UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo

Angelo picks Aljamain Sterling despite acknowledging asterisks on his title wins (illegal knee, split decision, TJ Dillashaw with one arm). He believes Sterling's size and activity will be decisive, as Sterling is a weight bully and has been fighting consistently while Cejudo returns after three years. Angelo is rooting for Cejudo but thinks the layoff and cardio questions are too much to overcome. He notes Cejudo's Olympic wrestling credentials but doubts he can take down the much larger Sterling.

Big Brady picks Sterling due to activity, youth, volume, and size advantages. He notes Cejudo's three-year layoff is a major concern, especially at lower weight classes. He acknowledges that if prime Cejudo shows up, he should win, but he's not confident in that. He mentions Sterling's reach and height advantages and that Sterling is in his prime training with Merab Dvalishvili. He says this is his least confident pick on the card and he's likely not betting it.

Cody acknowledges the massive question marks around Henry Cejudo's three-year layoff and whether he can replicate his past success. He gives Sterling advantages in speed, striking, grappling, and recent experience, but notes that Cejudo's constant pressure could exploit Sterling's tendency to fade in later rounds. He suggests playing Sterling live after the first round for a better price rather than betting pre-fight, and only as a small play if nothing else on the card jumps out.

Connor leans toward Cejudo, citing raw speed as a major factor and noting that Cejudo is the fastest fighter Sterling has faced since Marlon Moraes. He believes Cejudo's pressure and willingness to take risks will be effective, and that Cejudo will land the bigger shots. Connor acknowledges the age and ring rust concerns but is willing to take that flyer.

The host believes Henry Cejudo's speed, explosiveness, and defensive grappling will be too much for Aljamain Sterling. He notes that Cejudo is difficult to take down and control, and his calf kicks and power punching could be key. He expects Cejudo to win by knockout in the third or fourth round, assuming he hasn't regressed too much from the layoff.

Paul agrees with Cody's reasoning, noting that while Cejudo could return like Jon Jones or GSP, the three-year layoff is a major unknown. He highlights Sterling's seven-inch reach advantage and massive speed advantage from training with Rob Font. He says it's 'algermane or pass' for him but doesn't feel he has an edge betting-wise, so he likely won't place a bet.

The Guru leans toward Sterling, citing Cejudo's three-year layoff and age (36) as major factors. He believes Sterling's reach and height advantages will allow him to pick at Cejudo from range with front kicks and jabs. He also notes that Cejudo's wrestling may be neutralized by Sterling's body triangle, which can burn rounds. However, he admits it's a 50-50 fight and hopes Cejudo wins for entertainment, showing low confidence.

Zane picks Sterling, noting that he always starts strong with a clear game plan and is underrated for his toughness and resilience. He highlights Sterling's high output, body work, and weapons like knees and uppercuts to counter shorter fighters. Zane acknowledges the risk of Sterling getting caught or fading late, but believes Sterling's grappling danger and ability to take Cejudo's back are key advantages.

Angelo picks Belal Muhammad, citing his wrestling pressure and improved striking. He notes that Gilbert Burns is coming off a quick turnaround (fought three weeks ago) and that fighters in that situation often lose. Angelo believes Belal's wrestling pace will overwhelm Burns, and he questions Burns' submission threat off his back. He has a quarter unit on Belal at +105, noting the line has tightened from Burns being a big favorite.

Big Brady picks Muhammad in this five-round fight. He believes Burns is the better striker early with more power, but Muhammad's cardio, pressure, and volume will wear Burns down in the later rounds. He notes Burns has questionable cardio and chin, and Muhammad has excellent takedown defense and get-up game. He predicts Muhammad will weather the early storm and finish Burns late, possibly by fourth-round TKO.

Cody emphasizes that the five-round format heavily favors Belal Muhammad's proven cardio and durability over Gilbert Burns, who has questionable gas tank. He notes Belal's high ring IQ, ability to adjust game plans (lateral movement vs Luque, forward pressure vs Brady), and that Burns' recent wins are over older or less dangerous opponents. He expects Belal to survive early rounds and take over late, making the underdog line attractive.

Connor also picks Muhammad, agreeing that Burns is uncomfortable under pressure and that Muhammad's jab will be key. He notes that Muhammad is a smart fighter who sticks to his game plan and that Burns' wrestling may not be a decisive factor. Connor expresses concern about Muhammad's short notice but trusts his conditioning.

