UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena

Angelo picks Belal Muhammad to defend his belt, trusting his wrestling and control. He notes Jack Della Maddalena was taken down seven times by Gilbert Burns and survived by a lucky knee. He hopes Belal fights like he did against Wonderboy (wrestle-heavy) rather than standing. He mentions the line is tightening and suggests waiting to bet. He also notes that if Belal wins, it sets up Ilia vs Islam at International Fight Week.

Big Brady is confident in Belal Muhammad, citing his wrestling and fight IQ. He notes Jack Della Maddalena was taken down eight times by an aging Gilbert Burns and struggled with Basil Hafez. He believes Muhammad will wrestle despite claiming otherwise, and predicts a decision win. He thinks the only way Muhammad loses is if he fights a horrible game plan.

Connor picks Belal Muhammad but with hesitation, expressing concern that Belal lacks the athletic escape ropes to get out of trouble against JDM. He notes that JDM has a habit of violently winning fights he is losing, and that Belal's wrestling may not be a reliable get-out-of-jail card. However, he ultimately believes Belal's game planning and durability will allow him to win a narrow decision.

The host views this as a favorable matchup for Muhammad after Rakhmonov's injury. He believes Muhammad's grappling, high pressure, and pace will be too much for Della Maddalena, keeping him on the defensive. He expects Muhammad to set up his grappling and grind out a decision victory.

The MMA Guru picks JDM, citing his finishing potential, ability to separate and scramble, and work with Craig Jones. He believes JDM's forward pressure and body shots will trouble Belal, who he thinks is overrated after the Leon Edwards win. He predicts a second-round TKO, noting JDM's 17-fight win streak and Belal's inactivity.

Zane picks Belal Muhammad, arguing that Belal is a great game planner who can work around Jack Della Maddalena's limited game. He notes that Belal has successfully game-planned against many different styles, and while JDM is a dangerous puncher, Belal's durability and ability to rebuild after adversity will carry him. Zane acknowledges that Belal may only need one takedown per round to win rounds and retain his title.

Angelo picks Manon Fiorot to become the new champion, citing her size, power, takedown defense, and striking. He acknowledges Valentina Shevchenko's evolution into wrestling but believes Fiorot's takedown defense and power will be too much. He thinks Fiorot controls the striking and keeps the fight on her feet.

Big Brady is hesitant but leans Fiorot. He notes Fiorot's high-volume striking, elite takedown defense (93%), and physical strength. He acknowledges Shevchenko looked great against Grasso but questions if that was due to Grasso's poor performance. He thinks Fiorot's movement and the big cage help her, and she can defend takedowns. He predicts a close decision win for Fiorot.

Connor picks Valentina Shevchenko, agreeing with Zane that she is a master of distance management. He notes that Fiorot's wrestling has not been tested against someone like Shevchenko, who has developed new takedown entries. Connor believes that Fiorot's game is not dynamic enough to exploit any potential age-related decline in Shevchenko.

The host notes Shevchenko has been an underdog three times in the UFC and is 3-0 in those fights, expecting her to go 4-0. He believes she will compete in striking but ultimately use her clinch and grappling to dictate the pace and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Shevchenko, believing she is being disrespected as an underdog. He notes her championship experience, reach advantage, and recent dominant win over Grasso. He questions Fiorot's performance against Rose Namajunas, who fought with a broken hand, and thinks Shevchenko's technical striking and adjustments will win her a decision.

Zane picks Valentina Shevchenko, arguing that she is a master of distance management and preventative footwork, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to get into range. He notes that Fiorot's striking has structural flaws, with her chin rising and feet squaring when she commits. Zane believes that if Fiorot wins, it will be more a sign of Shevchenko's age than Fiorot's skill.

Angelo picks José Aldo despite his age, noting he is still fast, clean, dangerous, durable, and impossible to take down. He argues Aldo won his last fight against Mario Bautista. He mentions an inside distance decision no action prop as an alternative if the moneyline is too steep. He believes Aldo is clearly the better fighter.

