Yousri Belgaroui

Angelo picks Yorgan De Castro (Yousri Belgaroui) after previously making the mistake of picking a powerful wrestler against him. He trusts De Castro's range management and striking, and notes that Mansour has looked vulnerable in past fights. He believes De Castro can win if his takedown defense holds up.

Big Brady picks Yousri Belgaroui to win by decision. He criticizes Mansur Abdul-Malik's lack of urgency and poor striking defense, noting he gets out-landed at distance by lesser opponents. He believes Belgaroui has a good chin and will outwork Malik over 15 minutes. He also mentions the over 1.5 rounds prop because Malik often does nothing early.

Cody picks Belgaroui, citing his improvement, reach advantage, and superior kickboxing. He doubts Abdul-Malik's wrestling will be effective and believes Belgaroui can outpoint him.

Connor picks Belgaroui, impressed by his debut where he used an active jab to control Bekelev. He notes that Belgaroui's kickboxing technique is consistent and can fence off opponents, while Abdul-Malik is low output and sporadic, looking for a moment. However, he acknowledges Abdul-Malik's special athleticism and reach, and that Belgaroui still takes shots and gives openings under pressure.

Daniel believes Abdul-Malik is a freak athlete with one-shot KO power and D1 wrestling. He thinks Belgaroui will engage, giving Abdul-Malik openings to land big shots and regain his hype.

The host gives Abdul-Malik a 65-70% chance to win, citing his explosive power and Belgaroui's defensive vulnerabilities. Belgaroui is a technical counter striker but is hittable and has a 'giraffe neck' that makes him susceptible to knockouts. Abdul-Malik's speed and power should allow him to land big shots, and he may also have success with wrestling. The host is not super confident but sees value at -134.

The host believes Belgaroui's technical striking and improved takedown defense will be key. He expects Belgaroui to use his reach and jab to pick apart Abdul-Malik, who may struggle with cardio if he can't dictate the pace. He notes the line movement towards Belgaroui and sees him winning by decision.

Paul leans Abdul-Malik, thinking his wrestling and physicality will be the difference. He's hesitant due to Abdul-Malik's inconsistent wrestling usage.

The MMA Guru picks Yousri Belgaroui, expressing surprise that he is an underdog. He believes Belgaroui's kickboxing pedigree and recent performance against Boev show he is levels above Abdul-Malik's previous competition. He notes Abdul-Malik's wins are over lower-tier opponents and that Belgaroui's takedown defense and striking will be too much. He predicts a TKO in the second or third round.

Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov (likely referring to Azamat Bekoev) to win, citing his knockout power, wrestling ability, and versatility. He notes that Bekoev is undersized but can dictate where the fight takes place. He dismisses Yousri Belgaroui's kickboxing background, comparing him to Alex Pereira but stating he lacks the takedown defense to keep the fight standing.

Big Brady acknowledges Bekoev's hype and two first-round KOs but has questions about his cardio. He notes Belgaroui's kickboxing background and size advantage but believes Bekoev should resort to wrestling, where he has good control and a sneaky submission game. He sees Bekoev winning by any method but picks a decision.

Cody leans Bekoev, citing his wrestling and power. He notes Belgaroui has poor takedown defense. However, Cody is wary of the price and Belgaroui's striking credentials. He plans to wait for better odds.

Connor picks Bekoev, citing his violent performances and ability to dominate physically. He notes that Belgaroui is a kickboxing convert who lacks MMA wrestling and distance management, and that Bekoev's aggression and takedown threat will be decisive. Connor also mentions Belgaroui's size but doubts his ability to handle pressure.

James views this as a striker vs grappler matchup, with Bekoev's wrestling being the key. He acknowledges Belgaroui's high-level striking and dangerous knees but believes Bekoev will secure takedowns and control the fight. James predicts a decision win for Bekoev.

The host thinks Belgaroui will struggle with Bekoev's wrestling and improved striking. He expects Bekoev to mix things up well and grind Belgaroui down to win on the scorecards.

Paul leans Bekoev, citing his wrestling and power. He notes Belgaroui's grappling is a question mark. However, Paul is cautious about the line and expects it to move. He plans to use Bekoev in parlays sparingly.

The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov (Bekoev) over Yousri Belgaroui. He acknowledges Belgaroui's kickboxing background and training with Alex Pereira but notes his inexperience and poor performance in the Contender Series. He highlights Murzakanov's experience, training at American Top Team, and his first-round finish over Ryan Bader. He predicts Murzakanov will not fear Belgaroui's striking and will mix in grappling and KO blows, finishing by ground and pound in the first or second round.