UFC Freedom 250

AJ picks Topuria to win by knockout, citing his surgical hands, precise punching, and elite reflexes. He believes Gaethje's defensive irresponsibility and willingness to take one to land one will lead to him being dropped and knocked out. AJ also notes the personal rivalry adds to the intensity, and he predicts a highlight-reel finish, possibly with body work.

AJ sees this as a massive mismatch, calling it the 'mismatch of mismatches.' He believes Topuria's crisp boxing, speed, and combination punching will be too much for Gaethje, who looked slow against Pimblett and is past his prime. AJ notes Topuria's ability to work the body and set up head shots, and he expects a knockout, possibly quick. He dismisses Gaethje's calf kick as his only path and says aside from that, he doesn't see a way Gaethje can win.

AJ is extremely confident Topuria will knock out Gaethje, citing Topuria's elite boxing, head movement, and combinations. He notes Gaethje's sloppy defense and wild style, and believes Gaethje's lack of kicking and takedown threats will leave him in a boxing match where Topuria dominates. He predicts a first or second round KO.

AJ believes Topuria's hands are too precise and his boxing is too elite for Gaethje. He mentions that Gaethje's calf kicks and forward pressure give him a chance, but ultimately Topuria's striking is different and he expects Topuria to get the win.

Angelo picks Ilia Topuria because he is the cleaner, more accurate striker with knockout power. He notes that Justin Gaethje has poor striking defense and relies on taking a beating, but Topuria's precision should be too much. He acknowledges Gaethje's puncher's chance but believes Topuria's wrestling and overall skills will prevail.

Angelo picks Ilia Topuria, believing he is too fast and hits too hard for Gaethje. He notes Ilia's wrestling background and adaptability, and that Gaethje's only chance is to weather a storm and make it ugly. He anticipates a first-round knockout.

Big Brady is very confident in Ilia Topuria, citing his power and recent wins over Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and Charles Oliveira. He believes Gaethje is overrated based on his last fight and notes Topuria has multiple paths to victory including knockout and grappling. He has a big bet on Topuria and under 2.5 rounds same game parlay at -150, totaling 4.5 units.

Big Brady picks Ilia Topuria to win by first-round knockout. He believes Topuria is better everywhere, more durable, younger, and has fought tougher competition. He expects Gaethje to stand and trade, and Topuria's power will be too much. He also notes Topuria could submit Gaethje if he takes him down, as Gaethje has been submitted quickly when taken down.

Connor believes Topuria is a massive power puncher who will absolutely cream Gaethje inside a round. He notes Gaethje is a 37-year-old also-ran who never had the technical dexterity to be a real champion, while Topuria is extremely powerful and technical. Connor emphasizes Topuria's excellent footwork and weight transfer, allowing him to plant and throw with thudding power.

Daniel Levi favors Ilia Topuria due to his cleaner boxing, superior combination setting, and ability to finish fights. He notes Topuria's well-roundedness, including calf kicks and body work, and contrasts Gaethje's tendency to get rocked in fights, which is dangerous against a power puncher like Topuria. Levi also mentions Gaethje's age (37) and potential decline, and Topuria's mental focus despite outside distractions. He predicts a knockout victory for Topuria.

The host acknowledges Topuria is much more likely to win (implied 81%) but cannot bet him at those odds. Gaethje has paths to victory (power, size, personal issues affecting Topuria), but the host passes on pre-fight betting, preferring to live bet.

Jacob picks Ilia Topuria, stating that Gaethje only has a puncher's chance. He believes Topuria will make reads and find shots, and that Gaethje's sloppy tendencies will be exploited. He expects Topuria to get it done early, possibly within two minutes.

Lucrative James picks Ilia Topuria to win via knockout in round one. He emphasizes Topuria's elite boxing with seven- and eight-punch combinations that MMA fighters struggle to defend, his durability at lightweight, and his elite grappling which could be used to tire Gaethje or secure a submission. He notes Gaethje's calf kicks and power as potential threats but believes Topuria is simply on another level.

The host expects Topuria's hard-nosed striking style to find Gaethje's chin and knock him out under 1.5 rounds. He is confident in Topuria's ability to finish the fight early.

