Farid Basharat

Angelo picks Farid Basharat, noting he is the better of the Basharat brothers and a well-rounded wrestler with solid striking. He thinks Farid will work on the outside, touch and go, and get takedowns. He warns that Vegas doesn't care about wrestling, so if Farid doesn't do anything with takedowns, it may not matter. He acknowledges Jean Matsumoto's potential but thinks his lack of defense is a problem.

Big Brady picks Farid Basharat, calling him the better prospect. He notes that Matsumoto has poor takedown defense (53%) and has been taken down multiple times in past fights. Basharat is a good wrestler and grappler, and Brady expects him to take the fight to the ground and win a decision.

Cody also picks Basharat, emphasizing his wrestling advantage and Matsumoto's tendency to be taken down. He notes both fighters are decision-oriented, making the over a strong play. Cody expects Basharat to control the fight with takedowns and win a clear decision.

Connor agrees with Zane, praising Basharat's ability to solve problems and his technical wrestling. He notes that Matsumoto is a tough, indefatigable bully, but Basharat has the tools to handle him. He thinks Basharat's wrestling and fight IQ will be the difference, though Matsumoto's durability could make it a tough fight.

Lucrative James picks Farid Basharat to win by decision. He expects Basharat to employ a grappling-heavy game plan, using his elite cardio and takedown volume to control the fight. James notes that Matsumoto has been taken down multiple times in past fights and that Basharat's wrestling will be the key to victory.

The host picks Basharat, believing his overall game and grappling will be the difference. He notes Basharat's reach and height advantage, and his ability to mix in takedowns after striking. He expects Basharat to snipe Matsumoto from distance, then use control time and top damage to win on the scorecards. He acknowledges Matsumoto's striking could make it competitive but thinks Basharat's grappling edge is decisive.

Paul picks Farid Basharat, citing his high ring IQ and ability to stick to game plans. He notes Matsumoto's poor takedown defense and defensive striking. Paul expects Basharat to mix takedowns with striking and win a decision, recommending a prop on Basharat by decision.

The host picks Farid Basharat over Jean Matsumoto. He notes Matsumoto's recent performances have been lackluster, while Basharat has size and physicality. He thinks Basharat's mix of striking and grappling will be too much, and he can bully Matsumoto against the cage and in scrambles.

Angelo sees Farid Basharat as the better fighter everywhere, with underrated striking and very good wrestling. He notes Chris Gutierrez has wrestling holes, having been taken down seven times in his last four fights. He thinks Farid's takedown defense and movement will be key, and that Gutierrez's leg kicks might not be enough to slow him down. He considers the 4-to-1 odds appropriate.

Big Brady is very confident in Farid Basharat, calling him a massive favorite at -450. He criticizes Chris Gutierrez as a boring fighter who relies on leg kicks and has poor takedown defense and get-up game. He notes that Gutierrez has been taken down by lesser wrestlers, and Basharat has a massive advantage in wrestling and grappling. He predicts Basharat wins by decision.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Basharat because Gutierrez has shown he cannot handle persistent pressure, as in the Pedro Munhoz fight. He notes that Basharat's real skill is taking openings given to him, using strikes to set up takedowns, and that Gutierrez's frustration will mount. However, he cautions that Basharat has never applied the relentless pressure of Munhoz and may need to adjust to Gutierrez's frustrating style.

Basharat's grinding game is expected to be effective against Gutierrez, who is a fish off his back. The host expects Basharat to be competitive in striking and mix in wrestling for a decision victory.

The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat, citing his offensive grappling and mixing of strikes. He notes Chris Gutierrez's vulnerability to takedowns and lack of finishing ability. He predicts a 29-28 decision.

Angelo picks Farid Basharat with medium confidence. He highlights Farid's well-rounded skills, especially his wrestling, and expects him to take Victor Hugo down and control him. He notes Victor is dangerous but wild, and Farid's wrestling should neutralize that. He also mentions the over 2.5 rounds is probably safe.

Bigrady picks Basharat, believing he has Hugo covered everywhere. He notes that Hugo is a grappler who can be taken down and controlled, and that Basharat is the better striker and can easily get takedowns if needed. He thinks the price is a bit high but expects Basharat to cruise to a decision win.

