UFC Fight Night 253

Angelo picks Manel Kape because of his explosive striking and southpaw pressure, noting that Almabayev's takedown success (1/6 in his last fight) is a major concern. He believes Almabayev needs to threaten takedowns to neutralize Kape's striking, but doubts he can do so effectively. Angelo also mentions a potential live bet opportunity if Almabayev fails to secure early takedowns.

Big Brady picks Manel Kape, citing his improved takedown defense and striking advantage. He notes Asu Almabayev is stepping up in competition and likely cannot hold Kape down. He expects Kape to stuff takedowns and win by decision, but warns that Kape sometimes fights passively.

Connor picks Kape, emphasizing that Kape is a pressure counter-puncher who will make Almabayev work under pressure, unlike Nicolau who gave Almabayev free distance. He notes that Almabayev's approach against Nicolau was rudimentary and that Kape's speed and power will be a problem. Connor also mentions that Kape is much more talented than Nicolau and that Almabayev's level of competition hasn't been high.

The host expects Kape to use his defensive grappling to shut down Almabayev's game. Once Almabayev decides to strike, that will be the beginning of the end, as Kape should land more effective strikes and possibly find a knockout, but ultimately win on the scorecards over 25 minutes.

The Guru picks Manel Kape over Asu Almabayev. He believes Kape is the truth and will become champion. He praises Kape's recent performance against Bruno Silva and his takedown defense. He notes Kape's power advantage and finishing potential, predicting a TKO in the second or third round.

Zane picks Kape because he is faster, more powerful, and more dynamic than Almabayev. He notes that Almabayev struggled against a similar counter-puncher in Nicolau, and Kape is a pressure counter-puncher who will maintain distance aggressively, forcing Almabayev to work under pressure. Zane acknowledges the risk of a boring decision loss but believes Kape's speed and power will find openings over five rounds.

Angelo picks Cody Brundage, citing his wrestling background, power, and the fact that Julian Marquez is coming off back-to-back knockout losses with a year layoff. He acknowledges Brundage's questionable fight IQ but believes he is a good fighter overall. He also notes that both fighters are exciting and expects the fight to end early.

Big Brady hesitantly picks Julian Marquez, citing his durability and heart, as well as a slick submission game. He notes Cody Brundage is more skilled but has a bad nail and may quit if hurt. He predicts Marquez will win by first-round submission after Brundage gets hurt and shoots for a takedown.

Connor picks Marquez, noting that Brundage has a single idea that quickly exhausts, while Marquez is a willing scrapper who can fight through adversity. He mentions that Marquez has been getting knocked out lately but still has the toughness to outlast Brundage. Connor also jokes about Marquez's personality but sticks with him as the pick.

The host expects a chaotic matchup and suggests the under 1.5 rounds is the best bet. He leans with Marquez, believing his power striking and slick submissions can catch Brundage, who has been hurt repeatedly. However, he notes Brundage could also catch Marquez, who has lost three straight by knockout. He predicts a club-and-sub within the first round and a half.

The Guru picks Cody Brundage over Julian Marquez. He notes Marquez is on a three-fight losing streak, older, and possibly struggling with drinking. Brundage is younger, hungrier, and has finishing potential. He predicts a finish for Brundage.

Zane picks Marquez despite his recent knockout losses, citing Marquez's willingness to scrap and fight through adversity. He notes that Brundage has a one-plan approach that falls apart after 30 seconds, and while Brundage might have a good idea early, Marquez's brawling will eventually overwhelm him. Zane acknowledges the fight is low-level but favors Marquez's toughness.

Angelo picks Esteban Ribovics, highlighting his sneaky power, tight striking, and ability to mix in takedowns and BJJ. He notes that Nasrat Haqparast is not very dangerous and tends to win close decisions, but believes Ribovics can win more decisively. He also mentions that Vegas judges don't favor Nasrat, which could help Ribovics.

Big Brady picks Esteban Ribovics, citing his volume, durability, and power. He notes Nasrat Haqparast is not a wrestler and will stand and trade, which favors Ribovics. He predicts Ribovics will break Haqparast and knock him out in the second round.

Connor picks Ribovics as a fun flyer, noting that Ribovics is a pocket combination puncher who will force exchanges and get hit but also land. He mentions that Haqparast has lost to similar pressure fighters like Dober and that Ribovics has the power to hurt him. Connor admits it's a competitive fight but goes with Ribovics for the upset.

The host acknowledges the public is high on Ribovics after his Fight of the Year candidate, but believes they are overlooking Haqparast's experience and strength of schedule. He expects Haqparast's combination striking to overcome the favorite and win a decision.

