UFC 273: Volkanovski vs. The Korean Zombie

Angelo confidently picks Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision. He cites Volkanovski's work ethic, pace, striking volume, and takedowns as too much for the Korean Zombie. He notes Zombie's durability and power but believes Volkanovski cruises. He calls it an easy parlay piece.

Big Brady picks Alexander Volkanovski to win by dominant decision, likely 50-45. He notes Volkanovski's volume striking, takedown defense, and chin are elite. The Korean Zombie looked washed against Ortega and his only path is a knockout, but Volkanovski has never been knocked out. Brady sees no path to victory for Zombie and expects Volkanovski to outwork him everywhere.

Cody picks Volkanovski to win, noting his complete MMA game, striking, wrestling, and ability to escape dangerous submissions. He is interested in the under 4.5 rounds because Volkanovski said he'd finish within three rounds and the Korean Zombie has been compromised before. Cody acknowledges the steep -760 price but still sees Volkanovski as a solid parlay piece.

Levi praises Volkanovski's elite feinting game, calf kicks, and ability to mix takedowns. He respects the Korean Zombie's toughness and exciting style, but believes Volk is the far superior fighter. He thinks Volk will use feints to set up takedowns and land big shots, possibly finishing the fight. He acknowledges the Korean Zombie has the best chance among underdogs but still picks Volk.

I think Volkanovski is the more complete fighter and will win, but he is hittable and Korean Zombie has power. I see Volkanovski dragging the fight to the ground to be safe and winning a decision. I would not parlay him at -800; the value is on Jung. I'll play Volkanovski by decision at -150.

Paul is confident in Volkanovski's moneyline, calling him championship material with no big red flags. He highlights Volkanovski's cardio, chin, wrestling, striking, and high ring IQ, noting he can change game plans like in the Holloway rematch. Paul also likes the under 4.5 rounds and fight doesn't go the distance, believing the Korean Zombie can't sustain the beating for 25 minutes. He picks Volkanovski by TKO inside the distance.

The MMA Guru picks Alexander Volkanovski, predicting a fourth-round ground-and-pound TKO. He expects Volkanovski to get dropped in the first but recover, then chew up the Korean Zombie's legs with calf kicks and body shots. He notes the Korean Zombie's tendency to lean forward and struggle with lateral movement, and cites Volkanovski's superior cardio and recovery.

Angelo picks Petr Yan by decision. He notes that Yan was winning the first fight and has better takedown defense (90%). He expects more of the same without the illegal knee, though he acknowledges Sterling's striking stats were close. He thinks Yan is safe for parlays.

Big Brady picks Petr Yan to win by fourth-round knockout. He references the first fight where Yan was winning before the illegal knee, and expects a similar pattern: Yan starts slow, builds into the fight, and takes over in later rounds. Yan's wrestling, cardio, and finishing ability are superior. Sterling may have a better game plan but Yan is the better five-round fighter.

Cody picks Yan but is worried about a potential upset. He thinks Sterling needs to fight an ultra-conservative game plan of jabbing and kicking, using the big octagon to avoid Yan's power. Cody notes Sterling's neck surgery and layoff, while Yan is active and experienced. He considers a draw possible if Sterling wins three rounds but gets 10-8'd in one. Ultimately, he sticks with Yan but with reservations.

Levi considers Yan the undisputed champion and a master of adjustments. He criticizes Sterling's durability and cardio, noting that Yan's pressure and reads will lead to a faster start this time. He expects Yan to crowd Sterling, negate his unorthodox kicks, and eventually finish by TKO. He has parlayed Yan with Ian Garry.

I think Yan gets stronger as the fight goes on and will find Sterling's chin. Sterling doesn't have the cardio to implement a 15-20 minute game plan. Yan will finish him late. I like Yan round 4/5/decision at -180 on FanDuel. The line is skewed due to public perception of Sterling.

Paul picks Yan, citing Yan's ability to calculate opponents and improve as the fight goes on, plus having four rounds of data from the first fight. He notes Sterling's wrestling was only 1 of 12 on takedowns and that he couldn't keep the pace for five rounds. Paul thinks Yan starts better this time and wins, though he doesn't love the -490 price.

