Nasrat Haqparast

Angelo picks Nasrat Haqparast as a slight underdog, citing his high striking volume (over 6 significant strikes per minute) and excellent 84% takedown defense. He notes that Quillan Salkilld's wrestling approach against Yanal Ashmouz won't work here because Nasrat is a better wrestler. Angelo acknowledges it's a tight fight and won't bet it unless he sees a plus sign on Nasrat's moneyline.

Big Brady slightly favors Nasrat Haqparast, despite acknowledging Quillan Salkilld's relentless pace, cardio, and grappling. He is concerned about Salkilld taking the fight on short notice (made a week ago) and traveling from Australia to Abu Dhabi, which may affect his performance. Brady also notes Haqparast often gets close decisions, especially in Abu Dhabi, and expects a decision win for Haqparast.

Cody picks Nasrat Haqparast, citing his takedown defense (84%) and volume striking. He notes that Salkilld relies heavily on takedowns and may struggle if they are stuffed, as he has dropped rounds to lesser competition. Cody believes Haqparast's experience against top fighters and ability to outwork Salkilld on the feet will lead to a decision win.

Connor sees Haqparast as a reliable, durable fighter who has only lost to elite action fighters like Drew Dober, Dan Hooker, and Bobby Green. He views Salkilld as too green, with a collapsing defensive style and a game that isn't cohesive yet. Connor believes Haqparast's pressure and power will overwhelm Salkilld, and he considers the even odds a huge value on Haqparast.

Daniel Vreeland is impressed by Salkilld's weaponized cardio and high-volume takedown style, which he believes will be too much for Haqparast. He notes that Haqparast hasn't faced multiple takedown attempts in a long time and that Salkilld's length and pressure will be problematic. He acknowledges the short notice and travel but thinks Salkilld's style will carry him to a decision win.

Lucrative James picks Quillan Salkilld, but notes he hasn't done tape study and this is a last-minute addition. He believes Salkilld is the better all-around fighter with elite pace and takedowns, and that Haqparast's takedown defense is unproven against relentless wrestlers. However, he acknowledges the short notice and travel disadvantage for Salkilld, making this a close fight.

The host notes Haqparast is on a five-fight winning streak but believes he is declining and will struggle against Salkilld's Muay Thai and BJJ. He predicts Salkilld wins by decision.

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Salkilld's takedown-heavy style may not work against Haqparast's takedown defense. He notes that Haqparast has fought tougher competition and has a volume advantage. Paul also mentions that the Abu Dhabi crowd may favor Haqparast, and he expects a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Nasrat Haqparast by decision, expecting a 29-28 win. He believes Haqparast's pace, takedown defense, and experience will be too much for Quillan Salkilld, who is on short notice. He notes that Salkilld's wins (over Anshul Jubli, Unal Ashmaev) are not impressive, and that he may tire in later rounds. He predicts Salkilld may win the first round, but Haqparast will take over in the second and third.

Angelo picks Esteban Ribovics, highlighting his sneaky power, tight striking, and ability to mix in takedowns and BJJ. He notes that Nasrat Haqparast is not very dangerous and tends to win close decisions, but believes Ribovics can win more decisively. He also mentions that Vegas judges don't favor Nasrat, which could help Ribovics.

Big Brady picks Esteban Ribovics, citing his volume, durability, and power. He notes Nasrat Haqparast is not a wrestler and will stand and trade, which favors Ribovics. He predicts Ribovics will break Haqparast and knock him out in the second round.

Connor picks Ribovics as a fun flyer, noting that Ribovics is a pocket combination puncher who will force exchanges and get hit but also land. He mentions that Haqparast has lost to similar pressure fighters like Dober and that Ribovics has the power to hurt him. Connor admits it's a competitive fight but goes with Ribovics for the upset.

