UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs. Hernandez

Angelo leans Anthony Hernandez, citing his incredible cardio and pace. He notes Hernandez is a good grappler but Roman Dolidze is a phenomenal grappler with power. Angelo thinks Hernandez will take over in later rounds with pressure, similar to Umar vs Morab. He expects Hernandez to win a decision after giving up early rounds.

Big Brady is confident in Anthony Hernandez, calling him a future champion with an unmatched pace. He acknowledges Dolidze's power and tricky grappling, but believes Hernandez will survive the early rounds and take over as Dolidze's cardio fades. Brady predicts a late finish, specifically a fifth-round TKO.

Connor picks Anthony Hernandez because Hernandez has a clear, consistent game plan focused on relentless wrestling and pace, while Dolidze is clumsy, slow, and has poor takedown defense. He notes that Hernandez's cardio and mental toughness are key, and that Dolidze's only path to victory is an opportunistic finish early. Connor compares it to Ngannou vs. Gane, where the smaller wrestler exhausts the bigger opponent.

The host expects Hernandez to utilize his classic smothering grappling game and put it on Dolidze. He acknowledges Dolidze will land big shots early, but believes Hernandez can eat them and eventually break Dolidze, leading to a round four or five finish by submission.

The MMA Guru picks Roman Dolidze, highlighting his underrated jiu-jitsu and ability to attack from his back. He believes Dolidze's size and presence on the feet will trouble Hernandez, who relies on volume. He predicts a submission or ground-and-pound TKO in round two or three, possibly after hurting Hernandez on the feet.

Zane agrees with Connor, emphasizing that Hernandez's wrestling process is relentless and that Dolidze's takedown defense is terrible (33%). He notes that Hernandez is a smaller middleweight but has great cardio, while Dolidze is a big, lumbering oaf who gasses. Zane thinks Hernandez will exhaust Dolidze against the cage and eventually get a finish.

Angelo picks Steve Erceg, emphasizing that Erceg is an accomplished wrestler who should use takedowns against Ode' Osbourne, who has poor takedown defense. He criticizes Erceg for not wrestling in recent fights. If Erceg wrestles, he should win; if he strikes, he could lose. Angelo hopes Erceg has learned from his mistakes.

Big Brady is confident in Steve Erceg, noting his losses came only to champions or top contenders. He believes Erceg is better everywhere, especially in grappling, and that Osbourne has poor takedown defense, cardio, and durability. Brady predicts Erceg will submit Osbourne in the second round.

Connor picks Erceg because he is a more structured, consistent fighter than Osbourne, who is fast but dysfunctional and gasses easily. He notes that Erceg's defense is a concern but that he manages distance well when on the front foot, and that Osbourne's tendency to jump into the pocket will lead to takedowns and grappling where Erceg has the advantage. Connor acknowledges the southpaw question but believes Erceg will handle it.

The host believes Erceg is the better fighter with superior Muay Thai and a BJJ black belt. He acknowledges Osbourne's speed and power shown in his last fight, which is a concern as Erceg has been dropped before. However, he thinks Erceg will dial it in to avoid a four-fight losing streak and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Steve Erceg, calling him a more well-rounded mixed martial artist than Ronaldo Rodriguez, who beat Osbourne. He believes Erceg has better chin, submission defense, and IQ. He predicts a 30-27 decision or a third-round finish, dismissing Osbourne's chances unless he catches Erceg early.

Zane picks Erceg, noting that Osbourne is a dark horse who can deliver a top flyweight result but is inherently dysfunctional. He highlights Osbourne's poor takedown defense (65%) and tendency to gas, while Erceg is tough, has good grappling, and doesn't make many mistakes going forward. Zane is concerned about Erceg's lack of experience against southpaws but thinks Osbourne's style will force wrestling, which favors Erceg.

Angelo leans Iasmin Lucindo, thinking she will bully her way to a win with powerful strikes and gritty wrestling. He notes Angela Hill is a crafty veteran with good speed and volume but no power. However, Hill could win by staying on her bike and avoiding the clinch. Angelo advises not betting on this fight.

Big Brady hesitantly picks Angela Hill, acknowledging she may be regressing but believes she still has more volume on the feet and improved takedown defense. He thinks the fight will be close and could go to a split decision. He is not betting on her, as he lacks confidence.

