UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov

Angelo picks Aliskerov, citing a changing of the guard. He thinks Whittaker is starting to phase out, showing chin issues and getting hit more. He notes Aliskerov has genuine one-punch KO power and can wrestle, though he hasn't shown it in the UFC. He is not confident enough to bet due to the short notice for Aliskerov, but as a pick he goes with the younger fighter.

Big Brady picks Robert Whittaker confidently, citing the many disadvantages for Aliskerov: short notice, weight cut issues, travel, and a massive step up in competition from Antonio Trócoli to Whittaker. He expects Whittaker's experience and cardio to take over as the fight goes on, predicting a late finish or decision. Brady acknowledges Aliskerov's early danger but believes Whittaker's chances skyrocket after the first round.

Cody picks Whittaker based on his superior striking, footwork, and experience in deep rounds. He notes Whittaker's takedown defense and ability to use a sprawl-and-brawl game plan, while Aliskerov has not faced top-level competition and may fade in later rounds. However, he acknowledges Aliskerov's power and the risk of Whittaker getting caught early.

Daniel Vreeland picks Robert Whittaker but with caution. He notes Whittaker's elite takedown defense, scrambling, and striking (left hook, high kick) but questions his durability and chin, citing recent wobbles. He acknowledges Aliskerov's power and potential but sees the step up in competition as too big. He leans Whittaker but is not fully confident due to Whittaker's long career and possible decline.

Jacob picks Aliskerov, comparing the situation to Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira. He thinks Whittaker's win over Paulo Costa is overrated and that Costa is not a top-five guy. He notes Whittaker gets wobbled often and blitzes in, which plays into Aliskerov's power. He worries about Aliskerov's short notice and two weight cuts but thinks if he lands, he knocks Whittaker out. He has not bet it but picks Aliskerov.

JP picks Aliskerov by decision, comparing him to Dricus du Plessis who beat Whittaker. He believes Aliskerov's pressure and wrestling will overwhelm Whittaker, who has looked a step slower. Brevan agrees, noting Whittaker's decline and Aliskerov's hunger. Both see great value in Aliskerov as a dog and expect him to dominate. They suggest betting on Aliskerov moneyline and possibly by decision.

Paul picks Whittaker, citing his proven track record and the step-up in competition for Aliskerov. He mentions travel advantages for Whittaker and notes that Aliskerov hasn't proven himself against top-tier opponents. Paul expects a competitive fight but leans on Whittaker's experience.

The MMA Guru picks Robert Whittaker over Ikram Aliskerov, arguing that Aliskerov's regional wins are not impressive enough to suggest he can finish a former champion. He notes that Aliskerov went to the third round with Dennis Tulin and struggled with other lower-level opponents, while Whittaker has a proven chin and has faced elite competition. He believes Whittaker's experience, takedown defense, and ability to adapt will be key, and that Aliskerov's best path is a knockout, but Whittaker doesn't make the same mistakes as Aliskerov's previous opponents. He admits that if Whittaker loses, it would change his entire view of MMA.

Angelo picks Volkov, citing his height, reach, experience, and well-rounded game. He thinks Volkov will slow the pace, lean on Pavlovic, and grind out a win. He notes Pavlovic is a powerful boxer but lacks cardio and wrestling. He believes the friendship between them will lead to a feeling-out process, making the over 1.5 rounds a good bet. He placed a bet on over 1.5 rounds at plus money.

Big Brady picks Sergei Pavlovich to win by first-round knockout, citing his devastating power and Volkov's admission that Pavlovich hurts him in sparring. He notes that if Volkov tries to wrestle, it's not his game, and striking with Pavlovich is dangerous. Brady expects Pavlovich to swarm and finish early.

Cody picks Volkov as an underdog, highlighting his reach, counter-striking, and cardio advantage. He believes Volkov can use kicks to keep distance, time Pavlovich's charges with counters, and potentially take the fight to the ground where Pavlovich is vulnerable. He notes Pavlovich's tendency to walk straight in with his hands down.

