Analysis: Gilbert Burns vs Sean Brady

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Sean Brady to Win

Score: 12 Odds: Gilbert Burns: 146 Sean Brady: -188

Gilbert Burns's Breakdown

Gilbert Burns is a dynamic and versatile fighter known for his multifaceted approach to MMA. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist at his core, Burns has successfully transitioned into a well-rounded mixed martial artist. His grappling remains his strongest asset, as evidenced by numerous submission victories. However, in recent years, Burns has significantly improved his striking, making him a dual threat in both stand-up and ground exchanges. His power punches and aggressive style often put pressure on his opponents.

Despite his progress, Burns's striking defense has sometimes been a point of concern. His aggressive style can occasionally leave him open to counters. Additionally, his cardio has been questioned in some of his longer fights. Over the past few fights, Burns has shown a proclivity for incorporating more striking into his repertoire, blending his grappling pedigree with improved stand-up skills to become a more unpredictable and dangerous fighter.

A key concern for Burns is that he has been knocked out or TKO'd in two of his last four fights, against Kamaru Usman and Jack Della Maddalena. This suggests a potential vulnerability to powerful strikers that Brady may be able to exploit.

Sean Brady's Breakdown

Sean Brady is a rising talent in the UFC welterweight division, known for his distinctive fighting style characterized by strong wrestling abilities and significant grappling skills. Brady's recent bouts have showcased his proficiency in controlling opponents through relentless pressure and positional dominance. While his striking is competent, it is his grappling that has garnered the most attention. His strength lies in his ability to close the distance, secure takedowns, and control the fight from top positions.

In his recent fight against Kelvin Gastelum, Brady employed his standard strategy of utilizing his wrestling to control the fight. He timed his takedowns effectively, often shooting for double-leg or single-leg takedowns to bring Gastelum to the mat. Once on the ground, Brady worked meticulously from half guard and side control, seeking to control Gastelum's posture and limit his ability to scramble back to his feet. A standout technique Brady used was the Kimura grip from half guard, which provided a submission threat and allowed him to advance his position and maintain control.

However, Brady did suffer a recent loss to Belal Muhammad by KO/TKO. The fight was primarily a striking duel, with Brady's grappling attempts proving less effective as he tired from the exchanges. This suggests a potential path to victory for Burns if he can keep the fight standing and outpace Brady.

Analysis and Key Points

• This fight is likely to be determined by where it primarily takes place. Brady will want to get it to the ground and use his grappling, while Burns will aim to keep it standing and utilize his striking.
• Burns's path to victory: Defend takedowns, maintain distance, and look to land power shots. Exploit any cardio issues from Brady.
• Brady's path to victory: Close the distance early, secure takedowns, control Burns on the ground and look for a submission. Avoid getting drawn into a brawl on the feet.
• Burns's recent TKO losses are a concern and suggest a potential vulnerability to grapplers who can take him down and land ground and pound.
• Brady's loss to Muhammad exposed potential limitations in his striking and cardio. If he can't get Burns down, he may struggle in a pure kickboxing match.

Understanding the Prediction

The WolfTicketsAI model is favoring Sean Brady to win this fight with a positive score of 12. Some key factors from the SHAP data that support this prediction:

• Recent Significant Striking Impact Differential: This feature increased the prediction score for Brady. Despite his loss to Muhammad, Brady still maintains a higher differential compared to Burns over their recent fights.
• Striking Defense Percentage: Brady's overall striking defense percentage is higher than Burns (56% vs 48%), decreasing Burns's win probability in the model.
• Takedowns Attempted per Fight: Brady attempts more takedowns per fight on average (5.7 vs 5.2 recently for Burns). This aligns with his grapple-heavy style and suggests he will be able to implement his preferred game plan.

However, there are some factors that decrease Brady's win probability and make this a closer matchup than the odds suggest:

• Odds: Burns is a significant underdog based on the betting odds, decreasing his win probability substantially in the model.
• Recent Win Percentage: Burns has lost 2 of his last 3 fights, while Brady has won 4 of his last 5. This tilts the scales in Brady's favor based on recent performance.

Past Model Performance

The WolfTicketsAI model has a mixed track record in predicting these two fighters' bouts:

• For Burns, the model has been correct in its last 4 predictions, but incorrectly picked him to lose to Khamzat Chimaev in a close fight.
• For Brady, the model has only 2 predictions on record - it correctly predicted his win over Kelvin Gastelum but incorrectly picked him to beat Belal Muhammad.

This suggests the model's prediction for Brady should be viewed with some caution, as it has limited data to work with and was wrong in his most recent fight. The incorrect Chimaev prediction for Burns also highlights the model can struggle with close matchups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Sean Brady is a worthy favorite based on his grappling skills and overall metrics, Gilbert Burns has a clear path to victory if he can keep the fight standing and make Brady work in the striking exchanges. Burns's power and improved striking could be the difference makers.

However, Brady's wrestling and jiu-jitsu are formidable weapons that are difficult for anyone to overcome if he can implement his game plan. If he gets Burns down early and often, a submission or dominant decision win are very real possibilities.

