Arnold Allen

Picked at a genuine crossroads fight -- the analyst states real conviction that he has the skill set to win, while explicitly acknowledging it could go either way.

Strong striker with excellent counter skills and real power on his shots. Favors a high elbow guard as his primary defensive shape. Carries a good jab. Two signature, calculated setups define his offense: a 'face frame,' where he shoves off an opponent's face to dial in the exact range and angle for a clean power shot afterward, and trapping an opponent's hands before unloading, both designed to land shots flush. He's also a capable grappler -- his takedowns in open space are unremarkable, but he generates good ones against the fence, his takedown defense has kept him from being controlled for extended periods even by elite wrestlers, and he backs that up with solid submission defense and top control.

He frames it as a close, competitive matchup and says he's leaning Allen mainly because Allen has more distinct ways to win, not because Kattar is overmatched.

Allen is the more well-rounded threat here, able to mix kicks and punches, adjust his approach to the opponent in front of him, and — importantly — carries the better wrestling of the two, giving him a takedown path in addition to his boxing. His constant lateral movement and footwork make him a difficult fighter to corner or hit clean, and that mobility helps offset Kattar's length. The pick leans his way mainly because he has more distinct routes to victory over five rounds, even though the matchup is viewed as genuinely close.