Daniel Vreeland picks Alexander Volkov as the underdog, citing Pavlovich's lack of experience past round one in the UFC and potential cardio issues. He believes Volkov can use his reach, jabs, and teeps to pick Pavlovich apart if he survives the early onslaught. However, he is hesitant because Pavlovich's power could end the fight early.

Jacob picks Volkov, noting he doesn't lose to strikers and knows how to keep range and mix in takedowns. He worries about the friendship angle potentially leading to a sparring match, but thinks if Pavlovic pulls punches, Volkov wins. He also notes Pavlovic looks jacked but that might work against his cardio. He advises staying away from betting on this fight entirely.

JP is a Volkov hater and confidently picks Pavlovich by KO/TKO, citing Pavlovich's wins over Curtis Blaydes, Tai Tuivasa, and Derrick Lewis. He expects Pavlovich to clip Volkov early. Brevan disagrees, picking Volkov by decision, arguing that Volkov's size, chin, and experience will take Pavlovich into deep waters. He notes Volkov's technical striking and ability to survive round one. The hosts have opposing picks.

Paul agrees with the underdog pick, citing Volkov's length, experience, and submission threat. He notes that Pavlovich is a battering ram but has shown vulnerability when taken down, as seen against Aspinall. Paul believes Volkov can survive the early storm and take over in later rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Sergei Pavlovich over Alexander Volkov, but with hesitation. He acknowledges Volkov's toughness and kicking game, especially against plodding opponents, but believes Pavlovich's power and pressure will eventually catch Volkov against the cage. He notes that Volkov tends to back up and shell up, which could lead to a finish. He also mentions that Pavlovich's reach and head-hunting style are threats, but admits Volkov is a live underdog and the odds should be closer.

Angelo picks Kelvin but is hesitant, calling him a waste of talent. He acknowledges Kelvin's raw talent, chin, and wrestling, but notes he is undedicated and has missed weight. He points to Kelvin's last fight where he was outwrestled by Sean Brady despite being a D1 wrestler. He thinks Kelvin should win but cannot trust him, especially at -260. He will not bet on Kelvin.

Big Brady picks Kelvin Gastelum confidently, believing Daniel Rodriguez is on the decline due to fight miles and prison fights. He notes Gastelum's wrestling as a potential path and expects a decision win. Despite the steep -250 line, Brady thinks it makes sense if Rodriguez is truly fading.

Cody picks Gastelum, emphasizing his southpaw advantage and ability to mix in takedowns. He notes Rodriguez's volume striking but believes Gastelum's power and pressure will be decisive, especially given Rodriguez's recent layoff and age. He expects a decision win.

Daniel Vreeland picks Daniel Rodriguez as a confident underdog. He notes Gastelum's tendency to be in close fights and his lack of discipline (weight issues, love for tacos). He believes Rodriguez has the size, reach, and volume to push a pace and win a decision. He also mentions Gastelum's wrestling advantage but doubts he will use it.

Jacob picks Kelvin but is not confident, calling the -250/-260 odds crazy. He thinks Kelvin should be around -125 to -130. He notes Kelvin's last fight showed he forgot how to wrestle, and he might just stand and trade with Rodriguez, which could be competitive. He might have some action on Rodriguez as a dog. He believes Kelvin is the pick but not a betting favorite at those odds.

JP hesitantly picks Rodriguez by decision, citing his reach advantage and ability to keep Gastelum stalled. He worries about Gastelum's speed but lacks trust in Gastelum's recent performances. Brevan disagrees, picking Gastelum by decision, citing Gastelum's wrestling advantage and ability to score takedowns in later rounds. Brevan finds the fight dangerous from a betting perspective but leans Gastelum. JP is less confident and may avoid betting.

Paul picks Gastelum but with hesitation, hoping he uses his wrestling. He notes that if it becomes a striking match, it could be close. Paul points to Gastelum's low output and Rodriguez's volume as potential issues, but believes Gastelum's overall skills should prevail.

