Jack Della Maddalena's skill set is a dynamic and precise striking game combined with strong grappling and fight IQ.

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Islam Makhachev's skill set is elite wrestling and grappling with precise submissions and disciplined striking.

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Maddalena possesses a strong grappling base, with added boxing to fight in either position or chain it all together. Although he began training in his teen years following his time in rugby, he has proven champion-level ability. It is evident that his time in rugby helped spark a flame for his MMA grappling—level changes, improved tackling, and close-quarter combat skills.

 

However, Islam Makhachev's Thai striking, sweeps, Sambo, and wrestling experience are overwhelming. Think of it as Maddalena walking into the American wrestling system—NAIA, NJCAA, NCAA Divisions 1, 2, or 3; how would he fare?

The clear contrast lies in Makhachev. Makhachev possesses collar ties, chain wrestling, and ground control in ways that exceed an equal response from Maddalena. 

 

All this is to say that Jack Della Maddalena has endured insufferable injuries that he has rehabilitated over the past two years.

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Projected winner: Islam Makhachev

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -310​​

Miles Johns is a defensively strong counter-striker with solid wrestling and grappling skills.​

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​Daniel Marcos is a well-rounded UFC bantamweight fighter with notable striking accuracy, effective ground skills, and a history of finishing fights via KO, TKO, and submissions. He has a high level of athleticism and high-level submission skills, making him a versatile competitor inside the octagon.​

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Daniel Marcos possesses striking and grappling advantages between the apex octagon and pay-per-view venues that highlight outlier performance indicators. Because of this, we must pursue a pick on Marcos. Marcos excels so well in 25-foot octagons that all metrics, compared to Miles Johns' 20% takedown accuracy, suggest Marcos may finish him inside three rounds. 

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Projected winner: Daniel Marcos

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -225​​

Steve Garcia is known for his knockout power and aggressive striking, with most of his UFC wins coming by knockout finishes.

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David Onama excels as a powerful striker with one-punch knockout power and capable grappling skills.

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David Onama faces a skilled boxer in Steve Garcia. An exclusive boxing base presents challenges because being well-rounded is critical in MMA. Onama stands out as a well-rounded athlete, possessing a strong kickboxing background and blending core techniques with dynamic combinations. He also demonstrates sound wrestling fundamentals, notable athleticism, and has proven his ability to finish opponents with various choke submissions.

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Projected winner: David Onama

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -140​​

Nasrat Haqparast's skillset includes technical striking with effective footwork, cutting off his opponents and herding them into his left side to land varied punches. He also shows resilience, adaptability, and a cool, calculated fight approach, with multiple wins by knockout and decision in the Lightweight division of UFC.

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Quillan Salkilld is a dynamic fighter known for powerful striking, head-kick knockouts, and impressive finishes in the UFC lightweight division. 

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Despite Haqparast being a relentless striker with constant forward pressure and strong takedown defense, he faces an elite grappler who statistically exceeds Haqparast in grappling exchanges and is capable of finishing opponents using all limbs. Given the short notice, Quillan is the pick to win by finish or on the moneyline.

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Projected winner: Quillan Salkild

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -310​​

Djorden Santos is known for strong grappling, solid takedown defense, and the ability to control opponents on the ground with steady ground-and-pound.

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Danny Barlow is an explosive striker with heavy knockout power and creative combinations, especially known for his left hand.

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Skill for skill, Danny Barlow has the shot selection to finish Santos at any moment, while Santos can rely on his cardio and pressure to push Barlow onto the back foot and potentially win on points. However, Barlow has not yet shown improved cardio, so depending solely on a knockout could be risky in this matchup. Ultimately, we are picking Barlow to get the win.

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Projected winner: Danny Barlow

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +130​​

Clayton Carpenter is known for a versatile striking approach combined with solid grappling fundamentals, making him a balanced mixed martial artist.

 

Jafel Filho is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and grappling-focused fighter with strong submission skills, training out of Nova União gym in Brazil.

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Carpenter demonstrates strong offensive wrestling and grappling abilities, effectively securing submissions in the process. Filho exhibits similar skills, with the added advantage of proficient defensive transitions from bottom positions such as guard or side mount. Given Filho’s greater age and experience, it is reasonable to suggest he holds the grappling edge between the two.

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Although both fighters possess solid striking skills and integrate their striking with grappling, Carpenter tends to absorb too many strikes. His tendency to keep his head on the centerline exposes a defensive vulnerability, indicating that this aspect of his MMA game is still a work in progress.

 

Carpenter is among a select group of approximately ten UFC fighters who not only absorb frequent heavy strikes but also allow the highest level of powerful shots—such an example of that in Rhys McKee.

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Projected winner: Jafel Filho

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -180​​

Ramiz Brahimaj is a finisher who combines wrestling with dangerous, dominant submission and knockout skills to overwhelm opponents.  

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Austin Vanderford's skillset includes his strong collegiate wrestling background, which forms the base for a well-rounded MMA game featuring striking power and grappling prowess, including submissions. ​

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Recent historical trends also confirm that favorites continue to win the majority of UFC fights, and nothing in the latest reports from 2025 points to a reversal for fighters in this favorite range. Additionally, FY25 -130 line has cashed more often on fight A than B. 