The host picks Belal Muhammad, citing his pace, pressure, and cardio as key advantages over Gilbert Burns. He believes Muhammad's grappling-heavy style, similar to Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, will wear down Burns, who has cardio issues. He expects Muhammad to finish Burns in the fourth or fifth round, and notes that the plus 120 odds look easy.

Paul initially leaned toward Gilbert Burns but changed his mind after realizing the fight is five rounds, which makes the line more reasonable. He notes Burns' quick turnaround and Belal's experience fighting after Ramadan without issue. He says he's 'leaning ever so slightly towards Belal' because of the five rounds, but thinks the market has it right and it's a close fight.

The Guru confidently picks Burns, citing his peak physical condition from fighting frequently and his power advantage on the feet. He believes Burns will set traps and land big shots as Belal comes forward, and that Belal's takedowns won't worry Burns due to his jiu-jitsu. He also questions Belal's mindset and weight cut, noting Belal's complaints and inconsistent weight claims. He predicts a TKO via right hand against the cage.

Zane picks Muhammad, emphasizing that Burns tends to destruct under pressure and that Muhammad's jab-centric striking is a great weapon against Burns' catch-and-counter style. He notes that Muhammad is adaptable and well-prepared, and that Burns' recent performance against Masvidal was uninspiring. Zane also mentions that the five-round fight favors Muhammad's cardio and pressure.

Angelo picks Jéssica Andrade but with very low confidence, admitting he has flip-flopped multiple times. He thinks Andrade's raw power and bullying style can close the distance and get the fight to the ground, where she can pound away. However, he acknowledges Yan Xiaonan is the better striker with clean technique and composure. Angelo notes that if Andrade can't bully her way in, she'll be a step behind on the feet. He emphasizes this is a low-confidence pick.

Big Brady picks Andrade, citing her wrestling and grappling advantage. He notes Yan Xiaonan was dominated by Carla Esparza, who has no finishing ability, so Andrade's takedowns and top control will be overwhelming. He believes Andrade is super strong for the division, has great cardio, and will take Yan down at will. He predicts a second-round TKO via ground and pound.

Cody thinks Andrade should win on paper with her strength, power, and experience, but is concerned about her recent performance against Erin Blanchfield where she looked burnt out and quit. He notes she's been fighting for a decade and may be mentally done. He leans toward Andrade but says he doesn't trust her at -200 and might take Yan as an underdog if he needs one later.

Connor also picks Andrade, agreeing that Yan's volume won't be enough against Andrade's power and durability. He notes that Andrade is a rare power puncher in the division and that Yan's awkward kicks and jabs won't deter her. Connor mentions that Yan's best wins are against opponents who couldn't match her output, but Andrade is different.

The host picks Jéssica Andrade, believing her strength, top pressure, and ability to drag the fight to the ground will be decisive. He acknowledges Yan Xiaonan's striking and submission defense but thinks Andrade's power and grappling will overwhelm Yan. He expects Andrade to get a ground and pound finish.

Paul got burned betting on Andrade against Blanchfield and is wary of the -200 price. He notes that Andrade's takedowns could be effective, as MacKenzie Dern had success taking Yan down. He thinks Andrade gets back on track but the price is too high after her last performance, so he picks her but won't bet.

The Guru picks Andrade, believing she won't be outgrappled by Yan and that her pressure and body shots will be key. He notes Yan has been outgrappled before (by Carla Esparza) and that Andrade's size at strawweight is dangerous. He predicts a TKO in the second round via body shots and punches against the cage.

Zane picks Andrade, noting that Yan's success comes against opponents who can't make her pay for her volume, but Andrade has the physicality and power to do so. He points out that Andrade doesn't gas out and that Yan's game plan of stuffing takedowns and outworking won't work against Andrade. Zane compares Yan's style to Joanna Jedrzejczyk but says Yan is not Joanna.

Angelo picks Movsar Evloev confidently, comparing this fight to Bryce Mitchell's loss to Ilia Topuria. He argues that Mitchell is a one-dimensional wrestler with mediocre wrestling by international standards (Arkansas wrestling), while Evloev is an international-level wrestler with excellent chain wrestling and takedown setups. Angelo believes Evloev's wrestling will dominate Mitchell, as Mitchell only wrestles and will be outclassed. He dismisses Mitchell's previous success as being against lower-level competition.

Big Brady picks Evloev but is cautious about the wide odds. He notes Evloev has been taken down before (by Mike Grundy) and Mitchell has good top control. However, he trusts Evloev's scrambling, get-up game, and cardio to outwork Mitchell over three rounds. He expects Evloev to get takedowns and win a decision, though Mitchell might win the first round.

