Darrius Flowers

Angelo picks Darrius Flowers primarily because Lando Vannata hasn't fought in three years and was on a losing streak before the layoff. He acknowledges that no one can intelligently break down this fight due to the unknowns, but Flowers has fought recently and will move forward and swing. Angelo is not confident and advises against betting on this fight.

Big Brady picks Lando Vannata despite his long layoff and losing streak. He criticizes Flowers as one of the worst fighters, with many KO and submission losses. He expects Vannata to win by second-round submission, noting Flowers has no chin and poor grappling.

Cody hesitantly picks Vannata, acknowledging his superior skills but concerns about a three-year layoff and injuries. He suggests waiting for weigh-ins and considers a submission prop.

Connor also picks Vannata, noting that Flowers fights like a Vegas strip impersonation of Rampage Jackson with no footwork and is stiff and awkward. He points out that Flowers got undressed by Evan Elder and doesn't seem to like fighting. Vannata, despite his own issues, should win easily.

James picks Lando Vannata, calling it a weird fight. He notes Vannata's superior striking and level of competition, but is unsure due to both fighters' inactivity. He predicts a spinning wheel kick knockout in round two when Flowers gasses. He expresses confusion about the matchup and low confidence.

The host expects Vannata to win, likely by finish in round 2 or 3, as Flowers has poor cardio and a tendency to fade. He notes Vannata's unorthodox striking and BJJ black belt, while Flowers gasses out and has been submitted before. He advises caution due to Vannata's three-year layoff but still picks him.

Paul leans towards Vannata, noting Flowers' poor record and takedown defense. He expects Vannata to win if he uses wrestling, but is cautious due to the layoff.

The MMA Guru picks Lando Vannata, recalling his past highlights like the wheel kick KO of John Makdessi. He believes Vannata's rangy striking and teeps will be effective against Darrius Flowers, who has been easily handled by Michael Johnson and Jake Matthews. He predicts a decision win.

Cody picks Elder, citing his striking advantage and Flowers' poor record. He notes Flowers' 1-10 boxing record and tendency to get knocked out. He believes Elder's power and takedown ability will lead to a finish.

Evan Elder is heavily favored and deservedly so. Darrius Flowers is not UFC-level talent. Elder will pressure, land big power punches, slow Flowers down, and finish him in the first or second round. His takedown defense is good enough to nullify Flowers' BJJ black belt, allowing Elder to control on the feet and get a knockout.

Angelo acknowledges Michael Johnson's vast experience and skills, but notes he is older, slower, and coming off a bad knockout loss. Darrius Flowers is an in-your-face fighter with power and slams, but is unproven. Angelo picks Flowers due to Johnson's age and the knockout, but is hesitant to bet on an unproven fighter. He compares Johnson to Muslim Salikhov, suggesting a similar fate.

Big Brady hesitantly picks Michael Johnson to win by second-round submission. He notes that Johnson is inconsistent and has been on his no-bet list since 2018, but this is his easiest fight in 13 years. Flowers is a one-round brawler with poor cardio and durability, and if Johnson survives the initial storm, he should win. He predicts a finish in the second round, possibly by submission due to Flowers tapping to strikes.

Cody picks Johnson, citing his superior skill set and experience against top competition. He notes Flowers' boxing record is poor (1-10) and that he has been knocked out multiple times. Johnson's takedown defense should be sufficient against Flowers, who is not a high-level wrestler. Cody expects a striking battle where Johnson's volume and power prevail, though he acknowledges Johnson's chin is a concern.

Johnson is far superior in striking and experience. He should be able to use his jab and footwork to stay away from Flowers' power and then find a knockout in the second or third round. Flowers has poor cardio and is not UFC-level. Johnson's takedown defense will keep the fight standing. At -125, Johnson is a no-brainer play.

Paul also picks Johnson, noting he has fought the best and has knockout wins over top guys. He thinks Flowers' only path is an early knockout, but Johnson's experience and durability should see him through. Paul mentions that Johnson's takedown defense is underrated and that Flowers is not a wrestler. He expects Johnson to win by decision or late stoppage.

Angelo picks Jake Matthews despite his last embarrassing loss, citing his toughness and ability to weather storms. He expects Flowers to come out hot with power and slams, but thinks Matthews will survive the early onslaught and take over later. He is waiting for the odds to drop and will bet if the line is favorable.

Big Brady picks Jake Matthews to win by second-round submission. He acknowledges Flowers' explosiveness and power but questions his cardio, especially on short notice at elevation. He expects Matthews to weather an early storm, then take over as Flowers tires, securing a submission in the second round. He notes Flowers has been submitted four times before.

Cody picks Flowers as a dog, noting Matthews' inconsistency and poor performances as a favorite, especially outside Australia. He mentions Matthews' chin issues and lack of submission wins. Flowers has power and a willingness to engage. However, he admits he may not have the courage to bet it.

James is leaning toward Flowers due to the wide line, as Matthews is a heavy favorite despite being hittable and having been hurt in his last fight. He acknowledges he hasn't done full tape on Flowers but sees power and takedown upside. He feels the line should be much closer and that Flowers offers value as a dog.

Matthews has way more experience against higher level competition. He should be able to overcome Flowers' power and jiu-jitsu with his own grappling and striking. Matthews needs to be strict with his striking defense and open up takedown opportunities. I'm taking Matthews by decision.