Bryce Mitchell

The host picks Bryce Mitchell but is hesitant, acknowledging that Luna is a solid striker and could win if the fight stays on the feet. However, he believes Mitchell's jiu-jitsu and chain wrestling will be the difference, as Luna's wrestling might not be enough to handle Mitchell's submission sequences. He notes that Mitchell has been preparing for this fight while Luna is on short notice, and that the step up in competition might be too big for Luna.

AJ picks Luna by knockout, viewing him as a bad stylistic matchup for Mitchell. He believes Luna's wrestling base will neutralize Mitchell's takedowns, and Luna's superior striking power and speed will lead to a KO. AJ notes Mitchell's striking hasn't improved and Luna's recent 15-minute fight experience is a plus.

Angelo picks Santiago Luna despite the short notice, believing Luna is the more talented fighter with excellent wrestling, good striking, and solid grappling. He trusts Luna's ability to scramble and defend takedowns. However, he is worried about the short notice, which is why the bet isn't large. He bet on Luna at +155.

Big Brady picks Bryce Mitchell to win by decision, but he is hesitant. He was surprised Mitchell isn't a bigger favorite and notes Luna's impressive takedown defense and wrestling background. He thinks Mitchell needs to take Luna down to win, but it may not be easy. He believes it's a levels fight and Luna is stepping up too soon.

Bryce Mitchell will likely take Santiago Luna down and grind out a decision, as he did against Dan Ige and Saygid. Luna has a knockout win over Quang Le but Mitchell's takedowns should neutralize him. Mitchell's chin is a concern, but he should avoid getting boomed.

Bryce Mitchell is picked because his wrestling and grappling are superior to Santiago Luna's. Luna is a solid boxer but gassed in his last fight and is taking this on short notice. Mitchell's black belt and top pressure should allow him to control the fight, though his chin is a concern. The host expects a unanimous decision or late submission, as Luna may fade.

Mitchell's wrestling and top control are elite, and Luna took the fight on short notice. Luna may have success in the first round, but Mitchell will grind him down with takedowns and win a decision.

Angelo picks Bryce Mitchell but with very low confidence (50.5%). He notes Mitchell's dominant wrestling and submission threat, but worries about his move to 135 lbs and his chin. Said Nurmagomedov has questionable takedown defense but a dangerous guillotine. Angelo will monitor the line and may flip his pick.

Big Brady picks Said Nurmagomedov, favoring his striking and submission threats. He worries about Bryce Mitchell's tendency to put his neck in bad spots when shooting takedowns, and notes Nurmagomedov has nasty front chokes. He believes Mitchell will struggle to hold Nurmagomedov down and predicts a second-round submission via front choke.

Many think Mitchell should grind out Nurmagomedov, but it only takes one mistake for Mitchell to lead to Nurmagomedov snatching up the neck and forcing the tap.

Connor picks Silva, agreeing with Zane that Silva's patient, counter-striking style and knockout power will exploit Mitchell's tendency to make mistakes early. He notes that Mitchell is a crafty grappler who learns in fights, but Silva is adept at waiting for one opening and capitalizing. Connor acknowledges Mitchell could win if he gets takedowns and controls the ground, but Silva's ability to pick out weaknesses without giving much information makes him the favorite.

Daniel Levi praises Jean Silva for destroying Bryce Mitchell, highlighting Silva's physicality, creativity, and willingness to try different techniques. He loved the ninja choke submission and believes Silva can go all the way to the top, citing his striking creativity, athleticism, and submission game.

Lucrative James picks Jean Silva to win, citing his superior striking, angles, and timing. He believes Silva's athleticism and cardio will allow him to get back to his feet if taken down. He thinks Silva will find his reads and land a fight-ending shot, possibly an uppercut or knee, as the fight progresses. He acknowledges Mitchell's grappling threat but doubts he can submit Silva. He expects Silva to win inside the distance, possibly by cutting Mitchell open.

Angelo picks Bryce Mitchell confidently, calling it a 'bum fight' and a gift at -550. He believes Mitchell's wrestling and grappling will overwhelm Kron Gracie, who is one-dimensional and has poor striking. The only concern is Gracie's high-level BJJ, but Angelo thinks Mitchell's control and scrambles will prevail. He expects a dominant win.

Cody picks Mitchell, expecting a clear decision victory. He notes Gracie's inactivity and poor striking, while Mitchell's wrestling and physicality should dominate. He doesn't see Gracie having offensive tools to win.

