Torrez Finney

Bare closing pick ('I got to side with Malkoun') after conceding Finney could 'crack him by a big power shot' and calling the grappling exchange very competitive.

A decent striker with power and a looping overhand that he sets up off his takedown entries, but he struggles at range. A solid grappler: good takedowns including a good blast double and a single-leg entry, plus pretty good control on top, and the ability to hold half guard or a wrestling ride once he gets there. Called very athletic but still raw/unpolished as a skill set.

A firm, unqualified naming of Finney as the winner; the only hedge granted is that Valentin carries real one-punch power, which per the confidence-bar rule is a method-level concession and does not demote a win-level grade.

A long-time Contender Series fighter finally getting his UFC debut. He's a fair striker in the sense that his hands mainly set up a heavy overhand off the threat of his wrestling, and he'll have trouble at distance since he's short for the division, though built stout. His wrestling is the real weapon: dependable takedowns including an excellent blast double and a strong single-leg shot, strong top position (often from half guard, sometimes a side-control riding spot), heavy ground-and-pound, and he's described as highly athletic with an excellent gas tank. The analyst expects him to win the large majority of the fight's minutes and to get a takedown whenever he wants one.