Bryan Battle

Angelo picks Bryan Battle, believing his forward pressure and dirty boxing will frustrate the more technical Randy Brown. He notes Battle's improvements and work ethic, but acknowledges he gets hit a lot. Angelo thinks the clash of styles favors Battle, as he can brawl the boxer. He is monitoring the line movement and may bet if Battle's odds drop to -150.

Cody picks Battle, citing his power and improving skills. He notes Brown's tendency to struggle against pressure fighters and thinks Battle will land big shots. He expects a knockout win for Battle.

Connor is confident in Battle because his new pressure-fighting style is the exact antidote to Randy Brown. He notes that Brown has historically struggled against pressure fighters who are willing to eat shots and counter, as seen in his losses to Jack Della Maddalena and Vicente Luque. Connor believes Battle's aggression, power, and willingness to trade will overwhelm Brown, who tends to hit the fence and fall apart. He also points out that Battle's recent performances show a clear, winning game plan.

Daniel picks Brown as an underdog, citing his experience, reach, and cleaner technique. He believes Battle's competition has been weak and that Brown's length and footwork will be too much. He expects Brown to pick Battle apart.

Battle's aggressiveness in the clinch and grappling will break down Randy Brown and lead to a second or third round finish.

Paul picks Battle, emphasizing his momentum and power. He notes Brown's age and suspect chin, and thinks Battle's pressure will be too much. He expects a finish inside the distance.

The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, citing his volume, hustle, and cardio. He thinks Battle will out-volume Brown on the feet and that Brown lacks takedown threats to mix in. He notes Brown has lost close decisions before and that lesser fighters have made it close with Brown. He predicts a close 29-28 decision, possibly split.

Angelo picks Bryan Battle and has a small bet on him. He highlights Battle's constant forward pressure, tenacity, and improving skills. He notes that Battle never quits, as seen in his loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov. He acknowledges Jousset is good and could slow the pace, plus home territory might affect judging, but believes Battle's pressure and range will get the job done.

Big Brady picks Bryan Battle by decision, citing his toughness, output, sneaky power, and opportunistic grappling. He notes Battle is improving rapidly and has more ways to win. He thinks the striking could be competitive but Battle has the grappling edge.

Cody picks Bryan Battle to win but expresses hesitation, noting that Kevin Jousset is more technical and could be competitive at home in France. He highlights Battle's effective striking, submission grappling, better competition, and ability to fight through adversity. However, he also mentions Jousset's leg kicks and Judo background as potential threats. Cody ultimately leans Battle but is second-guessing his pick.

Cody picks Jousset as a plus-money underdog, highlighting Battle's poor grappling defense. He notes that Battle has been controlled by grapplers like Rinat Fakhretdinov, while Jousset has a strong takedown game and submission threat. Jousset's forward pressure and ability to mix in wrestling should neutralize Battle's counter-striking.

Connor picks Jousset because he believes Jousset's consistent, technical striking from City Kickboxing will allow him to outwork Battle over three rounds. He notes that Battle's counter-punching is dangerous but Jousset's jab and lead hand will be difficult to counter. Connor also points out that Jousset has never been finished and is physically imposing, while Battle's success has come against fighters who fall into his counter game. He sees Jousset controlling the range and winning a decision.

Daniel Vreeland picks Kevin Jousset as a slight underdog. He thinks Jousset has good durability, cardio, and striking, and that Battle can be hit in the clinch. He expects a close fight and sees value in Jousset at plus money, possibly winning by decision.

JP picks Bryan Battle because he thinks Battle is faster, has a reach advantage, and is better on the ground. He notes Jousset is slow and calculated, and once in a negative position, his confidence fades. He predicts Battle will dominate and submit him.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting that if the fight stays standing it's 50/50, but Jousset's wrestling gives him an edge. He believes Battle is overvalued at -175 and that Jousset's grappling advantage makes him a solid underdog pick.

