Ramiz Brahimaj

Angelo picks Punahele Soriano, citing his power, wrestling credentials, and ability to stay safe on top. He acknowledges Ramiz Brahimaj's submission threat but believes Soriano's wrestling and striking will prevail. He notes the line has flipped but remains confident in Soriano.

Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to defeat Punahele Soriano, citing Brahimaj's recent underdog wins and Soriano's poor takedown defense and cardio. He notes Soriano has success early but fades, and Brahimaj is tough and has good submissions. He predicts Brahimaj will survive the early storm, mix in takedowns, and submit Soriano in the second round. He references Soriano's losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and Nick Maximov as evidence of his vulnerability.

Cody thinks Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu and hometown crowd give him an edge. He notes Soriano's inconsistency and cardio issues. He expects Brahimaj to win by submission or decision.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Soriano. He notes that Soriano's recent wins are more trustworthy and indicative of a step forward, while Brahimaj's wins are against fighters with no defense. Connor also mentions that if Court McGee could grind Brahimaj, Soriano can too.

The host leans towards Soriano, noting his advantage on the feet with power and aggression, and his improved cardio since dropping to welterweight. He believes Soriano can outstrike and outgrapple Brahimaj if his gas tank holds up. However, he is not betting because Brahimaj has proven cardio and could make Soriano work hard, and both fighters are evolving, making it difficult to predict which version shows up.

James picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing his superior jiu-jitsu and front choke series. He notes that Soriano's wrestling could put him in danger of submissions, and that Brahimaj is the better striker over 15 minutes. James believes Brahimaj will catch Soriano in a front headlock and submit him.

Brahimaj has improved his cardio and takedown defense since moving to Chicago, and he is more calculated now. Soriano is a power puncher but relies on wrestling to grind out wins, and he doesn't threaten submissions. Brahimaj's grappling defense should be good enough to keep it standing or scramble, and he can catch Soriano in a submission. The under 2.5 rounds also makes sense.

Paul thinks Soriano at 170 is a different beast with better cardio and power. He acknowledges Brahimaj's grappling but thinks Soriano's wrestling and strength will be enough. He calls it a pick'em and leans Soriano.

The MMA Guru picks Punahele Soriano, citing his nasty knockout power, solid chin, and physicality. He believes Soriano won't be lost on the feet and can avoid Brahimaj's guillotine. He notes Brahimaj's wins are over lesser competition and that Soriano has dominated grapplers before. He predicts a TKO finish in round one or two.

Angelo sees this as a grappler vs grappler matchup. He believes Austin Vanderford is the better wrestler, which is the key factor since both have similar jiu-jitsu and striking. He notes that Ramiz Brahimaj can get stuck on his back and that his jiu-jitsu off his back is not as good as on top. He expects Vanderford to get takedowns and control the fight, but is not very confident in a finish.

Big Brady acknowledges that Ramiz Brahimaj is live in the first round, as he typically wins early. However, he believes Vanderford can survive the early storm, extend the fight, and mix in takedowns as the fight goes on. He notes that Brahimaj has slowed down in longer fights and that Vanderford is a good grappler. He predicts Vanderford by decision.

Connor picks Brahimaj hesitantly, noting that while both fighters are similar, Brahimaj will bring an aggressive fight and is more likely to push the pace. He acknowledges that Vanderford is vulnerable and that Brahimaj has power, but admits there is not much to separate them.

The host believes Vanderford will utilize his grappling excellence to stay out of Brahimaj's submission danger and eventually secure a second or third round TKO finish.

The MMA Guru picks Austin Vanderford, believing his size, wrestling, and durability will be too much for Ramiz Brahimaj. He notes Brahimaj's inconsistency and poor performances against solid competition, while Vanderford has shown grit and improving grappling. He predicts a decision win for Vanderford.

Angelo picks Mickey Gall, reasoning that Gall is a good grappler in his own right and a better wrestler than Brahimaj, so Brahimaj won't submit him. He notes that Brahimaj is submission-or-bust and that Gall has raw talent and athleticism. However, he advises against betting on this low-level fight due to Gall's poor recent record.

