UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill

Big Brady picks the 43-year-old Teixeira despite age concerns, noting he has been counted out before and keeps winning. He highlights Teixeira's durability, having not been knocked out since 2017, and his excellent grappling and ground and pound. He questions Hill's takedown defense, as he was taken down six times by Thiago Santos. He thinks Teixeira can get takedowns and finish, but has low confidence due to Hill's power. He predicts a finish.

Cody picks Jamahal Hill but admits he is not super confident. He thinks Hill is one of the best strikers in the division with power and calmness, and believes Hill will clip Glover in the later rounds after giving up early rounds. He acknowledges Glover's massive grappling advantage and Hill's poor takedown defense, but thinks Hill's youth and striking will prevail. He suggests live betting Glover after losing early rounds.

Connor picks Jamahal Hill, citing youth, power, and the likelihood that Glover gets hurt and finished early. He compares it to the Anthony Johnson loss where Glover was iced in 13 seconds. Connor admits Glover is better everywhere but feels Hill's speed and one-two power could end it quickly. He acknowledges that if the fight goes past one round, Glover likely wins.

Paul picks Glover Teixeira but is very cautious, admitting bias because he loves Glover. He notes Glover's massive grappling advantage and great wrestling, but acknowledges he is long in the tooth and gives up speed. He sees arguments for both sides and is not betting pre-fight, but might bet live if things go well. He thinks Glover can win via grappling and top control.

The Guru picks Teixeira as an underdog. He rewatched Hill vs Santos and noted Santos took Hill down six times, and Hill gave up bad positions. Teixeira's grappling is superior, and he stayed in shape after a December fight was canceled. The Guru criticizes Hill's physique, saying he had a 'huge belly' in fight announcement videos. He predicts Teixeira will find a rear-naked choke in the second or third round, or possibly after rocking Hill on the feet.

Zane picks Glover Teixeira, arguing that Glover is a much better fighter overall—better striker, wrestler, and grappler. He notes that Jamahal Hill has poor defense, walks in straight lines, and has never faced a grappler of Glover's caliber. Zane believes Glover's improved boxing and ability to survive being hurt will carry him to victory, especially if the fight goes past the first round.

Big Brady switches to Moreno after picking Figueiredo in the previous three fights. He cites Figueiredo's age (35), brutal weight cuts, and not training at Fight Ready as concerns. Moreno is younger, has better cardio, and has never been finished. He notes Moreno was winning minutes in the third fight before Figueiredo's knockdowns. He needs to see Figueiredo's weigh-in to decide on betting, but leans Moreno by decision.

Cody is confident in Brandon Moreno, citing Moreno's better wrestling, cardio, and ability to mix striking and grappling. He notes Figueiredo is older, has a tough weight cut, moved away from a great training camp, and has a year-long layoff. He believes Moreno's pace and pressure will be too much, and Figueiredo's best chance is counter-punching early. He also mentions Moreno's resilience and Mexican grit.

Connor picks Figueiredo, calling it a 'sadness hedge'—expecting the worst so it doesn't crush him. He thinks Figueiredo will find ways to sneak out rounds in a five-round fight, as he has done before. Connor notes Figueiredo's ability to land hard low kicks and his natural counter-punching, but acknowledges Moreno's dominance in the second fight and the uncertainty.

Paul leans towards Brandon Moreno but is cautious, noting he made a rule to bet the underdog in this series. He is very curious about Figueiredo's weight cut and age (35), and thinks speed and cardio are key at flyweight. He says he will wait for weigh-ins before betting, but ever so slightly leans Moreno. He acknowledges Figueiredo's power and toughness but thinks Moreno is the better fighter at this point.

The Guru picks Moreno for the quadrilogy, noting he won most of the minutes in the trilogy. Moreno has better striking, gas tank, and scrambles, while Figueiredo relies on explosive moments. Figueiredo is 35 with a tough weight cut and has been inactive for a year, while Moreno is younger and more active. The Guru predicts a clear decision win for Moreno, 49-46.

Zane picks Moreno, believing he looked like the better fighter in the third fight and lost mainly due to overconfidence. He thinks Moreno's adjustments are straightforward: stay busier with the jab, use footwork to avoid low kicks, and bring back his wrestling. Zane notes Figueiredo's defensive issues and psychological decline, and that Moreno's youth and resilience give him an edge.

