Jerome Rivera

Angelo picks Zhumagulov, citing his toughness, power, and wrestling. He thinks Zhumagulov will close the distance, get takedowns, and dominate. He notes Rivera is not UFC-level yet and has lost three in a row. However, he warns against betting at -358 odds and suggests the under on rounds.

Big Brady picks Zhalgas Zhumagulov to win by decision. He thinks Zhumagulov is the better fighter and can mix in takedowns. He notes Rivera has zero takedowns in the UFC and poor takedown accuracy. However, he is concerned about the height and reach disadvantages for Zhumagulov, and thinks the -358 line is too wide. He expects Zhumagulov to close the distance and get the job done, but not without difficulty.

Cody picks Zhumagulov, noting his experience and Rivera's poor UFC run. He thinks Zhumagulov's volume and takedowns will be too much. He expects a decision win but also likes the KO prop at +450.

Daniel Levi picks Zhalgas Zhumagulov. He acknowledges that Zhumagulov has not been impressive and is a small flyweight, but believes he has beaten better competition on the regional scene. He criticizes Jerome Rivera for being timid and lacking confidence, despite having physical advantages. He thinks Zhumagulov will outpoint Rivera to a unanimous decision. He cannot back Rivera to win any UFC fight.

Jacob picks Rivera as an underdog, citing his length and submission threat. He notes Rivera's losses are to top competition and he believes Rivera can keep distance and find a submission. He thinks the -358 on Zhumagulov is too high and likes the plus money on Rivera.

I'm picking Zhumagulov to win, but I'm not confident. He is a point fighter with low finishing ability, and Rivera is a volume striker who could make it close. Rivera has value as a dog, especially by decision. I think Zhumagulov wins a close decision, but I wouldn't parlay him. The over 2.5 rounds is a better bet.

Paul picks Zhumagulov, noting Rivera's poor record and chin issues. He thinks Zhumagulov's experience and durability will prevail. He expects a decision win.

Big Brady picks Jerome Rivera, citing his legit wrestling and ground game, and expects him to get takedowns and control the fight. He notes that Ode' Osbourne is a threat off his back with submissions, but believes Rivera's top game will prevail. He predicts a decision win, possibly a submission, but is wary of Osbourne's submission threat.

Daniel Levi picks Ode' Osbourne confidently, comparing his style to Yuri Alcantara. He notes Rivera's lack of takedowns (0 in three UFC fights) and believes Osbourne's athleticism and striking will be too much. He expects a finish or clear decision.

Rivera has good wrestling and submission skills, and Osbourne has shown poor takedown defense and cardio issues. Osbourne has only been to the second round once, so his gas tank is unknown. Rivera should be able to take Osbourne down and control him. I expect Rivera to win by submission in the second round.

Big Brady admits he could find very little tape on Francisco Figueiredo and what he saw was unimpressive, with poor striking defense and ground game. He thinks the -150 line is based on the name rather than skill. He picks Jerome Rivera, who has a good ground game and submission skills, but is not confident because he knows little about Figueiredo. He predicts a decision win for Rivera.

The host picks Jerome Rivera due to his activity, height advantage, and jiu-jitsu, but is hesitant because of limited tape on Francisco Figueiredo. He thinks Rivera can overwhelm Figueiredo with volume and movement, but acknowledges the unknown factor of Figueiredo's game. He predicts a decision win for Rivera.

Big Brady picks Tyson Nam because he believes Nam's power will catch Rivera, who leaves openings on defense. He notes Rivera wants to take the fight to the ground but isn't great at getting it there, and Nam hits very hard. He predicts a first-round knockout, though he admits it's hard to bet on Nam due to low volume.