UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan

Angelo picks Chris Duncan, noting his durability and never-quit attitude. He acknowledges Moicano is more technical and experienced but believes Moicano is old and used up. He points out that Duncan has a history of winning fights he's not supposed to and that Moicano's recent focus may not be enough. Angelo has no bet on this fight.

Big Brady picks Chris Duncan to win by third-round knockout. He notes that Moicano is dangerous in the first round but fades after that, citing the Dariush fight where Moicano did nothing in the last 10 minutes. He believes Duncan has better cardio, durability, and power, and that his takedown defense has improved since the Manuel Torres loss. He expects Duncan to drop the first round but take over and eventually knock out Moicano.

Cody picks Duncan due to his momentum, youth, and ability to take over in later rounds. He notes Moicano's losing streak and potential lack of focus, but acknowledges the fight could be competitive early. He expects Duncan's superior striking and work rate to secure a win.

The host finds it difficult to bet pre-fight. He notes Duncan is easy to take down, which plays into Moicano's strength, but Moicano's chin and cardio are questionable in a five-round fight. He sees value on neither side and will watch for live betting. He also notes the odds for 'fight doesn't go to decision' are terrible.

James is rooting for his friend Chris Duncan and has released a full breakdown video with him. He mentions Chris is his friend and he will be rooting for him against Moicano, indicating a clear pick for Duncan.

Lucrative James picks Chris Duncan to win, citing Duncan's upward trajectory, age advantage (32 vs 36), superior cardio, durability, and will to win. He notes Moicano's possible decline due to outside interests and a longer camp. James expects a war but believes Duncan's physicality and recoverability will carry him, especially in later rounds. He mentions Duncan's power and takedown defense as key factors, though he acknowledges Moicano's early speed and submission threat. James states he won't bet publicly due to friendship bias but will have 'beer money' on Duncan.

Lucrative James picks Chris Duncan to win, citing his durability and power advantage over Moicano. He believes Duncan's momentum and shorter camp have him in peak form, and he predicts a fourth-round TKO finish. James also notes that Duncan's confidence is high from training with Moicano and seeing his own improvement.

The host expects Duncan to counter Moicano effectively, showcase good grappling defense, and eventually break Moicano for a finish inside the distance. He notes Moicano's recent struggles, poor durability, and questionable gas tank, while Duncan is on a four-fight winning streak with evolving skills. The host predicts a second-round TKO or submission for Duncan.

Paul leans towards Duncan, citing that Moicano struggles when outwrestled. He expects Duncan to use takedowns and control to win, though he's not heavily invested and plans to live bet.

The MMA Guru picks Chris Duncan, admitting he has doubted him before but is now convinced. He believes Duncan's durability, grit, and damage output will overcome Moicano, especially if the fight gets scrappy. He notes Moicano hasn't looked himself and that Duncan has good submission defense. He predicts a third-round TKO.

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba, believing she is the better wrestler and can control the fight. He criticizes Tabatha Ricci's striking, saying she thinks she's a boxer but isn't, and her takedowns are poor. He notes Jandiroba is one judge away from being champion and expects her to grind out a win. He placed a half-unit bet on Jandiroba at +115.

Big Brady leans toward Tabatha Ricci but with low confidence. He acknowledges Jandiroba is a higher-level grappler but thinks Ricci is stronger, has better wrestling, and is the better striker. He sees a path where Ricci stuffs takedowns and wins on the feet. He also notes Jandiroba's age (37) and potential lack of motivation after a title loss. He will not bet this fight.

Cody picks Ricci because she is the better striker and has excellent takedown defense, making it hard for Jandiroba to hold her down. He believes the judges will favor damage over control time, and Ricci's striking will leave a lasting impression.

The host is torn on the winner, seeing strong cases for both. He initially leaned Ricci due to youth and volume, but after research, he sees Jandiroba's power and ground advantage as significant. He concludes the fight is too close to bet pre-fight and prefers live betting. However, he does bet Ricci +3.5 on the fight spread.

James mentions the co-main event but does not give a pick for either fighter. He only describes the matchup as interesting.

