Chidi Njokuani

Angelo picks Chidi Njokuani, noting he bet him at +165 and the line has moved. He praises Njokuani's striking, speed, power, and distance control, while criticizing Carlos Leal's porous defense and recent knockout loss. He expects Njokuani to chew up Leal's legs and win a striking match.

Big Brady picks Carlos Leal to defeat Chidi Njokuani, citing Njokuani's poor durability and tendency to quit under adversity. He notes Njokuani has been finished nine times and cannot battle through bad spots. He trusts Leal's chin more, despite a recent knockout loss to Muslim Salikhov, as that was the first time Leal was ever hurt. He predicts Leal will break Njokuani late in the first round with a knockout.

Cody is tempted to follow the line movement and pick Njokuani, but ultimately leans Leal because of his forward pressure and power. He thinks Leal's style will overwhelm Njokuani, who has tall man defense and has been knocked out before. He expects a TKO finish within a round and a half.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Leal. He notes that Njokuani is all over the place under pressure—easy to take down, breaks stance and posture against the fence. Connor also mentions Njokuani's 'Paul Felder syndrome' of waiting for the perfect strike instead of doing damage, which costs him rounds.

The host believes Chidi Njokuani has a significant striking advantage due to his size, reach, and technical precision. He highlights Carlos Leal's reckless style, poor head movement, and defensive flaws, which have led to him being knocked out by lesser strikers. The host caps Njokuani's win probability at 60-65%, giving a 13-18% margin over the implied probability of 47% from the odds. He acknowledges Njokuani's age (37) and ground game weakness but considers them mitigated by Leal's lack of wrestling.

James picks the underdog Chidi Njokuani to win by KO in round one, citing Njokuani's elite Muay Thai clinch and knees. He notes that Carlos Leal Miranda's aggressive style leaves him open to being caught, as seen in his last fight. James believes Njokuani's range and clinch work will nullify Miranda's boxing and lead to a finish.

Njokuani is the more skilled striker with a significant reach advantage, and he has good durability at welterweight. Leal is a power puncher but was knocked out in his last fight and may be hesitant. Njokuani can eat shots and counter, and his Muay Thai should allow him to land damaging elbows and knees. Expect a knockout within two rounds.

Paul notes the significant line movement and thinks there may be an undisclosed injury to Leal. He prefers to avoid the fight but picks Njokuani based on reach and Muay Thai. He admits it's a low-confidence pick.

The MMA Guru picks Chidi Njokuani by TKO, noting that Leal is coming off a KO loss and may be gun-shy. He believes Njokuani's tight hook can catch Leal, who has a tendency to come forward with his hands wide. He also thinks Leal won't grapple offensively, playing into Njokuani's striking strengths.

Angelo likes Jake Matthews as an underdog, noting his durability, good chin, and ability to wrestle. He thinks Chidi Njokuani cuts too much weight, may have a fading chin, and can be taken down if you get to his legs. He emphasizes that if Matthews chooses to wrestle, he can win, but his fight IQ is questionable. He also suggests a 'win inside distance' prop as a possible bet.

Big Brady is torn on this fight. He notes Chidi Njokuani is dangerous when things go his way but quits under adversity, especially if taken down. Jake Matthews has a clear path via wrestling, but is hit or miss. If Matthews wrestles, he can finish Chidi. Brady picks Matthews by second-round submission but says he may not bet on it and wants to see weigh-ins.

The host expects Njokuani to continue his winning streak since moving to welterweight. He believes Njokuani will stuff Matthews' takedowns and use his Muay Thai advantage to batter Matthews on the feet, winning a decision. Matthews is on a winning streak but Njokuani is streaking as well.

Angelo picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos over Chidi Njokuani. He acknowledges Njokuani is a better striker and younger, but he's concerned about Njokuani's volume being a one-off. Angelo trusts Zaleski's durability and wrestling, noting he almost finished Rakhmonov late. He suggests a prop bet on Njokuani winning inside distance with decision no action as a possible alternative.

Big Brady picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, noting that despite being 38, he still has good performances left. He highlights Zaleski's durability, cardio, and grappling advantage, and points out that Chidi Njokuani has a history of quitting when faced with adversity, especially when taken down. Brady believes if Zaleski gets on top or hurts Njokuani, the fight will end quickly. He predicts a second-round finish, either by KO or submission.

