Written by LineStar contributor, combat sports enthusiast, and practitioner, Chris Guy. Instagram: @therealsethgeko | Twitter: @DadHallOfFamer

Top BONUS Offers 💸

Main Card

Renato Moicano (+145) vs. Chris Duncan (-175)

Moicano: DK: $7.4k | Duncan: DK:$8.8k

Yo, DJ! Hit that Lil Wayne “A Milli!” A milli, a milli, a milli! The WKO has hit a million words. That’s more words than are in the Bible. Yes, you can say I’ve written the MMA Bible. It’s now only a matter of time until you see copies of WKO publications on the nightstand in hotels all over America. The world was a much different place during the WKO’s inception in 2020. Memberberries, back then, I was sitting on a throne of double-ply Quilted Charmin with a safe filled with hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. Billionaires have yachts, but I had ass-wiping impunity—that’s real wealth. Like Biggie said, “It was all a dream; I used to read WKO magazine. Twenty Twen-Twen's and live-ass dogs up in the limousine.” The past six years feel like I fell asleep typing, and I have yet to wake up. To all the WKO Day-Ones and newcomers alike, thank you for rocking with me. This genetically modified Swisher Sweet is to another million, and continued success turning Jacksons into Grants. LFG! 

Now quit playing and hit that South Park “Bryan Boitano!” What would Money Moicano do? If he were here right now? He’d get knocked down, then choke you out; that’s what Money Moicano’d do! Money Moicano can't afford to lose like Americans can't afford gas or a dozen eggs. Even if he had a black Visa card, Money Moicano couldn’t afford to lose. Technically, Moicano is undefeated because all of his Ls got repossessed for failure to make payments. This guy couldn’t afford to lose if he had stocks in Raytheon, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin. I say all that to say this: Moicano is coming into this main event against your dog’s favorite dog, Chris Duncan, riding a two-fight losing streak like Ben Roethlisberger riding a motorcycle. The key for Moicano will be making this a classic grappler-versus-striker matchup. Duncan is no crumb bum on the mat, but Moicano is special when he can control the top position.   

Moicano has that IMF (International Monetary Fund) top control; he weighs on you like debt. Moicano gets on top of you and submits you with knowledge. Passes your guard: “The U.S. government demonizes countries outside of the Rothschild banking system.” Moves to full mount: “They will use war to crash the economy and usher in a digital currency.” Sinks in a rear-naked choke: “Government interventions (price controls, subsidies, regulations) distort market signals and create unintended consequences, often requiring further interventions which lead to inflation.” You tap, immediately invest your 401(k) in gold and silver, and thank the Money Man for kicking your ass. There are two things Money Moicano knows a thing or two about: Money and rear-naked chokes. Homie has ten career submissions, and all came by RNC. This guy has more chokes than government whistleblowers.  

But Moicano isn't all chokes on the mat. He gets you to the mat and plays a drum solo with your face. Homie hits you with the In the Air Tonight breakdown. Moicano goes Lars from Metallica on your ass. He only has two career TKOs/KOs, and both came from striking on the mat. Speaking of striking, Moicano’s stand-up is his major malfunction. He’s not a TLC scrub on his feet, but there’s a reason he didn’t have a single TKO/KO in his career until he fought Jalin Turner in 2024. Moicano’sstriking is sketchy like Saturday Night Live. His most glaring deficiency is hand speed. His hands are lumpy and smell sour by the time they reach the target. His hands appreciate and yield a 10% return on investment by the time they reach the target. Moicano can’t compete with Chris Duncan’s right hand. He has to get this fight to the mat at the glove touch.   

Never forget Chris Duncan’s epic comeback on the Contender Series. Facing a second loss on the show, and possibly never again getting the chance to audition for the UFC, Duncan pulled off an Easter-like comeback. Duncan was dead on his feet; people in the arena were complaining about a foul smell coming from the octagon. They had already brought in the cadaver dogs. Duncan was the physical manifestation of Lupe Fiasco’s “The Cool.” Hit that shit! “He came back in the same fight shorts that he was buried in.” Duncan was rocked in the opening minutes, but on his way out, he managed to land a Hail Mary right hand that left Charlie Campbell face down on the mat like he got caught stealing second base.  