The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan by decision, expecting a close fight. He thinks Sterling will win the first two rounds but Yan will edge the later rounds, winning 48-47. He criticizes Sterling's reaction to the illegal knee and notes Yan's toughness and strength. He believes Sterling will be more reserved, giving Yan time to figure him out.

Angelo picks Khamzat Chimaev but acknowledges it's a big step up in competition. He praises Chimaev's wrestling, pace, and chain wrestling, but notes Burns' experience and power. He says Chimaev is safe for parlays but warns about the unknown factor of adversity.

Big Brady picks Khamzat Chimaev to win by first-round knockout. He notes Chimaev has absorbed only one strike in four UFC fights and has tremendous power. Burns is chinny, having been dropped by Usman and knocked out by Dan Hooker. Brady sees few paths to victory for Burns and expects Chimaev to dominate on the feet and finish early.

Cody is sold on Chimaev, agreeing with Paul that he's a generational talent. He notes Chimaev's size advantage, underrated striking, and ability to take Burns down without fear of submissions. Cody points out Burns' losses to undersized fighters and his lack of significant wins. He thinks Chimaev's wrestling and pressure will be too much, and that Burns' best chance is an early KO or submission, but unlikely.

Levi believes Chimaev is a special talent with elite wrestling, size, and work ethic. He thinks Chimaev will use a striking approach to avoid Burns's guard, and if he takes Burns down and passes to side control, he will be comfortable. He expects Burns to tire and flop to his back, leading to a finish. He acknowledges Burns is world-class but sees Chimaev as a future champion.

I think Chimaev's wrestling and top control will be too much for Burns. Burns has shown he can be broken, and Chimaev is one of the best at breaking people. I see Chimaev getting the finish inside the distance. The fight not going to decision is a safe spot I'll parlay.

Paul is extremely confident in Chimaev, calling him a generational talent and the best welterweight in the world. He has already bet Chimaev at plus money and plans to add more. Paul believes Chimaev's striking, footwork, and size advantage will overwhelm Burns, and that Burns' BJJ won't be a factor because Chimaev can control him on the ground. He thinks Chimaev rolls through Burns and fights for the title next.

The MMA Guru picks Khamzat Chimaev, dismissing Burns' jiu-jitsu and citing Chimaev's size, strength, and aggression. He expects a first-round TKO via back mount, with Burns focusing on not getting submitted and taking too many shots. He criticizes Burns' decision-making and chin, and notes Chimaev's 10-pound muscle advantage and reach advantage.

Angelo confidently picks Tecia Torres (Pennington). He criticizes Dern's poor takedown accuracy (10%) and overconfidence in striking. He believes Torres' volume, boxing, and cardio will keep the fight standing, and even if it goes to the ground, Torres can avoid submissions. He plans to bet on Torres.

Big Brady picks Tecia Torres to win by decision. He sees the fight as a coin flip: if Dern gets it to the mat, she submits Torres; if Torres stuffs takedowns, she outstrikes Dern. Torres has better striking and has been focusing on strength and conditioning. Dern has poor takedown accuracy (10%). Brady has zero confidence and won't bet it.

Cody leans Torres but is not fully confident. He acknowledges Dern's submission threat but thinks Torres' speed and volume will be key. Cody notes Dern's takedown struggles and that Torres has been taken down before, but believes the big cage favors Torres. He considers Dern by submission at +250 as a possible path but thinks Torres wins by decision more often.

Levi acknowledges Tecia Torres's volume and striking advantage, but believes Dern's elite jiu-jitsu is a step above the competition. He thinks Dern will eventually get a hold of Torres and take the fight to the mat, possibly finishing by submission. He is not betting this fight because Torres could avoid takedowns and win a decision, but he picks Dern.

I think Torres is the better fighter with superior speed, combinations, and takedown defense. Dern has poor takedown accuracy (3 of 28 in UFC) and Torres will keep the fight standing. Torres will get in and out with strikes and win a decision. I also like Torres by TKO at +600 as a sprinkle.

