Misha Cirkunov

Angelo picks Alonzo Menifield, noting his power, takedown defense (83%), and improved cardio. He compares the fight to Johnny Walker vs. Jan Kuntalaba, where the grappler is dangerous but has only one win since 2019. Menifield can win by KO or decision, while Cirkunov likely needs a takedown to win, which may be difficult.

Big Brady picks Misha Cirkunov as a dog to win by first-round submission. He acknowledges Menifield's power and Cirkunov's weak chin, but believes Cirkunov's grappling is elite and that if he gets a takedown, he will finish Menifield quickly. He notes Menifield's ground game is unproven against high-level grapplers. He calls it a striker vs. grappler matchup and sides with the grappler.

Cody picks Menifield by knockout, but is not confident enough to bet. He notes Menifield has power but is a one-round fighter with cardio issues. He thinks Menifield lands a bomb early, but if the fight goes to the ground, Cirkunov has a submission advantage. He wants to see weigh-ins before betting.

Connor also picks Menifield, agreeing that Cirkunov is broken and cannot be trusted. He notes that Menifield can be convinced to quit if hurt, but Cirkunov lacks the dedication to his striking to hurt him. Cirkunov's return to light heavyweight after failing at middleweight only worsens his confidence.

Cirkunov is the more skilled fighter overall, with superior jiu-jitsu and good enough wrestling. His main vulnerability is Menifield's early power, but if he survives the first round, the fight shifts in his favor. Cirkunov is moving back to light heavyweight, which should improve his durability and cardio. The host likes Cirkunov by submission inside the distance or on the moneyline at +180.

Paul leans towards Cirkunov as a dog or passes. He notes Cirkunov has a legitimate path to victory via takedowns and submissions, as Menifield has never faced a pure jiu-jitsu guy. He questions Menifield's cardio and chin, and thinks Cirkunov could control him against the cage or submit him. He mentions Cirkunov by submission at +400.

The MMA Guru picks Alonzo Menifield by first-round KO, stating that Misha Cirkunov is done as a fighter. He notes Cirkunov's brain issues, lack of takedowns, and uncertainty about his weight class. He believes Menifield's power and underrated grappling defense will lead to a finish, though he doubts Menifield will ever be a top contender due to age.

Big Brady picks Misha Cirkunov to win, likely by first-round TKO. He notes Cirkunov is much bigger with a five-inch reach advantage and has very good wrestling and grappling, having submitted legit light heavyweights. He criticizes Turman's striking defense and negative strike differential, and points out that Turman was outgrappled by Carl Roberson. Brady believes Cirkunov can win on the feet or on the mat, and sees Turman's path to victory as unlikely.

Cody picks Turman as an underdog, citing his youth (25), better cardio, and training at Glover Teixeira's gym. He notes Cirkunov's poor striking, declining chin, and inability to get takedowns against Giaco. Cody believes Turman's volume and durability will pay off as Cirkunov fades, and he plans to live-bet Turman if Cirkunov doesn't finish early.

Daniel Levi picks Wellington Turman to edge out a decision. He questions Misha Cirkunov's heart and notes he has folded in tough fights. Levi believes Turman is hungrier and more confident after his last win, and that Cirkunov's best days are behind him. He warns that Turman must avoid getting finished early but expects him to pull away down the stretch.

The host leans with Cirkunov, believing he will be stronger and craftier in grappling exchanges. He expects Cirkunov to land takedowns and assert top position, eventually finding a finish via submission or ground and pound. He notes both fighters have durability and fight IQ issues but favors Cirkunov's jiu-jitsu from the top. His favorite play is 'fight doesn't go to decision' at -190.

Paul leans toward Turman as an underdog, noting both fighters are chinny but Turman has better volume and striking. He parlayed the over 1.5 rounds in this fight with Gegard Mousasi at +128. Paul sees this as a competitive fight that could go either way, but Turman's cardio and youth give him an edge.

Angelo picks Misha Cirkunov, believing he will eventually get a takedown and dominate on the ground. He notes that Cirkunov is a very good grappler with big shots and well-timed takedowns, while Jotko is a fast, athletic striker with 87% takedown defense. However, Angelo thinks Jotko's takedown defense will be tested and that once on the mat, Cirkunov has a huge advantage. He likes Cirkunov in DraftKings at $7,600 and may place a moneyline bet. He also likes the more more monkey knife fight pick.

Big Brady picks Misha Cirkunov to win by first-round submission, liking him as a dog. He notes Cirkunov is coming down from light heavyweight and will be the bigger fighter, with dangerous submission skills. Jotko has only one KO win in eight UFC years and has been submitted before. Cirkunov has fought much better competition (Glover Teixeira, Johnny Walker, Ryan Spann) and though he gets knocked out when he loses, Jotko is not a power puncher. Brady thinks one takedown is all it takes for Cirkunov to finish Jotko on the ground.

Cody picks Jotko, citing Cirkunov's poor chin and tendency to fade after the first round. He notes that Cirkunov is dropping to 185 for the first time, which could be a difficult weight cut. Jotko has good cardio and volume, and if he survives the first round, he should take over. He also mentions that Jotko's grappling has improved and that Cirkunov is a one-round fighter.

Daniel Levi picks Krzysztof Jotko, citing Cirkunov's tendency to fold when adversity hits, while Jotko is durable and has never quit. He notes Cirkunov's dangerous submissions but questions his chin and heart, especially at middleweight after cutting weight. Levi thinks Jotko can outpoint him or possibly knock him out, but he is not fully confident due to Cirkunov's early burst potential.

I think Cirkunov is the better fighter everywhere. Jotko is a point fighter with no finishing ability, while Cirkunov has excellent jiu-jitsu and decent striking. The only concern is Cirkunov's chin at 185, but Jotko doesn't hit hard. I like Cirkunov by submission at +300 or by decision at +550.

Paul leans towards Cirkunov as a dog, but wants to see the weigh-ins first. He notes that Jotko is not a power puncher and that Cirkunov has good grappling and strength. However, he is concerned about Cirkunov's chin and cardio. He suggests that if Cirkunov makes weight comfortably, he could be a live dog.

Big Brady picks Misha Cirkunov, citing his superior wrestling and grappling. He notes that Spann has poor takedown defense (60%) and Cirkunov averages 4.42 takedowns per 15 minutes with 57% accuracy. He expects Cirkunov to get an early takedown and submit Spann in the first round. He also likes the under 1.5 rounds as a bet. He wants to see weigh-ins due to Cirkunov's injury history.

Daniel Levi picks Ryan Spann as a dog, calling it a coin flip. He notes Spann's suspect chin and tendency to get knocked out on takedown attempts, but believes Misha Cirkunov is stiff and predictable. He thinks Spann's speed and power will catch Cirkunov, who has shown no ability to come back from adversity. He acknowledges Spann's inconsistency but prefers the plus money.

Lock leans Cirkunov but has concerns about his chin durability, especially after the Johnny Walker knockout. He notes Spann has solid knockout power, which gives him pause. Lock thinks Cirkunov should be able to get the fight to the ground and work from there, possibly securing a submission. However, he's not sure if he'd bet at -145, indicating hesitation.