Chris Barnett

Angelo picks Chris Barnett despite acknowledging his own bias (he knows Barnett personally). He criticizes Hamdy Abdelwahab for being a boring, steroid-using fighter who doesn't wrestle enough despite being an Olympic wrestler. Angelo believes Barnett will at least move forward and throw punches, while Hamdy coasts. He advises not betting on this sloppy fight.

Big Brady picks Hamdy Abdelwahab, calling Chris Barnett the worst heavyweight on the roster due to age, injuries, and size. He notes Barnett is 39, 5'9", and has taken significant damage. Brady expects Hamdy to finally get his first UFC finish, using his power to hurt and stop Barnett early. He calls it a 'nut up or shut up' fight for Hamdy and predicts a first-round KO.

Cody picks Hamdy Abdelwahab, noting that Barnett is undersized at 5'9" and has poor takedown defense. He believes Hamdy's wrestling and power will be too much, and Barnett's only chance is a flashy KO. Cody expects Hamdy to win by boring decision or TKO.

Connor picks Barnett based on vibes, noting that Abdelwahab is undercooked and has poor fundamentals. He believes Barnett's unorthodox style and experience could confuse Abdelwahab, who has only five pro fights. Connor acknowledges Barnett's lack of fundamentals but thinks he can outmaneuver Abdelwahab, especially if Abdelwahab fades. He also notes that Barnett is a character and he wants him to win.

Daniel Vreeland is confident in Abdelwahab's athleticism and power, calling this a significant step down in competition. He criticizes Barnett's age, obesity, and gimmicky style, and believes Abdelwahab will win easily, possibly by knockout. He notes that Barnett has already overachieved with two UFC wins and doesn't expect a third.

Lucrative James picks Hamdy Abdelwahab confidently, calling Chris Barnett one of the worst fighters on the roster. He notes Barnett's massive size disadvantage (5'9" at heavyweight) and reliance on flashy moves like spinning wheel kicks, which have caused injuries. He believes Abdelwahab can out-jab him, take him down at will, and win by dominant decision or late finish when Barnett tires.

The host acknowledges Barnett's return from an Achilles injury but believes Abdelwahab's grappling, which he hasn't leaned on much, will be used to shut down Barnett's striking. He predicts Abdelwahab wins on the scorecards.

Paul agrees, calling Barnett a shell of himself after injuries and inactivity. He notes that Hamdy is an Olympic-level wrestler and will likely take Barnett down and control him. Paul believes Barnett's only win condition is a spinning kick KO, which is unlikely.

The MMA Guru picks Hamdy Abdelwahab by decision, but is hesitant. He notes that Chris Barnett is old, injury-prone, and has had knee and foot surgeries, but also sees value in Barnett as an underdog. He believes Abdelwahab can pressure Barnett, take him down, and knee him against the cage. However, he admits Barnett could win by TKO. He expects a 29-28 decision for Abdelwahab.

Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu but is very hesitant. He notes Kennedy is taller, longer, and had a full camp, but warns that Kennedy 'kind of sucks' and was a massive favorite who lost to an older opponent in his last fight. He advises staying far away from betting on this fight due to the risk.

Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, noting his significant size advantage (6'5" vs 5'9" on paper, but Barnett is likely shorter). He believes Kennedy has many ways to win: knockout, submission, or decision. He acknowledges Kennedy can be inconsistent but cannot pick Barnett. He predicts a second-round submission.

Cody picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing his massive reach and height advantage. He notes that Barnett is old, overweight, and has low volume. Cody believes Nzechukwu's length and striking will keep Barnett at range, and that he will win by knockout in the second round. However, he warns that heavyweight fights are unpredictable.

Connor picks Nzechukwu, agreeing that Barnett is a total mess who can't consistently win rounds. He notes that Nzechukwu has the size to dominate but lacks confidence, but against Barnett, he should be able to use his reach and size to win. Connor is not confident in Nzechukwu long-term but sees this as a favorable matchup.

Daniel Vreeland picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win, citing massive advantages in size, reach, and level of competition. He notes that Barnett does not belong in the UFC and that Nzechukwu can win easily by takedown or striking. Vreeland believes the true price is around -900 and that Nzechukwu is a much worse matchup for Barnett than Junior Tafa.

