Niklas Stolze

Angelo praises Benoît Saint Denis's wrestling and top pressure, but worries about how hittable he is. Niklas Stolze is a solid striker with a kickboxing background but has struggled in the UFC. Angelo thinks Saint Denis will grind out a win similar to Ramazan Emeev's approach, but cautions that if Saint Denis gets hit too much, he could be knocked out.

Big Brady picks Niklas Stolze to win by decision as an underdog. He is not sold on Benoît Saint Denis, who he thinks is very green and makes too many mistakes on the mat despite being a solid grappler. He believes Stolze is the better striker and more experienced, and that Saint Denis's submission-over-position style won't work at UFC level. He notes Stolze's loss to Jared Gooden was a KO, but he showed good moments against Ramazanov. He is not confident and plans to stay away from betting this fight.

Cody is uncertain but leans toward Stolze, noting Saint Denis' poor wrestling and striking defense. He thinks Stolze's grappling and speed could be enough, but acknowledges both fighters have unknowns. He is not confident.

Daniel Levi picks Niklas Stolze as the underdog, arguing that Saint Denis's best quality is taking punishment, which is not a reason to lay chalk. He believes Stolze has better technique and can win, though he acknowledges Saint Denis's toughness. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and will not bet it.

Paul picks Stolze as an underdog, citing Saint Denis' defensive liabilities and questionable chin. He notes Stolze's faster hands and better technique, and thinks he can find a finish or win a decision. He is not highly confident but sees value.

Big Brady picks Jared Gooden, despite being burned by him before. He thinks Gooden is the better striker with higher volume and can mix in takedowns. He notes Stolze has poor takedown defense but is dangerous off his back. Brady predicts a decision win for Gooden, but is not confident.

Cody leans towards Niklas Stolze, citing his durability (never finished) and likely better cardio since he had a full camp. He notes that Gooden is on short notice and has a history of missing weight and gassing. Cody expects Stolze to out-grapple Gooden and win a close decision, but he does not like the -200 price and thinks the fight likely goes the distance. He mentions the over on fight goes to decision as a potential play.

Levi is biased as Gooden is a friend, but he provides reasoning. He praises Gooden's lifestyle change and ability to make weight on short notice. He believes this is a stand-up fight where Gooden can succeed, unlike his previous fight against Nurmagomedov. Levi disagrees with the line (Stolze -200), thinking the fight is closer to even with a slight lean to Gooden. He expects Gooden to go for the knockout and get his first UFC win.

Stolze is the better all-around fighter with superior grappling and striking. Gooden has power but comes in on short notice and has cardio issues. Stolze had a full camp and should take over as the fight goes on. The line at -195 offers little value, but Stolze by decision is likely. Gooden's only path is an early KO.

Paul considers Jared Gooden as a live underdog, noting his power and durability. He points out that Gooden has heart and has gone the distance before, but his cardio is a major concern, especially on short notice. Paul is not confident enough to bet Gooden but acknowledges he could spring the upset if he lands a big shot. He calls it a 'dog or pass' spot.

Big Brady picks Emeev because of his takedown and grappling advantage. He thinks the fight won't stay on the feet and Emeev will control Stolze against the cage. He predicts a decision win and considers Emeev a parlay piece.

Daniel is confident in Emeev, citing his clinch mastery and ability to win a lopsided decision. He thinks Stolze is not ready for this level and will be overwhelmed by Emeev's pressure and grappling. He expects Emeev to tie him up, calf kick, and win easily.

Emeev is efficient with his striking, gets in and out, and doesn't get hit much. Stolze is making his UFC debut against a tough veteran. Emeev should win a decision, but the line is too steep to bet.