This has the makings of an excellent stylistic matchup that will answer key questions about both fighters. For Brady, can his grapple-heavy approach work against the best of the division? For Burns, have his striking improvements brought him to the point he can overcome an elite grappler? No matter the outcome, this should be a fascinating battle between two of the best welterweights in the UFC.

Analysis: Jessica Andrade vs Natalia Silva

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Natalia Silva to Win

Score: 19 Odds: Jessica Andrade: 230 Natalia Silva: -280

Jessica Andrade's Breakdown

Jessica Andrade brings a wealth of experience and raw power to this matchup. Known for her aggressive brawling style and immense physical strength, Andrade has consistently demonstrated her ability to overwhelm opponents with relentless pressure. Her strategy often revolves around bullying opponents with physicality rather than technical skill.

Andrade's strengths lie in her powerful striking, especially in close-range exchanges, and her ability to impose her will through clinch fighting and ground-and-pound. Her mental and physical toughness allows her to drain opponents as they exhaust themselves trying to match her pace and output.

However, recent fights have exposed some vulnerabilities. Andrade's striking defense and footwork are lacking, and her chin has come into question since being knocked out by Weili Zhang. If unable to impose her physicality, Andrade struggles to win fights, making her game plan somewhat one-dimensional.

Natalia Silva's Breakdown

Natalia Silva, a rising star in the women's flyweight division, brings a well-rounded skill set with technical striking prowess. Her recent performances have showcased exceptional speed, agility, and a diverse striking arsenal that blends kicks and punches into fluid combinations.

Silva's strengths include her quick and accurate striking, making her dangerous whether leading or countering. She's demonstrated solid takedown defense (92%) and offensive wrestling, as seen in her fight against Jasmine Jasudavicius. Silva maintains a high pace over three rounds, showing excellent cardio in both striking and grappling exchanges.

Notably, 12 of Silva's 15 career wins have come via stoppage, an unusually high finishing rate for the flyweight division. This suggests she has the power to potentially hurt Andrade, despite moving up in competition.

Analysis and Key Points

• Speed vs Power: This fight presents a classic matchup of Silva's speed and technique against Andrade's raw power and aggression.
• Striking Exchanges: Silva's ability to land quick combinations and exit the pocket could frustrate Andrade, who thrives in close-quarters exchanges.
• Takedown Defense: Silva's improved takedown defense will be tested against Andrade's powerful clinch game and wrestling.
• Cardio and Pace: Silva's high-tempo style could potentially wear down Andrade, especially if the fight goes into later rounds.
• Experience vs Momentum: Andrade's significant experience advantage contrasts with Silva's current 9-fight win streak and rising confidence.

Understanding the Prediction

WolfTicketsAI's prediction favoring Natalia Silva is supported by several key factors:

• Recent Performance: Silva's undefeated UFC record and dominant performances have likely influenced the model's prediction.
• Striking Differential: Silva's significant striking output differential far exceeds Andrade's, indicating Silva's ability to outland her opponents consistently.
• Defensive Capabilities: Silva's higher striking defense percentage suggests she may be harder to hit cleanly.
• Momentum: Silva's perfect UFC record and recent performances against higher-ranked opponents have likely boosted her standing in the model's calculations.
• Andrade's Recent Struggles: Andrade's 2-3 record in her last 5 fights, including two stoppage losses, may have factored into the prediction.

Past Model Performance

• For Jessica Andrade, WolfTicketsAI has shown mixed results, correctly predicting 4 out of her last 7 fights.
• For Natalia Silva, WolfTicketsAI has been highly accurate, correctly predicting all 3 of her recorded UFC fights.

Conclusion

While WolfTicketsAI favors Natalia Silva, this fight remains a compelling matchup between two contrasting styles. Silva's speed, technical striking, and recent momentum make her a formidable opponent. Her keys to victory will be using footwork and angles to avoid being trapped against the fence, maintaining distance, and dragging Andrade into deep waters where her technical edge can shine.

For Andrade, imposing her physicality and forcing a brawl will be crucial. She needs to pressure Silva, get in close, and make it an ugly fight. Pinning Silva against the cage and landing heavy shots in the clinch is Andrade's best path to victory.

X-factors include Andrade's potential physical decline at 31 years old with 30 pro fights, and how Silva handles the significant step up in competition. Given the model's perfect prediction record for Silva and Andrade's recent struggles, this prediction carries weight. However, Andrade's experience and power keep this an intriguing and potentially close contest.

Analysis: Steve Garcia vs Kyle Nelson

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Steve Garcia to Win

Score: 9 Odds: Steve Garcia: -190 Kyle Nelson: 163

Steve Garcia's Breakdown

Steve Garcia, known for his aggressive striking style and knockout power, has proven himself to be a formidable opponent in the UFC's lightweight division. His primary weapon is his striking, possessing heavy hands and a diverse arsenal of strikes, including powerful hooks, uppercuts, and kicks. Garcia's striking accuracy and timing allow him to land devastating blows on his opponents.

In his recent fights, Garcia has showcased his ability to finish fights via knockout, setting a record for the longest such streak in the UFC. This highlights his ability to capitalize on openings and end fights decisively. He enters this bout with momentum on his side, riding a four-fight winning streak, with all four victories coming by way of knockout. This recent success has boosted his confidence and solidified his status as a dangerous striker in the division.