Big Brady is confident Burns will submit Magny in the first round. He notes Burns is a wizard on the mat with elite BJJ, while Magny has poor takedown defense (57%) and has been submitted five times. Burns will take the fight down easily and finish. On the feet, Magny has a reach advantage but Burns has more power. He expects a first-round submission.

Cody picks Gilbert Burns confidently, believing Burns should win two rounds and coast in the third. He notes Burns' pressure, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu are key, and that Magny's long limbs are a disadvantage on the ground. He acknowledges Burns' cardio and chin concerns but thinks the Brazilian crowd and Burns' recent form (Chimaev fight) will carry him. He says Burns' path to victory is takedowns and control.

Connor agrees with Zane, stating that Burns is a nightmare matchup for Magny. He notes that Magny has improved his jab and pressure, but Burns is a souped-up version of the fighters who have troubled Magny before. Connor believes Burns can take Magny down or beat him in the clinch, and that Magny's only path is a lucky shot.

Paul picks Gilbert Burns but with some hesitation. He notes Burns' cardio and durability issues, but thinks Burns' pressure, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu will be too much for Magny. He mentions Magny's good cardio and ring IQ but says Burns is the better fighter. He warns that Burns could gas out or get caught, but overall expects Burns to win via takedowns and top control.

The Guru picks Burns but calls it his least confident pick on the card. He notes Magny's reach advantage and straight punches could trouble Burns, who struggles with range. However, Burns has offensive takedowns and Magny makes mistakes defending them. The Guru predicts Burns will find a submission (rear-naked choke or arm triangle) or TKO via ground and pound. He worries about the style matchup but trusts Burns' grappling.

Zane picks Burns, calling it a 'miserable matchup' for Magny. He notes that Magny historically struggles against powerful strikers, technical top-position grapplers, and freak athletes—Burns is all three. Zane highlights Burns' toughness, power, and well-rounded game, and believes Magny's only chance is to be super aggressive and hope for a miracle.

Big Brady picks Andrade with good confidence, noting she has only lost to the best (Valentina, Rose, Zhang, Weili). He is not high on Murphy, calling her lucky and noting she has lost fights that went her way. Andrade is younger, more powerful, has takedown upside, and will pressure with volume. He respects Murphy's toughness and durability, predicting a decision win for Andrade, but won't lay -450.

Cody picks Jéssica Andrade confidently, expecting her to smash Lauren Murphy. He notes Andrade's power, aggression, strength, and well-rounded skills. He says Murphy is scrappy but not on Andrade's level, and that Andrade will either finish via guillotine or win a brawl. He warns about women's MMA and big favorites, but thinks Andrade's skill advantage is clear. He also mentions Andrade's cardio is not half bad.

Connor picks Andrade, noting that Murphy is glacially slow and Andrade is much faster and harder hitting. He thinks Andrade's physicality will be too much, even if she can't overpower Murphy in the clinch. Connor also points out that good athletes can take Murphy down, and Andrade is a good athlete.

Paul picks Jéssica Andrade but with some hesitation. He notes Andrade's power, aggression, and strength, and says Murphy's best version still struggles with Andrade's worst. He mentions Murphy's durability and cardio but thinks Andrade's skill set is superior. He warns about women's MMA and big favorites, and says there is a world where Andrade gets tired. He thinks Andrade wins but wouldn't put a huge bet on her.

The Guru confidently picks Andrade, saying she 'throws punches like a man' and has finished top competition like Chookagian, Calvillo, and Lemos in the first round. He criticizes Murphy's fighting ability, calling her 'fighting blind.' Despite Murphy doing better against Shevchenko on paper, the Guru sees a clear difference in performance and predicts Andrade will KO Murphy.

Zane picks Andrade but with hesitation. He notes Andrade has made wrong moves lately, regressing to a cautious style, but her physicality, speed, and power should be enough against the slower Murphy. Zane worries about Andrade's approach and Murphy's strength and durability, but believes Andrade is more likely to finish.

Big Brady picks Johnny Walker to knock out Paul Craig in the first round. He notes Walker is much bigger, more explosive, and has huge power on the feet. Craig's striking is not good and he will likely pull guard, but Walker should disengage and keep it standing. If Walker goes to the mat, Craig is dangerous with submissions, but Walker can also finish with ground and pound. He trusts Walker to get the knockout but warns of sweating if it hits the mat.

