UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Ankalaev

Angelo picks Magomed Ankalaev, noting that Thiago Santos has slowed down at 38 and is not the same fighter who knocked out Jan Blachowicz. He believes Ankalaev's forward pressure, heavy kicks, and constant takedown threats will be too much. He expects a one-sided win, though not necessarily a stoppage.

Big Brady picks Magomed Ankalaev to win by decision. He notes Santos is 38, looks washed, has low volume (44 strikes in 25 minutes vs Walker), and has never recovered from his knee injuries after the Jones fight. He thinks Ankalaev is well-rounded, has power, and will outpoint Santos easily over five rounds. He expects the fight to be somewhat uneventful but Ankalaev will dominate. He mentions the line has moved from -330 to -500.

Cody is confident in Ankalaev, citing his pace, cardio, chin, and improved striking. He notes Santos is 38, has declined since knee surgery, and lacks volume. Cody sees Ankalaev as the best at 205 and expects him to win via pressure and volume, possibly a late stoppage. He mentions a parlay with Murzakanov at -106.

Daniel Levi picks Magomed Ankalaev to win, citing Ankalaev's upward trajectory and the emergence of a new era of light heavyweights. He notes that Thiago Santos has had lackluster performances since the Jon Jones fight, with his knees falling apart. Levi expects a chess match early but sees Ankalaev landing a big counter or takedown with ground and pound. He acknowledges Santos's power but believes Ankalaev's counters are sharp and that he will eventually get a title shot.

Ankalaev is seen as the uncrowned champ, with a seven-fight win streak and granite chin. He's a technical striker with high striking defense, and his ability to adjust mid-fight is praised. Santos is past his prime at 38, with ACL surgery and tentative performances. Ankalaev is expected to win via decision, possibly a one-sided chess match.

Paul echoes Cody's view, emphasizing Santos' decline and Ankalaev's advantages in speed, volume, and wrestling. He notes the price is high but believes Ankalaev is the best in the division. He also mentions a parlay with Murzakanov.

The MMA Guru picks Magomed Ankalaev over Thiago Santos, citing Santos' hesitancy and lack of ligaments in his leg. He believes Ankalaev will chop at the legs early, mix in takedowns, and expose Santos' poor ground game as Glover Teixeira did. He expects a late second-round ground-and-pound TKO, noting that Ankalaev's patient counter-striking style works well against Santos. He admits Santos is a decent underdog but says the odds won't sway him, as Ankalaev wins this fight seven or eight times out of ten.

Angelo hesitantly picks Song Yadong, primarily due to youth. He notes that Marlon Moraes is a savage striker with heavy leg kicks but has been figured out when pressured. He acknowledges that both fighters have similar recent records against top competition. His heart wants Moraes but his head says Yadong. He plans to find a way to bet on Moraes and may change his mind.

Big Brady picks Song Yadong to win by second-round knockout. He highlights Moraes' severe cardio issues (only one round of gas) and declining durability (knocked out in his last four losses). He notes Yadong is young (24), improving, and showed a good chin. He expects Yadong to survive the first round and then finish Moraes in the second. He acknowledges Moraes is live in the first round but thinks Yadong's path is clear.

Cody picks Song Yadong but is hesitant due to Moraes' early danger. He notes Song's durability and youth, while Moraes has a compromised chin and gasses. He suggests the inside the distance prop for Song, as Moraes is likely to fade.

Daniel Levi picks Song Yadong to win, highlighting Yadong's developing all-around game, granite chin, and ability to scramble back to his feet. He notes that Marlon Moraes has cardio and durability concerns, having been knocked out in four of his last five. Levi believes that when Yadong lands his shots, Moraes won't react well, leading to a knockout. He also mentions that he took Yadong straight in the spot.

Song Yadong is a durable, high-volume striker with good takedown defense, as shown against Casey Kenney. He trusts his chin and cardio, and is expected to march down Moraes after an early competitive round. Moraes has cardio issues and a questionable chin, and his move to Tiger Muay Thai may not fix his gas tank. Song is predicted to win by KO in round 3.

