UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez

Angelo is confident in Volkanovski, calling the -400 odds appropriate. He highlights Volkanovski's speed, kick usage, takedowns, and strength, and notes his performance against Islam Makhachev. He thinks Volkanovski will control the pace, mix in takedowns, and keep Rodríguez on the back foot, preventing his wild striking. He acknowledges Rodríguez's danger but believes Volkanovski is on another level.

Big Brady picks Alexander Volkanovski to win by late stoppage (fourth round). He notes that Volkanovski is the better striker with more volume and better defense, and he has a huge advantage in wrestling and ground and pound. He points out that Rodríguez has poor takedown defense and no answers off his back, as seen in fights against Frankie Edgar, Jeremy Stephens, Max Holloway, and Josh Emmett. He believes Volkanovski will take Rodríguez down, beat him up, and get a doctor stoppage or TKO in the later rounds.

Cody picks Volkanovski to retain, citing his durability, cardio, and submission defense. He notes Yair's danger with unorthodox strikes but believes Volk's constant pressure and takedowns will be decisive. He mentions Volk's training with Blood Diamond to mimic Yair's style. He leans toward Volk by decision but wouldn't be surprised by a stoppage.

Connor picks Volkanovski, emphasizing his championship quality and preparation. He acknowledges Yair's danger, especially his kicking game and durability, but believes Volkanovski's pressure and wrestling will be decisive. Connor notes that Volkanovski's ability to take Yair down and control him on the ground is the path to victory.

Daniel Levi picks Volkanovski, citing his elite fainting game, ability to out-jab taller opponents, and superior boxing in close range. He notes Volkanovski's takedown of Islam Makhachev as evidence of his wrestling prowess, which he believes will be a key advantage against Yair's suspect takedown defense. Levi acknowledges Yair's unique kicking arsenal and the head-kick KO history of Volkanovski, but expects Volkanovski's pressure and cardio to take over as the fight progresses. He also mentions that Yair's energy-intensive style may lead to a slowdown in later rounds.

James picks Volkanovski to win by ground-and-pound, likely in rounds 3 or 4. He believes Volkanovski's superior fight IQ and grappling advantage will be decisive. He notes Rodríguez has clear deficiencies on the ground and Volkanovski has heavy ground-and-pound. He also mentions the weight cut factor for Volkanovski moving back down, but still favors him. He does not advocate betting the moneyline at -400, but likes the inside distance prop.

Volkanovski is the more polished and disciplined fighter with excellent striking defense, movement, and wrestling. Rodriguez has flashy striking and an active guard, but has been broken before. Volkanovski will close distance, land takedowns, and control the fight, likely winning by decision. He is a safe parlay piece.

Paul agrees with Cody, stating it's tough to go against Volk at 145. He highlights Volk's ability to win on volume or by mixing in wrestling, and his proven submission defense. He mentions Volk's training with Blood Diamond to mimic Yair. He says he'll likely include Volk in parlays but won't place a serious wager.

The MMA Guru picks Alexander Volkanovski to win by fourth-round TKO. He acknowledges Rodríguez's dangerous striking but doubts his finishing ability, calling his ground and pound pathetic. He believes Volkanovski's leg kicks and pressure will disrupt Rodríguez's flow, and that Volkanovski's top game in later rounds will be decisive. He notes that Holloway already handled Rodríguez on the ground.

Zane picks Volkanovski, citing his pressure wrestling and ability to exploit Yair's defensive flaws. He notes that Volkanovski's wrestling will be key to neutralizing Yair's kicking game and that Yair's stamina flags under grappling pressure. Zane expects Volkanovski to take Yair down and grind him out, possibly with a late TKO.

Angelo picks Moreno but disagrees with the 2-to-1 odds, thinking Pantoja has a clear striking advantage. He notes Moreno's pace, wrestling improvements, and takedowns as key factors. Pantoja is durable and a good grappler, but has been beaten by wrestlers. He expects a dogfight and advises against parlaying Moreno.

Big Brady picks Alexandre Pantoja to win a close decision. He notes that Pantoja is 2-0 against Moreno, but those fights were years ago. He believes Pantoja is the better striker with more power and better grappling, and he expects Pantoja to win the early rounds. However, he is concerned about Pantoja's cardio in a five-round fight, as Moreno has proven he can go 25 minutes. He thinks Pantoja wins rounds 1-3 and loses 4-5, making it a split decision. He says the line makes no sense and that Pantoja is live.

Cody picks Pantoja as an underdog, noting he has beaten Moreno twice before. He believes Pantoja's superior ground game and power shots can be effective early, while Moreno is hittable and gets rocked. He thinks Pantoja's takedown defense is poor but his submission threat is real. He prefers a live bet on Moreno later if he survives early rounds.

Connor picks Moreno but with hesitation, noting that Pantoja has won twice before and is a dangerous mauler. He acknowledges Moreno's development, especially his jab, but worries about Moreno's tendency to get into scrappy fights. Connor thinks Moreno's best path is to use his reach and avoid grappling exchanges, but he's not fully confident given Pantoja's proven ability.

