Career Averages - Cody Brundage
Career Averages - Jacob Malkoun
Cody Brundage
Jacob Malkoun
Cody Brundage - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 1 | 43 of 60 | 71% | 44 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 21 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:56 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 21 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:56 | |
| 2 | Cody Brundage | 1 | 37 of 50 | 74% | 38 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 43 of 60 | 71% | 40 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 35 of 48 |
| Andre Petroski | 8 of 17 | 47% | 2 of 7 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 6 of 10 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andre Petroski | 8 of 16 | 50% | 2 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Cody Brundage | 37 of 50 | 74% | 37 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 35 of 48 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Chris Tognoni is the referee. It’s a deliberate beginning for the middleweights. Petroski land a low kick. Petroski fires a combination and Brundage circles out. Petroski backs his man up and lands a calf kick. Brundage partially lands a straight right. Both men remain very patient as we reach the halfway point of the round. Burndage lands a front kick to the gut and eats a series of calf kicks. Petroski catches Brundage with a knee as he moves forward. Petroski shoots and lands in side control to negate a guillotine attempt from Brundage. Brundage keeps his grip for a while before relen. Brundage seems content to hold his opponent close to limit offense. Petroski creates some space and lands a few right hands from top position. Petroski goes knee on belly and then achieves mount as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Round 2
Brundage throws a looping right and then seconds later, drops his foe with a massive left hook after feinting another right.
Brundage pounces and unleashes a hailstorm of ground-and-pound in pursuit of the finish. Petroski is defending well at first, but Brundage is relentless. The shots are beginning to get through and Tognoni is taking a close look. The veteran official gives Petroski plenty of leeway, but the Pennsylvania-based fighter isn’t improving his situation — so the fight is waved off.
That ends a four-bout winless streak for Burndage.
The Official Result
Cody Brundage def. Andre Petroski via TKO (Punches) R2 0:44
Angelo picks Cody Brundage despite acknowledging his inconsistency and cardio issues. He believes Brundage is the better wrestler and striker with more power, and has faced tougher competition. However, he is hesitant due to Brundage's tendency to fade. He loves the +170 odds but is unsure about betting.
Big Brady picks Cody Brundage for the upset, citing Petroski's glass chin and Brundage's early power. He notes that Brundage has wrestling to stuff takedowns early and only needs one shot to knock out Petroski. He admits this is a greasy pick and rarely picks Brundage.
Cody picks Cody Brundage as a dog, despite his poor record, because he believes this is a winnable matchup. He notes that Brundage has struggled against long, rangy fighters, but Andre Petroski is his size and has a similar wrestling style. Cody thinks Brundage's speed and overhand right can catch Petroski, who has poor durability and gasses. He predicts a Brundage knockout in round one.
Connor picks Petroski, agreeing with Zane. He describes Petroski as a busted experiment who is tense and fragile, but Brundage is even worse—a panicking fighter with no technique who corners himself. He notes Brundage could knock himself out by level-changing into a knee.
Lucrative James confidently picks Andre Petroski to win by submission, citing Petroski's superior grappling and top control. He notes Brundage's tendency to quit when pressured and Petroski's ability to take him down. He predicts an inside-the-distance finish.
The host believes Petroski is the better fighter but is hesitant to trust him at -200, as Brundage has power and could land an early knockout. He expects Petroski's wrestling and top pressure to wear down Brundage, leading to a decision win. He is interested in the Petroski decision prop if at +200 or better.
The host picks Andre Petroski over Cody Brundage, expecting Petroski's wrestling to take over in deep water. He notes that Petroski's durability must hold up early, but if it does, Petroski will grind out a decision win.
Paul also leans toward Cody Brundage, joining Cody in the Brundage by KO prop. He notes that Petroski knocked himself out on Malcoun's hip and has suspect durability. He believes Brundage has a chance to land a big shot and finish the fight early.
Zane picks Petroski because he thinks Petroski will get Brundage down and should be enough. He notes Brundage's only idea is to shell up and throw a desperate overhand, and he often panics. However, he acknowledges Brundage could land a big punch.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donte Johnson | 0 | 45 of 106 | 42% | 84 of 146 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 3:32 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 31 of 83 | 37% | 34 of 88 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 4:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 29 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 5 of 20 | 25% | 6 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:21 | |
| 2 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 13 of 30 | 43% | 28 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 3:01 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 8 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:45 | |
| 3 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 27 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 20 of 49 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donte Johnson | 45 of 106 | 42% | 35 of 92 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 35 of 92 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 14 |
| Cody Brundage | 31 of 83 | 37% | 19 of 70 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 10 | 31 of 82 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donte Johnson | 10 of 25 | 40% | 8 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 5 of 20 | 25% | 4 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Donte Johnson | 13 of 30 | 43% | 12 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 14 |
| Cody Brundage | 6 of 14 | 42% | 1 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Donte Johnson | 22 of 51 | 43% | 15 of 41 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 22 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 20 of 49 | 40% | 14 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 6 | 20 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-620), Brundage (+400)
Round 1
It’s time to officially begin the UFC on CBS era, as this is the first fight from this organization airing on the network. It will also serve as the widest betting disparity on the lineup, this middleweight slobberknocker, as undefeated finisher Johnson (7-0, 1-0 UFC) clocks in around -800 against the skidding Factory X product Brundage (11-8-1, 1 NC; 5-7-1, 1 NC UFC). There are no sure things in MMA, and anything is possible for as long as the fight is on. Referee Marc Goddard will make sure everything is on the up-and-up for its duration, and he bears witness to a sporting glove touch to open the match.
Johnson springs at Brundage after the glove touch, and this puts himself off-balance to the point that Brundage tackles him to the floor in response. Brundage sits on top in half guard, while Johnson scoots himself towards the wall in hopes of escaping. Brundage grinds rather than unleashing any offense, pressing Johnson down with his shoulder. Fans are not amused. Brundage briefly flirts with an arm-triangle choke, and Johnson shakes his neck out of the brief danger. Brundage commits to the arm-triangle, and Johnson leans his shoulder on the wall to take the leverage out of it. Time ticks off the clock with nothing else going on besides Brundage hanging out on top.
Johnson traps his foe’s left hand between his legs to stop any submission from coming together, and Goddard tells them to work. Johnson explodes back to his feet, and Brundage welcomes him back up with a knee to the head. The underdog sticks out a nab, and he catches Johnson flush with a right hand as Johnson’s chin is up in the air as if he were asking to get hit. Brundage blocks and counters with a left, and he knocks Johnson back a few steps. Brundage chips at the front leg, and Johnson splits his guard with a jab. Brundage comes up short with a looping right hand, and he parries and replies with an overhand right. Johnson gets Brundage’s attention with two punches, but Brundage fires back. Brundage shoots for a takedown at the bell, and fans in the building boo him heartily.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 2
Johnson offers up a glove touch to start off the second round, and does not leap into attack this time. He measures out with a head kick, and Brundage lets go with a right hand. Johnson gets in the pocket to trade, and Brundage is ready and willing to bang it out. Johnson rips a kick to the side and swings for the fences, and he is prepared to defend against a tackling takedown by grabbing hold of Brundage’s neck and pushing him flat to the ground. Brundage remains on his knees and chills out, not concerned about a submission or looking to push any further. Johnson hooks his left arm under the chin but does not go for a guillotine, instead standing back up so he can bust Brundage in the face. Brundage pushes through to take the fight down on his own terms, and he scrambles to get hold of the undefeated fighter’s back.
Johnson looks to shimmy Brundage off of him, as Brundage is high on the back, and this results in Brundage hitting the floor in search of an armlock. Johnson defends the kimura to armbar setup and wrenches his arm out, and he unleashes a flurry of punches to either side of the head. Johnson holds Brundage down with a head lock, smacking him in the side of the head with short but ultimately ineffectual right hands on the inside. Brundage turns to sit himself down with his back to the fencing, and Johnson pops him in the chops with right hand after unanswered right hand. Brundage clings to Johnson, who is flirting with a choke but not committing to it. Johnson pushes off Brundage’s forehead and stands back up, and he slaps Brundage as a finger jams firmly into his eye. Goddard calls time, and Brundage takes a few seconds but wants to get back to business. On the restart, Johnson comes out swinging, and both men land one or two before the awkward round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Round 3
Johnson meanders out of his corner recklessly and unafraid of what comes at him, and Brundage sits back on his heels looking for a counter so that he can set up a double. Johnson pushes him down face-first to the floor and stands back up, and Brundage follows him. Johnson tees off with jabs and the occasional left hand, and Brundage’s body language is poor as he does not look to have much fight left in him. Brundage loops a right hand behind the head, and he kicks the front leg but gets nailed with a counter. Brundage flicks out a few jabs, and one connects while Johnson is marching forward, resulting in him taking a funny step. Johnson tosses out a high kick and offers out a right hand, walking down the offensively muted Brundage. Johnson splits the guard with a jab, and he is answered with one back.
Brundage’s jab does manage to stop Johnson’s biggest of swings, and he suddenly spurs into action with two hooks. Johnson backs off before re-engaging, and the two land single strikes one another. Brundage damages the calf with a few kicks, and he opens a mouse under Johnson’s right eye with his jab. Johnson clubs his man with a right hook, and Brundage answers with a body lock and failed takedown attempt. Johnson frames off and is met with jabs, as Brundage takes a long look at the clock that reads one minute. Brundage loads up on two hooks and looks to the time again. Both lunge with jabs, and Brundage shoots for a double that is stopped in its tracks. Brundage hooks his fingers in the glove to get a takedown, but Johnson rips his hand away and they stand back up. When the 10-second clapper sounds, both men swing it out, with neither landing flush and both struggling until time mercifully expires. Welcome to the UFC on CBS era, indeed.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Johnson)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
The Official Result
Donte Johnson def. Cody Brundage via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Big Brady picks Donte Johnson over Cody Brundage. He highlights Johnson's size, power, and quick hands, noting he looked good at middleweight. Brundage took the fight on short notice after a recent KO loss and has a history of quitting when put on his back. Brady expects Johnson to finish Brundage quickly, likely by first-round TKO, as long as he avoids hitting the back of the head.
Cody also picks Johnson, highlighting his explosiveness and improved grappling. He notes Brundage's tendency to get knocked out or disqualified. He expects Johnson to win by knockout.
Connor picks Johnson because Brundage is a limited fighter with poor technique and a tendency to fold when his one idea fails. Johnson is a power wrestler who should outwrestle Brundage, as even lesser wrestlers have done. He notes that Johnson is small for middleweight but that Brundage is not a significant size threat.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Dashon Johnson, citing his athleticism, undefeated record, and serious approach. He believes Johnson will finish Cody Brundage, who is inconsistent and often loses when facing adversity. Vreeland notes that Brundage is a killer-be-killed fighter but thinks Johnson's confidence and physicality will prevail.
The host is undecided on this fight. He notes that Johnson is a heavy favorite (-683) but has only 7 pro fights and has never been past round one, making his cardio unknown. Brundage has improved cardio and is tough, but the host considers it a high-risk bet. He plans to wait until weigh-ins to decide, as he wants to see if Brundage looks compromised. He estimates Brundage might have a 25-30% chance, which would make the +468 odds valuable, but he hasn't committed.
James picks Dashon Johnson to win by knockout, citing Johnson's athleticism, power, and composure. He notes that Brundage is coming in on short notice and took recent punishment, making him vulnerable. James sees Johnson as a high-ceiling prospect who will overwhelm Brundage.
Johnson is explosive and powerful, but untested. Brundage is durable and can grind early. Johnson should eventually find a knockout in the second or third round. The over 1.5 rounds is a better bet than the heavy moneyline.
Paul picks Johnson, citing his prospect status and power. He notes Brundage's short notice and poor durability. He expects Johnson to win by knockout, though the price is high.
The MMA Guru picks Donte Johnson, calling him a great prospect who should destroy Brundage. He notes Johnson's wrestling and power, and predicts a first-round TKO. He criticizes Brundage for taking short-notice fights.
Zane agrees that Johnson should win, calling Brundage a 'fungal infection' who has only beaten low-level opponents. He notes that Brundage has no footwork, no punching technique, and a rudimentary understanding of range. Johnson's wrestling should be enough to take him down and control him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 0 | 57 of 119 | 47% | 73 of 139 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:04 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 29 of 65 | 44% | 31 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 23 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 21 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 34 of 65 | 52% | 50 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:53 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 9 of 22 | 40% | 10 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 57 of 119 | 47% | 41 of 96 | 7 of 13 | 9 of 10 | 32 of 70 | 6 of 8 | 19 of 41 |
| Cody Brundage | 29 of 65 | 44% | 22 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 27 of 61 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 23 of 54 | 42% | 15 of 41 | 1 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 20 of 50 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 20 of 43 | 46% | 14 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 34 of 65 | 52% | 26 of 55 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 41 |
| Cody Brundage | 9 of 22 | 40% | 8 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rowston (-360), Brundage (+285)
Round 1
It remains to be seen if Rowston (13-3, 1-0 UFC) pulled his “Battle Giraffe” nickname from One Piece character Kaku, but at least he has a nickname. Brundage (11-7-1, 1 NC; 5-6-1, 1 NC UFC), who could easily call himself “Mr. Unlucky,” does not sport a fighting name. This match for him is a crucial one to see if he can rectify his record to an even .500. Referee Jim Perdios draws the charge for this middleweight affair, one that could take place anywhere before it is all said and done. The athletes do not have any plan on touching gloves before competing.
