UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Erceg

Connor argues that Steve Erceg has been rushed into tough fights, facing Pantoja, Kai Kara-France, and now Moreno without proper development. He highlights Erceg's defensive boxing flaws, particularly his lack of head movement and tendency to overcommit. Connor believes Moreno's experience and technical superiority will exploit these weaknesses, leading to a Moreno win.

James picks Brandon Moreno to win, citing Moreno's vast experience advantage (over 30 fights vs 15 for Erceg), superior durability, better cardio, and higher fight IQ. He notes Erceg has been knocked out recently and has shown poor decision-making in late rounds, as seen against Pantoja. James acknowledges the elevation factor but believes Moreno's gas tank is more reliable, especially late. He predicts a late stoppage or more likely a decision win for Moreno, and mentions that if there's value, it lies with Erceg as an underdog.

Zane agrees with Connor that Erceg is being mishandled by the UFC, taking too many high-level fights in a row. He notes that Erceg's takedown attempt against Pantoja was a rookie mistake, and that he hasn't had time to develop. Zane sees Moreno as a tough test that Erceg isn't ready for, and picks Moreno to win.

James picks Drew Dober to win, arguing that Torres has never won outside round one except for a split decision where he gassed, and that elevation will worsen his cardio. He highlights Dober's elite chin, cardio, and forward pressure, noting Dober's last fight against Jean Silva showed his durability. James believes Dober will survive Torres' early onslaught and then dominate in rounds two and three, likely finishing Torres. He also mentions a potential submission angle for Torres but favors Dober's path to victory.

Connor picks Cháirez despite acknowledging his flaws, such as dropping for guillotines and compromising his range. He believes Cháirez is the more likely damage dealer and that Vergara's athletic limitations will be a wall. However, he is not particularly confident due to Cháirez's inconsistency.

Zane picks Cháirez, noting that Vergara's boxing and wrestling game could be effective but that Cháirez's long straight punches and willingness to work in close make him dangerous. He thinks Vergara may get caught stepping back. Zane is not fully confident due to Cháirez's tendency to make bad decisions.

James picks Raul Rosas Jr. to win but is hesitant due to the minus 400 price tag and elevation concerns. He notes Rosas has cardio issues that could be exacerbated at elevation, while Morales has good cardio and is tough to finish. James thinks Rosas will likely win via submission or decision but cannot recommend betting him at such short odds. He suggests that if Rosas doesn't finish early, he could fade in later rounds.

James picks David Martínez to win, praising his footwork, striking variety, and fight IQ. He notes Martínez's ability to pace himself and turn it up late in rounds, and believes Oliveira's chaotic style and poor cardio will be exposed at elevation. James highlights Oliveira's two-year layoff and previous gas-out against Daniel Marcos. He predicts Martínez will win inside the distance, likely in rounds two or three, due to superior footwork and Oliveira's tendency to fade.

Connor picks Gautier, calling him a 'monster' despite being unrefined. He believes Gautier's physicality will overwhelm Medina, who is underpowered and uncoordinated. Even if Medina wrestles, Connor expects Gautier to come back and knock him out.

Zane picks Gautier, agreeing with Connor that there is a huge physical gulf. He notes that Medina might try to wrestle but doubts he can do enough damage. Zane expects it to look like a man fighting a bear.

Connor picks Rodriguez, noting his excellent wrestling and grappling defense against powerful wrestlers. He thinks Costa's structureless, erratic style will play into Rodriguez's hands, allowing him to show offensive wrestling. However, he cautions that Rodriguez can be too defensive on the feet, as seen against Julian Erosa.

Zane picks Rodriguez, emphasizing that he is a much better fighter than Costa. He notes that Rodriguez has feasted on raw fighters who expect to blow him out, and Costa's experience and guillotine threat are concerns but not enough to change the pick. Zane thinks Rodriguez deserves to be a bigger favorite.

Connor picks Godinez but is hesitant, noting that Polastri is a powerful bully who could pressure Godinez into hesitation. He thinks Godinez needs to be the aggressor and use her wrestling to control the fight. He compares her to Sam Hughes in needing consistency and determination.

Zane picks Godinez but shares Connor's worry about her confidence. He notes that Godinez has struggled against pressure and that Polastri is a dangerous, powerful striker. However, he thinks Godinez can be busier and more successful at range, and that Polastri's lack of range control will allow Godinez to wrestle effectively.

Connor picks García, noting his high-output, new-school wrestle-boxing style will overwhelm the aging Pichel. He acknowledges Pichel's toughness and low kicks as potential wrinkles but believes García's pace and boxing will be too much. He is surprised by the wide odds, given García's loss to Chris Gruetzemacher.

Zane picks García, agreeing that his pace and pressure will be decisive. He notes Pichel's old-school style and lack of speed, comparing him to an aged Jan Błachowicz. Zane thinks García's boxing and wrestling defense are solid, and that Pichel's low kicks are a minor threat.

Connor picks Emmers, noting his solid boxing and wrestling base. He thinks Miranda's gambit style of sacrificing everything for a submission is unlikely to work against a competent fighter like Emmers. He compares Miranda to Derek Minter and Terence McKinney, noting that his best wins are against cans.

Zane picks Emmers, agreeing that Miranda's all-or-nothing submission hunting is unlikely to succeed. He notes that Miranda has been shown up by higher-level fighters like Benoit Saint-Denis and Morgan Charrière. Zane thinks Emmers is underrated and should win comfortably.

Connor picks Mederos, noting his Tony Ferguson-like style of fighting in the pocket with high activity and creativity. He thinks Mederos's pressure will overwhelm Hubbard, who is reactive and lacks power. He acknowledges that Mederos's style puts him in danger but believes he can go far before a potential fall.

Zane picks Mederos, agreeing that his aggressive pocket fighting will be too much for Hubbard. He notes that Hubbard's game is reactive and low-power, and that Mederos's willingness to eat a shot and come back is a key advantage. Zane thinks the matchup favors Mederos's mentality.