Jesse Butler

Angelo is very confident in Brad Katona. He notes that Brad is a two-time Ultimate Fighter winner with high fight IQ, good technical striking, and fantastic cardio. He can wrestle if needed, as shown in his last fight. Jesse Butler was knocked out quickly in his UFC debut and has terrible takedown defense. Angelo thinks Brad dominates everywhere and sees no path to victory for Jesse.

Big Brady picks Brad Katona to win by decision. He thinks Katona should not be a -600 favorite but sees no path to victory for Jesse Butler, who is cutting to bantamweight for the first time and has poor takedown defense. He doubts Katona will finish but expects a clear decision win.

Cody picks Katona, noting that Butler has been inactive for two years and was knocked out quickly by Jim Miller in his UFC debut. Katona is a decision machine with six UFC fights all going to decision, and he has faced better competition. Cody expects Katona to use his wrestling and control to win a decision, though he warns that the minus 600 price is steep for a decision fighter.

Daniel expects Katona to win a decision but calls it a dog-or-pass situation due to the steep price. He notes Katona is on a decline and fights on slim margins, while Butler has a nine-inch reach advantage and is dropping two weight classes. However, he doubts Butler's skills are UFC-level.

Jacob picks Brad Katona, but adds a caveat about Jesse Butler's weight cut. He notes that Butler is dropping from 170 to 135, which could be a huge disadvantage. Brad is not a dangerous finisher, but the weight cut might make Butler vulnerable. Jacob thinks Brad will win, possibly by decision, but the weight cut could lead to a finish. He also mentions that Brad's takedown prop might be interesting.

Katona is a solid all-around fighter with great fight IQ and cardio, who should outwork Butler with his grappling and grinding style. Butler has power but was knocked out quickly by Jim Miller. Katona's experience and reliability should lead to a decision win, though the -600 price is steep.

Paul picks Katona, noting that Butler has not impressed and Katona is a proven UFC fighter. He expects Katona to win by decision or submission, but acknowledges the price is high. Paul thinks Katona's wrestling and experience will be too much for Butler.

Angelo picks Gordon, noting he looked sharp against Bobby Green before the headbutt. He thinks Gordon's wrestling and volume striking will be too much for an aging Miller. He is concerned about Gordon being knocked out recently but believes Miller has slowed down. He is not betting this fight.

Cody picks Jared Gordon very reluctantly. He acknowledges Miller's power and submission threat early, but thinks Gordon will work him over slowly if it goes 15 minutes. Cody notes Gordon's wrestling and striking volume should be enough to outpoint Miller. He admits Miller could knock Gordon out, but he's sticking with Gordon as the right pick despite the risk.

Connor picks Miller, hedging against Gordon's recent knockout loss. He admits that in a vacuum he would pick Gordon, but is too worried about Gordon's durability after being knocked out cold by Bobby Green a month ago. Connor notes that Miller still has sharp counter-punching and can finish anyone, and that Gordon's new patient style might play into Miller's hands.

Daniel picks Jared Gordon, expecting him to outwork Jim Miller in the later rounds. He notes that Miller is a potent finisher early, but Gordon's volume and cardio should take over as the fight goes on. He acknowledges the recent KO loss for Gordon but doesn't put much stock in it, and sees a 29-28 decision either way.

Jacob picks Gordon, citing his performance against Bobby Green where he landed clean combinations. He thinks Gordon can point-fight and avoid Miller's power. Jacob notes Miller has power but is flat-footed and hittable. He is confident Gordon wins by outworking Miller.

Gordon puts high volume and pressure, mixing striking, clinching, and grappling. Miller fades in later rounds and relies on early success. Gordon will tie him up, maintain pace, and win a decision. The five-week layoff from the no-contest is not a major concern.

Paul picks Jim Miller as the value side at +155. He notes Miller has one-punch power and a chin that could catch Gordon, who has been knocked out before. Paul mentions Gordon's recent no-contest due to a headbutt and his history of getting knocked out. He thinks Miller could finish early, but if it goes the distance, Gordon might outwork him. Paul is reluctant but sees value in the underdog.

The MMA Guru picks Jesse Butler (referred to as Jared Gordon, but the fight is Jim Miller vs Jesse Butler; likely a mistake in the transcript, but the pick is for Butler). He notes that Butler was looking good before being KO'd by Bobby Green (which was a headbutt). He believes Butler is simply a better fighter than Jim Miller, who he thinks has lost a step, as seen in his loss to Alexander Hernandez. He predicts Butler by decision, 30-27 or 29-28.