C.J. Vergara

Connor picks Cháirez despite acknowledging his flaws, such as dropping for guillotines and compromising his range. He believes Cháirez is the more likely damage dealer and that Vergara's athletic limitations will be a wall. However, he is not particularly confident due to Cháirez's inconsistency.

Angelo picks Ramazan Temirov, noting his lightning-fast striking and power. He acknowledges that UFC debuts are tricky, but Temirov seems different with confidence and experience pushing through adversity. Angelo believes Temirov's speed and power will be too much for Vergara, especially if he connects like Daniel Lacerda did. He plans to wait for prop bets before wagering.

Big Brady picks Ramazan Temirov to win by first-round knockout. He notes Temirov is a knockout artist with power, but Vergara is durable and has never been knocked out. However, Vergara was almost knocked out by Daniel da Silva, so Brady thinks Temirov can hurt him. He worries about Temirov's cardio if the fight goes long, but expects early big shots to get the finish. He suggests this could be a good live bet spot if Temirov doesn't finish in the first.

Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Vergara is a very tough test but Temirov's athleticism and ability to land shocking shots give him the edge. He points out that Vergara is slow and not dynamic, and Temirov's scrambling ability makes him hard to hold down. Connor thinks the odds are too wide in Temirov's favor.

This fight was not discussed in the transcript. No picks were made.

Daniel is very high on Temirov's aggressive, spinning attack style and killer instinct, but he worries about a potential debut stun. He notes that Vergara is durable and well-rounded but not exceptional. Daniel believes if Temirov fights with his usual confidence, he will win impressively, possibly even becoming the first to knock out Vergara in the UFC.

Temirov is a much better version of Vergara, both leaning on striking. Temirov is more explosive, faster, and better with footwork, cutting angles to crash the pocket. He should land big strikes and find a knockout within the first two rounds.

The MMA Guru picks Ramazan Temirov, praising his finishing potential, explosiveness, and activity. He dismisses C.J. Vergara as 'dog [__]' and notes Vergara's losses and lack of talent. He expects Temirov to win by decision, as Vergara may put up a fight and take a round, but Temirov's youth and experience edge prevail.

This fight was not discussed in the transcript. No picks were made.

Angelo is confident in Asu Almabayev, citing his wild striking, strong grappling, and cardio. He notes that if Tatu Riera could take down Vergara three times, Almabayev can too. He sees Almabayev as safe to parlay, contrasting him with point fighters he's wary of.

Big Brady picks Asu Almabayev to win by third-round submission. He notes that Almabayev has good grappling and control, and that Vergara has been taken down and submitted in the past. He expects Almabayev to get the fight to the mat and eventually find a submission over 15 minutes.

Cody thinks Almabayev's wrestling will be too much for Vergara, who has poor takedown defense. He expects Almabayev to chain wrestle and control the fight on the ground, possibly securing a submission.

Daniel picks Almabayev, believing he will dictate the pace and win by decision or submission. He notes Vergara is durable and well-rounded but not special anywhere. Daniel was initially low on Almabayev but was impressed by his performance against Ode' Osbourne.

Almabayev is a hot prospect who is very solid all around, but his best work is when he gets fights to the mat. He has impressive chain wrestling, using body locks and trips to drag opponents down. Vergara is a decent striker but lacks the power to keep Almabayev at bay, and his ground game is a weakness. I expect Almabayev to drag this fight to the ground, dominate from top position, and secure another submission victory.

Paul agrees, noting that Vergara has been taken down repeatedly and submitted in the past. He thinks Almabayev's wrestling and submission skills will lead to a finish.

Angelo is very confident in C.J. Vergara, calling him as close to a lock as you can get. He highlights Vergara's incredible chin, pressure, power, and solid takedown defense. He plans to bet on him but is monitoring the line movement for the best value.

Big Brady picks C.J. Vergara to win by late third-round knockout. He questions Salvador's legitimacy after a terrible debut, citing poor striking, takedown defense, and fight IQ. He believes Vergara has durability and cardio advantages, especially at elevation, and expects Vergara to weather an early storm and finish a fading Salvador late.

