Gustavo Lopez

Angelo acknowledges that Alateng has more tools and is more technical, but he thinks Gustavo's brawling style and willingness to throw wild punches from unorthodox angles will frustrate Alateng. He notes that Alateng can struggle against brawlers and that Gustavo's toughness and pressure could lead to a win. He is hesitant because Alateng has a wrestling backup plan.

Big Brady picks Alateng Heili based on his superior wrestling, expecting takedowns and top control to be the difference. He acknowledges Lopez is dangerous on the mat with a 92% finish rate, so Heili must be careful. He sees the fight as very close and is not betting it. He predicts a decision win for Heili.

Cody leans toward Alateng Heili, citing his durability and wrestling. He notes that Lopez tends to tire and that Heili has shown he can absorb punishment and grind out decisions. Cody is not confident and calls it a 'dog or pass' situation.

Daniel Levi picks Gustavo Lopez over Alateng Heili. He praises Heili's toughness but notes that Heili's flight from China could be a factor, though a commenter says Heili trained at Fight Ready this camp, which changes things. Levi still sees it as a close fight but thinks Lopez will land harder shots, stuff takedowns, and win a competitive decision.

Preet leans Alateng Heili because he believes the wrestling will cancel out and the fight will become a striking battle, where Alateng has straighter, crisper strikes. He thinks Lopez's striking is too wild and loopy, and that Alateng's wrestling background allows him to sprawl and brawl. He expects Alateng to win by decision and likes the over 2.5 rounds.

Paul leans toward Lopez, noting his striking advantage and that Heili has been outstruck in every UFC fight. He worries about Lopez's cardio but thinks he can win the first two rounds. Paul calls it a close fight and suggests live betting.

Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez, praising his striking combinations, power, and takedown defense. He notes Yañez is a black belt in BJJ with good get-up game, while Lopez is hittable and has been knocked out twice. Brady expects Yañez to knock out Lopez in the second round, as Lopez's path to victory via takedown is unlikely.

Daniel Levi picks Gustavo Lopez as an underdog, citing his well-rounded attack and power. He compares Yañez to a young Jorge Masvidal in terms of coasting and questionable decisions. He believes if Yañez doesn't get an early knockout, Lopez can mix in takedowns and win a close fight or even knock him out.

Yañez is crisp and precise with his striking, using straight shots down the middle. Lopez is too looping and wide with his hooks, which Yañez should counter. Yañez has good takedown defense and has never been knocked out. He should piece Lopez up and likely finish him in the first or second round. The under 2.5 rounds is a solid play.

Daniel Levi slightly leans toward Gustavo Lopez, thinking he is the hungrier fighter and has more to prove. He notes that Anthony Birchak has already had his UFC opportunity and has been inconsistent. Levi mentions Lopez's guillotine threat and better conditioning, while Birchak is on short notice. However, he acknowledges Birchak's experience and past wins over UFC vets.

Daniel Levi is confident in Merab Dvalishvili, calling him 'the Machine' and highlighting his relentless wrestling and takedown record. He notes that even wrestlers like Ricky Simon and Casey Kenney couldn't stop Merab's takedowns, and Gustavo Lopez is on short notice. Levi predicts Merab will finally get a finish, possibly setting a takedown record, and should be ranked higher.