UFC 259: Blachowicz vs. Adesanya

Angelo picks Adesanya based on speed, footwork, and counter-striking ability. He notes that Adesanya walks around light (193 lbs) to stay fast and quick, and will use his range to frustrate Błachowicz. He acknowledges Błachowicz's power and ground game but believes Adesanya's movement and counters will be decisive.

Big Brady picks Israel Adesanya, citing his massive speed and volume advantages. He doubts Błachowicz can close the distance or get takedowns, noting Błachowicz hasn't attempted takedowns in recent fights. He predicts a kickboxing fight and likes the over 2.5 rounds. He would bet Adesanya if the line drops to -190.

Daniel picks Israel Adesanya to win and become a two-division champion, citing his speed, technique, and diverse striking. He acknowledges Jan Błachowicz's power and puncher's chance but believes Adesanya's skill set will be too much.

Jacob picks Adesanya because he thinks Adesanya has the best walk-in dance he's ever seen, referencing the fight against Robert Whittaker. This is a lighthearted reason, but he clearly states his pick.

Adesanya's striking wizardry and calf kicks should be key, but Błachowicz has power and a black belt in jiu-jitsu. The host expects a tough fight and predicts a late stoppage (4th or 5th round) for Adesanya, but advises caution due to Błachowicz's power.

The MMA Guru picks Israel Adesanya to win by TKO in the third or fourth round. He believes Adesanya's striking precision and speed will be too much for Błachowicz, who is flat-footed and loads up his kicks. He predicts Adesanya will chop at the legs early, frustrate Błachowicz, and catch him rushing in with a counter hook, similar to how Thiago Santos finished him.

Big Brady picks Amanda Nunes confidently, citing her massive advantages in striking volume, takedown ability, and competition level. He notes Anderson's poor striking defense (38%) and takedown defense (53%). He predicts a first-round submission, but passes on betting the moneyline due to the high price.

Daniel picks Amanda Nunes, stating she is on a completely different level than Megan Anderson. He notes Anderson's weakness on the mat and suggests looking at the under for betting, expecting an early stoppage.

Nunes is the greatest female fighter ever and should dominate everywhere. Anderson's only chance is a lucky KO, but Nunes's takedowns and ground game are too much. The host predicts a submission in the second round and recommends the under 2.5 rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Amanda Nunes to win, likely by decision. He dismisses Megan Anderson's competition and notes Nunes has improved her grappling, taking down top opponents. He believes Nunes will take Anderson down and outgrapple her, as Anderson was ragdolled by Holly Holm and Felicia Spencer.

Big Brady picks Petr Yan in a 50/50 fight, citing Yan's superior boxing, power, and takedown defense (88%). He doubts Sterling can take Yan down or hold him down, and notes Sterling lacks power. He predicts a decision win for Yan but is not confident enough to bet.

Daniel picks Petr Yan to defend his title, but is not fully confident. He believes Yan will outlast Sterling, winning the later rounds, but acknowledges Sterling's improvement and the possibility of a close decision. He notes Yan's discipline and power as key factors.

Sterling's volume and kicking game could outwork Yan, who sometimes gives away rounds. The host notes Yan's power and durability but thinks Sterling's cardio and grappling could be key. He predicts Sterling by decision.

The MMA Guru picks Aljamain Sterling as an underdog to win by submission. He believes Sterling's grappling and size will be the difference, as Yan has not faced a grappler of Sterling's level. He notes Sterling's unpredictable striking and ability to make fights messy. He predicts Sterling will wear on Yan and get a rear-naked choke in the third or fourth round.

Big Brady picks Islam Makhachev confidently, citing Dober's 58% takedown defense and history of being submitted. He notes Dober's only path is a knockout, but Makhachev's game plan of clinching and taking down should prevail. He predicts a dominant decision win and mentions Makhachev as a parlay piece.

