UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill

Angelo picks Mackenzie Dern because the fight is now five rounds, which benefits Dern's dangerous grappling and cardio. He notes that Dern never quits and the extra time gives her more chances to catch Angela Hill. He expects a close fight but believes Dern's finishing ability is the difference. He plans to bet on Dern by inside the distance (decision no action) if the odds are better than -350.

Big Brady picks Mackenzie Dern to submit Angela Hill, possibly in any round. He notes Dern is younger, improving her striking and wrestling, and has a huge advantage on the ground. He believes Dern will eventually get a takedown and submit Hill, similar to how Randa Markos submitted Hill. He acknowledges Hill's takedown defense is good but thinks Dern's pressure and power will wear her down over five rounds.

Cody argues that Mackenzie Dern's takedown success is inconsistent, especially in five-round fights, and she lacks striking volume. He notes Dern's poor striking defense and low output, while Angela Hill has excellent volume, cardio, and submission defense. He sees Hill winning by outworking Dern on the feet over five rounds.

Connor picks Dern despite acknowledging Hill's advantages over five rounds. He argues that Dern's hyper-aggressive grappling and ability to create instant submission threats from awkward positions will give her chances early, and that Hill hasn't faced a grappler with that kind of venom. He admits that if Dern doesn't finish in the first round and a half, Hill likely wins, but he can't shake the image of Dern wrapping up a leg for a quick submission.

Daniel Levi leans toward Mackenzie Dern but is not confident. He acknowledges Dern's elite BJJ and submission threat, but questions her takedown offense (11% accuracy, less than 1 takedown per 15 minutes) and striking defense. He notes Angela Hill has 77% takedown defense and hasn't been submitted since 2019, and that strikers like Yan Xiaonan and Marina Rodriguez survived Dern's ground game. He sees Hill as superior on the feet and thinks the blueprint to beat Dern exists. Ultimately, he picks Dern via submission but says it's a 'dog or pass' situation and there's no value at -175.

James sees this as a 50-50 fight but favors Angela Hill due to the plus-160 line, which he believes offers value. He notes that Hill has above-average takedown defense and will likely keep the fight standing, where she can outpoint Dern. However, he acknowledges Dern's submission threat and the possibility of Dern winning via decision if she gets takedowns in three rounds. He is hesitant and not fully committed to betting Hill yet, considering hedging with Dern submission.

The host leans toward Angela Hill but is the least confident on this fight. He thinks Hill's footwork, output, and takedown defense could allow her to batter Dern on the feet and win by decision. He notes Dern could also win quickly by submission if she gets takedowns. He suggests a round 4 or 5 decision prop but says he won't put money on either side.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting that the betting lines suggest a striking affair. He points out that Dern's takedown line is low (1 takedown) and that Hill's takedown defense has been adequate against good grapplers. He sees value in Hill at +150 and expects her to win a striking decision.

The MMA Guru picks Mackenzie Dern, believing her grappling will be the difference in a five-round fight. He notes Dern is younger (30 vs 38) and still improving, while Angela Hill rarely finishes. He expects the fight to hit the ground at some point, citing Michelle Waterson's success in taking Hill down. He predicts Dern will win by submission in round three, as her BJJ is a major threat.

Zane picks Angela Hill because he believes Dern's only path to victory is early submission, and over five rounds Hill's superior striking and improved defensive grappling will allow her to survive early scares and take over. He notes that Hill has refined her striking to be more efficient and can maintain a winning pace, while Dern's chances drop off precipitously as the fight goes on. He also points out that Hill's clinch work could punish Dern for trying to tie up.

Angelo picks Anthony Hernandez confidently, citing his superior grappling and high takedown volume. He notes that while Hernandez's control could be better, Shahbazyan struggles to get back to his feet when taken down. He considers Hernandez safe for parlays.

Big Brady picks Anthony Hernandez to submit Edmen Shahbazyan in the second round. He calls it a terrible matchup for Shahbazyan, who has historically faded in later rounds. Hernandez is known for his cardio, pressure, and wrestling, and should break Shahbazyan. He notes Shahbazyan is dangerous early but expects Hernandez to weather the storm and finish him in the second.

