Ignacio Bahamondes

Angelo picks Ignacio Bahamondes despite acknowledging the danger of Terrance McKinney's chaotic pressure and wrestling. He notes that Bahamondes is a very good striker with length and volume, but his takedown offense is nonexistent and he can be outwrestled. Angelo believes Bahamondes' higher level of competition and striking advantage should carry him, but he is hesitant because McKinney could win by being chaotic and getting takedowns.

Big Brady picks Ignacio Bahamondes to win by second-round submission via a 'club and sub' approach. He notes Musayev's poor grappling, having been submitted five times, but is concerned that Bahamondes has zero takedowns in the UFC. He thinks Bahamondes will hurt Musayev on the feet and then submit him. He likes Bahamondes' size, volume, and sneaky power, and believes he is improving his wrestling.

Cody thinks the line is too wide and Musayev has the grappling to exploit Bahamondes' takedown defense. He makes a small play on Musayev at plus money.

Connor picks Bahamondes but is hesitant, citing uncertainty about Bahamondes' current level due to recent wins over lower-level competition. He thinks Bahamondes has a danger edge with his size and will likely pressure Musayev, but he's not fully confident.

Daniel thinks Bahamondes will overcome early adversity from Musayev's explosive striking, then take over in later rounds due to his youth, reach, and Musayev being past his prime. He expects a decision or late finish.

The host thinks the odds are too wide in favor of Bahamondes (-322) and that Musayev could make it competitive, but he passes because there is not enough recent footage on Musayev to confidently bet him. Bahamondes has weaknesses (poor striking defense, takedown susceptibility) but Musayev is an unknown quantity with only one recent fight. The host reluctantly passes on both sides.

The host believes Bahamondes' striking and counter-striking will be too much for Musayev, who is reckless. He expects Bahamondes to pick Musayev apart and eventually land a big shot for a finish. He notes the under 2.5 rounds is intriguing due to Musayev's recklessness and Bahamondes' finishing ability.

Paul favors Bahamondes, citing his height, volume, and cardio. He believes Musayev's low volume and lack of wrestling will be issues.

The MMA Guru picks Ignacio Bahamondes, noting his crafty striking and ground game. He believes Bahamondes is a better version of Daniel Zellhuber and will outlast Musayev's explosive first round. He predicts Bahamondes will finish Musayev by TKO in the second or third round, drawing parallels to his performance against Manuel Torres.

Angelo picks Ignacio Bahamondes, citing his length, striking, and multiple ways to win. He acknowledges that Fiziev is the better striker but thinks Bahamondes is on a run and has more finishing options. He notes that Fiziev may have slowed down after injuries and tough fights. He recommends exposure to both in multiple lineups.

Big Brady picks Rafael Fiziev despite him being on a three-fight skid, noting that Fiziev's losses came against top competition (Gamrot, Gaethje twice) and one was on short notice. He believes Bahamondes is taking a step up in competition and that Fiziev's speed, power, and movement will cause problems early. Brady acknowledges Fiziev's cardio issues but thinks the fight goes to decision and that hometown judges will favor Fiziev in a close fight. He predicts a greasy, possibly controversial decision win for Fiziev.

Connor picks Fiziev, agreeing with Zane that Bahamondes' reversion to pocket fighting against Turner is a bad sign against Fiziev. He notes that Bahamondes has lost to short, explosive strikers before and that Fiziev is a much more polished striker than Bahamondes' recent opponents. He believes Fiziev's technical edge and the fact that Bahamondes hasn't proven his new style against a serious range striker make Fiziev the clear pick.

The host is surprised Bahamondes is the slight favorite. He thinks Fiziev may have handpicked his opponent to perform in front of his hometown crowd. He expects Fiziev's speed advantage and wrestling to thwart Bahamondes' distance striking, leading to a big shot or control time for a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Ignacio Bahamondes, citing his range and improved distance management. He believes Fiziev's size disadvantage and recent war with Justin Gaethje will be factors. He expects Bahamondes to pick Fiziev apart as the fight goes on, predicting a third-round finish.

