Gavin Tucker

Angelo picks Gavin Tucker, citing his high pace, takedowns, and ability to ride to a win. He notes that Diego Lopes relies too much on raw Jiu-Jitsu off his back and gets taken down too easily. Angelo has a half-unit bet on Tucker at +115, but would have a full unit if not for Tucker's two-year layoff. He criticizes recency bias favoring Lopes for not getting finished by a fighter who finishes nobody.

Big Brady picks Lopes but hates the line (-180). He notes Tucker is 37, coming off a long layoff and a knockout loss, and has durability issues. He thinks Lopes can hurt or submit Tucker, but acknowledges Tucker's path to victory is taking Lopes down and controlling him, as Lopes has poor takedown defense. He would prefer to bet Lopes by submission but warns the price is scary.

Cody picks Tucker as a plus-money underdog, citing his BJJ black belt, better wrestling, and counter-striking. He notes Tucker's long layoff and age (37) as risks, but believes Tucker can survive the first round and then take over with takedowns and pressure. He admits recency bias from Lopes' impressive debut but thinks Tucker's advantages in wrestling and experience will prevail.

Daniel Levi picks Diego Lopes but hesitantly, citing Lopes' opportunistic finishing ability and Tucker's durability issues. He notes that Lopes is dangerous with submissions and power, but his low output could allow Tucker to outpoint him if he doesn't finish. Levi is concerned about Tucker's age (37) and history of getting knocked out, but also acknowledges Tucker's offensive skills. He believes Lopes will likely need a finish to win, as he doubts Lopes can win a decision.

James disagrees with the public betting on Tucker. He thinks Tucker is old (37), inactive, and has been hurt and knocked out before. Lopes is a high-volume, heavy-handed fighter who will push a pace Tucker can't keep. James predicts Lopes will finish Tucker, likely via pace or strikes.

Tucker is a talented striker with a BJJ black belt, which should be enough to keep the fight safe on the ground. Lopes depends too much on his BJJ and plays off his back, eating clock. Tucker's long layoff due to a rotator cuff injury is a concern, but he's still talented enough to beat Lopes. I'm taking the underdog Tucker by decision.

Paul leans towards Lopes by submission at +230, citing Lopes' impressive short-notice debut and submission skills. He notes Tucker's long layoff and knockout loss, but acknowledges Lopes' takedown defense issues and potential cardio problems. He sees Lopes catching Tucker in a submission early.

Big Brady picks Gavin Tucker as an underdog, impressed by his recent performances and wrestling. He notes that Ige can be taken down (59% takedown defense) and Tucker is a BJJ black belt with excellent wrestling. He sees the striking as close and expects Tucker to win a close decision by mixing takedowns and volume. He acknowledges Ige has fought better competition but believes Tucker is in his prime.

Daniel Levi picks Gavin Tucker, believing he should be favored. He praises Tucker's volume, cardio, footwork, and jiu-jitsu, and notes that Tucker overcame adversity in his last fight. He thinks Dan Ige's chance is landing a big bomb, but Tucker's durability and output will win most minutes. He considers Ige overrated and thinks Tucker's skill set is superior.

Lock likes Tucker as a dog, trusting his gas tank more than Ige's. He thinks Tucker is smoother and more fluid on the feet, and can outstrike Ige as long as he avoids Ige's power and jiu-jitsu. Lock believes Tucker's jiu-jitsu can hold up against Ige's. He notes Ige's wins over Barboza and Bektic were close, and that Tucker's cardio is an advantage.

Big Brady picks Billy Quarantillo to win by decision. He likes Quarantillo's high output, durability, cardio, and ground game. He notes Tucker's 40% takedown defense and that Rick Glenn was able to take him down four times, which bodes well for Quarantillo's wrestling.

Daniel is high on Quarantillo's pressure, volume, and cardio. He questions Tucker's chin and heart, and thinks Quarantillo will walk him down and possibly finish him. He notes Quarantillo is in his prime and has paid his dues.

Tucker is the more technical striker with better speed and should be able to outpoint Quarantillo. Quarantillo's pressure style may be neutralized by Tucker's movement and body work. Tucker's jiu-jitsu is also high level, so he can hold his own on the ground. The line is a pick'em, but Tucker is the better all-around fighter.

Big Brady picks Jaynes but with caution due to his weight cut to featherweight. He likes Jaynes' power and finishing ability, noting Tucker's poor striking defense. He predicts a first-round knockout for Jaynes, but will wait for weigh-ins before betting.

Daniel Levi picks Gavin Tucker, but with low confidence. He notes that Tucker is the cleaner fighter with good footwork and a black belt in jiu-jitsu, but his chin and tendency to stop fighting under adversity are concerns. Levi also mentions that Justin Jaynes has power but is sloppy and may gas out if he doesn't get a first-round knockout. He believes Tucker will win a close decision if he doesn't get caught.

Tucker is a black belt under Henzo Gracie with high-level jiu-jitsu and striking. Jaynes is a power puncher with limited skills, and Tucker's leg kicks and movement should neutralize him. The smaller UFC Apex cage still gives Tucker room to stick and move. Tucker likely wins by submission in the second or third round as Jaynes fades.