Career Averages - Marcus McGhee
Career Averages - JP Buys
Marcus McGhee
JP Buys
Marcus McGhee - Fight History
The host picks Marcus McGhee, noting that McGhee is a good striker with forward pressure and quick hands, and that he has solid grappling which he typically uses defensively but could use offensively here. The host believes McGhee has the style to beat Yannis, especially if he mixes in grappling, though he acknowledges that if it stays on the feet it could be close. The host is confident in McGhee as a big favorite.
AJ picks McGhee, citing his slick southpaw striking, speed, and combination punching. He acknowledges Yannis's power and toughness but believes McGhee's craftiness and stance will neutralize Yannis's leg kicks. AJ expects a competitive fight but McGhee to outpoint Yannis, possibly by decision, though a knockout is possible.
Big Brady picks Marcus McGhee to win by decision. He thinks McGhee is on another level skill-wise and hits harder, but he doesn't love the price tag because McGhee is primarily a striker and Yannis' grappling is poor. He expects McGhee to win but notes the price is wide.
Marcus McGhee is a clear favorite due to his superior striking and experience. He took a round off Peter Yan and has a good jab that will trouble John Yannis. McGhee is expected to find a KO shot, possibly in the first round, as Yannis relies on his hands and lacks other skills.
Cody is very confident in McGhee, citing his power, striking, and defensive wrestling. He notes Yannis has poor takedown defense and gives up his back. McGhee's level of competition is far superior, and this is a major step down for him.
Marcus McGhee is picked because he has more weapons on the feet and can mix in wrestling. John Yannis has good boxing but overcommits on his left hand, which McGhee can counter with body locks and trips. McGhee's cardio may be an issue, but he should take over after 1.5 rounds and win by decision. The host questions the matchmaking as McGhee is ranked much higher.
McGhee is a borderline top-15 bantamweight who fought competitively with champion Merab Dvalishvili. Yannis is not on that level and took the fight on short notice. McGhee should win by first-round knockout.
Lucrative James picks John Yannis as a significant underdog, arguing the odds are too wide. He believes the fight is close skill-for-skill and that Marcus McGhee's advantages are physical attributes rather than technique. He notes McGhee's age (36) and potential motivation issues after fighting Petr Yan, and sees value on Yannis' moneyline, predicting a decision win.
McGhee's athleticism, speed, and power should be too much for Yannis, who is a technical striker but lacks explosiveness. McGhee can mix in takedowns and land significant damage. However, the -450 line is too steep; McGhee should be around -185 to -233. Passing on the chalk, but picking McGhee by decision.
Paul picks McGhee, noting his stronger strikes and movement. He expects McGhee to dominate standing, similar to his fight against Jonathan Martinez. He has added McGhee to parlays.
Angelo picks Marcus McGhee, citing his powerful hands, good cardio, and very good wrestling. He believes McGhee can win anywhere the fight goes and that John Yannis (Jakub Wiklacz) is too one-dimensional as a kickboxer. He notes McGhee's takedown defense and submission skills in scrambles, and feels the -550 odds are appropriate.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 0 | 81 of 146 | 55% | 130 of 202 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 64 of 170 | 37% | 66 of 173 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 0 | 22 of 43 | 51% | 24 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 22 of 55 | 40% | 23 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 0 | 33 of 64 | 51% | 37 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 34 of 93 | 36% | 35 of 94 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 0 | 26 of 39 | 66% | 69 of 88 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 81 of 146 | 55% | 63 of 122 | 10 of 12 | 8 of 12 | 58 of 114 | 23 of 32 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcus McGhee | 64 of 170 | 37% | 44 of 128 | 8 of 18 | 12 of 24 | 62 of 165 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 22 of 43 | 51% | 14 of 31 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 8 | 15 of 33 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcus McGhee | 22 of 55 | 40% | 15 of 41 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 9 | 20 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 33 of 64 | 51% | 28 of 58 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 54 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcus McGhee | 34 of 93 | 36% | 25 of 72 | 5 of 12 | 4 of 9 | 34 of 91 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 26 of 39 | 66% | 21 of 33 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 27 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcus McGhee | 8 of 22 | 36% | 4 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yan (-375); McGhee (+275)
Round 1
After years of hovering around top-five matchups, Yan (18-5, 10-4 UFC) gets a much-needed layup in the form of rising talent McGhee (10-1, 4-0 UFC). The MMA Lab product introduced himself to the organization in 2023, and has since rattled off three stoppages and a decision victory over Jonathan Martinez to reach this place in line. The sole arbiter of the bout will be referee Dan Movahedi, who tells the bantamweights it’s time to fight. They fight, but not before bumping fists.