The tall, rangy Rowston stands firm in the center of the cage, and he gets batted back by a few jabs. He answers with a clean one-two and a low kick, and he checks a leg kick coming back at him. Brundage comes up short when looking for a left hook, and the two men trade hacking leg kicks. Rowston jabs and holds his left hand extended to set up additional punches, and he gets knocked back a step by the American. Rowston takes a left hook square on the chin when threatening with his jab, and Brundage charges him to close his distance and smashes his fist on Rowston’s jaw a few more times. Rowston answers with a knee right on the button, and he lines up and fires off another. Brundage spins with a back fist and stings Rowston, who falls to his hands and gets right back up. Brundage sells out with his big swings to hurt Rowston again, and the Aussie backs off the reset and clear out the cobwebs.
Brundage whiffs on a spinning back fist, and Rowston’s counter meets Brundage cleanly. Rowston steps in with a knee to the sternum, and he takes a right hand across the forward bow. Rowston fakes and feints his way in to draw out reactions, and he dances away from the big swings from the Factory X fighter. Rowston sticks his foe with a pair of jabs, and he kicks low as his foot slides up the leg and bangs into Brundage’s cup. Perdios sees it and immediately calls time, and fans realize it is a foul on the replay. Brundage only needs about 20 seconds to shake it off, and with a minute remaining on the clock, Rowston leads the dance with long jabs and even longer front kicks. Brundage’s counters fall short, as he loads up and puts plenty of arc on his punches while Rowston’s are straight down the middle most of the time. Rowston reaches Brundage with a one-two down the middle, and he walks into a right hand when Brundage digs down deep with a huge hook. Rowston kicks the front leg and jabs, and he slides away from the responses as the round wraps up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Round 2
Brundage comes out of his corner with a giant smile on his face, and it fades as he starts to deal with the feints and fakes that Rowston constantly offers. Rowston draws out ample reactions by Brundage, and he checks the kick aimed at his leg. Brundage grits his teeth and winds up with bombs, chasing Rowston around and only partially landing. Rowston kicks out Brundage’s leg to disrupt a combination, and he puts a one-two firmly on the chin. Brundage reaches at the end of a left hook, and he bounces off the wall and takes a knee but allows Rowston to get close so he can start slugging. Rowston swings with a big right hand, and Brundage ducks and counters him. Rowston digs a kick to the liver, and he bends Brundage over with a right hand down the middle. Brundage shakes out his right hand after connecting with it, and he continues to hurl it even as Rowston is able to pick up on it. Rowston laughs off a big swing so he can knee Brundage in the face, and Brundage responds with a takedown shot.
The gangly, coordinated Aussie stifles it and turns the corner, where he starts pounding on the side of Brundage’s head. Rowston is able to manhandle Brundage and keep him on his knees, elbowing him a few times and stepping over to set up a choke. Brundage desperately tries to get up and survive but is taking fire on either side of the dome.
Rowston pounds on Brundage, alternating a never-ending stream of lefts and rights on the ear as Brundage’s posture slowly deteriorates. The Aussie keeps on battering the Factory X fighter until Perdios saves the unsuccessful Brundage from his own toughness.
In victory, the man who may or may not still be known as “Battle Giraffe” moves to 2-0 in the Octagon with two knockouts to his credit.
The Official Result
Cameron Rowston def. Cody Brundage R2 4:08 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cam Rowston, citing his durability and ability to weather the storm. He notes that Cody Brundage is talented but inconsistent, with cardio and durability issues. He thinks Rowston will survive the first round and take over in the second and third. He says no bet because he wants to root for Cody without worrying about money.
Big Brady is confident in Cam Rowston, praising his grappling and knockout power. He notes Rowston is long, rangy, and has submissions over half his wins. He sees no path for Cody Brundage, predicting a second-round submission.
Cody is very confident in Rowston, criticizing Brundage's tendency to quit and find ways to lose. He notes that Rowston is a big middleweight with good cardio and power, and that Brundage has been outworked and finished in most of his fights. He expects Rowston to win by knockout or decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Rowston. He emphasizes that Brundage is a bad fighter who should not be in the UFC, and Rowston's size and awkwardness will be too much. Connor also notes that Rowston is a heavy favorite and the odds are fine.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Rowston to finish Brundage, citing Brundage's history of quitting when pressured and his mental weakness. He notes that Rowston is a confident Australian prospect with dangerous elbows and ground-and-pound, and that Brundage's jet lag and lack of confidence will work against him.
James picks Rowston to win, noting his better striking and jiu-jitsu, and that Brundage is inconsistent and gasses out. He expects Rowston to finish in later rounds, possibly by rear-naked choke. James acknowledges Brundage's wrestling but believes Rowston's cardio and skill advantage will prevail.
Rowston is a long striker with improving confidence and BJJ. He has shown the ability to snipe opponents from distance and finish with strikes or submissions. Brundage is a wild card with durability issues and a tendency to look for an exit when hurt. Rowston should see Brundage's shots coming and counter effectively, possibly getting a club-and-sub finish. The host expects Rowston inside the distance.
Paul echoes Cody's sentiments, detailing Brundage's history of controversial results and lack of finishing ability. He believes Rowston's size, volume, and durability will be too much for Brundage, who needs a finish or DQ to win.
The Guru predicts a first-round TKO for Cam Rowston, citing his development at CKB, six-inch reach advantage, and real power in his hands. He dismisses Cody Brundage's grappling, noting Brundage was outgrappled by Dumas. He believes Rowston will put Brundage away early.
Zane picks Cam Rowston (referred to as Ralston) because he is a huge, awkward wrestler who will make a nuisance of himself. He notes that Brundage tends to go apeshit and lose track of the fight, and Rowston's awkward striking and size advantage should allow him to drag Brundage into his world. Zane acknowledges Rowston is not a great wrestler but believes his awkwardness will be enough.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric McConico | 0 | 31 of 65 | 47% | 43 of 78 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 5:28 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 26 of 72 | 36% | 54 of 102 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric McConico | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 2 | Eric McConico | 0 | 11 of 20 | 55% | 19 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:56 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 7 of 23 | 30% | 20 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 3 | Eric McConico | 0 | 12 of 27 | 44% | 16 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 16 of 38 | 42% | 26 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:44 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric McConico | 31 of 65 | 47% | 26 of 57 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 19 of 45 | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 26 of 72 | 36% | 18 of 58 | 7 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 53 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric McConico | 8 of 18 | 44% | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 3 of 11 | 27% | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Eric McConico | 11 of 20 | 55% | 8 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 5 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 7 of 23 | 30% | 4 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 11 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Eric McConico | 12 of 27 | 44% | 11 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 16 of 38 | 42% | 12 of 30 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brundage (-190); McConico (+160)
Round 1
Don’t look now, but this event taking place tonight at the UFC Apex is the last one scheduled in the building on this year’s current lineup. There are 37 events in UFC confirmed thus far this year, so five-ish more are not yet on the slate and it is entirely possible that November or December shells up with another Apex show. Until then, it’s world traveling after Saturday. This ESPN show—also the last one on the official main ESPN slate for a while, as other sports will be kicking in and taking over like the NFL and their new deal with the UFC’s current broadcast partner. The night beings with a matchup that no one saw coming a week ago. Both fighters jumping up to light heavyweight due to the late notice of the pairing, Brundage (11-6-1, 1 NC; 5-5-1, 1 NC UFC) makes a quick turnaround after his loss overturned to a draw against Tuff-N-Uff veteran McConico (9-3-1, 0-1 UFC). These two could really use a win, and they will try to achieve it under the watchful eye of referee Chris Tognoni. They touch gloves to start off the night, and it’s on with the show.
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McConico starts as the initial aggressor, walking the veteran down and looping a massive left hand at his opponent. Brundage throws a kick at the same time, and the booming fist blasts him in the face and sits him down. Brundage tries to preserve himself by shooting for a takedown, and McConico stands up and puts his back to the wall while hacking down with elbows. Tognoni asks for more activity as this action stalls out, so Brundage transitions to a single-leg takedown. McConico keeps his hips wide, and Tognoni splits them up as Brundage fully commits to the single. Neither fighter does much for a spell as they measure one another, with McConico coming up short with a front kick and nothing else. Brundage charges behind big swings, and McConico is well out of harm’s way in time. As McConico bears down on his foe, Brundage counters with a double-leg takedown that he uses to tackle the MMA Lab fighter across the cage and down to his seat.
Brundage lands on top and laces his legs around McConico’s, but McConico is still able to wriggle out and wall-walk to stand. Brundage leans on him from behind, imposing his weight and letting McConico turn around so he can score a right hand. McConico backs off and blocks a head kick, and he probes out with a jab that draws out a knee. Brundage walks through a body kick to fire off his own overhand right, and he gives chase and nails McConico with a few more punches. Brundage launches a head kick and follows with a few step-in knees, and he starts feeling himself and lets his hands go, clubbing McConico and making him bounce off the fencing. McConico grips hold of him to ride out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Round 2
The 205ers typically competing as middleweights touch ‘em up to get going, and McConico starts out firing to back Brundage to the wall. He rips an elbow or two up top, and Brundage responds with hammerfists to the thigh. McConico drives a knee into the gut, and he winds up and blasts Brundage in the midsection again to almost lift him off the ground. Brundage lashes out with an elbow that surprises his opponent, and McConico takes a step back and grits his teeth. The Oregon native unleashes a flurry of fists and knees, and Brundage bounces back at him with fiery fists that catch McConico on the chin and force him to think twice about this brawl. As McConico shakes his head and retreats, Brundage charges after him and takes him to the floor. McConico does not stay on his seat for long, working his way to his feet, although as he leans on the cage, Brundage leans on him.
Brundage pursues the single above all else, and McConico smacks him with an undercut or two beneath Brundage’s elbow. McConico starts spamming elbows to the side of the head when he feels comfortable that he has his balance, and Brundage elevates him slightly to keep threatening. Tognoni asks for more, and Brundage chains into a double and clasps his hands together. After a prolonged effort, Brundage drags McConico away from the fence and deposits him to his back right on top of the Octagon’s central Monster Energy logo. Brundage immediately loops his own legs around McConico’s to keep him stuck on the floor, and Tognoni thinks he is not doing enough and asks for more action. McConico stands up, and Brundage greets him with a head kick. McConico starts stalking his foe down, booting him with his own high kick, digging his shin in the ribs and going upstairs one last time before the round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 3
It could be anyone’s fight going into the third stanza, and McConico appears to be the fresher fighter and he demonstrates this by immediately marching forward to attack when the last round commences. Multiple lead-leg kicks come from McConico, who is able to push Brundage back to the wall but not land much cleanly on him. Brundage steps in behind a right hand, and McConico has to reset. The MMA Lab fighter cracks his foe with two left hands, and Brundage takes a hard look at the clock or view screen. McConico engages in the clinch, kneeing the veteran and staying busy enough to not let Brundage counter with a takedown. McConico lets go with an elbow and an uppercut, and Tognoni tells him to not grab the gloves. The elbow cuts the top of Brundage’s head, and blood trickles down his hairline.
Tognoni separates them with a little more than two minutes remaining, and Brundage has a bit of energy and offers it with a looping right hand. McConico walks through it to fire back, but it is Brundage who tags him again with another short but effective right. Brundage rushes forward, and McConico gears up and surges into action with a salvo of punches mixed in with body kicks. Brundage keeps his back against the wall, circling away before darting forward with a knee. Brundage clips McConico with a right hand, who staggers back and regains his footing. Brundage wings a right hand, and he tries a second when the first succeeds. McConico shrugs it off and smacks him with a left hook and a head kick. McConico ducks down to set up a big left, and he narrowly avoids a spinning back fist. Brundage ends the fight with a massive right hand that McConico blinks out, and the close match concludes with judges likely having their hands full.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 McConico (29-28 McConico)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McConico (29-28 McConico)
The Official Result
Eric McConico def. Cody Brundage via Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Big Brady is confident in Cody Brundage, noting that Brundage is typically an underdog but this matchup favors him. He criticizes McConico's performance in his last fight, where he landed only four strikes in the first round before getting knocked out. Brady believes Brundage won't have to worry about a murderous power puncher or high-level grappler, and expects Brundage to shine and get a finish. He picks Brundage by first-round knockout.
