Tagir Ulanbekov

Angelo picks Tagir Ulanbekov over returning Kyoji Horiguchi. He describes Ulanbekov as a dominant forward wrestler with decent striking, while Horiguchi is older and less athletic. The stylistic matchup favors Ulanbekov, who can get Horiguchi against the cage and drag him down. Angelo expects a dominant win with many takedowns and control.

Big Brady picks Tagir Ulanbekov by decision, citing his size, underrated striking, and grappling advantage over an aging Horiguchi. He expects Ulanbekov to win the grappling exchanges and control the fight, making it frustrating for Horiguchi.

Cody picks Kyoji Horiguchi confidently, noting his superior striking and experience. He believes Horiguchi's ability to scramble and defend takedowns will be key. Cody points out that Ulanbekov has only fought lower-ranked opponents and has struggled against better competition.

Connor picks Horiguchi, relying on his elite athleticism and championship-level experience. He notes that Horiguchi's takedown game and top control are strong, but Ulanbekov's scrambling and submission threats make it risky. Connor acknowledges Ulanbekov's pressure and wrestling could cause problems, but believes Horiguchi's speed and strength will prevail.

Lucrative James picks Tagir Ulanbekov, citing Horiguchi's declining chin and recent knockout losses. He believes Ulanbekov has more power and a better chin. He expects a striking fight where Ulanbekov lands the harder shots, possibly a knockout. He also notes Horiguchi's age (35) and potential deterioration.

Ulanbekov has a smothering wrestling style and a reach advantage. Horiguchi is well-rounded but may struggle with Ulanbekov's pressure and takedowns. Ulanbekov should win a decision by controlling the fight.

Paul picks Kyoji Horiguchi, citing his high-level competition and skills. He notes that Ulanbekov is the weak link of the Khabib team and has been taken down by lesser fighters. Paul believes Horiguchi's striking and scrambling will be too much.

The MMA Guru picks Kyoji Horiguchi over Tagir Ulanbekov, though hesitantly. He notes Horiguchi's experience and wins over Sergio Pettis and Naoki Inoue. He worries about Tagir's size but believes Horiguchi's craftiness and grappling will earn a close 29-28 decision.

Angelo picks Tagir Ulanbekov to win, citing his size, strength, and wrestling from the Khabib camp. He notes that Tagir will be slower but will use his size to drag Azat to the ground. He acknowledges Azat's speed and scrambling ability but thinks Tagir's pressure will be enough. However, he is undecided on using him in fantasy due to his high salary and potential for a low-scoring grind.

Big Brady picks Tagir Ulanbekov, noting he is a huge flyweight with underrated striking, good wrestling, and excellent grappling with long arms and front chokes. He criticizes Maksum's performances against Tyson Nam and Charles Johnson, where he was outlanded and tired. Maksum is taking the fight on short notice. Brady predicts Ulanbekov finishes Maksum in the second or third round by submission, specifically a second-round submission.

The host expects Ulanbekov's grappling to catch up to Maksum by the second round, allowing him to continuously pressure, wear down, and possibly submit Maksum. However, the official prediction is Ulanbekov winning on the scorecards.

Angelo picks Tagir Ulanbekov due to his significant experience advantage (17 fights vs 8) and strong wrestling. He notes that Ulanbekov can be taken down but believes Clayton Carpenter may hesitate, allowing Ulanbekov to impose his game. He warns against betting Ulanbekov at -300, suggesting instead to look for prop bets like Carpenter winning a round.

Cody picks Clayton Carpenter as an underdog, citing Ulanbekov's age (33), inactivity, and injury history. He notes that Ulanbekov has pulled out of seven fights in the UFC and has shown cardio issues. Carpenter is a young, well-rounded prospect with good wrestling and cardio. Cody believes Carpenter can scramble, take Ulanbekov down, and push the pace. He sees value in fading Ulanbekov at flyweight, where the line is too high.

Daniel picks Ulanbekov but is hesitant due to his inactivity and potential weight issues. He notes that Ulanbekov has top-five potential and had a career-best performance against Cody Durden. However, he is concerned that Ulanbekov hasn't fought since 2023 and may have trouble making weight. Daniel thinks Carpenter is a talented young fighter but Ulanbekov is ahead at this point.

Lucrative James does not make a clear winner pick but discusses the over 2.5 rounds prop favorably. He notes both fighters are high-level and unlikely to be finished, though he acknowledges submission upside for Tagir Ulanbekov if he gets the back, and the possibility of a striking exchange leading to a knockout. He leans toward the fight going to decision but does not commit to a side.

