UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs. Blaydes

Angelo picks Curtis Blaydes because of his elite wrestling, which he believes will be the deciding factor. He notes that Blaydes averages over six takedowns per fight and has fast, clean entries. He acknowledges Pavlovich's dangerous striking and knockout power, but thinks Blaydes can survive the early rounds and then take over with wrestling. He mentions Blaydes' three knockout losses but still favors him. He is not betting on this fight.

Big Brady picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round knockout, specifically in the first two minutes. He notes that Pavlovich is very live to starch Blaydes early if Blaydes tries to strike. Blaydes has a clear path to victory via takedown, but if he doesn't shoot immediately, Pavlovich's power could end the fight. Brady thinks it's a 50/50 fight but leans Pavlovich because of his knockout power and Blaydes's tendency to fall in love with striking. He also mentions Pavlovich's poor ground game from past fights, but believes the knockout comes first.

Cody picks Pavlovich, emphasizing his first-round knockout streak and the fact that his only UFC loss was to Overeem in his debut at age 26. He argues Pavlovich has improved since then, trains at Tiger Muay Thai, and has a wrestling background. Cody criticizes Blaydes for sometimes choosing to strike instead of wrestling, as seen against Lewis and Daukaus, and notes that even when Blaydes gets takedowns, he doesn't always do damage. He believes Pavlovich can get back to his feet and land a knockout.

Connor picks Blaydes confidently, arguing that Blaydes does something no other heavyweight does: wrestle with diverse takedowns and control. He points out that Pavlovich's grappling is non-existent, as shown when Overeem took him down and he didn't know what to do. He also notes that Blaydes is durable and has weathered big shots before, and that Pavlovich's striking falls apart when he's not winning.

Curtis Blaydes has improved striking and distance management, using kicks and combinations to avoid trading in the pocket. He has the wrestling advantage and can take the fight to the ground, where he can control or finish. Pavlovich is a dangerous power puncher but tends to thrive when opponents exchange with him; Blaydes will not do that. The only loss on Pavlovich's record came via Alistair Overeem, who now trains with Blaydes, giving Blaydes insight. Blaydes is the more well-rounded fighter with better tools and experience.

Paul picks Pavlovich as a plus money underdog, citing his first-round finishing streak and heavy hands. He acknowledges Blaydes' wrestling and cardio advantages but believes Pavlovich's power and youth (30 at heavyweight) give him a real chance. He notes Pavlovich's wrestling base and training at Tiger Muay Thai, and points out that Blaydes has been knocked out by power punchers before. Paul also mentions a prop for Pavlovich to win in round one at plus 300.

The MMA Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich after initially leaning toward Blaydes. He rewatched Blaydes' fights and found them less impressive, noting Blaydes is skittish against powerful strikers like Derrick Lewis and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. He believes Pavlovich's takedown defense has improved and that he will hurt Blaydes on the feet, stuff takedowns, and finish him. He predicts a first-round TKO.

Zane picks Blaydes despite acknowledging Pavlovich's knockout power. He notes that Blaydes is a diverse wrestler who can take down and control heavyweights, and that Pavlovich's grappling is non-existent as seen against Overeem. However, he is hesitant because Blaydes has been knocked out before and often spends time standing early, which is dangerous against a power puncher like Pavlovich.

Angelo picks Bruno Silva despite his recent loss, attributing it to a bad night. He believes in Silva's raw talent, power, and BJJ, and thinks he can beat Brad Tavares who is well-rounded but not exceptional at anything. He acknowledges the risk and advises others to do their own research, noting that if you think Silva is broken, then pick Tavares. He is not betting on this fight.

Big Brady picks Bruno Silva as a dog to knock out Brad Tavares in the first round. He is hesitant because Silva looked awful in his last fight, appearing sluggish and drunk, but if the 'sober' Silva shows up, he has the power to knock out Tavares, who has been knocked out multiple times. Brady is scared by Silva's last performance and won't put a ton of money on him, but he still picks Silva to win early.

Cody picks Bruno Silva as an underdog, criticizing Brad Tavares as one-dimensional and not exceptional. He notes Tavares fades in later rounds and allows opponents to outwork him, as seen against Dricus du Plessis. Cody believes Silva has power and can land damaging strikes, possibly getting a knockout or winning a decision. He mentions Silva went 15 minutes with Alex Pereira and landed heavy shots.