Cody highlights Hernandez's relentless wrestling and cardio, noting he averaged 8 takedowns in his last two fights. He contrasts Shahbazyan's tendency to fade after the first round and poor takedown defense. He expects Hernandez to wear Shahbazyan down with chain wrestling and secure a late finish or dominant decision.

Connor picks Shahbazyan, citing his much cleaner striking and the potential to finish Hernandez early. He acknowledges the risk of Hernandez's pace but believes Shahbazyan's improved camp (ditching Tiverdian, sparring with Sean Strickland, training at Xtreme Couture) and his composed performance against Lungiambula are good signs. He thinks Shahbazyan could easily knock Hernandez out or tune him up, and that Hernandez's wide-open striking leaves opportunities for Shahbazyan to land clean shots.

Daniel Levi confidently picks Anthony 'Fluffy' Hernandez. He highlights Hernandez's relentless takedown game, noting he landed 16 takedowns in his last two fights (8/11 vs Josh Fremd, 8/14 vs Marc-André Barriault). He believes Hernandez will survive Shahbazyan's dangerous first round and then break him with pressure and grappling, as Shahbazyan has historically faded past the first round. Levi acknowledges Hernandez's durability concerns (body shots) but thinks his wrestling and cardio will be the difference.

The host is very confident in Anthony Hernandez, calling it a smash spot. He believes Hernandez's relentless forward pressure, cardio, and grappling will drown Shahbazyan, who has cardio issues. He predicts a submission in round two, noting that if Shahbazyan doesn't get an early KO, Hernandez will take over.

Paul agrees, citing Hernandez's improved pace and cardio, and the stylistic advantage of his wrestling against Shahbazyan's suspect takedown defense. He notes that Shahbazyan's cardio issues are likely to be exploited, leading to Hernandez dominating later rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Anthony Hernandez, calling him a style designed to beat Edmen Shahbazyan. He highlights Hernandez's pace-pushing wrestling and scrambles, which he believes will get into Shahbazyan's head. He notes Shahbazyan's demons may creep in as the fight goes on, and that Hernandez is a nightmare matchup. He acknowledges a chance Shahbazyan wins by first-round TKO but expects Hernandez to overcome early danger and win.

Zane picks Hernandez because he believes Shahbazyan's historical issues with pace and grappling pressure will resurface. He notes that Hernandez has one of the best gas tanks and pushes a relentless pace, which is exactly the kind of problem Shahbazyan has struggled with. Even with Shahbazyan's improved camp and confidence from his last win, Zane needs to see more than a win over Dalcha Lungiambula to trust him against a pressure fighter like Hernandez.

Angelo picks Emily Ducote because she is a former Invicta champion with slick counter-striking, power, and good wrestling. He criticizes Lupita Godinez for poor decision-making and a miserable track record on short notice. He has a small 0.25-unit bet on Ducote at +119, expecting the line to flip to favor Ducote.

Big Brady picks Lupita Godinez to win by decision, but with a caveat. He notes Godinez is a phenomenal wrestler but has recently fallen in love with her hands, which makes no sense to him. If she wrestles, she wins easily; if she doesn't, it could be close. He expects her to mix in takedowns and win a decision, but he's not fully confident in her game plan.

Cody sees this as a close striking match where both women have wrestling but may not use it. He favors Ducote's striking volume and power, and questions Godinez's fight IQ after she failed to wrestle against Angela Hill. He expects a decision win for Ducote.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Ducote but with low confidence. He thinks Godinez won't push a pace that makes Ducote uncomfortable, leaving Ducote as the sharper striker. However, he notes that Godinez is capable of a complete performance and that Ducote hasn't shown she can handle a high-level all-around fight. He also mentions that if Godinez accepts taking hard counters and tries to break Ducote, it could work, but he suspects Ducote will persuade her not to.

Daniel Levi picks Emily Ducote as a slight underdog. He thinks Godinez is still developing and has shown vulnerabilities, while Ducote has better volume and striking. He envisions the fight being close, possibly 1-1 going into the third, where Ducote's experience and output could earn her a decision. He notes Ducote landed 116 significant strikes in her UFC debut and believes she can stuff takedowns and chip away over three rounds.