The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle over Kevin Jousset, citing Battle's reach advantage and momentum. He criticizes Jousset's performances, including going to decision with Song Kenan. He believes Battle will finish Jousset and become a mainstay in the welterweight rankings.

Angelo is a big fan of Battle, noting his incredible improvement every fight. He worries that Battle needs to be the better wrestler and may not be able to take Loosa down, and he doesn't see Battle winning a striking match. However, he has blind faith in Battle's rapid improvement and thinks the latest version of Battle, with added improvements, will win. He is monitoring the line before betting.

Big Brady picks Ange Loosa to win by decision as an upset. He thinks Loosa's wrestling and takedown defense will be key, as Battle has poor takedown defense. He expects a close, competitive fight but favors Loosa's ability to mix in takedowns.

Cody sides with the underdog Ange Loosa, citing Bryan Battle's suspect takedown defense (45% overall) and Loosa's improved wrestling. He notes Battle is a good counter puncher but lacks physical strength and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. Loosa has shown volume striking and takedowns in recent fights, which should sway rounds. He sees this as close to 50/50 and likes the plus money.

Lucrative James believes Bryan Battle is the much better fighter overall. He notes that Ange Loosa is durable but lacks technique and grappling strength, and that Battle can scramble if taken down. He sees Battle winning via finish, possibly by submission or head kick, and mentions that Loosa's path to victory is limited to a knockout or three rounds of grappling, which he doubts Loosa has the gas tank for.

The host admits this is the fight he is least confident in picking. He sides with Loosa's explosive power striking and notes that Battle hasn't utilized the style that made him successful at 185 lbs, possibly due to the weight cut to 170. He expects Loosa to be on the front foot, using power punches to keep Battle defensive, and even try grappling where he can hold Battle down. He acknowledges Battle's submission threats but believes Loosa wins on the scorecards.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting Battle's low volume and poor takedown defense. He points out that Loosa has durability and the plus 155 line offers value, as he sees the fight closer to 50/50. He mentions Loosa by decision at +275 as an interesting prop.

Angelo's most confident pick on the card. He notes Battle improves every fight, has great hands, and never stops working. He thinks Fletcher will struggle with Battle's reach and movement, and will make poor decisions like pulling guillotine. He has a 1.5 unit bet on Battle.

Big Brady picks Bryan Battle to win by second-round submission, citing Fletcher's poor cardio and striking defense. He notes Battle has a 10-inch reach advantage and is dangerous on the feet and ground. He expects Fletcher to win the first round with wrestling but fade, allowing Battle to capitalize. He mentions this is a good live betting spot.

Cody picks Bryan Battle, citing his reach advantage (10 inches), volume striking, and ability to fight off his back foot. He acknowledges Fletcher's wrestling and athleticism but notes Battle's takedown defense and counter-striking. He sees Fletcher's path to victory as narrow and prefers Battle's proven skills.

Daniel sees value in Fletcher at plus money, believing the line should be closer to pick'em. He notes Battle backs up and relies on counters, while Fletcher pressures and mixes takedowns. He thinks Fletcher's cardio has been addressed by training at elevation in Colorado. He only needs a close decision to cash, and thinks Fletcher can win rounds with pressure and grappling.

Lucrative James picks Battle but is hesitant due to Fletcher's early wrestling and durability. He notes Fletcher gasses out but stays tough, so Battle may come back late. He doesn't want to lay -200 on a fighter with cardio issues, but expects Battle to win via late finish or decision. He also considers a small bet on Fletcher but ultimately passes.

The host picks Battle to win inside the distance, citing his reach advantage and ability to touch Fletcher from distance with leg kicks and body shots. He expects Battle's cardio and pressure to wear on Fletcher, leading to a late finish (round 2 or 3). He notes Fletcher's power but questions his durability and cardio, and that Fletcher's wins rely on early finishes.

Paul also picks Battle, but sees a path for Fletcher via wrestling and pressure. He notes Battle's 38% takedown defense but believes Battle's best characteristic is fighting moving backwards, which counters Fletcher's forward pressure. He mentions the reach advantage and Battle's experience.

