UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira

Big Brady picks Jan Błachowicz to win by knockout. He believes Jan is the better striker and will hurt Glover, who is chinny at 42. Glover's path is takedowns, but Jan has excellent takedown defense (only taken down once in last 10 fights). He expects Jan to be calculated and not rush in, eventually knocking Glover out. He references Jan's performance against Adesanya.

Cody agrees Jan wins but disagrees on finish, thinking Jan is more of a decision fighter. He notes Jan's solid takedown defense, BJJ black belt, and cardio. He picks Jan but sees the fight going over 2.5 rounds, possibly a decision. He mentions Jan by decision is +300 but he's not confident in a finish.

Daniel picks Jan Błachowicz to defend his title, citing Jan's improved accuracy, timing, and ability to mix strikes and takedowns. He notes Jan's career turnaround and his wins over top competition like Dominick Reyes and Israel Adesanya. Daniel acknowledges Glover's dangerous ground game and toughness but believes Jan's composure and polish power will lead to a knockout. He emphasizes that Jan is a black belt and won't panic if Glover gets top position.

Błachowicz has Polish power and solid cardio, and he can stuff takedowns. Teixeira is slow and has been hurt in recent fights, relying on takedowns to bail him out. Błachowicz will find a knockout on the feet, likely in the first round.

Paul picks Jan Błachowicz by knockout, citing Jan's 'Polish power' and Glover's compromised chin. He notes Glover has been stunned in recent fights and thinks over five rounds Jan will crack that chin. He mentions the bet is a small play at +100 by KO, not a massive one.

The MMA Guru picks Jan Błachowicz to win by KO in the first round. He notes that Glover Teixeira is 41, takes damage in every fight, and has been dropped multiple times. He praises Błachowicz's takedown defense, finishing instinct, and reach advantage. He contrasts Błachowicz's composed finishing (separating and dropping hammer fists) with other opponents who rushed in and gave up position. He predicts Błachowicz will rock Glover, separate, and finish with hammer fists.

Big Brady picks Petr Yan to win a competitive decision. He notes both are great strikers, but Yan has the edge in boxing and can mix in takedowns. Sandhagen's takedown defense is a weakness (65% on paper, but was lower before the Dillashaw fight). Yan's wrestling and control time should be the difference. He expects a close fight but Yan edges it out.

Cody is high on Petr Yan, calling him a 'terminator' with cardio, striking, and underrated wrestling. He notes Yan has scored takedowns in his last six fights, including against Aljamain Sterling and Jose Aldo. He thinks Yan's wrestling will be the difference against Sandhagen, who can be taken down. He suggests betting Yan live for a better price but is confident Yan wins.

Daniel picks Petr Yan to defend his title, calling him a top-five pound-for-pound fighter. He highlights Yan's well-roundedness, cardio, and ability to lull opponents into a false sense of security before dropping them. Daniel notes Yan's takedown success against Jose Aldo and Aljamain Sterling, and believes Sandhagen's clinch issues and tendency to give up his back will be exploited. He predicts a fourth-round TKO.

Sandhagen's volume and output from distance will be Yan's kryptonite. Yan prefers to strike but Sandhagen throws 16.5 strikes per minute from outside and has the cardio to maintain it. Yan's takedowns are a threat, but he doesn't usually grapple heavily. Sandhagen wins a volume-based decision.

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that playing Yan live is risky because Yan might get an early takedown and the line will move to -400. He thinks Sandhagen's only chance is if it's a pure striking match, but Yan's wrestling will be the difference. He sees Yan as the clear side.

The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan to win by TKO in the later rounds. He highlights Yan's grappling, especially when taking the back, and notes that Sandhagen gives up his back frequently. He thinks Yan will catch kicks, sweep, and take Sandhagen down. He questions Sandhagen's KO power, noting his recent finishes were against chinny opponents. He predicts Yan will be patient, chop at the legs, and eventually finish Sandhagen in the fourth or fifth round.

Big Brady picks Islam Makhachev to win by dominant decision. He believes Makhachev's wrestling will be relentless and he will control Hooker on the ground. Hooker has good takedown defense on paper but hasn't faced a wrestler of Makhachev's caliber. Hooker has never been submitted, so a decision is likely. He respects Hooker for stepping in but thinks it's a tough matchup.

