Jean Matsumoto

Picked as a root-beer fight -- the analyst frames this as one to watch as a fan rather than confidently bet.

A good striker expected to hold the volume edge in this matchup -- durable, fights from either stance, good combinations, and a genuinely deep kick arsenal, with the front kick and leg kick singled out as standout tools. Good grappler with a good double-leg (underused lately but present), good sweeps, and a slick choke arsenal worked from both top and bottom off a very active guard -- though working from guard that willingly is flagged as a real concern at the UFC level unless he adjusts. Cardio holds up well even at a high pace across a full fight.

The analyst thinks Basharat will eventually bank enough minutes working from Matsumoto's guard to swing a close decision, even while treating this as close to a pick'em.

Matsumoto's one career loss came in a tight fight, and he brings real tools: solid combinations, a strong front kick and leg kick, the ability to switch stances, and a toughness that keeps him in fights. On the ground he has a heavy double-leg, good sweeps, and a dangerous submission arsenal that stays active off his back -- the issue is that he sometimes lingers there too long even while working, and against a good enough opponent those extra minutes on the bottom can cost him rounds.