Connor picks Tavares, arguing that Silva is one-dimensional and falls apart when his wild hooks are neutralized. He notes that Tavares is a solid defensive wrestler and technical striker, and that Silva's inefficiency will cause him to gas. However, he acknowledges that Silva hits hard and could catch Tavares if he gets into a lull, but overall Tavares should grind out a win.

Brad Tavares has good striking defense and durability, as shown against Dricus du Plessis where he was not knocked down. He can mix in takedowns to avoid Bruno Silva's power. Silva is knockout-reliant and has poor takedown defense; he tends to get outstruck by technical strikers. Tavares should be able to outwork Silva over three rounds, using combinations and leg/body kicks. Silva may slow down, allowing Tavares to increase output and win a decision.

Paul also picks Bruno Silva, agreeing with Cody that Brad Tavares is not someone he likes as a favorite. He sees a path for Silva to win by decision or knockout, noting Tavares' durability may be fading. However, Paul admits he is not actually betting this fight, calling it a pass for betting purposes.

The MMA Guru picks Brad Tavares over Bruno Silva. He notes Silva's loss to GM3 and damage from Pereira, while Tavares has a granite chin and good grappling. He thinks Tavares can use his takedowns and technical striking to win. He is not fully confident but leans toward Tavares.

Zane picks Tavares but is hesitant, noting that Tavares is fundamentally solid but hasn't evolved and often lulls in fights. He worries that Silva's power and awkwardness could catch Tavares, similar to how Dricus du Plessis did. However, he thinks Silva is too messy and inefficient, and that Tavares's defensive wrestling and jab should carry him to a decision win.

Angelo picks Bobby Green confidently, citing his superior striking and 72% takedown defense. He notes that Green has been tested by top lightweights and even in his recent loss to Drew Dober, he won the first round. He thinks Jared Gordon is undersized for lightweight and lacks one-punch knockout power, making Green a safe parlay piece.

Big Brady picks Bobby Green to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Green is a much better striker than Gordon, who has only fought grapplers in his career. Green has incredible takedown defense and good wrestling, so Gordon's path to victory is limited. Brady expects Green to put a ton of volume on Gordon, hurt him, and knock him out early. He also mentions that Gordon has been knocked out five times before and that the judges could screw up a decision, so he prefers the finish.

Cody picks Bobby Green despite the high price, praising his elite boxing, wrestling, and cardio. He notes Green's ability to outwork opponents and his durability, having only been knocked out by top power punchers. Cody believes Green's volume and pressure will be too much for Jared Gordon, who has a questionable chin and has been knocked out by lesser power punchers. He even suggests a Green by KO prop, as Gordon tends to get hit a lot.

Connor picks Green, emphasizing that Green is a superior athlete and technician. He notes that Gordon's best win was against Danny Chavez, but Green is a much tougher puzzle. He points out that Green has been schooling tough opponents and that Gordon's lack of speed and power will be exposed. He also mentions that Gordon's mental game might be off after the Pimblett fight.

Bobby Green is the better striker with a significant speed advantage. His takedown defense is good enough to keep the fight standing, where he can pick apart Jared Gordon with combinations. Gordon may have success pushing Green against the cage, but Green's footwork and movement should allow him to escape and land shots at distance. Green is motivated after a knockout loss to Drew Dober and could finish Gordon, who has shown durability issues. Green by knockout in round 2 or 3.

Paul also picks Bobby Green, arguing he should be an even bigger favorite. He highlights Green's elite boxing, footwork, and ability to avoid takedowns, noting that no one has submitted him in the UFC. Paul believes Green's volume and pressure will overwhelm Gordon, who has a weak chin and has been knocked out by lesser punchers. He thinks Green could even get a knockout.

The MMA Guru picks Bobby Green despite his recent KO loss. He argues Green's takedown defense is good and he is levels above Paddy Pimblett on the feet, whom Gordon struggled with. He thinks Green will stuff takedowns and land at will, dominating on the feet. He predicts a decision win, possibly 30-27 or 30-26.

Zane picks Green confidently, noting that Green is a slick, creative striker with excellent defensive wrestling. He points out that Gordon's best chance is to pressure and grind, but Green has shown he can handle that and counter effectively. He also mentions that Gordon lacks knockout power and that Green's recent performances show he's assertive and accurate.