The host picks Lupita Godinez, believing her wrestling will be the difference maker. He thinks Godinez has slicker boxing and can chain takedowns behind combinations. He expects a decision win, though notes Ducate is a good kickboxer and the fight could be close.

Paul agrees, noting that Godinez's win over Calvillo was close and could have gone either way. He thinks Ducote is more dynamic on the feet and that the line offers value. He is not confident enough to bet but picks Ducote.

The MMA Guru picks Lupita Godinez, citing her versatility as a Swiss Army knife compared to Ducote's striking-focused style. He likes the quick turnaround and believes Godinez will mix in grappling to push a pace. He notes Godinez's wins over Ariane Carnelossi and Loma Lookboonmee, the latter being a better striker than Ducote. He expects a close decision, 29-28.

Zane picks Ducote, reasoning that Godinez's pressure style may not work well against a sharp counter puncher like Ducote. He notes that Ducote has a reach advantage and can land counters when Godinez tries to swarm. However, he expresses concern about Ducote's tendency to shut down under pressure, as seen against Angela Hill, and her lackluster UFC performances. He also worries about Godinez's wrestling if she can get the fight to the ground.

Angelo picks Buckley to win because he has wrestling if needed, better defense, and is faster and more athletic. However, he is wary of betting at -170 since both fighters have been knocked out recently. He suggests waiting for props, possibly 'does not go the distance' if the line is good.

Big Brady picks André Fialho as the underdog to knock out Joaquin Buckley in the first round. He notes both fighters have power and poor durability, but he likes Fialho's early-round danger. He also mentions Buckley is moving down to welterweight after five years, which could affect his performance. He expects a stand-up war and believes Fialho lands the big shot first.

Cody believes Buckley's power and athleticism will be too much for Fialho, who has questionable durability and cardio. He expects Buckley to knock Fialho out, possibly early. He notes Buckley's move to welterweight is a positive and that Fialho's striking defense is lacking.

Connor also picks Buckley, echoing Zane's reasoning. He highlights that Fialho's indecision and poor chin are major liabilities, and that Buckley's creative striking will cause problems. He notes that Fialho has moments of being a good fighter but is inconsistent, and that Buckley's ability to mix up his attacks will keep Fialho guessing. He also expresses doubt about Buckley's move to welterweight but thinks Fialho is not the fighter to exploit it.

Daniel Levi picks Joaquin Buckley but notes he missed the better line. He believes Buckley is faster, has better volume, and that 170 lbs is the right weight class for him. He worries about Buckley's tendency to engage in pocket exchanges, where Fialho's power could be dangerous, but thinks if Buckley fights smart on the outside, he can out-volume Fialho. He calls it a 'pure pick' and says he's not interested in betting at -225.

The host picks Joaquin Buckley, expecting a knockout as Fialho fades in later rounds. He notes Buckley's technical boxing and high guard should allow him to crash the pocket and land cleaner punches. He likes the fight doesn't go to decision prop and predicts a round three TKO.

Paul agrees, noting that Buckley's move to welterweight is beneficial and that Fialho's durability is a concern. He mentions that Buckley can be methodical and that the fight could end early. He also likes the under on significant strikes for Buckley.

The MMA Guru sides with Joaquin Buckley, despite praising Fialho's activity. He worries about Fialho's chin and notes he took damage in recent fights without enough time to improve. He believes Buckley is more elusive and has a better chin, and that Fialho lacks one-shot KO power. He expects Buckley to win, possibly by KO, but acknowledges it could go either way if there's a finish.

Zane picks Buckley, noting that despite Buckley's predictable entries and history of getting knocked out, Fialho's inconsistency and poor chin make him vulnerable. He argues that Fialho's confidence breaks easily and he tends to become indecisive, while Buckley's creative combinations and willingness to trade will overwhelm him over time. He also mentions that Fialho has been staggered by relatively innocuous shots.

Angelo picks Michael Johnson as an underdog, arguing that Johnson is the younger fighter (36 vs 38) and has fought tougher competition. He believes Johnson is the better striker with solid takedown defense and BJJ defense, and that Ferreira's three-fight skid is misleading because he lost to elite grapplers. He expects a close fight but favors Johnson's experience and IQ.

