Kauê Fernandes

Angelo picks Kauê Fernandes as a 3-to-1 underdog, citing Guram Kutateladze's declining chin and recent struggles. He notes Guram was dropped in his last fight and is not the same prospect he once was. Angelo believes Kauê's forward pressure and power will be too much, though he is not betting the moneyline due to the long odds. He considers prop bets like inside distance or plus 3.5 rounds instead.

Brady sees Guram as a big favorite and expects him to take over as the fight goes on. He notes that Kauê has terrible cardio and takedown defense, so Guram can mix in takedowns and win minutes. Brady predicts a competitive early round but Guram pulling away and winning by decision.

The host believes Kutateladze's Muay Thai and wrestling will nullify most of Fernandes's offense, leading to a decision victory. He emphasizes Kutateladze's overall game and ability to control the fight.

Angelo is very confident in Fernandes, calling Yahya terrible and noting he falls over for no reason. He thinks Fernandes is better everywhere and should win a straightforward decision due to Yahya's toughness. He made the pick without much tape study.

Big Brady is confident in Fernandes, calling Yahya's performance against Trevor Peak one of the worst he's ever seen. He thinks Yahya is not UFC level, while Fernandes has solid striking, power, and a sneaky submission game. He predicts Fernandes wins by first-round knockout, noting the line is steep but the pick is clear.

Cody picks Kauê Fernandes, noting that Yahya was outwrestled by Trevor Peek and has poor takedown defense. He thinks Fernandes can keep the fight standing and use his superior striking. However, Cody worries about Fernandes's cardio and notes that if he doesn't finish early, Yahya could take over. He also mentions that Yahya is the hometown fighter and could get a favorable decision.

Daniel leans towards Fernandes, viewing him as a better version of Yahya with more physicality and experience. However, he is not confident enough to lay -400 on an unproven fighter, so he calls it a pass but gives a lean.

Yahya can grind out Fernandes, who has been grinded out in past fights and spends too much time on his back. At +340, Yahya is worth a sprinkle to win on the scorecards.

Paul picks Kauê Fernandes, noting that Yahya was dominated by Trevor Peek and has poor wrestling. He thinks Fernandes can implement a similar game plan and possibly find a submission. Paul acknowledges Fernandes's cardio issues but believes he can win early. He also mentions that the line is wide but Fernandes is the better striker.

Angelo leans towards Fernandes despite Diakiese's experience and competition edge. He believes Fernandes can defend takedowns and will stay in Diakiese's face with striking, causing trouble. He notes Diakiese has become more of a wrestler lately, but his wrestling is decent at best, while Fernandes has solid takedown defense. Angelo placed a small underdog bet on Fernandes at +145, noting the line is tightening.

Big Brady picks Marc Diakiese to win by decision. He notes that Diakiese has evolved into a wrestler, with 11 takedowns against Slava Borshchev and 8 against Damir Hadzovic. He trusts Diakiese's cardio and fight IQ, and believes Fernandes is dangerous early but fades. He also mentions that Diakiese's submission loss to Joel Alvarez was due to a head clash.

Daniel Levi picks Marc Diakiese, citing his UFC experience, improved cardio, and well-rounded game. He notes that Diakiese has evolved from a dynamic striker to a more complete fighter who uses offensive wrestling. Levi acknowledges Diakiese's inconsistency and tendency to flake, but believes this is a step down in competition. He sees Fernandes as dangerous early with his BJJ and head kicks, but expects Diakiese's cardio and wrestling to take over in later rounds. Levi is leaning Diakiese but not with high confidence.

James acknowledges that Diakiese deserves to be a favorite but sees too much danger on the Fernandes side due to his unproven UFC debut and potential cardio issues. He notes that Diakiese has been submitted multiple times and that Fernandes has speed and power, but he also points out that Fernandes gassed in his last extended fight. Ultimately, James is not betting this fight because he cannot trust either fighter, but he leans Diakiese as the rightful favorite.

Diakiese has a solid submission defense to thwart Fernandes' offensive attacks on the mat. As the fight goes into deeper waters, Diakiese will find it easier to control Fernandes on the mat and do good work from top position. Diakiese is good enough in the striking realm to deal with Fernandes' early threat, and will likely drag the fight to the ground and grind out a decision win.