Daniel Vreeland is taking the huge underdog Chris Barnett. He argues that Nzechukwu has awful cardio, no motivation to come in shape now that he doesn't have to cut weight, and gets knocked out. Barnett is a heavy puncher who has won two of his last three by knockout, and Vreeland sees value at +500.

Jeff Fox is reluctantly picking Nzechukwu, pushed into a corner by Vreeland's strong argument for Barnett. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's cardio issues and lack of motivation but still believes he is better than Barnett's previous opponents. Fox seems uncomfortable with the pick but sticks with Nzechukwu.

Nzechukwu is a big favorite but tough to trust after his last performance. He should keep Barnett at bay and possibly find a finish after the 1.5 round mark. However, minus 700 is a bit too wide for comfort.

Paul picks Nzechukwu, agreeing that Barnett is a freak show fighter past his prime. He notes that Nzechukwu's reach and volume will be too much, and that Barnett's durability is questionable. Paul is confident Nzechukwu wins but avoids betting at heavy odds.

The Guru picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing Barnett's long layoff (over two years), age (38), and questionable conditioning. He believes Nzechukwu's athleticism and range will allow him to pick apart Barnett. He notes Barnett's past fight cancellations and weight issues. The Guru predicts Nzechukwu will win by decision or late finish.

Zane picks Nzechukwu despite his lack of power and confidence, because Barnett is a tiny heavyweight with no real tools besides confidence. Nzechukwu's size and reach will allow him to crowd Barnett and overwhelm him, though he expects a messy fight. Zane notes that Barnett has lost to other former light heavyweights and lacks durability.

Angelo picks Jake Collier, noting he is tougher and more well-rounded. He thinks Chris Barnett will plant and throw big bombs looking for a knockout, which will allow Collier to outwork him. He believes the line is disrespectful to Barnett, but expects Collier to win by pressuring and using his grappling.

Big Brady picks Jake Collier to win inside the distance, calling Chris Barnett one of the worst heavyweights on the roster. He notes Barnett is undersized at 5'9", has poor takedown defense and cardio, while Collier has solid cardio and volume. He predicts Collier can finish via ground-and-pound or submission, specifically a second-round submission.

Cody picks Jake Collier, noting his volume, cardio, and ground game are superior. He points out that Barnett is a freak show fighter with no wrestling or grappling, and that he quit in his last fight. He believes Collier will dominate and likely win by submission, and mentions the Collier by submission prop at +900 (now +650).

Daniel Levi picks Jake Collier, calling him the more skilled fighter. He notes Collier's ground prowess as seen against Chase Sherman, and his spinning attacks. He warns that laying -400 on Collier is not a long-term winning strategy, but expects Collier to win. He also sends condolences to Barnett for personal issues.

Jacob agrees, saying the playbook for Collier is to copy Martin Buday's approach: crowd Barnett, press him against the cage, and make it boring. He notes Barnett is athletic but needs space to shine, and Collier will take that away. He thinks Collier will lay on him and get the win.

The host picks Jake Collier but is queasy about betting him at -410. He expects Collier to be the better overall fighter with better combinations and pace, and could finish late. He notes Barnett's power is a threat but trusts Collier's durability and versatility.

Paul picks Jake Collier, noting his pattern of never losing back-to-back fights. He believes Collier's volume and cardio will be too much for Barnett, who is undersized and has no intangible other than a puncher's chance. He says he won't bet Collier at -425 but expects him to win.

Angelo sides with Martin Buday's power and the bookies, but is uncertain. He notes that Chris Barnett is athletic and dynamic, but Buday has heavy hands and technical striking. He mentions that Barnett was a step behind in his last fight until landing a spinning back kick. He considers live betting Barnett if he starts getting ahead on strikes.

Big Brady picks Martin Buday to win by finish inside the distance, likely in the second round. He notes Buday is a natural heavyweight with a size advantage, good takedowns, and a brown belt in BJJ. He expects Buday to push Barnett against the cage, take him down, and finish with ground and pound or a submission. He criticizes Barnett's ground game and size disadvantage.

