Ryan Loder

Angelo picks Ismail Naurdiev over Ryan Loder, but with hesitation. He notes Loder is a good wrestler but not UFC-level, while Naurdiev is undersized for middleweight but has striking volume that may force Loder to panic-wrestle from too far out. Angelo calls it a competitive matchup and wouldn't be surprised by a Loder win, but leans Naurdiev due to more tools.

Big Brady leans with underdog Ryan Loder, citing Naurdiev's questionable cardio and durability. He believes Loder's wrestling and ground-and-pound can control the fight, and that Naurdiev may fade if he can't finish early. He predicts Loder wins a decision, possibly dropping the first round.

Cody picks Ryan Loder confidently, noting his wrestling and cardio. He believes Naurdiev is a quitter with poor takedown defense and cardio. Cody thinks Loder can take Naurdiev down and break him over three rounds, possibly getting a late finish.

Connor agrees, picking Naurdiev. He notes that Naurdiev likes to walk in with his face and overextend, but Loder is even worse. He says Loder fights like a wrestler who hasn't learned to strike and melts down when things go wrong. He calls it a fight that shouldn't be in the UFC.

Lucrative James picks Ryan Loder as an underdog, citing Naurdiev's susceptibility to takedowns. He believes Loder's wrestling can expose Naurdiev, similar to previous opponents. He notes Naurdiev's survival skills but thinks Loder can get a finish. He admits Naurdiev is better on the feet but sees value in Loder.

Loder is a strong wrestler who can exploit Naurdiev's defensive holes. Naurdiev is a good striker but leaves openings and has been finished before. Loder's pressure and grappling should lead to a TKO finish.

Paul picks Ryan Loder, citing his wrestling and Naurdiev's history of quitting. He notes that Naurdiev has poor cardio and takedown defense. Paul believes Loder's style is perfect to exploit Naurdiev's weaknesses.

The MMA Guru picks Ismail Naurdiev to beat Ryan Loder, citing Naurdiev's well-roundedness and experience. He notes Loder's wrestling background but trusts Naurdiev's damage output with elbows and knees. He predicts a finish by TKO in the second or third round.

Angelo believes the fight will come down to who gets the first takedown, as neither fighter is comfortable on their back. He thinks Azamat Bekoev's experience (22 fights) and well-rounded skills give him an edge over Ryan Loder's cautious wrestling approach. He expects Bekoev to time his takedown and win.

Big Brady picks Azamat Bekoev, believing it's a bad matchup for Ryan Loder. He notes that Loder has a wrestling background but often fails to take down opponents worse than Bekoev, and his striking is poor. Bekoev has good takedown defense and get-up ability, and he has the striking advantage and power. Brady expects Bekoev to win by decision, possibly hurting Loder, though Loder has never been knocked out.

Many overlook Loder's wrestling and that Bekoev struggles against grapplers who provide resistance. Loder will shut down Bekoev's grappling, initiate scrambles, and come out on top. I expect a close fight and Loder wins by decision.

Angelo picks Ryan Loder, describing him as a boring but effective wrestler who excels at controlling the fight. He notes that Loder will likely shoot takedowns when Valentin throws spinning attacks, and that Loder's grinding style should win the minutes. He expresses hope that Valentin wins because Loder's style is bad for the sport, but picks Loder nonetheless.

Cody picks Loder because of his power wrestling and ability to grind out a decision. He notes Loder is a D1 All-American wrestler who can take opponents down and control them for 15 minutes. He thinks Valentin's path to victory is striking, but Loder's wrestling will neutralize that. He also mentions that Valentin's wins on TUF were against weak competition.

Daniel Vreeland picks Ryan Loder, citing his D1 wrestling pedigree and ability to take down Valentin, who is susceptible to takedowns. He warns that Loder must actually use his wrestling and not stand and bang, but believes the path to victory is clear.

JP picks Valentin by decision, thinking he is better on the feet and has decent enough grappling to stuff takedowns. He also thinks Valentin is a smarter fighter. He is not betting this fight. Brevin disagrees strongly, picking Loder as an underdog, praising his high IQ wrestling and ground-and-pound. Brevin notes Valentin's competition has been abysmal and he gets taken down easily.

Paul admits he hasn't watched much of TUF and doesn't have a strong opinion. He notes that both fighters are unproven and the fight is a coin flip. He says he needs to do more research before making a pick.