UFC Fight Night: Yusuff vs. Barboza

Angelo sees this as a razor-thin striking match where youth vs experience is the key factor. He believes Sodiq's speed and youth will give him a slight edge over the 37-year-old Barboza, who is still technical but may have slowed. He notes that if it were a well-rounded MMA fight he'd lean experience, but as a striking match he favors the younger fighter. He plans to just watch rather than bet, calling it even money.

Big Brady picks Sodiq Yusuff to win by KO in the third round. He notes that Edson Barboza is 37 years old and cutting to featherweight, which is taxing. He worries about Barboza's durability and cardio in a five-round fight, while Yusuff is younger and has power. He expects Yusuff to finish late as Barboza fades.

Cody picks Barboza, emphasizing his consistent high-level competition and ability to still perform at an elite level. He highlights Barboza's leg kicks, left hook, and durability, noting that he has never slowed down despite many wars. Cody questions Yusuff's durability and wrestling ability to get Barboza down, and believes Barboza's experience and power will prevail.

The host picks Sodiq Yusuff but is hesitant due to the long layoff and herniated disc issues. He notes Yusuff's power and patience, expecting him to land a big shot as Barboza slows down with age. However, he dislikes the minus 170-180 price and prefers to pass on betting. He predicts Yusuff by knockout.

Paul picks Barboza as the underdog, citing his elite striking, durability, and experience against top competition. He notes Barboza's ability to land big shots and his consistent performance despite age. Paul is concerned about Yusuff's durability and lack of high-level wins, and believes Barboza's volume and power will be too much.

The MMA Guru leans towards Edson Barboza over Sodiq Yusuff, calling it a close 50/50 fight. He cites Barboza's momentum, size advantage (4-inch reach, taller), and experience in main events. He questions Yusuff's chin, noting he got wobbled by Arnold Allen, and his long layoff due to spinal surgery. He also thinks Yusuff's win over Alex Caceres was mostly low kicks, which won't work against Barboza. However, he expresses frustration that underdogs often win in nonsensical ways, showing low confidence.

Angelo is very confident in Jennifer Maia, calling her at -141 a great deal. He thinks she is better everywhere except raw takedowns, and expects her to weather Araújo's early storm, take over striking, and win a decision due to superior cardio. He already placed a unit on her and expects the line to widen.

Big Brady picks Viviane Araújo with little confidence. He likes her striking and wrestling advantage early, but worries about her poor cardio and durability. He expects Araújo to win the first round, Maia the third, and the fight to go to a close decision that could be affected by judges.

Cody picks Araújo, citing her superior speed and technique. He notes that at her best, she is faster and cleaner than Maia, and can mix in takedowns to steal rounds. He acknowledges her past cardio issues but believes she has corrected them in recent fights, pointing to her performances against Andrea Lee and Alexa Grasso. He expects a 15-minute fight and thinks Araújo can win two of three rounds.

The host picks Jennifer Maia, citing her superior experience, cardio, and ability to withstand Araújo's early striking. He expects Maia to take over in the second and third rounds, possibly using takedowns to wear on Araújo. He predicts a decision win for Maia.

Paul leans towards Maia based on her high volume in recent fights (109 and 145 significant strikes). He acknowledges Araújo's takedown threat but notes that judges now require control time and damage from top position. He expects a close decision and thinks Maia's volume will edge it. He also mentions the over 2.5 rounds at -450 as a potential play.

The MMA Guru picks Jennifer Maia over Viviane Araújo. He thinks Maia has better boxing and is scrappier. He notes Araújo is on a two-fight losing streak and didn't look good against Amanda Ribas, while Maia is on a two-fight winning streak, including a win over Casey O'Neill. He expects a decision win for Maia, calling it a coin flip but leaning her way due to momentum.

Angelo picks Adrian Yañez despite the massive line movement toward Martinez. He believes Yañez's boxing is cleaner and faster, and his 100% takedown defense should keep the fight standing. However, he notes Yañez needs to not be gun-shy after his knockout loss and let his hands go. He expects a great fight and potential Fight of the Night.

Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez in a close fight. He thinks Yañez has the volume and power advantage, with great boxing and hand speed, while Martinez relies on kicks. He sees it as a 15-minute striking match that goes to decision, and worries about judges but leans Yañez as a bounce-back spot after his loss to Rob Font.

