UFC on ESPN: Lemos vs. Jandiroba

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba because she will grind and get takedowns, neutralizing Amanda Lemos's striking. He notes that Lemos is the better mixed martial artist but cannot defend takedowns. He plans to wait for prop bets, especially the takedown line, and considers Jandiroba affordable at even money.

Cody picks Jandiroba, emphasizing her freakish strength, takedown ability, and durability. He notes Lemos has cardio issues and has been taken down repeatedly by lesser grapplers. He expects Jandiroba to bank rounds with top control as Lemos fades, though he admits the fight likely goes to decision and could be a weird judging outcome. He suggests live betting Jandiroba after Lemos wins early rounds.

Daniel Vreeland leans with Virna Jandiroba due to her world-class Jiu-Jitsu and unorthodox takedown entries, believing she can take down Amanda Lemos and possibly secure a submission early. He notes that Lemos has a significant power edge and could get a late knockout if Jandiroba gasses, but he trusts Jandiroba's early dominance. He also mentions that Lemos has shown vulnerability to submissions, referencing the standing arm triangle loss to Andrade.

Jandiroba is a -130 favorite. She has a smothering grappling style and excellent cardio, which should wear down Lemos in the later rounds. Lemos has power but questionable takedown defense and cardio. Jandiroba's chin has held up, and she can take Lemos down, take her back, and eventually find a submission in the third or fourth round. Lemos could finish early, but if she doesn't, Jandiroba will dominate.

Paul thinks Lemos is the better striker and can hang on the mat against Jandiroba, citing her durability in going five rounds with Zhang Weili and surviving takedowns from Mackenzie Dern. He acknowledges Jandiroba's grappling edge but believes Lemos can avoid submissions and win rounds with damage. He calls it close to a pick 'em fight but leans Lemos at plus money.

The MMA Guru picks Virna Jandiroba after initially considering Lemos. He recalls Lemos' grappling being exposed by Zhang Weili, who had 16 minutes of control time. He notes Jandiroba has never been finished and had close fights with Amanda Ribas and Marina Rodriguez. He trusts the favorite Jandiroba despite not wanting her to succeed.

Angelo picks Steve Garcia because he is sneaky good with five UFC wins all by KO/TKO. He believes Garcia's striking and wrestling are there, and that Choi Seung-woo has been finished before. He has placed a bet on Garcia at -140 and expects the line to move.

Cody also picks Garcia but with less confidence, noting Garcia's own durability issues and the fact that both fighters have been dropped. He sees the fight as close to 50/50 and suggests taking Choi if plus money is available. He emphasizes the under 2.5 rounds as the best bet, expecting a violent finish.

Daniel Vreeland picks Steve Garcia by knockout, comparing the fight to a coin flip but ultimately choosing Garcia. He notes both fighters have high knockdown rates and can be dropped, but Garcia's size (6'0", 75" reach) and recent form (5 knockdowns in last 3 fights) give him the edge. He expects a stand-up war ending in a Garcia knockout.

Garcia is a -140 favorite. He relies on his knockout power and has a three-fight KO streak. Choi is more technical but has been finished before. Garcia can survive early pressure and land a big shot to get the KO. I prefer Garcia by knockout rather than moneyline, as his KO line is around +130.

Paul likes Garcia's momentum and power, noting his three-fight winning streak with five knockdowns. He questions Choi's durability, pointing out Choi has been knocked down five times in his last three fights. Paul thinks Garcia's power is the difference and expects a knockout, though he acknowledges both have shaky chins.

The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia, noting he has doubted Garcia before but he keeps winning. He highlights Garcia's recent finishes over Malik El Kousa, Shannon Nurnbeck, and Chase Hooper, and his training at Jackson Wink. He points out Choi Seung-woo's questionable chin, getting wobbled in most fights, and believes Garcia's power and size at 145 will be too much.

Angelo picks Kurt Holobaugh with very low confidence, citing his durability and composure. He notes that Kruschewsky is the better striker and more dangerous, but Holobaugh's wrestling could be key if he uses it. He explicitly says he will not bet on this fight unless a ridiculous prop appears.

Cody picks Kruschewsky, citing his youth (26 vs 38), better cardio, and ability to grapple. He criticizes Holobaugh for training at his own gym with no elite partners and expects him to fade. He notes both are BJJ black belts but thinks Kruschewsky's wrestling and durability give him the edge, though he admits it's a close fight.

Daniel Vreeland picks Kaynan Kruschewsky, citing his youth, length, and higher pace. He notes Holobaugh's declining takedown defense and lack of urgency to get back up, as seen in recent fights. Vreeland believes Kruschewsky is catching Holobaugh at the right time and will win by decision or possibly a finish.

