UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Imavov

Angelo picks Nassourdine Imavov but also bets on Roman Dolidze inside the distance. He explains that Dolidze has the power and submissions to finish but cannot be trusted to grapple, as seen in his last fight. He expects Imavov to win by decision, using movement and striking. He places a bet on Dolidze inside the distance with decision no action.

Big Brady picks Nassourdine Imavov to win a close decision. He notes that Imavov is a minute winner with high volume, while Dolidze is a moment winner with low volume but big shots. The five-round fight favors Imavov, as Dolidze has never gone five rounds and slows down. Brady expects Imavov to outland Dolidze and win a decision, though Dolidze could pull off a surprise finish.

Cody acknowledges both fighters are hard to read but leans to Dolidze as a plus money underdog. He notes Dolidze's Georgian toughness, improved cardio, and power, but worries about his low striking volume and reluctance to wrestle. He thinks if Dolidze stands and trades, Imavov's volume could outpoint him, but the dog price is worth a shot.

Imavov has cleaner technique and more paths to victory, but Dolidze's forward pressure in a five-round fight could be the difference maker. Imavov needs to stay within himself, pick his shots from distance, and possibly cut Dolidze to sway judges. The host is hesitant due to the line and the five-round duration, but officially picks Imavov by decision.

Paul is torn on the main event, calling it a pass from a betting perspective. He sees Imavov's cardio issues and Dolidze's size and strength advantages, but notes Dolidze's low output and questionable fight IQ. He slightly leans to Dolidze at plus money but says he likely won't bet it.

The MMA Guru picks Nassourdine Imavov over Roman Dolidze, predicting a third or fourth round TKO. He notes Dolidze is a slugger who struggles against fighters with good footwork on the back foot, which is Imavov's strength. He cites Imavov's performance against Sean Strickland and his wrestling ability to take down Chris Curtis. He believes Imavov will work Dolidze over with front kicks and low kicks, eventually catching him with a one-two down the pipe.

Angelo picks Drew Dober, trusting his chin and brawling ability. He notes that Moicano is chinny and hasn't fought in a year. He believes Dober can bait Moicano into a firefight and knock him out. He has a half-unit bet on Dober at +125.

Big Brady picks Renato Moicano to win by first-round submission. He notes that Moicano has a huge advantage on the ground, and Dober has been submitted multiple times. However, Moicano sometimes falls in love with striking, which would be dangerous against Dober's power. Brady thinks Moicano will take Dober down and submit him, but acknowledges it's a 50-50 fight.

Cody picks Moicano, citing Dober's declining durability and Moicano's superior grappling and angles. He notes Dober's chin is fading after the Fialho knockout, and Moicano can set up takedowns with his jab. He sees Moicano by submission as a strong prop.

Moicano has a tremendous BJJ black belt and should be able to drag Dober to the ground and sink in a rear naked choke. However, the host is hesitant due to Moicano's long layoff and knee surgery at 34 years old. Dober has power and good cardio, but is at a skill disadvantage on the ground. The host expects the fight not to go to decision, with Moicano winning by submission.

Paul agrees with Cody, picking Moicano. He highlights Dober's reckless pressure and suspect takedown defense, while Moicano's jab and movement should set up takedowns. He notes Moicano's losses are to elite fighters, and Dober has never been at that level.

The MMA Guru picks Drew Dober over Renato Moicano, predicting a TKO. He cites Moicano's long layoff since November 2022 due to a leg injury, and doubts he will look his best. He believes Dober has more power on the feet and has impressive wins over Terrance McKinney, Rafael Alves, and Bobby Green. He thinks Moicano will struggle to take Dober down and that Dober will catch him with his hands down, Korean Zombie style.

Angelo picks Randy Brown, citing his length and range management. He notes that Muslim Salikhov is dangerous but slowing down at 39, losing cardio and power. He expects Brown to use his reach, work takedowns, and out-technique the aging veteran.

Big Brady picks Randy Brown to win by second-round submission (club and sub). He notes that Brown is younger, bigger, has a massive reach advantage, better cardio, and better grappling. He questions Salikhov's age (believes he's older than 39) and notes his low volume, poor cardio, and grappling holes. Brady has been burned by Brown as a favorite before but thinks this is a good matchup.