The MMA Guru picks Kelvin Gastelum over Daniel Rodriguez, citing Gastelum's superior boxing and underrated ground game. He notes that Rodriguez's striking looked lousy against Neil Magny and that his wins are over lower-level opponents. He believes Gastelum can mix in grappling and that Rodriguez's age (37) and layoff are factors. He expresses frustration that Gastelum is a favorite, as he wanted an underdog pick, but still goes with Gastelum by decision or submission.

Angelo picks Shara, noting the opponent change to a grappler on short notice. He believes Shara's striking is far superior and that Trócoli hasn't fought in four years. He references Shara's last fight where he was taken down but stayed active off his back. He expects Shara to knock out Trócoli once the odds settle, likely around -400 to -600.

Big Brady picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, citing his phenomenal striking and the short-notice disadvantage for Trócoli. He notes Magomedov's activity off his back in his debut and expects him to win a decision, possibly with some takedown success for Trócoli but not enough. Brady also mentions the UFC's desire to promote Magomedov as a factor.

Cody picks Magomedov despite red flags, noting his striking volume and aggression. He acknowledges Magomedov's lack of ground game but believes Trócoli, a former lightweight on short notice, won't exploit it. He warns that Magomedov could be the 'apple pie f***er' if Trócoli uses his grappling.

Daniel Vreeland picks Sharabutdin Magomedov confidently, noting his exceptional kicking game and athleticism. He acknowledges Trócoli's BJJ black belt and submission threat but believes Trócoli will struggle to get the fight to the ground and will be picked apart on the feet. He expects a knockout or dominant decision for Magomedov.

Jacob picks Shara, noting Trócoli is coming off a three-year layoff and has been teaching McKenzie Dern how to box (poorly). He thinks even if Trócoli gets takedowns, Shara is active off his back and will eventually land strikes. He expects Shara to win handily.

JP calls this 'baby food' and is extremely confident in Magomedov, describing him as a 'straight killer' who will finish Trócoli. He notes Magomedov's one eye but dismisses Trócoli's regional experience. Brevan agrees, calling Magomedov an 'absolute killer' with explosive striking from any position. He expects a KO/TKO and criticizes Trócoli's mediocre skills. Both are fully confident in a Magomedov finish.

Paul picks Magomedov, citing size and striking advantage. He notes Trócoli's recent fights at lower weight classes and lack of wrestling to exploit Magomedov's weakness. Paul believes Magomedov will outwork Trócoli on the feet.

The MMA Guru picks Sharabutdin Magomedov over Antonio Trócoli, calling it a no-brainer. He notes that Trócoli is a short-notice opponent who has been training for kickboxing and boxing, not MMA, and hasn't had an MMA fight since April 2023. He believes Magomedov's striking is dangerous and that he can also take the fight to the ground if needed. He sees Trócoli's only path to victory as a sudden KO, which he thinks is unlikely.

Angelo picks Johnny Walker, citing his size, athleticism, speed, and power. He thinks Walker's unpredictability and creativity will be key. He acknowledges Walker's chin issues and unreliability but believes the height and athleticism advantage will be too much for Oezdemir. He does not have a bet on the fight but notes the odds are close, making it a good value play.

Big Brady picks Volkan Oezdemir hesitantly, calling it a coin flip. He favors Oezdemir's durability and output over Johnny Walker's inconsistency. Brady notes Walker's tendency to be hesitant after knockouts and expects a close, possibly boring decision. He acknowledges that anything can happen in a Johnny Walker fight.

Cody picks Walker, citing his improved fight IQ under SBG Ireland, using length and distance to outpoint opponents. He notes Oezdemir's reliance on power and low output, and believes Walker can avoid the big shot and win a decision or late finish.

Daniel Vreeland leans slightly towards Johnny Walker, citing his unorthodox attacks and athleticism. He notes Oezdemir's gas tank issues and believes Walker can cause problems with range and unpredictability. However, he acknowledges Walker's chin vulnerability and the possibility of getting knocked out.

