Kennedy Nzechukwu

Cody picks Buchecha, believing his BJJ will be decisive. He notes Nzechukwu's poor grappling and Buchecha's improved conditioning. He expects Buchecha to get a takedown and submit Nzechukwu, liking the submission prop.

Lucrative James picks Marcus Buchecha, citing his elite grappling and the fact that Kennedy Nzechukwu has been submitted multiple times. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's striking advantage but believes Buchecha's takedown ability and submission threat are too strong to ignore. He projects Buchecha as a +120 underdog.

Angelo thinks Valter Walker can close the distance and get the fight to the ground, where his grappling is a problem for Kennedy Nzechukwu. He notes Kennedy can be gunshy and has lost staring contests, while Walker has transformed his body and has back-to-back heel hook finishes. He plans to bet on Walker, monitoring the line movement to find the peak.

Big Brady sees this as a striker vs wrestler matchup. He expects Valter Walker to take Kennedy down early and win the first round, but questions Walker's cardio and striking. He believes Walker will gas out, allowing Kennedy to take over in the second and third rounds. He picks Kennedy by second-round knockout.

The host expects Nzechukwu to make it 3-0 at heavyweight by stuffing Walker's takedowns and outworking him on the feet. He notes that Nzechukwu is not a title contender but should win a decision. The pick is based on Nzechukwu's ability to keep the fight standing and outpoint Walker.

Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, noting he is a massive heavyweight with an 83-inch reach, decent takedown defense, and power. He believes Nzechukwu's physicality and power will overwhelm Brzeski, who is chinny and coming off a knockout loss. Angelo mentions Nzechukwu is not a true heavyweight but looked fine in his last fight. He considers the odds of -500 fair and might include Nzechukwu in a parlay.

Cody picks Nzechukwu, citing his size, reach, and power advantage. He notes Brzeski's poor record and suspect chin. He expects Nzechukwu to win by knockout, though he acknowledges heavyweight volatility.

Connor picks Nzechukwu confidently, noting that Brzeski cannot take shots and has low output. He points out that Nzechukwu is huge and can build into a fight, and that Brzeski does not have the power or volume to hurt him early. Connor believes Nzechukwu's size and durability will be too much for Brzeski.

Daniel picks Nzechukwu, citing his size and skill advantage at heavyweight. He believes Nzechukwu's reach and southpaw stance will be key, and expects a knockout given Brzeski's recent losses. He notes Nzechukwu's improved durability without the weight cut.

Nzechukwu is never really super reliable as a -500 favorite, but I expect him to touch up Brzeski from distance and eventually open up a knockout opportunity for himself in the second or third round.

Paul picks Nzechukwu, citing his physical advantages and Brzeski's lack of skills. He notes Nzechukwu's move to heavyweight and improved comfort. He expects a dominant win, but warns against heavy betting due to heavyweight unpredictability.

The MMA Guru picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing his size, reach advantage, and skill difference on the feet. He thinks Nzechukwu will be bigger and more skilled than Brzeski, who is a smaller heavyweight. He believes Nzechukwu will win and could go far in the division.

Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu but is very hesitant. He notes Kennedy is taller, longer, and had a full camp, but warns that Kennedy 'kind of sucks' and was a massive favorite who lost to an older opponent in his last fight. He advises staying far away from betting on this fight due to the risk.

Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, noting his significant size advantage (6'5" vs 5'9" on paper, but Barnett is likely shorter). He believes Kennedy has many ways to win: knockout, submission, or decision. He acknowledges Kennedy can be inconsistent but cannot pick Barnett. He predicts a second-round submission.

Cody picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing his massive reach and height advantage. He notes that Barnett is old, overweight, and has low volume. Cody believes Nzechukwu's length and striking will keep Barnett at range, and that he will win by knockout in the second round. However, he warns that heavyweight fights are unpredictable.

Connor picks Nzechukwu, agreeing that Barnett is a total mess who can't consistently win rounds. He notes that Nzechukwu has the size to dominate but lacks confidence, but against Barnett, he should be able to use his reach and size to win. Connor is not confident in Nzechukwu long-term but sees this as a favorable matchup.

