Muhammad Mokaev

Angelo picks Muhammad Mokaev despite his poor striking performance in his last fight, attributing it to a staph infection. He believes Mokaev's relentless wrestling will be the difference, as Manel Kape may be hesitant to let his hands go due to takedown fear. Angelo notes that Kape is a much better striker but expects Mokaev's pace and wrestling to win out.

Cody picks Muhammad Mokaev, citing his improving wrestling and grappling. He notes that Mokaev has been getting better at controlling opponents on the ground and that Manel Kape has shown poor takedown defense and cardio. Cody believes Mokaev's constant takedown threats will neutralize Kape's striking and lead to a decision win.

Daniel believes Manel Kape is the more well-rounded fighter with superior striking and experience. He thinks Mokaev's takedowns won't be enough to hold Kape down, and Kape will hurt Mokaev on the feet, potentially finishing him. He predicts a knockout.

Jeff picks Manel Kape as his dog of the week. He admits he may have faded Mokaev too much in the past, but believes Kape is one of the best flyweights. He thinks what Mokaev showed against Alex Perez is not enough to beat Kape.

Paul leans towards Manel Kape as a dog, citing the value at plus 130. He believes if the fight stays on the feet, Kape has a clear advantage. However, he acknowledges that Mokaev's wrestling is a major threat and that Kape has been taken down before. Paul calls it a 'dogger pass' situation but is tempted by the line.

Angelo is very confident in Muhammad Mokaev, calling the -240 odds a discount. He notes Mokaev's dominant wrestling and composure, while Alex Perez hasn't won in four years and has no wins over active UFC fighters. He expects Mokaev to win despite sometimes making fights close.

Big Brady picks Mokaev, citing Perez's long layoff and 14 canceled bouts. He notes Perez has only 3 minutes of cage time in the last 4 years and was submitted quickly in his last two fights. Mokaev is younger, hungrier, and more active, with multiple submissions in the UFC. He expects Mokaev to submit Perez, possibly in the third round, but acknowledges the line might be off if the best version of Perez shows up.

Cody picks Perez as a dog, arguing that Mokaev has shown holes in recent fights and could have lost to Malcolm Gordon, Jafel Filho, and Tim Elliott. He notes that flyweight is the most competitive division and that Perez, despite the layoff, is only 31 and has fought top competition. He believes Perez's striking and grappling are superior to Mokaev's previous opponents and that the layoff may not be a negative if Perez used it to improve.

Mokaev is dominant in the grappling realm and good at finding submissions, but his striking is more flash than substance. He was nearly beaten by Tim Elliot, who caused scrambles and frustrations. Perez is a dangerous opponent who may be motivated to prove himself, but Mokaev should still win. The host expects the fight to go to the scorecards with Mokaev landing better damage and control, but it will be closer than the odds indicate.

Paul picks Mokaev but is hesitant due to Perez's long layoff and question marks. He notes Mokaev's youth and improvement but also his low volume and reliance on takedowns without much damage. He mentions the Apex favors Mokaev's style as there's no crowd to pressure the ref to stand them up. He ultimately sticks with Mokaev despite considering Perez.

Angelo picks Muhammad Mokaev but fades the bet. He acknowledges Mokaev's 0% takedown defense and that Tim Elliott will test it. He notes Mokaev's wins are not as dominant as they seem (Gordon old, Duran took him down, Jafel Filho had a kneebar). He thinks Mokaev's offensive wrestling will prevail but Elliott could cause an upset.

Big Brady picks Muhammad Mokaev to win by third round submission. He notes that Tim Elliott has been submitted many times in his career, while Mokaev is a very good grappler with submission wins over black belts. Brady expects a competitive scramble but believes Mokaev will catch Elliott in a submission as Elliott tends to make mistakes.

Cody picks Elliott, echoing Paul's sentiment that Mokaev is untested and has shown holes in his game. He highlights Elliott's superior wrestling, scrambling, and striking volume, and notes that Mokaev's takedowns are often not held down. Cody believes Elliott's experience and ability to push a pace will lead to an upset, possibly by decision.

Daniel picks Muhammad Mokaev to win, praising his toughness, wrestling, and heart, especially his survival of a kneebar. He acknowledges Tim Elliott's veteran savvy and improved training camp but believes Mokaev's youth and ability to push through fatigue will be decisive. He expects an exciting scramble-heavy fight and thinks Mokaev can submit Elliott or win a decision. He notes that Elliott has stopped prospects before but believes Mokaev is a different level.

