Marlon Moraes

Angelo hesitantly picks Song Yadong, primarily due to youth. He notes that Marlon Moraes is a savage striker with heavy leg kicks but has been figured out when pressured. He acknowledges that both fighters have similar recent records against top competition. His heart wants Moraes but his head says Yadong. He plans to find a way to bet on Moraes and may change his mind.

Big Brady picks Song Yadong to win by second-round knockout. He highlights Moraes' severe cardio issues (only one round of gas) and declining durability (knocked out in his last four losses). He notes Yadong is young (24), improving, and showed a good chin. He expects Yadong to survive the first round and then finish Moraes in the second. He acknowledges Moraes is live in the first round but thinks Yadong's path is clear.

Cody picks Song Yadong but is hesitant due to Moraes' early danger. He notes Song's durability and youth, while Moraes has a compromised chin and gasses. He suggests the inside the distance prop for Song, as Moraes is likely to fade.

Daniel Levi picks Song Yadong to win, highlighting Yadong's developing all-around game, granite chin, and ability to scramble back to his feet. He notes that Marlon Moraes has cardio and durability concerns, having been knocked out in four of his last five. Levi believes that when Yadong lands his shots, Moraes won't react well, leading to a knockout. He also mentions that he took Yadong straight in the spot.

Song Yadong is a durable, high-volume striker with good takedown defense, as shown against Casey Kenney. He trusts his chin and cardio, and is expected to march down Moraes after an early competitive round. Moraes has cardio issues and a questionable chin, and his move to Tiger Muay Thai may not fix his gas tank. Song is predicted to win by KO in round 3.

Paul is confident in Song Yadong, citing his chin, youth, and killer instinct. He notes Moraes' durability issues and tendency to fade. He suggests the inside the distance prop as a better bet than the moneyline.

Angelo picks Dvalishvili, citing his relentless chain wrestling, great conditioning, and ability to pressure Moraes. He notes that Moraes struggles when backed up and needs to plant his feet to generate power. Angelo believes Dvalishvili's wrestling will be too much, similar to how Rob Font beat Moraes.

Big Brady picks Merab Dvalishvili to win by decision. He notes that Moraes is dangerous in the first round but has a poor gas tank, while Dvalishvili pushes a high pace and has many decision wins. He believes Dvalishvili will survive the first round, take over, and drown Moraes with pressure.

Cody picks Dvalishvili by decision, citing his endless gas tank, pressure, and grinding style. He notes Moraes' recent knockout losses and questionable chin, but respects his early power. He thinks Dvalishvili will wear him down and win a decision, possibly a late finish.

Daniel Levi picks Merab Dvalishvili, citing Marlon Moraes' decline since the Henry Cejudo fight. He notes Moraes' chin issues and tendency to fade after the first round. Levi believes Dvalishvili's relentless pace and takedown volume will overwhelm Moraes, who has been finished in recent fights. He also mentions that Moraes needs an early finish to win, but Dvalishvili's cardio is a major advantage.

Jacob picks Dvalishvili, agreeing that Moraes' game plan won't stop Dvalishvili's relentless wrestling. He expects a TKO finish. Jacob is surprised Dvalishvili is such a big favorite but thinks it's justified.

The host leans towards Nasrat Haqparast by first-round knockout. He believes Hooker is damaged goods from his recent wars and that Haqparast's power could find his chin. He notes that Hooker is more skilled but Haqparast is explosive and can close distance. He is concerned about out-of-cage issues for both fighters but thinks it could increase the violence. He prefers the under 2.5 rounds as a bet.

Paul picks Dvalishvili but is hesitant due to Moraes' early power. He thinks Moraes will look good early and prefers a live betting approach. He expects Dvalishvili to win via late finish or decision, but wants to see if he survives the first round.

Angelo picks Marlon Moraes as a guaranteed win, predicting a first or second round finish. He considers it an easy matchup without further elaboration.

Big Brady picks Rob Font over Marlon Moraes, emphasizing Font's reach advantage (5 inches), higher volume, and durability (never knocked out or knocked down). He notes Moraes' recent skid and potential chin issues, having been knocked out twice. Brady predicts a decision win for Font, though he acknowledges concern about Moraes' leg kicks.

The host picks Font but is hesitant, noting Font has never faced this level of competition and Moraes has fight-ending power. He believes Font's jab and volume can outwork Moraes over three rounds, especially if Moraes fades. However, he is not confident enough to bet on Font even at plus money.

Big Brady picks Sandhagen due to his volume striking (7 significant strikes per minute vs Moraes' 3.5), height and reach advantage, and elite cardio. He expects Sandhagen to survive Moraes' early storm, tire him out, and get a late finish. He notes Moraes' cardio issues and that Sandhagen can switch stances to defend kicks.

Daniel believes Marlon Moraes is being disrespected by the betting line and public opinion. He argues that Moraes has fought higher-level competition, including a win over Jose Aldo, and that his power and calf kicks will be decisive. He notes that Sandhagen has been dropped early in fights and questions his ability to weather Moraes' early storm. Daniel also points out that Moraes has more decision wins and has been to the championship rounds, countering the narrative that he fades late.

Sandhagen's footwork and output are superior; he uses range well with kicks and jabs, and has better cardio for a five-round fight. Moraes tends to fade late and struggles when backing up. Sandhagen will likely finish in the third or fourth round via TKO.