UFC 320

Angelo picks Magomed Ankalaev, believing the rematch will be similar to the first fight. He argues that Alex Pereira's narrative about trusting his takedown defense and letting his hands go is flawed because Ankalaev almost knocked him out in the first fight. He also notes that defending takedowns is easier when that's all you focus on, and that Ankalaev now knows he can handle Pereira's power. He expects Ankalaev to win more dominantly.

Big Brady is concerned about Pereira's age (38), potential lack of focus due to newfound wealth and lifestyle, and recent performances. He believes Ankalaev is hungrier and more dedicated. He notes that Ankalaev almost finished Pereira in the second round of their first fight and that Pereira has been hurt multiple times. He predicts Ankalaev wins by third-round knockout.

Connor picks Ankalaev, agreeing with Zane that Pereira's age and the way Ankalaev pressured him in the first fight are key factors. He emphasizes that Ankalaev's ability to make clutch decisions and prevent big swings, combined with Pereira's declining willingness to take risks, makes Ankalaev the likely winner. Connor also notes that Pereira's back-foot game is not strong enough to counter Ankalaev's pressure.

The host expects a more violent and aggressive Pereira, which could work for or against him. He likes the under 3.5 rounds and believes Ankalaev will catch a reckless Pereira and knock him out, replicating the previous fight's success.

The MMA Guru picks Magomed Ankalaev, believing his wrestling, boxing, and mental focus will be key. He notes Pereira's difficulty with southpaws and the likelihood that Ankalaev improves his takedown efficiency. He predicts a finish in the championship rounds.

Zane picks Ankalaev because he believes Pereira's age and stylistic progression have made him more cautious and less willing to pull the trigger. He notes that Ankalaev is adept at steering fights and maintaining a narrow lead, and that Pereira struggled to create offense when pressured in their first fight. Zane also mentions that Ankalaev has never been knocked out and has a good chin, though he acknowledges Pereira's power is always a threat.

Angelo picks Merab Dvalishvili, acknowledging that Cory Sandhagen is a tough matchup with good skills everywhere. He believes Merab's non-stop chain wrestling and cardio are his biggest weapons, and that Sandhagen is better than Sean O'Malley but still likely to lose. He notes that Sandhagen's cardio slowed against Umar, and that Merab's pressure will be overwhelming.

Big Brady thinks the fight will be competitive but clear in favor of Dvalishvili. He notes that Sandhagen has advantages in height, reach, and striking, but Dvalishvili's wrestling and ability to dictate where the fight takes place will be key. He expects Dvalishvili to win by decision, possibly 49-46 or 48-47. He does not like the line but is not picking against Dvalishvili.

Connor picks Dvalishvili, agreeing with Zane that Sandhagen's physicality is a major concern. He highlights that Sandhagen's best path is to pressure Merab and keep him on the back foot, but even then, Merab's wrestling and durability make it hard to win a decision. Connor also notes that Sandhagen lacks finishing power at the highest level, making it unlikely he stops Merab.

The host expects a classic Dvalishvili performance with takedowns and control time, possibly threatening submissions, but Sandhagen will be too slippery to catch, leading to a decision win for Dvalishvili.

The MMA Guru picks Merab Dvalishvili, citing his relentless pace, takedowns, and improving striking. He notes Cory Sandhagen's lack of finishing ability and tendency to leave fights close. He predicts a 49-46 or 48-47 decision.

Zane picks Dvalishvili because he believes Sandhagen lacks the physicality to consistently win scrambles and wrestling exchanges against Merab. He notes that Sandhagen has struggled against elite wrestlers like Umar Nurmagomedov and that Merab's endless cardio and improved striking make him a nightmare matchup. Zane also points out that even if Sandhagen has a good round or two, he is unlikely to finish Merab and will likely be worn down over five rounds.

Angelo picks Jiří Procházka but is not confident, as he thinks the odds are too wide. He believes Procházka's relentless forward pressure and threat of takedowns will be key against Khalil Rountree, who struggles when moving backwards. However, he notes Procházka gets hit a lot and has been knocked out twice recently, while Rountree has power and durability. He calls it a very close fight.

Big Brady acknowledges Procházka's poor striking defense but believes he is built differently and will break Rountree as the fight goes on. He notes that Procházka often switches to an aggressive style in the second round, as seen in the Rakic fight. He predicts Procházka wins by second-round knockout.

