WTAI Model | Profit Model | Plain Model | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Card | Undercard | Full | Main Card | Undercard | Full | Main Card | Undercard | Full |
66.67% | 80.0% | 72.73% | 50.0% | 80.0% | 63.64% | 83.33% | 40.0% | 63.64% |
Mateusz Rebecki
Win
-220
Rodolfo Vieira
Win
-225
Total Odds
2.10x
Return on $10 Bet
$11.01
The tables below show how the model predictions performed. Confidence scores indicate the model's certainty.
Correct predictions are shown in normal text, incorrect predictions are highlighted in red.
Click on any fight below to expand the detailed AI analysis and SHAP chart explaining the prediction.
Score: 16
Odds:
Tatsuro Taira: -370
HyunSung Park: +265
Taira enters this matchup coming off his first UFC loss—a split decision to Brandon Royval where he controlled over 12 minutes but got outstruck 165-73. That fight exposed his tendency to give ground under pressure, exactly what Park specializes in applying. Before that setback, Taira was on a tear, finishing Alex Perez with a body triangle manipulation that torqued Perez's knee sideways in round two. His signature techniques remain devastating: the defensive double collar tie that catches slipping opponents, tactical uppercuts when opponents lean forward, and his exceptional back control with body triangle leverage.
Against Carlos Hernandez, Taira dominated through deep half guard entries and smooth positional transitions. His counter-clinch game has evolved significantly—he now flashes jabs to draw reactions, immediately securing head control when opponents slip. The uppercut counter against advancing opponents remains his most reliable striking weapon, perfectly timed as fighters close distance with their heads forward.
Taira's recent performances show improved striking integration, but his 44% striking defense suggests vulnerability to volume strikers. His takedown rate of 2.7 per fight with 44% accuracy demonstrates solid wrestling, though he prefers opportunistic entries through clinch situations rather than traditional shots.
Pressure Management Deficiencies: The Royval fight highlighted Taira's struggles with consistent forward pressure. He continually backed up while trying to counter, placing himself in vulnerable positions near the cage. Against Perez's calf kicks, Taira showed susceptibility to leg attacks, particularly when his stance left his lead leg exposed during his counter-clinch setups.
Limited Offensive Wrestling Entries: While Taira's grappling is exceptional once engaged, his takedown initiation relies heavily on clinch opportunities rather than open-space shots. This dependency could be exploited by opponents who maintain striking range and avoid his collar tie traps.
Park brings an undefeated 10-0 record with impressive finishing ability—1.2 knockdowns and 2.4 submissions per fight. His recent submission of Carlos Hernandez showcased his evolved pressure game, using methodical cage-cutting to eliminate escape routes. Park's signature 1-2 combination with diagonal right steps creates perfect angles for his crushing left hooks to the body, exactly what dropped Hernandez before the rear-naked choke finish.
Against Shannon Ross, Park demonstrated superior timing with shoulder feints that consistently left Ross reacting two beats late. His San Shou background shows in his excellent kick catches converted to dumps, creating scramble opportunities where he thrives. Park's counter-striking has become more selective—he's moved away from spinning techniques as primary weapons, using them strategically for recovery instead.
Park's cage-trapping sequences are particularly dangerous: left hooks to the body, left knees to the midsection, and level changes for takedowns. This unpredictable mixing prevents opponents from focusing defense on any single threat. His 64% significant striking defense and 59% overall striking defense show solid defensive awareness.
Entry Defense Gaps: Park occasionally leaves defensive holes during his forward pressure entries, relying on offensive output to discourage counters rather than maintaining defensive structure. Against Taira's perfectly timed uppercuts, this could prove costly as Park advances with his typical aggressive combinations.
Predictable Cage-Cutting Patterns: Park predominantly cuts the cage moving to his right after striking combinations. While effective against Hernandez and Ross, this single-direction preference could be exploited by Taira's counter-clinch game, which specifically targets predictable movement patterns.
This presents a fascinating technical clash between Park's forward pressure and Taira's counter-clinch system. Park's cage-cutting pressure directly challenges Taira's tendency to give ground, potentially forcing him into the exact positions where he struggled against Royval. However, Park's predictable right-side cutting patterns play directly into Taira's defensive double collar tie strengths.
Park's body attack emphasis could exploit Taira's 44% striking defense, but his forward-leaning entries create perfect opportunities for Taira's uppercut counters. The key technical battle centers on whether Park can maintain his pressure without overextending into Taira's clinch traps.
Taira's superior grappling credentials (2.7 takedowns per fight vs Park's 1.2) suggest advantages once the fight hits the mat, but Park's 100% takedown defense and San Shou reversals could neutralize traditional entries.
Early Rounds: Park's explosive starts (1.4 recent knockdowns per fight) could catch Taira during his typical feeling-out process. Taira's counter-clinch game needs time to read patterns, while Park establishes pressure immediately.
Mid-Fight Adjustments: If Taira survives early pressure, his technical superiority should emerge. Park's single-direction cutting becomes more predictable, allowing Taira's collar tie counters to find their rhythm.
Championship Rounds: Taira's cardio advantage becomes crucial. Park's explosive style may fade, creating opportunities for Taira's methodical grappling control to dominate late rounds.
• Pressure vs Counter-Pressure: Park's forward movement directly challenges Taira's biggest weakness—handling consistent pressure • Grappling Disparity: Taira's back control expertise vastly exceeds Park's defensive grappling experience • Timing Battle: Park's feints and entries vs Taira's perfectly timed defensive counters • Experience Factor: Taira's recent ranked opposition experience vs Park's limited UFC sample size
The model heavily favors Taira based primarily on odds (increasing confidence by 21 points) and recent takedowns attempted per fight (adding 2 points). Taira's superior reach advantage and recent significant striking impact differential provide additional confidence. However, striking defense percentage decreased the model's score by 2 points, reflecting concerns about Taira's defensive vulnerabilities that Park could exploit.
WolfTicketsAI shows mixed results on Taira, going 3-1 with the recent Royval loss being its only miss. The model correctly predicted Taira's finishes of Perez and Hernandez with strong confidence scores. For Park, the model is 2-0, correctly predicting both his Hernandez submission and Ross knockout. This perfect record on Park adds confidence, though his limited UFC sample creates uncertainty.
Despite Park's undefeated record and explosive finishing ability, Taira's technical superiority and grappling advantages prove decisive. Park's pressure style directly targets Taira's biggest weakness, but his predictable cutting patterns and entry defense gaps provide too many opportunities for Taira's counter-clinch system. Once Taira secures his preferred grappling positions, Park lacks the defensive experience to escape. WolfTicketsAI correctly identifies Taira as the superior technical fighter who will weather early pressure and dominate through grappling control.
Score: 14
Odds:
Mateusz Rebecki: -220
Chris Duncan: +168
Rebecki brings a devastating southpaw power game built around his signature overhand left. Against Myktybek Orolbai, he repeatedly landed this punch throughout the fight, demonstrating exceptional weight transfer and commitment. His high guard pressure system allows him to advance while maintaining defensive integrity, creating a rhythm-based offensive approach that culminates in single power shots rather than complex combinations.
His recent evolution shows increased offensive commitment compared to his loss against Diego Ferreira. The Orolbai fight showcased Rebecki's refined pressure fighting - more measured and purpose-driven than previous outings. He's simplified his technical approach to focus on what works: powerful left-hand strikes from his natural stance. Against Roosevelt Roberts, he secured a submission victory, showing his ground game can complement his striking when needed.
Rebecki's takedown game averages 3.5 per fight with 81% accuracy, and his recent striking differential of +17.2 demonstrates his ability to outlanding opponents significantly. His 91% career win rate reflects consistent dominance when his gameplan executes properly.
Rebecki showed critical defensive gaps against Orolbai when attempting to diversify his offense. When he threw a low kick, he was immediately caught on one leg and nearly knocked out, exposing significant vulnerability during technique transitions. His reliance on the same overhand left creates predictable patterns - Orolbai began timing it in later rounds.
Against Diego Ferreira, Rebecki's forward-moving approach left him susceptible to counter specialists, ultimately leading to his third-round KO loss. His relatively stationary upper-body defense, while effective against straight attacks, lacks the head movement needed against opponents who can exploit openings in his high guard.
Duncan operates as a well-rounded threat with power striking anchored by his right straight and devastating body kick combinations. Against Jordan Vucenic, his body kick to right straight sequence produced an early knockdown, showcasing excellent combination sequencing and timing. His clinch control is exceptional - he maintains proper head position and demonstrates refined guillotine technique, focusing on positioning rather than premature squeezing.
