UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker

Angelo leans Arman Tsarukyan over Dan Hooker, but calls the -550 odds insane. He notes Tsarukyan's wrestling and striking are elite, but Hooker has heart and takedown defense, as seen against Gamrot. Tsarukyan should get takedowns and control Hooker, but Hooker could make it a dogfight. Angelo suggests Hooker at +5.5 is a decent bet.

Big Brady picks Arman Tsarukyan (Magomed Ankalaev) by third-round KO, citing his championship caliber and youth. He notes Hooker's struggles against top competition and expects Ankalaev to finish him via TKO on the mat or a big shot on the feet.

Cody picks Arman Tsarukyan but is hesitant due to the betting line. He notes Arman has the grappling edge and is younger, but Dan Hooker thrives in five-round fights and has a decent get-up game. Cody worries about Arman's past fatigue and the possibility of judges favoring damage over control time in Qatar. He suggests hedging after the first round if Hooker is still competitive.

Connor picks Tsarukyan as a knee-jerk reaction, citing his elite grappling and top control. He notes Hooker's vulnerability to early finishes and slow starts, but acknowledges Hooker's toughness and 25% chance of a KO. Connor emphasizes Tsarukyan's bullying style and potential to finish quickly on the ground.

Lucrative James picks Arman Tsarukyan despite rooting for Dan Hooker. He cites Arman's elite wrestling as the key factor, noting Hooker's historical struggles with grapplers. He mentions Arman's age advantage (29 vs 35), recent training with the Russian Olympic wrestling team, and improved submission game. He also notes Hooker's inactivity and hand surgery concerns. However, he acknowledges Hooker's dangerous striking and hopes for an upset.

Tsarukyan is a top lightweight with elite wrestling and cardio. Hooker is durable but has taken a lot of damage. Tsarukyan should dominate with grappling and pressure, winning by decision or late finish. The method is uncertain but the win is solid.

Paul leans towards Dan Hooker as a plus money underdog, citing value at plus 420. He acknowledges Arman's takedowns are the path of least resistance against Hooker, but believes Hooker can hang around and make it competitive. Paul mentions that if forced to bet one side right now, he'd take Hooker, but he doesn't have to bet it.

The MMA Guru picks Arman Tsarukyan over Dan Hooker, citing Arman's superior grappling and ability to maintain dominant positions. He notes Hooker's broken arms and believes Arman will finish him via ground and pound in round two or three. He acknowledges Hooker's underrated takedown defense but trusts Arman's improvement.

Zane agrees with Connor, picking Tsarukyan due to his superior wrestling and top control. He notes Hooker's tendency to start slow and get overwhelmed, but also mentions Hooker's durability and ability to make fights competitive over five rounds. Zane highlights Tsarukyan's power and speed as key factors.

Angelo picks Ian Garry over Belal Muhammad. He argues that if Garry can defend takedowns, he wins easily due to superior striking, length, speed, and power. Muhammad's only path is wrestling, but he has no Plan B. Garry showed adjustments in his loss to Shavkat, while Muhammad is one-dimensional. Angelo acknowledges the fight is competitive but favors Garry.

Big Brady picks Ian Machado Garry by decision, criticizing Belal Muhammad's fight IQ and game plan. He believes Muhammad will try to strike instead of wrestle, leading to a clear decision loss. He notes Muhammad's tools but doubts his execution.

Cody picks Ian Garry confidently, noting that Belal Muhammad's wins are aging poorly and that Garry is younger, bigger, and has better takedown defense. He believes Garry can outpoint Muhammad and stuff takedowns, similar to how Michael Morales beat Brady. Cody warns against falling into the trap of hating on Belal, but ultimately sees Garry's advantages.

Connor picks Garry, citing his size, reach, and athleticism as key advantages over Muhammad. He notes that Muhammad's wins have come against smaller opponents and that Garry's improved striking and clinch work from the Prochazka fight give him confidence. Connor acknowledges Muhammad's tactical skill but doubts his physicality at the elite level.