Angelo picks Iasmin Lucindo confidently, based on his notes from Brogan Walker's last fight where she showed awful takedown defense. He believes Lucindo will get takedowns and dominate on the ground, similar to what Juliana Miller did. He notes Lucindo struggled in her last fight but that was a tougher matchup. He is waiting for props to drop, possibly betting on under 2.5 rounds.

Big Brady picks Iasmin Lucindo to win by second-round TKO. He notes that Lucindo is a 21-year-old prospect with good grappling and ground-and-pound, and that Brogan Walker showed zero takedown defense in her last fight against Juliana Miller, who dominated her. Brady expects Lucindo to take Walker down, beat her up, and finish her on top. He has a bad feeling because of the young age and big favorite status, but still picks Lucindo.

Cody picks Lucindo despite the high price, using logic over the 'Pac-Man theory' of backing big underdogs. He notes Lucindo is young (20), fast, strong, and aggressive, with a cast-iron chin. He criticizes Brogan Walker as slow and flat-footed, with poor defense. Cody believes Lucindo will land power shots and possibly get a second-round stoppage. However, he admits he won't bet this fight.

Connor picks Lucindo, emphasizing that Walker's fight against Miller showed she is unwilling to engage in striking and has poor balance. He notes that Lucindo is aggressive, hits hard, and makes adjustments, as seen in her fight against a tough opponent. He also points out that Walker's only path is a takedown and grind, but she lacks the coordination to do so.

Connor picks Brogan Walker (referred to as 'cash aware' in transcript), reasoning that she is a disciplined puncher who has improved her striking. He notes that Lucindo (Silva) has good submissions off her back but rarely initiates takedowns, and that Walker's pressure will likely put Lucindo on the mat. Connor trusts Walker to land the punch that hurts Lucindo over a Hail Mary submission.

Lucindo is a grapple-heavy fighter with good top control and pressure. She trains with Virna Jandiroba, which should help her grappling. Brogan Walker has shown inconsistent takedown defense and can be overwhelmed by forward pressure. However, Lucindo is young and inexperienced at the UFC level, and Walker has a win over Miranda Maverick, showing she can pull off upsets. Lucindo should return to her grappling and grind out a decision, but it's a risky spot with low confidence.

Paul also picks Lucindo, impressed by her performance against Yazmin Jauregui despite the loss. He sees her as a top prospect with a bright future. He notes she proved she belongs at this level and has a lot of potential. Paul also says he won't bet this fight.

The MMA Guru picks Iasmin Lucindo, aided by a coin flip. He notes Brogan Walker's loss to Juliana Miller and age, while Lucindo had a good performance against Yasmine Urigui and a long win streak. He thinks Lucindo's technique is solid and that this should be a lock. He predicts a win for Lucindo.

Zane picks Lucindo confidently, noting that she is much more technical, fluid, and combination-savvy than Walker. He points out that Walker struggled against Juliana Miller, who is less skilled than Lucindo, and that Walker's inability to throw more than one strike without getting off balance will be exploited. He also mentions Lucindo's speed and power.

Zane picks Iasmin Lucindo (Silva), arguing that she has a clear grappling advantage and that it would be foolish for her not to try takedowns. He refuses to consider that she wouldn't attempt takedowns against Walker, who is a terrible grappler. Zane believes Lucindo's submissions off her back are a threat, and that Walker's lack of grappling knowledge will be exploited.

Angelo picks Jeremiah Wells, citing his power, technical striking, and BJJ black belt. He thinks Wells should be more technically sound on the feet and have better BJJ than Semelsberger. He notes that Semelsberger is tough and has made fools of bettors before, so he is not betting despite seeing value at -135. He is concerned about Wells' wrestling defense against Semelsberger's pressure.

Big Brady picks Jeremiah Wells to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Wells has a ton of power and a very good grappling game, and he mixes in takedowns well. Brady is concerned about Wells's cardio if the fight extends, but he believes Wells will finish Semelsberger early. He also mentions that this could be a good live betting spot if Semelsberger survives the first round, but he expects Wells to get him out of there early.

Cody picks Semelsberger, emphasizing his cardio and ability to go 15 minutes, while Wells is a first-round finisher with suspect gas tank. He notes Semelsberger's takedown defense and striking are good, and he has shown improvement. Cody believes if Semelsberger survives the first round, he will take over and win by decision or late finish. He sees a live betting opportunity to get a better price on Semelsberger after the first round.

