Michael Page

Angelo picks Michael Page with extreme confidence, calling it the easiest money. He notes MVP is faster, cleaner, more powerful, and more technical everywhere. He believes Sam Patterson is chinny and that MVP should dominate. He references MVP's public complaints about the matchup.

Big Brady confidently picks Michael Page, praising his unique striking and ability to avoid being hit. He notes that Page out-lands opponents at distance and that Sam Patterson has sub-50% striking defense and a suspect chin. He thinks Page will style on Patterson and potentially knock him out, predicting a second-round KO. However, he acknowledges that if Patterson gets the fight to the ground, he could win.

Cody agrees with Paul, citing Page's experience against bigger opponents and Patterson's durability issues. He sees Page winning by KO or decision.

Connor picks Page, agreeing with Zane that Page is a clear favorite. He emphasizes that Page's style of moving around, mocking opponents, and landing clean shots is a nightmare for Patterson, who wants to step in and crack opponents. Connor notes that Page has shown he can remain calm against good fighters in the UFC, and Patterson's only path is if Page makes a rare mistake. He calls the booking a waste of both fighters' time.

Daniel Vreeland picks Sam Patterson as an underdog. He notes that MVP is older and dropping back down to welterweight, and Patterson has a strong submission game. If Patterson can get the fight to the ground, he can submit MVP.

Daniel initially thought MVP would style on Patterson, but after analysis, he sees Patterson as a live dog if he can get the fight to the mat. He notes MVP's age, speed decline, and past takedown issues. He thinks Patterson might be able to capitalize on MVP's vulnerabilities.

This is a true 50/50 fight: Page has striking advantage, Patterson has grappling advantage. Patterson is the value bet at underdog odds. If Patterson grapples, he can submit or ground-and-pound Page. The under 2.5 rounds is a strong play.

James picks Sam Patterson as a big underdog, believing Patterson's grappling is a massive threat. He notes that Page is a great striker but can be taken down, and Patterson has submission skills. He also cites Patterson's hunger and age advantage, and thinks the odds are off.

The host picks Michael Page by knockout. He believes Page's speed and counter-striking will be too much for Patterson, who may struggle to land cleanly. He expects Patterson to get frustrated and walk into a big shot. However, he notes the lack of reach advantage for Page could be a factor.

Paul thinks Page's speed and striking will be too much for Patterson, who stands upright and is hittable. He expects a KO or clear decision for Page.

The MMA Guru picks Michael Venom Page to win by TKO, his first UFC finish. He notes Patterson is upright and has been caught with straight punches, while MVP is a crafty striker with underrated submission defense. He acknowledges Patterson's jiu-jitsu threat but believes MVP's range and timing will lead to a knockdown and finish.

Angelo believes this is a tailor-made matchup for MVP, as his speed and karate style will be too much for the powerful but slow Cannonier. He notes MVP has outstruck everyone in the UFC, including Ian Garry, and can pop in and out safely. He is surprisingly confident in MVP.

Big Brady picks Michael Page to win by decision. He notes Page is an incredible striker with a unique style that makes him hard to hit, and he has outlanded top strikers like Ian Garry and Kevin Holland. He thinks Cannonier will struggle to take Page down, as Cannonier has only one fight with more than one takedown. He favors Page heavily in distance striking and thinks Page wins a decision, possibly a knockout. He also mentions a prop bet on Page under 54.5 significant strikes.

Connor picks Page, arguing that Page can frustrate Cannonier from range and that Cannonier is slowing down and less likely to have fight-stealing moments. He notes that Page is comfortable with boring fights and can make Cannonier look slow and cumbersome. However, he acknowledges that Cannonier's strength in the clinch could be a problem, but Page's ability to tie up after striking may mitigate that.

The host believes Page's elusive striking style will be too much for the veteran Cannonier. He predicts Page will pick apart Cannonier and eventually find a knockout in the second round.

The Guru picks Michael Venom Page to win by decision over Jared Cannonier. He believes Cannonier will be too technical and hesitant to pressure Page effectively, instead opting for a low-output striking match. The Guru notes that Cannonier has a history of not taking risks, as seen in his fights with Marvin Vettori and Paulo Costa. He expects Page to outpoint Cannonier with movement and occasional highlights, winning a dull decision.

Angelo picks Michael Page, calling it his 'last ride' with MVP. He notes Page's unorthodox karate style, speed, and ability to cover distance. He believes Page's striking will frustrate Sharabutdin Magomedov, who is creative but may struggle with Page's movement. He acknowledges Page's age (37) and the risk of a knockout loss, but thinks Page can win a decision. He suggests looking at prop bets like MVP +3.5.

Big Brady thinks the odds make no sense and favors Michael Page at plus money. He praises Page's striking defense, noting he made Kevin Holland and Ian Garry look silly. Sharabutdin Magomedov has 42% striking defense and is there to be hit. Brady expects a close fight but predicts Page wins by decision, possibly split. He doesn't see Magomedov wrestling.

Connor picks MVP, expecting him to produce his typical frustrating fight. He notes that Magomedov is directionally aimless and has a punchable face that invites aggression, but MVP's style of staying at range and countering is difficult to deal with. Connor believes Magomedov's leg kicks could be a factor, but MVP's willingness to make the fight boring and his reach advantage give him the edge.

James picks Sharabutdin Magomedov to win, primarily due to hometown bias in Saudi Arabia favoring the Russian Muslim fighter. He also cites Magomedov's leg kick advantage against Page's karate stance, better durability, and finishing upside. He notes Page moves up to middleweight at 37-38, which is a disadvantage. He expects a close fight but sees Magomedov winning by decision, with potential for a knockout.

