David Dvořák

Angelo picks David Dvořák, noting his solid striking, forward pressure, and takedown defense. He criticizes Steve Erceg's striking, calling it unimpressive with a wide stance and limited head movement. He believes Dvořák's experience and fundamentals will prevail, and mentions that if odds are around -175, he would bet on Dvořák.

Big Brady picks David Dvořák because he is a significant step up in competition for Steve Erceg, who is taking the fight on short notice. Dvořák has fought top flyweights and has good takedown defense and striking. Erceg has shown good grappling but is unlikely to take Dvořák down. Dvořák should win a decision by being the better striker and stuffing takedowns.

Cody picks David Dvořák, citing his experience and cardio advantage. He notes that Erceg has mostly first-round finishes and faded in his only decision win. Dvořák has gone the distance with top-10 opponents and has better striking and wrestling. He believes Erceg's short-notice debut and cardio issues will be his downfall.

Connor also picks David Dvořák, noting that Erceg is a good scrambler but his level of competition has been low. Dvořák is a much better striker and has solid takedown defense; Connor points out that Bruno Silva took Dvořák down three times but Dvořák spent only a minute and a half on the mat and had two sweeps. He thinks Erceg's awkward striking and tendency to get surprised by takedowns will be a problem against a well-rounded fighter like Dvořák.

Daniel Levi picks David Dvořák, arguing that Erceg is a first-round finish or bust fighter who gassed against a 2-0 opponent. He notes that Dvořák has fought top-5 competition and shown toughness, surviving a Kimura from Manel Kape. He believes Dvořák can win in multiple ways and will take over if the fight goes past the first round. He sees Erceg's cardio as a major liability.

James likes the value on Steve Erceg as a +235 underdog. He notes Erceg has good grappling, back takes, and submission ability, plus a height advantage and momentum with a 9-1 record. Dvořák is coming off two losses. James acknowledges Erceg might gas but showed he can push through. He thinks if it becomes a grindy grappling affair, it favors Erceg. However, he still believes Dvořák should win, so it's a value play rather than a strong conviction pick.

Dvořák is a solid all-around fighter with good striking combinations and underrated grappling, but his recent losses show he may have a ceiling. Erceg is a dangerous debutant with an 8-fight win streak and a black belt in BJJ, but the step up in competition is a question. The odds are too wide at -285; only a sprinkle on Erceg or a play on Dvořák if the line drops to -150/-160. Prediction is Dvořák by decision, but low confidence.

Paul leans toward Erceg as a dog, noting that he is tall for flyweight and a decent counterpuncher. He thinks Erceg's grappling is opportunistic and could give Dvořák problems. However, he is not confident enough to bet him, citing Erceg's cardio issues and short notice. He ultimately passes on betting but picks Erceg for the show.

The MMA Guru picks David Dvořák over debutant Steve Erceg, citing Dvořák's superior regional career and experience against top flyweights. He notes Dvořák submitted a dangerous opponent in the second round and has fought the best, keeping fights competitive. He believes Dvořák's experience will be the difference against a newcomer, predicting a 29-28 decision.

Angelo picks David Dvořák, believing his technical soundness and leg kicks will neutralize Manel Kape's explosiveness. He expects a somewhat boring fight similar to Dvořák's last one, with Dvořák chopping down the tree and taking a decision. He notes Kape can be hesitant and lets opponents set the pace.

Big Brady likes Kape to finish Dvořák, noting Kape's 94% finish rate as a flyweight. He acknowledges Kape can be low-volume and has lost decisions when he doesn't let his hands go, but in recent fights he's been more active. He thinks Kape's takedown defense has improved, and if he keeps it on the feet he'll land a big shot. He predicts a second-round knockout.

Cody picks Kape, noting his dynamic striking and power. He thinks Kape has turned a corner with his aggression and volume. He notes Dvořák is durable but low output, and Kape's shots will matter more. He expects Kape to get the job done.

Connor picks Kape, citing his fight-changing power and athleticism. He notes Dvořák got rocked multiple times by Nicolau and Kape is faster and more powerful. He thinks Kape's pressure will be effective and that Dvořák's consistency may not overcome Kape's danger.

Dvořák has many paths to victory if he stays safe. He was a -125 favorite against Nico last time, showing his potential. After one loss, Kape is now a big favorite, which doesn't make sense. If the fight goes the full 15 minutes, the +205 will look good. Dvořák needs to stay conscious.

