Virna Jandiroba

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba, believing she is the better wrestler and can control the fight. He criticizes Tabatha Ricci's striking, saying she thinks she's a boxer but isn't, and her takedowns are poor. He notes Jandiroba is one judge away from being champion and expects her to grind out a win. He placed a half-unit bet on Jandiroba at +115.

Big Brady leans toward Tabatha Ricci but with low confidence. He acknowledges Jandiroba is a higher-level grappler but thinks Ricci is stronger, has better wrestling, and is the better striker. He sees a path where Ricci stuffs takedowns and wins on the feet. He also notes Jandiroba's age (37) and potential lack of motivation after a title loss. He will not bet this fight.

Cody picks Ricci because she is the better striker and has excellent takedown defense, making it hard for Jandiroba to hold her down. He believes the judges will favor damage over control time, and Ricci's striking will leave a lasting impression.

The host is torn on the winner, seeing strong cases for both. He initially leaned Ricci due to youth and volume, but after research, he sees Jandiroba's power and ground advantage as significant. He concludes the fight is too close to bet pre-fight and prefers live betting. However, he does bet Ricci +3.5 on the fight spread.

James leans toward Virna Jandiroba as the underdog, surprised by the odds given Jandiroba's recent title fight and superior grappling. He believes Jandiroba's top control and submission threat are the best in the division, and that Ricci hasn't faced such a test. He notes Ricci's striking advantage but doubts her power, calling her knockout of Amanda Ribas a fluke. However, he hesitates due to Jandiroba's age (37) and potential post-title-fight letdown, and mentions he might bet the over instead. He picks Jandiroba via decision but is not confident enough to bet.

James mentions the co-main event but does not give a pick for either fighter. He only describes the matchup as interesting.

The host believes Jandiroba's grappling will be too much for Ricci, as she can get takedowns and keep Ricci in defensive positions. He notes Ricci's improved striking but doubts she can provide enough danger to keep Jandiroba from her game. He expects Jandiroba to win by decision, controlling the fight with top pressure.

Paul leans towards Ricci, noting that Jandiroba's grappling-heavy style may not score well if judges prioritize damage. He acknowledges Jandiroba's takedown ability but thinks Ricci's striking and ability to get back up will be key.

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba based on gut feeling, despite the line moving against her. He expects the fight to be entirely on the ground, where Virna's wrestling and safe jiu-jitsu will grind out a win. He notes Mackenzie's only path is submission, but Virna won't take risks like Amanda Ribas did. Angelo plans to bet Virna if the line rebounds.

Big Brady picks Mackenzie Dern, highlighting her massive improvements in striking and wrestling. He notes Dern's striking looked incredible against Angela Hill and that she now has power and aggression. He believes Dern's pressure and volume will overwhelm Virna Jandiroba on the feet, as Jandiroba lacks power and may be hesitant to grapple. Brady also cites the five-round distance favoring Dern's cardio and toughness, predicting a fourth-round TKO.

Cody picks Mackenzie Dern, arguing that over five rounds, Dern's volume, speed, and willingness to engage will outpace Jandiroba's control-heavy style. He notes that Jandiroba's wrestling is elite but she lacks striking output, and Dern's submission defense and scrambling make her dangerous off her back. Cody believes Dern's path is a decision win, as she lands more and is faster.

Connor picks Jandiroba, taking a chance on her improvements in confidence and physicality since the first fight. He believes her wrestling-focused BJJ, reminiscent of Damien Maia, can neutralize Dern's guard attacks if she commits to grappling. He admits it's a hopeful pick but thinks Jandiroba has the tools to win if she doesn't repeat her negative game plan.

Daniel Vreeland believes Mackenzie Dern's striking evolution and power give her the edge, especially as the fight progresses and Jandiroba slows down. He thinks the ground game will cancel out early, but Dern's improved hands and cardio will allow her to take over in later rounds. He also notes that the winner of the first fight often wins the rematch, especially with an age gap.

