Dylan Budka

Angelo picks Dylan Budka despite acknowledging that many people think Budka is not good. He argues that Budka has very good offensive wrestling and Edmen Shahbazyan has poor takedown defense (65%) and is useless on the ground. He believes Budka can win with wrestling alone, and that the odds are upside down.

Big Brady picks Shahbazyan by first-round submission, arguing Budka is not on the level of Shahbazyan's previous opponents. Shahbazyan has a huge striking advantage and is even the better grappler. He expects Shahbazyan to hurt Budka, who will panic wrestle, and then snatch a submission. If Shahbazyan loses, he should retire.

Connor picks Edmen Shahbazyan, agreeing with Zane that Budka is not ready for this level. He emphasizes Budka's lack of range game and his need for constant coaching, which makes him operate three steps behind. Connor notes that Shahbazyan, despite his own issues, has the depth of skill to bulldoze opponents like Budka. He also suggests that Shahbazyan might have benefited from being cut from the UFC earlier, like Zalal, to fix his problems.

Lucrative James picks Edmen Shahbazyan to win by KO, viewing this as a clear step down in competition for Shahbazyan. He notes that Shahbazyan's losses have come against high-level opponents like Gerald Meerschaert, Anthony Hernandez, and Nassourdine Imavov, while Dylan Budka has not shown UFC-level skills. He believes Shahbazyan's improved grappling and pace will be enough, and that Budka lacks the tools to exploit Shahbazyan's known cardio issues. He expects a finish inside the distance.

Shahbazyan has a big technical gap over Budka and can put him away early, likely within the first round. If it goes longer, his cardio becomes an issue. The -360 odds are iffy but Shahbazyan wins inside the distance.

The MMA Guru picks Edmen Shahbazyan to win by early TKO in round one or two. He acknowledges Shahbazyan's past struggles with wrestling and cardio but believes Dylan Budka won't be able to take him down until it's too late. He trusts Shahbazyan's development at Xtreme Couture.

Angelo picks Andre Petroski because he is the better wrestler with good takedowns and power, and if he sticks to his wrestling he should win. He notes that Dylan Budka is also a grappler but not as good a striker, and Andre's path to victory is straightforward. However, he is hesitant to bet at the current odds of nearly 3-to-1, preferring closer to 1.5-to-1.

Big Brady picks Andre Petroski to win by second-round submission. He believes Petroski has a striking advantage and is the much better grappler, with slick BJJ and multiple submissions. He notes that Budka has been submitted before and that Petroski's cardio looked improved in his last fight. Brady sees many avenues for Petroski to win, including knockout or decision, but leans submission.

Cody picks Petroski, citing his superior wrestling and BJJ, and Budka's lack of improvement. He notes Budka's gym is low-level and he has not faced good competition. He expects Petroski to win by submission or decision.

Daniel is not confident in this pick. He calls both fighters boring wrestlers but notes that when two wrestlers fight, it often becomes a striking match. He picks Petroski by default due to UFC experience, but admits he doesn't trust Petroski and hasn't seen enough from Budka.

Petroski is a superior wrestler and BJJ specialist who should dominate Budka on the ground. Budka is more of a bully with size than a technical fighter, and his cardio is suspect. Petroski can dictate the pace and likely wins easily, possibly by submission. Budka's only path is a Hail Mary KO.

Paul picks Petroski, noting his wrestling and BJJ advantage over Budka, who has poor striking and cardio. He believes Petroski can take Budka down and control him, and has shown ability to finish. He is not confident in the price but sees it as a good matchup.

Angelo leans Dylan Budka (whom he accidentally calls Gillan) because he is a grappler facing a striker. He expects Budka to shoot takedowns instantly and not stand and strike with César Almeida, a high-level kickboxer. He notes that Almeida's takedown defense is unknown and that defending trips on Contender Series is different from defending actual shots. However, he acknowledges the unknowns with UFC debuts.

Big Brady picks César Almeida as the underdog, citing that Almeida is the much better striker with an extensive kickboxing background. He notes that the judges have been emphasizing damage over control, which favors Almeida's big shots. However, he acknowledges that Budka could rack up control time with wrestling, but doubts Budka will do much with it. He sees a close fight with Almeida landing bigger shots and winning a decision.

Cody picks Almeida as a dog, citing his win over Alex Pereira in kickboxing and his striking advantage. He notes Budka is a one-dimensional wrestler with poor cardio, and that Almeida's takedown defense, while not great, may be enough to get back to his feet. Cody thinks Almeida's striking will be the difference, especially if Budka tires.

Daniel Vreeland picks César Almeida, expecting him to overcome early grappling scares and take over on the feet in later rounds. He notes Almeida's kickboxing pedigree from fighting Patan three times and his ability to get back up after takedowns. Vreeland believes Almeida's body shots, leg kicks, and jab will slow Budka's takedown attempts, allowing Almeida to finesse him on the feet.

Almeida is technically the better striker with kickboxing experience, including a win over Alex Pereira. He showed improved grappling in his last fight, which should help nullify Budka's clinch and grinding. Budka is physically strong but lacks technique; Almeida can damage him in close with knees and elbows, then win by decision.

Paul picks Budka but with low conviction. He notes Budka is a one-dimensional wrestler, while Almeida is a kickboxer with poor takedown defense. Paul thinks Budka can grind out a win by takedowns and control, but acknowledges Almeida's striking pedigree and the possibility of a knockout. He calls it a pass fight.