Page is very hard to hit and will set up counters effectively, potentially scoring a knockout if he lands the perfect shot. Magomedov lacks a wrestling background despite his name, which will be an issue. Page is expected to pick him apart similar to the Kevin Holland fight and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Sharabutdin Magomedov to win by late-round TKO via ground and pound. He believes Magomedov's kicks and clinch will cause problems for MVP, and that MVP's takedown defense is weak. He notes MVP struggled with Ian Garry's grappling and that Magomedov has been drilling takedowns. He thinks MVP's move to middleweight may reduce his presence.

Cody picks Garry, emphasizing his youth, grappling advantage, and cardio. He notes that Page is 37 and has shown takedown defense issues, while Garry is a judo black belt with improving wrestling. Cody believes Garry will use leg kicks and clinch work to neutralize Page's movement, and that he can win a decision or possibly get a submission. He also mentions that Page's win over Kevin Holland was unimpressive and that Garry has the skills to implement a game plan.

Daniel Vreeland picks Ian Garry because he believes Garry is smart enough to not let Michael Page fight his fight. He notes that Page's best performances come against opponents who are 'a little nuts' and willing to engage in chaos, but Garry is disciplined and won't be lured out of his game plan. Vreeland expects Garry to crowd Page, press him against the cage, and possibly mix in grappling to neutralize Page's striking range. He also points out that Garry has better grappling stats and is younger and more active.

Daniel took MVP at plus 125 for two units, his first time picking against Garry. He believes MVP's speed and unorthodox style can fluster Garry, and that Garry's wrestling advantage is mitigated by MVP's improved takedown defense. He acknowledges the age difference (11 years) but sees MVP as an anomaly. He is worried about Garry's top control but is letting it ride.

Jeff Fox picks Ian Garry, stating that Garry has proven he knows how to stay safe and use range and distance better than Page. He notes that Page did not look impressive in his win over Kevin Holland and didn't put his foot on the gas, which could get him in trouble against Garry. Fox believes Garry is a very good deal at minus 137.

The host does not discuss this fight at all in the transcript. The entire podcast is focused on the Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight, which is not on the provided fight card. Therefore, no pick is made for this fight.

The host is confident in Garry, emphasizing his superior grappling. He believes Garry will exploit Page's takedown defense and use his wrestling to take the fight to the mat, where he can control or submit Page. He notes Garry is not outmatched on the feet and expects the line to move to -160 or -170 by fight time. He also mentions a submission prop at +900 as a sprinkle.

Paul picks Page by knockout, admitting he is betting with his heart because he dislikes Garry. He acknowledges that Garry has a grappling advantage but believes Page's power and flashy striking can end the fight at any moment. Paul notes that Page looked good against Kevin Holland and that Garry has been rocked before. He also mentions that Page is a plus-500 underdog by knockout, which offers value.

Angelo leans Michael Page, citing his unorthodox karate style, speed, and power. He thinks Page's awkwardness will cause Kevin Holland to miss and then look to wrestle. He acknowledges this is Page's toughest test and that Holland is durable and composed. He has a small bet at even money but won't parlay Page.

Big Brady picks Michael Page to win by decision. He notes that Holland has poor fight IQ and likely won't grapple, so the fight will stay on the feet. He expects a close, competitive striking match that goes the distance, and he takes the dog in Page. He has low confidence and thinks the judges could get it wrong.

Cody thinks Holland has the durability and volume to overwhelm Page, and that Holland can exploit Page's lack of recent activity and questionable chin. He notes that Holland has a clear path to victory via wrestling, but acknowledges Holland might choose to strike instead.

Daniel is confident in MVP, citing his unorthodox striking, speed, and improved takedown defense. He dismisses the idea that Holland will wrestle, noting Holland averages less than one takedown per 15 minutes and is not a wrestler. Daniel believes MVP's distance and angles will frustrate Holland, and that Holland makes boneheaded mistakes. He bet MVP at plus 115 and expects a low-output striking match that could go to a split decision or a knockout of Holland.

Daniel Vreeland also picks Michael Page, though he initially hesitates. He notes that Page's recent results are actually improving and that his only losses are to Douglas Lima and Logan Storley, both via wrestling-heavy game plans. Vreeland argues that Page is still a better kickboxer than Holland and that Holland's path to victory is wrestling, but he doubts Holland can execute that game plan. He points out that even Douglas Lima couldn't consistently wrestle Page, so Holland may struggle. Vreeland concludes that Page's striking is enough to win.

Jeff Fox picks Michael Page as a dog, citing Kevin Holland's tendency to strike rather than grapple. He believes Holland will choose to strike with Page, which plays into Page's strengths. Fox notes that Page is past his prime but still has the striking prowess to beat Holland. He references Page's losses to Douglas Lima and Logan Storley, but argues that Page's striking is still elite and that Holland is not a strong wrestler. Fox is confident that Page's kickboxing will overwhelm Holland.

Page is a devastating striker with incredible speed, precision, and power. Holland will likely try to strike with him early, but his wrestling is not good enough to consistently take Page down. Page has good footwork and distance management to avoid takedowns and land his own shots. I expect Page to touch up Holland and eventually find a knockout in the second or third round. Holland's tendency to leave openings when his wrestling fails will be his downfall.

Paul believes Page is past his prime and hasn't fought in a year, while Holland is durable and has a significant experience advantage. He thinks Holland can use his wrestling to control Page, but also notes that Holland might choose to stand and trade, which could be risky.