Connor picks Semelsberger, noting that he is working hard to overcome his anxiety against punchers. He points out that Semelsberger's approach against Jake Matthews was more assertive and that he has the durability to survive Wells's power. He thinks Semelsberger can take the fight to Wells and wilt him, but admits it's not a smart pick.

Jeremiah Wells has first-round finishing power but fades in later rounds. Matthew Semelsberger is younger, has knockout power of his own, and a better gas tank. Semelsberger can keep distance, stuff takedowns, and take over as Wells slows down. The fight likely ends in a finish, with Semelsberger coming on late to win by TKO. However, Wells could land early, making this a sketchy pick.

Paul picks Wells but is hesitant, acknowledging the points Cody made about cardio. He notes Wells is more explosive and dangerous than AJ Fletcher, who had success against Semelsberger. Paul thinks the price is more accurate now and is not sure he will bet it. He agrees the longer the fight goes, the worse it is for Wells.

The MMA Guru picks Matthew Semelsberger as an underdog. He notes Semelsberger's underrated chin and grappling, and his reach advantage. He thinks Semelsberger's straight punches will counter Wells' looping shots. He cites Semelsberger's competitive fight with Chaos Williams and his performance against Jake Matthews. He predicts a KO in the first round.

Zane picks Wells but is not confident, noting that Wells is a powerful puncher but has no depth to his game. He thinks Semelsberger might be the one to adjust and solve Wells, but he has a feeling that Semelsberger will get shocked and fall out of his groove. He mentions that Wells is like a new 'all the Wally Bong Bosch' and is very awkward.

Angelo picks Ricky Glenn because of his superior striking. He thinks Glenn's striking will be so much better that Giagos will struggle to get takedowns. He also notes Glenn has solid submission defense if taken down. He is not betting due to both fighters being inactive and not having won in a couple of years.

Big Brady picks Ricky Glenn to win by decision. He notes that Glenn has solid takedown defense and a very good get-up game, which will be a problem for Giagos, who tends to slow down as fights go on. Brady expects Giagos to have early success taking Glenn down, but Glenn will pop back up, and as Giagos fades, Glenn will take over in the second and third rounds. He trusts Glenn's cardio over Giagos's.

Cody picks Ricky Glenn, praising his cardio, durability, and striking volume. He notes Giagos is explosive but gasses quickly, often winning the first round but fading. Glenn has excellent takedown defense and submission defense, and he can get back to his feet. Cody believes Glenn will weather the early storm and take over in later rounds, possibly getting a late stoppage. He mentions a third-round TKO prop as a live play.

Connor picks Ricky Glenn, noting that Glenn is a slow-starting fighter who builds into fights and has a history of comebacks. He highlights Glenn's ability to stuff takedowns and win scrambles, turning them into top position where he is fearsome. Connor contrasts this with Giagos, who is a physical bully but has a rudimentary wrestle-boxing style and tends to crumble when pushed back.

Ricky Glenn is a solid all-around fighter with good cardio and defensive grappling. He should be able to stuff Giagos' early takedowns and take over in later rounds. Giagos has poor cardio and a limited striking game. However, Glenn has a history of hip injuries and layoffs, so his conditioning is a concern. If Glenn is anywhere near 80%, he should win by late finish or decision. Prediction: Glenn by third-round TKO.

Paul agrees with Cody, saying he is in complete agreement and has nothing to add. He implicitly picks Ricky Glenn.

The MMA Guru picks Ricky Glenn over Christos Giagos. He criticizes Giagos for losing to top-level competition and notes his wins are against low-level opponents. He praises Glenn's performances against good opponents like Dennis Bermudez and Gavin Tucker, and his short-notice majority draw with Grant Dawson. He thinks Glenn can out-grapple or out-strike Giagos and predicts a decision win, 29-28.

Zane agrees with Connor, picking Ricky Glenn. He emphasizes that Glenn is never the faster or harder hitter, but he is undeterred by Giagos's early success. Zane notes that Giagos has never lost the ability to be shocked when someone he bullied early works back into the fight, and he tends to crumble. Zane feels relatively confident in Glenn getting the win.

