UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland

Angelo picks Israel Adesanya confidently, saying it should be Izzy all day and the -650 should be wider. He notes that Izzy is an elite striker with power and technique, while Strickland is a blue-collar volume puncher with no particular power or speed. Angelo expects a one-sided win for Izzy, possibly by decision. He suggests betting Izzy minus 5.5 points for better value.

Big Brady confidently picks Israel Adesanya, noting Strickland lacks power and wrestling threat. He thinks Adesanya will pick him apart for five rounds. He is not sure about a finish due to Strickland's durability. He predicts a decision win.

Cody picks Israel Adesanya as the rightful favorite, citing his speed advantage, technical striking, and ability to stay on the outside and pick apart Strickland. He notes that Strickland's best chance is to make it ugly with grappling, but doubts he will employ that game plan consistently. Cody acknowledges the line is juiced but sees Adesanya winning the majority of rounds, especially with the hometown crowd in Australia.

Daniel Levi picks Israel Adesanya confidently, citing Adesanya's superior striking, counter-punching, and leg kick game. He notes that Sean Strickland walks in a straight line, backs up in a straight line, and doesn't cut off the cage properly, which will leave him open to Adesanya's combinations. Levi also mentions that Strickland's parrying style leaves his chin exposed to follow-up strikes. He acknowledges the possibility of an upset but believes Adesanya has him covered in all areas.

Lucrative James is highly confident Israel Adesanya will win, calling him a deserved -600 favorite. He sees no clear path for Sean Strickland: Strickland lacks power, takedown threat, and volume to outwork Adesanya. James expects Adesanya to land calf kicks, forcing Strickland to switch stances and lose power. He believes Adesanya will make it look easy, possibly by decision or late knockout if Strickland gets frustrated. James dismisses Strickland's chances as a fluke.

Adesanya is a disciplined striker who sets up traps and executes game plans. He has excellent takedown defense. Strickland has poor striking defense, leaving his head on the center line and leaning back. Adesanya should work leg kicks and body shots, then set up a head kick or knockout. He will likely finish within four rounds.

Paul picks Adesanya but notes the line is too wide, suggesting the true line should be around -425 to -450. He acknowledges Strickland's volume and pressure could pose problems, but believes Adesanya's precision and hometown crowd will carry him. Paul mentions that if he's having a good night, he might throw a small bet on Strickland as a hedge.

The MMA Guru picks Israel Adesanya over Sean Strickland, predicting a third-round TKO. He notes that Adesanya will chew up Strickland's lead leg with low kicks, as Strickland has shown vulnerability to leg kicks in fights against Abus Magomedov, Cannonier, and Brendan Allen. Adesanya's feints will cause Strickland to parry, opening up kicks. He believes Adesanya will eventually land a head kick to wobble Strickland and follow up with ground and pound for a stoppage. He does not expect an early knockout, as Adesanya may not be on cycle for this fight.

Angelo picks Alexander Volkov, noting he is more well-rounded and technical. He acknowledges Tai Tuivasa's one-punch knockout power and fan support, but believes Volkov's volume, timing, and durability will win. Angelo has a half-unit parlay with Volkov and Justin Tafa at plus money.

Big Brady picks the underdog Tai Tuivasa, citing his power and hometown advantage. He acknowledges Volkov is the better minute-winner but thinks Tuivasa only needs one shot. He notes Tuivasa's losses are to elite heavyweights. He predicts a first-round knockout.

Cody picks Volkov based on superior striking, volume, cardio, and grappling advantage, but is hesitant due to heavyweight volatility and Tuivasa's knockout power. He notes that Volkov's chin is a concern and that Tuivasa could land a big shot, especially with the hometown crowd. Cody suggests Volkov is the official pick but warns against parlaying him at -250.

Daniel Levi picks Alexander Volkov but with low confidence, stating he is rooting for Tuivasa. He believes Volkov will use volume and range to outwork Tuivasa, similar to his fight against Derrick Lewis. Levi notes that Tuivasa has a puncher's chance and could land a big shot, but Volkov's ability to stay at a safe range and keep working gives him the edge. He says he is not putting money on it.