Paul is confident in Song Yadong, citing his chin, youth, and killer instinct. He notes Moraes' durability issues and tendency to fade. He suggests the inside the distance prop as a better bet than the moneyline.

The MMA Guru picks Song Yadong over Marlon Moraes, emphasizing that Moraes' chin is shattered after multiple KOs and a brutal beating from Merab Dvalishvili. He trusts Yadong's chin more and believes Yadong will commit with effective technique while Moraes will be hesitant. He predicts a brutal first-round KO, similar to Yadong's finish of Alejandro Perez, and sees this as a coming-out party for Yadong. He notes Yadong's youth and experience, stating he is not a green prospect.

Angelo picks Sodiq Yusuff because he is too powerful and fast on the feet for Alex Caceres. He notes that Caceres averages less than one takedown per fight and likely won't use his wrestling, so he will lose the striking exchanges. However, he suggests Caceres might be worth a plus 3.5 bet (buying a round on scorecards) as he could have moments of success.

Big Brady picks Sodiq Yusuff to win by decision. He notes Yusuff has more power and will land the harder shots, while Caceres is a volume striker with a black belt in BJJ but rarely goes for takedowns. He thinks the smaller cage favors Yusuff's pressure. He expects a competitive fight but Yusuff's power will be the difference, possibly hurting or dropping Caceres, but ultimately winning a decision.

Cody leans Yusuff but is not confident. He notes Caceres' submission threat but believes Yusuff's power and pressure will be too much. He worries about Caceres' grappling but thinks Yusuff's takedown defense and ability to get up will suffice.

Daniel Levi picks Sodiq Yusuff, noting that he has been on Yusuff every fight except the Arnold Allen one. He believes Yusuff will walk Caceres down and use his Nigerian power and underrated ground game. Levi mentions that he has a bet on Yusuff at minus 220. He acknowledges Caceres's veteran tricks but thinks Yusuff's physicality and pressure will be too much.

Yusuff is a powerful striker returning from a loss to Arnold Allen. He has knockout power and good boxing, but cardio can be a concern if he grapples heavily. Caceres is on a five-fight win streak but against lesser competition, and was nearly finished by Seungwoo Choi. Yusuff is expected to land a big shot and knock out Caceres, likely in the first round.

Paul leans Yusuff but is not confident. He notes Caceres' submission threat but believes Yusuff's power and pressure will be too much. He worries about Caceres' grappling but thinks Yusuff's takedown defense and ability to get up will suffice.

The MMA Guru picks Sodiq Yusuff over Alex Caceres, citing Yusuff's maturity in grappling situations and his composure on the feet. He notes that Yusuff stayed calm against Andre Fili and Arnold Allen, showing good sprawls and top control. He believes Yusuff's power will be a difference-maker and predicts a second-round KO. However, he admits Caceres is a good underdog and that the odds are too wide, suggesting a small bet on Caceres might be worth it. He still thinks Yusuff prevails.

Angelo gives a slight edge to Karl Roberson because he believes Roberson can hang in the striking and has a clear path to victory via takedowns. He notes that the skill gap on the ground is wider than on the feet, favoring Roberson. However, he acknowledges that Khalil Rountree is a very good striker and could knock Roberson out at any moment.

Big Brady picks Karl Roberson to win by third-round submission. He notes Roberson has never been knocked out and has underrated grappling, despite being submitted by elite grapplers. He points out that Rountree has zero takedowns in 11 UFC fights, so Roberson will likely keep the fight standing where he is the better striker. He also thinks Roberson can mix in takedowns and submit Rountree, who has poor takedown defense (50%). He expects Roberson to out-strike Rountree for two rounds then get a submission in the third.

Cody leans Rountree, citing his durability, power, and pressure. He notes Roberson's ground game is weak but Rountree won't exploit it. He sees it as a striking battle where Rountree's forward pressure and power give him the edge.