Connor picks Procházka, emphasizing that Rountree's technical improvements have not overcome his mental fragility. He notes that Procházka's relentless pressure and willingness to exchange will force Rountree into defensive mode, and that Procházka's athleticism and relaxed style give him an edge. Connor also acknowledges the possibility of Rountree landing a knockout or leg kicks, but believes Procházka's overall dynamics favor him.

The host expects a violent matchup, but Rountree's improvements will help him find Procházka's chin and his power will put Procházka away by knockout.

The MMA Guru picks Jiří Procházka, believing his chaos and durability will overwhelm Khalil Rountree. He notes Rountree's lack of one-punch KO power and tendency to fade under pressure. He predicts a third-round TKO.

Zane picks Procházka because he believes Rountree's mentality is his biggest weakness, as seen in the Jamal Hill fight where Rountree fought with fear despite having a technical advantage. Zane argues that Procházka's fearless, chaotic pressure will overwhelm Rountree, who tends to tense up and fight with a panic response. He also notes that Procházka is a better athlete, faster, and more dynamic, and that Rountree's leg kicks could be a threat but are unlikely to stop Procházka's forward pressure.

Angelo picks Youssef Zalal, citing his ability to be an outside distance striker or a full-blown grappler. He notes Zalal's high fight IQ and low strikes absorbed per minute. He acknowledges Josh Emmett's power and experience but thinks Zalal's versatility and youth will be key. He is surprised Zalal is almost a 4-to-1 favorite and would set the line at -170.

Big Brady sees this as an easy win for Zalal, who is in his prime at 29, while Emmett is 40 and fighting at featherweight. He believes Zalal can use his speed and footwork to avoid Emmett's power and mix in takedowns. He predicts Zalal by decision.

Connor picks Zalal, agreeing that Zalal's movement and ability to fight at range will give Emmett problems. He notes that Emmett's only major improvement was learning to throw punches at two speeds, but he still lacks dexterity and cage-cutting skills. Connor also mentions that Zalal's performance against Calvin Katter showed he can neutralize opponents, though he cautions that Emmett's power is a constant threat.

Zalal's style is expected to be too difficult for Emmett to track. Emmett may land some big shots, but Zalal should flow with them and get off his own offense, winning a boring decision.

The MMA Guru picks Youssef Zalal, believing his counter-striking and movement will frustrate Josh Emmett. He notes Emmett's predictable overhands and lack of grappling. He predicts a late TKO via knee up the middle.

Zane picks Zalal because he believes Zalal can frustrate Emmett with movement and range control, similar to how Laron Murphy and Yair Rodriguez did. He notes that Emmett lacks a range game and struggles when opponents refuse to engage in the pocket. Zane also points out that Zalal is a dangerous striker with good combinations and that Emmett's limited offensive toolkit makes him vulnerable to a neutralizing game plan.

Angelo picks Joe Pyfer despite his negative attitude, believing Pyfer is better than Abusupiyan Magomedov everywhere: striking, wrestling, and grappling. He notes both fighters fade, but Pyfer hits harder and has better skills. He thinks the odds are a discount because of Pyfer's personality, but he is confident in the pick.

Big Brady is confident in Joe Pyfer, noting his power from the Kelvin Gastelum fight where he dropped Gastelum multiple times. He believes Abusupiyan Magomedov gets hurt easily and has poor cardio. He thinks Pyfer's power will lead to a first-round knockout.

Connor picks Magomedov out of spite for Pyfer, but also because he believes Magomedov is the smarter pick for a decision win. He notes that Magomedov's game is shallow but consistent, and if Pyfer doesn't finish early, Magomedov's ability to frustrate with long-range strikes and takedowns will likely lead to a win. Connor considers it a coin flip but leans toward Magomedov's consistency.

Magomedov is seen as overlooked and a better all-around fighter on paper. If he survives Pyfer's early power, his striking and grappling should lead to a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Joe Pyfer, despite concerns about his calf kick defense. He notes Abus Magomedov's poor cardio and tendency to get sloppy, while Pyfer's conditioning and power should prevail. He predicts a second-round KO.

Zane picks Pyfer but with hesitation, acknowledging that Pyfer's first-round dynamism could lead to a quick finish. However, he notes that if Pyfer doesn't finish early, he tends to run out of ideas and become discouraged, while Magomedov is more consistent and can frustrate him over three rounds. Zane considers it a coin flip but sticks with Pyfer due to his explosive potential.

Angelo is extremely confident in Ateba Gautier, calling him a minus-950 favorite who should knock out Treston Vines. He highlights Gautier's nasty striking, incredible speed, and power, and notes that Vines doesn't use his range well. He expects an early knockout.

