Kanako Murata

Angelo picks Kanako Murata despite a two-year layoff, reasoning that she is young (30) and likely to be the same or better. He highlights her great wrestling, solid BJJ defense, and constant forward pressure with takedown threats. He believes the same version of Murata from a few years ago dominates Vanessa Demopoulos. He has a small parlay including Murata, though he admits it's risky.

Big Brady is confident in Kanako Murata, praising her wrestling and grappling as some of the best in the division. He notes that Vanessa Demopoulos has poor takedown defense and is content to fight off her back, which plays into Murata's strengths. He expects Murata to control the fight on the ground and eventually find a submission, predicting a second-round submission win.

Cody picks Demopoulos as a dog, citing Murata's long layoff, broken arm, and lack of a Plan B if wrestling fails. He believes Demopoulos's BJJ and forward pressure could cause problems, and that Murata may be hesitant. He sees value in the plus money.

Daniel Levi picks Kanako Murata but is not confident at -360. He notes Murata's grinding top control and ability to neutralize opponents, but also acknowledges Vanessa Demopoulos's dangerous armbar from guard and her high effort. He sees Murata winning by decision but says it's a dog-or-pass situation and he wouldn't parlay it.

Lucrative James is confident Murata wins easily, citing her youth, prime condition, and all-around tools. He thinks Demopoulos is old and relies on low-percentage submissions like an armbar from guard. He predicts Murata by decision, as both are tough enough to survive.

Murata has been out for over two years, but she is a strong wrestler with top pressure. She should be able to close the distance, drag Demopoulos to the ground, and control her from top position. Demopoulos has shown holes in her striking and has been submitted before. However, the long layoff makes me hesitant on the chalky line. Expect Murata to win by decision.

Paul picks Demopoulos, agreeing with Cody. He notes Murata's low striking volume and long layoff, and believes Demopoulos can win a volume striking fight or via submission. He likes the plus 275 price and considers a submission prop.

Angelo picks Kanako Murata, citing her judo and wrestling background. He believes Murata can take Jandiroba down and control her, avoiding submissions. He notes Jandiroba's submission threat but thinks Murata's defensive grappling is sufficient. He placed a bet on Jandiroba to win by submission with decision no action, essentially hedging.

Big Brady is confident in Jandiroba's submission skills, noting she is a BJJ wizard with 13 submission wins. He points out Murata puts herself in bad positions and has a submission loss. He expects Jandiroba to find a submission within 15 minutes.

Cody picks Murata as an underdog, citing her wrestling advantage and youth (27). He notes Jandiroba's non-existent striking and believes Murata can win by decision through takedowns and control. He acknowledges Jandiroba's submission threat but thinks Murata's improved grappling will keep her safe.

Daniel Levi picks Virna Jandiroba, citing her elite jiu-jitsu and higher level of competition. He believes she is the better grappler and can pull guard, sweep, and get into dominant positions. He notes that wrestlers like Murata don't like being on their backs, and that Jandiroba has fought tougher opponents like Carla Esparza and Mackenzie Dern. He expects a submission or decision win, but acknowledges that if it becomes a striking fight, he is less sure.

Jacob does not make a clear pick for this fight. He finds it a toss-up between the wrestler and grappler. He leans slightly towards Jandiroba if it goes to the ground but stayed away from picking. He did not include either fighter in his lineup.

The host leans slightly with Kanako Murata, believing her wrestling and strength will allow her to dictate where the fight takes place. He thinks Murata's defensive grappling has improved and that she can nullify Jandiroba's jiu-jitsu. He expects a grappling-heavy fight where both cancel out, leading to a decision. He likes the over 2.5 rounds most, as finishes are unlikely given the skill level. He notes Murata's only loss was early in her career to a more experienced fighter.

Paul picks Jandiroba by submission as a small play, noting her superior BJJ and ability to take down wrestlers (as seen against Esparza). He is concerned about Murata's submission defense but thinks Jandiroba can catch her if the fight goes to the ground.

Big Brady picks Murata due to her wrestling pedigree and top control, though he is wary of Markos' submission threat from guard. He notes Markos' poor fight IQ and takedown defense. He expects Murata to win a decision but is not betting due to the sketchy vibe.

Daniel slightly leans with Murata, noting her disciplined game plan, strength, forward pressure, and ability to mix in takedowns. He thinks she can edge a decision if she stays disciplined. He acknowledges Markos has shown mental lapses and inconsistency, but warns that Murata is not a lock and the fight could be close. He advises not going crazy at the betting window.