Lucrative James is very confident Alexander Volkov will win, likely by knockout. He sees Volkov as levels above Tuivasa, with a significant reach advantage that will keep Tuivasa on the outside. He notes Tuivasa's recent knockout losses may make him hesitant, and his takedown attempts are unathletic and easily stuffed. James expects Volkov to dominate with straight shots and long teeps, similar to how Derrick Lewis kept Tuivasa at range.

Volkov is on a three-fight winning streak, utilizing his kicking game and one-two down the pipe to maintain distance. He has a significant reach advantage. Tuivasa is on a two-fight losing streak against top competition and relies on big shots. Volkov should stick with front kicks to the body to slow Tuivasa, then finish with strikes within a round and a half.

Paul picks Volkov but is hesitant, acknowledging Tuivasa's hometown advantage and knockout power. He likes Volkov's recent wins over Romanov and Rozenstruik, but notes that Tuivasa could feed off the crowd and land a big shot. Paul suggests Volkov over 27.5 significant strikes on Prize Picks as a play.

The MMA Guru picks Alexander Volkov over Tai Tuivasa, despite acknowledging Tuivasa's dangerous calf kicks and knockout power. He notes that Volkov is underrated, with a close decision loss to Ciryl Gane and a win over Alistair Overeem. Volkov has bulked up to 260 pounds and uses teeps and front kicks effectively against shorter opponents. He believes Tuivasa's recent knockout losses to Gane and Pavlovich have damaged his career, and Volkov will keep him at range with front kicks to the body, finishing him in round two.

Angelo picks Manel Kape, saying it should be Kape all day. He notes that Kape can control range and pace with more technical striking. Felipe is dangerous but hittable and reckless. Kape should be safe to parlay. Angelo sees a clear path for Felipe but doesn't think he can walk through Kape's shots.

Big Brady confidently picks Manel Kape, citing his high-level competition and recent finishes. He notes dos Santos is a big step down and can be taken down. He thinks Kape will knock him out in the first round.

Cody picks Kape confidently, citing his explosive power, superior striking, and experience against top competition. He notes that dos Santos is a young, green replacement on short notice with limited tape, and that Kape should win either by early finish or smart game plan. Cody acknowledges flyweight volatility but believes Kape is the clear pick.

Daniel Levi is very confident in Manel Kape, having placed a bet on him at minus 340. He believes Kape should be a much heavier favorite, lining him at 83-88% to win. Levi notes that dos Santos stands straight up and walks forward, leaving openings to the body and head. He predicts a body shot knockout. He respects dos Santos's potential but thinks Kape is on the road to a title shot.

Lucrative James believes Manel Kape is the better striker and will likely knock out Felipe dos Santos in round one. He notes that dos Santos fights like a lunatic, walking forward with pressure, but that style won't work against Kape's level. James acknowledges Kape can be low volume and has shown quit under pressure, but he thinks dos Santos's aggression will force Kape to crack him. He also mentions Kape's takedown and submission potential as additional paths.

Kape has tremendous experience and is difficult to deal with in the striking realm. He crashes the pocket and lands big shots. Dos Santos is a UFC newcomer who was scheduled for the contender series; this is a massive step up. Kape should be motivated and finish emphatically, possibly earning a highlight reel finish.

Paul picks Kape, noting that dos Santos is too green and that Kape's takedown defense and striking should be enough. He mentions that Kape may even be able to wrestle to secure rounds. Paul's only concern is that Kape might not throw enough, making the fight close, but he believes Kape covers the price.

The MMA Guru picks Manel Kape over Felipe dos Santos, calling him 'the based one.' He notes that Kape has improved since his debut loss to Pantoja, with impressive finishes over Zhalgas Zhumagulov and David Dvorak. Dos Santos is 7-0 but has a split decision over a 5-2 regional opponent, which is not enough to pick him over Kape. He predicts Kape will have some trouble in round one but find a finish in round two or three.