The host leans with Ulanbekov because Carpenter is a hot prospect with unknowns in defensive grappling. Ulanbekov may challenge him as no fighter has before. The host expects Ulanbekov to win on the scorecards.

Paul leans Carpenter as a value play. He notes that Ulanbekov's wrestling has not been dominant at flyweight, and he was taken down by Tim Elliott. Carpenter is undefeated and has shown good grappling and cardio. Paul believes if wrestling is negated, the fight is close, and at plus money, Carpenter is worth a shot. He plans to make a play on Carpenter.

Angelo picks Cody Durden as an underdog, citing his pressure wrestling and recent momentum. He notes that both are pressure wrestlers but gives Durden an edge in takedown defense. He plans to monitor line movement before betting.

Big Brady picks Tagir Ulanbekov to win by second-round submission, specifically a guillotine. He notes Durden's tendency to make mistakes on the mat (subbed 3 times in career) and Ulanbekov's nasty guillotine. Brady believes Ulanbekov will get the better of striking exchanges, forcing Durden to wrestle and expose his neck. He recalls Ulanbekov nearly submitting Allan Nascimento, who is a much better grappler than Durden.

Cody picks Durden as an underdog, citing Ulanbekov's age (33), injury history (six fight pullouts), and questionable cardio. He notes that Ulanbekov has struggled against wrestlers and has been taken down by lesser opponents. Cody believes Durden's chain wrestling and improved cardio will allow him to outwork Ulanbekov, especially in a three-round fight. He expects a close decision.

Daniel Vreeland picks Cody Durden as his dog, stating that Durden will out-wrestle Tagir Ulanbekov and win a decision. He believes Durden will do enough grappling to secure the win.

Lucrative James has the least read on this fight. He leans toward Tagir Ulanbekov winning a split decision, but he is not confident. He notes that both fighters have finishing upside but the over 2.5 rounds is at -235, which he considers a horrific price. He is passing on betting this fight.

The host picks Ulanbekov but is not happy with the minus 170 line. He thinks Ulanbekov's best path to victory is via submission, capitalizing on a mistake from Durden. He notes that Durden often shoots desperation takedowns and could get caught in a guillotine. He acknowledges Durden could win minutes with his striking and pressure, but expects Ulanbekov to find a submission. He suggests a small play on the submission prop if the odds are favorable.

Paul picks Ulanbekov, stating that Durden's wrestling-heavy style will be difficult against Ulanbekov's grappling. He notes that Ulanbekov is from the Khabib camp and has solid takedown defense. Paul believes Ulanbekov's skills will be too much for Durden, who relies on wrestling but may struggle against a fellow grappler.

Angelo picks Maness as a heavy underdog, citing his better boxing, takedown defense, and ability to stick to a game plan. He notes Ulanbekov looked bad against Tim Elliott, not wrestling enough and being taken down easily. He considers a half-unit moneyline bet or a +3.5 prop.

Big Brady likes Ulanbekov's grappling and control, expecting him to take Maness down and keep him there. He notes Maness's poor get-up game and the fact that Maness is cutting to flyweight for the first time, which could affect his cardio. However, he is wary of Maness's ability to pull off wins and plans to stay away from betting on this fight.

Cody picks Nate Maness as a live underdog. He notes that Ulanbekov has not looked impressive in the UFC, with close split decisions against Bruno Silva and Alan Nascimento, and a loss to Tim Elliott where he was taken down and outstruck. Maness has shown heart and takedown defense, surviving Tony Gravely's wrestling and knocking him out in the second round. At 125 pounds, Maness may have better takedown defense and striking. Cody thinks Maness can keep the fight standing and land combinations, making Ulanbekov desperate and shooting takedowns. He recommends waiting for weigh-ins to see Maness at 125.

Daniel Levi picks Tagir Ulanbekov, having bet him at -175 for two units. He believes Ulanbekov's grappling and top control will be too much for Nate Maness, who struggles to get up from bottom. He notes Ulanbekov's toughness and recent training with Khabib's team, and expects a dominant performance.

The host is concerned about Ulanbekov's inability to control opponents on the ground and his close fights. He acknowledges Maness's durability and striking power, but thinks Ulanbekov can land enough takedowns and clinch work to win a decision. He is not confident enough to bet at -190 and will stay away.

Paul agrees with Cody, picking Nate Maness as an underdog. He highlights Maness's takedown defense against Johnny Munoz (2 for 16) and Tony Gravely (1 for 6), and his ability to come back from adversity, as seen against Gravely where he broke his jaw and still won. Paul notes that Maness is moving down to 125, which could be an X-factor, as he may be stronger and have better takedown defense. He thinks Maness's striking is superior to Ulanbekov's, and that Ulanbekov's camp may underestimate Maness because Umar Nurmagomedov beat him easily. Paul locks in Maness as an underdog pick.

