Nazim Sadykhov

Angelo picks Nazim Sadykhov, acknowledging he has never correctly picked a Farès Ziam fight. He describes Ziam as a technical but boring fighter who sneaks out wins, while Sadykhov is a solid kickboxer with speed, power, and the ability to mix in wrestling. Angelo notes Sadykhov's comeback win over Nicholas Motta and believes his skills will overcome Ziam's style. He bet on Sadykhov at better odds earlier.

Big Brady picks Nazim Sadykhov as a dog, calling him a 'madman' with a dog in him. He acknowledges Ziam is more technical and has improved his grappling, but expects Sadykhov to push a pace and make it a dog fight. He predicts Sadykhov wins by decision.

Cody picks Ziam, noting his improved takedown defense and technical striking. He believes Ziam's length and Muay Thai will be effective against Sadykhov, who is prone to being outworked. He mentions that Ziam has shown durability and has never been knocked down. He thinks Ziam will win a decision.

Connor picks Farès Ziam, noting that Ziam has improved his striking and wrestling, becoming a more aggressive and dangerous fighter. He believes Ziam's well-rounded game and ability to control range will be too much for Sadykhov, who is a brute but has blank spaces in his game. Connor warns that Sadykhov is dangerous and can turn a fight around.

Daniel picks Ziam, citing his technical striking, reach advantage, and maturity. He expects Ziam to stay disciplined at range and outpoint Sadykhov, though he acknowledges Sadykhov's durability and power. He predicts a unanimous decision for Ziam.

Lucrative James finds this a tough fight to call. He notes that Nazim Sadykhov often gets outmaneuvered early but lands comeback finishes, while Ziam is more technical and durable. He thinks Ziam's fight IQ and ability to avoid big moments will allow him to win a decision. However, he is not confident and would not bet on either fighter at close odds.

The host believes Sadykhov's reliance on power will be exposed. He views Ziam as the superior technical striker who can handle Sadykhov's big shots and nullify his grappling, leading to a decision win.

Paul agrees, citing Ziam's reach advantage and technical striking. He notes that Sadykhov loses chunks of fights and relies on one big shot. He believes Ziam's durability and improved grappling will allow him to outpoint Sadykhov. He picks Ziam by decision.

The Guru picks Farès Ziam over Nazim Sadykhov, citing Ziam's reach advantage and slick striking. He notes Sadykhov's wins have asterisks and he struggled against lower-level opponents. The Guru predicts a clean 30-27 decision for Ziam.

Angelo picks Nazim Sadykhov, praising his striking and footwork. He notes that Nazim is a very good striker and has looked fantastic since his only loss. He acknowledges that Nikolas Motta is a good fighter with fast hands and power, but thinks Nazim is the slightly better striker and can win by finish. He warns that Motta is dangerous and the fight could get weird.

Big Brady is a big fan of Sadykhov in this matchup, citing durability as the key factor. He notes Sadykhov has never been knocked out, while Motta has been finished in all five losses. Brady thinks Sadykhov is more well-rounded, has better cardio, and a good ground game. He predicts Sadykhov will knock out Motta, possibly in the second round, but wouldn't be surprised by a submission.

Connor picks Sadykhov, agreeing that Motta's tendency to jump in with combinations and lack of distance management will be exploited by Sadykhov's countering and physicality. He notes that Sadykhov is not shallow in any area and is a tough, durable fighter who can take a shot and keep coming. He believes Motta's confidence issues, as seen against Ogden, will resurface against a strong opponent like Sadykhov.

The host is surprised Sadykhov is such a big favorite. He acknowledges Sadykhov's knockout power but thinks Motta has rounded out his game enough to eat big shots and put together a better body of work. He expects Motta to touch up Sadykhov, mix in takedowns, and win on the scorecards, noting Motta is live as a +340 underdog.