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Brahimaj has endured tumors in the left eye, brachial plexus injury combined with cervical spine stenosis, which we believe has stunned his prime. These ailments caused his left arm to not have optimal mobility for nearly two years before his return fight to UFC. Vanderford is a dominant wrestler who chains his striking. He is 35 years of age, but this should not deter anyone from understanding his skillset: 2x state wrestling champion. He has fought actively, through LFA and Bellator, proving in the middleweight division that he is relentless. Now at weltwerweight and 2 inches taller than Brahimaj, we expect Vanderford to win.

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Projected winner: Austin Vanderford

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -130​​

Dustin Stoltzfus is a well-rounded mixed martial artist skilled in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and striking, with notable knockout and submission victories in the UFC middleweight division.

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Kelvin Gastelum is a well-rounded mixed martial artist known for his quick striking, strong wrestling background, and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He fights primarily with aggressive pressure and sharp combinations from a southpaw stance.

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Kelvin Gastelum weighed in over 5 pounds above the required limit. In the last two years, 66% of fighters with a wrestling background who missed weight went on to win their fights. It is believed that Gastelum aimed to disrupt Stoltzfuz's game plan by being heavy enough to counter Stoltzfuz's offensive wrestling, particularly potential submissions.

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Projected winner: Kelvin Gastelum

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -140​​

Rhys McKee's skill set includes powerful striking, effective movement, solid technical skills, and versatile grappling with a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt.

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Alex Sola is a versatile UFC lightweight fighter known for his sharp striking, excellent hand fighting and foot positioning, strong wrestling defense, and effective clinch game with knees and elbows.

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Rhys McKee has an opportunity to show case his striking with a short notice opponent in Sola. He does possess the height and reach for an edge in striking or grappling. However, Rhys McKee is the leading outlier, in most strikes absorbed to the head then any fighter on the roster in the last 900 days. 

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Projected winner: Rhys "Skeletor" McKee 

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +110​​

Roman Dolidze is a versatile fighter known for his aggressive style, exceptional grappling, especially leg lock expertise, strong top control, and powerful striking with knockout capability. He combines wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and effective clinch work, making him a dangerous and adaptable middleweight contender in the UFC.

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Anthony Hernandez is a relentless middleweight contender known for his relentless pressure, high-paced aggression, strong grappling with top control, and durable striking output that wears down opponents over time.

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Surely, Roman Dolidze has the potential to submit Hernandez in any of the five rounds, because, let’s face it, Dolidze can scramble to a back-take and finish with a submission. Hernandez is more of a top-heavy, offensive wrestler and grappler. His scrambles to top control and all “top” exchanges are elite. However, his grappling defense—particularly escaping back control—appears challenging.

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When you think back to the Hernandez vs. Allen fight, you can’t help but ask, “Why was Allen chasing the submission for so many rounds?” The answer is simple: Hernandez is vulnerable in those positions. Nevertheless, after all those submission attempts, Allen gassed out, and Hernandez was able to capitalize by exhausting Allen with every double-leg attempt. Hernandez would dive for takedowns to create sprawl-and-brawl responses from Allen, which ultimately wore him down.

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That said, in Round 3, Hernandez was nearly put away against the fence, his arms heavy from muscle fatigue and possible lactic acid buildup. Still, we predict Hernandez will defeat Roman Dolidze by ground-and-pound in the later rounds—via KO, TKO, or submission—at +110 odds. Expect Hernandez to neutralize Dolidze's knockout and submission threats by initiating scrambles, chaining takedowns, and dominating top control exchanges.​

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Projected winner: Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -150​​

Felipe Bunes is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with a submission-heavy skillset, known for slick armbars and aggressive grappling, complemented by active kicking on the feet and a willingness to strike.

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Rafael Estevam is an undefeated UFC flyweight with a strong wrestling base, relentless takedown ability, and effective ground control, complemented by solid power and opportunistic submissions.

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Estevam is a strong wrestler with significant grappling upside. Bunes is clearly a skilled striker with sharp shot selection. Will he be able to land effectively against Estevam? We highly doubt it. This should be a controlling, top-heavy decision win for Rafael Estevam.

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Projected winner: Rafael Estevam

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -500​​

Reinier de Ridder is an elite grappler with a strong judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, known for his unstoppable takedowns, diverse submission chokes like rear-naked and arm-triangle, and tactical adaptability that makes him a dominant force in MMA's middleweight division.

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Robert Whittaker is a highly skilled and versatile MMA fighter known for his precise, powerful striking—including sharp jabs, powerful punches, and devastating kicks—combined with strong wrestling defense and grappling, making him effective both standing and on the ground. His tactical adaptability and excellent distance management set him apart as one of the top middleweights in the sport.

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Certainly, Whittaker has only been defeated by champions, interestingly, de Ridder holds a championship title in the international MMA organization ONE Championship. That said, Whittaker is returning to this bout after recovering from a fractured lower jawbone. Any exchanges between full or half guard positions could allow de Ridder to transition into submission attempts that may put Whittaker at risk of re-injury. Additionally, the threat of powerful strikes such as high knees or head kicks from de Ridder could make Whittaker hesitant to engage in close-range exchanges.

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Note: Reinier de Ridder rehydrates to LHW body fat percentages.

