UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje

Big Brady picks Tony Ferguson, expecting him to break Gaethje over time by wearing him down. He notes Gaethje's tendency to tire and get hit, and Ferguson's never been finished by strikes. He predicts a knockout in the third or fourth round. However, he criticizes the line at minus 185 as too wide, suggesting it should be closer to a pick'em, and sees value on Gaethje.

Daniel Levi picks Tony Ferguson, citing Ferguson's insane pace, unorthodox footwork, and front kicks to the gut. He believes Ferguson will drown Gaethje in the later rounds, though he acknowledges Gaethje's power and cardio. Levi notes that Ferguson's chin tends to lift when teeing off, which could be dangerous against Gaethje, but he trusts Ferguson's ability to avoid a concussive blow and take over.

Matt picks Ferguson but is not confident at -185, calling the line too wide. He believes Ferguson's unorthodox style, cardio, and jiu-jitsu can overwhelm Gaethje in later rounds. He sees value on Gaethje at +160 and suggests the under 2.5 rounds as a possible bet, but he plans to just enjoy the fight without betting.

Big Brady picks Dominick Cruz as an underdog, citing his movement, speed, volume, and takedown defense. He believes Cruz can outpoint Cejudo if he avoids Cejudo's power and the fight stays on the feet. He sees value in Cruz at plus 185 and plans to bet it, predicting a close decision win.

Daniel Levi is extremely confident in Henry Cejudo, calling him an all-time great and dismissing Cruz's chances. He highlights Cejudo's wins over DJ, TJ, and Moraes, and his championship adjustments. Levi believes Cruz is in denial, hasn't evolved, and will be finished within two rounds, noting that Cejudo will pounce if he drops Cruz, unlike Cody Garbrandt.

Matt picks Cruz as an underdog, citing his footwork, height advantage, and ability to frustrate Cejudo. He questions Cejudo's striking entries and recovery from shoulder surgery, and believes Cruz can win a decision. He sees value at plus money but is not betting due to other viable dogs on the card.

Big Brady picks Francis Ngannou by first-round knockout, expecting him to land a hard punch early. He notes that if Ngannou doesn't get the knockout, Rozenstruik could win a decision due to Ngannou's low activity. He sees value in betting Rozenstruik but ultimately goes with Ngannou.

Daniel Levi picks Francis Ngannou, acknowledging the risk due to Rozenstruik's timing and power, but believes Ngannou is the better fighter with more tools. He suggests Ngannou should use a clinch and takedown game plan, as Rozenstruik's takedown defense is weak. Levi notes that Ngannou's confidence is high after three wins, unlike the Lewis fight, and expects a knockout.

Matt picks Rozenstruik as an underdog, believing the line at -270 for Ngannou is too wide. He notes Ngannou's rudimentary striking and reliance on power, while Rozenstruik has a wider arsenal and better kickboxing experience. He thinks if Rozenstruik can survive the early power, he can take over and finish Ngannou in the second round.

Big Brady picks Calvin Kattar, calling him the far better boxer and expecting him to dominate. He believes Kattar's takedown defense will hold up and that he will either put on a three-round clinic or finish Stephens, predicting a third-round knockout. He notes Stephens' recent losses and Kattar's never been knocked out.

Daniel Levi picks Calvin Kattar, stating he is sharper, faster, and more athletic than Stephens. He notes that Kattar likes to stand in the pocket, which gives Stephens a chance, but believes Kattar's boxing is superior. Levi thinks Kattar will pop him with the jab and mix in leg kicks, and that Stephens is too slow to implement a leg kick gameplan.

Matt picks Stephens as an underdog, emphasizing his leg kicks and power. He notes Kattar's vulnerability to leg kicks and believes Stephens can exploit that to set up his hands. He sees value at plus money and expects a decision or late finish, though he acknowledges Kattar's boxing advantage.

Big Brady picks Greg Hardy, citing his athleticism, reach advantage, and improvement. He compares the fight to Hardy's win over Juan Adams. He acknowledges De Castro's power but expects Hardy to be busier and win by first-round knockout. He thinks the line at minus 190 is a bit wide and would not bet it due to heavyweight volatility.

Daniel Levi picks Greg Hardy, citing his athleticism, size, and UFC experience. He notes Hardy's improvement in patience and jab, and believes De Castro may gas in later rounds. Levi acknowledges De Castro's power and timing but thinks Hardy's reach advantage and ability to avoid big shots will be key.

Matt is high on De Castro, citing his leg kicks, power, and movement. He believes De Castro can neutralize Hardy's movement with calf kicks and eventually finish him. He sees Hardy as overvalued and plans to bet De Castro if the line reaches +200. He picks De Castro by second-round TKO.

Big Brady picks Donald Cerrone, but with low confidence. He notes both fighters are past their prime and have shown signs of quitting. He believes Cerrone has a step down in competition and more heart, but worries about his durability. He predicts a decision win for Cerrone.