Cody picks Erceg despite the high price, citing his level of competition and size advantage. He acknowledges Ode Osborne's reach and speed could cause early problems, but expects Erceg to take over as Osborne fades due to short notice. He is wary of the minus 600 line but still sees Erceg winning.

Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Njokuani's desire to brawl in the pocket is exactly what Zaleski wants. He notes that Zaleski has a good chin and can outlast brawlers, and that Njokuani's range fighting is not his natural game. He also mentions that Zaleski can take the fight to the ground if needed.

Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.

The host believes Njokuani can replicate what Randy Brown did against Zaleski, using a distance striking approach and mixing in clinch Muay Thai. He expects Njokuani to land more damage and win at least two of three rounds on the scorecards.

Paul also picks Erceg, noting his superior technique and experience against top competition. He mentions Ode Osborne's power and submission threat but believes Erceg will outclass him. He considers an Ode Osborne KO prop but prefers Erceg on the moneyline.

The MMA Guru picks Chidi Njokuani, citing his physical presence, 7-inch reach advantage, and nasty clinch effectiveness. He thinks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, a rangy kicker, will struggle with Njokuani's size and pressure. He notes Zaleski dos Santos often wins close decisions and is 38, while Njokuani is a slight underdog with good value. He predicts a 2-1 decision or a Njokuani finish.

Angelo picks Chidi Njokuani, but with hesitation due to Njokuani's slow starts. He notes that Njokuani should dominate if he throws with more volume, but a slow start could be dangerous against Jared Gooden's early power. Angelo expects to be biting his nails in the first round but ultimately believes Njokuani is safe.

Big Brady picks Jared Gooden to win by second-round knockout. He criticizes Chidi Njokuani's brutal weight cut to welterweight, his poor performance against Rhys McKee, and his history of quitting when hurt. He notes Gooden is more durable and has more heart. Although Njokuani is the better striker with more power, Brady expects Gooden to weather the early storm and finish him in the second round. He thinks Njokuani's weight cut and tendency to look for a way out will be his downfall.

Connor also picks Njokuani but is hesitant, noting that Gooden is tough and has a good chin, but his defensive flaws make him vulnerable. He compares the matchup to Njokuani's fight with Dusko Todorovic, where Njokuani landed a fight-ending elbow. Connor thinks Njokuani's opportunistic striking will find the mark, but he's not fully confident due to Njokuani's inconsistency.

Njokuani is slicker and has a height and reach advantage. At welterweight, this is a great spot for him as long as the weight cut doesn't drain his durability. He should keep Gooden's power punching at bay with kicks up the middle and straight shots, picking him apart and winning on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Chidi Njokuani, citing his size, range, and athleticism. He notes that Njokuani has a better chance of a sudden finish than Jared Gooden, who he questions why is still in the UFC. He acknowledges Njokuani's inconsistent record but favors his ability to land a knockout out of nowhere.

Angelo is confident Chidi Njokuani will win, citing his speed, power, and reach advantage. He dismisses Rhys McKee as one-dimensional ('tall'). He worries about Njokuani's three-fight losing streak and tendency to get caught after dominating, but believes he should win.

Big Brady picks Chidi Njokuani to win by first-round knockout. He notes Njokuani is a dangerous striker with power, while McKee is very hitable with poor striking defense. Brady expects Njokuani to land heavy shots early and finish McKee, though he mentions McKee's toughness and ability to survive. He also suggests a live bet on McKee if he survives the first round.

Cody is fading Njokuani due to his weight cut to 170, age, and cardio issues. He believes McKee's volume, durability, and pressure will overwhelm Njokuani, especially if the fight goes past the first round. He sees McKee as a live dog and even likes a round 3 TKO prop.

Daniel Vreeland picks Rhys McKee, citing his durability and grit. He notes Njokuani is on a losing streak, moving down to welterweight for the first time in years, and has cardio and mental questions. He thinks McKee can absorb Njokuani's early offense and take over as the fight goes on, possibly by submission or late finish.

Njokuani drops to welterweight at 35, which is a concern, but he has a reach advantage and slick Muay Thai. McKee relies on volume but has been hurt by power punchers. Njokuani's straight shots and speed could break McKee's chin. However, the weight cut is a question mark; final decision after weigh-ins. Prediction: Njokuani by knockout.

Paul agrees with Cody's concerns about Njokuani's weight cut and lack of wrestling. He notes McKee's ability to absorb damage and keep up volume, making him a solid underdog play. He also likes the round 3 prop.

