Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov - AI generated fight pick

Francisco Prado is the pick due to his youth, finishing ability, and higher defensive metrics. Prado is only 22 years old, giving him a significant age advantage over the 35-year-old Veretennikov. Historically, younger welterweights with high first-round finish rates and strong defensive stats (Prado: 56% strike defense) have outperformed older opponents, especially those with recent knockout losses. Prado's 12-3 record includes 6 KOs and 6 submissions, showing versatility and finishing upside. Veretennikov, despite his Sambo background and reach advantage, has a 2-fight UFC losing streak and was recently knocked out. His 57% takedown defense is average, but his lack of offensive wrestling (0% takedown accuracy) and tendency to get hit (49% strike defense) are concerning against a fast, explosive finisher like Prado. The main risk is Prado's low takedown defense (25%), but Veretennikov is not a high-volume wrestler. Overall, the combination of Prado's youth, finishing rate, and recent trends in similar matchups make him the more likely winner.