Lucrative James picks Mackenzie Dern, citing her multiple paths to victory: she can win on the feet, by submission, or by outscrambling. He believes Dern has improved her boxing and wrestling, while Jandiroba's usual path of outgrappling opponents will be neutralized because Dern is dangerous from bottom and can sweep or submit her. He also notes Dern's better cardio and power, and predicts Jandiroba will get rocked at some point. He sees Dern as the underdog with value.

The host expects Dern to replicate her 2020 win by putting together better striking, scrambling well in grappling, and winning a clear decision to become the new strawweight champion.

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Dern has a great chin and throws more volume. He notes that Jandiroba's path to victory relies on takedowns and control, but Dern is crafty off her back. Paul also mentions that Jandiroba has never fought five rounds in the UFC and is 37, suggesting that if she wins early rounds, she may fade, making Dern a strong live bet as well.

The MMA Guru picks Virna Jandiroba by decision, expecting a split decision. He believes Jandiroba is more focused on her career than Dern, who has personal distractions. He notes that Jandiroba has been winning against top competition (Yan Xiaonan, Amanda Lemos) and has good takedowns and control. He references their first fight where Jandiroba had control time and takedowns. He expects a low-paced fight with Jandiroba dragging Dern around, winning clearly but with one judge giving Dern a round.

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba because she will grind and get takedowns, neutralizing Amanda Lemos's striking. He notes that Lemos is the better mixed martial artist but cannot defend takedowns. He plans to wait for prop bets, especially the takedown line, and considers Jandiroba affordable at even money.

Cody picks Jandiroba, emphasizing her freakish strength, takedown ability, and durability. He notes Lemos has cardio issues and has been taken down repeatedly by lesser grapplers. He expects Jandiroba to bank rounds with top control as Lemos fades, though he admits the fight likely goes to decision and could be a weird judging outcome. He suggests live betting Jandiroba after Lemos wins early rounds.

Daniel Vreeland leans with Virna Jandiroba due to her world-class Jiu-Jitsu and unorthodox takedown entries, believing she can take down Amanda Lemos and possibly secure a submission early. He notes that Lemos has a significant power edge and could get a late knockout if Jandiroba gasses, but he trusts Jandiroba's early dominance. He also mentions that Lemos has shown vulnerability to submissions, referencing the standing arm triangle loss to Andrade.

Jandiroba is a -130 favorite. She has a smothering grappling style and excellent cardio, which should wear down Lemos in the later rounds. Lemos has power but questionable takedown defense and cardio. Jandiroba's chin has held up, and she can take Lemos down, take her back, and eventually find a submission in the third or fourth round. Lemos could finish early, but if she doesn't, Jandiroba will dominate.

Paul thinks Lemos is the better striker and can hang on the mat against Jandiroba, citing her durability in going five rounds with Zhang Weili and surviving takedowns from Mackenzie Dern. He acknowledges Jandiroba's grappling edge but believes Lemos can avoid submissions and win rounds with damage. He calls it close to a pick 'em fight but leans Lemos at plus money.

Angelo picks Loopy Godinez, believing she is better everywhere, including wrestling. He notes Virna Jandiroba is a grinder with a one-dimensional game plan of shooting takedowns. He thinks Godinez's striking improvements and defensive wrestling will be enough to win, though he acknowledges Jandiroba's relentless takedown attempts could be a problem.

Big Brady picks Loopy Godinez to win by decision, but expresses concern about her fight IQ. He believes Godinez should keep the fight standing to avoid Jandiroba's dangerous BJJ, but worries she might wrestle unnecessarily. He thinks Godinez is the much better striker and should stuff takedowns, but is not fully confident due to her past poor decisions.

Cody believes Godinez is the better boxer and wrestler, with superior cardio and durability. He thinks Jandiroba's one-dimensional grappling won't be enough, and even if she gets takedowns, Godinez will survive and win rounds with striking volume.

Daniel Vreeland picks Loopy Godinez, citing her superior striking, power, and athleticism. He thinks she can keep the fight standing and use a sprawl-and-brawl game plan to avoid Jandiroba's dangerous jiu-jitsu. He notes Jandiroba's willingness to stand and trade, which plays into Godinez's hands. He predicts Godinez by decision.

