Nicolae Negumereanu

Angelo acknowledges that Carlos Ulberg is the far better striker with superior technique and range, but he is concerned about Ulberg's untested takedown defense (only one takedown defended in the UFC). He notes that Negumereanu is incredibly durable, throws heat, and has a backup plan with slamming takedowns. Despite Ulberg's advantages, Angelo picks Negumereanu because he is the more well-rounded MMA fighter and believes Negumereanu's chin and takedowns will be the difference. He admits he is going against his own analysis.

Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg to win by decision. He believes Ulberg is the much better striker, while Negumereanu has terrible striking defense and absorbs many strikes. However, he notes Negumereanu has a great chin and could win if he gets takedowns. He trusts Ulberg's takedown defense due to training with Adesanya, and expects Ulberg to keep it at range and outpoint Negumereanu to a decision, as he doesn't think Ulberg can knock him out.

Cody picks Ulberg by decision, noting that Ulberg is more polished and a better kickboxer. He thinks Ulberg's improvements in footwork and fight IQ will allow him to stay at range and pick apart Negumereanu, who is durable but lacks a standout skill. Cody believes Ulberg's reach and technique will lead to a clear decision win.

Connor picks Negumereanu, noting that Ulberg has poor defense and either fights tentatively or gasses when he goes wild. He points out that Negumereanu is incredibly durable and will pressure Ulberg, forcing him into a brawl. Connor believes that Ulberg's lack of defense and tendency to collapse under pressure will be exploited by Negumereanu's relentless style.

Daniel Levi has a bet on Carlos Ulberg, citing Ulberg's cleaner striking and the fact that Negumereanu gets hit clean in every fight. He notes that Negumereanu relies on toughness and pressure, but Ulberg's counters will be there because Negumereanu comes forward. Levi believes Ulberg learned from his loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu (where he gassed) and will pace himself better. He predicts either a knockout or a clear decision win.

The host sees this as a 50/50 fight with a slight edge to Negumereanu due to his grit, durability, and ability to grind opponents. He notes Ulberg has a striking advantage but questions his comfort in a brawl. Negumereanu's path to victory via grinding and takedowns is more varied than Ulberg's knockout-only path. The host is taking a shot on Negumereanu around plus money.

Paul picks Ulberg, agreeing that Ulberg's striking pedigree and improvements will be key. He notes that Negumereanu is durable but has been outstruck in fights and relies on pressure. Paul thinks Ulberg's reach and technique will allow him to control the fight, and he also likes the over 46.5 significant strikes prop for Ulberg.

The MMA Guru leans towards Carlos Ulberg, noting that Negumereanu's win over Nzechukwu was a robbery and that Ulberg was schooling Nzechukwu before gassing out. He highlights Ulberg's smoother sailing and momentum, but acknowledges Negumereanu's reach advantage and potential takedowns. He predicts a 29-28 decision for Ulberg, expecting him to work back up from takedowns.

Big Brady picks Nicolae Negumereanu to win by decision. He is not impressed with Potieria's padded record and poor competition, while Negumereanu has faced better opposition. He notes both fighters are hittable and reckless, but favors Negumereanu's chin, toughness, and cardio. He expects Potieria to have moments early but fade as the fight goes on.

Cody picks Negumereanu as a dog, citing his UFC experience and wins over real UFC fighters like Kennedy Nzechukwu. He notes that Potieria's record is padded with questionable fights and that he hasn't fought anyone. He thinks Negumereanu is more seasoned and can take punishment, and that Potieria's cardio is suspect. He also mentions that Negumereanu has been working on his wrestling and can implement it once Potieria tires.

Daniel leans Negumereanu, citing his UFC experience, willingness to push the pace, and training at Extreme Couture. He heavily criticizes Potieria's record, noting he fought mostly cans, was dropped by a fat 5'9" heavyweight, and even took an amateur fight in 2019. He thinks Negumereanu's grit and pressure will be too much for Potieria, especially in a deep-water fight. He missed the line at +145 and is now +110, so he passes on betting.