Big Brady picks Mickey Gall despite calling it a low-level fight. He notes that Ramiz Brahimaj has 10 wins, all by first-round submission, and is 0-5 when he doesn't submit his opponent in the first round. Brady believes Gall has improved striking and better cardio, and that the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Gall. He also mentions Brahimaj's long layoff and poor performance in his last fight, predicting a decision win for Gall.

Cody picks Mickey Gall, arguing Brahimaj is a fraud with poor striking and wrestling. He notes Brahimaj's only wins are against low-level opponents, and Gall has improved and has better striking and comparable grappling. Cody expects Gall to win by decision or TKO.

Connor picks Gall because he thinks Gall is more dynamic and might be able to hurt Brahimaj. He notes that Gall's striking has improved significantly, though he still has many holes. Connor acknowledges that Brahimaj could out-wrestle Gall, but he leans toward Gall's power.

Vreeland picks Brahimaj, noting he has never won a fight without a submission. He believes Brahimaj will submit Mickey Gall, who has good Jiu-Jitsu but Brahimaj's submission game is strong.

Daniel Vreeland reluctantly picks Mickey Gall, citing Brahimaj's poor performances when he doesn't get early submissions. He notes Gall's durability and activity, despite his technical flaws. He acknowledges Brahimaj's submission threat but doubts his ability to execute. He calls it a 'reluctant' pick.

Fox does not make a clear pick for this fight. He mentions Vreeland's pick but does not state his own opinion.

The host acknowledges both fighters are flaky but leans with Gall's overall advantages. He notes Brahimaj is dangerous in grappling but so is Gall, and expects Gall's Viking pressure to eventually break Brahimaj and win on the scorecards.

Paul picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing his BJJ and the plus money. He notes Gall has lost to everyone decent he's faced, and Brahimaj has a chance if he can get the fight to the ground early. Paul is not confident but likes the underdog value.

The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Mickey Gall, despite acknowledging Gall's poor UFC record. He criticizes Ramiz Brahimaj's performances, calling him 'terrible' and noting his ear injury loss to Max Griffin. He expects a close decision win for Gall.

Angelo sees Themba Gorimbo as a distance striker with good takedown defense and now proven power. Ramiz Brahimaj is a submission specialist who has been away for two years and tends to grapple off his back. Angelo thinks Brahimaj will struggle to get past Gorimbo's range and takedown defense, making Gorimbo the clear pick. He may parlay Gorimbo with Piera Rodríguez.

Cody provides a detailed breakdown: Gorimbo has a great story and work ethic, but his grappling defense is a concern. However, Brahimaj is a one-trick pony who relies on first-round submissions and has terrible cardio if he doesn't get them. Cody notes Brahimaj's losses come when he can't secure a takedown, and Gorimbo's cardio and power should take over if he survives the first round. He also mentions live betting Gorimbo if he loses the first round.

Gorimbo is reckless on the feet and has holes in his game. Brahimaj is a slick BJJ specialist who sets up takedowns well and has finishing ability. Both guys have cardio issues, but Brahimaj should find a submission opportunity early. The fight not going to decision is a strong play.

Paul agrees with Cody that the line has moved to a pick 'em for good reason. He notes Gorimbo's cardio and work ethic are his biggest weapons, while Brahimaj has a history of gassing if he doesn't get a first-round submission. Paul believes Gorimbo's improvements at MMA Masters and his raw power make him the play at this price.

Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj has only won by first-round submission and has never won by knockout or decision. He criticizes Gillmore's takedown defense and grappling, saying Gillmore has been finished in all four losses, three by submission. However, he is cautious because Brahimaj is on short notice and has poor cardio if the fight goes past the first round. He calls the -350 line 'terrifying' but believes Brahimaj is the much better fighter.

Cody picks Brahimaj by submission, noting his 9 career wins all by submission and Gillmore's 4 losses all by submission. He believes Brahimaj will take Gillmore down and submit him early, but acknowledges Brahimaj's cardio issues if it goes past the first round. Cody bets Brahimaj by submission at +100.

Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win via first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj's wins are mostly first-round submissions and that Gillmore has a history of getting tapped. Levi acknowledges Brahimaj's confidence may be shaken after two losses, but believes Gillmore is a step down in competition. He expects Brahimaj to get back on track.