Cody picks Martinez, arguing that Yañez is overhyped and has not faced top competition. He points to Yañez's struggles against Randy Costa and Davey Grant, and his loss to Rob Font. Cody highlights Martinez's five-fight win streak, including a dominant win over Cub Swanson, and believes his jab and kicks will trouble Yañez. He also notes Martinez's improved cardio and seasoning at Factory X.

The host picks Adrian Yañez as an underdog, surprised at the betting public flipping on him after his loss to Rob Font. He believes Yañez's boxing combinations and power will counter Martinez's kicking game. He expects Yañez to crash the pocket and land a knockout, likely in the first two rounds.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Yañez has not been tested by wrestlers and that Martinez could mix in takedowns. He points out that Martinez's kicks can keep the fight at range, neutralizing Yañez's boxing. Paul also mentions that Martinez's volume is lower but his striking is effective, and he expects Martinez to win two of three rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez over Adrian Yañez. He notes Yañez's boxing is good but he has a weakness against kicks, as shown in his fight with Davey Grant (which he thinks Grant won). He praises Martinez's five-fight win streak, including wins over Cub Swanson and Said Nurmagomedov, and his ability to mix in low kicks. He believes Martinez has better momentum and will be more switched on, winning a close decision.

Angelo is confident in Michel Pereira due to Petroski stepping up on short notice with questionable cardio. He notes Pereira is taller, has decent cardio, and is the busier fighter. He thinks Petroski's cardio issues will be exacerbated by the short notice, and Pereira should win.

Big Brady picks Andre Petroski to win by third-round TKO. He notes Pereira has only fought strikers and lost to grappler Tristan Connelly, while Petroski is a big middleweight with strong grappling. He expects both to tire, but Petroski's cardio holds up and he gets a late finish.

Cody picks Pereira, emphasizing his excellent takedown defense and the fact that Petroski relies heavily on takedowns. He notes that Petroski gasses out and that judges are now scoring damage and volume over control time. Cody believes Pereira's striking and cardio advantage will carry him, and that Petroski's path to victory is narrow.

The host picks Michel Pereira but is queasy about the minus 220 price due to Petroski's early grappling danger. He expects violence and a late stoppage, specifically a third-round knockout by Pereira. He suggests the under as a better bet if the price is right.

Paul picks Pereira, citing his takedown defense (92% in UFC) and improved fight IQ. He notes that Pereira has stopped doing reckless moves and is fighting more fundamentally. Paul believes Pereira's cardio will be better at 185 lbs and that he can stuff Petroski's takedowns and out-strike him. He acknowledges the price (-200) is steep but thinks Pereira wins.

The MMA Guru picks Michel Pereira to win by TKO over Andre Petroski. He argues that welterweights moving up to middleweight are technically better, citing examples. He criticizes Petroski's last performance against Gerald Meerschaert, saying he looked terrible and took heavy damage. He notes Petroski is fighting on short notice (8 weeks after a war) and doesn't trust his cardio. He believes Pereira has a massive striking advantage and explosive hips to get back up if taken down.

Angelo picks Cameron Saaiman as an underdog, believing Christian Rodriguez is overvalued after beating a 'high school kid' (Raul Rosas Jr.) who gassed. He thinks Saaiman's technical striking and potential wrestling could be key, but he's not sure if Saaiman will commit to wrestling. He plans to bet on Saaiman if the line moves favorably, possibly taking plus 3.5 rounds.

Big Brady picks Cameron Saaiman by close decision. He likes Saaiman's higher volume striking and cardio, and thinks his grappling is competitive. He sees it as a well-matched fight but leans Saaiman slightly due to his higher ceiling. He will not bet this fight.

Cody picks Rodriguez, highlighting his proven track record against prospects (beating Joshua Weems, competitive with Jonathan Pearce). He notes Rodriguez's excellent cardio, solid striking, and ability to escape bad positions. Cody contrasts Saaiman's rawness and tendency to get taken down, and believes Rodriguez's high fight IQ and grappling will be the difference.

The host picks Christian Rodriguez confidently, citing his technical advantages in striking, grappling, and Jiu-Jitsu. He notes Rodriguez's clean combinations and discipline, and expects him to exploit Saaiman's technical flaws. He predicts a decision win for Rodriguez.

