Valentina Shevchenko

Angelo leans towards Zhang Weili, citing her superior wrestling and athleticism. He believes Weili's clean double-leg takedowns will be effective against Valentina Shevchenko, who relies on striking to set up takedowns. He acknowledges Shevchenko's experience and durability but thinks Weili's speed and wrestling will be the difference.

Big Brady leans Valentina Shevchenko, citing her size advantage and natural weight class. He notes Shevchenko's wrestling ability, having taken down Manon Fiorot, and believes she can get takedowns on Zhang Weili, who was taken down multiple times by Rose Namajunas. However, he acknowledges Zhang's physical strength and says it wouldn't shock him if Zhang gets top position. Brady is not betting on this fight and predicts a decision win for Shevchenko.

Cody picks Valentina due to her size, experience, and well-rounded skills. He notes that she is an elite kickboxer and wrestler, and that her trilogy with Grasso was a blip. He highlights that Zhang has had takedown defense issues in the past, and that Valentina consistently scores takedowns. He believes Valentina's size and strength will be key, and that she will win by decision.

Connor picks Shevchenko but is hesitant, calling it a coin flip. He argues that Shevchenko's simple, patient style and mental stamina will frustrate Zhang, who struggles with distance and initiating exchanges. He notes that Zhang's wrestling might be neutralized by Shevchenko's clinch and top control, and that Zhang has been vulnerable when taken down.

Daniel respects Shevchenko's technical striking and well-rounded game, but sees Zhang as the fighter making rapid improvements, especially in wrestling. He notes that Zhang has outgrappled elite wrestlers like Carla Esparza and Tatiana Suarez, while Shevchenko hasn't shown the same evolution. He also likes the dog odds on Zhang and believes she can become a double champ.

Lucrative James picks Valentina Shevchenko to win, stating she is the greatest women's fighter of all time. He believes her wrestling and grappling are superior to Zhang's, and she can outskill her on the feet. He notes both fighters have losses due to grappling, but trusts Shevchenko's takedown accuracy and experience against tougher opponents. He expects Shevchenko to control the fight and win a decision or possibly a late submission.

Shevchenko's size and overall MMA advantages muzzle Zhang's style. She mixes martial arts well, sets up takedowns behind strikes, and wins on the scorecards.

Paul agrees with Cody, citing Valentina's size advantage and superior wrestling. He notes that both fighters are similar in age but that Valentina is the bigger fighter and has a better takedown ratio. He thinks the fight will come down to grappling and top position, and that Valentina will win those exchanges. He also mentions that Valentina is more technical on the feet.

The Guru picks Zhang Weili to win by split decision. He believes Zhang is a better fighter than Alexa Grasso and Manon Fiorot, who gave Shevchenko close fights. He notes Shevchenko's recent performances have been less dominant, and Zhang's grappling and striking should be competitive. The Guru also suggests promotional favoritism towards the Chinese market could influence a close decision.

Angelo picks Manon Fiorot to become the new champion, citing her size, power, takedown defense, and striking. He acknowledges Valentina Shevchenko's evolution into wrestling but believes Fiorot's takedown defense and power will be too much. He thinks Fiorot controls the striking and keeps the fight on her feet.

Big Brady is hesitant but leans Fiorot. He notes Fiorot's high-volume striking, elite takedown defense (93%), and physical strength. He acknowledges Shevchenko looked great against Grasso but questions if that was due to Grasso's poor performance. He thinks Fiorot's movement and the big cage help her, and she can defend takedowns. He predicts a close decision win for Fiorot.

Connor picks Valentina Shevchenko, agreeing with Zane that she is a master of distance management. He notes that Fiorot's wrestling has not been tested against someone like Shevchenko, who has developed new takedown entries. Connor believes that Fiorot's game is not dynamic enough to exploit any potential age-related decline in Shevchenko.

The host notes Shevchenko has been an underdog three times in the UFC and is 3-0 in those fights, expecting her to go 4-0. He believes she will compete in striking but ultimately use her clinch and grappling to dictate the pace and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Shevchenko, believing she is being disrespected as an underdog. He notes her championship experience, reach advantage, and recent dominant win over Grasso. He questions Fiorot's performance against Rose Namajunas, who fought with a broken hand, and thinks Shevchenko's technical striking and adjustments will win her a decision.

