UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall

Angelo picks Tom Aspinall, citing his superior pure striking, more power, and better grappling compared to Volkov. He notes that Volkov has lost to strikers like Gane and Lewis, and to grapplers like Blaydes. Angelo acknowledges Volkov's durability and the fact that Aspinall has never gone three rounds, but still sees Aspinall as the straightforward pick. He has a moneyline bet on Aspinall at minus 110.

Big Brady picks Alexander Volkov to win by late knockout. He has question marks about Aspinall's cardio, as Aspinall has never won a fight past 1.5 rounds and slowed in the Arlovski fight. Brady believes Volkov has a proven chin, excellent cardio, and has faced much better competition. He doubts Aspinall can take Volkov down and thinks the fight will stay on the feet, where Volkov's experience and durability will prevail.

Cody picks Aspinall but is hesitant due to the five-round distance. He notes Aspinall's speed and power advantage, and thinks his grappling might be better, but the five rounds scare him. He hasn't placed a bet on it.

Daniel Levi picks Tom Aspinall at dog odds (+110), citing his speed advantage, confidence, and Volkov's potential decline after missing a title shot. He notes Aspinall's footwork and movement are rare for a heavyweight, and that Volkov's recent performances have been shaky. Levi acknowledges the cardio question but believes Aspinall can finish early or outpoint Volkov. He also mentions that Volkov's last two five-round fights were losses.

Volkov is a 43-fight veteran who has only been knocked out twice, showing durability. Aspinall's win condition is a first-round KO; if he doesn't get it, he fades. Volkov's range kickboxing, teeps, and leg kicks will chip away at Aspinall's gas tank. Aspinall's win over Spivak was impressive but Spivak looked intimidated. Volkov at underdog odds is great value; I'll bet him at +120 to +130 for 2 units. I'm picking Volkov via third-round TKO.

Paul picks Volkov, emphasizing the five-round advantage and Volkov's durability. He argues Aspinall needs a first-round KO, but Volkov has a good chin and cardio. He cites Volkov's improvements in takedown defense and size, and believes Aspinall's aggressive style will lead to fatigue in later rounds.

The Guru picks Tom Aspinall despite the close odds, citing Aspinall's speed, power, and grappling pedigree. He notes Volkov's vulnerability to being cracked, referencing Derrick Lewis's knockout, and believes Aspinall's team focus (after Darren Till left) will elevate him. He also mentions potential hometown judging bias in the UK. He predicts a first-round TKO, with Aspinall landing a 1-2 straight down the pipe.

Angelo picks Arnold Allen but expresses two concerns: Allen only fights once a year, and Dan Hooker is moving down to featherweight, which could make him big and strong or drained. He notes that Hooker's odds have flipped from underdog to favorite, but he still likes Allen's youth, speed, power, and grappling. He mentions Allen's ability to come back from adversity, like submitting Bernal after being taken down six times.

Big Brady picks Dan Hooker to win by decision, calling it an unpopular opinion. He notes Hooker is moving down to 145 and will have a massive size advantage with four inches in height and five and a half in reach. Brady believes Hooker's takedown defense is good enough to keep the fight standing, and he favors Hooker's output and power over Allen's low volume. He also mentions Allen's best win was against Sadiq Yusuf in a close fight where Allen was outlanded.

Cody picks Hooker, citing Allen's lack of activity and close fights against lower-level opponents. He notes Hooker's volume and pace, and thinks Allen's wrestling won't be enough. He mentions waiting for weigh-ins due to Hooker's weight cut concerns.

Daniel Levi picks Arnold Allen at plus money, having bet him at +105 before the line flipped. He believes Allen is a top prospect flying under the radar, with a well-rounded game and no clear holes. Levi points out that Dan Hooker absorbs too many clean shots, as seen in fights against Poirier, Felder, and Barboza, and that Allen's point-fighting style will exploit that. He also notes the hometown advantage at the O2 Arena, suggesting close decisions will favor Allen. Levi respects Hooker but sees Allen as the future.

Hooker's volume and footwork should outwork Allen, who lacks knockout power (last KO in 2014). Hooker has good takedown defense and can use the big cage to his advantage with a stick-and-move style. Allen's grappling isn't dominant enough to control Hooker. The weight cut to 145 is a concern, but Hooker had a good test cut. I already bet Hooker at -110 and expect a decision win.