Connor picks Mitchell because he is a much better wrestler than Gracie, which will likely force the fight to the ground where Mitchell has the advantage. He notes that Mitchell is a resourceful problem-solver with a well-rounded game, while Gracie is erratic and has not fought consistently. Connor hopes for a grappling battle but expects Mitchell to control the fight.

Daniel sees this as a bounce-back spot for Mitchell after his knockout loss. He believes Mitchell's MMA jiu-jitsu and striking (side kicks, distance management) will nullify Gracie's one-dimensional BJJ. He notes Gracie's lack of knockout threat and Mitchell's takedown defense.

Daniel Vreeland picks Bryce Mitchell, questioning Kron Gracie's path to victory. He acknowledges Gracie is better at jiu-jitsu but notes Mitchell is also very good and may be one of the best in the division. He points out Mitchell's poor boxing defense, as seen in losses to Josh Emmett and Giga Chikadze, but argues that Gracie won't beat him on the feet. Since Gracie can't outbox him, Mitchell wins.

Jeff Fox agrees with Mitchell, noting that Mitchell only gets beaten by people who rock him on the feet, which is not what Kron Gracie does. He points out that Gracie looked horrible in his last fight and has been gone forever, making Mitchell the obvious pick.

Lucrative James picks Bryce Mitchell to win by decision, citing his superior MMA grappling and cage wrestling. He notes that Kron Gracie's BJJ is less effective in the Octagon due to cage pressure and strikes. He expects Mitchell to control the fight but not finish, recommending the over 2.5 rounds prop.

Mitchell will take control of this fight by grinding out Gracie from top position or keeping him in uncomfortable positions. Gracie has little to offer other than his jiu-jitsu, so Mitchell will dictate the pace and win on the scorecards.

Paul picks Gracie as a PRP pick, despite acknowledging his flaws. He notes Gracie's world-class jiu-jitsu and potential to catch Mitchell if he shoots takedowns. He questions Mitchell's training camp and chin after the Emmett knockout, making the underdog appealing at +650.

The MMA Guru picks Bryce Mitchell, expressing frustration that Kron Gracie is getting a ranked opponent despite being 0-2 against unranked featherweights. He trusts Mitchell's wrestling defense to avoid being submitted and believes Mitchell's underrated standup will carry him to a 29-28 decision. He expects Gracie might get his back late but Mitchell will escape.

Angelo picks Bryce Mitchell, trusting his wrestling to overcome Josh Emmett's power. He notes that Emmett is older and has abandoned wrestling for knockouts, while Mitchell is a relentless grappler. He has a half-unit bet on Mitchell at -140.

Big Brady picks Josh Emmett as an underdog, citing concerns about Bryce Mitchell's short notice and reliance on relentless wrestling. He notes Emmett's wrestling background and that no one has consistently taken him down and controlled him. Brady highlights Emmett's power (7 consecutive fights with a knockdown) and believes if Mitchell can't get takedowns, he'll get knocked out. He predicts a damage-based decision or knockout for Emmett.

Cody picks Mitchell, arguing that Mitchell's wrestling and physical strength will be too much for Emmett. He notes that Emmett has poor takedown defense and that Mitchell will grind on him, break him down, and secure a finish. Cody also points out that Emmett is 38 and coming off a brutal beating from Ilia Topuria, while Mitchell is a contender on the rise. He expects Mitchell to win inside the distance.

Lucrative James picks Bryce Mitchell, believing he will get takedowns and work from top. He notes that Josh Emmett gets taken down often and gives up his back, and that Emmett is slowing down. He thinks Mitchell's tenacity and youth (29) will be key, and that even on the feet Mitchell can hold his own. He sees this as a spot where the favorite is justified, unlike other fights on the card.

The host believes Mitchell's smothering grappling will be too much for Emmett, who is 38 and coming off a brutal loss to Topuria. He notes that Mitchell can close the distance, initiate the clinch, and bully Emmett to the mat, where he can grind out a decision or find a submission. He acknowledges Emmett's power but thinks Mitchell's durability and ability to avoid clean shots will allow him to implement his game plan. He predicts Mitchell by decision.

Paul picks Emmett at +200, questioning why Mitchell is such a big favorite. He notes that Emmett has power and can make it a tough night for Mitchell if the fight stays standing. He acknowledges Emmett's takedown defense is a concern (46%) but believes Emmett's explosiveness and power give him a chance. Paul is not fully confident but sees value at the underdog price.