Daniel Levi leans with Khalil Rountree Jr., citing his speed advantage and the fact that when Rountree is mentally on and there's no takedown threat, he can be a serious problem. He notes that both fighters have been flaky and can't be fully trusted, but Rountree's speed gives him the edge. Levi acknowledges that Karl Roberson might be tougher but thinks Rountree's speed is the difference.

Roberson is seen as the more technical striker with a better overall MMA game, including grappling and clinch work. He can nullify Rountree's early power and then chip away with kicks and takedowns. Rountree has been inconsistent, with losses to Prachnio and Cutelaba. Roberson is expected to win via decision, using a grapple-heavy game plan.

Paul has no clear pick, calling it a dogger pass. He notes both fighters have moments but he doesn't trust either. He mentions Rountree's inconsistency and Roberson's cancellations.

The MMA Guru picks Khalil Rountree Jr. over Karl Roberson, expecting a stand-up contest. He believes Rountree has a big advantage on the feet and will pull the trigger more than in his last fight. He predicts a KO in round two, as Rountree lands powerful shots and gains respect. He notes that Roberson has shown some grappling ability but doesn't think it will be enough to stop Rountree.

Angelo picks Terrance McKinney despite being a short-notice replacement. He notes that McKinney is a Juco All-American wrestler with power and length, and that Brad Riddell was able to take Drew Dober down five times to win. He advises McKinney to wrestle rather than stand and bang. Angelo placed a 1-unit moneyline bet on McKinney at +185 and expects the line to move further.

Big Brady picks Drew Dober to win by second-round knockout. He highlights Dober's phenomenal chin, power, and durability, and thinks McKinney's best chance is an early finish. He doubts McKinney can submit Dober on short notice, and if McKinney wrestles, he may gas out (as seen in the Sean Woodson fight). He expects Dober to weather the early storm and knock McKinney out in the second round.

Cody is confident in Dober, citing his chin, power, and cardio advantage. He notes McKinney's early burst but believes Dober will weather it and take over in later rounds. He mentions Dober's takedown defense and ability to get up.

Daniel Levi picks Drew Dober but with hesitation, stating that his gut tells him it's a trap and he is staying away from betting. He thinks McKinney will take Dober down in the first round, but if Dober survives to the second and third, he can take over. Levi notes that Dober has improved his scrambling and escaped Islam Makhachev's armbar, but McKinney's momentum and power are concerns.

McKinney is a first-round finisher with power and submissions, and Dober has given up many takedowns recently. If McKinney doesn't finish early, Dober's cardio and striking could take over. However, the pick is McKinney via first-round submission, as his grappling and jiu-jitsu create sticky situations. The fight is expected to end inside the distance.

Paul is confident in Dober, citing his chin, power, and cardio. He notes McKinney's early threat but believes Dober will survive and finish late. He mentions Dober's takedown defense and ability to get up.

The MMA Guru picks Terrance McKinney as an underdog over Drew Dober, calling it a 50-50 fight. He likes McKinney's activity, scrambles, and well-rounded game, and believes Dober's recent war with Brad Riddell and inactivity are concerns. He thinks McKinney's scrambles will mitigate Dober's strength and that McKinney will grind out a decision, winning top control positions. He notes that Dober is difficult to finish but expects McKinney to win 30-27.

Angelo picks Bruno Silva for the upset, citing his raw power and MMA experience. He notes that Silva has 28 professional fights compared to Pereira's five, and that the smaller UFC gloves may leave Pereira vulnerable to Silva's punches. He acknowledges Pereira's elite kickboxing but believes Silva can thread the needle and put him away. Angelo placed a 1-unit bet on Silva at +165.

