UFC 312: du Plessis vs. Strickland 2

Big Brady scored the first fight 3-2 for du Plessis and expects a similar competitive fight. He notes that Strickland fights the same way every time, with jabs and teeps, while du Plessis has the power and wrestling advantage. He thinks du Plessis will land the bigger shots and has all the finish upside. However, he believes the odds at -205 are too wide and expects a close decision. He picks du Plessis by decision.

Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Dricus is the one likely to adjust. He notes that Strickland's internal struggles prevent him from changing his game. Connor also mentions that Dricus will not back down and will keep coming forward, which is key. He sees Strickland's win condition as a lucky punch or eye swelling, but considers it unlikely.

Daniel Levi discusses the rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland, noting that the first fight was a five-round split decision. He cites historical examples where rematches of close five-round fights often end sooner, such as Machida vs Shogun and Cerrone vs Henderson. However, he does not explicitly pick a winner, instead asking the audience who they have. He mentions that du Plessis has made opponents cry with his trash talk but does not commit to a prediction.

Strickland's pace and pressure will allow him to pick apart du Plessis and get ahead on the scorecards. His striking defense and durability are good enough to deal with du Plessis's power. Strickland may incorporate some grappling to stay safe, but ultimately wins in deep water by decision.

Zane believes Dricus du Plessis will win because he is more likely to adjust and has shown he can land bigger shots. He notes that Sean Strickland rarely adapts and his style is predictable. Zane also points out that Strickland's best chance is a knockout or doctor stoppage, but that is unlikely. He trusts Dricus to counter the jab and make Strickland hesitant.

Big Brady picks Tatiana Suarez, believing her grappling will be a level above Zhang Weili's. He notes that Zhang has been taken down easily by lesser grapplers like Yan Xiaonan and Rose Namajunas. He is concerned about Suarez's cardio, as she has never gone 25 minutes, but thinks she will get a submission in the second round. He predicts a second-round submission.

Connor picks Zhang, citing her striking advantage and Suarez's questionable cardio. He thinks Zhang can use her kicks and movement to keep Suarez at range and tire her out. He notes that Suarez has never faced a five-round fight and faded in the third round against Nina Nunes. He also points out that Zhang has good takedown defense and can get back to her feet. However, he admits he could see Suarez winning if she gets top position early.

Daniel Levi mentions the co-main event where Zhang Weili defends her belt against undefeated Tatiana Suarez. He notes that the fight is a dead pick at -110 each and asks the audience whether they think Zhang Weili retains or if Suarez becomes champion. He does not express a personal opinion or pick a winner.

Suarez's smothering wrestling and improving BJJ are expected to open up a submission opportunity. Zhang has the striking advantage but will struggle to stop Suarez's chain wrestling and strength. Zhang's wrestling has improved but not enough to overcome Suarez. The pick is for Suarez to find the neck and force a submission.

Zane picks Suarez despite acknowledging Zhang's advantages in striking and cardio. He believes Suarez's wrestling will be the difference, as Zhang tends to tie up and Suarez is a better wrestler. He is concerned about Suarez's cardio and lack of five-round experience, but thinks she can get a submission or control on top. He notes that Zhang's best path is to jab and kick from range, but he doubts she will do that consistently.

Big Brady calls this a coin flip, as both heavyweights want to stand and bang. He is concerned about Teixeira's poor striking defense, as he was eating shots from Arthur Lopez. He thinks Tafa has a chance to land a big shot and get a first-round knockout. Brady picks Tafa as the underdog.

Connor also picks Teixeira but is very skeptical. He likes that Teixeira has clever boxing ideas but lacks basic technical fundamentals. He notes that Teixeira is only 25 and a physical monster, which gives him advantages. He thinks Teixeira is good enough to beat Tafa now but will likely lose to more experienced fighters later. He sees Tafa as a counter puncher who needs opponents to make mistakes, and Teixeira might do that, but he still picks Teixeira.

Teixeira is a 6'7" BJJ black belt who has leaned on striking but would be ill-advised to strike with Tafa. He will look to get the fight to the ground, find a dominant position, and open up a submission or ground-and-pound knockout. The official prediction is Teixeira by submission.

Zane picks Teixeira, noting his size advantage and that he is making real informed decisions as a fighter, even if raw. He thinks Teixeira can neutralize Tafa's two dangerous punches and stick him at range. He is skeptical of banana-shaped heavyweights but sees Teixeira as tough and able to take a shot. He acknowledges Tafa could knock him out, but believes Teixeira's composure and developing skills give him the edge.

Big Brady is taking a chance on Jimmy Crute, who is returning from retirement. He acknowledges Crute's poor fight IQ and chin issues but believes Crute is more skilled than Bellato. He notes that Bellato has a questionable chin and was nearly finished by Ehor Pia. Brady predicts Crute will win by first-round knockout, similar to his win over Modestas Bukauskas.

Connor picks Crute, believing he is the better fighter and can knock Bellato out. He thinks Bellato is slow and hittable. However, he acknowledges Crute's thoughtlessness and tendency to latch onto one idea. He notes that if Bellato survives the first round, Crute might fade. But he sticks with Crute, calling it a well-booked fight for him.

Daniel Levi discusses Jimmy Crute's return after a religious conversion, wondering if it will reinvigorate him or soften him like Rory McDonald. He notes that Rodolfo Bellato is a tough, aggressive fighter who will make Crute fight. However, he does not pick a winner, only expressing curiosity about which version of Crute shows up.

The host does not believe in Crute enough to pick the upset. Bellato will dictate the pace with his striking, stop Crute's takedowns, and eventually slow him down and beat him. The pick is for Bellato to win by knockout.