Cody likes Vergara's significant strikes over 57.5 on PrizePicks, expecting a striking match that goes into the third round. He notes Vergara's volume in previous fights (71 against Rodriguez) and believes he can reach that number. He doesn't have a strong side on the moneyline but leans Vergara for the prop.

James sides with Salvador as a dog, believing he has cleaner hands and more power than Vergara. He notes Vergara is durable but gets hit often and has been hurt in multiple fights. He thinks Salvador can have big moments and possibly knock Vergara down, and that the line should be closer to a pick'em.

Salvador is a crafty striker who will have an easier time hitting Vergara than he did against Altamirano. Vergara's grappling isn't good enough to ground Salvador effectively. Salvador's output and damage will earn him a decision. I'm taking Salvador by decision.

Angelo is very confident in Vergara, calling him one of his most confident picks. He notes that Vergara is a high-pressure fighter who stays busy and is tough. He thinks da Silva is dangerous early but fades, and Vergara's pressure will be too much. He recommends betting 'fight doesn't go to decision' rather than a moneyline.

Big Brady picks C.J. Vergara by first-round knockout, calling Daniel da Silva not UFC caliber. He notes da Silva's poor cardio (2.5 minutes of gas), lack of durability, and tendency to fold under adversity. Brady believes Vergara's pressure and toughness will overwhelm da Silva, who has been finished in all three UFC losses. He expects a quick finish as soon as da Silva faces any adversity.

Cody picks Vergara, calling the line bad and favoring Vergara's heart and cardio. He notes da Silva is explosive but fades after the first round, while Vergara is tenacious and breaks opponents down. He suggests Vergara inside the distance and likes the over 1.5 rounds on PrizePicks (over 5 minutes).

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Vergara without hesitation. He describes Lacerda as a 'flyweight Eric Silva' who is dangerous in the first minute but then falls apart. Vergara is a proven tough guy who hangs around and doesn't get blown out, making him a reliable pick against a fighter with no regulation or longevity in his style.

Jacob picks Vergara, agreeing that he should win with toughness. He notes that da Silva is dangerous early but fades, and Vergara's toughness should carry him. However, he feels da Silva is 'due' for a win and might pull off an upset, but still picks Vergara.

The host picks Daniel da Silva as a big underdog, believing his speed, explosiveness, and power advantage will be too much for Vergara. He notes da Silva is fighting for his job and expects a calculated but reckless style. He predicts a first-round finish, possibly by submission, and likes the prop 'fight doesn't go to decision' and under 1.5 rounds.

The Guru picks Vergara, heavily criticizing da Silva's fight IQ and defensive mistakes. He believes Vergara is more reliable and can tough out danger. He predicts a second or third round TKO.

Angelo picks C.J. Vergara as an underdog, noting that he has takedown defense, pressure, and is a dangerous striker. He is surprised by the 3-to-1 odds favoring Taira, as Vergara only has one close loss in the UFC. Angelo likes Vergara's chances and placed a half-unit bet at +205 (now +200). He acknowledges some nervousness about backing an underdog at these odds but is confident in his pick.

Big Brady leans toward Tatsuro Taira to win by submission in the second round. He praises Taira's elite grappling and back-takes, but has concerns about his low striking volume and wrestling. He notes that Vergara throws high volume and could win if the fight stays on the feet. Brady says he's not touching the -240 price but picks Taira to get a takedown and finish with his ground game.

Cody picks Taira by submission, noting his slick grappling and ability to take the back. He points out Vergara exposes his back when getting up and makes mistakes. He likes the submission prop at +350 and thinks Taira will find a finish.

Taira has a similar striking style to Odie Osborne, using length and kicks, but mixes in solid jiu-jitsu and back takes. Vergara is tough and has pressure, but Taira should control the distance and find takedowns. The host is not fully sold on Taira's potential at -230 but expects him to win by decision. He likes Taira but not enough to bet the moneyline.

Paul picks Taira, expecting him to take Vergara's back and control him. He compares Taira's grappling to Ryan Hall or Aljamain Sterling, noting his ability to body triangle and neutralize opponents. He thinks Taira will dominate but is unsure if he will submit or just control.