Connor picks Turner because he sees a clear level gap: Bahamondes has never beaten a good UFC fighter and is a classic tall man who doesn't like fighting at distance, while Turner is a long-range striker with fast, straight shots. Connor notes that Bahamondes has poor defense and will struggle against Turner's reach and power. He also points out that Turner has fought much better competition and performed well in close fights.

Lucrative James picks Turner as an underdog, citing Turner's early power and finishing ability. He thinks Turner will land big shots early and potentially finish, as Bahamondes is hittable. He notes Turner's cardio issues but believes he can win by stoppage or even decision if he hurts Bahamondes early. He admits he needs more tape study but leans Turner.

Angelo leans Ignacio Bahamondes for three reasons: his length advantage, higher level experience, and the fact that Manuel Torres pulled guard in his last fight, which won't work against Bahamondes. He notes Bahamondes has good footwork and head movement, solid takedown defense, and came out aggressive in his last fight. However, he acknowledges Torres is dangerous and the fight could end early. He suggests a round under or 'fight doesn't go the distance' prop.

Big Brady flipped from initially leaning Torres to picking Bahamondes as a dog. He notes Torres is a beast in the first round (14 of 15 wins in round 1) but has never been past round 1.5. Bahamondes has shown ability to go into later rounds and weather storms. He predicts Bahamondes will survive an early onslaught and break Torres in the second round via knockout.

Daniel picks Ignacio Bahamondes, believing that if he survives the early storm, he will pick Torres apart with calf kicks, jabs, and spins. He notes Bahamondes' training with Khabib and Islam for grappling, and doubts Torres can maintain his high pace. He predicts a knockout for Bahamondes.

The transcript does not discuss this fight.

Fading the hype on Torres and going with the more experienced and technically better fighter in Bahamondes. He will touch up Torres, lean on his durability early, and then utilize superior technical striking to finish Torres in the second or third round.

Angelo leans Ignacio Bahamondes because he believes Bahamondes' last loss was more about how good Ludovit Klein is rather than Bahamondes being bad. He acknowledges that Bahamondes has good takedown defense (85%) but that it failed in his last fight. He thinks Christos Giagos could win if he gets takedowns, but Angelo is on the Bahamondes side, though he admits he will be biting his nails over takedowns.

Big Brady picks Ignacio Bahamondes to win by second-round submission. He notes that Giagos will likely have early success with takedowns and wrestling, but will fade as the fight goes on due to poor cardio. Bahamondes will grow into the fight and finish Giagos in the second round.

Cody agrees, pointing to Giagos's pattern of fading after round 1, as seen in the Zellhuber fight. He notes Bahamondes's length and reach may make it hard for Giagos to land early, and that Bahamondes has never been knocked out. Cody thinks Bahamondes will take control as the fight goes on, and that Giagos's takedown threat diminishes as he tires.

Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Ignacio Bahamondes, praising his stance switching, range, and opportunistic submissions. He dismisses Bahamondes' losses to Melsik Baghdasaryan and Ludovit Klein as forgivable, noting Klein's suspicious transformation. Vreeland sees Christos Giagos as an athletic journeyman who fades after the first round, lacking depth beyond spamming hooks. He expects Bahamondes to frustrate Giagos with range and dominate past round one, possibly by finish.

Bahamondes is a talented striker with nasty Muay Thai and improving grappling. Giagos has early finishing power but fades if he doesn't get the finish. Bahamondes can weather the early storm, then take over in later rounds with his striking and cardio. Expect a TKO in the second or third round.

Paul is confident in Bahamondes, citing his length, chin, cardio, and striking. He notes Giagos is explosive but fades after 6-7 minutes, and that Bahamondes's takedown defense and ability to get up will neutralize Giagos's early wrestling. Paul expects Bahamondes to take over in rounds 2 and 3, possibly by TKO. He also suggests live betting Bahamondes if he loses the first round.

Angelo picks Ignacio Bahamondes, citing his massive size at lightweight, incredible volume, decent power, and 95% takedown defense. He notes that Bahamondes uses his length well to keep distance and snatch submissions. He believes Klein is a technical striker but will struggle with Bahamondes's size and grappling, and may shoot sloppy takedowns that lead to a submission. Angelo thinks -200 is appropriate and expects Bahamondes to dominate.