Angelo picks Bryan Battle, noting his constant pressure and improving skills. He says Battle never quit in his last loss and that grinding loss prepared him. He thinks the striking will be even but Battle will have the more dangerous ground game. He bet 0.2 units on Battle at +110.

Big Brady likes Gabriel Green because he has a clear path to victory: taking down Bryan Battle. He notes Battle has poor takedown defense, citing his debut against Urbin and his last fight against Fakhretdinov where he was controlled for 14 minutes. Green is a brown belt in BJJ and has good cardio. Brady expects Green to grind out a decision, as both guys are tough and durable. He thinks the fight is competitive on the feet but Green's wrestling gives him the edge.

Cody picks Battle as an underdog, citing his lateral movement and ability to fight off his back foot. He notes that Green is a grimy forward pressure fighter but lacks cage cutting skills. He expects Battle to win a competitive decision, but worries about Battle's wrestling liability and short notice. He proposes a second Shoei bet.

Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Battle's style is not honed and that Green's constant pressure and tirelessness will create opportunities. He points out that Battle's path to victory is unclear, while Green's game is straightforward and effective. Connor expects Green to control the fight and win.

Daniel Levi slightly leans towards Gabriel Green, citing his work rate, durability, and never-say-die attitude. He notes that Bryan Battle was badly exposed in his last fight, landing only three strikes and being taken down seven times. However, Battle has physical advantages in height and reach. Levi sees this as a close fight but favors Green's pressure and leg kicks.

Battle can utilize his range and height advantage to pick apart Green from distance, mix in takedowns, and wear on him with cardio. Green is a durable, hard-nosed striker but may struggle with Battle's pace and grappling. Battle should pull away late and win by decision, though a Green knockout is a possible hedge.

Paul picks Green, citing Battle's poor wrestling and Green's durability. He notes that Green can take Battle down and control him, and that Battle has been taken down multiple times in past fights. He expects a close competitive fight but leans toward Green. He accepts the second Shoei bet.

The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, noting that he was dealt a bad card in his last fight against a tough opponent. He believes Battle is underrated and can keep up with Green's pace, picking him apart for a 30-27 decision.

Angelo picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, citing that Bryan Battle is stepping up on short notice and facing the toughest opponent of his career. He believes Fakhretdinov's wrestling will be the difference, as Battle has poor takedown accuracy. He acknowledges Battle is a live underdog and plans to look for prop bets on him.

Big Brady picks Bryan Battle as an underdog, citing Fakhretdinov's padded record against low-level competition. He likes Battle's striking, power, opportunistic submission game, and cardio. However, he notes Battle is hittable and has defensive issues, and Fakhretdinov has power. He expects Fakhretdinov to have early success but Battle to wear on him and get a late submission. He needs to see Battle's weight cut to increase confidence.

Cody picks Battle as an underdog, believing his volume and striking can win rounds. He thinks Fakhretdinov's lay-and-pray style may not impress judges. He notes Battle has good takedown defense and cardio. He is not confident but sees value.

Connor picks Fakhretdinov, expecting him to come out dedicated to an ugly wrestling game. He notes Battle is too takedownable and depends on scrambling after bad stuff. He thinks Fakhretdinov's clingy wrestling will be the answer to Battle's volume-based style.

Battle's style, pace, and pressure will cause Fakhretdinov problems, making him work too much and slow down. Battle either finishes in the third or wins a decision. The line moved against the host to +130, but he still likes the matchup. The main question is whether Battle can maintain his cardio at this weight class.

Paul picks Fakhretdinov, noting his wrestling and control. He thinks Battle's takedown defense is not elite and Fakhretdinov will take him down. He is not sure about betting because of judging concerns but picks him.