Holobaugh is a +115 underdog. He is aggressive, powerful, and has solid durability. Kruschewsky is coming off a bad knockout loss and his chin is a question mark. Holobaugh can force a pocket exchange and land a big shot to finish. The fight is volatile, but Holobaugh's pressure and power give him the edge.

Paul agrees with Cody, siding with Kruschewsky on volume and power. He thinks the fight will come down to striking and that Kruschewsky has the edge there. He doesn't elaborate much but concurs with the pick.

The MMA Guru picks Kaynan Kruschewsky over Kurt Holobaugh, citing Holobaugh's age and recent loss to Trey Ogden. He notes Kruschewsky is a young up-and-comer with a 15-2 record, though not that young. He mentions Kruschewsky's size and reach advantage, and believes this is Kruschewsky's time more than Holobaugh's.

Angelo picks Cody Durden because his aggressive wrestling pace will be too much for Bruno Silva, leading to a close decision. He notes that Silva has power and could land a knockout, but Durden's chin is a concern. He does not mention a bet, but is confident in the pick.

Cody picks Bruno Silva, highlighting his striking advantage and the fact that he accepted the fight before Durden, indicating confidence from training together. He notes Silva's defensive wrestling is solid and that Durden will struggle to take him down. He also mentions Silva's submission win over Tyson Nam as impressive.

Daniel Vreeland picks his friend Cody Durden, citing Durden's superior wrestling, volume, and training with Pantoja. He acknowledges Bruno's explosive power and opportunistic submissions but believes Durden will outwork him everywhere. Vreeland warns against underestimating Durden's standup and submission defense.

Silva is a +100 underdog. He has a slick boxing approach and BJJ black belt, and his takedown defense and ability to work back to his feet should frustrate Durden. Durden will put himself in danger with his wrestling, and Silva can capitalize with a submission or TKO. Silva's inactivity (16 months) is a concern, but his skills should be enough to get the win.

Paul also picks Bruno Silva, agreeing with Cody's points about Silva's striking and the familiarity from training. He thinks Silva has an advantage on the feet and that Durden will be in trouble if he tries to grapple. He also notes the submission prop as a possibility.

The MMA Guru picks Cody Durden, trusting in his activity. He notes Bruno Silva has been inactive, fighting only once since 2021, while Durden has been consistently fighting. He highlights Durden's wins over Jake Hadley and Charles Johnson, and believes Durden is more disciplined and focused. He also mentions Durden is bigger for the division.

Angelo picks Bill Algeo because he is far more active than Dooho Choi, who hasn't won in eight years. He acknowledges that Algo has burned bettors before and advises staying away from betting. He is not confident but chooses Algeo due to activity and experience.

Cody also picks Algeo, emphasizing Choi's one-round style and the fact that he gave up five takedowns to Kyle Nelson. He thinks Algeo can take Choi down and control him, and that Choi's chin is compromised after multiple knockouts. He suggests live betting Algeo after the first round if Choi doesn't finish.

Daniel Vreeland picks Bill Algeo, stating that Dooho Choi has never been the same since the Cub Swanson fight in 2016. He notes Choi's inactivity and lack of confidence, while Algeo is more active and skilled. Vreeland acknowledges Choi's power but believes Algeo can outwork him over three rounds.

Algeo is a -160 favorite. He has an unorthodox striking style and excellent cardio, which should cause problems for Choi, who is inactive and has a questionable chin. Algeo can land big shots and potentially finish Choi within the first two rounds. Choi hasn't won since 2016 and inactivity works against him.

Paul picks Algeo, citing Choi's decline since the Cub Swanson fight, his inability to win outside the first round, and his poor takedown defense. He notes Algeo has a wrestling background, a BJJ black belt, and can mix in takedowns. He expects Algeo to outwork Choi as the fight goes on.

The MMA Guru picks Bill Algeo over Dooho Choi. He describes Algeo as tricky and unorthodox, and believes Choi's style works best against aggressive opponents. He notes Choi's long layoff and recent draw with Kyle Nelson, while Algeo has a win over Joe Anderson Brito. He predicts Algeo will survive Choi's early power and take over in rounds two and three with volume and cage work.

Angelo picks Lee Jeong-yeong because he is the more complete fighter with better wrestling, cleaner striking, and explosiveness. He notes that Hyder Amil is undefeated but untested, and Lee can keep the fight technical and use his length. He expects the fight to go the distance and plans to bet the over on round lines.

Cody picks Amil, praising his relentless pace, wrestling, and durability. He criticizes Lee for being green and unimpressive, noting Lee's split decision win in the Road to UFC final and his lack of power or volume. He thinks Amil will overwhelm Lee with pressure and volume, and he placed a bet on Amil at +175.

Daniel Vreeland picks Hyder Amil as an upset, citing Amil's high output and pressure. He is not sold on Lee, noting Lee's low strike output and slow pace. Vreeland believes Amil can drag Lee into deep waters and break him in the later rounds, possibly by TKO.