The host believes the short notice nature of the matchup favors Cody Brundage, allowing him to make the fight chaotic from the start. He predicts Brundage will find a knockout under one and a half rounds, indicating confidence in Brundage's ability to finish early.
The MMA Guru picks Cody Brundage, noting that despite Brundage's odd career, he found an opponent he can beat. He believes Brundage was winning against Mansour Abdul-Malik before the no contest and can replicate that performance. He expects Brundage to mix in grappling and win by decision, possibly 29-28 or 30-27.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 25 of 73 | 34% | 25 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 30 of 67 | 44% | 30 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 10 of 28 | 35% | 10 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 10 of 31 | 32% | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 11 of 30 | 36% | 11 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansur Abdul-Malik | 25 of 73 | 34% | 17 of 55 | 3 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 18 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 |
| Cody Brundage | 30 of 67 | 44% | 18 of 49 | 2 of 8 | 10 of 10 | 29 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 4 of 15 | 26% | 2 of 10 | 0 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 11 of 21 | 52% | 5 of 12 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 10 of 28 | 35% | 5 of 18 | 2 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 10 of 31 | 32% | 4 of 22 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 11 of 30 | 36% | 10 of 27 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 |
| Cody Brundage | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Abdul-Malik (-800), Brundage (+500)
Round 1
The line on this middleweight pairing may not be quite as ludicrous as Wellmaker vs. Moutinho, but Abdul-Malik (8-0, 2-0 UFC) is coming in as a favorite anywhere from -950 to -1200, give or take. With eight finishes across his eight victories, prognosticators believe that his battle with Brundage (11-6, 1 NC; 5-5, 1 NC UFC) may not last long, win or lose. Referee Brent McKeehan is distinctly aware of the possibility, and is on his A-game right out of the gate. Fists are bumped before they are traded, and Brundage fires off some early warning kicks to demonstrate he is not going to be such an easy out. He lands a low kick as Abdul-Malik comes towards him, and he connects with a clean right hand. Brundage’s front kick pushes off the chest, and Abdul-Malik’s is much heavier in response. Brundage stands firm and delivers a kick to the body and one to the lead leg, and Abdul-Malik is unable to find his way in. The middleweights trade punches, and Abdul-Malik drives a front kick through the guard that surprises Brundage. Abdul-Malik walks him down but lets him entirely off the hook. Brundage strikes the front leg and fires a front kick down the middle, before lunging with an overhand right. Abdul-Malik swings a body kick and leaps at his foe with a jump knee, and Brundage steels himself and wings a pair of body shots back at him. The cautious round ends, and again fans drown the competitors out with boos.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Round 2
After a quick fist bump, the two meet in the middle of the cage without trading. Abdul-Malik tests the waters with a low kick, and he chambers a head kick and is met on the way down with an inside leg kick. Neither fighter is willing to commit to anything, resulting in a lull in action. Abdul-Malik decides to start fighting suddenly, running at Brundage and catching him with a right hand. Brundage retaliates with a flying knee, and Abdul-Malik tags him with another right on the ear as he plants his feet. The blow cuts Brundage behind his ear, which starts bleeding heavily down his neck. He paws at it and pays it little mind, instead winging a right hand at the overwhelming favorite. Abdul-Malik walks into a left hand as he tries to attack with a knee, and then they back off and measure one another for a while. Abdul-Malik eventually pushes out a front kick, and Brundage finds a way in and connects with two punches. Brundage’s overhand right just misses as the crowd gasps, seemingly desperate for a clean, solid strike to land. Brundage crashes the pocket but backs off when taking a low kick. Abdul-Malik spins with a back kick, and Brundage retaliates with an overhand right. The horn sounds to wrap the disappointing round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 3
Abdul-Malik runs at his opponent as soon as the round begins, railing Brundage with a flying knee. This immediately devolves in a ludicrous brawl, where both fighters wing hooks with everything they have. Abdul-Malik hurts Brundage, Brundage returns fire, and they proceed to bang it out. Brundage closes in and drives in a knee, and Abdul-Malik turns the corner and rails his opponent with a flush knee to the sternum and a direct head clash. Brundage goes down in a heap, shelling up as Abdul-Malik unloads on him with fiery fists. Abdul-Malik swings with bad intentions, and McKeehan gives Brundage every opportunity to recover before waving the fight off. Brundage immediately protests that he went down because of the clash of heads and not the knee, and the replay official is called upon to show the clear clash of heads. One of the unluckiest fighters in the sport has yet another bizarre ending in his strange tenure with the UFC, and it is up to McKeehan and the officials to send this one to the scorecards for a technical decision due to the fight-ending headbutt and the bout reaching the third round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
The Official Result
Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Cody Brundage via Technical Decision (Unanimous) R3 0:36
Angelo picks Mansur because he believes the adversity in his last fight gave him a wake-up call. He expects Mansur to wrestle and avoid a firefight with Cody, who is dangerous early. He notes that if Mansur engages in a firefight, he is screwed.
Big Brady picks Mansur Abdul-Malik by first-round knockout. He expects a violent fight where both swing, but believes Malik's power and ground-and-pound will be too much for Brundage. He notes Brundage is dangerous early but has been fed tough opponents, and Malik is the most terrifying yet.
Connor picks Abdul-Malik, emphasizing the massive reach advantage (79.5 vs 72 inches) and Brundage's tendency to implode when his initial plan fails. He notes that Abdul-Malik is a composed, powerful fighter who will make Brundage work to get inside, leaving him open to counters. Connor thinks Brundage's only chance is an early guillotine, but that is unlikely.
Abdul-Malik's athleticism, explosivity, and power will find a big shot to put Brundage away early. Brundage is expected to break quickly under that pressure.
The Guru picks Mansur Abdul-Malik, calling him a powerful prospect who will finish Cody Brundage in the first round. He notes Brundage's tendency to 'tuck up in a ball' when grappling doesn't go his way, as seen against Sedriques Dumas. He expects a TKO, though he acknowledges Brundage could win if he gets a guillotine.
Zane picks Abdul-Malik confidently, noting that Brundage's shallow game plan and inability to adjust will leave him exposed. He points out that Abdul-Malik is young, powerful, and composed, and that Brundage's only path is to wrestle, but he lacks the depth to maintain it. Zane compares this to the Abdul-Razak Alhassan fight where Brundage was brutally finished.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 1 | 44 of 79 | 55% | 68 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Julian Marquez | 0 | 37 of 73 | 50% | 53 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 1 | 44 of 79 | 55% | 68 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Julian Marquez | 0 | 37 of 73 | 50% | 53 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 44 of 79 | 55% | 39 of 71 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 34 of 65 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 |
| Julian Marquez | 37 of 73 | 50% | 31 of 64 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 51 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 44 of 79 | 55% | 39 of 71 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 34 of 65 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 |
| Julian Marquez | 37 of 73 | 50% | 31 of 64 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 51 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marquez (-155), Brundage (+130)
Round 1
The year is 2025, and the UFC has placed Brundage (10-6, 1 NC; 4-5, 1 NC UFC) and Marquez (9-5, 3-4 UFC)—two men with UFC records below .500—in a co-main event slot. With dueling walkouts of “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey for the former and the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” for the latter, all 50 or so people visible in the Apex are having a blast. The middleweights will be joined in the cage by referee Mark Smith. They touch gloves. Marquez runs forward and stops just before getting kicked in the head, but Brundage comes at him with a knee and a massive right hand. A second bomb of a right hand hurts Marquez, who stumbles back and bounces off the fence to stay afloat. Brundage leaps at him with a flying knee, and when he misses, Marquez pushes him away and may have gotten away with an eye poke. Brundage wipes at his eye and lets loose a head kick, and he chops at the front leg with a kick. Brundage sits down on a right hand when Marquez is aiming at the body, and he beats “The Cuban Missile Crisis” to the punch with a jab and an overhand right. Brundage snaps the head back with an uppercut, and he gets pushed back from the blunt force of a clubbing punch from his opponent. Brundage leaps at his man and lands on the ground, and Marquez dives down for a possible takedown. Brundage locks up a Dave Schultz front headlock, and Marquez fights out of it, gets to his feet and drills Brundage with a left hand. Brundage shakes it off and strikes back with a right hand up top, and both men start swinging for the fences from up close. Brundage breaks up the firefight with a head kick, and he leans back as a right hook zooms past him. Brundage settles himself down and chips at the front leg, and Marquez snaps out a power jab and follows it with a monster right hand that dislodges Brundage’s mouthpiece. Brundage, in grave danger, leans over and finds himself in guillotine choke danger. Through sheer force of will, Brundage leans up and surges into action with hilariously damaging punches. Brundage knocks Marquez’ mouthpiece out as well in a scene out of an action movie, and both men blast one another with everything they have. Smith finds a moment to pause and give them both their gumshields back, and they replace them and come back out swinging.
With shades of the Toughman contests of old, both middleweights decide that it is time to slug one another in the face violently and brutally until Marquez hits the deck courtesy of a tremendous right hand. Brundage leaps on top and starts blasting with his free right hand, and Marquez desperately shoots for a takedown to try to get his wits back. Brundage does not let his man off the hook, hammering the MMA Lab fighter with thudding blows. Smith implores Marquez to fight back, but the way Brundage is positioned from behind with his left arm wrapping up Marquez, Marquez is unable to posture up or defend himself. As punches continue rapping Marquez upside the head, Smith has no choice but to say enough is enough and call an end to this ridiculous slobberknocker.
Overcome with emotions, a tear-stricken Brundage roars, and the Apex gets about as loud as it possibly can be after that gunslinger’s duel giving it up for the two men in the Octagon. Marquez removes his gloves after the terrific match but does not appear to leave them in the cage, perhaps deciding not to make a rash decision after such a fun clash.
The Official Result
Cody Brundage def. Julian Marquez R1 4:45 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cody Brundage, citing his wrestling background, power, and the fact that Julian Marquez is coming off back-to-back knockout losses with a year layoff. He acknowledges Brundage's questionable fight IQ but believes he is a good fighter overall. He also notes that both fighters are exciting and expects the fight to end early.
Big Brady hesitantly picks Julian Marquez, citing his durability and heart, as well as a slick submission game. He notes Cody Brundage is more skilled but has a bad nail and may quit if hurt. He predicts Marquez will win by first-round submission after Brundage gets hurt and shoots for a takedown.
Connor picks Marquez, noting that Brundage has a single idea that quickly exhausts, while Marquez is a willing scrapper who can fight through adversity. He mentions that Marquez has been getting knocked out lately but still has the toughness to outlast Brundage. Connor also jokes about Marquez's personality but sticks with him as the pick.
The host expects a chaotic matchup and suggests the under 1.5 rounds is the best bet. He leans with Marquez, believing his power striking and slick submissions can catch Brundage, who has been hurt repeatedly. However, he notes Brundage could also catch Marquez, who has lost three straight by knockout. He predicts a club-and-sub within the first round and a half.
The Guru picks Cody Brundage over Julian Marquez. He notes Marquez is on a three-fight losing streak, older, and possibly struggling with drinking. Brundage is younger, hungrier, and has finishing potential. He predicts a finish for Brundage.
Zane picks Marquez despite his recent knockout losses, citing Marquez's willingness to scrap and fight through adversity. He notes that Brundage has a one-plan approach that falls apart after 30 seconds, and while Brundage might have a good idea early, Marquez's brawling will eventually overwhelm him. Zane acknowledges the fight is low-level but favors Marquez's toughness.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 23 of 30 | 76% | 24 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 23 of 30 | 76% | 24 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 23 of 30 | 76% | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 26 |
| Cody Brundage | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul Razak Alhassan | 23 of 30 | 76% | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 26 |
| Cody Brundage | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Alhassan (-162), Brundage (+136)
Round 1
To kick off the main card, the UFC matched up two middleweight finishers that do not like to waste much time in the cage. All 12 victories for “Judo Thunder” Alhassan (12-6, 6-6 UFC) have come by knockout, while Brundage (10-6, 4-5 UFC) has seen eight of his 10 pro wins come inside the distance. Keeping control of the cage for this clash will be referee Dan Miragliotta, and the fighters touch gloves. Brundage whips a one-two at his foe and shoots for a takedown. Alhassan laughs in the face of the takedown and stops it in its tracks while elbowing Brundage in the side of the head, and he shoves Brundage over and busts him in the face with a number of ferocious punches. Brundage rolls around to survive the onslaught, and Alhassan keeps pounding on him. Brundage gets to his knees, and Alhassan hacks at him with elbows that drill the Factory X fighter in the side and back of the head. When two slam into his noggin illegally, Miragliotta emphatically calls time and breaks the fighters apart because of the fouls. Miragliotta informs Alhassan of the bad strikes and also tells him that the angle was close to 12-6 as well. Brundage remains on the ground, struggling to clear his vision as he is clearly compromised from the blows. Miragliotta has Brundage stand up to try to get his head straight, and he calls in the doctor to check on Brundage’s condition. Brundage is in a bad way, as he leans against the cage and is not having a good day. The bloodthirsty crowd hollers at Brundage, and he takes a seat against the cage and tells the doctor that his day is over. Brundage yells at Alhassan, who is upset that there will be a stoppage but not a win. Miragliotta consults with referee Herb Dean to confirm that the ruling will be a no contest due to accidentally illegal elbows, and the fight is waved off with Miragliotta making the normal arm motions that signal a fight’s conclusion. Meanwhile, Brundage’s coach tells him what happened, as Brundage appears to have no recollection of the fight. It is a disappointing result after the bonkers opening seconds, and one hopes the promotion puts this match back together in a month or two.
