Mário Pinto

Angelo picks Mário Pinto as the better fighter, noting Felipe Franco's record is fraudulent and he was submitted by a short-notice gym teacher. However, he warns that Franco's wrestling could be enough to win, comparing him to Jailton Almeida. He advises caution and says he will likely stay away from betting this fight.

Big Brady is extremely confident in Mário Pinto, calling Felipe Franco a 'fake fighter' and this signing 'despicable.' He notes that Franco's wins are against terrible competition (shopping mall fighters) and that he got exposed on the Contender Series. Pinto, on the other hand, is a good fighter with good striking and wrestling, as shown in his last fight against John Lineker. He predicts a second-round knockout for Pinto.

Cody agrees, noting Pinto's youth and ability to win standing or on the ground. He expects a dominant performance.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Pinto. He notes that Franco is a beast but too raw to navigate this level, and that Pinto's size and reach advantage will be decisive. Connor also mentions that Pinto can be passive and wait for mistakes, but Franco's lack of experience makes that a viable strategy.

Daniel is very confident in Pinto, calling him a top heavyweight prospect. He thinks Franco is a sacrificial lamb who will struggle with takedowns and gas out. He expects Pinto to finish him in round one, possibly by knockout.

Daniel Vreeland picks Mário Pinto to win by first-round knockout. He highlights Pinto's size, striking, and takedown defense, while criticizing Franco's lack of heavyweight experience and suspect chin. He expects a big level difference.

Pinto is better everywhere, but at -957 in a heavyweight fight, the odds are absurd. Franco is low-level but has puncher's chance. Dog or pass.

James picks Mário Pinto with high confidence, calling it as close to a lock as possible. He notes that Franco has a weak record and was finished on DWCS, while Pinto is a much better striker. He predicts a first-round finish.

The host picks Mário Pinto by knockout. He notes Pinto's well-rounded game and superior striking, while Franco is a light heavyweight moving up on short notice with poor durability. He expects Pinto to keep the fight standing and land a big shot for a KO. He is hesitant on the under 1.5 rounds due to Franco's potential to clinch.

Paul thinks Pinto is a clear step up in competition for Franco, who has only first-round wins against weak opposition. He expects Pinto to win easily.

The MMA Guru picks Mário Pinto to finish Felipe Franco in the second or third round. He notes Franco has never fought a good opponent and lost on the Contender Series, while Pinto looked well-rounded against Jinata Denz with good grappling. He expects Franco to be dangerous early but fade, allowing Pinto to find a finish later.

Angelo flips his pick to Jhonata Diniz after initially leaning towards Mário Pinto. He notes Diniz is a good striker with clean technique and power, and criticizes Pinto's habit of leaning his head back. He acknowledges Diniz's poor ground game but believes his striking advantage will prevail. He is not highly confident.

Big Brady picks Jhonata Diniz, citing better volume, power, and striking. He criticizes Mario Pinto for being low volume and boring, and notes Pinto struggled against Austin Lane, getting outlanded and knocked down. Brady expects Diniz to land bigger shots and more volume, winning a decision.

Cody picks Diniz but is hesitant, calling it a 'middling ass heavyweight fight.' He notes Diniz's slow start but improving takedown defense and cardio, while Pinto is green and unrefined. He thinks Diniz's leg kicks and experience will edge him a decision.

Lucrative James picks Mário Pinto, citing his youth (27 vs 34), undefeated record, and potential wrestling advantage. He notes that Diniz is a pure striker with no wrestling, while Pinto has more upside. He sees it as a close fight but leans Pinto. He likes the over 1.5 rounds and refers to his 'hammer of the week' video for props.

James picks Diniz as a slight underdog, expecting a striking contest where Diniz's experience and power give him an edge. He acknowledges Pinto's better boxing and potential grappling advantage but doubts Pinto will use takedowns. He predicts a decision win for Diniz but calls it a weak take and a 50/50 fight.

Manpreet picks Pinto as an underdog, surprised at the plus money. He believes Pinto's athleticism, power, and potential grappling advantage (training with Stuart Austin) will overcome Diniz's striking. He notes Diniz's poor takedown defense and expects Pinto to mix in takedowns and secure a TKO finish. He considers the first round against Austen Lane a blip.

Paul picks Diniz, citing his superior kickboxing experience and leg kicks. He questions Pinto's power and durability, noting he was knocked down by Austin Lane. He believes Diniz's cardio and technique will carry him to a win, possibly by knockout.

Angelo does not make a clear pick for this fight. He notes that Mário Pinto has good takedown defense and power, but Austen Lane is athletic and experienced. He is hesitant due to Pinto's -330 odds as a UFC debutant and decides to avoid betting on this fight, calling it a 'conservative anchor' and suggesting it's the type of fight bet Sam might take.

Big Brady picks Mário Pinto, impressed by his well-rounded skills. He notes Austen Lane's only path is wrestling, but Pinto can stuff takedowns and has a striking advantage. He predicts Pinto will knock out Lane within the first two rounds.

The host is high on Mario Pinto in his UFC debut, believing his takedown defense will shut down Lane's wrestling and that he is the superior striker. He expects Pinto to find a knockout and get his hand raised.