The Guru picks Esteban Ribovics over Nasrat Haqparast. He views Haqparast as a simple straight-punch fighter without enough power, while Ribovics is more dynamic with better footwork, kicks, and versatility. He notes Ribovics' fight of the year contender and predicts a close 29-28 decision win.

Zane picks Haqparast, banking on his speed and experience in close fights. He notes that Haqparast rarely loses to opponents he is faster than, and Ribovics is hittable and will force exchanges. Zane acknowledges that Haqparast can be out-thought but believes his athleticism will carry him in a brawl.

Despite his personal dislike for Gomis, Angelo picks him because he is more tactical and well-rounded everywhere except raw power. He believes Gomis will outpoint Hyder Amil with his Muay Thai and opportunistic grappling, though he admits Amil's forward pressure could steal rounds. He suggests betting on Gomis to overcome his bias.

Big Brady leans toward Hyder Amil, despite the wide line. He notes Amil's high volume, pressure, and ability to win in multiple ways (KO, submission, decision). He criticizes William Gomis for being boring and defensively responsible but lacking offense. He predicts Amil will put a pace on Gomis and finish him in the third round by KO.

Connor picks Amil as a fun flyer, noting that Amil is a violent, unthinking aggressor who can hurt Gomis early. He compares Amil to Sean Porter and notes that if Amil fights the fight that Joanderson Brito should have fought, Gomis can lose. Connor admits Gomis is a better neutralizer but takes the chance on Amil's power.

The host expects Amil to use his high pace and pressure to keep Gomis on the defensive. He predicts either a third-round finish or a decision win for Amil.

The Guru picks William Gomis over Hyder Amil. He dismisses Amil's undefeated record, calling his wins unimpressive. He praises Gomis's performance against Joanderson Brito and his win over Francis Marshall. He predicts Gomis will pick Amil apart at range and get a late finish in the second or third round.

Zane picks Gomis, seeing this as a classic neutralizer vs. unthinking aggressor matchup. He notes that Amil is a wind-up toy who doesn't adjust, and Gomis's style of backing up and tying up should work. Zane acknowledges that Gomis can be hurt but believes Amil will walk into his clinch game repeatedly.

Angelo picks Danny Barlow, noting his longer reach and better use of range compared to Sam Patterson, who relies too much on his length. He believes Barlow will control the striking and potentially find a finish, though he has concerns about Barlow's ground game if the fight goes there. He sees Patterson as unlikely to win.

Big Brady picks Danny Barlow, citing his powerful left hand and Sam Patterson's poor striking defense. He notes Patterson's chin is exposed and he's been knocked out before. He predicts a first-round knockout, but warns that if the fight goes to the ground, Patterson could be dangerous.

Connor picks Barlow all day, emphasizing that Patterson's defense is still awful and he is unconscionably hittable. He notes that Barlow has size parity and is a good athlete who fights at range, which will force Patterson to reach and expose his chin. Connor recalls his previous criticism of Patterson and sees this as a clear win for Barlow.

The host expects a fun striking battle where Patterson may try to take the fight to the ground, but Barlow's wrestling defense will keep it upright. He believes Barlow's power striking, specifically his left straight, will catch Patterson and knock him out clean.

The Guru picks Sam Patterson as an underdog over Danny Barlow. He believes Patterson's grappling and reach advantage will be key, and that he can avoid Barlow's power. He notes Patterson's submission wins at 170 and his experience at 155. He predicts a submission win, likely a rear-naked choke in the first or second round.

Zane picks Barlow confidently, noting that Barlow is a long-range outboxer who just fought a similar tall fighter and was comfortable. He points out that Patterson's defense is awful and his chin is exposed, and Barlow has size parity, negating Patterson's usual advantages. Zane sees this as a nightmare matchup for Patterson.

Angelo does not make a clear pick for this fight. He notes that Mário Pinto has good takedown defense and power, but Austen Lane is athletic and experienced. He is hesitant due to Pinto's -330 odds as a UFC debutant and decides to avoid betting on this fight, calling it a 'conservative anchor' and suggesting it's the type of fight bet Sam might take.

Big Brady picks Mário Pinto, impressed by his well-rounded skills. He notes Austen Lane's only path is wrestling, but Pinto can stuff takedowns and has a striking advantage. He predicts Pinto will knock out Lane within the first two rounds.

The host is high on Mario Pinto in his UFC debut, believing his takedown defense will shut down Lane's wrestling and that he is the superior striker. He expects Pinto to find a knockout and get his hand raised.