Big Brady picks Michael Johnson to win by decision as an underdog. He notes Johnson has good takedown defense and should be able to keep the fight standing, where he is the better striker. He is concerned about Ferreira's long layoff and age (38), and believes Johnson can outpoint him. However, he admits trusting Johnson with money is something he hasn't done in a long time.

Cody acknowledges Ferreira's grappling advantage and past success, but is concerned about his age (38), year-and-a-half layoff, and three-fight losing streak. He thinks Ferreira can win if he uses his wrestling, but is not confident given the unknowns.

Connor also picks Ferreira, agreeing that his grappling pressure will be too much for Johnson. He notes that Johnson has become a more measured fighter but still struggles against grapplers who go for finishes on the ground. He points out that even Mark Diakiese, who doesn't match Ferreira's style, was able to shut out Johnson by stifling his takedown attempts, but Ferreira's scrambling ability makes him a different threat.

Daniel Levi picks Carlos Diego Ferreira, but with low confidence. He acknowledges Ferreira's recent losses to elite grapplers (Dariush, Gillespie, Camara) and his year off, but thinks Ferreira's BJJ is a major threat. He notes Michael Johnson has a speed advantage but Ferreira is sneaky with his striking and can take the fight to the ground. Levi believes in their primes, Ferreira wins, but is unsure about Ferreira's current form and durability.

The host picks Michael Johnson, citing his superior technical striking and ability to counter Ferreira's pressure. He notes Johnson's takedown defense will be crucial; if he keeps the fight upright, he should outland Ferreira. He expects a decision win, given Ferreira's age and layoff.

Paul is also hesitant, citing Ferreira's layoff and age. He notes that Michael Johnson's recent opponents didn't test his grappling, but Ferreira's wrestling could be the difference. He picks Ferreira but is not confident and will wait for weigh-ins.

The MMA Guru picks Michael Johnson as an underdog, believing he can KO Ferreira. He notes a massive speed difference on the feet and argues Johnson has faster hands than Poirier, who hit Ferreira with speed. He points to Johnson's improved takedown defense against Mark Madsen and his competitive fight with Jamie Mullarkey. He expects Ferreira to be hesitant on the feet after failing takedowns, leading to a KO for Johnson.

Zane picks Ferreira, citing the classic bad matchup for Michael Johnson: a relentless grappler who creates scrambles and submission threats. He acknowledges that Johnson has improved his takedown defense and become more disciplined, but Ferreira's ability to turn even failed takedowns into complicated exchanges will test Johnson's composure. He notes that Johnson has historically detonated when taken down, and Ferreira's style is exactly the kind that beats him.

Angelo picks Borshchev because in a striking match he should win easily, but he is concerned about Borshchev's poor takedown defense (31%) and the possibility that Maheshate could wrestle. He notes Borshchev is tough and never stops working, but is waiting for props before betting.

Big Brady picks Viacheslav Borshchev to knock out Maheshate in the first round. He is happy the UFC is giving Borshchev a striker, as his takedown defense is terrible but he is a beautiful striker with power. He expects Maheshate to stand and trade, which favors Borshchev. He predicts a first-round knockout.

Cody argues that Borshchev's takedown defense is poor, but Maheshate has never attempted a takedown in the UFC. He expects a striking match where Borshchev's volume and power will prevail. He notes Borshchev's ability to get up from takedowns and finish opponents.

Connor picks Maheshate because he believes Borshchev is more hurtable and can be caught with a big counter hook or knee. He notes that Maheshate is bigger, more well-rounded, and has never been knocked out. Connor also mentions the possibility of Maheshate out-grappling Borshchev, who is bad on the ground. He admits part of his pick is to avoid being trolled by a Twitter account claiming to be Maheshate.

Daniel Levi picks Viacheslav Borshchev, assuming the fight stays standing. He notes Borshchev has a clear striking advantage and is the more experienced kickboxer, while Maheshate has attempted zero takedowns in his UFC/Contender Series appearances. Levi acknowledges Borshchev's poor takedown defense but thinks Maheshate won't exploit it. He sees this as a striking match and favors Borshchev's cleaner technique.

The host picks Viacheslav Borshchev, expecting a striking battle where Borshchev's cleaner technique and body work will be key. He thinks Borshchev will slow Maheshate with body kicks and punches, then find a knockout. He likes the under and predicts a TKO victory.

