Shaqueme Rock

Angelo picks Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady because he was winning his UFC debut until getting clipped, while Shaqueme Rock looked clueless in his debut. He believes Abdul's forward pressure and chaos will run through Rock if Rock is tentative again. He notes the odds are slight and plans to monitor the line, expecting better value if money comes in on the local fighter.

Big Brady picks Shaqueme Rock (Shamrock) in a fight he calls a 'greaser' that he won't bet on. He notes that Rock has poor striking, cardio, and takedown defense but has a dog in him and good grappling. He is concerned about Al-Selwady's two-year layoff, spine injury, and history of being knocked out (four losses by KO). He thinks Rock can win a greasy split decision with hometown cooking, but he's not confident.

Cody also leans toward Rock, citing Al-Selwady's long layoff and injury issues. He sees it as a 50/50 fight but takes the plus money.

Connor picks Shaqueme Rock, agreeing that Al-Selwady is not a great counter puncher and gives opponents too much play. He notes that Rock is more active and comfortable taking the lead, and can initiate scrambles where he is tough to handle. Connor is not very certain but leans Rock.

Daniel picks Al-Selwady, calling Rock one of the worst fighters on the roster. He thinks Al-Selwady is better across the board despite concerns about his chin and inactivity. He expects a unanimous decision win.

Daniel Vreeland picks Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady to win by unanimous decision, but with low confidence. He believes Al-Selwady is more skilled across the board, but has concerns about his chin and inactivity. He thinks Rock is one of the worst fighters on the roster.

Al-Selwady is better everywhere than Rock, but inactivity and Rock's home advantage are concerns. On neutral territory, it's a no-brainer, but the crowd could sway close rounds. Still tempting at even money.

James picks Shaqueme Rock but is not confident, calling it a close fight. He thinks Rock's cardio, durability, and jiu-jitsu could be key, but Al-Selwady's jab and wrestling are threats. He wants to do more tape study.

The host picks Shaqueme Rock by decision. He believes Rock's reach advantage and better gas tank will allow him to land damage from distance and mix in grappling. He notes Al-Selwady's long layoff and spine injury as concerns, and expects Rock to control the fight and win on the scorecards.

Paul reluctantly picks Rock as the slight underdog, noting both fighters are flawed but Rock has less ring rust and injury history.

The MMA Guru picks Shaqueme Rock to win by submission in the first or second round. He notes Rock is a rangy lightweight with good back-taking ability and grappling, while Al-Selwady has been inactive for two years due to injuries and tends to let fights happen to him. He expects Rock to pressure and find a rear-naked choke.

Angelo picks Nurullo Aliev, the wrestler, over Shaqueme Rock, a grappler. He believes Aliev's relentless takedowns and control will overwhelm Rock, who overreacts to being hit and may panic under ground-and-pound. Aliev's straightforward wrestling game plan and ability to ride out a decision make him the pick.

Big Brady picks Nurullo Aliev by decision, describing him as a dominant wrestler with top-notch control. He notes Aliev's low finish rate but expects him to take Silva down and win rounds, possibly dropping the third. He predicts a 30-27 or 29-28 decision.

Cody picks Nurullo Aliev confidently, noting his wrestling and control time. He believes Rock is a one-round fighter with poor grappling and cardio. Cody thinks Aliev will take Rock down and hold him there for a boring decision.

Connor picks Aliev as well, noting his impressive debut win over Rafael Alves. He says Aliev's takedowns are messy but he is very physical. He thinks Rock could get to good positions but Aliev's strength and wrestling will dominate. He compares Aliev to Tukugov in terms of athleticism but with a dysfunctional game.

Lucrative James picks Shaqueme Rock as an underdog, citing his dangerous grappling and finishing ability. He believes Rock's aggressive style can catch Aliev early. He notes Aliev's lack of finishing and potential cardio issues. He predicts Rock wins by submission or knockout.

Aliev is a highly touted prospect with excellent wrestling, chain wrestling, and cardio. He scrambles well and has good submission defense. Rock is a BJJ specialist but may struggle with Aliev's wrestling and pressure. Aliev should grind out a decision or find a finish.

Paul picks Nurullo Aliev, citing his wrestling and control time. He notes that Rock has poor takedown defense and cardio. Paul believes Aliev will grind out a decision.

The MMA Guru picks Nurullo Aliev over Shaqueme Rock, acknowledging Rock's talent but believing Aliev is a level above. He notes Aliev's youth (24), time off, and good Contender Series performance. He expects a close 29-28 decision, with Aliev winning scrambles. He admits Rock could pull an upset but goes with Aliev.