James leans toward Virna Jandiroba as the underdog, surprised by the odds given Jandiroba's recent title fight and superior grappling. He believes Jandiroba's top control and submission threat are the best in the division, and that Ricci hasn't faced such a test. He notes Ricci's striking advantage but doubts her power, calling her knockout of Amanda Ribas a fluke. However, he hesitates due to Jandiroba's age (37) and potential post-title-fight letdown, and mentions he might bet the over instead. He picks Jandiroba via decision but is not confident enough to bet.

The host believes Jandiroba's grappling will be too much for Ricci, as she can get takedowns and keep Ricci in defensive positions. He notes Ricci's improved striking but doubts she can provide enough danger to keep Jandiroba from her game. He expects Jandiroba to win by decision, controlling the fight with top pressure.

Paul leans towards Ricci, noting that Jandiroba's grappling-heavy style may not score well if judges prioritize damage. He acknowledges Jandiroba's takedown ability but thinks Ricci's striking and ability to get back up will be key.

The MMA Guru picks Tabatha Ricci, predicting a controversial decision win. He believes Ricci will be out-grappled but the judges will favor her, possibly setting up a future fight with Mackenzie Dern. He notes Jandiroba looked bad against Dern and that Ricci is coming off a TKO win.

Angelo is extremely confident in Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, calling it the easiest pick on the card. He notes Yakhyaev is a good prospect with wrestling, striking, and power, while Brendson Ribeiro is hitable and has a quit button. However, he strongly advises against betting at -1400 odds, calling it not worth the risk.

Big Brady is extremely confident Yakhyaev will win, calling it 'dumb matchmaking.' He expects Yakhyaev to knock out Ribeiro within the first minute, as he has done in recent fights. He notes Ribeiro has no chin and that Yakhyaev finishes fights quickly.

Cody is confident Yakhyaev wins by first-round knockout, given Ribeiro's history of first-round KO losses. He notes Yakhyaev's well-rounded skills and the mismatch, but warns about the prohibitive moneyline.

James is very high on Yakhyaev, calling him one of the greatest fighters in the division and predicting he will steamroll Ribeiro and become a champion. He compares his confidence to his previous correct call on Loena Cavana.

James is extremely confident in Yakhyaev, calling it a 'murder scene.' He highlights Yakhyaev's explosiveness, wrestling, and finishing ability, while noting Ribeiro's lack of durability and short-notice camp. He predicts a round one KO, stating Yakhyaev is a legitimate prospect who will run through Ribeiro. He mentions the odds are too high to bet but is certain of the outcome.

The host is extremely confident in Yakhyaev, citing his insane ceiling, dangerous grappling and striking, and a horrible stylistic matchup for Ribeiro. He expects a first-round finish and advises against parlaying the heavy chalk, instead looking for props. He notes Ribeiro's recent losses and lack of success against similar competition.

Paul is confident Yakhyaev wins, likely by submission or KO in the first round. He notes the price is prohibitive but suggests playing the round one prop or parlay.

The MMA Guru confidently picks Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, citing his undefeated record, fast starts, and nasty finishes. He notes that Brendson Ribeiro has been finished multiple times early in fights and expects Yakhyaev to secure a first-round TKO.

Angelo picks Rafael Estevam, citing recency bias in the line. He notes Estevam is a high-pressure grappler with relentless takedowns, while Ethyn Ewing's takedown defense is unproven. He believes Estevam will overwhelm Ewing with wrestling and control. Angelo mentions he bet on Estevam and would be shocked if he doesn't flip to favorite.

Big Brady picks Rafael Estevam as an underdog. He notes Estevam is a dominant grappler who takes opponents down and controls them for entire fights, averaging over six takedowns per 15 minutes. He thinks Ewing can be taken down and that Estevam's cardio may improve at bantamweight. He acknowledges Ewing's hype but believes Estevam's style is a tough matchup.

Cody picks Ewing because Estevam's grappling-heavy style is boring and may not score well with judges trending towards damage. He notes Estevam's weight misses and move up in weight, and believes Ewing's scrambling and striking will earn a decision.

The host likes Ewing because he is more well-rounded and has multiple paths to victory, while Estevam only has one path (grappling). Ewing showed great cardio and takedown defense in his debut, and Estevam's inefficient wrestling style leads to fatigue. The host caps Ewing at 65% chance to win, seeing value at -148.

