Domingo Pilarte

Big Brady picks Brian Kelleher, citing a massive gap in level of competition. He notes Kelleher has fought and lost to top bantamweights, while Pilarte has been dominated by lower-level fighters. He believes Kelleher is the better striker and grappler, despite Pilarte's reach advantage. He predicts a third-round knockout.

Cody picks Kelleher, expecting him to win inside the distance. He notes Kelleher's guillotine threat but worries about the reach disadvantage and weight cut. He believes Kelleher's superior striking and wrestling will be enough.

Kelleher is the much better striker with good volume and leg kicks. Pilarte has rudimentary striking, poor cardio, and has been close to being finished in recent fights. Kelleher's guillotine threat will deter takedowns. I'm picking Kelleher inside the distance, likely by knockout in the second round.

Paul picks Kelleher, citing his durability and better striking and wrestling. He notes Pilarte's weight cut issues and long layoff, and believes Kelleher can avoid Pilarte's submissions. However, he is not fully confident due to Kelleher's weight cut complaints.

Daniel Levi picks Domingo Pilarte to win a decision. He notes Pilarte's size and reach advantage, and expects him to use his range to keep Newson at bay. He acknowledges Pilarte's defensive liabilities but believes Newson will hesitate to pull the trigger.

The host leans toward Journey Newson as a dog, citing his superior jiu-jitsu and ability to get the better of grappling exchanges. He notes that Pilarte is the better wrestler but Newson may have the edge on the ground. He expects the fight to be a grappling match and sees value in Newson at plus money.