Zane picks Bellato, citing momentum and Crute's mental state. He notes that Crute is on a three-fight losing streak and seems dispirited. Bellato is imposing, aggressive, and doesn't lose his cool. Zane thinks if Crute doesn't finish Bellato early, Bellato will wear him down. He acknowledges Crute could knock Bellato out in the first round, but doubts Crute's confidence.

Big Brady picks Jake Matthews, citing his technical striking advantage and superior grappling. He notes that Prado is moving up a weight class and will be undersized. He also mentions the hometown advantage for Matthews in Australia. However, he acknowledges Matthews' inconsistency. Brady predicts a competitive decision win for Matthews.

Connor also picks Matthews, agreeing with Zane's analysis. He notes that Prado is a brawler who will walk into Matthews' shots. He adds that Matthews' back-foot boxing should work well. However, he hopes Prado can make it interesting by just swarming, but expects Matthews to win.

Matthews impressed with his ability to take opponents down in his last fight. He will mix striking and grappling to keep Prado on the defensive. The pick is for Matthews to win by decision.

Zane picks Matthews, noting that Prado has no range game and poor defense. Matthews can potshot from the back foot and avoid Prado's hooks. He thinks Matthews' speed and technical boxing will be too much. However, he dislikes the booking because Matthews is a gatekeeper who should be fighting prospects, not getting favorable matchups.

Big Brady is a big fan of Gabriel Santos, believing he is much better than his 1-2 UFC record indicates. He notes Santos's well-rounded skills, power, and BJJ black belt. He thinks Santos has a significant grappling advantage over Jack Jenkins, who was taken down and controlled by Jamal Emmers. Brady predicts Santos will win a decision, possibly with a submission.

Santos is considered the better fighter, slicker with Muay Thai and more aggressive with BJJ. His Muay Thai will allow him to check Jenkins' kicks and counter with straight shots. The fight is expected to go to decision with Santos winning.

Big Brady flipped his pick to Tom Nolan, citing Nolan's youth, size advantage, and the hometown factor in Australia. He notes that Borshchev has poor takedown defense and may struggle with the long flight. However, he questions Nolan's chin, as he was dropped by Victor Martinez. Brady thinks someone will get knocked out and predicts Nolan by second-round knockout, but he is not confident.

Borshchev will control the pace, counter Nolan effectively, and take advantage of his poor striking defense. He is expected to pick Nolan apart and find a finish around the second round. The pick is for Borshchev to win by knockout or TKO.

Big Brady picks Wang Cong to win, but he is not laying -515 on her. He notes that Bruna Brasil is moving up a weight class and will be a small flyweight. He questions Brasil's chin, as she has been knocked out three times and looked uncomfortable in the Denise Gomes fight. Brady believes Wang Cong will land big shots and get a knockout, predicting a second-round finish.

Daniel Levi mentions Wang Cong as a massive favorite against Bruna Brasil, noting Wang's knockout wins and Bruna's recent career-best performance against Molly McCann. He does not state a pick, only describing the matchup and asking if Bruna can come through as a big underdog.

Wang Cong is looking to bounce back from her first professional loss. She will showcase a more disciplined approach, pick apart Brasil, and stop takedown attempts. The fight is expected to go to the scorecards with Wang winning by decision.

Big Brady is skeptical of Aleksandre Topuria's signing, citing his lack of activity and poor competition. He notes that Topuria has only fought three times in ten years and gassed out in his only fight that went past the first round. However, he thinks Topuria has a big advantage early with power and grappling, and can get a first-round finish. He worries if the fight reaches the second round, as Topuria's cardio is a major question mark. Brady picks Topuria by first-round knockout.

Topuria, brother of the featherweight champion, is expected to make a dominant statement. He will walk Thicknesse down, grind him against the cage, and eventually land a big shot for a knockout. The pick is for Topuria to win by knockout.

Big Brady is a fan of Kody Steele, noting his BJJ black belt and improved striking. He believes Steele has a massive grappling advantage over Rong Zhu, who has been submitted four times. However, he worries that Steele might fall in love with his hands and stand and bang, which could give Rong a chance. Brady predicts a second-round submission if Steele mixes in takedowns.

Daniel Levi discusses Kody Steele's UFC debut, noting his impressive Contender Series performance and Dana White's praise. He mentions Steele's opponent Rong Zhu, who has been in the UFC before. He does not pick a winner, only advising viewers to pay attention to Steele.

Rong Zhu's experience and striking advantage are expected to overcome Steele's undefeated record. Steele will struggle to get the fight to the ground due to Rong Zhu's improved defensive grappling. The pick is for Rong Zhu to win by decision.

Big Brady is not a huge fan of Kevin Jousset's style but likes him in this matchup. He notes that Jousset is a technical striker with good takedown defense, while Micallef has poor striking defense and tends to panic wrestle. Brady believes Jousset will win by decision, possibly a knockout, but he doesn't trust Jousset to finish. He predicts a three-round decision.

Jousset is favored due to his Judo background which can stop Micallef's takedowns. From there, his striking advantage will allow him to pick apart Micallef. The fight is expected to go the full 15 minutes with Jousset winning by decision.

Big Brady is high on Quillan Salkilld, citing his reach and cardio advantages, as well as his slick grappling ability. He notes that Salkilld can get takedowns and has a significant grappling edge. He points out that Jubli quit in his last fight against Mike Breeden, and if he slows down, Salkilld will finish him. Brady predicts a third-round submission.

Salkilld is seen as the far superior striker and grappler. The host expects him to lean on his grappling to find a dominant position and secure a submission victory. This suggests a clear path to victory through his ground game.