The Guru picks Mário Pinto over Austen Lane. He notes Pinto's technical striking and finishing ability on the contender series, despite looking flabby. He thinks Lane is dangerous but has been knocked out before. He predicts a TKO finish for Pinto in his debut.

Angelo picks Chepe Mariscal confidently, highlighting his relentless pressure, cardio, and well-rounded skills. He notes that Mariscal is not amazing at anything but his pace and forward movement wear opponents down. He sees the only path to victory for Ricardo Ramos as a slick submission, but believes Mariscal is too much of a dog to get caught.

Big Brady picks Chepe Mariscal, noting his heart, cardio, and durability. He criticizes Ricardo Ramos for lacking heart, cardio, and durability, and expects Mariscal to break him. He predicts a third-round TKO finish.

The host agrees with the public betting love for Mariscal, citing his high pace and superior overall grappling (wrestling and BJJ). He expects Mariscal to shut down Ramos's game, overwhelm him, and win on the scorecards.

The Guru picks Chepe Mariscal over Ricardo Ramos. He praises Mariscal's consistency, pace, chin, and ability to win scrambles. He criticizes Ramos as inconsistent and notes Mariscal is undefeated in the UFC. He predicts a finish, specifically a second or third round TKO.

Angelo picks Danny Silva, noting his durability and the fact that he showed wrestling as a backup plan in his last fight. He acknowledges that Silva's striking defense is terrible and he will get hit, but believes he can outlast Lucas Almeida and potentially use takedowns. He is hesitant due to Silva's poor striking defense and the high price tag.

Big Brady picks Danny Silva, citing his youth, durability, volume, and wrestling/grappling upside. He questions Lucas Almeida's ground game, noting he gets stuck on his back. He predicts Silva will mix in takedowns and submit Almeida in the second round.

The host believes many are overlooking the Brazilian's chances, especially at plus 160 odds. He expects Almeida to utilize his Muay Thai approach to cut up Danny Silva and impress the judges, winning a decision.

The Guru picks Danny Silva over Lucas Almeida. He likes Silva's toughness, grit, and cardio shown on the contender series and in his UFC debut. He views Almeida as a 50/50 fighter with mixed results, and favors the prospect Silva. He predicts a 29-28 decision in a back-and-forth scrap.

Angelo picks Andrea Lee despite her five-fight losing streak, arguing that she is still a good striker with quality losses and close decisions. He criticizes JJ Aldrich as inconsistent and lacking in wrestling and striking. He sees value in Lee at +163 odds but warns against betting on this fight due to the unpredictability of both fighters.

Big Brady picks JJ Aldrich but is hesitant. He acknowledges value on Andrea Lee at +170 but cannot pick her due to her five-fight losing streak and apparent decline. He notes Aldrich's takedown defense and striking should be enough, but expects a close split decision.

The host leans with Aldrich, believing she can use her striking approach to nullify Lee's kickboxing and shut down any grappling attempts. He expects Aldrich's combination style to earn her a decision win.

The Guru picks JJ Aldrich over Andrea Lee. He reasons that Andrea Lee is on a five-fight losing streak and declining, while Aldrich is more well-rounded and can get takedowns. He recalls Aldrich's performance against Erin Blanchfield before getting caught in a guillotine. He predicts a split decision win for Aldrich.

Angelo slightly leans towards Ramazan Temirov, citing his power and the judges' tendency to favor damage over clean technique. He acknowledges that Charles Johnson is more technical and could win a decision if he fights perfectly, but believes Temirov's power and aggression might sway the judges. He does not bet on this fight due to its razor-thin nature.

Big Brady picks Charles Johnson, citing his superior experience, cardio, and output. He notes that Ramazan Temirov relies on power shots but flyweight knockouts are rare, and Johnson has never been finished. He expects Johnson to win by decision, and even made a bet that if Johnson wins, he'll buy a 'Scallet Gang' t-shirt.

The host believes Temirov is a future title contender and will showcase his potential this weekend. He highlights Temirov's footwork, angle cutting, and explosive approach in the pocket, expecting his power shots to be more impactful. He predicts a knockout within the first two rounds.

The Guru picks Charles Johnson over Ramazan Temirov. He acknowledges Temirov's danger and finishing ability but doubts he can land a KO shot on Johnson, who has a great chin, good cardio, and range. He notes Johnson's win over Joshua Van and close fight with Sumudaarji. He predicts a decision win for Johnson, possibly a late TKO if Temirov slows down.