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Projected winner: Reinier de Ridder

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -120​​

Bogdan Guskov: Kickboxer

Nikita Krylov: Grappler

Although Dominick Reyes was able to clear Nikita Krylov’s arm to land a decisive left hook, there are legitimate questions regarding the timing of Krylov’s next fight. Krylov suffered a knockout loss just three months ago and is now fighting against an opponent known for elite boxing and kickboxing skills. Quick turnarounds after knockouts can be risky, potentially increasing the chances of subsequent concussive injuries or inadequate neurological recovery. This makes the decision to book Krylov against a technical striker so soon after his KO loss a matter of concern for fighter safety and performance.

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Krylov is said to have the submission edge in this fight. We understand. He is a credentialed grappler. He has shared the octagon with four past champions in addition to several top contenders. Considering Krylov has not suffered back-to-back defeats since 2022, anyone would think he would win his fight. To return to the win column, a key approach for him will likely involve initiating takedowns early and maintaining a high output of strikes in the standup exchanges. Kryolv cannot afford to absorb too many hits to the head after his knockout loss recently. This should be on his mind.

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Guskov began training in boxing and kickboxing from a young age and has since earned a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In his most recent bout against Billy Elekana, he demonstrated resilience by securing a submission victory despite being taken down earlier in the fight. Guskov’s defensive grappling skills, particularly his ability to scramble and utilize ground-and-pound to regain his footing, could be advantageous in his upcoming matchup. Despite being one of the shorter competitors in the division, we anticipate that Guskov has the potential to secure a finish against Krylov.

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Projected winner: Bogdan Guskov

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -500​​

Dustin Poirier combines powerful boxing, unpredictable stance-switching, and relentless forward pressure with evolving defensive craft, making him one of MMA’s most dangerous and adaptable strikers.

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Max Holloway overwhelms opponents with relentless pace, pinpoint striking accuracy, and masterful control of distance and angles, consistently breaking records for volume and durability while staying off the fence and outworking even elite competition.

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Despite Poirier’s experience in the lightweight division, lethal combinations, and offensive wrestling, Holloway has demonstrated increasing technical skill and power in this weight class to equal and match Poirier. Against Topuria, Holloway displayed effective footwork, fluid strike combinations, and strong shot selection—until Topuria exploited Holloway’s tendency to stagger and tag, ultimately bypassing his defense to land a fight-changing right hand.

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In this matchup, however, Poirier is unlikely to rely on wrestling, instead depending heavily on his striking power. As Poirier tightens up his boxing, Holloway can drain Poirier's gas tank by creating angles and mixing in combinations and traditional kicks, allowing Holloway to reset and neutralize Poirier’s offensive rhythm.

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Projected winner: Max Holloway

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -110

Jake Matthews is a well-rounded UFC welterweight known for his balanced striking and submission grappling, with 8 submission wins—mostly by rear-naked choke—and 5 knockouts in his career. 

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Chidi Njokuani is a dangerous Muay Thai and kickboxing specialist with a long reach, pinpoint striking accuracy, and devastating knockout power, having finished more than half of his UFC wins by KO/TKO.

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Njokuani has had 3 serious weight cuts, in which he will fight for a 3rd time within a 10 month span. Additionally, he is fightting down a weight class. For someone his stature, he will have 1 round to unload his striking arsenal in hope of finishing Jake Matthews. We believe he will not be successful thus Jake Matthews will pressure him in return, seeking his back for a rear naked choke.

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Projected winner: Jake Matthews

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -300

Cody Brundage is a well-rounded mixed martial artist with a strong wrestling base, effective submission skills, and developing knockout power, making him a threat both on the ground and on the feet. 

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Mansur Abdul-Malik is a rising American mixed martial artist competing in the UFC middleweight division, known for his powerful striking and wrestling pedigree. Born in Pittsburgh in 1997, he began martial arts at age six and later became a standout D-1 wrestler at the University of Maryland before transitioning to MMA.

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Usually, when two fighters with a wrestling pedigree face off, it leads to grappling exchanges. However, after analyzing data from previous fights involving Brundage and Abdul-Malik, it's clear that both have been favoring striking over wrestling. Wrestling is great, and remains valuable for controlling the fight and overwhelming opponents on the canvas or against the Octagon wall, but in this matchup, we can expect both fighters to engage in stand-up exchanges.

 

Brundage has an edge in testing Abdul-Malik's chin, while Abdul-Malik will need to strike effectively to avoid exhausting his cardio by wrestling Brundage through the rounds.

 

When they trade in the pocket, Abdul-Malik's reach and power shots could be decisive against Brundage. This outcome is likely, provided Abdul-Malik maintains his cardio throughout the fight.

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Projected winner: Mansur Abdul-Malik

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -190

Allan Nascimento is known for his slick submission game, sharp striking, and a well-rounded MMA skill set.

 

Jafel Filho is a highly technical fighter with strong grappling, aggressive submission skills, and effective striking.

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Allan Nascimento already weighed in 2.5 pounds over the flyweight limit, which could give him a significant advantage. Filho, a grappler, prefers to work from his guard, while Nascimento—also an excellent grappler—seeks top control or neutral positions to avoid being on his back. This top-heavy approach should favor Nascimento, especially when combined with his Muay Thai striking from the Chute Boxe gym.