Duncan's submission game has evolved dramatically, as evidenced by his arm-in guillotine finish against Bolaji Oki. He executed this notoriously difficult technique flawlessly, recognizing when Oki was unconscious before the referee intervened. His false entry system against Yanal Ashmouz - stepping in slightly and dropping weight without committing - creates openings for real attacks when opponents react prematurely.
Recent performances show Duncan averaging 4.1 takedowns per fight with improved defensive wrestling, displaying advanced underhook control and balance against cage pressure.
Duncan occasionally drops his guard when responding to body kicks, particularly when attempting to catch them. Against Vucenic, these moments created brief windows where his head was exposed to follow-up strikes. His overcommitment to power punches, especially his right hand, can leave him off-balance after missing and vulnerable to counter strikes.
His submission loss to Manuel Torres highlighted potential defensive gaps during transitions. Duncan's commitment to power shots occasionally narrows his defensive awareness, making him susceptible to intercepting strikes during his own offensive sequences.
This presents a fascinating clash between Rebecki's relentless southpaw pressure and Duncan's technical power-submission game. Rebecki's signature overhand left could exploit Duncan's tendency to drop his guard when defending body attacks. However, Duncan's false entry system could disrupt Rebecki's rhythm-based approach, creating counter opportunities when Rebecki commits to his power shots.
Duncan's guillotine threat becomes particularly dangerous if Rebecki shoots takedowns predictably. Rebecki's 4.3 takedown attempts per fight could play directly into Duncan's submission game, especially considering Duncan's recent mastery of the arm-in guillotine. The southpaw vs orthodox dynamic favors Rebecki's overhand left, but Duncan's reach advantage (71" vs 66") could help him maintain distance and set up his own power shots.
Early rounds likely favor Rebecki's explosive start - his pattern of establishing dominance immediately through forward pressure and power shots. Duncan's best strategy involves weathering this initial storm while looking for counter opportunities. Mid-fight adjustments become crucial as Rebecki historically slows after aggressive starts, potentially allowing Duncan to implement his false entry system and submission threats.
Championship rounds could see Duncan's cardio advantage manifest, similar to how opponents have found success against Rebecki in later rounds when his power output diminishes.
• Power vs Power: Both fighters carry legitimate knockout threat, but Rebecki's southpaw angle gives him positional advantage
• Submission Threat: Duncan's evolved ground game poses constant danger during Rebecki's takedown attempts
• Cardio Factor: Rebecki's tendency to slow after explosive starts could favor Duncan's patient approach
• Counter Opportunities: Duncan's false entries could exploit Rebecki's predictable offensive patterns
The model heavily favors Rebecki based on several key factors. Odds provided the largest boost (+12.0), reflecting the betting market's confidence in the Polish fighter. Recent Win Percentage (+3.0) shows Rebecki's superior recent form, while multiple Striking Impact Differentials (+1.0 each) highlight his ability to significantly outland opponents. TrueSkill (+1.0) and Striking Defense Percentage (+1.0) further support his technical advantages, with only Reach (-1.0) favoring Duncan.
WolfTicketsAI has struggled with both fighters recently. The model incorrectly predicted against Rebecki in his last three fights, including picking Orolbai over him and failing to predict his knockout victory over Loik Radzhabov. For Duncan, it correctly predicted his decision win over Ashmouz but missed his submission victory over Vucenic. This mixed track record suggests some uncertainty, but the model's confidence score of 14 indicates strong conviction in Rebecki's advantages.
Despite Duncan's evolved submission game and technical improvements, Rebecki's southpaw power and superior recent striking metrics create a compelling case for victory. His ability to consistently outlanding opponents while maintaining forward pressure should overwhelm Duncan's defensive adjustments. WolfTicketsAI's prediction of Rebecki by decision or late finish appears well-founded based on his technical advantages and Duncan's vulnerability to sustained pressure.
Score: 20
Odds:
Elves Brener: +215
Esteban Ribovics: -280
Brener brings a dangerous combination of power and finishing ability, but his recent form raises serious concerns. Against Joel Alvarez, his fundamental flaws were brutally exposed - repeatedly walking into knees from the double collar tie while failing to adjust his approach. His signature forward pressure worked brilliantly against Guram Kutateladze, where he overcame early damage to land a perfectly timed flying knee and finishing left hand in Round 3. That performance showcased his best attributes: relentless pressure, late-round cardio, and knockout power when opponents fade.
Against Myktybek Orolbai, Brener demonstrated his improved grappling with slick omoplata sweeps and back control transitions, but struggled with Orolbai's wrestling dominance. His takedown attempts (5.17 per fight) show aggression, though his 23.8% accuracy suggests technical refinement is needed. The Zubaira Tukhugov split decision victory highlighted his ability to mix spinning attacks with forward pressure, though many felt he lost that fight.
Brener's evolution shows increased striking aggression since joining the UFC, but his defensive positioning remains problematic. His 44.7% striking defense and tendency to absorb 3.9 head strikes per minute make him vulnerable to high-output opponents.
Brener's most glaring weakness is his defensive positioning when pressuring forward. Against Alvarez, he repeatedly bent at the waist while advancing, making him a sitting duck for knees and uppercuts. His head stays centered on his attacks, allowing opponents like Haqparast-type fighters to land straight punches down the middle consistently.
His takedown defense (31.6%) is particularly concerning against wrestlers. When Orolbai secured dominant positions, Brener showed limited ability to create scrambles or escape bottom position effectively. His clinch defense is equally problematic - absorbing 0.89 clinch strikes per minute while landing only 0.18, indicating he gets dominated in close quarters against skilled clinch fighters.
Ribovics brings relentless pressure and exceptional finishing ability across all areas. His head kick knockout of Terrance McKinney demonstrated his ability to capitalize on openings with precise timing. Against Daniel Zellhuber, he showcased his signature pressure boxing - mixing punches into high kicks while maintaining constant forward movement. His left hook counters were particularly effective when Zellhuber attempted to establish his jab.
The Nasrat Haqparast loss revealed both his durability and tactical limitations. While Ribovics maintained his trademark pressure, Haqparast's improved boxing technique and body work caused visible deterioration in his output. However, Ribovics's ability to cut off the cage and force clinch exchanges remains elite - he consistently traps opponents against the fence and delivers short punches and knees.
His grappling credentials (five submission wins) add another dimension, though he prefers to keep fights standing. Against Loik Radzhabov, his takedown defense and clinch work were exceptional, stuffing attempts while controlling pace through dirty boxing.
Ribovics's defensive positioning under pressure is his primary weakness. Against Haqparast, he kept his head on the centerline while defending, allowing straight punches to land consistently. His high guard provides protection but limits his ability to see and counter incoming strikes effectively.
His counter-striking limitations become apparent when forced to fight off the back foot. The Haqparast fight showed his offensive effectiveness decreases significantly when opponents pressure him first. His predictable defensive recovery patterns - relying on a high shell guard when hurt - allow opponents to continue offensive sequences by targeting the body or varying punch selection.
This matchup heavily favors Ribovics's pressure style against Brener's defensive vulnerabilities. Ribovics's constant forward movement and combination punching directly exploit Brener's tendency to keep his head centered when defending. Where Alvarez used knees from the clinch, Ribovics will likely find success with his signature left hook counters and body work.
Brener's takedown attempts could provide brief respites, but Ribovics's 57.7% takedown defense and superior clinch work suggest he'll stuff most attempts and punish Brener in the clinch. Ribovics's 8.07 significant strikes landed per minute against Brener's 48.2% significant striking defense creates a volume differential that should accumulate damage quickly.
The key technical mismatch is Brener's forward pressure meeting Ribovics's superior pressure boxing. Unlike Kutateladze, who faded late, Ribovics maintains output throughout fights and has shown he can match or exceed opponent's pace.
Early rounds: Ribovics's immediate pressure should disrupt Brener's rhythm. Expect Ribovics to establish his jab-to-combination sequences while Brener struggles to find his range against the constant movement.
Mid-fight adjustments: If Brener survives early exchanges, his takedown attempts become more desperate. Ribovics's clinch control should neutralize these attempts while allowing him to land short strikes.
Championship rounds: Ribovics's cardio advantage becomes decisive. His 67% recent win percentage suggests he's learned to maintain pace, while Brener's recent losses show he struggles when his initial pressure fails.
• Pressure vs Pressure: Ribovics's superior technical boxing should dominate the striking exchanges
• Clinch Control: Ribovics's dirty boxing neutralizes Brener's takedown attempts
• Defensive Gaps: Both fighters struggle defensively, but Brener's vulnerabilities are more exploitable
• Recent Form: Brener's 33% recent win percentage vs Ribovics's 67% shows clear momentum difference
• Finishing Ability: Both can end fights, but Ribovics has more diverse finishing methods
The model heavily weighs several key factors favoring Ribovics. Odds decreased the prediction score by 10 points, reflecting Ribovics as a significant favorite. Recent Takedowns Attempted per Fight increased confidence by 4 points, likely favoring Brener's wrestling attempts, but this is offset by Significant Striking Impact Differential decreasing the score by 3 points and Recent Win Percentage decreasing by 2 points - both clearly favoring Ribovics's superior recent form and striking output.