Paul picks Hooker, arguing that Allen's winning streak is overrated due to flash knockdowns and low striking output. He believes Hooker's volume and pace will overwhelm Allen, and that Allen's wrestling won't be effective. He also notes Hooker's improved wrestling from the Makhachev fight.

The Guru picks Arnold Allen, surprised he's not a favorite. He believes Dan Hooker's move down to featherweight is risky, citing Hooker's poor head movement and the tough weight cut. He notes Allen's improving skills and power, despite no KOs on record, and predicts a first-round KO. He mentions Hooker's recent domination by Islam Makhachev and questions his motivation.

Angelo picks Rodrigo Vargas (Kazula Vargas) with a 51-49 edge, citing Paddy's poor chin and tendency to get hit. He notes that Vargas hits harder than Paddy's last opponent and is less hittable. He acknowledges Paddy's superior ground game but thinks if Paddy stands and trades, his chin will be tested. He calls it the hardest pick on the card and says the odds are crazy (Paddy at -500).

Big Brady picks Paddy Pimblett to win by submission. He notes Vargas has poor takedown defense (25%) and is content to stay on his back, which won't work against a black belt like Pimblett. Brady also mentions Vargas is 36 and has fought weak competition. He sees Pimblett getting takedowns and finishing on the mat, possibly late.

Cody picks Vargas as a dog, citing Paddy's poor striking defense and chin-up stance. He thinks Vargas has better stand-up and leg kicks, and notes Vargas's sneaky guillotine. He believes Paddy's hype is overblown and that Vargas can win if it stays standing.

Daniel Levi picks Paddy Pimblett confidently, having bet him earlier at -320 in a parlay. He views Vargas as a sacrificial lamb, too slow and hittable, and believes Pimblett will finish him. Levi notes that Vargas's wins are questionable (e.g., against Zubaira Tukhugov) and that he lacks the tools to exploit Pimblett's flaws. He expects a highlight-reel KO or submission, as Pimblett is motivated by showmanship and stardom.

Pimblett should use his grappling to dominate Vargas, who was taken down by Rongzhu. Pimblett has good top pressure and submissions, and Vargas won't be ready for that approach. The fight doesn't go to decision at -270 is a good parlay piece. Pimblett isn't top-10 material, but this is a squash match. I'm picking Pimblett via second-round submission.

Paul picks Paddy, arguing that Vargas is old and has poor grappling and takedown defense. He believes Paddy's grappling will be the difference, and that even if it stays standing, Paddy has better volume and cardio. He acknowledges the price is high but thinks Paddy wins.

The Guru picks Paddy Pimblett but thinks the odds (-400) are too high; he should be around -200. He predicts a first-round submission via rear-naked choke after a hip toss. He acknowledges Vargas is a solid prospect and notes Pimblett has been dropped before, but believes his grappling will be the difference. He expects a back-and-forth on the feet before Pimblett takes over.

Angelo picks Gunnar Nelson, predicting a submission win. He notes that Nelson has been away for two years due to rib injuries but has a short-notice opponent with grappling holes. He worries about Nelson's takedown entries leaving him hittable but thinks the UFC set him up for a win. He says Nelson probably wins by submission but acknowledges the layoff makes it uncertain.

Big Brady picks Gunnar Nelson to win by first-round submission, but expresses concern about Nelson's two-year layoff. He believes if Nelson is anywhere near his best, he should submit Sato early, as Sato has been submitted three times and has poor ground game. Brady notes Nelson has fought elite competition like Gilbert Burns and Leon Edwards, while Sato's level is lower.

Cody picks Nelson by submission, noting Nelson's superior grappling and Sato's submission liability. He thinks Nelson will get the fight to the mat and find a submission. He mentions the prop is minus 110 and he took it.

Daniel Levi picks Gunnar Nelson by submission, noting that Sato has lost 75% of his fights by submission and that Nelson has 12 submission wins. He acknowledges Nelson's low striking volume and questions his motivation, but believes Nelson only needs one takedown to finish. Levi also mentions the hometown advantage for British fighters at the O2, suggesting a decision win is possible if it goes the distance. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation due to the high price on Nelson.

Nelson is a jiu-jitsu wizard who should get the fight to the ground and find a submission. Sato has been finished by submission in three of his last four losses, a huge red flag. However, ring rust and past injuries are concerns for Nelson. Sato has power and a karate style, but Nelson's grappling should be too much. I'd rather play Nelson inside the distance than the -450 line. I'm picking Nelson via second-round submission.