Cody picks Johnny Walker confidently, noting Walker's striking advantage and improved fight IQ under John Kavanagh. He says Walker can dictate range, use footwork, and potshot Paul Craig. He acknowledges Craig's dangerous BJJ but thinks Walker will keep the fight standing and avoid the ground. He mentions Walker's power and ability to knock out Craig. He also notes Craig's poor striking and takedown defense.

Connor picks Paul Craig, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Walker's new passive style is worse than his old reckless one, and that Craig will pressure and likely land clean shots. Connor also mentions that Walker has never been submitted but that Craig is a submission specialist who could catch him.

Paul picks Johnny Walker confidently, noting Walker's striking advantage and improved fight IQ. He says Walker can keep the fight standing and avoid Craig's BJJ. He mentions Craig's poor striking and takedown defense, and says Walker has the power to knock him out. He acknowledges Craig's submission wins over top guys but thinks Walker will fight smart and avoid the ground.

The Guru is confident Walker will KO Craig. He highlights Walker's underrated grappling, noting he reversed Krylov and has improved rapidly. Craig has no striking threat, so Walker will be confident on the feet. The Guru predicts Walker will rock Craig, force a bad takedown, and finish with ground and pound, similar to the Ryan Spann fight.

Zane picks Paul Craig, citing that Craig has a reliable bag of tricks and will be aggressive, while Johnny Walker has regressed under SPG coaching, becoming passive and lacking a functional style. Zane notes that grappling is light heavyweight secret sauce, and Craig is a submission artist who can exploit Walker's poor grappling.

Big Brady calls this the sketchiest fight on the card and is staying far away from betting. He notes Potieria has power and finishing ability, with most wins in the first round, but is not sold on his UFC caliber. Shogun is washed at 41 and has been for a while. Potieria has a huge hole in takedown defense, but Shogun doesn't wrestle much. He leans towards Potieria by first-round knockout but has no confidence.

Cody picks Ihor Potieria confidently, noting Potieria's power, speed, and youth advantage over an aging Shogun. He says Shogun is past his prime, has poor durability, and is retiring, which historically leads to losses. He thinks Potieria will land something early and put Shogun away. He mentions Shogun's recent performances have been poor, and that Potieria is a limited striker but enough to beat the current Shogun.

Connor agrees with Zane, stating Shogun's prime ended in 2009 and he's been too slow and fragile. He notes Potieria is not very good but not bad enough to lose to Shogun at this point.

Paul picks Ihor Potieria, agreeing with Cody. He says he hopes he's wrong but thinks Potieria will win. He notes Shogun's decline and the retirement announcement curse. He says he won't bet on this fight but picks Potieria. He mentions Shogun's legendary status but says his time is up.

The Guru picks Potieria despite calling him a 'can crusher.' He notes Shogun is 41 and looked awful in recent fights, struggling against Saint Preux. Potieria is young and scrappy, and the Guru trusts the younger fighter to land first. He predicts a first-round TKO for Potieria, though he admits it would be nice to see Shogun win.

Zane picks Potieria because Shogun is too slow and lacks durability. He notes Potieria is a decent athlete with speed and size, and can take shots. He mentions Shogun's recent losses to Paul Craig and OSP show he's done.

Big Brady picks Rodrigues to win by first-round knockout, noting he is levels above Ferreira. He highlights Rodrigues' impressive wins over Jung Young Park and Julian Marquez, and his ability to overcome adversity. He doubts Ferreira can take Rodrigues down or have success on the mat, as Rodrigues has legit BJJ. Ferreira's only path is a knockout on the feet, which is unlikely.

Cody picks Brunno Ferreira as a dog, noting he bet him at +260. He thinks Ferreira has power and a puncher's chance, and that the line is too wide. He acknowledges Ferreira is undersized and making a short-notice debut, but likes his skills. He says Gregory Rodrigues has cardio and wrestling advantages, but Ferreira could catch him early. He admits it's a risky bet but likes the value.

Connor agrees, noting Rodrigues is a much cleaner puncher and has a size advantage. He mentions Ferreira is compact and hard to submit, but Rodrigues is more likely to win the exchanges.

Paul picks Gregory Rodrigues, noting his size, cardio, and wrestling advantages. He says Rodrigues can take Ferreira down and control him, and that Ferreira's takedown defense is poor. He mentions Rodrigues' durability and ability to fight through adversity. He thinks Ferreira is too much too soon on short notice. He acknowledges Rodrigues' tendency to brawl but thinks he will win.

