Bekzat Almakhan

Angelo picks Aleksandre Topuria over Bekzat Almakhan, but with caution. He notes Topuria's Greco-Roman wrestling may suit him well if he pressures Almakhan against the cage. Almakhan is dangerous with knockout power, but Topuria's size and strength advantage could be key. Angelo warns that Topuria is not his brother Ilia and that Almakhan at plus money is a viable underdog play.

Big Brady leans Bekzat Almakhan, impressed by his knockout of Brad Katona and well-rounded skills. He questions Topuria's cardio and performance against Colby Covington, expecting Almakhan to do more and win by decision or late finish.

Cody picks Aleksandre Topuria, noting his patient style and power. He believes Topuria's wrestling and grappling are superior, and that Almakhan is one-dimensional with big power but poor takedown defense. Cody thinks Topuria can take Almakhan down and control him.

Connor picks Almakhan as well, citing his real-world experience against decent regional talent. He notes that Topuria has only had one solid showing against a non-technical opponent and has a knockout loss. He thinks Almakhan's power and ability to walk people into shots could be key, and that Topuria may not have the power to match.

Lucrative James picks Bekzat Almakhan in a close fight. He believes Almakhan is a cleaner striker with more power and experience. He notes Topuria's lack of activity and unknown grappling. He expects a striking exchange where Almakhan's speed and timing give him the edge. He acknowledges Topuria's potential but leans Almakhan.

Almakhan has a better strength of schedule and has faced more resistance. His striking should counter Topuria's power approach, and he may have the wrestling edge. However, confidence is low due to Topuria's potential.

Paul picks Aleksandre Topuria, agreeing with Cody. He notes that Almakhan has only shown big power and has poor takedown defense. Paul believes Topuria's grappling and patience will lead to a win.

The MMA Guru picks Bekzat Almakhan over Aleksandre Topuria, not buying the hype around Topuria. He notes Almakhan dropped Umar Nurmagomedov in his debut and had great scrambles. He believes Almakhan is better than Colby Covington, who gave Topuria a close fight. He predicts a TKO finish by Almakhan.

Angelo picks Brad Katona, criticizing the hype around Bekzat Almakhan who lost his UFC debut despite landing one good punch. He trusts Katona's grit and forward pressure. He mentions a safer bet on Katona plus 3.5 (buying points) rather than the moneyline, noting Katona is at home and may get favorable judging.

Big Brady sees this as a very close fight, with both fighters well-rounded. He notes that Bekzat Almakhan's hype is based on one moment against Umar Nurmagomedov, but he lost most of that fight. He favors Brad Katona's volume and wrestling, and thinks the fight goes to decision. He picks the Canadian Katona in what he expects to be a close fight, relying on the judges.

The host believes Brad Katona has been underachieving and will showcase his pace, fight IQ, and defensive grappling to keep the fight in the striking realm. He expects Katona to dictate the pace with his striking advantage and mix in some grappling to secure a decision victory.

Angelo picks Umar Nurmagomedov, acknowledging Bekzat Almakhan is a very good fighter but believes Umar's wrestling and kicking range will be the difference. He notes the odds are too high to bet on Umar at -900, removing any temptation to bet.

Big Brady picks Umar to finish Almakhan in the second round by submission. He notes Umar is better everywhere—striking, wrestling, grappling—and has fought much better competition. He thinks Almakhan is a solid fighter but is outmatched. He calls Umar a -1200 favorite and expects a finish.

Cody also picks Umar, noting that Almakhan is a sacrificial lamb brought in to lose. He compares Almakhan to other undefeated regional fighters who struggle in the UFC, like Azat Maksum. Cody believes Umar's wrestling and striking are superior and that Almakhan's only path to victory is a freak accident or foul. He calls it a squash match.

Nurmagomedov is a well-rounded fighter with excellent wrestling and striking, but Almakhan is a legitimate regional champion with improving skills. The host expects Nurmagomedov to win by decision rather than finish, as Almakhan is more disciplined than in his sole loss. The over 1.5 rounds is too chalky at -200, but Nurmagomedov by decision prop could offer plus money. The host advises against parlaying the -1050 moneyline.

Paul picks Umar confidently, calling him a future champion. He notes that Almakhan is a short-notice replacement with a padded record and that Umar is levels above. He mentions that Almakhan is well-rounded but not elite in any area, and Umar should dominate everywhere. He acknowledges the minus-1000 price is prohibitive for straight bets but sees Umar as a safe parlay piece.