Daniel Vreeland is taking the huge underdog Chris Barnett. He argues that Nzechukwu has awful cardio, no motivation to come in shape now that he doesn't have to cut weight, and gets knocked out. Barnett is a heavy puncher who has won two of his last three by knockout, and Vreeland sees value at +500.

Daniel Vreeland picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win, citing massive advantages in size, reach, and level of competition. He notes that Barnett does not belong in the UFC and that Nzechukwu can win easily by takedown or striking. Vreeland believes the true price is around -900 and that Nzechukwu is a much worse matchup for Barnett than Junior Tafa.

Jeff Fox is reluctantly picking Nzechukwu, pushed into a corner by Vreeland's strong argument for Barnett. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's cardio issues and lack of motivation but still believes he is better than Barnett's previous opponents. Fox seems uncomfortable with the pick but sticks with Nzechukwu.

Nzechukwu is a big favorite but tough to trust after his last performance. He should keep Barnett at bay and possibly find a finish after the 1.5 round mark. However, minus 700 is a bit too wide for comfort.

Paul picks Nzechukwu, agreeing that Barnett is a freak show fighter past his prime. He notes that Nzechukwu's reach and volume will be too much, and that Barnett's durability is questionable. Paul is confident Nzechukwu wins but avoids betting at heavy odds.

The Guru picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing Barnett's long layoff (over two years), age (38), and questionable conditioning. He believes Nzechukwu's athleticism and range will allow him to pick apart Barnett. He notes Barnett's past fight cancellations and weight issues. The Guru predicts Nzechukwu will win by decision or late finish.

Zane picks Nzechukwu despite his lack of power and confidence, because Barnett is a tiny heavyweight with no real tools besides confidence. Nzechukwu's size and reach will allow him to crowd Barnett and overwhelm him, though he expects a messy fight. Zane notes that Barnett has lost to other former light heavyweights and lacks durability.

Angelo calls this his most confident pick on the card. Nzechukwu is long, powerful, has solid takedown defense, and is never out of a fight, though he can be gun-shy. Saint Preux is 40, has no chin, and is frustratingly low-volume, rarely letting his hands go. Angelo sees no path to victory for Saint Preux outside a Hail Mary bomb, which is unlikely given his low output. He thinks Nzechukwu will win easily.

Big Brady picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win by first-round knockout. He believes OSP is past his prime and not motivated, while Nzechukwu is a big favorite for a reason. He expects a quick finish despite Nzechukwu's history of weird outcomes.

Cody is confident in Kennedy Nzechukwu, believing OSP is completely washed and on his way out. He details OSP's decline: missing weight, looking flat, and being knocked out in recent fights. He acknowledges Kennedy's chin issues but thinks OSP lacks the power to exploit them. He warns against the minus 500 line but still picks Kennedy.

Lucrative James sees Kennedy Nzechukwu as a massive favorite and expects him to finish the fight. He notes that OSP has looked washed recently, with poor cardio and chin, and that Kennedy can knock him out on the feet, with elbows, or in the clinch. He dismisses OSP's chances, stating that the only way OSP wins is if Kennedy makes a huge mistake.

The host notes that Saint Preux is nearing 41 and fighting a young, hungry fighter in Nzechukwu, who should have speed and power advantages. He expects Nzechukwu to light up Saint Preux early and get a TKO, but mentions that the -500 or -700 odds are too much given the weight class and Saint Preux's experience. He still thinks the under 1.5 rounds should come through easily.

Paul also picks Kennedy, echoing that OSP is done. He notes Kennedy's physical advantages (size, speed, reach) and OSP's inability to take punches anymore. He calls it an 'apple pie situation' where fading OSP is tempting but warns about Kennedy's own flaws. He still expects Kennedy to win.

Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu despite acknowledging Dustin Jacoby is the better striker. He notes that Kennedy is bigger, more dangerous, and has fought higher competition. He warns that Kennedy is never out of a fight and can come from behind, but also mentions that Jacoby was dropped in his last fight, which is concerning. Angelo admits he would love Jacoby as an underdog if not for that, but ultimately goes with Kennedy's danger factor.