The Official Result
Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage is Ruled a No Contest (Illegal Elbows) R1 0:37
Angelo picks Cody Brundage as an underdog, citing his insane early pressure, wrestling ability, and power. He notes that Abdul Razak Alhassan rarely uses his high-level judo defensively, leading to a striking match where Brundage's well-roundedness gives him an edge. Angelo also jokes about Brundage's new hairline (Turkish Hair Replacement) boosting confidence. He cautions against betting the under 1.5 rounds as it didn't hit in Brundage's last fight.
Cody picks Alhassan, citing his power and durability. He notes Brundage's tendency to quit and believes Alhassan's cardio, though poor, is better than Brundage's. He expects a first-round knockout or a grind where Alhassan's toughness prevails.
Daniel Vreeland picks Abdul Razak Alhassan to win. He dismisses the idea that Cody Brundage will wrestle for 15 minutes, calling Brundage a 'kill or be killed' fighter who folds under adversity. He notes that Brundage has poor cardio and has never won a decision against quality opposition. He expects Alhassan's power to overwhelm Brundage early.
Cody Brundage will apply a grinding approach to wear on Alhassan's gas tank. If Brundage doesn't get squashed early, he should push through in deep waters and grind out a decision. The plus 450 decision prop is a good look.
Paul picks Alhassan, citing his power and durability. He notes Brundage's history of quitting and believes Alhassan's toughness will be the difference. He expects a finish, possibly by knockout, but acknowledges both fighters have cardio issues at altitude.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 45 of 59 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 7:25 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 33 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 24 of 28 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:25 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 16 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 21 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 3:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 8 of 13 | 61% | 6 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 |
| Cody Brundage | 4 of 12 | 33% | 1 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 5 of 7 | 71% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Cody Brundage | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Cody Brundage | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-2100), Brundage (+1100)
Round 1
The main card opens up with the widest discrepancy on the betting lines tonight by a mile. As a prohibitive -1400, Nickal (5-0, 2-0 UFC) is largely expected to walk through the tough but outmatched-on-paper Brundage (10-5, 3-4 UFC). There are many questions that could be answered, as the unbeaten four-time DI NCAA All-American has never before competed beyond the three-minute mark in an MMA match. Whether this match lasts 15 seconds or 15 minutes, referee Chris Tognoni is on the call and ready for action. The underdog offers a glove touch, but Nickal wants nothing to do with it. Instead, Nickal fakes shooting for a takedown almost immediately. Brundage is well out of the way, and he fires off a flying head kick and a jump knee. Brundage lands a hard right hand to surprise the unbeaten fighter, and Nickal responds with a power punch and a takedown attempt. Brundage rolls through to get back to his feet, and Nickal presses him hard against the fence. Nickal scoops Brundage up and slams him down, and Brundage pops right back up without batting an eye. Nickal succeeds to get a mat return, dropping Brundage down to his knees, but Brundage stands up before Nickal can get hooks in. Nickal pushes down his full body weight to trap Brundage down on the ground, and he slithers a hook in and sneaks his arm under the chin for a second. Brundage turns his head to the side to thwart the choke, and Nickal keeps one arm on the chin to threaten. Brundage hand-fights to stop the choke from landing, and Nickal elects to just brute force squeeze his head like a nutcracker. Brundage pushes off enough to get space, and Nickal steps over to full mount while claiming a guillotine. Nickal sits up and has Brundage’s left arm trapped beneath his legs, and he starts beating on Brundage with elbows. Brundage times a shifting Nickal to turn to his knees and lean against the wall, and Nickal stays on him without a hook in fishing for a choke. Nickal gets a hook in from behind, and Brundage keeps two-on-one wrist control to stop any submission danger. Nickal bops him in the face with feeble punches, and Brundage laughs him off as the crowd gives it up for him. Brundage maintains control on the wrist and signals for Tognoni to let him up, and he rides out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Round 2
As soon as the round begins, Tognoni calls time to remove some debris from the Octagon. The fighter begin, and Brundage walks Nickal down and lines up an overhand right. Nickal throws a high kick from an odd angle, and when he tries to transition to a takedown, Brundage slings him mightily to the ground. Brundage goes after him and tries to lay into him with strikes, but Nickal recovers, shoots and completes a takedown. Brundage turns to his side as he tries to stand, and Nickal lands sporadic ground-and-pound as he moves into half guard. The crowd gets restless again at Nickal wrestling so heavily, but he ignores it and passes the full mount. Brundage throws punches from his back, and Nickal presses his chest down to set up an arm-triangle choke. Nickal lets it go to land a punch, and he hunts for elbows while Brundage holds onto his face. Nickal postures up and slams down some ground-and-pound, forcing Brundage to turn around and give up his back. Brundage finds himself in immediately submission danger, with Nickal latching onto a rear-naked choke grip that is not yet beneath the chin. Brundage fights off the choke, and Nickal switches arms and slithers the forearm under the chin. Brundage knows he has been outhustled here, and he surrenders before the choke puts him out. Nickal releases the grip on the tap, and he stands up and starts booing himself while putting both thumbs down. He appears not impressed with his own performance.
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Cody Brundage R2 3:38 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, calling the -2400 odds correct with 96% implied probability. He notes Brundage has power and could land a lucky shot, but Nickal's wrestling is overwhelming. He advises against parlaying Nickal due to poor value and suggests under 1.5 rounds as a better bet.
Cody is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, noting his elite wrestling and the low level of competition he's faced. He points out that Brundage has poor fight IQ, citing his pulling guard on Ralek Gracie when he was winning, and his tendency to gas out. Cody mentions Brundage has been taken down by Nick Maximov and has no dynamic striking. He expects Nickal to dominate and finish inside the distance, likely by TKO or submission, and thinks the fight won't go past the first round and a half.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal, noting that even high-IQ Cody Brundage plays into Nickal's strengths. He mentions that Brundage's path to victory is narrow, possibly a knockout, but that Nickal's wrestling and jiu-jitsu are world-class. He suggests that if betting Brundage, one should take a KO prop at high odds rather than the moneyline.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal to win, but notes he is not laying 25 units to win one. He acknowledges Nickal's wrestling advantage and expects a first-round finish, but warns that Brundage has knockout power and could pull off an upset. Vreeland is curious to see Nickal past round one but believes he will dominate.
Jeff Fox picks Bo Nickal, agreeing with Vreeland. He notes that if he had $100 to bet and didn't want to lose it, he'd bet Nickal. He mentions that Brundage could knock Nickal out, but that's a low-probability event, and that Nickal is the safe pick.
Lucrative James does not make a pick for this fight. He says it is what it is but it's good to see Bo Nickal continue his rise. He mentions Cody Brundage has cashed tickets for him in the past. No prediction is given.
Nickal will get to his takedown quickly and rain down big shots from top position for a TKO win. Brundage is the toughest opponent Nickal has faced but it won't be enough.
Paul sees this as a clear mismatch. He notes that Nickal hasn't faced any adversity yet, so his chin and resolve are untested, but Brundage is not the guy to test them. Paul calls Brundage 'Cody Bumd' and points out his poor performances, including getting knocked out by Alexei Kunchenko and being outgrappled by Nick Maximov. He believes Nickal will easily take Brundage down and finish him. Paul says the moneyline is too short to bet, but everyone will take Nickal inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round finish, calling Cody Brundage a sacrificial lamb. He criticizes Brundage's recent wins as flukes and believes Nickal is superior everywhere. He notes Nickal's high-pressure experience and predicts a rear-naked choke or TKO.
Jacob Malkoun - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 36 of 82 | 43% | 54 of 103 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:17 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 32 of 76 | 42% | 53 of 100 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 3 | 2 | 4:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 11 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 15 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 3:56 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 18 of 42 | 42% | 30 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 12 of 28 | 42% | 13 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 12 of 39 | 30% | 20 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 2 | 1 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 36 of 82 | 43% | 30 of 74 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 36 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 32 of 76 | 42% | 23 of 66 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 31 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 6 of 12 | 50% | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 4 of 5 | 80% | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 18 of 42 | 42% | 16 of 40 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 16 of 32 | 50% | 11 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 12 of 28 | 42% | 9 of 23 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 12 of 39 | 30% | 9 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Malkoun (9-3; 5-3 UFC) enters the cage as a massive favorite against the reeling and overweight Meerschaert (37-21; 12-13 UFC), with Mike Beltran drwaing his first ref assignment of the evening. Malkoun is orthodox, Meerschaert southpaw, and it’s Malkoun connecting first with a solid right hand that backs the American off. Malkoun is the much faster man on the feet in the early going. Malkoun, bizarrely, changes levels for a takedown attempt against the fence and Meerschaert counters with his trademark guillotine. Malkoun is in real danger for a moment, but manages to extricate his neck. Meerschaert is in top position, in Malkoun’s half guard, looking perhaps to try for another guillotine. Half the round is down, and Meerschaert is still on top, in control. Malkoun manages to stick him back into full guard, but Meerschaert passes to half guard again near the base of the fence. Beltran is talking to them, presumably telling them to keep working, but it’s far from a static position, as they are moving and exchanging short shots. Meerschaert postures up and drops an elbow to the face. Meerschaert wraps up a guillotine from top position but can’t make a serious attempt out of it before the horn. 10-9 Meerschaert.
Round 2
They go back to work on the feet and once again, Malkoun’s edge in speed and accuracy is stark. Malkoun bounces into range against the taller man, pops him with a two or three-punch combo, then exits untouched, several times in a row. Meerschaert appears to be looking for the right moment to shoot for a takedown, but through 90 seconds he has not made a serious attempt. Malkoun backs him up to the fence and belts him with a right to the body. Meerschaert lands a glancing head kick, and Malkoun tags him with two punches. They collide in the pocket and Meeerschaert pulls guard. He controls Malkoun’s posture with a shoulder lock, but Malkoun pulls his right arm out of danger, sets up in Meerschaert’s half guard and throws a flurry of ground strikes. With under a minute to go, Malkoun throws a final series of punches and stands up out of his foe’s guard. Beltran motions Meerschaert to stand, and Malkoun quickly tags him with another series of punches. The round ends. 10-9 Malkoun.
Round 3
It’s anyone’s fight—on our scorecard, at least—as these two go back to work for Round 3. Malkoun stalks forward, sticking out his left jab, backing Meerschaert off. Malkoun is getting much the better of the orthodox vs. southpaw hand fight. A minute in, neither man has really committed to a power strike on the feet, but Malkoun has been the more active, more accurate man. Malkoun steps into the pocket and lands a clean three-piece combination that makes Meerschaert blink and back off. Malkoun hits him with a lead left. He is landing nearly at will, but not forcing the issue at all despite his clear superiority on the feet. Malkoun steps into the pocket and Meerschaert falls to guard in the ensuing collision. Malkoun follows him down, settles into his guard, but lets him back up a moment later. They return to the center of the cage and exchange strikes. Meerschaert is the aggressor, stalking forward and throwing single strikes. They collide and Meerschaert throws on a guillotine choke, shoving Malkoun to the canvas and trying for the last-second finish. It’s pretty obvious he won’t get it, but the round ends with the American on top and in control. The horn sounds on a strange, frankly lousy fight. 10-9 Malkoun (29-28 Malkoun).
The Official Result
Jacob Malkoun def. Gerald Meerschaert via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is extremely confident in Jacob Malkoun, calling Gerald Meerschaert washed and stating he has no chance. He criticizes Meerschaert's poor takedown defense and chin, and believes Malkoun's wrestling will dominate. He even threatens to ban anyone who picks Meerschaert by submission.
Cody picks Malkoun by TKO, noting Meerschaert's recent knockout losses and Malkoun's improved striking. He believes Malkoun will finish him early, possibly in the first round.
Connor agrees with Zane, calling Malkoun a smart technician who uses his jab and single-leg effectively. He notes that Meerschaert is a slow, aging fighter who relied on opponents being bad, and now faces a composed fighter who won't make those mistakes. He sees it as a clear win for Malkoun.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jacob Malkoun to knock out Gerald Meerschaert in the first round. He believes Malkoun's high pace and power will overwhelm Meerschaert, who he thinks is past his prime and likely to cover up when hit.