Big Brady is extremely confident in Ateba Gautier, calling the fight inhumane and suggesting it could result in the first death in UFC history. He believes Gautier will win by first-round knockout and expresses concern for Treston Vines' safety. He even holds a moment of silence for Vines.

Gautier is predicted to win by first-round knockout against Vines, who comes in on short notice for his UFC debut.

Angelo picks Daniel Santos despite the public heavily favoring Yoo Joo-sang (77% on Tapology). He believes Santos has quality wins and has proven himself in the octagon, while Yoo's only notable win is against a weak opponent. He is surprised by the public confidence in Yoo and trusts Santos as the slight favorite.

Big Brady acknowledges that this is the closest line fight on the card and that there is missing information on Yoo Joo-sang. However, he notes that Santos has been mixing in wrestling effectively in his recent fights, completing over 10 takedowns in his last three. He believes Yoo Joo-sang is too hittable and gets taken down too easily. He predicts Santos wins by decision, using his wrestling to dictate the fight.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Santos because he sees Yoo as a raw talent who has not been forced into a brawl and may struggle when Santos puts together multiple attacking ideas. Connor notes that Santos is a dark horse who is more difficult to face than he looks, and he expects Yoo to have initial success but then get caught by Santos's persistent pressure.

Santos missed weight and asked for a catchweight, indicating his body wasn't responding. The host believes Yoo Joo-sang can take advantage by counter-striking a reckless Santos or chipping away for a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Yoo Joo-sang, believing his counter-striking and power will be too much for Daniel Santos. He notes Santos's tendency to get hit while closing distance and his inactivity. He predicts a first-round KO.

Zane picks Daniel Santos because he believes Santos is a volume brawler who mixes in takedowns and holds his ground in the pocket, while JooSang Yoo, despite his raw talent and speed, has not faced real resistance and tends to drop his hands and lean back out of the pocket, leaving him vulnerable to Santos's combinations. Zane notes that Santos has never been KO'd and is durable, and he expects Santos to catch Yoo off guard with sustained offense.

Angelo is disappointed in Patchy Mix's UFC debut but acknowledges his pre-UFC grappling skills. He thinks Patchy is the better grappler in a grappler vs grappler matchup, and has higher level experience. However, he is not willing to bet on him at nearly 3-to-1 odds due to the terrible performance. He picks Patchy but says picks and bets are not the same.

Big Brady sees this as a good buy-low spot on Patchy Mix after his disappointing UFC debut. He believes Mix is a much higher-level grappler than Wikłacz and is better everywhere. He notes that Wikłacz shoots sloppy takedowns, which could lead to a submission for Mix. He predicts Mix wins by submission, likely a front choke or guillotine.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Mix because Wiklacz is a much softer matchup than Mario Bautista, who exposed Mix's struggles against fighters his own size. Connor notes that Wiklacz is not a superb athlete and is two inches shorter, making him more forgiving, but he still expects a challenge due to Wiklacz's tenacity.

Mix is seen as a better version of Wikłacz, having faced much tougher competition. The host expects Mix to outscramble, outgrapple, and outwrestle Wikłacz en route to a decision victory.

The MMA Guru picks Patchy Mix, believing he is better than his last performance suggests. He notes Mix's solid resume and expects him to finish Jakub Wikłacz, who is an unproven prospect. He predicts a first-round submission, likely a guillotine.

Zane picks Patchy Mix, noting that Wiklacz is a tenacious pressure fighter but lacks the elite athleticism and size that troubled Mix against Mario Bautista. He believes Mix should handle this matchup, but cautions that Mix still needs to prove he can beat fighters his own size, as his career has been built on smaller opponents.

Angelo sees this as a striker vs grappler matchup. He believes Edmen's striking advantage is wider than André's grappling advantage, and that Edmen can win by keeping the fight on the feet. He notes André's chin is starting to fail and that Edmen has good takedown defense when not tired. He also thinks the fight will not go the distance.

Big Brady believes André Muniz has a weak chin, citing his recent knockout losses and a delayed reaction to a shot. He notes that Muniz has been knocked out six times and all his losses are inside the distance. He thinks Shahbazyan has power and will knock out Muniz, likely in the first round. He predicts a first-round knockout for Shahbazyan.

Connor picks Muniz to keep it interesting, seeing a path where Muniz sucks Shahbazyan into a grappling hell early on, making Shahbazyan fight well but have a miserable time, leading to his typical panic and collapse. He notes that Muniz's aggressive grappling could overwhelm Shahbazyan, especially if Muniz commits to wrestling from the start.