Angelo likes Njokuani's speed, power, and distance control, but worries about his low volume and tendency to let others dictate pace. He notes that Oleksiejczuk has a solid chin but gets hit, and Njokuani could fall behind on scorecards. He picks Njokuani but with low to medium confidence and plans to stay away from betting or check props.

Big Brady likes both fighters but is concerned about Oleksiejczuk's size disadvantage, as Njokuani has a six-inch reach advantage and will tower over him. He thinks the fight will stay standing and Njokuani's power and reach will be key. He acknowledges Oleksiejczuk's body work and chin but picks Njokuani to land a big shot early. He calls it his least confident pick.

Cody picks Oleksiejczuk, noting his power and forward pressure. He thinks Njokuani is vulnerable and may fade. Cody expects a finish inside the distance, likely by knockout.

Daniel picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing his insane pressure and body work. He notes that Chidi doesn't like pressure fighters and has a questionable gas tank. He mentions that Michał is hittable but comes forward relentlessly. He is not confident, calling it a slight lean, and thinks the fight ends inside the distance. He suggests betting both KO props for profit.

James picks Michał Oleksiejczuk after initially leaning the other way. He believes Chidi Njokuani can be a flake if things don't go his way, and his cardio drops when he's not dominating. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's pressure, volume, and boxing will break Njokuani late, and he also has round one knockout upside. He notes Oleksiejczuk has never been finished and is dropping to a better weight class.

The host acknowledges Chidi Njokuani's Muay Thai and speed advantage, but believes he does not handle pressure well. He expects Michał Oleksiejczuk's forward pressure and body work to break Njokuani down, leading to a finish in the second or third round. The host notes that Oleksiejczuk has improved his grappling defense and that Njokuani is primarily a striker, so the Pole won't have to worry about takedowns.

Paul picks Oleksiejczuk, citing his better durability and power. He notes Njokuani's takedown defense issues and expects a brawl. Paul is not highly confident but leans Oleksiejczuk.

Angelo picks Njokuani, citing his striking power, speed, and solid takedown defense. He notes that Duraev is a takedown machine but not relentless, and that Njokuani can find the chin if Duraev gives him time. He mentions that Njokuani showed good takedown defense and adversity management in his last fight. He is interested in a takedown prop bet for Duraev but thinks Njokuani wins.

Big Brady picks Chidi Njokuani by first-round knockout, citing his size advantage (height and reach) and power. He notes Duraev's chinny history (all four losses by KO) and questions his wrestling ability. Brady believes if Duraev doesn't get a takedown in the first round, he gets knocked out. He acknowledges Njokuani's past cardio and quit issues but thinks he finishes early.

Cody picks Njokuani, noting his improved grappling and BJJ black belt, which makes him a dual threat. He believes Duraev will struggle to get takedowns and will tire as the fight goes on, allowing Njokuani to take over in rounds 2 and 3. He mentions Njokuani's height advantage and durability. He also likes the over 1.5 rounds regardless of winner.

Connor picks Njokuani because Duraev's striking is a mess and he likes to strike, which plays into Njokuani's dangerous counter-striking. He notes Duraev's takedowns are often from too far out and he gets hit. He thinks Njokuani's athleticism and kill-shot mentality will prevail, though Duraev could grind out a win.

Jacob also picks Njokuani, noting his strong takedown defense and ability to work through adversity. He thinks Duraev may not be as relentless as needed and that Njokuani will stuff takedowns early and find a knockout. He mentions that Njokuani is a big guy who can overpower in scrambles.

The host is hesitant to take chalk on Njokuani but ultimately picks him by knockout. He notes Njokuani's improving takedown defense and superior striking, but acknowledges Duraev's grappling threat. He thinks the fight likely ends inside the distance, with Njokuani finding an opening in the striking realm. He also mentions 'fight doesn't go to decision' as a good prop.

The Guru picks Njokuani, citing his power, takedown defense, and experience. He criticizes Duraev's chin and inability to implement his grappling. He predicts a first-round KO via knee after stuffing a takedown.

Angelo picks Njokuani, citing his speed, power, and distance control. He notes that Rodrigues is slow and may struggle to close the distance, leaving himself open to big shots. Angelo placed a moneyline bet at -101 and notes the line has moved to -114.

