Jesse Strader

Angelo picks Chad Anheliger despite thinking the odds are wide. He notes Anheliger is a power striker with solid BJJ and impressive sweeps and get-up game. He likes Strader's body-head combination but thinks it becomes predictable. He plans to bet on Strader plus 3.5 rounds as a prop.

Big Brady picks Chad Anheliger to win, citing better durability and cardio. He notes Anheliger has never been knocked out and has improved his submission defense, while Strader has been hurt in many fights and slows down. He expects Anheliger to break Strader as the fight goes on and predicts a second or third round knockout.

Cody picks Anheliger, noting that despite the wide odds, Anheliger is a rightful favorite. He highlights Anheliger's cardio advantage, durability, and experience against tougher competition. Cody points out that Strader has only six fights, poor cardio, and was easily knocked out by Montel Jackson. He believes Anheliger can win by submission or decision, and that Strader's only path is an early knockout, which is unlikely.

Levi picks Anheliger, noting that Strader came to the UFC too soon with only 7 fights and has faced a step up in competition. He respects Anheliger's journey from 2-5 to the UFC and his solid, well-rounded game. Levi expects Anheliger to break Strader down in the later rounds with his experience and craftiness.

Both fighters are aggressive strikers with high finish rates. Anheliger has 14 of 16 fights ending inside the distance, while Strader has 6 of 7. The under 2.5 rounds is the primary play, though there is a concern it could become a 15-minute barn burner. Anheliger's durability is suspect but he should find the knockout as Strader gets overaggressive.

Paul picks Anheliger, despite hating the price. He looked for reasons to fade Anheliger but found none in Strader's game. Paul notes that Strader is a knockout-or-bust fighter with poor fundamentals, and that Anheliger showed good composure and cardio in his Contender Series win. He thinks Anheliger should win comfortably.

Big Brady is very confident in Montel Jackson, calling him the biggest favorite on the card for good reason. He notes Jackson is a much better fighter with a significant skill advantage, while Strader is green and has fought low-level competition. Brady expects Jackson to win by first-round knockout, as Strader has been hurt by lesser opponents and Jackson can pick him apart or take him down.

Daniel Levi picks Montel Jackson confidently, stating Strader is over his head. He worries about Jackson's focus and past stalling but expects a dominant finish, likely by knockout or submission. He emphasizes that Jackson's talent should shine against this level of competition.

Montel Jackson has all the tools: great wrestling, sneaky submission game, improving striking and cardio. He uses his range well and has crazy grip strength. Jesse Strader throws bombs and has power, but his only path is a KO. Jackson should get the takedown and eventually lock up a submission. The line is too wide at -650, but Jackson wins handily.