Malkoun is a massive favorite with an implied probability of 92%, but the odds offer no value. He is a solid MMA grappler with better wrestling, striking, cardio, and home advantage. Meerschaert is old, missed weight, and only has a Hail Mary submission path. The over 1.5 rounds at 1.64 is interesting because Malkoun is a decision eater and Meerschaert is tough, but not super confident due to Meerschaert's decline.
Lucrative James picks Jacob Malkoun to win via TKO. He believes Malkoun is a much better fighter and that Meerschaert is washed up. He notes Malkoun's wrestling and improved striking should be enough to finish Meerschaert, though he is not super confident on the method.
The host expects Malkoun to run through Meerschaert, citing Malkoun's superior BJJ, youth, and striking. He thinks Malkoun will get a TKO or submission inside the distance, as Meerschaert is on a four-fight losing streak and his durability is fading. The host does not like betting minus 1000 but expects a finish.
Paul picks Malkoun, citing his improved boxing and wrestling. He believes Malkoun will knock out Meerschaert, who has been knocked out repeatedly in the first round.
The MMA Guru picks Jacob Malkoun, noting he is a -1100 favorite but thinks the odds are too high. He praises Malkoun's skills and recent performances, while criticizing Gerald Meerschaert's recent losses and age. He acknowledges Meerschaert's submission threat but believes Malkoun is too good.
Zane picks Malkoun confidently, stating that Meerschaert is done—slow, old, and has been finished in three of his last four fights. He notes that Malkoun is a smart, strategic fighter with a good jab and single-leg takedown, which will be too much for Meerschaert's limited skills. He calls it a gentle send-off for Meerschaert.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 1 | 117 of 181 | 64% | 151 of 219 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 3 | 0 | 5:16 |
| Torrez Finney | 0 | 27 of 77 | 35% | 42 of 95 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 61 of 98 | 62% | 72 of 111 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Torrez Finney | 0 | 7 of 26 | 26% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 1 | 37 of 53 | 69% | 58 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 2:29 |
| Torrez Finney | 0 | 8 of 21 | 38% | 11 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 19 of 30 | 63% | 21 of 32 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:27 |
| Torrez Finney | 0 | 12 of 30 | 40% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 117 of 181 | 64% | 115 of 179 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 97 of 153 | 4 of 5 | 16 of 23 |
| Torrez Finney | 27 of 77 | 35% | 25 of 73 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 74 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 61 of 98 | 62% | 59 of 96 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 55 of 88 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 |
| Torrez Finney | 7 of 26 | 26% | 6 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 37 of 53 | 69% | 37 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 14 |
| Torrez Finney | 8 of 21 | 38% | 8 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 19 of 30 | 63% | 19 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Torrez Finney | 12 of 30 | 40% | 11 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malkoun (-166), Finney (+140)
Round 1
Aussies continue to populate the Octagon, as Malkoun (8-3, 4-3 UFC) reps Straya against one of the only Americans on the billing in undefeated fireplug Finney (11-0, 1-0 UFC). Two of the shorter 185ers will toe the line in this one, both a far cry from the 6-foot-5 Nursultan Ruziboev who towers over much of their division. While they might need a stepstool to reach the top shelf where Mama hides the cookies, they will handle their business under the oversight of referee Steve Perceval. Fists are not bumped first.
Finney charges forward, and stops before engaging. He pushes out jabs that are far out of range, while Malkoun is much closer even if he too is not yet hitting his target. After 30-ish seconds of shadowboxing, Malkoun reaches Finney with a few jabs, and the audience is not pleased. Malkoun brings life to the bored stands by shooting for a single, and Finney spins around and gets out of it. Malkoun probes out his jab, and he leans back as two looping hooks brush his beard. Malkoun drives home a one-two on the jaw, and Finney does not like it and needs a moment to collect himself. Finney fakes changing levels, and Malkoun ignores it and puts three punches on his jaw. Malkoun beats his man to the punch with another brief exchange, leading Finney to bullrush him and swing for the fences. Malkoun wears them well, and he stuffs a takedown and hurts him with a one-two.
Finney backs off, and Malkoun dings him with another offering of fists. Finney loads up on counters, even catching Malkoun with a left hook, but Malkoun hurts him repeatedly. Finney’s takedown is stuffed without issue, and Malkoun makes him pay with a combination of punches. Finney overswings his counters, loading up and firing out of range, all while Malkoun is teeing off on him. Malkoun busts open Finney’s nose as he proceeds to beat on him like a rented mule, forcing Finney to shoot again feebly so he can punch him square in the face. Finney is out of sorts and not sure what to do, backing off as Malkoun is able to hit him without fear of reprisal. Malkoun slugs Finney in the face, grabbing the hulking American and tossing him to the floor like a side of beef. Rather than go after ground strikes, Malkoun pursues a modified arm-in guillotine choke, and the beefy Finney turns him around and secures top position. Malkoun lands more off his back than Finney does when standing, and when time expires, Finney clutches his knee and struggles to get back to his corner.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Round 2
Finney informs Perceval that he can continue after going down strangely on his leg during the takedown in the previous round, and the fighters resume. Malkoun pushes off when Finney tries to engage him, and Finney hops back with his right knee clearly compromised. Malkoun stays back, allowing Finney to swing wildly and inaccurately so he can measure the American and land any time he chooses. Finney stands still, and he jumps forward to attack and stings Malkoun with a huge hook. Malkoun blinks it out and pushes Finney away, where he gets to his preferred range to jab “The Punisher” up. Finney overswings on a hook, and Malkoun puts a jab in his face repeatedly. Malkoun’s strikes slash open Finney’s left eyebrow, and he gladly stays on the outside jabbing away. Finney closes the distance briefly, only to get driven back after landing with a few strikes. Malkoun splits the guard with a one-two, setting Finney down like sack of bricks.
Malkoun jumps down in hopes of finishing the job, but the defense of Finney holds up to allow him to drag himself to the wall and protect his mug. Malkoun punches the side and under the armpit when seeing an opening, punishing “The Punisher” with ground strikes while imposing his weight on the shorter man. Malkoun has his arms clasped around the waist and attempts to pull Finney down from behind, looping a hook in to further control his man. Malkoun attempts a vice-like face crank squeeze, crushing his grip on the jaw and putting everything into it. Finney, thanks in part to a bloody nose, slides his head out of the submission and fights back to his feet without getting struck again before the one-sided round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Round 3
Replays between rounds show how Finney aggravated his hamstring or knee mid-fight, but Finney toughs it out and starts the last round aggressively after a stern talking-to from his team. Finney swings with everything he has, and Malkoun keeps out of range from the worst of the blows. Malkoun shoots for his own single, and he ties the American up and bullies him to the fencing, where he proceeds to aggressively go after another single. Finney defends both efforts but gets cracked by two hooks, and Malkoun is able to feast on his defense by scoring at will. Malkoun’s jab consistently gives the walking tree stump of a fighter issues, and he ducks a Finney swing to bully him to the wall.
Malkoun grinds out the heavily muscled man and imposes his full weight upon him, leaning and kneeing Finney as his own countrymen and women boo his strategy. Finney wriggles out, and he gets popped with a left hook. Finney throws back hard, forcing Malkoun to rub his nose uncomfortably. The jab from Malkoun is booping Finney on the schnoz time and again, disrupting wide swings and keeping him safe. Finney lets his hands go and manages to connect on Malkoun, who answers with a rushing single that drags Finney to a knee. The moment Finney walks himself up with the fence behind him, Malkoun effortlessly hurls him back down. “Mamba” holds on top until the round ends, speaking to commentator Daniel Cormier outside the cage by remarking the Finney is better than he thought. The one-sided bout ends, and Finney can barely stand, needing to get carried back to his stool after three less-than-stellar rounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)
The Official Result
Jacob Malkoun def. Torrez Finney via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Angelo picks Torrez Finney, stating he is the better wrestler and will take Jacob Malkoun down repeatedly. He notes Malkoun's takedown defense is not great and he hasn't fought in a long time. He bet on Finney at plus 140 and expects the line to tighten. He acknowledges Finney's boring style but thinks he will step it up.
Big Brady picks Jacob Malkoun, citing his superior grappling skills. He notes Malkoun took down Brendan Allen seven times and controlled him for over seven minutes. He thinks Finney is physically strong but less skilled, and Malkoun will win a decision.
Cody is leaning toward Finney, citing his friendship with the fighter and the fact that Malkoun is coming off a long layoff and back surgery. He notes that both are decision machines and expects a grappling-heavy fight. He prefers the over 2.5 rounds as a bet but picks Finney for the show.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Malkoun. He notes that Malkoun is a good technician with a nuanced wrestling game, and Finney is a one-dimensional blanket. Connor is curious to see Malkoun's wrestling against superior physicality but believes Malkoun's skill will prevail.
Daniel Vreeland picks Malkoun but is hesitant due to his long layoff and injury concerns. He believes Malkoun's cardio and pace will overwhelm Finney in the later rounds, but worries that Finney's strength and wrestling could win the first two rounds. Vreeland thinks Malkoun can take over in the second and third rounds if he is the same fighter as before.
James picks Finney as an underdog, citing his physical strength, durability, and wrestling. He believes Malkoun's long layoff and back injury are concerns, and that Finney can match him in grappling and striking. James sees Finney's power and explosiveness as key, and expects a close fight or a Finney KO.
Malkoun has a smothering grappling style with good cardio, but he has durability concerns and a long layoff due to a bulging disc. Finney is a strong grappler but lacks damage output, as shown in his debut where he landed only four significant strikes. Malkoun should outscramble Finney and land more effective damage over 15 minutes. However, Finney's power and the layoff make this a tough fight to predict. The host leans Malkoun by decision.
Paul also picks Finney, noting that he hits harder and has better striking. He questions Malkoun's stand-up and believes Finney's wrestling and durability will be key. He also likes the over 2.5 rounds.
The Guru picks Jacob Malkoun, calling him underrated and highlighting his grappling skills, nearly beating Brendan Allen. He notes Malkoun's fundamental striking and shorter stature as advantages against Finney's style. He predicts a third-round submission as Finney slows down.
Zane picks Malkoun because he is a better technician and game planner than Finney. He notes that Finney relies on blanketing top game and has no offensive part to his game, and Malkoun's crafty wrestling and ability to outfox from the bottom should allow him to get on top. Zane is intrigued by the matchup but feels Malkoun deserves better opponents.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 13 of 42 | 30% | 13 of 43 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 20 of 40 | 50% | 21 of 41 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 10 of 33 | 30% | 10 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 15 of 32 | 46% | 16 of 33 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 13 of 42 | 30% | 6 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Andre Petroski | 20 of 40 | 50% | 16 of 36 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 10 of 33 | 30% | 4 of 26 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Andre Petroski | 15 of 32 | 46% | 12 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andre Petroski | 5 of 8 | 62% | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malkoun (-205), Petroski (+170)
Round 1
Middleweights Malkoun and Petroski go to work under the watchful eye of referee Gary Copeland. Both men are in orthodox stance and the crowd lets fly with its first “USA” chant of the evening for Philly native Petroski. Petroski switches stances frequently in the early going, frequently ending southpaw, but Malkoun catches him with a big jab mid-switch that has him stumbling away, hurt. Malkoun walks him down but does not overcommit to the chase. Petroski fires a righty jab from southpaw, which Malkoun counters with a hard left. Malkoun appears sharper on the feet in the first half of the first round, but Petroski catches him with a clean left that buckles his legs. Petroski changes levels and tries to take the Australian down, but can’t finish. Malkoun turns the tables and tries for a takedown of his own near the fence, but can’t get Petroski off his feet. Malkoun walks Petroski down, but walks right into a level change. Petroski hoists a single-leg and sweeps the other leg to complete the takedown. Malkoun hops right back up and the horn sounds a few seconds later.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Round 2
Malkoun comes forward and tries an immediate takedown, which Petroski snuffs out easily.
Petroski goes for a takedown of his own, then crumples to the ground on his hands and knees, obviously hurt. Malkoun gives him a single massive soccer kick to the ribs and with Petroski offering no resistance, Copeland steps in for the stoppage.
It takes a couple of runs through the replay footage to figure it out, but it appears Petroski’s head might have collided with the point of Malkoun’s hip during the takedown attempt. Whatever the case, it goes down as a win for the “Mamba.”
The Official Result
Jacob Malkoun def. Andre Petroski R2 0:39 via TKO (Soccer Kick to the Body)
Angelo slightly leans Andre Petroski, believing he is the better wrestler and more dangerous striker. He notes Petroski has looked poor in his last two fights but thinks he can win here. He warns that if Petroski loses, he should be cut and find a new gym.
Cody is high on Malkoun's relentless wrestling and cardio, believing he will drown Petroski with takedowns and ground pressure. He expects a finish via TKO or submission as Petroski gasses, and even makes a shoey bet on Malkoun winning inside the distance.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jacob Malkoun, citing his pace, durability, and ability to push the fight. He notes Petroski has a history of fading and being broken by pressure (e.g., Brian Battle). He thinks Malkoun's wrestling and cardio will overwhelm Petroski as the fight goes on, leading to a decision or late finish.