Paul likes Torres at even money, citing her far better striking, speed, and experience. He notes Dern's takedowns are a mess and that Torres has only lost to the best in the division. Paul thinks Torres boxes Dern up, staying in and out, and that Dern's only path is a submission, which is unlikely. He expects Torres to win by decision, which is plus money.

The MMA Guru picks Tecia Torres (Tecia Pennington) as an underdog, citing her wrestling and speed. He expects her to stuff takedowns and piece up Dern on the feet, leading to a corner stoppage in the second round. He notes Dern's poor striking and only recently starting hard sparring.

Angelo picks Mark Madsen despite being surprised that Pichel is the favorite. He notes Madsen's Olympic wrestling background and improved striking, as shown in his win over Clay Guida. He expects Madsen to use takedowns similar to Gregor Gillespie's approach, though he acknowledges Pichel's movement could trouble Madsen on the feet.

Big Brady picks Mark Madsen to win a close decision, likely split. He notes Madsen's Olympic-level wrestling should dominate early rounds, but his cardio is a concern as he faded in the third round against Austin Hubbard. Pichel has terrible takedown defense (25%) but is tough and wins the third round. Brady thinks Madsen edges the second round to win.

Cody is on the same page as Paul, picking Pichel. He notes Madsen's wrestling is explosive but lacks top control, leading to gassing. Cody points out Madsen's susceptibility to leg kicks and Pichel's nasty low kick. He thinks Pichel's chaos and pressure will break Madsen, similar to how he broke Austin Hubbard. Cody expects Pichel to win, possibly by decision but hopes for a third-round finish.

Levi believes Mark Madsen is improving with each fight, showing better cardio and striking. He notes Vinc Pichel's takedown defense is not great and that Madsen's wrestling should be a big advantage. He thinks the fight should be a pick'em, so at plus money he is taking Madsen to win a decision by securing the first two rounds.

I think Pichel is the much better striker and has improving wrestling. Madsen needs to get an early finish or he will fade. Pichel has a good gas tank and will wear on Madsen. I see Pichel finding a knockout later in the fight, likely in the third round.

Paul is confident in Pichel, having already bet him at -122 and -127. He notes Madsen's poor cardio and inability to hold opponents down, as seen against Clay Guida. Paul emphasizes Pichel's leg kicks targeting Madsen's lead leg, which Madsen leaves exposed. He predicts Pichel wins by TKO in round 3, as Madsen fades. Paul also likes Pichel round 3 at +1600.

The MMA Guru picks Vinc Pichel, unimpressed by Mark Madsen's grappling. He expects Madsen to win the first round via takedowns but fade, with Pichel's cardio and ability to get up leading to a 29-28 decision. He notes that Pichel beat Austin Hubbard more convincingly than Madsen did.

Angelo picks Ian Garry but thinks the odds are too wide (should not be 2-1 favorite). He believes Garry's power and striking can touch up Weeks, but notes Garry's defensive holes and Weeks' wrestling threat. He thinks Garry will win but it's not a lock.

Big Brady picks Ian Garry to win by competitive decision. He is impressed with Garry's overall skills but worried about his striking defense, as he was hit a lot by Jordan Williams. Weeks is durable, has good wrestling and power, and has never been finished. Brady thinks Garry's higher skill and cardio will prevail, but he doesn't love the line.

Cody is hesitant, initially considering Weeks as a live underdog but ultimately sticking with Garry. He notes Garry's youth and striking precision, but worries about his lack of adversity and the transition from Cage Warriors. Cody thinks Weeks has a shot but that Garry's striking is better and he should win if it stays on the feet. He decides to fade his own underdog lean.

Levi is impressed with Garry's regional career, including his kicking game, stance switching, takedown defense, and heart. He thinks Garry is a real fighter who got out of his comfort zone to train at Sanford. He believes Darian Weeks is being overrated due to the Brian Barberena fight, and that Garry's clean striking will be too much. He has parlayed Garry with Petr Yan.

