About this episode
SleepyJ and Mean Gene talk UFC betting for UFC 322 Madalena vs Makachev headlines a stacked UFC 322 card from MSG, with Sleepy J and Mean Gene breaking down eight fights. They agree early on Erin Blanchfield vs Tracy Cortez, both backing Blanchfield due to improved striking, strength, and ability to control exchanges despite Cortez winning their pre-UFC meeting. They also align on Roman Kopylov as a live underdog over Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues, citing Rodrigues’ shaky chin, tendency to brawl despite having grappling advantages, and Kopylov’s power and durability after facing an elite Paulo Costa. Next, both pick Bo Nickal over Rodolfo Vieira, expecting Nickal to lean on his elite wrestling in a measured, mistake-free game plan after his setbacks, likely controlling the ground without risking unnecessary stand-up exchanges. Their first disagreement comes with Beneil Dariush vs Benoit Saint-Denis: Gene picks BSD, trusting his pressure, power, and revived momentum, while Sleepy prefers Dariush’s superior skill and grappling if he can avoid big shots. Another split follows with Carlos Prates vs Leon Edwards; Sleepy sides with Edwards’ championship experience and durability, while Gene believes Prates’ relentless forward pressure and destructive power will break Edwards as others have recently. They reunite on Sean Brady over Michael Morales, expecting Brady’s grappling, control, and veteran savvy to neutralize Morales’ explosive striking and deliver a “vet lesson” in a key contender matchup. In the co-main event, Gene backs Zhang Weili moving up for two-division glory, praising her evolution, volume, and ability to capitalize on Shevchenko’s occasional grappling mistakes, while Sleepy takes Valentina Shevchenko as the stronger, cleaner, more technical striker with superior size and takedown defense. In the main event, both predict Islam Makachev dominates Jack Della Maddalena early, with Makachev’s wrestling, control, and improved striking overwhelming a dangerous but out-classed champion who still has defensive gaps against elite grapplers. They expect an early submission or dominant finish as Makachev pursues champ-champ status. The show wraps with confidence in the card’s quality, a few strategic disagreements to help bettors evaluate both sides, and reminders to use code HOOK50 at Pregame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices