Dylan Budka

He explicitly calls this 'minimal confidence,' adding he isn't confident 'whatsoever' and would rather bet the draw for value.

A good grappler with a strong wrestling background - powerful takedowns, good ability to advance position, and active even from his back - but his standout weakness is doing no real damage once he gets there. His striking is just decent, with good volume but a tendency to get wild. As of 2025-02-11.

grappling edge goes to Petroski

A good grappler with good, powerful takedowns who works to advance position and stays active off his back, but has not shown much finishing danger even against lower-level regional opposition. Very wild, not-clean striking that can still be effective given his wrestling threat, with pretty good volume. Likely to be out-grappled by the more technical Petroski.

States he normally favors the grappler but breaks from that habit here because he doubts Budka can control every minute or do real damage from top position, and picks the striker on expected damage. Separately floats playing both sides given both carried plus-money odds that week -- wager-caution language that caps this below a clear conviction even though a winner is named.

A grappling-forward UFC debutant off the Contender Series with powerful takedowns and the ability to advance position and stay active off his back. His top game is rated as more about control than finishing offense. On the feet he is a decent-volume striker described as a bit wild but without real knockout power. 138 doubts he can control a full three rounds against a powerful striker.