You Su-young

Angelo picks Elijah Smith but is worried about takedown defense against a relentless wrestler. He notes that Smith is more powerful, faster, and well-rounded, but Su-young's constant takedown threats could be problematic. He thinks Vegas may not reward wrestling, so Smith could win even if taken down multiple times. He is not betting the moneyline but may look at props.

Big Brady picks Elijah Smith to win by decision, believing Smith will stuff takedowns and be the better striker. He acknowledges Smith's takedown defense (57%) is a concern but notes his improved submission defense and ability to battle adversity. He favors Smith's volume, power, and cleaner striking on the feet.

Cody picks Smith, citing his youth, athleticism, and wrestling. He notes Su-young's age and limited ceiling. He expects Smith to win a close decision or get a finish.

Connor also picks Smith, emphasizing that Smith has real physicality and the rumblings of a natural pocket fighter. He notes that You's wrestling is legit but Smith has the physicality to force scrambles and may shut down takedowns. Connor sees Smith's potential as higher.

James picks Elijah Smith to win by decision, but admits he hasn't done enough tape study and is not very confident. He notes Smith's boxing advantage and athleticism but worries about his fight IQ and tendency to engage in grappling. He believes Smith can win if he keeps the fight on the feet.

The host favors Elijah Smith due to his speed, strength, and well-roundedness. He expects Smith to defend Su-young's grappling and keep the fight standing, where his striking combinations and power will be decisive. He predicts Smith will land the more damaging shots and win a decision, noting that Smith's grappling defense and ability to counter leg kicks will be key.

Paul leans Su-young as a dog, citing his experience and ring IQ. He thinks Su-young can exploit Smith's mistakes and win a close decision. He notes the fight is tricky.

The Guru picks Elijah Smith, rating his win over Vince Morales and noting his patience and size advantage (6-inch reach). He thinks Smith's athleticism and ability to go three rounds will overcome Su-young, who has fought close decisions against lesser competition. He predicts a decision, possibly a late TKO.

Angelo is confident in You Su-young, calling him a nonstop wrestler who shoots takedowns early and is aggressive on the ground. He notes that Xiao Long is a grappler but not particularly dangerous, and that You Su-young is better almost everywhere. He expects a grappling match and leans You Su-young regardless of whether it becomes a striking match or a grappling match.

Big Brady picks Xiao Long as an underdog, citing his good defensive wrestling and anti-grappling. He notes that Xiao Long stuffed 7 of 9 takedowns against Chungho Lee, who is a strong grappler, and that Xiao Long is the better striker with improved striking. He believes Su-young Yu will struggle to get takedowns and that Xiao Long will win a decision on the feet.

The host is a big fan of You Su-young but thinks he will struggle to get the fight to the ground. This will allow Xiao Long to dictate the pace in the striking realm with high volume, winning most pocket exchanges. The host predicts Xiao Long will eventually find a knockout within two and a half rounds.

Angelo picks You Su-young over AJ Cunningham. He notes that You is a relentless wrestler who will shoot takedowns constantly, while Cunningham's takedown defense is poor. He sees no value in the moneyline but suggests round line or takedown props.

Big Brady picks You Su-young, noting that AJ Cunningham has taken severe damage in recent fights and is likely not UFC caliber. He describes You as a wrestler with good cardio and slick jiu-jitsu (nicknamed 'Yu Jitsu'), who will take Cunningham down and control him. Brady expects a decision win for You, though he mentions a possible finish if Cunningham's weight cut is tough.

Cody picks Elijah Smith, citing his athleticism and wrestling background. He notes that Kazama has a dangerous submission game but has been knocked down and finished in losses. He believes Smith's power and wrestling will be too much, though he is wary of submission threats. He considers Smith by TKO as a prop.

Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.

The host believes You will utilize his grappling advantage to get the fight to the ground and twist up Cunningham into a pretzel. He expects You to win with relative ease by submission.

Paul also picks Smith, noting that Kazama has been knocked down in all his UFC losses and that Smith has power. He believes Smith will avoid submissions and ground and pound for a finish. He is concerned about Smith's inexperience but still expects a win.

Angelo picks the underdog Baergeng Jieleyisi, noting You Su-young's sloppy wrestling and one-dimensional game. He acknowledges Jieleyisi's long legs make him easy to take down but praises his cross-face and knees on entries. He admits the fight could go either way and won't bet on it.

Big Brady picks You Su-young to win by decision. He emphasizes You's wrestling, averaging six takedowns per 15 minutes in his Road to UFC fights, and believes he will dictate where the fight takes place. He expects a scrambly grappling match that goes to a split decision, similar to You's last fight. Brady thinks Jieleyisi can be taken down and makes mistakes on the mat.

Cody picks the Korean fighter, citing his more refined grappling and experience against tougher competition. He notes that both are grapplers with low volume, but the Korean has fought better opponents and shown more polish. He expects a close split decision and leans toward the Korean due to his strength and clinch work.

Daniel Vreeland considers both fighters low-level but gives the edge to Jieleyisi (referred to as Junal) because he is taller, longer, and has better striking. He notes that Su-young has flashy moves but lacks effectiveness, and Jieleyisi is more well-rounded. He picks Jieleyisi as the underdog to win the Road to UFC.

Paul also leans toward the Korean fighter, noting that Korean fighters generally have solid grappling and physicality. He admits it's a blind pick but trusts the Korean development system. He expects a close decision and sees value in the underdog.