UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira

Angelo picks Ilia Topuria because he believes Topuria's boxing, footwork, and wrestling are superior to Charles Oliveira's. He notes that Oliveira has been rocked in almost every fight, while Topuria has only been dropped once and recovered to win. He acknowledges that Oliveira is a great grappler but thinks Topuria's wrestling is better and his hands are cleaner. He is slightly concerned about Topuria's size at lightweight but thinks he will get the job done.

Big Brady believes this is a bad matchup for Oliveira, citing Topuria's excellent takedown defense and power. He notes Oliveira has been dropped in recent fights and Topuria hits harder than anyone Oliveira has faced. Brady thinks the fight will stay standing, where Topuria will land big shots and potentially finish early. He also mentions that referee Mark Goddard is quick to stop fights, which favors Topuria. He predicts a first-round knockout.

Connor sees this as a bad stylistic matchup for Oliveira. He notes that Oliveira's losses come against fighters who aren't afraid to grapple with him and who pressure him, both of which describe Topuria. He also highlights Topuria's body punching and pressure fighting as key advantages, and believes Topuria's wrestling defense is sufficient to neutralize Oliveira's grappling. He expects Topuria to finish Oliveira relatively quickly, either by knockout or by dominating on the ground.

The host believes Topuria can walk Oliveira down and land big power shots, setting up a knockout. He also notes Topuria might look to take the fight to the ground to submit the UFC submission leader, but ultimately expects a knockout victory.

The host picks Ilia Topuria by TKO, citing his crisp boxing, power, and ability to hurt Oliveira. He notes that Oliveira gets hurt by everyone and that Topuria's compact style will be difficult for Oliveira to grapple with. He predicts multiple knockdowns leading to a finish late in the first round.

Zane agrees that Topuria is a bad matchup for Oliveira. He points out that Oliveira's game relies on fear and aggression, and if an opponent doesn't respect his grappling, Oliveira can be beaten. He notes that Topuria is a pressure fighter who is comfortable in the pocket and has good takedown defense. Zane also mentions that Oliveira looked slower and more cautious in his last fight against Chandler, which is a worrying sign. He expects Topuria to win, possibly by knockout or by outgrappling Oliveira.

Angelo picks Alexandre Pantoja because he believes Pantoja's grappling and bullying style will be too much for Kai Kara-France, who is smaller and primarily a boxer. He notes that Pantoja is durable, gritty, and will drag Kara-France to the ground, and that the -260 odds are a gift. He dismisses their first fight on TUF as irrelevant and thinks Pantoja's path to victory is clear.

Big Brady is very confident in Pantoja, noting that Kara-France has a tendency to give up his back, as seen in fights against Albazi, Askarov, and Royval. He believes Pantoja's relentless takedown pressure and elite grappling will lead to a submission once he takes Kara-France's back. Brady also notes Kara-France's power but doubts he can knock out Pantoja, who has never been knocked out. He picks Pantoja by third-round submission.

Connor believes Pantoja is the clear champion in the division and that Kara-France lacks the structure to win rounds at an elite level. He notes that Kara-France struggles when he can't get a knockout, and Pantoja is extremely durable and determined. He also highlights Pantoja's wrestling and grappling as key advantages, especially given Kara-France's tendency to give up his back in scrambles. Connor expects Pantoja to win, possibly by finish.

The host sees this as a great matchup for Pantoja to showcase his grappling dominance, predicting he will find a dominant position and submission within two and a half rounds, forcing the tap from Kara-France.

The host picks Alexandre Pantoja, arguing that Kara-France's finishing potential is reduced when he has to defend takedowns. He notes that Pantoja's stand-up has improved and that his pressure and kicks will be key. He expects a close competitive decision, 48-47 or 49-46 for Pantoja.

Zane agrees that Pantoja is the pick. He notes that Kara-France's game is built around moments of shocking offense, but when he can't produce those, he loses rounds. Pantoja is durable and will walk into exchanges, and his wrestling will be a problem for Kara-France. Zane also points out that Kara-France struggled against Brandon Moreno, who used range to neutralize him, and Pantoja is even more aggressive. He expects Pantoja to win, possibly by finish.