Duncan’s special power is that he is a dog. Homie has more dog than DMX album covers. Duncan has so much dog in him that he just lifts his leg and urinates on random objects as he’s walking around town. This MF sleeps in a kennel and has to wear a little red vest when he’s in public. Duncan is a classic wrestler striker with the trademark right hand. His stand-up is all right hands. I’m talking about right hands like the pledge of allegiance. Right hands like oaths before you testify. He won’timpress you with dynamic footwork or flashy combinations, but Duncan will march you down, stay in your face, and put that right hand on your chin. And Duncan also has a special move: The Gilly. Duncan has that William Wallace Gilly. Homie has that “Off with their heads!” King Henry VI Gilly. The last thing you want to do is shoot a lazy takedown on Chris Duncan.  

Duncan is 15-2, including 6-1 in the UFC. Since that Contender Series comeback, Duncan has been eating Ws like Jameis Winston. I’m a little surprised to see Duncan as the (-190) dog, and Moicano as the (+165) live-ass dog. Duncan’s major malfunction is his takedown defense. He rocks a fifty-percent defense rate. If Moicano can get him down earlier, he can batter Duncan as Moicano did to Benoit St. Denis. The play for this one is a finish, Moicano by submission or Duncan by TKO/KO. Duncan can’t survive on his back, and Moicano can’t survive on his feet.   

Welp, the main event dub streak was short and sweet. It came to a crashing end after Izzy caught the speed wobbles last weekend. He was in control and looked good until he didn’t. And this week’s pick is just cruel. I can see this fight going either way, a complete toss-up. Moicano’s stand-up worries me if he can’t finish Duncan early. Chris Duncan via TKO, round four. Put it on wax.  

Props

Moicano: TKO/KO (+800) Sub (+300) Dec (+900)  

Duncan: TKO/KO (+110) Sub (+750) Dec (+500) 

Winner: Chris Duncan | Method: TKO Rd.4

Virna Jandiroba (-130) vs. Tabatha Ricci (+110)

Jandiroba: DK: $7.9k | Ricci: DK: $8.3k

Virna, Virna, Virna, can’t you see? Sometimes your eyes just hypnotize me. You already know Virna Jandiroba’s special power: Her eyes. Virna doesn’t have to look both ways before crossing the street. Remember when your mammy used to tell you to stop crossing your eyes or they’d get stuck like that? Virna was the only kid whose eyes got stuck like that. She looks like Steve Buscemi, aka Crazy Eyes, in Mr. Deeds. Her eyes have head movement. They look like Pernell Whitaker dodging punches in that bish. Check the highlights, homies. Her eyes could break your ankles like Allen Iverson’s crossover. Yo, DJ! Hit that Eric Cartman, I mean, Eric Carmen “Hungry Eyes!” Virna still has those Hungry Eyes even after coming up a round short in a title fight against Mackenzie Dern. The last thing Tabatha Ricci, an excellent wrestler, wants to do is tangle with Jandiroba on the mat. This will be another grappler vs. wrestler-turned-striker matchup.   

If only one eye had zigged instead of zagged, Virna might be the champion right meow. But in the end, Virna’s stand-up sabotaged her once again. As good as she is on the mat, she is equally bad on her feet. She couldn’t hurt a feeling on her feet. Footwork, hand speed, technique—Virna lacks all of them. Her feet leave wet trails on the mat like snails. Her hands are stalled on the shoulder, waiting for AAA, with the hazards blinking, blinking... Her hands are the equivalent of bumper lanes at a bowling alley. Her ceiling will always be strikers with takedown defense. But only Mackenzie Dern can compete with her on the mat.   

But Virna’s takedowns are probably a notch above Mackenzie’s. She can shoot classic doubles or tie you up and drag you down like an anchor. From the top position, Jandi is like quicksand; the more you struggle, the deeper the shit you get into. She tangles your limbs with her limbs. Trying to work your way free is like untangling Christmas lights. Of her twenty-two career dubs, fourteen came by submission. But of her last noine fights, she has only one sub. In fifteen career fights, Tabatha Ricci hasn’t been submitted. Even though Ricci has a win over Gillian Robertson (a submission grappler), she hasn’t faced this level of Jiu-Jitsu before.   