Angelo picks C.J. Vergara despite the bookies favoring Kleydson Rodrigues. He believes Vergara can get inside Rodrigues' looping punches and beat him to the punch. He notes that Vergara is a beast in the clinch but worries about Rodrigues' takedowns from the clinch. He references Vergara's striking output in his UFC debut.

Big Brady picks Kleydson Rodrigues to win by decision. He is impressed by Rodrigues' striking volume, mixing kicks to the legs, body, and head. Vergara is tough and had a close fight with Ode Osbourne, but Rodrigues is a much tougher matchup on the feet. Rodrigues has good get-up game if taken down. Brady thinks Rodrigues has more tools and will outwork Vergara over three rounds, though the -280 price is steep. He expects a decision win for Rodrigues.

Cody picks Kleydson Rodrigues, calling him a promising prospect with excellent technique. He notes Rodrigues' knees, elbows, and cardio, and that he improves as the fight goes on. Cody contrasts Vergara's straight-line movement and poor footwork. He believes Rodrigues will outwork Vergara and likely win a decision.

Daniel Levi picks Kleydson Rodrigues confidently, though he does not bet due to the high price. He likes Rodrigues' athleticism, kicks, and takedown defense, and thinks he has a much higher ceiling than Vergara. He acknowledges Vergara's toughness and cardio but expects Rodrigues to win. He does not bet at -350.

The host is very high on Kleydson Rodrigues, calling him a future top 5-7 flyweight. He praises his striking and jiu-jitsu, though notes cardio is questionable. He dismisses C.J. Vergara as a solid striker but not UFC caliber, pointing to Vergara's close decisions and draws on the regional scene. He expects Rodrigues to win via decision, as Vergara is durable. He might include Rodrigues in a parlay.

Paul picks Kleydson Rodrigues, impressed by his defensive capabilities and well-rounded game. He notes that Rodrigues barely got hit on the Contender Series and has good striking defense. Paul believes Vergara is limited, throwing looping left hooks, and that Rodrigues will cover the price tag. He acknowledges the debut nerves but is confident.

Angelo picks Ode' Osbourne, citing his power edge, versatility, and size advantage at 125 lbs. He believes Vergara's forward pressure and boxing-heavy style will play into Osbourne's counter-striking and range control. However, he notes concern about Osbourne's recent knockout just two months ago, which may affect his chin. He also mentions that Osbourne has switched camps to Syndicate MMA and seems more focused.

Big Brady picks Ode' Osbourne to win by first-round submission. He notes Osbourne's reach advantage and wrestling potential, though Osbourne hasn't used takedowns much in the UFC. He believes if Osbourne implements a wrestling-heavy game plan, he can make it look easy, but if he stands and strikes, it could be risky. Brady sees Vergara as vulnerable on the ground and expects Osbourne to get him down and submit him early.

Cody picks Vergara as a dog, citing Osbourne's history of fading after the first round. He notes Vergara's finishing ability in later rounds and durability. He suggests live betting if Osbourne slows down.

Daniel Levi picks Ode' Osbourne, citing his experience in big fights and reach advantage. He notes that Osbourne has fought on Conor McGregor cards and has been in there with tough competition. Levi acknowledges that C.J. Vergara is a talented dog with a bright future, but believes Osbourne's seasoning and the pressure of a Madison Square Garden debut favor him. He expects a close fight where Osbourne digs deep.

Jacob agrees with Angelo, picking Ode' Osbourne. He highlights Osbourne's power at 125 lbs and his improved camp at Syndicate MMA. He worries about Vergara's takedowns, as Osbourne is a good grappler but not a wrestler, and could end up on his back. However, he believes Osbourne's striking advantage and the positive camp change will lead to a win.

The host leans Osbourne due to his striking from the outside and sneaky choke game. He expects Osbourne to ground Vergara and look for a submission, noting Vergara's recent submission loss. He likes the under 2.5 rounds and Osbourne's submission prop at +285. He has Osbourne parlayed with something else on the card.

Paul does not make a clear pick, calling it a pass. He notes Osbourne's talent but worries about his cardio. He suggests live betting Vergara if Osbourne slows down.