Angelo picks Justin Tafa, believing his power will be too much. He notes that Tafa has a great chin and solid kicks, and his big legs and hips make him hard to take down. Austen Lane needs to fight a perfect fight, dancing around and jabbing like Jared Vanderaa, but Angelo doesn't see that happening. He expects Tafa to defend takedowns and knock out Lane.

Big Brady confidently picks Justin Tafa, citing his power and durability advantage. He notes Lane has three losses all by first-round knockout. He thinks Tafa will find his range and knock out Lane again. He predicts a first-round knockout.

Cody picks Austen Lane as a value underdog, arguing that this is a 50-50 fight and Lane has the better athleticism, speed, and cardio. He criticizes Tafa's level of competition and notes that Tafa is a one-round fighter with poor discipline. Cody believes Lane's physical advantages and improvement over time give him a legitimate chance to win.

Daniel Levi picks Justin Tafa but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation. He notes that the first fight ended in an eye poke and now Lane has to travel to Australia. He says his breakdown hasn't changed and he still picks Tafa, but with caution.

Lucrative James is confident Justin Tafa will win, likely by knockout. He notes that Austen Lane is very hittable and that Tafa has fast, precise hands. He dismisses Lane's paths to victory (catching a big shot or takedown) as low probability. James feels the extra preparation time doesn't change his view, and he expects a similar outcome to their first fight that ended in a no contest.

In their first fight, Tafa closed distance and landed a big shot before an eye poke ended it. Lane has issues dealing with big strikes from power punchers. Tafa should crash the pocket and land a knockout. The KO prop at -165 is preferred over the moneyline.

Paul picks Tafa but is hesitant, acknowledging that Tafa is not a high-level fighter but that Austen Lane is one of the worst heavyweights in the UFC. He notes that Tafa has the hometown crowd and that his brother's recent win might help. Paul admits he doesn't like the -200 price but sees Tafa as the more likely winner.

The MMA Guru picks Austen Lane as an underdog over Justin Tafa. He notes that in their first fight, Lane was winning before an accidental eye poke led to a no contest. He believes the eye poke will mentally affect Tafa, making him hesitant. Lane is on a six-fight win streak, all finishes, and is a lean 6'6" with 80" reach, while Tafa is shorter and less athletic. He thinks Lane has multiple paths to victory and could have a run in the division.

Angelo picks Anton Turkalj and has a half-unit bet on him at -103 (basically even money). He notes that Anton's incredible pace could exhaust Tyson Pedro, who gasses hard. Anton has diverse striking and aggressive takedowns. Despite Tyson's power and grappling, Anton's pace should take over as the fight goes on.

Big Brady leans toward Anton Turkalj, noting Pedro's poor cardio and first-round-or-bust style. He thinks Turkalj can survive the first round and take over with takedowns and pressure. He predicts a second-round submission.

Cody picks Turkalj, noting that Pedro is a one-round fighter with poor cardio and wrestling. He believes Turkalj's wrestling and pace will wear Pedro down in the later rounds. Cody suggests that the best play might be to bet Turkalj after the first round when his odds might be better.

Daniel Levi picks Tyson Pedro despite the public leaning towards Turkalj. He is not impressed with Turkalj's skills, calling him tough but unathletic. Levi notes that Pedro is more skilled and has a chip on his shoulder after a poor performance. However, he acknowledges Pedro's history of fading after the first round and says it could be a sweaty fight. He is not laying money on Pedro.

Lucrative James acknowledges that Anton Turkalj has good cardio and a solid chin, but he believes Tyson Pedro has finishing upside early with faster, more sneaky strikes like high kicks. He notes that Pedro's gas tank may be overblown, as he competed into the third round against Modestas Bukauskas. James sees Pedro winning the first round and then needing only one more round to secure a decision, though he expects Turkalj to dominate round three. He picks Pedro against the grain, but his confidence is low, calling it a close fight.

Turkalj is on a two-fight losing streak but showed good wrestling and top pressure in his debut. Pedro has a submission threat but fades in deep waters. Turkalj's takedowns and heavy top pressure should wear on Pedro, who lacks the explosivity of Turkalj's previous opponent. Turkalj should win by decision.