Big Brady picks the underdog Bruno Silva to win by first-round TKO. He believes Silva's path is to take the fight to the mat, where he has vicious ground-and-pound. He notes Silva has never been knocked out in 28 fights and has good cardio. He acknowledges Pereira is the better striker but thinks Silva can get takedowns, referencing Silva's wrestling outside the UFC. He expects a finish, as the 'fight doesn't go to decision' line is -600.

Cody is confident in Pereira, citing his striking pedigree and size advantage. He notes Silva's lack of wrestling and believes Pereira will knock him out. He mentions the line may move as people see Pereira's size.

Daniel Levi picks Bruno Silva at plus 170 odds, explaining that Silva has 28 pro fights and experience against tough competition. He believes Silva will close the distance, use dirty boxing, mix in takedowns, and knock Pereira out with ground and pound. Levi warns that if Silva tries to kickbox at distance, he deserves to lose, but he trusts Silva's experience and power. He also notes that Silva knocked out Pereira's teammate Wellington.

Silva is seen as a live underdog with more MMA experience and a black belt in jiu-jitsu. He can use grappling and clinch to neutralize Pereira's striking, and has cardio to go the distance. Pereira's hype is based on a single UFC win where he struggled early. Silva is expected to win via decision, possibly grinding on Pereira.

Paul is confident in Pereira, citing his striking and Silva's lack of wrestling. He notes Silva has never been knocked out but Pereira's power is different. He expects a KO.

The MMA Guru picks Alex Pereira over Bruno Silva, predicting a first-round KO via check hook. He believes Silva will be hesitant and that Pereira's aura, reach, and kickboxing level will be decisive. He notes that Silva has failed many takedowns and hasn't used grappling effectively in the UFC, while Pereira showed good grappling defense against Andreas Michailidis. He acknowledges the matchup is dangerous but trusts Pereira's power and training with Glover Teixeira.

Angelo picks Gillian Robertson because she is a well-rounded fighter with a strong wrestling base, averaging almost three takedowns per fight. He believes Robertson will be more physical and work the fight to the ground, as JJ Aldrich has not faced someone as physical or wrestling-heavy. He notes that the -150 odds are spot on and expects the line to move further in Robertson's favor.

Big Brady picks the underdog JJ Aldrich to win by decision. He praises Aldrich's underrated grappling, takedown defense, and ability to control opponents on the mat, citing her performances against Vanessa Demopoulos and Paulina Viana. He notes Robertson has poor takedown defense (16%) and is content to play off her back, but Aldrich's BJJ is good enough to avoid submissions. He thinks Aldrich has more paths to victory: out-striking or controlling on the ground.

Cody picks Aldrich, citing her durability and striking advantage. He notes Robertson's cardio issues and Aldrich's training with Maverick. He likes the over 2.5 rounds as a bet.

Daniel Levi picks JJ Aldrich, arguing that Aldrich's stand-up is way higher than Robertson's and that she keeps her distance well. He believes if Aldrich stuffs the first few takedowns, Robertson will start flopping to her back, allowing Aldrich to take advantage. Levi acknowledges that if Robertson gets on top, Aldrich is a brown belt and can survive, but he sees Aldrich neutralizing Robertson and winning a decision.

Aldrich has good boxing and takedown defense, but hasn't faced a relentless grappler like Robertson recently. She can keep the fight standing and use top control if taken down. Robertson is a submission specialist but may struggle to get takedowns. Aldrich is predicted to win via decision, with the over 2.5 rounds also considered.

Paul picks Aldrich, citing her durability and striking. He notes Robertson's cardio issues and Aldrich's training with Maverick. He likes the over 2.5 rounds.

The MMA Guru picks JJ Aldrich over Gillian Robertson, going against the grain. He highlights Aldrich's takedown defense, noting she hasn't been taken down since 2019 and pops right back up. He believes Aldrich is capable on the feet, training with Rose Namajunas and Valentina Shevchenko, and that Robertson won't be able to utilize her grappling. He predicts a grinding decision or a late-round TKO, as Aldrich is tough to submit.