Cody sees this as a massive mismatch, with Evloev being a huge favorite. He notes that Lopes was taken down three times by Joanderson Brito on the Contender Series and had no ability to get up. Evloev has superior wrestling, striking, and cardio. He expects Evloev to dominate via wrestling and win easily, possibly by decision since he's not a big finisher.

Connor also picks Evloev, emphasizing that Lopes' style of stepping into the pocket to brawl is takedown fodder and that Evloev is a composed fighter who will exploit that. He notes that Lopes has struggled on the regional scene against good opponents and that Evloev is a terrible matchup on short notice.

The host picks Movsar Evloev, citing his well-rounded game and striking improvements. He believes Evloev's defensive grappling will keep the fight standing, where he can land significant damage. He expects Evloev to win a dominant decision and sees him as a future title contender.

Paul agrees completely, saying the only chance for Lopes is a flying knee or a sloppy takedown. He notes Lopes is tall with poor base and wild striking, making him easy to take down. Evloev should win cleanly, and Paul suggests looking at prop bets like Evloev by decision or inside distance.

The Guru picks Evloev, stating he is better in every area and won't fear Mitchell's grappling. He expects Evloev to outgrapple Mitchell, take his back, and control the fight, though it may be boring. He predicts a 29-28 decision, with Mitchell possibly having a moment in round three but Evloev winning 2-1.

Zane picks Evloev confidently, noting that Evloev is extremely well-rounded, composed, and has a multifaceted takedown game. He points out that Lopes' brawling style leaves him open to takedowns and that Evloev's jab and ability to sniff out openings will be too much. Zane also mentions that Lopes has struggled against composed, high-level opponents in the past.

Angelo picks Charles Jourdain because he is the more complete MMA fighter. He notes that Kron Gracie has been away for four years and in his last fight against Cub Swanson, he didn't attempt to grapple effectively and was pieced up on the feet. Angelo believes Jourdain's takedown defense should be sufficient against Gracie's poor wrestling, and that Jourdain's striking and speed will be decisive. He sees the most likely outcomes as Jourdain by decision or Gracie by submission, but favors the MMA fighter.

Big Brady picks Gracie despite a 3.5-year layoff. He notes Jourdain has poor takedown defense (48%), and Gracie only needs one takedown to submit him. He acknowledges the layoff is a huge risk but believes Gracie's path to victory is clear: take Jourdain down, take his back, and choke him out. He predicts a first-round submission.

Cody highlights that Jourdain has 48% takedown defense in the UFC and gets taken down frequently by lesser grapplers. He believes Gracie's world-class jiu-jitsu can exploit Jourdain's wild striking style, which creates openings for takedowns. Despite Gracie's four-year layoff, he sees value at plus money because Jourdain's recklessness plays into Gracie's strengths.

Connor also picks Jourdain, citing the X factors of Gracie's long layoff and uncertainty about his training. He notes that Jourdain is a very good striker who can stop takedowns after the first round, and that Gracie's best chance is an early submission. Connor believes Jourdain's power and pressure will be too much as the fight progresses.

The host picks Kron Gracie by submission in round one, hoping Gracie learned from his loss to Cub Swanson and will be more aggressive with takedowns. He believes Gracie's high-level BJJ will find a submission against Charles Jourdain, who has struggled against grapplers.

Paul agrees with Cody and has already bet Gracie by submission at +230. He notes that Jourdain is dangerous at range but gives opportunities to grapple, and Gracie's path is clear: get the fight to the mat. He sees the line moving and expects Gracie to find a submission.

The Guru picks Jourdain, citing Gracie's four-year layoff and Jourdain's takedown defense and ability to get back up. He believes Jourdain will use kicks to bust up Gracie's lead leg and set up a body kick KO. He predicts a finish in the first or second round via body kick.

Zane picks Jourdain, noting that Jourdain's striking improves as the fight goes on and that he has good takedown defense after the first round. He acknowledges the risk of Gracie submitting him early but believes Jourdain's power and fluid boxing will take over in later rounds. Zane also mentions that Gracie's long layoff is a concern.

Angelo picks Matt Frevola, citing his recent knockout power and wrestling ability. He thinks Drew Dober's chin may finally be wearing out from accumulated damage, and that Frevola is smart enough to mix in takedowns rather than brawl. Angelo notes Frevola's confidence from back-to-back KO wins and believes he can land, shoot, and grind to victory. He has a quarter unit on Frevola at +185, calling it great odds for a guy with power and wrestling.

