Diyar Nurgozhay

Takes Lopes as the underdog on a stated grappling-advantage mechanism, while openly calling himself a repeat sucker for this type of pick -- a real but hedged lean.

An accurate, powerful striker with good combinations who kicks to every level and works the body well. He has a personal timing tell (written on the board as 'Tick') that regional-scene opponents never had time to scout but that UFC-level coaches have started to time and exploit. His grappling is decent rather than good: solid ground-and-pound and top control early, but he tends to lose top control once he commits to the ground-and-pound, and his submission defense is called a real, glaring weakness.

repeats 'I just don't see it'

A former unbeaten prospect now carrying two losses since joining the UFC, Nurgozhay is tabbed as likely the sharper striker of this pair: precise, powerful, varied combinations, kicks at every level, and heavy work to the midsection. On the mat he grades out decent, with strong ground-and-pound and solid top control, though he can give up position while unloading from the top. A health-related aside exists at segment 16; nothing is recorded from it or the surrounding commentary (segments 14-21) per rule 2b/2c.

Stated plainly: output edge decides it, price agreed with ('that sounds about right'), no hedge on the win itself -- 'Uran for the pick.'

Seen as the pair's cleaner, more precise boxer, carrying extra pop, crisp combination work and a kick selection that touches every level, but offering less output/volume than his foe. On the mat he is rated decent -- solid work landing strikes from the top with fair top-side pressure -- though he has previously been caught in a Kimura, an unusual finish at this level. The output gap, not a skill gap, is framed as the deciding factor here. As of 2025-08-18.

He takes Nurgozhay but warns he 'could definitely get caught' since the opponent hits very hard, also calling the opponent a live underdog.

Our words: a solid, accurate striker who makes up for being the shorter, shorter-reach man with real skill -- good power, combinations, kicks to every level, and strong body work aimed at closing range on the taller man and taking away his long straights. His grappling includes good submission defense and solid top control via his ground-and-pound, though he can lose top position if he gets too aggressive chasing a finish.