Big Brady picks the underdog Zahabi, citing his excellent striking defense (71%) and recent improved volume. He thinks the fight will be a close striking match that goes to decision, and with the fight in Canada, Zahabi could get the nod. He notes Aldo is 38 and hasn't used leg kicks in years, and believes the line is too wide.

Connor picks José Aldo, acknowledging that Zahabi has improved but arguing that Aldo's level of competition and technical striking will prevail. He notes that Zahabi's high guard and predictable patterns will be exploited by Aldo's body shots and counters. Connor expresses some concern about Aldo's age but ultimately believes he is still too good.

The host acknowledges Zahabi's recent streak but believes he will struggle against Aldo's Muay Thai. He notes that Aldo remains dangerous in striking even in losses and doubts Zahabi has the grappling or strength to control Aldo against the cage like Bautista did. He expects Aldo to lead in striking and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Aldo, believing he still has elite skills and will be too much for Zahabi. He thinks Aldo's reach, body shots, and experience will lead to a TKO, possibly in the second round. He doubts Zahabi can hold Aldo against the cage like other fighters have, and notes Aldo's motivation after the controversial Batista loss.

Zane picks José Aldo, arguing that Zahabi has never faced an elite-level athlete like Aldo. He notes that Zahabi's success comes from exploiting opponents who try to power through, but Aldo is a technical striker who will punish Zahabi's sloppy boxing. Zane believes Aldo's body work and counter-striking will be too much for Zahabi.

Angelo picks Natália Silva confidently, calling her the future of the division. He notes Alexa Grasso is a former champion who never defended her belt and has struggled. He believes Silva's speed, accuracy, and mobility will give Grasso trouble finding her range. He suggests parlaying Silva with other favorite women on the card, as he thinks the women's fights provide stability.

Big Brady is confident in Natália Silva, noting she is younger, in her prime, and a better striker. He questions Alexa Grasso's form after a poor performance against Valentina Shevchenko, possibly due to injury. He thinks Silva can win by decision and may even mix in takedowns. He doesn't love the -220 price but believes Silva wins.

Connor picks Natália Silva, agreeing with Zane that Silva's speed and mobility will be too much for Grasso. He notes that Grasso's game is rudimentary and she tends to have the same exchanges repeatedly, while Silva can fight her way out of corners and land bigger shots. Connor believes Silva's athleticism and dynamic striking will earn her a win and a title shot.

The host believes Silva's style—perpetual movement, lateral movement, range management, and blitzing attacks—will frustrate Grasso and cause her to walk into big shots. He expects Silva to win clearly on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Natália Silva, calling her 'the truth' of the division. He praises her striking, takedown defense, and ability to piece up opponents like Jasudavicius. He thinks Grasso's linear style and high guard are tailor-made for Silva's front kicks and lateral movement. He predicts a decision win, possibly 30-27, but notes the UFC may favor Grasso for the Guadalajara card.

Zane picks Natália Silva, arguing that her speed, mobility, and long-range output will outwork Grasso. He notes that Grasso tends to be stationary when throwing and will struggle to deal with Silva's constant movement and kicking game. Zane points to Grasso's fight with Vivi Araujo as a blueprint for how a similar athlete can give her trouble, and believes Silva is more dynamic than Araujo.

Big Brady is extremely confident in Saint Denis, calling the fight a 'sanctioned murder'. He notes Prepolec is a low-level replacement on short notice, who previously went 0-2 in the UFC. He predicts Saint Denis will win easily, either by knockout or submission in the first round, and likely earn a $50k bonus.

Connor picks Benoît Saint Denis, agreeing that Prepolec is a regional-level fighter who cannot handle Saint Denis's pressure and wrestling. He notes that Prepolec's opponents have a combined record of 44-38 and that even a washed Shane Campbell out-hustled him. Connor sees this as a clear win for Saint Denis.

The host believes Saint Denis is too strong a grappler for Prepolec, who is on short notice. He expects Saint Denis to wear Prepolec down and secure a submission within the first round and a half.

The MMA Guru picks Saint Denis, calling it a career-saving matchup. He notes Prepolec's poor UFC history, inactivity, and injuries, while Saint Denis is a heavy favorite. He expects a first or second round finish, possibly a TKO, as Prepolec is a sacrificial lamb. He mentions the odds are crazy but agrees with the pick.