WolfTicketsAI has struggled with both fighters recently. The model incorrectly predicted Kutateladze over Brener and missed Ribovics's upset over Zellhuber. However, it correctly called Ribovics's knockout of McKinney and accurately predicted both of Brener's recent losses to Alvarez and Orolbai. The model's 3-3 record on these fighters suggests moderate reliability, but the technical matchup strongly supports the Ribovics prediction.
Ribovics's superior pressure boxing, clinch control, and recent form create multiple paths to victory against Brener's defensive vulnerabilities. While Brener possesses knockout power, his recent struggles against pressure fighters and poor defensive positioning make him a clear underdog. WolfTicketsAI's pick of Ribovics reflects the technical reality of this matchup - expect the Argentine to overwhelm Brener with volume and finish him within the distance.
Score: 8
Odds:
Karol Rosa: -192
Nora Cornolle: +148
Rosa brings veteran savvy and relentless pressure to this matchup. Her signature weapon remains the 1-2-3 combination (jab-cross-lead hook) that she chains with devastating low kicks to disrupt stance and create openings. Against Pannie Kianzad, Rosa showcased her evolved clinch game, using collar ties to control head positioning while delivering short uppercuts and knees to the body. Her defensive shell transitions have become more refined—she pivots off her lead foot to create angles, typically stepping to 10 o'clock before returning with counter combinations.
Rosa's takedown defense has dramatically improved since her early UFC days. Against Ailin Perez, she successfully defended multiple attempts using her sprawl-and-frame technique, immediately transitioning to front headlock positions where she could land strikes. Her cardio management has also evolved—rather than overwhelming opponents from the opening bell, she now builds output progressively, maintaining higher pace in championship rounds when opponents fade.
The Brazilian's inside low kicks have become particularly effective at disrupting opponent movement patterns. Against Kianzad, these kicks forced a more squared stance, limiting explosiveness and setting up her boxing combinations. Her ability to cut off the cage has improved significantly, using lateral movement to maintain striking range while preventing opponent escapes.
Rosa's linear retreat under pressure remains exploitable. When faced with aggressive counter-pressure, she backs up in straight lines rather than circling out, creating vulnerability to being trapped against the cage. Against Perez, this pattern resulted in her eating several overhand rights as she retreated predictably. Her defensive posture during combinations also leaves openings—she stands tall in the pocket with chin exposed when launching attacks, relying on offensive output rather than head movement.
Her lead hand recovery after throwing jabs sits slightly lower than optimal, creating windows for overhand counters when she steps forward. This was evident against Aldana, where her commitment to combinations left her open to counter strikes. Rosa's tendency to follow retreating opponents rather than cutting angles also plays into mobile fighters' hands, allowing them to dictate positioning.
Cornolle has shown flashes of technical brilliance, particularly with her dipping jab that serves as the foundation of her offense. Against Melissa Mullins, she masterfully used this technique to control distance and set up powerful combinations, chaining the dipping jab into left hooks, body shots, and devastating knees. Her knockout of Mullins came via a perfectly timed sequence—dipping jab, left hook, then a knee to the head that Mullins never saw coming.
Her defensive pivot-to-counter combinations show high fight IQ. When pressured, Cornolle pivots off her lead foot to approximately 10 o'clock position, returning with slapping left hooks followed by right straights. This allows her to simultaneously evade pressure while creating offensive opportunities. Against Hailey Cowan, she demonstrated superior positional awareness in clinch exchanges, consistently fighting for underhooks and using body locks to control posture.
Cornolle's inside low kicks effectively target opponents' inner thighs, disrupting stance and mobility. She times these particularly well when opponents circle into the kick's path, maximizing impact while minimizing counter opportunities. Her recent evolution includes better integration of striking and grappling, using strikes to set up clinch entries and takedowns.
Cornolle's ground game remains her Achilles heel. Against Joselyne Edwards, she repeatedly established half guard with underhooks—correct defensive positioning—only to inexplicably abandon these advantageous positions by opening her guard and flattening out. This fundamental error suggests either panic under pressure or insufficient grappling training. When Edwards executed head-and-arm throws, Cornolle's defensive lapses became glaring.
Her defensive reactions under pressure follow predictable patterns. When backed against the cage, she circles consistently to her right side, making her movement readable after multiple exchanges. This creates opportunities for opponents to cut the cage and land left hooks as she circles. Her lead hand recovery position after jabs also sits lower than optimal, leaving her vulnerable to overhand counters, particularly when stepping forward with offensive entries.
Rosa's relentless pressure and volume striking directly exploits Cornolle's predictable defensive movement patterns. When Cornolle circles right under pressure—her preferred defensive reaction—Rosa's experience cutting off the cage will trap her against the fence where Rosa excels with collar tie work and short strikes. Rosa's 1-2-3 combinations target the exact windows created by Cornolle's low lead hand recovery after jabs.
Cornolle's dipping jab could initially trouble Rosa's linear retreat patterns, but Rosa's improved defensive shell and pivot counters should neutralize this threat as the fight progresses. Rosa's inside low kicks will directly counter Cornolle's circling movement, disrupting her preferred angles and forcing her into Rosa's preferred pocket exchanges.
The grappling differential heavily favors Rosa. Her improved takedown defense and sprawl-and-frame technique will likely stuff Cornolle's body lock attempts, while Rosa's own clinch work and takedown threats will exploit Cornolle's documented ground game deficiencies.
Early rounds should see Cornolle attempting to establish her dipping jab while Rosa applies measured pressure with low kicks and boxing combinations. Rosa's experience suggests she'll weather Cornolle's early offense while systematically breaking down her movement patterns.
Mid-fight adjustments will favor Rosa's veteran savvy. As Cornolle's defensive patterns become readable, Rosa will increase her cage cutting and clinch entries. Cornolle's tendency to abandon advantageous positions under pressure will become more pronounced as fatigue sets in.
Championship rounds heavily favor Rosa's evolved cardio management. Her progressive output building means she'll be fresher when Cornolle begins fading, allowing Rosa to implement her pressure game more effectively while Cornolle's defensive discipline deteriorates.
• Experience Gap: Rosa's 11 UFC fights versus Cornolle's 4 shows in pressure moments
• Grappling Differential: Rosa's improved takedown defense and clinch work versus Cornolle's documented ground game struggles
• Cardio Evolution: Rosa's progressive output building contrasts with Cornolle's early-round focus
• Defensive Patterns: Cornolle's predictable right-side circling plays into Rosa's cage cutting abilities
• Technical Maturity: Rosa's refined defensive shell and pivot counters should neutralize Cornolle's dipping jab
The model's confidence stems primarily from the odds differential, which increased the prediction score by 8 points, reflecting Rosa's significant betting favorite status. Her Recent Significant Striking Defense Percentage added 2 points, highlighting her improved defensive evolution. Multiple striking differentials—Significant Striking Impact, Striking Impact, and Significant Striking Output—each contributed 1 point, emphasizing Rosa's volume and accuracy advantages. Her reach advantage and overall Striking Defense Percentage provided additional confidence, while Cornolle's TrueSkill rating slightly decreased the model's certainty.
WolfTicketsAI shows mixed results with Rosa, going 3-3 in predictions. The model correctly predicted her victories over Kianzad and Lansberg but missed on her recent loss to Perez and defeats to Dumont and McMann. For Cornolle, the model is 1-1, correctly predicting her submission win over Cowan but missing her knockout victory over Mullins. This limited sample size with Cornolle creates some uncertainty, but Rosa's extensive data provides clearer patterns.
Rosa's veteran experience, improved defensive systems, and relentless pressure game should systematically break down Cornolle's technical approach. While Cornolle possesses knockout power and solid fundamentals, her predictable defensive patterns and documented grappling vulnerabilities play directly into Rosa's evolved skillset. WolfTicketsAI's prediction of Rosa via decision reflects the most likely outcome in this bantamweight clash.
Score: 8
Odds:
Neil Magny: +158
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos: -205
Magny brings his signature reach advantage (80-inch reach vs 73-inch) and volume-based approach to this matchup. His jab-to-single-leg entry remains his primary weapon, using his 6'3" frame to measure distance before shooting takedowns. Against Carlos Prates, Magny successfully executed this technique early, demonstrating his ability to time level changes when switching to southpaw stance. His high-volume striking combinations (averaging 6.14 strikes landed per minute) create opportunities to pressure opponents to the fence where he can establish his clinch control.