Preet got in on Negumereanu at +125 earlier in the week, citing the padded record of Potieria and the low level of competition he faced. He notes Potieria was dropped by an 'ice cream vendor' and that Negumereanu's durability and grimy style should carry him. He is unsure of the method but happy with the plus money.

Paul leans Negumereanu but is not passionate. He notes that Potieria's record is suspicious with many amateur fights on the same day and possible padding. He thinks Negumereanu is more experienced at a higher level and can take a punch. He also mentions that Potieria has cardio issues and that Negumereanu could take over in later rounds. He says it's a good live betting opportunity.

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 Negumereanu because he has a plan B with takedowns, while Villanueva only has boxing and heart. He notes Negumereanu is incredibly durable, throws with bad intentions, and can force sloppy takedowns. Villanueva's legs were chopped in his last fight and he has no backup. He likes the more/more on the monkey knife fight as his most confident money play.

Big Brady picks Negumereanu as the younger, more durable fighter with a five-inch reach advantage. He notes Villanueva's 11 finish losses and age (37), while Negumereanu has shown next-level toughness. He predicts a second-round knockout, though acknowledges Villanueva's power and toughness.

Cody picks Nicolae Negumereanu, but prefers the inside distance prop at +110. He notes that Ike Villanueva is a one-round fighter who gasses quickly, while Negumereanu has good durability and cardio. Cody believes Negumereanu can survive the first round and then take over, likely finishing Villanueva in the second or third. He emphasizes that Villanueva is the worst fighter in the division and that Negumereanu, despite being low-level, is the better fighter.

Lock picks Negumereanu based on grappling advantage. He notes Villanueva is a boxer with poor cardio and Negumereanu should get the fight to the ground. He expects a finish inside the distance, possibly by ground and pound. He also likes Villanueva by KO as a prop.

Paul picks Negumereanu, calling Villanueva the worst guy in the division. He notes that Negumereanu looked improved in his last fight and that Villanueva is a one-round fighter with poor cardio. Paul believes Negumereanu's durability and pressure will be too much for Villanueva, though he hates the -220 price. He suggests that Negumereanu inside the distance is a good play.

Angelo picks Nicolae Negumereanu, agreeing with Jacob that the odds are flipped. He notes Negumereanu's 100% finish rate and aggressive style, but also acknowledges his lack of head movement and looping shots. He thinks Camur's straight punches could be a problem, but still picks Negumereanu as the underdog. He would not bet on Camur at -240.

Big Brady is not impressed with Camur but thinks he has a massive speed advantage and is the better striker. He is concerned about Camur's takedown defense after being taken down by William Knight. He predicts Camur wins by decision but would not lay -250 on him.

Cody picks Camur, dismissing Negumereanu's inflated record and poor UFC debut. He notes Negumereanu's cardio and wrestling were non-existent, and despite a two-year layoff, he doesn't expect significant improvements. Camur is not great but should win against this level of competition.

Daniel Levi picks Aleksa Camur, but is not confident due to the high price. He notes that Camur has fought better competition, beating Justin Ledet and William Knight, while Negumereanu has faced very low-level opponents. However, he acknowledges that Camur is still green and has holes in his game, and that laying a big price on him is risky. He thinks Camur has more physicality and tools, but is not fully convinced.

Jacob is extremely confident in Negumereanu, calling him the lock of the week. He highlights Negumereanu's suplexes, powerbombs, and 100% finish rate, and questions why he is a +205 underdog. He believes Negumereanu will take Camur down and finish him. He has Negumereanu in his DraftKings lineup at $6,900.

The host picks Aleksa Camur, believing he is the more complete fighter with takedown ability and a solid upside. He notes Negumereanu's sketchy regional competition and long layoff, and expects Camur to grind out a decision by taking the fight to the ground. He thinks Camur will play it safe and avoid Negumereanu's power. He mentions Camur's potential but acknowledges the William Knight loss, though he sees this as a favorable matchup.

Paul picks Camur, agreeing with Cody that Negumereanu is not UFC level. He notes Negumereanu's poor performance against Safarov and long layoff. Paul suggests the over 2.5 rounds as a better play, as both fighters have questionable cardio and finishing ability.