Angelo picks Ulanbekov but thinks the odds are too wide. He notes Ulanbekov is a dominant wrestler but has been taken down and outstruck in the UFC. He thinks Elliott's experience and jiu-jitsu could make it closer. He would make Ulanbekov a -150 favorite, not -300.

Big Brady picks Tagir Ulanbekov to win by submission in the second or third round. He notes that Ulanbekov is younger, longer, and has good grappling and submission skills. Brady points out that Tim Elliott has been submitted five times and has not beaten a high-level opponent in years. He believes Ulanbekov will win the grappling exchanges and eventually submit Elliott. Brady also mentions that Elliott's best wins are against lower-tier fighters, while Ulanbekov represents a step up.

Cody leans Elliott as a live underdog, noting Ulanbekov has not looked impressive in the UFC and has cardio and top control issues. He thinks Elliott's unorthodox striking and scrambling ability could cause problems. However, he is wary of Elliott's cardio and the 'Dagestan father's plan' narrative, so he calls it a dog-or-pass.

Daniel Levi picks Tagir Ulanbekov to win, possibly by submission. He criticizes Tim Elliott's attitude, cardio, and recent performances. He believes Ulanbekov's relentless takedown style and Dagestani pressure will wear Elliott down. He notes that Elliott has been submitted multiple times and that Ulanbekov has a mounted guillotine threat. He predicts Ulanbekov will submit Elliott or win a dominant decision.

Ulanbekov has good grappling and scrambling, but his fights are often close. Elliott is a tricky veteran who could pull off an upset if he's in shape. Ulanbekov should win most of the grappling exchanges and get top position, but Elliott's hip tosses and awkward style could cause problems. The over 2.5 rounds is a better play than betting Ulanbekov straight.

Paul picks Ulanbekov but expects a dicey fight. He notes Ulanbekov's wrestling is good but his top control is not dominant, and Elliott is tough to hold down. Paul thinks Ulanbekov's takedowns and pace could win rounds, but Elliott's scrambling and volume make it close. He calls it a stay-away but leans Ulanbekov.

Big Brady picks Tagir Ulanbekov to win by decision. He notes that Ulanbekov's wrestling is his bread and butter, with phenomenal control time, and he expects Ulanbekov to take Nascimento down at will. He acknowledges Nascimento is solid but thinks Ulanbekov's wrestling will be the difference, leading to a comfortable decision. He mentions the line of -350 seems a bit off but still picks Ulanbekov.

Cody is hesitant but leans Ulanbekov, noting his excellent wrestling and Dagestani pedigree. However, he acknowledges Ulanbekov looked bad against Bruno Silva and has had many pullouts. He thinks Ulanbekov should win but suggests live betting Nascimento if Ulanbekov gasses. He calls Ulanbekov a potential 'apple pie [__]'.

Daniel slightly leans with Tagir Ulanbekov, but views it as a pass due to the high price. He notes Ulanbekov has been underwhelming and questions his performances. Daniel acknowledges Nascimento's scrambling ability and thinks the fight could be close. He expects Ulanbekov to win a close decision, especially in Abu Dhabi.

Ulanbekov is the better wrestler and scrambles well, likely accruing top control time. Nascimento is a jiu-jitsu guy but Ulanbekov should reverse bad positions. However, the -350 price is too steep until Ulanbekov proves himself in the UFC.

Paul passes, citing Ulanbekov's lack of physicality and poor performance against Bruno Silva. He thinks Ulanbekov is a potential 'apple pie [__]' and doesn't want to lay -400. He sees Nascimento as a live dog but doesn't commit.

Big Brady picks Ulanbekov confidently, citing advantages everywhere: solid striking, very good wrestling, and volume. He expects Ulanbekov to get takedowns at will and win a dominant decision. He notes Silva is a BJJ black belt but believes Ulanbekov can avoid submissions. He includes Ulanbekov in a parlay with Barboza.

Daniel picks Tagir Ulanbekov but acknowledges the line is too wide. He thinks Ulanbekov is one-dimensional with grappling and not a top-tier Russian prospect. He notes that Bruno Silva has fought tough competition and could make it close. However, he believes Ulanbekov's size and wrestling, plus the 'Russian connection' in Abu Dhabi, will edge him the win.

Ulanbekov is a high-level Dagestani wrestler with a strong frame and cardio; Silva fades late and has questionable jiu-jitsu. Ulanbekov will control the fight with takedowns and top pressure, likely winning by decision or late finish.