Godinez has improved striking and wrestling advantage. Jandiroba's hands are poor; she got outboxed by McKenzie Dern and Amanda Lemos. Godinez should keep the fight standing and land punches, potentially earning her first UFC knockout. The plus 750 KO prop is worth a sprinkle. Godinez controls pace and location.

Paul sees Godinez as the more versatile fighter, able to win on the feet or with wrestling. He notes Jandiroba's aging and limited striking, and expects Godinez to outwork her over three rounds, likely by decision.

Angelo picks Marina Rodriguez but warns it feels like a trap and advises not to bet on it. He believes Marina has a clear striking advantage and will land cleanly, while Virna Jandiroba's head movement is poor. The fight comes down to Marina's takedown defense; if she can keep it standing, she wins. Angelo thinks Virna will have some success diving for legs, but judges will favor Marina's clean striking. He is not touching this fight with his money.

Big Brady picks Jandiroba, citing her superior wrestling and grappling. He notes Rodriguez has poor takedown defense and get-up game, and Jandiroba is dangerous on top. He believes Jandiroba will get takedowns and submit Rodriguez, predicting a second-round submission. He dismisses Rodriguez's takedown defense against Mackenzie Dern as irrelevant because Dern has poor wrestling.

Cody sees a clear path for Jandiroba via her superior wrestling. He notes that Rodriguez gives up takedowns in every fight, and Jandiroba is a strong wrestler with good top game. He expects Jandiroba to take her down, control her, and win a decision or possibly a submission. He likes the plus money.

Connor agrees, noting Jandiroba's striking is awkward and she reaches for strikes, while Rodriguez is durable and has never been submitted. He sees the fight getting harder for Jandiroba as it goes on, similar to Rodriguez's fight with Ribas where Ribas got knocked out after an early takedown.

The host picks Marina Rodriguez by decision. He believes Rodriguez's improved takedown defense and striking will keep the fight standing, where she can land significant strikes. He acknowledges Jandiroba's BJJ threat but trusts Rodriguez's recent improvements to nullify it.

Paul has already bet Jandiroba at +140. He agrees that her wrestling is the key, as Rodriguez has been taken down by everyone. He expects Jandiroba to make it ugly, hold her against the cage, and win a close decision.

The Guru picks Rodriguez, stating she is better in all areas, especially on the feet. He believes her grappling has improved enough to survive Jandiroba's ground game, and that she is a better version of Amanda Ribas, who beat Jandiroba. He predicts a decision win.

Cody picks Hill as a dog, noting her fights are always close and competitive. He thinks Jandiroba's cardio is suspect and she may not be able to maintain takedown pressure for three rounds. He believes Hill can out-volume her on the feet and make it a close decision, though he's not highly confident.

Big Brady slightly leans towards Virna Jandiroba to win a close decision. He acknowledges Ribas has the striking advantage, but Jandiroba's wrestling and ground game are next level. He thinks Jandiroba will get takedowns and control the fight on the mat, squeaking out a decision. He notes Ribas's takedown defense may be misleading and Jandiroba's confidence on the ground is high.

Cody leans towards Jandiroba as a dog, noting her wrestling and grappling advantage. He thinks her striking has improved (shown against Kanako Murata). He questions Ribas's level of competition (soft wins) and thinks Jandiroba could grind out a decision if she gets top control. He calls it a pass but sees value on the dog.

Daniel slightly leans with Amanda Ribas, citing her athleticism and cleaner striking. He acknowledges her chin is a concern and that Jandiroba has improved stand-up and strong jiu-jitsu. Daniel thinks Ribas can keep the fight on the outside and out-hustle Jandiroba to a decision, but he is not fully confident due to Ribas's durability issues.

Jandiroba is the better grappler and will likely take Ribas down and control her. Ribas' striking is flashy but she gets in trouble against pressure. Jandiroba should land takedowns and grind out a decision, especially if she trusts her jiu-jitsu.