Big Brady is very high on Bahamondes, noting his size (6'3" at lightweight), volume, and improved takedown defense as seen against Roosevelt Roberts. He thinks Klein has stagnated and shown poor cardio and durability. He expects Bahamondes to keep the fight standing and outpoint Klein over 15 minutes, possibly by decision, with a sneaky submission chance.

Cody is confident in Bahamondes, citing his volume, height advantage (6'3" vs 5'7"), and youth. He notes Klein's low output and struggles against taller opponents. He expects Bahamondes to outland Klein significantly and win a decision, possibly with a late finish. He also likes the over 83.5 significant strikes prop for Bahamondes.

Daniel Levi is very confident in Ignacio Bahamondes, calling him his first bet of the night. He praises Bahamondes' striking, length (6'3" at lightweight), and durability, citing praise from Belal Muhammad. Levi notes that Klein is explosive but breaks when he's the nail, while Bahamondes has no quit. He expects Bahamondes to double Klein up on strikes and potentially finish him. Levi parlayed Bahamondes with Bobby Green to win 3.5 units at effective even money.

James thinks Bahamondes is the better striker and more dangerous submission threat. He notes Klein can catch him but doesn't hit extremely hard. Bahamondes is improving and James expects him to break Klein late, similar to how Madge did.

Bahamondes can snipe from distance and rack up significant strikes, possibly finishing Klein. Klein may try grappling, but Bahamondes has good takedown defense and can work back to his feet. The Jai Herbert fight is a perfect example of what happens when Klein faces a distance striker, and Bahamondes is cleaner than Herbert. I like Bahamondes to win by decision.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting Bahamondes' volume and size advantage. He is concerned about Klein's takedowns but believes Bahamondes will cruise to a decision victory. He also likes the over 83.5 significant strikes prop.

Angelo is very confident in Ignacio Bahamondes, citing his length, reach, surprising output, good power, footwork, and 95% takedown defense. He notes that Trey Ogden is stepping up on short notice and has had to cut weight twice in a few weeks, which is a disadvantage. He believes Ignacio will dominate with his striking and is one of his most confident picks on the card.

Big Brady is confident in Ignacio Bahamondes, citing his improved takedown defense and striking advantage. He notes that Trey Ogden has poor takedown accuracy (15%) and struggled against Jordan Levitt. He believes Bahamondes will outclass Ogden on the feet and potentially finish him, but predicts a decision win. He mentions the line movement as a sign of confidence.

Cody agrees with Paul on Bahamondes. He notes Bahamondes' potential and size advantage, and that Ogden's wins have come against lower-level competition. Cody points out Ogden's poor takedown defense and low striking output. He thinks Bahamondes will use his reach and volume to dominate. Cody says he probably won't bet it due to the price but agrees it's a solid pick.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Bahamondes. He notes that Ogden is a fighter who makes it hard for opponents to hit him, but Bahamondes will keep throwing.

Jacob also loves Ignacio, calling it one of his favorite plays on the card. He emphasizes Ignacio's jab and length, and notes that Trey Ogden marches forward with his head on the center line, making him vulnerable. He warns against Ignacio pulling guillotines, as that could put him on his back, but believes if he sticks to jabbing, he will dominate.

Bahamondes is all violence with high volume, using his height and reach to keep opponents at distance. He has 95% takedown defense and trains with Belal Muhammad to improve his grappling. Ogden is a BJJ black belt but may struggle with Bahamondes' constant pressure and output. I expect Bahamondes to land a knockout as Ogden gets desperate with takedowns.

Paul is high on Bahamondes, calling him potential top ticket material. He highlights Bahamondes' massive size for lightweight (6'3", 75" reach), excellent volume, and takedown defense. Paul notes Bahamondes' cardio and durability, and that he keeps improving. He criticizes Ogden's low output and poor wrestling, and believes Bahamondes will outwork him easily. Paul expects a dominant performance.

The MMA Guru picks Ignacio Bahamondes to win by second-round submission via guillotine or d'arce choke. He highlights Bahamondes' good reactions to takedown attempts and his striking at range with front kicks and straight punches. He predicts Ogden will shoot a sloppy takedown in the second round after being worn down by leg kicks and body shots, allowing Bahamondes to latch on a guillotine against the cage.