Yan moves straight to the center of the Octagon, where he operates out of range from the kicks of McGhee. Yan keeps his lead hand outstretched to help him parry oncoming fire, so McGhee kicks him in the calf and then the ribs. McGhee tries to crash forward to throw hands, and Yan brushes him aside and keeps himself positioned directly in front of McGhee. Yan crisply counters a body kick with an overhand right, and he blocks a right hand coming back his way. McGhee connects partially over the top, but Yan shrugs it off and hits him back three times. They come together, and Yan knocks him back with a left hand and then kicks his leg out from beneath him. McGhee springs back up, and Yan goes back to hammering the front leg. His check left hook wobbles “The Maniac,” who has to jog to the side to get his legs back. From there, McGhee steps in with a knee to the body. Yan smacks his front leg in response.
McGhee tries to crowd his man, but Yan is able to duck and move, all while looking for a counter. McGhee secures a body kick without taking anything back, and he zips out of the way of danger and plants three punches on the Russian’s mug. He chains a few more behind it, and he circles back and away to draw Yan in. McGhee kicks the front calf and starts trading in a clinch, with both men shooting off uppercuts in a 135-pound trade exchange reminiscent of Don Frye’s magical battle in Pride. Yan takes punches and gives them back hard, including an uppercut that just brushes past the hair. McGhee lands a few shots, gets kicked in response, and he tags Yan and appears to buckle his legs for a moment. McGhee lets Yan recover, kicking at him before the one-minute break.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 2
Fans cheer and chant for Yan as soon as the round begins, and he takes their energy and channels it into a crisp right hand on the jaw. Yan overswings his way in, and McGhee ducks and shoots in for a takedown. The Russian shuts down the effort and misses two looping hooks by a matter of inches. McGhee wings a left hook at him that pounds into the guard, and they knock one another back with single power punches. McGhee cracks Yan again with a one-two, and he puts two more on the chin and then kicks the front leg. McGhee connects with a solid uppercut that splits the guard, and his low kick on the way out disrupts Yan from countering. They clash their heads together coming in, and Yan winds up with everything he has and smashes his right fist into McGhee’s jaw. The rising talent stumbles, and Yan measures him and blasts him with a number of left hands that rip open a cut on McGhee’s eyebrow. McGhee is unafraid to stand and bang, firing back at Yan and even catching him with an uppercut.
Yan shrugs the strikes off so he can unload a right hand on the chin, and he slips a strike and rips a left hand over the top. McGhee digs a right to the body and Yan knocks him back with a right and a left upstairs. McGhee is tough but getting outpowered at this point, and Yan thinks about mixing things up with his trip try. McGhee loops punches around the guard, but Yan’s are far more impactful, including a jab that knocks McGhee back several steps. McGhee strides forward to put a knee on the chin, and Yan strings together punches up top that lead to body shots in an effective combination. The jab of Yan is tripled before he fires off power punches, and his combinations are in full effect, like a knee into a right hand and then a low kick. McGhee tags the former champ with a clean one-two, and Yan takes a second and then comes back firing. McGhee tries a wheel kick, but Yan is much too close and reaches him with his fists when McGhee turns. The horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 3
Supporting chants for Yan echo through the Etihad Arena, and he knows it and is excited by it. Rushing out of his corner to engage in the final frame, he gets in front of McGhee and is about to start banging. McGhee backs him away with low kicks and jabs, including one where he nearly kicks the Russian’s leg out, but Yan recovers and stands him up with a powerful left hand on the temple. Yan lets McGhee duck down so he can time uppercuts on him, and he shucks McGhee aside on a second attempt to elbow him with impunity. Yan checks a kick and rattles off a combination to the body, with McGhee rebounding off the cage wall to recover. Yan lands a low kick, and then checks one coming back. McGhee’s flying knee fails, as Yan watches it miss him, and Yan counters with a double-leg entry. McGhee turns, so Yan grips him from behind and knees him in the back of the thigh. Yan imposes his weight on McGhee from behind, and Movahedi asks for them for more than holding on.