Jacob picks Oezdemir, citing his durability and power. He does not trust Johnny Walker's chin and believes Oezdemir will eventually land. He notes that Johnny Walker as a dog (+150 or more) would be worth a bet, but as a favorite he cannot pick him. He thinks Oezdemir's durability will be the difference.

JP picks Walker, citing his size, power, and unorthodox style. He expects a KO but acknowledges it could go to decision. He doubts Oezdemir's grappling ability. Brevan agrees, noting Oezdemir's experience and calf kicks but believes Walker's size and explosiveness will be too much. He predicts Walker by KO/TKO or decision, and mentions Walker's need for a comeback win after losses to Ankalaev.

Paul does not make a clear winner pick but suggests the over 1.5 rounds as a play. He notes both fighters have become more methodical and that Walker's new style may lead to a boring decision. He doesn't commit to a side.

The MMA Guru picks Volkan Oezdemir over Johnny Walker, expressing frustration with Walker's lack of fundamentals. He notes that Walker has not learned to jab despite his reach advantage and often puts himself in bad positions. He believes Oezdemir is composed, has good recent form, and will likely catch Walker with a low kick heavy game plan and finish him by TKO. He admits Walker could win at any time but trusts Oezdemir's chin and discipline.

Angelo picks Nasrat, highlighting his high volume striking (6 significant strikes per minute) and solid takedown defense (78%). He notes Nasrat has power, durability, and can push a pace. He thinks Jared Gordon is sneaky good but Nasrat is the better overall fighter. He is confident in Nasrat winning straightforwardly.

Big Brady picks Nasrat Haqparast to win by second-round knockout, citing his volume and sneaky power. He questions Jared Gordon's chin, noting he has been knocked out multiple times. Brady believes Haqparast's striking will overwhelm Gordon, and if Gordon's durability holds, it could be close, but he expects a finish before that.

Cody picks Haqparast, citing his size, boxing, and ability to keep the fight standing. He notes Gordon's wrestling is less effective at 155 and that Haqparast should outpoint him. However, he warns that the line is steep and the fight could be close.

Daniel Vreeland picks Nasrat Haqparast confidently, highlighting his improved output and power in his left hand. He notes Gordon's durability and top control but believes Haqparast's speed, power, and athleticism will be the difference. He sees Haqparast as hitting his peak and winning a decision or knockout.

Jacob picks Nasrat, calling him better everywhere with superb striking and defensive wrestling. He believes Nasrat can weather Gordon's storm and that the -240 moneyline is good value. He respects Gordon's journey but thinks Nasrat is the better fighter.

JP picks Nasrat, noting his 3-fight win streak and better competition, though he worries about Nasrat's decision-making on the feet. He expects a close fight but favors Nasrat's clinch game and pressure. Brevan is more confident, predicting a KO/TKO via Nasrat's powerful overhand left. He criticizes Gordon's recent performances and believes Nasrat will out-strike him and get a finish. Both see Nasrat winning, with Brevan specifically calling for a stoppage.

Paul picks Haqparast but is hesitant due to the price. He notes Haqparast's takedown defense is okay and his striking is solid, but Gordon could make it competitive with wrestling. Paul expects a close decision.

The MMA Guru picks Nasrat Haqparast over Jared Gordon, believing Haqparast is the better boxer and will stuff takedowns. He notes that Gordon is not a dominant grappler and that Haqparast's recent first-round TKO shows his power. He expects Haqparast to box Gordon up as the fight goes on, possibly losing the first round but winning the next two.

Angelo picks Naimov, citing his power, size, and athleticism. He notes that Felipe Lima is moving up from bantamweight on short notice, which is a significant disadvantage. He acknowledges Lima is a very good prospect but believes the size and power difference will be too much. He is surprised Naimov is not a bigger favorite.