Daniel picks Islam Makhachev, citing his superior wrestling and takedowns, noting that Dober gets taken down even in wins. He acknowledges Dober's power but believes Makhachev will control the fight and win by decision or submission.

Makhachev has a huge grappling advantage and should be able to take Dober down at will. Dober's last three losses are by submission, and Makhachev is a high-level grappler. The host predicts a submission win in round one or two.

The MMA Guru picks Islam Makhachev to win by submission. He notes Dober has been submitted before and has poor grappling defense, while Makhachev has great grappling. He predicts Makhachev will take Dober down and get a rear-naked choke finish, though he cautions that Makhachev is not as good as Khabib and could be vulnerable on the feet.

Big Brady picks Aleksandar Rakić, favoring him on the feet and heavily on the ground. He notes Rakić has been dropped before (by Devin Clark) and is hittable, while Santos has one-shot power. He recommends a ground game plan and predicts a TKO ground-and-pound finish in the second round, but passes on betting.

Daniel picks Aleksandar Rakić to win, citing his well-rounded game, wrestling, and smart game planning. He notes Santos' submission defense issues and believes Rakić can mix in takedowns and possibly finish on the mat or win a decision.

Rakić is younger, stronger, and has a wrestling advantage. Santos is 37 with knee injuries and poor jiu-jitsu off his back. The host expects Rakić to use his kicks and takedowns to control the fight and win by decision.

The MMA Guru picks Aleksandar Rakić over Thiago Santos. He highlights Rakić's dangerous leg kicks and improved grappling, and notes Santos has no ligaments in his legs. He believes Rakić will chop at Santos's legs, inhibit his movement, and win by 30-27 unanimous decision, possibly mixing in takedowns.

Big Brady picks Dominick Cruz as an underdog, citing Cruz's wrestling advantage and Kenney's 56% takedown defense. He notes Cruz has not won since 2016 but faced elite competition, while Kenney has been taken down frequently. He predicts a decision win but admits he doesn't feel great about it.

Daniel leans with Casey Kenney, citing Kenney's leg kicks from southpaw to slow Cruz's movement and his wrestling to keep the fight standing. He acknowledges Cruz's in-fight adjustments but believes Kenney's youth and style will edge a decision.

Cruz's footwork and experience could trouble Kenney, who may struggle to land his body kicks. The host notes Cruz's durability and wrestling background, but is not confident enough to bet. He predicts Cruz wins by decision.

The MMA Guru picks Dominick Cruz as an underdog. He argues Cruz had a full camp and hand-picked Kenney, and that people judge him unfairly based on the short-notice Cejudo fight. He believes Cruz's footwork, size, and experience will lead to a 30-27 unanimous decision, and that Cruz can even get takedowns.

Big Brady picks Song Yadong, initially leaning toward fading him but changing his mind after tape study. He notes Yadong's takedown defense is solid and he lands harder shots. He questions Phillips' chin, recalling Yadong's power against Marlon Vera. He predicts a knockout win for Yadong.

Daniel picks Song Yadong to win a decision, arguing that Song is undervalued after close fights with top competition. He believes Song's level of competition is higher than Phillips' and that Song's power and durability will be too much.

Phillips has a five-inch reach advantage and good movement, which should help him stay at range and avoid Yadong's power. Yadong has cardio issues in the third round, and Phillips can potentially secure a takedown there. The host picks Phillips by decision.

The MMA Guru picks Song Yadong over Kyler Phillips. He notes Yadong's takedown defense, KO power, and youth, while Phillips has not beaten anyone significant. He believes Yadong is more battle-tested and will win by 29-28 unanimous decision, with Phillips possibly coming back in the third.

Big Brady picks Joseph Benavidez as an underdog, citing a favorable stylistic matchup with Benavidez's scrambling and speed against Askarov's wrestling. He questions Askarov's level after close fights with Moreno and Pantoja. He worries about Benavidez's age (36) and damage taken in recent losses but believes this is a winnable fight. He predicts a close decision.