Cody agrees with Islam by decision, citing Hooker's durability and chin. He notes Hooker has only been knocked out twice (by Barboza body kick and Chandler) and has good submission defense. He thinks Islam's grappling will control the fight but Hooker will survive to a decision.

Daniel picks Islam Makhachev, citing his dominant wrestling and submission skills, including making Tiago Moises tap. He notes Hooker's durability and striking but believes Islam's grappling will be the difference. Daniel is curious to see if Islam tests his striking but expects a dominant performance. He mentions the line is too high to bet.

Makhachev's wrestling and pressure will be overwhelming for Hooker, who took the fight on short notice. Hooker's only chance is a KO, but Makhachev's striking has improved and he will likely take Hooker down repeatedly. Makhachev wins a decision or possibly a late finish.

Paul picks Islam Makhachev by decision, noting Hooker's durability and that Hooker has never been submitted. He thinks Islam's suffocating top control and methodical approach will lead to a decision win. He mentions the over 2.5 rounds is -160 and he likes that as well.

The MMA Guru picks Islam Makhachev over Dan Hooker. He thinks Makhachev's grappling is superior and that Hooker's camp is not ideal. He predicts Hooker may win the first round with his length and clinch work, but Makhachev will take over in rounds two and three with takedowns and positional dominance. He expects a 29-28 unanimous decision for Makhachev, possibly a boring fight. He also notes that even with a perfect camp, Hooker would likely lose.

Big Brady picks Alexander Volkov to win by knockout in the second or third round. He notes Volkov has a significant striking advantage with better volume and accuracy, plus a size and reach advantage. Tybura's path is takedowns, but Volkov's takedown defense is good outside the Blaydes fight. Tybura has been knocked out before and takes damage. Volkov's improved weight and strength should help.

Cody picks Volkov but acknowledges Tybura's resurgence and ground game. He thinks Volkov's length and striking will be key in the full-size octagon, chopping Tybura with front kicks and jabs. However, he notes Tybura could be a live underdog if he gets takedowns, and suggests live betting might be better.

Daniel picks Alexander Volkov, noting his size, reach, and improved power at 265 lbs. He believes Tybura's win streak is circumstantial, with wins over green or declining opponents. Daniel thinks Volkov's experience against top competition like Curtis Blaydes and Ciryl Gane will be key. He sees Volkov winning by decision or knockout, and notes Tybura's path to victory is to close distance and grind out a decision.

Volkov's size, distance striking, and improving takedown defense will be too much for Tybura. Tybura has been hurt in recent fights and relies on takedowns, but Volkov is hard to take down and control. Volkov will pick him apart on the feet and likely get a TKO in the second round.

Paul is hesitant on Volkov at -310, noting Volkov holds the record for most takedowns allowed (14 vs Blaydes). He thinks if Tybura gets three takedowns, it could sway judges. He respects Tybura's run and suggests moving Volkov down in parlays.

The MMA Guru picks Alexander Volkov as the lock of the card. He notes Volkov's improved takedown defense, cardio, and range management. He thinks Volkov will keep Tybura at bay with front kicks and jabs, and pick him apart. He mentions Tybura's tendency to take early beatings before coming back, but believes Volkov will be patient and win 30-27 or 29-28. He also notes Volkov's good clinch game and ground game.

Big Brady picks Khamzat Chimaev to win by second-round submission. He is very confident, citing Chimaev's dominant performances and wrestling. Li has poor takedown defense (59%) and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. The only concerns are Chimaev's cardio if the fight extends and the layoff, but he expects an early finish. He agrees with the line.

Cody is all in on Chimaev, noting the layoff might have improved his cardio. He thinks Chimaev's pace and wrestling will be too much for Li, who has poor takedown defense (59%). He expects Chimaev to take him down at will and grind him out. He calls it a 'perfect stylistic matchup'.

Daniel picks Khamzat Chimaev, citing his wrestling and power. He acknowledges Li Jingliang's knockout power and history of upsets but believes Chimaev's wrestling will be a big factor. Daniel notes Li takes damage early and has been dropped in fights. He expects Chimaev to grind out a win, possibly by late ground-and-pound stoppage, but warns the line is too high to bet.

Chimaev should dominate with his wrestling and pressure, but there are concerns about his recovery from COVID and potential cardio issues. He likely finishes early, so the under 1.5 rounds or inside distance are better bets than the moneyline. Li is durable and could capitalize if Chimaev fades.

