Stewart Nicoll

Angelo picks Alessandro Costa, believing he is better than his record and will bust up Stewart Nicoll. He notes Costa's power, leg kicks, and striking accuracy, while Nicoll is hitable on the feet and his takedowns are desperate. Angelo dismisses Costa's last loss due to a freak foot injury and expects Costa to be well-prepared for Nicoll's wrestling.

Big Brady picks Alessandro Costa by second-round knockout. He likes Costa's power, opportunistic jiu-jitsu, and takedown defense. He criticizes Nicoll's wrestling, noting he went 2-for-20 on takedowns against Lucas Rocha, who has no takedown defense. He expects Costa to knock out Nicoll on the feet.

Cody picks Costa, citing his takedown defense and power. He expects Costa to stuff Nicoll's takedowns and land heavy shots, winning by decision or late TKO.

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Costa confidently. He emphasizes that Nicoll is too excitable and not technical enough, often making wrong moves and allowing opponents to dictate. Costa's aggression and physicality should overwhelm Nicoll, who has shown a tendency to leapfrog into submissions and get overexcited.

The host sees potential value on Nicoll due to Costa's weakness on the ground, but is not confident enough to bet pre-fight. He notes Nicoll's persistent wrestling could exploit Costa's poor ground game, but Costa's power and takedown defense make it risky. He prefers to watch for live betting.

James picks Alessandro Costa via TKO in round two, citing Costa's athleticism, striking power, and training with Diego Lopez. He notes Nicoll's limited striking and tendency to be submitted, but warns Costa has poor round threes and has been knocked out twice. He believes Costa's physicality and finishing ability will be enough to get the job done inside the distance, as he has in his other UFC wins.

The host believes Costa is the better striker with a nasty calf kick and good enough grappling to neutralize Nicoll. He notes Nicoll's two-fight losing streak and struggles in the UFC. He expects Costa to win inside the distance, possibly via TKO from the calf kick. He is willing to parlay Costa.

Paul picks Costa, noting Nicoll's poor wrestling and durability issues. He expects Costa to win, possibly by KO, but warns the moneyline is steep.

The MMA Guru picks Alessandro Costa, noting he dropped Erceg and has finishes, while Stewart Nicoll looked incapable of causing harm in his last fight. He believes Costa's explosiveness will lead to a TKO victory.

Angelo picks Lucas Rocha based on his brain over gut feeling. He notes Lucas is the more dangerous fighter and that Stewart doesn't like forward pressure. However, he acknowledges Lucas's poor takedown defense and the risk of being taken down. He does not bet the moneyline but suggests under 2.5 rounds as a play.

Big Brady leans slightly toward Stewart Nicoll, expecting takedowns to come easy and Nicoll to find a submission. He notes Nicoll is a talented grappler with nasty ground and pound, but made a mistake in his last fight by getting caught in a guillotine. He acknowledges Lucas Rocha is dangerous on the feet with power and flying knees, but has no striking or takedown defense. Brady sees it as a striker vs grappler matchup and picks Nicoll by second-round submission.

Cody picks Nicoll but is hesitant due to his previous loss by guillotine. He notes Rocha's inability to grapple and Nicoll's path to victory, but worries about travel and Brazilian judging. He suggests checking Nicoll's arrival in Brazil.

Lucrative James picks Stewart Nicoll as an underdog, citing Nicoll's tenacious grappling and takedown ability. He acknowledges Lucas Rocha's striking advantage and knockout power, but believes Nicoll's wrestling and cardio will be decisive. He notes that Rocha has been taken down multiple times in past fights and submitted. However, he is hesitant because Nicoll was submitted in his last fight and his jiu-jitsu may not be slick enough to finish Rocha. He sees the fight ending inside the distance.

Manpreet picks Nicoll at plus money, believing his grappling and control will stifle Rocha's Muay Thai. He notes Nicoll's BJJ black belt and ability to take the back, and expects him to win by decision. He considers the plus 100 a value line, as Nicoll would be a favorite if not for his debut loss.

Paul picks Nicoll, citing Rocha's poor grappling and ballooned record. He notes Nicoll's BJJ black belt and physical strength, and expects him to take Rocha down and submit or control him. He warns about travel concerns but sees value.

Angelo picks Stewart Nicoll to win based on his wrestling advantage, believing Nicoll can get takedowns and control the fight. However, he is hesitant because Nicoll is a 2-to-1 favorite against a tough opponent in Jesus Aguilar, who is dangerous with guillotines. Angelo notes that Nicoll is undefeated but untested at this level, similar to Danny Barlow last week, so he avoids betting but leans Nicoll.

Big Brady picks Stewart Nicoll to win by second-round submission. He notes Nicoll's wrestling and ground-and-pound are very good, and that Jesus Aguilar has 40% takedown defense and has been submitted in both of his losses. He believes the takedowns will come fairly easy for Nicoll, and once on top, his ground-and-pound can open up submissions. He acknowledges this is Nicoll's toughest test to date but is confident in his path to victory.

Cody is impressed with Nicoll's regional tape, noting his relentless takedowns, top control, and nasty elbows. He believes Aguilar has poor takedown defense and has been controlled by lesser wrestlers. Cody expects Nicoll to dominate and possibly submit Aguilar.

Daniel Vreeland picks Stewart Nicoll to win, expecting him to take Aguilar down and control the fight. He notes that Aguilar has poor takedown defense and low output, while Nicoll has good cardio, strength, and tenacity. Vreeland believes Nicoll will grind out a decision or submission.

The host leans to Nicoll, citing his technical superiority in all aspects of MMA against Aguilar. He notes Nicoll's grinding grappling approach and BJJ black belt, but acknowledges Aguilar's power and guillotine threat. He expects Nicoll to dominate and finish within two or three rounds, possibly by club and sub.

Paul likes Nicoll's wrestling and pace, and notes that Aguilar has been taken down by everyone who tried. He mentions Nicoll's submission threat and expects a finish. Paul calls Nicoll a legit prospect and believes the UFC gave him a favorable matchup.