Paul picks Turkalj, agreeing that Pedro has never impressed him and that Turkalj's wrestling and cardio should be the difference. He notes that Pedro's training at City Kickboxing might help, but he's not buying into a one-camp transformation. Paul sees Turkalj securing takedowns and controlling the fight.

The MMA Guru picks Tyson Pedro over Anton Turkalj, stating that Turkalj is not good. He notes that Pedro's grappling is underrated, with submissions over Saparbek Safarov and Paul Craig, and a win over Khalil Rountree on the ground. Turkalj's only chance is grappling, but Pedro's ground game is the best part of his game. He believes Pedro will win, likely by submission or knockout.

Angelo is very confident in Carlos Ulberg, calling him one of his most confident picks on the card. He notes that Ulberg's striking is elite with great footwork and range management. Jung is well-rounded but may try takedowns, but Ulberg should be too good a striker and should have improved takedown defense.

Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg, noting his recent knockout performances and Da-un's poor recent form. He worries about Ulberg's untested takedown defense but thinks if it stays standing, Ulberg will knock him out. He predicts a first-round knockout.

Cody picks Ulberg confidently, citing his improvement since the Kennedy fight and his ability to finish fights early. He notes that Da-un has poor cardio, durability issues, and doesn't fight well at range. Cody expects Ulberg to win by knockout, possibly in the first round, and likes the under on significant strikes.

Daniel Levi picks Carlos Ulberg but with some hesitation. He notes that both fighters are counter-strikers, which could lead to a slow fight. Ulberg has a nasty check left hook and big kicks, but Da-un is a step up in competition. Levi says he is not as confident as in Ulberg's previous fights because Da-un won't rush in recklessly. He still expects Ulberg to win, possibly by knockout if Da-un overcommits.

Ulberg is on a four-fight winning streak with three finishes, showing improved confidence and speed. He is a City Kickboxing product. Da-un is on a two-fight losing streak but is grindy and tough. Ulberg's early speed and power should be too much, and he will likely win by knockout. The KO prop is preferred over the heavy moneyline.

Paul picks Ulberg, noting his rapid improvement and Da-un's inconsistency. He mentions that Da-un looked lost against Sam Alvey and was exposed in his last two fights. Paul believes Ulberg's precision and power will be too much, and he likes the under on significant strikes.

The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg over Jung Da-un, expressing frustration that Ulberg is not being given tougher opponents. He notes that Da-un can grapple with cage trips and throws but believes Ulberg's movement and striking on the back foot will neutralize that. He points out that Da-un has lost to Devin Clark and was knocked out by Jacoby, while Ulberg is on a four-fight win streak. He predicts Ulberg will win easily, likely by knockout.

Angelo picks Jack Jenkins, citing his lethal leg kicks as the difference. He notes that Chepe Mariscal is a two-to-one underdog with great wrestling and striking, but Jack's leg kicks will take away Chepe's movement and takedown ability. Angelo has parlayed Jack Jenkins with Nasrat Haqparast at plus money.

Big Brady picks Jack Jenkins, citing his technical striking and wrestling. He notes a red flag from Mariscal's fight with Sean Soriano, where Soriano outgrappled him. He thinks Jenkins can mix in takedowns and control the fight. He predicts a decision win.

Cody picks Jenkins, citing his superior wrestling, leg kicks, and technical striking. He notes that Mariscal's takedown defense is not yet developed and that Jenkins can exploit that. Cody expects Jenkins to win by decision, possibly a close one, and likes the Jenkins by decision prop.

Daniel Levi picks Jack Jenkins confidently, highlighting his leg kicks that have broken three opponents' tibias. He also praises Jenkins' defensive responsibility, fight IQ, and ability to mix in takedowns. Levi believes Mariscal's brawling style will leave openings for Jenkins to land his shots. He expects Jenkins to take over in the second and third rounds, potentially getting a knockout or a decision.