Hit that Baby Shark song! Baby Shark, aka Tabatha Ricci, is back. If she can beat Jandiroba, the Discovery Channel should feature her on Shark Week. Ricci is the type of lady to make you take her ex-husband's last name. She’ll hyphenate your ass real quick. This lady will carry your ass across the threshold—twirl you around while people pelt you with rice. Tabatha wears the fight shorts in this house. Ricci’s typical style dominates the top position. Like Mobb Deep and The Alchemist, she’ll Hold You Down. Yo! Hit that shit! Ricci will hold you down like your better half. But she won’t be able to use her typical style against Jandiroba. For one night only, Ricci will be a striker.   

Ricci is the typical wrestler striker minus the Michael Chandler right hand. I compare her striking to Cap’n Crunch without the crunch berries. That red box shit grandma always had in her cupboard for when you would visit. Ricci is like Corn Flakes, not Frosted Flakes. Pop-Tarts without the frosting. Those wack ones at Sprouts – all dry and shit. Her striking is just a little bland. But check it: Ricci is coming in off her first TKO in the UFC against Amanda Ribas. Getting TKO’d by Ricci is like striking out in slow-pitch softball. Hit that Cersei Lannister! Shame! Shame! Shame! Still, it’s a good look going into this fight. Ribas also has dangerous grappling, but she doesn’t rely on it as much as Jandiroba does.   

This fight is virtually a Vegas pick ‘em. Jandiroba will return (-110), and Ricci will return (-115). This will come down to Virna’s three takedowns per fifteen minutes versus Ricci’s seventy-eight percent takedown defense. Jandiroba is the better finishing threat. If she can get Ricci to the mat, she can submit Ricci. I’m not sure Ricci can finish Jandiroba on her feet. Virna has twenty-six career scraps and has never been finished. Fantasy-wise, avoid this scrap like Supplantation's during the disease that shall not be named. This one feels like whoever I pick will certainly lose. Sorry, Tabatha. Tabatha Ricci via decision. Put it on wax. 

Props

Ricci: TKO/KO (+1000) Sub (+3000) Dec (+130) 

Jandiroba: TKO/KO (+3000) Sub (+450) Dec (+140)

Winner: Tabatha Ricci | Method: Decision

Abdul Yakhyaev (-1650) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (+950)

Yakhyaev: DK: $9.9k | Ribeiro: DK:$6.3k

Abdul Yakyaev ain’t a fighter, he just crushes a lot. Hit that Big Pun “I’m Not a Player!” Trust me when I tell you, Abdul Yakhyaev doesn’t play around when he steps into the cage. But you already knew that from his name... Another one – DJKhaled voice. Another “ev” fighter is poised to take over the light heavyweight division. Before Abdul Yakhyaev could wipe his ass, he was kicking ass. Dude’s named Abdul eats T. rex eggs for breakfast and washes them down with jet fuel. Don’t go any further without watching Yakhyaev’s UFC debut. It was a thirty-second trouncing for the ages. Yakhyaev came out mashing buttons, throwing a spinning wheel kick into a high kick. It was a video game combination. Homie was just hitting the buttons to see what they did, and the next thing he knew, he was getting his hand raised. Yakhyaev’s last two fights barely lasted thirty seconds; will his second UFC bout reach the one-minute mark? Probably not.   

Yo, DJ! Hit that 2Pac “Death Around the Corner!” I see death around the corner! Brendson Ribeiro, get your affairs in order. Clear your browser history and burn your hard drive, Pawtna. Your life flashes before your eyes with each strike that Yakhyaev throws at you. Right hand: You’re at your seventh birthday party, taking hacks at a Sonic the Hedgehog piñata. Spinning wheel kick: There you are, striking out with bases loaded in the Little League championship game. High kick: A doctor is holding you by the ankles, slapping your bare ass. Every strike this guy throws comes with a death warrant. And he ain’t all striking; Yakhyaev can wrestle too. “Yeah, no shit, buddy.” Yakhyaev is 8-0 with three TKO/KOs and four subs. Only two fights reached a second round, and somewhere out there, walking among us, is a guy who went five rounds with this monster.   

Yakhyaev’s path to victory against Brendson Ribiero is any path he chooses. He could bushwhack his way to victory, choosing to go straight at the fork in the road. Made-to-order ass-whoopin's; Yakhyaev could ask Ribiero how he likes his ass kicked and tailor make the ass-whoopin' like the omelet station at a breakfast buffet. Make no mistake, this is a showcase fight for Yakhyaev. 

