Schnell is a shell of his former self after the once highly touted prospect has suffered from injuries, father time and just failing to progress his game. Erceg is the hungry new lion on the scene with potential to get to the top. Top-notch grappler with a solid sub-game.
Umar is the real deal and has a hard time securing fight. He was scheduled to matchup top 5 guy in Sandhagen, but since that fight's not happening, yet it would be easy to see Umar with little motivation vs Almakhen...a debuting fighter that's 11-1 while winning his last 8 with 7 finishes. I do think Javy keeps Umar motivated, and he gets a big win, but it may not come quick.
Two more flyweights up next, with Mokaev needing to utilize his high level grappling to pressure Perez until he makes a mistake. Shouldn't be too much of an issue considering he has subbed 5 of his last 6 opponents...all since Sept 2021.
Next we get 10-0 Victor "Merciless" Petrino at 205, and while Pedro is a skilled LHW, he has been banged around and is only 4-4 in his last 8. He may hold a striker's advantage, but I see this mat going to the ground within R1 where "Merciless" will have a decided advantage.
"Bigi Boi" is a rare breed that throws a lot and with power, usually you get one or the other. I think with his experience he has a legit chance to sleep this big strong undefeated
5/1.16 Steve Erceg -430
3/2.46 Perez/Mokaev Under 2½ -122