Alessio Di Chirico

Angelo picks Alessio Di Chirico because he is the better MMA fighter with a wrestling backup plan and far more experience. He notes Roman Kopylov is a more technical kickboxer but has a hollow record and has yet to find a UFC win. He expects Di Chirico to win most likely by decision.

Big Brady picks Alessio Di Chirico, but with low confidence, calling it a fight he's staying away from betting. He notes that Di Chirico does slightly more volume and has a clear path to victory via takedowns against Roman Kopylov, who has poor grappling and was submitted by Karl Roberson. However, he doesn't trust Di Chirico to execute.

Cody leans toward Alessio Di Chirico, noting that Kopylov is a one-dimensional boxer with poor takedown defense and cardio, while Di Chirico has more tools including wrestling and kicks. He acknowledges that Di Chirico is inconsistent and has been knocked out recently, but believes he can mix in takedowns and outwork Kopylov. Cody says he will not bet this fight with confidence.

Daniel Levi leans toward Alessio Di Chirico based on experience, but is not confident. He notes that Kopylov is not a typical Russian grinder and has shown poor grappling defense, including getting mounted. He expects a close fight and thinks the -110 line is appropriate. He does not bet this fight.

The host leans towards Kopylov as the more technical striker, expecting him to outwork Di Chirico over 15 minutes. He notes Kopylov's low volume and cardio concerns but believes Di Chirico's inconsistency and poor striking defense give Kopylov the edge. He predicts a decision win but warns it's a close fight.

Paul also leans toward Di Chirico, echoing Cody's sentiment that Di Chirico has more versatility. He notes that the market is moving toward Kopylov, so Di Chirico may be available at plus money closer to fight night. Paul says he will pick Di Chirico for the show but likely won't bet it.

Angelo picks Di Chirico, citing his versatile kickboxing and forward pressure. He notes Alhassan has a clear path via judo but may get sucked into striking. He has Alhassan in his DraftKings lineup at 7300 hoping he uses judo, but his official pick is Di Chirico.

Cody picks Di Chirico, emphasizing his durability and ability to survive early power shots. He notes that Alhassan is one-dimensional and has poor cardio, while Di Chirico has a solid chin and fights well into later rounds. Cody thinks Di Chirico will weather the storm and take over as the fight goes on. He also suggests a live bet opportunity if Alhassan looks good early.

Jacob picks Di Chirico but is hesitant due to Alhassan's power. He notes Alhassan has never won outside the first round and compares him to Cody Garbrandt for headhunting. He thinks Di Chirico should win but it's a toss-up.

Lock picks Di Chirico by decision at +180, expecting him to grind out Alhassan after the first round. He notes Alhassan is dangerous early but gasses, while Di Chirico is durable and will take over in rounds 2 and 3. Lock likes the over 2.5 rounds at +100 as well. He acknowledges Alhassan could win by KO early but thinks Di Chirico's wrestling and low-volume style lead to a decision.

Paul picks Di Chirico, noting that Alhassan is a one-dimensional power puncher who fades, while Di Chirico has proven durability and has beaten similar fighters. He points out that Alhassan has lost as a big favorite before and that Di Chirico's ability to go the distance gives him the edge. Paul thinks Di Chirico will win by decision or late finish.

Big Brady picks Joaquin Buckley to win by decision, but is hesitant about the -270 line. He thinks Buckley will throw more output but doesn't expect a knockout because Di Chirico has never been knocked out. He notes that Di Chirico makes fights boring and is tough. He warns that Buckley has been knocked out before and that Di Chirico has sneaky power. He advises treading lightly on the line.

Daniel Levi picks Joaquin Buckley confidently, calling this a setup fight for Di Chirico's likely exit. He notes Buckley's momentum, improved footwork, and higher output, while Di Chirico is slow, hesitant, and doesn't throw enough. He acknowledges Di Chirico's sharp counters but believes Buckley's aggression and volume will prevail.

Buckley is the younger, more explosive fighter who will set the pace and move forward. Di Chirico has never been knocked out, but he has low output and lost a striking battle to Zach Cummings. Buckley's power and pressure should overwhelm Di Chirico, but a decision is more likely than a finish given Di Chirico's durability. The line is chalky, but Buckley is a solid parlay piece. The hype around Buckley is real, but he may not get the highlight-reel KO the UFC wants.

Big Brady picks Di Chirico slightly, noting both fighters are low volume but Di Chirico averages more takedowns and Cummings has 66% takedown defense. He expects a close fight likely going to decision, possibly a split decision, and thinks Di Chirico will be the more active fighter.

Daniel Levi picks Alessio Di Chirico, believing he is at a better point in his career and that Cummings is slowing down. He notes that Di Chirico has fought tougher competition recently (Kevin Holland, Makhmud Muradov) and gave them competitive fights, while Cummings has looked stagnant. He expects a slow, methodical fight with Di Chirico edging out a split decision.

Cummings has better jiu-jitsu and a stronger resume, with wins over decent competition. Di Chirico may have the edge on the feet, but Cummings can get the fight to the ground and grind out a decision. I lean Cummings but not with high confidence.