Daniel Levi picks Pantoja, primarily because he values the plus-170 odds as a betting opportunity against any flyweight. He acknowledges that Moreno has improved his composure and had big moments in recent fights, but believes Pantoja's jiu-jitsu is the nastiest in the division and that he has never been finished. Levi notes that Pantoja has beaten Moreno twice before (submission and 30-26 decision), though those fights were years ago. He expresses concern about Pantoja's potential to fade in championship rounds due to his aggressive style, but is willing to take that risk at the underdog price.

James picks Pantoja at plus money, disagreeing with Moreno being a -200 favorite. He argues that skill-for-skill Pantoja is the favorite, and the perceived cardio disadvantage is overblown. He notes Pantoja has beaten Moreno twice, including a submission, and has pushed a hard pace in striking fights like against Figueiredo. He thinks the line is too wide and Pantoja has value.

Moreno has improved boxing, footwork, and cardio, which will be key in a five-round fight. Pantoja is dangerous early with power and BJJ, but fades late. Moreno will survive the early onslaught and overwhelm Pantoja in deep waters, likely getting a finish. Fight doesn't go to decision is the best prop.

Paul leans toward Moreno but is not confident at -190. He notes Moreno's experience in five-round fights and better cardio, while Pantoja has never gone five rounds. He thinks Moreno's volume and leg kicks will pay off in later rounds. He suggests waiting to bet Moreno live after the first round or two for a better price.

The MMA Guru picks Alexandre Pantoja to win by submission (rear-naked choke) late in the first round. He believes Pantoja's forward pressure and grappling will force Moreno to be hesitant and defensive. He notes that Moreno builds into fights and may be afraid of Pantoja's submission threat. He cites Pantoja's striking improvements and ability to take the back.

Zane picks Moreno, highlighting his improved jab and patience compared to their previous fights. He believes Moreno can use his reach and stick-and-move strategy to break Pantoja down, exploiting Pantoja's tendency to surge forward in straight lines. Zane is concerned about Moreno's occasional tendency to fight down to his opponent but thinks his technical evolution gives him the edge.

Angelo is very confident in Whittaker, calling it a 'mauling'. He praises Whittaker's diverse striking, takedowns, and well-roundedness, noting his only losses since 2014 are to Adesanya. He criticizes du Plessis for being sloppy and lacking technique, relying on energy and explosiveness. He thinks Whittaker will out-strike, out-work, and potentially stop du Plessis. He recommends parlaying Whittaker.

Big Brady picks Robert Whittaker to win by second-round knockout. He notes that Whittaker is better everywhere: striking, wrestling, grappling, and cardio. He criticizes du Plessis for being sloppy, getting wobbled, taken down, and gassing out in fights. He believes Whittaker will finish du Plessis in the second or third round, either by ground and pound or a head kick. He acknowledges that du Plessis finds ways to win but says this is a huge step up in competition.

Cody picks Whittaker but is worried about the -400 moneyline, so he bets the under 2.5 rounds. He thinks du Plessis will be reckless and leave himself open, leading to a finish by Whittaker. He notes Whittaker has been rocked in many fights but expects him to land a big shot. He believes du Plessis's aggression will be his downfall.

Connor picks Whittaker, emphasizing that du Plessis is 'actually quite bad at fighting' and has been carried by favorable matchups. He notes that Whittaker's jab and movement will be too much for du Plessis's clumsy pressure. Connor warns that Whittaker's tendency to chase combinations could leave him vulnerable, but overall he expects a dominant performance.

Daniel Levi picks Whittaker, describing him as a Hall of Famer with no weaknesses. He notes that du Plessis is awkward and violent but too sloppy for a technician like Whittaker. Levi dismisses the narrative that du Plessis's nose surgery will fix his gas tank issues, predicting that getting punched in the nose again will cause the same problems. He expects Whittaker to outclass du Plessis, possibly with a finish, and mentions that the only value on du Plessis is via KO prop at plus money. Levi also notes that du Plessis's wild style will leave him open to a head kick or right hand from the open stance.

James thinks the line is wide and Dricus du Plessis deserves a bet, but he is not super confident he will win. He likes the under 2.5 rounds prop because du Plessis rarely goes to decision and has power and physicality to finish. He notes Whittaker has been dropped many times and du Plessis can finish from any position. However, if du Plessis doesn't finish early, he may gas and Whittaker's superior technique takes over.

Whittaker has superior cardio, striking, and speed. Du Plessis is powerful but has cardio issues and labored movement. Whittaker will use his in-and-out footwork and rear high kick to find a knockout in the second or third round. Fight doesn't go to decision is a strong prop.

Paul picks Whittaker on the moneyline, citing his class everywhere and ability to adjust mid-fight. He notes du Plessis is wild and may overwhelm lesser opponents but not Whittaker. He thinks Whittaker's jab and ring IQ will be key. He is unsure about a knockout prop but leans toward Whittaker by KO or decision.