Paul picks Nelson, emphasizing his world-class skills and Sato's tendency to fade. He believes Nelson's cardio and grappling will be too much, and that Sato's power is only a threat early. He thinks Nelson will win handily, possibly by submission.

The Guru picks Gunnar Nelson but expects a first-round scare where Sato drops him. He believes Nelson will recover, get a takedown, and eventually secure a rear-naked choke in round two or three. He notes Nelson's close losses to Leon Edwards and Gilbert Burns, and argues that if Burns couldn't finish him, Sato won't either. He predicts a late submission.

Angelo picks Molly McCann with a slight edge, citing her cleaner boxing and willingness to grapple to steal rounds. He notes that Luana Carolina has 88% takedown defense but was taken down in her last two fights and still won. He says it's a razor-thin fight and he's siding with the bookies who have Molly as a slight favorite.

Big Brady picks Luana Carolina to win a close split decision. He notes Carolina has good takedown defense (88%) and a height and reach advantage. He expects the fight to stay on the feet, where Carolina will land more strikes. Brady acknowledges Molly McCann has the home crowd and walks forward, but he sees Carolina improving and pulling off the upset.

Cody picks McCann but is hesitant, citing home-cage advantage and judging bias. He thinks McCann's volume and pressure will be key, but acknowledges Carolina's reach and size. He says the pick is McCann by decision, but he's not confident.

Daniel Levi picks Molly McCann, citing the hometown advantage at the O2 Arena. He believes McCann's volume boxing, opportunistic takedowns, and toughness will overwhelm Luana Carolina, who has a reach advantage but may struggle with McCann's pressure. Levi expects a close decision that will favor McCann due to the crowd and judges. He also notes that McCann's heart and willpower are key factors.

McCann's forward pressure and hard-nosed striking should overwhelm Carolina, who isn't that good. Carolina's win over Godinez was overrated due to Godinez taking the fight on short notice up a weight class. McCann is more fit for flyweight and should use her speed to close distance and land strikes. The hometown crowd will help sway judges. I'm picking McCann via decision, but a sprinkle on McCann by submission at +1100 is worth it given her activity off her back.

Paul picks Carolina on paper but is wary of British judging. He thinks Carolina's reach and striking could give McCann trouble, but the crowd and potential robbery scare him. He says he'll pick Carolina for the show but likely won't bet.

The Guru picks Luana Carolina as an upset, citing her size, reach advantage (7 inches), youth, and recent win over Lupita Godinez. He believes Molly McCann is overrated due to her association with Paddy Pimblett and the Scouse crew. He thinks Carolina can stuff takedowns and outgrapple McCann, and predicts a split decision win despite potential UK judging bias.

Angelo picks Ilia Topuria to win by stoppage, citing his well-rounded game and ability to win on the feet or via wrestling. He notes that Jai Herbert has been taken down multiple times by opponents like Moicano and Trinaldo, and expects Topuria to do the same. He plans to bet on an Ilia Topuria wins inside the distance prop.

Big Brady picks Ilia Topuria to win by first-round submission. He notes Topuria is moving up a weight class on short notice and faces a massive size disadvantage, but he believes Topuria's grappling is elite and Jai Herbert has shown horrendous takedown defense and a weak chin. Brady expects Topuria to take the fight to the mat and submit Herbert quickly, as Herbert has little ground game and poor durability.

Cody picks Topuria as a lock, citing his superior grappling and Herbert's weak chin. He thinks Topuria can win by submission or KO, and notes that Herbert has been knocked out by lesser fighters. He calls Topuria the top ticket.

Daniel Levi picks Ilia Topuria, but with reservations. He notes that Topuria has finished all his UFC fights in the first round except against a short-notice opponent, where he gassed. Levi believes Topuria's ground game is a huge advantage, as Herbert has poor wrestling and chin issues. However, he warns against overhyping Topuria, as Herbert has a puncher's chance with his reach and power. Levi expects a finish inside the distance.

Topuria should replicate what Moicano did to Herbert: get the fight to the ground and use superior jiu-jitsu for a finish. Herbert is a good striker but struggles against grapplers with heavy top pressure. 23 of 25 fights for these two haven't gone to decision, and that trend should continue. The fight doesn't go to decision at -350 is a better bet than Topuria straight. I'm picking Topuria via first-round submission.

Paul picks Topuria as a lock, emphasizing Herbert's defensive liabilities and Topuria's all-around game. He notes that Herbert has been knocked out by lesser punchers and that Topuria's grappling is a major threat. He agrees Topuria is the top ticket.

