Omari Akhmedov

Angelo picks Akhmedov, citing his relentless wrestling and physical strength. He notes Tavares has good takedown defense but Akhmedov is a legitimate wrestler who will keep pressing. He expects Akhmedov to win a 29-28 decision. He also plans to bet Tavares +3.5 on the scorecards as a hedge.

Big Brady picks Brad Tavares to win by decision. He favors Tavares' striking and cardio, and notes his excellent takedown defense (79%), as seen against Antonio Carlos Jr. He expects Akhmedov to have some success early but slow down, while Tavares stuffs takedowns and takes over in later rounds. He thinks Tavares will win the last two rounds and cruise to a decision.

Cody picks Tavares, citing his takedown defense and striking advantage. He notes Akhmedov's cardio issues and lack of power. He expects Tavares to win by decision or late finish. He also took Tavares round 3 at 12-1.

Daniel Levi leans toward Brad Tavares. He praises Tavares' takedown defense and balance, which could frustrate Akhmedov and cause him to gas. He notes that Akhmedov hits hard and has been competitive in all his middleweight fights, making the underdog tempting. He thinks the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Tavares, who can point-fight with his jab and leg kicks. He calls it a tough call and mentions that some sharp people are on Tavares.

Jacob also picks Akhmedov, noting his wrestling is different from Antonio Carlos Jr.'s. He thinks Akhmedov will pin Tavares against the fence and work takedowns. He is scared to spend 8600 on Tavares and believes the fight favors the grappler as it goes on.

I like Tavares by decision. He has great takedown defense and better cardio. Akhmedov will try to wrestle, but Tavares should be able to get back to his feet and out-strike him. Akhmedov slows down in later rounds, and Tavares will pull away. I trust Tavares to win a decision, though he might get taken down early. The over 2.5 rounds is also a good parlay piece.

Paul picks Tavares, agreeing with Cody. He notes Tavares' takedown defense and striking, and Akhmedov's cardio issues. He expects Tavares to win by decision.

Big Brady picks Weidman despite his recent losing streak, citing advantages in wrestling, submission game, and reach. He believes Weidman can take Akhmedov down and avoid a brawl, using a smart game plan similar to Stephen Thompson's. However, he is concerned about Weidman's durability and history of getting knocked out. He predicts a decision win for Weidman.

Daniel Levi picks Omari Akhmedov to win, possibly by left hook knockout. He argues that Chris Weidman is 'damaged goods' with five knockout losses in his last six fights, and that Akhmedov has underrated power and durability. Levi dismisses the narrative that Akhmedov gasses in the third round, noting that at middleweight he has shown better cardio and even wobbled Ian Heinisch in the third. He also points out that Weidman's chin is suspect and that Akhmedov's wrestling and pressure will be too much.

Weidman's chin is a major concern after multiple KO losses, and Akhmedov has power even if he lacks finishes on his record. Akhmedov's wrestling is solid and he has cardio to push the pace. Weidman has advantages in striking and size, but if he gets hit, he could go down. Akhmedov by KO in the second round is the pick, but it's a risky bet.