Malkoun's relentless pace and pressure will wear down Petroski, who has cardio issues and needs an early finish. Malkoun chains takedowns and stays busy, while Petroski slows in later rounds. Malkoun should dominate the second and third rounds, winning a decision. Petroski's submission threat is real early, but Malkoun's movement and never-settle style should avoid bad positions.
Paul expects Malkoun to win by decision, citing his wrestling volume and Petroski's tendency to gas. He plans to bet Malkoun by decision at plus money, seeing it as a reliable play.
The host picks Jacob Malkoun to win, citing that both fighters have similar styles but Petroski is more explosive and slows down more. He believes Malkoun's volume and output, both in strikes and takedowns, will make the difference. He predicts a third-round finish or a decision win for Malkoun.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 28 of 39 | 71% | 44 of 60 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:39 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 0 | 28 of 39 | 71% | 44 of 60 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:39 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 28 of 39 | 71% | 28 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 39 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 28 of 39 | 71% | 28 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 39 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malkoun (-485), Brundage (+370)
Round 1
After a round robin of opponent changes, Australia’s Malkoun (7-2, 3-2 UFC) will now settle for taking on late replacement Brundage (8-5, 2-4 UFC), with the latter dropping three straight over the last 10 months. The middleweights will be joined in the cage by referee Mark Smith, who checks them in without them touching gloves. Brundage comes out shot out of a cannon, where he attacks with a head kick before charging towards Malkoun and taking him down. Malkoun powers himself back to his feet, and he gets hold of a single and drags Brundage to his seat. Brundage turns the tables to flip Malkoun over, but the two ultimately scramble well enough to stand. Malkoun doggedly pursues the single, and after two additional tries, Malkoun finally pulls Brundage away from the wall and puts him to his knees. Malkoun slugs his man on the side of the head, and Smith is paying close attention to the proceedings as Brundage is taking fire. Brundage works his way to the fence, where he leans on his side as Malkoun lays into him with strong punches. Brundage looks frustrated, as Malkoun maintains a tough top position where he has his own leg entangled between Brundage’s to keep him grounded. Malkoun continues to beat down on Brundage, and Brundage leans over and puts his hands on the floor in some kind of desperate effort to escape. When Brundage gets a modicum of success, pulling the hook off of his side, Malkoun quickly replaces it and keeps beating on the American. Malkoun uses his left hand to bludgeon Brundage, who is taking punishment and not offering any offense of his own. Malkoun uses a palm-to-palm rear-naked choke to hunt for the choke with full power, and Brundage shakes his head out of it.
When Brundage is leaned over, Malkoun blasts Brundage in the back of the head with a mighty elbow. Smith calls time immediately, and he quickly brings in the doctor, as Brundage is in a bad way from the foul.
Brundage sits up against the cage, and Smith exits the cage to check replay footage to see the extent of the elbow landing. There is no specific time allotment for this type of foul, and Brundage asks how much time he has to recover when Smith inquires if Brundage can continue. The physician comes in to check on Brundage’s condition again, and Brundage is not ready to resume fighting. The fight is waved off, and due to the directly aimed blow clearly to the back of the head, it could be a disqualification if the strike is deemed intentional by Smith. This is an unfortunate ending to what at the time had been a potential 10-8 round for Malkoun, as 45 seconds remained on the clock with Malkoun in full control.
The Official Result
Cody Brundage def. Jacob Malkoun R1 4:15 via Disqualification (Illegal Elbow)
Angelo notes Brundage has power and wrestling but poor fight IQ and a tendency to lose fights he dominates. Malkoun has relentless takedowns and cardio, and if he avoids an early big right hand, he should dominate. Angelo is pretty confident in Malkoun.
Big Brady is confident in Jacob Malkoun, citing his phenomenal offensive wrestling, cardio, and control. He notes Cody Brundage has poor defensive wrestling and tends to stall on bottom. Malkoun must avoid Brundage's early power and guillotine attempts, but once he gets top position, he should dominate. Brady predicts a submission but is not fully sold on the method.
Cody picks Jacob Malkoun by decision, calling it play of the week. He highlights Malkoun's relentless takedowns and top control, while Brundage has terrible output and poor fight IQ (jumping guillotines). He expects Malkoun to dominate with wrestling and grind out a decision.
Daniel is very confident Malkoun dominates, calling Brundage a quitter with terrible output (3 strikes in last fight). He praises Malkoun's relentless takedown attempts and tenacity, noting he attempted 24 takedowns against Alhassan. He thinks Malkoun will break Brundage with pace and pressure, possibly getting a finish. He sees this as a massive mismatch.
Lucrative James picks Malkoun but is hesitant due to his chin issues. He expects Malkoun to wrestle and grind out a decision, but acknowledges Brundage's power and volatility could lead to an early KO. He suggests betting Brundage inside the distance or round 1 instead of Malkoun's moneyline at -500.
The host picks Malkoun at minus 600, calling him a safe parlay piece. He highlights Malkoun's refined wrestling and BJJ black belt, contrasting with Brundage's poor fight IQ and tendency to pull guillotine. He expects Malkoun to smother Brundage on the ground and win a decision, noting Brundage's 0-3 skid and likely cut if he loses.
Paul also picks Malkoun by decision, noting his consistent takedown numbers and Brundage's tendency to jump guillotine. He likes Malkoun's wrestling and thinks Brundage has no path to victory. He mentions Malkoun's decision prop at +135.
The MMA Guru picks Jacob Malkoun, criticizing Cody Brundage's recent performances, especially his loss to Cedric Dumas where he 'shelled up and accepted defeat.' He notes Brundage is on a three-fight losing streak and lacks finishing potential except against low-level opponents. He expects Malkoun to outgrind Brundage over three rounds, as Brundage doesn't have the skills to finish or compete effectively.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 34 of 102 | 33% | 56 of 124 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Nick Maximov | 0 | 83 of 164 | 50% | 129 of 214 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 0 | 0 | 7:37 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 19 of 61 | 31% | 19 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Nick Maximov | 0 | 36 of 75 | 48% | 38 of 77 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 7 of 24 | 29% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Nick Maximov | 0 | 36 of 66 | 54% | 61 of 92 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 25 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Nick Maximov | 0 | 11 of 23 | 47% | 30 of 45 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 3:45 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 34 of 102 | 33% | 29 of 96 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 34 of 101 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Nick Maximov | 83 of 164 | 50% | 78 of 158 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 66 of 141 | 4 of 8 | 13 of 15 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 19 of 61 | 31% | 17 of 59 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Nick Maximov | 36 of 75 | 48% | 35 of 74 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 34 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 7 of 24 | 29% | 5 of 21 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Nick Maximov | 36 of 66 | 54% | 33 of 62 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 29 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 7 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 8 of 17 | 47% | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Nick Maximov | 11 of 23 | 47% | 10 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 11 | 3 of 6 | 5 of 6 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Maximov (-135), Malkoun (+115)
Round 1
Two training partners-turned-UFC middleweights will grace the cage next, as Nick Diaz Academy product Maximov (8-1, 2-1 UFC) will aim to bounce back from his first career defeat at the expense of Robert Whittaker teammate Malkoun (6-2, 2-2 UFC). Ready for whatever happens next is referee Mark Smith, and the fighters do not touch ‘em up. They both measure their range with high kicks, but neither man lands with them. Instead, they switch things up to jabs, and they peck at one another from a distance. Maximov walks his opponent down and straight into repeated jabs, and he loads up on a huge left hand. When it misses, he doubles down with another, and it stuns the Aussie and drops him to his knees. Malkoun attempts to take the fight down when hurt, and after a brief grappling stalemate, they return to their feet. Maximov looks to get his feet beneath him again and work his jab once more, but Maximov has found his range with hooks. The Nick Diaz-trained fighter just misses with a spinning wheel kick, but he clips Malkoun coming in with a sharp left. Malkoun ducks down with a single, and he wrenches Maximov down to the mat. The American works his way to his knees and back to his feet, but Malkoun immediately secures a mat return. The grind continues for Malkoun, who yanks Maximov down any time he stands back up. Maximov wriggles out of the grip, and he backs off to the fence and gets popped with a left hook. Malkoun connects with a few punches that draw a grin out of his opponent, and he might have compromised Maximov when attacking. Maximov winces as he backs off, and Malkoun gives chase and connects with a few punches before setting him down with a snatch single. Maximov works his way back up, and Malkoun follows him every step of the way and sneaks a right hand around the guard. Maximov shells up and is defending, and he cannot back Malkoun off even when getting a left hand in. As soon as the horn sounds, Maximov reaches to his right leg in pain, and he lets out a yelp. It is unclear if he will be able to continue, and his corner calms him down and has him sit on his stool to recover. Smith calls in the doctor between rounds, but Maximov is cleared to keep fighting.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Round 2
Knowing his opponent is in trouble, Malkoun pushes his foot on the gas and rushes out of his corner to engage when Round 2 begins. He backs Maximov off and hits a single with ease, and this time, Maximov is not as eager or able to work right back up. Instead, Maximov closes his guard around the waist, and he is wincing greatly when trying to maneuver his right leg for the guard. Malkoun postures up and lines up with a right hand, but his foe keeps his gloves high to defend it. Maximov leans to his side but cannot get up, and Malkoun drops down left hands in the form of hammers. The pain is clear on Maximov’s face, and he is completely devoid of offense as he lays on his back. Malkoun comfortably moves to half guard, and he aims to drop down ground-and-pound while Maximov is doing anything in his power to show signs of life. With every bit of his energy, Maximov grits his teeth and explodes back to his feet. He immediately backs off, and Malkoun walks him down and lumps him up with heavy punches. Malkoun slips a few punches and plods forward, all while Maximov limps back. Malkoun has a right hand get through, and Smith tells Maximov to fight back. Maximov shells up and backpedals, and when he has a guard high, Malkoun rips the body. Practically every step from Maximov draws a physical reaction out of him, and Malkoun decides to kick the legs for good measure. The one-sided but hardly dominant round ends as Malkoun lands a few more punches.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Round 3
The doctors come to check on Maximov again between rounds, and despite the limp and obvious pain, Maximov is once more good to go. A few punches from Malkoun lead to a takedown, and he grabs a single and lowers Maximov to the mat gently. Malkoun searches for a rubber guard with his non-damaged leg, but Malkoun shrugs it off and continues holding on from above. A little light ground-and-pound is absorbed by the Californian before he jumps back up to his feet, and Malkoun is on him with his fists. Smith is paying close attention to the injured fighter, and Malkoun grips his man from behind and then slings leather at him. Maximov strings two punches together, but neither find their target as the Aussie is able to evade them. Maximov tumbles to the ground from a single-leg takedown, and Malkoun clings to his damaged opponent without landing much in the way of offense on his own right. Malkoun grinds from top position, preferring to rack up control time rather than deal damage. The heavy top pressure is not enough to keep even the injured Maximov down, and Maximov works his way back up and connects with a few punches to get the audience back in the fight. Malkoun takes any momentum away with a labored but simple single, and Maximov has no hope of defending it in his condition. Maximov turns to his knees, despite this, and wants to fight his way back up. Malkoun holds him down with a front choke that is more to hang on than to actually submit anyone, and the horn mercifully sounds to conclude this miserable fight.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)
The Official Result
Jacob Malkoun def. Nick Maximov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo leans Nick Maximov in a razor-thin matchup between two grapplers. He notes that Maximov has better wrestling and BJJ, and that the fight will likely be decided by grappling. He acknowledges Malkoun has raw power but is not the better wrestler. This is a close fight and Angelo is not highly confident.
Big Brady leans slightly toward Nick Maximov to win a close decision. He notes both fighters are similar wrestlers, but gives Maximov advantages in size (height, reach), cardio, and quality of wins (over Soriano and Brundage). He thinks Maximov is the better wrestler and will grind out a decision, but calls it a tricky fight to call.
Cody leans towards Malkoun as a slight underdog, calling it a 50/50 fight. He notes both are wrestlers, but Malkoun may have a slight edge in striking and willingness to engage. He thinks Malkoun's takedown ability against strong opponents like Alhassan and Dobson is impressive.
Both fighters are similar grapplers, but Malkoun's pressure and ability to scramble from bottom positions give him an edge. He never settles and uses butterfly hooks to get back to his feet or reverse. Maximov is a higher belt but Malkoun's relentless style should make it competitive. At plus money, the host sees value on Malkoun, expecting a close decision.
Paul also leans Malkoun, noting the fight is a toss-up. He thinks Malkoun's wrestling and strength could be the difference, and he is more willing to strike than Maximov. He calls it a dog or pass fight.