Jenkins is athletic, fast, with great wrestling and relentless calf kicking that destroys opponents' movement. He blends striking and wrestling well. Mariscal is a short-notice call-up who showed good wrestling but may have durability issues. Jenkins has physical advantages and should win by decision, with a small sprinkle on a KO prop due to Mariscal's potential chin issues.

Paul picks Jenkins but is leaning, noting that Jenkins should lean on his wrestling and make it ugly. He acknowledges that Mariscal is tough and durable, but believes Jenkins' wrestling and striking will be the difference. Paul sees this as a potential fight of the night.

The MMA Guru picks Jack Jenkins over Chepe Mariscal, calling it a no-brainer. He notes that Jenkins is an extremely technical striker with a tight guard, while Mariscal is less technical. He acknowledges Mariscal's win over Trevor Peek but points out that Peek is a sloppy fighter. Jenkins has a close decision loss to Jamal Emmers but is active, having fought twice this year. He predicts Jenkins will win a competitive 29-28 decision, possibly losing the third round.

Angelo picks Jamie Mullarkey but hates the -180 price. He notes that Jamie's relentless pressure and takedown attempts should get him a close decision, but he is not dangerous and has poor chin. John Makdessi has good takedown defense and if he keeps it standing, he wins. Angelo avoids betting on Jamie despite picking him.

Big Brady picks the underdog John Makdessi, citing his durability, high volume, and ability to get back up from takedowns. He notes Mullarkey is hittable and has a questionable chin. He thinks Makdessi can outwork Mullarkey over three rounds and predicts a decision win.

Cody picks Mullarkey but is hesitant, noting that Mullarkey has a suspect chin and has been knocked out recently. However, he believes Mullarkey's wrestling and size advantage will be too much for Makdessi, who is a natural featherweight with no knockout power. Cody likes the Mullarkey by decision prop and the over on takedowns.

Daniel Levi picks Jamie Mullarkey but is not crazy about the price. He notes that Makdessi is 38 and has been in many wars, while Mullarkey is younger and has a reach advantage. However, Mullarkey has been knocked out four times, which is a concern. Levi expects Mullarkey to outwork Makdessi down the stretch if he fights with aggression.

Lucrative James leans toward Jamie Mullarkey, citing his youth, tenacity, and a decent win over Prado. He acknowledges Makdessi could win a split decision but notes Makdessi is old and doesn't have knockout power. James expresses slight concern about Mullarkey's chin after a knockout loss, but believes Makdessi is unlikely to finish him. He thinks Mullarkey will dominate.

Mullarkey has improved significantly, blending takedowns behind his striking and managing distance well. He works with the City Kickboxing camp. Makdessi is a veteran who makes fights close but is 38 and may be slowing down. Mullarkey's output and wrestling should earn him a decision win. The over 2.5 rounds is preferred over the moneyline.

Paul picks Mullarkey but is hesitant, citing Mullarkey's durability issues and the -280 price. He notes that Makdessi is a small lightweight with no recent finishes and that Mullarkey should use his wrestling to secure a decision. Paul likes the Mullarkey by decision prop and the over on takedowns.

The MMA Guru picks Jamie Mullarkey over John Makdessi, citing Mullarkey's size advantage (6'0", 74" reach) and physicality. He notes that Mullarkey bullies smaller opponents, as seen in his win over Devonte Smith with body shots and knees. Makdessi is 38 and coming off a loss to Nasrat Haqparast. He believes Mullarkey will bully Makdessi and get a TKO in the first or second round, as Makdessi cannot grapple with him or knock him out.

Angelo picks Nasrat Haqparast as the better striker with good takedown defense. He notes that Landon Quinones is a well-rounded guy but this is too much too soon. Nasrat should be the better striker and has the takedown defense to keep it standing. However, if Landon comes out wrestle-heavy, he could steal the fight.

Big Brady confidently picks Nasrat Haqparast, citing his much better competition and power. He notes Haqparast has knocked down many opponents and thinks this is a big step down in competition. He predicts a second-round knockout.

Cody picks Haqparast, noting that Quiñones is making his UFC debut on short notice and was submitted quickly on The Ultimate Fighter. He believes Haqparast's experience and wrestling will be enough, even though he has looked disinterested at times. Cody acknowledges the -500 price is steep but sees no value on the underdog.