Magny's recent submission victory over Daniel Rodriguez showcased his evolved grappling game, securing a D'Arce choke in the third round after controlling the clinch effectively. His cardiovascular endurance remains elite, allowing him to maintain pressure throughout three rounds, as seen in his decision win over Geoff Neal where he outlasted his opponent with consistent volume.
Catastrophic Low Kick Defense: Magny's most glaring weakness was brutally exposed against both Prates and Ian Garry. He fails to check kicks technically and shows poor psychological reactions, visibly wincing and rubbing his shin after absorbing leg kicks. Against Garry, relentless calf kicks destabilized his base and severely compromised his mobility within minutes.
Predictable Takedown Patterns: When pressured to the fence, Magny consistently ducks for single-legs with his head on the outside. This became predictable against Prates, allowing perfectly timed uppercuts and hooks as Magny level-changed. His defensive reactions when hurt place his head in vulnerable positions.
Power Punch Vulnerability: Recent KO losses to Prates and Michael Morales highlight his fragility when hit cleanly. Against Morales, a single spinning elbow immediately compromised him, suggesting both technical defensive gaps and physiological limitations in absorbing impact.
Zaleski brings explosive combination striking and improved technical boxing at 37 years old. His signature right-hand sequences (right straight, left hook, right overhand) pack serious power, as demonstrated when he momentarily stunned Chidi Njokuani. Against Zachary Scroggin, Zaleski showed patience and ring IQ, trapping his opponent against the fence before landing a clean finishing shot to the chin.
His front kick to the body has become a primary weapon, effectively used against Rinat Fakhretdinov to drain cardio and create distance. Zaleski's capoeira background provides unorthodox angles and spinning techniques that can catch opponents off guard, though he's evolved from wild exchanges to more calculated striking entries.
Front Kick and Distance Management Issues: Against Njokuani, Zaleski struggled significantly with straight kicks and teeps, unable to time, parry, or adapt to these range-controlling techniques. He was repeatedly stuck at the end of his opponent's range, preventing him from implementing his power combinations.
Clinch Defense Deficiencies: When attempting to close distance, Zaleski often fails to maintain proper defensive positioning. Against Njokuani, he had trouble defending against knees and elbows in the clinch, ultimately getting finished by a perfectly placed knee under the chin after being pulled into clinch range.
Boxing Fundamentals and Footwork: Zaleski sometimes follows opponents around the cage rather than cutting angles, making his striking entries predictable. His tendency to abandon sound mechanics when pursuing opponents leaves him vulnerable to counter strikes.
This matchup presents a fascinating clash of Magny's volume-based pressure against Zaleski's explosive power striking. Magny's jab-to-takedown entries could be problematic for Zaleski, who has shown vulnerability to wrestlers like Abubakar Nurmagomedov. However, Zaleski's improved boxing and front kick game directly targets Magny's defensive weaknesses.
Zaleski's front kicks to the body could exploit Magny's poor kick defense, similar to how Garry and Prates used leg kicks to destabilize him. If Zaleski can establish his kicking range early, he can prevent Magny from implementing his clinch-heavy gameplan. Conversely, if Magny can weather the early storm and drag Zaleski into deep waters with his superior cardio, the Brazilian's explosive style may fade.
Early Rounds: Zaleski's power and explosive combinations will be most dangerous early. His ability to hurt opponents quickly could catch Magny before he establishes his rhythm. Magny's tendency to start cautiously may play into Zaleski's hands.
Mid-Fight: If Magny survives early exchanges, his volume and cardio advantages become more pronounced. Zaleski's recent performances show he can be drawn into wars, which favors Magny's grinding style.
Championship Rounds: Magny's elite conditioning typically gives him late-round advantages, but at 37, Zaleski has shown improved pacing and the ability to finish strong, as seen against Fakhretdinov.
• Reach vs Power: Magny's 7-inch reach advantage conflicts with Zaleski's improved boxing and front kick game • Leg Kick Vulnerability: Zaleski's body kicks could exploit Magny's historically poor kick defense • Takedown Threat: Magny's wrestling could neutralize Zaleski's striking if he can avoid early damage • Age Factor: At 37, questions remain about Zaleski's ability to maintain pace against Magny's volume • Recent Form: Both fighters coming off losses creates urgency for a statement performance
The model's confidence in Zaleski stems from several key factors: - Recent Win Percentage increased the prediction score by 3.0, reflecting Zaleski's better recent form - Reach increased the score by 2.0, surprisingly favoring the shorter fighter due to his more effective use of distance - Odds decreased the score by 9.0, suggesting the betting market may be undervaluing Magny - Recent Takedowns Attempted per Fight increased confidence by 1.0, indicating Zaleski's improved takedown defense - Significant Striking Impact Differential and Significant Striking Output Differential both increased the score, highlighting Zaleski's more impactful striking
WolfTicketsAI has shown mixed results with both fighters. For Magny, the model correctly predicted his losses to Prates (0.69) and Morales (0.70), but incorrectly favored Mike Malott (0.22) in Magny's comeback win. For Zaleski, the model incorrectly predicted his recent loss to Njokuani (0.61) but has generally struggled with his unpredictable performances, going 1-3 in recent predictions.
Zaleski dos Santos represents a live underdog with the power and technical improvements to exploit Magny's defensive vulnerabilities. While Magny's reach and volume advantages are real, his recent KO losses and persistent leg kick defense issues create clear paths to victory for the Brazilian. Zaleski's front kicks and improved boxing could prevent Magny from establishing his grinding pace, setting up opportunities for the explosive combinations that have defined his recent evolution. WolfTicketsAI's prediction of Zaleski dos Santos reflects the Brazilian's ability to end fights quickly against a fighter showing clear defensive decline.
Score: 21
Odds:
Danny Silva: +320
Kevin Vallejos: -460
Silva brings a refined southpaw striking game built around his devastating left-side weapons. His step-through left straight has become his signature technique, creating deceptive range that caught Lucas Almeida off guard multiple times in their recent split decision win. Silva's level change-to-left knee combinations proved particularly effective against Almeida's takedown attempts, forcing adjustments that opened up his striking game.
The technical evolution in Silva's game is evident - he's moved beyond being a "sloppy overhand merchant" to maintaining proper weight distribution through his combinations. Against Almeida, Silva's improved posture allowed him to follow up his jab-left hand sequences with additional strikes, dramatically increasing his output. His southpaw pressure and fence-cutting ability consistently pushed Almeida to the cage, where his step-through left straight became more effective.
Silva's wrestling game has also developed, averaging 3.85 recent takedowns per fight with solid 47.87% accuracy. His 100% takedown defense ratio shows he can stuff shots effectively, particularly against shorter opponents like Almeida where his level changes actually helped defend takedowns.
Silva's forward head position during left hand delivery remains his most exploitable flaw. Against Almeida, he still occasionally leaned forward excessively when throwing his overhand left, bending at the waist to nearly a right angle. This compromised positioning left him vulnerable to counters and limited his follow-up options, despite his overall technical improvements.
His defensive vulnerability to body attacks during level changes was clearly exploited by Almeida in rounds two and three. When Silva dropped his level to set up power shots or fake takedown entries, Almeida timed body kicks that would have become high kicks had Silva continued dropping his head position. This forced Silva to remain more upright than he preferred, neutralizing some of his favorite offensive setups.
Silva's limited right-side offense creates predictability that sharp counter-punchers can exploit. His heavy reliance on left-side weapons allows opponents to focus their defensive preparation primarily on his southpaw attacks, leaving gaps in his offensive versatility when his primary weapons are neutralized.
Vallejos is a compact offensive striker who maximizes his explosiveness through precise counter-striking. His signature cross counter right hand was on full display against SeungWoo Choi, repeatedly timing overhand rights over Choi's extended jabs. Each time Choi threw his lead hand, Vallejos slipped just outside the jab's path and returned with his overhand right that found its mark consistently.
His inside slip to left hook creates devastating angles when opponents extend with their lead hand. Against Choi, this technique became crucial when his opponent became hesitant with the jab. Vallejos demonstrated excellent adaptability, reading Choi's adjustments and countering appropriately beyond just his primary weapon.
The finishing sequence against Choi showcased Vallejos' complete offensive arsenal. After landing a clean left hook that stunned Choi, Vallejos demonstrated his rapid combination punching, stringing together precise punches that didn't allow recovery time. His 4.76 knockdowns per fight and 66.67% striking accuracy reflect this explosive finishing ability.
Vallejos' predictable head movement pattern creates timing opportunities for sophisticated strikers. He consistently dips his head when entering, a habitual movement that creates vulnerability to intercepting knees, particularly dangerous against a fighter like Silva who utilizes level change-to-knee combinations.