Topuria's speed, explosiveness, and power will be too much for Gaethje. Gaethje's chin may not hold up against Topuria's power, especially early. Topuria will march forward and land a knockout, likely in round 1. He could also use his grappling if needed, but expects a statement KO.

The Guru picks Ilia Topuria by KO in round 2. He notes that Gaethje has not scored a KO in recent fights and lacks one-shot power to put Topuria away. He expects Topuria to use calf kicks and body jabs to set up a right hand over the top, finishing Gaethje against the cage. He acknowledges Gaethje may have moments in round 1 but believes Topuria's power and timing will prevail.

Zane agrees with Connor, stating Topuria is a crusher and an absolute killer. He notes Gaethje looked degraded against Pimblett, with slow balance and no sense of range. Zane highlights Topuria's ability to solve pressure strikers with his deep toolbag and technical superiority, and predicts a first-round KO.

AJ picks Pereira to win by knockout, arguing that Gane's sticking-and-moving style will slow down as the fight progresses, allowing Pereira to trap him against the cage and land combinations. He highlights Pereira's superior boxing precision, leg kick threat, and durability at heavyweight, while questioning Gane's grappling and ability to avoid Pereira's power shots. AJ predicts a finish, possibly in the later rounds.

AJ believes Pereira will knock out Gane, citing Pereira's pressure, hand speed, and left hook as key factors. He notes that Gane's evasive, cat-and-mouse style works against heavyweights but not against a world-class kickboxer like Pereira. AJ points out that Gane doesn't use his size aggressively, doesn't hit hard, and has folded in big spots (e.g., against Jones and Ngannou). He also mentions that Pereira's southpaw stance takes away the calf kick but that Pereira can still land body kicks and close the distance. AJ is confident Pereira will starch him.

AJ picks Pereira to knock out Gane, believing Gane's movement will slow as the fight progresses and Pereira's power and calf kicks will take over. He notes Gane's lack of power and that Pereira's chin and cardio improve at heavyweight. He expects Pereira to trap Gane and land a knockout in the second, third, or fourth round.

AJ leans towards Pereira, noting that Pereira's leg kicks will slow Gane's lateral movement and his punch power is a huge difference maker. He acknowledges the odds are essentially even and that Gane could win, but favors Pereira.

Angelo picks Ciryl Gane despite rooting for Pereira. He believes Gane's footwork and mobility will be too much for Pereira, who is defensively reckless and gets hit often. He notes that Pereira has been rocked before and that Gane is faster and bigger, and can out-technique him.

Despite being a vocal Alex Pereira fan, Angelo picks Ciryl Gane, citing Gane's size, speed, footwork, and technical striking. He doubts Pereira's power will translate to heavyweight and believes Gane is too fast and clean for Pereira to walk down and knock out. He notes he bet on Gane at -120.

Big Brady picks Ciryl Gane to win by decision. He argues that Gane has more ways to win: he can use footwork and speed to avoid Pereira's power, or use his size to grapple. Pereira's move to heavyweight is uncertain, while Gane is proven at the weight. He expects Gane to outpoint Pereira over five rounds unless Pereira lands a big shot.

Connor picks Gane but is hesitant, noting Gane's tendency to 'shit the bed' in big fights and his poor fundamentals from early training. He thinks the style matchup favors Gane, as Pereira struggles against long-range punchers like Jan Blachowicz. However, Connor acknowledges Pereira could win if he pressures Gane and makes him make bad decisions, but he trusts Gane's jab and size advantage.

Daniel Levi admits he is historically bad at predicting Alex Pereira fights, but he picks Pereira to win by knockout. He acknowledges Gane's speed, movement, and athleticism could give Pereira early issues, but Pereira's ability to make adjustments and find the left hook in championship rounds is key. Levi questions Gane's chin and tendency to choke in big fights, referencing the Ngannou and Jones losses. He expects Pereira to eventually land the patented left hook and become the first three-division champion.

The host slightly leans towards Gane because he is proven at heavyweight, has better cardio, and is the safe bet, but does not feel confident enough to bet. He notes Pereira's power and intangibles at heavyweight make it a pass.

Jacob picks Alex Pereira, arguing that Gane doesn't fight big and will back up. He believes Pereira will stalk him, land calf kicks, and have the bigger moments. He thinks Gane will try to run away and Pereira will either win a decision or knock him out.