Zane picks Benoît Saint Denis, arguing that Prepolec is a much less potent version of Saint Denis and could not handle Austin Hubbard's wrestling. He notes that Saint Denis will swarm into Prepolec, grab his waist, and drag him into hell with top control. Zane believes this is a straightforward mismatch.

Angelo picks Mike Malott as the better fighter but expresses concern about his quit against Neil Magny. He notes Malott is faster and more athletic, but Radtke is tough and could surge late. He has already placed a parlay with Malott and Jasmine Jasudavicius at plus money. He hopes Malott has learned from his loss.

Big Brady questions Mike Malott's heart, cardio, and chin, noting he was broken by Neil Magny. He thinks Radtke is physically strong, has great takedown defense, and possesses a powerful left hook. He predicts Radtke will land that left hook and knock out Malott in the second round, as Malott is hittable and has a suspect chin.

The host has low confidence but believes Malott is the technically superior striker who can thwart Radtke's aggression. He suggests the fight likely won't go to decision and expects Malott to get a submission or KO.

The MMA Guru picks Radtke, citing his initial instinct that Radtke would chin Malott. He thinks Radtke's pressure, left hook, and volume will overwhelm Malott, who has a suspect nose and struggled against pressure in the Gall fight. He predicts a first-round TKO, noting Radtke's power and Malott's potential grappling disadvantage.

Angelo is confident in Jasmine Jasudavicius, calling it a tailor-made fight for her. He notes Jasmine is a wrestler with great hips and cardio, while Andrade is a bully without great takedown defense. He expresses minor concern about Jasmine's win streak and whether she's truly top-tier, but ultimately picks her. He mentions possibly parlaying her with Mike Malott.

Big Brady is confident in Jasudavicius, citing her size, strength, and ground game. He notes Andrade has poor takedown defense and looks like a white belt off her back. He predicts Jasudavicius will dominate on the ground, eventually securing a submission in the second round, possibly a front choke or crucifix TKO.

The host views this as a perfect stylistic matchup for the Canadian Jasudavicius, expecting her to avoid Andrade's power striking and use her size and reach advantage to take the fight to the ground. He predicts she will land big shots from top position and get a TKO victory.

The MMA Guru picks Jasudavicius, noting her recent dominance and improvement. He thinks Andrade loses presence at flyweight and can be overwhelmed by a scrappy, larger opponent. He expects Jasudavicius to mix striking and grappling, eventually securing takedowns and control, winning by decision.

Angelo picks Modestas Bukauskas as the more technically sound and well-rounded fighter, but acknowledges Ion Cuțelaba is unpredictable and dangerous. He notes Cuțelaba has power and offensive takedowns but no takedown defense. Angelo mentions a potential bet on Cuțelaba inside the distance with decision no action, but his pick is Bukauskas. He emphasizes that picks are not bets and he wouldn't bet on Bukauskas.

Big Brady thinks Cuțelaba has multiple paths to victory: he hits harder, is more durable, and can mix in wrestling. He notes Bukauskas is chinny, hittable, and has poor takedown defense. He believes Cuțelaba's losses have come against high-level or dangerous opponents, while Bukauskas is neither. He predicts Cuțelaba wins by decision, landing bigger shots and mixing in wrestling.

The host believes Bukauskas is in the best form of his career and will thwart Cuțelaba's power striking and grappling. He expects Bukauskas to use his cardio, technical striking, and improved grappling to win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Cuțelaba as a slight underdog, citing Bukauskas' knee injury and susceptibility to pressure. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling and early aggression will exploit Bukauskas' compromised leg, leading to a finish in the first or second round by TKO or submission.

Angelo picks Navajo Sterling but with caution, noting his grappling is not good (taken down three times in last fight) and he was a -1000 favorite who went to decision. He thinks this should be a striking-only matchup where Sterling is the better striker, but warns about betting on him. He criticizes the hype around Sterling and the 'Kiwi bias'.