The MMA Guru picks Robert Whittaker to win by decision (30-27 or 30-26). He argues that Whittaker's patience and experience in five-round fights will prevent him from making the mistakes that du Plessis capitalizes on. He believes Whittaker is superior on the feet and in scrambles, and that du Plessis' wins have come from opponents overextending. He notes Whittaker's humility as a positive factor.

Zane picks Whittaker confidently, stating that du Plessis has no area of his game that should beat Whittaker. He criticizes du Plessis's poor technique, especially his wrestling and striking, and notes that Whittaker's jab and head kicks will be too much. Zane acknowledges du Plessis's clear-headedness but believes Whittaker's superior skill and experience will prevail.

Angelo is confident in Turner, calling him a 'pretty easy pick'. He notes Turner's excellent boxing, range management, and well-roundedness (3 of last 4 wins by submission). Hooker is durable but Angelo thinks he'll be a step behind. He is only slightly concerned about Hooker turning it into a wrestling match, but believes Turner can handle it. He recommends Turner for parlays.

Big Brady picks Jalin Turner to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Turner is very dangerous with scary power, and Hooker has been knocked out recently by Michael Chandler and Arnold Allen. He believes Hooker will try to wrestle but doesn't have the takedown game to exploit Turner's takedown defense. He expects a striking match where Turner finishes Hooker early. He mentions that Turner is five years younger and more in his prime.

Cody picks Turner but is hesitant at -260. He thinks Turner's length and power will be too much for Hooker, who has taken a lot of damage. He notes Hooker's durability may be fading. He considers the under 1.5 rounds but doesn't feel great about it. He mentions Turner's cardio issues in the past but expects an early knockout.

Connor picks Turner, emphasizing that Hooker's game relies on being the taller fighter with reach, which he won't have here. He notes that Turner's pressure and collar-tie game will be effective, and that Hooker's slow starts and reactive style play into Turner's hands. Connor sees Turner as younger, faster, and more powerful, making this a bad matchup for Hooker.

Daniel Levi picks Turner, noting that he has improved his range management and defense, and that Hooker has taken too much damage throughout his career. Levi points out that Hooker will be the shorter man for the first time, facing a three-inch reach disadvantage. He acknowledges that the minus-260 price is high but believes Turner is catching Hooker at the right time. Levi also mentions that Turner has been training outside his comfort zone, including in Abu Dhabi with Khamzat Chimaev, which shows his dedication to improvement.

James picks Jalin Turner to win by knockout. He notes Turner is on an upward trajectory while Hooker is on a downward one. He praises Turner's improved speed, accuracy, and range management. He acknowledges Turner's chin is questionable and Hooker could land, but thinks Hooker will have to endure too much punishment. He also mentions Turner missed weight but doesn't think it was intentional.

Turner has dangerous striking and a strong submission game, while Hooker is hittable and has durability concerns. Hooker may have a technical striking advantage and output, but Turner's power and ability to club and sub will eventually catch Hooker. Fight doesn't go to decision is the favorite spot.

Paul picks Turner but struggles with the price. He notes Hooker's durability has declined after many wars. He thinks Turner likely finishes him early but doesn't see value at -260. He would consider the under 1.5 rounds but isn't confident. He mentions Hooker's size and experience as potential factors.

The MMA Guru picks Jalin Turner to win by second-round TKO. He criticizes Hooker's lack of head movement and declining chin, noting that Turner has a similar reach and will land clean shots. He believes Turner's patience and power will overwhelm Hooker, who has shown slower reaction times recently.

Zane picks Turner, citing his size, speed, and pressure. He notes that Hooker struggles when faced with bigger, more determined fighters who march him down, as seen against Arnold Allen and Michael Chandler. Zane believes Turner's pressure and power will make Hooker uncomfortable, and that Hooker's game as the shorter man is untested and likely to fail.

Angelo is extremely confident in Nickal, saying he will dominate and finish. He dismisses the idea that Nickal only won his last fight due to a nutshot. He notes Nickal's wrestling pedigree and that Woodburn is a regional wrestler who didn't use wrestling until his last fight. He advises against parlaying Nickal due to minus-1400 odds, but suggests looking for prop bets like first-round submission.

Big Brady picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round submission. He notes that Nickal is a phenomenal wrestler with dangerous grappling, and he expects him to take Woodburn down and choke him out. He questions what happens if Woodburn survives the first round, but believes Nickal will finish early. He comments that the odds (-1400) are wide but that Nickal should win easily. He says we will learn nothing about Nickal from this fight.

Cody is confident Nickal wins inside the distance. He notes Nickal's wrestling is elite and he will take Woodburn down and submit him quickly. He mentions Woodburn is a short-notice replacement with no path to victory. He says the moneyline is unplayable at -2500 but inside distance is the way to go.

Connor picks Nickal, emphasizing that Woodburn's poor striking at range and tendency to crowd himself will make him easy to take down. He notes that Woodburn's only comfortable punching range is in the clinch, which is exactly where Nickal wants to be. Connor is critical of the odds but still sees Nickal as a clear winner.

