Carlos Vera

Angelo picks Josias Musasa over Carlos Vera. He highlights Musasa's fight-ending power and forward pressure, but warns that he may punch himself out. He notes that Vera is tough and has good BJJ, so if Musasa fades, Vera could take over. He is not sure if he will bet this fight.

Big Brady picks Josias Musasa but is not fully sold on him, calling him still very green. He thinks the matchup is favorable for Musasa because Carlos Vera is a 37-year-old who often pulls guard and goes for leg locks, which could play into Musasa's strengths. Brady expects Musasa to win by knockout, likely in the second round, but notes the -650 odds are ridiculous for a fighter he's not completely confident in.

Cody picks Josiane Nunes, citing her wrestling advantage and size. He notes that Priscila Cachoeira has poor takedown defense and has been taken down repeatedly. He believes Nunes will control the fight with takedowns and ground control, though he is emotionally conflicted about fading Cachoeira.

Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.

The host believes Musasa's power and explosiveness will be too much for Vera, though the odds are wide. He is intrigued by the Vera by submission prop but still picks Musasa by knockout.

Paul also picks Nunes, noting Cachoeira's lack of takedown defense and Nunes's size and strength. He believes Nunes will take her down repeatedly and control the fight. He mentions that Cachoeira has power but will be neutralized by wrestling.

Angelo calls Rinya Nakamura a lock, citing his high-level wrestling, submissions, and power. He notes Carlos Vera is stepping up on short notice and has poor takedowns. He advises against parlaying Nakamura if the odds are too high, but expects him to win easily.

Big Brady picks Rinya Nakamura to win by first-round submission. He calls it a terrible matchup for Carlos Vera, who has poor takedown defense and gives up his back. He expects Nakamura to take him down easily and finish via submission or ground-and-pound. He questions why the fight was sanctioned given the massive favorite line.

Cody picks Nakamura, agreeing he is the goods. He notes Nakamura's wrestling and physical strength. He mentions that Vera is a late replacement who lost on TUF and is not UFC caliber. He expects Nakamura to take him down and submit him, though he warns that Fernie Garcia was hard to submit.

Daniel Vreeland picks Rinya Nakamura, stating he is better everywhere—more explosive, stronger, better striker and grappler. He considers it a mismatch and believes Nakamura can neutralize Vera's opportunistic submissions. He thinks the odds are accurate.

Daniel picks Rinya Nakamura, agreeing with Jeff. He says even if it weren't short notice, Nakamura would be the pick. He doesn't elaborate further, but his agreement is clear.

Jeff picks Rinya Nakamura, stating it's an obvious choice. He notes that Carlos Vera lost to Brad Katona on TUF, getting manhandled. He thinks Vera's tendency to jump guillotine will make Nakamura's takedowns easier. He expects Nakamura to dominate on top and suggests looking at round 1 submission props.

Nakamura is a high-level wrestler with Olympic pedigree, but has relied on power punching recently. He has all advantages over the 36-year-old debuting Vera. Expects Nakamura to go 9-0 with an early stoppage.

Paul picks Nakamura, calling him the best prospect from Road to UFC. He notes Nakamura's wrestling accolades, power, and grappling. He sees Vera as a 36-year-old debutant who lost on TUF and is being fed to Nakamura. He suggests a submission prop, as Vera has been submitted before and gives up his back.