The Guru is confident in Rodrigues, noting Ferreira is stepping in on short notice and tends to swing wildly in the first round. Rodrigues is bigger and has looked good in recent fights, including a close decision against Petrosyan. The Guru predicts Rodrigues will put Ferreira on his ass and find a KO in the first round in a back-and-forth scrap.

Zane picks Rodrigues because he is bigger, more experienced, and technically superior. He notes Ferreira is a wild brawler who creates 50/50 car crashes, but Rodrigues is a cleaner puncher with better defense. He also mentions Rodrigues' wrestling and submission threat, though he may be reckless.

Big Brady is high on Gabriel Bonfim, noting he is dangerous everywhere, especially on the ground with submissions like the Von Flue choke. He thinks Bonfim has many paths to victory, though Lazzez is a good striker with a great chin. He expects Bonfim to take the fight down and submit Lazzez in the second round. He believes the hype on Bonfim is warranted.

Cody picks Mounir Lazzez as a dog, noting his reach, volume, and takedown defense. He says Bonfim is hittable and takes damage, and that Lazzez is the more technical striker. He acknowledges Bonfim's submission skills but thinks Lazzez can keep the fight standing and win a decision. He says this is his first underdog pick of the card.

Connor agrees, noting Lazzez is a better striker and has a reach advantage. Bonfim's game is formless and he will likely have to strike with Lazzez, which is a losing proposition.

Paul picks Mounir Lazzez, agreeing with Cody. He notes Bonfim's holes in striking and that Lazzez is the more technical striker. He says Bonfim is a good prospect but not ready for this level. He mentions Lazzez's reach and volume. He says he's not comfortable laying -170 on Bonfim.

The Guru picks Bonfim, noting he has many ways to win. Bonfim is a two-to-one favorite and has a strong submission game, with wins by d'arce choke and Von Flue choke. The Guru believes Bonfim will take Lazzez down and find a submission, possibly a rear-naked choke or TKO via ground and pound. He notes Lazzez is a striker who has beaten bottom-of-the-barrel competition.

Zane picks Lazzez because he is a technically superior kickboxer with a reach advantage. Bonfim's grappling is good but his takedown entries are not clean, and Lazzez is stable in the clinch. Bonfim's striking is not at Lazzez's level.

Big Brady is extremely confident in Almeida, calling him the biggest favorite on the card. He notes Abdurakhimov has been pulled out of fights repeatedly and is being fed to Almeida. He expects Almeida to take the fight down and finish in the first round, similar to Curtis Blaydes' win over Abdurakhimov but earlier. He says you can't even think about picking Shamil.

Cody picks Jailton Almeida confidently, expecting him to take down and smash Abdurakhimov. He notes Almeida's grappling is elite and Abdurakhimov's takedown defense is poor. He mentions Almeida's size disadvantage but thinks his skills overcome it. He says Almeida will win inside the distance, likely by submission. He acknowledges the -900 line is scary but thinks Almeida is the real deal.

Connor agrees, calling Almeida a great athlete with tremendous skill. He notes Abdurakhimov has some trickiness but lacks durability and speed. Almeida should win easily, likely by submission.

Paul picks Jailton Almeida, noting his grappling and power. He says Almeida will take down and finish Abdurakhimov. He mentions Abdurakhimov's recent losses and poor takedown defense. He thinks Almeida is a future champion at 205 but is dominating heavyweights. He says Almeida inside the distance is a good bet.

The Guru is very confident in Almeida, calling him a 'roid monster' and noting his dominant grappling. He points out that Abdurakhimov is 41, inactive, and coming off a KO loss to Pavlovich. Almeida outgrappled a Dagestani on the contender series and has been competing in grappling tournaments. The Guru predicts a first-round submission by naked choke, calling it a walkover.

Zane picks Almeida confidently, noting his athleticism, wrestling, and grappling are far superior. Abdurakhimov is shop-worn, lacks durability, and is too passive. Almeida should get a takedown and dominate.

Big Brady picks Cody Stamann as the rightful favorite due to fighting much better competition. He notes Lacerda has a legit BJJ black belt but often pulls guard and rolls for submissions, which doesn't work as well in the UFC. He thinks Lacerda won't be able to get takedowns and will have to rely on a Hail Mary submission. Stamann has been submitted twice but against elite grapplers like Sterling and Said. He predicts a decision win for Stamann.