While Garcia's striking is his forte, he has also demonstrated solid grappling skills and takedown defense. However, his grappling has been exploited by opponents in the past, as seen in his losses to Luis Peña and Hayisaer Maheshate, where he struggled against their grappling-heavy approaches.

Kyle Nelson's Breakdown

Kyle Nelson, a Canadian fighter, brings a well-rounded skill set to the octagon. Known for his versatility and toughness, Nelson has the tools to challenge Garcia on multiple fronts.

Nelson's background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives him a strong grappling foundation. He has secured several victories by submission, showcasing his ability to control opponents on the ground and finish fights with chokes and joint locks. In his recent fights, Nelson has displayed improved wrestling and clinch work, utilizing effective takedowns and ground control.

While primarily known for his grappling, Nelson has been steadily improving his striking skills. He has shown the ability to mix up his strikes and maintain a high output. However, Nelson's striking defense has been a point of vulnerability, as seen in his losses to Billy Quarantillo and Jai Herbert, where he was caught by powerful strikes that led to his defeat.

Nelson enters this fight with momentum, having won his last three fights and showcasing improvements in his overall game. His victory over Bill Algeo earlier this year demonstrated his ability to finish fights with both striking and grappling.

Analysis and Key Points

• Clash of styles: This fight presents an intriguing clash of styles, with Garcia's aggressive striking and knockout power against Nelson's grappling prowess and submission skills.

• Imposing game plans: The outcome of the fight may hinge on who can impose their game plan more effectively. Garcia will look to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking advantage, while Nelson's path to victory likely involves taking the fight to the ground and employing his grappling skills.

• Momentum and confidence: Both fighters enter this bout with momentum and confidence. Garcia's knockout streak has likely bolstered his self-belief, while Nelson's recent successes have validated his growth as a fighter. The mental state of each fighter could play a significant role in the outcome.

Understanding the Prediction

The WolfTicketsAI model predicts Steve Garcia to win with a confidence score of 9. Key factors influencing this prediction include:

• Odds: The betting odds significantly favor Garcia at -190, compared to Nelson at +163, suggesting a strong market perception of Garcia's chances.

• Significant Striking Impact Differential: Garcia's higher value in this metric (9.7143 vs -11.0000 for Nelson) indicates his ability to land impactful strikes while absorbing fewer in return.

• Recent Win Percentage: Garcia's 100% win rate in his recent fights, compared to Nelson's 76.19%, suggests a more consistent and successful track record leading up to this bout.

• Striking Defense Percentage: Garcia's superior striking defense percentage (45.45% vs 43.79% for Nelson) hints at his ability to avoid incoming strikes more effectively.

Past Model Performance

WolfTicketsAI's prediction history for these fighters presents a mixed picture:

For Steve Garcia: - The model correctly predicted his wins against SeungWoo Choi and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke. - However, it incorrectly predicted losses against Melquizael Costa and Chase Hooper.

For Kyle Nelson: - The model correctly predicted his win against Blake Bilder and loss against Jai Herbert. - However, it incorrectly predicted losses against Bill Algeo, Fernando Padilla, and Dooho Choi.

The inconsistencies in the model's historical performance for these fighters introduce some uncertainty in the current prediction. It underscores the challenges in predicting MMA outcomes and suggests that while the model favors Garcia, the fight could still present surprises.

Conclusion

The WolfTicketsAI model's prediction of a Steve Garcia victory is rooted in his recent performances, betting odds, and key striking metrics. Garcia's aggressive style, knockout power, and consistent results make him a formidable opponent.

Analysis: Matt Schnell vs Alessandro Costa

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Alessandro Costa to Win

Score: 22 Odds: Matt Schnell: 390 Alessandro Costa: -550

Matt Schnell's Breakdown

Matt "Danger" Schnell is a dynamic fighter known for his diverse skill set, integrating striking, grappling, and submissions. His quick hands and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background make him unpredictable and dangerous. Schnell has an impressive 9 submission wins, including 3 by armbar, 2 by guillotine, and 3 by triangle choke, showcasing his adeptness at securing submissions from various positions.

While primarily a grappler, Schnell has developed solid striking skills, with 2 knockout wins to his credit. He mixes his strikes well to set up takedowns and pushes a high pace, pressuring opponents with constant offense. This has led to 9 first-round finishes in his career.

However, Schnell has shown vulnerability to heavy hitters who can disrupt his rhythm, with his chin being suspect in a few bouts. His recent performances have been a mix of highs and lows. While his submission victory over Sumudaerji showcased his grappling prowess and heart, his losses to Steve Erceg and Matheus Nicolau by KO/TKO highlight defensive striking vulnerabilities. At 34 years old, Schnell's ability to absorb damage may be diminishing, and a loss here could be very damaging to his career.

The model's past predictions for Schnell have been accurate in his losses but incorrect in predicting Sumudaerji to win their bout. This inconsistency, coupled with Schnell's recent 1-3 record, raises some uncertainty about the current prediction.