Angelo picks Brandon Royval because he believes Royval is still in his prime and will be the best fighter Joshua Van has ever faced. He notes that Van's UFC record is loaded with wrestlers and lower-level guys, and the last time Van fought a predominant striker, he was finished in the third round. He placed a bet on Royval weeks ago and is confident in the pick.

Big Brady believes Royval is underrated, citing his wins over top competition like Taira, Moreno, and Nicolau. He notes Van has durability concerns, having been knocked out by Charles Johnson and hurt by Edgar Chairez. Brady thinks Royval's experience, cardio, and grappling advantage will be key, and predicts Royval will hurt Van, who will then shoot for a takedown and get submitted. He picks Royval by second-round submission.

Connor initially wanted to pick Van but was convinced by Phil that Royval's style is a bad matchup for Van. He notes that Royval has become a long-range volume fighter who can frustrate opponents, and Van has struggled against tall, rangy fighters. He also mentions Royval's durability and pace as factors. However, he is not fully confident because Royval's style is not championship-level and he gives away a lot.

The host acknowledges Royval's unorthodox striking may cause early trouble, but expects Van to land big shots in the second and third rounds, possibly getting a late TKO, but ultimately winning on the scorecards in the biggest win of his career.

The host picks Joshua Van, praising his boxing, head movement, and body work. He notes that Royval's volume often lacks sting and that Van's activity and recent form are advantages. He predicts Van will win a decision, taking the first two rounds, while Royval may take the third.

Zane is also leaning towards Royval after being convinced by Phil. He notes that Royval's leaf-blower style at range could be problematic for Van, who has struggled against fighters who keep him at distance. He also mentions that Royval is durable and has a high pace. However, he is not confident because Royval's style is not impressive and Van could potentially overwhelm him if he gets inside.

Angelo picks Beneil Dariush because he believes Dariush's grappling and striking are a good matchup against Renato Moicano, who he thinks is too busy with outside commitments to be fully focused. He notes that Dariush is a BJJ world champion and a powerful striker, and he doesn't see Moicano out-grappling him. He also points out that Moicano's takedowns are not clean and he often clinches, while Dariush has shown incredible scrambles against top competition.

Big Brady likes the stylistic matchup for Dariush, who has elite takedown defense and is the better striker with more power. However, he is worried about Dariush coming off back-to-back knockout losses, his age, and potential chin issues. He thinks Moicano doesn't have knockout power but could still hurt Dariush. Brady predicts Dariush will win by knockout, but he is not confident due to the layoff and durability concerns.

Connor picks Dariush but is not confident. He notes that Moicano has never knocked anyone out standing, so Dariush can survive on the feet. He believes Dariush's wrestling and grappling are superior, and that Moicano's confidence can waver when things go wrong. However, he acknowledges that Moicano's lightweight run has been unpredictable and that Dariush has been knocked out brutally before.

The host is surprised Moicano is the favorite, believing Dariush's durability and grappling defense will shut down Moicano's approach. He predicts Dariush will land big shots and finish inside the distance, likely by TKO or submission within two and a half rounds.

The host picks Renato Moicano by decision, citing Dariush's long layoff and recent KO losses. He believes Moicano's grappling and striking have improved, and that he will start fast and set the tone. He expects a competitive fight but sees Moicano winning a 29-28 decision.

Zane also picks Dariush but is hesitant. He agrees that Moicano is not a dangerous striker and that Dariush can likely outgrapple him. He notes that Dariush has fought and beaten good grapplers before. However, he acknowledges that Moicano's run has been strange and that he has a tendency to find ways to win even when losing.

Angelo picks Felipe Lima because he believes Lima is a better all-around fighter than Payton Talbott, with superior grappling and the ability to mix striking and takedowns. He notes that Talbott's takedown defense was exposed in his last fight, and Lima has better wins in the UFC. He disagrees with the odds, saying both are even prospects and the line should be closer, but he still favors Lima.

Big Brady identifies a clear hole in Payton Talbott's game: his wrestling and ground defense, as seen in the Barcelos fight where he was taken down repeatedly. He notes that Felipe Lima is well-rounded and a high-level grappler who can take Talbott down and control him. Brady believes Lima will use his wrestling advantage to secure a decision win, as Talbott's striking is good but Lima can hang on the feet and then dominate on the mat.