Cody picks Cody Stamann confidently, noting his wrestling, cardio, and versatility. He says Stamann is a generalist who can do everything well, while Lacerda is a one-dimensional BJJ specialist. He thinks Stamann will neutralize Lacerda's grappling and win on the feet. He mentions Stamann's experience against top competition and his ability to avoid submissions.

Connor agrees, noting Lacerda is not proactive and Stamann is a tough gatekeeper. Lacerda's style is janky and he may not be able to exploit Stamann's flaws.

Paul picks Cody Stamann, noting his wrestling and striking advantages. He says Stamann is a safe bet among the big favorites on the card. He mentions Lacerda's BJJ is dangerous but thinks Stamann will avoid submissions and win a decision. He says Stamann's experience and versatility will be too much.

The Guru picks Stamann despite acknowledging the risk of decline. He notes Stamann's losses are to top bantamweights like Sterling, Develashvili, and Rivera, and he beat Eddie Wineland convincingly. At 33, Stamann is still hungry and training at Extreme Couture. The Guru believes Lacerda is not on the level of Sayed or Song to submit Stamann, and that Stamann's wrestling and pressure will carry him to a 29-28 decision after surviving an early bad situation.

Zane picks Stamann because Lacerda is too passive and slow-paced. Stamann is a good wrestler who can enforce his game. Lacerda's submissions come from wrestling, but he won't outwrestle Stamann. Stamann is tough and durable.

Big Brady picks McKinney to win by first-round knockout, noting McKinney's incredible power and finishing ability. He acknowledges Bonfim has patched his submission defense and is well-rounded, but McKinney hits like a truck and has good wrestling. He thinks Bonfim will have to walk through fire and if the fight gets past one and a half rounds, Bonfim likely finishes McKinney. He's not betting but expects violence.

Cody picks Ismael Bonfim as a dog, noting his cardio, durability, and well-rounded skills. He says McKinney is explosive but fades under adversity and has poor durability. He thinks Bonfim can weather the early storm and take over as McKinney gasses. He mentions Bonfim's win over Nariman Abbasov as a sign of his quality. He says this is his second underdog pick.

Connor also picks Bonfim, citing McKinney's inability to fight past the first round. He notes Bonfim is a clean puncher with solid grappling and has never been knocked out. McKinney's recklessness and poor cardio are key factors.

Paul picks Terrance McKinney, noting his explosiveness and power. He says McKinney will likely finish early, but acknowledges the risk of him gassing. He says he's not betting this fight but picks McKinney. He mentions McKinney's under machine reputation and that the under 1.5 rounds is juiced.

The Guru picks McKinney but acknowledges Bonfim is dangerous. He trusts McKinney's weird wiry speed and power in the early round, noting how he nearly put away Dober quickly. McKinney has a wrestling background that is often overlooked. The Guru predicts a first-round finish, possibly by submission after hurting Bonfim on the feet. However, he warns that if the fight goes past the first round without Bonfim being hurt, Bonfim may take over.

Zane picks Bonfim because McKinney burns out quickly if he doesn't get an early finish. Bonfim is durable, solid, and has never been knocked out. He notes McKinney's style is unsustainable and he loses after the first round. Bonfim's experience and ability to survive should lead to a win.

Big Brady picks Alves but with low trust due to Alves' inconsistency. He notes Alves has two versions: one that puts on masterclass performances and one that fades after the first round. He thinks Alves has the grappling upside and danger to finish, while Dalby is tough with good cardio but not dangerous. He expects the fight to leave round one and Alves to win a decision, but he's staying away from betting.

Cody picks Warlley Alves but with low confidence, noting his tendency to gas and be a front-runner. He says Alves has power and a nasty guillotine, but his cardio is suspect. He thinks Alves will win if he comes out strong, but could lose if he gasses. He mentions Alves' history of losing as a favorite. He says the under 2.5 rounds is the play.

Connor picks Dalby, noting he is a consistent, trusty fighter who can grind out a win. He expects Alves to win round 1 but Dalby to take over in round 3. He admits he wants Dalby to win and acknowledges Alves could do early damage.