James picks Ethyn Ewing as his 'Hammer of the Week' moneyline bet. He believes Ewing's striking, cardio, and ability to extend combinations will overcome Estevam's wrestling. He expects Ewing to win, possibly by finish in later rounds as Estevam tires.

James picks Ethyn Ewing as the underdog, praising his boxing combinations, cardio, and ability to extend strikes in the pocket. He believes Ewing will weather Estevam's early wrestling, win rounds two and three, and potentially secure a late TKO. He notes Estevam's cardio issues and weight cut struggles, and thinks Ewing's calf kicks and defensive improvements will be key. He predicts a round three TKO.

The host believes the hype on Ewing is driving the line, but Estevam's grappling will be the difference. He notes Estevam's 14-0 record, ability to take down dangerous strikers, and submission threat. He expects Estevam to get the fight to the ground and submit Ewing, referencing Ewing's previous submission loss. He took a shot on Estevam at plus money.

Paul sides with Ewing, noting Estevam's style is ill-suited for a move up in weight. He expects Ewing to stuff takedowns and win on the feet, possibly via live betting.

The MMA Guru picks Ethyn Ewing, noting his impressive performance on short notice against Malcolm Wellmaker and his full camp advantage. He believes Ewing's grappling, cardio, and volume will overwhelm Rafael Estevam, who missed weight and faces pressure. He predicts a third-round finish.

Angelo picks Tommy McMillen, viewing it as a showcase fight set up by the UFC. He notes McMillen is exciting and tough but also very hitable. He believes McMillen will win spectacularly but warns he may be a busted prospect in future fights. Angelo does not see Manolo Zecchini winning.

Big Brady is extremely confident McMillen will win, calling Zecchini a 'bum' who hasn't fought in three years. He expects McMillen to take Zecchini down and submit him in the first round, as Zecchini has no ground game.

Cody picks McMillen by TKO, expecting him to overwhelm Zecchini with pressure and striking. He notes McMillen's wrestling and tenacity, and believes Zecchini will fold under pressure.

The host says McMillen is a huge favorite but unplayable due to terrible odds. He notes McMillen is tough and well-rounded, but the odds are too aggressive. He suggests only Zecchini is worth a bet as a dog, but he doesn't take it because McMillen is better everywhere. He will look for live betting opportunities.

James mentions Tommy McMillon as a high prospect but does not give a pick for the fight. He only notes the matchup exists.

James picks Tommy McMillen to win easily, predicting a round one submission via front choke. He notes McMillen's hype but questions his striking defense, though he believes Zecchini is not UFC-level and has been out since 2023. He expects McMillen's grappling to be the difference, possibly setting up a submission after hurting Zecchini on the feet.

The host expects McMillen to win via submission, likely in the first round and a half, given his BJJ skills and Zecchini's layoff and unimpressive striking. He notes the UFC is giving McMillen a favorable matchup to push him. However, he has low confidence due to the heavy chalk and advises against parlaying such a short price.

Paul picks McMillen by submission, noting his guillotine and rear-naked choke wins. However, he acknowledges Zecchini may not shoot takedowns, so McMillen might win by TKO instead.

The MMA Guru confidently picks Tommy McMillen, highlighting his wrestling pedigree, striking similar to Sean O'Malley, and his dominant Contender Series win. He notes that Manolo Zecchini was easily finished by Morgan Charriere and expects McMillen to win by TKO or submission.

Angelo picks Jose Delgado, praising his footwork, tight guard, and ability to stay at range. He acknowledges Robert Ruchała's pressure and toughness but believes Delgado's superior technique and movement will allow him to avoid trouble and win. He notes the odds are -400 and that it could get weird if Ruchała's pressure frustrates Delgado, but he is squarely on Delgado.

Big Brady picks Jose Delgado by decision. He praises Delgado as a great prospect with well-rounded skills, good striking, cardio, and takedown defense. He expects Delgado to stuff takedowns and out-strike Ruchała over 15 minutes, noting Ruchała is tough but outmatched.