The host acknowledges the public is high on Ribovics after his Fight of the Year candidate, but believes they are overlooking Haqparast's experience and strength of schedule. He expects Haqparast's combination striking to overcome the favorite and win a decision.

The Guru picks Esteban Ribovics over Nasrat Haqparast. He views Haqparast as a simple straight-punch fighter without enough power, while Ribovics is more dynamic with better footwork, kicks, and versatility. He notes Ribovics' fight of the year contender and predicts a close 29-28 decision win.

Angelo picks Nasrat, highlighting his high volume striking (6 significant strikes per minute) and solid takedown defense (78%). He notes Nasrat has power, durability, and can push a pace. He thinks Jared Gordon is sneaky good but Nasrat is the better overall fighter. He is confident in Nasrat winning straightforwardly.

Big Brady picks Nasrat Haqparast to win by second-round knockout, citing his volume and sneaky power. He questions Jared Gordon's chin, noting he has been knocked out multiple times. Brady believes Haqparast's striking will overwhelm Gordon, and if Gordon's durability holds, it could be close, but he expects a finish before that.

Cody picks Haqparast, citing his size, boxing, and ability to keep the fight standing. He notes Gordon's wrestling is less effective at 155 and that Haqparast should outpoint him. However, he warns that the line is steep and the fight could be close.

Daniel Vreeland picks Nasrat Haqparast confidently, highlighting his improved output and power in his left hand. He notes Gordon's durability and top control but believes Haqparast's speed, power, and athleticism will be the difference. He sees Haqparast as hitting his peak and winning a decision or knockout.

Jacob picks Nasrat, calling him better everywhere with superb striking and defensive wrestling. He believes Nasrat can weather Gordon's storm and that the -240 moneyline is good value. He respects Gordon's journey but thinks Nasrat is the better fighter.

JP picks Nasrat, noting his 3-fight win streak and better competition, though he worries about Nasrat's decision-making on the feet. He expects a close fight but favors Nasrat's clinch game and pressure. Brevan is more confident, predicting a KO/TKO via Nasrat's powerful overhand left. He criticizes Gordon's recent performances and believes Nasrat will out-strike him and get a finish. Both see Nasrat winning, with Brevan specifically calling for a stoppage.

Paul picks Haqparast but is hesitant due to the price. He notes Haqparast's takedown defense is okay and his striking is solid, but Gordon could make it competitive with wrestling. Paul expects a close decision.

Cody picks Nasrat Haqparast but is not confident. He notes that both fighters are similar blue-collar types, but Mullarkey's durability is a major concern. Cody points out that Mullarkey has been knocked out by lesser power punchers and Haqparast, while not a huge power puncher, can land enough. He also criticizes Haqparast for being an overpriced favorite who often underperforms. Cody says he doesn't like the fight and is not rushing to bet it.

Lucrative James thinks Nasrat's boxing will be too sharp for Mullarkey, especially given Mullarkey's recent KO loss and apparent chin deterioration. However, he questions his own objectivity, wondering if recency bias is skewing his view. He notes that Nasrat can be taken down and doesn't rate either fighter highly, so he is passing on betting. He picks Nasrat to win by KO but with low confidence.

Angelo picks Nasrat Haqparast as the better striker with good takedown defense. He notes that Landon Quinones is a well-rounded guy but this is too much too soon. Nasrat should be the better striker and has the takedown defense to keep it standing. However, if Landon comes out wrestle-heavy, he could steal the fight.

Big Brady confidently picks Nasrat Haqparast, citing his much better competition and power. He notes Haqparast has knocked down many opponents and thinks this is a big step down in competition. He predicts a second-round knockout.

Cody picks Haqparast, noting that Quiñones is making his UFC debut on short notice and was submitted quickly on The Ultimate Fighter. He believes Haqparast's experience and wrestling will be enough, even though he has looked disinterested at times. Cody acknowledges the -500 price is steep but sees no value on the underdog.