Paul is confident in Chimaev, calling it a 'smash full out'. He notes Li has been taken down by Neil Magny and others, and Chimaev's wrestling will dominate. He thinks the moneyline is safer than inside distance because Chimaev mixes KOs and submissions. He would be stunned if Chimaev loses.

The MMA Guru picks Khamzat Chimaev to win by submission. He highlights Chimaev's superior grappling and size, noting that Li Jingliang has been outgrappled by lesser grapplers like Neil Magny, Jake Matthews, and Sean Brady. He thinks Chimaev's wrestling and pressure will make Li hesitant to throw. He predicts a second-round rear-naked choke after Chimaev outgrapples Li.

Big Brady picks Magomed Ankalaev to win a close decision. He notes Ankalaev is a good striker with a well-rounded game, but this is a step up in competition. Oezdemir is more hittable and has been finished before. He thinks Ankalaev will slightly edge out a decision, possibly mixing in takedowns. He hates the price tag but believes Ankalaev gets it done.

Cody is fully sold on Ankalaev, calling him a well-rounded package with wrestling, pressure, cardio, and submission game. He thinks Ankalaev could be the best LHW after Jones. He notes Oezdemir has decent takedown defense (80%) but has been inactive (only 2 fights in 2 years) and coming off a knee injury. He expects Ankalaev to pressure, tire Oezdemir, and get takedowns in later rounds.

Daniel picks Magomed Ankalaev, noting his improvement and discipline. He believes Oezdemir hasn't improved and is too basic, relying on hooks and overhands. Daniel thinks Ankalaev will pick him apart and possibly get a knockout. He acknowledges Oezdemir's toughness but sees Ankalaev as the more complete fighter with more ways to win.

Ankalaev is patient and disciplined, with excellent striking defense and takedowns. Oezdemir's volume could be a factor, but Ankalaev can win wherever the fight goes. He likely controls the fight and wins a decision, possibly with a submission if he grapples.

Paul agrees strongly, saying Ankalaev has all the skills and on any given night could become champion. He thinks Ankalaev can beat Jan on his best night. He is not jumping off the Ankalaev train.

The MMA Guru picks Magomed Ankalaev over Volkan Oezdemir. He thinks Ankalaev is more technical on the feet and has great grappling to fall back on. He notes Oezdemir's recent KO loss to Prochazka and long layoff may affect his confidence and aggression. He expects Oezdemir to be hesitant, giving Ankalaev space to work. He predicts a close 29-28 decision for Ankalaev, possibly with Oezdemir winning the first round.

Big Brady slightly leans towards Virna Jandiroba to win a close decision. He acknowledges Ribas has the striking advantage, but Jandiroba's wrestling and ground game are next level. He thinks Jandiroba will get takedowns and control the fight on the mat, squeaking out a decision. He notes Ribas's takedown defense may be misleading and Jandiroba's confidence on the ground is high.

Cody leans towards Jandiroba as a dog, noting her wrestling and grappling advantage. He thinks her striking has improved (shown against Kanako Murata). He questions Ribas's level of competition (soft wins) and thinks Jandiroba could grind out a decision if she gets top control. He calls it a pass but sees value on the dog.

Daniel slightly leans with Amanda Ribas, citing her athleticism and cleaner striking. He acknowledges her chin is a concern and that Jandiroba has improved stand-up and strong jiu-jitsu. Daniel thinks Ribas can keep the fight on the outside and out-hustle Jandiroba to a decision, but he is not fully confident due to Ribas's durability issues.

Jandiroba is the better grappler and will likely take Ribas down and control her. Ribas' striking is flashy but she gets in trouble against pressure. Jandiroba should land takedowns and grind out a decision, especially if she trusts her jiu-jitsu.

Paul picks Ribas by decision, citing her speed and striking ability. He thinks her ability to get in and out of the pocket will be the difference. He sees the line as close to correct.

The MMA Guru picks Amanda Ribas clearly. He states she is better on the feet and on the ground. He notes that Jandiroba was outstruck by Mackenzie Dern, while Ribas danced around Dern. He dismisses Jandiroba's grappling threat and cardio. He predicts Ribas will win by unanimous decision, dancing around for three rounds, 30-27.

Big Brady picks Zubaira Tukhugov to win a close decision. He thinks the fight will be competitive on the feet, but Tukhugov's grappling and takedowns will be the difference. He notes Tukhugov has a 100% takedown defense and averages 2.5 takedowns per 15 minutes. He expects a very close fight and would not touch the moneyline.