Angelo picks Montel Jackson easily, stating he should defend every takedown from Yahya and light him up on the feet. He notes Yahya's low takedown accuracy (24%) and that he relies on opponents shooting takedowns to get to the ground. He recommends parlaying Jackson.

Big Brady picks Montel Jackson to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Jackson is the biggest favorite on the card and has a huge reach and size advantage over the 38-year-old Yahya. Jackson has a ton of knockdowns and Yahya has been dropped in recent fights. Brady believes Jackson will stuff takedowns, keep the fight on the feet, and knock Yahya down repeatedly until the fight is stopped. He sees this as a terrible matchup for Yahya.

Cody picks Montel Jackson, citing his massive reach and strength advantages. He notes Yahya is old (38), has poor wrestling and striking, and relies on flopping to his back to avoid damage. Cody believes Jackson can keep the fight standing and use his reach to pick Yahya apart, possibly getting a knockout. He mentions a prop on PrizePicks for under 1.5 takedowns for Jackson, as he expects Jackson to avoid grappling.

Connor picks Montel Jackson, believing he is improving despite himself and that his natural athleticism and size will be too much for Yahya. He notes that Jackson's ability to easily shut down takedowns, as seen against Ricky Simon, will be key. However, he acknowledges that Jackson tends to make fights more competitive than needed and that Yahya is a dedicated grappler who can take a mile if given an inch.

Montel Jackson has significant speed and power advantages, and his kicks can keep Yahya at distance. Yahya is a jiu-jitsu specialist who struggles to get takedowns and has poor cardio. Jackson should be able to pick him apart and eventually land a knockout. However, Jackson has lacked killer instinct and has been taken down by grapplers before. If Yahya gets a hold of him, he could grind out a win. Jackson by knockout in the second round is the pick, but with low confidence.

Paul also picks Jackson, agreeing with Cody's assessment. He adds that Yahya's Jiu-Jitsu is good but his wrestling is bad, and Jackson has good takedown defense. Paul notes that judges now favor damage, so even if Yahya gets takedowns, Jackson's striking should win rounds. He expects Jackson to win, possibly by knockout.

The MMA Guru calls this the lock of the card, stating there is no chance Rani Yahya wins. He highlights Montel Jackson's wicked striking and improving skills, and his ability to stuff takedowns with good wrist control. He notes Yahya's age, injuries, and inability to get the fight to the ground. He predicts a KO in the first or second round.

Zane also picks Montel Jackson, agreeing that he is probably too innately good and big for Yahya. He notes that Yahya is self-destructive and puts a ton of energy into grappling, and that Jackson's physicality should allow him to rebuff Yahya's wrestling. Zane mentions that Jackson's ability to just grab a wrist and control an opponent's arm is a huge advantage.

Angelo picks Norma Dumont as an underdog, surprised she is +125. He trusts her size, takedown defense, and striking acumen. He notes that while Rosa has high volume, she gets hit twice as often. He thinks Dumont's technical striking will be the difference and that she can pull off the upset.

Big Brady leans with Norma Dumont to win by split decision, but has no confidence in the pick. He notes that the fight is at featherweight, which favors Dumont's size, and that the grappling exchanges will decide the winner. He sees both fighters having been taken down in the past, but gives a slight edge to Dumont's size to get on top and win minutes on the ground. He is passing on betting this fight entirely.

Cody picks Rosa, hoping she can use her volume and speed to outwork Dumont. He notes Dumont doesn't wrestle enough and Rosa has good takedown defense. However, he admits it's a close fight and he is relying on Dumont fighting a bad game plan. He acknowledges Dumont's wrestling could be a problem if she uses it.

Connor picks Karol Rosa, arguing that Dumont is too patient and doesn't know how to grapple, which will be a problem against Rosa's willingness to wrestle. He notes that Rosa flourishes when she can dictate the nature of the fight, and Dumont's lack of pressure will allow Rosa to work. Connor also criticizes Dumont's resume, saying she has mostly beaten non-threatening opponents.

Karol Rosa is the more well-rounded fighter with better output, technical striking, and ground game. However, she is moving up to featherweight, where Norma Dumont has a size and strength advantage. Rosa struggled against the physicality of Sarah McMahon in the past. Dumont is a wild card with inconsistent performances and weight issues. Rosa should use her footwork and volume to outpoint Dumont, but it's a close fight. Prediction: Rosa by decision, with low confidence.