Amil is a +155 underdog. He has relentless pressure, endless takedowns, and excellent cardio. Lee is the better striker but may fade as Amil continues to push the pace and take damage. Amil's ability to stay in his opponent's face and grind them down could lead to a decision win or a late finish. I see this fight closer to 50/50 than the odds suggest.

Paul agrees with Cody, citing Amil's volume and wrestling background. He thinks the fight will be competitive but that Amil's pace will be too much for Lee. He also notes the line movement and thinks Amil offers value.

The MMA Guru picks Lee Jeong-yeong, calling it a dangerous fight for him. He notes Hyder Amil is undefeated and big for the division, but believes Lee has a massive finishing advantage early. He compares Lee's offensive grappling favorably to Amil's and cites Lee's youth (28) and win streak. He suggests live odds on Amil if the fight goes late due to Lee's tendency to slow down.

Angelo picks Cody Gibson because he is the more focused fighter with length and cardio, while Brian Kelleher is past his prime and on a three-fight skid. However, he is not confident at the favorite price and notes that Kelleher's losses have been to top competition. He considers an inside the distance/decision no action bet on Gibson.

Cody picks Gibson, citing his size advantage (5'10" reach vs 5'6"), durability, and volume. He notes Kelleher's age (38), neck injury, and recent inactivity. He thinks Gibson can outwork Kelleher and that Kelleher's path to victory via guillotine is unlikely. He calls both fighters 'expired milk' but leans Gibson.

Daniel Vreeland reluctantly picks Brian Kelleher, despite initially favoring Cody Gibson. He notes Gibson's tendency to fade in fights, citing the Ray Borg and Brad Katona fights where Gibson was winning early but fell apart. Vreeland believes Kelleher can survive early and take over late, possibly by submission or TKO.

Gibson is a favorite at -185. He has a 4-inch height and 7-inch reach advantage, which he can use to keep Kelleher at bay with his boxing and kicks. Kelleher is on a three-fight losing streak and approaching 38, showing signs of decline. Gibson needs to be wary of Kelleher's guillotine, but he should be able to dictate the pace and win a decision.

Paul also picks Gibson, agreeing that wrestling will be negated and that Gibson's volume will be key. He notes Gibson's close fight with Brad Katona where he landed 164 significant strikes. He thinks Kelleher's guillotine is a threat but not enough to overcome Gibson's output.

The MMA Guru picks Cody Gibson despite previously saying he'd never pick him again. He notes Gibson might be able to hurt Kelleher, who is 37 and has been inactive with multiple neck surgeries. He points to Kelleher's recent first-round losses to Umar Nurmagomedov, Cody Garbrandt, and Mario Bautista, and questions his dedication. Gibson's close fight with Miles Johns is seen as a positive.

Angelo picks Miranda Maverick because she is a pressure fighter with solid takedowns and strength, and Dione Barbosa has poor takedown defense. He notes that Barbosa is a judoka who wants to clinch, but Maverick will shoot takedowns instead of tying up. He is waiting for prop bets to place a wager, as he doesn't love the moneyline.

Cody picks Maverick, emphasizing her youth (27), cardio, and full camp. He notes Barbosa is on short notice and gassed in her last fight. He expects Maverick to lose the first round but take over in the second and third with takedowns and volume. He suggests live betting Maverick after round one.

Daniel Vreeland picks Dione Barbosa as an upset, citing her superior Jiu-Jitsu and improving striking. He notes that Maverick struggles when she cannot be the bully, and Barbosa's size and grappling advantage will be key. Vreeland believes Barbosa can submit Maverick or win a decision, and considers the odds off.

Maverick is a heavy favorite at -220. She has improved striking and strong grappling, and her physicality should be too much for Barbosa. Barbosa relies on takedowns and BJJ, but Maverick has good submission defense and has never been finished. Maverick will make Barbosa work early and then pull away with her striking and top control. Even at -220, Maverick is worth a shot.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting Maverick's submission win over Priscila Cachoeira and her ability to go three rounds. He thinks Barbosa's cardio is a major issue and that Maverick will cruise to a decision or late stoppage. He also mentions the altitude training with Rose Namajunas as a plus.

The MMA Guru picks Miranda Maverick, citing her longer training and recent win over Andrea Lee. He notes Dione Barbosa's win over Nesta Carter is not impressive, and believes Maverick's grappling defense will give her an advantage on the feet. He also mentions Maverick's close fight with Maycee Barber, which he thought she won, as a positive sign.

Angelo picks Trey Ogden as an underdog because he trusts Ogden's consistent, boring game plan of takedowns and control. He notes that Loik Radzhabov has subpar takedown defense and can be taken down multiple times, while Ogden is confident and will shoot takedowns. He plans to watch the line movement and potentially bet if the odds improve.