Cody picks Brown, citing Salikhov's age (39), poor cardio, and low volume. Brown's reach and movement should keep him safe, and he expects Brown to win a decision or possibly a late finish. He notes Salikhov's only path is an early KO.

Brown uses his long reach and distance striking to pick opponents apart, and should be able to circle away from Salikhov's power. Salikhov is 39 and slowing down, with a speed disadvantage. Brown's takedown defense and ability to get back to his feet if taken down will be key. The host expects Brown to win decisively by decision.

Paul picks Brown, agreeing with Cody. He notes Brown's 9-inch reach advantage and Salikhov's decline. He likes Brown by decision at +120 but says the market is accurate and he may not bet it heavily.

The MMA Guru picks Randy Brown over Muslim Salikhov, predicting a late TKO. He notes Salikhov is 39 and has looked his age, while Brown has an 8-inch reach advantage. He believes Brown can keep Salikhov at range with jabs, teeps, and low kicks, and that Salikhov's power is limited to a few shots. He trusts Brown's ability to avoid Salikhov's right hand, as he did against Khaos Williams.

Angelo is very high on Natália Silva, calling her a potential top-five fighter. He notes her footwork, takedown defense (92%), and power that carries into later rounds. He believes she will outclass Viviane Araújo everywhere and get the win.

Big Brady picks Natália Silva to win by decision. He notes that Silva is 10 years younger and has better cardio, while Araújo slows down significantly as fights go on. He expects the fight to be competitive early, possibly with Araújo trying to wrestle, but Silva will take over as the fight progresses and win a decision.

Cody picks Silva, praising her evolution and athleticism. He notes Araújo's cardio issues and inconsistency, expecting Silva to win a decision or possibly get a late finish. He likes Silva by decision prop to avoid the heavy moneyline.

Silva has looked unstoppable in the UFC with her lateral movement, kicks from distance, and submissions off her back. Araújo is a crisp striker early but fades as fights go on, and Silva's volume and output should allow her to win a decision. The host suggests playing Silva live if Araújo wins round one, or using her as a parlay piece.

Paul picks Silva by KO, taking a small stab at +540. He notes Silva's power and Araújo's toughness but thinks Silva's evolving skill set can get the finish. He acknowledges the moneyline is too steep.

The MMA Guru picks Natália Silva over Viviane Araújo, despite a bizarre tangent about fighters' relationship status. He acknowledges Araújo is good but believes Silva has the skill level to make something happen. He notes Silva's wins over Jasmine Jasudavicius, Mayra Bueno Silva, and Andrea Lee, and thinks Araújo may be on the downswing. He predicts a decision win for Silva.

Angelo picks Aliaskhab Khizriev, describing him as a powerful grappler with relentless wrestling and top pressure. He acknowledges Muradov's boxing and wrestling but believes Khizriev is a different animal who will grind him down. He is very confident in Khizriev to win.

Big Brady picks Aliaskhab Khizriev to win by first-round submission. He notes that Khizriev is undefeated (14-0) and very skilled in wrestling and grappling, while Muradov has been submitted four times and struggles with grapplers. The main concern is Khizriev's inactivity, as he rarely fights. Brady expects Khizriev to take down Muradov and find a submission early, as he typically finishes fights quickly.

Cody picks Khizriev, citing his wrestling advantage and Muradov's grappling deficiencies. He notes Khizriev's long layoff and injury concerns but believes his style is a nightmare for Muradov, who has shown poor takedown defense and cardio. He expects a submission win.

Khizriev has a solid wrestling base and good enough striking to set up takedowns. Muradov is the better striker but has cardio issues that have cost him in the past. Khizriev's pace and pressure should allow him to take over in deep waters, either getting a late finish or winning by decision.

Paul picks Khizriev, agreeing with Cody. He notes Muradov's struggles against wrestlers and Khizriev's grappling pedigree. He thinks Khizriev will get takedowns early and possibly submit Muradov, though he acknowledges the size difference and Khizriev's inactivity.

The MMA Guru picks Aliaskhab Khizriev over Makhmud Muradov, despite noting Khizriev has become 'morbidly obese' during his layoff. He believes Khizriev's grappling will be the difference, as Muradov struggled against Brian Barbarena, who has no muscle. He warns that if Khizriev shows up in shape, he will take Muradov down and submit him, but acknowledges Muradov could win if Khizriev is out of shape.

