Caolán Loughran

Angelo picks Nathan Fletcher, expressing strong dislike for Caolán Loughran's fighting style and personality. He criticizes Loughran for being non-committal, low volume, and failing to use his skills. Fletcher is described as a pressure fighter with good cardio and a never-quit attitude. Angelo expects the fight to go to decision due to Loughran's hesitance.

Brady thinks Loughran has a striking advantage and can take down Fletcher, despite Loughran's poor performance against Jake Hadley. He notes Fletcher gets reversed often and was controlled by Conor O'Malley. Brady expects a competitive fight but picks Loughran to win by decision.

The host notes that Loughran has improved tremendously since their amateur fight six years ago, and his strength and physicality will shut down Fletcher's grappling. He expects Loughran to keep Fletcher on the defensive and grind out a win.

Angelo picks Caolán Loughran due to the size advantage, as Jake Hadley is moving up on short notice. He notes that Loughran will use his size to bully Hadley against the cage and slow the pace. Angelo acknowledges that Hadley is the better technical striker but believes the weight difference and Loughran's pressure will be decisive. He also mentions a potential plus 3.5 round bet on Hadley.

Cody picks Caolán Loughran, citing his physicality, pressure, and durability. He notes that Jake Hadley has looked defeated in recent fights, has poor cardio, and is moving up on short notice. Cody believes Loughran's constant forward pressure and takedowns will overwhelm Hadley, who has shown no ability to overcome adversity.

Daniel picks Caolán Loughran, citing his physical strength and the fact that Hadley is moving up a weight class on short notice. He notes Hadley has been inconsistent and struggled in his last two fights, and doesn't think he'll fare better against a stronger opponent.

Daniel thinks Caolán Loughran is the more physical fighter who can bully Jake Hadley with takedowns and top control. He notes Hadley's takedown defense issues and Loughran's durability, though Loughran is hittable. He picks Loughran to win by grinding out a decision.

Paul also picks Loughran, noting that Hadley's pace is unsustainable and that Loughran's volume (140 significant strikes in his last fight) will be too much. He believes Hadley will get outmuscled and that Loughran's wrestling and pressure will secure the win.

Angelo leans Caolán Loughran despite criticizing his debut. He thinks Loughran's wrestling and constant leg-diving can grind out a win against Angel Pacheco, who lacks one-punch power. He notes Loughran's takedown accuracy is poor but believes he can keep Pacheco against the cage. He avoids betting at -300.

Cody likes Loughran's physical strength, wrestling, and youth. He thinks Loughran will take Pacheco down and control him, noting Pacheco's lack of takedown defense and recent close fight with Danny Silva.

Loughran has relentless grappling and pressure, training at Team Kaobon with Mike Grundy. Pacheco showed heart but was outclassed on the Contender Series; his competition level is low. Loughran should overpower Pacheco in the clinch and on the ground, controlling the fight. Pacheco may land some shots but Loughran's wrestling and strength will be too much. Prediction: Loughran by decision, but could finish.

Paul agrees, seeing Loughran as a strong wrestler who can exploit Pacheco's weaknesses. He expects Loughran to win by decision or ground control, though the -350 price is not enticing.

Angelo has a slight lean towards Caolán Loughran, trusting his forward pressure and wrestling. He compares Loughran's grit to Erin Blanchfield's. He notes Taylor Lapilus has clean striking but Loughran can march forward and stay in his face. Angelo is waiting for prop bets before betting.

Big Brady picks Lapilus, impressed by his striking, takedown defense, and toughness. He notes Lapilus' previous UFC experience and superior competition compared to Loughran. He expects Lapilus to be the better striker and not be taken down, winning a decision. He questions Loughran's decision to take this tougher fight.

Cody picks Lapilus, highlighting his experience (3-1 in UFC previously), excellent kicks, defensive skills, high ring IQ, and cardio. He notes Loughran is undefeated but his competition has been weak, including opponents with losing records. Lapilus has wins over Nate Maness and Wilson Reis, while Loughran's best wins are against unproven fighters. Cody believes Lapilus's defensive grappling and takedown ability will be key.

Daniel Levi picks Taylor Lapilus, stating that Lapilus is a dynamic kickboxer who should light up Loughran on the feet. He notes that Loughran is a stationary target with poor defense and that Lapilus has the experience and skill advantage. Levi warns that Lapilus sometimes has low output and lets opponents back into fights, but he believes Lapilus will pick Loughran apart as long as he doesn't play with his food. He also mentions that Loughran's path to victory is via takedowns and back takes, which have troubled Lapilus in the past.

I'm going with Lapilus here. He has a speed and distance striking advantage, and his kicking game should keep Loughran at bay. Loughran is a promising prospect but this might be too much too soon. Lapilus has good takedown defense and works well back to his feet. I think Lapilus stops Loughran by KO due to the speed advantage.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Loughran's undefeated record is built on weak opposition, including two opponents with a combined 1-82 record. He says Lapilus is a proven veteran fighting in front of his home crowd, making him a justifiable favorite.