Daniel Levi picks Nickal, emphasizing his elite wrestling pedigree and finishing ability. He notes that Woodburn is a short, stocky fighter with a good base for takedown defense, but that Nickal's level of wrestling is too high. Levi expects Nickal to finish Woodburn in the first round, possibly by submission or ground-and-pound. He respects Woodburn for taking the fight on short notice but believes this is a mismatch.

James thinks Bo Nickal will destroy Val Woodburn in round one, but he criticizes the line making Nickal the biggest favorite in UFC history. He argues that we don't know Nickal's chin or cardio, so the line is too wide. He considers a small bet on Woodburn for value but ultimately expects Nickal to win easily.

Nickal is a high-level wrestler with improving MMA skills, while Woodburn is a short-notice replacement with limited gas tank and mediocre skills. Nickal will take Woodburn down early and secure a submission. The under 1.5 rounds is a very chalky but confident play.

Paul agrees Nickal wins easily. He notes Woodburn is a regional fighter with no chance. He says Nickal will take him down and submit him. He mentions the significant strikes prop at 10.5 might be high because Nickal usually finishes quickly with few strikes.

The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by submission (rear-naked choke). He acknowledges Woodburn's guillotine threat but believes Nickal's superior wrestling and preparation will overcome it. He notes that Woodburn was taken down by Brian Battle, and Nickal is a much better wrestler. He suggests a small bet on Woodburn by finish due to the odds.

Zane picks Nickal easily, noting that Woodburn's crude technique and reliance on the clinch for punching will play into Nickal's wrestling strength. He acknowledges that Nickal is still raw as an MMA striker but believes his wrestling advantage is overwhelming. Zane warns that Nickal's odds are too high for a prospect, but he still expects a win.

Angelo picks Price but is hesitant, calling it a tricky betting spot. He notes Price is younger and less beat up, with similar wild style to Lawler. Lawler is declining and likely to retire. He expects a fun slugfest but is unsure about a finish, and fears the round line might be a trap. He does not place a bet.

Big Brady leans towards Robbie Lawler to win by second-round knockout. He notes that Niko Price has looked bad lately, taking damage and battling injuries, while Lawler still has power and showed life against Brian Barbarena. He believes both will stand and bang, and Lawler lands first. He is surprised by the line (Price -260) and thinks Lawler is very live. He mentions that Price blocks punches with his face and has been knocked out recently.

Cody picks Price but doesn't like the -260 price. He thinks Lawler is past his prime and has been finished recently. He considers the under 2.5 rounds as a better bet, expecting a finish. He notes both fighters have trained together at ATT, which could affect the fight.

Connor picks Niko Price because Robbie Lawler's style is not built for an aging fighter; his reliance on being in the pocket and taking risks is no longer sustainable. Price is a chaotic puncher who can absorb damage and keep coming, and Lawler's decline in durability and cardio makes him vulnerable. Connor notes that Lawler could try to be more methodical but ultimately the other shoe has dropped.

Daniel Levi picks Price, citing his youth and improved volume in recent fights. He notes that Lawler, at 41, is a step slower and has shown a tendency to fade in fights. Levi acknowledges that either fighter could get finished, but believes Price's higher output will allow him to pull away down the stretch. He also mentions that Price has shown good grappling defense and attacks from bottom, which could be a factor if Lawler takes him down. Levi expresses a desire to see Lawler win in his retirement fight but is not counting on it.

James picks Niko Price to win by knockout. He believes Lawler is washed, citing his performance against Nick Diaz where he was touched up. He trusts Price's durability and power more than Lawler's at this stage. He does not advocate betting Price at -260 moneyline, but likes the knockout prop. He notes Price has been finished before but thinks he will get the KO.

Price has youth, speed, and power advantages, and can outwork Lawler late. Lawler still has technical striking and power early, but his durability and pace are questionable. The fight likely ends in a knockout, with Price finishing Lawler in the later rounds. The fight doesn't go to decision is the favorite prop.

Paul picks Price, acknowledging Lawler's legendary career but noting he is 41 and not the same fighter. He thinks Price's volume will be too much. He mentions Lawler's recent losses and that he has been fighting for decades. He says he would feel happy if Lawler wins but his bank account prefers Price.

The MMA Guru picks Niko Price to win by KO in the third round. He believes Lawler has lost his pain tolerance and finishing ability, while Price storms forward in later rounds. He cites Price's performances against Michael Pereira and Luke Jumeau as evidence of his late-round pressure, and notes the age and reach advantage for Price.

Zane picks Niko Price because Robbie Lawler's style is built on narrow margins and he is declining in durability, cardio, and vision. Price is a messy but powerful puncher who can absorb punishment and land a wild shot as Lawler slows down. Zane notes that Lawler could look good early but will likely get caught, and he hopes Lawler wins but cannot pick him.

Angelo gives a slight lean to Taira at 50.1%, but he actually bet on Cháirez at +600. He acknowledges Cháirez's solid striking, takedowns, and BJJ, but worries about short notice. He sees Taira's path to victory through grappling and control, but thinks Cháirez is just as dangerous on the ground. The lean is extremely slight, and he encourages viewers to watch tape on Cháirez.