Angelo picks Gilbert Urbina, citing his cardio and pace as key factors. He notes that Urbina's takedown defense is a concern but believes his early pace will be too much for Radtke. He has Urbina in a parlay but only one bet to avoid overexposure.

Big Brady picks Charles Radtke to win by second-round submission. He notes that Urbina's last win came against a compromised Orion Coy, and he has questions about Urbina's durability and cardio. Radtke has power in his hands and solid defensive grappling. Brady expects Urbina to have early success with takedowns, but Radtke will find the chin and knock him out. He thinks people are overrating Urbina and underrating Radtke.

Cody picks Urbina, criticizing Radtke's limited skills and poor performance against Blood Diamond. He notes Urbina's youth, size advantage, and improving striking and wrestling. He expects Urbina to win by decision or late finish.

Urbina has range management and a strong top game, and should be able to grind out a finish. However, Radtke is a live underdog with good wrestling and power, and there are questions about his gas tank and durability. The host is not super confident but picks Urbina to win inside the distance.

Paul picks Urbina, highlighting the size difference and Radtke's inability to push around a bigger fighter. He notes Urbina's losses are to solid prospects and expects him to handle Radtke's pressure.

The MMA Guru picks Gilbert Urbina over Charles Radtke, predicting a second-round finish. He criticizes Radtke's performance against Blood Diamond, calling it pathetic, and compares Radtke to Ryan Koischeck. He believes Urbina will have similar success as he did against Koischeck, and notes Urbina's only losses are to Brian Battle and Sean Brady.

Angelo picks Molly McCann, expecting her to dominate in a dirty slugfest. He notes that Diana Belbiţă is more well-rounded but McCann's pressure and brawling style should prevail. He warns that McCann has poor submission defense but Belbiţă is not a good grappler. He does not bet on this fight.

Big Brady picks Molly McCann to win by second-round submission. He notes that this is a rematch from 2019 where McCann dominated Belbiţă, nearly finishing her multiple times. He believes McCann will come in with a chip on her shoulder after two embarrassing losses. However, he cautions that Belbiţă has improved and McCann is moving down to strawweight for the first time at age 33, so the weight cut is a concern. If she makes weight, he expects a finish.

Cody picks Belbiţă, arguing she has improved significantly since their first fight while McCann has stagnated. He notes Belbiţă's better kickboxing, improved takedown defense, and youth. He thinks McCann's chin and cardio are declining, and Belbiţă can outwork her.

McCann should use her takedowns and top control to grind out Belbiţă, who lacks takedown defense. However, the host is hesitant to trust McCann as a -305 favorite given her history of losing as a big favorite. The pick is McCann by decision.

Paul picks Belbiţă, calling the plus-220 price a mistake. He notes her improvements under coach Krzysztof Alin, especially in wrestling, and her youth advantage. He thinks she can outpoint McCann or even finish her.

The MMA Guru picks Molly McCann over Diana Belbiţă, despite acknowledging McCann's recent struggles. He argues Belbiţă is not capable of inflicting damage, having no TKO wins on her record (though he later finds one early in her career). He believes McCann's aggression and power advantage will be the difference in a scrappy fight, predicting a 30-27 decision.

Angelo picks Azat Maksum but advises caution. He notes that Maksum's wrestling looked poor in his last fight (2 for 11 takedowns) but attributes it to debut jitters. He believes Maksum will need to take Johnson down to win, as Johnson is superior in volume striking. He does not bet on this fight.

Big Brady picks Azat Maksum to win by decision. He notes that Maksum is a good wrestler and grappler, while Charles Johnson has terrible takedown defense and has been taken down nearly 30 times in seven UFC fights. He believes this is a stylistic nightmare for Johnson, who has never been finished (all six losses by decision). Brady also thinks the judges will favor the undefeated fighter in a close fight.

Cody picks Maksum, citing Johnson's poor takedown defense and Maksum's chain wrestling. He notes Johnson's short-notice fights and Apex struggles, while Maksum showed grit against Nam. He expects Maksum to dominate with wrestling and win by decision or submission.

Maksum should show a better version of himself after his debut, utilizing his striking to set up takedowns. Johnson is on a three-fight losing streak and has issues with output and being controlled against the cage. Maksum's wrestling and pressure should earn him a decision win.