Cody leans towards Ramos at +145, citing Tukhugov's untrustworthiness and tendency for split decisions. He notes Tukhugov's wrestling isn't as good as other Russians and he gasses. Ramos showed improved wrestling against Bill Algeo. He thinks this is a pick'em fight and likes the underdog value.

Daniel picks Ricardo Ramos as an underdog, citing his talent and ability. He notes Ramos has all the skills but is inconsistent mentally. Daniel believes if Ramos shows up, he can win by being more active and fresher down the stretch. He mentions Tukhugov's cardio issues and low output as vulnerabilities. Daniel is willing to roll the dice at the odds.

Tukhugov has power and takedowns, but fades in the third round and has been in many split decisions. Ramos is crafty on the ground and has durability issues. Tukhugov likely wins the first two rounds and holds on for a decision, but it's risky.

Paul is hesitant but leans Tukhugov, noting the 'team Russia' factor in Abu Dhabi might give him an edge. He acknowledges Tukhugov's flaws (low output, close decisions) but thinks Ramos also has low output. He expects a close decision that could go Tukhugov's way.

The MMA Guru picks Ricardo Ramos as an upset. He is not sold on Zubaira Tukhugov, citing cardio issues and a tendency to slow down. He notes that Ramos has good body work, is dangerous under pressure, and can land spinning elbows. He expects Ramos to be busier on the ground and scramble more, winning a split decision 29-28. He mentions that Tukhugov often lets fights slide.

Big Brady picks Albert Duraev to win by first-round submission. He notes Duraev has excellent wrestling and ground game, while Kopylov showed no resistance on the ground in his debut against Carl Roberson. Duraev's takedowns and grappling are superior, and he expects an easy submission. He acknowledges Kopylov has knockout power but thinks the grappling discrepancy is too large.

Cody agrees, noting Duraev is a multi-millionaire who fights for passion, with a nasty ground game. He highlights Kopylov's long layoff and poor performance against Roberson. He thinks Duraev will get the takedown early and put a beating on Kopylov, who has questionable cardio.

Daniel picks Albert Duraev, citing his experience, well-roundedness, and nastiness. He notes Kopylov's submission loss to Karl Roberson as a red flag. Daniel believes Duraev is meaner, nastier, and more experienced, and will win impressively. He expects Duraev to put it on Kopylov.

Duraev is a high-level wrestler with great takedowns and top control. Kopylov has poor takedown defense and cardio issues, and was submitted by Carl Roberson. Duraev will drag the fight to the ground and finish early, likely in the first round.

Paul is confident in Duraev, calling him a legit Contender Series guy with wrestling and top control. He notes Duraev trains with top guys in Vegas. He thinks Kopylov looked terrible in his UFC debut (submitted by Carl Roberson) and has been inactive. He expects Duraev to get the takedown early and dominate.

The MMA Guru picks Albert Duraev to win by submission. He notes that Duraev has great grappling and that Kopylov has been outgrappled and submitted by lesser grapplers like Roberson, Brendan Allen, and Marvin Vettori. He thinks Kopylov is not a big KO puncher and lacks the explosiveness to catch Duraev early. He predicts Duraev will drag Kopylov out and get a rear-naked choke in the second round.

Angelo picks the underdog Benoît Saint Denis, citing his wrestling style as a key advantage. He notes that Benoît's low-level takedowns and pressure on top can neutralize Zaleski's dangerous capoeira striking. However, he expresses concern about Benoît's inexperience at this level, as he is only 8-0 and this is a big step up. He mentions he would bet if the line moved to +170, but is hesitant at current odds.

Big Brady picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos to win by knockout in the second or third round. He views Saint Denis as too green, sloppy, and making too many mistakes. Zaleski is a well-rounded veteran with good striking and grappling. He expects Zaleski to teach Saint Denis a veteran lesson and get a finish. He is confident in the pick despite Saint Denis's finishing ability.

Cody agrees, noting Zaleski's experience and wins over Sean Strickland, Lyman Good, Max Griffin. He thinks Saint Denis will have early success with wrestling but will fatigue, and Zaleski will take over. He compares Saint Denis to a Contender Series fighter who gassed when faced with resistance.

