Landon Quiñones

Angelo picks Marquel Mederos, citing his composure, dangerous striking, and takedown defense. He notes that Mederos is a touted prospect but warns against overexposure due to his UFC debut. He mentions that Mederos is part of a parlay with Thomas Petersen but only one bet on him.

Big Brady picks the underdog Landon Quiñones to win a close decision. He notes that both fighters are evenly matched and the line should be closer. He highlights Quiñones' incredible toughness, volume, leg kicks, and power, as well as his defensive wrestling. He expects the fight to primarily take place on the feet and go to decision, with the judges potentially messing it up.

Cody picks Quiñones, citing his volume, cardio, and technical striking. He notes Mederos' power but questions his cardio and wrestling. He thinks Quiñones' output and durability will earn him a decision or late stoppage.

Mederos has a great striking game with educated kicks and decent grappling. Quiñones looked out of shape in his last fight and has questionable cardio. Mederos should control the fight with his kicks from range and possibly mix in takedowns to drain Quiñones' energy. The host expects Mederos to win by decision.

Paul picks Quiñones, noting he missed the better plus-money price but still likes him. He highlights Quiñones' performance against Hackbarth and his grappling improvements. He thinks Mederos is a one-round threat but Quiñones can weather it.

Angelo picks Nasrat Haqparast as the better striker with good takedown defense. He notes that Landon Quinones is a well-rounded guy but this is too much too soon. Nasrat should be the better striker and has the takedown defense to keep it standing. However, if Landon comes out wrestle-heavy, he could steal the fight.

Big Brady confidently picks Nasrat Haqparast, citing his much better competition and power. He notes Haqparast has knocked down many opponents and thinks this is a big step down in competition. He predicts a second-round knockout.

Cody picks Haqparast, noting that Quiñones is making his UFC debut on short notice and was submitted quickly on The Ultimate Fighter. He believes Haqparast's experience and wrestling will be enough, even though he has looked disinterested at times. Cody acknowledges the -500 price is steep but sees no value on the underdog.

Daniel Levi picks Nasrat Haqparast confidently, citing his experience against tough competition and his youth (born 1995). He believes Haqparast's activity and smarter decision-making will be the difference. Levi notes that Quiñones is still unproven at the UFC level and that Haqparast has been improving.

Haqparast is coming off a decision win over John Makdessi and has been off for a year. Quiñones is a short-notice replacement who was submitted quickly by Jason Knight on the contender series. Haqparast should take advantage of Quiñones' striking defense shortcomings and win by decision. The fight likely goes the full 15 minutes, so the over 2.5 rounds is preferred over the moneyline.

Paul picks Haqparast, agreeing that Quiñones is not ready for this spot. He notes that Haqparast has faced better competition and should be able to outwork Quiñones. Paul is priced out at -500 but sees Haqparast as the clear winner.