Big Brady picks Tatsuro Taira to win by submission in the second round. He notes that Taira is a well-rounded fighter with underrated striking and slick grappling, especially back takes and submissions. He believes Cháirez will slow down as the fight goes on, leading to a finish in the second or third round. He mentions that Cháirez has been submitted before by Jesus Aguilar, whom Taira beat in the first round.

Cody is confident Taira wins but the price is unplayable. He thinks Taira will likely finish Cháirez in the first or second round via submission. He notes Taira's back-taking and submission skills are elite. He considers the under 1.5 rounds at -145 but isn't in love with it because Taira may be patient.

Connor picks Taira because he is a great problem solver who starts fights passively but uses opponent aggression to set up takedowns and submissions. Cháirez is a wild, aggressive fighter who will likely come forward, and Taira excels at countering that aggression. Taira's ability to blast opponents off their feet when pressured makes him a clear winner.

Daniel Levi picks Taira, calling him one of the best Japanese prospects he has ever seen. He praises Taira's ground game, composure, and ability to chain striking to takedowns. Levi respects Cháirez's toughness and his controversial win on Fury FC, but believes Taira's ceiling is much higher and that he is headed straight for the top 15. He notes that the minus-1100 price is prohibitive for betting but still picks Taira to win.

James does not make a clear pick on the winner. He disagrees with Taira being a -1000 favorite, capping him around -500 to -600, but does not see enough value on Cháirez at plus money. He discusses props: he likes Taira by decision at +500 more than the submission prop at -200 to -250, and also considers the KO prop at +700. He ultimately passes on betting the fight due to lack of a strong read.

Taira is a skilled Japanese prospect with a strong submission game, especially the rear-naked choke. Cháirez is aggressive and flashy but will likely be taken down and submitted. The fight should be closer than the odds suggest, but Taira will eventually secure a submission victory.

Paul agrees Taira wins easily. He notes Cháirez is a short-notice replacement with no clear path to victory. He thinks Taira's grappling is far superior. He says the real question is how quickly Taira finishes, possibly in the first or second round.

The MMA Guru picks Tatsuro Taira, citing his patient top grappling and submission threat. He notes that Cháirez was taken down by Clayton Carpenter on the contender series, and believes Taira's methodical style will lead to a submission. He acknowledges Cháirez's momentum but sees Taira as a different level of grappler.

Zane picks Taira because he is a great problem solver who can take whatever Cháirez gives him and turn it into an advantage. Cháirez is overly aggressive and will likely come forward, which plays into Taira's takedown and positional grappling game. Taira is a huge favorite and should be able to submit Cháirez if he gets taken down.

Angelo avoids this fight entirely, calling it a trap. He acknowledges Jauregui's striking talent but notes she was dropped in her last fight. Gomes is tough and comes forward, but takes time to get going. He thinks Jauregui should win if it stays on the feet, but recommends fading the female fighter who was just rocked. He makes no pick and advises others to avoid betting.

Big Brady picks Yazmin Jauregui to win by second-round knockout. He notes that Jauregui is the much better striker, more defensively sound, and can also take the fight to the mat. He has concerns about Gomes' striking defense, as she blocks punches with her face and has been dropped multiple times. He expects a war but believes Jauregui will finish Gomes. He comments that the line at -400 is wild but thinks Jauregui is the better fighter.

Cody picks Jauregui, citing her volume and cardio advantage. He thinks Gomes is tough but lacks the wrestling to neutralize Jauregui's pressure. He expects Jauregui to pull away on the scorecards. He notes Gomes is live at plus money but doesn't see a clear path.

Connor picks Yazmin Jauregui because she is a potential future title contender with excellent pocket defense, balance, and combination punching. She stays compact, keeps a tight guard, and closes exchanges with a powerful left hook. Gomes is still raw and relies on pressure without consistent offense, and Jauregui's ability to absorb and adjust makes her the clear winner.

Daniel Levi picks Jauregui, highlighting her high output, Mexican heart, and improved physique. He notes that she was dropped in her last fight but got back up and showed durability. Levi respects Gomes for her win over Bruna Brasil but believes Jauregui has the higher upside and will be the longer fighter. He calls the fight a potential barnburner and picks Jauregui to win, though he is not interested in betting at minus-400.

James picks Yazmin Jauregui to win, likely by decision. He thinks Jauregui's understanding of range, footwork, and distance management are way better than Gomes'. He acknowledges Gomes hits hard and could drop Jauregui, but believes Jauregui is a level above and will school her on the feet. He considered playing the over but may not bet.

Jauregui is a more polished striker with good footwork and counter-striking. Gomes is aggressive but will struggle to close the distance against Jauregui's technical striking. Jauregui will set traps, land damage, and avoid trouble, winning by decision. The over 2.5 rounds is the favorite spot.

Paul takes Gomes as a value underdog at +350. He thinks the line is too wide and the fight is closer to 70-30. He notes both are prospects and Gomes is younger. He says he wouldn't recommend betting Jauregui at -400. He took a small shot on Gomes.