 

However, Nascimento’s lack of head movement is a vulnerability, as Filho’s powerful overhands—often used to set up his takedowns—could land effectively. It's understandable to question the recent performance of Chute Boxe fighters, as only two out of five, Daniel Santos and Allan Nascimento, have found notable success.

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Projected winner: Allan Nascimento

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -150

Luana Santos, a skilled grappler, will face Muay Thai striker Tainara Lisboa, who returns after a lengthy layoff due to knee repair surgery. While there has been speculation that Lisboa’s injury was more severe than officially reported (knee replacement), we will rely on the confirmed accounts (UFC).

 

Based on Lisboa's clinch work, head-lock trips, inside trips, sweeps, and exceptional striking, we predict that Lisboa’s skill set could overwhelm Santos. However, if Lisboa underwent a knee replacement rather than a repair, but this is being publicly disclosed as a "repair," then favoring Lisboa in this matchup would be a highly risky prediction for the Lisboa side. We are treading with caution.

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Projected winner: Tainara Lisboa

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +150

Jack Della Maddalena is a well-rounded MMA fighter known for his elite boxing, powerful and precise striking, strong defensive wrestling, and the ability to seamlessly switch stances, making him unpredictable and dangerous in every aspect of the fight.

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Belal Muhammad is a well-rounded MMA fighter known for his relentless pressure, high-volume striking—especially his jab—strong wrestling, and excellent ability to mix striking with takedowns and grappling, making him effective in all areas of the fight.

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Historically, Randy Couture, Daniel Cormier, Anderson Silva, and Jon Jones are the only fighters to have won a UFC championship belt past the age of 36. After defeating Leon Edwards, Muhammad would join this exclusive group. As demonstrated, winning or defending a championship at an advanced age is extremely challenging. While both Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena possess strong boxing skills—with JDM excelling in this area—there may also be political motivations within the UFC that could potentially favor a JDM victory.

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Projected winner: Jack Della Maddalena

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -140

Cameron Smotherman is a relentless pressure fighter in the UFC Bantamweight division, known for his high-volume striking, strong cardio, and ability to break opponents with pace, complemented by six knockout wins and solid takedown defense.

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Serhiy Sidey is a well-rounded UFC bantamweight known for his striking power, with seven knockout wins and a strong finishing ability including four first-round finishes, complemented by solid takedown defense and a developing submission game highlighted by a triangle choke victory. He combines a high-volume striking style with tactical wrestling and a disciplined mental approach to consistently perform at a high level.

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Despite Smotherman training at altitude in Mexico City and having elite sparring partners like Diego Lopes and Adrian Yanez, he is still too young to take on a prime Sidey. Data suggests Smotherman will struggle to counter Sidey’s feints and potential takedowns with his own power shots; Smotherman's punching power does not match the level of strength and power that Sidey has successfully absorbed over the past three years. This is an advantage for Sidy.

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Projected winner: Serhiy Sidy

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -180

Ryan Loder, a dominant wrestler, will face Azamat Bekoev, a sambo specialist with over 10 years of striking experience.

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In Loder's UFC debut, he effectively combined his striking and wrestling to secure a dominant victory over Robert Valentin. However, despite Loder's success, he often shot for takedowns from too great a distance, displaying amateurish techniques that could be exploited in future elite-level UFC matchups.

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Bekoev has showcased a pressure-forward striking style while relying on his wrestling when necessary. Given Bekoev’s high-risk, high-reward fighting strategies, it is expected that he will blitz Loder and capitalize on striking opportunities to secure a finish. We predict Bekoev will prevent Loder from executing takedowns and will instead finish the fight by KO or TKO.

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Projected winner: Azamat Bekoev

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -500

Yana Santos is a skilled mixed martial artist known for her striking expertise in Taekwondo and Muay Thai, with strong knockout power and solid fight IQ. She holds a black belt in Taekwondo and has notable TKO wins, blending precise striking with resilience in the UFC bantamweight division.

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Miesha Tate is a versatile fighter known for her dominant wrestling, expert Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submissions, and effective striking, earning her the nickname "Queen of Ground and Pound."

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Yana Santos should rest her strategy in striking, countering, and using lateral movement to avoid Tate’s grappling, similar to the fighting styles of Natalia Silva and Manon Fiorot. Tate must manage to secure a takedown to steal a round provided this style of opponent. Tate does possess the cardio and strength unlike many of her counterparts in her division. This match up between both women may foreshadow future style clashes in the division, such as that of Shevchenko vs. Fiorot. Meisha Tate is the wrestling, Iowa home town favorite, but with 80% of the betting splits behind her, she must out point and control Santos for the win. 

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Projected winner: Meisha Tate

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +100

Diego Lopes is a versatile UFC featherweight known for his dynamic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, actively attacking submissions from all positions with a wide range of techniques including armbars, kneebars, and chokes. He complements his grappling with powerful striking, boasting 10 knockout wins and a high finishing rate, making him a threat both on the feet and on the ground

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Alexander Volkanovski’s skillset is a well-rounded blend of precise and powerful striking, explosive wrestling with exceptional takedown defense, and relentless cardio that allows him to maintain high pressure throughout the fight.