Lucrative James picks Ciryl Gane to win via five-round decision, but with hesitation. He believes Gane's movement, jab, and volume will give him early rounds, but questions his durability and fight IQ in later rounds, especially given his history of dropping the ball in big title fights. He also considers the outdoor humidity as a potential factor that could affect Gane's footwork. He notes Pereira's calf kicks and comeback ability but ultimately trusts Gane's stylistic advantages.

The host sees this as an intriguing striking matchup and believes Gane's athleticism, speed, and technical striking edge will allow him to pick apart Pereira and win on the scorecards. He predicts Gane becomes interim heavyweight champion.

Gane is the superior technical striker with better speed and athleticism. He can point-fight and chip away at Pereira, who relies on landing a big left hook. Gane's chin is solid, and he has the cardio to maintain his pace. Pereira's power is a threat, but opportunities will be few. Expects Gane to win by decision.

The Guru picks Alex Pereira by TKO in round 3. He believes Pereira will use a low-kick heavy game plan to slow Gane, and that Gane's lead leg is vulnerable. He expects Gane to have success early with jabs and movement, but Pereira will build into the fight, eat shots, and eventually corner Gane against the cage for a ground-and-pound finish. He notes Gane's underrated chin but thinks Pereira's technical striking and power will be the difference.

Zane also picks Gane but is hesitant, citing Gane's unreliable decision-making under pressure. He notes that Pereira's low kicks could be a factor, but overall he thinks Gane's jab and range control will be key. Zane hopes for a Pereira win because it would be more interesting, but he picks Gane.

AJ picks O'Malley to win, calling it a showcase designed for a highlight-reel KO. He notes Zahabi is hittable down the center line and has a reach and footwork disadvantage, while O'Malley has elite footwork and sharp striking. AJ is less confident in the KO, suggesting a decision is possible, but overall sees O'Malley as the clear winner.

AJ sees O'Malley as a bad matchup for Zahabi, citing O'Malley's speed, footwork, and accuracy. He notes that Zahabi is hittable and has been stunned in recent fights, though durable. AJ thinks O'Malley will tee off on him, likely winning a decision but with a chance of a late KO. He mentions O'Malley's training in Arizona for the outdoor conditions and believes the lack of takedown threat helps O'Malley be comfortable. AJ predicts O'Malley will 'style on him' and pitch a shutout.

AJ picks O'Malley by KO, citing O'Malley's speed, footwork, and precision striking as key advantages. He notes Zahabi is hittable and squares up, and that O'Malley's pull counter and straight shots will land. He believes Zahabi's close-range brawling style plays into O'Malley's hands and that O'Malley is due for a knockout.

AJ thinks O'Malley will be too fast for Zahabi, out-boxing and out-kickboxing him. He notes Zahabi is a pressure boxer who is slower and worse at everything O'Malley does, and doesn't bring a serious wrestling threat. He expects O'Malley to get his win streak going.

Angelo picks Sean O'Malley, citing his laser pinpoint accuracy and footwork. He notes that Zahabi has been dropped in recent fights and is closing in on being chinny. He expects O'Malley to win a decision, not dominantly, but clearly.

Angelo picks Sean O'Malley, noting his pinpoint accuracy and reach advantage. He believes Zahabi doesn't threaten takedowns and doesn't move forward, which plays into O'Malley's strengths. He expects an underwhelming but straightforward win for O'Malley.

Big Brady likes Sean O'Malley to bounce back, noting Zahabi is not a wrestler and O'Malley will have a striking advantage with more volume and power. He thinks O'Malley can win by decision or knockout, leaning decision due to Zahabi's toughness. He sees this as an easy matchup for O'Malley since he doesn't have to worry about grappling.

Big Brady picks Sean O'Malley to win by decision. He believes O'Malley will have a massive volume advantage and more tools on the feet, and won't have to worry about takedowns. He notes Zahabi has been dropped in recent fights but is tough, so a decision is likely, though a knockout wouldn't shock him.

Connor picks O'Malley to knock Zahabi out, noting that Zahabi has been close to being finished in recent fights. He acknowledges Zahabi's solid defense but believes O'Malley's speed, length, and power will be too much. Connor points out that Zahabi is a slow, unthreatening physical specimen and O'Malley knows how to set up his shots.