Big Brady is uncertain but leans toward Nzechukwu. He argues that if Nzechukwu strikes with Jacoby he'll lose, but his path to victory is wrestling. He notes Nzechukwu's takedown defense is good and his grappling has improved, as seen in recent fights. He thinks Nzechukwu can take Jacoby down and control him, especially since Jacoby has been taken down many times before. He predicts a decision win but admits Nzechukwu fights are hard to predict.

Cody leans towards Nzechukwu on the moneyline, but his main interest is a small poke on Kennedy by submission at +950. He believes Kennedy will rely on grappling and can submit Jacoby, who has faced few grapplers. He notes Jacoby's kickboxing base and cardio, but thinks Kennedy's improvements in grappling and size could be decisive.

Daniel Levi leans toward Kennedy Nzechukwu but is not confident. He acknowledges Jacoby's striking credentials and past success, but worries about Jacoby's age (35-36) and potential decline. Levi notes Nzechukwu's physical advantages (7-inch reach, southpaw) and his knack for comebacks, but also his slow starts and durability concerns. He sees this as a dog-or-pass situation and prefers Nzechukwu at the current price, though he would have picked Jacoby two years ago.

James changed his mind after tape. He thinks Nzechukwu is younger, more athletic, and on an upward trajectory while Jacoby is declining. Nzechukwu's height and reach advantage will disrupt Jacoby's outside kickboxing game. He expects Nzechukwu to force pressure, clinch, and possibly finish inside the distance.

Jacoby loves combination striking, leg kicks, and body work. He had a 6-1-1 run until a split decision loss to Khalil Rountree and a bad KO loss. If he can stay safe and not get dropped, he should outpoint Nzechukwu, who is explosive but wears down. Jacoby's durability is a concern, but I'm sticking with Jacoby as a dog shot. He wins by decision.

Paul takes Jacoby at plus money, citing his volume, leg kicks, and takedown defense. He notes Kennedy's suspect cardio and tendency to get rocked, and believes Jacoby can outland him in a kickboxing match. However, he acknowledges Jacoby's fights are often close decisions and only takes him at plus money.

Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, noting his length, power, and ability to come back from behind. He compares this fight to Kennedy's last win where he lost the first round before knocking out Jan Kutulaba. Angelo is hesitant because Kennedy can be a slow starter and gun-shy, which could allow Devin Clark to grind out early rounds. However, he believes Kennedy hits too hard and is never out of a fight, expecting a finish similar to his last performance.

Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, citing his massive size and reach advantages. He notes Nzechukwu is finally putting it together, showing improved grappling and takedown defense. He believes Clark will struggle with the reach and power, and Nzechukwu's get-up game is excellent. He predicts a second-round knockout, as Nzechukwu starts slow but finishes strong.

Cody sees value in Clark at plus money, noting his cardio and cage control are his best weapons. He believes Clark can press Nzechukwu against the fence, use outside trips to take him down, and grind out a win. He points out that Nzechukwu has been taken down by lesser wrestlers and Clark's style is perfectly suited to exploit that.

Connor picks Nzechukwu more confidently, arguing that Nzechukwu has a plan and can use pressure striking and reach, not just clinching. He notes Devin Clark has no technical foundation and relies on physicality, but Nzechukwu can adapt and find moments. Connor acknowledges Clark is tough and strong, but Nzechukwu should be able to outwork him.

The host picks Kennedy Nzechukwu by late first round stoppage. He believes Nzechukwu's improved striking and power will overcome Devin Clark's grappling. He notes Clark's durability issues and expects Nzechukwu to land big shots after a potentially sticky early grappling exchange.

Paul also picks Clark, having bet him at +180. He notes Clark's chin concerns are overblown, as he's shown durability in recent fights. He expects Clark to use his wrestling and pressure to control the fight, similar to his win over Jung. He thinks the line is too wide.

