UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov

Angelo picks Israel Adesanya but is getting less confident. He notes that Adesanya's striking looked great in his last fight against Dricus du Plessis, but he was ultimately finished. He believes Adesanya is the better striker and if the fight stays on the feet, he wins. However, he worries about Imavov's wrestling and the possibility of Adesanya's decline. He will not bet on Adesanya.

Big Brady is not overly excited for this fight but picks Israel Adesanya. He notes Adesanya looked bad against Strickland but good against Du Plessis before getting submitted. He thinks Imavov can wrestle but lacks the cardio to do so effectively, and will slow down as the fight goes on. Brady expects Adesanya to pick him apart late and win a decision. He has no betting interest.

Connor picks Adesanya, arguing that Imavov lacks the pressure and cardio to exploit Adesanya's age. He notes that Adesanya's jab and kicking game remain effective, and Imavov has never shown the ability to maintain a high pace or wrestle consistently enough to trouble Adesanya. Connor believes Imavov would need a radically new approach to win, which he hasn't demonstrated.

James picks Imavov to win, citing Adesanya's decline in durability, reaction time, and motivation. He notes Imavov has advantages in wrestling and grappling, and that Adesanya's recent submission loss to Dricus du Plessis showed poor defensive grappling. He believes Imavov can win by submission, decision, or even knockout due to Adesanya's declining chin. However, he admits it's not his most confident pick.

Adesanya is facing a kickboxer that allows him to showcase his high-level performances, unlike the wrestling-heavy styles of Strickland and du Plessis. He will set traps, spring them on Imavov, and prove he is still one of the best middleweights. Expect a 25-minute decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Nassourdine Imavov to win by submission in the third round, possibly an arm triangle. He believes Imavov's grappling and clinch work will be key, as Adesanya has weaknesses in the clinch and on the ground. He notes Imavov nearly beat Sean Strickland and has good takedown entries. He thinks Adesanya's motivation may be lacking after his losses.

Zane picks Adesanya, agreeing with Connor that Imavov's style doesn't match up well. He emphasizes that Imavov is not a pressure fighter and struggles with pace, while Adesanya's kicking and jab are still effective. Zane notes that Imavov would need to wrestle consistently, but his takedowns are often from clinch exchanges, which Adesanya handles well.

Angelo picks Michael Page, calling it his 'last ride' with MVP. He notes Page's unorthodox karate style, speed, and ability to cover distance. He believes Page's striking will frustrate Sharabutdin Magomedov, who is creative but may struggle with Page's movement. He acknowledges Page's age (37) and the risk of a knockout loss, but thinks Page can win a decision. He suggests looking at prop bets like MVP +3.5.

Big Brady thinks the odds make no sense and favors Michael Page at plus money. He praises Page's striking defense, noting he made Kevin Holland and Ian Garry look silly. Sharabutdin Magomedov has 42% striking defense and is there to be hit. Brady expects a close fight but predicts Page wins by decision, possibly split. He doesn't see Magomedov wrestling.

Connor picks MVP, expecting him to produce his typical frustrating fight. He notes that Magomedov is directionally aimless and has a punchable face that invites aggression, but MVP's style of staying at range and countering is difficult to deal with. Connor believes Magomedov's leg kicks could be a factor, but MVP's willingness to make the fight boring and his reach advantage give him the edge.

James picks Sharabutdin Magomedov to win, primarily due to hometown bias in Saudi Arabia favoring the Russian Muslim fighter. He also cites Magomedov's leg kick advantage against Page's karate stance, better durability, and finishing upside. He notes Page moves up to middleweight at 37-38, which is a disadvantage. He expects a close fight but sees Magomedov winning by decision, with potential for a knockout.

Page is very hard to hit and will set up counters effectively, potentially scoring a knockout if he lands the perfect shot. Magomedov lacks a wrestling background despite his name, which will be an issue. Page is expected to pick him apart similar to the Kevin Holland fight and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Sharabutdin Magomedov to win by late-round TKO via ground and pound. He believes Magomedov's kicks and clinch will cause problems for MVP, and that MVP's takedown defense is weak. He notes MVP struggled with Ian Garry's grappling and that Magomedov has been drilling takedowns. He thinks MVP's move to middleweight may reduce his presence.

Zane picks MVP, agreeing with Connor that Magomedov's lack of defensive structure and tendency to be countered will be exploited. He notes that MVP's style of frustrating opponents and waiting for mistakes is effective, and Magomedov's leg kicks may not be enough to overcome MVP's reach and movement. Zane expects a boring fight but sees MVP winning.