Angelo picks Javid Basharat, praising his constant movement and ability to avoid power while getting his own takedowns. He notes that Trevin Jones is dangerous but Basharat's wrestling and distance management should be the difference. He acknowledges the Contender Series fade narrative but dismisses it.

Big Brady hesitantly picks Javid Basharat to win a close decision. He acknowledges Basharat's impressive Contender Series performance but has concerns about his level of competition. He notes Trevin Jones has power and a black belt in BJJ, but his UFC performances have been inconsistent (getting beaten up before scoring knockouts). He thinks Basharat can get takedowns and control the fight, but it's a tough call.

Cody is confident in Basharat, citing his well-rounded skills and Jones' limitations. He notes Jones' power but believes Basharat's distance and timing will prevail. He likes the under 2.5 rounds prop.

Daniel Levi picks Javid Basharat, praising his length, pace, and well-rounded skills. He notes that Basharat fights with his hands down a bit, which could be a concern against Trevin Jones's power, but believes Basharat will win the minutes and overwhelm Jones. Levi thinks Jones's last performance was poor and that Basharat will come forward and knock him out.

Basharat is a Contender Series alum with a diverse finishing ability and good takedown defense. He is a slick striker who uses range well and can scramble. Jones may land takedowns but will struggle to hold him down and has cardio issues. Basharat is predicted to win by second-round TKO or submission.

Paul is confident in Basharat, citing his well-rounded skills and Jones' limitations. He notes Jones' power but believes Basharat's distance and timing will prevail. He likes the under 2.5 rounds prop.

The MMA Guru picks Javid Basharat over Trevin Jones, favoring his grappling-heavy approach. He notes that Jones has knockout power but was swarmed in his last fight, and he trusts Basharat's grappling to control Jones for three rounds. He predicts a 30-27 decision, with Basharat outgrappling Jones and not getting finished. He acknowledges possible octagon jitters but believes Basharat's grappling will be the difference.

Angelo picks Damon Jackson but is worried about his chin. He notes that Jackson is the better offensive wrestler and more technical striker, but Kirk has more power and Jackson can be chinny. He hopes Jackson sticks to a grapple-heavy game plan, similar to how Amira Connelly took Kirk down five times. He calls it a worrisome pick and says he wouldn't bet heavily on it.

Big Brady picks Damon Jackson to win by second-round submission. He highlights Jackson's relentless pace and cardio, which he believes will break Kirk as the fight goes on, similar to what Billy Quarantillo did. He notes Jackson's 90% finish rate and that he has never lost a decision, but also has a questionable chin. He thinks Kirk could win inside the distance but expects Jackson to finish him in the second or third round.

Cody leans Kirk, citing his striking advantage and takedown defense. He notes Jackson's takedowns are overrated and Kirk's grappling is good enough. He mentions Kirk's short notice but believes he can win.

Daniel Levi leans with Kamuela Kirk, citing that Kirk is the younger, hungrier fighter and that Damon Jackson has vulnerabilities, including being dropped and cut. He thinks Kirk's cardio issues from the Billy Q fight won't be as pronounced because Jackson doesn't push a high pace. Levi expects a close, back-and-forth fight but sees Kirk out-hustling down the stretch.

Jackson is a pressure grappler with good cardio and top control. He will look to take Kirk down and grind him out. Kirk is a well-rounded fighter but may struggle with Jackson's relentless wrestling. Jackson is predicted to win via decision, with the decision line at plus 205 noted.

Paul leans Kirk, citing his striking advantage and takedown defense. He notes Jackson's takedowns are overrated and Kirk's grappling is good enough. He mentions Kirk's short notice but believes he can win.

The MMA Guru picks Kamuela Kirk as an underdog over Damon Jackson, going against the majority. He highlights Kirk's ground game off his back, including a triangle choke, and a massive stand-up advantage. He notes that Kirk worked off the bottom against Makwan Amirkhani and didn't let him pass guard. He believes Kirk will out-hustle Jackson in a close decision, with damage favoring Kirk over Jackson's control time.