Cody picks Delgado due to his high-volume, accurate striking and takedown defense. He expects Delgado to outwork Ruchała on the feet and win a decision, as Ruchała is tough but slower and lower volume.

The host finds the odds wide but is not interested in betting pre-fight. He notes Delgado is more technical on the feet but Ruchała is tough and mixes in grappling, which could cause problems. He sees it as a good live betting fight but not for pre-fight.

James confidently picks Jose Delgado, stating he is better everywhere and should dominate. He notes Delgado's composure, decision wins, and ability to read opponents, while Ruchała is limited outside of top position. He predicts a decision win but expects a beatdown in round three. He mentions Delgado's past fight where a corner stoppage didn't happen due to Contender Series rules.

The host believes Delgado's striking edge will be too much for Ruchała, who will struggle to get takedowns and will get countered. He expects Delgado to win by decision, as Ruchała is durable but outmatched on the feet. He likes the over 2.5 rounds as a betting spot instead of taking the heavy chalk on Delgado.

Paul picks Delgado, noting his accuracy and volume. He believes Delgado's footwork and striking will be too much for Ruchała, who is flat-footed and slower.

The MMA Guru picks Jose Delgado, praising his skills as an LFA champion and noting his close loss to Gabriel Santos. He believes Delgado's experience and recent wins make him the better fighter, predicting a decision victory.

Angelo picks Thomas Petersen despite acknowledging his poor striking, because Petersen is a strong wrestler with good top control. He notes that Guilherme Pat has poor takedown defense and can be held against the cage. Angelo believes Petersen can absorb Pat's strikes, close the distance, and grind out a win on the ground. He cautions that picks are not bets but thinks Petersen can get the takedowns.

Big Brady picks Thomas Petersen but with low confidence. He notes Petersen has good wrestling but is inconsistent. He thinks Petersen needs to wrestle hard for 15 minutes to win, and that Pat is a solid striker but can be controlled. He expects a greasy decision win for Petersen.

Cody picks Petersen, expecting him to use his wrestling to control Pat on the ground. He notes Petersen's wrestling background and Pat's inexperience, and believes Petersen will secure a decision or late finish.

Connor leans toward Peterson, citing his reproducible approach and ability to beat better athletes. He notes Peterson is a reasonable wrestler and better than Fry, which could neutralize Pat. However, he admits Pat could come in much better and that Peterson has been knocked out before, making it a low-confidence pick.

James hesitantly picks Thomas Petersen, predicting he will get outskilled early but come back to win via finish in round three or a close decision. He notes Pat's superior athleticism and footwork but criticizes his lack of finishing instinct and tendency to gas. He believes Petersen's wrestling, grit, and size advantage will wear on Pat as the fight progresses. He admits he needs to watch more tape and is not fully confident.

The host picks Petersen, citing his wrestling, cardio, and top control as kryptonite to Pat's power. He notes Pat's lackluster UFC debut and reliance on power, while Petersen has better grappling and gas tank. However, he has mediocre confidence due to the possibility of Pat landing a big shot early. He predicts Petersen by decision.

Paul leans towards Petersen, noting his wrestling advantage and Pat's struggles against cage pressure. He expects Petersen to grind out a win, though he's not fully confident.

The MMA Guru picks Thomas Petersen, citing his crafty wrestling and size advantage. He notes that Guilherme Pat was held against the cage by a lesser opponent and that Petersen has good boxing and grappling. He seems somewhat uncertain but leans towards Petersen.

Zane picks Pat but is hesitant, noting that Pat lands bigger shots but gets mashed on the cage. He sees Pat as the better athlete and believes he could come in improved, but acknowledges Peterson's reproducible approach and wrestling advantage. The fight is likely a slog with Pat winning rounds on the feet but losing time in clinch.

Angelo picks Alessandro Costa, believing he is better than his record and will bust up Stewart Nicoll. He notes Costa's power, leg kicks, and striking accuracy, while Nicoll is hitable on the feet and his takedowns are desperate. Angelo dismisses Costa's last loss due to a freak foot injury and expects Costa to be well-prepared for Nicoll's wrestling.