James was heavy on Mokaev submission, playing it in two degenerate parlays and also betting half a unit on Mokaev submission in round two and round three at big prices. He also bet under 2.5 rounds. He noted that Mokaev got the submission via arm triangle at 3:33 of round three, just missing the under 2.5 by 33 seconds. James was confident Mokaev would finish, as he saw it as one of his favorite spots on the card.

Mokaev has phenomenal scrambling ability and pushes a high pace. He stays ahead in scrambles and dominates from top position. His striking is flashy but serves to set up takedowns. Elliott is a legitimate test but Mokaev is skilled enough to win by decision. Not confident enough to bet at -600, but would consider at -400.

Paul picks Elliott as a dog, arguing that Mokaev is overvalued based on his record against weak competition. He notes that Mokaev has low striking volume and has struggled with cardio and takedown defense, while Elliott has fought elite competition and has a scrambling style that will frustrate Mokaev. Paul believes Elliott's experience and unorthodox striking will earn him a decision or even a split decision.

Angelo thinks Mokaev should win by wrestling and control, but he is concerned about the shoulder injury and the fact that Mokaev has been in trouble in recent fights. He notes Mokaev is not dangerous and gets taken down himself. He is staying away from betting because the odds are too wide and the shoulder is a red flag.

Big Brady picks Mokaev but notes shoulder injury concerns and the high price. He acknowledges Filho is solid but expects Mokaev to get takedowns and control. He predicts a decision win, as Filho has good grappling and has only been submitted once long ago. He will not bet this fight due to the -800 price.

Cody picks Mokaev, noting his wrestling and submission skills. He thinks Filho's takedown defense is not as good as Mokaev's previous opponents. He says Mokaev is young and still learning, but his grappling advantage should be decisive. He doesn't like the minus 800 price and suggests Mokaev by decision or submission, but says it's hard to bet props on a young fighter.

Connor picks Mokaev, noting that Filho's wrestling is a power-based game that will play into Mokaev's technical grappling. He warns that Mokaev sometimes tries to out-athlete opponents, but here he should be able to use his superior transitions and positional awareness. Connor sees this as a good step-back fight for Mokaev's development.

Jacob thinks Mokaev should win but is very concerned about the shoulder injury. He notes that a dislocated shoulder takes 12-16 weeks to heal and it has only been 11 weeks. He thinks Mokaev's comments about having no excuses are a red flag. He is not betting because the odds are too high and the risk is too great.

Mokaev is a relentless grappler with solid cardio and scrambling ability, though he can be flashy. Filho is a BJJ black belt with 16 fights of experience and solid all-around skills, but Mokaev's pace and control should be too much. The fight likely goes to decision, so the decision prop offers value. Mokaev remains undefeated.

Paul picks Mokaev, saying he's stopped fading him after looking foolish against Durden. He notes Filho's Contender Series fight was close and unimpressive. He says minus 800 is tough to bet straight, but Mokaev should win. He mentions Mokaev by submission is plus 100 and inside the distance is minus 130, but he's not sure which prop to take.

The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Mokaev to win by decision, despite some concerns about his recent performances. He notes Filho looked vulnerable on the contender series, being out-struck in early rounds and leaving his legs open. Mokaev should chop at the legs and use grappling to dominate, but the Guru expects a 30-27 or 30-26 decision rather than a finish.

Angelo picks Muhammad Mokaev as the largest favorite on the card, citing his non-stop wrestling pace and Malcolm Gordon's 0% takedown defense. He notes Mokaev's insane cardio and pressure, but also points out that Mokaev struggles to hold opponents down. He mentions that Gordon has a BJJ black belt but doesn't think it will matter.

Big Brady is extremely confident in Mokaev, calling him the biggest favorite on the card. He highlights Gordon's poor chin (knocked out four times, finished in all five losses) and zero percent takedown defense. He believes Mokaev can win by knockout or submission, predicting a first-round finish, likely by knockout on the feet.

Cody is confident in Mokaev, noting his youth and improvement. He thinks Mokaev's wrestling and submission game will be too much for Gordon, who has durability issues. Cody expects a finish, likely by TKO or submission in the first or second round.

