The Weasle selected Da'Mon Blackshear by decision, citing a glaring submission threat and improved kickboxing. Alatengheili is a stocky wrestler with basic boxing combinations, but his takedown attempts are a double-edged sword: Blackshear owns slick rear-naked chokes, tight guillotines, and heavy top-side ground-and-pound. On the feet Blackshear’s long jab and front-kick game will exploit his four-inch reach advantage while keeping the Mongolian guessing. The tout believes Alatengheili’s best chance is faking shots into an overhand, yet Blackshear’s distance management and ability to create scrambles make a knockout unlikely. Expect early submission attempts to scare Alatengheili into a more cautious approach, allowing Blackshear to out-volume him and win on the cards.

Gumby Vreeland urged listeners to lay the chalk on Damont Blackshear or, better yet, attack his +150 submission prop. He argued Alatengheili’s 75% takedown-defense number is fool’s gold because it was compiled against low-level wrestlers such as Kevin Croom. When Alateng finally faced a competent grappler – Gustavo Lopez – he surrendered three takedowns and was controlled for long stretches. Blackshear, by contrast, has landed multiple takedowns in four straight UFC bouts and is riding back-to-back submission wins. Vreeland noted that Alateng has been out-struck by 2.03 significant strikes per minute in the Octagon, so even brief top control from Blackshear should bank rounds. With the Mongolian Knight’s only realistic path being a low-percentage striking knockout, Vreeland projects early takedowns and a finish on the mat, calling the sub line “very playable even if the straight number is -485.”

Millz Young is comfortable laying the −450 to −500 on Da'Mon Blackshear, or playing him by submission. He praised Blackshear’s well-rounded skill set and expects him to out-grapple Alita Hayne despite Hayne’s work at Fight Ready. Millz believes the talent gap is wide enough that Blackshear not only wins but likely snatches a choke once the scrambles start, so the sub prop is his preferred exposure.

Cody Saftic said Da'mon Blackshear is still the side even at nearly –500 because the grappling gap is enormous. Blackshear has tapped veteran wrestlers Cody Stamann and Cody Gibson and owns the only Twister finish in modern UFC bantamweight history. Saftic expects him to win every scramble and either lock up a rear-naked choke or bank top-control minutes. His hesitation is the takedown entry—Alatengheili stuffs 63 % of attempts and swings big overhands in the pocket. Cody admitted he will be sweating a one-punch knockout possibility the entire time but still played Blackshear money-line and sprinkled submission props, calling the Chinese brawler’s power ‘the only real sweat.’

Gumby Vreeland’s favorite prelim prop is Da'Mon Blackshear by submission at +150. Blackshear has finished his last two opponents by choke and averages 1.5 submission attempts per five minutes, constantly hunting the back in scrambles. Vreeland noted Hailey Alateng is a competent wrestler but chases his own finishes instead of consolidating position, creating the prolonged grappling exchanges Blackshear thrives in. Alateng has surrendered three reversals in his last two fights and routinely leaves his neck exposed while hunting guillotines of his own. Given Blackshear’s recent finishing form and Alateng’s willingness to “mess around” on the mat, Vreeland believes the sub line should be closer to even money and is locking in the +150 before it shortens.

Kunath called Da'Mon Blackshear the easiest bet on the slate, noting the line has already ballooned from –350 to roughly –440 and still might not be wide enough. He emphasized Blackshear’s clear physical advantages—four inches of reach, superior frame, and seven‑year youth edge—paired with an aggressive wrestling game that averages 2.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. Alatengheili has defended only 55 percent of takedowns in the UFC and attempts fewer than one submission per three full fights, giving him no realistic escape once grounded. Kunath referenced Blackshear’s last outing against Cody Gibson where, despite some early adversity, Blackshear’s cardio and scrambles wore the veteran down—evidence that the Favor graduate can gut through tough spots. Because Alatengheili’s striking output sits under 3.0 significant strikes per minute, Kunath expects him to be stuck on the fence before a level‑change leads to a quick back take. Actionable call: bet Blackshear by submission (round 2 prop for plus money) and lock him into DFS cores for a likely 100‑point ceiling.

Bedtime MMA is "pretty confident" Da'Mon Blackshear submits Aoriqileng inside two rounds. He cites Blackshear’s recent back‑to‑back submission wins and the highlight‑reel twister two fights ago as proof he’s the clearly better grappler. The tout also felt Blackshear deserved the nod over Mario Bautista and "should already be ranked," whereas Aoriqileng is coming off a wrestling‑heavy decision that won’t translate against a submission hunter of Blackshear’s caliber. Expect early scrambles that end with Blackshear finding the neck or back for the finish.