Lucrative James picks Ian Garry, citing his superior striking, youth (27 vs 37), and recent grappling improvements shown against Shavkat Rakhmonov. He believes Belal's only path is wrestling, but Garry's takedown defense and scrambling have improved. He notes the 10-year age gap and Garry's momentum. He predicts a decision win for Garry.

Garry is a slick striker with high fight IQ and takedown defense. Muhammad relies on grappling pressure but may struggle to get takedowns. Garry should out-strike him and win a decision, possibly with a late finish.

Paul picks Ian Garry, having added him to parlays early. He believes Garry's length, footwork, and takedown defense will be too much for Belal, who is at the end of his career. Paul notes that Belal's wins are aging poorly and that Garry's striking and ring IQ are superior.

The MMA Guru picks Ian Garry over Belal Muhammad, believing Garry's striking and takedown defense will be too much. He notes Garry's performances against Shavkat and MVP. He predicts a third-round TKO, with Garry calling out Makhachev afterward.

Zane also picks Garry, emphasizing his faith in Garry's improved game plan and coaching from the Prochazka fight. He notes that Garry's reach and ability to control range will trouble Muhammad, who lacks the athleticism to pressure effectively. Zane sees Muhammad's path to victory as narrow, requiring a perfect game plan.

Angelo leans Volkan Oezdemir over Alonzo Menifield, despite rooting for Menifield. He notes Oezdemir's leg kicks were effective against Carlos Ulberg and could neutralize Menifield's power. Both are similar aging vets with above-average striking and below-average wrestling, but Oezdemir is cleaner and has better cardio. Angelo calls the odds an atrocity and suggests value on Menifield.

Big Brady picks Volkan Oezdemir by decision, noting his higher level of competition and defensive responsibility. He expects the fight to go the distance and favors Oezdemir's output and experience over Menifield.

Cody picks Volkan Oezdemir confidently, despite feeling it might be a trap. He notes that Menifield has only beaten green or inexperienced fighters and has poor takedown defense. Volkan has fought higher-level competition and has power. Cody believes Volkan's experience and power will be too much for Menifield, who tends to freeze against power punchers.

Connor picks Oezdemir, noting that Menifield lacks the tools to exploit Oezdemir's weaknesses. He explains that Oezdemir struggles against a good jab or aggressive ground game, but Menifield relies on power and size, which Oezdemir can handle. Connor cites Oezdemir's wins over similar fighters like Johnny Walker and Paul Craig.

Lucrative James picks Volkan Oezdemir but with low confidence, calling it a close fight. He notes Volkan's technical striking and leg kicks, but acknowledges Menifield's athleticism and power. He thinks Volkan will win a decision by doing slightly more on the feet, but admits he may bet on Menifield as an underdog. He also mentions the over/under prop.

Oezdemir has power and can exploit Menifield's durability issues. Menifield is a live underdog with power of his own. The under 2.5 rounds is a better bet than the moneyline, as both have knockout potential.

Paul picks Volkan Oezdemir, agreeing with Cody. He notes that all metrics point to Volkan, and Menifield's wins are against lower-level opponents. Paul mentions that Menifield has been knocked out quickly by power punchers, and Volkan has the power to do the same.

The MMA Guru picks Volkan Oezdemir over Alonzo Menifield, citing Oezdemir's experience and takedown defense. He notes Menifield's poor decision-making and believes Oezdemir will out-strike him. He predicts a second-round TKO win for Oezdemir.

Zane agrees with Connor, picking Oezdemir. He notes that Menifield's best chance is if Oezdemir has a bad night, but Oezdemir's pressure and aggression should overwhelm Menifield. Zane highlights Oezdemir's experience against higher-level competition and Menifield's tendency to lose to fighters who don't respect his power.

Angelo picks Myktybek Orolbai over Jack Hermansson, calling it a life savings on the caveman. He describes Orolbai as a fun grappler with non-stop pressure, cardio, and power, while Hermansson is an aging welterweight moving down in weight, which weakens his chin and cardio. Orolbai's game plan is simple: takedown, smash, win.

Big Brady picks Myktybek Orolbai (Mairbek Tukhugov) by first-round knockout, citing Hermansson's recent brutal KO loss and quick turnaround. He questions Hermansson's chin and weight cut to welterweight, expecting Orolbai to land a big shot and finish him early.