Big Brady picks Chidi Njokuani to win by first-round knockout. He believes this is a violent matchup where someone gets finished early. Brady notes that Njokuani has looked like a completely different fighter recently, with impressive power (knocking out Marc-André Barriault in 16 seconds) and improved grappling. He doubts Gregory Rodrigues will grapple, as he refused to take down Armen Petrosyan despite clear opportunities. Brady thinks both will strike, and he favors Njokuani's power. He also mentions that Rodrigues was knocked out by Jordan Williams in the first round.

Cody thinks Rodrigues is continuously improving, with better striking and a BJJ black belt. He notes Njokuani's recent wins are over lower-level competition and that Rodrigues has paths to victory via wrestling and top control. However, he admits it's a volatile matchup and not a high-confidence play.

Daniel Levi leans Chidi Njokuani in this pick'em fight. He acknowledges Gregory Rodrigues is a banger with power and a black belt, but notes his willingness to stand and trade leaves him open. He thinks Chidi has patched his earlier issues and is more reliable, with a reach advantage and knockout power. However, he calls it a coin flip and does not place a bet due to the juice.

Jacob picks Rodrigues, believing he can get the fight to the ground where he has a grappling advantage. He notes that Njokuani has been taken down before and that Rodrigues has good control. Jacob acknowledges that if Rodrigues stands and bangs, he likely gets knocked out, but he hopes Rodrigues shoots early takedowns.

Chidi has a black belt in BJJ for defensive purposes and has improved his defensive wrestling, making it hard for Rodrigues to keep him down. Chidi's speed and length advantage will allow him to land big shots from the outside. Rodrigues may have a grappling edge but struggles to finish and will expend energy trying to control Chidi, leading to him slowing down. Chidi will find the chin and knock him out as the fight progresses.

Paul leans Rodrigues, citing his power and durability. He notes the line movement toward Rodrigues and thinks he has more paths to victory, including wrestling. However, he acknowledges Njokuani could knock him out early, so he's not fully confident.

Angelo picks Chidi Njokuani because of his power, speed, and distance control. He notes that Todorović has questions about his chin and that Njokuani has solid takedown defense. He suggests a prop bet on Njokuani winning inside the distance, as he expects a finish.

Big Brady picks Chidi Njokuani to win by first-round knockout, citing Todorović's horrendous striking defense and tendency to keep his hands down. He notes Njokuani has power and improved takedown defense. He acknowledges Njokuani has been finished in the past but believes he has improved. He expects the fight to stay standing and Njokuani to land a knockout early.

Cody is impressed with Njokuani's improvements in grappling and cardio, noting his recent knockout of Marc-André Barriault. He highlights Todorović's poor head movement and susceptibility to getting hit, as seen in the Punahele Soriano fight. He believes Njokuani's striking acumen and upgraded ground game will lead to a finish, likely in the first two rounds.

The host predicts Duško Todorović via decision. He expects Todorović to control the fight by keeping Njokuani still and against the cage, leading to a potentially boring fight with a lot of control time. He is not fully confident, as he questions the pick slightly when discussing totals, but his official prediction is Todorović by decision.

Paul agrees with Cody, saying Njokuani's striking and improved cardio should be enough. He notes Todorović's defensive liabilities and that Njokuani likely lands a big strike in the first two rounds. He hates the moneyline at -220 but still picks Chidi.

Angelo picks Marc-André Barriault by using grappling to neutralize Chidi's striking. He notes Chidi's excellent footwork and counter striking make him dangerous on the feet, but his takedown defense is weak. Barriault should pressure forward, mix in takedowns, and control on the ground. Angelo warns Barriault not to chase on the feet.

Cody agrees with Paul, noting that Barriault's pressure and volume will be key. He thinks Njokuani has cardio issues and doesn't handle pressure well. He is confident Barriault will win by making it a dirty fight.

Daniel Levi leans Marc-André Barriault, noting he is hitting his stride and can close the distance to get in the clinch or on top. He acknowledges Njokuani's dangerous Muay Thai and experience, but thinks Barriault's dirty boxing and pressure can break him. Levi says if Njokuani is mentally on and lets his hands go, he could win, but he slightly favors Barriault.

Lock of the Night is very confident in Barriault, citing his pressure, durability, and cardio. He notes that Njokuani wilts under pressure and backs up to the fence. He expects Barriault to push him against the cage and control the fight. He likes Barriault by decision at +200.

Paul likes Barriault's pressure and cardio. He notes that Barriault stays in his opponent's face, throws high volume, and has a solid chin. He thinks Njokuani may have cardio issues and doesn't fight well off his back foot. He is confident Barriault will win by grinding him down.