Angelo picks Miranda Maverick because she is too strong and has too much forward pressure for Sabina Mazo. He notes that Mazo is a kickboxer with powerful kicks but lacks power in her hands, while Maverick is a technical striker with solid forward pressure and takedowns. He compares the matchup to Alexis Davis's win over Mazo, where Davis pressured and grappled her. Angelo is confident in Maverick's ability to replicate that game plan.

Big Brady picks Miranda Maverick to win by decision. He notes Maverick's striking has improved significantly, but her clear path is takedowns and ground control. He criticizes Mazo's poor takedown defense and get-up game, citing the Alexis Davis fight. He thinks Maverick will grind out a decision, but won't bet at the current price (-310).

Cody is confident in Maverick, citing her wrestling and physicality. He notes Mazo's lack of power and takedown defense. He expects Maverick to dominate on the ground.

Daniel Levi picks Miranda Maverick, stating that she is more physical and has more paths to victory. He notes that Sabina Mazo has looked timid and uncomfortable, while Maverick will dictate where the fight goes. Levi acknowledges that Maverick has slowed down in past fights and that the price is high, but he still thinks she gets it done. He is not interested in laying that price himself.

Maverick is a well-rounded fighter with good wrestling and striking. She moves well and blends her attacks. Mazo is on a losing streak and struggles with pressure. Maverick is expected to close distance, land takedowns, and win via TKO in the third round. She is a strong parlay piece.

Paul is confident in Maverick, citing her wrestling and physicality. He notes Mazo's lack of power and takedown defense. He expects Maverick to dominate on the ground.

The MMA Guru picks Miranda Maverick over Sabina Mazo, citing a clear grappling advantage. He notes that Mazo was held down easily by Alexis Davis and struggles to get back to her feet. He believes Maverick will mix in takedowns and dominate on the ground, predicting a 30-27 decision or a rear-naked choke. He acknowledges Mazo's length and range on the feet but thinks Maverick's wrestling will be the difference-maker.

Angelo picks Cody Brundage to get his first UFC win, but is nervous about Dalcha Lungiambula's knockout power. He notes that Brundage needs to grapple and wear out Dalcha, while Dalcha is low volume and has a negative striking differential. He prefers to bet the over 1.5 rounds rather than the moneyline.

Big Brady picks Dalcha Lungiambula to win by second-round knockout. He highlights Lungiambula's strength, takedown defense (75%), and power, noting that Brundage will struggle to get the fight to the mat. He expects Brundage to gas out if his takedowns are stuffed, and then Lungiambula will knock him out. He references Lungiambula's improved cardio from his last fight.

Cody leans Brundage, citing his wrestling advantage. He notes Lungiambula's poor grappling defense and believes Brundage can take him down and control. He is not confident due to Brundage's chin issues.

Daniel Levi picks Dalcha Lungiambula, explaining that while Cody Brundage has a D2 wrestling background, he gets discouraged when takedowns don't work. Levi believes Dolce has African power and will dig deeper when both guys are tired. He thinks Brundage may land a takedown or two, but Dolce's willingness to push through will prevail.

Lungiambula has power and clinch work, and is training at Sanford MMA. Brundage has shown poor fight IQ and cardio issues. The fight is expected to be grapple-heavy, with Lungiambula controlling the clinch and grinding out a decision. The over 2.5 rounds is also favored.

Paul leans Lungiambula, citing his power and durability. He notes Brundage's chin issues and believes Lungiambula can land a big shot. He is not confident.

The MMA Guru picks Dalcha Lungiambula over Cody Brundage, noting that Brundage has a grappling background but Lungiambula has shown good scrambling and takedown defense. He references that Ankalaev only got one takedown on Lungiambula and opted to stand, indicating no massive grappling hole. He predicts Lungiambula will stuff takedowns, land ground-and-pound elbows, and finish by third-round TKO as Brundage gasses.

