At times Melk looks like a genuine prospect. When he is flowing, his striking looks incredible and technical. But he does make weird decision and decide to wrestle when there is absolutely no reason to do so. He often treats wrestling as his plan A, when it should be his plan B. He is a 2-1 favorite here and I just can't trust him there. If he defends and keeps distance with the striking, he can have a great night. But if he engages in clinches against the cage, he in all likelihood is reversed and taken down himself. Nuerdanbieke seems to be the early consensus underdog pick of the card, but I won't go that far. Melk is very good and I am going to pick him here, but no bet because I cannot trust his decision making.

Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

Shayilan Nuerdanbieke is a powerful grappler who likes to come forward with heavy strikes. He has a bully style where he plots forward, throws big, pushes you against the cage and works takedowns from there. He will transition from one takedown to another pretty well and when he is on top he has solid pressure and ground and pound. He is coming off the KO loss to Steve Garcia where the power looked good, the wrestling looked good, but ultimately he was put out in the second.

Melquizael Costa

Melk Costa is a well rounded guy with creative striking and solid grappling. His takedowns are a bit forced, but he is strong enough and persistent enough that if he gets you to the cage he will work you down. You will see him work for takedowns often, but he doesn't need them in most matchups. He has powerful hands and solid technique. He strings together combinations well and will even mix in spinning attacks. He is also coming off a KO loss to Steve Garcia after having some early wrestling success.