The Guru picks Nzechukwu, citing his size and range advantage over Clark. He believes Nzechukwu will pick at Clark on the feet and land knees as Clark closes distance. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's questionable chin (KO by Dalton Young) but thinks Clark's wrestling won't be effective due to Nzechukwu's size. He predicts a TKO in the later rounds.

Angelo picks Karl Roberson despite Kennedy Nzechukwu's power and reach. He notes Roberson is the better all-around fighter with solid game planning and takedowns against strikers. He worries about Roberson's knockout loss to Khalil Rountree but believes Roberson's clean technique and solid game planning will get it done. He acknowledges Kennedy will be dangerous the entire 15 minutes.

Big Brady picks Kennedy Nzechukwu primarily due to his significant size advantage (4-inch height, 9-inch reach) and superior cardio. He notes that Kennedy is still green and inconsistent, but Karl Roberson's low output, inconsistency, and three-fight skid make him hard to trust. Brady acknowledges that Roberson is more skilled but believes Kennedy's physical attributes and cardio will allow him to do more over three rounds. He expresses low confidence, calling it a borderline '100 gambler fight' and says he won't bet it.

Cody picks Nzechukwu but with low confidence. He notes Nzechukwu has a huge reach advantage but doesn't use it well, and his fights are often sloppy. He thinks Roberson has better kickboxing but terrible ring IQ. He sees this as a low-level fight where either could win.

The host discusses this fight but does not place a bet. He acknowledges that Roberson is technically the better striker and could win if he grapples, but he does not trust Roberson's fight IQ. He mentions that Roberson could win by decision or submission but ultimately does not pull the trigger.

Paul picks Roberson as a dog, noting his striking is more refined and he has better kickboxing. He thinks Roberson's durability could hold up and he might mix in takedowns. However, he's not confident due to Roberson's poor decision-making.

Angelo picks Negumereanu, surprised he is the underdog. He notes Negumereanu has a 100% finish rate since his comeback, is durable, and has power. He criticizes Nzechukwu for being gun shy and losing fights before coming back. He placed a full unit moneyline bet on Negumereanu.

Big Brady hesitantly picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win by decision. He describes the fight as low-level and unpredictable, noting that Nzechukwu typically gets beaten up early before taking over late. Brady points out that Negumereanu has terrible striking defense, but Nzechukwu's path to victory relies on surviving the first round and a half. He admits it's a messy fight and that neither fighter is reliable, but he leans toward Nzechukwu due to his durability and late-round surge.

Cody is not confident but leans Kennedy due to his length, pace, and the fact that Negumereanu's wrestling is not high-level. He notes Kennedy's reach and striking volume should be effective if he can stay on the outside. However, he is concerned about Kennedy's chin after the Jung KO and the possibility of Negumereanu landing a big shot early.

Daniel Levi picks Nicolae Negumereanu to win. He believes Negumereanu has more heart and power, and that Kennedy Nzechukwu is a slow starter who doesn't use his range. He criticizes Nzechukwu's recent performances, noting he took a lot of damage against Ulberg and was knocked out by Da Un Jung. He thinks Negumereanu will come forward aggressively and possibly knock Kennedy out.

Nzechukwu has a significant reach advantage and should be able to keep Negumereanu at range with his striking. Negumereanu's wrestling and cage clinch could be problematic, but Nzechukwu has good takedown defense and will work to get back to his feet. Negumereanu may slow down if his takedowns fail, allowing Nzechukwu to take over late. Nzechukwu via decision or late finish.

Paul sees this as a stay-away fight but leans Kennedy. He notes Negumereanu's wrestling is not good enough to take Kennedy down consistently, and Kennedy should be able to use his reach and volume. However, he is wary of Negumereanu's power and Kennedy's recent KO loss. Paul calls it a dog-or-pass situation and does not have money on it.

Angelo picks Da Woon Jung because Kennedy Nzechukwu has a habit of falling behind on rounds and relying on comeback knockouts, which is not a reliable betting strategy. He notes that Jung has good wrestling and can control the fight with takedowns, similar to his win over William Knight. Angelo believes the odds are fair and mentions a potential prop bet on Kennedy inside the distance for a refund if he loses a decision.