Connor picks Angela Hill, citing her improved fight management and veteran savvy. He notes that Lucindo is aimless and struggled when faced with a fighter she had to respect (Amanda Lemos). Connor believes Hill's pressure, volume, and clinch work will be enough to win a close decision, though he acknowledges Lucindo's speed and power could swing rounds.

The host notes Lucindo struggles when she can't get takedowns, and Hill has shown defensive improvements in grappling. He believes Hill can stop takedowns or get back to her feet quickly, then use her striking advantage to outweigh Lucindo's control and win on the scorecards by landing more damage.

The MMA Guru picks Angela Hill as an upset, citing her volume striking and clinch work. He believes Lucindo can't finish Hill and that Hill's activity will win her a close decision. He notes Hill has been robbed before but expects her to get the nod this time.

Zane leans toward Lucindo, arguing that Hill cannot put the fear in Lucindo that Lemos did, allowing Lucindo to be more proactive. He notes that Lucindo is faster and more dynamic than Hill's recent opponents, and that Hill's wins over similar fighters (Sosa, Pinheiro) were close. However, he admits it could easily be a split decision and that Hill's experience is a factor.

Angelo leans Andre Fili, believing he is the more skilled fighter with better speed and cleaner striking. He notes Christian Rodriguez is a prospect killer but struggles against experienced, well-rounded fighters. However, Fili is unreliable and his chin is questionable. Angelo may change his pick later in the week.

Big Brady picks Christian Rodriguez, noting Andre Fili's recent decline and tendency to get submitted. He highlights Rodriguez's guillotine threat and believes he can snatch a neck if Fili shoots for takedowns. Brady predicts a second-round submission for Rodriguez.

Connor picks Fili because Rodriguez struggles against veterans who don't run into his defensive wall. He notes that Fili will stay at range, use jabs and high kicks, and not get drawn into a wrestling match. Connor points out that Rodriguez has shown an inability to adjust when his plan A fails, as seen against Melquizael Costa. He acknowledges Fili's tendency for catastrophic errors but believes Rodriguez won't capitalize consistently.

The host is a big C-rod fan but thinks he is being overappreciated, making him a chalky favorite. He notes a size advantage for Rodriguez fighting at 145 when he should be at 135, which gives some concern, but believes it's a matter of time before Rodriguez finds a submission opportunity and forces the tap.

The MMA Guru picks Andre Fili as an underdog, despite acknowledging Christian Rodriguez should win. He believes Fili's size, reach, and veteran savvy will be too much, and that Rodriguez can't finish him. He predicts a close 29-28 decision win for Fili.

Zane agrees with Connor, noting that Rodriguez's game is built for opponents who make mistakes, but Fili is a veteran who won't just run into his defense. He highlights that Fili's wrestling is tough to out-grapple and that Rodriguez hasn't proven he can beat a veteran like Fili. Zane is concerned about Fili's age and recent wins over older fighters, but still sees Rodriguez as unproven at this level.

Angelo picks Miles Johns as a dog, noting he is a strong wrestler with heavy hands and explosive speed. He thinks Matsumoto gets hit a lot and cuts easily, and in Las Vegas damage matters. Angelo likes the plus money on Johns and may bet the spread (+3.5) instead of the moneyline.

Big Brady picks Jean Matsumoto, criticizing Miles Johns for not using his wrestling and having low volume. He believes Matsumoto's higher volume and ability to mix in takedowns will be key. Brady expects Matsumoto to win by decision, though he notes the fight is not exciting.

Connor picks Matsumoto, describing him as a brute who sits down on his punches and forces opponents to prove they can handle his power. He notes that Johns struggles when opponents stay in his face and keep up the pace, as seen against Felipe Lima. Connor believes Matsumoto's pressure, boxing, and ability to cut off the cage will overwhelm Johns, though he acknowledges Johns hits hard and could land a big shot.

The host is a big fan of Matsumoto and thinks he can replicate what Philippe Lima did to Miles Johns. He expects Matsumoto to use a Muay Thai heavy approach, mix in takedowns, and chip away at Johns' lead leg, eventually winning on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Jean Matsumoto, noting he arguably beat Rob Font and has multiple paths to victory. He criticizes Miles Johns as flat-footed and coiled up, which will allow Matsumoto to mix in grappling and striking. He predicts a decision win for Matsumoto, possibly 30-27.