Cody picks Jack Hermansson confidently, pending weight cut. He notes that Orolbai is one-dimensional, a weight bully who relies on takedowns but has poor striking defense. Jack has a reach advantage, excellent wrestling, and BJJ. Cody believes Jack can stuff takedowns and outwork Orolbai, who gasses and gets hit a lot.

Connor picks Orolbai, citing his physicality and grinding style as a problem for Hermansson. He notes that Hermansson is making a drastic weight cut to welterweight, which often fails at this career stage. Connor acknowledges Hermansson's win over Joe Pyfer but sees Orolbai's natural size and aggression as decisive.

Lucrative James picks Myktybek Orolbai, citing the weight class advantage (Orolbai moving up from 155, Hermansson cutting from 185). He believes Orolbai has better striking power, durability, and grappling. He notes Hermansson's recent KO loss and questionable chin. He predicts Orolbai will win, possibly by knockout.

Orolbai is a pressure grappler with solid cardio and finishing ability. Hermansson is dropping to welterweight at 37, with durability concerns and a long layoff. Orolbai should overwhelm Hermansson and finish him via TKO or submission.

Paul picks Jack Hermansson, noting that Orolbai is moving up to welterweight and has struggled with bigger opponents. Jack is a natural welterweight with good wrestling and submission skills. Paul believes Jack's experience and size will be too much for Orolbai, who has poor cardio and striking defense.

The MMA Guru picks Myktybek Orolbai over Jack Hermansson, believing Orolbai's speed and technique will overcome Hermansson's size. He notes Hermansson's KO loss and weight cut to welterweight. He trusts Orolbai's grappling defense and offensive submissions, predicting a win.

Zane picks Hermansson, betting that his size and strength at welterweight will be enough to control Orolbai. He notes that Orolbai's success depends on physicality, and if Hermansson is too strong, Orolbai's one-dimensional pressure will fail. Zane admits it's a risky pick given Hermansson's recent losses.

Angelo picks Shamil Gaziev over Waldo Cortes Acosta, despite mocking Gaziev's appearance. He notes Gaziev is a much better striker with power and capable wrestling, while Acosta is a grappler who can be outworked and out-athleted. Gaziev should dominate on the feet and keep the fight standing, leading to a win.

Big Brady leans Shamil Gaziev by first-round knockout, despite acknowledging Spivak's inconsistency. He believes Gaziev's power and forward pressure will overwhelm Spivak, who has been knocked out by lesser fighters. He notes Spivak's path via grappling but can't count on him to execute.

Cody picks Shamil Gaziev but is not confident. He notes both fighters have awful cardio, but Gaziev has better wrestling and power. Cody believes Gaziev can knock out Spivac early, as Spivac gasses quickly and has poor takedown defense. He mentions the location in Qatar might favor Gaziev.

Connor picks Spivak (Waldo Cortes Acosta), predicting that Gaziev will gas after an early takedown attempt, allowing Spivak to take over with his clinch and jab. He notes Gaziev's poor defensive striking and tendency to fade, while Spivak manages fights well. Connor acknowledges Gaziev's speed and power could lead to an early KO.

Lucrative James picks Shamil Gaziev, citing his power striking and durability. He notes Sergey Spivac's questionable mentality and recent poor performances. He believes Gaziev's power will be too much and predicts a knockout win. He also mentions Spivac's camp change as a potential negative.

Gaziev has knockout power and physicality. Spivac is on a losing streak and may struggle with Gaziev's strength. Gaziev should land a big shot and finish Spivac by the second round.

Paul leans towards Gaziev, citing his wrestling and power. He notes that Spivac has poor cardio and has been finished when tired. Paul believes Gaziev can take Spivac down or knock him out early, but acknowledges it's a greasy fight.

The MMA Guru picks Shamil Gaziev over Waldo Cortes Acosta, citing Gaziev's pressure and ability to barrage opponents. He notes Spivak's vulnerability when pressured. He expects a close decision, with Gaziev undeniable as the fight goes on.