Alessandro Costa's Breakdown

Alessandro Costa brings a well-rounded approach to the octagon, combining effective counter-striking, heavy leg kicks, and a solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ground game. His explosive finishing ability is evident in his 5 wins by KO/TKO and 6 submission victories, including 4 by armbar. Costa's powerful leg strikes, high fight IQ, and grappling skills are strengths, while he can be susceptible to sustained pressure.

Costa pushes a fast pace and looks for the early finish, with 8 first-round stoppages to his name. He overwhelms opponents with constant offense, using his fast, powerful hands to hunt for the knockout, and his submission skills to always be a threat on the mat.

In his recent victory over Jimmy Flick, Costa's strategic use of calf kicks neutralized Flick's grappling-heavy strategy. By targeting the lead leg, Costa impeded Flick's movement and forced stance switches, opening up further attacks. A liver shot followed by a straight right also proved effective. This adaptability and tactical striking showcase Costa's growth.

However, Costa's aggressive style could potentially leave him open to counters from a crafty veteran like Schnell, and he did suffer a knockout loss in his UFC debut. His most recent fight was a decision loss in November 2023, but he had won two straight before that and is 2-1 in his last 3. A win over a veteran like Schnell would be the biggest of his UFC career so far.

The model has correctly predicted Costa's last two bouts, including his win over Flick and loss to Steve Erceg. This consistency lends more confidence to the current prediction in his favor.

Analysis and Key Points

• Grappling Dynamics: As two skilled grapplers, the fight could come down to who is able to implement their grappling game more effectively. For Schnell, the key will be using his wrestling to take Costa down and work towards a submission, potentially wearing him down with clinch work and dirty boxing. Costa, on the other hand, will attack with submission attempts of his own if the fight hits the mat.

• Striking Dynamics: Costa's leg kicks and counter-striking could be pivotal in disrupting Schnell's rhythm and movement. His fight-changing power in his hands is a constant threat. However, Schnell's quick hands and combinations may find success if he can close the distance effectively while avoiding Costa's power on the feet.

• Pace and Pressure: Both fighters push a high pace and look for early finishes. The fighter who can maintain their pace and pressure while implementing their gameplan will have a significant advantage.

Understanding the Prediction

• Striking Differential: Costa's striking impact differential (9.7500) significantly outweighs Schnell's (-2.5385), suggesting Costa lands more powerful and effective strikes on average.

• Defensive Gaps: Schnell's striking defense percentage (0.5115) and significant striking defense percentage (0.5547) are lower than Costa's (0.4575 and 0.5217 respectively), hinting at defensive vulnerabilities for Schnell.

• Momentum and Form: Costa's two recent wins, including a convincing KO over Jimmy Flick, contrast with Schnell's 1-3 record in his last 4 fights. Recent form appears to favor Costa.

Past Model Performance

The model's past performance for these fighters is mixed:

• For Matt Schnell, the model has been accurate in predicting his losses but was incorrect in picking against him versus Sumudaerji.
• For Alessandro Costa, the model has correctly predicted his last two bouts, including the win over Jimmy Flick.

The inconsistency in Schnell's case does introduce some uncertainty. However, the model's recent accuracy with Costa and his favorable form lend credence to this prediction.

Conclusion

The data and recent performances point towards Alessandro Costa having an edge in this flyweight clash. His striking prowess, particularly the heavy calf kicks, could be a key factor in slowing down Schnell and making him vulnerable. Costa's explosive finishing ability, both on the feet and the mat, make him a constant threat.

However, Schnell's grappling remains a clear path to victory and a challenge that Costa will need to navigate. Schnell's experience could also be a factor in this matchup.

Costa's form, statistical advantages in striking impact and defense, and the model's recent accuracy in predicting his fights all support the AI's pick. But with both fighters having been stopped in some of their losses and their high-paced, finish-hunting styles, the threat of a stoppage looms on either side.

As such, while Costa appears to be a solid pick, this volatile matchup between two skilled grapplers may still hold some surprises.

Analysis: Trevor Peek vs Yanal Ashmouz

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Trevor Peek to Win

Score: 11 Odds: Trevor Peek: -117 Yanal Ashmouz: -103

Trevor Peek's Breakdown

Trevor Peek is an aggressive striker known for his knockout power and unorthodox, chaotic striking style. His ability to catch opponents off-guard with his powerful, unconventional attacks has led to 8 finishes in his 11 fights.

Peek's strengths lie in his early aggression and ability to overwhelm opponents quickly. He looks to end fights early with his striking, as seen in his KO/TKO win over Erick Gonzalez where he used techniques like standing hammer fists.

However, Peek has struggled against more well-rounded fighters who can neutralize his striking. His last two losses came by unanimous decision, exposing potential weaknesses in his grappling and ability to adapt if his initial aggression doesn't secure a quick finish.

To succeed against Ashmouz, Peek will need to land his powerful strikes early while defending against Ashmouz's wrestling. If the fight goes into later rounds, Peek's lack of a diverse skill set could be exploited.

Yanal Ashmouz's Breakdown

Yanal Ashmouz brings a more balanced approach to the cage, with both KO power on the feet and dangerous grappling abilities. His heavy leg kicks, overhands, and explosive bursts with wild hooks make him a threat in the striking realm.