The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Bryan Battle, disagreeing with the majority picking Battle. He highlights Fakhretdinov's dominant wrestling, citing 14 minutes of control time against Andreas Michailidis and a recent freestyle wrestling match where he made his opponent retire. He notes Battle took the fight on short notice and questions his preparation, suggesting Battle might be looking for a paycheck before Christmas. He believes Fakhretdinov's grappling is a different level and that Battle's takedown defense won't be enough.

Angelo picks Bryan Battle, describing him as a very busy striker with solid volume and head kicks. He notes Battle's grinding style and takedown attempts should earn him a decision win over Sato, who is hittable and lacks head movement. He references his own notes from Battle's previous fight, calling him 'very tough not amazing anywhere but very busy striker.'

Cody also picks Battle, highlighting his long-range kickboxing and ability to avoid takedowns. He notes that Sato's losses come against grapplers, and Battle is not an offensive wrestler. Cody believes Battle will stay at range and outpoint Sato, possibly by decision. He agrees that Battle's takedown total is likely under 2.

Daniel Levi leans Battle but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation, noting Battle's cardio and durability should allow him to break Sato down over time. He warns that Sato has power and could catch Battle, and that laying -270 on an unproven fighter like Battle is not advisable. He prefers Sato as a dog if forced to pick.

Angelo picks Tresean Gore for his heavy hands and relentless wrestling. He notes Gore's pattern of throwing punches and immediately shooting takedowns, which should wear down Battle. Battle has a good ground game but was losing to Urbina before the comeback. Angelo expects Gore to control the fight with pressure and takedowns.

Cody says he has no hard lean and wants no part of this fight. He notes that both fighters are green and raw. He initially thought Gore was the better athlete but now leans slightly towards Battle because of recent activity. However, he is not confident and would rather avoid betting on it.

Daniel Levi picks Tresean Gore, citing his striking, timing, and mindset. He notes Gore has been handling UFC-level fighters in the gym and has a strong amateur background, including wars with Robert Hale. Levi acknowledges Bryan Battle's toughness and durability but believes Gore's shots will be too much for Battle to keep coming forward. He expects Gore to get his first UFC win, possibly by knockout.

Lock of the Night picks Battle as an underdog, citing his superior experience, durability, and grappling. He notes that Gore has limited experience and struggled against lower-level competition. He expects Battle to drown Gore with cardio and finish him in the later rounds. He likes Battle inside the distance at +330.

Paul is leaning towards Battle because he has already made his UFC debut and has recent fight experience. He notes that Gore pulled out of their previous fight and hasn't fought since. He thinks Battle is a tough, scrappy guy who could pull off the upset. However, he is not confident and says he doesn't want much action on this fight.

Angelo picks Battle, citing his striking volume, head kicks, and takedown defense. He notes Urbina lost in the semifinals due to striking and that Battle is the better striker. He placed a 2-unit moneyline bet, which is rare for him.

Cody picks Battle, noting he looks like the bigger middleweight with solid takedown defense and clinch work. He contrasts Urbina's sporadic career and poor performance against Trashon Gore, where he was dropped by jabs. Cody believes Battle's generalist skills and experience from fighting frequently give him the edge, and he expects a decision win.

Jacob reluctantly picks Battle, saying he doesn't think either fighter is very good. He notes Battle was getting outgrappled before finding a D'Arce choke, and Urbina got dropped in his last fight. He expects a sloppy mess but gives Battle the edge due to his ability to get back to his feet.

Lock picks Battle by decision at +210, believing Battle will grind out Urbina over 15 minutes. He notes Battle's grappling and striking progression, and thinks Urbina is tentative and low-volume. Lock is concerned about Battle's power but thinks he can outpoint Urbina. He likes the over 2.5 rounds as well. Lock considered Battle as a potential lock of the night but wants more data.

Paul agrees with Battle, emphasizing that Urbina is the smaller man moving up and has limited skills. He notes Battle's ability to mix striking and wrestling, and that Urbina's chin looked suspect against Gore. Paul thinks Battle is the clear pick and will likely win by decision or TKO.