His overreliance on the overhand counter, while effective against linear strikers like Choi, becomes predictable against varied attackers. Vallejos tends to answer almost every offensive move with the same overhand right counter without setup variations, making him susceptible to fighters who can bait and counter this reaction.
When pressured and backed up, Vallejos shows limited defensive options beyond his initial head movement. Against opponents who can sustain pressure beyond his initial counter opportunities, he lacks secondary defensive reactions to maintain safety - a potential issue against Silva's southpaw pressure game.
This matchup presents fascinating technical contrasts. Silva's southpaw stance creates natural angles that could disrupt Vallejos' orthodox counter-striking patterns. Vallejos' success against Choi came from timing orthodox jabs, but Silva's southpaw jab and step-through left straight present different timing and angles.
Silva's level changes could exploit Vallejos' predictable head dipping. When Vallejos drops his head during entries, Silva's level change-to-left knee combinations become particularly dangerous. Silva successfully used this technique against Almeida's takedown attempts, and it could prove even more effective against Vallejos' striking entries.
However, Vallejos' compact boxing style and rapid combinations could exploit Silva's forward lean vulnerability. When Silva throws his overhand left with excessive forward movement, Vallejos' inside slip to left hook could time this perfectly, especially given his demonstrated ability to read and counter extended punches.
Early rounds favor Vallejos' explosive counter-striking against Silva's southpaw pressure. Silva's tendency to establish his jab and step-through left straight could play into Vallejos' counter game, similar to how he exploited Choi's lead hand extensions.
Mid-fight adjustments become crucial. If Silva can establish his level change-to-knee game early, Vallejos may struggle to find his preferred counter opportunities. Conversely, if Vallejos can time Silva's forward lean during power shots, his combination finishing could end the fight quickly.
Championship rounds could favor Silva's wrestling integration and pressure game, as Vallejos hasn't shown extensive cardio testing or defensive wrestling in his limited UFC experience.
• Silva's southpaw angles could disrupt Vallejos' orthodox counter patterns established against Choi
• Vallejos' 4.76 knockdowns per fight represents serious finishing threat against Silva's forward lean vulnerability
• Silva's level change-to-knee combinations directly target Vallejos' predictable head dipping entries
• Experience differential - Silva has more UFC rounds and technical adjustments under pressure
• Reach advantage - Silva's 70" reach vs Vallejos' 68" could impact distance management
The model heavily weighs the odds differential, decreasing Silva's chances by 16 points given Vallejos' -460 favorite status. Recent takedowns attempted per fight increases Silva's score by 5 points, reflecting his improved wrestling integration. Recent win percentage decreases Silva's prediction by 3 points, likely reflecting his 67% recent win rate compared to Vallejos' 94%. The reach advantage provides Silva a slight 1-point boost, while various striking metrics slightly favor Vallejos' more explosive recent performances.
WolfTicketsAI correctly predicted Silva's split decision victory over Lucas Almeida with a 0.63 confidence score, demonstrating solid read on Silva's technical improvements. No prediction history exists for Vallejos, creating some uncertainty around his UFC-level performance evaluation.
Vallejos' explosive counter-striking and finishing ability make him the rightful favorite. His technical proficiency in timing counters and rapid combination punching directly targets Silva's forward lean vulnerability, while Silva's predictable southpaw patterns could play into Vallejos' proven counter game. WolfTicketsAI's prediction of Vallejos reflects the significant skill and explosiveness advantage of the undefeated prospect.
Score: 17
Odds:
Rinya Nakamura: -440
Nathan Fletcher: +310
Nakamura brings elite wrestling credentials with a dangerous striking evolution that's becoming his calling card. Against Muin Gafurov, he showcased his signature double-leg takedown after setting it up with jab feints, demonstrating the explosive level changes that made him an Asian Games gold medalist. His counter right hand that dropped Gafurov in round three exemplified his growing striking threat - timing the punch perfectly as Gafurov stepped in with a jab.
His wrestling entries have evolved beyond simple blast doubles. Against Carlos Vera, despite injuring his right hand early, Nakamura adapted by mixing in more feints before takedown attempts and incorporating leg kicks to disrupt timing. The north-south control he displayed against Fernie Garcia shows his methodical approach to ground dominance, using weight distribution to neutralize opponents rather than hunting for flashy submissions.
Nakamura's striking accuracy of 58.69% reflects his measured approach on the feet. His overhand right follows a consistent pattern - jab setup, slight level change to sell the takedown threat, then explode upward with the right hand. This sequence worked perfectly against Toshiomi Kazama, where he secured the knockout in just 33 seconds after establishing early takedown control.
Nakamura's defensive reactions under pressure remain exploitable. Against Gafurov in round one, he consistently backed straight up when faced with combination striking, dropping his lead hand while retreating. This created clean counter opportunities that more experienced strikers could capitalize on.
His over-commitment to power shots presents another opening. When loading up on his right hand, Nakamura plants his feet and throws with full rotation, leaving him momentarily out of position. Gafurov exploited this by circling away from Nakamura's power side and countering during his reset phases.
The wrestling dependency becomes predictable when his initial takedown attempts fail. In round two against Gafurov, after several consecutive takedown attempts were stuffed, Nakamura became repetitive in his approach, attempting the same double-leg entry without adequate setup variation.
Fletcher brings dangerous submission threats from bottom position, with his triangle choke being his most refined weapon. Against Caolan Loughran, he demonstrated textbook triangle mechanics - controlling wrist position while adjusting hip angles to create the perfect finishing leverage. His active guard retention prevents opponents from settling into dominant positions, immediately threatening submissions whenever they attempt to posture up.
His takedown attempts are volume-heavy, averaging 9.18 attempts per fight, though his 38.46% accuracy suggests he relies more on persistence than precision. Fletcher's clinch striking output of 1.55 landed per minute shows he's comfortable in close quarters, using underhooks and frames effectively.
Fletcher's technical striking showed promise against Zygimantas Ramaska, where his inside low kicks established early control. His jab-to-low kick combinations disrupted Ramaska's rhythm, demonstrating good tactical awareness in mixing his attacks. The step-up body kick that ultimately led to his downfall was technically sound but poorly timed.
Fletcher's takedown defense shows critical gaps, particularly when caught mid-striking exchange. Against Ramaska, his commitment to step-up kicks left him vulnerable on one leg, creating perfect counter-striking opportunities. His 92% recent takedown defense ratio suggests recent struggles against wrestlers.
His defensive striking patterns are predictable under pressure. Fletcher tends to retreat in straight lines rather than using lateral movement, often backing himself to the fence where his options become limited. This tendency was evident against Loughran when early pressure forced him into defensive grappling exchanges.
The risk-reward calculation on his kicking game needs refinement. Fletcher's willingness to throw step-up kicks without proper setup creates dangerous counter opportunities, especially against opponents with good timing. His recent striking defense percentage of 31.19% indicates significant defensive vulnerabilities.
Nakamura's explosive double-leg entries directly target Fletcher's takedown defense vulnerabilities. Fletcher's tendency to commit to kicks creates perfect shooting opportunities for Nakamura, who excels at timing takedowns during opponents' striking commitments. Nakamura's feint-heavy approach should easily exploit Fletcher's predictable defensive reactions.
Fletcher's submission threats from bottom position could trouble Nakamura, who prefers positional control over submission hunting. However, Nakamura's north-south positioning and methodical pressure should neutralize Fletcher's active guard, similar to how he controlled Garcia's bottom game.
The striking exchanges favor Nakamura's measured approach over Fletcher's volume-heavy style. Fletcher's 75.12% striking accuracy drops significantly in recent fights (49.14%), while Nakamura's counter-striking timing should capitalize on Fletcher's over-commitments to kicks.
Early rounds will see Nakamura establishing his jab while Fletcher attempts to find range with his low kicks. Nakamura's takedown threat should make Fletcher hesitant to commit fully to his kicking game, creating openings for Nakamura's counter right hand.
Mid-fight adjustments will favor Nakamura's adaptability. If Fletcher manages to threaten with submissions early, Nakamura's methodical approach allows him to adjust positioning and maintain control without taking unnecessary risks.
Championship rounds heavily favor Nakamura's wrestling base and measured pace. Fletcher's recent performances show declining output in later rounds, while Nakamura's grinding style should accumulate damage and control time.
• Wrestling vs Submissions: Nakamura's positional control should neutralize Fletcher's submission threats through methodical pressure
• Striking Accuracy: Nakamura's 58.69% accuracy significantly outpaces Fletcher's recent 49.14% rate
• Takedown Dynamics: Fletcher's 38.46% takedown accuracy won't trouble Nakamura's perfect takedown defense
• Recent Form: Nakamura's recent loss to Gafurov shows vulnerability, but Fletcher's 1-2 recent record indicates deeper issues
The model's confidence stems primarily from the odds differential, which increased the prediction score by 21 points, reflecting Nakamura's significant betting favorite status. Recent Significant Striking Impact Differential added 2 points, highlighting Nakamura's superior recent striking performance. Striking Defense Percentage contributed 1 point, showing Nakamura's defensive advantages over Fletcher's recent struggles.