Daniel Levi picks Nasrat Haqparast confidently, citing his experience against tough competition and his youth (born 1995). He believes Haqparast's activity and smarter decision-making will be the difference. Levi notes that Quiñones is still unproven at the UFC level and that Haqparast has been improving.

Haqparast is coming off a decision win over John Makdessi and has been off for a year. Quiñones is a short-notice replacement who was submitted quickly by Jason Knight on the contender series. Haqparast should take advantage of Quiñones' striking defense shortcomings and win by decision. The fight likely goes the full 15 minutes, so the over 2.5 rounds is preferred over the moneyline.

Paul picks Haqparast, agreeing that Quiñones is not ready for this spot. He notes that Haqparast has faced better competition and should be able to outwork Quiñones. Paul is priced out at -500 but sees Haqparast as the clear winner.

Angelo picks Nasrat Haqparast because he is younger, faster, and more powerful than John Makdessi, and he believes age and inactivity will keep Makdessi a step behind. He notes Nasrat is a high-volume striker with good takedown defense. He has a moneyline bet on Nasrat and says the line has moved in their favor.

Big Brady picks the underdog John Makdessi, despite concerns about his age (37) and layoff due to leg surgery. He notes that Makdessi has excellent striking defense and volume, and that Haqparast has looked poor lately, losing to Dan Hooker and Bobby Green. He expects a very close fight, possibly a split decision, but sides with the dog.

Cody picks John Makdessi as a confident underdog, arguing that Nasrat Haqparast is overvalued as a -240 favorite. He notes that Haqparast has looked lost since his knockout loss to Drew Dober, with low volume and poor performances against Bobby Green and Dan Hooker. Makdessi, despite being 37 and on a layoff, is healthy and motivated, and his taekwondo footwork and angles should give Haqparast trouble. Cody believes the fight will be close and go to decision, making the plus money attractive. He has already bet Makdessi at +200.

Daniel Levi leans toward Nasrat Haqparast due to his youth and reach advantage, but is not confident. He considers Haqparast a busted prospect and notes that Makdessi is a durable veteran who could win a close decision. He thinks the line is wide and that the fight could be close. He does not bet.

The host leans towards Haqparast, believing he will land the bigger shots and win a decision. However, he is not confident due to Haqparast's inconsistency and Makdessi's veteran savvy. He advises caution and suggests the fight is volatile.

Paul also picks John Makdessi, sharing Cody's view that Haqparast's volume is too low and that Makdessi's experience and striking will keep it competitive. He mentions a personal anecdote about meeting Makdessi years ago, but the reasoning is based on Haqparast's recent struggles and Makdessi's ability to win a close decision. Paul has also bet Makdessi at +200 and calls it his first click of the week.

Angelo picks Bobby Green in a razor-thin decision, citing his toughness and grappling advantage. He worries that Green may fall in love with his hands after knocking out Al Iaquinta and not wrestle, which he believes is necessary to win. He notes that Haqparast is dangerous on the feet and may have improved his takedown defense after the Hooker loss.

Big Brady likes Green's recent form, noting his high volume and improved striking. He mentions Green outlanded Fiziev 143-104 in a close loss. He believes Green's wrestling will be key, as he can mix in takedowns to seal rounds. He expects a close fight but thinks Green will edge it by decision. He notes Haqparast has power but Green's volume and takedowns should be enough.

Cody picks Green, citing Haqparast's recent poor performances and lack of confidence. He thinks Green's antics and pressure will cause Haqparast to freeze. He notes the line is playable and should be closer to -200.

Daniel Levi picks Bobby Green, citing his experience, volume, and well-rounded game. He notes that Nasrat Haqparast relies heavily on his left hand and has been backing away since the Dober loss. Levi believes Green's volume and ability to mix in takedowns will overwhelm Haqparast. He bet Green at -135.