Angelo picks Jairzinho Rozenstruik, citing his technical striking and counter-striking ability. He notes that Sergei Pavlovich struggles against a jab, as seen in his loss to Volkov. He believes Rozenstruik's Muay Thai and patience will allow him to frustrate Pavlovich and take over as the fight goes on. He acknowledges Pavlovich's power and speed but thinks Rozenstruik's technique wins.

Big Brady thinks Sergei Pavlovich needs to be aggressive to win. He notes Pavlovich looked terrible against Volkov when he wasn't aggressive, but when he rushes forward he knocks people out. Brady believes if Pavlovich brings aggression, he will sleep Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the first round. He chalks up the Volkov fight to them being friends/training partners.

Connor picks Pavlovich, believing he can overwhelm Rozenstruik early with his power. He notes that Rozenstruik is a trigger counter puncher who stands with locked knees, making him vulnerable to a bull rush. Connor thinks Pavlovich's loss to Volkov was due to familiarity and that he will revert to his aggressive style. However, he acknowledges that if Pavlovich hesitates or tries to be technical, he will lose.

James picks Pavlovich to win by knockout in round one, but he is not confident and sees value on Rozenstruik. He notes Pavlovich's tendency to fade if he doesn't get an early KO, and that Rozenstruik has a chance to win by decision or knockout in later rounds. He mentions Rozenstruik's decision prop at +700 as a potential small play. He is undecided on betting Rozenstruik.

Rozenstruik is the technically better striker and will use his mobility, straight jabs, and counters to pick apart Pavlovich's wild combinations. He is expected to win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round TKO. He believes Pavlovich has a great chin and will remind people he is a top heavyweight. He notes Rozenstruik was finished by Volkov and that Pavlovich took a beating from Volkov but never got finished. He expects a dominant performance.

Zane picks Rozenstruik, arguing that Pavlovich is a one-dimensional brawler who has not evolved. He notes that Rozenstruik is a durable counter puncher who can settle in and pick apart aggressive fighters. Zane believes Pavlovich's lack of a range game and poor fight IQ will be exposed, and that Rozenstruik's trigger countering will catch him coming in.

Angelo picks Vinicius Oliveira as an underdog, noting his length, durability, and creativity. He believes Oliveira's chaotic style and takedown defense (defended 9 takedowns against Ricky Simon) will trouble Said Nurmagomedov. He worries that Oliveira's recklessness could lead to a submission, but thinks his aggression and power will be enough.

Big Brady is impressed with Said Nurmagomedov's striking and submission game. He thinks Vinicius Oliveira is hitable and has been finished in all his losses. Brady predicts Nurmagomedov will catch Oliveira with a spinning attack or submit him, possibly via a club-and-sub. He calls Nurmagomedov a finisher and expects a second-round submission.

Connor picks Nurmagomedov, believing his well-rounded game and wrestling will overcome Oliveira's wild aggression. He notes that Oliveira is a formless bully who cuts a lot of weight, but Nurmagomedov has the tools to neutralize him and find submissions. However, he acknowledges that Oliveira's chaotic style could make the fight uncomfortable and that Nurmagomedov has struggled with physical pressure in the past.

James picks Oliveira to win, citing Nurmagomedov's poor cardio and tendency to gas out, as seen in recent fights. He believes Oliveira's pressure, size, and strength will overwhelm Nurmagomedov in later rounds. He notes Nurmagomedov's submission threat (ninja choke) but thinks Oliveira can survive and win by decision or late knockout. He sees Oliveira's trajectory rising while Nurmagomedov's is declining.

Oliveira's output and volume will cause Nurmagomedov trouble, as Nurmagomedov is more reliant on finishes. If he can't get Oliveira out of there early, he will struggle with the volume coming back. Oliveira is expected to win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Said Nurmagomedov in a close fight. He notes Oliveira is rangy and well-rounded, but Nurmagomedov has finishing potential and experience. He worries about Nurmagomedov's performance against Jonathan Martinez but believes he can win the first two rounds and edge a decision. He mentions Oliveira's short-notice loss to Bernardo Sopaj as a factor.

Zane picks Nurmagomedov, agreeing that his technical edge and wrestling should prevail. He notes that Oliveira's lack of defense and tendency to scramble hard will give Nurmagomedov opportunities. However, Zane warns that Oliveira's size and pace could cause problems, and that Nurmagomedov has a history of slowing down under physical pressure. He still sees Nurmagomedov as the rightful favorite.

Angelo picks Muhammad Naimov, citing his well-rounded skills, speed, and athleticism. He notes that Kaan Ofli is a BJJ black belt but lacks the length and wrestling to be effective at this level. He believes Naimov's striking and takedown defense will be key, and he is growing more confident in Naimov as fight week progresses.