Brendson—don’t you dare call him Brandson—must have a Death Wish like Charles Bronson. Why else would he accept this fight? Beggars can’t be choosers. Ribeiro has lost two fights in a row, both by first-round TKO. And he’s rocking an overall UFC record of 2-4. Homie had to volunteer to be the foam seal that coaxes a great white to breach the surface. He’s the chum in the water. Ribeiro is Bodhi in Point Break, swimming out to the tsunami wave, knowing his ass ain’t coming back. And because of that, I respect Ribeiro. He’s marching off to war knowing he’s being fed to the meat grinder.   

I’ll say this about Ribeiro, win or lose, this guy fights like the ball drop on New Year’s Eve: 10, 9, 8... All he’s missing is the frozen Richard Clark (Dick Clark if you want to be a Richard about it) talking head sitting cage side in a fishbowl. The entire fight is the two-minute drill. Ribeiro is a master at the no-huddle offense. This guy wings wide, looping punches, and if he can get close enough, he grabs hold of you and tosses you like old school trashmen. He turns you into Jazzy Jeff and tosses you out the cage by the seat of your pants like Uncle Phil. He tosses you like salads. Wait... What? No Diddy. Ribeiro is at his best when he can get the fight to the mat and use his ground-and-pound to soften the opponent. Ribeiro has 17 career dubs, and 16 came via finish (11 TKOs/KOs and 7 subs). 

Yakhyaev is the (-1800) favorite, and Ribeiro is the (+850) neglected dog. The only play for this one is a Yakhyaev TKO/KO. If you want to add a little extra value, take the first-round finish. This is barely considered a fair fight. I’m almost surprisedit's sanctioned. There is one hope for Ribeiro: Whenever I completely write a fighter off in flowing, elegant medieval script, they usually pull off some shit like Amber Heard’s maids making the bed. Abdul Yakhyaev via TKO, round one. On wax. 

Props

Yakhyaev: TKO/KO (-120) Sub (+125) Dec (+1000)

Ribeiro: TKO/KO (+2200) Sub (+3500) Dec (+2500)

Winner: Abdul Yakhyaev | Method: TKO Rd.1

Ethyn Ewing (-140) vs. Rafael Estevam (+120)

Ewing: DK: $8.6k | Estevam: DK: $7.6k

Ethyn Ewing came out of right field like Henry Rowengartner in his short-notice debut against Malcolm Wellmaker. He left Malcolm in the Middle, in the middle of MMA purgatory, after being exposed as a one-trick pony who relies almost exclusively on his check-right hook. Ewing passed the test as if he'd found the answer key on the teacher’s desk. Somewhere in Africa, there are kids rocking R.I.P. Ethyn Ewing mural t-shirts. Looking back on that fight, it was one of the best performances of 2025. Yo! Hit that Eminem “I’m Not Afraid!” Ewing looked like the three-fight UFC vet and not Wellmaker. From the jump, he leaped right into the fire on some Mark Coleman type-ish. He looked like the Terminator marching down Sarah and John Connor. No matter how fast Wellmaker ran, Ewing remained only a step behind without breaking a leisurely walk.

All you have to do is look at how Ethyn spells his name and know he’s a little different. This kid steps into the cage huffing all the smoke like Patty and Selma. This guy rolled up to the LA Palisades fires just to get his fix. Ewing’s specialty is throwing combinations. When it comes to combinations, Ewing has more than a high school locker room. Ewing will take one to deliver a baker's dozen. It isn't a free-market, fair exchange when Ewing starts throwing hands. Check the footwork: Ewing combines slick lateral movement with nifty slip n’ rips. He’ll make you miss and make you pay. Ewing does his best work inside the pocket; he gets in the post and bodies you like Patrick Ewing. My man has that Westminster Best in Show dog in him. Homie rolls into the cage with a poodle perm and dominates Dobermans. Ewing has more dog in him than Cruella de Vil’s coat.   

I’m telling you this right meow: Ewing will box up Rafael Estevam like leftovers. The only question is if Ewing’s hands will break from repeatedly beating Estevam’s face before the final bell. And, of course, Ewing has to stay upright. I haven’t seen Ewing’s ground game, but I get the impression that Ewing is a well-rounded fighter. But Estevam is a “Get Takedown or Die Trying” wrestler who averages six takedowns per fifteen minutes. He’s also 14-0. But one thing Estevam isn’t is a finisher. He has only seven career finishes, none of which came in his three UFC bouts.   