Angelo picks Alexa Grasso despite acknowledging that Valentina Shevchenko likely won the last fight. He sees improvements in Grasso's game between the two fights, noting she won exchanges, rounds, and even dropped Valentina in the second fight. He believes the wrestling gap is tightening and the speed gap is widening, and that Grasso is younger, faster, and more creative. He placed half a unit on Grasso at -115, recognizing it's hard for a champion to win back the belt but thinks Grasso gets it done.

Big Brady acknowledges Shevchenko arguably won the second fight but notes her regression and Grasso's improvement. He also factors in the Mexican crowd and potential judging bias. He predicts Grasso wins a close decision.

Daniel Vreeland picks Alexa Grasso because her trajectory is still upward while Valentina Shevchenko's is declining. He notes Shevchenko has lost a step in defensive grappling since the Taila Santos fight, and Grasso's striking and grappling have improved significantly. He believes Grasso's speed, cardio, and youth will be the deciding factors.

Daniel picks Alexa Grasso to win the trilogy, arguing that Valentina hasn't evolved enough and that long-reigning champions rarely reclaim their belts. He notes Grasso's faster hands, higher volume, and finishing upside, while worrying about Grasso being taken down and controlled. He believes history favors Grasso and that she will make bigger improvements.

Jeff Fox agrees with Daniel Vreeland, noting Shevchenko's decline had started even before facing Grasso. He mentions Shevchenko's mindset of thinking she won the last fight is not good. He goes with the ascending fighter who is much younger and already beat her.

The transcript does not discuss this fight. The host only mentions Kayla Harrison vs Juliana Peña as the other title fight, not Shevchenko vs Grasso.

Shevchenko was a minus 800 favorite in the first fight and minus 160 in the second, now a plus 120 underdog. She was up 2-1 in the first before being submitted, and should have won the last fight if not for a bad scorecard. Expects Shevchenko to come even safer and cleaner, leaning on her wrestling to win on the scorecards.

Angelo picks Valentina Shevchenko despite her recent loss, believing she will wrestle heavy like she did against Maia. He notes her odds are the best since 2017 and compares it to Amanda Nunes getting her belt back. He acknowledges Grasso's skills but thinks Shevchenko's adjustments will lead to victory. He has no bet yet due to PTSD from UFC 293.

Big Brady picks Shevchenko, arguing that she was winning the first fight until a mistake. He notes Shevchenko outlanded Grasso in most rounds and has more tools on the feet. He believes Grasso's takedown defense is still poor and that Shevchenko's experience and skill will prevail. He predicts a dominant decision, 49-46 or 50-45.

Cody picks Grasso at plus 140, emphasizing the five-year age difference and Shevchenko's decline. He points out that Grasso won the first round in their first fight, was out-striking Shevchenko, and submitted her after a spinning back kick. He believes the momentum was with Grasso and that Shevchenko's cardio may not hold up. He also notes the 90% rematch stat and says Grasso has a lot of merit.

Daniel Levi picks Valentina Shevchenko despite acknowledging the historical trend of long-reigning champions losing immediate rematches. He notes that submission losses are easier to recover from than knockouts, and he believes Valentina's decline may be overstated. However, he admits his bitterness over missing the plus-200 line on Grasso influences his pick, and he hopes he is wrong because he would like to see the division move forward with fresh matchups.

Shevchenko had a clear grappling advantage in the first fight, controlling rounds 2 and 3 before getting caught in the fourth. She should make adjustments, trust her striking more to set up takedowns, and bank rounds early. Grasso may have improved takedown defense, but Shevchenko's strength and experience should prevail. I'm hesitant because of the similarity to Usman vs Edwards 2, but I still favor Shevchenko by decision.

Paul sides with Grasso as a slight underdog, citing Shevchenko's age (35) and recent vulnerability in fights against Taylor Santos and Jennifer Maia. He notes Grasso's youth (30) and improvement, and mentions a 90% stat where younger challengers who beat an older champion win the rematch. However, he is hesitant because the fight is in Vegas, not Mexico, and he may not bet it.