Daniel Levi picks Donald Cerrone, arguing that Pettis is not the same fighter as in 2013 and lacks sustainability. He believes if Cerrone avoids an early fight-ending blow, he will take over with takedowns and pressure. Levi notes that Cerrone is a slow starter but should dominate if he gets to the second round, and that Pettis tends to quit when pressured.

Matt picks Pettis but is not confident, citing both fighters' mental fragility and recent losses. He thinks Pettis can establish pressure and leg kicks early to get a finish, but he doesn't trust either guy. He calls the fight a pass for betting and suggests Cerrone as the value side if forced to bet.

Big Brady picks Fabricio Werdum, citing a favorable stylistic matchup due to Werdum's superior submission game and Oleinik's poor ground game. He expects Werdum to take Oleinik down early and finish with ground and pound or submission, likely in the first round. He notes the line at minus 320 is steep but believes it's a good matchup.

Daniel Levi picks Fabricio Werdum, stating he is the better striker and has the ground game to handle Oleinik's submissions. He notes Oleinik is reckless and makes mistakes, and that Werdum's improved striking and Thai clinch will be key. Levi expects Werdum to capitalize on Oleinik's errors and win inside the distance.

Matt picks Werdum but thinks the -300 line is too wide due to Werdum's long layoff and age. He believes Werdum has the advantage on the feet and can finish Oleinik in the second round, but he is hesitant to bet at the current price. He would consider a bet if the line drops to -250.

Big Brady picks Carla Esparza, expecting her to secure takedowns and control Waterson, swaying judges in close rounds. He notes Esparza's improving striking but gives Waterson the edge on the feet. He predicts a very close decision win for Esparza.

Daniel Levi leans towards Michelle Waterson, believing the fight should be a pick'em and thus taking the underdog. He notes Waterson's underrated wrestling, sidekicks, and head-and-arm throw, and thinks she can frustrate Esparza on the outside. Levi acknowledges Esparza's improved boxing but sees Waterson as having more tricks and being undervalued.

Matt leans Esparza, believing she can get takedowns at will and grind out a decision. He notes her improving striking and submission defense, but worries about Waterson's submissions off her back. He considers Esparza a potential lock but is not pulling the trigger at -164, preferring to wait for better spots.

Big Brady picks Vicente Luque, citing his superior striking, durability, and previous win over Price. He acknowledges Price's finishing ability but believes Luque's chin will hold up and he will finish Price, likely by submission. He sees value in the minus 260 line and considers putting Luque in a parlay.

Daniel Levi leans towards Vicente Luque, based on the first fight where Luque dominated. He acknowledges Price's chaos and Luque's suspect cardio and striking defense, but thinks Luque is the better fighter and should land harder shots or get a knockout. Levi warns that the line might be a bit wide and advises caution at the betting window.

Matt picks Luque to win but is not comfortable betting him at -275 due to concerns about Luque's durability and tendency to get hit. He notes Price's one-punch knockout power and chaotic style, making the fight a pass for betting. He suggests the under 1.5 rounds as a possible bet but acknowledges it could go to the third.

Big Brady picks Bryce Mitchell, citing his youth, size, and overall superiority on the ground and feet. He downplays Rosa's submission win over Manny Bermudez, calling Bermudez a fraud. He thinks the line at minus 175 is a bit wide and sees little value but still expects Mitchell to win.

Daniel Levi slightly leans towards Bryce Mitchell, citing his athleticism and youth. He notes that Mitchell has holes in his game and may fatigue, but Rosa is a finished product who isn't getting better. Levi thinks Mitchell can get the job done by being younger and fresher, possibly with a late finish.

Matt initially considered Mitchell as a lock but after tape review, he favors Rosa as a live dog. He highlights Rosa's leg kicks, offensive guard, and ability to keep the fight standing, while questioning Mitchell's striking development and the impact of training camps during the pandemic. He picks Rosa by decision.

Big Brady picks Ryan Spann to dominate Sam Alvey, expecting a clear decision victory. He notes Spann's reach advantage and submission threat, but believes Alvey's chin will hold up, preventing a knockout. He mentions Spann is a minus 380 favorite and suggests using him in parlays.

Daniel Levi picks Ryan Spann, stating he has too much physically for Alvey and is the rightful favorite. He notes Spann's improvement, nasty guillotine, and physical tools (6'5", 82-inch reach). Levi thinks Alvey hasn't evolved and is deteriorating, and that Spann should capitalize on Alvey's declining chin.

Matt thinks the line at -380 is too wide and prefers a closer price around -250. He notes Spann's potential and crisp 1-2 but worries about his gas tank and Sam Alvey's durability and possible progression. He sees the under 2.5 rounds as the best bet and only includes Spann in a Hail Mary parlay.