Daniel Levi believes Sean O'Malley is on a slight decline but still has the stylistic edge over Aiemann Zahabi. He notes O'Malley's length, power, and ability to finish when he hurts opponents, contrasting with Zahabi's point-fighting style and lack of wrestling or power threat. Levi thinks Zahabi's recent wins over Aldo and Vera were fortunate and that O'Malley will end his 'lucky run' with a knockout. He also mentions Zahabi's age (38) and O'Malley's youth and reach advantage.

The host thinks O'Malley will dominate and likely knock out Zahabi, but the odds are not good enough to bet. He suggests fight not to go to decision at 2.35 for entertainment, but personally passes.

Jacob picks Sean O'Malley, describing it as a minutes versus moments fight. He believes O'Malley will dictate pressure and win the moments, while Zahabi would need to win the minutes but likely won't. He thinks O'Malley's counter-striking will be key.

Lucrative James picks Sean O'Malley to win via knockout. He argues that O'Malley's distance control, speed, and counter-striking are superior to Zahabi's previous opponents, who were more forward-pressure fighters. He notes Zahabi's wins over older fighters and close decisions, and believes O'Malley will land a clean shot for a knockout or knockdown.

The host acknowledges Zahabi's career-best run but sees a tough stylistic matchup. He expects O'Malley to counter Zahabi's aggressive striking, especially when Zahabi enters the pocket with blitz attacks, and eventually knock him out.

O'Malley's speed, power, and countering ability should allow him to snipe Zahabi from distance. Zahabi leaves his chin exposed when crashing the pocket, and O'Malley will capitalize. Expects O'Malley to land a knockout after Zahabi makes a mistake.

The Guru picks Sean O'Malley by KO in the first or second round. He believes Zahabi is not as fast or explosive as Song Yadong, and that O'Malley's reach and speed advantages will be decisive. He expects O'Malley to start slow, then sting Zahabi with a counter shot and finish him. He compares it to O'Malley's performance against Marlon Vera, where he dominated on the feet.

Zane also picks O'Malley, but notes that Zahabi's defensive consistency could make O'Malley uncomfortable. He points out that O'Malley isn't a combination puncher and may struggle to land clean shots, but ultimately O'Malley's speed and reach advantage should prevail. Zane would love to see Zahabi win but can't pick it.

AJ picks Hokit to win, expecting him to wrestle, get on top of Lewis, and gas him out. He questions Lewis's motivation and durability at age 41, noting Lewis looked terrible in his last fight. AJ believes Hokit's wrestling and athleticism will be too much, and he could even knock Lewis out if they strike.

AJ is a Hokit believer, citing his speed, wrestling, and ability to dictate where the fight takes place. He notes that Derrick Lewis's takedown defense is poor and that Lewis looked slow and even quit in his last fight. AJ expects Hokit to take Lewis down, wear him out, and finish via ground and pound or a knockout on the feet. He mentions Hokit's hand injury might actually encourage him to wrestle, which is the smart path. AJ acknowledges Lewis's puncher's chance but thinks Hokit is too fast and skilled.

AJ picks Hokit to win by second-round TKO via ground and pound. He expects Hokit to wrestle early, take Lewis down, fatigue him, and finish with ground strikes. He notes Lewis's knockout power but believes Hokit's wrestling and youth will be decisive, and that Lewis's cardio is poor.

AJ does not make a clear pick for this fight. He mentions that Hokit will likely wrestle Derrick Lewis, but does not state a winner.

Angelo picks Josh Hokit as his most confident pick on the card. He cites Hokit's ability to do what he wants in the fight and Derrick Lewis's tendency to quit when he can't knock someone out. He references Lewis's last fight where he turned his head and waited for the referee to stop it.

Angelo calls this his most confident spot on the card, picking Josh Hokit. He highlights Hokit's relentless pressure and no-quit attitude, contrasting it with Derrick Lewis's tendency to quit when things go wrong. He believes Hokit can wrestle or strike and will make Lewis quit.

Big Brady is heavily backing Josh Hokit, expecting him to take Derrick Lewis down early and pound him out. He cites the humid weather as a factor against Lewis's cardio and believes Hokit will replicate his game plan from the Denzel Freeman fight. He loves the under 1.5 rounds and Hokit by KO props, noting he has action on those.