I initially wanted to fade Garry but after tape study, I think Weeks is not the guy to do it. Garry has size and reach advantages, good counter-striking, and will pick Weeks apart from the outside. Weeks telegraphs his big shots and slows down as fights go on. I see Garry getting a second or third round TKO.

Paul picks Garry despite not being impressed by his debut. He thinks Garry's striking is better than Weeks', and that Weeks' footwork and cardio looked poor against Barbarena. Paul notes Garry's size advantage and that this is a hand-picked opponent. He expects Garry to knock Weeks out, and is considering Garry by KO at +110.

The MMA Guru picks Ian Garry, praising his regional performances and noting that his debut jitters are behind him. He expects Garry to pick apart Darian Weeks over three rounds, winning a 30-26 decision. He mentions Garry's reach advantage and training at Sanford MMA.

Angelo gives a slight edge to Anthony Hernandez due to his UFC experience and better pure BJJ. He acknowledges Josh Fremd's athleticism and potential, but notes the short notice and nerves for Fremd. He calls Fremd one of the most live underdogs on the card.

Big Brady picks Anthony Hernandez to win by second-round submission. He expects Fremd to land big shots early but Hernandez to take over with pace and cardio, eventually finishing Fremd. He notes Hernandez's submission game is very good, having submitted Rodolfo Vieira, and that Fremd is coming in on short notice.

Cody leans towards Fremd as an underdog, thinking the price is wrong. He notes Fremd's wrestling, cardio, and cleaner striking, and that Hernandez has been inactive and has a questionable chin. Cody acknowledges Fremd got knocked out by Rodrigues but thinks he can outwork Hernandez. He signs up for Fremd as a low-confidence dog.

Levi praises Josh Fremd's offensive skills (calf kicks, jab, knees) and size, but criticizes his tall man's defense and tendency to get dropped. He likes Anthony Hernandez's experience, toughness, and submission game (guillotine, d'arce). He thinks Hernandez can capitalize on Fremd's defensive openings but is not crazy about laying -200, so he passes on betting.

I love Hernandez as a prospect; he reminds me of a prime Cain Velasquez with pressure and grappling. I think he will push the pace from the start, land takedowns, and get a finish via ground and pound or submission. The fight not going to decision is one of my favorite lines. I see him getting his hand raised inside the distance.

Paul passes on this fight, saying it terrifies him too much. He notes Hernandez's submission win over Vieira was due to fatigue, and that Fremd got knocked out by Gregory Rodrigues. Paul doesn't like Hernandez at -200 and doesn't see enough in Fremd to bet. He considers the under but doesn't commit.

The MMA Guru picks Anthony Hernandez, noting that Josh Fremd is on short notice. He expects Fremd to start well but fade, with Hernandez getting a third-round submission or TKO. He highlights Hernandez's toughness and ability to survive dangerous positions.

Angelo picks Aspen Ladd, citing her toughness and 'dog' mentality. He thinks Pennington's style of cage pressure and control won't work against Ladd's refusal to be bullied. He notes Ladd's power and wrestling, and says this is a no-bet situation.

Big Brady picks Raquel Pennington to win by decision. He notes Pennington has solid takedown defense and should keep the fight on the feet, where she can outstrike Ladd. Ladd looked terrible in her last fight against Norma Dumont, landing only 3 strikes in the first round. Brady thinks Ladd's path to victory is takedowns, but Pennington is strong and physical enough to stuff them.

Cody also leans Ladd, but emphasizes the weight cut risk. He notes Pennington's recent wins are over low-level opponents and that she has been taken down by her last three foes. Cody thinks Ladd's top game will be decisive if she makes weight. He plans to watch weigh-ins before betting, and is interested in the under if Ladd looks drained.

Levi sees Raquel Pennington as the more well-rounded fighter with takedowns and a grinding style. He worries about Aspen Ladd's top pressure and ground-and-pound, but thinks Pennington's takedown defense and experience against top competition (including Amanda Nunes) will allow her to mix strikes and takedowns. He expects a decision win for Pennington, though he is not rushing to bet at -190.

I think we'll see a better version of Aspen Ladd than last time. She should be able to push Pennington against the cage, drag her to the floor, and have success with ground and pound. Pennington struggles when fights hit the mat. Ladd will grind out a decision victory.