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In a high-stakes matchup, Volkanovski is expected to employ prolonged technical striking and sharp counters to keep Lopes at bay, while Lopes will aggressively hunt for a knockout early or late, aiming to avoid wrestling exchanges where Volkanovski’s defense excels. Lopes’ best chance lies in finishing Volkanovski, as he presses forward despite absorbing damage, but if his defensive striking hasn’t improved, Volkanovski’s jab and movement could allow him to outpoint Lopes over the distance.

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Projected winner: Diego Lopes

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +110

Julia Polastri is known for her impressive striking abilities and quick footwork, which allow her to effectively control the distance in fights. With a strong foundation in kickboxing, she excels in delivering powerful combinations and has a knack for finding openings in her opponents' defenses. Additionally, her grappling skills enable her to defend against takedowns and engage effectively on the ground when needed, making her a well-rounded competitor in the octagon.

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Lupi Godinez is recognized for her versatile striking and strong wrestling background, allowing her to seamlessly transition between stand-up battles and grappling exchanges. Her ability to apply pressure and maintain a high pace, coupled with solid submission skills, makes her a formidable opponent in the UFC, capable of dominating fights both on the feet and on the ground.

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Lupita's boxing style could become predictable for Polastri, allowing her to capitalize on openings. While Polastri may eventually lead on points throughout the three rounds, Lupita's ability to secure at least one takedown could provide her with valuable control time through 3 rounds. Godinez must take at least 1 round considering the altitude. This strategy might ultimately lead to a Godinez decision victory in Mexico City.

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Projected winner: Lupita Godinez

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +110

Chris "Taco" Padilla is known for his dynamic fighting style, combining striking proficiency with a solid ground game. His background in Muay Thai allows him to deliver powerful kicks and elbows, while his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills make him a formidable opponent on the mat. Additionally, Padilla's high fight IQ enables him to adapt his strategies mid-fight, making him a versatile and unpredictable competitor in the octagon. His ability to blend different martial arts effectively sets him apart as a rising star in the UFC.

 

Jai Herbert showcases exceptional striking skills, particularly with his explosive punches and precise kicks. His background in kickboxing enhances his stand-up game, while his agility and footwork allow him to evade attacks effectively. Herbert's ability to maintain distance and control the pace of the fight makes him a dangerous opponent in the UFC.

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Ultimately, the outcome would heavily depend on each fighter's game plan and ability to adapt during the fight. While Herbert might be favored in striking exchanges, Padilla's grappling could turn the tide in his favor if he can implement it effectively. It's a closely contested matchup that could go either way!

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Projected winner: Jai Herbert

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +105

Sam Hughes is recognized for her well-rounded skill set in mixed martial arts, combining effective striking with solid grappling techniques. Her ability to control pace and engage in both stand-up exchanges and ground work makes her a competitive fighter in the Women's Strawweight division.

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Stephanie Luciano showcases a diverse skill set in mixed martial arts, featuring powerful striking and effective submission techniques. Her adaptability and strong grappling background allow her to excel in both stand-up fighting and ground control, making her a dynamic competitor in the cage.

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Sam Hughes has undergone 5 camps focused on preparing for strikers and is currently in the prime of her career, having defeated one grappler, Jacqueline Amorim, in her last four fights. In contrast, Stephanie Luciano has trained against grapplers, utilizing precise strikes and a high volume of offense. For Hughes to succeed, she will need to leverage her cardio by taking Luciano to the mat, while Luciano's advantage lies in staying on her feet and maintaining activity throughout the rounds.

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Projected winner: Stephanie Luciano

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +130

Bruno Ferreira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist known for his explosive fighting style and versatility in the cage. Competing primarily in the Welterweight division, he has gained recognition for his striking power and grappling skills, making him a rising star in the MMA scene.

 

Armen Petrosyan is renowned for his striking abilities, particularly in kickboxing and Muay Thai. His skill set includes effective stand-up techniques, powerful punches, and precise kicks, making him a formidable opponent in the octagon. Additionally, he demonstrates solid defensive tactics and grappling skills, enabling him to adapt to various fighting styles.​

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Projected winner: Armen Petrosyan

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -110

Cody Brundage and Julian Marquez have contrasting styles: Marquez is an aggressive striker, while Brundage relies on precision and countering. If Marquez controls the pace, his power could be crucial, but Brundage’s composure might help him exploit openings.

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Brundage has a wrestling advantage. If he initiates takedowns and maintains control, he could neutralize Marquez’s striking. Marquez's defensive wrestling may be challenged by Brundage's persistence, but his grappling and submission wins make up for the potential of even exchanges.

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This fight hinges on whether Brundage can use his wrestling or if Marquez can keep it standing. Brundage may win by decision, while Marquez could secure a knockout if he defends well.

 

It is noted that outlier models predict that Marquez has double the cardio edge and submission grappling opportunities to finish Brundage in this fight.

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Projected winner: Julian Marquez

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -225

Andre Fili is recognized for his dynamic striking and versatility in the octagon. He blends sharp boxing with effective kicks to maintain distance while being aggressive. Additionally, his grappling skills allow him to adapt to opponents, making him a well-rounded competitor in mixed martial arts.