Where Ashmouz really shines is with his wrestling and vicious ground-and-pound. If he can take the fight to the mat, his top game could spell trouble for Peek. In his recent fights, Ashmouz has secured takedowns at an impressive rate of 3.96 per fight.

However, Ashmouz's striking can be technically lacking at times. He tends to throw single kicks without setup, leaving himself open to counters. His habit of charging forward with his head low also makes him vulnerable to knees.

Ashmouz's path to victory likely involves weathering Peek's early storm, using movement and technical counters while looking for takedown opportunities. If he can drag Peek into deep waters, his grappling could be the difference-maker.

Analysis and Key Points

• Contrasting Styles: Peek's chaotic striking vs Ashmouz's balanced approach creates an intriguing stylistic matchup. Peek wants a brawl, Ashmouz wants a more technical fight.

• Early Storm: The first round will be crucial. If Peek can't secure a quick KO with his aggressive striking, Ashmouz's more complete skillset could take over as the fight progresses.

• Grappling is Key: With Ashmouz's strong wrestling and Peek's questionable grappling, the fight could be decided on the mat. Ashmouz's ability to secure takedowns and control Peek will be a major factor.

• Striking Battles: On the feet, Peek likely has the power advantage but Ashmouz is more technical. Peek's unorthodox attacks will clash with Ashmouz's heavy kicks and overhands.

Understanding the Prediction

The model slightly favors Peek, largely due to his striking advantages:

• Significant Striking Impact Differential: Peek's differential of 8.75 far exceeds Ashmouz's -18.5, suggesting Peek lands the more impactful blows.

• Striking Output: Peek also lands more strikes per minute (5.22 vs 3.14) and significant strikes per minute (4.20 vs 3.08). His aggression could overwhelm Ashmouz.

However, several factors add uncertainty:

• Grappling: The stats don't fully capture Ashmouz's wrestling prowess, which could be a game-changer if he can consistently take Peek down.

• Recent Form: Both men have struggled lately, with 33% win rates in their last 3 fights. Neither is entering at their peak.

Ultimately, the model leans towards Peek's striking power while acknowledging Ashmouz's upset potential if he can control the grappling. This truly feels like a 50-50 fight.

Past Model Performance

The model has limited data on both fighters, leading to some imperfect past predictions:

• Peek: Correctly predicted his loss to Charlie Campbell, but overestimated Campbell's chances (64%).
• Ashmouz: Correctly picked Chris Duncan to beat Ashmouz, but was overconfident (73%).

The small sample size means the model is still learning these fighters, adding more uncertainty to the pick.

Conclusion

The aggressive Peek will hunt an early KO with his powerful, chaotic striking. Meanwhile, the more versatile Ashmouz aims to weather the early onslaught, land some heavy shots of his own, and dominate the grappling.

Both men are eager to rebound from decision losses and seem unlikely to let the judges decide their fate this time. Expect a high-paced, high-stakes battle with the winner making a statement in the lightweight division.

While the model gives a slight edge to Peek's striking dynamite, Ashmouz's more complete skillset makes him a dangerous underdog live to spring the upset if he can wear Peek down and control the mat.

Analysis: Isaac Dulgarian vs Brendon Marotte

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Isaac Dulgarian to Win

Score: 28 Odds: Isaac Dulgarian: -2500 Brendon Marotte: 1000

Isaac Dulgarian's Breakdown

Isaac "The Midwest Choppa" Dulgarian is a well-rounded fighter with a strong wrestling background. He has finished most of his fights by knockout or submission, often in the first round, showcasing his ability to end fights quickly and decisively.

On the feet, Dulgarian has heavy hands, with four of his wins coming by way of KO/TKO. He pressures opponents with powerful boxing combinations, looking to land fight-changing shots. His striking is bolstered by a high takedown accuracy (47%) and an impressive 12.88 takedown attempts per fight, allowing him to dictate where the fight takes place.

Once on the ground, Dulgarian is a skilled submission artist, hunting for finishes at a rate of 1.52 submissions per fight. He has secured victories via rear-naked choke and arm triangle, demonstrating a diverse grappling arsenal.

However, Dulgarian's loss to Christian Rodriguez in his last outing suggests potential areas for improvement. He may need to shore up his striking defense and cardio to maintain his effectiveness in longer fights.

Brendon Marotte's Breakdown

Brendon "The Kid" Marotte is a young, hungry fighter looking to make a name for himself in the UFC. He enters this bout with a well-balanced record, featuring wins by both KO/TKO and submission.

Marotte's striking arsenal revolves around a boxing-heavy approach. He utilizes powerful shots to overwhelm opponents, with five of his wins coming by way of knockout. His crisp technique and ability to fight long could prove problematic for Dulgarian if the fight remains standing.

While primarily a striker, Marotte has shown submission skills as well, with one pro win via rear-naked choke. His wrestling background allows him to dictate where the fight takes place, though his takedown defense will be tested against Dulgarian's relentless grappling.

Marotte suffered a quick TKO loss to Terrance McKinney in his UFC debut, absorbing a concerning 42 head strikes per minute before the fight was stopped. He'll be eager to prove himself and rebound strongly, but questions remain about his ability to handle elite competition.