Angelo picks Mitchell but with very low confidence. He notes Mitchell's wrestling is dominant and his control is phenomenal, but his personal life is a mess and Dan Ige is a tough, experienced opponent. He is staying away from betting this fight.

Big Brady picks Dan Ige as an underdog, expecting a decision win. He analyzes Ige's past fights against wrestlers (Evalov, Korean Zombie, Bektich) and notes Ige was not controlled for long periods. He believes if Ige keeps the fight standing for at least half the fight, his striking advantage will win rounds. He thinks it could be a split decision based on damage vs control.

Cody picks Bryce Mitchell by decision, citing Mitchell's superior wrestling and physicality. He notes Ige's poor takedown defense (58% in UFC) and that Mitchell has dominated similar opponents. He acknowledges Ige's durability and power but believes Mitchell's game plan of takedowns and control will prevail.

Daniel thinks Mitchell's price is too high at -200 and sees value in Ige as a dog. He notes Ige's confidence is back after two wins, he's physical, and has never been submitted. He questions Mitchell's focus after a bad knockout and personal issues, and points out Mitchell's low striking output and reliance on takedowns. He believes Ige can win a split decision if he avoids extended grappling, and likes the plus money.

Lucrative James sees value on Ige at plus 170, noting Ige's power and takedown defense when fresh. He questions Mitchell's mindset after a loss and possible retirement talk. However, he acknowledges Mitchell could dominate on the ground. He considers a small shot on Ige but is not fully committed.

The host picks Dan Ige as a plus 180 underdog, citing Ige's takedown defense and BJJ black belt to neutralize Mitchell's grappling. He expects Ige to use his crisp boxing to draw out desperation takedowns and angle off, accruing damage on the feet. He notes Mitchell's striking is empty and only sets up takedowns, and that Ige's experience against better grapplers (like Movsar Evloev) prepares him for this.

Paul also picks Mitchell by decision, despite acknowledging Ige's live underdog potential due to Mitchell's injuries and personal issues. He believes Mitchell's takedown entries are sharp and that he will stick to his wrestling game plan. He mentions Ige's durability but thinks Mitchell's wrestling will be the difference.

Angelo is extremely confident Topuria wins, calling him a world-class wrestler from Georgia who can outstrike and outwrestle Mitchell. He compares it to Roman Dolidze vs Jack Hermansson, where the world-class wrestler dominated. He has a moneyline bet on Topuria placed earlier and is shocked Topuria isn't a 9-1 favorite. He believes Mitchell's Arkansas wrestling is no match for Topuria's lifelong Georgian wrestling.

Big Brady slightly leans toward Bryce Mitchell as a dog, citing Mitchell's superior cardio and wrestling. He notes Topuria has shown cardio issues in his only decision win, while Mitchell has improved striking and can push a pace. He expects a back-and-forth war with Mitchell edging out a split decision, but has low confidence.

Cody picks Bryce Mitchell, citing his development, wrestling, durability, and cardio. He thinks Mitchell's pressure and takedowns will be key, and that Topuria's wrestling may not be enough to stop him. He notes Topuria's close fight with Herbert Burns and that Mitchell has better cardio and can take over late. He predicts Mitchell by decision.

Connor picks Mitchell, citing his versatility, wrestling, and ability to take advantage of opportunities. He notes Topuria has a narrow approach and Mitchell has proven he can adapt and take fights where he wants. Connor believes Mitchell's takedowns and top control will be decisive, as Topuria hasn't faced a grappler of Mitchell's caliber.

Daniel Levi picks Ilia Topuria to hand Bryce Mitchell his first loss. He is impressed by Topuria's fast-twitch athleticism, nasty hands, body work, and Greco-Roman wrestling background. Levi notes Topuria's ability to stuff takedowns and his proven heart (coming back from a head kick knockdown). He believes Topuria's athleticism and well-rounded game will be too much for Mitchell, who relies on relentless takedown attempts. Levi acknowledges Mitchell's toughness and top control but thinks Topuria can sprawl and brawl, making Mitchell pay for his shots.

