Shannon Ross

Cody picks Park Hyun-sung, though he is not high on him. He notes that Shannon Ross has an atrocious chin and gets knocked out by anyone. Cody points out that Ross was knocked out by Jesus Aguilar, who had no prior KOs. He thinks Park, even as a grappler, can land a shot and finish. Cody is interested in Park by submission at plus money but acknowledges the knockout prop is also possible. He feels forced to pick Park because Paul would never let him hear the end of it if Ross loses quickly.

Angelo picks Aguilar but lacks confidence, noting that Ross is extremely hittable (9 significant strikes absorbed per minute). Aguilar is a solid grappler with a knack for guillotines, but can be wild. He thinks Aguilar will likely win by finish and expects the under on 2.5 rounds. He waits for props.

Big Brady picks Jesus Aguilar to win by second-round submission (guillotine). He notes that Aguilar has a deadly guillotine and nearly submitted Tatsuro Taira with it. He questions Shannon Ross's durability, as Ross has been knocked down multiple times and finished quickly in his UFC debut. He believes Aguilar will grab Ross's neck and submit him, as Ross is not UFC caliber.

Cody picks Aguilar but is not confident. He notes Ross has a terrible chin and has been finished many times. He thinks Aguilar's wrestling and durability will be key. He says it's a better live bet opportunity as Ross may have early success.

Connor picks Aguilar because Ross is a quadruple-A level fighter who cannot hang physically in the UFC. Aguilar is raw but explosive and aggressive, and Ross's lack of a complex game means he will likely get overwhelmed. However, Aguilar's poor technique could allow Ross to win a war, but Ross's durability issues make Aguilar the safer pick.

Daniel Levi picks Aguilar, arguing that Shannon Ross has a tendency to make average fighters look like world-beaters. He cites Ross's losses to Erceg and Vinicius Salvador as examples. Levi notes that Aguilar has a nasty guillotine choke and is aggressive in closing distance. He expects Aguilar to submit Ross, possibly by guillotine. Levi acknowledges that the line has moved due to sharp action on Ross but still prefers Aguilar.

James picks Shannon Ross to win by TKO in the third round, despite Aguilar never being knocked out. He thinks Ross pushes a heavy pace and will overcome early adversity. However, he is not confident enough to bet the moneyline, as he caps the fight near a pick'em and lacks a strong read. He notes Aguilar's dangerous guillotine choke but believes Ross's durability and striking will prevail.

Aguilar is a dangerous power puncher with a lethal guillotine choke. Ross is fragile and tends to panic under pressure. Aguilar will push forward, land big strikes, and force a desperation takedown from Ross, allowing Aguilar to latch onto the neck and secure a submission. The under 2.5 rounds is also a strong play.

Paul picks Ross as an underdog, noting Aguilar has never knocked anyone out. He thinks Ross's striking and cardio are good, and his chin may hold up against a non-power puncher. He mentions the UFC is giving Ross a favorable matchup. He takes a small flyer.

The MMA Guru picks Jesus Aguilar to win by TKO. He notes Aguilar's speed and awkwardness, and Ross coming off two KO losses. He believes Ross will hesitate, and at flyweight that is fatal. He also mentions Aguilar's guillotine threat but thinks his speed will be the key factor.

Angelo picks Kleydson Rodrigues but with low confidence, noting that Shannon Ross is a tough, hittable fighter who will apply constant pressure. He worries that Rodrigues might fold under pressure and lose a close decision, as in his previous fight. He expects Ross to headhunt for the home crowd, which could play into Rodrigues' hands.

Big Brady acknowledges Ross's potential but thinks Ross is hittable and not durable. He likes Rodrigues' power and striking, predicting a second-round knockout. He notes that Ross had health issues in his last fight but still expects Rodrigues to get back on track with a finish.

Cody picks Rodrigues but is wary after Rodrigues lost as a -360 favorite against CJ Vergara. He notes Rodrigues has takedown defense issues and fights to the level of his opponent. He thinks Ross has durability problems after being dropped three times by Vinicius Salvador. He considers the under on rounds or fight doesn't go to decision.

Connor picks Rodrigues, believing in his potential and power. He notes that Ross is hittable and has durability issues, and that Rodrigues has the power to hurt him. Connor acknowledges that Rodrigues looked timid against Vergara but still threw heat all fight. He thinks Rodrigues can win via athletic cheating, possibly landing a wild kick after losing the first round.

Ross can replicate Vergara's game plan: crash the pocket, pressure, and grapple. Rodrigues has cardio issues when pressured and prefers kicking from distance. Ross's forward pressure and big punches should wear Rodrigues down as the fight goes on. Durability is a question for Ross, but Rodrigues isn't a heavy hitter with his hands. Ross likely wins a decision after a tough first round.

Paul picks Rodrigues but is not confident. He notes Ross's poor durability and the fact that Ross lost to Vinicius Salvador as a favorite. He thinks Rodrigues has better grappling and volume, but the -320 price is too high. He mentions the under 2.5 rounds as a potential play.

The MMA Guru picks Kleydson Rodrigues over Shannon Ross, criticizing Ross's entry into the UFC after a loss on the contender series. He believes Rodrigues is dangerous on the feet and will find a TKO finish, possibly a head kick in the first round. He notes Ross has been submitted early in his career.