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Melzequiel Costa is known for his aggressive striking and powerful kicks. He employs a fast-paced approach, utilizing effective footwork and clinch techniques to overwhelm opponents, showcasing a blend of brawling and calculated tactics in the octagon.

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Andre Fili's diverse shot selection and explosive speed consistently overwhelm Melzequiel Costa in simulations. Utilizing the formula for velocity (v = distance/time), Fili's superior timing outmatches Costa's raw power. In grappling, Fili excels in cardio and scrambling, while Costa has been taken down into guard in about 75% of his fights, indicating a weakness in his ground game.

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Projected winner: Andre Fili

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -120

Nazim Sadykhov is a powerful and aggressive fighter known for his explosive striking and knockout power. He utilizes heavy punches and forward pressure to overwhelm opponents, often seeking to finish fights with his hands.

 

Ismael Bonfim is a highly skilled and versatile MMA fighter, who combines precise boxing with explosive kicks, utilizing excellent footwork and head movement to evade opponents and create openings.

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Bonfim also demonstrates solid grappling defense, making him a well-rounded competitor capable of adapting to various fight scenarios. His ability to mix aggression with calculated technique is a hallmark of his exciting fighting style.

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It is anticipated that Nazim Sadykov may face challenges in grappling with Bonfim, likely prompting a shift to a striking approach. However, ultimately, Sadykov is expected to encounter significant difficulties both in grappling exchanges and in striking against Bonfim.

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Note: There is no significant size and reach advantage to either fighter. If anything, Bonfim has fought at the welterweight class in the past.

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Projected winner: Ismael Bonfim

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -130

Jake Matthews brings well-rounded experience and grappling expertise, while Francisco Prado, a younger fighter, relies on his aggressive striking and raw power. Matthews' adaptability may counter Prado's explosiveness, making for an intriguing clash of styles.

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Jake Matthews stands out as a larger welterweight, surpassing Francisco Prado in both height and reach by several inches, creating a clear physical mismatch in their proportions. For context, even Sean Brady—ranked as the shortest welterweight—is followed closely by Belal Muhammad, who is only marginally taller than Khabib Nurmagomedov, a natural lightweight. Prado is yet shorter than them. Clearly, Prado’s stature appears to put him at a significant disadvantage in the welterweight division, where physical attributes often play a crucial role in success.

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Adding to this challenge is Prado’s age—just 22 years old—and limited experience in high-level UFC competition. While his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu demonstrates technical promise, his skill set is still in the developmental phase. If Prado were to remain at lightweight, matchups against fighters like Drew Dober, Ismael Bonfim, or Ange Loosa might better suit his current stage of growth. On the other hand, featherweight contenders such as Steve Garcia, Arnold Allen, or even Ilia Topuria (if he moved to featherweight contention) would also present intriguing challenges.

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Despite these hurdles, Prado does have a potential tactical edge. His ability to offensively wrestle could allow him to steal a round against Matthews, potentially swaying the judges in his favor. However, whether this strategy is enough to overcome Matthews’ size, reach, and overall experience remains a significant question.

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Projected winner: Jake Matthews 

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -170

Michael "Venom" Page is known for his unorthodox striking, dynamic movement, and pinpoint accuracy. His background in kickboxing and karate allows him to deliver explosive attacks, like spinning strikes and flying knees, making him one of the most unpredictable and exciting fighters in MMA.

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Shara Magomedov is a highly skilled MMA fighter known for his elite striking, explosive power, and versatility. With a background in kickboxing, he showcases excellent stand-up techniques, including sharp kicks, precise punches, and strong combinations. Magomedov also demonstrates solid takedown defense and a composed fight IQ, making him a well-rounded and dangerous competitor in the cage.

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Magomedov is visually impaired (disability) in his right eye, a condition he has had since childhood due to an injury. His strabismus is quite evident and may lead to depth perception issues, double vision and the likes. His condition is treatable, but not curable. 

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Magomedov's resilience in the UFC remains unmatched, as he has never been knocked down and continues his journey as an undefeated fighter. However, his next challenge—facing MVP—promises to be the ultimate test of his hand-eye coordination and adaptability.

 

While MVP's striking style is renowned for its precision, his lack of significant knockout power in punches may be evident against Magomedov. This is because Magomedov's ability to fluidly switch between stances may neutralize MVP's signature overhands, rendering them largely ineffective.

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Projected winner: Shara Magomedov

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ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +140

Amanda Ribas is a skilled mixed martial artist with a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and impressive striking techniques. Her ability to blend grappling and striking makes her a versatile and dangerous competitor in the UFC’s women’s strawweight division.

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Mackenzie Dern is a top-tier mixed martial artist renowned for her exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, often utilizing her grappling expertise to secure submissions. Her striking abilities have also developed, making her a formidable competitor in the UFC’s women’s strawweight division.

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When Amanda Ribas and Mackenzie Dern first met in the octagon in 2019, Dern was just four months postpartum, a remarkable achievement in itself. During this period, Dern faced challenges, including a decline in followers and sponsors due to her pregnancy. Although she lost that fight, she made a commitment to become the first mother-champion in UFC history.

 

Since then, Dern has significantly improved her striking sequences and shot selection, now competing at a high level alongside fighters like Yan Xiaonan. Currently, she trains under coach Jason Parillo at RVCA gym, working alongside notable fighters such as Tatsuro Taira, Chito Vera, and Luke Rockhold.