Lock likes Topuria on the moneyline and on PredictionStrike, noting that at -130 and $1.75 on PredictionStrike, there is good value. He acknowledges question marks about Topuria's third round against Yousuff and getting rocked by Jai Herbert, but credits him for battling back from adversity. He believes Topuria has tremendous potential and that the hype is justified, though he needs to prove it. He recommends taking Topuria on PredictionStrike and moneyline, while for Mitchell, he suggests just the moneyline as a dog.

Paul picks Mitchell, noting his intelligence in the fight and ability to pick his spots. He thinks Mitchell's wrestling and submission threat will be a factor, and that Topuria's power and speed are dangerous early. He suggests a Mitchell round 3 prop or live betting, as Mitchell may take over later. He is not fully confident but leans Mitchell.

The MMA Guru picks Ilia Topuria over Bryce Mitchell by first-round TKO via body shots. He respects Mitchell's skills but believes Topuria's boxing is too clean and he will push Mitchell backwards, ripping body shots. He notes Topuria's scrambling ability and submission threats, and thinks Mitchell will struggle to get takedowns. He predicts Topuria finishes him early.

Angelo picks Bryce Mitchell but admits he doesn't love the pick and will root for Barboza. He notes that Mitchell's only path is takedowns and control, and that Barboza has 78% takedown defense. However, he compares it to Khabib vs Barboza where Khabib had success with relentless takedowns. He thinks Mitchell's grappling is good enough to win a decision.

Big Brady picks Bryce Mitchell to win, likely by submission in the third round. He notes that Mitchell's relentless takedown game and top control will be key, as Barboza has historically struggled against wrestlers like Khabib and Kevin Lee. Brady acknowledges Barboza's striking advantage but believes Mitchell will neutralize it by taking him down repeatedly. He mentions that Barboza is 36 and may not keep up with Mitchell's pace. Brady also notes that Mitchell has shown improvement in his grappling, as seen in his wins over Andre Fili and Charles Rosa.

Cody believes Mitchell has the exact style that causes Barboza problems: relentless pressure, wrestling, and grinding. He references the Amir Albazi fight as a template for how to beat Barboza by taking him down and controlling him. Cody acknowledges the striking disparity but trusts Mitchell's wrestling and strength to get the takedowns and avoid Barboza's power.

Daniel Levi is confident in Bryce Mitchell, citing his relentless takedown style. He argues that Mitchell will shoot takedowns from the opening bell and keep shooting until he gets them down, unlike Makwan Amirkhani who backed up. He references Kevin Lee's blueprint of walking Barboza down and taking him down, and notes that Barboza struggled to get back up. He believes Mitchell's composure in the Felder fight (where he was reversed but stayed calm) bodes well. He predicts Mitchell will dominate via ground and pound and win a decision, possibly a submission.

Barboza's striking, especially his leg kicks and power, is something Mitchell hasn't dealt with. Mitchell's path to victory is grappling, but Barboza has solid takedown defense and submission defense. The bigger cage helps Barboza maintain distance. Barboza can win by decision or even knockout if Mitchell gets reckless. The later the fight goes, the more Mitchell might land takedowns, but Barboza's experience should carry him.

Paul is skeptical of Mitchell's competition, noting he has fought low-level opponents and struggled against the one wrestler he faced (Bobby Moffitt). He argues Barboza has fought elite competition and has underrated takedown defense, citing Khabib going 4-for-13. Paul sees this as a coin flip and prefers the plus money on Barboza, believing Mitchell could get lit up if he can't secure takedowns.

Big Brady leans toward Fili as the underdog, believing Fili can stuff takedowns and win on the feet. He acknowledges Mitchell's ground wizardry but thinks Fili's wrestling defense is solid. He predicts a decision win for Fili, possibly with a knockout.

Fili has the striking advantage with a great jab and movement. Mitchell is a grappler who needs takedowns, but Fili has good takedown defense and should keep the fight standing. Fili as a dog at +145 offers value, though his recent grappling defense is untested.

Big Brady picks Bryce Mitchell, citing his youth, size, and overall superiority on the ground and feet. He downplays Rosa's submission win over Manny Bermudez, calling Bermudez a fraud. He thinks the line at minus 175 is a bit wide and sees little value but still expects Mitchell to win.

Daniel Levi slightly leans towards Bryce Mitchell, citing his athleticism and youth. He notes that Mitchell has holes in his game and may fatigue, but Rosa is a finished product who isn't getting better. Levi thinks Mitchell can get the job done by being younger and fresher, possibly with a late finish.