Paul leans towards Ladd as an underdog but conditions it on her making weight. He notes Pennington's takedown defense is weak and that Ladd has ferocious ground and pound. Paul thinks if Ladd gets top position, she'll smash Pennington. He also considers the under 2.5 rounds if Ladd looks bad at weigh-ins. He calls Ladd his first underdog pick of the card.

The MMA Guru picks Raquel Pennington, criticizing Aspen Ladd's lack of grit and poor performance in her last fight. He expects Pennington to push the pace and win a 30-27 decision, noting that Ladd has changed her style since being KO'd and no longer leads the dance.

Angelo leans Mickey Gall due to his experience and better wrestling/BJJ. He thinks Gall's wrestling is better than Malott's and his BJJ is also superior. He expects Gall to win a decision, but acknowledges Malott is dangerous and a better striker.

Big Brady picks Mike Malott to win by first-round TKO. He likes Malott's striking power and black belt BJJ, but notes his chin is a concern as he has been knocked out before. Gall has power and submission ability but poor cardio. Brady thinks Malott's better cardio and tools give him the edge, and expects an early finish.

Cody leans towards Gall as a live underdog. He notes Malott's history of gassing after the first round and his questionable chin. Cody thinks Gall's BJJ is good enough to neutralize Malott's grappling, and that Gall's striking has improved. He believes if Malott doesn't finish early, Gall can take over in later rounds.

Levi respects Mickey Gall for surviving and learning in the UFC against tough competition. He criticizes Mike Malott's cardio and tendency to freeze when pressured, noting Malott has only three minutes of octagon time in seven years. He believes Gall can crowd Malott, throw combinations, and use his grappling to win. He thinks the line should be a pick'em, so at plus money he is betting Gall.

I really like Malott in this spot. He has great striking and jiu-jitsu, and being at 170 should help his durability. He is the better striker and jiu-jitsu player. I think he will land a club and sub or get a finish inside the distance. Gall has been inconsistent and Malott should run through him.

Paul picks Malott but is hesitant, noting Malott's long layoffs and questionable cardio. He acknowledges Gall's BJJ and experience, and that Malott's chin might be suspect. Paul thinks Malott's wrestling and size could be enough, but warns that Gall is live if the fight goes past the first round. He calls it a 'ride or die' pick.

The MMA Guru picks Mike Malott, citing his long training at Team Alpha Male and experience despite a 7-1 record. He expects a first-round submission, noting that Mickey Gall can be sloppy and leave openings.

Angelo picks Aleksei Oleinik despite his age (45). He notes that Oleinik is a submission threat anywhere on the ground, and that Latifi's low-volume wrestling style plays into Oleinik's strengths. He also mentions Latifi's recent illness and doubts about his conditioning.

Big Brady picks Aleksei Oleinik to win by first-round submission. He notes Vanderaa has terrible takedown defense (20%) and striking defense (43%), and is coming in on short notice. Oleinik has good takedown accuracy and can take Vanderaa down or pull guard, then submit him quickly.

Cody picks Vanderaa, arguing that Oleinik is too old and undersized. He notes Oleinik's cardio fades quickly and that Vanderaa has a 50-pound weight advantage. Cody thinks Vanderaa's volume and durability will overwhelm Oleinik in the later rounds. He expects Vanderaa by TKO, possibly after surviving an early submission attempt.

Levi acknowledges Oleinik's age (turning 45) but notes heavyweights can have resurgences. He does not see UFC-caliber skills in Vanderaa, who has lost to better guys. He thinks Oleinik could get an Ezekiel choke, but is hesitant because of the age factor. He picks Oleinik but advises caution.

I lean Vanderaa because he can keep Oleinik on the outside with his striking and movement, especially in the bigger cage. He's not a big knockout puncher but can use volume and leg kicks. If he can avoid takedowns for 12 minutes, he can cruise to a decision. However, it's a volatile fight and he's on short notice.