Big Brady is not high on Muhammad Naimov but thinks this is a good matchup for him. He notes Kaan Ofli laid an egg in his last fight and was brutally knocked out. Brady expects Naimov to be the better striker and knock Ofli out in the first round, though he would never lay -300 on Naimov.

Connor picks Naimov, citing his superior athleticism and strength. He notes that both fighters are similar brawlers, but Naimov is a slightly better athlete and has a more durable chin. Connor believes Naimov's physicality and ability to win scrambles will be the difference, and that Ofli's tendency to crash the pocket will play into Naimov's strengths.

Naimov has more powerful striking and will land more often, winning on the scorecards if he can't get a late finish. Both fighters like to wrestle and have power, but Naimov's output and power are expected to be the difference.

The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov to win by KO in the second round or late first. He believes Naimov has wicked grappling skills and knockout power, and that Ofli's short reach (66 inches) will be a disadvantage. He thinks Naimov will have an advantage on the feet and won't be outmuscled.

Zane picks Naimov, agreeing that he is the stronger athlete and more likely to win the physical exchanges. He notes that Ofli's game is one-dimensional and that Naimov's durability and power should carry him. Zane also points out that Ofli's loss to Myron Santos showed he can be overwhelmed, and Naimov presents a similar challenge.

Angelo picks Shamil Gaziev, believing he is the better fighter despite a loss to Rozenstruik. He notes that Gaziev has improved his cardio and bounced back with a decision win. He thinks Gaziev's power and physicality will be too much for Thomas Petersen, who is solid but not spectacular. He includes Gaziev in a parlay with Mike Davis.

Big Brady thinks Shamil Gaziev has awful cardio but will likely knock out Thomas Petersen early. He notes Gaziev has much more power and Petersen is hitable. Brady expects a first-round knockout, but says if the fight extends it will be 'greasy'. He is staying away from betting Gaziev at -330 and might live bet Petersen.

Petersen's wrestling background will allow him to keep the fight upright and use his jab and volume to outwork Gaziev, who struggles when he can't secure takedowns or control against the cage. Petersen is a plus-300 underdog and is expected to win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Shamil Gaziev to win by third-round finish. He calls Gaziev 'The Blob' and says he pushes forward and is there to win. He thinks Gaziev will start to pick up the pace as the fight goes on and get a late finish over Thomas Petersen, who he calls a 'fat idiot' with unimpressive skills.

Angelo picks Terrance McKinney despite his unreliability, citing his superior talent, wrestling, and striking. He notes that Damir Hadžović is older (38) and not as dangerous. He worries about McKinney's cardio and chin but believes he should win early. He suggests looking at round props rather than betting the moneyline at -335.

Big Brady sees this as an easy matchup for Terrance McKinney, who has great wrestling and BJJ. Damir Hadžović has the worst takedown defense in the UFC and has been submitted before. Brady thinks McKinney will take him down and submit him in the first round, though he notes McKinney has terrible cardio if the fight extends. He predicts a first-round submission.

McKinney has a massive grappling advantage and will look to get the fight to the ground immediately. He is expected to take the back and secure a first-round submission, as he has done in all nine of his UFC fights. The fight is predicted to go under 1.5 rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Terrance McKinney to win by TKO in the first round. He believes McKinney has finishing potential while Hadžović does not, and that Hadžović is past his prime and likely to be decisioned. He notes McKinney's losses are brutal but expects him to get the job done here.

Angelo picks Mike Davis, citing his speed, power, athleticism, and well-rounded skills. He notes that Farès Ziam has improved but Davis is a more dangerous striker with better wrestling. He expresses concern about Davis's long layoff due to a bicep injury and his age (32), but still believes Davis wins. He includes Davis in a parlay with Shamil Gaziev.

Big Brady is a fan of Mike Davis but notes his inactivity and injury issues. He thinks Davis has a clear path to victory via wrestling and BJJ, as Farès Ziam has been taken down easily in the past, including seven times by Claudio Puelles. Brady predicts Davis will submit Ziam in the second round, citing Davis's black belt and Ziam's submission losses.

Connor picks Ziam, believing his recent performance against Matt Frevola showed significant improvement. He notes that Ziam displayed excellent striking combinations, body work, and clinch transitions, and that he now looks like a complete fighter. Connor thinks Mike Davis, while powerful, makes poor decisions under pressure and relies on wrestling as a crutch, which Ziam can exploit.