Big Brady picks Alessandro Costa by second-round knockout. He likes Costa's power, opportunistic jiu-jitsu, and takedown defense. He criticizes Nicoll's wrestling, noting he went 2-for-20 on takedowns against Lucas Rocha, who has no takedown defense. He expects Costa to knock out Nicoll on the feet.

Cody picks Costa, citing his takedown defense and power. He expects Costa to stuff Nicoll's takedowns and land heavy shots, winning by decision or late TKO.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Costa confidently. He emphasizes that Nicoll is too excitable and not technical enough, often making wrong moves and allowing opponents to dictate. Costa's aggression and physicality should overwhelm Nicoll, who has shown a tendency to leapfrog into submissions and get overexcited.

The host sees potential value on Nicoll due to Costa's weakness on the ground, but is not confident enough to bet pre-fight. He notes Nicoll's persistent wrestling could exploit Costa's poor ground game, but Costa's power and takedown defense make it risky. He prefers to watch for live betting.

James picks Alessandro Costa via TKO in round two, citing Costa's athleticism, striking power, and training with Diego Lopez. He notes Nicoll's limited striking and tendency to be submitted, but warns Costa has poor round threes and has been knocked out twice. He believes Costa's physicality and finishing ability will be enough to get the job done inside the distance, as he has in his other UFC wins.

The host believes Costa is the better striker with a nasty calf kick and good enough grappling to neutralize Nicoll. He notes Nicoll's two-fight losing streak and struggles in the UFC. He expects Costa to win inside the distance, possibly via TKO from the calf kick. He is willing to parlay Costa.

Paul picks Costa, noting Nicoll's poor wrestling and durability issues. He expects Costa to win, possibly by KO, but warns the moneyline is steep.

The MMA Guru picks Alessandro Costa, noting he dropped Erceg and has finishes, while Stewart Nicoll looked incapable of causing harm in his last fight. He believes Costa's explosiveness will lead to a TKO victory.

Zane picks Costa confidently, noting that Costa is a reliable action fighter who dictates the pace with aggression and physicality. He sees Nicoll as too excitable and not technical enough, prone to making wrong moves and getting overwhelmed. Costa's determination to go forward and toughness should overcome Nicoll's lack of composure.

Angelo picks Darrius Flowers primarily because Lando Vannata hasn't fought in three years and was on a losing streak before the layoff. He acknowledges that no one can intelligently break down this fight due to the unknowns, but Flowers has fought recently and will move forward and swing. Angelo is not confident and advises against betting on this fight.

Big Brady picks Lando Vannata despite his long layoff and losing streak. He criticizes Flowers as one of the worst fighters, with many KO and submission losses. He expects Vannata to win by second-round submission, noting Flowers has no chin and poor grappling.

Cody hesitantly picks Vannata, acknowledging his superior skills but concerns about a three-year layoff and injuries. He suggests waiting for weigh-ins and considers a submission prop.

Connor also picks Vannata, noting that Flowers fights like a Vegas strip impersonation of Rampage Jackson with no footwork and is stiff and awkward. He points out that Flowers got undressed by Evan Elder and doesn't seem to like fighting. Vannata, despite his own issues, should win easily.

James picks Lando Vannata, calling it a weird fight. He notes Vannata's superior striking and level of competition, but is unsure due to both fighters' inactivity. He predicts a spinning wheel kick knockout in round two when Flowers gasses. He expresses confusion about the matchup and low confidence.

The host expects Vannata to win, likely by finish in round 2 or 3, as Flowers has poor cardio and a tendency to fade. He notes Vannata's unorthodox striking and BJJ black belt, while Flowers gasses out and has been submitted before. He advises caution due to Vannata's three-year layoff but still picks him.

Paul leans towards Vannata, noting Flowers' poor record and takedown defense. He expects Vannata to win if he uses wrestling, but is cautious due to the layoff.

The MMA Guru picks Lando Vannata, recalling his past highlights like the wheel kick KO of John Makdessi. He believes Vannata's rangy striking and teeps will be effective against Darrius Flowers, who has been easily handled by Michael Johnson and Jake Matthews. He predicts a decision win.