Cody picks Lima despite moving up a weight class on short notice, believing he is the better fighter. He notes Naimov's cardio issues and reliance on power wrestling, and expects Lima to survive early rounds and take over later. He acknowledges the risk of Naimov's size and strength.

Daniel Vreeland picks Felipe Lima but is hesitant due to the 'debut stunt' factor. He believes Lima is the more well-rounded and physical fighter with five-round experience, but worries about debut jitters. He acknowledges Naimov's toughness and improvements but sees Lima as the better fighter overall.

Jacob picks Lima, believing he is the more technical striker and well-rounded fighter. He worries about the short notice and weight cut but thinks Lima's technicality will trouble Naimov. He notes Naimov struggled with Nathaniel Wood, who is not a big featherweight, and thinks Lima could outfight him. He is not sure if he will bet it.

JP picks Naimov by submission, noting that Bagdasarian's only two losses are by submission and Naimov has 3 submission wins. He believes Naimov will take the fight to the ground and submit him. Brevan agrees, adding that Naimov can also win by ground-and-pound. He suggests a prop bet on under 2.5 rounds. Both see Naimov finishing the fight early.

Paul leans towards Naimov, citing his size advantage and the fact that Lima is moving up on short notice. He notes that Naimov has never been finished and that Lima's preparation is questionable. However, he doesn't bet the winner, instead taking the over 2.5 rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov over Felipe Lima, despite expressing dislike for Naimov. He notes that Naimov is a massive featherweight with power, while Lima is a bantamweight moving up and has been out for 11 months. He believes Lima is undersized and lacks finishing potential, while Naimov has shown he can rock opponents. He also cynically suggests that Naimov may cheat if needed, but ultimately picks him to win.

Angelo picks Rinat, citing his phenomenal non-stop wrestling and power. He notes Rinat gassed in his last fight after chasing the finish, but still dominated the first two rounds. He thinks Dalby is hitable and will be taken down repeatedly. He acknowledges Dalby's win over Bonfim was more about Bonfim's cardio than Dalby's skill. He plans to spend $9,200 on Rinat in DraftKings.

Big Brady picks Rinat Fakhretdinov confidently, citing his wrestling advantage and power. He notes Dalby's 60% takedown defense and that fighters like Claudia Silva and Tim Means have controlled him. Brady expects Fakhretdinov to win by decision due to Dalby's toughness, but a finish wouldn't surprise him. He also mentions a PrizePicks play on Fakhretdinov's fantasy score under 94.5.

Cody picks Fakhretdinov but is hesitant due to the price and Dalby's comeback ability. He notes Fakhretdinov's wrestling and power, but also his cardio issues and Dalby's experience and durability. He expects Fakhretdinov to win early but warns of a potential fade.

Daniel Vreeland picks Rinat Fakhretdinov to win a decision, expecting him to take the first two rounds with wrestling pressure. He notes Dalby's third-round resurgence but believes Fakhretdinov's takedowns and grinding style will secure a win. He acknowledges Dalby's cardio and finishing ability but sees Fakhretdinov controlling the fight early.

Jacob picks Rinat but does not trust him due to his mentality—he was happy with a draw after nearly getting finished. Jacob worries Rinat will try to knock Dalby out instead of wrestling, which could lead to trouble. He compares Rinat's attitude to Loopy Godinez, saying it's not a killer mentality. However, he acknowledges Rinat should win if he sticks to wrestling.

JP is confident in Fakhretdinov, citing his 22-2 record with 11 KOs and 7 subs, and notes Dalby's tendency to go to decision (12-4 in decisions). He expects Fakhretdinov to win by decision. Brevan agrees, highlighting Fakhretdinov's strong wrestling base and ability to control Dalby on the ground. He suggests a prop bet on Fakhretdinov by decision if the odds are plus money. Both see Fakhretdinov as the clear winner.

Paul does not make a winner pick but suggests Dalby as a live bet. He notes Fakhretdinov will likely get takedowns but may gas, and Dalby's ability to get up and outwork him. He prefers to watch and potentially bet Dalby live.