Angelo leans toward Kris Moutinho due to his durability, noting that he absorbed 230 strikes against Sean O'Malley and kept coming. He acknowledges that Guido Cannetti is a technical striker but aging, and that Moutinho is young and tough. However, he admits he has no strong read on this fight and that Cannetti could win a decision.

Big Brady hesitantly picks Kris Moutinho, citing Moutinho's youth (13 years younger), height and reach advantage, and better cardio. He acknowledges Cannetti is the better fighter but only has one round of cardio at 42 years old. He expects Moutinho to walk forward, eat punches, and take over late to win a close, greasy decision. He is not betting this fight, especially with Moutinho as a favorite.

Cody leans Moutinho, citing his youth and pressure. He notes Cannetti's age and suspect gas tank. He believes Moutinho's forward pressure will overwhelm Cannetti.

Daniel Levi picks Kris Moutinho, noting that Guido Cannetti is 43 years old and gasses out past the first round. He believes Moutinho's durability and volume will break Cannetti down, likely winning a decision. Levi acknowledges that Moutinho is not the best but thinks this matchup favors him against an aging opponent.

Moutinho is expected to land crisper shots down the middle and win via decision. However, the fight is highly volatile with many possible outcomes. Cannetti has leg kicks and power, but Moutinho's durability is a question. The host is not betting this fight due to volatility.

Paul leans Moutinho, citing his youth and pressure. He notes Cannetti's age and suspect gas tank. He believes Moutinho's forward pressure will overwhelm Cannetti.

The MMA Guru picks Guido Cannetti as an underdog over Kris Moutinho, believing Moutinho is 'garbage at fighting' despite his name value from the Sean O'Malley fight. He highlights Cannetti's underrated skills, including dominating Marlon Vera in the first round of their fight. He expects a grinding fight where Cannetti uses his grappling to take Moutinho down and win by TKO or submission. He plans to wait for better odds as money comes in on Moutinho.

Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, expecting him to use his wrestling despite being known for striking. He notes that Tafon Nchukwi has more high-level experience but tends to back up and slow down under pressure. He believes Murzakanov's forward pressure and wrestling will be the difference.

Big Brady picks Azamat Murzakanov to win by first-round TKO. He notes Murzakanov is very well-rounded with heavy hands and a solid top game, but has cardio concerns since he's never been to a third round. He thinks Murzakanov can hurt Nchukwi on the feet or take him down and finish him, referencing Nchukwi's poor get-up game against Jung Park. However, he won't bet the fight due to the cardio and low-output risks.

Cody is confident in Murzakanov, citing his speed, power, and well-rounded skills. He notes Nchukwi's size but believes Murzakanov's speed and pressure will be too much. He mentions a parlay with Ankalaev.

Daniel Levi picks Azamat Murzakanov, stating that he is a little more experienced, smarter, and more comfortable in the cage. He thinks Murzakanov will point-fight for three rounds or possibly find a finish. Levi acknowledges Tafon Nchukwi's power and potential but believes Murzakanov's experience and fewer mistakes will be the difference.

Murzakanov is a fast, agile striker with good cardio and takedown ability. He can close distance quickly and has power in both hands. Nchukwi has speed and cardio issues, and may overextend. Murzakanov is expected to outwork Nchukwi over 15 minutes or finish late, with a decision at plus 320 being a value play.

Paul is confident in Murzakanov, citing his speed, power, and well-rounded skills. He notes Nchukwi's size but believes Murzakanov's speed and pressure will be too much. He mentions a parlay with Ankalaev.

The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov over Tafon Nchukwi, citing his nasty hands and power advantage. He notes that Murzakanov has laid opponents out cold and has grappling to fall back on, referencing a video of him beating Ion Cuțelaba in a grappling competition. He predicts a first-round TKO, trusting Murzakanov's physicality and technique despite Nchukwi having good stand-up of his own.