Oban Elliott

Angelo picks Jonathan Micallef, citing his wrestling and ability to land big shots and then shoot takedowns. He notes that Oban Elliott was afraid of power in his last fight and got taken down six times. He likes that Micallef is only minus 150 and says the line moved from dog to favorite, which reassures him.

Big Brady picks the underdog Oban Elliott, believing the market overreacted to his loss against Sung Ho Ko (who is legit). He thinks Elliott is the better striker and wrestler, while Micallef only has a body kick. He expects a decision win for Elliott.

Cody is taking Elliott as a slight underdog, believing he is being undervalued after one loss. He notes that Micallef has a limited striking arsenal and questionable takedown defense. He expects Elliott to use his wrestling and win a decision.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Micallef. He notes that Elliott is a classic neutralizer who feasts on unprincipled strikers, but Micallef is a principled striker who will not get frustrated. Connor believes Micallef's comfort at range and ability to stay proactive will win him the fight.

Daniel Vreeland leans toward Elliott as a dog, believing the market overcorrected after his loss to a legit opponent. He thinks Elliott's takedown defense is solid and that Micallef is overrated. Vreeland sees this as a competitive fight and likes Elliott at plus money.

James picks Micallef, citing his advantage in jiu-jitsu and outside kickboxing. He believes Elliott's wrestling could lead to submissions, and that Micallef's footwork and kicks will win the striking exchanges. James questions Elliott's durability and sees Micallef as the more well-rounded fighter.

Elliott is a well-rounded grappler with good cardio and chain wrestling. Micallef relies on mobile striking and BJJ, but Elliott should be able to shut down his striking and win the grappling exchanges. The host liked Elliott at -120 when the fight was first scheduled, so at +110 he sees value. Elliott is the better scrambler and should get more top time and damage.

Paul disagrees and picks Micallef, citing Elliott's poor performance in his last fight and questionable wrestling. He believes Micallef's length and striking will be enough to win a decision.

The Guru picks Oban Elliott despite acknowledging potential bias as a friend. He cites Elliott's experience, craftiness in scrambles, and ability to mix things up on the feet. He notes Micallef's athleticism and finishing potential but believes Elliott's experience and training camp preparation will lead to a split decision win.

Angelo picks Oban Elliott confidently, noting his well-rounded skills, cardio, and ability to flow. He contrasts Oban's movement with Ko's stiffness and power, predicting that Oban will avoid big shots and win early. He thinks Oban's footwork and range control will be key, and that Ko's lack of setup will be exploited.

Big Brady picks Oban Elliott, the biggest favorite on the card. He notes Elliott has fixed previous chin and cardio issues, is only 27, and trains at a good gym. Brady is not sold on Ko, who had limited footage and a boring Contender Series win. He thinks Elliott will do better work on the feet and can mix in takedowns. He predicts Elliott by decision.

The host acknowledges that Ko will provide resistance, especially if Elliott looks for a takedown-heavy approach. However, he expects Elliott to mix it up well with volume striking and takedown threat to grind out a decision win.

Angelo picks Bassil Hafez as an underdog, liking his pressure, takedowns, and power. He notes that Oban Elliott has good cardio and tools but is not very dangerous and can be taken down. He believes if Hafez's cardio holds up, he wins. He plans to bet on Hafez if the line moves in his favor.

Big Brady picks Oban Elliott but thinks the line is too wide. He notes Elliott's improved takedown defense in his last fight against Preston Parsons and believes he is the cleaner striker. However, he acknowledges that Bassil Hafez has solid wrestling and that Elliott has been taken down by lesser fighters in the past. He predicts a close decision win for Elliott, possibly 29-28.

Cody picks Bassil Hafez, citing his durability and grappling. He notes Hafez was competitive with Jack Madalena and has a strong top game. Cody expects Hafez to neutralize Elliott with takedowns and control, possibly winning a decision. He likes the plus money.

Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Hafez's aggression and willingness to scramble will trouble Elliott. He mentions that Elliott's defensive wrestling and footwork are good, but Hafez's pace and power could overwhelm him. Connor sees it as a close fight but leans toward Hafez.

Daniel Vreeland picks Oban Elliott, expecting him to take over after the first round. He notes Hafez's tendency to gas out and Elliott's improving takedown defense and fight IQ. He acknowledges Hafez's early power but believes Elliott's pace and durability will win him the decision.