The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Nicolas Dalby, after initially considering Dalby. He rewatched Dalby's fight with Gabriel Bonfim and was less impressed, noting that Dalby was held down for significant periods. He believes Fakhretdinov's patient top game will be effective, as he doesn't chase submissions and is content to hold opponents down. He contrasts this with Bonfim's scrambling, which allowed Dalby to escape. He also notes Fakhretdinov's win over Brian Battle as impressive.

Angelo picks Muin Gafurov, noting he was winless in the UFC but has the wrestling and durability to win. He worries about Muin's willingness to brawl because Kang has power, but thinks Muin's wrestling and durability will work for him. He regrets not betting Muin when he was -110 instead of the current -160. He also mentions a potential takedown prop bet on Muin.

Big Brady picks Muin Gafurov despite his recent struggles, citing his youth and activity advantage. He expects the fight to go to a close decision, with Gafurov landing the better and harder strikes. Brady acknowledges Gafurov's chin issues and Kang's toughness, but believes Gafurov's volume and power will edge him the win.

Cody picks Kang, citing his superior cardio, grappling, and striking. He notes Gafurov's tendency to gas and lack of finishing ability. Kang's ability to get back up and outwork opponents in later rounds is key. He expects a decision win.

Daniel Vreeland picks Muin Gafurov to win a hard-fought decision, citing his higher pace and skill set. He notes Kang's experience and durability but believes Gafurov's pressure will be too much. He is concerned about Gafurov's cardio and chin but thinks he can outwork Kang.

Jacob likes Muin but is not confident enough to bet him. He notes Muin has bigger moments and power, but worries about Kang's sneaky submissions. He recalls Muin's predictable guillotine loss to Silva and thinks Kang could catch him similarly. Jacob wants to see Muin get a win before betting him, especially against a guy who can be sneaky good like Kang.

JP dismisses this fight as a 'poop Bowl' and says he won't bet on it, but he leans toward Gafurov as a toss-up. Brevan agrees, calling it a boring fight and advising viewers to skip it. He notes Gafurov's wrestling base and susceptibility to guillotines, but Kang's lack of guillotine wins makes that less of a threat. Both are unenthusiastic and avoid a strong pick.

Paul picks Kang, noting his durability and pace. He believes Gafurov's cardio issues will be exploited and that Kang can force a hard 15 minutes. He likes the plus money on Kang.

The MMA Guru picks Kyung Ho Kang over Muin Gafurov, citing Kang's talent and reach advantage. He criticizes Gafurov's body type and competition level, noting that Gafurov lost to Christian Quinones on the Contender Series. He believes Kang's takedown defense and striking at range will be key, and that he will sting Gafurov as the fight goes on. He predicts a 2-1 decision for Kang.

Angelo picks Magomed but expresses skepticism about the wide odds, noting Magomed's record includes many 'fake fights' on carpet in hotel lobbies. He acknowledges Magomed has solid striking, wrestling, and body work, but Ribeiro is dangerous and hitable. He decided not to include Magomed in the safety parlay due to the debut factor and unproven competition. He still expects Magomed to win because Ribeiro gets hit too much and has a quit button.

Big Brady picks Magomed Gadzhiyasulov because he believes he has more paths to victory: on the feet with a big shot or on the ground with a TKO. He questions Ribeiro's durability, noting he has been finished five times, often in the first round. While Gadzhiyasulov's competition has been low-level, Brady thinks his skills are sufficient to exploit Ribeiro's weaknesses. He predicts a second-round TKO.

Cody picks Gadzhiyasulov but suggests the over 1.5 rounds as a better play. He notes Gadzhiyasulov is a decision machine with questionable finishing ability, while Ribeiro is a glass cannon who either wins early or loses early. He expects Gadzhiyasulov to grind out a win past the first round.

Daniel Vreeland leans with Magomed Gadzhiyasulov but is unsure due to unknowns. He notes Gadzhiyasulov's wrestling and grinding style, while Ribeiro is a banger with power but a questionable chin. He expects Gadzhiyasulov to win a decision but acknowledges Ribeiro's knockout potential.