The host is skeptical of Shahbazyan as a chalky favorite due to gas tank issues, but still expects him to walk Munz onto a big shot and win by knockout.

The MMA Guru picks Edmen Shahbazyan, believing his youth, power, and takedown defense will be key. He notes André Muniz's vulnerability to strikes and poor decision-making. He predicts a first-round TKO.

Zane picks Shahbazyan because he believes Muniz is a pure grappler who is not good at staying in control of a fight, unlike the fighters who have previously broken Shahbazyan (e.g., Derek Brunson, Jack Hermansson). He notes that Muniz is a risky, chancy grappler who can get a quick submission but is a mess standing, and Shahbazyan is a rangy, sharp shooter with good striking. However, he acknowledges the potential for Shahbazyan to meltdown.

Angelo trusts that Punahele Soriano will use his wrestling, as a Division III All-American, to win, despite his tendency to sometimes just strike. He notes Soriano has heavy hands but poor takedown defense, while Veretennikov is a powerful striker who can be taken down. His concern is that Soriano might abandon wrestling after a recent knockout win. He is not betting on this fight.

Big Brady likes Soriano, especially at welterweight, where he seems like a different animal with improved cardio and strength. He notes that Veretennikov has awful cardio and a poor ground game, and that Soriano can wrestle him, get him tired, and finish him on the mat. He predicts a second-round TKO for Soriano.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Soriano but noting that it depends on whether Soriano fights well. He hopes to see a more aggressive, active, and wrestling-minded Soriano, as seen in his welterweight debut, but acknowledges that his previous opponents (Miguel Baeza and Eros Medich) were not reliable tests.

Soriano is expected to put his power on Veretennikov early, and if he doesn't finish within the first minute and a half, he will resort to wrestling and grind out a decision win.

The MMA Guru confidently picks Punahele Soriano, comparing him to Francisco Prado who gave Veretennikov trouble. He notes Soriano's power, pressure, and ability to close distance, while Veretennikov stands too upright and struggles with aggressive fighters. He predicts a first-round KO.

Zane picks Soriano because the welterweight move has made him feel bigger, stronger, and more confident, allowing him to wrestle more effectively. He notes that Veretennikov is a bad wrestler who gave up takedowns to Francisco Prado, and Soriano should be able to exploit that. However, he cautions that Soriano is prone to inactivity and single-idea offense.

Angelo likes Yana Santos as a plus-185 underdog. He thinks Macy Chiasson has abandoned her Muay Thai style for grappling, which plays into Yana's strengths as a good striker with good footwork and range management. He notes that in Las Vegas, takedowns don't score well, so empty takedowns won't help Macy. He also mentions a potential plus-3.5 spread bet.

Big Brady is confident in Macy Chiasson, noting that Yana Santos is very bad on the bottom and has been knocked out multiple times. He believes Chiasson can get takedowns and finish the fight with ground and pound or a submission. He acknowledges that Chiasson struggled against Ketlen Vieira, but attributes that to Vieira's elite takedown defense. He predicts a third-round submission for Chiasson.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Santos because Chiasson's offensive piling up is a thin veneer that collapses when things go wrong. He expects Chiasson to crash into the clinch and get bullied on the fence, as she does when she is not the stronger fighter. He also notes that Santos is a neutralizer who can break through Chiasson's game.

Chiasson missed weight again, and the host sees this as an opportunity for Santos to take advantage with her striking advantage and good takedown defense, running away with the fight on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Macy Chiasson, citing her physicality and size advantage. He notes that Yana Santos lacks a logical path to victory and Chiasson's pressure and clinch work should be enough. He predicts a 29-28 decision.

Zane picks Santos because Chiasson's success depends on being bigger and stronger than her opponent, and when she is not, she looks weak and collapses. He notes that Santos is big and awkward, and can keep the fight at her range or be competitive inside physically. He also points out that Santos has beaten Ketlen Vieira and Misha Tate, while Chiasson lost to Vieira and would likely lose to Tate.

Angelo sees Farid Basharat as the better fighter everywhere, with underrated striking and very good wrestling. He notes Chris Gutierrez has wrestling holes, having been taken down seven times in his last four fights. He thinks Farid's takedown defense and movement will be key, and that Gutierrez's leg kicks might not be enough to slow him down. He considers the 4-to-1 odds appropriate.