Zane agrees with Connor, picking Spivak. He notes that Gaziev's cardio is a major issue and that Spivak's reach and jab will become factors as the fight progresses. Zane sees Spivak as a competent heavyweight who can survive early danger and take over late.

Angelo picks Tagir Ulanbekov over returning Kyoji Horiguchi. He describes Ulanbekov as a dominant forward wrestler with decent striking, while Horiguchi is older and less athletic. The stylistic matchup favors Ulanbekov, who can get Horiguchi against the cage and drag him down. Angelo expects a dominant win with many takedowns and control.

Big Brady picks Tagir Ulanbekov by decision, citing his size, underrated striking, and grappling advantage over an aging Horiguchi. He expects Ulanbekov to win the grappling exchanges and control the fight, making it frustrating for Horiguchi.

Cody picks Kyoji Horiguchi confidently, noting his superior striking and experience. He believes Horiguchi's ability to scramble and defend takedowns will be key. Cody points out that Ulanbekov has only fought lower-ranked opponents and has struggled against better competition.

Connor picks Horiguchi, relying on his elite athleticism and championship-level experience. He notes that Horiguchi's takedown game and top control are strong, but Ulanbekov's scrambling and submission threats make it risky. Connor acknowledges Ulanbekov's pressure and wrestling could cause problems, but believes Horiguchi's speed and strength will prevail.

Lucrative James picks Tagir Ulanbekov, citing Horiguchi's declining chin and recent knockout losses. He believes Ulanbekov has more power and a better chin. He expects a striking fight where Ulanbekov lands the harder shots, possibly a knockout. He also notes Horiguchi's age (35) and potential deterioration.

Ulanbekov has a smothering wrestling style and a reach advantage. Horiguchi is well-rounded but may struggle with Ulanbekov's pressure and takedowns. Ulanbekov should win a decision by controlling the fight.

Paul picks Kyoji Horiguchi, citing his high-level competition and skills. He notes that Ulanbekov is the weak link of the Khabib team and has been taken down by lesser fighters. Paul believes Horiguchi's striking and scrambling will be too much.

The MMA Guru picks Kyoji Horiguchi over Tagir Ulanbekov, though hesitantly. He notes Horiguchi's experience and wins over Sergio Pettis and Naoki Inoue. He worries about Tagir's size but believes Horiguchi's craftiness and grappling will earn a close 29-28 decision.

Zane picks Ulanbekov, citing his relentless pressure and solid defensive wrestling. He notes that Horiguchi's top game is not elite and that Ulanbekov's scrambling and submission hunting could catch him. Zane criticizes the booking as unfair to Horiguchi, but sees Ulanbekov as the more consistent fighter in the UFC context.

Angelo leans Luke Riley over Bogdan Grad, citing Riley's speed and cleaner striking. He notes Grad has a wrestling advantage but Riley has shown good takedown defense in every fight. Angelo warns that Cage Warriors prospects can be overhyped, so he's cautious but picks Riley due to speed being the biggest factor.

Big Brady picks Luke Riley by third-round knockout, impressed by his power and striking. He notes Grad's hittability and questionable chin, and expects Riley to find the chin as Grad slows down. He acknowledges Grad's grappling path but doesn't think he'll fight smart.

Cody picks Luke Riley, believing his volume and cardio will overwhelm Grad. He notes that Grad has poor takedown defense and tends to lose position. Cody thinks Riley can work his way back into the fight if taken down and finish via knockout.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Riley. He notes that Riley is speedy, crafty, and scrappy, and if Grad shows any weakness on the feet or fails to get takedowns, Riley will build a brutal assault. He mentions Riley's age (26) and potential to develop physicality. He also notes that Riley got hurt in a previous fight but showed inexperience.

Riley is a nasty striker with good takedown defense, but the odds are too wide. Grad has grappling opportunities and could win by submission or decision. Riley by TKO is the prediction, but a sprinkle on Grad is considered.

Paul leans towards Luke Riley but is tempted by Bogdan Grad as an underdog. He notes Riley's all-action style and gas tank, but acknowledges Grad's wrestling could be a problem. Paul ultimately sides with Riley due to his volume and finishing ability.