That’s because Estevam is a position-over-submission grappler. He’s the bantamweight version of Jailton Almeida. They use Estevam to smother grease fires on the stove. He's a human weighted blanket. If he gets hold of you, he’s going to love you long time. They have to scrape him off at the end of each round like cleaning a grill. I recently went to get my wisdom teeth pulled, and my insurance wouldn't cover anesthesia, so they wheeled in a TV like a substitute teacher and played an Estevam fight. I didn’t feel shit until the next day. The thing about Estevam is that he has to win the first two rounds because he doesn’t show up for the third round.   

Estevam’s major malfunction is a hole in his gas tank. It’s like someone syphons it between the second and third rounds. His fight shorts turn into Daisy Dukes with holes in the back pockets when the clock strikes ten minutes. Homie refuses to take a pit stop, then blows four tires on the final lap on some Lightning McQueen type-ish. My man protests third rounds “No 3rd Rounds” protest. Also, I’ve seen better stand-up at an infant ward. Estevam is shit out of luck on his feet once the takedown well dries up. And it always dries up in the third round. Homie has to be pushed across the finish line like The King when Chick Hicks spins the King out of control coming down the home stretch.   

Silly me; I really thought I was going to catch Vegas slipping on this matchup. I thought I’d get Ewing for plus money because Estevam’s grappling is so dominant (at least early on). But Ewing is the (-150) favorite, and Estevam is the (+130) live-ass dog. Live-ass because it’s not far-fetched to think he can dominate the first two rounds with top control. Then, come to a rolling stop at the finish line. But if Estevam loses either of the first two rounds, it’s a wrap. Wrap it up, B. The more dangerous fighter is Ewing. I’m feeling a little froggy. I like playing Ewing for a late finish like Yousri Belgaroui last weekend. The only play for Estevam is a decision. After the Wellmaker fight, I was sold on Ewing. Ethyn Ewing via TKO, round three. Put it on wax.   

Props

Ewing: TKO/KO (+275) Sub (+1600) Dec (+180)  

Estevam: TKO/KO (+900) Sub (+700) Dec (+225)

Winner: Ethyn Ewing | Method: TKO Rd.3

Tommy McMillen (-1350) vs. Manolo Zecchini (+800)

McMillen: DK: $9.8k | Zecchini: DK: $6.4k

Welcome to the reduced sugar show. I call Tommy McMillen Aspartame O’Malley. Tommy is a Hollywood Blvd. Sean O’Malley. He even has O’Malley rub-on tattoos. Tommy is Sweet’n Low O’Malley. Keto O’Malley. Matter of fact... Yo, DJ! Hit that Sugar Free “Why You Bullshittin’!” If you ever wondered what Chase Hooper would look like if he were a striker, Tommy O’Malley, I mean, Tommy McMillen, is it. Now, I’m sure a lot of commentators are going to glaze this kid. But I’m officially pumping the brakes on him after he got the brakes and a pair of dice hanging from the rear-view mirror beat off him early in his Contender Series fight.   

McMillen’s opponent had CPU written under his name, like playing old-school Double Dribble. That guy was a literal training mode opponent. He had McMillen caught in a nasty gilly at one point. But McMillen went full Exorcist to escape, twisting his head damn near off his shoulders to pry his head free. MF looked like a damn owl with his head twisted around backward. But McMillen showed some serious dog. He fought his way back into the fight and stole a decision. This kid crashes out on his feet. He just starts flailing his arms like he’s drowning. When McMillen starts slanging fists, you expect to see David Hasselhoff, chest naked, taco meat chest hair blowing in the wind, running into the Octagon to save him. McMillen just looks flimsy—like True Value paper plates. Those spill-your-spaghetti-in-your-lap joints. Overall, I’m just not sure McMillen is ready for a letterman jacket. He might need a year at JV. He’s too raw; he needs another five minutes on the grill. 