WolfTicketsAI previously predicted Nakamura correctly against Fernie Garcia with 83% confidence but missed on his recent loss to Gafurov with 73% confidence. For Fletcher, the model incorrectly predicted his win against Loughran with 57% confidence. This mixed history suggests the model recognizes both fighters' capabilities but may have overestimated Fletcher's recent form.
Nakamura's wrestling dominance and evolving striking game create multiple paths to victory against Fletcher's submission-heavy but defensively vulnerable style. The technical matchup heavily favors Nakamura's methodical approach over Fletcher's high-risk, high-reward game. WolfTicketsAI's prediction of Nakamura by decision or late finish reflects the most likely outcome in this bantamweight clash.
Score: 21
Odds:
Rodolfo Vieira: -225
Tresean Gore: +172
Vieira brings elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu credentials into this middleweight clash, with his signature arm-triangle choke accounting for four UFC submission victories—the most in company history. His technical evolution has been evident in recent fights, particularly his improved striking entries. Against Armen Petrosyan, Vieira masterfully used double jabs to set up takedowns, ducking under Petrosyan's counter attempts to secure dominant positions. His single-leg to body lock transition remains devastating—he consistently pressures opponents against the cage while maintaining constant submission threats.
Vieira's mount to back-take sequence showcased technical brilliance against Petroski in round one, where he executed a textbook weight shift when Petroski attempted to bridge and roll. At 3:27 of that round, Vieira floated over the escape attempt while securing back control, demonstrating his elite squeeze mechanics by creating choking space through hip elevation rather than arm strength alone. His recent performances show improved cardio management and more disciplined combination work compared to his earlier career reliance on single power shots.
Vieira's cardio management becomes problematic when his initial takedown attempts fail. Against Petroski, his technique degraded noticeably in round two—his level changes became telegraphed and shot depth decreased significantly. At 2:15 of that round, he attempted a desperation takedown without proper setup, shooting from too far out with his head positioned outside Petroski's hip, allowing easy sprawl defense.
His defensive striking liabilities emerge when pressured with volume. Vieira repeatedly retreats in straight lines with his chin high, failing to effectively parry or block follow-up strikes. Against Chris Curtis, his tendency to back straight up along the fence created predictable defensive patterns that Curtis exploited with body shots, accelerating Vieira's energy depletion and creating a negative feedback loop.
Gore combines explosive athleticism with opportunistic submission hunting, though his approach lacks the technical refinement of elite grapplers. His single-to-double leg transition against Antonio Trocoli demonstrated advanced wrestling chains—executing the single leg with his head on the outside, then transferring to complete the double when Trocoli hopped to defend. This technical sequence led directly to his guillotine choke finish, a submission he's now secured in consecutive victories.
Gore's striking centers around explosive forward pressure, typically working behind a pawing jab to set up his jab-cross-lead hook combination. His bread-and-butter sequence often concludes with a low kick to punish opponents as they reset. Against Marco Tulio early, Gore showed strong body lock takedowns, using his natural strength to elevate opponents before dropping them to the canvas.
Gore's most glaring vulnerability is his defensive positioning during striking exchanges. He consistently keeps his chin high when throwing combinations, particularly when launching power shots, with his left hand dropping and exposing the left side of his jaw. Marco Tulio exploited this exact vulnerability at 3:22 of round two, catching Gore with a counter right hand as Gore's left hand was down during his attack sequence.
His cage positioning becomes problematic when backed against the fence—he shells up defensively rather than creating angles to exit, becoming a stationary target. Against Bryan Battle, Gore bizarrely applied forward pressure to back Battle against the fence but then failed to launch meaningful offense, allowing Battle to land approximately 50 kicks while Gore stood motionless. This tactical failure highlights his underdeveloped offensive game plan despite having physical tools to pressure opponents.
This matchup heavily favors Vieira's technical grappling over Gore's explosive but less refined approach. Gore's tendency to shell up against the cage plays directly into Vieira's preferred control positions—Vieira excels at maintaining pressure against the fence while setting up his signature body lock takedowns. When Gore attempts his single-to-double leg transitions, Vieira's perfect takedown defense ratio (1.0000) suggests he'll effectively counter with underhooks and positional reversals.
Gore's striking vulnerabilities become magnified against Vieira's improved jab setups. Where Gore drops his left hand during power combinations, Vieira can time his level changes perfectly, using Gore's defensive lapses as takedown entries. Vieira's recent evolution shows he's learned to use striking specifically to create grappling opportunities—exactly what Gore's defensive positioning allows.
Early rounds should see Gore attempting to establish his explosive striking rhythm while Vieira probes with his improved jab game. Gore's athletic advantages may create early moments, but Vieira's technical precision in transitions will likely neutralize Gore's power attempts. Mid-fight adjustments favor Vieira significantly—his ability to chain takedown attempts means Gore's energy will deplete faster than Vieira's methodical approach.
Championship rounds heavily favor Vieira's superior cardio management and technical efficiency. Gore's mobility decreases notably in later rounds, as evidenced against Tulio when accumulated leg kicks compromised his explosive entries. Vieira's submission rate of 1.2422 per fight suggests he'll capitalize on Gore's fatigue-induced defensive lapses.
• Grappling Mismatch: Vieira's 13.25 takedown attempts per fight versus Gore's 20% takedown defense creates massive exploitation opportunities • Submission Threat: Vieira's arm-triangle expertise directly threatens Gore's tendency to turtle defensively against the cage • Cardio Edge: Gore's pattern of fading in later rounds plays into Vieira's methodical, energy-efficient approach • Technical Evolution: Vieira's improved striking entries will exploit Gore's predictable defensive reactions
The model's confidence stems from several key statistical advantages favoring Vieira. Odds increased the prediction score by 10 points, reflecting Vieira's significant betting favorite status. Significant Striking Impact Differential added 7 points, highlighting Vieira's superior striking efficiency despite being primarily a grappler. Recent Takedowns Attempted per Fight contributed 4 points, emphasizing Vieira's relentless grappling pressure that Gore's 20% takedown defense cannot withstand.
WolfTicketsAI shows mixed recent performance on Vieira, correctly predicting his submission victories over Petrosyan and Brundage but missing his decision loss to Petroski. For Gore, the model correctly predicted his submission win over Trocoli but missed his knockout loss to Tulio. This suggests the model recognizes both fighters' submission capabilities but may underestimate knockout vulnerabilities.
Vieira's technical superiority in grappling, improved striking entries, and superior cardio management create multiple pathways to victory against Gore's explosive but defensively flawed approach. WolfTicketsAI's prediction of Vieira by submission appears well-founded given the significant technical and statistical advantages favoring the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist.
Score: 20
Odds:
Nick Klein: +130
Andrey Pulyaev: -166
Klein brings a relentless pressure-fighting style built around explosive power bursts and forward aggression. His signature weapon is a committed right straight that he throws with knockout intentions, often overextending to maximize impact. Against Abdul-Malik, Klein demonstrated his willingness to engage in wild firefights, using aggressive forward pressure to overwhelm opponents through sheer intensity rather than technical precision.
Klein's takedown attempts are surprisingly frequent at 16 per fight, though his accuracy sits at just 11%. This suggests he uses wrestling more as a pressure tool than a finishing mechanism. His leg kick game is active at 2.5 landed per minute, providing a solid foundation for his forward pressure approach.
The concerning element is Klein's recent KO loss to Abdul-Malik, where his characteristic overcommitment on power shots left him exposed in chaotic exchanges. However, his 75% win rate and willingness to engage in phone booth wars could prove problematic for a technically-oriented opponent like Pulyaev.
Klein's most glaring weakness is his tendency to overextend on his right hand, falling off balance and creating recovery periods where he's defensively compromised. Against Abdul-Malik, this pattern repeated throughout their exchanges, with Klein prioritizing power over defensive responsibility.
His defensive awareness deteriorates significantly when committing to offensive bursts. Klein fails to maintain proper guard positioning or head movement while throwing combinations, leaving him exposed to counterstrikes. His 44.8% striking defense percentage reflects this vulnerability.
Klein's attack patterns are predictably one-dimensional, relying heavily on forward pressure without stance switching or varied attack angles. This makes his aggressive approach readable for technically sound opponents who can time his entries.
Pulyaev operates as a technical clinch specialist with strong underhook control and tactical awareness in close-range exchanges. Against Duncan, he demonstrated excellent initial clinch positioning, pressing his head into Duncan's jaw while fighting for hand control and landing effective knees from the clinch.
His distance management revolves around strategic low kicks designed to create checking reactions, momentarily immobilizing opponents on one leg to create offensive opportunities. Pulyaev times his takedown entries precisely, often using overhand strikes to disguise level changes and target the hips rather than grinding through extended clinch battles.
However, Pulyaev's recent performance against Duncan exposed concerning defensive limitations. His footwork became notably slower under pressure, and Duncan successfully timed his knee attempts to secure takedowns and ultimately a mounted guillotine submission in Round 3.
Pulyaev's defensive footwork becomes significantly compromised when opponents apply forward pressure and crowd his space. Against Duncan, he appeared "foot slow" when attempting to create distance, struggling to establish his preferred range when pressured.
His reliance on predictable knee strikes from clinch positions creates timing opportunities for opponents. Duncan demonstrated this by using leg blocks to disrupt Pulyaev's balance during knee attempts, converting these into takedown opportunities when Pulyaev's center of gravity moved beyond his base of support.
Pulyaev's defensive grappling showed critical gaps against Duncan's half-guard passing sequences. His inability to retain guard and defend submissions, particularly the mounted guillotine that finished him, suggests vulnerabilities against opponents who can establish top control.
Klein's aggressive forward pressure directly targets Pulyaev's primary vulnerability - his compromised defensive footwork under pressure. Where Duncan crowded Pulyaev's space and made him "foot slow," Klein's relentless forward movement could create similar problems while adding knockout power to the equation.
Pulyaev's clinch-heavy approach could backfire against Klein's explosive bursts. Klein's 16 takedown attempts per fight suggest comfort in scrambles, and his power-focused approach means Pulyaev's predictable knee patterns could be met with devastating counters during the recovery phases.
The key technical clash centers on Klein's overextended right hand versus Pulyaev's timing-based counters. However, Klein's chaotic fighting style and willingness to engage in firefights could disrupt Pulyaev's technical game plan, similar to how the "sloppy mess" against Abdul-Malik neutralized technical considerations.
Early rounds favor Klein's explosive approach against Pulyaev's slower defensive reactions. Klein's aggressive pressure should immediately test Pulyaev's compromised footwork, potentially creating early knockdown opportunities.
Mid-fight adjustments become crucial for Pulyaev, but his recent performance suggests limited tactical flexibility. Klein's cardio and continued pressure could compound Pulyaev's defensive struggles as the fight progresses.
If the fight reaches championship rounds, Klein's aggressive style and higher output (5.95 strikes landed per minute vs Pulyaev's 2.4) should maintain pressure on Pulyaev's already-compromised defensive systems.
• Klein's pressure targets Pulyaev's weakness: Forward aggression directly exploits Pulyaev's slow defensive footwork • Power vs. technique clash: Klein's explosive bursts could disrupt Pulyaev's technical game plan • Takedown volume advantage: Klein's 16 attempts per fight vs. Pulyaev's 4 suggests scramble comfort • Recent form concerns: Pulyaev's submission loss shows defensive vulnerabilities under pressure
The model heavily favors Klein based on Significant Striking Impact Differential (+8.0) and Striking Impact Differential (+6.0), reflecting Klein's superior power output. Recent Takedowns Attempted per Fight (+4.0) supports Klein's wrestling pressure advantage, while Recent Win Percentage (+2.0) factors in both fighters' 75% win rates with Klein's more recent activity. The Odds (-3.0) slightly penalize Klein as the betting underdog, but the striking metrics overwhelmingly support his aggressive approach against Pulyaev's defensive limitations.
WolfTicketsAI has no previous predictions for either fighter, making this analysis based purely on their technical profiles and statistical differentials. The model's confidence in Klein stems from clear technical advantages rather than historical prediction patterns.
Klein's relentless pressure and power advantage directly exploit Pulyaev's proven vulnerabilities under forward pressure. While Klein's defensive limitations created problems against Abdul-Malik, Pulyaev's compromised footwork and predictable clinch patterns make him ill-equipped to capitalize on these openings. WolfTicketsAI correctly identifies Klein's aggressive style as the key to victory in this middleweight clash.
Score: 23
Odds:
Rafael Estevam: -500
Felipe Bunes: +340
Estevam brings an undefeated record and sophisticated technical approach that blends pressure striking with opportunistic grappling. His signature technique is the jab-to-inside-low-kick combination, which he uses to break opponents' balance before flowing into trip takedowns. Against Jesus Aguilar, he demonstrated his evolution by adjusting from early counter-punching trouble to dominating with "measuring jabs" - probing strikes that gauge reactions without full commitment.
The Brazilian's most devastating sequence is his weave-hook combination, which he used to finish Aguilar in round four. After landing a right straight to the body, Estevam stepped his right foot wide while weaving right, then caught Aguilar with a perfectly angled left hook as he attempted to counter. This "Barão finish" showcases his technical refinement under pressure.
Against Charles Johnson, Estevam displayed his grappling evolution with a sophisticated back-take sequence. He secured a body lock against the fence, adjusted to seatbelt control, then planted his foot on the cage to drive Johnson toward center octagon. From back control, he methodically broke down Johnson's hand-fighting defenses, trapping one hand with his foot while controlling the other, creating space for the rear-naked choke finish.
Estevam's forward pressure leaves him susceptible to inside slips and counter punches, particularly when he steps directly forward with combinations. Aguilar exploited this early, landing sharp counter left hooks and short right hands that momentarily stunned him. His head movement becomes linear during offensive sequences, creating predictable patterns for counter-strikers.
When hurt or pressured, Estevam tends to cover up with a high guard rather than using lateral movement to reset exchanges. This defensive reaction was evident in round one against Aguilar, where he absorbed several hard counters while remaining stationary. His telegraphed step-up on inside low kicks also creates timing opportunities for opponents who recognize the pattern.
Bunes combines traditional Brazilian jiu-jitsu with developing striking mechanics, featuring a methodical submission game built around his walk-up armbar sequence. Against Jose Johnson, he demonstrated exceptional technical patience, placing his feet on Johnson's hips and using his legs to manipulate posture before climbing up for the armbar. When Johnson defended by stacking, Bunes executed a textbook sweep counter, digging through to the far leg and reversing position.
His ground-and-pound to submission transitions are particularly dangerous. After sweeping Johnson, Bunes delivered damaging elbows from top position before transitioning to the fight-ending armbar. This seamless flow between striking and submission hunting makes him unpredictable on the ground.
However, Bunes showed concerning cardio issues against Joshua Van. He dominated early with right straights and knees up the middle, effectively exploiting Van's level changes. But his technical precision deteriorated as the fight progressed, ultimately leading to his TKO loss when Van's relentless pressure overwhelmed his fading output.
Bunes's takedown entry defense is exploitable, as Johnson repeatedly countered his attempts using overhook control to throw him and gain top position. This indicates flaws in his grip sequencing and entry timing that opponents can exploit with proper counter-wrestling.
His cardio represents his most glaring weakness. Against Van, Bunes's early dominance evaporated as his conditioning failed, allowing Van to overwhelm him with volume striking in later rounds. His striking defense percentage drops significantly in recent fights (19.1% recent vs 31.7% overall), indicating deteriorating defensive reactions under fatigue.
From top position, Bunes sometimes struggles against strong closed guard retention, getting neutralized when opponents secure overhooks from bottom position.
Estevam's pressure game directly targets Bunes's cardio weakness. His ability to maintain consistent forward pressure while mixing striking and grappling threats will force Bunes to work defensively, accelerating his fatigue. Estevam's inside low kicks should prove particularly effective against Bunes's takedown entries, disrupting his balance and timing.
Bunes's submission threats from bottom position could trouble Estevam if the fight hits the ground. However, Estevam's recent evolution in defensive grappling and his ability to control position from top should neutralize Bunes's armbar setups. Estevam's methodical approach to breaking down hand-fighting defenses mirrors the technical patience that allowed him to submit Johnson.
The reach parity (both 69 inches) eliminates any physical advantages, making this a pure technical and conditioning battle.
Early rounds: Bunes will likely start strong with his striking combinations and takedown attempts. However, Estevam's pressure and inside low kicks should disrupt Bunes's rhythm while forcing defensive reactions that drain energy.
Mid-fight adjustments: As Bunes begins to fade, Estevam's consistent output should overwhelm his deteriorating defense. Estevam's ability to adjust his approach mid-fight, demonstrated against Aguilar, gives him tactical advantages.
Championship rounds: Bunes's cardio issues become critical here. His recent striking defense percentage suggests he becomes increasingly hittable as fights progress, playing directly into Estevam's patient, technical approach.