Paul is intrigued by Maheshate's power and durability, and notes that Borshchev's takedown defense is a liability. He thinks Maheshate could land a knockout if Borshchev stands with him. He takes the underdog for value.

The MMA Guru picks Borshchev, believing he is better on the feet and that Maheshate won't be able to dominate him on the ground. He notes Borshchev has been working on his grappling and had moments against Mike Davis. He expects a stand-up fight and predicts Borshchev will finish via late-round TKO to the body. He is not impressed by Maheshate's win over Steve Garcia.

Zane picks Borshchev primarily for his aggression and body punching. He notes that Borshchev is more hittable and easier to get to, but his liver hunting could be a key factor against Maheshate, who has never been knocked out but may not withstand a clean shot to the liver. Zane sees this as a very 50/50 fight and is hesitant, but leans toward Borshchev's offensive pressure.

Angelo picks Vanessa Demopoulos because he thinks Karolina is aging out and didn't look good in her last fight, needing grappling to get a sketchy decision. He believes Vanessa is a solid grappler herself, sets a nice pace, and can hang with the striking. He expects Vanessa to outwork Karolina and win by decision.

Big Brady picks Vanessa Demopoulos as the underdog to submit Karolina Kowalkiewicz in the second round. He notes Demopoulos has improved her wrestling and has a dog mentality, while Kowalkiewicz is the better striker but has been inconsistent. He believes if Demopoulos can get takedowns, she can control and submit Kowalkiewicz. However, he admits he doesn't have a ton of confidence in the pick.

Cody believes Kowalkiewicz's striking and takedown defense will be enough to outpoint Demopoulos. He notes Demopoulos's grappling is a threat but Kowalkiewicz has faced high-level grapplers and should be able to keep the fight standing and win a decision.

Connor picks Kowalkiewicz, noting that she has shown signs of a renaissance in her last two fights, looking like she knows how her game works again. He highlights her surprisingly strong clinch and ground game, which could overwhelm Demopoulos. However, he acknowledges that Kowalkiewicz has been in dark places and her striking at range is not damaging, making this a hesitant pick.

Daniel Levi picks Karolina Kowalkiewicz, citing her experience and recent win. He believes Kowalkiewicz at her best is clearly ahead of Demopoulos, who is still developing. He acknowledges Demopoulos's grit and Jiu-Jitsu but thinks Kowalkiewicz's striking and veteran savvy will earn her a decision. He has a soft spot for Kowalkiewicz since she cashed a plus-215 underdog bet for him against Rose Namajunas.

The host picks Vanessa Demopoulos as an underdog, believing her BJJ black belt and strength in clinch and wrestling positions will allow her to take the fight to the ground. He thinks Kowalkiewicz's improved grappling confidence may get her into trouble. He predicts a submission win for Demopoulos, though notes if it stays standing, Kowalkiewicz has the advantage.

Paul is surprised by the line and sees value on Kowalkiewicz. He notes her experience and recent wins, and thinks Demopoulos's grappling is not at a level to trouble her. He expects Kowalkiewicz to win a clear decision.

The MMA Guru sides with Karolina Kowalkiewicz, believing she is more well-rounded and has better striking. He dismisses Vanessa Demopoulos as not very talented and suggests she has received gifted decisions due to promotability. He notes Kowalkiewicz's recent wins over Silvana Gomez Juarez and her competitive losses to top fighters. He expects Kowalkiewicz to outbox Demopoulos and win a decision.

Zane picks Demopoulos, believing she is a good athlete who is improving quickly and will keep showing up and surprising. He thinks Kowalkiewicz may get a round of dominant grappling but will have trouble controlling Demopoulos and putting a stamp on other rounds. Zane is not confident in Kowalkiewicz's current form and sees Demopoulos's athleticism and power as potential factors.

Angelo picks Orion Cosce because he believes Cosce can get takedowns and his takedown offense is better than Urbina's takedown defense. He notes Cosce's poor fight IQ and striking, but thinks he can grind out a win. He plans to bet on Orion to have more takedowns when the prop lines drop on Friday.

