Chad Anheliger

Angelo picks Cody Gibson because he thinks Gibson can control the striking range and sneak in a few takedowns. He notes Chad Anheliger was taken down four times in his last fight but still won, and suggests a plus 3.5 round spread bet on Chad as a dog. He sees this as a close fight that could be 29-28 type, so the spread is appealing.

Big Brady picks Cody Gibson to win by second-round submission. He notes Gibson's size and reach advantages, and that Anheliger has poor takedown defense (42%) and has been submitted six times. Brady expects Gibson to mix in takedowns and eventually work to a submission, citing that Jose Johnson outgrappled Anheliger in his last fight.

Cody picks Cody Gibson, citing his size, reach, wrestling, and experience. He notes that Anheliger is smaller and older, and relies on grit but lacks the physical tools to compete with Gibson. He believes Gibson's striking and wrestling will be too much, and that Anheliger's path to victory is limited.

Daniel Vreeland picks Cody Gibson, citing his physicality and size advantage over Chad Anheliger, who is notably smaller (5'4" reach). He respects Anheliger's skills and toughness but believes Gibson's physicality will bully him. Vreeland notes that Anheliger has not been finished in the UFC but expects Gibson to out-hustle him and win a decision.

Gibson is a much better and more experienced version of Anheliger, utilizing solid boxing and slick combination striking, and his wrestling should be the X-factor, keeping Anheliger on the defensive and allowing Gibson to win on the scorecards.

Paul agrees, noting Gibson's size advantage and higher level of competition. He believes Anheliger's grit won't be enough against a bigger, more skilled opponent. He expects Gibson to win a competitive decision or late stoppage.

Angelo notes that Anheliger has solid BJJ and power but his takedown defense has failed him repeatedly in the UFC, giving up 10 takedowns in four fights. Grigoriou is a powerful striker with heavy leg kicks and can also grapple with big takedowns and heavy top pressure. He believes Grigoriou's wrestling can bail him out if he gets into trouble on the feet. Despite being a heavy favorite, Angelo thinks Grigoriou will earn the price tag.

Big Brady picks Chad Anheliger to win by knockout in the third round. He notes that Anheliger is a dog with three-round cardio and hits hard, while Grigoriou can be low volume and has suspect cardio. However, he is not confident enough to bet on it.

Cody picks Charalampos Grigoriou, citing his youth (six years younger) and full camp. He notes Anheliger is 37, undersized at 135, and on a short-notice replacement with injuries. He thinks Grigoriou's striking and durability will edge out Anheliger, though Anheliger could catch him.

The host notes that both fighters have similar skill sets but gives the edge to Grigoriou due to his speed, explosiveness, and power advantage. He expects Grigoriou to land the more damaging blows from distance and win on the scorecards, though he acknowledges Anheliger's durability and good chin could make it difficult to finish.

Paul also picks Grigoriou, though he admits he doesn't know much about him. He notes Anheliger hasn't impressed and is likely on his way out. He passes on betting but leans Grigoriou.

Angelo leans towards Chad Anheliger as a slight underdog, expecting him to power his way inside and land meaningful shots. He notes Jose Johnson has a reach and clinch advantage, but thinks Chad's pressure will be too much. He mentions the line may move and that Chad is a slight underdog.

Big Brady is a big fan of Jose Johnson, noting his size and reach advantages (8 years younger, 6-inch height, 7.5-inch reach). He thinks Johnson has ridiculous power for bantamweight but Anheliger has never been knocked out, so he predicts a decision. He notes Johnson's takedown defense is bad but Anheliger doesn't wrestle, so it should be a striking match where Johnson cruises.

Cody picks Jose Johnson, citing his reach and volume advantages. He notes that Anheliger is 37, injury-prone, and has poor takedown defense. Johnson's length and cardio should allow him to stay on the outside and out-point Anheliger. Cody sees this as better value than the big favorites.

Johnson has a significant height and reach advantage, using distance striking and good footwork. He can avoid Anheliger's power and stuff takedowns. Anheliger is 37 and has been inactive, relying on power but lacking volume. Johnson will batter Anheliger from range and win by decision.

