Abubakar Nurmagomedov

Angelo picks Nurmagomedov, citing the long layoff for Zaleski (1.5 years) and Nurmagomedov's wrestling pressure. He thinks Zaleski tends to lose to wrestlers and has been taken down by non-wrestlers. Angelo bet Nurmagomedov at +120 for a quarter unit. He acknowledges the line is tightening but still favors the active fighter.

Cody picks Nurmagomedov, citing Zaleski's poor takedown defense (67%) and history of being taken down by wrestlers. He notes Zaleski has never faced a wrestler like Nurmagomedov, and that his long layoff and past drug test issues are red flags. Cody thinks Nurmagomedov's wrestling will be enough to grind out a win, even if he's not a high-volume takedown artist.

Connor picks Zaleski despite acknowledging Abubakar's wrestling advantage, because he believes Abubakar's poor athleticism and tendency to gas will lead to a fade. He notes that Zaleski is a physical freak who doesn't fall apart easily, and that Abubakar's wrestling often leads to his own cardio issues. Connor expects Zaleski to rally after an initial tough round, possibly winning by KO as Abubakar tires.

Daniel picks Abubakar, citing Zaleski's age (36) and recent PED suspension as reasons he may not look the same. He believes Abubakar is catching him at the perfect time and can outwork him with a grinding decision. He notes that Zaleski has historically been a violence king, but the suspension and age are major concerns.

Jacob picks Zaleski, believing his leg kicks and striking will neutralize Nurmagomedov's takedowns. He thinks Zaleski's performance against Saint Denis showed improved takedown defense. Jacob notes Nurmagomedov is flat-footed and not overly dominant in wrestling. He expects Zaleski to light up the lead leg and win by finish or decision.

Nurmagomedov has shown improved striking and a reliable grappling game. Zaleski is dangerous but coming off a long layoff and suspension. Nurmagomedov will land takedowns, control from top, and grind out a decision. Zaleski could pull off a submission or knockout, but the Dagestani wrestler is the safer pick.

Paul picks Zaleski dos Santos as a slight underdog. He notes the line movement to Nurmagomedov as favorite is undeserved, and that Zaleski is the more dangerous striker with freakish power. Paul mentions Zaleski's takedown defense is a concern, but he thinks if the fight stays standing, Zaleski has a significant advantage. He also notes Zaleski's long layoff and past drug test issues but still sides with him.

The MMA Guru picks Abubakar Nurmagomedov, comparing the matchup to a knockoff Khabib vs Edson Barboza. He notes that Zaleski dos Santos throws a lot of kicks on the back foot and lacks pace, and hasn't fought since October 2021 (over a year and a half off). He believes Nurmagomedov's grappling, pressure, and pace will be the difference, though he acknowledges Nurmagomedov has had iffy performances. He thinks the grappling of Nurmagomedov gets the win.

Big Brady picks the underdog Omargadzhiev, citing Nurmagomedov's inactivity (only two fights in three years) and tendency to drop the ball as a favorite. He notes Omargadzhiev looked impressive outside the UFC but had a poor debut; he expects a better version to show up. He predicts Omargadzhiev catches Nurmagomedov in a submission, possibly a 'club and sub' off his back.

Cody leans Omargadzhiev, noting that Abubakar is the weakest of the Nurmagomedov family. He thinks Omargadzhiev has better stand-up and power, and that Abubakar's takedowns may not be effective. Cody is not confident and says it's a dog-or-pass situation.

Daniel Levi picks Abubakar Nurmagomedov to win by decision. He thinks Abubakar's fundamentally sound Russian style will be enough against Gadzhi Omargadzhiev, who he is not sold on. Levi notes that Omargadzhiev's regional fights are suspect and that Abubakar showed a jab-heavy game plan in his last fight. He expects Abubakar to grind out a decision.

Paul is confident in Omargadzhiev, calling Abubakar overrated. He notes Omargadzhiev's submission skills and that Abubakar has been submitted before. Paul likes the plus money and has already bet Omargadzhiev at +150. He also likes Omargadzhiev by submission at +1050.

Big Brady picks Abubakar Nurmagomedov to win by dominant decision (30-27). He believes Nurmagomedov's wrestling will be the key, as Gooden can be taken down and controlled easily. He notes that Gooden has submissions on his record but thinks Nurmagomedov will avoid playing on the feet. However, he says he probably wouldn't bet the -235 line due to Nurmagomedov's mistakes in his last fight.

Cody leans towards Gooden as a live underdog, noting that Abubakar's price is inflated by his last name. He thinks Gooden has better striking and a reach advantage, and that Abubakar's chin is questionable. He is considering a play on Gooden but wants to see weigh-ins first.

Daniel Levi picks Jared Gooden to get his first UFC win. He acknowledges Gooden's struggles with wrestlers but believes he has worked tirelessly to patch that hole in his game at ATT. Levi criticizes Abubakar as a lesser version of the Dagestani style with no stand-up and a questionable chin. He thinks Gooden will get back to his feet and knock Abubakar out.

The host hesitantly picks Abubakar Nurmagomedov to win by decision. He notes that Abubakar has a 'Nurmagomedov tax' on his line and is not impressed with his grappling or cardio. He thinks Abubakar will struggle to get Gooden down and keep him there, but Gooden's cardio and durability are also question marks. He mentions Gooden's KO power at +650 as a potential sprinkle, but ultimately expects Abubakar to grind out a decision if he can get takedowns.

Paul leans towards Abubakar but thinks the price is way off. He notes that Abubakar has good wrestling and cardio, and that Gooden is hittable. However, he is not confident because Abubakar's chin is suspect and he has been knocked out before. He calls it a dogger pass situation.