Connor picks Talbott but acknowledges the risk. He believes Talbott is a special striker with a deep understanding of pace and pressure, and that he will likely land big shots early. However, he notes that Lima is incredibly durable and mentally resilient, and that Talbott has shown vulnerability to wrestling and grinding fights. He thinks this is reckless matchmaking for Talbott after his loss.

The host considers Lima a higher-level prospect than Talbott, expecting Lima to touch him up with combinations and takedown attempts, grinding out a decision win.

The host picks Felipe Lima, arguing that Talbott's wins have aged poorly and that Lima is more well-rounded. He criticizes Talbott's head movement and ground defense, noting that he gives up his back often. He believes Lima will finish by rear-naked choke in the first or second round, as he is a more proven prospect with better striking and grappling.

Zane also picks Talbott but is cautious. He agrees that Talbott is a special striker and that Lima's wrestling may not be enough to exploit Talbott's weaknesses. However, he notes that Lima is a tough, durable fighter who can turn the fight into a war, and Talbott has not been in such a fight before. He thinks there is a strong chance Talbott loses composure.

Angelo leans Gregory Rodrigues because he believes Rodrigues's power and early success will carry him in a three-round fight, despite his cardio issues. He compares it to Jack Hermansson's win over Joe Pyfer, where Hermansson survived early and took over, but notes that Rodrigues's loss to Jared Cannonier was in the fourth round and Cannonier hits harder. He is cautious because Rodrigues is a -180 favorite with cardio concerns, and he suggests the over 1.5 rounds might be a good bet.

Big Brady likes Rodrigues stylistically, noting his power advantage over Hermansson. He thinks Hermansson's best path is wrestling, but Rodrigues has good takedown defense and is a BJJ black belt. Brady expects the fight to stay standing, where Rodrigues will land harder shots. He references Marvin Vettori knocking down Hermansson as evidence of his chin vulnerability, and picks Rodrigues by second-round knockout.

The host notes Hermansson's long layoff and believes Rodrigues will dictate the pace with power punching and ground control, winning on the scorecards.

The host picks Gregory Rodrigues, citing his activity and more intricate striking compared to Hermansson's last opponent. He believes Rodrigues' grappling is good enough to neutralize Hermansson's, and that Hermansson's long layoff is a concern. He predicts a TKO win for Rodrigues in the first or second round.

Angelo picks Hyder Amil because he believes Amil's durability and pace will be key against Jose Delgado, who is a dangerous finisher but untested in deep waters. He notes that Amil can take a beating and set a pace for 15 minutes, while Delgado may fade if he doesn't get an early finish. He thinks Amil's willingness to engage without hunting finishes will benefit him.

Big Brady is torn because he likes both fighters but leans toward Jose Delgado due to his youth, size, and well-roundedness. He notes Delgado is eight years younger, has a reach advantage, and can wrestle and submit opponents. Brady expects a war and thinks Delgado might mix in wrestling to get a submission. He picks Delgado by second-round submission, but acknowledges it could be a fight to just enjoy as a fan.

The host likes Amil's pressure and pace to negate Delgado's technical striking advantage, similar to Delgado's previous loss. He expects Amil to win on the scorecards via grappling pressure.

The host picks Hyder Amil, citing his durability and experience in tough fights. He notes that Delgado has not been tested when things go against him, while Amil has shown he can adjust and has a solid chin. He predicts Amil will lose the first round, win the second, and finish in the third by TKO.

Angelo slightly picks Tracy Cortez because he expects her grappling to wear down Viviane Araújo as the fight goes on, given Araújo's cardio fades and she is 38 years old. He acknowledges that Araújo is the better striker and has good takedown defense, but thinks Cortez can grind out a win. He also suggests the over on the round line is a safe bet, noting that women's fights often go over.

Big Brady thinks Cortez is the better striker and younger, and expects the fight to take place at distance where Cortez will outland Araújo. He notes Araújo has been outlanded at distance in recent fights and is 38 years old. Brady believes Cortez can also mix in takedowns. However, he is surprised by the -230 line, thinking it's too wide, but still picks Cortez to win by decision.

