Viacheslav Borshchev

Angelo picks Matheus Camilo, noting that Viacheslav Borshchev has poor takedown defense (42%) and has been submitted recently. Camilo is aggressive, can strike and grapple, and has good cardio and power. Angelo is confident but only bets half a unit due to short notice and Camilo's chaotic style.

Big Brady picks Matheus Camilo but expresses significant concerns about Camilo's cardio and heart after his UFC debut where he quit. He notes Camilo has power and submission skills but worries if he doesn't finish early. He criticizes Borshchev's takedown defense as the worst in the division and questions his durability, noting he was dropped by Chase Hooper. Brady ultimately leans Camilo by first-round submission, but admits if the fight extends, it could go badly for Camilo.

Cody picks Camilo (Gamrot), despite not being a fan. He notes that Borshchev has been taken down and outgrappled in recent fights, and that Gamrot has good submission grappling. Cody believes that if Gamrot can get takedowns, he can control and submit Borshchev. He is not fully confident but sees the stylistic advantage.

Connor also picks Camilo, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Borshchev's desire to be a better MMA fighter has made him worse overall, and that Camilo can happily overthrow and collapse into a takedown and then out-grapple Borshchev. He thinks Camilo is a good young prospect.

Daniel is not confident in either fighter but leans toward Borshchev due to his experience and proven durability. He questions Camilo's cardio and chin after seeing him fade and tap in his UFC debut. He expects Borshchev to win if he can survive Camilo's early power.

Borshchev has a salty record but this is a winnable fight. He showcases grappling defense, works back to his feet after takedowns, and eventually knocks out Camilo within two and a half rounds.

Paul leans towards Borshchev, citing his volume and power. He notes that Gamrot has looked poor in recent fights and has cardio issues. Paul thinks Borshchev can keep the fight standing and outwork Gamrot. However, he is not fully confident and acknowledges the grappling risk.

The Guru picks Matheus Camilo, citing his wrestling and grappling ability as key factors. He notes that Borshchev struggles against grapplers, as seen in losses to Chase Hooper and Terrence McKinney. Camilo's takedowns and submission threat should be decisive, and Borshchev is on a losing streak. The Guru expects Camilo to grapple his way to victory.

Angelo picks Terrance McKinney because he believes McKinney's early explosiveness will overwhelm Viacheslav Borshchev, who is older and may not be as durable as before. He notes that McKinney is reliable in that he either finishes early or loses, and he thinks McKinney will come out like a bat out of hell and get the job done. However, he admits he is picking against Borshchev more than for McKinney, and he will monitor the odds for a good betting spot.

Big Brady acknowledges McKinney is the rightful favorite due to his wrestling and power, but he is hesitant because both fighters have questionable durability. He notes Borshchev has terrible takedown defense and was dropped by Chase Hooper, but McKinney's cardio is atrocious and his durability is also suspect. Brady thinks McKinney will land first and win by first-round knockout, but if it leaves the first round, McKinney is in trouble.

The host notes McKinney's tendency for early finishes, but picks Borshchev to fend off the early grappling and get a TKO finish by the end of the first or early second round.

Big Brady flipped his pick to Tom Nolan, citing Nolan's youth, size advantage, and the hometown factor in Australia. He notes that Borshchev has poor takedown defense and may struggle with the long flight. However, he questions Nolan's chin, as he was dropped by Victor Martinez. Brady thinks someone will get knocked out and predicts Nolan by second-round knockout, but he is not confident.

Angelo picks Viacheslav Borshchev as the better striker, but expresses concerns about his chin after being dropped by Chase Hooper. He thinks this should be a striking matchup and Borshchev is more technical. However, he says the bet will be on James Llontop to win inside the distance (decision no action) because Llontop could exploit Borshchev's questionable chin. He notes that if Llontop loses a decision, the bet is refunded.

Cody leans towards Borshchev because he is the better striker and this is likely a striking match. He notes that Llontop has poor takedown defense and gives up his back, but Borshchev won't wrestle. He thinks Borshchev's power and technique will be too much, but he is concerned about Borshchev's chin and recent damage. He says it's a tough fight to bet at -250.

Daniel Vreeland picks Viacheslav Borshchev, arguing that without a takedown threat from Llontop, Borshchev will get the kickboxing match he wants and is the better striker. He notes Borshchev has taken damage but believes he will pick Llontop apart.

Brevin picks Slava Claus, noting his good boxing and power, and that Llontop stands in the pocket too long, opening himself to counters. He mentions Slava's loss to Chase Hooper but downplays it. JP agrees, emphasizing Slava's power and Llontop's tendency to stand still after throwing, which will lead to Slava putting his lights out.

Paul picks Borshchev because he thinks Llontop is prone to poor decision-making and has a neck tattoo. He notes that Llontop was a favorite against Chris Padilla and looked terrible. He believes Borshchev's striking will be the difference in a stand-up fight. He also mentions that Borshchev's chin is starting to go, but Llontop doesn't have the wrestling to exploit it.