The MMA Guru picks Yazmin Jauregui to win by 29-28 decision. He considers her a rare talented female fighter, comparing her to Loopy Godinez who beat Gomes. He criticizes Gomes' inability to fight on the back foot, as seen in her win over Bruna Brasil, which he views as an exposure of Brasil rather than a testament to Gomes.

Zane picks Yazmin Jauregui because she is a very good action fighter with fast hands, tight technique, and a devastating left hook. She adjusts well under pressure and uses data from exchanges to build offense. Gomes improved in her last fight by throwing punches while pressuring, but Jauregui is a much higher level opponent who can handle reckless collisions and counter effectively.

Angelo picks Menifield but calls it a 50/50 fight and advises against betting. He notes Menifield's power and takedown defense, and that Crute was surprised by his power in the first fight. He thinks Crute will be hesitant due to being dropped twice, but acknowledges Crute could win if he avoids the power and gets takedowns. He avoids this fight with money.

Big Brady picks Alonzo Menifield to win by first-round knockout. He notes that in their first fight, Menifield had success in the first round, hurting Crute badly, but Crute survived due to weak ground and pound and Menifield gassing. He believes Menifield will land a big shot and knock out Crute, especially given Crute's poor striking defense (45%) and low fight IQ. He cautions that if Mark Goddard is the referee, the fight might not be stopped early.

Cody leans toward Menifield but says the price is accurate as a pick'em. He notes Menifield was winning the first fight until a point deduction led to a draw. He thinks Menifield's power and explosiveness are threats. He is not betting the fight.

Connor picks Menifield because he did so much damage to Crute in their first fight that Crute may not survive that again. Crute's hyper-aggressive approach forces him to walk into fire, and Menifield's power is a constant threat. However, Menifield's cardio and grappling are weaknesses, but Crute's lack of defense makes Menifield the pick.

Daniel Levi picks Crute, arguing that there is a market overcorrection after their draw. He notes that Crute took Menifield down six times in their first fight and believes that with adjustments, Crute can control the fight on the ground. Levi points out that Menifield now trains with Pat Berry, which may improve his striking but likely not his takedown defense. He expects Crute to be more measured this time, using top control and ground-and-pound to secure a win. Levi bet Crute at minus-104 and is confident in the pick.

James does not make a clear pick on the winner, calling the fight too volatile to bet. He sees value on Crute by decision at +600, as he thinks Crute can win via wrestling and decision, but he is not confident enough to bet it. He breaks down the fight: Menifield's win equity is heavily in the KO, while Crute has multiple paths (decision, submission, KO). He caps Crute around -140 but the line at -110 is not enough edge given the volatility.

Crute has a grappling advantage and can take Menifield down and control him on the ground. Menifield has knockout power but slows down as fights progress. Crute will be methodical, avoid getting clipped, and grind out a decision victory. The over 2.5 rounds is also a good play.

Paul picks Crute, noting he is younger and coming off a long layoff with ring rust now gone. He thinks Crute's takedowns will be effective and Menifield's cardio is poor. He expects Crute to make adjustments and win by grinding him down. He mentions Menifield's tendency to fade.

The MMA Guru picks Jimmy Crute, changing his initial opinion after rewatching the first fight. He believes Crute's early guillotine attempt cost him dominant position, and if he stays patient and focuses on positional control, he can win. He predicts a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.

Zane picks Menifield because he is a better athlete and can absolutely wreck Crute with a few punches, as he did in their first fight. Crute is reckless and aggressive but not durable, and Menifield's power and violence should overwhelm him again. However, Menifield's poor cardio and grappling control make it a volatile fight, but Crute has no safe places in his game.

Angelo picks Petrino but warns against including him in parlays, citing the recent trend of undefeated prospects losing. He notes Petrino's power and offensive wrestling but poor takedown defense. Prachnio has veteran savvy and power, but his chin is questionable. He sees Petrino having multiple ways to win but lacks confidence.

Big Brady picks Vitor Petrino to win by first-round knockout. He was impressed by Petrino's wrestling in his last fight, taking down Anton Turkalj seven times. He notes that Prachnio has been knocked out by lesser strikers and has poor durability. He believes Petrino can knock him out on the feet or take him down and finish him. He mentions that Prachnio's path to victory is leg kicks and running away, but he doesn't think the fight goes to decision.

Cody picks Petrino, citing his power and youth. He notes Prachnio has a questionable chin and has been knocked out early in the UFC. He thinks Petrino will crack him early. He says there's no value at -300 but Petrino should win.

Connor picks Petrino because he is too violent for Prachnio, who has become a safe fighter after being knocked out. Petrino's reckless pressure and durability will force Prachnio out of his comfort zone. However, Prachnio could win if he takes Petrino down or lands a switch kick, but Petrino's ability to keep coming makes him the pick.

Daniel Levi picks Petrino, citing his knockout power and aggressive style. He notes that Prachnio has a questionable chin, having been knocked out three times in the UFC. Levi acknowledges Petrino's cardio concerns due to his high-energy approach but believes he will expose Prachnio's chin early. He is not interested in betting at minus-300 but picks Petrino to win.