But he’s here now, and he should beat Manolo Zecchini. If I had a Super Soaker to my head and had to pick any fighter on the roster to fight, it would be Manolo Zecchini. That’s not to say he’s a complete crumb bum. He has one thing going for him: his name. In my experience, dudes named Manolo are wild MF’ers. They're the type of dudes that don't wear chanclas in public showers. They don't wear towels around the locker room and look you directly in your eyes when they strike up a random conversation. They're the type to use the urinal next to when you’re the only two people in that bish. But Zecchini looked like anything but a wild MF in his debut against “Captain” Morgan Charriere.  

Zecchini’s weakness was exposed against Charriere: Body shots. And we ain’t talking belly button rings and Patrón. Captain Morgan fooked up Zecchini’s liver with kicks and punches like a gallon of it. Zecchini uses a Bas Rutten-like squared stance, making his body a giant target. His style reminds me of a mall kiosk version of Donald Cerrone. And now that I think about it, he looks like a Brazzers pool boy with slicked-back, greasy hair. He has all the makings of a true ass-kicker, but he’smissing something. He’s too hittable, and he doesn’t look very dangerous despite having ten finishes (noine TKOs/KOs) in eleven career fights. If he can make this a fire fight, he can cause McMillen problems. Zecchini ain’t coming out here to lay down for nobody.   

The odds nearly sent me to the canvas. McMillen is the (-1600) favorite, and Zecchini is the (+800) flea-ridden, matted dog. Listen, these odds are a little wild. McMillen should be a big favorite, but (-1600)? McMillen would have lower odds if he were fighting nobody. I mean, I think he would open at (-2000) against me. Finish or not, this should be a high-output kickboxing match. McMillen landed 113 significant strikes on the Contender Series after nearly being KO’d early. Manolo will have to keep pace. I actually like playing this one for a decision. Give me Tommy McMillen via decision. Wax on, wax off.   

Props

McMillen: TKO/KO (+225) Sub (+700) Dec (+400)  

Zecchini: TKO/KO (+275) Sub (+2500) Dec (+275)

Winner: Tommy McMillen| Method: Decision

Prelims

$7k Value Menu

Rafael Estevam ($7.6k): Estevam only averages just over two and a half SLpM. But don’t get it twisted; he is one of the rare grappling monsters. In his last two bouts, he recorded 116 and 106 Fantasy points, almost exclusively earned through takedowns and control time. What goes down doesn’t come back up when Estevam scores a takedown. He uses his wrestling to shorten the fight to a single round. The fight begins with the opposing fighter practically forfeiting the first two rounds. They have five minutes in the third round (when he usually fades) to finish Estevam. Ethyn Ewing’s wrestling/grappling has yet to be tested against an elite grappler like Estevam. The red flag for Estevam is his striking. If at any point (most likely in the third round) the takedown well dries up, Estevam will be up Shit’s Creek with paddles this deep; he’s still gonna sink.  

Renato Moicano ($7.4k): Never forget what Moicano did to Jalin Turner and Benoit St. Denis. It only took one takedown for Moicano to completely wreck those guys. And BSD is a ground specialist. Fighters melt when Moicano is on top of them. That’sbecause Moicano is a damage-over-position grappler. Of course, his positioning is excellent and allows him to anchor himself in positions favorable to striking on the mat. If he can get Duncan to the mat early, it might be an early night at the office. But,Moicano won’t stand much of a chance on his feet. Moicano has been KO’d viciously three times in his career. Duncan’s right hand can make that four times.   

Virna Jandiroba ($7.9k): The Value Menu is looking sparse this week. Despite her lack of striking, Jandiroba averages over eighty Fantasy points per fight. She’s coming into this fight off her highest scoring fight (124) in a five-round title fight against Mackenzie Dern. Previously, she scored 90 and 96 in back-to-back fights. Like Rafael Estevam, Virna relies on takedowns and top control. It won’t be easy to get Tabatha Ricci to the mat consistently, as she rocks nearly an 80% takedown defense. But Jandiroba doesn’t quit on her wrestling. Even if she isn’t successful early, she will continue to chase the takedown for the duration. But if she can’t get Ricci to the mat, she will be at a decided disadvantage on the feet.   

 $6k Clearance Rack  

Tresean Gore ($6.7k): This guy has been a huge disappointment since qualifying for the Ultimate Fighter season finale in 2021. He never made it to that fight. Gore was forced to withdraw from that fight. He looked the part of a dangerous striker at the time, but has since failed to develop in any respect. His major malfunction is a lack of experience. He entered the Ultimate Fighter competition with a 2-0 record and has since gone 2-4, with some ugly losses. But Gore has a special move: The Gilly. Both of his UFC wins came via guillotine choke. He will be up against Azamat Bekoev, who is primarily a wrestler. If Bekoev starts to fade and gets lazy with his takedowns, Gore can snatch that neck and flip the Fantasy board.   