Paul agrees, highlighting Johnson's reach and speed. He notes that Anheliger has been taken down by lower-level opponents and lacks the wrestling to exploit Johnson's weakness. Paul thinks Johnson's volume and range control will secure the win.

Angelo picks Chad Anheliger, liking his power and ability to not be fazed by takedowns. He notes Anheliger has been taken down nine times in two UFC fights but still won, showing he scrambles back up and keeps firing. He expects Heili to work in grappling but believes Anheliger's resilience and power will get the job done.

Big Brady picks Chad Anheliger as a live dog, citing Alateng Heili's reluctance to wrestle despite having a wrestling background. He notes Heili has zero takedowns in his last three fights and poor striking volume, while Anheliger has power and has shown durability. He predicts Anheliger wins by decision, though he is not sure if he will bet it.

Cody picks Alateng Heili, noting his wrestling advantage and durability. He believes Heili will take Anheliger down and control the fight. He points out that Anheliger looked bad against Jesse Strader, getting taken down multiple times, and that his cardio is questionable. He thinks Heili is the better fighter.

Daniel Levi picks Alateng Heili, citing his physicality and improved wrestling. He respects Anheliger's toughness and comeback ability, but thinks Heili's size and takedowns will be the difference. He notes that if Heili gasses, Anheliger could take over, but expects Heili's conditioning at Fight Ready to hold up.

Jacob picks Alateng Heili but is hesitant, calling it the toughest fight to pick. He notes Heili is technical with power and has backdoor wrestling if he uses it. He worries about Anheliger's hands-down head movement and thinks Heili's technical striking and power could catch him. However, he admits if Anheliger wins, he wouldn't be surprised.

The host picks Alateng Heili, believing he has too many tools for Anheliger. He expects Heili to mix in wrestling to set up his striking, avoid trading in the pocket, and win a decision. He notes Anheliger's power but thinks Heili is the more complete fighter and that the line is accurate.

Paul picks Alateng Heili, agreeing with Cody. He notes that Anheliger has cardio issues and was taken down multiple times by Jesse Strader. He believes Heili's wrestling and durability will be the difference, and that he is the more reliable fighter.

Angelo picks Chad Anheliger despite thinking the odds are wide. He notes Anheliger is a power striker with solid BJJ and impressive sweeps and get-up game. He likes Strader's body-head combination but thinks it becomes predictable. He plans to bet on Strader plus 3.5 rounds as a prop.

Big Brady picks Chad Anheliger to win, citing better durability and cardio. He notes Anheliger has never been knocked out and has improved his submission defense, while Strader has been hurt in many fights and slows down. He expects Anheliger to break Strader as the fight goes on and predicts a second or third round knockout.

Cody picks Anheliger, noting that despite the wide odds, Anheliger is a rightful favorite. He highlights Anheliger's cardio advantage, durability, and experience against tougher competition. Cody points out that Strader has only six fights, poor cardio, and was easily knocked out by Montel Jackson. He believes Anheliger can win by submission or decision, and that Strader's only path is an early knockout, which is unlikely.

Levi picks Anheliger, noting that Strader came to the UFC too soon with only 7 fights and has faced a step up in competition. He respects Anheliger's journey from 2-5 to the UFC and his solid, well-rounded game. Levi expects Anheliger to break Strader down in the later rounds with his experience and craftiness.

Both fighters are aggressive strikers with high finish rates. Anheliger has 14 of 16 fights ending inside the distance, while Strader has 6 of 7. The under 2.5 rounds is the primary play, though there is a concern it could become a 15-minute barn burner. Anheliger's durability is suspect but he should find the knockout as Strader gets overaggressive.

Paul picks Anheliger, despite hating the price. He looked for reasons to fade Anheliger but found none in Strader's game. Paul notes that Strader is a knockout-or-bust fighter with poor fundamentals, and that Anheliger showed good composure and cardio in his Contender Series win. He thinks Anheliger should win comfortably.