Paul picks Oleinik at plus money, believing the old man has one more win. He notes Vanderaa's poor takedown defense, as seen against Romanov and Spivak. Paul thinks Oleinik can get takedowns and find his signature scarf hold or Ezekiel choke. He acknowledges Oleinik's cardio issues but thinks he can finish early. He has already bet Oleinik at +100.

The MMA Guru picks Aleksei Oleinik, expressing disdain for Jared Vanderaa's physique and performance. He expects Oleinik to get a first-round submission, possibly by arm triangle or rear-naked choke, citing Vanderaa's grappling issues and Oleinik's full camp.

Angelo likes Piera Rodríguez as the underdog. He highlights her nasty striking, calculated brawling, and good takedown defense. He notes that she does damage in defensive scrambles and has solid grappling defense if taken down. He believes there's something special in her style.

Big Brady slightly edges Rodríguez to win a volume-based decision on the feet, stuffing takedowns and working back up if taken down. He notes Rodríguez has power and improved takedown defense, while Hansen may struggle to get the fight to the mat. However, he has no confidence in this pick and will not bet it.

Cody takes Hansen as a slight underdog, noting she has scored takedowns in all her UFC fights. He thinks Rodríguez is hittable and not great at getting back up. Cody acknowledges Hansen's youth and inconsistency but believes her grappling can secure rounds. He calls it a 'dogger pass' situation.

Levi notes Kay Hansen has fought better competition and has a path to victory on the ground, but questions her mental commitment due to outside income. He favors Piera Rodríguez's crisp hands and knockout power for the weight class, and thinks the fight location (striking range) favors Rodríguez. He admits he is not confident and has no bet on it.

I lean Kay Hansen because she is showing improvements in her striking and has clearly better BJJ. She can mix in grappling and clinch work to get the fight to the ground and wear on Piera from top position. I think she can hold her own in striking but needs to mix in grappling to avoid getting touched up. I see her winning via decision or submission.

Paul leans towards Rodríguez but calls it a pass. He notes Rodríguez's physicality and striking, but saw her gas in her Contender Series fight. He thinks Hansen's grappling could be a factor but that Rodríguez's pressure might be too much. He picks Rodríguez for the show but with low confidence.

The MMA Guru picks Kay Hansen as an underdog, citing her experience and activity. He notes that Hansen picks up as fights go on, winning the second and third rounds. He expects a close split decision, possibly 29-28, and mentions that Hansen's name recognition might sway judges. He also points out that Rodríguez's output was low on the Contender Series.

Angelo picks Julio Arce but notes he likes Daniel Santos as a live underdog. He thinks Arce's wrestling can be key to slowing Santos' striking. He also likes a prop bet on Santos winning inside the distance with a safety net (refund if decision).

Cody leans towards Santos as an underdog, citing the unknown factor and Santos' two-and-a-half-year layoff for improvement. He notes Santos' spinning techniques and aggression, and that Arce has been knocked out before. Cody thinks Santos could be a live dog and plans to play him in DFS due to low ownership.

Daniel Levi acknowledges Julio Arce's experience and fundamental soundness but sees Arce as having peaked, while Santos is a young, improving fighter with aggression and wrestling defense. He is concerned about Santos's three-year layoff and first time under bright lights, but believes Santos at 27 is a better version than at 24. At plus money, he is willing to roll the dice on the upset.

I love the underdog price on Santos. He is wild, aggressive, and crashes the pocket, which is where Arce struggles. Arce has trouble when opponents engage with him in the pocket. Santos can land big shots and possibly get a knockout. I'm taking Santos to win, probably by KO.

Paul picks Arce but has a bad feeling about it. He notes Arce's skill set as a former golden glove boxer and BJJ black belt, but worries about his chin after being knocked out by Song. Paul thinks Santos is dangerous with spinning attacks but is hittable and lacks defense. He expects Arce to win on skill but acknowledges Santos could clip him.

The MMA Guru picks Julio Arce, citing his experience and veteran savvy. He expects Santos to start fast but fade, with Arce winning the second and third rounds. He predicts a 29-28 decision, noting that Arce is a high-level unranked bantamweight with good wins.