Kleydson Rodrigues

Angelo notes that Alateng Heili struggles with forward pressure and brawlers, and can only do one thing at a time—strike or grapple. Kleydson Rodrigues brings constant forward pressure, versatile striking with kicks, and solid takedown offense from the clinch. However, Rodrigues can be overexposed and taken down. Angelo leans Rodrigues but worries if Heili decides to grapple, which could cause problems.

Cody sees Rodrigues as a potential fraud: he missed weight twice, has poor cardio, and his power may not translate up at bantamweight. Heili is tough, durable, and has never been finished. Cody believes Heili's wrestling defense and forward pressure will wear Rodrigues down, and he expects Heili to win a decision or possibly get a late finish.

Rodrigues is a former flyweight adjusting to 135 lbs but has superior striking and a BJJ black belt. He should be able to box up Alateng Heili, who over-relied on striking against Chris Gutierrez and lost. Expects Rodrigues to win on the scorecards using his striking advantage.

Paul notes Heili is durable and has never been finished in the UFC, while Rodrigues has struggled with weight cuts and cardio. He believes Heili's toughness and pressure will be a problem for Rodrigues, who may fade if he doesn't get an early finish. Paul sees value in Heili as a slight underdog.

Angelo picks Farid Basharat but with low confidence, noting the betting lines should be closer. He says Farid is the more technically sound fighter but didn't like pressure from Damon Blackshear, and Kleydson is all pressure. If Kleydson brawls, he can win. Angelo is staying away from the -300 line.

Big Brady picks Basharat, emphasizing his size, striking volume, and wrestling advantage. He notes Rodrigues' past weight issues and tough debut at bantamweight. He expects Basharat to use takedowns and control to win a decision, calling it a tough matchup for Rodrigues.

Cody is high on Basharat, calling him a real prospect at 26-0. He likes his movement, striking, and improving wrestling under Jake Shields. Basharat's win over Da'Mon Blackshear is a quality victory. Rodrigues has weight issues (missed weight twice) and is moving up to 135, which will affect his takedown defense. Cody expects Basharat to pick him apart on the feet and mix in takedowns.

Daniel Levi picks Farid Basharat with high confidence, having bet him at -245 earlier. He praises Basharat's footwork, jab, fight IQ, and heart, noting that he passed a tough test against Damon Blackshear. Levi believes Basharat's pace and pressure will be too much for Rodrigues, who is explosive but tends to fade and has been taken down by lesser fighters. He expects a second or third round finish, citing Basharat's ground and pound and submission defense.

I like the chalk on Basharat. He has a slick boxing/kickboxing game and blends in takedowns well. Rodrigues is moving up in weight and has cardio issues. Basharat should establish range, get the fight to the clinch, and take advantage of Rodrigues' gas tank. I also like Basharat round three as a sprinkle. If the fight escapes the first round, Basharat should dominate later rounds.

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Basharat by decision is basically a pick'em. He notes Rodrigues has never been finished, so a decision is likely. Paul likes Basharat over 2.5 takedowns on prize picks, expecting a takedown per round.

Angelo picks Kleydson Rodrigues but with low confidence, noting that Shannon Ross is a tough, hittable fighter who will apply constant pressure. He worries that Rodrigues might fold under pressure and lose a close decision, as in his previous fight. He expects Ross to headhunt for the home crowd, which could play into Rodrigues' hands.

Big Brady acknowledges Ross's potential but thinks Ross is hittable and not durable. He likes Rodrigues' power and striking, predicting a second-round knockout. He notes that Ross had health issues in his last fight but still expects Rodrigues to get back on track with a finish.

Cody picks Rodrigues but is wary after Rodrigues lost as a -360 favorite against CJ Vergara. He notes Rodrigues has takedown defense issues and fights to the level of his opponent. He thinks Ross has durability problems after being dropped three times by Vinicius Salvador. He considers the under on rounds or fight doesn't go to decision.

Connor picks Rodrigues, believing in his potential and power. He notes that Ross is hittable and has durability issues, and that Rodrigues has the power to hurt him. Connor acknowledges that Rodrigues looked timid against Vergara but still threw heat all fight. He thinks Rodrigues can win via athletic cheating, possibly landing a wild kick after losing the first round.

Ross can replicate Vergara's game plan: crash the pocket, pressure, and grapple. Rodrigues has cardio issues when pressured and prefers kicking from distance. Ross's forward pressure and big punches should wear Rodrigues down as the fight goes on. Durability is a question for Ross, but Rodrigues isn't a heavy hitter with his hands. Ross likely wins a decision after a tough first round.

Paul picks Rodrigues but is not confident. He notes Ross's poor durability and the fact that Ross lost to Vinicius Salvador as a favorite. He thinks Rodrigues has better grappling and volume, but the -320 price is too high. He mentions the under 2.5 rounds as a potential play.

The MMA Guru picks Kleydson Rodrigues over Shannon Ross, criticizing Ross's entry into the UFC after a loss on the contender series. He believes Rodrigues is dangerous on the feet and will find a TKO finish, possibly a head kick in the first round. He notes Ross has been submitted early in his career.

Angelo picks C.J. Vergara despite the bookies favoring Kleydson Rodrigues. He believes Vergara can get inside Rodrigues' looping punches and beat him to the punch. He notes that Vergara is a beast in the clinch but worries about Rodrigues' takedowns from the clinch. He references Vergara's striking output in his UFC debut.

Big Brady picks Kleydson Rodrigues to win by decision. He is impressed by Rodrigues' striking volume, mixing kicks to the legs, body, and head. Vergara is tough and had a close fight with Ode Osbourne, but Rodrigues is a much tougher matchup on the feet. Rodrigues has good get-up game if taken down. Brady thinks Rodrigues has more tools and will outwork Vergara over three rounds, though the -280 price is steep. He expects a decision win for Rodrigues.

Cody picks Kleydson Rodrigues, calling him a promising prospect with excellent technique. He notes Rodrigues' knees, elbows, and cardio, and that he improves as the fight goes on. Cody contrasts Vergara's straight-line movement and poor footwork. He believes Rodrigues will outwork Vergara and likely win a decision.

Daniel Levi picks Kleydson Rodrigues confidently, though he does not bet due to the high price. He likes Rodrigues' athleticism, kicks, and takedown defense, and thinks he has a much higher ceiling than Vergara. He acknowledges Vergara's toughness and cardio but expects Rodrigues to win. He does not bet at -350.

The host is very high on Kleydson Rodrigues, calling him a future top 5-7 flyweight. He praises his striking and jiu-jitsu, though notes cardio is questionable. He dismisses C.J. Vergara as a solid striker but not UFC caliber, pointing to Vergara's close decisions and draws on the regional scene. He expects Rodrigues to win via decision, as Vergara is durable. He might include Rodrigues in a parlay.

Paul picks Kleydson Rodrigues, impressed by his defensive capabilities and well-rounded game. He notes that Rodrigues barely got hit on the Contender Series and has good striking defense. Paul believes Vergara is limited, throwing looping left hooks, and that Rodrigues will cover the price tag. He acknowledges the debut nerves but is confident.