Denys Bondar

Angelo picks Denys Bondar but with very low confidence, calling it impossible to know what will happen. He notes that if Luis keeps it standing, he wins, but Bondar's wrestling and slams could be decisive. He says he will watch without any bets.

Big Brady picks Luis Rodriguez (Ronaldo Rodríguez) to win by third-round submission. He criticizes Denys Bondar's fraudulent record and poor performances, including a loss to Malcolm Gordon and a brutal knockout loss to Carlos Hernandez. He notes Rodriguez has been in Mexico City for six weeks, giving him a cardio advantage, and believes Bondar's durability and cardio are questionable. He expects Bondar to have some early success but fade as the fight goes on.

Cody picks Bondar, noting Rodriguez is making his UFC debut, is young and green, and has suspect takedown defense and cardio. Bondar is aggressive, has forward pressure, and a wrestling advantage. He thinks Bondar can march him down and win a decision. He admits it's a coin flip and doesn't have high confidence.

The host believes Bondar is the better fighter despite his recent losing streak and durability concerns. He thinks Bondar will be the best wrestler Rodríguez has faced and, as long as Rodríguez doesn't get an early finish, Bondar will grind out a decision victory.

Angelo picks Cristian Quiñonez because he believes Quiñonez's relentless forward pressure and wrestling will get Kang down repeatedly. He notes that Kang has cleaner technique and a good jab, but Quiñonez's pace and grappling should be the difference. Angelo also hopes for an over 1.5 rounds line and would bet the over if available, as Kang is tough and the fight likely goes into the second round.

Big Brady picks Denys Bondar to win by submission. He was very high on Bondar initially but tempered expectations after Bondar lost to Malcolm Gordon due to injury and was losing on the feet. However, he sees this as a great stylistic matchup for Bondar, as Hernandez has poor takedown defense. Bondar has strong wrestling and grappling with a 100% finish rate. Brady thinks Bondar will get takedowns easily and be dangerous on the mat, eventually submitting Hernandez. He is curious to see where the odds open.

Cody takes the underdog Hernandez, citing Bondar's padded record and poor UFC debut where he got his arm broken. He notes that Bondar's wrestling looked good against cans, but Hernandez has faced better competition. Cody thinks Hernandez's takedown defense is a weakness, but Bondar's striking is non-existent, and if Bondar can't get takedowns, Hernandez will win on the feet. He expects a close, greasy fight.

Connor agrees with Zane, stating he trusts Bondar's physicality and grinding style over Hernandez's scrappy but limited game. He notes that Hernandez is not athletic enough to keep up with Bondar's pace and pressure. Connor expects Bondar to impose his will with takedowns and top control, leading to a clear decision or late finish.

Daniel Levi leans toward Carlos Hernandez, citing his superior competition and volume. He notes Hernandez's body shots and activity, but acknowledges Bondar's grappling threat. He thinks if Bondar can't hold him down, Hernandez will outpoint him. He sees it as a close fight and takes the underdog.

Hernandez consistently moves backwards and puts himself in bad positions near the cage, which Bondar can exploit with takedowns. Bondar is an aggressive grappler who looks to finish from top position. Even if Hernandez gets the better of striking exchanges, Bondar's takedowns and top control should win rounds. Bondar wins by decision.

Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Bondar's wrestling is unproven at UFC level and that Hernandez's takedown defense has been exploited but Bondar may not be able to exploit it. He thinks the over 2 takedowns for Bondar is possible but not a play. Paul picks Hernandez but is not confident.

The MMA Guru picks Cristian Quiñonez over Kyung Ho Kang, citing Kang's age (35), long layoffs, and lackluster performances against bottom feeders. He notes Quiñonez is an up-and-coming prospect on a win streak, with an impressive first-round KO debut against Khalid Taha. He believes the prospect should be favored over the older, injury-prone veteran.

Angelo picks Denys Bondar for his wild, aggressive style and offensive wrestling. He notes Bondar's wild punches and old-school slams, while Gordon has a suspect chin and low takedown accuracy. Despite Gordon's speed and technique advantage on the feet, Bondar's power and wrestling should secure the win.

Cody agrees with Paul, noting that Bondar has better wrestling and cardio, and Gordon has a weak chin. He thinks Bondar will take him down and grind him out or knock him out. He is confident Bondar wins and likes the round one prop.

Daniel Levi picks Denys Bondar, citing his devastating ground and pound, forward pressure, and dog mentality. He questions Malcolm Gordon's chin and mental toughness, noting that Gordon folds when put in bad spots. Levi acknowledges Bondar's competition level is questionable but likes his skills and progression. He expects Bondar to win his UFC debut, likely by finish.

Lock of the Night picks Bondar, citing his grappling advantage and Gordon's fragility. He expects Bondar to take the fight to the ground and finish. He likes Bondar inside the distance at +100.

Paul thinks Bondar is being set up for a win. He notes that Gordon has a weak chin and has been knocked out multiple times. Bondar has power and good wrestling. He is confident Bondar wins, likely by knockout in round one.