The Guru picks Ilia Topuria but thinks the odds are too wide; he should be around -200. He notes Jai Herbert's weak chin and lack of physical strength, calling him a 'malnourished lightweight.' He believes Topuria's grappling and power will be too much, predicting a first-round TKO. He acknowledges an upset is possible but favors Topuria's skill set.

Angelo picks Mike Grundy, believing he will be more disciplined in sticking to wrestling. He notes that Grundy's striking is poor, but if he dives for takedowns, he can win. He thinks Amirkhani is a better striker but may get taken down when he tries to strike. He expects Grundy to take damage on the way in but ultimately win.

Big Brady picks Mike Grundy to win by decision, but expresses low confidence. He notes both fighters have bad cardio, but Grundy has slightly better gas tank (7-10 minutes vs 5). He favors Grundy's striking and believes Grundy can dictate where the fight takes place. Brady says it's a tricky fight and he wants nothing to do with it.

Cody picks Grundy, citing his better striking and Amirkhani's poor cardio. He thinks Grundy's wrestling will neutralize Amirkhani's takedowns, and that Grundy's power will be the difference in a striking battle. He is cautious due to Grundy's own cardio issues.

Daniel Levi picks Mike Grundy confidently, citing Makwan Amirkhani's decline in confidence and cardio, as well as a recent brutal knockout. He believes Grundy's wrestling and durability will overwhelm Amirkhani, who has one round of gas and has been figured out. Levi expects Grundy to win by knockout or submission, noting that Amirkhani is vulnerable after his last KO. He also mentions Grundy's power and submission threats.

Grundy has a more reliable gas tank and power striking, while Amirkhani tends to fold when things go wrong. Grundy attempted 20 takedowns in his last fight, showing relentless pressure. Amirkhani may struggle to get Grundy to the ground, and on the feet, Grundy has the advantage. I lean Grundy, but the line is getting out of whack near -200. I'll sprinkle on Grundy by KO at +750 and Grundy in round 3 at +1400.

Paul picks Grundy, arguing that Amirkhani's only good round is the first if he gets takedowns, but Grundy's wrestling is good enough to stop that. He thinks both will tire, but Grundy has better striking and power. He notes Amirkhani is likely fighting for his job.

The Guru picks Mike Grundy, citing his grappling strength and durability. He believes Makwan Amirkhani lacks grit and gas tank, and will fade as the fight goes on. He predicts Grundy will survive an early grappling onslaught, then take over in round two and finish with a TKO against the cage in round three. He notes both are fighting for their careers.

Angelo picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by knockout, assuming he is the same fighter as before his two-year layoff. He notes that Pavlovich has great power and speed, and trusts his chin. He thinks Abdurakhimov will look to wrestle but will struggle to keep Pavlovich down, leading to a knockout. He advises against betting due to the layoff.

Big Brady picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round knockout. He notes Pavlovich is 11 years younger, has an eight-inch reach advantage, and the fight will stay standing. He believes Shamil Abdurakhimov has taken a lot of damage recently and is 40 years old with health issues. Brady expects Pavlovich to knock him out early.

Cody picks Pavlovich, citing his power and Abdurakhimov's age and decline. He thinks Pavlovich's layoff is a concern but believes his power will be too much. He notes Abdurakhimov has been knocked out by lesser fighters and Pavlovich should finish early.

Daniel Levi picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by knockout inside the distance. He notes Pavlovich's age advantage (29 vs 40), reach advantage (8 inches), and recent KO wins, while Abdurakhimov has taken brutal beatings in his last two fights. Levi acknowledges the inactivity concern for Pavlovich but believes if he's motivated, he will finish the older fighter. He also mentions that Abdurakhimov's durability has been questioned.

Pavlovich has power and speed, but his wins over Marcelo Golm and Maurice Greene aren't convincing. Abdurakhimov is disciplined and has decent knockout power, plus a grappling advantage if the fight goes long. Pavlovich in round one at -105 is the best bet, as he tends to finish early. If the fight stretches, Abdurakhimov could surprise. I'm picking Pavlovich via first-round KO, but I can't get behind the -300 line.

Paul picks Pavlovich, emphasizing his power and Abdurakhimov's lack of durability. He thinks the layoff is a red flag but believes Pavlovich's youth and training at Eagles MMA will help. He notes the price is high but expects a first-round KO.

The Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich, impressed by his physical attributes (84-inch reach, 6'2"). He notes Abdurakhimov has been KO'd multiple times and taken damage. He believes Pavlovich's power and speed will be too much, predicting a first-round KO. He compares Pavlovich favorably to Shamil and thinks he has real potential in the heavyweight division.

Angelo picks Paul Craig as an underdog, noting his incredible toughness and submission threat. He thinks Krylov is more well-rounded but less dangerous, and will likely win a decision if he fights perfectly. He expects Craig to withstand a beating and find a finish on the ground. He plans to bet on Paul Craig wins inside the distance (decision no action) at plus money.

Big Brady picks Nikita Krylov to win by first-round knockout. He likes Krylov's knockout power and believes Paul Craig's chin is suspect. Brady notes that if the fight goes to the mat, Craig is dangerous with submissions, but he thinks Krylov can avoid the grappling and finish early. He also mentions Craig's talk of retirement as a potential factor.

Cody picks Krylov but is hesitant, noting Krylov's tendency to make bad decisions and engage in grappling with submission experts. He thinks Krylov should win if he keeps it standing, but worries he might get caught. He prefers Craig by submission as a prop.

Daniel Levi picks Paul Craig by submission at +450, noting that Nikita Krylov has five career submission losses and a history of making bonehead mistakes on the mat. He believes Craig only needs one opportunity to snatch a submission, as seen against Jamal Hill. Levi acknowledges Krylov may win the minutes and has knockout potential, but at plus money, he's willing to bet on Craig's opportunistic submission game. He also mentions the hometown advantage for Craig in the UK.

Krylov has power striking and good combinations, which should overwhelm Craig on the feet. However, five of Krylov's eight losses are by submission, a huge red flag against a submission specialist like Craig. Craig is dangerous off his back, constantly throwing up submissions. The fight likely ends inside the distance, but Krylov's striking advantage should lead to a knockout. I'm picking Krylov by KO, but the fight doesn't go to decision is my favorite bet.

Paul picks Krylov confidently, arguing that Krylov has fought elite competition and improved his takedown defense. He believes Krylov's striking is far superior and that Craig's wins are overrated. He thinks Krylov will win by KO if he fights smart.

The Guru picks Nikita Krylov, arguing he is underrated and has better performances than Paul Craig. He notes Krylov held his own against Glover Teixeira and outgrappled Magomed Ankalaev in round one. He criticizes Craig's chin and mentions Craig's retirement talk. He predicts a first-round TKO on the feet, as Craig tends to go down when hit clean.

Angelo picks Jack Shore with a slight edge, citing the home crowd advantage and the fact that Trevin Jones was able to take down Valiev, suggesting Shore can too. He notes that both fighters are grapplers who struggled in their last fights, but he trusts Shore's wrestling and thinks the London crowd will give him extra juice.

Big Brady picks Timur Valiev to win a close decision, acknowledging it's an unpopular pick. He favors Valiev on the feet due to his volume and mixing of tools, and believes Valiev's scrambling ability will allow him to get back up if taken down. Brady notes Jack Shore's best win was a split decision against Hunter Azure and that Shore has not faced a step-up in competition like Valiev. He also mentions Valiev's chin is a concern but doesn't think it will be an issue here.

Cody leans Valiev, citing his speed and striking advantage. He thinks Shore's wrestling might be neutralized and that Valiev's chin is a concern but he has good recovery. He is surprised by line movement and may wait for weigh-ins.

Daniel Levi picks Jack Shore, citing his undefeated record, strong grappling stats (5 takedowns per 15 minutes, 100% takedown defense), and the hometown advantage in the UK. He believes Valiev's best chance is a close decision, but judges will favor Shore in a close fight. Levi also notes that Valiev has been knocked down before and that Shore's submission threat is real. He expects a submission or dominant decision.

Jack Shore is a 15-0 prospect with excellent wrestling and top control, able to drag fights to the ground and dominate. Valiev is more of a flashy striker but can grapple if needed, though he lacks crazy knockout power. Shore's takedowns should be effective, and he can grind out a decision. The line movement from +150 to +100 reflects public support, and I understand why. I like Shore to grind out Valiev over 15 minutes.

Paul picks Shore, emphasizing his undefeated streak, excellent wrestling, and pace. He thinks Valiev has cardio and chin issues, and that Shore's volume and pressure will win rounds. He believes the British judges will favor Shore in a close fight.

The Guru picks Jack Shore as an underdog, citing his grappling pressure and reach advantage. He believes Timur Valiev slows down in fights, as seen against Trevin Jones and Chris Gutierrez. He predicts Shore will grind on Valiev against the cage, take his back, and secure a rear-naked choke in round three. He notes Shore's youth and undefeated record.