• Cardio Mismatch: Bunes lost 2 of his last 3 fights, with conditioning playing a major role in both losses • Technical Evolution: Estevam's recent adjustments show superior fight IQ and adaptability • Grappling Edge: While Bunes has submission skills, Estevam's recent defensive improvements and top control should neutralize threats • Pressure vs Fatigue: Estevam's consistent forward pressure directly exploits Bunes's primary weakness
The model's confidence stems primarily from odds (+21 points), reflecting the significant betting line disparity. Recent takedowns attempted per fight (+5 points) favors Estevam's more active wrestling approach, while striking defense percentage (+2 points) highlights Estevam's superior defensive metrics. The slight negative impact from significant striking impact differential (-2 points) reflects Bunes's higher output when fresh, but this is offset by Estevam's superior recent form and conditioning.
WolfTicketsAI incorrectly predicted Jose Johnson over Bunes in their recent fight, missing Bunes's submission finish. However, this creates additional confidence here as the model likely underestimated Bunes's early finishing ability while correctly identifying his overall limitations. No prediction history exists for Estevam, adding some uncertainty to the model's assessment.
Estevam's undefeated record, superior conditioning, and technical evolution make him the clear favorite. His pressure game directly exploits Bunes's cardio weakness, while his defensive improvements should neutralize submission threats. WolfTicketsAI correctly identifies Estevam as the superior fighter who should control this matchup from start to finish.
Score: 14
Odds:
Piera Rodriguez: -230
Ketlen Souza: +176
Rodriguez brings a relentless pressure-based approach built around compact boxing combinations and dominant clinch control. Her signature technique involves cutting off the cage with methodical forward movement, then unleashing her bread-and-butter jab-right cross-lead hook sequence once opponents are trapped against the fence. Against Sam Hughes, this exact combination repeatedly disrupted Hughes's rhythm and allowed Rodriguez to dictate the pace throughout all three rounds.
Her clinch game centers on establishing head position through collar ties and underhooks, where she excels at landing short elbows and uppercuts in close quarters. The Kay Hansen fight showcased this perfectly - Rodriguez caught one of Hansen's kicks in round three and immediately transitioned to a takedown, demonstrating her ability to chain techniques seamlessly. Her wrestling has evolved significantly, moving from wild double-leg attempts to more sophisticated body lock trips from the clinch position.
Rodriguez's takedown game averages 4.31 per fight with 64% accuracy, making her one of the division's most persistent grapplers. Against Hansen, she consistently defended takedown attempts before reversing position and securing her own takedowns, showing excellent scrambling ability and positional awareness.
Rodriguez's most glaring weakness appears when exiting exchanges - she consistently retreats with her chin exposed and head upright, creating massive counter-punching opportunities. Against Josefine Knutsson, this pattern became increasingly exploitable as the fight progressed, with Knutsson timing Rodriguez's exits with sharp counter strikes that visibly affected her equilibrium.
Her defensive movement relies heavily on linear retreats rather than lateral footwork. When pressured, Rodriguez backs straight up against the fence where her offensive options become severely limited. The Knutsson fight demonstrated this vulnerability perfectly - once backed against the cage, Rodriguez's punching power diminished significantly and her combination selection became predictable, relying on single strikes rather than her usual flowing sequences.
Rodriguez also shows concerning defensive lapses during her aggressive forward pressure. Her recent 33% win percentage over her last three fights highlights a troubling trend - she's been caught and submitted by Gillian Robertson in round two, disqualified against Ariane Carnelossi for an illegal headbutt, and outpointed by Knutsson despite her typical pressure advantages.
Souza operates as a sophisticated counter-striker with exceptional inside slipping technique and devastating power shots. Her signature weapon is the inside slip to left hook counter, which she executes with surgical precision against forward pressure. Against Angela Hill, Souza repeatedly used this technique, most notably at 3:17 in round one when Hill committed to a straight right, allowing Souza to slip inside and land a short counter that visibly affected Hill's balance.
Her "Barrow" technique - a right straight to the body followed by a weaving left hook - represents her highest-level striking. Against Hill, this combination created the perfect finishing sequence: Souza threw the right to the body, weaved right while stepping at a 45-degree angle, then landed a devastating left hook as Hill attempted to counter. This technique bypassed Hill's guard completely and secured the knockout.
Souza's submission game is equally impressive, averaging 0.43 submissions per fight. Against Yazmin Jauregui, she demonstrated this perfectly - after landing her signature right hand-left hook combination to drop Jauregui, she immediately secured back control and finished with a rear-naked choke. Her ability to transition seamlessly from striking to grappling makes her incredibly dangerous in scrambles.
Souza's primary weakness occurs during stance transitions, particularly when switching from orthodox to southpaw following inside low kicks. During these brief moments, she drops her defensive guard, creating windows for opponents to land counters. This pattern becomes predictable against technically aware opponents who can time these transitions.
Her defensive shell under pressure, while effective against head strikes, leaves her body completely exposed to kicks and punches. Against Hill, this vulnerability was apparent when Hill targeted her midsection during exchanges. Souza's tendency to rely on a high guard means body shots can accumulate significant damage over time.
When backed against the fence, Souza's footwork becomes predictable - she consistently circles to her right, creating a pattern that can be exploited with properly timed hooks or kicks to cut off her escape route. Her 55% takedown defense ratio also suggests vulnerability to persistent wrestling pressure, especially from opponents who can chain takedown attempts.
This matchup presents a classic pressure fighter versus counter-striker dynamic, but with a crucial twist - Rodriguez's tendency to retreat linearly plays directly into Souza's counter-striking wheelhouse. Rodriguez's signature forward pressure behind her jab-cross combination will likely trigger Souza's inside slip to left hook counter repeatedly throughout the fight.
Rodriguez's clinch-heavy approach could neutralize Souza's counter-striking, but Souza's improved takedown defense (79% recently) and ability to create space through underhook battles suggests she can avoid prolonged clinch exchanges. Souza's body work, particularly her right straights to the midsection, should accumulate damage against Rodriguez's forward pressure.
The key technical battle centers on Rodriguez's ability to establish cage control versus Souza's capacity to maintain center octagon positioning. If Rodriguez can trap Souza against the fence, her clinch game and takedown threats become dominant. However, if Souza can maintain distance and draw Rodriguez into overcommitting to combinations, her counter-striking becomes lethal.
Early rounds: Rodriguez's pressure game should initially find success, but Souza's counter-striking will become increasingly effective as Rodriguez's patterns emerge. Expect Souza to land her signature inside slip counters as Rodriguez commits to forward pressure.
Mid-fight adjustments: Rodriguez may attempt to increase her takedown attempts to neutralize Souza's striking, but Souza's improved grappling and submission threats make this risky. Souza's body work should begin affecting Rodriguez's cardio and movement.
Championship rounds: Rodriguez's recent cardio issues (evident in her last three fights) could become decisive, while Souza's composed approach and technical precision typically improve as fights progress.
• Odds Differential: The significant betting line heavily favors Rodriguez despite her recent struggles • Recent Form: Rodriguez's 1-2 record in her last three fights versus Souza's 2-1 recent performance • Technical Evolution: Souza's striking has become more sophisticated while Rodriguez's defensive issues persist • Submission Threat: Souza's 0.43 submissions per fight poses serious danger if Rodriguez's takedown attempts fail
The model's confidence stems primarily from the odds differential, which increased the prediction score by 14 points - the betting market heavily favors Rodriguez despite her recent struggles. Recent takedowns attempted per fight added 2 points, reflecting Rodriguez's persistent wrestling approach. Multiple striking differentials (significant striking impact differential, striking impact differential, significant striking output differential) each contributed 1 point, suggesting Rodriguez's volume advantage. However, recent win percentage decreased the score by 1 point, acknowledging Rodriguez's concerning 33% recent win rate.
WolfTicketsAI has struggled with Rodriguez recently, incorrectly predicting her victory against Knutsson and missing her DQ loss to Carnelossi. The model was also wrong about her submission loss to Robertson, showing a pattern of overestimating Rodriguez's abilities. Conversely, the model correctly predicted Souza's victory over Mann but missed her submission win over Jauregui. This mixed record suggests some uncertainty, but the model's recent accuracy with Souza provides confidence.
Rodriguez's pressure-heavy approach and persistent takedown game create legitimate paths to victory, but her defensive vulnerabilities when exiting exchanges align perfectly with Souza's counter-striking strengths. Souza's technical evolution, improved grappling defense, and devastating finishing ability make her a live underdog despite the betting odds. WolfTicketsAI's prediction of Rodriguez reflects the wrestling advantage and volume striking, but expect Souza's counter-striking and submission threats to create dramatic moments throughout this strawweight clash.