The host is very confident in Brahimaj, expecting him to take the fight to the ground with ease and find a submission. He notes that Gillmore has been submitted before and that Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu is more finesse and should lead to a finish. He prefers betting Brahimaj inside the distance at -125 rather than the moneyline.

Paul agrees with Brahimaj by submission, citing the stylistic matchup. He notes Gillmore's poor takedown defense and Brahimaj's wrestling background. Paul is concerned about Brahimaj's cardio but expects a first-round submission.

Angelo picks Brahimaj, citing his world-class jiu-jitsu and the blueprint from Sean Brady's win over McGee. He notes Brahimaj's tendency to strike instead of grapple but expects him to stick to grappling here. He believes Brahimaj will get takedowns and control McGee to a decision win, as McGee is incredibly tough to finish.

Big Brady highlights that Brahimaj has a 100% submission rate but has never been past the first round, while McGee has never been submitted in 30 fights. He expects Brahimaj to slow down after the first round, allowing McGee's cardio and striking to take over. He picks McGee by decision, noting McGee's takedown defense and ability to get back up.

Cody picks Brahimaj, emphasizing his youth, athleticism, and grappling. He notes McGee's skills are outdated and his takedown defense is poor. He expects Brahimaj to win via decision, possibly with a submission attempt. He mentions McGee's cardio but doubts it will be enough.

Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing youth and momentum. He notes that Brahimaj is a beast on the mat when fresh, but has cardio and plan B concerns. Levi believes Brahimaj can finish Court McGee, who is 37 and has shown signs of slowing. He argues that McGee's recent wins are over older opponents and that Brahimaj's talent will shine. Levi expects a statement finish from Brahimaj.

The host favors Court McGee due to his veteran savvy, cardio, and takedown defense. He notes Brahimaj's all-offense style and suspect cardio, expecting McGee to weather an early storm and take over in later rounds. The host highlights McGee's never-submitted record and ability to get back to his feet. He predicts a decision win for McGee, possibly with a late finish if Brahimaj gasses.

Paul leans toward Brahimaj, noting his youth, athleticism, and grappling. He expects Brahimaj to take McGee down and control him. He questions if Brahimaj can maintain pace for three rounds but thinks his submission threat will be enough. He mentions McGee's durability and cardio as potential factors.

Big Brady picks Brahimaj but with hesitation due to his UFC debut where he attempted zero takedowns despite being a great grappler. He notes Brahimaj has finished all his wins by submission and believes if he implements his wrestling, he can submit Palatnikov. However, he is not confident enough to bet because of the debut performance. He predicts a first-round submission.

Cody picks Brahimaj, having already bet him. He notes Brahimaj's grappling credentials and believes he can get the fight to the ground. He acknowledges Brahimaj's poor striking but thinks his cardio and submission threat will be enough.

Brahimaj is a wizard on the ground with a strong submission game, and Palatnikov's takedown defense is questionable. However, Brahimaj's cardio is a concern; if he doesn't get a submission in the first two rounds, Palatnikov could take over in the third. I'm picking Brahimaj by submission in the first or second round, and I like the under 2.5 rounds as a bet.

Paul picks Palatnikov as a dog, citing his striking, body work, and cardio. He questions Brahimaj's ability to get takedowns and believes Palatnikov can keep the fight standing and outpoint him. He notes Palatnikov's training at Extreme Couture.

Big Brady picks Brahimaj despite cardio concerns, noting Brahimaj's strong wrestling and submission threat. He thinks Brahimaj wins the first round decisively but may fade later. He also mentions a potential submission, as Brahimaj has finished all his wins by submission.

Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj to get the upset in his UFC debut. He notes that Brahimaj is a finisher with an explosive takedown style, and Max Griffin has been wobbled often and tends to gas out. Levi thinks Brahimaj can get an early finish on the mat, as Griffin is vulnerable and not showing improvement. However, he acknowledges the risk of Brahimaj gassing if he doesn't finish early.

The host leans toward Max Griffin due to experience and durability, but is not confident enough to bet. He notes Brahimaj's long layoff, cardio issues, and reliance on submissions, while Griffin has never been submitted in the UFC. He predicts a third-round TKO or decision, but says the line is not great.