Nurullo Aliev

Angelo picks Nurullo Aliev, the wrestler, over Shaqueme Rock, a grappler. He believes Aliev's relentless takedowns and control will overwhelm Rock, who overreacts to being hit and may panic under ground-and-pound. Aliev's straightforward wrestling game plan and ability to ride out a decision make him the pick.

Big Brady picks Nurullo Aliev by decision, describing him as a dominant wrestler with top-notch control. He notes Aliev's low finish rate but expects him to take Silva down and win rounds, possibly dropping the third. He predicts a 30-27 or 29-28 decision.

Cody picks Nurullo Aliev confidently, noting his wrestling and control time. He believes Rock is a one-round fighter with poor grappling and cardio. Cody thinks Aliev will take Rock down and hold him there for a boring decision.

Connor picks Aliev as well, noting his impressive debut win over Rafael Alves. He says Aliev's takedowns are messy but he is very physical. He thinks Rock could get to good positions but Aliev's strength and wrestling will dominate. He compares Aliev to Tukugov in terms of athleticism but with a dysfunctional game.

Lucrative James picks Shaqueme Rock as an underdog, citing his dangerous grappling and finishing ability. He believes Rock's aggressive style can catch Aliev early. He notes Aliev's lack of finishing and potential cardio issues. He predicts Rock wins by submission or knockout.

Aliev is a highly touted prospect with excellent wrestling, chain wrestling, and cardio. He scrambles well and has good submission defense. Rock is a BJJ specialist but may struggle with Aliev's wrestling and pressure. Aliev should grind out a decision or find a finish.

Paul picks Nurullo Aliev, citing his wrestling and control time. He notes that Rock has poor takedown defense and cardio. Paul believes Aliev will grind out a decision.

The MMA Guru picks Nurullo Aliev over Shaqueme Rock, acknowledging Rock's talent but believing Aliev is a level above. He notes Aliev's youth (24), time off, and good Contender Series performance. He expects a close 29-28 decision, with Aliev winning scrambles. He admits Rock could pull an upset but goes with Aliev.

Angelo picks Nurullo Aliev, citing his dominant wrestling and effective jab that sets up takedowns. He notes that Aliev's style is reminiscent of Khabib, though without the same accomplishments. Angelo acknowledges that Aliev's opponent, Yanal Ashmoz (likely Joe Solecki), is well-rounded and has been a successful underdog pick in the past, but he believes Aliev's wrestling will be too much. He expects a straightforward win via takedowns and control leading to a decision.

Big Brady sees this as one of the easiest fights on the card. He expects Aliev to get takedowns and control the fight on the ground, while Solecki is content to be on his back and throw up submission attempts. He notes that Solecki has a history of losing minutes and being taken down, as seen in the Dawson fight. Brady predicts Aliev wins by decision, as he is not a finisher but will dominate positionally.

Cody picks Aliev but with low confidence due to the two-year layoff and inflated line. He notes Solecki's submission threat and Aliev's low volume. He advises passing or using Aliev only in deep parlays, calling it a trap line.

Daniel thinks Aliev's grinding Russian style and takedowns will be too much for Solecki, who pulls guard and has cardio concerns on short notice. He notes Solecki's Jiu-Jitsu is a threat early but will fade. He believes the -600 price is justified and picks Aliev confidently.

Aliev's wrestling-heavy approach will keep him safe against Solecki's BJJ black belt, allowing him to grind out a decision win. He hasn't fought since February 2023 due to a leg injury, but his style should neutralize Solecki's grappling.

Paul picks Aliev but is not confident, citing the layoff and Solecki's grappling. He notes Solecki's one-dimensional style but potential to catch a submission. He prefers to pass on this fight.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Alves. He notes that Alves is a very hard fighter to beat because he puts opponents in hard spots, as seen in his fight with Demir Magomedov. He believes Aliev is too unproven and that this is too much too soon for him. He also criticizes the matchmaking, suggesting Aliev should be fighting someone like Carl Deaton instead.