Maxim Grishin

Angelo picks Maxim Grishin to win, citing Grishin's calculated striking and ability to rush in when he sees an opening. He notes that Lins is hittable and looked slow in his last knockout win, despite having power and a BJJ black belt. Angelo is concerned about Grishin's takedown defense (taken down 7 times in 4 fights) but still favors Grishin's striking. He is not betting this fight.

Cody picks Grishin, agreeing with Paul. He notes Grishin's volume and cardio should win a boring decision. Cody mentions Grishin's chin has held up and that Lins hasn't shown anything to worry him. He also notes Grishin's withdrawals against Jailton Almeida were good management. Cody expects a low-output fight where Grishin outpoints Lins.

Connor picks Lins, favoring his dynamic power and ability to end fights suddenly. He notes that Grishin, while difficult to finish, is low-output and often gets outworked. Connor believes Lins' swarming style and improved confidence at light heavyweight could overwhelm Grishin, especially if he lands early. He acknowledges the risk but prefers the chaotic power puncher over the safe neutralizer.

Daniel leans Grishin, citing his experience and ability to stifle opponents. He notes that Lins has chin issues and has gassed in fights, while Grishin is a solid, tough guy to look good against. He doesn't rule out a finish from Grishin but sees a decision as likely. He calls it a pass from a betting perspective.

Jacob picks Philipe Lins, believing Lins' volume and activity will win a decision. He thinks Lins has looked good at 205 and trusts his pressure, while Grishin fights like a slow, methodical heavyweight. Jacob acknowledges Lins is hittable and could get knocked out, but in a decision he favors Lins. He notes Lins' takedowns aren't great and Grishin can wrestle, but still picks Lins as a slight dog.

Grishin is the better overall fighter and better suited for 205 pounds. He can survive Lins' early attacks, then use clinch, grappling, and volume to win by decision. The line dropped from -180 to -130, which is an overcorrection that provides value.

Paul picks Grishin, citing his better volume and cardio. He notes Lins is untrustworthy and has low output. Paul expects a 15-minute sparring match where Grishin lands the better shots. He acknowledges Grishin's 16-month layoff and age (39) but thinks his chin and submission defense hold up. Paul is not heavily invested but picks Grishin.

The MMA Guru picks Maxim Grishin over Philipe Lins, citing Grishin's higher level of experience and tougher opponents. He notes that Grishin has fought the best in the division, including Dustin Jacoby (which he arguably should have won), and has a reach advantage. He also mentions Lins' history of failed weight cuts and canceled fights, and questions the quality of Lins' wins over OSP and Prachnio. The Guru believes Grishin's experience at a high level will be the deciding factor.

Angelo picks Grishin because Knight is on short notice and may lack the cardio to push his usual pace. He thinks Knight will come out explosive in the first round, then fade, allowing Grishin to take over. He notes that a full-camp Knight would be his pick, but under these circumstances, Grishin is the choice. He suggests live betting to monitor Knight's cardio.

Big Brady is impressed with Grishin's well-rounded game, noting his striking and takedown defense are solid. He criticizes Knight's 36% striking defense and 45% takedown defense, and notes Knight is coming in on short notice. Brady believes Grishin can expose these weaknesses, either by taking Knight down or knocking him out. He picks Grishin to win by second or third round knockout, but acknowledges Knight has power and could win.

Cody picks Grishin but is not fully confident. He notes Grishin is inconsistent but looked good against Jacoby. He thinks Knight could land a big shot but Grishin should win on volume and technique.

Daniel Levi leans toward William Knight as an underdog, noting Knight's explosive power and ability to change fights with one shot. He acknowledges that Maxim Grishin is more technical and experienced, but Knight's intangibles make him dangerous. Levi is not fully confident and calls it a dog or pass situation.

Grishin is a big light heavyweight who should be able to control Knight against the cage and outpoint him. Knight's only path to victory is a knockout, but Grishin is disciplined and can stay on the outside. Grishin's cardio is a concern, but he should win a decision if he fights smart. The line is a buy-low spot.

Paul picks Grishin, citing his size and reach advantage. He notes Knight is short for the division and relies on a check left hook. He thinks Grishin can pick Knight apart at range and avoid the big shot.

Big Brady picks Dustin Jacoby to win by second-round knockout. He thinks Jacoby is the much faster and crisper striker with higher volume, and that leg kicks will be a big factor in the small cage. He notes Grishin is older, has low volume, and lacks wrestling despite having a potential advantage there. He says the line at -175 is not awful but he is personally passing on betting it.

Daniel Levi picks Dustin Jacoby, noting the difference in striking level. He believes Jacoby's kickboxing background and leg kicks will be decisive, as Grishin prefers stand-up but has been knocked out before. Levi acknowledges Grishin's experience but thinks Jacoby's power and technique will secure the win.

Jacoby's striking, especially his calf kicks, will be a major problem for Grishin, who tends to back up and accept pressure. Jacoby has shown improved confidence and efficiency. Grishin is slow and doesn't excel in any one area. Jacoby should win via TKO in the second round, as Grishin's durability is questionable.

Big Brady picks Grishin due to his size advantage (height and reach), experience, solid takedown defense, and get-up game. He notes Antigulov is dangerous early but has a very small window to win, and if he doesn't finish in the first couple minutes, he gasses out and likely gets knocked out. He predicts a late first-round knockout for Grishin.

Big Brady picks Marcin Tybura by decision, citing Grishin's size disadvantage moving up from light heavyweight. He thinks Tybura's wrestling and BJJ will be key, and he can get takedowns and control Grishin. He notes the line flipped from Grishin being favorite, which he agrees with.

Daniel Levi leans toward Maxim Grishin, calling this one of the toughest fights to call on the card. He notes Grishin's experience (39 pro fights) and win over Alexander Volkov, while questioning Tybura's suspect chin and gas tank. He sees Grishin as well-rounded enough to potentially upset Tybura, but is not highly confident.

Grishin has more experience, better technique, and is an overall better fighter. He has punching power and should be able to hurt Tybura on the feet. Both are similar in size, so Tybura won't have a size advantage. Picks Grishin to win by decision, but wouldn't be surprised by a finish.