Paul picks Maksum, agreeing with Cody. He notes Johnson's takedown defense issues and the Apex favoring grapplers. He thinks Maksum's wrestling and improved comfort in his second UFC fight will be too much for Johnson.

The MMA Guru picks Azat Maksum over Charles Johnson, noting Johnson has lost three in a row and has had injuries. He believes Maksum, a younger undefeated prospect, will be able to get his takedowns off and show a better version of himself. He also questions Johnson's wins over Muhammad Mokaev, suggesting Mokaev makes everyone look good.

Angelo is confident Themba Gorimbo will win, citing his distance management and ability to pick apart Pete Rodriguez. He notes that Rodriguez is a brawler with power but sloppy technique. He mentions the line movement and says he will bet on Gorimbo if the line rebounds.

Big Brady picks Themba Gorimbo to win by second-round submission. He notes that Gorimbo is a grappler who will shoot for takedowns early, while Rodriguez has never seen the second round and has poor ground game based on amateur fights. However, Brady has concerns about Gorimbo's cardio, durability, and tendency to be submission over position. He thinks Rodriguez is live if he can keep it standing, but expects Gorimbo to get the sub.

Cody picks Gorimbo, citing his improved training situation and Rodriguez's limited skills. He notes Rodriguez's only path is a first-round KO, while Gorimbo's grappling and reach should control the fight. He expects a submission or decision win.

Gorimbo should implement his grappling game and grind out a finish, but his reckless striking leaves him open to a knockout. Rodriguez is a power puncher but still green and reliant on power. The host expects Gorimbo to win inside the distance, likely in the second round.

Paul picks Gorimbo, noting Rodriguez's lack of grappling and poor weight cut history. He thinks Gorimbo's grappling advantage should be decisive, but he's not betting the fight due to unappealing props.

The MMA Guru picks Themba Gorimbo over Pete Rodriguez, citing Gorimbo's well-roundedness and grappling ability. He notes that Gorimbo now has financial freedom from The Rock's gift, allowing him to focus full-time. He believes if the fight goes past the first round, Gorimbo's chances skyrocket, as Rodriguez is dangerous early but untested beyond that.

Angelo picks Blake Bilder as an underdog, citing size advantage and pressure. He notes that Bilder can bully the smaller Lee if he pressures forward and stays busy. He acknowledges Lee's danger and grappling but believes Bilder can squeak out a win.

Big Brady picks Blake Bilder to win by third-round submission. He notes that Lee is dangerous early with power and a sneaky submission game, but his cardio is questionable and he slows down. Bilder is tough as nails, often drops first rounds but builds into the fight. Brady expects Lee to hurt Bilder in the first round, but Bilder will take over and finish him in the third. He suggests live betting Bilder.

Cody picks Lee, citing Bilder's poor takedown accuracy and suspect chin. He notes Lee's explosiveness and power, and thinks Lee can catch Bilder coming forward. He acknowledges Bilder's grit but sees Lee as the more likely winner.

Lee is fully healthy now and has improved his wrestling, which should allow him to stop Bilder's takedowns. Lee's length and striking advantage should be decisive, and he is expected to win by TKO within the first 10 minutes. Bilder has a tendency to get demoralized if his takedowns don't work.

Paul picks Lee, noting Bilder's disappointing performances and lack of finishing instinct. He thinks Lee's power and aggression can get the job done, though he's not fully confident in the price.

The MMA Guru picks Lee Jeong-yeong over Blake Bilder, predicting a first-round TKO. He criticizes Bilder's standup, noting he leaves his chin high. He likes Lee's performance on Road to UFC and believes there is a gap in skill, especially in round one. He also notes Bilder made a competitive fight with Shane Young, which he sees as a negative.

Angelo picks Julija Stoliarenko to win but strongly advises against betting on her. He compares her to Malcolm Gordon, a previous 'cash cow' that lost. He notes that Stoliarenko's path to victory is getting a takedown, but she is not a good fighter overall. He emphasizes that Luana Carolina is the better fighter overall but has been taken down frequently, which could be exploited.

Big Brady picks Julija Stoliarenko to win by first-round armbar. He notes that Stoliarenko is an armbar specialist with 10 wins by armbar, all in the first round. He believes her aggressiveness and improved wrestling will cause problems for Luana Carolina, who has questionable decision-making and has almost been submitted in recent fights. He expects the fight to hit the mat, where Stoliarenko is extremely dangerous.