Daniel Levi picks Nasrat Haqparast confidently, citing his experience against tough competition and his youth (born 1995). He believes Haqparast's activity and smarter decision-making will be the difference. Levi notes that Quiñones is still unproven at the UFC level and that Haqparast has been improving.

Haqparast is coming off a decision win over John Makdessi and has been off for a year. Quiñones is a short-notice replacement who was submitted quickly by Jason Knight on the contender series. Haqparast should take advantage of Quiñones' striking defense shortcomings and win by decision. The fight likely goes the full 15 minutes, so the over 2.5 rounds is preferred over the moneyline.

Paul picks Haqparast, agreeing that Quiñones is not ready for this spot. He notes that Haqparast has faced better competition and should be able to outwork Quiñones. Paul is priced out at -500 but sees Haqparast as the clear winner.

The MMA Guru picks Nasrat Haqparast over Landon Quiñones, stating that none of the Ultimate Fighter prospects this year were good. He notes that Haqparast is more seasoned at 28, has fought top competition like John Makdessi, Bobby Green, Dan Hooker, and Drew Dober, and is a good boxer. He believes Quiñones looked lost on the ground against Jason Knight on TUF and will struggle to land a big punch. He predicts Haqparast will outbox him to a decision or get a TKO in the third round.

Angelo is shooting his shot on Blood Diamond as a two-to-one underdog. He notes that Charlie Radtke is a big favorite but has questionable cardio and gets hit by regional-level fighters. If Blood Diamond can defend takedowns, his striking should be too much. Angelo plans to look for a KO prop at plus money when props drop.

Big Brady picks Charlie Radtke but is not confident laying the price. He notes Radtke's good jiu-jitsu and submission skills, but worries he hasn't wrestled much. He thinks if Radtke gets takedowns, he will submit Blood Diamond. He predicts a second-round submission.

Cody picks Mathetha as a value underdog, arguing that the line is inaccurate and that Radtke's wrestling may not be as effective as expected. He notes that Mathetha has a kickboxing background and could win if the fight stays standing. Cody is tempted by the plus money and sees this as a potential upset.

Daniel Levi picks Charlie Radtke but is not confident in the price. He thinks Radtke is overhyped and not as special as people claim. However, he gives Radtke the edge due to more MMA experience and offensive grappling. Levi notes that Mathetha has been off for over a year and could have improved his grappling, but until he sees it, he picks against him.

Radtke is a CFFC welterweight champion with a BJJ black belt, recently winning by submission. He closes distance well and uses trips and throws to get fights to the ground. Blood Diamond is a kickboxer who has been fed grapplers and is still seeking his first UFC win. Radtke should be competitive on the feet and then take the fight to the mat, working for a submission within the under 2.5 round mark. The pick is Radtke by submission.

Paul picks Radtke, citing his superior grappling and submission skills. He notes that Mathetha has poor takedown defense and that Radtke should be able to secure a submission. Paul likes the Radtke by submission prop and believes Radtke will win this fight even if he loses every other fight in the UFC.

The MMA Guru picks Charlie Radtke over Mike Mathetha (Blood Diamond), despite acknowledging that Radtke may not be UFC caliber. He notes that Mathetha has significant holes in his game, particularly in grappling, and is old (34-35) to make adjustments. Radtke has a win over Raheem Forrest, a regional prospect, and showed grappling ability by choking him out after getting rocked. He believes Radtke will outgrapple Mathetha and submit him in the first round.

Angelo picks Shane Young because he trusts his cardio and takedown defense. He notes that Shane looked stiff in his last fight after a layoff but defended six takedowns before giving one up. The ground gap is big if Gabriel gets it to the mat, but Angelo thinks Shane's takedown defense should hold up.

Big Brady picks Shane Young but is hesitant due to the price. He notes Miranda's early success but fades quickly, and Young's takedown defense should keep it standing. He thinks Young's striking is superior and will pick apart Miranda as the fight goes on. He predicts a second-round knockout.