Big Brady picks Dober, expecting a stand-up war. He notes Frevola has power but tends to brawl, and Dober has one of the best chins in the UFC. He believes if Frevola stands and trades, Dober will knock him out. He predicts a first-round knockout, as Frevola has been knocked out before and Dober's durability is elite.

Cody emphasizes Dober's incredible chin and power, noting that Frevola has been knocked out by lesser punchers. He points out that Dober survived a knockdown from Terence McKinney and came back to win, while McKinney knocked out Frevola in 7 seconds. He expects Dober to land big shots and knock Frevola out, possibly under 1.5 rounds.

Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Dober's pressure and ability to come back from being hurt make him the pick. He notes Frevola has been knocked out too many times and that Dober's losses come only to elite wrestlers. Connor sees Frevola's path as unlikely.

The host picks Drew Dober, believing his speed and explosiveness will allow him to land cleanly on Matt Frevola. He notes Dober's defensive grappling should nullify Frevola's takedowns. He expects a knockout and recommends the fight doesn't go to decision as the best bet.

Paul agrees, calling Dober's chin one of the best in the game. He notes Frevola's path is to grapple early, but at range Dober has a clear advantage. He predicts Dober knocks him out, as Frevola has struggled against power punchers.

The Guru picks Dober, calling Frevola a scrappier, worse version of Dober. He notes Dober's chin and ability to survive storms, while Frevola has been finished by lesser fighters. He expects a stand-up fight with Dober finishing Frevola in the first round via being more technical and tough in the pocket.

Zane picks Drew Dober because Dober is more reliable in a brawl, with excellent pocket composure and body work. He notes Frevola may have a wrestling out but is likely to get drawn into a war. Dober's defensive wrestling is solid but not ironclad, but Frevola's tendency to brawl and get knocked out makes Dober the clear pick.

Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, noting his length, power, and ability to come back from behind. He compares this fight to Kennedy's last win where he lost the first round before knocking out Jan Kutulaba. Angelo is hesitant because Kennedy can be a slow starter and gun-shy, which could allow Devin Clark to grind out early rounds. However, he believes Kennedy hits too hard and is never out of a fight, expecting a finish similar to his last performance.

Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, citing his massive size and reach advantages. He notes Nzechukwu is finally putting it together, showing improved grappling and takedown defense. He believes Clark will struggle with the reach and power, and Nzechukwu's get-up game is excellent. He predicts a second-round knockout, as Nzechukwu starts slow but finishes strong.

Cody sees value in Clark at plus money, noting his cardio and cage control are his best weapons. He believes Clark can press Nzechukwu against the fence, use outside trips to take him down, and grind out a win. He points out that Nzechukwu has been taken down by lesser wrestlers and Clark's style is perfectly suited to exploit that.

Connor picks Nzechukwu more confidently, arguing that Nzechukwu has a plan and can use pressure striking and reach, not just clinching. He notes Devin Clark has no technical foundation and relies on physicality, but Nzechukwu can adapt and find moments. Connor acknowledges Clark is tough and strong, but Nzechukwu should be able to outwork him.

The host picks Kennedy Nzechukwu by late first round stoppage. He believes Nzechukwu's improved striking and power will overcome Devin Clark's grappling. He notes Clark's durability issues and expects Nzechukwu to land big shots after a potentially sticky early grappling exchange.

Paul also picks Clark, having bet him at +180. He notes Clark's chin concerns are overblown, as he's shown durability in recent fights. He expects Clark to use his wrestling and pressure to control the fight, similar to his win over Jung. He thinks the line is too wide.

The Guru picks Nzechukwu, citing his size and range advantage over Clark. He believes Nzechukwu will pick at Clark on the feet and land knees as Clark closes distance. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's questionable chin (KO by Dalton Young) but thinks Clark's wrestling won't be effective due to Nzechukwu's size. He predicts a TKO in the later rounds.

Zane picks Nzechukwu but is hesitant because Nzechukwu is not a range fighter and may struggle to avoid Clark's physicality. He notes Clark is beatable if you don't fight his fight, but Nzechukwu tends to clinch and pressure, which could play into Clark's strengths. However, Nzechukwu gets stronger as fights go on and Clark is not a finisher, giving Nzechukwu time to grow into the fight.

Angelo picks Khaos Williams confidently, citing his insane power and durability. He notes that Rolando Bedoya is hittable, as seen in his fight against Pablo de Horta where he was consistently landed on. Angelo believes if Khaos lands with even 10% of the accuracy Pablo did, he will win by knockout. However, he acknowledges that if Bedoya's chin holds up, his volume could win a decision. Angelo plans to wait for round props before betting.

