting for a better line as Gorimbo may get public support. The host notes Micallef's strength and grappling ability, while Gorimbo's reckless striking and recent losses are concerns.

Paul picks Micallef, citing his submission skills and Gorimbo's tendency to get taken down. He believes Micallef will catch a submission off his back or win a decision.

The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Micallef, highlighting his well-rounded skills and durability. He criticizes Themba Gorimbo's recent performances, especially the loss to Jeremiah Wells where Gorimbo made mistakes. He notes Micallef's power and athleticism, and predicts a submission win.

Zane picks Micallef confidently, noting his high-output kicking game and reach will trouble Gorimbo, who is a blanketer with rudimentary striking. He thinks Micallef is a much better athlete and sniper, and Gorimbo's wrestling is sacrificial and not good enough to hold Micallef down. He sees it as a sensible matchup for Micallef.

Angelo picks Kody Steele despite his last fight stats looking bad, because he believes Steele's pressure and takedowns will be effective against Dom Mar Fan's weak takedown defense. He notes that Steele can hang in striking and then sneak takedowns. Angelo hopes the odds tighten as he expects public perception to favor Dom based on stats.

Big Brady picks Kody Steele to win by decision. He notes that Steele has a strong grappling background but tends to strike, which he believes will be an advantage against Dom Mar Fan's grappling-focused style. Brady thinks Steele is the better striker and grappler, and expects him to stuff takedowns and outwork Mar Fan on the feet over three rounds.

Cody picks Steele, citing his superior grappling and BJJ black belt. He believes Steele's wrestling and submission skills will be too much for Mar Fan, despite Steele's tendency to brawl.

Connor picks Mar Fan, noting that he is calm and composed, while Steele is a hothead who gets mad and fights stupidly when frustrated. He compares Steele to Cody Garbrandt in his worst aspects. He thinks Mar Fan's technical problem-solving and composure will frustrate Steele and lead to a win.

Daniel Vreeland picks Kody Steele to get his first UFC win, believing he is more physical and athletic than Dom Mar Fan. He notes Steele's durability and pace, and thinks Mar Fan is not a significant step up in competition.

Lucrative James picks Kody Steele to win via knockout. He believes Steele's grappling base and physicality will neutralize Dom Mar Fan's wrestling, and that Steele has a striking advantage. He notes Steele's recent loss to Zhu Rong but expects a bounce-back performance. He plans to review more tape on Steele's grappling.

The host believes Kody Steele is the better grappler with superior wrestling and BJJ, and expects him to outscramble Dom Mar Fan. On the feet, Steele's power, aggressiveness, and pace will cause Fan problems, leading to a knockout victory, likely in the third round. The host notes that Steele's striking is more confident than typical BJJ specialists, but his takedown defense needs work. The host also mentions a prop for round three KO at +400.

Paul picks Mar Fan as a dog, citing his resourcefulness and ability to win close fights. He believes Mar Fan's grit and home crowd could lead to a controversial split decision.

The MMA Guru picks Kody Steele, citing his grappling prowess and experience in grappling tournaments. He notes that Dom Mar Fan's Road to UFC wins were against lower-level competition and his last performance wasn't impressive. He believes Steele's grappling will be the deciding factor.

Zane picks Steele because he believes Steele's physical ceiling is higher and he knows how to fight going forward. He notes that Steele is an underperformer but has the tools to put pressure on Mar Fan. However, he acknowledges Steele's tendency to get frustrated and fight stupid when things don't go his way.