Zane picks Vannata confidently despite his flaws, because Flowers is even worse. He describes Flowers as a Rampage Jackson impersonator with no footwork, stiff and awkward, who got undressed by Evan Elder. Vannata, though inconsistent and prone to bad habits, is still good enough to beat a low-level opponent like Flowers.

Angelo picks Alice Pereira, impressed by her striking and range management. He notes that Hailey Cowan relies on athleticism but lacks technical skills and hasn't improved. He believes Pereira will stay safe, manage range, and finally get her first UFC win. He is surprised the odds are close.

Big Brady picks Hailey Cowan as an underdog. He is unimpressed with Alice Pereira, noting she fought in shopping malls and lost to Montserrat Rendon. He thinks Cowan is physically strong and can win by cage pushing and takedowns, possibly by decision. He believes the wrong fighter is favored.

Cody picks Pereira, citing her length, striking, and youth. He expects her to outwork Cowan on the feet and win a decision, as Cowan is older and less skilled.

Connor leans toward Cowan, noting that Pereira has bad footwork and no grappling, and Cowan's wrestling could be effective. He mentions that if Pereira weren't so liable to be dragged out of the fight she needs, he might pick her, but Cowan's grinding style should work.

James leans toward Alice Pereira, citing her youth, height, and striking power. He believes she can win on the feet, but acknowledges Cowan's wrestling advantage could lead to takedowns and control. He calls it an ugly fight and predicts a decision win for Pereira, but is not confident and passes on betting.

The host picks Pereira but with very low confidence, calling it a horrible fight. He notes Pereira's raw potential and recklessness, while Cowan is 0-2 in the UFC and relies on strength. He expects Pereira to land damage and win by decision, but warns against betting either fighter.

Paul leans towards Cowan or pass, noting Pereira's lack of experience and questionable UFC readiness. He thinks Cowan could win by clinch control and takedowns.

The MMA Guru picks Alice Pereira despite her loss in her debut, noting she is only 20 years old with promise. He dismisses Hailey Cowan as a fighter who should not be in the UFC, implying Pereira's youth and potential outweigh Cowan's experience.

Zane picks Cowan reluctantly, noting that Cowan is big and strong and only wants to hold opponents down. He thinks Cowan's wrestling and size could neutralize Pereira, who has bad footwork and no grappling. However, he acknowledges Pereira could knock Cowan out with one shot, making it a low-confidence pick.

Angelo is extremely confident in Azamat Bekoev, calling him a bargain at -550 and stating he should be -550,000. He notes Bekoev is well-rounded with powerful strikes and solid takedown defense, while Tresean Gore is inconsistent and has not proven himself at this level. Angelo believes Bekoev dominates everywhere and that Gore has no path to victory.

Big Brady picks Azamat Bekoev by first-round knockout. He criticizes Tresean Gore's striking defense and notes he was knocked out by Cody Brundage and out-struck by Rodolfo Vieira. He expects Bekoev to knock out Gore rather than wrestle, as Gore has good takedown defense.

Cody picks Bekoev but warns against the -650 line, noting Bekoev's cardio issues and Gore's potential to survive early rounds. He expects Bekoev to win if he gets an early KO, but considers live betting Gore.

Connor picks Bekoev confidently, emphasizing that Gore has no confidence or comfort, and panics under pressure. He notes that Bekoev's style of rushing into a tie-up and making the fight miserable will be effective, and that Bekoev is not at a size disadvantage. Gore's record and tendency to lose to anyone who pushes him make this an easy pick.

The host discusses the wide odds, noting Bekoev is a heavy favorite but unplayable due to poor value, while Gore is a tempting underdog but his recent poor performance against Vieira makes him too risky. He concludes that pre-fight betting is not viable, but he will watch for live betting opportunities.

James picks Azamat Bekoev, expecting him to rebound after a loss. He notes Bekoev's wrestling and training with Russian freestyle team, while Gore has been undisciplined and inconsistent. He predicts a decision win, but acknowledges Gore's power and weird fight outcomes make it uncertain. He believes Bekoev's takedowns and control will be the difference.

The host expects Bekoev to win, likely by decision, due to his grappling and improved striking. He notes Gore's takedown defense could make it close, but trusts Bekoev's ability to mix grappling and keep Gore defensive. He advises against betting the heavy chalk or sprinkling on Gore, preferring to pass.