Big Brady is very confident in Farid Basharat, calling him a massive favorite at -450. He criticizes Chris Gutierrez as a boring fighter who relies on leg kicks and has poor takedown defense and get-up game. He notes that Gutierrez has been taken down by lesser wrestlers, and Basharat has a massive advantage in wrestling and grappling. He predicts Basharat wins by decision.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Basharat because Gutierrez has shown he cannot handle persistent pressure, as in the Pedro Munhoz fight. He notes that Basharat's real skill is taking openings given to him, using strikes to set up takedowns, and that Gutierrez's frustration will mount. However, he cautions that Basharat has never applied the relentless pressure of Munhoz and may need to adjust to Gutierrez's frustrating style.

Basharat's grinding game is expected to be effective against Gutierrez, who is a fish off his back. The host expects Basharat to be competitive in striking and mix in wrestling for a decision victory.

The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat, citing his offensive grappling and mixing of strikes. He notes Chris Gutierrez's vulnerability to takedowns and lack of finishing ability. He predicts a 29-28 decision.

Zane picks Basharat because he believes Basharat's pressure and wrestling will break Gutierrez, who has a history of emotional breakdowns when fights get difficult, as seen against Pedro Munhoz. He notes that Basharat's game allows for connective pressure, and even if Gutierrez frustrates him early, Basharat's versatility will eventually overwhelm Gutierrez's neutralization game.

Angelo sees this as a grappler vs grappler matchup. He believes Austin Vanderford is the better wrestler, which is the key factor since both have similar jiu-jitsu and striking. He notes that Ramiz Brahimaj can get stuck on his back and that his jiu-jitsu off his back is not as good as on top. He expects Vanderford to get takedowns and control the fight, but is not very confident in a finish.

Big Brady acknowledges that Ramiz Brahimaj is live in the first round, as he typically wins early. However, he believes Vanderford can survive the early storm, extend the fight, and mix in takedowns as the fight goes on. He notes that Brahimaj has slowed down in longer fights and that Vanderford is a good grappler. He predicts Vanderford by decision.

Connor picks Brahimaj hesitantly, noting that while both fighters are similar, Brahimaj will bring an aggressive fight and is more likely to push the pace. He acknowledges that Vanderford is vulnerable and that Brahimaj has power, but admits there is not much to separate them.

The host believes Vanderford will utilize his grappling excellence to stay out of Brahimaj's submission danger and eventually secure a second or third round TKO finish.

The MMA Guru picks Austin Vanderford, believing his size, wrestling, and durability will be too much for Ramiz Brahimaj. He notes Brahimaj's inconsistency and poor performances against solid competition, while Vanderford has shown grit and improving grappling. He predicts a decision win for Vanderford.

Zane picks Vanderford hesitantly, noting that both fighters are similar: good grapplers but not slick strikers. He gives Vanderford the edge because he can lay on opponents better and is more likely to control the fight, though he is also more likely to get knocked out when he screws up. Zane admits it's a coin flip.

Angelo is very confident in Veronica Hardy, calling her a 5-to-1 favorite who should be 10-to-1. He highlights her Taekwondo background, good footwork, technical striking, and ability to cut angles. He notes she also has clean takedowns and high fight IQ, while Brogan Walker is described as not very good at fighting, with a gifted BJJ black belt and infrequent fights. He expects an easy win for Hardy.

Big Brady is very confident in Veronica Hardy, calling her the second biggest favorite at -825. He notes that Brogan Walker is 36 years old, hasn't fought in two and a half years, and looked awful in her last two fights. He believes Hardy is better everywhere—striking, wrestling, and grappling—and that Hardy would have to try really hard to lose. He predicts a decision win for Hardy.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Hardy because Walker is uncoordinated and has not shown improvement. He notes that Hardy is a good athlete with a technical base, and even though she used to fall apart early in her career, she has become a more competitive fighter. He expects Hardy to win easily.

Hardy is a heavy favorite at minus 800, but the host does not consider it bet-worthy. He expects Hardy to chip away at Walker and win on the scorecards, noting Walker's extended layoff of two and a half years.

The MMA Guru picks Veronica Hardy, citing her technical striking and submission game. He notes that while she struggles against physical opponents, Brogan Walker hasn't shown enough to win. He expects a close 29-28 decision, with Hardy's technical kicks and submissions being the difference.

Zane picks Hardy confidently, stating that Brogan Walker is really bad and uncoordinated, and has not fought in over two years. He notes that Hardy is fast, technical, and has become a consistent round-to-round fighter with good conditioning and well-rounded skills. He believes Hardy will easily outclass Walker.