Paul picks Warlley Alves but with hesitation, noting his cardio issues and tendency to lose as a favorite. He says Alves has the skills to win but is unreliable. He thinks Alves will win if he shows up, but wouldn't bet much on him. He mentions Alves' guillotine and power. He says the under is a good play.

The Guru is hesitant but picks Dalby, noting it's a close fight with even odds. He believes if there's no first-round KO from Alves, Dalby will win as the fight goes on. Alves was KO'd by Jeremiah Wells and has been inactive in 2022. The Guru compares Dalby's style to James Krause, with pitter-patter shots and movement, and thinks Dalby can survive the early danger and make Alves gas out.

Zane picks Alves hesitantly, expecting him to do too much damage early. He notes Alves is explosive and powerful, but fades and has mental blocks. Dalby is a workhorse but may be losing physical steps at 38. Zane expects Alves to win round 1 and possibly finish.

Big Brady is very confident in Nunes, calling it one of the lowest level fights he's seen. He notes Fairn has been finished in both UFC losses in the first round, has no takedown defense, no ground game, and terrible striking defense with low hands and no head movement. Nunes is much better and should win by first-round knockout, either by walking forward and landing big shots or by grappling. He expects violence and a quick finish.

Cody picks Josiane Nunes confidently, expecting her to smash Zarah Fairn. He notes Nunes' power and aggression, and says Fairn has been finished early in both UFC fights. He thinks Nunes will finish early, possibly by TKO. He mentions Nunes' size disadvantage but says her pressure will be too much. He bet the under 1.5 rounds and under 2.5 rounds.

Connor picks Nunes, believing her aggression and power will overwhelm Fairn. He notes Fairn is measured and slow-paced, and may not handle Nunes' pressure. He expects a ugly clinch fight where Nunes lands devastating shots.

Paul picks Josiane Nunes but with some hesitation, noting the trap line feel. He says Fairn has a reach and height advantage and could potentially strike. He mentions Nunes' limited grappling and that she might not take Fairn down. He thinks Nunes should win but wouldn't put her on a parlay. He says Fairn is not very good but could cause problems.

The Guru is confident Nunes will starch Fairn by KO. He highlights Nunes' punching power, saying she 'throws punches like a man,' and notes she showed good cardio and grappling escapes against Ramona Pascal. Fairn hasn't fought since February 2022 and is coming off a TKO loss. The Guru also points out that taller female fighters often leave their chin up against shorter opponents, making them vulnerable to Nunes' power. He predicts a first-round KO.

Zane picks Fairn as an upset, citing her height and reach advantage. He notes Nunes is a short overhand-reliant brawler who may struggle to close distance. Fairn's jab and range could keep Nunes at bay, though Fairn is a poor grappler and may get overwhelmed.

Big Brady is not extremely impressed with either fighter but sees more paths to victory for Daniel Marcos. He notes Marcos made significant improvements from his earlier fights to the Contender Series, particularly in striking and takedown defense. He believes Marcos can get takedowns against Oliveira, who has poor takedown defense, though Oliveira is dangerous off his back. He calls it a sketchy fight he's staying away from betting.

Cody picks Daniel Marcos as a slight underdog, noting his striking and power. He says Marcos showed good volume and power on Contender Series, and that Oliveira is reckless and has poor wrestling. He thinks Marcos can win a striking battle. He mentions Marcos' cardio issues but thinks he can push through. He says this is a 50/50 fight and he'll take the plus money.

Connor agrees, noting Oliveira has more experience and is more aggressive. Marcos may struggle with Oliveira's pressure and guillotine threat.

Paul picks Daniel Marcos, agreeing with Cody. He notes Oliveira's recklessness and poor wrestling. He says Marcos has good striking and power. He mentions Marcos' cardio issues but thinks he can win. He says he's not confident but will pick Marcos.

The Guru sees this as a 50/50 matchup but leans towards Marcos as the underdog. He notes that Oliveira barely scraped by on the contender series and was ragdolled by Tony Gravely, who got 11 takedowns on him. Marcos showed good takedown defense against Brandon Lewis, stuffing 11 of 13 takedowns, and has been more active recently, while Oliveira hasn't fought in a year. The Guru gives a slight grappling advantage to Marcos due to his hustle and stubbornness in positions.

Zane picks Oliveira because he is cleaner and more aggressive. Marcos is gritty but lacks clean technique. Oliveira's experience and aggression should give him the edge. He notes Oliveira's guillotine could be a threat.