Nursulton Ruziboev

Angelo picks Nursulton Ruziboev confidently, calling him an absolute beast. He highlights Ruziboev's massive 6'5" frame, wrestling and grappling prowess, and a good chin. He notes that Ruziboev's only UFC loss was to Buckley at 170 lbs, which is credible. Angelo expects Ruziboev to be patient, eat a few shots, and then pour it on later. He finds the -280 odds affordable and suggests the over might be sneaky good if a round line is available.

Big Brady picks Dustin Stoltzfus as a plus-240 underdog, citing Ruziboev's poor takedown defense and lack of volume. He believes Stoltzfus can take Ruziboev down and control him, making Ruziboev's power useless. He expects a decision win if Stoltzfus fights smart.

The host acknowledges Ruziboev's power and striking advantage but notes he has been grinded out by lesser grapplers. He believes Stoltzfus, with his BJJ black belt and wrestling improvements from Extreme Couture, can get Ruziboev to the ground and grind him out from top position, either winning on the scorecards or finding a submission.

Angelo is confident in Nursulton Ruziboev, noting he is a big middleweight with wrestling and power, and that this weight class suits him better than welterweight. He thinks McConico is not dangerous enough on the feet to pose a real problem, and expects Ruziboev's wrestling to be a big advantage. He assumes both fighters are in shape despite short notice.

Big Brady picks Nursulton Ruziboev but hates the -300 price tag, calling it unwarranted. He notes that Ruziboev hasn't proven much in the UFC, with wins via eye poke and one-punch knockout, and was taken down by Warlley Alves for three rounds. However, he thinks Ruziboev's size, length, and power will be too much for Eric McConico, who has durability issues and is coming in on short notice. He predicts a first-round knockout.

The host notes McConico is on short notice but in shape from a recent fight. He expects McConico to use a game plan similar to Buckley's, keeping Ruziboev on his back and out of danger, winning on the scorecards.

Angelo picks Nursulton Ruziboev, citing his wrestling and grappling ability, as well as his power in his hands. He notes Ruziboev is a much larger fighter and a capable striker, but worries he might abandon his grappling for striking. He acknowledges Joaquin Buckley's speed, power, and improved movement, but believes Ruziboev's wrestling could be the difference.

Big Brady picks Nursulton Ruziboev to knock out Joaquin Buckley in the first round, calling it a shot in the dark. He notes that Buckley has been knocked out multiple times (by Holland, Curtis, etc.) and Ruziboev has a ton of power. However, he admits he still doesn't know much about Ruziboev, who has over 40 fights but mostly first-round finishes. He thinks Ruziboev's power might be the difference, and if he beats Buckley, he will gain hype.

Cody picks Buckley, noting that Ruziboev has a poor record at 170 lbs (7 of 8 losses at that weight) and tends to gas after the first round. He highlights Buckley's speed, cardio advantage, and ability to explode with big shots. Cody believes Buckley can survive an early onslaught and take over in later rounds, especially with the crowd behind him in St. Louis. He also notes that Ruziboev's takedown defense is suspect and Buckley could mix in wrestling.

Daniel Vreeland picks Joaquin Buckley, noting that Buckley has experience against larger opponents and that Ruziboev's ceiling is likely top 30. He believes Buckley can extend the fight and find his range, and that Ruziboev struggles when he doesn't get an early finish. He also mentions the risk of a letdown spot for Buckley after a big win.

The host picks Buckley to win by knockout in rounds 2 or 3, citing his experience and fight IQ against a less tested opponent. He expects Buckley to mix in grappling and wear down Ruziboev before landing a big shot. He notes Ruziboev's size and reach but questions his weight cut and competition level. The pick is confident for the finish, though he acknowledges unknowns about Ruziboev.

Paul leans towards Ruziboev but is hesitant, citing his size and power advantage. He notes that Ruziboev has a 10-fight winning streak with all finishes in the first round, but his record at 170 is poor. Paul worries about the weight cut and cardio, as Ruziboev has not gone past the first round in years. He suggests waiting for weigh-ins to see how Ruziboev looks at 170. Paul acknowledges Buckley's improvements but thinks Ruziboev could be a 'merer' if he lands early.

Angelo is very confident in Nursulton Ruziboev, calling him a 'grappling beast' who will ragdoll Sedriques Dumas. He criticizes Dumas as 'kind of terrible' and notes that even Cody Brundage took him down. He believes Ruziboev should be the biggest favorite on the card and recommends betting now before the line moves.

Big Brady picks Nursulton Ruziboev to win by first-round submission. He highlights Ruziboev's size (6'5" at middleweight), power, and dangerous submission game, noting he has many rear-naked choke wins. He criticizes Dumas for poor performances, getting hurt by lesser opponents, and questionable cardio. Brady believes Ruziboev is a level above everywhere and will submit Dumas when the fight hits the mat.

Cody acknowledges Ruziboev's first-round finishing ability but worries about his cardio if the fight goes past the first. He notes Dumas's poor life choices and questionable cardio but thinks Ruziboev's durability and skill advantage should carry him, though the price (-260) is unappealing.

Daniel Vreeland picks Nursulton Ruziboev, citing his massive experience (over 40 fights) and finishing ability. He notes Dumas is still green, has been submitted before (by Josh Fremd), and may have distractions outside the cage. He thinks Ruziboev will expose Dumas on the ground, though he doesn't advocate betting at -250.

Ruziboev has a height advantage and aggressive striking, but Dumas has a 3-inch reach advantage. Ruziboev's experience (42 fights) and recent camp at Marquez MMA in Philly are positives. Dumas is still unproven; his wins came against Cody Brundage (who jumped guillotine) and Abdul Razak Alhassan (coming off long layoff). Ruziboev's aggressiveness should be the difference, but he must avoid leaving his neck open for a choke. Prediction: Ruziboev inside the distance.

Paul is high on Ruziboev, calling him a 'monster' and noting his size, power, and training in Philly. He contrasts Ruziboev's focused Instagram with Dumas's partying and legal issues, believing Ruziboev will starch him early.

Angelo picks Brunno Ferreira but with low confidence. He acknowledges Ferreira's insane power but questions his takedown defense against a wrestling specialist like Ruziboev. He notes that Ruziboev is a live underdog and may flip his pick if the line moves. He advises avoiding betting on this fight entirely.

Big Brady picks Brunno Ferreira to win by first-round knockout. He is more impressed with Ferreira's Contender Series win and his knockout of Gregory Rodriguez than any of Ruziboev's opponents. He notes Ruziboev has poor takedown defense and Ferreira has solid wrestling and devastating ground and pound. He acknowledges Ruziboev could be legit but feels Ferreira is the safer pick.

Cody sees Ruziboev as a greasy underdog with plus money. He notes Ruziboev has 44 pro fights, has improved since moving to Daniel Gracie's team, and has a size and grappling advantage. Ferreira has big power but questionable cardio and grappling. Cody thinks Ruziboev can win by wrestling and cardio, though he acknowledges the unknown level of competition.

Daniel leans Ferreira but with low confidence due to the late opponent change and Ruziboev's length and experience. He notes Ferreira's explosive power and first-round finishing ability, but worries about closing distance against a 6'4" fighter with 20 submission wins. He acknowledges Ruziboev's poor cardio and decision record (2-6), but sees Ferreira's path to victory via takedowns or power shots. He is less confident than in the original matchup against Razak.

Paul picks Ferreira but is not confident. He notes Ferreira's power and KO of Gregory Rodrigues, but questions his cardio and grappling. Ruziboev is an unknown with a strange record. Paul thinks Ferreira's power gives him a chance, but he doesn't feel great about the pick.