Cody picks Farid Basharat, praising his high ring IQ and relentless grappling. He notes that Basharat's chain wrestling and control will neutralize Hugo, who has poor takedown defense. Cody believes Basharat will dominate with takedowns and control time, winning by decision or submission. He considers Basharat a top play.

Connor picks Basharat, agreeing that he is a very simple call. He notes that Basharat is a really technical wrestler and grappler with a functional striking game, and he has handled tough opponents. Hugo's game is based on opportunistic grappling, but Basharat will shut that down easily.

Daniel Vreeland sees Basharat as clearly better on the feet and expects him to have multiple takedowns if needed. He notes that Hugo got out-wrestled in his Contender Series fight and only won via a kneebar, which won't work against Basharat. Vreeland predicts Basharat cruises to an easy win, though with low finishing upside.

Daniel Vreeland picks Farid Basharat to win, citing his superior process and minute-winning ability. He acknowledges that Victor Hugo is a tough veteran with a long unbeaten streak but believes Basharat's volume and pressure will be the difference. Vreeland notes that Hugo's leg lock attacks could pose a threat if Basharat takes him down.

Jeff Fox agrees with Vreeland, stating that Basharat is better at what Hugo likes to do and worse at what Hugo hates. He implies Basharat's wrestling and pace will be too much for Hugo, and expects a dominant performance.

Basharat is the better brother, mixing his grappling behind educated striking. He should grind out Victor Hugo and win on the scorecards. His overall game is superior.

Paul picks Basharat, noting that Hugo is a step down in competition and that Basharat's grappling will be too much. He mentions that Hugo has been taken down by lesser fighters and that Basharat's wrestling is elite. Paul is confident Basharat wins, possibly by submission.

The Guru picks Farid Basharat, citing his well-roundedness and UFC experience. He was unimpressed with Victor Hugo's last performance against Pedro Falcao, noting Hugo spent too much time being controlled. He believes Basharat's mixing of strikes and takedowns will outwork Hugo, who is more of a striker with takedown defense. The Guru also mentions Basharat's wins over Da'Mon Blackshear and Mario Bautista as solid.

Zane picks Basharat confidently, noting that he is really good everywhere and has handled three completely different tricky opponents effortlessly. Hugo is an opportunistic grappler who can be backed up easily, and Basharat will shut down his grappling and control the fight anywhere.

Angelo picks Farid Basharat confidently, citing his superior wrestling and solid striking. He notes that Taylor Lapilus is a good kickboxer with decent takedown defense but was taken down twice by C.J. LaRue, and Farid is a much better wrestler. He believes Farid will win on the feet and in grappling exchanges with forward pressure. He likes the over 2.5 rounds and has it in a parlay.

Big Brady thinks the line is too wide and that Taylor Lapilus is underrated. He believes Lapilus has good takedown defense and fast hands, and if he keeps the fight standing, he can out-strike Basharat. He sees a close fight possibly going to a split decision, and picks Lapilus as a live underdog.

Cody picks Lapilus as a sizable underdog, citing his striking advantage, speed, footwork, and solid takedown defense. He believes Lapilus can stuff takedowns and outpoint Basharat on the feet. He notes that Basharat's wrestling may be overrated and that Lapilus has the experience to win a decision.

Daniel Vreeland leans with Farid Basharat, praising his pace, stance switching, and relentless takedown attempts. He acknowledges Lapilus's technical striking and improved takedown defense, but thinks Basharat's pressure and ground game will be the difference. Vreeland notes that if Lapilus can keep it standing, he might have success, but Basharat's relentless style could make him hesitant.

James does not discuss this fight in the transcript. He discusses a fight between Fared Basherat and Chris Gutierrez, which is not on the card.

Farid Basharat is a talented 26-year-old with crisp striking and a strong grappling game, training at Extreme Couture under Jake Shields. He mixes takedowns well and has a smothering top game. Taylor Lapilus is an experienced striker with decent power but has shown vulnerability to grappling, as seen in the Colin Anglin fight. Basharat's wrestling and control should be the difference, allowing him to grind out a decision. The line at -245 is a bit wide, but Basharat's grappling advantage should secure the win.