Big Brady is confident in Navajo Stirling, citing his City Kickboxing background and superior striking. He expects the fight to stay on the feet, as Erslan doesn't wrestle much and Stirling has good takedown defense. He thinks Erslan is hittable and has poor cardio, and predicts Stirling will land a knockout in the second round.

The host sees this as a perfect matchup for Stirling, who he believes will be the more effective striker against the reckless Erslan. He expects Stirling to stuff Erslan's grappling attempts and land big shots for a knockout victory.

The MMA Guru picks Stirling, praising his composure, frame, and finishing potential. He thinks Erslan is dangerous but will be too aggressive, leaving openings for Stirling's counters. He predicts a first-round TKO, noting Stirling's development and ability to handle deep waters.

Angelo picks Marc-André Barriault confidently, noting Bruno Silva is on a four-fight losing skid and looks like a shell of himself. He believes Barriault will win with sheer volume and that Silva will fade. He advises jumping on the -179 odds before they shorten further, predicting Barriault may become a 3-1 favorite by fight night.

Big Brady calls this the '1800 gambler fight of the week', comparing it to choosing between a turd sandwich and a giant douche. He notes Barriault has no chin and was brutally knocked out recently, but at least he wants to be there. Bruno Silva has lost 7 of 8 and admitted he doesn't want to fight. Brady leans Barriault because Silva's lack of desire is worse than a weak chin. He predicts a second-round knockout for Barriault.

The host expresses low confidence due to both fighters being flaky—Barriault's durability issues and Silva's anxiety. He leans on Silva landing a big shot within a round and a half to get a knockout victory.

The MMA Guru picks Barriault, believing Bruno Silva has declined significantly since the Pereira fight. He thinks Barriault's pressure, volume, and grappling will overwhelm Silva, who lacks pop and aggression. He predicts a decision win, noting Barriault's consistency and Silva's recent poor performances.

Angelo picks Jung Young Lee because Daniel Santos is stepping up on short notice and has holes in his game, particularly takedown defense. He believes Lee can weather Santos' early storm, get takedowns, and avoid submissions off his back. Angelo notes the odds have moved from -170 to -135 for Santos, indicating the public is realizing Santos isn't a world beater. He thinks Lee's full camp and ability to grapple give him the edge.

Big Brady is skeptical Daniel Santos will even show up due to his history of pulling out. He notes Santos is moving up a weight class, has been inactive for two years, and is inaccurate on the feet. He favors Lee Jeong-yeong's size, reach, power, and takedown defense. He predicts a decision win for Lee, but acknowledges either could land a big shot.

The host notes significant line movement on Lee from +160 to -115, which he finds justifiable. He views Lee as the slicker and better striker who has learned from his last fight to be more reserved. He expects Lee to counter-strike effectively, shut down Santos's grappling, and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Lee, trusting his initial instinct that Lee's size and power will be too much for Santos, who is moving up from bantamweight. He notes Lee's reach advantage and Santos' inactivity and history of being hurt. He predicts a TKO, as Santos may struggle with the size discrepancy.

Angelo picks Brad Katona, criticizing the hype around Bekzat Almakhan who lost his UFC debut despite landing one good punch. He trusts Katona's grit and forward pressure. He mentions a safer bet on Katona plus 3.5 (buying points) rather than the moneyline, noting Katona is at home and may get favorable judging.

Big Brady sees this as a very close fight, with both fighters well-rounded. He notes that Bekzat Almakhan's hype is based on one moment against Umar Nurmagomedov, but he lost most of that fight. He favors Brad Katona's volume and wrestling, and thinks the fight goes to decision. He picks the Canadian Katona in what he expects to be a close fight, relying on the judges.

The host believes Brad Katona has been underachieving and will showcase his pace, fight IQ, and defensive grappling to keep the fight in the striking realm. He expects Katona to dictate the pace with his striking advantage and mix in some grappling to secure a decision victory.

The MMA Guru picks Almakhan, citing his physicality, power, and performance against Umar Nurmagomedov. He thinks Katona is untalented and lacks finishing ability, while Almakhan will stuff takedowns and land a TKO. He notes Almakhan's fast, dangerous striking and Katona's well-rounded but unimpressive style.