The MMA Guru picks Luke Riley over Bogdan Grad, believing Riley's size and striking will be too much. He notes Grad's struggles in the clinch against Naimov. He expects Riley to rip body shots and finish by TKO in the second or third round, though he acknowledges Grad is dangerous early.

Zane picks Riley but acknowledges it's a fight he might lose. He notes that Grad is a high-motor, experienced fighter who can test Riley physically. He thinks Riley is faster, more precise, and smarter on the feet, and that Grad is slow and awkward with bad shot selection. He worries about Riley's physicality and takedown defense but believes Riley can fight his way back if not finished early.

Angelo picks Saygid Izagakhmaev (Side Gig) to dominate Nicolas Dalby. He notes Izagakhmaev is a powerful striker with patient pressure and explosive power, plus effective wrestling. Dalby, an aging karate-style striker, is hittable and has low takedown accuracy. Angelo sees this as a showcase fight for the prospect, expecting Izagakhmaev to finish or drown Dalby with wrestling.

Big Brady picks Saygid Izagakhmaev (Kakhramonov) by decision, citing his well-rounded skills and Dalby's age (41) and recent knockout loss. He expects Kakhramonov to land big shots, mix in takedowns, and win a decision, though a finish wouldn't surprise him. He also mentions the judges may favor Kakhramonov.

Cody picks Saygid Izagakhmaev, noting his youth and wrestling. He believes Dalby is old and has declined, and that Izagakhmaev can take him down and control him. Cody thinks the location in Qatar favors Izagakhmaev.

Connor agrees, picking Dalby. He notes that Izagakhmaev's game is not pretty and he has technical gaps. He says Dalby knows how he wins fights and is committed to pressure. He thinks Izagakhmaev could blast Dalby off his feet, but he knows what to expect from Dalby and it's a brutally hard fight.

Lucrative James picks Nicolas Dalby as an underdog, questioning Izagakhmaev's high odds. He notes Dalby's toughness and experience, and Izagakhmaev's long layoff and submission loss. He believes Dalby can win a decision or even finish. He sees value in the underdog.

Izagakhmaev is a Dagestani wrestler with a smothering style, but he hasn't competed in three years. Dalby is durable and has a cardio edge, making the fight close. The prediction is Izagakhmaev by decision, but a sprinkle on Dalby at plus odds is considered due to the wide line.

Paul picks Saygid Izagakhmaev, citing his wrestling and youth. He notes that Dalby is 41 and has looked washed. Paul believes Izagakhmaev's takedowns and control will be too much.

The MMA Guru picks Saygid Izagakhmaev over Nicolas Dalby, citing Izagakhmaev's wicked submission game and experience in One FC. He notes Dalby's recent KO loss and age. He believes Izagakhmaev's ability to go to decisions and his prime age (31) will be too much for Dalby. He predicts a 29-28 decision win.

Zane picks Dalby despite his age, noting that Izagakhmaev has been inactive for three years and lost to Carlson Harris and Elias Silverio. He says Dalby is a tough, pressure fighter who makes opponents miserable. He worries that the Randy Brown loss might be the beginning of the end, but Dalby has shown remarkable resilience.

Angelo picks Asu Almabayev over Alex Perez, calling it an easy win. He criticizes Perez's continued employment and describes Almabayev as a flashy striker and dominant grappler with strong pressure and takedowns. Perez's leg kicks and boxing won't work against Almabayev's aggression. Angelo expects a decision win for Almabayev.

Big Brady leans Asu Almabayev by second-round submission, citing Perez's injury history and submission vulnerabilities. He expects Almabayev to get the fight to the ground and submit Perez, who has tapped out five times. He notes Perez's takedown defense but believes Almabayev will find a way.

Cody picks Alex Perez confidently, noting his world-class skills despite injury history. He believes Perez is the better striker and grappler, and that Almabayev is one-dimensional with low volume. Cody thinks Perez can stuff takedowns and outpoint Almabayev, and the plus money is worth the risk.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Almabayev but emphasizing that if Perez is in shape and healthy, Almabayev doesn't have a game to beat him. He notes Perez's injuries and the fact that he gets caught in subs or blasted by bigger punchers, but doesn't get controlled and out-wrestled. He calls it a good booking.