Big Brady picks Josh Hokit to win by first-round knockout. He expects Hokit to mix in wrestling and ground-and-pound, breaking Lewis early. He notes Lewis has been finished 10 times and quit in his last fight. However, he warns that if Hokit stands and bangs like he did against Curtis Blaydes, Lewis could knock him out. He also likes the under 7.5 minutes fight time prop.

Connor picks Hokit, citing Lewis's bad vibes and tendency to quit when things get tough. He compares Lewis to Bob Sapp, saying Lewis will try hard for a moment but if it doesn't work, he doesn't want to fight. Hokit is a nut job who will be in Lewis's face the whole time, and Connor believes Hokit's insane pressure will overwhelm Lewis.

Daniel Levi picks Josh Hokit to win, citing his weaponized cardio, pace, and well-roundedness. He notes that if Hokit can survive Lewis's early knockout power (first round and a half), he will drown Lewis with pressure and wrestling. Levi compares Hokit to a young Cain Velasquez and highlights his D1 wrestling background and NFL athleticism. He acknowledges Lewis's knockout threat but believes Hokit's durability and fight IQ will carry him to victory.

The host is extremely high on Hokit, calling him the uncrowned king of heavyweight, but notes the odds are too steep (implied 78%) to bet him. Lewis has one-shot KO power, so the host says it's dog or pass, but does not bet Lewis either.

Jacob picks Josh Hokit, noting that Derrick Lewis is always live with a punch but Hokit is faster and will come in aggressive. He believes Hokit will try to make a statement and either knock Lewis out or land enough shots to finish him early.

Lucrative James picks Josh Hokit to win via knockout in round one. He acknowledges that Hokit's aggressive showmanship could give Lewis a chance, but believes Hokit's pace, wrestling, and youth will overwhelm Lewis, who he considers past his prime and prone to quitting. He predicts Hokit will finish with ground-and-pound or a knockout.

The host believes Barnett (Hokit) will wear down Lewis with wrestling, ride his back against the fence, and find a finish in round two or three by KO or submission. He suggests the round two or three prop could be fruitful.

Hokit is smart in the cage and will likely use his wrestling early to take Lewis down and ride him, similar to his fight against Uriel. Lewis has knockout power but is limited technically and older; Hokit's pace and pressure should wear him down for a TKO in round 2 or 3.

The Guru picks Josh Hokit by first-round TKO via grappling. He believes Hokit will shoot takedowns immediately, drag Lewis down, and put a crazy pace on him. He notes Lewis has a history of quitting and that Hokit's wrestling and pressure will be too much. He expects Hokit to avoid Lewis's power by not trading on the feet and to finish with ground-and-pound against the cage.

Zane agrees, picking Hokit because Lewis is like Bob Sapp again—he'll try hard for a moment and then quit. Hokit is a genuine bonehead who goes bananas and has no defense, but his vibes are strong. Zane notes that Hokit's win over Curtis Blaydes shows he's insane, and Lewis's loss to Acosta shows he's done.

AJ picks Ruffy to win by knockout, describing his striking as surgical and rangy. He believes Chandler is too reckless on the feet and has slowed down, making him vulnerable to Ruffy's counter shots. AJ predicts Ruffy will pick Chandler apart from distance and find the kill shot, possibly in the second or third round.

AJ sees this as a Ruffy showcase, calling it a 'squash match.' He believes Ruffy's striking is elusive and slick, and that Chandler, at 40, is too slow and wild. AJ notes that Chandler's best path is wrestling, but he doubts Chandler will use it effectively. He expects Ruffy to counter Chandler's blitzes and knock him out, likely in the later part of round one or round two. AJ acknowledges Chandler's wrestling pedigree but thinks Ruffy's takedown defense has improved and that Chandler will walk into a counter.

AJ is extremely confident that Ruffy will knock out Chandler. He highlights Ruffy's precision striking, power, and reach advantage, while noting Chandler's age (40), recent losses, and lack of setups. He believes Chandler's only chance is an early slam, but Ruffy's grappling is improving and he will destroy Chandler on the feet.

AJ does not discuss this fight in the transcript. No pick is made.

Angelo picks Maurício Ruffy, stating that Chandler will stand and trade, get dotted up, and wrestle too late. He notes that Ruffy learned from his loss to Benoit Saint-Denis and that Chandler is 40 years old and doesn't use his wrestling effectively.