James believes Petrino has all the advantages: youth, power, physicality, durability, and strength. He thinks Prachnio may be the better technical mixed martial artist, but Petrino's raw attributes will overwhelm him. He predicts a first-round knockout, as he expects Petrino to land on Prachnio's chin and finish the fight.

Petrino has big knockout power and durability, and he can cut off the cage to prevent Prachnio from using his karate style. Prachnio is not a good enough grappler to hold Petrino down, and Petrino will eventually land a knockout, likely early in the fight.

Paul picks Petrino, noting his power and wrestling. He thinks Prachnio has only beaten low-level competition and will be overwhelmed. He mentions Petrino's cardio looked good in his last fight. He expects a finish or a clear decision.

The MMA Guru picks Vitor Petrino to win by KO, citing Prachnio's poor chin and lack of finishing potential. He notes Prachnio was KO'd by Sam Alvey and others, while Petrino is a physical freak with dangerous striking. He acknowledges Petrino's grappling issues but believes his finishing power is decisive.

Zane picks Petrino because he is a bully and brawler who doesn't gas easily and has a great chin. Prachnio is a technical karate fighter who has become safe after being knocked out, and Petrino's relentless pressure and power should overwhelm him. However, Petrino is a mess and could be taken down or knocked out, but his violence is likely too much for Prachnio.

Angelo picks Saaiman but with low confidence, calling him a 'parlay buster'. He notes Saaiman's technical striking, forward pressure, and cardio, but warns that undefeated prospects often struggle against experienced fighters like Mitchell, who can grapple and strike. He thinks the odds (-400) are too high and advises against including Saaiman in parlays.

Big Brady picks Cameron Saaiman to win by late first-round finish. He notes that Saaiman is a very good striker with sneaky power and good cardio, but his takedown defense is a concern. He expects Mitchell to have early success with takedowns, but if Mitchell doesn't submit Saaiman in the first round, Saaiman will take over and finish him in the second or third round. He mentions that Mitchell's wins come against low-level competition and that Saaiman is a significant step up.

Cody is confident Saaiman wins, noting Mitchell's competition is from Alaska and he was knocked out quickly by Kai Kara-France. He thinks Saaiman's pressure and brawling style will be too much. He mentions Saaiman's foul issues but expects a finish.

Connor picks Saaiman because Mitchell is a top control specialist from a weak regional scene who got destroyed in his UFC debut. Saaiman is a messy but high-volume fighter who will keep coming and eventually break Mitchell. Mitchell's grappling is raw, and Saaiman's relentless pressure should overwhelm him.

Daniel Levi picks Saaiman, noting that Mitchell comes from a weak regional scene in Alaska and was knocked out quickly by Kai Kara-France on TUF. He praises Saaiman's talent, heart, and improving takedown defense, though he has a tendency to get points deducted for fouls. Levi believes Saaiman is infinitely more talented and battle-tested, and expects him to win, though he is not betting at minus-550.

James sees this as a squash match, with Saaiman levels above Mitchell. He praises Saaiman's pace, pressure, tenacity, and striking ability, noting he throws a lot of strikes and is also a good striker. He predicts Saaiman will get a knockout in round one, easily.

Saaiman is a young, explosive prospect with power and speed, while Mitchell has faced low-level competition and was knocked out quickly in his only UFC stint. Saaiman's physicality and skill gap will be too much; he will find Mitchell's chin and finish by knockout. The under 2.5 rounds is a very confident play.

Paul picks Saaiman, noting Mitchell's record is padded with regional wins. He thinks Mitchell's wrestling won't be enough. He mentions Saaiman's DQ risk but expects a win. He says -550 is relatively safe compared to other big favorites on the card.

The MMA Guru picks Cameron Saaiman to win by third-round TKO. He dismisses Mitchell's striking, noting his grappling is his best asset, but believes Saaiman's top game and elbows will be too much. He also mentions Mitchell's short notice and Saaiman's ability to scramble and sweep.

Zane picks Saaiman because Mitchell is not UFC caliber, coming from a weak regional scene and getting crushed in his debut. Saaiman is a solid rangey kickboxer who fights hard and has good cardio, and he should overwhelm Mitchell with pressure. Even if Mitchell gets a dominant position, Saaiman's relentless work rate will break him.

Angelo picks Aguilar but lacks confidence, noting that Ross is extremely hittable (9 significant strikes absorbed per minute). Aguilar is a solid grappler with a knack for guillotines, but can be wild. He thinks Aguilar will likely win by finish and expects the under on 2.5 rounds. He waits for props.

Big Brady picks Jesus Aguilar to win by second-round submission (guillotine). He notes that Aguilar has a deadly guillotine and nearly submitted Tatsuro Taira with it. He questions Shannon Ross's durability, as Ross has been knocked down multiple times and finished quickly in his UFC debut. He believes Aguilar will grab Ross's neck and submit him, as Ross is not UFC caliber.

Cody picks Aguilar but is not confident. He notes Ross has a terrible chin and has been finished many times. He thinks Aguilar's wrestling and durability will be key. He says it's a better live bet opportunity as Ross may have early success.