Lucrative James picks Asu Almabayev but with hesitation. He notes Perez's tendency to give up his back and get submitted, and his recent knee surgery. He believes Almabayev's grappling will be the difference, predicting a submission or close decision. He acknowledges Perez could win on the feet early.

Almabayev has a better gas tank and scrambling ability. Perez is coming off a knee injury and layoff. Almabayev's speed, power, and grappling should overwhelm Perez, leading to a decision win.

Paul picks Alex Perez, citing his superior striking and wrestling. He notes that Almabayev relies on takedowns and has poor striking volume. Paul believes Perez can defend takedowns and win on the feet, and the plus money is attractive.

The MMA Guru picks Asu Almabayev over Alex Perez, citing Almabayev's well-rounded game and ability to mix takedowns with striking. He questions Perez's inactivity and believes Almabayev's pressure will be too much. He predicts a 29-28 decision win.

Zane picks Almabayev on 'vibes' due to Perez's injury history and unreliability. He notes that if Perez is healthy, Almabayev's game may not beat him, but he doesn't trust Perez to hold up. He mentions Almabayev's submission skills but says he's not a submission hunter, and that Perez has been competitive but plagued by injuries.

Angelo picks Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev over Raffael Cerqueira, calling him a solid prospect with great takedowns and power. Cerqueira is athletic but cannot defend takedowns, as seen in his loss to Julius Walker. Yakhyaev can knock him out or take him down repeatedly. The odds are wide, but Angelo is confident.

Big Brady confidently picks Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev by first-round knockout, describing him as a legit prospect with tons of power and vicious grappling. He expects a quick finish, possibly within the first minute, and notes Cerqueira's poor UFC record.

Cody picks Yakhyaev confidently, calling him an uber prospect. He notes Yakhyaev's well-rounded skills, power, and wrestling. Cody believes Yakhyaev will finish Cerqueira early, likely by knockout or submission. He suggests betting on a first-round finish.

Connor agrees, picking Yakhyaev. He notes that Yakhyaev is messy with his wrestling due to reckless aggression but is a good natural scrambler. He embraces chaos and doesn't shy away from resistance. He thinks Cerqueira should never have been signed and shouldn't have been kept after getting melted by Aslan.

Yakhyaev is a beast in light heavyweight and should run through Cerqueira quickly. Cerqueira has a glass chin and doesn't deserve a UFC spot. Expect a finish within two minutes.

Paul picks Yakhyaev confidently, noting his impressive resume and skills. He believes Yakhyaev will knock out Cerqueira, who is 0-3 in the UFC. Paul suggests betting on a knockout or inside the distance.

The MMA Guru picks Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev over Raffael Cerqueira, dismissing Cerqueira's UFC performances as disastrous. He notes Cerqueira gets KO'd in the first round and covers up. He believes Yakhyaev, an undefeated prospect with reach, will finish Cerqueira by TKO in the first or second round.

Zane picks Yakhyaev confidently, noting that Cerqueira is not good and has a paper-thin regional record. He says Cerqueira crushes cans but collapses against anyone who can fight, as shown by his loss to Ibo Aslan. Yakhyaev is undercooked but confident, aggressive, and has a wrestling game. He thinks Yakhyaev will roll through Cerqueira.

Angelo picks Aleksandre Topuria over Bekzat Almakhan, but with caution. He notes Topuria's Greco-Roman wrestling may suit him well if he pressures Almakhan against the cage. Almakhan is dangerous with knockout power, but Topuria's size and strength advantage could be key. Angelo warns that Topuria is not his brother Ilia and that Almakhan at plus money is a viable underdog play.

Big Brady leans Bekzat Almakhan, impressed by his knockout of Brad Katona and well-rounded skills. He questions Topuria's cardio and performance against Colby Covington, expecting Almakhan to do more and win by decision or late finish.

Cody picks Aleksandre Topuria, noting his patient style and power. He believes Topuria's wrestling and grappling are superior, and that Almakhan is one-dimensional with big power but poor takedown defense. Cody thinks Topuria can take Almakhan down and control him.