Green is a slick boxer who should outland Haqparast in exchanges. Haqparast is a striker but has been outclassed by better boxers. Green's chin is solid, and he should win a decision. The over 2.5 rounds at -225 is a better bet than the moneyline, as Green often fights close decisions.

Paul picks Green, noting Haqparast has looked gun-shy and inconsistent. He thinks Green's volume and pressure will be too much, and that Haqparast may freeze up. He warns that judges often score against Green, but believes Green should win a decision.

Angelo picks Haqparast, believing Hooker has peaked and taken too much damage. He notes Hooker's recent wars and knockout loss to Chandler, and his visa issues affecting preparation. Angelo thinks Haqparast has better chin durability and power, and he already placed a moneyline bet at plus money.

Big Brady picks Dan Hooker to win by knockout, but with low confidence due to major red flags. Hooker had visa issues and will arrive in Vegas on Thursday night, then cut weight Friday morning after a 20-hour flight. Brady notes Hooker has fought much better competition and is the more well-rounded fighter, but the travel and weight cut are huge concerns.

Cody picks Hooker, citing his durability, technical striking, and fast starts. He notes Haqparast's slow starts and that Hooker excels in three-round fights. He also mentions Haqparast's step-up loss to Dober and unimpressive wins. He expects Hooker to win a decision or late TKO.

Daniel Levi picks Nasrat Haqparast, citing the cumulative damage Dan Hooker has absorbed throughout his career. He notes Hooker's high strike absorption in fights against Maximo Blanco, Edson Barboza, Paul Felder, and Dustin Poirier, and his first-round KO loss to Michael Chandler. Levi believes Hooker's iron jaw may be fading and that Haqparast's youth and power left hand can capitalize. He sees value in the underdog line.

Jacob picks Haqparast, citing Hooker's chin issues after recent wars and the long flight from New Zealand. He notes Haqparast's chin has held up since his flash knockout loss. Jacob sees great value at $7,500 and plus money.

The host picks Merab Dvalishvili via decision. He believes Moraes' best path is a first-round KO, but after that, Dvalishvili's pace and pressure will take over. He notes that Dvalishvili has a long winning streak and his style is difficult to keep up with. He suggests a double chance prop (KO or decision) for Dvalishvili for best value.

Paul picks Hooker, citing his durability and technical skill, and notes Haqparast's visa issues. He acknowledges Hooker's recent KO loss to Chandler but believes Hooker's chin is still solid. He thinks Hooker's experience and strength of schedule give him the edge.

Big Brady picks Nasrat Haqparast, citing significant advantages in size, reach, and striking technique. He notes that García is smaller (possibly 5'5" or 5'6") and wild on the feet, leaving openings. He expects Haqparast to stuff takedowns and land a knockout, predicting a second-round finish. He also mentions García is coming in on short notice, which is a disadvantage.

Daniel Levi picks Nasrat Haqparast because he has faster hands, more UFC experience, and a powerful left hand. He believes Rafa García's undefeated record gives him false confidence, and his style of throwing single shots and overextending will be exploited by Haqparast. He expects Haqparast to potentially knock García out or win a decision, becoming the first man to defeat him.

Lock thinks the line on Don Madge (Rafa García) at +240 is a bit wide. He considers Madge the better striker technically, with a kicking game and crisper strikes down the middle. He notes Haqparast moves forward with wild shots. Lock is intrigued by the value but hasn't done full tape study.

Daniel picks Nasrat Haqparast, noting his speed and left hand power. He acknowledges Dober's experience and toughness but believes Haqparast is the faster, higher-ceiling fighter. He warns that Dober could sneak up with a knockout, but leans toward Haqparast.

The host picks Nasrat Haqparast to win by knockout, agreeing with his guest's analysis. He praises Haqparast's speed, angles, and fight IQ, noting that he downloads opponents in the first round and finishes in the second. He believes Haqparast has top-five potential and that Dober will be forced to strike, leading to a finish. He also likes the under 2.5 rounds at +160.