Paul picks Dumont, noting he got her at plus 125 earlier. He believes Dumont has the power and wrestling advantage, and can take Rosa down and control her. He acknowledges Rosa's volume and speed but thinks Dumont's size and strength will be decisive. He mentions the line has moved to minus 120 and there may not be much value left.

The MMA Guru picks Norma Dumont, agreeing with a coin flip. He thinks Dumont is a much better fighter than Karol Rosa, noting Rosa's lack of takedown ability and Dumont's decent takedown defense. He cites Dumont's clean win over Danielle Wolfe and believes she will outclass Rosa on the feet. He predicts a decision win, 29-28 or 30-27.

Zane agrees with Connor, picking Karol Rosa. He notes that Dumont is a solid counter puncher but too patient and doesn't seize initiative. Zane believes Rosa will get a ton of time to work and that Dumont struggles when put on her back. He also points out that Rosa is a willing wrestler and that Dumont's wins are over weak competition.

Angelo picks Junior Tafa but is hesitant, calling it a sketchy pick. He notes Tafa's power, speed, and technical kickboxing, but questions his takedown defense. He bet $25 on Tafa at -195 as an experiment based on line movement (Tafa opened as underdog, now favorite). He acknowledges the risk and advises not to blindly tail.

Big Brady picks Mohammad Usman to win by a greasy decision, but he wants nothing to do with this fight from a betting perspective. He notes that Usman's path to victory is to wrestle and take the fight to the mat, as Tafa is a much better striker but has questionable takedown defense and cardio. However, Brady is not confident in Usman, calling him 'very bad' and noting he got lucky in his last fight. He also mentions the wild line movement but stayed away from betting it.

Cody picks Tafa, calling him a world-class kickboxer while Usman is not good. He criticizes Usman's wrestling, cardio, and tendency to rely on one-punch power. Cody notes Usman's wins on The Ultimate Fighter were close and he struggled against older competition. He believes Tafa will win by knockout if the fight stays standing, which is likely.

Connor picks Mohammed Usman, reasoning that Usman is much bigger and stronger than Tafa, and that neither fighter is likely to get knocked out. He expects a wild brawl for five minutes followed by a slog, and thinks Usman's size will allow him to hold Tafa enough to win. Connor notes that Usman hits like a truck and has never been knocked out.

Mohammad Usman has a massive experience advantage over Junior Tafa, who has less than a year of MMA experience. Usman is a mediocre fighter but has fought higher-level competition. Tafa is a raw kickboxer with poor takedown defense, as seen in his regional fights. Usman should be able to take the fight to the ground and grind out a decision or TKO. The odds have moved significantly in Tafa's favor, but Usman's MMA experience should prevail.

Paul also picks Tafa, agreeing with Cody. He notes that if Usman doesn't shoot for takedowns, Tafa will likely clip him. Paul acknowledges the risk that Usman could use wrestling, but doubts he will. He calls it a low-level heavyweight fight where anything can happen.

The MMA Guru picks Junior Tafa, going against Mohammad Usman. He sees no skill in Usman's game and notes Tafa's combat sports experience in boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. He thinks Tafa's activity and momentum are advantages, and that Usman is unimpressive with losses to Brandon Sales and a split decision over Eduardo Perez. He predicts a first-round KO.

Zane also picks Mohammed Usman, but with low confidence, calling it a coin flip. He notes that Usman is stiff and disconnected but hits hard, while Tafa is a wild combination puncher who gasses. Zane thinks the fight will be a mess and that Usman's size advantage might be the deciding factor.

Angelo picks Francis Marshall, citing his power, speed, and wrestling. He notes Marshall's blast doubles and power in his hands. He acknowledges Gomis' counter-striking and sneaky power, but thinks Marshall's aggression and power will prevail. He is undecided on betting but may include Marshall in small parlays.

Big Brady picks Francis Marshall to win by decision. He notes that Marshall has more forward pressure and aggression on the feet, and is the harder hitter. He also thinks Marshall will be the better wrestler, as he has seen Gomis taken down before. Brady acknowledges that Gomis is solid but believes Marshall has more dog in him and will pressure, take down, and control the fight to a decision win.

