UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. de Ridder

Angelo picks Reinier de Ridder with low confidence, fearing Robert Whittaker may be on the decline after his teeth were shoved in by Khamzat Chimaev. He acknowledges Whittaker is the better striker and overall fighter, but believes de Ridder's size, grappling, and ability to close distance could be too much. He will be rooting for Whittaker.

Big Brady picks Robert Whittaker, citing a massive striking advantage. He notes de Ridder has poor cardio and was outstruck by Gerald Meerschaert, while Whittaker has elite takedown defense and striking. He worries about the first round if de Ridder gets a takedown but believes if the fight extends, Whittaker will dominate. He predicts a third-round knockout.

Connor sees Whittaker as a master of middle distance, able to control the pocket and land combos without getting drawn into clinch exchanges. He notes de Ridder's poor defensive footwork and tendency to collapse into the cage, which Whittaker will exploit. He also points out that de Ridder's size and willingness to take punishment may make it uncomfortable early, but ultimately Whittaker's speed and accuracy will be too much.

Whittaker will avoid de Ridder's BJJ stylings, stuff takedowns, keep the fight upright, pick de Ridder apart, and eventually find a finish in the third or fourth round.

The MMA Guru picks Reinier de Ridder, citing his size, reach, and unorthodox style as problems for Whittaker, similar to Dricus du Plessis. He notes Whittaker's recent jaw surgery and de Ridder's momentum from the Bo Nickal win. He predicts a submission victory, specifically a rear-naked choke in the third round after wearing Whittaker down.

Zane agrees with Connor, emphasizing that de Ridder has never faced a striker as fast, accurate, and powerful as Whittaker. He notes that Whittaker's losses come against elite wrestlers or rangy strikers like Adesanya, but de Ridder lacks that athleticism. He expects a clear win for Whittaker, possibly similar to the Aliskerov fight.

Angelo picks Petr Yan, citing his phenomenal striking, underrated wrestling, and experience. He notes Marcus McGhee is powerful and well-rounded but had his legs chewed up in his last fight, and Yan has great kicks. He feels Yan's body of work and youth give him the edge, though he calls the fight a potential trap.

Big Brady picks Petr Yan, calling the matchup a huge step down for Yan. He notes Yan has beaten top competition while McGhee's wins are over unranked fighters. He believes Yan's striking and experience will be too much, and predicts a decision win.

Connor acknowledges McGhee's potential if he pressures Yan, but notes McGhee's tentativeness in the Martinez fight and his tendency to start slow. He believes Yan's counter-punching and ability to fight off the back foot will be too much, especially over three rounds. He also highlights Yan's takedown threat as a factor.

Yan has issues in three-round fights due to his slow start, but he should turn the tide around the midpoint of the second round and pull away in deep water. The host would think twice about paying the chalk on Yan because of his slow starting nature.

The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan, noting the five-round fight favors Yan's experience and cardio. He acknowledges Marcus McGhee's skills but believes Yan is a different level, citing Yan's wins over Aldo and others. He predicts Yan loses the first round but wins the second and third, possibly with a 10-8 third round or a finish, resulting in a 29-28 decision.

Zane agrees with Connor, noting that McGhee's best path is to pressure Yan early, but his recent fight against Martinez showed he can be hesitant. He believes Yan's combination punching and experience will prevail, and that McGhee's handsy defense will leave openings for Yan's counters.

Angelo picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, noting he is the much better striker with power and a granite chin. He expects Shara to test Barriault's chin and light him up, as Barriault relies on empty forward pressure and volume but lacks power. He dismisses Shara's loss to MVP as a stylistic mismatch.

Big Brady picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, calling it a clear setup spot. He notes Barriault is likely washed and has a compromised chin, having been knocked out by lesser fighters. He expects Barriault to stand and trade, which plays into Magomedov's hands. He predicts a third-round knockout.

Connor believes Barriault's recent durability issues and tendency to stand and trade will play into Shara's hands. He notes Shara's incredible speed and creativity, and while Barriault could win by clinch pressure, he expects him to kickbox and get outclassed.

Although the host usually fades Magomedov at high chalky lines, Barriault cannot eat the shots Magomedov will throw. Magomedov will land big shots and find a finish within a round and a half.

The MMA Guru picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, calling it a 'layup' and criticizing the matchmaking. He notes Magomedov's high-volume striking on the back foot and believes Barriault's pressure will play into his hands. He predicts a second or third-round TKO after breaking Barriault down.

Zane agrees, noting that Barriault's best chance is to wrestle and clinch, but he expects Barriault to stand and trade. He points out that Shara's speed and power will be too much, and Barriault's chin is questionable after recent knockouts.

Angelo picks Asu Almabayev despite the line swinging to make him an underdog. He notes Asu's flashy striking, dominant grappling, and ability to control range, while Jose Ochoa is on short notice. Angelo believes Asu's pace and pressure will be decisive, though he expects a close fight that may rely on judges. He placed a bet on Asu at -105.