Analysis and Key Points

• Grappler vs Striker dynamic could define the fight. Dulgarian's wrestling and submission skills give him a clear path to victory, but Marotte's slick striking could be the equalizer if he can keep the fight standing.

• Dulgarian's finishing instinct is a major advantage. With a penchant for ending fights early by KO or submission, Dulgarian is always a threat. Look for reactive takedowns and ground-and-pound as key techniques.

• Marotte's boxing and power are his best weapons. Crisp hooks and the ability to fight long are crucial for Marotte to implement his game plan. Denying Dulgarian's takedowns will be vital.

• Submissions could come into play if the fight hits the mat. Both men have shown rear-naked choke finishes in the past, so grappling exchanges will be tense.

Understanding the Prediction

• Odds: The wide odds gap, with Dulgarian at -2500 and Marotte at +1000, was the biggest factor in the model favoring Dulgarian, adding 25 points to his score.

• Significant Striking Impact Differential: Dulgarian's differential of 3.5 increased the model's score by 4 points, highlighting his ability to land powerful, fight-changing strikes.

• Recent Takedown Attempts per Fight: Dulgarian's 4.91 takedown attempts per fight boosted his score by 3 points, underlining the wrestling threat he poses to Marotte.

Past Model Performance

WolfTicketsAI incorrectly predicted Dulgarian to win his last fight against Christian Rodriguez at 55% confidence, ultimately losing a split decision. There are no past predictions for Brendon Marotte.

Given the limited data and the incorrect prediction in Dulgarian's previous fight, bettors should weigh the risk-reward carefully. The model's confidence in Dulgarian seems heavily influenced by the lopsided odds.

Conclusion

This featherweight clash pits two rising prospects against each other, each with a clear path to victory. Isaac Dulgarian's wrestling prowess and submission skills make him a deserving favorite, but Brendon Marotte's crisp boxing and knockout power cannot be overlooked.

The fighter who can impose his game plan is likely to emerge victorious. For Dulgarian, that means utilizing reactive takedowns and a smothering top game. Marotte, meanwhile, must keep the fight standing and punish Dulgarian with powerful strikes.

With both men eager to make a statement, expect a high-paced, action-packed battle. While Dulgarian is the model's clear pick, the stylistic matchup and the limited UFC experience of both fighters add an element of intrigue.

Analysis: Felipe dos Santos vs Andre Lima

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Andre Lima to Win

Score: 9 Odds: Felipe dos Santos: 150 Andre Lima: -188

Felipe dos Santos's Breakdown

Felipe dos Santos is a promising Brazilian flyweight with a well-rounded skill set. He's shown proficiency in both striking and grappling, with two wins by knockout and three by submission. His striking accuracy is 34.8%, and he favors elbows and knees as his preferred techniques.

On the ground, dos Santos has demonstrated an aptitude for submissions, particularly the triangle choke. However, his takedown accuracy is relatively low, landing only 1 out of 5 attempted takedowns in the UFC. This suggests that while he's dangerous on the mat, he may struggle to consistently bring the fight there.

Dos Santos is coming off a split decision win over Victor Altamirano in February 2024, bouncing back from a unanimous decision loss to Manel Kape in his previous bout. In the Kape fight, dos Santos struggled to get his striking going, absorbing more significant strikes than he landed. The Altamirano fight showcased his ability to adapt and secure a hard-fought victory.

Andre Lima's Breakdown

Andre "Mascote" Lima is an explosive striker with knockout power. He's finished five of his seven wins by KO/TKO, with four of those coming in the first round. His striking accuracy is an impressive 56.8%, and his favorite combination is a hook, straight, and head kick.

While primarily known for his striking, Lima also holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has a 25% takedown accuracy, landing 1 out of 4 attempted takedowns. This suggests that while he's capable on the ground, he prefers to keep the fight standing.

Lima is riding a two-fight win streak in the UFC. Most recently, he defeated Mitch Raposo by split decision in June 2024. Prior to that, he won a bizarre fight against Igor da Silva, who was disqualified for biting in March 2024. In that bout, Lima showed resilience and tactical prowess, attempting a guillotine choke and an omoplata in the first round and landing a powerful elbow.

Analysis and Key Points

• This fight presents an intriguing clash of styles between dos Santos's well-rounded game and Lima's striking-heavy approach.
• Dos Santos may look to use his grappling to neutralize Lima's striking, but he needs to be wary of Lima's knockout power and improve his takedown accuracy to implement that strategy effectively.
• Lima will likely aim to keep the fight standing and use his precise striking to pick apart dos Santos. He has the ability to finish fights quickly.
• Both fighters are relatively young in their careers and have shown continuous improvement. This fight is an opportunity for each of them to make a statement in the flyweight division.

Understanding the Prediction

• The odds significantly favor Andre Lima, moving the prediction score in his direction by 8 points. This suggests the betting market sees Lima as a clear favorite.
• Lima's recent significant striking output differential is higher than dos Santos's, increasing the prediction score in his favor by 3 points. In his last few fights, Lima has been outlanding opponents on the feet more than dos Santos has.
• Dos Santos has a higher recent win percentage, which decreases the prediction score for Lima by 2 points. Dos Santos has won 1 of his last 3 fights, while Lima has won 2 of his last 3.
• Lima's reach is 3 inches shorter than dos Santos's, which increases the prediction score for Lima by 1 point. This is a bit counterintuitive, but suggests WolfTicketsAI believes Lima can overcome the reach disadvantage, perhaps with his striking power and accuracy.