The host is leaning Cortez, believing her wrestling will break down Araújo and lead to dominant second and third rounds, winning on the scorecards.

The host picks Tracy Cortez but is hesitant, expecting a close competitive decision. He notes that Cortez has crisper boxing while Araújo is more well-rounded, and that the fight is likely to be a 29-28 decision. He is tempted by Araújo's underdog odds but ultimately goes with Cortez, believing the judges will favor her in a close fight.

Angelo picks Terrance McKinney because he believes McKinney's early explosiveness will overwhelm Viacheslav Borshchev, who is older and may not be as durable as before. He notes that McKinney is reliable in that he either finishes early or loses, and he thinks McKinney will come out like a bat out of hell and get the job done. However, he admits he is picking against Borshchev more than for McKinney, and he will monitor the odds for a good betting spot.

Big Brady acknowledges McKinney is the rightful favorite due to his wrestling and power, but he is hesitant because both fighters have questionable durability. He notes Borshchev has terrible takedown defense and was dropped by Chase Hooper, but McKinney's cardio is atrocious and his durability is also suspect. Brady thinks McKinney will land first and win by first-round knockout, but if it leaves the first round, McKinney is in trouble.

The host notes McKinney's tendency for early finishes, but picks Borshchev to fend off the early grappling and get a TKO finish by the end of the first or early second round.

The host picks Terrance McKinney, citing his underrated grappling as the X-factor. He notes that Borshchev has shown weaknesses in grappling, as seen in his losses to Chase Hooper and others. However, he acknowledges McKinney's tendency to get knocked out spectacularly and sees the fight as a 50/50 on the feet. He believes McKinney will use his wrestling to secure a win.

Angelo picks Jacobe Smith because he sees him as a strong prospect with wrestling and finishing ability, while Niko Price is older, has a weak chin, and is being fed to prospects. He notes that Price is fun but past his prime, and Smith's wrestling and pace will be too much. He warns against betting such heavy favorites, saying risking $1400 to make $100 is not worth it.

Big Brady is very confident in Jacobe Smith, describing it as a bad matchup for Niko Price. He notes Price is older, has taken a lot of damage, and is on a decline, while Smith has power and wrestling. Brady believes Smith can knock Price out on the feet or take him down and use vicious ground and pound. He predicts a first-round knockout, comparing it to the Wellmaker vs Moutinho fight.

The host expects Jacobe Smith to flatline Niko Price within the first round and a half, citing Smith's youth and power. He notes the odds are steep at minus 2000, but still predicts an early knockout finish.

The host calls this a 'big lock of the card', confidently predicting Jacobe Smith to win by first-round TKO. He highlights Smith's impressive KO debut and believes he will repeat that performance against an aging Niko Price who looked geriatric in his last fight. The host notes that Smith's grappling and power will be too much for Price.

Angelo picks Jhonata Diniz (referred to as Genaro Valdez) because he believes Diniz's striking experience and power will be too much for Alvin Hines, who he sees as sloppy and slow. He notes that while Hines could win if he gets the fight to the ground, Diniz's kickboxing background gives him a clear edge on the feet, and Hines's level of competition is far below that of Marcin Tybura, who exposed Diniz's grappling. He is confident Diniz will land a knockout.

Big Brady sees a significant striking advantage for Jhonata Diniz, who has power and good cardio for a heavyweight. He notes that Alvin Hines comes from a BJJ background but doesn't wrestle as much as needed, and is taking the fight on short notice. Brady is concerned about Diniz's ground game but believes Hines won't exploit it enough. He picks Diniz to win by second-round knockout, as Hines hasn't shown the wrestling volume to take Diniz down consistently.

The host thinks Hines can make it competitive in his UFC debut, but ultimately believes Diniz will pick away on the feet and find a knockout in the first two rounds.

The host confidently picks Jhonata Diniz to win by first-round TKO, criticizing Alvin Hines for taking the fight on short notice and having a poor performance against a morbidly obese opponent. He believes Diniz's kickboxing and experience in the UFC will be too much for Hines, who is not ready for a proper big kickboxer.