DFS By The Numbers — UFC 329 full-card predictions

Backs Cortez to win the grappling exchanges. He argues Wang Cong is most vulnerable on the mat, while Cortez can close distance, get takedowns and bank enough control time to take a decision.

“Give me Cortez. Cortez by decision.”

Still trusts Whittaker as the sharper striker at 205. He thinks Krylov has moved away from the wrestling that made him dangerous and now gives Whittaker enough clean striking looks to finish him in round two.

“I'm going to take Whittaker to win this fight by knockout. I think Whittaker can potentially put it on him and he'll land something big and get him out of there in the second round.”

Takes Riley because his shots should be the more damaging and eye-catching work. He respects Kamaka's toughness and expects him to survive all three rounds, but not to outscore Riley's power.

“I'm going Luke Riley. I'll go damage-based, power-based decision.”

Views Ellison as badly overmatched once Steveson wrestles. He points to Ellison's defensive gaps and cardio concerns, expecting Steveson's Olympic-level grappling and top pressure to produce a fast stoppage.

“Give me Gable Steveson to win by first round TKO. It's going to be brutal.”

Leans to Yanez because Garbrandt has become low-volume and chin-conscious. He expects Yanez's forward pressure, boxing volume and power to eventually find Cody in the second round.

“I'm taking Adrian Yanez to knock the face tattoo off of Cody Garbrandt's face and with a second-round knockout.”

Picks Gandra to force a short, violent fight. He expects Gandra to pressure forward, stuff Reese's takedown attempts and hurt him with power before the matchup can settle into a longer contest.

“I'm going to go with Ryan Goncalves to win this fight by first [snorts] round knockout.”

Takes Pinas to be the first fighter to knock Almeida out. He acknowledges Almeida has never been stopped by strikes, but believes Pinas' power and aggression can break that trend early.

“I'm going Damien Pinas by first round knockout. I think he's the first person to knock out Caesar Almeida.”

Trusts Kavanagh's boxing and power against Royval's hittable style. He thinks Royval's chin will be there to touch repeatedly, giving Kavanagh enough opportunities to land the finishing shot.

“I'm going Lonnie Kavanagh to win. I'm going to take Lonnie Kavanagh to win this fight by second round knockout.”

Calls it extremely close but sides with Bautista's wrestling, grappling and takedown threat. He likes Sandhagen's striking, yet thinks Bautista can bank enough control and blunt enough output to edge the cards.

“I'm going to take Mario Bautista to win like a split decision.”

Backs Pimblett as the more durable and more opportunistic finisher in chaotic exchanges. He expects Saint Denis to leave necks or arms exposed while forcing grappling scrambles, giving Pimblett a second-round submission opening.

“I'm going to go Paddy Pimblett. I think Paddy Pimblett actually has a couple ways to win this fight. But I'm going to take him to win this fight by submission.”

Gives McGregor only a brief early puncher's chance after the long layoff. He expects Holloway's pressure and volume to take over quickly, wearing McGregor down and finishing him in round two.

“I'm going Max Holloway. Second round KO.”