Past Model Performance

The model has one previous prediction for Felipe dos Santos, correctly forecasting him to beat Victor Altamirano in February 2024 with a score of 0.53. Dos Santos won that fight by split decision.

There are no past predictions for Andre Lima. This adds a bit of uncertainty to the model's forecast, as it doesn't have a track record to go on.

Conclusion

Andre Lima is the rightful favorite against Felipe dos Santos. His explosive striking, knockout power, and impressive accuracy give him a clear path to victory, especially since dos Santos has absorbed more strikes than he's landed in his recent fights.

The model predicts Lima to win with an impressive score of 9, largely because of his odds advantage and superior recent striking stats relative to dos Santos's. However, a lack of prediction history for Lima adds some uncertainty to this forecast.

For dos Santos to pull off the upset, he'll need to use his grappling to neutralize Lima's striking. But his low takedown accuracy suggests he may struggle to implement that strategy. Dos Santos's best chance is likely to utilize his reach advantage and outland Lima on the feet while avoiding his power shots. Possible, but unlikely according to WolfTicketsAI.

Analysis: Jaqueline Amorim vs Vanessa Demopoulos

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Jaqueline Amorim to Win

Score: 22 Odds: Jaqueline Amorim: -300 Vanessa Demopoulos: 250

Jaqueline Amorim's Breakdown

Jaqueline Amorim is an elite submission grappler with a world-class BJJ background. A black belt with multiple IBJJF world titles, her grappling pedigree is nearly unmatched in the strawweight division.

In MMA, Amorim has translated those skills brilliantly. 75% of her pro wins have come by submission, mostly via armbars and kneebars from dominant positions. In the UFC, she's shown the ability to quickly take opponents down and secure fight-ending holds.

While primarily a grappler, Amorim's striking continues to improve. She has two KO/TKO wins on her record, showing developing power to complement her grappling threat.

Vanessa Demopoulos's Breakdown

Vanessa Demopoulos is a well-rounded fighter also holding a BJJ black belt. However, her submission grappling accolades don't quite match Amorim's.

In the cage, Demopoulos relies more on her durability, cardio, and overall skills to wear opponents down and win decisions. She's never been finished in her 5 UFC losses, a testament to her toughness.

On the feet, Demopoulos throws a high volume of strikes and has the gas tank to maintain a strong pace for three rounds. She believes her overall MMA game is now at a level where she can outstrike strikers and outgrapple grapplers.

How Their Techniques Could Impact Each Other

This matchup pits Amorim's elite submission skills against Demopoulos's well-rounded grinding style. The key factor may be if Amorim can get the fight to the mat and deploy her devastating BJJ.

Demopoulos will likely look to keep the fight standing and outpoint Amorim with volume striking. But she must be wary of Amorim's takedowns. If grounded, Demopoulos's own black belt skills will be severely tested by Amorim's world-class grappling.

For Amorim, the path to victory is clear - take Demopoulos down and attack submissions. She excels at rapidly advancing to dominant positions and locking in fight-ending holds.

However, if Demopoulos can stuff the takedowns and keep it a striking battle, her cardio could become a major factor. She may be able to outwork Amorim on the feet and mix in her own takedowns to edge out a decision.

Recent Relevant Events

• Amorim is riding a 2-fight UFC winning streak, most recently submitting Cory McKenna in the 1st round in March 2024. A win here would make it 3 in a row.

• Demopoulos has also won her last 2, most recently edging out Emily Ducote by split decision in May 2024. She seems to be hitting her stride after an inconsistent start to her UFC run.

• Both women are rising prospects in the strawweight division looking to break into title contention. A victory here, especially for Amorim with her finishing abilities, would be a huge step forward.

Conclusion

This is a classic grappler vs. well-rounded fighter matchup. Jaqueline Amorim's phenomenal submission skills give her a clear route to victory, but Vanessa Demopoulos's durability and cardio edges can't be discounted if she can maintain a standing fight.

With both fighters entering on two-fight UFC winning streaks, this bout could propel the victor into strawweight title contention.

Analysis: Andre Petroski vs Dylan Budka

WolfTicketsAI Predicts Andre Petroski to Win

Score: 23 Odds: Andre Petroski: -310 Dylan Budka: 255

Andre Petroski's Breakdown

Andre Petroski is a well-rounded fighter with a strong wrestling base. He uses his wrestling to take opponents down and control them on the ground. Petroski is also dangerous with submissions, having finished several fights by choke. On the feet, he has solid boxing and kicks, which he uses to set up his takedowns.

Petroski enters this fight coming off a unanimous decision win over Josh Fremd in July 2024. Despite that recent victory, there are some red flags in Petroski's recent record. He suffered back-to-back knockout losses to Jacob Malkoun and Michel Pereira in his two fights prior. Those KO/TKO losses raise concerns about Petroski's chin and defense. They may have Petroski wanting to rely more on his grappling in this matchup.

