Impa Kasanganay

Angelo picks Carlston Harris despite Impa's superior striking because Harris is relentless with takedowns. He notes that Impa has good takedown defense but lacks knockout power to keep Harris off him. He worries that Impa's hesitation and Harris's non-stop wrestling will lead to Harris grinding out a win. He briefly considers switching to Impa but sticks with Harris.

Big Brady picks underdog Carlston Harris, impressed by his relentless wrestling and cardio. He notes Harris attempted over 20 takedowns in a 25-minute fight and has a good fight IQ. He believes Harris will pressure Kasanganay for 15 minutes, and predicts a submission win as Kasanganay is green on the mat. He is surprised Harris is the underdog.

Cody leans toward Harris as a slight underdog, citing his experience, submission game, and clear identity as a grappler. He notes that Kasanganay is still figuring out his game after being knocked out by Buckley. Cody believes Harris' pressure and grappling will be key.

Daniel Levi leans with Impa Kasanganay over Carlston Harris. He has scouted Impa for a long time, saw him fight in Atlanta, and praises his mental fortitude and physicality. He notes Harris has a nasty d'arce/anaconda choke but thinks Impa's mindset and athleticism give him the edge in a close fight. He calls it a coin flip but edges Impa.

Preet picks Impa Kasanganay because he believes Impa is the more technically sound striker with better range understanding and serviceable grappling to avoid trouble. He notes that Harris has power and a good top game but questions his takedown entries and thinks Impa's defensive grappling is improving. He expects Impa to win by decision and likes the decision prop at +175.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting Harris' experience and that Kasanganay turned into a grappler in his last fight. He thinks Harris' submission threat is real and that the plus money is attractive.

Big Brady picks Kasanganay to win by second-round knockout. He notes Kasanganay is moving down to welterweight and has good wrestling and striking, while Palatnikov has poor takedown defense and a questionable chin. Brady believes Kasanganay will take Palatnikov down or land a knockout on the feet, as Palatnikov is very hittable. He is excited to see Kasanganay's return after a devastating knockout loss.

Cody leans Palatnikov as a dog, citing his chin, cardio, and kicking game. He notes Kasanganay's greenness and rigid striking. He thinks Palatnikov can outvolume him and that the price is worth a shot.

Daniel Levi picks Impa Kasanganay, praising his work ethic and ability to grind opponents down. He notes that Kasanganay recovered quickly from the devastating knockout by Joaquin Buckley, which speaks to his conditioning. Levi thinks Kasanganay will out-strength and out-muscle Sasha Palatnikov, possibly winning 30-26 or by finish. He also mentions that Kasanganay is dropping to welterweight and has a good mentality.

The host believes Kasanganay is the sharper fighter with better technique, and that he will put it on Palatnikov. He notes that Kasanganay is moving down to 170, which should make him one of the bigger guys in the division. The only concern is the devastating knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley, but the host thinks that was a once-in-a-lifetime shot and shouldn't be held against him. He picks Kasanganay to win by decision, though he thinks the -290 line is a bit too high.

Paul picks Kasanganay, citing his athleticism and move to Sanford MMA. He notes Palatnikov's lack of notable wins and thinks Kasanganay's physicality and improvements will be key. He acknowledges the price is high but believes in the narrative.

Big Brady picks Kasanganay, impressed by his composure and power despite limited experience. He notes Buckley slows down and has been knocked out twice, and that Kasanganay has a cardio advantage. He predicts a third round knockout, though he acknowledges Buckley is dangerous early. He considers the line a bit wide but likes Kasanganay.

Daniel is very high on Impa Kasanganay, calling him a future top-15 fighter. He praises Kasanganay's physical tools, fight IQ, and rapid improvement. He contrasts that with Joaquin Buckley, whom he calls a 'club fighter' with no plan B if his big bombs don't work. Daniel believes Kasanganay can win standing, in the clinch, or on the ground, and that this is a step down in competition.

Kasanganay is a more efficient and methodical striker with excellent lead hand work and range management. Buckley relies on power and blitzes but fades late. Kasanganay will use his length, counter-striking, and potential grappling to win a decision.

Big Brady picks Kasanganay but is hesitant, acknowledging Pitolo is being disrespected by the odds and should be a slight favorite. He thinks Kasanganay can grind out a decision by using his size, takedowns, and top control, but worries about Pitolo's power and finishing ability in the first round. He notes Kasanganay has only one finish in seven fights.

Daniel Levi picks Impa Kasanganay, citing his heart and ability to dig deep in tough spots, as seen on Contender Series. He believes Kasanganay's wrestling and clinch work will tire Pitolo, and that Pitolo has a history of making mistakes and getting finished. He expects Kasanganay to win by decision, though the first round could be a sweat due to Pitolo's power.

Kasanganay is more well-rounded with better striking and can wrestle if needed. Pitolo has power but poor cardio and has been submitted recently. Kasanganay should avoid early bombs and take over later, winning by decision via grappling and clinch work.