Big Brady picks Orion Cosce to submit Gilbert Urbina in the third round. He notes that both fighters have questionable cardio, but he trusts Cosce to push through fatigue better. He sees Cosce as the better wrestler who can mix in takedowns and wear on Urbina, eventually getting a late submission. However, he admits he doesn't trust either fighter completely and calls it a low-level fight.

Cody thinks Cosce has a clinch advantage and better wrestling, but his cardio is a concern. He expects a close fight that could go either way, but leans Cosce due to his physicality. He is not confident and calls it a greasy fight.

Connor also picks Cosce, agreeing that he is a better athlete and more coordinated. He points out that Urbina gets tired and runs out of ideas, while Cosce maintains consistent power wrestling. Connor expects Cosce to win the first round and then both fighters to fall off, but Cosce will have the lead.

Daniel Levi picks Orion Cosce based on a coin flip, calling both fighters 'frauds.' He notes Cosce has more wrestling but gassing issues, while Urbina is more dangerous but can't wrestle. He is not confident and says he is passing on betting this fight. He leans Cosce because the coin said so.

The host picks Gilbert Urbina as an underdog, citing his more complete skill set including better striking, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. He thinks Urbina's activity off his back could lead to a submission, and he expects the pace to force Cosce to slow down. He likes the under 2.5 rounds and predicts a submission in the second round.

Paul picks Urbina to be different, citing a potential edge in cardio and length. He acknowledges both fighters are unreliable and that the loser may be cut. He is not confident and will not bet.

The MMA Guru picks Orion Cosce, citing his wrestling and grinding style. He notes Cosce's loss to Blood Diamond is not disqualifying, as Philip Rowe is a good fighter. He questions Gilbert Urbina's UFC caliber, suggesting he may not deserve to be there, and also raises concerns about Urbina's weight cut and conditioning. He expects Cosce to grind out a decision over the rounds.

Zane picks Cosce, describing him as a slightly better athlete and more consistently putting himself in strong positions with good leverage for throws and lifts. He notes that Urbina is not very coordinated and lacks natural athleticism, and that Cosce's power wrestling game should prevail. Zane expects an ugly fight but sees Cosce winning the first round when fresh.

Angelo picks Rodrigo Nascimento because he believes Latifi is not fully committed, having retired in his last fight and now returning for a paycheck. He thinks Nascimento is younger, hungrier, bigger, and more athletic, and should be able to defend takedowns and get his own. He has a 1-unit moneyline bet on Nascimento at -155 but expresses some buyer's remorse, acknowledging Latifi could be boring and lay on top.

Big Brady picks Rodrigo Nascimento to win by decision. He cites Nascimento's youth, size, reach advantage, and better striking volume. He expects Nascimento to stuff most of Latifi's takedowns and outwork him on the feet. He notes Latifi is undersized for heavyweight and does little offensively. However, he calls it a low-level heavyweight fight and doesn't want much action on it.

Cody picks Nascimento but is wary of the price. He notes Latifi's takedown-and-hold style could be effective, but Nascimento's size and reach should allow him to win the striking exchanges. He calls it a greasy heavyweight fight and would take Latifi at +200 in a prop bet.

Connor picks Latifi, agreeing that he won't get out-wrestled and that Nascimento is not very good. He notes that Latifi has beaten similar opponents and that Nascimento's boxing is okay but he is slow and hittable. Connor is confident in Latifi's wrestling and ability to make fights ugly.

Daniel Levi leans toward Rodrigo Nascimento due to youth, size, and volume advantage. He notes Nascimento has better volume and is 10 years younger, but questions his chin and takedown defense, which hasn't been tested. He recalls Nascimento struggling against Alan Baudot. He thinks Latifi is on his way out but acknowledges Latifi's better defense and takedown threat. He picks Nascimento but is not confident.

The host picks Rodrigo Nascimento, citing his greater motivation and intention to advance his career. He expects Nascimento to use leg kicks and striking to stay away from Latifi's power, then wear him down in the clinch and eventually control him on the ground. He predicts a decision win, noting the over might be a good play.

Paul picks Nascimento, expecting him to pick Latifi apart at range. He notes Latifi's low striking volume and age, and thinks Nascimento's reach and size will be decisive. He is not betting but picks Nascimento.