Big Brady picks Williams, calling it a terrible matchup for Bedoya. He notes Bedoya has awful striking defense, walking forward with his hands low, and Williams has elite power. He believes Williams will knock Bedoya out within the first two minutes, as Bedoya's style of eating punches won't work against a power puncher like Williams.

Cody is very confident in Williams, describing Bedoya as a 'dead man walking.' He notes Bedoya's competition in Peru is weak, his striking is wild and technical, and he has no wrestling to avoid Williams' power. Williams has improved significantly, training with top guys, and has knockout power in both hands. He expects an early KO.

Connor agrees, noting Williams has power and a blitzing style that will work against Bedoya's poor defense. He mentions Williams is durable and has been in scrappy fights. Bedoya is fun but too reckless, and Williams should win.

The host picks Khaos Williams by knockout in the second round. He believes Williams' higher level experience and bigger knockout power will be decisive in a wild exchange. He notes there is value on Bedoya but prefers the more battle-tested fighter. He also recommends the fight doesn't go to decision.

Paul agrees, saying the obvious play is Williams inside the distance. He notes Williams has 'death touch' and is overdue for a knockout. He expects Williams to come out aggressive and finish early.

The Guru picks Williams, calling Bedoya's debut a terrible matchup. He notes Williams' reach advantage and power, and that Bedoya has been off for over a year. He expects Williams to land a first-round KO, as Bedoya will have octagon jitters on a PPV card.

Zane picks Williams because of his massive power and blitzing style, which should overwhelm Bedoya's poor defense. He notes Bedoya is fun but messy, and Williams is durable and can force his fight. Bedoya is likely to get sucked into Williams' brawl and won't make him do something else.

Angelo picks Marina Rodriguez but warns it feels like a trap and advises not to bet on it. He believes Marina has a clear striking advantage and will land cleanly, while Virna Jandiroba's head movement is poor. The fight comes down to Marina's takedown defense; if she can keep it standing, she wins. Angelo thinks Virna will have some success diving for legs, but judges will favor Marina's clean striking. He is not touching this fight with his money.

Big Brady picks Jandiroba, citing her superior wrestling and grappling. He notes Rodriguez has poor takedown defense and get-up game, and Jandiroba is dangerous on top. He believes Jandiroba will get takedowns and submit Rodriguez, predicting a second-round submission. He dismisses Rodriguez's takedown defense against Mackenzie Dern as irrelevant because Dern has poor wrestling.

Cody sees a clear path for Jandiroba via her superior wrestling. He notes that Rodriguez gives up takedowns in every fight, and Jandiroba is a strong wrestler with good top game. He expects Jandiroba to take her down, control her, and win a decision or possibly a submission. He likes the plus money.

Connor agrees, noting Jandiroba's striking is awkward and she reaches for strikes, while Rodriguez is durable and has never been submitted. He sees the fight getting harder for Jandiroba as it goes on, similar to Rodriguez's fight with Ribas where Ribas got knocked out after an early takedown.

The host picks Marina Rodriguez by decision. He believes Rodriguez's improved takedown defense and striking will keep the fight standing, where she can land significant strikes. He acknowledges Jandiroba's BJJ threat but trusts Rodriguez's recent improvements to nullify it.

Paul has already bet Jandiroba at +140. He agrees that her wrestling is the key, as Rodriguez has been taken down by everyone. He expects Jandiroba to make it ugly, hold her against the cage, and win a close decision.

The Guru picks Rodriguez, stating she is better in all areas, especially on the feet. He believes her grappling has improved enough to survive Jandiroba's ground game, and that she is a better version of Amanda Ribas, who beat Jandiroba. He predicts a decision win.

Zane picks Rodriguez because Jandiroba is unlikely to get an early submission, and Rodriguez gets harder to take down as fights go on. He notes Jandiroba's striking is awkward and she struggles on the back foot, while Rodriguez's pressure and durability should take over in later rounds. He compares it to Rodriguez's win over Amanda Ribas.

Angelo picks his personal friend Parker Porter, but notes the betting line supports it as Porter is a -180 favorite. He believes Porter is better in every aspect except raw power, with superior technique, footwork, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and cardio. Angelo wants Porter to chop down Braxton Smith's legs with kicks to neutralize his power, similar to a recent heavyweight fight. He is confident Porter will win but acknowledges bias.

