Liudvik Sholinian

Angelo gives a slight lean to Muñoz because he has more ways to win, citing his BJJ black belt and harder strikes. However, he calls it a razor-thin fight, noting Sholinian has better takedowns and relentless pressure, and is very live as an underdog. He mentions Muñoz can be low volume and slow with kicks.

Big Brady highlights Muñoz's elite grappling and BJJ black belt, expecting a significant advantage on the mat. He notes Sholinian's wrestling background but unimpressive striking and grappling. He believes the fight will hit the mat at some point, and when it does, Muñoz will be very live for a submission. He predicts a second-round submission.

Cody picks Johnny Muñoz Jr., noting his superior BJJ and wrestling compared to Sholinian. He thinks Muñoz showed promise in his debut against Nate Maness (outstruck him 49-21, got two takedowns) and finished Jamie Simmons. He acknowledges Muñoz got knocked out by Tony Gravely, but Gravely is explosive. Sholinian has been inactive (14 months) and showed nothing against Jack Shore, landing only 19 significant strikes. Cody thinks Muñoz can take him down and control him, but he hates the -235 price and may consider Sholinian as a dog.

Connor picks Sholinian, believing he can shut down Munoz's wrestling better than Shore did. Munoz is not as deft a wrestling threat as Shore, and Sholinian's aggression and striking volume should carry him. Connor notes that Munoz's boxing is basic and he gets hit often.

Daniel Levi leans Johnny Muñoz Jr., citing his jiu-jitsu black belt and ability to land takedowns. He notes Sholinian is tough but not physically imposing, lacks power and submission threat, and Muñoz should be able to dominate positionally. He passed on betting due to the price (-225).

The host is high on Sholinian as a dog, citing his pressure style, takedown defense (6/8 against Jack Shore), and grit. He notes Muñoz Jr. struggles to land takedowns (4/20 in UFC) and relies on kicks, while Sholinian will stay in his face and outwork him. He expects Sholinian to stuff takedowns and win via decision, possibly with a late finish.

Paul picks Sholinian as an underdog, but is hesitant. He notes that Muñoz's only UFC win is over Jamie Simmons, a layup, and he took until the second round to finish him. Sholinian is a big bantamweight and was only taken down twice by Jack Shore, a top British wrestler. Paul added 'Muñoz Jr. under 2.5 takedowns' to his PrizePicks card, thinking Muñoz may not get many takedowns. He is considering Sholinian but will watch weigh-ins.

The MMA Guru picks Johnny Muñoz Jr., citing Sholinian's poor performance against Jack Shaw, who fought with one arm. He notes Muñoz has a decent win over Jamie Simmons and is a big bantamweight with good jiu-jitsu. He predicts a submission finish, specifically a rear-naked choke, continuing his trend.

Big Brady picks Jack Shore to win by third-round submission, very confident. He believes Shore is superior everywhere: better wrestling, better grappling (BJJ black belt), and better striking. Sholinian is sloppy on takedowns, hittable, and low volume. Coming in on short notice makes it even harder for Sholinian. Brady expects Shore to put on a pace and finish in the third round.

Cody is a big fan of Shore, citing his chain wrestling, durability, and never-say-die attitude. He thinks Shore outclasses Sholinian everywhere, especially in wrestling and boxing. He expects Shore to grind out a decision or get a late finish, and likes the over 2.5 rounds.

I'm all over Jack Shore. He's a much better grappler than Sholinian, and grappling is low variance. Shore is a finisher who actively looks for submissions and ground-and-pound. Sholinian's path to victory is control, but he's not on Shore's level. Even on the feet, I think Shore is better. I expect Shore to dominate and finish inside the distance. I like Shore inside the distance at -110 and Shore round 2 at +475.

Paul is not betting Shore at -510, finding the price too high. He acknowledges Shore's skills but is nervous about laying heavy juice. He prefers to stay away or consider the over 2.5 rounds.