Paul agrees with Cody, pointing to Saaiman's struggles against wrestlers (e.g., losing to Cody Stamann via takedowns). He notes that Rodriguez is more complete at this stage and has shown he can bully opponents on the ground. Paul expects Rodriguez to mix in takedowns and control the fight.

The MMA Guru picks Cameron Saaiman as an underdog over Christian Rodriguez. He believes Saaiman is better on the feet, more dynamic and versatile, with higher finishing potential. In grappling, he thinks Saaiman is more vicious with ground and pound, while Rodriguez is more positional. He also notes Saaiman is younger, taller, and more active, having taken no damage in his last fight.

Angelo leans T.J. Brown despite his suspect takedown defense and chin, because he believes Brown's pressure and grappling will be enough to outwork the aging Elkins. He notes Brown has never been knocked out and expects him to win, but he wants to wait for the line to tighten before betting.

Big Brady picks Darren Elkins for the upset by third-round finish. He notes T.J. Brown has poor fight IQ and takedown defense, and often makes mistakes. He worries about Elkins' age and recent injuries but expects Brown to gas out or make a mistake, allowing Elkins to take over late.

Cody picks Elkins, arguing that Brown has a history of losing when favored and that Elkins finds ways to win. He notes that Brown fades in later rounds and has poor takedown defense, while Elkins has a grinding style and excellent cardio. Cody believes Elkins can take Brown down and wear him out, especially after the first round.

The host picks T.J. Brown to win inside the distance, expecting him to bite down on his mouthpiece and land big shots early. He notes Brown's speed and power advantage over the aging Elkins, and suggests avoiding the moneyline in favor of the plus money prop. He predicts a first-round stoppage.

Paul picks Elkins, citing his toughness and ability to grind out wins. He notes that Brown has a fast start but fades, and that Elkins has fought much tougher competition. Paul believes Elkins' wrestling and cardio will be too much for Brown, and that Elkins can survive the early storm and take over.

The MMA Guru picks T.J. Brown over Darren Elkins. He praises Brown's performance against Bill Algeo despite the loss, and notes Brown trains with Bryce Mitchell in grappling, so he won't be outwrestled. He criticizes Elkins as a geriatric old man at 39 who has taken too much damage, citing his loss to Jonathan Pearce. He believes Brown is in his prime and can go three hard rounds, winning by decision or big shots.

Angelo slightly leans Lisboa, thinking she can win with clinch work, but he calls her a 'parlay buster' and expects a sloppy fight. He plans to stay away from betting on this one.

Big Brady picks Tainara Lisboa to win by second-round submission. He was impressed by her performance against Jessica Rose Clark, noting improved striking and grappling. He thinks Oliveira is a step down in competition and expects Lisboa to dominate on the ground.

Cody picks Lisboa, noting her superior striking and grappling. He highlights her win over Jessica-Rose Clark via rear-naked choke and her kickboxing background. Cody believes Oliveira has little to offer and that Lisboa can win anywhere the fight goes. He suggests Lisboa inside the distance as a prop.

The host picks Tainara Lisboa, citing her superior striking technique and grappling improvements. He questions Oliveira's level of competition and believes Lisboa is far more complete. He expects a submission win but notes the minus 315 price is a bit wide for a young UFC fighter.

Paul picks Lisboa, citing her well-rounded skills and the lack of quality opposition for Oliveira. He notes that Lisboa has a 100% finish rate at 135 lbs and that Oliveira's tape shows she is not on the same level. Paul expects Lisboa to dominate and finish the fight.

The MMA Guru picks Tainara Lisboa over Ravena Oliveira, though he admits there's not much to go on. He notes Lisboa has a UFC win over Jessica-Rose Clark and has had time off to improve. He criticizes Oliveira's competition, saying her opponents have poor records (0-2 after fighting her). He believes Lisboa's experience and preparation give her the edge.

Big Brady picks Terrance McKinney to win by first-round submission. He notes McKinney is dangerous early with power and wrestling, while Marotte is a big step up in competition and may not survive the first round. He warns that if Marotte survives, he could win, but expects McKinney to get it done quickly.

Cody picks McKinney, emphasizing that Marotte is a huge underdog with no recent fights and a shaky defense. He notes that McKinney's pressure and power are likely to overwhelm Marotte early. Cody suggests that if Marotte survives the first round, he could be live, but he doubts that will happen.