Paul picks Lapilus, echoing Cody's sentiments. He notes that Lapilus has a massive advantage on the feet and that Basharat's grappling may not be as effective against a good takedown defender. He believes Lapilus will be making his card at +235.

Angelo picks Farid Basharat but with low confidence, noting the betting lines should be closer. He says Farid is the more technically sound fighter but didn't like pressure from Damon Blackshear, and Kleydson is all pressure. If Kleydson brawls, he can win. Angelo is staying away from the -300 line.

Big Brady picks Basharat, emphasizing his size, striking volume, and wrestling advantage. He notes Rodrigues' past weight issues and tough debut at bantamweight. He expects Basharat to use takedowns and control to win a decision, calling it a tough matchup for Rodrigues.

Cody is high on Basharat, calling him a real prospect at 26-0. He likes his movement, striking, and improving wrestling under Jake Shields. Basharat's win over Da'Mon Blackshear is a quality victory. Rodrigues has weight issues (missed weight twice) and is moving up to 135, which will affect his takedown defense. Cody expects Basharat to pick him apart on the feet and mix in takedowns.

Daniel Levi picks Farid Basharat with high confidence, having bet him at -245 earlier. He praises Basharat's footwork, jab, fight IQ, and heart, noting that he passed a tough test against Damon Blackshear. Levi believes Basharat's pace and pressure will be too much for Rodrigues, who is explosive but tends to fade and has been taken down by lesser fighters. He expects a second or third round finish, citing Basharat's ground and pound and submission defense.

I like the chalk on Basharat. He has a slick boxing/kickboxing game and blends in takedowns well. Rodrigues is moving up in weight and has cardio issues. Basharat should establish range, get the fight to the clinch, and take advantage of Rodrigues' gas tank. I also like Basharat round three as a sprinkle. If the fight escapes the first round, Basharat should dominate later rounds.

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Basharat by decision is basically a pick'em. He notes Rodrigues has never been finished, so a decision is likely. Paul likes Basharat over 2.5 takedowns on prize picks, expecting a takedown per round.

Angelo is confident in Farid Basharat, praising his impressive striking, foot movement, and wrestling. He notes that Basharat times his takedowns perfectly and can keep the fight standing if needed. The only concern is that Basharat was dropped in a previous fight, but he recovered quickly. Angelo believes Basharat can win on the feet or with wrestling.

Big Brady is confident in Farid Basharat, citing his well-rounded skills, good striking with head kicks and body kicks, and strong takedown defense. He believes Blackshear's path to victory is through grappling, but Basharat can dictate where the fight takes place and is the better striker. He predicts a decision win for Basharat.

Cody is high on Basharat, praising his well-rounded game and training with top guys. He thinks Blackshear's only path is takedowns, but Basharat's grappling defense and cardio will neutralize him. He expects a decision win or late TKO.

Connor picks Da'Mon Blackshear, believing his superior wrestling and scrambling will be the difference. He notes that Basharat is a willowy striker who often ends up on the ground, and Blackshear is a tough grappler who can outwork him there. Connor points out that Basharat's takedown defense and physicality are questionable, while Blackshear has proven durable against good grapplers.

Jacob is very high on Farid Basharat, believing he should keep the fight standing because Blackshear is most dangerous on the ground. He notes that Basharat has good top control and can avoid submissions. Jacob thinks this is a bad matchup for Blackshear and that Basharat will win.

Basharat is the better technical striker with good distance management and a jab. However, Blackshear is a seasoned veteran with experience against tough competition, and the line is too wide. Basharat should win by decision but it will be closer than the odds suggest.

Paul picks Basharat, noting his volume and skill advantage. He thinks Blackshear has never been finished but Basharat's output should win a clear decision. He won't bet the -450 but likes Basharat by decision prop.

The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat, trusting his talent and crisp technique. He notes Blackshear is dangerous but has losses to lesser competition, and believes Basharat's skills will lead to a decision win, possibly 30-27 or 29-28.