Zane picks Matsumoto, highlighting his fast hands, good mobility, and technical boxing. He notes that Johns is a wrestle-boxer who needs to get takedowns to succeed, but Matsumoto's pressure and power will make that difficult. Zane compares Matsumoto to a bantamweight Danny Yay or Josh Emmett, a reliable gatekeeper who is always dangerous.

Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan despite questioning his fight IQ. He notes Duncan is the better striker with solid takedown defense and cardio, but he can be an idiot with game plans. If Duncan decides to wrestle, Anders could bully him. However, Anders' chin is declining, so Duncan should win if he strikes.

Big Brady is confident in Christian Leroy Duncan, though he notes Duncan sometimes lacks effort. He points out that Anders has been knocked down in his last three fights by lesser strikers like Jamie Pickett and Chris Weidman, indicating a decline. Brady believes if Duncan cares even a little, he will knock out Anders early. He predicts a first-round knockout for Duncan.

Connor picks Duncan, noting that Anders is limited as a strategist and technician, and that Duncan's dynamic striking and range management will be too much. He points out that Anders has only beaten low-level opponents in recent years and is slow-footed, while Duncan is dangerous and annoying to fight. Connor expects Duncan to win and move toward a top 15 matchup.

The host believes Duncan's speed and power will be too much for Anders, who is slowing down and was hurt badly by Weidman in his last fight. He thinks it's just a matter of time before Duncan lands a clean shot and puts Anders down and out.

The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan, calling it a potential schooling. He notes Anders' recent wins are over old fighters and that Anders has become too technical. He expects Duncan to piece up Anders and win a dominant decision, possibly with a 10-8 round.

Zane agrees, calling Duncan a meme fighter with flashy skills but noting that Anders is a limited opponent who has struggled against similar fighters. He highlights that Anders has only beaten Kyle Daukaus, Jamie Pickett, and an aged Chris Weidman in recent years, while Duncan's athleticism and tricky style will cause problems. Zane thinks Duncan will win and eventually get exposed against top competition.

Angelo picks Julius Walker but strongly advises against betting on him at -600. He notes Walker is winless in the UFC and lost to a 40-year-old, while Cerqueira has more KO wins than Walker has fights. Angelo thinks Walker will win due to raw athleticism but the risk-reward is terrible. He separates picks from bets.

Big Brady is confident in Julius Walker, describing Cerqueira as not a real fighter based on limited footage showing him getting knocked out and fighting in a mall food court. He believes Walker's pressure will break Cerqueira quickly, as Cerqueira doesn't like to get hit. Brady predicts a first-round knockout for Walker.

The host is critical of Cerqueira's ability to take shots, citing his previous fight. He believes Walker's athleticism, speed, and power will land big shots and get Cerqueira out of there in the first round.

The MMA Guru picks Julius Walker, criticizing Cerqueira's tendency to freeze under pressure. He notes Walker's competitive loss to Alonzo Menifield and believes Walker is underrated. He expects Walker to be aggressive early and finish Cerqueira, though he's unsure of the round.

Angelo is very confident in Elijah Smith, calling him a good grappler with fast hands and solid power. He notes Toshiomi Kazama is a BJJ nerd with a questionable chin. Angelo thinks Smith will run through Kazama, as this is a tune-up fight for the prospect. He acknowledges the -500 odds are high but trusts Smith.

Big Brady is very confident in Elijah Smith, calling him a well-rounded fighter with a massive striking advantage over Kazama, whom he considers the worst striker in the division. He notes Smith's cardio has improved and he can grapple as well. Brady believes Smith will knock out Kazama early, predicting a first-round knockout.

The host acknowledges Kazama's high-level BJJ but believes he struggles to get fights to the ground and will struggle even more against Smith. He expects Smith to use good movement, speed, and striking to line up a big knockout victory.

The MMA Guru picks Elijah Smith, calling Kazama a fighter who shouldn't be in the UFC. He notes Smith's close fight with Vince Morales showed he can battle through adversity. He expects Smith to handle Kazama, though he's not sure if Smith will become a top prospect.