James picks Ziam to win, but is not confident due to Davis's grappling upside. He notes Ziam has improved recently while Davis may have declined. He thinks Ziam can defend takedowns and win on the feet, possibly by knockout. However, he acknowledges Davis's athleticism and wrestling could be a problem, as seen in Ziam's loss to McKinney. He is undecided on betting.

Davis is far superior to Ziam, with a tremendous grappling advantage that will lead to a submission. Despite Ziam's recent improvements, Davis has the striking to be competitive and will eventually get the submission. The line around -140 to -150 is surprising value.

The MMA Guru picks Mike Davis despite initially leaning toward Ziam. He notes Davis has good entries on takedowns and wicked stand-up, but worries about Ziam's improvements and the takedowns he gave up to Claudio Puelles. He trusts Davis's inactivity means he shows up at 100% and believes Davis is the better fighter overall.

Zane picks Ziam, agreeing that his last fight showed a new level of maturity and consistency. He notes that Davis has stagnated and often makes desperate moves when uncomfortable, while Ziam now has the tools to capitalize. Zane acknowledges the risk that Ziam's performance could be a one-off, but believes the improvement is real and that Ziam's well-rounded game will be too much for Davis.

Angelo picks Jasmine Jasudavicius, citing her wrestling pedigree and ability to control where the fight goes. He acknowledges Mayra Bueno Silva's toughness and dangerous ground game, but notes that Jasudavicius is a much better wrestler. He mentions that public comments overwhelmingly favor Jasudavicius, which has increased his confidence, though he admits he's unsure if that's influencing him.

Big Brady believes Jasmine Jasudavicius needs to get the fight to the ground, where she can control Mayra Bueno Silva. He notes Silva has poor takedown defense and doesn't mind being on her back, but is dangerous with submissions. Brady thinks Jasudavicius will be smart on top and win a decision, though Silva could be live for a submission. He predicts a 30-27 Jasudavicius decision.

Jasudavicius's grappling will be the key to victory, allowing her to grind out a decision. She may also showcase improved striking from her Thailand camp, but her wrestling will bail her out of bad spots.

The MMA Guru picks Mayra Bueno Silva as an underdog, noting she has competitive fights with top-level fighters and wins that Jasudavicius could only dream of. He believes Silva's physicality, clinch work, and grappling will be key, and that she will be bigger at flyweight. He also suggests she may miss weight but still win.

Angelo picks Bogdan Grad because of his well-rounded skills, methodical approach, and high finishing rate (11 stoppages in 14 wins). He notes that Lucas Alexander is dangerous but coming off a KO loss to a low-level opponent. He believes Grad's control and pace will be mistaken for inability to finish, but Grad finds finishes without being reckless.

Big Brady likes Lucas Alexander's striking and thinks he trains with good guys. He notes Alexander has been submitted three times and has questionable takedown defense, but believes Alexander will piece up Bogdan Grad across three rounds. Grad is tough and has heart but is a walking punching bag. Brady would have liked Alexander more at +170 but thinks pick 'em is about accurate.

Alexander's Muay Thai striking and ability to fight from both stances will allow him to pick apart Grad's erratic style. Grad's explosivity and grappling may cause early trouble, but Alexander's technical striking and work off the back foot should secure a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Bogdan Grad, believing he is good enough on the feet to hang with Lucas Alexander and will have a takedown threat advantage. He notes Alexander is coming off a first-round TKO loss and has been out for over a year. He thinks Grad can get the job done early.

Angelo picks Hamdy Abdelwahab despite concerns about his two-year suspension and lack of recent fights. He believes Abdelwahab's Olympic-level wrestling will allow him to get takedowns, and notes that Jamal Pogues looked poor off his back in his last fight. He expects the line to flip and plans to monitor line movement before betting.

Big Brady is not sold on either fighter. He notes Hamdy Abdelwahab has a long layoff due to a suspension and wasn't impressed with his performance against Dantel Ma. Jamal Pogues is a light heavyweight moving up, but he showed up heavy and with a weird haircut. Brady thinks Pogues has better cardio and striking down the stretch, and predicts a split decision win for Pogues. He calls the fight 'sloppy greasy gassy' and expects it to be terrible.

Pogues is the better striker and will use his jab from distance to outpoint Abdelwahab, who is returning from a long layoff after a USADA suspension. The pick is based on Pogues' striking advantage and Abdelwahab's potential ring rust.

The MMA Guru picks Hamdy Abdelwahab, noting he is a physical specimen with good wrestling skills and more experience than his record suggests due to fights in Gamebred MMA. He acknowledges Abdelwahab's suspension for PEDs but believes he is more talented than Jamal Pogues and will likely win via takedowns. He mentions Abdelwahab's close fight with Don'Tale May but still favors him.