The MMA Guru finds this fight difficult to predict but sides with Rodrigo Nascimento. He notes Ilir Latifi has teased retirement and is often injured, which makes him unreliable. He believes Nascimento is the better grappler and has decent stand-up, and expects Latifi to expend energy early trying to take him down. He predicts a third-round exhaustion-based TKO where Nascimento stuffs takedowns and batters Latifi against the cage.

Zane picks Latifi, noting that he is hard to out-wrestle and has beaten technically superior boxers. He believes Latifi can out-wrestle Nascimento and that Nascimento's success comes from out-wrestling others, which won't work against Latifi. Zane acknowledges Latifi is 40 but says he is a great athlete for heavyweight and has a long tail.

Angelo picks Nick Fiore because Chase Hooper's striking is abysmal and he lacks wrestling to get the fight to the ground. He notes that Hooper is a 'full-on Jiu Jitsu nerd' with no hands, while Fiore is a solid grappler with better takedowns. However, he admits Hooper could sneak out a win since he may be the better BJJ artist, so no bet is placed.

Big Brady picks Chase Hooper to submit Nick Fiore in the third round, but with low confidence. He notes Hooper has looked better recently, especially in the Felipe Colares fight, but also got knocked out badly by Steve Garcia. He expects this to be a grappling-heavy fight and trusts Hooper's cardio and experience in later rounds over Fiore, who slowed in his UFC debut. However, he admits having much confidence in Hooper is not smart.

Cody thinks Hooper's grappling and cardio could be decisive if the fight stays on the ground. He notes Hooper has been given a favorable matchup and that Fiore's cardio is untested. He takes the underdog for value.

Connor picks Hooper, noting that Fiore's pre-UFC wins were over weak competition and that he was easily handled by Rubezki. He believes Hooper's grappling advantage will be decisive, and that Fiore's aggression will play into Hooper's comfort zone. Connor also mentions that Hooper's move to lightweight is smart and that he will continue to pack on strength.

Daniel Levi picks Chase Hooper as an underdog. He argues that Nick Fiore's style plays into Hooper's strengths: Fiore likes to scramble and grapple, which is Hooper's wheelhouse. Levi notes Fiore is not a threat standing and that Hooper has superior BJJ and flexibility. He acknowledges Hooper's poor striking defense but believes Fiore will take the fight to the mat, where Hooper can win. He calls Hooper his 'fighter to watch.'

The host picks Nick Fiore but is not highly confident, calling it a toss-up between two BJJ black belts. He likes the over 1.5 rounds as the grappling may cancel out early. He thinks Fiore's aggressive style and top pressure could be the difference, and he expects a decision win.

Paul picks Fiore, citing his better striking and the fact that Hooper has taken a lot of damage. He thinks Fiore's grappling is solid and that Hooper's stand-up is not sustainable. He is not confident but leans Fiore.

The MMA Guru believes in New England Cartel's ability to improve fighters. He notes Fiore has dominated regional competition (though against cans) and showed toughness against Ricky Turcios on short notice. He expects Fiore's takedown defense and boxing to be too much for Chase Hooper, predicting a TKO finish on the feet in the first round. He doubts Hooper's athleticism and ability to get the fight to the ground.

Zane picks Hooper, believing he can tangle Fiore up on the mat and come out ahead in scrambles. He notes that Fiore's striking is purely a way to get to grappling, and Hooper is comfortable in clinch and ground exchanges. Zane also thinks Hooper's striking has improved, as seen against Philippa Colares, and that Fiore is not the same level of pocket aggressor as Steve Garcia.

Angelo is very confident in Natália Silva winning, citing her superior striking, grappling, power, and athleticism. He acknowledges Victoria Leonardo may be the better wrestler and could get takedowns, but believes Silva will work back up and potentially get a finish. However, he is undecided on betting due to the juiced line and past burns on women's MMA favorites.

Big Brady picks Natália Silva to knock out Victoria Leonardo in the second round. He is very confident, noting Silva's striking is elite and her takedown defense has improved significantly. He sees Leonardo's only path to success being clinch control, but doubts she can get takedowns. He expects Silva to dominate on the feet and finish Leonardo, who has been finished in all her losses.

Cody is very confident in Silva, citing her impressive debut and well-rounded skills. He notes Leonardo's poor durability and record. He expects Silva to win easily, possibly by finish.