Connor picks Almakhan as well, citing his real-world experience against decent regional talent. He notes that Topuria has only had one solid showing against a non-technical opponent and has a knockout loss. He thinks Almakhan's power and ability to walk people into shots could be key, and that Topuria may not have the power to match.

Lucrative James picks Bekzat Almakhan in a close fight. He believes Almakhan is a cleaner striker with more power and experience. He notes Topuria's lack of activity and unknown grappling. He expects a striking exchange where Almakhan's speed and timing give him the edge. He acknowledges Topuria's potential but leans Almakhan.

Almakhan has a better strength of schedule and has faced more resistance. His striking should counter Topuria's power approach, and he may have the wrestling edge. However, confidence is low due to Topuria's potential.

Paul picks Aleksandre Topuria, agreeing with Cody. He notes that Almakhan has only shown big power and has poor takedown defense. Paul believes Topuria's grappling and patience will lead to a win.

The MMA Guru picks Bekzat Almakhan over Aleksandre Topuria, not buying the hype around Topuria. He notes Almakhan dropped Umar Nurmagomedov in his debut and had great scrambles. He believes Almakhan is better than Colby Covington, who gave Topuria a close fight. He predicts a TKO finish by Almakhan.

Zane picks Almakhan but is quite open to being surprised. He notes that Almakhan is a dangerous finisher who dropped Umar and pasted Brad Katona. He thinks Topuria looks like he prefers coaching to fighting and may lack his brother's competitive drive. He mentions Topuria's technical grounding but questions his desire.

Angelo picks Ismail Naurdiev over Ryan Loder, but with hesitation. He notes Loder is a good wrestler but not UFC-level, while Naurdiev is undersized for middleweight but has striking volume that may force Loder to panic-wrestle from too far out. Angelo calls it a competitive matchup and wouldn't be surprised by a Loder win, but leans Naurdiev due to more tools.

Big Brady leans with underdog Ryan Loder, citing Naurdiev's questionable cardio and durability. He believes Loder's wrestling and ground-and-pound can control the fight, and that Naurdiev may fade if he can't finish early. He predicts Loder wins a decision, possibly dropping the first round.

Cody picks Ryan Loder confidently, noting his wrestling and cardio. He believes Naurdiev is a quitter with poor takedown defense and cardio. Cody thinks Loder can take Naurdiev down and break him over three rounds, possibly getting a late finish.

Connor agrees, picking Naurdiev. He notes that Naurdiev likes to walk in with his face and overextend, but Loder is even worse. He says Loder fights like a wrestler who hasn't learned to strike and melts down when things go wrong. He calls it a fight that shouldn't be in the UFC.

Lucrative James picks Ryan Loder as an underdog, citing Naurdiev's susceptibility to takedowns. He believes Loder's wrestling can expose Naurdiev, similar to previous opponents. He notes Naurdiev's survival skills but thinks Loder can get a finish. He admits Naurdiev is better on the feet but sees value in Loder.

Loder is a strong wrestler who can exploit Naurdiev's defensive holes. Naurdiev is a good striker but leaves openings and has been finished before. Loder's pressure and grappling should lead to a TKO finish.

Paul picks Ryan Loder, citing his wrestling and Naurdiev's history of quitting. He notes that Naurdiev has poor cardio and takedown defense. Paul believes Loder's style is perfect to exploit Naurdiev's weaknesses.

The MMA Guru picks Ismail Naurdiev to beat Ryan Loder, citing Naurdiev's well-roundedness and experience. He notes Loder's wrestling background but trusts Naurdiev's damage output with elbows and knees. He predicts a finish by TKO in the second or third round.

Zane picks Naurdiev but is not enthusiastic. He notes that Naurdiev has much more meaningful experience than Loder and doesn't tend to beat himself. He says Loder is a 34-year-old who got blown out by his first real test and has no striking ability. He thinks Naurdiev can be beaten but Loder is not the one to do it.