Big Brady picks Ignacio Bahamondes to win by decision. He praises Bahamondes' takedown defense shown against Roosevelt Roberts, where he stuffed 12 takedowns. He notes Bahamondes throws high volume (over 7.5 significant strikes per minute) and has a significant reach advantage. He criticizes Rong Zhu's striking, pointing out that he was outlanded 94-40 by Kazula Vargas at distance. Brady believes Bahamondes will keep the fight on the feet and outwork Zhu.

Cody picks Bahamondes by decision, citing his size, volume, and takedown defense. He notes Bahamondes' improvement and ability to stuff takedowns, while Zhu is still raw. Cody likes the decision prop at +150 and plans to bet it later in the week.

Daniel Levi leans Ignacio Bahamondes but is cautious. He notes Bahamondes has a tendency to fight to the level of his competition and sometimes underperforms. Levi praises Bahamondes' striking and chin, but worries about Rong Zhu's talent and youth. He calls it a dog-or-pass situation and says if Bahamondes performs to his potential, he wins.

The host is confident in Bahamondes, citing his volume striking, takedown defense, and ability to overwhelm opponents. He notes that Bahamondes stuffed takedowns from Roosevelt Roberts and expects similar success against Rong Zhu. He thinks Rong Zhu's only chance is a knockout, but Bahamondes should control the fight and win by decision.

Paul agrees with Bahamondes by decision, noting his pressure, volume, and takedown defense. He acknowledges Zhu's power but believes Bahamondes' size and output will win rounds. Paul also likes the decision prop at +150.

Big Brady picks Roosevelt Roberts, citing a significant grappling advantage. He notes Roberts is a much better grappler with a brown belt in BJJ, while Bahamondes has no submissions and is very hittable. He believes if Roberts gets the fight to the mat, he will submit Bahamondes. He predicts a second-round submission.

Cody picks Bahamondes as a dog, citing his size, volume striking, and durability. He notes Roberts' low output and takedown defense issues, and believes Bahamondes can outwork him. He also likes the under on rounds.

Roberts is a buy-low spot after two losses where he was a huge favorite; he has talent and can fulfill his potential. Bahamondes struggled with distance in his UFC debut and has submission losses. Roberts has good boxing and can mix in takedowns, and I think he covers this line. I'm picking Roberts by decision, but a submission is possible.

Paul leans toward Bahamondes, noting his size and striking output. He questions Roberts' ability to get takedowns and believes Bahamondes' volume could overwhelm him. He also mentions the under 2.5 rounds as a potential play.

Big Brady picks Bahamondes to win by decision, citing his significant reach advantage (75.5" vs 68") and youth (23 vs 35). He believes Bahamondes will use his range to pick apart Makdessi, who is coming off an injury layoff. Brady notes Bahamondes has solid volume and technical striking, while Makdessi is low volume and older. He does not love the -190 line but expects Bahamondes to win.

Cody leans Bahamondes, citing his massive reach advantage and youth. He notes Makdessi's lack of takedowns and suspect chin. However, he acknowledges Bahamondes is green and untested. He does not bet it.

Daniel Levi picks Ignacio Bahamondes, citing his youth, height and reach advantage, and training at a high-level gym in Chicago. He notes that John Makdessi has never landed a takedown in his UFC career and has been knocked out multiple times. Levi expects Bahamondes to use his length and volume to out-strike Makdessi, predicting a first-round knockout. He also mentions that Makdessi has a history of skipping wrestling practice.

The host likes Bahamondes' size and reach advantage (7 inches in height and reach), and his fluid striking. He thinks Bahamondes will keep Makdessi on the outside with his jab and kicks, and that Makdessi will struggle to close the distance. He picks Bahamondes to win by decision, though he acknowledges the Contender Series curse could be a factor.

Paul leans Makdessi as a dog, noting his experience, striking volume, and ability to outpoint opponents. He mentions Makdessi's recent ACL surgery and layoff as concerns, but thinks Bahamondes is too green. He calls it a dogger pass.