The MMA Guru picks Nick Maximov, believing he will out-hustle Jacob Malkoun in grappling. He notes that Maximov's loss to Andre Petroski was a choke, not damage, and that he has less pressure now. He trusts Maximov's jiu-jitsu to secure positional advantage and potentially find the back, while Malkoun lacks submission or KO power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brendan Allen | 0 | 45 of 74 | 60% | 89 of 122 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 2 | 3:24 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 33 of 55 | 60% | 66 of 96 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 7:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brendan Allen | 0 | 15 of 34 | 44% | 25 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 13 of 27 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:24 | |
| 2 | Brendan Allen | 0 | 12 of 16 | 75% | 25 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:39 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 12 of 19 | 63% | 32 of 43 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:58 | |
| 3 | Brendan Allen | 0 | 18 of 24 | 75% | 39 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 2:06 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 11 of 16 | 68% | 21 of 26 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:47 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brendan Allen | 45 of 74 | 60% | 36 of 62 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 8 | 28 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 17 of 18 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 33 of 55 | 60% | 29 of 50 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 29 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brendan Allen | 15 of 34 | 44% | 8 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 10 of 20 | 50% | 8 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Brendan Allen | 12 of 16 | 75% | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 12 of 19 | 63% | 10 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 | |
| 3 | Brendan Allen | 18 of 24 | 75% | 18 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 11 of 12 |
| Jacob Malkoun | 11 of 16 | 68% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Allen (-280), Malkoun (+225)
Round 1
Moving right along, this next fight comes up at middleweight, when Allen (18-5, 6-2 UFC) drops back down to 185 pounds in hopes of defanging “Mamba” Malkoun (6-1, 2-1 UFC). The third man inside the Octagon will be gold-standard referee Jason Herzog, and he takes a step back when the fighters wade forward with no interest in touching gloves. Allen fires off a few high kicks and a jab to follow, and he catches Malkoun backing up with a leg kick. Allen goes over the top with a right hand, and Malkoun looks to stand firm and blast him back. They trade big punches on the inside, and Allen backs off and aims a kick low. Malkoun scores solidly with a jab, and Allen chomps down on his gumshield to throw heavy leather. “Mamba” is able to slither out of danger and answer Allen with a solid right hand, but Allen is on him giving chase. Allen loads up on power punches, darting forward and making the Aussie retreat. As Allen lands a low kick, Malkoun pursues a takedown. Malkoun takes Allen’s legs out beneath him as Allen pursues a possible guillotine choke setup, and he shrugs his neck out and they both stand up. Malkoun keeps his hands clasped behind Allen’s waist, and he elects to simply drag Allen down on top of him when he cannot otherwise take Allen down. Allen ends up giving his back up when unable to twist around, and Malkoun gets one hook in and holds him tight. Allen turns to his knees and powers back up with Malkoun on his back, and he lifts Allen up but cannot plant him down. Allen hops towards the cage and reverses Malkoun to throw him down to the mat with emphasis. “All In” goes all-in as he claims mount in a hurry, but before he can get off any noteworthy offense, Malkoun is scrambling wildly. Allen threatens with a submission, and they both power back up instead. Allen clings to a guillotine choke when Malkoun looks to tackle him back over, and the Aussie wriggles his neck out and gets on top. Allen scoots his way to the wall on a single knee, and he stands up with a few seconds to spare. Malkoun holds on, taking a short punch and elbow to the face, before the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 2
The middleweights do decide to touch gloves to start off the second round, and Allen starts off hot with a few power punches that get blocked. Malkoun responds with a looping right hand, and Allen kicks him in the head for good measure. Malkoun pushes out a few jabs, leading to Allen imploring him to strike with him. As Allen advances, Malkoun clips him with a straight left, getting stunned for a moment. They both land powerful hooks, and Allen chains the punch into a low kick. As soon as it lands, Malkoun attacks a single-leg takedown, and Allen fights off this try and a subsequent trip but gets pulled down to the mat. Allen cannot stay upright, even with a cheeky fence grab, and he falls to his back and closes his guard. The Aussie steps over to half guard, and he grinds with his forehead instead of striking. Allen slashes with elbows from his back, and he bucks Malkoun off to walk up the cage back to his feet. Malkoun lets him spin around so that he can wrench Allen down to the ground with a single. Malkoun jumps to half guard and gets off a couple short punches to the body, and he has one go over the top. Malkoun hangs on from on top, and he sits up to drop down a pair of elbows before glomming back down. Allen scrambles after these strikes, getting to a knee and ultimately surrendering his back. Allen times an explosion quickly to gain top position, and he leaps over to side control with about 30 seconds left in the round. Allen hammers down a few short elbows as the round comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Round 3
To start off the round in a reversal of fortunes, Allen shoots for a takedown early. Although he puts Malkoun on his back, the Aussie scrambles during a transition to get back to his feet. Allen lets his hands go, marking Malkoun up, and Malkoun tries to respond with a few jabs. Malkoun charges wildly forward to hunt for a single, and he grounds Allen momentarily. The American climbs back to his feet as Malkoun is holding his back standing, and Malkoun whips him back down to the canvas. Allen nails him with a couple elbows off his back, but this offense slows when Malkoun holds his own head on top of Allen’s. “All In” kicks off but cannot get Malkoun off of him, and Malkoun takes his back. Allen turns the tables to get on top, and Malkoun doggedly reverses him and goes for a single. Allen steps all the way through to get on top, as both men embark in a thrilling wrestling exchange. Malkoun will not let him into his guard, but Allen lowers himself in and lands a few strikes from above. Allen hacks with an elbow or two as he has Malkoun flat on his back, and he drops down a few punches to mix things up. Malkoun defends with a triangle off his back to tie his man up and reach the scorecards.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (29-28 Malkoun)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (29-28 Malkoun)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (29-28 Malkoun)
The Official Result
Brendan Allen def. Jacob Malkoun via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Malkoun as an underdog, trusting his wrestling and takedown ability. He notes Allen is inconsistent and looked terrible against Sam Alvey despite winning. He believes Malkoun's grappling is as good or better than Allen's, and he likes the plus 3.5 round bet as a safer play.
Big Brady picks Brendan Allen to win by first-round knockout. He highlights Allen's superior grappling, having submitted Kevin Holland and outgrappled Kyle Daukaus, and notes that Malkoun's wins came against lower-level competition. He believes Allen has the striking advantage and will finish Malkoun early, either by TKO or submission.
Cody confidently picks Allen, citing his superior striking and grappling. He dismisses Malkoun's credentials, noting he is a purple belt and not a high-level grappler. He thinks Allen's wrestling is good enough to keep the fight standing and win by TKO or decision.
Daniel Levi picks Brendan Allen, citing his superior athleticism, experience, and grappling. He respects Malkoun's relentless takedown style but believes Allen has the tools to reverse or submit him. He notes that Allen is better everywhere and that Malkoun's path to victory is narrow. He is confident Allen will find a way to win.
Allen is the more complete fighter and should have advantages on the feet and in submission grappling. However, Malkoun is a pure wrestler who can grind out a decision. Allen is overpriced at -320; the value is on Malkoun. I predict Allen wins but the best bet is over 2.5 rounds at plus money.
Paul leans Allen but is not confident due to the price. He thinks Allen is the rightful favorite but the juice is too high. He considers Malkoun by decision at +800 but likely passes.
The MMA Guru picks Brendan Allen to win by 30-27 decision. He believes Allen is bigger and stronger than Malkoun's previous opponents, and that Malkoun's grappling-heavy style won't work against Allen. He notes that Malkoun has relied on takedowns and control, but Allen builds as the fight goes on and won't be out-hustled. He sees no path for Malkoun unless he gets a finish, which he doubts due to lack of explosiveness. He cites Allen's youth and experience advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 52 of 90 | 57% | 68 of 110 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| A.J. Dobson | 0 | 80 of 128 | 62% | 183 of 255 | 6 of 16 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 9:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 41 of 69 | 59% | 46 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| A.J. Dobson | 0 | 24 of 48 | 50% | 26 of 50 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 5 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| A.J. Dobson | 0 | 25 of 37 | 67% | 82 of 108 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:45 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 7 of 9 | 77% | 17 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| A.J. Dobson | 0 | 31 of 43 | 72% | 75 of 97 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 4:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 52 of 90 | 57% | 41 of 79 | 6 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 44 of 78 | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 |
| A.J. Dobson | 80 of 128 | 62% | 70 of 118 | 9 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 29 of 57 | 4 of 7 | 47 of 64 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 41 of 69 | 59% | 33 of 61 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 37 of 62 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| A.J. Dobson | 24 of 48 | 50% | 22 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 46 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 4 of 12 | 33% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| A.J. Dobson | 25 of 37 | 67% | 23 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 5 | 21 of 28 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 7 of 9 | 77% | 6 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| A.J. Dobson | 31 of 43 | 72% | 25 of 37 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 36 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Training partners of fan-favorite ex-UFC champs will come to blows in this middleweight encounter, as Strong Style Fight Team’s Dobson (6-0, 1 NC; 0-0 UFC) – home of Stipe Miocic – meets PMA Super Martial Arts prospect Malkoun (5-1, 1-1 UFC), a teammate of headliner Robert Whittaker. The third man in the cage for what could be a quick one is referee Herb Dean, who is ready for whatever comes his way as he bears witness to a touch of gloves. Dobson quickly fires off a right hand, and he slips back to sling a right hand as Malkoun just dodges in time. Dobson cracks his foe with a right hand, forcing the Aussie to shoot for a desperation takedown. Dobson gets lifted up in the air, but he slithers his legs down to the mat so that he can keep his balance and not get taken down, in an impressive display of balance. “Mamba” grinds Dobson against the fence until Dobson breaks off, and he loose a quick one-two that connects cleanly on the beard of Malkoun. Dobson tries to time a right hand low when Malkoun attacks for a takedown, and Dobson once more keeps his balance when Malkoun elevates him. The newcomer manages to break the grip, pushes off and returns to his preferred boxing range. Malkoun lets go with a few punches, but Dobson grabs him to knee him in the body a few times. Malkoun flicks out a jab, but Dobson ignores them and answers with some of his own. A quick chain of punches come out as Malkoun retreats, and he connects with a solid leg kick at the end of a combination. Dobson snaps the head back with a punch and goes up high with a kick, and every strike that lands seems to draw a reaction out of his opponent. Malkoun sits down on a right hand, but Dobson does not even budge when it smacks into his cheek. Dobson stands firm, delivering a couple more one-twos and a body kick. When Malkoun lifts his man’s leg up in pursuit of a takedown, Dobson hops back and bounces off the cage wall to get free. Dobson gives chase when he lands a few punches, and Malkoun is rocked from an accumulation of damage. Dobson takes the center of the cage and swats at his shaky man, clipping him with a left hook and a one-two that bounces off the side of the head. Malkoun drops down low for a single, lifting Dobson’s leg up in the air and finally securing a takedown. He can only maintain top position for a few seconds before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dobson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dobson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dobson
Round 2
They clap hands to start of the second round, and Dobson, brimming with confidence, strides out with a few jabs. He gets off a right hand, and closes the distance to slam a knee into the Aussie’s midsection. As he lands a few more strikes, he draws out another takedown entry from “Mamba,” but that too fails as Dobson turns him around and knees him in the body. They jockey for position against the fence, and Malkoun stays doggedly in pursuit of a takedown but nothing presents itself. Dobson is able to get Malkoun to back off when he sets up a Thai clinch, and he misses a knee by an inch. Malkoun resets, crashes forward and secures a takedown. The American gets to his knees without much issue, stands back up, and gets wrenched back down with a mat return. Malkoun begins to smash Dobson in the side of the head with his fists, and Dobson is hurt and in trouble as cornerman Mark Coleman bellows for Dobson to get up. Malkoun does not let him up, raining down left hands as he keeps Dobson stuck on a knee. The strikes turn from damaging ones to more frustrating shots, but Malkoun is able to step over and sit down on Dobson’s thigh to ground him. Dobson thinks to explode, but Malkoun continues to grind and slug Dobson in the face with powerful left hands. Malkoun pursues a guillotine choke when working Dobson over, and he fails on that but does not let Dobson off the hook. Dobson bursts back to his feet with 10 seconds to go, and he pops Malkoun with a pair of punches before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Round 3
The middleweights greet in the center of the cage, and Dobson appears energized when back upright again. He flicks out a jab that makes Malkoun blink it out a few times, and he catches Malkoun coming in with a right hand. The Aussie changes levels for a takedown, and the defense does not hold up for Dobson this time, as he gets pulled down to the mat. Dobson remains on his knees before jumping back up, and he succumbs to a mat return when Malkoun powers him back down. “Mamba” holds on from behind, landing sporadic right hands until the unbeaten fighter stands up. Malkoun continues his assault of takedown tries, and he sucks Dobson’s legs out beneath him and lands in half guard. Dobson wriggles himself to the corner between the floor and the wall, and Coleman’s encouragement is still somehow louder than all the boos raining down in the building combined. Malkoun does not register the crowd’s disappointment with his “embrace the grind” tactics, as he thumps down on Dobson with right hands. The fighters start talking to each other, with Dobson admitting his foe is stronger than he thought, and they continue to converse as Malkoun is pounding on him. Dobson tries to get into a slugfest from his back, with punches from his back, but Malkoun’s are considerably harder. Malkoun switches from punches to elbows as he staves off a standup from Dean, and precious seconds tick off the clock while Malkoun grinds him out. With just a few seconds left in the fight, Dobson somersaults backwards to get out of the position, stands up and wings a high kick, but it comes up short of the mark right before the fight ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (29-28 Malkoun)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (29-27 Malkoun)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (29-28 Malkoun)
The Official Result
Jacob Malkoun def. A.J. Dobson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks A.J. Dobson, citing his incredible hand speed and power. He worries that Malkoun could wrestle but believes Dobson's speed advantage will allow him to land three times for every one of Malkoun's looping strikes. He dismisses the 'fade the contender series' narrative and expects Dobson to laser down the middle and touch Malkoun up.