Angelo picks Joselyne Edwards as a technical striker with good kickboxing and range management. He notes Priscila Cachoeira is a powerful brawler with heavy pressure but gets hit a lot. Angelo thinks Joselyne's ability to shoot takedowns and manage range with kicks will get her the win, but he doesn't love the 2-to-1 odds and may only bet if odds tighten.

Big Brady is confident in Joselyne Edwards, noting her recent improvements training with Valentina Shevchenko. He highlights Edwards' takedown ability and ground game, which he believes will exploit Cachoeira's lack of takedown defense and submission defense. Brady expects Edwards to fight smart, take the fight to the ground, and find a submission. He predicts a third-round submission for Edwards.

The host notes Edwards' growing confidence and back-to-back finishes, expecting her to take a grapple-heavy approach to avoid Cachoeira's berserker striking. He predicts a submission victory under two and a half rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Joselyne Edwards, mainly because Priscila Cachoeira took the fight on short notice. He notes Edwards is underrated with improving striking and grappling, while Cachoeira has taken a lot of damage and has scar tissue. He predicts a close 29-28 decision win for Edwards.

Angelo picks Uroš Medić but hates the odds at -350. He notes Medić is a technical striker with 100% finish rate and killer instinct, but his takedown defense is low. Gilbert Urbina is a grappler with high output but poor striking defense. Angelo thinks Medić will win because strikers are having more success, but the odds are too wide for his liking.

Big Brady is confident in Uroš Medić, citing his 100% finish rate and legitimate striking power. He criticizes Gilbert Urbina's chin, noting he was dropped multiple times by Tawn Gore and knocked out by Charles Raki. Brady believes Medić is a much better striker than Raki and will knock out Urbina early. He predicts a first-round knockout for Medić.

Despite not being a big fan of Medic, the host sees this as a winnable fight and expects it to be violent. He thinks Medic will consistently crash the pocket and produce car crashes that could result in a finish, leading him to pick Medic by knockout.

The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić over Gilbert Urbina, noting that Urbina's height is likely misreported and he lacks presence. He believes Medić has better offensive skills and finishing potential, and that his losses are to higher-level opponents. He predicts a TKO win for Medić.

Angelo picks Gabriella Fernandes, citing her powerful striking and decent jiu-jitsu. He notes that Julija Stoliarenko is a dangerous grappler but has sloppy striking and is either armbar or nothing. Angelo believes if Gabriella can defend takedowns, she will beat Julija up and potentially finish her. He started with low confidence but moved to medium confidence.

Big Brady is confident in Gabriella Fernandes, describing Julija Stoliarenko as the most one-dimensional fighter in the UFC with only an armbar threat. He notes Stoliarenko has no striking, no wrestling, and has been finished multiple times. Brady believes Fernandes will dominate on the feet and can also do damage on top if the fight goes to the ground. He predicts Fernandes will knock out Stoliarenko in the second round.

The host highlights Fernandes' striking advantage and physicality, expecting her to keep the fight standing and pick apart Stoliarenko from distance. He predicts a headkick knockout, showing confidence in a finish.

The MMA Guru picks Gabriella Fernandes, citing her recent win over Wang Cong and her solid jiu-jitsu. He believes Stoliarenko is a finish-or-be-finished fighter but Fernandes has the grappling to avoid submissions. He predicts a first or second round finish for Fernandes.

Big Brady is confident in Cody Brundage, noting that Brundage is typically an underdog but this matchup favors him. He criticizes McConico's performance in his last fight, where he landed only four strikes in the first round before getting knocked out. Brady believes Brundage won't have to worry about a murderous power puncher or high-level grappler, and expects Brundage to shine and get a finish. He picks Brundage by first-round knockout.

The host believes the short notice nature of the matchup favors Cody Brundage, allowing him to make the fight chaotic from the start. He predicts Brundage will find a knockout under one and a half rounds, indicating confidence in Brundage's ability to finish early.

The MMA Guru picks Cody Brundage, noting that despite Brundage's odd career, he found an opponent he can beat. He believes Brundage was winning against Mansour Abdul-Malik before the no contest and can replicate that performance. He expects Brundage to mix in grappling and win by decision, possibly 29-28 or 30-27.