Alberto Montes

AJ picks McMillen as his 'most confident value,' citing his wrestling, athleticism, and boxing advantage over Montes. He believes McMillen's pressure and power will break Montes, who has weak boxing. AJ expects a finish via KO or submission.

AJ picks Tommy McMillen to win, citing his freakish ability to escape submissions (as seen against David McGowan) and his wrestling base. He believes McMillen can turn the fight into a brawl and hurt Montes with wild shots. He expects a finish, possibly by KO, and notes McMillen's durability and pressure.

AJ picks Tommy McMillen, citing his wild brawling style and boxing advantage. He notes McMillen is undefeated and a state champion wrestler, while Montes has a submission threat but questionable boxing. AJ expects a dog fight where McMillen's chaos and pressure could overwhelm Montes.

AJ picks Tommy McMillen, citing his size advantage (6'0" vs 5'7"), reach, and wrestling base. He believes McMillen's submission defense is good (survived a guillotine on Contender Series) and that Montes' boxing is untested. He thinks McMillen will brawl and pull out a win, possibly by KO.

Angelo picks Tommy McMillen, reasoning that Tommy just needs to avoid the clinch and stay long to win, as Alberto Montes' takedowns are not very good. He trusts Tommy's training and believes he can win by striking. He also mentions a clothing sponsor connection but says the pick is based on skills.

Angelo picks Tommy McMillen, comparing Alberto Montes to a past hype train (Joel Alvarez) that he faded correctly. He notes Tommy's toughness and volume, and that the betting line has shifted toward Tommy. He calls it a razor-thin fight and expects a finish either way.

Big Brady picks Alberto Montes by submission, citing his front choke expertise. He believes Montes will find a grappling exchange and lock in a choke. He notes McMillan's poor striking defense and tendency to get into bad positions. He predicts a second-round submission.

Cody likes McMillen's pressure and volume, comparing him to Nate Landwehr. He notes McMillen's wrestling background and durability, and believes his forward pressure will break Montes, who has been rocked before. He sees value at minus 150 compared to other heavy favorites on the card.

Connor picks Montes, noting that McMillan is a 'complete trash fire' with no technique, just aggression and size. He compares McMillan to Roger Bowling, saying he tucks his head and trades. He believes Montes's counter-striking and front headlock series will be effective, and that McMillan's lack of defense will cost him. However, he acknowledges that McMillan's size and aggression could make it a messy fight.

Daniel Levi picks Alberto Montes to upset Tommy McMillen, believing Montes is more technical in all aspects of MMA. He notes McMillen leaves many openings and while McMillen has heart and pace, Montes has cleaner hands and dangerous front chokes. He expects Montes to capitalize on McMillen's defensive lapses.

McMillen was bet on Monday at odds of 1.85 (-118), which the host considers great value. He believes McMillen is slightly better everywhere: tough, durable, high pace, difficult to take down, and a relentless volume striker. Montes is solid but may not match McMillen's aggression and output. The host advises against betting McMillen at current odds of 1.61 (-165) as the value is gone. He also bets over 1.5 rounds at 1.83 for 1 unit.

Lucrative James picks Tommy McMillen to win by knockout, citing McMillen's pressure and cardio advantage as the fight goes later. He notes that Montes looks good early but tends to slow down, and McMillen's submission defense should neutralize Montes's d'arce choke threat. He considers betting McMillen as an underdog but acknowledges the fight is volatile.

The host is not high on either fighter but believes McMillan's grappling can avoid Montes' chokes and that McMillan will dictate the pace on the feet and win by knockout.

McMillen's grappling background should help him neutralize Montes' front choke series, and he can create chaos in the striking realm to find a finish. Montes is a submission-or-bust fighter who may struggle if he can't get a quick tap. McMillen's pressure and durability should lead to a knockout win.

Paul picks McMillen, citing his pressure game and ability to drown opponents before gassing himself. He acknowledges McMillen's mistakes but thinks his pace and wrestling will be too much for Montes, who relies on front headlock submissions. He believes McMillen can avoid bad positions and win.

The MMA Guru picks Tommy McMillan over Alberto Montes, citing McMillan's pressure, size advantage (6'0" vs 5'7"), and superior wrestling. He believes McMillan will wear on Montes and finish him with knees against the cage in round two. He notes McMillan's grit and ability to escape bad positions.

Big Brady picks Alberto Montes over Ricky Turcios. He finds Turcios frustrating to pick, noting his low output and poor striking accuracy. Montes is a front choke specialist with power and submission threats. Brady sees Montes winning by decision or potentially hurting Turcios, who has been getting hurt more often. He trusts Montes to be more active and land bigger shots.

Cody picks Turcios, citing his better wrestling, striking, and experience. He notes Montes is a one-trick pony with the darce choke, and Turcios is hard to submit. He expects Turcios to win a decision, possibly a split.

Connor picks Turcios hesitantly, reasoning that Montes' game is dysfunctional enough that Turcios' chaotic style can compete. He notes that Turcios is tireless and has only been submitted once, while Montes has poor striking defense and may gas out under pressure. However, he acknowledges that Turcios is the smaller, weaker man moving up in weight.

Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Alberto Montes in his UFC debut, praising his disciplined striking and submission ability. He criticizes Ricky Turcios for not evolving and being figured out, and believes Montes will outpoint him without being affected by Turcios's antics.

The host is interested in Turcios as an underdog (+158) but is not confident enough to bet. He notes Montes is more technical everywhere but has little experience and many quick finishes. Turcios is tough, high-paced, and can drag opponents into wars, which could trouble a debutant. However, the host caps Turcios at around 50% and wants a bigger margin; the current odds imply 39%, which is not enough for him. He will wait for weigh-ins.

James picks Alberto Montes, noting that Ricky Turcios lacks power, submission threat, and volume, making it hard for him to win UFC fights. He believes Montes is a better striker with more power and has a dangerous anaconda choke that could submit Turcios. James is not confident but sees Montes as the side with more paths to victory.

Turcios is awkward and scrambly, making it hard for Montes to secure his front choke. Turcios has better striking output and accuracy against a less confident striker. He should survive grappling exchanges and win a decision as an underdog.

Paul agrees with Cody, picking Turcios. He notes Montes' limited offense and Turcios' scrambling ability. He expects Turcios to outwork Montes and win a decision.

The MMA Guru picks Alberto Montes, but hesitantly. He thinks Montes can secure a submission (Anaconda choke) when Turcios shoots for takedowns. He notes Turcios has been skittish since TUF and that Montes, though sloppy, should win.