Twenty-Twen-Twen Sleepers

Renato Moicano (+160): This will be an ugly week for dogs. The card is littered with mangy-ass dogs with little shot of pulling off an upset. Last week, dogs stole the main and co-main events. Renato Moicano can keep the streak alive if he can get Duncan to the mat early. It may only take one takedown to take Duncan’s back and sink in the rear-naked choke. Moicano has 10 career subs, all via RNC. Duncan’s one UFC loss came via RNC. Moicano’s top position is just different. He doesn’t straight sub-hunt; he likes to soften opponents with heavy ground and pound before snatching the neck. But Moicano won’t be able to survive five rounds on his feet. Duncan will eventually land that right hand.   

Tabatha Ricci (+102): The main and co-main events will be very similar. Ricci will be in the same scenario as Chris Duncan. If she can defend a takedown or two, she will run away with the stand-up. Jandiroba just isn’t dangerous on her feet. Neither is Ricci, but Ricci is coming in off her first UFC TKO victory. She has classic wrestler striking with some respectable power in her right hand. She is the more competent striker. Even if she ends up on her back, I don’t see her being submitted. I think she has enough defensive grappling to survive and get back to her feet.  

Rafael Estevam (+120): This guy never loses rounds one and two. But he never wins round three. If he can get out to his typical two-round lead, he can hobble to the finish line. Estevam’s grappling isn’t as dangerous as it is dominating. He doesn’tcause much damage and averages virtually zero submission attempts per fifteen minutes. Homie is the epitome of a one-trick wrestler. He relies solely on top control. But it’s effective. And he has used his boring style to compile a 14-0 record. If he gets Ethyn Ewing down early, he will get Ewing down often. Until the third round. 

Pick ‘Em

Guilherme Pat (-115) vs. Thomas Petersen (-110) 

Winner: Guilherme Pat 

Method: Decision 

Jose Delano (-380) vs. Robert Ruchala (+290)  

Winner: Jose Delano 

Method: Decision 

Alessandro Costa (-415) vs. Stewart Nicoll (+310)  

Winner: Alessandro Costa 

Method: TKO Rd.3 

Lando Vannata (-235) vs. Darius Flowers (+195) 

Winner: Lando Vannata 

Method: Decision 

Dione Barbosa (-130) vs. Melissa Gatto (+115)   

Winner: Dione Barbosa 

Method: Decision 

Azamat Bekoev (-585) vs. Tresean Gore (+410)   

Winner: Azamat Bekoev 

Method: TKO Rd.3 

Alice Pereira (-120) vs. Hailey Cowan (+105)  

Winner: Alice Pereira 

Method: Decision 

Kai Kamaka (-150) vs. Dakota Hope (+125)   

Winner: Kai Kamaka 

Method: Decision 

Thanks for reading LineStar Weekly Knockout! We'll be back next Thursday with another one. Until then, good luck and support your local MMA Gym.

About Me

My name is Chris Guy, and I’m an avid combat sports enthusiast and practitioner. I’ve been a fan of MMA since the early 2000s when Limewire was still around, and I downloaded Bas Rutten’s Big Book of Combat. In 2004, I started training Muay Thai at City Boxing in San Diego, CA. I competed as an amateur for many years, and I've also dabbled in Jiu-Jitsu. I follow many different disciplines, such as Combat Ji-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Glory Kickboxing, Boxing, and MMA.

I’m equally as enthusiastic about the craft of writing, and in addition to writing about combat sports, I also write short fiction and music. I hope to bring unique prose to sports writing, and along the way, encourage people to not only become Martial Arts fans but to also become Martial Artists themselves.

In the future, you may see me refer to the Thunderdome; it's an ode to the old Mad Max movie and refers to the world-class training facility I built in my one-car garage. It's complete with throw dummies, wrestling mats, heavy bags, and six months' worth of Chef Boyardee cans from when I thought the world was going to end back in March.

I hope you enjoy my work, and if you don’t, the Thunderdome has an open door policy.