On the positive side, Petroski has shown strong grappling skills in his UFC career. He's secured submissions over Nick Maximov and Hu Yaozong, demonstrating his ability to finish fights on the ground. In his decision wins over Gerald Meerschaert and Wellington Turman, Petroski utilized his wrestling to control the fight. Look for him to seek takedowns and top control against Budka.

Dylan Budka's Breakdown

Dylan Budka is primarily a striker who likes to keep fights standing. He has crisp kickboxing technique, with a good jab, cross, and lead leg kicks. Budka also mixes in some unorthodox techniques like superman punches. Defensively, he has good lateral movement and a check hook he uses as opponents enter. However, Budka can slow down as fights go on, making him easier to take down in later rounds.

Budka is a relative newcomer to the UFC with only one fight in the promotion. That debut ended in a knockout loss to Cesar Almeida in April 2024, which immediately raises questions about Budka's striking defense and durability at this level.

With such a small sample size in the UFC, it's difficult to draw firm conclusions about Budka's game. His stats outside the UFC show a high volume grappler who lands 6.24 takedowns per fight at a 50% accuracy rate. However, applying that grappling against high-level UFC competition is a different challenge. Budka will need to shore up his striking defense to avoid another early knockout loss here.

Budka earned his UFC contract with a grinding decision over Chad Hanekom on the Contender Series. The fight showed he can win ugly if needed, but didn't showcase much finishing ability. This will be Budka's UFC debut, so octagon jitters could be a factor.

How Their Styles Match Up

This shapes up as a classic grappler vs striker matchup. Petroski will likely look to use his boxing to close the distance and get the fight to the ground, where he can use his wrestling to control position and hunt for a submission.

Budka's path to victory is to keep the fight standing and pick Petroski apart with his precise striking. He'll need to use his footwork to avoid the takedown and make Petroski pay every time he steps into boxing range. If Budka can defend the early takedowns, Petroski may slow down in the later rounds.

The big question is how well Budka can stuff Petroski's takedowns. Budka has shown susceptibility to being controlled on the ground as he fatigues. If Petroski can drag him down consistently, it could be a long night for Budka.

Analysis and Key Points

• Andre Petroski has paths to victory on the ground. His submission skills and wrestling could be key factors if he can take Budka down and establish top position. Look for Petroski to get the fight to the mat early and often to mitigate Budka's striking advantage.
• Dylan Budka needs to keep it standing. Budka's crisp striking is his best path to victory. He'll need to use footwork and defend takedowns to make Petroski pay on the feet.
• Budka's takedown defense is a big question mark. If Budka can't stop Petroski's wrestling, he'll be in for a long night. Budka has shown he can fatigue and be controlled on the ground.
• Petroski's recent losses are concerning. The back-to-back KO/TKO losses raise doubts about his chin and defense. He may rely more on grappling here to avoid another knockout.
• Budka is debuting, Petroski is rebounding. This will be Budka's first UFC appearance, so jitters could play a factor. For Petroski, this is a rebound fight after consecutive losses.

Understanding the Prediction

Here are some key factors driving the WolfTicketsAI prediction:

• Betting Odds: The odds significantly favor Petroski at -310 compared to +255 for Budka. The model sees this discrepancy as a major factor in Petroski's favor.
• Significant Striking Differential: Petroski holds the edge in both cumulative and recent significant striking differential. His +3.0 recent differential is a positive sign compared to Budka's -28.0.
• Striking Defense: Petroski's 42.4% striking defense and 50.8% significant strike defense are much better than Budka's 13.9% and 23.7% rates respectively. The model sees Petroski's superior defensive metrics as a key advantage.

However, the model also identifies some factors favoring Budka: - Reach: Budka will have a 2-inch reach advantage at 75" compared to 73" for Petroski. - TrueSkill: The model's TrueSkill assessment actually favors Budka (mu of 25.0) over Petroski (mu of 21.1), suggesting Budka may have a higher potential skill level.

Past Model Performance

The WolfTicketsAI model has a mixed track record in predicting Petroski's past fights. It correctly forecast losses to Malkoun and Pereira, but incorrectly picked against Petroski in wins over Turman and Maximov. When favoring Petroski, the model has been right just once in three tries (vs Meerschaert).

This inconsistent prediction history adds some uncertainty to the model's pick here. Betting on Petroski carries risk given the model's past performance.

There is no prediction history for Dylan Budka, as this is just his second UFC fight. That lack of prior results means there's no past model performance to assess for him, adding more uncertainty.

Conclusion

With his strong wrestling game, Petroski has to be considered the favorite here. Unless Budka has made big improvements to his takedown defense, it's hard to see him keeping the fight standing against a skilled grappler like Petroski.

The model's prediction for Andre Petroski is logical based on the experience gap and striking metrics, but not without risk. Petroski's recent knockout losses are concerning, and the model has overestimated him in some past fights. Dylan Budka's potential at the UFC level remains largely unknown.

Look for Petroski to get the fight to the mat early and often to mitigate Budka's striking advantage. From there, he'll likely control position and work towards a submission as Budka wears down. Petroski by submission is the most likely outcome, but a grinding decision win is also very possible if Budka proves hard to finish.