 

Looking ahead, there are matchmaking suggestions for a potential showdown between Gillian Robertson and Mackenzie Dern, should Dern emerge victorious in her upcoming fight on Saturday night.

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Amanda Ribas should be stepping into the flyweight division, permanently, soon after this as the weight cuts at strawweight may be proving too challenging. 

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Projected winner: Mackenzie Dern 

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -110

Adrian Yañez is recognized for his exceptional boxing skills, making him a top striker in the bantamweight division. His ability to control the fight’s pace and land significant strikes is crucial as he aims to extend his record by ending Marcos' undefeated streak.

 

In contrast, Daniel Marcos has shown promise in the UFC with an undefeated record, but he primarily relies on striking and has completed only one takedown in his four bouts. This may pose a challenge against a skilled striker like Yañez.

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Adrian Yañez effectively utilizes his jab to draw in opponents, a tactic that Daniel Marcos tends to avoid by maintaining distance in his fighting style. While Yañez thrives in close-quarters exchanges, demonstrating relentless pressure and an intimidating pace in the early rounds, Marcos has adopted a more patient approach. He focuses on reading his opponents during the first round, allowing for in-octagon adjustments that further his overall game plan. Additionally, although Yañez holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Marcos is advancing toward brown belt status. This progression suggests that Marcos may possess superior grappling skills compared to Yañez.

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Projected winner: Daniel Marcos

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +120

Cody Durden, a relentless wrestler, will face striker Joshua Van, who requested this matchup from Mick Maynard to secure a chance at breaking into the top 15 with a victory.

 

Durden has showcased his grappling and boxing skills in the UFC, particularly evident in his last three fights. However, over the past 600 days, he has relied heavily on wrestling to compensate for his subpar striking defense, suffering knockouts or near knockouts against Tagir Ulanbekov, Bruno Silva, and Matt Schnell.

 

Conversely, while Joshua Van has faced setbacks—being knocked out by Charles Johnson and knocked down in fights against Kevin Borjas and Edgar Chairez—he often fought on short notice or at high altitudes as a younger fighter.

 

Durden's upcoming fight marks his third weight cut this year, and despite previous issues making weight, he is expected to be prepared this time. Having transitioned from bantamweight to flyweight, Durden has leveraged his size and wrestling against UFC-level competition. However, given the factors at play, he may be more vulnerable than ever. Relying solely on wrestling to secure a decision victory against Van could be overly ambitious, especially since Van has demonstrated strong wrestling defense.

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Projected winner: Joshua Van

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -160

​On November 11, 2024, Nikolas Motta revealed through Hyon Ko of Fanatics Ltd that he had suffered a rib fracture in September. During the interview, Motta described hearing a "pop" while sparring and demonstrated the separation of his ribs.

 

This injury forced him to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Ludovit Klein at UFC Paris on September 28, 2024. Motta characterized the pain as excruciating.

 

For his recovery, he sought treatment at the UFC Performance Institute. Remarkably, Motta claims to have rehabilitated his broken rib in less than 30 days, an unusually rapid recovery for this type of injury.

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Despite his recent injury, Maheshate Hayisaer (kickboxer) will now face Nikolas Motta (boxer/brawler) at UFC Macau on November 23, 2024​.

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Projected winner: Maheshate Hayisaer

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -200

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Eduarda Moura is an emerging talent in the UFC, known for her striking skills and relentless fighting style. With a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, she combines technical precision with powerful aggression, making her a formidable opponent in the octagon.

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Veronica Hardy is a notable figure in the UFC, renowned for her dynamic fighting style and unwavering determination. With a background in both striking and grappling, she has carved out a reputation as a versatile competitor in the women's divisions.

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The fight could unfold in various ways, depending on each fighter's game plan and ability to adapt. If Moura manages to implement her grappling effectively, she could control the pace of the match and look for submission opportunities. If Hardy successfully keeps the fight standing, she could leverage her striking to score points and potentially secure a knockout or back-take, submission-finish. 

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Projected winner: Veronica Hardy

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -200

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November 2023 Albazi was diagnosed with a heart condition, soon after undergoes a procedure for tachycardia. Further, he suffered a cervical (neck) injury and as a result underwent cervical surgery (titanium) January 2024. 

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Projected winner: Brandon Moreno

 

Predicted  betting line:  -320

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Fighting close to home, Armen Petrosyan (kickboxer) will face Sharaputdin Magomedov (Muay Thai Kickboxer) after a loss by RD1 Arm Triangle Choke to BJJ black-belt Rodolfo Vieira. 

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Petrosyan has showcased his kicking technique; characterized by speed, dynamism, and strength. Nevertheless, the remainder of his skill set is dependent on instinct, physical prowess, and a readiness to embrace risks. When striking from the pocket, Petrosyan's boxing may be fundamental, but one would hope he compensates for any technical deficiencies.

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Armen Petrosyan has struggled to maintain his cardio through 3-round fights. While his technical skills may give him an advantage in stylistic matchups, against Sharaputdin Magomedov, this is unlikely to be the case.

