Azat Maksum

Angelo picks Azat Maksum, emphasizing his well-rounded skills and composure. He argues that Azat's losses are close fights against established opponents, while Mitch Raposo's wins are less impressive. Angelo is surprised Azat is only minus 350, calling it an insult compared to Hamdy's minus 450 line.

Big Brady is high on Azat Maksum, believing he is a top-15 flyweight with top-10 upside. He notes Maksum's impressive takedown ability against Tagir Ulanbekov and sees a clear path to victory via grappling against Mitch Raposo, who has been taken down and submitted easily in the past. Brady expects Maksum to finally put it all together and make a statement, predicting a first-round submission.

Cody picks Azat Maksum, noting that Raposo's wrestling is not enough to win fights, as he lacks control time and striking. Maksum has shown he can wrestle and strike, and has fought tough competition. Cody believes Maksum will win a decision, possibly close, but should get the nod in Abu Dhabi.

Connor picks Maksum, noting that Raposo does not do enough volume and has poor footwork, constantly circling to his weak side. He believes Maksum, despite being a low-output fighter, is more proactive and can set up takedowns with his strikes. Connor also points out that Raposo's striking output is very low (1.62 strikes per minute) and that he is not effective at this level.

Daniel Vreeland believes Maksum is too big, physical, and skilled for Raposo, who he considers too small for the UFC. He notes that Maksum has faced much tougher competition and that Raposo's regional scene is weak. He predicts Maksum will dominate and possibly finish, but acknowledges the -400 price is steep given Maksum's close UFC fights.

Lucrative James picks Azat Maksum, predicting a submission win. He believes Maksum is more skilled in boxing and striking, and has excellent anti-grappling as shown against Tiger Ulybekov. He expects Raposo to shoot takedowns, but Maksum can reverse or submit him. He notes Maksum's tendency to fight to the level of his competition but still favors him heavily.

The host notes that Raposo has been given the benefit of the doubt in recent fights but sees this as a bad matchup for him. He expects Maksum to stuff takedowns, control the striking, and possibly land his own takedowns, grinding out a decision win.

Paul also picks Maksum, citing Raposo's risk-averse style and lack of power. He notes that Maksum has good takedown defense and can strike, while Raposo relies on takedowns that may not score well with judges. Paul expects a decision win for Maksum.

The MMA Guru picks Azat Maksum by 30-27 decision, but warns of a possible split decision due to bias. He believes Maksum has a height and reach advantage, and will win scrambles and grappling exchanges. He criticizes Mitch Raposo (referred to as Mitrione Vusa in transcript) for low output and being overhyped by commentary. He notes that Maksum fought Tagir Ulanbekov closely and should have won rounds, while Raposo has been given undeserved split decisions.

Angelo picks Tagir Ulanbekov to win, citing his size, strength, and wrestling from the Khabib camp. He notes that Tagir will be slower but will use his size to drag Azat to the ground. He acknowledges Azat's speed and scrambling ability but thinks Tagir's pressure will be enough. However, he is undecided on using him in fantasy due to his high salary and potential for a low-scoring grind.

Big Brady picks Tagir Ulanbekov, noting he is a huge flyweight with underrated striking, good wrestling, and excellent grappling with long arms and front chokes. He criticizes Maksum's performances against Tyson Nam and Charles Johnson, where he was outlanded and tired. Maksum is taking the fight on short notice. Brady predicts Ulanbekov finishes Maksum in the second or third round by submission, specifically a second-round submission.

The host expects Ulanbekov's grappling to catch up to Maksum by the second round, allowing him to continuously pressure, wear down, and possibly submit Maksum. However, the official prediction is Ulanbekov winning on the scorecards.

Angelo picks Azat Maksum but advises caution. He notes that Maksum's wrestling looked poor in his last fight (2 for 11 takedowns) but attributes it to debut jitters. He believes Maksum will need to take Johnson down to win, as Johnson is superior in volume striking. He does not bet on this fight.

Big Brady picks Azat Maksum to win by decision. He notes that Maksum is a good wrestler and grappler, while Charles Johnson has terrible takedown defense and has been taken down nearly 30 times in seven UFC fights. He believes this is a stylistic nightmare for Johnson, who has never been finished (all six losses by decision). Brady also thinks the judges will favor the undefeated fighter in a close fight.

Cody picks Maksum, citing Johnson's poor takedown defense and Maksum's chain wrestling. He notes Johnson's short-notice fights and Apex struggles, while Maksum showed grit against Nam. He expects Maksum to dominate with wrestling and win by decision or submission.

Maksum should show a better version of himself after his debut, utilizing his striking to set up takedowns. Johnson is on a three-fight losing streak and has issues with output and being controlled against the cage. Maksum's wrestling and pressure should earn him a decision win.

Paul picks Maksum, agreeing with Cody. He notes Johnson's takedown defense issues and the Apex favoring grapplers. He thinks Maksum's wrestling and improved comfort in his second UFC fight will be too much for Johnson.

Angelo loves Azat Maksum, calling him one of the most talented new signings. He believes Maksum can touch Nam up on the feet and out-grapple him if needed. He notes Nam's age (39), recent knockout loss, and questionable chin. He says outside of a wild overhand, Nam won't win. He plans to parlay Maksum even at minus 300.

Big Brady picks Azat Maksum, believing he has multiple paths to victory. He notes Maksum is a good wrestler and grappler with power on the feet, while Tyson Nam relies heavily on knockout power and has low volume. He expects Maksum to take Nam down, breaking his 100% takedown defense, and likely find a submission in the second round. However, he refuses to bet at -415 for a debuting flyweight.

Cody picks Maksum, citing his youth, speed, volume, and wrestling. He notes Nam is 40, has low volume, and looked shot in his last fight. He acknowledges Nam's power and takedown defense but thinks Maksum's volume and wrestling will be too much. He considers a Nam by knockout prop at +650 as a long-shot but goes with Maksum.

The host is high on Maksum, calling him a beast with a 16-0 record, patient striking, and relentless takedown chains. He expects Maksum to use in-and-out pressure, kicks from distance, and counters before taking the fight to the ground and finishing Nam via TKO. He notes Nam's age (nearly 40) and recent first finish in 10 years as factors favoring Maksum.

Paul picks Maksum, citing his solid all-around skills, quick hands, and light footwork. He thinks Maksum can win at any range and has enough wrestling. He notes Nam is older and has low volume, but has knockout power. He is unexcited by the -420 price but understands why Maksum is favored.