Big Brady picks Jose Ochoa, citing his striking advantage and power. He believes Ochoa will stuff takedowns and get back up if taken down, then dominate on the feet. He notes Almabayev has low volume and no power, while Ochoa is a dangerous striker with finishing ability. He predicts a second-round knockout.

Connor sees Ochoa as a determined pressure fighter with fast hands who will punish Almabayev's rote responses. He notes that Almabayev struggled against Mennel Kopp's pressure and Ochoa is even more aggressive. He acknowledges the risk of Almabayev's clinch control but believes Ochoa's damage output will be decisive.

Almabayev is a much better grappler than Ochoa's previous opponent Duran. He should chain wrestle well, outscramble Ochoa, keep him in bad spots, and have striking success to win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Jose Ochoa, noting his near-win over Lona Cavanaught on short notice and his good grappling defense. He believes Almabayev's competition has been weak and that Ochoa's length and finishing potential will be key. He predicts a first or second-round finish for Ochoa.

Zane picks Ochoa as well, calling it a 'hope pick' because he loves Ochoa's game. He worries about Almabayev's clinch control but notes Ochoa's takedown defense and ability to get back up. He believes Ochoa's striking creativity and power will be the difference.

Angelo picks Nikita Krylov, citing his well-rounded skills, high fight IQ, and clear path to victory via takedowns. He notes Bogdan Guskov has power but showed wrestling holes in his last fight. He uses MMA math (Krylov beat Volkan, Volkan beat Guskov) and expects Krylov to wrestle. He will not bet on this fight.

Big Brady picks Nikita Krylov, citing a significant grappling advantage. He notes Guskov has been outgrappled by lesser fighters like Billy Elekana and Volkan Oezdemir, and believes Krylov will take him down and submit him easily. He worries about Krylov's durability and fight IQ but thinks if he wrestles, he wins. He predicts a first-round submission.

Connor acknowledges Krylov's shaky confidence after the Reyes KO but believes Guskov's style is more manageable. He notes Guskov's poor takedown defense and Krylov's clear path to win via wrestling. He thinks Krylov will test his grappling early and avoid striking exchanges.

This is a perfect matchup for Krylov to utilize his grapple-heavy approach, keep Guskov on his back, grind him out, and clearly win on the scorecards or even lock up a late submission.

The MMA Guru picks Bogdan Guskov, citing his patience, calmness, and ability to eat shots and break opponents. He criticizes Nikita Krylov for returning too soon after a KO loss and being too wild. He predicts an early TKO, possibly in round one or two, with multiple knockdowns.

Zane picks Krylov, noting that Guskov is vulnerable to wrestling and Krylov has the skills to exploit that. He sees the potential for disaster if Krylov hesitates, but believes the path to victory is clear via takedowns and ground control.

Angelo picks Bryce Mitchell but with very low confidence (50.5%). He notes Mitchell's dominant wrestling and submission threat, but worries about his move to 135 lbs and his chin. Said Nurmagomedov has questionable takedown defense but a dangerous guillotine. Angelo will monitor the line and may flip his pick.

Big Brady picks Said Nurmagomedov, favoring his striking and submission threats. He worries about Bryce Mitchell's tendency to put his neck in bad spots when shooting takedowns, and notes Nurmagomedov has nasty front chokes. He believes Mitchell will struggle to hold Nurmagomedov down and predicts a second-round submission via front choke.

Many think Mitchell should grind out Nurmagomedov, but it only takes one mistake for Mitchell to lead to Nurmagomedov snatching up the neck and forcing the tap.

The MMA Guru picks Bryce Mitchell, citing his size and strength advantage at bantamweight, and his ability to grapple tall to avoid guillotines. He notes Said Nurmagomedov's guillotine threat but believes Mitchell's physicality and grappling control will be the difference. He predicts a close 29-28 decision win for Mitchell.

Angelo picks Carlos Leal, citing his dangerous Muay Thai, forward pressure, durability, and power. He notes Muslim Salikhov is 41 with a declining chin, and Leal's pressure will prevent Salikhov from using his unorthodox karate. He considers -400 odds appropriate but will parlay Leal rather than bet straight.

Big Brady picks Carlos Leal Miranda, citing his pressure style and power. He notes Salikhov is old (calls him 60+), needs space to throw spinning attacks, and does not like being pressured. He compares it to the Leech fight where pressure led to a finish. He predicts a second-round knockout, warning only about a potential spinning wheel kick.

Leal is a big favorite and deservedly so. He is expected to walk down Salikhov, take his best shots, but throw even harder in return, leading to a knockout victory.

The MMA Guru picks Carlos Leal, calling him a 'monster' and noting his physicality and pressure. He believes Salikhov is aging and has a reach disadvantage, and that Leal will get in his face and beat him up against the cage. He predicts a second-round TKO after a tricky first round.

Angelo picks Da'Mon Blackshear, stating he wins 7 out of 10 times. He notes Blackshear's athletic striking, speed, power, and grappling, but worries about his hesitancy. Davey Grant is old, chinny, but relentless with volume. Angelo likely will bet on Blackshear but wishes he knew Blackshear would let his hands go.