Angelo is very confident in Mauricio Ruffy, calling it one of the most obvious picks on the card. He notes Ruffy's nasty striking and power, and that Chandler is likely to fight for entertainment rather than using his wrestling. He acknowledges Chandler's durability but believes Ruffy will win, possibly by finish.

Big Brady is very confident in Maurício Ruffy, citing Michael Chandler's age (40), recent poor performances, and cardio issues, especially in the humid conditions. He believes Ruffy has a big striking advantage and expects Chandler to slow down and get caught. However, he notes the odds are terrible and suggests avoiding the moneyline, instead considering props like under 2.5 rounds.

Big Brady picks Maurício Ruffy to win by second-round knockout. He argues that Chandler, at 40 years old with waning durability and poor cardio, will struggle to maintain his wrestling pace. Once the fight stays on the feet, Ruffy's power and striking will overwhelm Chandler, leading to a knockout. He also likes the prop 'Ruffy by knockout' on Underdog.

Connor picks Ruffy, calling it a squash match. He notes Chandler is a one-round fighter who looked completely cooked against Pimblett. Ruffy is a pale reflection of Conor McGregor but just as lethal. Connor acknowledges a non-zero chance Chandler could replicate Ben Askren's takedown, but overall Ruffy should win easily.

Daniel Levi picks Maurício Ruffy to knock out Michael Chandler. He highlights Ruffy's diverse striking arsenal, including calf kicks and unorthodox techniques, and notes Chandler's susceptibility to calf kicks and chinny nature. Levi believes Ruffy's takedown defense is underrated and that he can weather Chandler's early wrestling. He expects Ruffy to chop down Chandler's calf and find a finish upstairs, possibly with a pull counter or spinning attack.

The host sees Ruffy as a huge favorite (implied 84%) but notes Chandler has a grappling advantage and Ruffy looked dreadful on the ground against Benois Sandeni. However, Chandler is old (40), has bad cardio, and may not grapple enough. The host passes on betting, calling it dog or pass but not betting Chandler either.

Jacob picks Maurício Ruffy, simply stating that Ruffy will hurt Chandler and probably knock him out in the first or second round. He calls it an easy pick.

Lucrative James picks Maurício Ruffy to win via knockout in round one. He argues that Chandler is washed up at 40, with only two UFC wins and a recent poor performance against Pimblett. He believes Ruffy's striking, speed, and youth will be too much, and that even if Chandler wrestles early, Ruffy will eventually land a kill shot. He also notes Ruffy's improved wrestling training with Volkanovski.

The host notes Ruffy is a near -800 favorite and expects him to find Chandler's chin and knock him out under one and a half rounds. He cites the odds as justification for the confidence.

Ruffy is faster, has more knockout power, and should have good enough grappling defense to avoid Chandler's takedowns. Chandler is 40, on a losing streak, and tends to crash the pocket, which plays into Ruffy's countering ability. Expects Ruffy to land a big shot and finish via KO, likely in round 1 or 2.

The Guru picks Maurício Ruffy by flying knee KO. He notes Chandler's tendency to lean over his lead leg when moving forward, which makes him vulnerable to a jumping knee. He expects Ruffy to sting Chandler early, then time a flying knee as Chandler comes in, knocking him out cold. He compares it to Pimblett's finish of Chandler.

Zane also picks Ruffy, but notes that Ruffy's wrestling and footwork looked atrocious against someone, so Chandler could potentially take him down. However, Chandler's desire left him after one moment in the Pimblett fight, and he's at a point where he can be pushed out of a fight. Zane says Ruffy is obviously the pick.

AJ picks Daukaus as the underdog, citing his crafty jiu-jitsu, dangerous punching, and southpaw stance as stylistic problems for Nickal. He doubts Nickal's hands and ability on his back, referencing Nickal's loss to De Ridder. AJ believes Daukaus could finish Nickal with shots or a submission, especially as the fight goes on.

AJ agrees with Finch that Daukaus is a terrible matchup for Nickal. He notes that Daukaus is a more polished striker with power and a southpaw stance, which has given Nickal trouble. AJ also highlights Daukaus's high-level submission game, especially from the front headlock, and questions Nickal's toughness and punch resistance. He believes Nickal hasn't shown enough to be trusted, and that Daukaus is crafty and dangerous everywhere. AJ expects Daukaus to win, possibly by finish.