Vreeland picks Hafez as his dog, noting he has been fading Oban Elliott from day one. He thinks the plus 200 line is juicy and that Hafez can submit Elliott, who gave up his back to B Woodburn.

Fox does not make a clear pick for this fight. He comments that he doesn't like the Hafez submission prop but does not state his own pick.

The host was impressed by Elliott's pressure approach against Preston Parsons, where he turned the takedowns against Parsons and landed big shots. He expects Elliott to replicate that against Hafez, using his speed and technical striking advantage to win a decision as Hafez slows down in deeper waters.

Paul picks Bassil Hafez, noting the growing plus money and Hafez's durability. He expects a close fight that could go to a split decision, and likes Hafez as an underdog. Paul is waiting for the line to move further before betting.

The MMA Guru picks Oban Elliott, citing his volume striking and underrated grappling. He notes Bassil Hafez looked awful against Mickey Gall and struggled with takedowns. He believes Elliott will out-volume Hafez on the feet and won't be taken down.

Angelo picks Preston Parsons, expecting him to dive for takedowns and either submit or decision Oban Elliott. He notes that Oban is well-rounded but not dangerous, and Parsons has 9 submissions in 11 wins. Angelo acknowledges the fight could be boring but believes Parsons will get the grappling going and win.

Cody picks Preston Parsons, citing his relentless pressure, grappling, and power. He notes that Oban Elliott was taken down by Val Woodburn, which is a red flag, and that Parsons has better wrestling and cardio. Cody believes Parsons can grind out a win or even knock Elliott out.

Daniel picks Modestas Bukauskas inside the distance as his prop. He notes Bukauskas has good takedowns and back-takes from his Cage Warriors days, and expects him to work his grappling. He thinks there's a real chance of a ground-and-pound finish, and the inside distance line at +240 offers value.

Daniel thinks Preston Parsons is more battle-tested and has faced better competition. He notes Oban Elliott is unathletic and boring but tough. He picks Parsons but not confidently, citing potential jet lag and judging issues.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Elliott's takedown defense is questionable and that Parsons' wrestling will be the difference. He mentions that Parsons has a clear game plan and that Elliott's love from the betting market is unwarranted.

Angelo picks Oban Elliott as the more well-rounded fighter who can grind out a decision. He notes that Val Woodburn is dangerous but Oban is the better fighter. He plans to bet Val Woodburn inside the distance decision no action, expecting a refund if Oban wins by decision.

Big Brady picks Oban Elliott to win by third-round submission. He notes Elliott's solid wrestling and grappling, expecting him to wear down Val Woodburn and eventually finish him. He expresses concerns about Elliott's durability, as he has been nearly finished before, but believes Woodburn's lack of tested grappling will be his downfall. He says he wouldn't lay -300 on Elliott but still picks him.

Cody picks Woodburn as a dog, noting his appearance and the fact that he is dropping to 170, which may be a better fit. He admits he has no interest in betting Elliott at -270 and sees Woodburn as a live underdog. He acknowledges it's a pass for him but picks Woodburn for the show.

Daniel Vreeland picks Oban Elliott, believing he will break Woodburn down with his attritional style and cardio. He notes Woodburn is dropping to welterweight and is relatively unknown. He looks forward to fading Elliott in the future but picks him here.

Daniel picks Val Woodburn as a value underdog. He explains that he initially dismissed Woodburn but after watching his regional fights, he was impressed by his strength and cardio. He notes that Woodburn fought up at light heavyweight and manhandled opponents. He criticizes Oban Elliott's Contender Series performance, saying he tired and his wrestling may not hold up. He believes Woodburn's power and clinch work will be decisive and that the -286 price on Elliott is too high.

Jeff picks Oban Elliott, citing his better overall skills and experience. He acknowledges that UK fighters can be overhyped but believes Elliott is the more well-rounded fighter. He is not willing to pay the -286 price, however, and says he won't bet him in real life.

Elliott has experience and grappling advantages. Woodburn is moving down to welterweight for the first time and lacks tools. Elliott grinds out a late finish. The -310 line is too wide, so late-round props are recommended.

Paul picks Elliott, noting his experience on the European regional scene and his win on Contender Series. He questions Woodburn's durability and cardio after his quick KO loss to Bo Nickal. He believes Elliott's wrestling and well-rounded game will be too much for Woodburn.