The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, calling him 'really, really good'. He acknowledges Nikolas Motta's underrated skills and dangerous hooks but believes Sadykhov's defensive striking and pressure will prevail. He warns about Motta's lunging hooks but expects Sadykhov to adjust and finish late second or third round via TKO.

Angelo picks Ismael Bonfim over Nazim Sadykhov, noting that while Sadykhov is talented, his wins have caveats (e.g., Evan Elder was beating him before a cut, Terrence McKinney was beating him before gassing). He believes Bonfim will stay busy with striking and may mix in takedowns, and that Bonfim won't gas or get cut like Sadykhov's previous opponents.

Big Brady picks Bonfim by decision, noting he is the better striker with good boxing and defensive responsibility. Sadykhov has volume issues and was outlanded by Evan Elder. Bonfim has takedown defense to keep it standing and a good chin. Sadykhov may land a big shot but Bonfim has never been knocked out.

Connor picks Ismael Bonfim, agreeing with Zane that Bonfim is more technical. He notes that Sadykhov is a brute with a shallow game who breaks down when out-techniqued. Connor highlights Bonfim's arrogance as a potential weakness but believes Sadykhov's lack of horsepower means Bonfim can successfully pressure and break him. He also notes that Sadykhov will give up the initiative if pressured, unlike Santini, which favors Bonfim.

Lucrative James picks Ismael Bonfim to win by decision, but admits he does not have a strong read on this fight and needs to do more tape study. He sees Bonfim as the more technical striker with better leg kicks and a well-rounded game, while Sadykhov is a brawler with power and durability. He thinks Bonfim's experience and technicality will allow him to outpoint Sadykhov over three rounds, but acknowledges Sadykhov could land a big shot or win a war. He is not confident enough to recommend a bet.

Bonfim has the experience advantage and more to bring to the table. As long as Sadykhov doesn't land a big power shot, Bonfim dictates pace and pressure and wins on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Ismael Bonfim over Nazim Sadykhov, noting Bonfim's slickness and more options. He criticizes Sadykhov for letting fights get scrappy and lacking ability to force things. He believes Bonfim's time off has allowed improvement and he will deliver, though he jokes about Bonfim's reaction to his brother's potential loss.

Angelo picks Borshchev, trusting his striking pressure and ability to defend takedowns. He notes Sadykhov is not a grappler and will likely strike, which favors Borshchev. He acknowledges Sadykhov could win a decision but leans on Borshchev's power and volume.

Big Brady picks Viacheslav Borshchev to win by first-round knockout. He praises Borshchev's incredible striking and notes that opponents constantly try to take him down because they want nothing to do with his striking. He worries that Sadykhov doesn't wrestle enough to exploit Borshchev's poor takedown defense, and that Sadykhov was outstruck by Evan Elder. Brady expects a striking battle and favors Borshchev's power.

Cody leans Borshchev, expecting a striking match where Borshchev's volume and durability give him an edge. He notes Sadykhov hasn't shown wrestling in the UFC, and Borshchev's takedown defense and ability to get up are solid. He's not confident but sees value.

Borshchev is more tested against better competition and his defensive grappling is improving. He should be able to keep the fight in the striking realm where he has a decided advantage. Expects Borshchev to batter Sadykhov and eventually finish him by knockout in the second or third round. Surprised to see Borshchev as the underdog and happy to take a shot on him.

Paul picks Borshchev, citing Sadykhov's lack of wrestling and questionable takedown defense. He thinks Borshchev's striking and cardio will be too much, and that Sadykhov hasn't shown enough to warrant being a favorite. He calls Borshchev a dog play.

Angelo gives a slight lean to Terrance McKinney, calling it a 50.5 to 49.5 pick in his favor. He thinks McKinney is the better fighter overall, with solid striking and wrestling credentials, but his chin is questionable. He is swayed by a conversation with McKinney's coach about improved training partners. However, he hesitates because McKinney was recently knocked out and Sadykhov carries power late. He would only bet if the line moves to make McKinney a bigger underdog.

