Caio Machado

Angelo picks Caio Machado as the cleaner fighter with more ways to win. He notes Machado is well-rounded, has volume and footwork, good clinch work, and underrated BJJ. He acknowledges Brendson Ribeiro could come in wild and connect, but outside of that, Machado is the better fighter. He shares a funny anecdote about accidentally messaging Machado instead of another fighter.

Big Brady picks Caio Machado to win by decision. He notes that Ribeiro has poor cardio (about 7.5 minutes of gas) and that Machado, moving down from heavyweight, should have better cardio and volume. Brady thinks Machado can take over as the fight progresses, either by outworking Ribeiro on the feet or by taking him down. He mentions Ribeiro's takedown defense looked awful in his last fight.

Cody picks Caio Machado, noting his improved physique at light heavyweight and his volume striking. He criticizes Ribeiro as a glass cannon with poor cardio and durability, and believes Machado's cardio, volume, and grappling advantage will allow him to outwork Ribeiro. He also mentions Machado's experience and the favorable judging in Canada.

Daniel Vreeland picks Caio Machado to win his light heavyweight debut, despite acknowledging his poor technique. He notes that Brendson Ribeiro has a questionable chin and heart, getting hurt in every fight and covering up when in trouble. Vreeland believes Machado's toughness and willingness to push through adversity will overcome Ribeiro's technical edge, especially since Ribeiro has shown a tendency to quit.

Lucrative James picks Brendson Ribeiro, citing his early finishing upside and Machado's questionable durability. He notes Machado is moving down from heavyweight, which may zap his speed advantage, and that Ribeiro has power to finish early. He also mentions Ribeiro's poor fight IQ and cardio but believes he can get the win.

Machado is going down to light heavyweight for the first time after starting 0-2 in the UFC, but this is a winnable fight where he should have the overall advantage and grind Ribeiro out, winning on the scorecards.

Paul also picks Machado, citing his volume and cardio advantage over Ribeiro, who he sees as a power puncher with questionable durability. He notes that Machado has looked better at light heavyweight and should be able to outwork Ribeiro. He also mentions the over 1.5 rounds prop as a possibility.

Angelo picks the underdog Caio Machado, believing he is the more technical striker with better footwork. He thinks Don'Tale Mayes has one-punch power but will struggle to land big shots, and Mayes' wrestling is not great. He expects Machado to defend takedowns and win a boring, sloppy heavyweight decision. He notes Mayes is a 2-to-1 favorite but favors the dog.

Cody picks Mayes, citing his experience against better competition and his reach advantage. He thinks Mayes' jab and switch-hitting style will be effective, and that Machado's padded record and poor takedown defense will be exposed.

Daniel argues Machado is underrated, citing his striking ratio (7 strikes landed per minute, 2 absorbed) and 82% takedown defense. He calls Mayes one of the worst heavyweights, with poor fight IQ and a history of losing. He thinks Machado will win by wanting it more and having higher output.

Machado will dictate the pace and be on the front foot, pressuring Mayes. Mayes has a history of quitting when faced with resistance. Machado's BJJ and pressure style should cause Mayes issues, and I expect Machado to finish him in the second or third round.

Paul picks Machado, believing his volume striking will edge out Mayes. He notes Machado's youth and potential, but admits Mayes' takedown game could be a problem. He calls it a 50/50 fight and slightly favors Machado.

Angelo has a slight lean towards Mick Parkin because he can wrestle if needed, but he is very hesitant due to the wide odds (-330) and Parkin's unproven status. He notes Machado has more power and volume, and that the odds scare him. He advises passing or taking the underdog.

Big Brady thinks Parkin will stick to the outside and be the better striker across 15 minutes, similar to his fight against Jamal Pogues. He finds the line a bit crazy but believes Parkin is the better fighter and should win a very uneventful heavyweight decision. He's not fully convinced in Parkin yet but expects him to get the job done.

Cody picks Mick Parkin, noting his better striking and wrestling. He acknowledges the heavy price but believes Parkin is more well-rounded. He mentions Machado's low level of competition and suspect cardio. Cody thinks Parkin can win by decision or TKO.

Parkin is a well-rounded heavyweight prospect with good striking output and grappling. He can win on the feet with volume or take the fight to the ground and grind out Machado. Machado has faced low-level competition and has been in trouble before. Parkin wins convincingly by decision, and over 1.5 rounds is a good prop.

Paul picks Parkin but is not enthusiastic due to the price. He notes Machado's weak competition and Parkin's improvement. Paul thinks Parkin is better everywhere but the line is too high for comfort.