AJ picks Daukaus to upset Nickal, citing doubts about Nickal's chin, striking, and ability to handle resistance. He notes Daukaus' southpaw stance, boxing, and submission threats, and believes Nickal's wrestling may be neutralized. He expects Daukaus to land big shots and potentially finish Nickal, who quit against Ditter.

AJ is hesitant on picking Daukaus because Nickal is a freak athlete and elite wrestler. He mentions Daukaus is tricky out of southpaw but does not commit to a pick.

Angelo picks Bo Nickal, believing he can dictate where the fight goes with his wrestling. He notes that Nickal has improved his striking and mixing techniques. He acknowledges Daukaus's recent wins but considers them against low-level competition.

Angelo is confident in Bo Nickal, dismissing Kyle Daukaus's recent wins as fraudulent (against an uninspired Michelle Waterson and the beatable Gerald Meerschaert). He believes Bo's wrestling and improved striking will be too much, and that Bo won't get submitted. He notes the odds are appropriate and that Bo should control where the fight goes.

Big Brady picks Bo Nickal to win by decision. He believes Nickal will dictate where the fight takes place, using his wrestling to control Daukaus if needed, and that Nickal's striking has improved significantly. He notes Daukaus is hittable and chinny, but expects Nickal to play it safe and win a clear decision rather than chase a finish.

Connor picks Nickal, noting his superior athleticism and improved striking. He compares Nickal to Henry Cejudo, saying people used to winning at high levels know how to put in work when motivated. Connor thinks Nickal should make it a physical contest and use his wrestling, but even in a striking battle, he has the speed advantage.

Daniel Levi picks Bo Nickal to win, noting his athleticism and improvement since his first loss. He acknowledges Kyle Daukaus's improved striking and recent wins, but believes Nickal's wrestling and ability to mix takedowns will be too much. Levi compares the matchup to Phil Hawes vs Daukaus, where Hawes rocked him on the feet before taking him down. He thinks Daukaus's submission threat is neutralized by Nickal's wrestling and that Nickal will win, though he's not sure of the method.

The host thinks Nickal should win but the odds are too steep to bet him. Daukaus has a puncher's chance but the host is not interested in betting the underdog either. He leans over 2.5 rounds but does not bet.

Jacob picks Kyle Daukaus, arguing that Nickal's boxing is poor and that Daukaus is the better boxer. He believes Nickal will abandon wrestling when pressured, and Daukaus can catch him. He references Nickal's panic giggling when hit by RDR.

Lucrative James picks Bo Nickal to win via decision, but with low confidence. He notes Nickal's wrestling advantage and improving striking, but questions his game plan and durability. He sees Daukaus as having shaky durability and being prone to getting hurt, but believes Nickal may not finish him due to Daukaus's submission grappling and Nickal's tendency to be cautious. He leans decision.

The host likes Daukaus as an underdog but believes Nickal's wrestling will be the difference. He acknowledges Daukaus's dangerous submission game but thinks Nickal will grind out a decision victory if he gets in trouble on the feet.

Nickal's wrestling and control should be the difference, as he can take Daukaus down and keep him there. Daukaus has shown vulnerability off his back and may not have improved enough to scramble back to his feet. However, Nickal's striking is still developing and Daukaus has power and confidence, making this a risky play at -350.

The Guru leans towards Kyle Daukaus as an underdog. He believes Daukaus is a great grappler with nasty hands and power on the feet, and that he can make the fight tough for Nickal. He notes Daukaus has momentum with two first-round finishes and thinks he can catch Nickal with a darce choke or win up against the cage. He admits he keeps counting Nickal out but feels Daukaus is dangerous.

Zane picks Nickal, but notes that Daukaus has fast hands and could pressure Nickal if Nickal decides to have a stupid fight. However, Nickal is a much better athlete and has transformed his striking. Zane thinks Nickal will win, but there is an avenue for Daukaus if Nickal doesn't use his wrestling.

AJ picks Lopes to win, highlighting his well-rounded game including knockout power, body kicks, underrated jiu-jitsu, and strong wrestling. He believes Lopes's experience against high-level opposition like Volkanovski gives him an edge over Garcia, who is a pressure berserker. AJ predicts Lopes will counter Garcia's aggression and could win by decision or submission.

