Azamat Bekoev

Angelo is extremely confident in Azamat Bekoev, calling him a bargain at -550 and stating he should be -550,000. He notes Bekoev is well-rounded with powerful strikes and solid takedown defense, while Tresean Gore is inconsistent and has not proven himself at this level. Angelo believes Bekoev dominates everywhere and that Gore has no path to victory.

Big Brady picks Azamat Bekoev by first-round knockout. He criticizes Tresean Gore's striking defense and notes he was knocked out by Cody Brundage and out-struck by Rodolfo Vieira. He expects Bekoev to knock out Gore rather than wrestle, as Gore has good takedown defense.

Cody picks Bekoev but warns against the -650 line, noting Bekoev's cardio issues and Gore's potential to survive early rounds. He expects Bekoev to win if he gets an early KO, but considers live betting Gore.

Connor picks Bekoev confidently, emphasizing that Gore has no confidence or comfort, and panics under pressure. He notes that Bekoev's style of rushing into a tie-up and making the fight miserable will be effective, and that Bekoev is not at a size disadvantage. Gore's record and tendency to lose to anyone who pushes him make this an easy pick.

The host discusses the wide odds, noting Bekoev is a heavy favorite but unplayable due to poor value, while Gore is a tempting underdog but his recent poor performance against Vieira makes him too risky. He concludes that pre-fight betting is not viable, but he will watch for live betting opportunities.

James picks Azamat Bekoev, expecting him to rebound after a loss. He notes Bekoev's wrestling and training with Russian freestyle team, while Gore has been undisciplined and inconsistent. He predicts a decision win, but acknowledges Gore's power and weird fight outcomes make it uncertain. He believes Bekoev's takedowns and control will be the difference.

The host expects Bekoev to win, likely by decision, due to his grappling and improved striking. He notes Gore's takedown defense could make it close, but trusts Bekoev's ability to mix grappling and keep Gore defensive. He advises against betting the heavy chalk or sprinkling on Gore, preferring to pass.

Paul leans towards Bekoev but is wary of the price. He notes Bekoev's power and wrestling defense, but thinks Gore could make it competitive if he survives the first round.

The MMA Guru confidently picks Azamat Bekoev, criticizing Tresean Gore's 6-4 record and questioning why he's still in the UFC. He believes Bekoev's grappling and striking are superior and predicts a TKO finish as Gore lowers his hands after defending takedowns.

Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov (likely referring to Azamat Bekoev) to win, citing his knockout power, wrestling ability, and versatility. He notes that Bekoev is undersized but can dictate where the fight takes place. He dismisses Yousri Belgaroui's kickboxing background, comparing him to Alex Pereira but stating he lacks the takedown defense to keep the fight standing.

Big Brady acknowledges Bekoev's hype and two first-round KOs but has questions about his cardio. He notes Belgaroui's kickboxing background and size advantage but believes Bekoev should resort to wrestling, where he has good control and a sneaky submission game. He sees Bekoev winning by any method but picks a decision.

Cody leans Bekoev, citing his wrestling and power. He notes Belgaroui has poor takedown defense. However, Cody is wary of the price and Belgaroui's striking credentials. He plans to wait for better odds.

Connor picks Bekoev, citing his violent performances and ability to dominate physically. He notes that Belgaroui is a kickboxing convert who lacks MMA wrestling and distance management, and that Bekoev's aggression and takedown threat will be decisive. Connor also mentions Belgaroui's size but doubts his ability to handle pressure.

James views this as a striker vs grappler matchup, with Bekoev's wrestling being the key. He acknowledges Belgaroui's high-level striking and dangerous knees but believes Bekoev will secure takedowns and control the fight. James predicts a decision win for Bekoev.

The host thinks Belgaroui will struggle with Bekoev's wrestling and improved striking. He expects Bekoev to mix things up well and grind Belgaroui down to win on the scorecards.

Paul leans Bekoev, citing his wrestling and power. He notes Belgaroui's grappling is a question mark. However, Paul is cautious about the line and expects it to move. He plans to use Bekoev in parlays sparingly.

The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov (Bekoev) over Yousri Belgaroui. He acknowledges Belgaroui's kickboxing background and training with Alex Pereira but notes his inexperience and poor performance in the Contender Series. He highlights Murzakanov's experience, training at American Top Team, and his first-round finish over Ryan Bader. He predicts Murzakanov will not fear Belgaroui's striking and will mix in grappling and KO blows, finishing by ground and pound in the first or second round.

Angelo believes the fight will come down to who gets the first takedown, as neither fighter is comfortable on their back. He thinks Azamat Bekoev's experience (22 fights) and well-rounded skills give him an edge over Ryan Loder's cautious wrestling approach. He expects Bekoev to time his takedown and win.

Big Brady picks Azamat Bekoev, believing it's a bad matchup for Ryan Loder. He notes that Loder has a wrestling background but often fails to take down opponents worse than Bekoev, and his striking is poor. Bekoev has good takedown defense and get-up ability, and he has the striking advantage and power. Brady expects Bekoev to win by decision, possibly hurting Loder, though Loder has never been knocked out.

Many overlook Loder's wrestling and that Bekoev struggles against grapplers who provide resistance. Loder will shut down Bekoev's grappling, initiate scrambles, and come out on top. I expect a close fight and Loder wins by decision.

Angelo picks Zachary Reese, calling him the better fighter overall. He notes Reese's size, power, and well-rounded skills, while criticizing Cedric Dumas' lack of ground game and reliance on corner instructions. He believes the -260 price is a discount and expects the line to widen further.

Cody picks Zachary Reese as an underdog, citing his size (6'4", 77-inch reach) and well-rounded skills. He notes that Bekoev has been underwhelming in the US and has a split decision win over Dylan Budka, who has struggled in the UFC. Reese has shown good striking, grappling, and cardio in his recent fights. Cody believes Reese's length and submission threat will be problematic for Bekoev, especially if the fight goes to the ground. He plans to watch more tape but leans Reese.

The host notes Bekoev is the LFA middleweight champion making a short-notice UFC debut. If Bekoev can use his wrestling to stay safe early, he should put Reese through the ringer and win on the scorecards.

Paul leans Reese as a dog, noting the size advantage and that Bekoev's win over Budka is not impressive. He mentions that Reese has shown cardio and takedown ability in his last fight. Paul is skeptical of the 'Russian tax' and thinks the line is off. He plans to watch more tape but is leaning towards taking the shot on Reese at plus money.