Darian Weeks

Angelo believes Darian Weeks is the better striker and faster than Lainesse. He highlights Weeks' incredible takedown defense, comparing it to old-school BJ Penn, and thinks Weeks can dictate whether the fight stays on the feet or goes to the mat. He notes Lainesse has power but is slow and tends to brawl, which should allow Weeks to pick him apart technically. Angelo placed a small moneyline bet on Weeks.

Big Brady picks Darian Weeks despite acknowledging Yohan Lainesse's power and wrestling. He notes Lainesse has poor cardio and gassed against Gabe Green, while Weeks has a proven chin and excellent cardio. He expects Weeks to weather an early storm and take over via wrestling and pace, predicting a decision win or late finish.

Cody picks Darian Weeks, citing his cardio and durability. He notes that Lainesse has terrible cardio and fades after the first round. He believes Weeks can take over in later rounds, and mentions the Weeks round 3 prop at +1000. He says it's a good live bet opportunity.

Daniel Levi picks Yohan Lainesse and has bet 2 units on him at plus money. He believes Lainesse is the more polished fighter with power and takedowns, while Weeks is inexperienced at the UFC level. He notes Lainesse's cardio issues in the Gabe Green fight were due to pacing, not lack of conditioning, and expects leg kicks and elbows to be key. He thinks the odds are off and Lainesse wins at least 6 out of 10 times.

Jacob agrees with Angelo, emphasizing that whoever dictates pace and pressure will win. He notes Lainesse's conditioning failed in his last fight and that he quit when tired, while Weeks showed toughness against Ian Garry. Jacob believes Weeks is more technical and will out-tough Lainesse, picking him 10 out of 10 times.

The host expects Darian Weeks to avoid Lainesse's big power early, drag him to the ground, and grind him out for a late finish or decision. He notes that if the line flips to Weeks as underdog, he might take a small bet. He sees Weeks as the better overall fighter.

Paul picks Darian Weeks, noting that Lainesse has cardio issues and that Weeks has durability. He believes Weeks can take Lainesse down and tire him out. He mentions that Lainesse has power but if he doesn't finish early, Weeks will take over. He says it's a good live bet spot.

Angelo picks Ian Garry but thinks the odds are too wide (should not be 2-1 favorite). He believes Garry's power and striking can touch up Weeks, but notes Garry's defensive holes and Weeks' wrestling threat. He thinks Garry will win but it's not a lock.

Big Brady picks Ian Garry to win by competitive decision. He is impressed with Garry's overall skills but worried about his striking defense, as he was hit a lot by Jordan Williams. Weeks is durable, has good wrestling and power, and has never been finished. Brady thinks Garry's higher skill and cardio will prevail, but he doesn't love the line.

Cody is hesitant, initially considering Weeks as a live underdog but ultimately sticking with Garry. He notes Garry's youth and striking precision, but worries about his lack of adversity and the transition from Cage Warriors. Cody thinks Weeks has a shot but that Garry's striking is better and he should win if it stays on the feet. He decides to fade his own underdog lean.

Levi is impressed with Garry's regional career, including his kicking game, stance switching, takedown defense, and heart. He thinks Garry is a real fighter who got out of his comfort zone to train at Sanford. He believes Darian Weeks is being overrated due to the Brian Barberena fight, and that Garry's clean striking will be too much. He has parlayed Garry with Petr Yan.

I initially wanted to fade Garry but after tape study, I think Weeks is not the guy to do it. Garry has size and reach advantages, good counter-striking, and will pick Weeks apart from the outside. Weeks telegraphs his big shots and slows down as fights go on. I see Garry getting a second or third round TKO.

Paul picks Garry despite not being impressed by his debut. He thinks Garry's striking is better than Weeks', and that Weeks' footwork and cardio looked poor against Barbarena. Paul notes Garry's size advantage and that this is a hand-picked opponent. He expects Garry to knock Weeks out, and is considering Garry by KO at +110.

Angelo picks Jeremiah Wells via inside the distance/decision no action at +120. He notes Wells has power and BJJ, while Matthews has poor fight IQ. Angelo likes the safety net: if Wells wins by finish he gets paid, if Matthews wins by decision he gets a refund.

Big Brady picks Jeremiah Wells as a dog, noting that the line doesn't make sense to him. He highlights Wells' impressive debut win over Warlley Alves, his training at Renzo Gracie Philly with top guys, and his solid wrestling and takedown defense. He contrasts Wells' explosiveness and power with Jake Matthews' inconsistent performances and lower level of competition. Brady believes Wells can win a decision or even finish, and gives Wells the cardio advantage.

Cody picks Barberena but with low confidence, noting that Barberena's best days are behind him and he takes a lot of damage. He thinks Barberena could grind out a win but is not reliable as a favorite. Cody mentions that Weeks is inexperienced and that Barberena's toughness might carry him.

Daniel Levi picks Bryan Barberena to win, citing his veteran savvy and experience. He notes that Barberena has seen a different level than Weeks, who is a newcomer with only five pro fights. He acknowledges that Barberena may be in decline but thinks he still has enough in the tank to hand Weeks his first loss. He warns about the risk of a declining fighter taking on a young athletic kid with finishing power.

Jacob makes Jeremiah Wells the lock of the week, putting 4 units on him. He cites Wells' power, BJJ black belt, and Matthews' lack of KO power since 2013. Jacob notes if Wells gets tired or lunges, it's not his fault, but he loves Wells all the way.

I like Barberena. He is a veteran who has fought top competition and should be too much for Weeks, who is green and on short notice. Barberena has good durability and cardio, while Weeks tends to slow down. I expect Barberena to take over as the fight goes on and possibly finish in round three. The decision prop at plus 285 and round three finish at plus 1000 are both appealing.

Paul picks Weeks as an underdog, noting that Barberena is shot and takes too much damage. He thinks Weeks has power and could catch Barberena, but admits he doesn't know much about Weeks. Paul is not confident but sees value in the plus money.