Connor picks Aguilar because Ross is a quadruple-A level fighter who cannot hang physically in the UFC. Aguilar is raw but explosive and aggressive, and Ross's lack of a complex game means he will likely get overwhelmed. However, Aguilar's poor technique could allow Ross to win a war, but Ross's durability issues make Aguilar the safer pick.

Daniel Levi picks Aguilar, arguing that Shannon Ross has a tendency to make average fighters look like world-beaters. He cites Ross's losses to Erceg and Vinicius Salvador as examples. Levi notes that Aguilar has a nasty guillotine choke and is aggressive in closing distance. He expects Aguilar to submit Ross, possibly by guillotine. Levi acknowledges that the line has moved due to sharp action on Ross but still prefers Aguilar.

James picks Shannon Ross to win by TKO in the third round, despite Aguilar never being knocked out. He thinks Ross pushes a heavy pace and will overcome early adversity. However, he is not confident enough to bet the moneyline, as he caps the fight near a pick'em and lacks a strong read. He notes Aguilar's dangerous guillotine choke but believes Ross's durability and striking will prevail.

Aguilar is a dangerous power puncher with a lethal guillotine choke. Ross is fragile and tends to panic under pressure. Aguilar will push forward, land big strikes, and force a desperation takedown from Ross, allowing Aguilar to latch onto the neck and secure a submission. The under 2.5 rounds is also a strong play.

Paul picks Ross as an underdog, noting Aguilar has never knocked anyone out. He thinks Ross's striking and cardio are good, and his chin may hold up against a non-power puncher. He mentions the UFC is giving Ross a favorable matchup. He takes a small flyer.

The MMA Guru picks Jesus Aguilar to win by TKO. He notes Aguilar's speed and awkwardness, and Ross coming off two KO losses. He believes Ross will hesitate, and at flyweight that is fatal. He also mentions Aguilar's guillotine threat but thinks his speed will be the key factor.

Zane picks Aguilar because Ross lacks the physicality and durability for the UFC, as shown by his loss to Oshkon Maktarian and knockout by Clinton Rodriguez. Aguilar is a raw but explosive athlete who can overwhelm Ross with aggression. However, Aguilar's lack of structure and poor wrestling could give Ross chances, but Ross's physical limitations are too big a liability.

Angelo is confident in Ribovics, calling him the better striker with sneaky power and solid takedowns. He notes Kirk's tendency to fade, keep his hands low, and be hittable. He thinks Kirk's patience and year-long layoff will work against him. He placed a full unit bet at -200 and sees value even at that price.

Big Brady picks Esteban Ribovics to win by third-round knockout. He notes that Ribovics has heavy power and has knocked out opponents brutally, but his takedown defense is terrible. He believes Kirk is a good grappler who doesn't use his grappling enough, and if Kirk tries to strike, he will get knocked out. He expects Kirk to get tired if he wrestles, and Ribovics will take over and finish him in the second or third round.

Cody picks Ribovics, noting his power and improved wrestling. He thinks Kirk's wrestling is overrated and he has not improved. He mentions Ribovics showed good cardio and get-up ability against a strong wrestler. He grabbed Ribovics at -139.

Connor picks Ribovics because Kirk is a fighter who can be dominated in any area where his opponent is better. Ribovics is a better striker and more deliberate, and he showed credible resistance against pressure in his fight with Rongzhu. Kirk's flashy style doesn't hold up against solid fundamentals.

Daniel Levi picks Ribovics, citing his dog mentality, knockout power, and ability to take over as the fight progresses. He notes that Kirk has cardio issues and has been broken in past fights, and that Ribovics showed resilience in his UFC debut by coming back after being rocked and taken down. Levi acknowledges that Kirk may have success early but believes Ribovics's volume and power will be decisive. He also mentions that Kirk moving up to lightweight may help his cardio, but still favors Ribovics.

James believes Ribovics is the better fighter overall, citing intangibles like cardio, durability, power, physicality, heart, and will. He thinks Kirk may have better technical MMA skills but lacks the intangibles and will look for a way out when the going gets tough. James would make Ribovics at least a -170 favorite, seeing value at the current -140 to -150 range.

Ribovics has shown he can deal with grapple-heavy approaches and work back to his feet to land his striking. Kirk struggles with pressure, and Ribovics will overwhelm him with aggressive striking, eventually finding the chin and finishing with ground and pound. The under 2.5 rounds is also a viable play.

Paul picks Ribovics, citing his physicality and power. He thinks Kirk has stagnated and lost to better competition. He notes Ribovics' performance against a tough wrestler showed his potential. He expects Ribovics to win by KO or decision.

The MMA Guru picks Esteban Ribovics to win by KO in the first round. He describes Kirk as a worse version of Shane Burgos who overthrows his shots and leaves himself open to counters. He believes Ribovics' nasty counter hooks will catch Kirk coming in, leading to a finish.

Zane picks Ribovics because Kirk is all flash and swagger with little substance, and he crumbles under pressure as seen against Damon Jackson. Ribovics is a more solid, deliberate striker who can pressure Kirk and dominate him in any area. Kirk has no answer for naked pressure, and Ribovics looks better everywhere.