Big Brady sees this fight going one of two ways: Dobson knocking out Malkoun early or Malkoun wrestling Dobson to a decision. He leans toward Dobson because of his power and finishing ability, but admits he's not confident due to lack of information on Dobson's takedown defense. He compares it to Malkoun's win over Abdul Razak Alhassan where Malkoun used wrestling. Brady picks Dobson by first round knockout but says he can't be too confident.
Cody leans Malkoun but is not confident. He notes Malkoun's grappling looked good against Alhassan, but his chin is a concern after the Phil Hawes KO. He thinks Dobson is explosive and could land a big shot, but Malkoun's path is via takedowns.
Daniel Levi picks Jacob Malkoun for an upset win, but is hesitant about the early going. He notes that A.J. Dobson is a freak athlete with power, but tends to overexert and fatigue. Malkoun's game plan of attempting many takedowns could work if he weathers the early storm. Levi mentions that Dobson was finished by a bum in amateurs, but that was years ago.
Dobson has power and trains with strong camps, but his grappling and cardio are unproven. Malkoun will shoot for takedowns early, and if Dobson can't stop them or finish early, Malkoun could take over in later rounds. Dobson's only decision win was against a low-level opponent. The pick is based on trusting Dobson's camp and power, but it's a slight lean.
Paul picks Malkoun, citing his grappling advantage and ability to grind out a win. He notes Dobson is wild and may gas. He expects Malkoun to take Dobson down and control him, but acknowledges the volatility.
The MMA Guru picks Jacob Malkoun, believing he has overcome his debut jitters and will use his grappling to control A.J. Dobson. He notes Dobson's debut pressure and Malkoun's experience against better competition like Abdul Razak Alhassan.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 21 of 47 | 44% | 32 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 27 of 55 | 49% | 91 of 135 | 8 of 24 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 11:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 11 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 15 of 30 | 4 of 11 | 36% | 0 | 0 | 3:45 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 4 of 9 | 44% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 13 of 24 | 54% | 33 of 46 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 3:59 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 43 of 59 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 0 | 0 | 3:57 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 21 of 47 | 44% | 11 of 33 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 14 of 38 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 3 |
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 27 of 55 | 49% | 24 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 18 of 37 | 3 of 9 | 6 of 9 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 10 of 21 | 47% | 6 of 14 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 2 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 4 of 9 | 44% | 1 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 13 of 24 | 54% | 12 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 6 of 6 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 7 of 17 | 41% | 4 of 13 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 11 of 21 | 52% | 9 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Up now, we try to snap the streak of four split decisions with what should be a middleweight banger, as Alhassan (10-3, 4-3 UFC) comes to blows with fellow slugger Malkoun (4-1, 0-1 UFC). Referee Chris Tognoni needs to keep his head on a swivel for this one, and there is a glove touch before fists start flying. Alhassan lets go with a head kick that gets dodged, and the Aussie quickly drops down low for a single leg takedown. He puts Alhassan on his back, and Alhassan kicks around to get to the fence and back to a knee. Malkoun considers a guillotine choke as he has Alhassan pressed against the cage, but Alhassan stands up anyway. “Judo Thunder” begins to unload with vicious elbows to the side of the head, and Malkoun is hurt but still able to pursue a takedown. Malkoun tries to take the fight back down when they separate, but this time, Alhassan stuffs it and starts to wing bombs. Malkoun keeps his composure and pursues a takedown, and he trips Alhassan’s leg out beneath him. The Texan climbs back up with assistance from a fence grab, and Malkoun trips him back down again. Once more, Alhassan angles to stand up, and there is a near-successful mat return for the Aussie. Malkoun is content to grind Alhassan up against the fence to fatigue the ferocious striker before tripping the leg out and putting Alhassan on his back. As Alhassan tries to climb up, Malkoun’s pressure is overwhelming and he plants Alhassan back down one more time. Alhassan gets his hips suck out from beneath him as soon as he is standing, and “Judo Thunder” looks irritated as he continues to get grounded. Alhassan finally gets back up and breaks the grip, where he lets loose a pair of slapping body kicks. The two trade jabs, and Tognoni warns them for outstretched fingers. Alhassan targets the body a few more times with his kick, and a head kick misses the mark before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Round 2
The middleweights march to the center of the cage, greet one another with jabs, and it is Malkoun that makes Alhassan take a step back when he shoots in for a low single. He hits the takedown with ease, but he does not hold Alhassan there. When the Texan pops back up, Malkoun slams him back down in half guard. Alhassan defends with a guillotine choke, and as he tries to tighten it with his other hand, Malkoun slips his neck out. With no way for Alhassan to walk up the fence as they are square in the middle of the Octagon, Malkoun drops down a few punches. Alhassan circles his way around and tries to pop back up, and Malkoun pulls guard for a choke. Alhassan falls to his back as he survives the choke, and Malkoun repositions himself to return up on top. Once more, Malkoun rolls through for a guillotine choke attempt, and Alhassan defends it like before. Alhassan scrambles to his knees, and he falls into a potential anaconda choke. Alhassan breaks the grip and winds up giving up side control, and Malkoun lands a few shots before Alhassan scrambles once more. Malkoun drops down with the guillotine attempt to put Alhassan back down, and Alhassan is able to avoid the choke danger by grabbing his foe’s shorts and standing up. Malkoun does not give him a moment to breathe, pursuing a single leg takedown and then just pressing Alhassan into the cage. When they separate, Alhassan’s legs are wobbly possibly from fatigue, but he still wings power punches and huge head kicks. Malkoun stands him up with a pair of crisp punches, and he has Alhassan stuck against the fence before shooting in for a takedown. The Aussie cannot get the takedown before the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Malkoun
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Malkoun
Round 3
The middleweights decide to touch gloves to begin the final round, and Malkoun slaps the leg with a kick. Alhassan takes a few punches on the chin, and one right hand snaps his head back. Alhassan overextends himself with a left hand, which puts him right in position to have to defend a takedown. Alhassan shucks it off, and Malkoun backs away to pursue a different angle. The Aussie crashes forward with his takedown, and this time, it puts Alhassan flat on his back. Malkoun sits comfortable in half guard, where he works on the spent Alhassan with right hands and elbows. Alhassan looks to sit up, and he rolls to a knee into the guillotine choke where Malkoun has tried before. Alhassan lifts Malkoun in the air to get out of the choke, and Malkoun lets go and chases him with big punches. “Mamba” squeezes Alhassan into the cage wall, but he cannot keep him trapped for long. Malkoun gives Alhassan a few seconds to reset before charging in for a takedown attempt, lather, rinse, repeat, but he cannot quite trip the leg. Malkoun circles around to take the back standing, and Alhassan keeps his balance. Malkoun tries to break the posture with foot stomps and knees up high, and Alhassan pushes him away and slips back into the fence. Malkoun follows him there, where he slings Alhassan to the canvas with a single. Malkoun decides to let go with ground-and-pound now that Alhassan closes his guard around him, and Alhassan decides it would be in his best interest to throw back instead of escape this position. Alhassan scoots into the corner of the fence and the floor, where he uses the angle to stand back up. Malkoun takes him from behind and looks to elevate him and slam him down, but he circles around to drop low for a single. When it fails, Malkoun drops down for one last takedown, and Alhassan pushes him away and tries to decapitate his foe with a diving right hand in the last seconds. Unlike Dan Henderson on Michael Bisping, the booming shot misses the mark, and the grind of a fight is mercifully over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-26 Malkoun)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-26 Malkoun)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-26 Malkoun)
The Official Result
Jacob Malkoun def. Abdul Razak Alhassan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Big Brady picks Abdul Razak Alhassan to win by first-round knockout. He notes Alhassan has a 100% finish rate, all by knockout in the first round. He believes Malkoun is not ready for this level of competition, citing Malkoun's loss to Phil Hawes where he fell from the first punch. He suggests if Malkoun survives the first round, he could be a live betting opportunity, but he expects a brutal knockout within the first 60 seconds. He also mentions Alhassan's recent losses but considers this a favorable matchup.
Cody thinks Alhassan has tremendous power and will likely finish Malkoun in the first round. He notes that Malkoun is not a natural middleweight and was knocked out quickly by Phil Hawes. He acknowledges Alhassan's cardio issues but believes Malkoun is not physical enough to exploit them. He suggests live betting Alhassan or taking him by knockout.
Daniel Levi confidently picks Abdul Razak Alhassan, stating that this fight is about Razak, not Malkoun. He believes Malkoun does not belong in the UFC and is only there because he is Robert Whittaker's training partner. Levi notes that Razak has been through a lot mentally but expects him to knock Malkoun out in the first round. He also mentions that Razak is actually bigger than Malkoun in terms of height and reach.
Manpreet is confident Alhassan will win by first-round knockout, noting that all his UFC wins have come in round one and that Malkoun was knocked out quickly by Phil Hawes. He believes Alhassan's power and aggression will overwhelm Malkoun, who is a natural welterweight moving up and has questionable durability. He recommends the round one prop at plus money.
Paul calls this fight 'prime apple pie shit' because Alhassan has failed as a favorite multiple times. He notes that Alhassan has no cardio and his takedown defense disappears when tired. However, he thinks Malkoun is not good enough to take advantage. He is reluctant but leans Alhassan, and mentions a 20-1 prop on Malkoun by submission as a longshot.
The MMA Guru picks Abdul Razak Alhassan to win by unanimous decision, though he calls it risky due to Alhassan's recent rough patch. He criticizes Jacob Malkoun's rushed career and poor performance against Phil Hawes. He doubts Malkoun's ability to finish or outpoint Alhassan, and believes Alhassan will be patient and grind out a 30-27 decision.
Expert Picks (8)
Angelo notes Brundage has power and wrestling but poor fight IQ and a tendency to lose fights he dominates. Malkoun has relentless takedowns and cardio, and if he avoids an early big right hand, he should dominate. Angelo is pretty confident in Malkoun.
Big Brady is confident in Jacob Malkoun, citing his phenomenal offensive wrestling, cardio, and control. He notes Cody Brundage has poor defensive wrestling and tends to stall on bottom. Malkoun must avoid Brundage's early power and guillotine attempts, but once he gets top position, he should dominate. Brady predicts a submission but is not fully sold on the method.
Cody picks Jacob Malkoun by decision, calling it play of the week. He highlights Malkoun's relentless takedowns and top control, while Brundage has terrible output and poor fight IQ (jumping guillotines). He expects Malkoun to dominate with wrestling and grind out a decision.
Daniel is very confident Malkoun dominates, calling Brundage a quitter with terrible output (3 strikes in last fight). He praises Malkoun's relentless takedown attempts and tenacity, noting he attempted 24 takedowns against Alhassan. He thinks Malkoun will break Brundage with pace and pressure, possibly getting a finish. He sees this as a massive mismatch.
Lucrative James picks Malkoun but is hesitant due to his chin issues. He expects Malkoun to wrestle and grind out a decision, but acknowledges Brundage's power and volatility could lead to an early KO. He suggests betting Brundage inside the distance or round 1 instead of Malkoun's moneyline at -500.
The host picks Malkoun at minus 600, calling him a safe parlay piece. He highlights Malkoun's refined wrestling and BJJ black belt, contrasting with Brundage's poor fight IQ and tendency to pull guillotine. He expects Malkoun to smother Brundage on the ground and win a decision, noting Brundage's 0-3 skid and likely cut if he loses.
Paul also picks Malkoun by decision, noting his consistent takedown numbers and Brundage's tendency to jump guillotine. He likes Malkoun's wrestling and thinks Brundage has no path to victory. He mentions Malkoun's decision prop at +135.
The MMA Guru picks Jacob Malkoun, criticizing Cody Brundage's recent performances, especially his loss to Cedric Dumas where he 'shelled up and accepted defeat.' He notes Brundage is on a three-fight losing streak and lacks finishing potential except against low-level opponents. He expects Malkoun to outgrind Brundage over three rounds, as Brundage doesn't have the skills to finish or compete effectively.
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