Cody picks Ogden, citing his 100% takedown defense in the UFC and his ability to neutralize opponents with top control. He questions Radzhabov's cardio and thinks Ogden can outwork him with volume and key takedowns. He admits it's a close fight but likes Ogden's game plan.

Daniel Vreeland picks Loik Radzhabov, criticizing Trey Ogden's safe, risk-averse style. He notes Ogden's recent wins were against opponents who underperformed, and that Radzhabov is a physical, aggressive fighter who will force a fight. Vreeland believes Radzhabov's pressure and takedown ability will overwhelm Ogden.

Ogden is a pick'em at -110. He has a disciplined game plan and excellent top control, as seen against Holobaugh. He can weather Radzhabov's early power and then take over with his wrestling and cardio in the second and third rounds. Radzhabov tends to fade, and Ogden's fight IQ should allow him to set up takedowns as the fight progresses. The main concern is Ogden's durability, but his overall game plan and cardio favor him.

Paul also picks Ogden, liking his last two fights and smart game plans. He thinks it will be a close, greasy fight likely going to decision. He suggests looking at split decision props.

The MMA Guru picks Loik Radzhabov over Trey Ogden. He compares Ogden to Abdul Kareem Al-Selwady and notes Ogden's tricky outside fighting style but points out his loss to Jordan Leavitt as worrying. He highlights Radzhabov's dangerous early rounds and close fight with Esteban Ribovics, and believes Radzhabov can win by TKO or decision, possibly slowing down in the third.

Angelo is surprised that Luana Carolina is a plus-money underdog, as he believes she is the better striker with solid takedown defense and clinch work. He notes that Lucie Pudilová has poor takedown defense and is not the better wrestler or striker. He has placed a half-unit bet on Luana at plus money, expecting the line to move.

Cody picks Carolina, highlighting her better competition, volume, and ability to defend takedowns. He notes Pudilová's poor takedown accuracy and that she struggles when taken down. He thinks Carolina will win with damage in the clinch and on the ground, and that judges will favor her output.

Daniel Vreeland picks Luana Carolina, citing Pudilová's poor record with judges and her increased hesitancy. He notes Carolina's Muay Thai background and recent submission win. Vreeland expects a kickboxing match that goes to decision, with Carolina getting the nod.

Pudilová is a slight underdog at +100. She has improved her grappling since her first UFC stint and can use her striking to set up takedowns, unlike Stoliarenko who pulls guard. Pudilová's aggressiveness and ability to mix in takedowns should keep Carolina uncomfortable at distance. I think Pudilová is the better overall fighter and can grind out a decision win.

Paul agrees, saying Carolina is the pick all day. He thinks wrestling will be negated and that Carolina's striking and clinch work will be key. He was impressed with her win over Stoliarenko.

The MMA Guru picks Luana Carolina, calling Lucie Pudilová 'garbage'. He notes Carolina stuffed takedowns from Lupita Godinez, who has good wrestling, and believes Carolina can out-grapple or out-strike Pudilová. He compares Pudilová's win over Yanan Wu unfavorably to Carolina's similar style, and cites Carolina's size and reach advantage.

Angelo picks Mohammed Usman because he is the larger, more physically imposing fighter with a brick for a head and decent power. He notes that neither fighter is very good or entertaining, and that Usman's takedown defense should hold up against Petersen's wrestling. However, he explicitly says he cannot bet on low-level heavyweight fights, so this is a lean with no stake.

Cody picks Petersen, noting his youth (29) and wrestling pedigree. He thinks if Petersen can get takedowns, he can control Usman. He admits Usman has better striking and cardio but believes Petersen's southpaw stance and sophomore improvement could be factors. He calls it a dogger pass situation and sides with the underdog.

Daniel Vreeland picks Mohammed Usman, noting his improvements and ability to last three rounds. He believes Usman can defend takedowns and tire out Petersen, who gasses when his takedown game fails. Vreeland expects Usman to take over late in the fight.

Petersen is a slight dog at +110. He has a wrestling-heavy approach but needs to improve his striking to avoid being picked apart. Usman is not as crisp a striker as Jamal Pogues, which could allow Petersen to have more success with his wrestling. Petersen's pressure and pace should wear down Usman around the 6-minute mark, leading to a decision win. However, I need to see improvements in Petersen's striking before I'm confident enough to invest heavily.

Paul picks Usman, citing his wrestling background, takedown defense (never taken down in UFC), and better striking. He thinks Petersen's wrestling won't be effective and that Usman will edge a decision or get a late finish. He calls the line very playable.

The MMA Guru picks Mohammed Usman over Thomas Petersen, calling Petersen 'garbage' and a 'fat dum dum'. He notes Usman has knockout power and is more technical, with better conditioning and athleticism. He dismisses Petersen's size and recent loss to Jamal Poges, concluding Usman should win easily.