Angelo is confident in Valentina Shevchenko, stating she is better everywhere and will push Grasso around. He notes that Grasso is not a dangerous fighter and that Shevchenko should have no issues. Angelo sees this as a relief fight for Shevchenko after the Talia Santos fight.

Big Brady is confident in Valentina Shevchenko, citing her superior striking and grappling. He notes Grasso has struggled with grappling in the past, and Shevchenko can take her down at will and dominate on the mat. He predicts a third-round TKO for Shevchenko, dismissing the idea that Grasso can pull off an upset.

Cody believes Shevchenko is nearly unbeatable at 125 and that Grasso lacks the grappling to exploit her. He notes Shevchenko's takedown ability and well-rounded game will be too much. He expects a decision win for Shevchenko but won't bet the -700 moneyline; he would parlay it.

Connor is confident Shevchenko wins, citing her ability to control distance and bully opponents in the clinch. He notes Grasso's poor range fighting and lack of feints or timing variation, which will make it easy for Shevchenko to counter or clinch. He believes Grasso's only path is a knockout in the pocket or a submission from her back, both unlikely. He mentions Shevchenko's declining athleticism but says Grasso's stylistic shortcomings are a death sentence.

Jacob picks Valentina Shevchenko, but notes that Grasso's volume striking could cause problems early. He believes Shevchenko may need to use her wrestling to dominate. Jacob acknowledges a path for Grasso but ultimately sees Shevchenko as the more complete fighter.

Shevchenko is a fast, explosive striker with a good ground game. Grasso is a good striker but has struggled with takedowns. Shevchenko will likely take the fight to the ground and control Grasso, winning a decision or possibly a TKO finish.

Paul picks Shevchenko but prefers the over 4.5 rounds at plus money. He notes Grasso has improved grappling and has never been finished outside of a submission loss to Suarez. He sees the fight going the distance and thinks the over is a solid bet.

The MMA Guru picks Valentina Shevchenko, believing her kicks will be the difference. He notes Grasso's boxing is good but she doesn't throw many kicks, and Shevchenko's top game could also be a factor. He predicts a decision win.

Angelo picks Shevchenko confidently, acknowledging she is the best in the division. He notes Santos is dangerous and the toughest opponent Shevchenko has faced recently, but still believes Shevchenko wins. He mentions the odds are wide but doesn't recommend a bet due to the high price.

Big Brady picks Valentina Shevchenko to win by TKO, expressing high confidence. He notes that Santos' best wins are against lower-level competition and that she lost to Mara Romero Barela. He believes Shevchenko is superior everywhere and will break Santos down, finishing her mid-to-late in the fight.

Cody is confident in Shevchenko, citing her elite skills, wrestling advantage, and championship experience. He questions Santos' level of competition and output, noting she hasn't faced anyone near Shevchenko's caliber. He expects Shevchenko to win by decision.

Daniel Levi confidently picks Valentina Shevchenko, dismissing Taila Santos's chances due to her poor performance against Mara Romero Barella. He believes Shevchenko is in her prime and has never been dominated in any facet. He notes that Santos's best win is against Joanne Calderwood, who gets finished repeatedly, and that Santos's nerves against Barella indicate she cannot handle the pressure of fighting Shevchenko. He expects Shevchenko to impose her will and win decisively.

Shevchenko is the better fighter everywhere. Santos has not shown enough to suggest she can compete with Shevchenko's level. Santos struggled to finish lesser opponents and lost to Mara Romero Borella. Shevchenko has fought Amanda Nunes closely and is on another level. The line is too high to bet, but Shevchenko wins easily.

Paul is confident in Shevchenko, calling her the most skilled female fighter. He dismisses Santos' resume and believes Shevchenko's wrestling, striking, and cardio are superior. He expects a decision win for the champion.

Angelo picks Shevchenko, calling her one of the best fighters ever. He highlights her technical striking, grappling, and championship composure. He notes that Murphy's path to victory is narrow and that Shevchenko can win anywhere. Angelo expects a dominant performance.