Big Brady picks Terrance McKinney, expecting him to revert to his aggressive style and finish Sadykhov early. He notes Sadykhov is a slow starter who has been hurt early in fights, which plays into McKinney's strengths. However, he warns that if McKinney doesn't finish in the first few minutes, his poor cardio will be a problem. He calls it a great live betting spot if Sadykhov survives the first round.

Cody picks McKinney at plus money, citing his explosiveness, power, and wrestling advantage. He thinks McKinney will go back to his aggressive style after pacing himself poorly against Bomfim. He notes Sadykhov's takedown defense issues and that McKinney has speed and power advantages. He acknowledges McKinney's cardio is a concern but thinks he can finish early.

The host highlights McKinney's 17 of 18 fights finishing under 1.5 rounds and 15 first-round finishes. He thinks Sadykhov is hittable and lacks durability, and McKinney's explosivity and power will be too much. He picks McKinney to win in round one, either by KO or submission.

Paul picks Sadykhov, citing his ability to fight 15 full minutes and survive early pressure. He notes McKinney's cardio fades after 5-6 minutes and that Sadykhov can take damage and come back. He mentions Sadykhov's cut stoppage win over Elder was competitive, not one-sided. He thinks a live bet on Sadykhov after the first round is a good strategy.

Angelo likes Evan Elder's well-rounded skills, loose striking, heavy kicks, and composure on the ground. He notes Elder's short-notice loss at welterweight should be discounted as he's a natural lightweight. Angelo is concerned about Sadykhov's tendency to throw unnecessary spinning attacks, which led to his only loss. He wishes he got Elder at +220 and notes the line is tightening, recommending to bet now.

Big Brady is impressed with Sadykhov's striking and ability to battle through adversity, noting he fights out of bad positions. He thinks Elder's takedown defense is poor based on his debut, and Sadykhov has wrestling of his own. He predicts a decision win, as Elder is tough and has a chin.

Cody picks Sadykhov, noting he has more firepower, hits harder, and has 15-minute cardio. He says Sadykhov trains at a good gym with Aljamain Sterling and others. He acknowledges Evan Elder is better than his UFC debut showed (short notice, up a weight class) but notes Elder gets hit a lot and is defensively poor. He thinks Sadykhov will have forward pressure and either catch him with something or mix in takedowns for a decision win. He says the line is repetitive on this card and he doesn't love it.

Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Sadykhov is a much better puncher and counter puncher than anyone Elder has faced. He notes Elder's vulnerability when stepping in without landing, and that Sadykhov can pressure through Elder's kicks and remain balanced to throw. Connor also points out that Elder's striking is entirely dependent on scaring opponents with kicks, but his punching form is wild and leaves him out of position. He concludes that Sadykhov is a reliable pick to win.

Jacob is high on Evan Elder, calling him an absolute dog after his short-notice performance. He believes Elder is the better technical striker and has shown he can work through adversity. Jacob thinks Sadykhov will look good early but slow down, and Elder's pressure and wrestling will take over. He compares it to the Blake Bilder fight from last week where the odds tightened similarly.

Elder is the better striker with more power and forward pressure, and his training at Kill Cliff FC should improve his cardio and takedown defense. Sadykhov's level of competition is weak, and his takedowns may not work against Elder's strength. Expect Elder to land a knockout in the second round.

Paul picks Sadykhov but is not willing to lay -200. He thought Sadykhov showed flashy striking on Contender Series and has promise, but he's not confident enough to parlay him. He notes there was steam on Elder earlier in the week but the line has corrected. He says Sadykhov is someone to keep an eye on but not someone to lay heavy chalk on in his UFC debut.

The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, highlighting his training at Longo and Weidman's gym and his impressive win on the Contender Series against a 9-1 opponent. He contrasts that with Evan Elder's less dominant wins, including a third-round TKO of a 9-16 short-notice opponent. He believes Sadykhov has more talent and skill, predicting a TKO in the later rounds.