Angelo picks Viacheslav Borshchev because of his striking advantage and Chase Hooper's poor takedown offense (22% accuracy). He notes Borshchev has a professional kickboxing background and can defend takedowns well enough. He acknowledges Hooper's dangerous BJJ but believes Borshchev can keep the fight standing and land punishment.

Big Brady picks Slava Borshchev to win by first-round knockout, but admits it's a tough call and he could look stupid. He notes that on the feet, Borshchev has a huge advantage, as Hooper has been knocked down repeatedly by strikers like Steve Garcia. However, if Hooper gets the fight to the ground, he will dominate. Borshchev has poor takedown defense (36%), but Hooper's wrestling may not be as good as previous opponents. He hopes Borshchev stuffs takedowns and makes it look easy.

Cody picks Hooper as a confident underdog, noting that Borshchev has terrible takedown defense (35% in UFC) and has been taken down 24 times in 6 fights. Hooper, despite his own takedown accuracy issues, should be able to take Borshchev down and dominate on the ground with his elite BJJ. Cody believes Hooper's cardio and tenacity will allow him to survive early striking exchanges and find takedowns later. He already bet Hooper at plus 140.

Daniel Vreeland picks Chase Hooper, noting that Borshchev has poor takedown defense, especially when tired. He believes Hooper can weather the early storm and drag Borshchev to the ground for a ground-and-pound TKO or submission. He mentions that Hooper has moved up to 155 and is growing into his body.

The host leans Borshchev due to his improved takedown defense and striking advantage. He expects Borshchev to land big shots as Hooper recklessly closes distance, and hopes his submission defense holds up on the mat. He acknowledges Hooper's grappling danger but thinks Borshchev can survive and find a knockout. The pick is a lean, as he understands the underdog appeal.

Paul picks Hooper, echoing Cody's reasoning. He emphasizes that Borshchev's takedown defense is abysmal and that Hooper, despite his own flaws, has the grappling to exploit it. Paul notes that Hooper has shown heart and improvement at 155, and his BJJ is elite. He expects Hooper to get the fight to the ground and submit or control Borshchev. Paul calls it a 'dog pick' and is confident Hooper can win.

Angelo picks Borshchev, trusting his striking pressure and ability to defend takedowns. He notes Sadykhov is not a grappler and will likely strike, which favors Borshchev. He acknowledges Sadykhov could win a decision but leans on Borshchev's power and volume.

Big Brady picks Viacheslav Borshchev to win by first-round knockout. He praises Borshchev's incredible striking and notes that opponents constantly try to take him down because they want nothing to do with his striking. He worries that Sadykhov doesn't wrestle enough to exploit Borshchev's poor takedown defense, and that Sadykhov was outstruck by Evan Elder. Brady expects a striking battle and favors Borshchev's power.

Cody leans Borshchev, expecting a striking match where Borshchev's volume and durability give him an edge. He notes Sadykhov hasn't shown wrestling in the UFC, and Borshchev's takedown defense and ability to get up are solid. He's not confident but sees value.

Borshchev is more tested against better competition and his defensive grappling is improving. He should be able to keep the fight in the striking realm where he has a decided advantage. Expects Borshchev to batter Sadykhov and eventually finish him by knockout in the second or third round. Surprised to see Borshchev as the underdog and happy to take a shot on him.

Paul picks Borshchev, citing Sadykhov's lack of wrestling and questionable takedown defense. He thinks Borshchev's striking and cardio will be too much, and that Sadykhov hasn't shown enough to warrant being a favorite. He calls Borshchev a dog play.

Angelo picks Borshchev because in a striking match he should win easily, but he is concerned about Borshchev's poor takedown defense (31%) and the possibility that Maheshate could wrestle. He notes Borshchev is tough and never stops working, but is waiting for props before betting.

Big Brady picks Viacheslav Borshchev to knock out Maheshate in the first round. He is happy the UFC is giving Borshchev a striker, as his takedown defense is terrible but he is a beautiful striker with power. He expects Maheshate to stand and trade, which favors Borshchev. He predicts a first-round knockout.

Cody argues that Borshchev's takedown defense is poor, but Maheshate has never attempted a takedown in the UFC. He expects a striking match where Borshchev's volume and power will prevail. He notes Borshchev's ability to get up from takedowns and finish opponents.

Connor picks Maheshate because he believes Borshchev is more hurtable and can be caught with a big counter hook or knee. He notes that Maheshate is bigger, more well-rounded, and has never been knocked out. Connor also mentions the possibility of Maheshate out-grappling Borshchev, who is bad on the ground. He admits part of his pick is to avoid being trolled by a Twitter account claiming to be Maheshate.

Daniel Levi picks Viacheslav Borshchev, assuming the fight stays standing. He notes Borshchev has a clear striking advantage and is the more experienced kickboxer, while Maheshate has attempted zero takedowns in his UFC/Contender Series appearances. Levi acknowledges Borshchev's poor takedown defense but thinks Maheshate won't exploit it. He sees this as a striking match and favors Borshchev's cleaner technique.