The host picks Terrance McKinney by round one, noting his explosive power and fast starts. He highlights that 19 of 20 McKinney fights finished under 1.5 rounds. However, he warns against the moneyline due to cardio issues and suggests taking McKinney round one or under 1.5 rounds.

Paul picks McKinney, noting his explosive first-round power and the fact that Marotte has no recent tape and is stepping in on short notice. He acknowledges McKinney's cardio issues but believes Marotte is not durable enough to survive the first round. Paul suggests betting McKinney round 1 or Marotte round 2 as value plays.

The MMA Guru picks Terrance McKinney to win by TKO over Brendan Marotte. He dismisses Marotte as an awful regional fighter who beat an 11-20 opponent and went to a split decision with an 8-4 fighter. He notes Marotte trains at New England Cartel but lacks quality wins. He believes McKinney has a speed advantage and won't be outgrappled, and that Marotte's short notice and lack of durability will lead to a finish.

Angelo is confident in Melissa Mullins, praising her impressive striking and composure. He warns that she tends to initiate unnecessary clinches, which could play into Alekseeva's submission game, but he trusts her to keep distance and pick Alekseeva apart on the feet.

Big Brady picks Melissa Mullins to win by third-round TKO. He thinks the fight will be on the mat, where Mullins has good top control and ground-and-pound. He expects Alekseeva to slow down as the fight goes on, allowing Mullins to finish late.

Cody picks Mullins, citing her experience and well-rounded skills. He notes her takedown defense and ability to persevere, as seen in her win over an undefeated fighter. Cody believes Alekseeva is flashy but lacks substance, and that Mullins will take over as the fight goes on.

The host picks Melissa Mullins (referred to as Melissa Dixon) making her UFC debut. He praises her ability to close the pocket, get the fight to the ground, and maintain top control with great cardio. He expects her to finish Alexa in the latter half of the fight as Alexa slows down.

Paul picks Mullins, noting that Alekseeva missed weight in her debut and has not shown much. He believes Mullins has a more well-rounded skill set and that Alekseeva's only path is a quick submission. Paul expects Mullins to win a decision or get a late finish.

The MMA Guru picks Irina Alekseeva as an underdog over Melissa Mullins. He notes that Mullins is an undefeated prospect (5-0) but he doesn't trust undefeated women's prospects in the UFC, especially at age 32 making her debut. He criticizes Mullins' win over a 7-0 opponent, saying she was getting dominated before a premature stoppage. He believes Alekseeva has better standup and clinch strength, and has fought tougher opponents.

Angelo picks Emily Ducote confidently, noting she is better than her UFC record suggests and that Ashley Yoder is returning after two years off. He thinks Ducote's volume and durability will be key, but he is not touching the -270 moneyline, hoping the line tightens.

Big Brady picks Emily Ducote to win by decision. He notes Ducote has good takedown defense and is the much better striker. He criticizes Ashley Yoder's long layoff and poor performance against Jinh Yu Frey, and expects Ducote to stuff takedowns and out-strike Yoder over three rounds.

Cody picks Ducote, emphasizing her college wrestling, BJJ black belt, and technical boxing. He notes that Yoder is 3-7 in the UFC, on a two-year layoff, and has no path to victory. Cody believes Ducote will stuff takedowns and out-strike Yoder easily.

The host picks Emily Ducote, expecting her to use a calf-kicking approach similar to her debut against Jessica Pen. He notes Yoder's long layoff and shoulder surgeries, and believes Ducote's striking and pressure will be too much. He predicts a decision win, possibly a KO, and suggests parlaying the moneyline.

Paul picks Ducote, citing her wrestling background, BJJ black belt, and superior striking. He notes that Yoder has poor wrestling and striking, and that Ducote can stuff takedowns and outbox her. Paul expects a dominant decision win for Ducote.

The MMA Guru picks Emily Ducote over Ashley Yoder, citing Yoder's poor record (8-8 in UFC, on a 2-fight losing streak, lost 4 of last 5) and long layoff of over two years. He acknowledges Ducote is also on a losing streak but notes she fought tougher competition (Angela Hill, Lupita Godinez) and is younger. He dismisses the matchup as a question, implying Ducote should win easily.