Felipe Franco

AJ picks Franco as a live underdog but expresses uncertainty, needing to see weigh-ins. He notes Franco's wrestling advantage but worries about Rodrigues' power and Muay Thai. AJ mentions Rodrigues' past steroid use and questions his post-suspension form.

AJ picks Felipe Franco as an underdog, citing Levi Rodriguez's steroid suspension and questionable cardio off steroids. He believes Franco's grappling is superior and that he can control position, potentially winning by submission or decision. He notes Franco's improvement and youth (25) as factors, and expects the fight to go over 1.5 rounds.

AJ picks Felipe Franco as a live dog, citing Franco's strong grappling and Muay Thai against Levi Rodriguez, who may be diminished off steroids. He worries about Levi's power but believes Franco can outwork him on the ground. He wants to see weigh-ins before betting, as Levi's physique post-suspension is uncertain.

AJ picks Felipe Franco, citing Franco's competitive debut against Mario Pinto and his grappling advantage. He questions Levi Rodriguez's performance off steroids and notes Franco's better jiu-jitsu and wrestling, expecting him to grind out a decision or submission.

Angelo picks the underdog Felipe Franco, citing his durability, power, and wrestling advantage. He thinks Franco can win by wrestling and score well in DFS. He acknowledges Levi's power and takedown defense but expects a sloppy fight where Franco's grappling could be the difference.

Angelo picks Felipe Franco as a dog, citing that Levi Rodrigues Jr. failed a drug test and may not perform without steroids. He notes both fighters are similar but Franco is more well-rounded and will look to wrestle. He advises not to bet on this fight due to unpredictability.

Big Brady hesitantly picks Levi Rodrigues Jr., citing his better striking, power, and cardio compared to Felipe Franco. He notes Franco's poor performance against a common opponent and his lack of grappling. He predicts a first-round knockout, but admits the fight is low level.

Cody picks Rodriguez but prefers a live bet. He thinks Franco will take him down early, testing his takedown defense and cardio. He believes Rodriguez's power could be a factor later if Franco tires. He is not fully sold due to Rodriguez's PED suspension and UFC debut.

Daniel Levi picks Levi Rodrigues Jr. to knock out Felipe Franco, citing Rodrigues' one-hitter-quitter power and speed on the feet. He has questions about Rodrigues' ground game but expects Franco to try to grapple, while Rodrigues has a big edge striking. He notes Franco is dropping to light heavyweight, which is his natural weight class, but still favors Rodrigues' power.

Franco is an underdog at +130, and the host is surprised by these odds. Franco looked decent in his UFC debut against Mario Pinto, showing technical striking, good cardio, and the ability to get back to his feet after being taken down. Rodrigues is a complete unknown with only five pro fights against low-level opponents. The host bets Franco at underdog odds, also taking Franco +3.5 at 2.10 for 2 units.

Lucrative James picks Levi Rodrigues Jr. to win by knockout, but admits he needs more tape study. He notes that Felipe Franco is athletic but has poor skills and was submitted by a low-level opponent. He thinks Rodrigues is the better striker and should have the power advantage, but the fight is volatile and low level.

Franco has untapped potential and has shown improvement in fight IQ since his loss to Freddy Vidal, using his judo and BJJ to control opponents. Rodriguez is undefeated but has faced lower-level competition and has questions about his grappling defense. Franco should be able to mix in takedowns and find a submission, making him a live underdog.

The host believes the underdog Franco will mix his improved striking with his BJJ and judo background to get the fight to the ground and find a submission.

Paul picks Franco as a dog, citing his grappling advantage and cardio improvement. He notes Franco's takedowns against Vidal and durability against Pinto. He thinks Franco can take Rodriguez down and win, but acknowledges volatility and calls it a 'dog or pass'.

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.