Daniel picks Askar Askarov to win a 30-27 decision, citing his improving boxing, grappling, and hunger. He believes Benavidez is on the decline after two brutal losses to Figueiredo and that Askarov is the better grappler with more momentum.

Benavidez has better striking, speed, and scrambling. Askarov has been taken down in all his UFC fights and may struggle with Benavidez's movement and calf kicks. The host believes Benavidez is undervalued due to his losses to Figueiredo and predicts a decision win, possibly a KO.

The MMA Guru picks Askar Askarov over Joseph Benavidez. He believes Benavidez's soul was taken by Figueiredo and he is coming back for ego. He notes Askarov's undefeated record, strong grappling base, and pressure style. He predicts Askarov wins by 29-28 unanimous decision, losing the first round but winning the last two.

Big Brady picks Kai Kara-France, citing his striking advantage and ability to scramble if taken down. He notes Bontorin's striking is underwhelming and that Kara-France's 90% takedown defense is backed by good scrambling. He predicts a decision win but mentions he would bet Kara-France if he gets plus money.

Daniel picks Rogério Bontorin to win a decision, citing his toughness, wrestling, and ability to mix in takedowns. He dismisses Bontorin's loss to Ray Borg due to weight miss and elevation, and believes Bontorin is the better grappler and will break Kara-France down the stretch.

Kara-France has speed and better stand-up, with decent takedown defense. Bontorin slows down in later rounds. The host thinks Kara-France will win by decision, but is not highly confident due to Kara-France's past losses to chaotic fighters.

The MMA Guru picks Kai Kara-France to win by first-round TKO. He highlights Kara-France's 90% takedown defense and reach advantage, and believes Bontorin will get frustrated and rush in, getting caught. He notes Bontorin slows down and has been cut before.

Big Brady picks Tim Elliott, relying on Elliott's wrestling advantage (4 takedowns per 15 minutes) and Espinosa's questionable 90% takedown defense against weak competition. He notes Espinosa has been submitted 4 times and has underwhelming UFC wins. He predicts a submission win for Elliott but admits he doesn't love the pick.

Daniel picks Jordan Espinosa to win a decision, citing his speed and athleticism. He notes that if Espinosa stays focused for 15 minutes, he should win, but acknowledges that a finish would favor Tim Elliott.

Elliott's awkward movement and unorthodox style could trouble Espinosa, who struggles against grapplers. The host likes Elliott's submission threat and predicts a second-round submission, but is not confident enough to bet himself.

The MMA Guru picks Tim Elliott over Jordan Espinosa. He notes Elliott has fought better competition and shown more grit, while Espinosa tends to fade. He believes Elliott will pressure, clinch, and win by 29-28 unanimous decision.

Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg despite his limited MMA experience (3 fights), citing his kickboxing background and training at City Kickboxing. He criticizes Kennedy Nzechukwu as green and unimpressive, with poor use of reach and low power. He predicts a knockout win for Ulberg but cautions the line is too wide.

Daniel picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win a close decision, citing his athleticism, reach, and improvement after a year and a half off. He is not sold on Carlos Ulberg's full MMA game and believes Nzechukwu can make it a dirty fight and mix in takedowns.

Ulberg has extensive kickboxing background and should have the advantage on the feet. Nzechukwu is athletic but green and robotic in his striking. However, the host has too many question marks about both fighters and advises against betting, though he leans Ulberg by decision.

The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg to win by first-round TKO. He notes Ulberg's kickboxing background and great performance on the Contender Series, while Nzechukwu has not shown good striking or offensive grappling. He believes Ulberg will catch Nzechukwu early.

Big Brady picks Sean Brady, giving him the advantage in striking, wrestling, and grappling. He notes Brady's higher volume and takedown accuracy (57%) and 100% takedown defense. He acknowledges Matthews has better competition and experience but favors Brady everywhere else. He predicts a decision win and mentions Brady as a parlay piece.