Cody picks Stoliarenko by submission, calling it the play of the week. He notes Stoliarenko's elite armbar from guard and Carolina's poor takedown defense and physical strength. He expects Stoliarenko to get the fight to the mat and submit her quickly.

Stoliarenko's persistence and expertise in armbars should be too much for Carolina. Once Stoliarenko snatches an arm, it's only a matter of time before she gets the tap. Carolina's takedown defense is improving, but Stoliarenko's strength and Judo will likely get the fight to the ground.

Paul picks Stoliarenko by submission, agreeing with Cody. He highlights Carolina's vulnerability to takedowns and Stoliarenko's dangerous armbar. He thinks the plus-205 price is excellent value.

The MMA Guru picks Luana Carolina over Julija Stoliarenko, questioning whether Stoliarenko is actually good or just benefited from Molly McCann's poor ground game. He notes Carolina has better standup and overall ability, and that Stoliarenko has a rough weight cut at 125. He expects Carolina to win, likely as an underdog.

Angelo picks Marquel Mederos, citing his composure, dangerous striking, and takedown defense. He notes that Mederos is a touted prospect but warns against overexposure due to his UFC debut. He mentions that Mederos is part of a parlay with Thomas Petersen but only one bet on him.

Big Brady picks the underdog Landon Quiñones to win a close decision. He notes that both fighters are evenly matched and the line should be closer. He highlights Quiñones' incredible toughness, volume, leg kicks, and power, as well as his defensive wrestling. He expects the fight to primarily take place on the feet and go to decision, with the judges potentially messing it up.

Cody picks Quiñones, citing his volume, cardio, and technical striking. He notes Mederos' power but questions his cardio and wrestling. He thinks Quiñones' output and durability will earn him a decision or late stoppage.

Mederos has a great striking game with educated kicks and decent grappling. Quiñones looked out of shape in his last fight and has questionable cardio. Mederos should control the fight with his kicks from range and possibly mix in takedowns to drain Quiñones' energy. The host expects Mederos to win by decision.

Paul picks Quiñones, noting he missed the better plus-money price but still likes him. He highlights Quiñones' performance against Hackbarth and his grappling improvements. He thinks Mederos is a one-round threat but Quiñones can weather it.

The MMA Guru picks Marquel Mederos over Landon Quiñones, citing that Quiñones was getting beaten up by Nazareno Malegarie, who lacks power. He notes Mederos has high finishing potential with good boxing, a knee KO, and decent takedown defense. He also dislikes the damage Quiñones is coming off of and believes Mederos will get a finish.

Angelo picks Thomas Petersen, the prospect, over Jamal Pogues. He notes that the UFC often sets up fights to test prospects, and Petersen's wrestling should be good enough to get Pogues to the ground. He acknowledges Petersen's striking is poor but believes his wrestling will carry him. He also mentions that Pogues lacks one-punch knockout power to turn the fight around.

Big Brady picks Thomas Petersen to win by TKO ground and pound within the first two rounds. He notes Petersen is the bigger, stronger fighter with a wrestling background and vicious ground and pound, while Jamal Pogues has looked lackluster at heavyweight and has been taken down by smaller fighters. The main concern is Petersen's cardio, as he was knocked out in the third round in his only fight that went that far, but Brady expects an early finish.

Cody leans to Petersen, but is wary of Pogues' potential if he makes weight. He notes Pogues' weight issues and poor performance against Parkin. He thinks Petersen's wrestling and cardio could be decisive, but he's not confident.

Petersen has good forward pressure and wrestling, but his gas tank is a concern after gassing in his only loss. Pogues has been to four straight decisions and may struggle to implement his striking or grappling. The host leans slightly to Petersen, expecting him to grind out a decision win if he avoids big shots and manages his cardio.

Paul picks Petersen by submission, taking a small sprinkle at +750. He notes Petersen's wrestling and submission win last time, and Pogues' weight and cardio issues. He thinks the prop is overpriced.

The MMA Guru picks Jamal Pogues over Thomas Petersen, calling both fighters 'fat middleweights' and an 'embarrassment to the sport.' He believes Pogues has the takedown defense to avoid being taken down by Petersen, and if it stays standing, Pogues has better boxing. He dismisses Petersen's win on the Contender Series as beating a 'gelatinous blob.'