Paul picks Ribas by decision, citing her speed and striking ability. He thinks her ability to get in and out of the pocket will be the difference. He sees the line as close to correct.

Angelo picks Kanako Murata, citing her judo and wrestling background. He believes Murata can take Jandiroba down and control her, avoiding submissions. He notes Jandiroba's submission threat but thinks Murata's defensive grappling is sufficient. He placed a bet on Jandiroba to win by submission with decision no action, essentially hedging.

Big Brady is confident in Jandiroba's submission skills, noting she is a BJJ wizard with 13 submission wins. He points out Murata puts herself in bad positions and has a submission loss. He expects Jandiroba to find a submission within 15 minutes.

Cody picks Murata as an underdog, citing her wrestling advantage and youth (27). He notes Jandiroba's non-existent striking and believes Murata can win by decision through takedowns and control. He acknowledges Jandiroba's submission threat but thinks Murata's improved grappling will keep her safe.

Daniel Levi picks Virna Jandiroba, citing her elite jiu-jitsu and higher level of competition. He believes she is the better grappler and can pull guard, sweep, and get into dominant positions. He notes that wrestlers like Murata don't like being on their backs, and that Jandiroba has fought tougher opponents like Carla Esparza and Mackenzie Dern. He expects a submission or decision win, but acknowledges that if it becomes a striking fight, he is less sure.

Jacob does not make a clear pick for this fight. He finds it a toss-up between the wrestler and grappler. He leans slightly towards Jandiroba if it goes to the ground but stayed away from picking. He did not include either fighter in his lineup.

The host leans slightly with Kanako Murata, believing her wrestling and strength will allow her to dictate where the fight takes place. He thinks Murata's defensive grappling has improved and that she can nullify Jandiroba's jiu-jitsu. He expects a grappling-heavy fight where both cancel out, leading to a decision. He likes the over 2.5 rounds most, as finishes are unlikely given the skill level. He notes Murata's only loss was early in her career to a more experienced fighter.

Paul picks Jandiroba by submission as a small play, noting her superior BJJ and ability to take down wrestlers (as seen against Esparza). He is concerned about Murata's submission defense but thinks Jandiroba can catch her if the fight goes to the ground.

Big Brady picks Virna Jandiroba to win by decision. He believes the line should be a pick'em and sees value on Jandiroba as an underdog. He notes Jandiroba's superior wrestling and takedown accuracy, and that Dern has poor takedown defense and accuracy. He expects Jandiroba to control the fight with takedowns and avoid Dern's submissions.

Daniel thinks the jiu-jitsu will cancel out, so it comes down to striking. He notes Dern has one-hitter-quitter power and is tightening her boxing with Jason Parillo. He expects Dern to edge it out, but acknowledges Jandiroba's wrestling and control could make it close.

Both women are high-level jiu-jitsu players, but Dern has superior credentials and is working on her striking with Jason Parillo. Jandiroba's striking is also unpolished, so the fight likely goes to the ground where Dern may have an edge. However, this is a tough fight to call and Dern's improvements need to be seen. Leaning Dern by decision.

Big Brady thinks Jandiroba will get takedowns and control the fight on the ground, but he is not impressed with her striking. He notes Herrig is the better striker and could win if she stuffs takedowns. He sees value on Herrig as an underdog.

Daniel Levi picks Virna Jandiroba to win by submission. He believes Jandiroba is a specialist on the ground and will get takedowns against Herrig, who is coming off a two-year layoff and ACL surgery. He notes that Herrig has been submitted before and that Jandiroba's takedown game, though basic, should be enough. He also mentions that if Jandiroba can't get takedowns, she could struggle, but he expects her to succeed.

Jandiroba is a high-level grappler with heavy top pressure and a strong submission game; she will take Herrig down with double legs and work for a finish. Herrig is returning from a two-year layoff and ACL surgery, and her takedown defense is questionable. Jandiroba may win by submission or decision, but she should dominate on the ground.