Big Brady picks Smith but with very low confidence, calling it a 50/50 fight. He notes Smith has massive power and has knocked out all his recent opponents quickly, but Porter has fought better competition and has cardio and grappling advantages. He believes if Porter doesn't take Smith down early, Smith will knock him out. He predicts a first-round knockout for Smith.

Cody sees Porter as the clear pick due to his experience, grappling advantage, and cardio. He notes Smith is a one-dimensional brawler with no wrestling or cardio, and all his wins are early KOs. If Porter survives the first few minutes, he can take Smith down and dominate. He expects Porter to win inside the distance.

Connor picks Porter, noting his good conditioning and boxing, and that Smith lost his pro debut to Chase Sherman. He thinks if Smith doesn't KO Porter early, Porter can outwork him. However, he acknowledges Smith has a real chance to KO Porter.

The host picks Braxton Smith by first round knockout. He believes Smith's explosive power will be too much for Parker Porter, who has shown durability issues. He notes Smith's gas tank is a concern but expects an early finish. He recommends the under 1.5 rounds prop as a good bet.

Paul agrees, noting Smith's only path is an early KO, but Porter has been knocked out early before. However, he thinks Porter's grappling and experience should prevail. He calls it a 'scraping the bottom of the barrel' heavyweight fight but picks Porter.

The Guru picks Smith as an underdog, citing his KO power and athleticism. He notes Porter is a 'fat old man' who was just knocked out by Justin Tafa. He acknowledges Smith's record may have inaccuracies but believes his explosiveness and kickboxing will overwhelm Porter.

Zane picks Smith because of his massive power and the fact that Porter has been knocked out early by power punchers. He notes Smith is inexperienced and if he doesn't KO Porter early, he likely loses. But Porter's lack of speed and durability make Smith a reasonable pick.

Angelo picks Phil Hawes but admits it's probably a bad pick. He bases his decision on Hawes' Division I national champion wrestling background and superior striking power and speed. The key question is whether Hawes can defend Aliskerov's relentless wrestling; if he does, he should win clearly. Angelo is concerned about Hawes' suspect chin and Aliskerov's non-stop pressure. He threw 0.2 units on Hawes at +175 for patriotic reasons, noting it's easier to finish a takedown than defend one.

Big Brady picks Hawes but with low confidence, noting Hawes has a questionable chin and cardio. He believes Hawes has the wrestling to stuff Aliskerov's takedowns and the striking advantage. He predicts a first-round knockout for Hawes, but admits he's not betting this fight because Hawes is unreliable.

Cody sees Aliskerov as the pick but suggests live betting after the first round for a better price. He notes Hawes has explosive power but poor cardio and durability, and tends to fade. Aliskerov is a Russian grappler who can drag Hawes into deep waters. He expects Aliskerov to win by taking over in later rounds.

Connor picks Aliskerov more confidently, arguing that Hawes' main problem is he doesn't think during fights and gets surprised. Aliskerov's pressure and grappling will force Hawes to think, which breaks his flow. He notes Hawes has not solved his core issue.

The host picks Ikram Aliskerov to win inside the distance, likely in round two. He believes Aliskerov's wrestling and cardio will wear down Phil Hawes, who has durability and cardio issues. He notes Hawes' only chance is an early knockout, but expects Aliskerov to take over as the fight progresses.

Paul picks Aliskerov but is not confident enough to bet at -210. He notes Hawes has a wrestling background and power, but his chin and cardio are suspect. He thinks Aliskerov's path is to survive the first round and then take over.

The Guru picks Aliskerov, citing Hawes' terrible chin and recent leg injury from Roman Dolidze. He believes Aliskerov will have a wrestling advantage as the fight goes on, targeting Hawes' compromised leg. He notes Hawes hasn't looked good since the injury and is 34-35 years old.

Zane picks Aliskerov hesitantly, citing Hawes' tendency to get caught and his mindless flow state. He notes Aliskerov's pressure and takedown threat could break Hawes' rhythm. However, he worries Aliskerov's striking is limited and he may not be able to finish Hawes.

Connor picks Ribeiro as well, noting that Holmes has never shown the ability to confidently pressure like Abdul Razak Alhassan did to beat Ribeiro. He sees Ribeiro's athleticism as the difference, though both are one-dimensional.

Zane picks Ribeiro because of his athleticism and power, which often win at middleweight. He notes Holmes is awkward and limited, and Ribeiro's speed and strength should be enough. However, he acknowledges Holmes could win if he gets to body locks and tires Ribeiro.