Robert Valentin

Angelo leans Robert Valentin based on toughness and the opinion of capper Bet Sam, who called Julien LeBlanc unathletic. He acknowledges both fighters are not good, but believes Robert's durability and chaotic style give him the edge. He plans to leave the fight alone betting-wise.

Cody picks Robert Valentin, citing his size advantage and better overall skills. He notes that Julien Leblanc is not UFC caliber and has weak wrestling. He also mentions that Valentin is fighting for his job and should be motivated.

Connor picks Valentin because despite his three-fight skid, he is at least a legitimate athlete who trains hard, whereas LeBlanc is not a pro athlete and looks out of shape. He notes that Valentin's losses came against decent athletes, but LeBlanc is the 'very picture of anybody ever' and lacks the physical tools to compete.

James picks Robert Valentin as an underdog, believing he has a submission threat and can finish early. He notes Valentin's 0-3 UFC record but thinks he is better than shown and can catch Leblanc on the ground.

The host thinks Valentin is a better version of LeBlanc with a better grappling game. He expects Valentin to find a submission and force LeBlanc to tap, looking dominant. He notes that Valentin is underrated and has improved since his earlier losses, and that LeBlanc's takedown defense is porous.

Paul also picks Robert Valentin, agreeing with Cody. He notes that Leblanc is not good and that Valentin has the strength advantage. He mentions that he got Valentin at minus 136 and would not play him at minus 200.

Angelo picks Ateba Gautier, citing his speed, power, and combinations. He notes that Robert Valentin is a creative but hittable striker who doesn't wrestle early. He believes Gautier will be too much on the feet and finish early.

Big Brady picks Ateba Gautier, citing his dynamite power and physical strength. He notes Gautier knocked out durable Jose Medina and expects him to finish Robert Valentin in the first round. He believes Valentin will stand and trade, which favors Gautier.

The host notes Gautier is a physical specimen but still young at 23, and Valentin could make things difficult. He picks Gautier to land a big shot and put Valentin away, but warns not to get carried away with the minus 500 odds, indicating hesitation.

Angelo highlights Torrez Finney's incredible cardio despite his muscular build, his blast double leg takedown, and his wrestling pressure. He notes Robert Valentin is a creative striker but hittable and was taken down by a D1 wrestler in his last fight. Angelo believes Finney's lack of neck and short arms make submissions difficult for Valentin, and that Finney's pace and wrestling will overwhelm him. He wishes the odds were closer but picks Finney.

Big Brady is high on Torrez Finney, praising his wrestling, cardio, and durability despite a suspect chin. He notes Robert Valentin cannot stuff takedowns and may quit. He expects Finney to take Valentin down and pound him out for a second-round TKO.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Finney. He notes that Valentin is extremely unprepared for this level, with no takedown defense and a poor grappling game. Connor sees Finney's singular focus on takedowns as a strength here, and while he doubts Finney's long-term UFC future, this fight is an easy win for him.

Finney is a tank but the resistance and violent nature of Valentin is expected to wear on Finney, leading to a third-round stoppage for Valentin.

The Guru leans towards Torrez Finney in his UFC debut, citing his wrestling, power, and experience from multiple Contender Series appearances. He worries about Robert Valentin's finishing potential but thinks Finney's head shape makes him hard to KO and that Valentin gives up dominant positions on the ground. He expects a decision win for Finney.

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.