Paul leans towards Bekoev but is wary of the price. He notes Bekoev's power and wrestling defense, but thinks Gore could make it competitive if he survives the first round.

The MMA Guru confidently picks Azamat Bekoev, criticizing Tresean Gore's 6-4 record and questioning why he's still in the UFC. He believes Bekoev's grappling and striking are superior and predicts a TKO finish as Gore lowers his hands after defending takedowns.

Zane picks Bekoev confidently, noting that Bekoev is a dangerous front-foot fighter with strong wrestling and ground-and-pound. He contrasts Gore, who panics and gets overwhelmed when dragged into deep water. Bekoev is more technical and well-rounded, and at 20-4 against a 5-4 fighter, the pick is clear.

Angelo picks Dione Barbosa, citing her superior takedown ability as a judoka. He notes that Melissa Gatto has poor takedowns and that Barbosa can close the distance, take her down, and control on top. He worries about potential judging bias similar to Barbosa's last loss but believes Barbosa will win a close decision.

Big Brady picks Melissa Gatto as a slight underdog. He notes Barbosa has power and can get takedowns early, but fades as the fight goes on. He likes Gatto's cardio, volume, and kicks, and expects her to take over in later rounds. He predicts a close decision win for Gatto.

Cody picks Gatto, citing her youth, improved skills, and ability to scramble and strike. He expects her to win a decision, as Barbosa's grappling-heavy style may not score well.

Connor leans toward Barbosa, agreeing that she is more disciplined. He notes that Gatto's footwork is worse and she tends to collapse when pressured, leading her to wrestle. Barbosa is as big as Gatto and a better grappler, which should neutralize Gatto's advantages.

James leans toward Melissa Gatto as the underdog, citing her striking kicks and cardio advantage, while noting Barbosa's tendency to tire. He admits he hasn't done tape study and is unsure about the grappling dynamics. He predicts a decision win for Gatto but emphasizes low confidence and the need for further analysis.

The host picks Gatto as a dog, citing her damage-based striking and grappling advantage. He notes Barbosa's recent loss where control wasn't enough, and trusts Gatto's volume and damage to win on the scorecards despite a two-year layoff. He sees a good stylistic matchup for Gatto.

Paul leans towards Gatto, noting her two-year layoff may have helped her improve. He expects her to win a close decision due to her striking and scrambling.

The MMA Guru picks Dione Barbosa but seems hesitant, acknowledging that her win over Diana Belbita isn't impressive. He notes that Melissa Gatto has a body kick KO win but lost to Tracy Cortez. He thinks Barbosa is slightly more well-rounded but doesn't sound fully convinced.

Zane leans toward Barbosa, noting she is more disciplined and has better footwork. He thinks Gatto has good tools but doesn't stick to them, and tends to win when opponents make catastrophic mistakes. Barbosa's boxing footwork and grappling should allow her to keep the fight in her favor.

Cody picks Kamaka, citing his experience and ability to win close decisions. He expects Kamaka's striking and takedown defense to edge out Hope, who may gas due to his explosive style.

Connor picks Kamaka, noting that Hope is aimless and doesn't build attacks. He expects Kamaka to make the fight harder than necessary but still win. Kamaka's experience and short-notice readiness are advantages, though he acknowledges Kamaka can get trapped into weird fights.

Paul leans towards Hope, noting his physicality and wrestling. He expects Hope to take Kamaka down and control him, though he acknowledges Kamaka's experience.

The MMA Guru picks Kai Kamaka III, citing his experience as a crafty veteran who has fought tough competition like Brendan Loughnane and Bubba Jenkins. He dismisses Dakota Hope's record as padded against lesser opponents and notes that Hope lost to a 9-7 fighter. He believes Kamaka's veteran savvy will be the difference.

Zane picks Kamaka confidently, noting that Kamaka is a more experienced professional who is likely to be ready on short notice. He sees Hope as a good athlete but without much MMA game, aimless and one-and-done as a striker. Kamaka's front-foot pressure and wrestling should overwhelm Hope.