Angelo picks Nurullo Aliev, the wrestler, over Shaqueme Rock, a grappler. He believes Aliev's relentless takedowns and control will overwhelm Rock, who overreacts to being hit and may panic under ground-and-pound. Aliev's straightforward wrestling game plan and ability to ride out a decision make him the pick.

Big Brady picks Nurullo Aliev by decision, describing him as a dominant wrestler with top-notch control. He notes Aliev's low finish rate but expects him to take Silva down and win rounds, possibly dropping the third. He predicts a 30-27 or 29-28 decision.

Cody picks Nurullo Aliev confidently, noting his wrestling and control time. He believes Rock is a one-round fighter with poor grappling and cardio. Cody thinks Aliev will take Rock down and hold him there for a boring decision.

Connor picks Aliev as well, noting his impressive debut win over Rafael Alves. He says Aliev's takedowns are messy but he is very physical. He thinks Rock could get to good positions but Aliev's strength and wrestling will dominate. He compares Aliev to Tukugov in terms of athleticism but with a dysfunctional game.

Lucrative James picks Shaqueme Rock as an underdog, citing his dangerous grappling and finishing ability. He believes Rock's aggressive style can catch Aliev early. He notes Aliev's lack of finishing and potential cardio issues. He predicts Rock wins by submission or knockout.

Aliev is a highly touted prospect with excellent wrestling, chain wrestling, and cardio. He scrambles well and has good submission defense. Rock is a BJJ specialist but may struggle with Aliev's wrestling and pressure. Aliev should grind out a decision or find a finish.

Paul picks Nurullo Aliev, citing his wrestling and control time. He notes that Rock has poor takedown defense and cardio. Paul believes Aliev will grind out a decision.

The MMA Guru picks Nurullo Aliev over Shaqueme Rock, acknowledging Rock's talent but believing Aliev is a level above. He notes Aliev's youth (24), time off, and good Contender Series performance. He expects a close 29-28 decision, with Aliev winning scrambles. He admits Rock could pull an upset but goes with Aliev.

Zane picks Aliev, calling him a potentially elite-level athlete. He notes that Aliev's wrestling is crushing despite being messy, and he has great physical strength. He compares him to a Khabib type with basic striking deployed only when necessary. He thinks Rock is good but Aliev's physicality will be too much.

Angelo picks Denzel Freeman over Marek Bujło, expressing surprise that 75% of Tapology voters favor Bujło. He describes Freeman as a better wrestler, striker, and athlete, while Bujło is a one-dimensional grappler who avoids striking. Angelo compares it to Josh Hoett's win over a jiu-jitsu guy, expecting Freeman to dominate with powerful shots and takedowns.

Big Brady picks Denzel Freeman based on his superior competition and wrestling background. He notes Freeman's significant striking and cardio advantages, and expects him to stuff takedowns and finish early. He predicts a first-round knockout, citing that BJJ specialists often struggle if they can't get the fight to the ground.

Cody picks Ian Freeman, noting his wrestling and cardio. He believes Bujło is inexperienced and has only fought low-level competition. Cody thinks Freeman can take Bujło down and finish him or win a decision.

Connor agrees, picking Bujło. He notes that Bujło is bigger and has a more traditional martial arts background, and is undefeated. Freeman has lost a couple of times and is smaller. He says there are no other distinguishing characteristics.

Freeman is a wrestler with a taekwondo background, moves well, and has a striking advantage. He should be able to work back to his feet if taken down and eventually finish Merrick in the second round. Merrick has faced no real opposition and will struggle against Freeman's resistance.

Paul picks Ian Freeman, citing his wrestling and experience. He notes that Bujło has only fought once in three years and has never been past the first round. Paul believes Freeman's wrestling and cardio will be decisive.

The MMA Guru picks Denzel Freeman over Marek Bujło, citing Bujło's untested competition and Freeman's more proven record. He notes Freeman has KO power, a wrestling background, and a size advantage of 20 lbs. He believes Freeman's experience against undefeated heavyweights like Asplund gives him the edge.

Zane picks Bujło, noting he has a BJJ or judo background and gets trip takedowns from the clinch. He says Freeman relies on bulk. He calls it a coin flip and expects a sloppy heavyweight fight where both may tire quickly.