Daniel picks Sean Brady to edge a 29-28 decision, noting that Brady does just enough to win and that Jake Matthews tends to fade in later rounds. He acknowledges Matthews' potential but believes Brady's methodical style will be enough.

Brady is the better striker with good combinations and kicks, and has a strong grappling game as a Daniel Gracie black belt. Matthews tends to muscle fights and slows down later. The host sees Brady as the lock of the night, predicting a first or second round submission.

The MMA Guru picks Sean Brady over Jake Matthews. He criticizes Matthews for not finishing Diego Sanchez and for close fights. He praises Brady's grappling, cardio, and chin, and believes Brady will win the grappling exchanges and stand-up, winning by 29-28 unanimous decision.

Big Brady picks Amanda Lemos, citing her high volume striking (nearly 6 significant strikes per minute) and superior speed. He notes Souza is low volume and unimpressive on tape. He acknowledges both are black belts but favors Lemos on the feet and on top. He predicts a decision win because Souza is durable and has never been finished.

Daniel picks Amanda Lemos, citing her size advantage from dropping two weight classes and her pressure style. He acknowledges Livinha Souza's jiu-jitsu threat but believes Lemos' speed and power will be too much, though he notes potential gas tank issues due to the weight cut.

Lemos has better striking and power, and her cardio holds up well. Souza slows down in later rounds and has questionable durability. The host expects Lemos to keep the fight on the feet and pick Souza apart, predicting a third-round TKO.

The MMA Guru picks Livinha Souza as an underdog. He cites her more experience, younger age, and better competition. He believes Souza will win by decision, noting that Lemos has not fought anyone good and is older at 33. He sees value in Souza as an underdog.

Big Brady picks Uroš Medić but expresses hesitation due to Medić's unproven competition and never having been to a third round. He notes Medić has a 100% finish rate and trains at King's MMA, but Cruz has a 7-inch reach advantage. He predicts a first-round knockout, but admits he doesn't feel great about the pick.

Daniel picks Uroš Medić by knockout, highlighting Medić's devastating kicks and training at King's MMA. He notes that despite a reach disadvantage, Medić's kickboxing will be effective, and he questions Aalon Cruz's toughness after his UFC debut loss.

Cruz has better competition and a significant reach advantage (78 inches at lightweight). He uses his length well with kicks and volume. The host notes Cruz's durability is a question after a KO loss, but believes that was an anomaly. Medić is raw with only 6 fights and porous takedown defense.

The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić to win by TKO in the first round. He praises Medić's vicious body kicks and kickboxing background, and notes that Cruz has been losing early in fights. He believes Medić's size and leg kicks will overwhelm Cruz, and that Cruz's grappling is not enough to counter Medić's dangerous ground game off his back.

Big Brady picks Mario Bautista over Trevin Jones, citing Bautista's superior striking and volume advantage. He notes that Jones is very hittable, absorbing 9.45 significant strikes per minute in his last fight, and that Bautista has a massive striking and volume edge. He acknowledges Jones is tough and has never been knocked out, so he predicts a decision win for Bautista.

Daniel picks Mario Bautista via decision, citing Bautista's higher volume and overall better skills. He notes that Trevin Jones' win over Timur Valiev was a lucky upset and that Bautista is the better fighter if he doesn't get caught with a big shot.

Bautista is an aggressive striker with great Muay Thai, using all eight limbs effectively. He has a height advantage and trains at MMA Lab with other fighters on the card. The host believes Bautista has Trevin Jones covered everywhere and predicts a first-round submission.

The MMA Guru picks Mario Bautista over Trevin Jones. He notes that Jones was dismantled by Timo Vallev until a lucky shot, while Bautista's only loss is to Cory Sandhagen. He believes Bautista is technically superior and will win by unanimous decision, as Jones is tough but Bautista is more patient and younger.