Daniel picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, citing his battle-tested experience and versatility. He notes Zaleski's wins over Sean Strickland and his submission game. Daniel believes there are levels to the game and Zaleski will catch Saint Denis on a sloppy shot, possibly by submission or flying knee. He respects Saint Denis's regional success but thinks the step up in competition is too much.

Jacob picks Zaleski, believing his striking and ability to get back to his feet in scrambles will be decisive. He acknowledges Benoît's wrestling but thinks Zaleski can hold his own on the ground and win the striking exchanges. He is not super confident and dislikes the -850 line, but if forced to pick, he goes with Zaleski.

Zaleski is the more experienced veteran with good takedown defense and striking. Saint Denis is a submission hunter who gives up positions; if he doesn't finish early, Zaleski will find a knockout on the feet. Zaleski should survive the early onslaught and finish in the second round.

Paul picks Zaleski, citing his experience (12 UFC fights) and striking advantage. He thinks Saint Denis is hittable and robotic. He notes Zaleski has BJJ black belt in case it goes to the ground. He expects Zaleski to use veteran craftiness to keep it standing and eventually finish or win a decision.

The MMA Guru picks Benoît Saint Denis as an underdog. He highlights Saint Denis's great grappling, youth (25 vs 35), and activity. He notes that Zaleski has slowed down in recent fights, throwing less volume to conserve energy. He expects Saint Denis to pressure and stick to Zaleski with sticky grappling, taking him down repeatedly. He predicts a third-round submission as Zaleski fades.

Big Brady picks the underdog Michał Oleksiejczuk to win a close decision. He is unimpressed with Gamzatov, noting he doesn't go for takedowns despite Oleksiejczuk's poor takedown defense. He thinks Oleksiejczuk will be more active and aggressive, and the fight will be close, possibly a split decision. He acknowledges Gamzatov has a clear path to victory if he wrestles, but doubts he will.

Cody leans towards Oleksiejczuk as a dog, citing Gamzatov's unimpressive record and poor cardio. He notes Gamzatov hasn't finished anyone in 6 years, has low output, and gasses. Oleksiejczuk is faster, sharper, and has good body work. He thinks Oleksiejczuk can pressure, tire Gamzatov, and take him down.

Daniel picks Michał Oleksiejczuk for the upset, citing his aggression and output. He notes Gamzatov is a low-output point fighter with unimpressive wins. Daniel believes Oleksiejczuk's forward pressure and body shots will be key. He acknowledges Oleksiejczuk's size disadvantage but thinks his volume and power will overcome it.

Oleksiejczuk's constant forward pressure and volume should overwhelm Gamzatov, who prefers to counterstrike. Gamzatov doesn't grapple much, which he would need to slow Oleksiejczuk. Oleksiejczuk likely wins a decision by optically controlling the fight.

Paul has trust issues with Oleksiejczuk after his poor performance against Modestas Bukauskas. He doesn't commit to a pick, saying he's not sure if he'll get there. He acknowledges the value might be on the dog but doesn't make a clear selection.

The MMA Guru picks Shamil Gamzatov over Michał Oleksiejczuk. He acknowledges that Gamzatov had a close fight with Clinton Dabbrow but considers Dabbrow underrated. He uses Ankalaev's similar close fight with Dabbrow as a placeholder, noting that Ankalaev went on to beat top competition. He thinks Oleksiejczuk is too one-dimensional, looking for the KO, and if he can't get it, he has no backup plan. He predicts Gamzatov will win by unanimous decision, possibly after surviving an early scare.

Big Brady picks Lerone Murphy to win by decision. He explains that Amirkhani is dangerous early with submissions but has poor cardio and gasses after the first round. Murphy is well-rounded with good striking and solid ground game. If Murphy survives the first round, he will take over and win a decision, likely dropping the first round. He suggests live betting Murphy if he survives early.

Cody agrees Murphy wins but suggests betting live because Amirkhani usually doesn't get blown out early. He notes Amirkhani has takedowns in his last 9 fights but fades as fight goes on. Murphy's cardio and ring IQ should take over in later rounds. He prefers to wait for a better price live.

Daniel picks Lerone Murphy, citing his heart and improvement. He notes Amirkhani fades badly after the first round due to health issues. Daniel believes if Murphy survives the early takedowns, he will pick Amirkhani apart. He highlights Murphy's ability to scramble back to his feet. Daniel predicts a third-round knockout.