Paul picks Kape but is not confident, noting both fighters are low volume. He thinks the minus 235 is scary if it goes to decision. He sees Dvořák as the value side but picks Kape for the show.

The MMA Guru picks Manel Kape over David Dvořák, believing Kape should have beaten Matheus Nicolau and has looked impressive against Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Ode' Osbourne. He questions Dvořák's level, noting his close fight with Nicolau and lack of explosiveness. He sees Kape as more explosive with higher finishing potential and good work on the outside, where Dvořák operates. He predicts a 29-28 or 30-27 decision win for Kape.

Angelo picks Matheus Nicolau but says his brain and gut are split. He notes that while David Dvořák is more comfortable everywhere, Nicolau has better wrestling and solid grappling, giving him more ways to win. He calls it razor thin.

Big Brady picks Matheus Nicolau as an underdog to win a close decision. He notes that Nicolau has fought better competition and is more well-rounded, with solid wrestling and BJJ. He is concerned about Nicolau's chin, as he has been knocked out twice, but believes he can mix in takedowns and win a competitive fight. He thinks the line should be closer to a pick'em.

Cody agrees with Nicolau, noting his adaptability and wrestling. He thinks Dvořák is talented but untested. He expects Nicolau to implement a good game plan and win a decision.

Daniel Levi leans David Dvořák, citing Nicolau's questionable chin and confidence since the Dustin Ortiz KO. He thinks Dvořák's pressure and wrestling will grind out a close decision. He acknowledges Nicolau is a live dog and the fight could go either way, but slightly favors Dvořák.

The host favors Dvořák, praising his disciplined striking, combination punching, and takedown defense. He believes Nicolau will be outgunned on the feet and will need to take the fight to the ground to have success, but Dvořák's takedown defense looks good. He expects Dvořák to win a decision, noting that Nicolau has a good chin but will be put on his back foot.

Paul picks Nicolau as an underdog, citing his talent and game planning. He notes Dvořák's lower level of opposition and potential grappling issues. He thinks Nicolau can expose Dvořák's weaknesses and win a close fight.

Big Brady picks Dvořák, citing his superior striking output and defense. He notes Dvořák's high finish rate (79%) compared to Paiva's 35%, and expects Dvořák to outland him over three rounds. He sees the fight staying standing and predicts a decision win, though he'd have interest if the line drops further.

Cody Saftic picks Juancamilo Ronderos as a dog, noting that Dvořák's competition level is questionable and that Ronderos has more experience against better opposition. He believes Ronderos's pressure and awkward striking will test Dvořák, and that the fight is closer to 50-50. He likes the plus money value.

Daniel Levi picks Juancamilo Ronderos (referred to as 'Holiyon Paiva' in transcript, likely a mispronunciation of Juancamilo Ronderos), citing his durability, brawling style, and training at Alpha Male. He acknowledges Dvořák's technical skills and positional advantages but is concerned about Dvořák's chin, noting he got wobbled in previous fights. He thinks Ronderos can edge it out but calls it a dog or pass situation.

Matt picks Juancamilo Ronderos (referred to as Holly and Paiva) as a strong dog pick. He believes Paiva's outside striking and movement will trouble Dvořák, who has fought more willing opponents. He notes Paiva should have won the Kai Kara-France fight and was competitive against Zhalgas Zhumagulov. He thinks Paiva's reach and technical striking will earn him a decision, and calls this one of his stronger dog leans.

Paul Shaughnessy does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup but does not state a preference, instead deferring to Saftic's analysis. He seems uncertain and does not offer a pick.

Big Brady picks David Dvořák due to better cardio and a 14-fight win streak. He notes Espinosa tends to gas out and is chinny, while Dvořák has a good submission game. He expects Dvořák to win a decision, possibly with a submission if Espinosa shoots.

The host favors Jordan Espinosa's speed, mobility, and takedown defense, believing he will outpoint David Dvořák. He notes Dvořák's questionable competition and struggles against mobile fighters, while Espinosa has shown improved striking and defensive wrestling. He expects Espinosa to win a decision, using his quick jab and movement to frustrate Dvořák.

Daniel picks the dog Dvořák, noting his size and length advantage. He thinks Bruno Silva has a suspect chin and that Dvořák might drop him. He also mentions the lack of crowd might help Dvořák think more smoothly in his debut.