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Magomedov is expected to utilize a variety of kicks to control the distance and timing, especially in the large 30-foot octagon, in order to secure a convincing decision victory. His straight punches down the middle should help him disrupt Petrosyan's reads and offense.

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Given Magomedov's strengths and opportunities, the fight may start well for Petrosyan, but his decreasing punch output, draining cardio, and slowing offensive pace as the rounds progress, could leave him incredibly vulnerable by the end of the fight.

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Projected winner: Sharaputdin Magomedov

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -170

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Darren Elkins, a seasoned fighter renowned for his unwavering commitment to either striking or grappling—regardless of the opponent's skill level—will face off against Daniel Pineda, a formidable brawler and accomplished jiu-jitsu black belt.

Elkins has a propensity for wrestling, which, while showcasing his relentless nature and physicality, might not be the most effective strategy against Pineda. Relying too heavily on wrestling could potentially backfire, as Pineda's jiu-jitsu skills should allow him to capitalize on any over-commitment from Elkins. Head-to-head, Pineda's jiu-jitsu is levels above that of Elkins. For this reason, Elkins is expected to employ his left kick and powerful right hand in a fierce stand-up battle against Pineda. 

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Pineda boasts an impressive finishing rate in his last 30 bouts, highlighting his striking power and exceptional guard game on the mat. His jiu-jitsu skills are of a high caliber, likely surpassing that of any opponent Elkins has encountered in the past five years.

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Important to note: Elkins has historically submitted fighters with subpar grappling skills. For instance, there are claims regarding UFC fighter TJ Brown's grappling abilities, suggesting that he lacks true black-belt level proficiency, with his skills being more akin to that of a purple belt. This could elucidate Elkins' successful back-take and subsequent submission victory over Brown in their most recent encounter. As the fight approaches, it will be intriguing to see how Elkins adapts his game plan against a well-rounded and dangerous opponent like Pineda.

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Projected winner: Daniel Pineda

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -110

 

In pursuit of a rematch with Chepe Mariscal, Sabatini now has the chance to overcome Jonathan Pearce, thereby positioning himself for a potential title run that could commence shortly after this bout.

 

Known for possessing the best takedowns in the featherweight division, he thrives with control on the ground or against the octagon wall. It is in these positions where he scores points or seeks submissions to finish his opponents. 

 

Jonathan Pearce, state runner-up wrestler during his high school years, is a testament of the dangers wrestlers pose against MMA credentialed fighters in the UFC.  With a record of 14-6-0, and despite average back control against his opponents, Pearce is known to make up for these faulty techniques by his pressure-forward kickboxing. 

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Data suggests this fight will be a grappling dominant affair to give Pat Sabatini the highest probable odds of winning. Data reveals, Sabatini possessing the distance-control to cancel the kickboxing range of Pearce. 

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Things to note: Pat Sabatini is noticeably shorter than bantamweight Cody Haddon, who is set to make his debut against Dan Argueta this Saturday night. Interestingly, Sabatini's height is nearly on par with that of Argueta. This height and reach dynamic has previously influenced outcomes in the octagon, as evidenced by C-Rod's defeat to Bill Algeo, where such disparities were starkly apparent. It is worth noting that this particular bout occurred in Denver, Colorado, at an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level for which this fight between Sabatini and Pearce is not.

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Projected winner: Pat Sabatini

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -150

 

Following several controversial wins and losses, Mario Bautista seeks to turn over a new leaf, poised to face Jose Aldo. A legend who effectively manages distance, pace, control, and delivers devastating counters, noteworthy, his grappling defense. Known to excel at keeping the fight standing and avoiding takedowns, Aldo will seek to leverage his strong takedown defense and footwork in this fight.

 

Young, wild and free, Mario Bautista, possesses striking that is characterized by high volume and creativity, combining kicks and punches with fluid movement which we project will paralyze the laser straights and clever tight hooks of Jose Aldo. Bautista, a proficient grappler, capable of executing effective takedowns and utilizing his ground game to secure submissions or control during the fight is projected to win (2) rounds, and seek a minimum of (12) take downs in this fight.

 

Jose Aldo is expected to use his high guard to draw his reads on Bautista, while striking with clinch knees, shots to the body for points. In this time, Bautista may strike to take down (level change) and control Aldo during several rounds.​

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Projected winner: Mario Bautista

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  +108

 

In this bout, Fares Ziam is projected to absorb far less strikes than did Fevola's previous opponents. This is due to his size and striking technique. Ziam possesses a stiff jab and high-level footwork that helps him land shots without absorbing them. Notwithstanding, when pressured against, his strike output is reduced significantly. Ziam's range and grappling resiliency (as seen against Puelles) will be too advantageous for Ziam on the score cards.

 

In spite of Matt Frevola taking down 3/4 of all of his opponents through the years—to include Benoit Saint Denis, Frevola's fighting pace is guided by his suffering cardio. This is defeating against a poised kickboxer, and jiu-jitsu blackbelt in Fares Ziam. Data suggests that submissions are threatening against Frevola in this fight.

 

Unlike many of Ziam's counter parts, he is varied in his art: kickboxing, jiujitsu, and judo. He is an MMA practitioner from the young age of 13. 

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Projected winner: Fares Ziam

 

ProSchmo True ©  betting line:  -225​​​​​​