The host picks Viacheslav Borshchev, expecting a striking battle where Borshchev's cleaner technique and body work will be key. He thinks Borshchev will slow Maheshate with body kicks and punches, then find a knockout. He likes the under and predicts a TKO victory.

Paul is intrigued by Maheshate's power and durability, and notes that Borshchev's takedown defense is a liability. He thinks Maheshate could land a knockout if Borshchev stands with him. He takes the underdog for value.

The MMA Guru picks Borshchev, believing he is better on the feet and that Maheshate won't be able to dominate him on the ground. He notes Borshchev has been working on his grappling and had moments against Mike Davis. He expects a stand-up fight and predicts Borshchev will finish via late-round TKO to the body. He is not impressed by Maheshate's win over Steve Garcia.

Cody picks Mike Davis to win, highlighting Davis's talent and the praise from training partners. He notes Davis has been inactive but is still young and improving. He expects Davis to counter Borshchev's hooks and low kicks with his jab and straight right, and to mix in takedowns to secure rounds. He is confident Davis gets the job done despite the layoff.

Paul picks Mike Davis by decision, citing Davis's superior wrestling and ability to mix in takedowns. He notes that Borshchev gives up takedowns frequently and Davis has underrated wrestling. He expects Davis to use his jab and hand speed to outpoint Borshchev on the feet if he chooses, but believes mixing in wrestling will solidify rounds. He mentions the 2.5 takedown prop on PrizePicks.

Angelo picks Viacheslav Borshchev, calling him the more technical striker. He notes that while Marc Diakiese has more power, Borshchev's kickboxing background and technical ability should control the fight. He mentions Borshchev needs to avoid Diakiese's leg kicks and power. He may throw a moneyline bet despite the 2-1 odds.

Big Brady picks Viacheslav Borshchev to win by decision, but is not overly confident. He likes Borshchev's striking and volume, but is concerned about his takedown defense, as he gets taken down in every fight. However, he notes that Borshchev has an elite get-up game and can get back to his feet. He thinks Diakiese can make it competitive with takedowns, but Borshchev will win the striking exchanges.

Cody picks Borshchev, disagreeing with the line. He criticizes Diakiese's inconsistency and poor performances as a favorite. He likes Borshchev's pressure, power, and ability to get up from takedowns. He thinks Borshchev will overwhelm Diakiese and get a finish.

Daniel Levi leans Viacheslav Borshchev, citing his superior boxing and striking. He notes Borshchev has defensive flaws on the ground but is training at Alpha Male to improve. He thinks Diakiese will get early takedowns but Borshchev will get back up and pull away on the feet. He is not betting the fight but picks Borshchev to win.

The host slightly favors Diakiese, citing his overall MMA game, experience against better competition, and the threat of takedowns that could disrupt Borshchev's striking. He notes Borshchev's body shot power but thinks Diakiese's speed and wrestling could be key. He expects a decision win for Diakiese.

Paul leans Diakiese as an underdog, citing recency bias on Borshchev. He notes Diakiese's close fight with a talented kickboxer and thinks the price is too high on Borshchev. He sees Diakiese getting back on track but isn't confident.

Angelo picks Borshchev despite acknowledging the odds are too wide. He highlights Borshchev's world-class striking from his kickboxing background and notes that training at Team Alpha Male should improve his wrestling. He worries about Borshchev's untested cardio and takedown defense but believes his striking advantage is decisive.

Big Brady acknowledges Borshchev's striking is elite but worries about his takedown defense, as he has been taken down frequently. He expects Bush to get takedowns but believes Borshchev's get-up game and cardio will allow him to win rounds on the feet. He predicts a decision win for Borshchev, though he notes the line has flipped and Bush could be a live dog.

Cody picks Borshchev, agreeing with Paul. He notes Bush's cardio issues and Borshchev's power. He expects Borshchev to win by TKO as Bush fades. He mentions Borshchev is limited but this is a favorable matchup.

Daniel Levi picks Dakota Bush in the upset. He criticizes Borshchev's speed and athleticism, calling him slow and not a top-notch Russian prospect. Levi notes Bush's agility and that he had a full camp after taking the Hubbard fight on short notice. He believes the line should be closer to a pick'em and that Bush can overwhelm Borshchev with pace. However, he admits neither fighter impressed him much.

The host is impressed with Borshchev's striking combinations and takedown defense, expecting him to stuff Bush's wrestling and keep the fight standing. He notes Bush's takedowns are not strong enough to hold Borshchev down, and Borshchev's relentless pressure and volume will lead to a finish. The host predicts a knockout in the first or second round, as Borshchev's technical striking and heat behind his shots will overwhelm Bush.

Paul picks Borshchev, noting his power striking and ability to get back up from takedowns. He expects Bush to gas after the first round, leaving him vulnerable to Borshchev's power. He mentions Borshchev's training at Team Alpha Male prepares him for wrestlers.