Big Brady picks Da Woon Jung because he believes Kennedy Nzechukwu is a slow starter who relies on opponents gassing out, as seen in his wins over Danilo Marquez and Carlos Oberg. Jung showed a new wrestling wrinkle by taking down William Knight eight times, and his gas tank is solid. Brady thinks Jung can mix in takedowns and won't fade like Nzechukwu's previous opponents, leading to a decision win.

Cody likes Nzechukwu as a dog. He argues that Jung's takedowns came against a much smaller opponent (Knight) and that Nzechukwu's size and reach will make takedowns harder. He notes Nzechukwu's improving cardio and volume, and that Jung struggled against Sam Alvey. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation.

Daniel Levi picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, emphasizing his 83-inch reach and toughness. He believes Nzechukwu's technique is improving and that he will grind out a close decision by winning the second and third rounds. Levi notes that Jung has struggled against lower-level competition and that Nzechukwu has more potential and a higher ceiling.

Jacob picks Kennedy Nzechukwu as an underdog, believing Kennedy's takedown defense will hold up and he will swarm Jung with volume. He acknowledges that Kennedy often falls behind but thinks he can win this fight, possibly inside the distance. Jacob is not very confident but likes the underdog play.

Paul leans toward Jung because of his wrestling. He notes Jung scored eight takedowns against William Knight, though Knight is much smaller. He thinks Jung can get takedowns and control Nzechukwu, but acknowledges Nzechukwu showed improvements in his last fight.

Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing his power, reach advantage, takedown defense, and ability to take a beating and come back. He has a moneyline bet and a bet on over 1.5 rounds because he doesn't see a quick finish. He notes the line flipped from underdog to favorite.

Big Brady picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win by third round KO, citing his excellent takedown defense and get-up game, youth, and cardio advantage. He notes Marques has poor striking and cardio, and relies on takedowns which Nzechukwu can stuff. He expects Nzechukwu to out-strike Marques as the fight goes on and finish him when Marques gasses. He agrees with the line flip.

Cody picks Nzechukwu, believing he has made improvements. He notes Nzechukwu's durability and that he has been training at Fortis MMA. He thinks Nzechukwu's takedown defense has improved and that he can keep the fight standing, where he has a striking advantage. He acknowledges Marques' grinding style but thinks Nzechukwu's size and power will be too much if he stuffs takedowns.

Jacob picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, praising his fight IQ in the last fight where he shelled up and let his opponent gas out. He notes Nzechukwu's takedown defense is very good and his striking is sharp. Jacob has Nzechukwu in his lineup at 8200 and thinks he is great value.

Nzechukwu has much better striking and should stuff takedowns to keep the fight standing. Marques is the worst 2-0 fighter in the UFC with poor striking. Nzechukwu will punish Marques on the feet and likely get a KO in the first or second round. However, Marques has proven me wrong before, so there is some hesitation. Nzechukwu's takedown defense and get-up game are solid.

Paul leans toward Marques as a dog, noting his effective if ugly grinding style. He thinks Marques can scoop up Nzechukwu's lead leg for takedowns and control him on the ground. He mentions Marques by submission or decision as possible plays. He is not confident because Nzechukwu's get-up game looked decent against Stosage.

Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg despite his limited MMA experience (3 fights), citing his kickboxing background and training at City Kickboxing. He criticizes Kennedy Nzechukwu as green and unimpressive, with poor use of reach and low power. He predicts a knockout win for Ulberg but cautions the line is too wide.

Daniel picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win a close decision, citing his athleticism, reach, and improvement after a year and a half off. He is not sold on Carlos Ulberg's full MMA game and believes Nzechukwu can make it a dirty fight and mix in takedowns.

Ulberg has extensive kickboxing background and should have the advantage on the feet. Nzechukwu is athletic but green and robotic in his striking. However, the host has too many question marks about both fighters and advises against betting, though he leans Ulberg by decision.