Jacob agrees Magomed should win as the more technical and tactical fighter, but warns that Ribeiro is a dangerous puncher who will give himself a chance. He notes Magomed has wrestling as a plan B if he feels pressure, but if he eats a clean shot he could get put out. Jacob calls Magomed a 'parlay buster' waiting to happen and says picks and bets are different—he picks Magomed but understands betting on Ribeiro for the KO.

JP picks Godzilla (Gadzhiyasulov) by decision, noting his undefeated record and Ribeiro's recent loss. He highlights Ribeiro's reach advantage but believes Godzilla's wrestling and control will be decisive. Brevan adds that Godzilla's Dagestani wrestling base gives him a huge ground advantage, though he warns about Godzilla's tendency to back up and engage in unnecessary exchanges, which could open a window for Ribeiro to land a KO. Both expect a decision win for Godzilla.

Paul picks Gadzhiyasulov, citing his wrestling and control. He notes Ribeiro's only path is a first-round knockout, but Gadzhiyasulov's style should neutralize that. He acknowledges the danger early but expects a win.

The MMA Guru picks Magomed Gadzhiyasulov over Brendson Ribeiro, calling it straightforward. He notes that Ribeiro relies on KO power and reach but was recently knocked out by Mingyang Zhang. He believes Gadzhiyasulov is more technical on the feet and has a ground game, while Ribeiro has been KO'd in his last three losses. He expects a first-round finish, likely by TKO.

Angelo sees Xiao Long as the grappler with a wrestle-at-all-costs attitude, durable and composed even when things go wrong. He believes Xiao Long's wrestling is more prominent and that he should have been the favorite, not the underdog. Despite being told he mixed up the fighters, he rewatched the tape and stuck with his read. He notes Xiao Long has 34 fights of experience and stays composed under pressure.

Big Brady picks Lee Chang-ho based on his relentless wrestling and never-quit style, which he finds more impressive than Xiao Long's striking. He notes that Lee has a crazy motor and showed a third-round TKO in a Road to UFC fight after his opponent slowed down. However, he expects a close split decision due to both fighters' durability and toughness, making this a hesitant pick.

Cody picks Xiao Long, citing his experience, takedown defense, and striking. He notes Long has faced better competition in the tournament and has shown the ability to get back up and outwork grapplers. He expects Long to win a decision and earn a UFC contract.

Daniel Vreeland picks Xiao Long based on experience, having seen him on Contender Series. He admits he is not very familiar with either fighter but goes with the more experienced fighter. He notes Lee Chang-ho's finishes but prefers Long's proven track record.

Jacob disagrees with Angelo, calling Lee Chang-ho the better wrestler who wants to be the 'Korean Khabib.' He highlights Lee's resilience, pointing to his last fight where he was outwrestled for two rounds but never stopped and finished the opponent in the third. Jacob believes Lee's non-stop pressure and finishing ability will wear down Xiao Long, who is not a finisher. He made Lee his lock of the week and placed a moneyline bet.

JP picks Lee Chang-ho based on his 3-0 record in Top Fighting Championship and a 4-fight win streak, noting that Lee has more finishing power with his hands. He sees both fighters as similar but gives Lee the edge in striking and potential to finish. Brevan agrees, citing Lee's stopping power and Xiao's tendency to go to decision, but both are hesitant to bet due to the close odds.

Paul picks Xiao Long, agreeing with Cody's analysis. He notes Long's youth, activity, and improvement since his Contender Series loss. He believes Long's sprawl-and-brawl style will be effective against Lee's wrestling.

The MMA Guru picks Lee Chang-ho over Xiao Long, citing Chang-ho's superior competition and consistent method of victory via ground and pound. He notes that Xiao Long lost to Christian Quinones on the Contender Series and has fought lesser competition. He believes Chang-ho's ground game and top positioning will lead to a second-round TKO.