Murphy will keep the fight standing and punish Amirkhani with leg kicks and power. Amirkhani needs takedowns but Murphy's takedown defense and striking should prevail. Murphy's power will be too much as the fight goes on, likely finishing in the third round.

Paul picks Murphy by decision at +165, noting Amirkhani's durability and wrestling. He thinks Murphy's striking and underrated wrestling will be too much, and Amirkhani will struggle to get takedowns. He expects Murphy to pick him apart on the feet and win a decision.

The MMA Guru picks Lerone Murphy to win by TKO. He criticizes Makwan Amirkhani's mindset and cardio, noting that Amirkhani gassed against a short-notice opponent. He highlights Murphy's takedown defense, physical strength, and composure. He predicts Murphy will stuff takedowns until Amirkhani gasses, then finish with ground and pound. He also mentions Murphy's good knees in the clinch and body shots.

Big Brady picks Andre Petroski to win by first-round submission, but with low confidence. He notes Petroski is a good wrestler and grappler, while Hu has poor takedown defense and has been submitted before. However, he is concerned about Petroski's cardio and striking, and Hu's durability and potential improvements after a long layoff. He says this is a fight to stay away from betting.

Cody is hesitant but leans Petroski, noting Hu's long layoff (3.5 years) and poor takedown defense. He thinks Petroski's wrestling should be enough, but the -235 price is too steep. He calls it 'cranberry sauce' and suggests passing or a small stab.

Daniel picks Andre Petroski, citing his D1 wrestling background. He notes Hu Yaozong is dropping two weight classes and is still green. Daniel is hesitant to lay the price but believes Petroski can fall back on his wrestling. He acknowledges Hu could look completely different at middleweight but goes with the wrestler.

Petroski will likely take the fight to the ground and find a submission early. Yaozong has been out for three years and dropped to middleweight, but his wrestling may improve. Petroski's best path is a first-round submission; he gasses if it goes longer.

Paul passes on this fight, noting Petroski struggled against Michael Gilmore on TUF. He thinks Hu is a big unknown moving down to 185. He doesn't want to lay -235 on Petroski and would rather take the underdog if forced, but overall it's a pass.

The MMA Guru picks Andre Petroski to win by submission. He notes that Petroski is a phenomenal grappler and that Hu Yaozong has shown problems dealing with grappling in his losses. He expects Petroski to take Hu down and choke him out, predicting an arm triangle choke in the first round or a submission in the second. He also likes that Petroski is staying active, which shows he is keeping in shape.

Big Brady picks Tagir Ulanbekov to win by decision. He notes that Ulanbekov's wrestling is his bread and butter, with phenomenal control time, and he expects Ulanbekov to take Nascimento down at will. He acknowledges Nascimento is solid but thinks Ulanbekov's wrestling will be the difference, leading to a comfortable decision. He mentions the line of -350 seems a bit off but still picks Ulanbekov.

Cody is hesitant but leans Ulanbekov, noting his excellent wrestling and Dagestani pedigree. However, he acknowledges Ulanbekov looked bad against Bruno Silva and has had many pullouts. He thinks Ulanbekov should win but suggests live betting Nascimento if Ulanbekov gasses. He calls Ulanbekov a potential 'apple pie [__]'.

Daniel slightly leans with Tagir Ulanbekov, but views it as a pass due to the high price. He notes Ulanbekov has been underwhelming and questions his performances. Daniel acknowledges Nascimento's scrambling ability and thinks the fight could be close. He expects Ulanbekov to win a close decision, especially in Abu Dhabi.

Ulanbekov is the better wrestler and scrambles well, likely accruing top control time. Nascimento is a jiu-jitsu guy but Ulanbekov should reverse bad positions. However, the -350 price is too steep until Ulanbekov proves himself in the UFC.

Paul passes, citing Ulanbekov's lack of physicality and poor performance against Bruno Silva. He thinks Ulanbekov is a potential 'apple pie [__]' and doesn't want to lay -400. He sees Nascimento as a live dog but doesn't commit.

The MMA Guru picks Tagir Ulanbekov over Allan Nascimento. He notes that Ulanbekov has good pressure and cardio, and expects him to take over in later rounds after Nascimento fades. He sees a similar fight to Ulanbekov's bout with Bruno Silva, where Ulanbekov won by pressuring and winning exchanges. He gives the first round to Nascimento due to his early explosiveness and submission threat, but believes Ulanbekov will win rounds two and three for a 29-28 decision.