Cody picks Miranda as a value underdog, noting that Young is a limited kickboxer with poor takedown defense. He believes Miranda's grappling and size advantage will be the difference, and that he can win by submission or decision. Cody sees this as a dog pick and likes the plus money.

Daniel Levi picks Shane Young confidently, citing his durability, cardio, and high volume. He notes that Miranda has never won a decision and tends to wilt in later rounds. Levi believes if Miranda doesn't submit Young in the first round, Young will take over and win by decision. He references Young's ability to survive against top competition like Volkanovski.

Lucrative James thinks Shane Young will win but is not confident enough to bet at the current juice. He notes Young often goes to decision and doesn't push pace anymore, while Miranda fights like a madman and could force a finish. James considered the 'doesn't go to decision' prop at -170 but didn't like the odds. He mentions Young decision at +200 as not bad, but overall he doesn't have a great read on the fight.

Shane Young is on a three-fight losing streak but faces Gabriel Miranda who has poor gas tank management and tends to fade after the first round. Miranda is aggressive early but if he doesn't secure a submission, he gasses and Young will have target practice. Young should avoid early grappling onslaught and finish in the first or second round. The fight doesn't go to decision is a favorite spot.

Paul picks Miranda, agreeing that Young is uninspiring and that Miranda's grappling should be the key. He notes that Miranda had a tough debut but should be better with a full camp at 145. Paul believes Miranda can get takedowns and control the fight.

The MMA Guru picks Gabriel Miranda over Shane Young, citing that Young is one of the weaker members of the City Kickboxing team. He notes that Miranda showed heart in his debut loss to Benoit Saint-Denis and has a good ground game, with submissions in the first round. He believes Miranda's grappling will be a problem for Young, who has historically struggled when opponents mix in grappling. He predicts Miranda will secure a rear-naked choke in the second round.

Angelo picks Kiefer Crosbie but with very low confidence. He notes that Kiefer sets an insane early pace and could get a quick finish if he comes out hot. However, if the fight lingers, Kevin's boring, plodding style and size advantage will likely win a decision. Angelo acknowledges Kevin is probably the smarter pick but goes with Kiefer's danger.

Big Brady picks Kevin Jousset because he believes Jousset is the better fighter everywhere, with a judo background and technical striking. He notes Jousset's extreme toughness from the Jack Della Maddalena fight. He worries about Jousset's low volume but thinks Crosby leaves openings and Jousset can get takedowns. He predicts a decision win.

Cody picks Jousset but is leaning, noting that neither fighter should be in the UFC. He believes Jousset's wrestling and grappling advantage will be enough, but acknowledges that Crosbie has power and could win by knockout in the first round. Cody suggests a live bet on Jousset after the first round if he survives.

Daniel Levi picks Kevin Jousset, noting his Judo background and physicality. He describes Crosbie as a 'poor man's Mike Perry' who is dangerous early but fades. Levi believes if Jousset can survive the first few minutes, he can take over with trips and top control. He warns that Crosbie throws heat early, so Jousset must be careful.

Jousset has a solid kickboxing background from City Kickboxing, with consistent leg kicks and counter striking. He also showed ability to implement grappling when needed, controlling opponents on the mat. Crosby is an SBG Ireland product on a win streak but was finished in his last two Bellator losses. Jousset should keep Crosby at range with technical striking and possibly finish in the second or third round.

Paul picks Jousset but is leaning, noting that Crosbie is a defensive liability and that Jousset should be able to take him down. He likes the fight doesn't go to decision prop. Paul is not confident in either fighter but sees Jousset as the more likely winner.

The MMA Guru picks Kevin Jousset because he sees him as a more dynamic and versatile striker than Kiefer Crosbie, who is primarily a boxer. He notes that Crosbie has put MMA on the back burner to participate in a Kingpin boxing tournament against Aaron Chalmers, a celebrity fighter, which he views negatively. Additionally, he mentions that Jousset trains at City Kickboxing and has reportedly outstruck Israel Adesanya in training, indicating high-level skills. He believes Jousset's versatility and grappling advantage will be key to winning.