Connor is also very confident in Silva, agreeing that she is much better technically, harder hitting, and more dynamic everywhere. He notes that Leonardo is slow and that Silva will dominate. Connor mentions that Silva has lost fights early in her career but has used that experience to hit the UFC very ready.

Daniel Levi is extremely confident in Natália Silva, calling her a future star. He praises her striking, takedown defense, and highlight-reel potential (spinning back kick KO). He views Victoria Leonardo as a stepping stone and expects Silva to make a statement. He notes Leonardo has been susceptible to high kicks in the past. He says Silva is ready for the top 15 and this is a showcase fight.

The host is confident Natália Silva will win, but notes the -1000 moneyline is prohibitive. He prefers the under 2.5 rounds prop, expecting Silva's speed and power to be too much for Leonardo. He thinks Silva will find a finish, possibly by knockout or club and sub, as Leonardo slows down and eats damage.

Paul also picks Silva, but notes the heavy price. He thinks Silva is much more skilled and should win, but acknowledges the risk of betting such a short favorite. He takes a prop bet on Silva inside the distance.

The MMA Guru calls this the lock of the card, praising Natália Silva's well-rounded game including submissions off her back and excellent striking. He notes she schooled Jasmine Jasudavicius and finished Teresa Blader with a spinning back kick. He dismisses Victoria Leonardo as mediocre in every realm, despite her win over Mandy Böhm. He expects Silva to win decisively.

Zane is very confident in Silva, describing her as aggressive, fast, and technical with good wrestling and grappling. He notes that Leonardo is terribly slow and that Silva will absolutely flex on her. Zane believes Silva is a borderline finished product and will crush Leonardo.

Angelo picks Themba Gorimbo based on his solid grappling and takedown defense shown in the loss to AJ Fletcher. He notes that Gorimbo never looked panicked and can make adjustments on the fly. While Sato is better than his recent record, Angelo believes his best years are behind him.

Big Brady picks Themba Gorimbo to submit Takashi Sato in the second round. He notes that Sato has a massive hole in his takedown defense and ground game, and Gorimbo is the grappler who will exploit that. However, he has concerns about Gorimbo's cardio after his debut against AJ Fletcher, but gives him a pass for short notice. He expects Gorimbo to get takedowns early and submit Sato, though he advises against going all-in on this fight.

Cody gives Sato a slight edge due to his power and experience. He notes Gorimbo's durability issues and thinks Sato's kickboxing could be decisive. He is not confident and calls it a 50-50 fight.

Connor also picks Gorimbo, agreeing that his pace and aggression will be key. He notes that Sato is a solid defensive wrestler but will be tested immediately and repeatedly because he doesn't do anything. Connor expects an ugly fight but sees Gorimbo's pace winning out.

Daniel Levi picks Themba Gorimbo, citing confidence and mental state. He questions Takashi Sato's ability to rebound from a brutal knockout loss (head kick, back of head to canvas) and thinks Sato may be hesitant. He notes Sato has low volume but heavy hands, while Gorimbo is not the most athletic but may be hungrier. He admits Gorimbo could be faded but thinks Sato's demons will be a factor.

The host picks Themba Gorimbo despite feeling slightly sketchy about him. He believes Gorimbo's grappling advantage will be the key, as he should be able to drag the fight to the ground and control Sato for the majority. He notes Gorimbo's striking is wild and erratic, but his kicks can keep Sato at range. He expects a decision win for Gorimbo.

Paul does not make a clear pick, stating he has no strong opinion and that the fight is a toss-up. He does not commit to either fighter.

The MMA Guru expects a striking matchup, noting that neither fighter is strong on the ground. He believes Takashi Sato has become gun-shy on the feet since his KO over Jason Witt, while Themba Gorimbo is a big athlete with a reach advantage and trains at MMA Masters. He predicts Gorimbo will hurt Sato on the feet and then secure a submission, likely a rear-naked choke or armbar, finishing in the first round.

Zane picks Gorimbo, citing his pace and aggressive wrestling as the modern way to win. He notes that Sato is a low-output counter puncher who will be overwhelmed by Gorimbo's constant pressure and awkward tie-ups. Zane acknowledges Gorimbo is not a good fighter but believes his pace will be too much for Sato.