Big Brady picks Da'Mon Blackshear but with hesitation, noting Blackshear has not wrestled in his last four fights despite having a huge grappling advantage. He believes if Blackshear grapples, he will win easily via submission, but if he strikes, he could lose to Grant's awkward volume and power. He predicts a first-round submission.

Blackshear should be able to chip away at Grant from distance, mix in takedowns, and ultimately lock up a submission to force the tap.

The MMA Guru picks Da'Mon Blackshear over Davey Grant, citing Blackshear's underrated submission and grappling game, and his composed performance against Eli Alateng. He worries Grant may have declined after neck surgery and time off. He predicts a second-round finish by submission or TKO after a wild first round.

Angelo picks Amanda Ribas but is split between brain and gut. He notes Ribas is well-rounded with solid takedown defense and striking, while Tabatha Ricci has abandoned her grappling for boxing due to her boyfriend's influence. He believes Ricci's new style is ineffective and Ribas is the better fighter, but acknowledges Ricci's pressure and cardio could cause an upset.

Big Brady picks Amanda Ribas, believing she is the better striker and grappler. He notes Ribas has a reach advantage and a positive striking differential, while Ricci has low volume and a very short reach. He acknowledges Ribas has chin issues but thinks Ricci lacks power to exploit it. He predicts a decision win.

Both women are flaky, but Ricci has the ability to work through Ribas's unflashy striking game and could even land takedowns to grind out a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Tabatha Ricci despite acknowledging she has been 'gifted' decisions in the past. He notes Ribas's chinny nature and recent submission loss, but is hesitant because Ricci's wins are often controversial. He predicts a close 29-28 decision, possibly a robbery, in Ricci's favor.

Angelo picks Billy Elekana as an underdog, despite being shaken by the +235 odds. He notes Ibo Aslan has immense power but cardio issues, while Billy is durable, can wrestle, and can survive early to take over. He suggests betting the over 1.5 rounds if available.

Big Brady picks Ibo Aslan, citing his power and takedown defense. He notes Aslan is one-dimensional but that dimension is knocking people out, and he believes Aslan's power will be too much for Elekana, who is hittable and has poor striking defense. He predicts a second-round knockout, though he cautions that Aslan is not someone you want to lay -250 on.

Despite public love for Aslan, who is capable of landing an early finishing shot, Elekana's BJJ improvements are expected to get the fight to the ground and find a submission under one and a half rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Billy Elekana, noting his dynamic grappling and ability to get positions like the back, as seen in his debut against Bogdan Guskov. He criticizes Ibo Aslan's technical flaws and susceptibility to mixing it up. He predicts a submission win, specifically a rear-naked choke in the second round.

Angelo picks Steven Nguyen confidently, calling Mohammad Yahya a fighter who doesn't belong in the UFC. He notes Nguyen's well-rounded skills, heavy hands, slick submissions, and composed striking. He expects a decision but hopes for an over 1.5 rounds line to bet the over, as Yahya is tough enough to take a beating for a while.

Big Brady picks Steven Nguyen by default, calling Muhammad Yahya one of the worst fighters in the UFC. He notes Nguyen is not great but has solid volume, wrestling, and cardio, while Yahya has no power, volume, or grappling. He expects Nguyen to finish Yahya in the later rounds, predicting a third-round knockout.

Both fighters have left a lot to be desired in recent fights, but Nguyen is expected to stop the takedowns of Yahya and pick him apart on the feet, winning on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Steven Nguyen over Mohammad Yahya, calling Yahya 'dog [__]' and suggesting he was only signed because he's from Abu Dhabi. He notes Nguyen's well-roundedness and lack of clear weaknesses, while Yahya has been beaten badly in his UFC fights. He predicts a 30-27 decision win for Nguyen, outclassing Yahya in every round.

Angelo picks Martin Buday, noting he is the more well-rounded fighter with decent wrestling, takedown defense, and striking. He considers Marcus Buchecha one-dimensional, a BJJ specialist, and believes Buday can out-technique him and win a boring decision. He is surprised Buday is the underdog and will not bet on this fight.

Big Brady picks Marcus Buchecha, citing his elite BJJ and the massive grappling gap. He notes Buchecha's striking is a work in progress but believes his takedowns and top control will be too much for Budai, who has poor defensive grappling. He predicts an early finish, likely by ground and pound or submission in round one.

Buday is expected to keep the fight upright, utilize his striking and cardio advantage, and break down Buchecha for a round three TKO. Buchecha is a high-level BJJ specialist but his wrestling is not good, so Buday should avoid the ground.

The MMA Guru picks Marcus Buchecha, citing his elite jiu-jitsu credentials as a multiple-time world champion and ADCC champion. He acknowledges Buchecha's MMA transition and toughness shown in the Rugrug fight, despite the loss. He believes Buchecha's takedown ability and top pressure will be too much for Martin Buday, who he calls a 'plotter' but notes Buday's solid UFC record. He predicts an early submission, specifically round one.