Jose Henrique

AJ picks Henrique, citing his youth (24), length, and violent striking style. He thinks Henrique's Thai clinch, elbows, and knees will be too much for the older Ding Meng, who he suspects is older than listed. AJ expects a KO win for Henrique, noting Ding's aggressive style plays into Henrique's brawling strengths.

AJ likes Jose Henrique's tricky style, noting he is a Nova Uniao prospect with heavy hands and good elbows. He thinks Henrique's close-range weapons (elbows, knees) will be effective against Meng Ding, who smothers his shots and ends up in the clinch. AJ also questions Meng Ding's age, suspecting he is older than listed. He predicts Henrique finds a finish in a fun fight.

AJ picks Jose Henrique as a slight underdog, citing his Muay Thai edge and close-range violence with knees and elbows. He notes that Ding Meng smothers his shots and has a bad habit of clinching, which plays into Henrique's strengths. AJ predicts a late stoppage, possibly in round three, but acknowledges it's a close fight.

Angelo picks Ding Meng, calling him a 'complete savage' with 28 knockout wins. He believes Jose Henrique is too hittable and that Ding's power and aggression will lead to a finish or high score. He is surprised by the pricing and thinks Ding is a discount.

Angelo is confident that Ding Meng will win, citing his experience, power, and aggressive style. He notes that Henrique relies on wearing opponents down, but Ding is too dangerous and too good a grappler to be caught in that game. He has already placed a half-unit bet on Ding at -115 and expects the line to continue moving.

Angelo picks Ding Meng because he has a ton of experience, is a menace, and is too dangerous. He notes that Ding has 28 knockout wins and is a much larger favorite than the odds suggest. He bet on Ding at minus 115.

Big Brady picks Ding Meng by second-round knockout, expecting a sloppy brawl. He describes Ding as a marauder who comes forward, eats punches, and breaks opponents, with 28 career KOs. He criticizes Henrique's defense, chin, and backing-up style, predicting Henrique gets knocked out brutally.

Cody picks Henrique, citing his youth (24), height (6'3), reach (79 in), and potential. He notes that Ding is a 45-fight veteran who hasn't improved and is only on the card because it's in China. Henrique was supposed to fight a better opponent (Charles Radtke) and has had a full camp. Cody believes Henrique's length and work rate will be too much for Ding.

Connor picks Jose Henrique Sousa because he is bigger than Ding, likes the clinch just as much, and is the more violent athlete. Ding is slow and will put himself in Henrique's comfort range. Connor acknowledges the fight could be awful if both square off, but Henrique is the pick.

Jacob picks Jose Henrique as a slight dog because he likes his length, jab, and knees in the clinch. He notes that Jose doesn't have typical tall guy defense and can sit in the pocket. He thinks the odds are close for a reason and that Jose can keep Ding at bay.

Lucrative James picks Ding Meng on experience, noting his 44 pro fights and ability to weather storms. He thinks Jose Henrique is young and gets hit too much, and despite his power, he can be dragged into wars and has poor defense. He predicts a decision win for Meng, but calls the fight volatile and says he may not bet it unless the under 2.5 rounds line is good.

The host picks Ding Meng, believing his durability and aggressive striking will overwhelm Henrique. He notes Henrique is too hittable and lacks the speed to avoid Ding's power. He expects Ding to crash the pocket and land big shots, leading to a knockout win. He considers minus 125 a steal.

The host picks Ding Meng over Jose Henrique, expecting Meng to put together an aggressive striking game and land big shots, ultimately winning by knockout.

Paul picks Henrique but admits he hates both fighters. He notes Ding's chin issues and Henrique's training with Andre Pederneiras. However, he is not confident and calls it a leap of faith. He thinks both are terrible but sides with Henrique based on potential growth.

The Guru picks Meng Ding over Jose Sousa, favoring Ding's experience and power. He believes Ding's aggressive pocket boxing and knockout power will overwhelm the younger, lanky Sousa, who lacks notable wins. He expects Ding to close the distance and land a knockout shot.

The MMA Guru picks Ding Meng to win by knockout. He is very excited about Ding Meng's signing and believes his aggressive pressure and dirty boxing will overwhelm Jose Henrique, who has poor tall man's defense. He notes Ding Meng's 44 professional fights and his ability to throw down in the pocket.

The Guru sides with Ming's experience and power, expecting a finish from either side. He notes Henrique has a good jab and knees but weaker open-mat takedown defense. Ming has a good kick arsenal and dirty boxing. He admits low confidence and expects someone gets knocked out or submitted.