Daniel Levi picks Muhammad Mokaev to win dominantly, possibly by knockout. He is impressed by Mokaev's record-setting takedown performance and finishing ability. Levi questions Malcolm Gordon's chin and heart, noting Gordon has been finished before and made mistakes. He thinks Mokaev can win by any method he chooses.

Mokaev has relentless wrestling and cardio, as shown against Charles Johnson. Gordon's best path is grappling, but Mokaev is safe with his jiu-jitsu and can dominate on top. Gordon is less durable than Johnson, so Mokaev inside the distance is a strong play. The under 1.5 rounds is also appealing.

Paul is confident in Mokaev, noting Gordon's poor chin and durability. He thinks Mokaev will spam takedowns and finish. Paul likes the TKO prop at +260 to +280.

Angelo picks Mokaev due to his dominant wrestling, but warns not to sleep on Charles Johnson who has solid submission defense and a fearless attitude. He notes Johnson will likely get taken down but is confident in his get-up game and will throw strikes. He says Mokaev's wrestling will likely be too much and he may include him in parlays.

Big Brady picks Muhammad Mokaev to win by decision. He notes the UFC is building up Mokaev, but Charles Johnson is not a bum; he has good chin and takedown defense. However, Mokaev should get the fight to the mat and control Johnson. He doesn't see a finish due to Johnson's toughness.

Cody leans towards Muhammad Mokaev but is not confident. He notes Mokaev is a bright prospect but still green. Cody thinks Johnson is durable and experienced, but Mokaev's wrestling could be the difference. He likes Mokaev over 2 takedowns on PrizePicks. Cody is not set in stone and may flip closer to fight time.

Daniel Levi leans towards Muhammad Mokaev, citing his impressive grappling and the way he handled Cody Durden. He acknowledges that Charles Johnson has good cardio and went the distance with Brandon Royval, but believes Mokaev's grappling edge will be decisive. Levi is not fully convicted because Mokaev hasn't fought anyone besides Durden, while Johnson has more experience.

Johnson is not a +370 dog; he should be closer to +150. He is the better striker, has good scrambling, and can stop takedowns. Mokaev's hype is overblown. Johnson will make this competitive and likely win. I'll likely lock in this bet after the stream.

Paul picks Charles Johnson at +375, calling it a dogger pass. He notes Johnson is experienced and well-rounded, and if the fight stays standing, it could be interesting. Paul is scared to lay -500 on Mokaev. He learned his lesson from betting against Mokaev last time and is passing on betting.

Angelo picks Muhammad Mokaev but is nervous about betting on him. He acknowledges Mokaev's superior wrestling and amateur experience, but notes that he is only 21 with 5 pro fights, making his UFC debut against a tough wrestler in Cody Durden. He thinks Mokaev wins but advises against making him a parlay piece.

Big Brady picks Muhammad Mokaev to win by decision. He is impressed with Mokaev's wrestling, cardio, and control, noting he can go 15 minutes without slowing. Brady believes Mokaev will tire out Cody Durden, who has a poor gas tank, and take him down repeatedly. He thinks the fight will be competitive early but Mokaev's pace will be the difference.

Cody picks Durden as a dog, citing Mokaev's youth and lack of strength. He thinks Durden's wrestling and man strength could be enough, and that Mokaev's cardio might not hold up. He acknowledges Durden's cardio issues but thinks he can win the first two rounds.

Daniel Levi picks Cody Durden as a dog, believing Mokaev's hype is overblown and that this is his first real fight. He notes Durden has been competitive in all his UFC fights, including a draw with Chris Gutierrez on short notice and a near-win over Jimmy Flick. Levi questions Mokaev's competition and thinks Durden's wrestling and toughness will test him. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and is not betting, but picks Durden to win.

Mokaev is a highly touted prospect with a 23-0 amateur and 5-0 pro record, but the hype may be too much at -350. His jiu-jitsu is slightly slicker than Durden's, which should allow him to control transitions and scrambles. However, red flags from his last fight against Hussein show he can slow down in the second round. Durden is a grizzled veteran with good wrestling, but Mokaev's grappling should get the last laugh. I'm picking Mokaev to win via decision, but I'm not confident in the line.

Paul picks Durden as a PRP dog, citing Mokaev's youth and lack of strength. He thinks Durden's wrestling and experience could be a factor, and that Mokaev's hype might be premature. He acknowledges the risk but likes the value.