Big Brady picks Valentina Shevchenko to win by fourth-round TKO. He believes Shevchenko has every advantage: striking, wrestling, and grappling. He notes Murphy is tough and has never been finished, but she has never faced anyone near Shevchenko's caliber. He expects Shevchenko to find a finish late in the fight.

Cody is confident Shevchenko wins anywhere the fight goes, citing her superior kickboxing, speed, footwork, and grappling. He notes Murphy's durability and never being knocked out, but believes Shevchenko's patience and skill will lead to a late stoppage, possibly becoming the first to finish Murphy. He leans over 2.5 rounds due to Murphy's toughness.

Daniel Levi confidently picks Valentina Shevchenko, stating that Lauren Murphy's toughness and durability are not enough to overcome the massive skill gap. He notes that Murphy has never been finished, but Shevchenko's technique is superior. Levi believes it would take a fluke for Murphy to win, and he expects Shevchenko to win, though he is unsure whether it will be by decision or finish.

Jacob picks Shevchenko, noting she's running out of opponents and should fight Nunes again. He praises her judo and grappling. Jacob is confident Shevchenko wins easily.

The host picks Valentina Shevchenko by fourth-round TKO. He believes Shevchenko will eventually set up the crucifix position and finish Murphy. He notes that Murphy is durable and may survive early, but Shevchenko's pressure will increase. He likes the over 2.5 rounds at even money. He thinks Murphy's takedown success will be temporary and Shevchenko will adapt.

Paul picks Shevchenko confidently, noting her dominance and the large talent gap. He mentions she could finish inside the distance but also acknowledges she can be patient. He is unsure about betting the moneyline due to the price and considers the over 2.5 rounds, but has no bet yet.

Big Brady picks Shevchenko to win by fifth-round TKO. He notes Shevchenko's technical striking, cardio, and takedown defense will be key. Andrade is hittable and smaller, and Shevchenko can pick her apart from the outside. He thinks the bigger cage favors Shevchenko and expects a late finish or dominant decision.

Cody picks Shevchenko but expresses concern about her recent reliance on grappling and low output. He notes Andrade's takedown defense and power but thinks Shevchenko's kickboxing and reach advantage will allow her to pick Andrade apart. He expects a competitive fight but ultimately sees Shevchenko winning, possibly by decision. He also likes the over 4.5 rounds.

Daniel picks Valentina Shevchenko to win inside the distance, believing her technique will override Andrade's power. He notes Andrade is too open to getting hit and that Shevchenko can get the fight to the mat. He expects the fight to end under three rounds.

I think Shevchenko is technically superior and will outclass Andrade. She has a diverse striking game and can also take the fight to the ground. Andrade is a brawler with power, but Shevchenko's speed and technique should allow her to pick her apart. I like Shevchenko by decision at +140, and the over 2.5 at -185 is also a solid play as Shevchenko tends to grind out wins.

Paul picks Shevchenko to retain, citing her technical striking and reach advantage. He acknowledges Andrade's power and takedown ability but believes Shevchenko's footwork and distance control will be key. He notes the -425 price is steep but expects Shevchenko to win, possibly by decision. He also mentions the over 4.5 rounds as a potential play.

Big Brady picks Valentina Shevchenko to win by third-round knockout. He states she is clearly the better fighter and arguably the women's GOAT behind Nunes. He expects her to finish Maia within the first few rounds.

Daniel picks Shevchenko to win by knockout, dismissing any chance of an upset. He notes Maia has been knocked out before and that Shevchenko is a dominant champion. He expects a finish, though he acknowledges a decision is possible.

The host picks Valentina Shevchenko to win by second or third round KO. He believes she is superior everywhere and will finish Maia, who he views as a lamb brought to slaughter. He recommends betting Shevchenko inside the distance rather than the moneyline.

Daniel Levi picks Valentina Shevchenko, stating she is head and shoulders above everyone in the division. He mentions her devastating body kicks and high kicks, and expects her to finish the elusive Kaitlyn Chookagian, possibly by fourth-round finish.

The host picks Valentina Shevchenko by decision, noting her superior counter-striking, power, and overall game. He acknowledges the 'banana peel' theory but is confident Shevchenko will win. He is not willing to bet her at -1100 but expects her to dominate and win a decision.