Cody picks Buday, noting his size and clinch game. He thinks Buday can control Barnett against the cage and grind him down. However, he acknowledges Barnett's striking power and unpredictability.

Daniel Levi picks Martin Buday, citing his size advantage and ability to wear on opponents with clinch work and knees to the thigh, as seen in his Contender Series win. He notes Buday gets hit but is tough, while Barnett is deceptively athletic for his size but likely to be overwhelmed by Buday's size and pressure. Levi is rooting for Barnett but picks Buday.

Paul does not make a clear pick, calling it a 'dogger pass'. He notes the fight is low-level heavyweight with high variance. He mentions Barnett by knockout as a potential prop but is not confident.

Angelo picks Chris Barnett, citing his personal familiarity with Barnett from his time managing fighters in XFC. He describes Barnett as incredibly athletic and dynamic despite his appearance, with real power and surprising speed. He believes Villante is a middleweight who doesn't take his career seriously, and that Barnett will win via his diverse striking and power. He has a moneyline bet on Barnett.

Big Brady picks Chris Barnett to win by decision, citing Barnett's cardio advantage over Gian Villante, who has notoriously poor stamina. He notes Villante has looked horrible at heavyweight, gassing out and even tapping to a non-existent submission. Barnett is undersized but can go 15 minutes, while Villante slows down drastically. Brady wants to stay away from this low-level fight but leans Barnett.

Cody picks Barnett, emphasizing Villante's history of losing as a favorite and his retirement announcement. He notes Barnett's size and athleticism. He expects Villante to find a way to lose, making Barnett a live dog.

Daniel Levi picks Chris Barnett, going against the grain. He criticizes Gian Villante's tendency to mess up fights, citing the Maurice Green loss and getting choked out. Levi notes that Barnett is explosive and has knockout power, but also has been knocked out by lower-level guys. He says it's a fight between two big guys swinging, and he trusts Barnett more than Villante, who he feels is unreliable.

Jacob agrees with Angelo, picking Chris Barnett. He notes that Barnett is the better athlete and that Villante's only path to victory is to make the fight boring. He believes the UFC is giving Barnett a showcase fight, and expects Barnett to throw spinning attacks and find a finish. He also mentions that Barnett can be found at plus money on BetOnline, which he took advantage of.

The host leans Villante due to a grappling edge and the retirement motivation, but he is not confident. He expects the fight to go to decision and advises against betting on it. He thinks Villante can take Barnett down and control him, but both have cardio issues.

Paul picks Barnett, citing Villante's retirement announcement and history of underperforming as a favorite. He notes Barnett's athleticism and size advantage. He expects a sloppy fight but thinks Barnett's motivation gives him the edge.

Big Brady confidently picks Rothwell, expecting an early finish via knockout or submission. He notes Barnett's low level of competition and tendency to give up his back, while Rothwell's experience and power should be enough. He suggests an inside-the-distance prop.

Cody Saftic picks Ben Rothwell, noting that Barnett is a short, overweight heavyweight with poor cardio. He believes Rothwell will weather Barnett's early athleticism and then tire him out, eventually getting a TKO or submission. Saftic is intrigued by Rothwell by submission at 11-1, given Rothwell's history of submissions, but acknowledges Barnett has never been submitted. He suggests a small play on the prop.

Daniel Levi leans toward Ben Rothwell, noting that Rothwell has more UFC experience and that Chris Barnett has been knocked out by lesser competition. However, he is hesitant because Rothwell is at the worst point of his career, slow, and has not looked good in a long time. He calls it a dog or pass situation and says he cannot lay the price on Rothwell.

Matt picks Ben Rothwell to win by decision, but with low confidence. He acknowledges Chris Barnett is a live dog due to his deceptive athleticism and power, but thinks Rothwell's experience and clinch work will be enough. He is not trusting Rothwell at -310, as Rothwell doesn't always let his hands go. He expects a grinding decision rather than a finish.

Paul Shaughnessy picks Rothwell but is hesitant due to the price. He notes that Rothwell is past his prime and has looked slow, but Barnett is a short-notice replacement with a history of gassing. He believes Rothwell will eventually get the win, but at -300, he prefers to pass or look for a prop. He mentions that Rothwell by knockout is around even money, which might be a better play.