AJ gives a slight lean to Lopes, citing his durability, counter-striking, and massive grappling advantage. He notes that Lopes has a strong chin and can fire back after getting hit, and that Garcia hasn't faced a grappler of Lopes's level. AJ thinks Lopes can weather Garcia's early storm and then take over, potentially with a submission or late finish. He acknowledges Garcia's power and left hand but believes Lopes's experience against top competition gives him the edge.

AJ picks Lopes to win by late finish, possibly KO or submission. He emphasizes Lopes' iron chin, experience against Volkanovski, and well-rounded game including grappling. He notes Garcia's dangerous boxing but believes Lopes' durability and counter-striking will be key, and that Garcia's reckless pressure plays into Lopes' style.

AJ is leaning towards Steve Garcia, citing Garcia's terrifying hands and cardio to go three hard rounds. He thinks Garcia could outstrike Lopes and notes that Lopes is not a grapple smotherer, making it hard for him to control Garcia. He also mentions Garcia's chin and finishing ability.

Angelo picks Diego Lopes, citing his well-rounded skills and dangerous jiu-jitsu. He believes Lopes will be forced to grapple and can snatch a submission. He notes that Steve Garcia is a live dog and could finish, but trusts Lopes's takedowns and scrambling.

Angelo picks Diego Lopes with a small lean, acknowledging that Steve Garcia has dangerous forward pressure and power. He notes that Diego has high-level experience from two title fights and has been training wrestling in Oklahoma, which could help him implement his grappling. However, he is concerned about the wide odds and Diego's tendency to fade if he can't get his wrestling going early.

Connor picks Lopes, citing his physical advantages: speed, size, and durability. He notes that Lopes is an instinctive finisher and great opportunist, but if he doesn't get a quick finish, he tends to settle for sparring. However, Garcia gives a lot of ways and sells out, and Lopes has proven he can handle that. Connor thinks Lopes should be a bigger favorite.

Daniel Levi picks Steve Garcia as an underdog, citing his superior boxing fundamentals, footwork, and legitimate knockout power. He believes Garcia will pick apart Diego Lopes on the feet, as Lopes struggles with footwork and minute-winning. Levi acknowledges Lopes's opportunistic finishing ability and ground game, but thinks Garcia's durability and technical striking will prevail. He notes the odds should be closer to a pick'em and took Garcia at +150.

The host analyzes the matchup in depth, noting Garcia is the superior striker but has a huge hole on the ground. Lopes has grappling advantage but rarely uses it. The host initially considers Garcia +3.5 but ultimately passes, citing risk of Lopes breaking Garcia on the ground.

Jacob picks Steve Garcia, arguing that Garcia is a better, more technical boxer and a long southpaw who will give Lopes issues. He believes Lopes's striking has plateaued and that Garcia's jab and head movement will be key. He also mentions potential gas tank issues for Lopes in the heat.

Lucrative James picks Diego Lopes to win via knockout in round two. He argues that Lopes has a massive durability advantage and is better everywhere, especially in grappling and finishing. He notes Garcia's chinny history and believes that in a brawl, Lopes's power and ground game will prevail. He expects the fight to be violent and end inside the distance.

The host expects Lopes to counter Garcia's aggressive striking approach and eventually find a submission to force the tap. He describes both as violent fighters and sees Lopes's counter-striking leading to a finish.

Lopes is more well-rounded, can meet Garcia's power with his iron chin and counter. He can also mix in aggressive BJJ, potentially finding a submission if he gets to the back. Expects Lopes to land the more effective damage and finish via submission.

The Guru picks Diego Lopes by late or mid first-round finish. He believes Lopes is better overall and that Garcia's forward pressure plays into Lopes' counter-striking game. He notes Garcia is susceptible to hooks as he presses forward and that Lopes has the survivability to avoid getting finished early. He expects Lopes to catch Garcia coming in and finish with ground-and-pound.

Zane picks Lopes, noting that if Lopes creates a crash or Garcia creates a crash, Lopes will win that crash. He acknowledges that Lopes can be indecisive in decision fights, but his speed and size are too much for Garcia. Zane also notes that Garcia has become more technical but still crashes the pocket, which favors Lopes.