Angelo picks Cory McKenna, citing her well-rounded game and willingness to work takedowns as the difference. He notes that Elise Reed has real power but McKenna is very tough and busy. He warns that McKenna is only 22 and this is her biggest fight, so she might freeze, but he still likes her to win. He says the odds are far too wide.

Big Brady picks Cory McKenna to win by second-round submission. He is impressed with McKenna's wrestling and grappling, noting she has been grappling since a young age and trains at Team Alpha Male. He believes McKenna is levels above Elise Reed on the ground and will get the fight down and submit her. Brady acknowledges Reed may have a power advantage on the feet but thinks McKenna's ground game will be decisive.

Cody picks McKenna, citing her pressure and grappling advantage. He thinks Reed's kicking game will be nullified by McKenna's clinch and takedowns. He notes Reed's poor takedown defense and believes McKenna will win by decision or submission.

Daniel Levi leans toward Cory McKenna but is not confident due to red flags: McKenna's 58-inch reach, concussion issues, and both fighters' inexperience. He believes McKenna has an edge on the ground, but the price is too high to lay. He calls it a pass or dog situation, noting that Elise Reed has a striking advantage if it stays standing. Levi does not provide a strong pick.

McKenna's wrestling is slightly overrated; she may land takedowns but struggle to control Reed on the ground. Reed has a striking advantage with her taekwondo background, moving in and out well and landing big shots. McKenna's durability and the hometown crowd could sway judges, but Reed's ability to get back to her feet and damage opponents makes this closer than the line suggests. I'm picking McKenna via decision, but I might take a small poke on Reed at plus money.

Paul picks McKenna, noting he has already parlayed her. He emphasizes her pressure and wrestling, and thinks Reed's lack of strength and grappling will be exposed. He believes McKenna's game plan is clear: pressure and takedowns.

The Guru picks Elise Reed as a big underdog, arguing she is more technical on the feet and has good takedown defense. He dismisses her loss to Ciara Eubanks as a short-notice fight up two weight classes. He criticizes Cory McKenna's close decisions and believes Reed's 'menstrual rage' gives her an edge. He predicts a split decision win.

Angelo picks Muhammad Mokaev but is nervous about betting on him. He acknowledges Mokaev's superior wrestling and amateur experience, but notes that he is only 21 with 5 pro fights, making his UFC debut against a tough wrestler in Cody Durden. He thinks Mokaev wins but advises against making him a parlay piece.

Big Brady picks Muhammad Mokaev to win by decision. He is impressed with Mokaev's wrestling, cardio, and control, noting he can go 15 minutes without slowing. Brady believes Mokaev will tire out Cody Durden, who has a poor gas tank, and take him down repeatedly. He thinks the fight will be competitive early but Mokaev's pace will be the difference.

Cody picks Durden as a dog, citing Mokaev's youth and lack of strength. He thinks Durden's wrestling and man strength could be enough, and that Mokaev's cardio might not hold up. He acknowledges Durden's cardio issues but thinks he can win the first two rounds.

Daniel Levi picks Cody Durden as a dog, believing Mokaev's hype is overblown and that this is his first real fight. He notes Durden has been competitive in all his UFC fights, including a draw with Chris Gutierrez on short notice and a near-win over Jimmy Flick. Levi questions Mokaev's competition and thinks Durden's wrestling and toughness will test him. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and is not betting, but picks Durden to win.

Mokaev is a highly touted prospect with a 23-0 amateur and 5-0 pro record, but the hype may be too much at -350. His jiu-jitsu is slightly slicker than Durden's, which should allow him to control transitions and scrambles. However, red flags from his last fight against Hussein show he can slow down in the second round. Durden is a grizzled veteran with good wrestling, but Mokaev's grappling should get the last laugh. I'm picking Mokaev to win via decision, but I'm not confident in the line.

Paul picks Durden as a PRP dog, citing Mokaev's youth and lack of strength. He thinks Durden's wrestling and experience could be a factor, and that Mokaev's hype might be premature. He acknowledges the risk but likes the value.

The Guru picks Muhammad Mokaev but expects a close fight. He praises Mokaev's extensive amateur experience but notes he has had problems with some opponents. He believes Mokaev will win the first two rounds with striking and grappling, then Cody Durden may take the third with better cardio. He predicts a 29-28 decision, not an easy win.