Cody picks Marshall, praising his youth, potential, and training under Kurt Pellegrino. He notes Marshall has power and grappling skills, and his takedown defense is better than Gomis'. Cody believes Marshall will pressure Gomis and win exchanges, possibly by finish. He acknowledges Gomis could use movement and jabs, but doubts he can maintain it for 15 minutes.

Connor picks Francis Marshall, describing him as a super aggressive swarmer who leads with his jab and has good shot selection. He notes that Marshall is well-schooled in his aggression and has takedown defense. Connor contrasts this with Gomis, who is a slick but lackadaisical striker who relies on clinch work. He believes Marshall will overwhelm Gomis and not let himself be controlled.

Francis Marshall has superior North American wrestling and should be able to shut down William Gomis' clinch-based takedowns. Marshall showed improved striking in his UFC debut and has power. Gomis relies on kicks and clinch grappling, but Marshall's underhooks and reversals will neutralize that. Gomis has been hurt in previous fights and his desperation takedowns won't work against Marshall. Marshall should control the fight and win by decision, with a possible finish.

Paul also picks Marshall, agreeing that Gomis' wrestling advantage from his debut is gone in this matchup. He thinks Marshall is young and developing, and this should be a manageable victory. However, he is not keen on the minus 205 price.

The MMA Guru picks Francis Marshall, though he notes it's not a lock. He was unimpressed by William Gomis's debut and thinks Marshall is a more promising prospect. He believes Gomis leaves himself open with unorthodox techniques and that Marshall can catch him with a straight punch. He predicts a KO in the second round after a competitive first round.

Zane also picks Francis Marshall, agreeing that Gomis's striking requires escape valves that Marshall won't allow. He notes that Gomis is a weird Muay Thai fighter who throws single strikes but lacks fluidity, and that Marshall's single-minded aggression will find openings. Zane believes Marshall's wrestling and scrambling will prevent Gomis from controlling the fight.

Angelo picks Danaa Batgerel, noting his striking speed, volume, and power. He thinks Batgerel will dominate the striking and if taken down, he will scramble well to get back up. He expects Batgerel to win but is not betting yet, waiting to see line movement or possibly betting on a prop like over takedowns on Brady.

Big Brady picks Danaa Batgerel to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Batgerel has incredible power and that Hiestand is very hittable with poor striking defense, having been dropped and knocked out before. He believes Batgerel will land a big shot early and put Hiestand's lights out, as Hiestand's path to victory requires a perfect fight. Brady also mentions that Hiestand trains with Marab and is a 100% wrestling style, but his chin is a massive liability against Batgerel's power.

Cody picks Batgerel, citing his power, volume, and takedown defense. He notes Batgerel has knockout power and good cardio, and has fought at Jackson Wink. He criticizes Hiestand as one-dimensional with wrestling, lacking striking and submission offense. Cody believes Batgerel will stuff takedowns and win on the feet, possibly by knockout.

Connor picks Danaa Batgerel, noting that Hiestand has terrible striking and gasses quickly due to inefficient wrestling. He highlights that Batgerel is a devastating puncher with a good left hook and will put Hiestand on the back foot. Connor recalls Hiestand's knockout loss to Chad Anheliger as a template for how this fight could go.

Brady Hiestand is a strong wrestler with good control and a solid grappling base. He should be able to take Danaa Batgerel down and grind out a decision. Batgerel has power in his strikes but poor takedown defense and cardio. However, Batgerel has been training at Fight Ready and may have improved his wrestling defense. Hiestand may get clipped early but should recover and implement his game plan. Prediction: Hiestand by decision.

Paul also picks Batgerel, agreeing with Cody. He notes he will be adding money on Batgerel. He mentions the market is moving in Batgerel's direction, now minus 155. Paul had previously picked Hiestand as a dog in his last fights but sees this as a tough matchup for him.

The MMA Guru picks Danaa Batgerel to win by KO in the first round. He acknowledges Brady Hiestand's decent grappling but believes Batgerel's size and power will be too much. He thinks Hiestand's striking is not yet developed and that Batgerel can shut down takedowns for a round and then do damage on the feet. He expects a vicious first-round TKO finish.

Zane also picks Danaa Batgerel, agreeing that Hiestand is an unfinished product with poor striking and a tendency to gas. He notes that Batgerel is a hard puncher who will pressure Hiestand and put hands on him. Zane mentions that Hiestand's previous fights were against opponents who couldn't hurt him, but Batgerel can.