Lucas Alexander

Angelo picks Bogdan Grad because of his well-rounded skills, methodical approach, and high finishing rate (11 stoppages in 14 wins). He notes that Lucas Alexander is dangerous but coming off a KO loss to a low-level opponent. He believes Grad's control and pace will be mistaken for inability to finish, but Grad finds finishes without being reckless.

Big Brady likes Lucas Alexander's striking and thinks he trains with good guys. He notes Alexander has been submitted three times and has questionable takedown defense, but believes Alexander will piece up Bogdan Grad across three rounds. Grad is tough and has heart but is a walking punching bag. Brady would have liked Alexander more at +170 but thinks pick 'em is about accurate.

Alexander's Muay Thai striking and ability to fight from both stances will allow him to pick apart Grad's erratic style. Grad's explosivity and grappling may cause early trouble, but Alexander's technical striking and work off the back foot should secure a decision win.

Angelo picks Lucas Alexander, citing his superior technique, BJJ, and high-level experience. He notes that both fighters have one-punch power but believes Lucas is better everywhere. He mentions the odds at 3-to-1 seem a little wide because Jeka could end it at any moment, but still expects Lucas to win.

Big Brady notes that Saragih looked terrible against Anshul Jubilee and that Alexander has heavy kicks, including breaking someone's arm. He thinks Alexander is the much better striker and will break Saragih down with leg kicks, leading to an attritional TKO. He predicts a third-round knockout, noting Saragih is dangerous early but Alexander has never been knocked out.

Cody picks Lucas Alexander confidently, citing his performance against Steve Peterson and Saragih's poor showing against Anheliger. He notes Saragih's one-dimensional striking and poor wrestling. Alexander is stronger, more dynamic, and can win by striking or grappling.

Alexander is a technical striker with good anticipation and counter striking. He uses calf kicks and accurate punches to pick apart opponents. Saragih is reckless and lacks technical acumen, though he has durability. Alexander will chip away from distance and land big shots, likely winning by decision. Saragih's recklessness could lead to a knockout, but Alexander's power may not finish him.

Paul picks Alexander, noting Saragih's flat-footed style and poor takedown defense. He believes Alexander's power and grappling will be too much. Paul thinks Saragih's only chance is a puncher's chance, but Alexander is the better fighter.

Angelo picks Peterson, citing his toughness and relentless pressure. He notes that Peterson is never the more skilled fighter but makes up for it with grit. He thinks Peterson will frustrate Alexander, who may not handle the constant forward pressure. However, he says he cannot trust Peterson with his money because he puts himself in danger and could get caught.

Big Brady picks Steven Peterson by submission, calling it a sneaky way to attack the fight. He notes Peterson's ability to get takedowns and his submission skills (42% of wins by sub), though he hasn't submitted anyone in the UFC. Brady thinks Peterson has more ways to win, especially if he gets the fight to the mat, and predicts a third-round submission. He acknowledges Alexander's striking advantage on the feet but favors Peterson's toughness and experience.

Cody leans towards Alexander as a dog, citing his kickboxing advantage and physicality. He notes Peterson is a forward-pressure fighter but not high-level, and that Alexander could have more time to work in his comfort zone. He expects a close, possibly split decision, and sees value in the plus money.

Connor also picks Steven Peterson, agreeing with Zane that Alexander is too inexperienced to handle Peterson's relentless pressure. He notes that Peterson's technical flaws don't matter if he just keeps coming, and that Alexander has shown he can be cornered and flustered. Connor says he would not be shocked if Alexander wins by landing a big shot, but he sees Peterson as the more reliable pick given Alexander's rawness.

Jacob picks Peterson but is not confident, noting that Peterson's toughness is his main attribute. He thinks Peterson should out-tough Alexander but that Alexander is dangerous and could land a big shot. He says there are better places to put money on this card.

The host is surprised to see Alexander as an underdog, believing his speed, slick striking, and calf kicking game will be too much for Peterson. He notes Alexander's performance against Jacob Kilburn showed he can pick apart a similar gritty opponent. He expects Alexander to win by decision, as Peterson is tough to put away.

The Guru picks Peterson, calling it a lock. He criticizes Alexander's lack of finishing ability and poor performance against Britto. He highlights Peterson's durability (only finished once in 2013) and expects a dominant decision win.

Cody picks Brito confidently, noting he is a powerhouse and coming off a career-best win. He points out that Alexander has missed weight multiple times and is taking the fight on short notice, which could affect his performance. He expects Brito to press forward and score takedowns.

Paul also picks Brito, noting he is a solid prospect and Alexander is a late replacement with questionable credentials. He thinks Brito's aggression and takedowns will be too much, and Alexander may struggle to make weight.