Movahedi calls for the bantamweights to do more a second time, and Yan answers his call by kneeing McGhee repeatedly to the thigh and wrapped up around the guard to the head. Yan wrenches McGhee down to the floor, and McGee muscles his way to his feet and still has Yan’s hands clasped around his waist. Yan grinds and beats on the thighs of his foe, with the action less-than-thrilling but effective in peeling time off the clock. McGhee turns to put his back against the fencing, and Yan is warned for striking to the back of his head when McGhee tries to take the fight down. They split up, and Yan boots him in the face with his shin. The patented Yan trip results in him hurling McGhee to the mat, and he isolates an arm to grip a kimura. McGhee explodes to his knees and then to the wall, leaning on it as the match concludes. The two men are fired up and hug it out after 15 minutes of combat.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
The Official Result
Petr Yan def. Marcus McGhee via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Petr Yan, citing his phenomenal striking, underrated wrestling, and experience. He notes Marcus McGhee is powerful and well-rounded but had his legs chewed up in his last fight, and Yan has great kicks. He feels Yan's body of work and youth give him the edge, though he calls the fight a potential trap.
Big Brady picks Petr Yan, calling the matchup a huge step down for Yan. He notes Yan has beaten top competition while McGhee's wins are over unranked fighters. He believes Yan's striking and experience will be too much, and predicts a decision win.
Connor acknowledges McGhee's potential if he pressures Yan, but notes McGhee's tentativeness in the Martinez fight and his tendency to start slow. He believes Yan's counter-punching and ability to fight off the back foot will be too much, especially over three rounds. He also highlights Yan's takedown threat as a factor.
Yan has issues in three-round fights due to his slow start, but he should turn the tide around the midpoint of the second round and pull away in deep water. The host would think twice about paying the chalk on Yan because of his slow starting nature.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan, noting the five-round fight favors Yan's experience and cardio. He acknowledges Marcus McGhee's skills but believes Yan is a different level, citing Yan's wins over Aldo and others. He predicts Yan loses the first round but wins the second and third, possibly with a 10-8 third round or a finish, resulting in a 29-28 decision.
Zane agrees with Connor, noting that McGhee's best path is to pressure Yan early, but his recent fight against Martinez showed he can be hesitant. He believes Yan's combination punching and experience will prevail, and that McGhee's handsy defense will leave openings for Yan's counters.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 48 of 108 | 44% | 49 of 109 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 102 of 223 | 45% | 105 of 226 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 7 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 33 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 17 of 47 | 36% | 17 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 42 of 93 | 45% | 45 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 25 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 27 of 55 | 49% | 27 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 48 of 108 | 44% | 24 of 76 | 3 of 8 | 21 of 24 | 46 of 105 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 102 of 223 | 45% | 60 of 167 | 18 of 27 | 24 of 29 | 100 of 220 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 7 of 18 | 38% | 0 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 7 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 33 of 75 | 44% | 17 of 52 | 5 of 11 | 11 of 12 | 33 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marcus McGhee | 17 of 47 | 36% | 12 of 38 | 1 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 16 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 42 of 93 | 45% | 27 of 73 | 6 of 8 | 9 of 12 | 41 of 92 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marcus McGhee | 24 of 43 | 55% | 12 of 27 | 1 of 3 | 11 of 13 | 23 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 27 of 55 | 49% | 16 of 42 | 7 of 8 | 4 of 5 | 26 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McGhee (-142), Martinez (+120)
Round 1
Feet and fists are sure to fly in the preliminary headliner. The last several stoppage wins for Martinez (19-5, 10-4 UFC) have all come from strikes from his legs, while the hyper-aggressive McGhee (9-1, 3-0 UFC) has used all kinds of weapons to get the job done as of late. Referee Herb Dean will do his best to keep track of these high-speed, elusive bantamweights. Before they begin, Dean is told to examine Martinez’ toenails. He is cleared to go on, with Dean saying he will not clip anything. They share a glove touch before getting down to business. McGhee flips up a high kick and then one down low to say hello with Martinez standing right in front of him. McGhee throws a head kick on the other side, and he lunges forward with a right hand and then jabs with a front kick. A single Martinez leg kick makes McGhee recoil his leg, and this spurs McGhee into action as he starts spamming more kicks. Martinez chips at him with another kick, and McGhee races after him hurling punches. Leg kicks are traded, and McGhee lands at the end of a salvo of punches. McGhee chops at the front leg twice, and the third punch he throws gets through. McGhee strides forward to pitch a head kick, and Martinez parries it without concern but he does not block the follow-up leg kick. Martinez walks McGhee down but is taking fire high and low, and he has not committed to much halfway through the round. McGhee picks at his man from afar, with Martinez unwilling or unable to pull the trigger. McGhee hacks at the front leg and triples up on his jab, where a big left hand does not get through. Martinez maintains heavy pressure and releases a single low kick, and he shoulder rolls to let overhand lefts bounce off him. Leg kicks come from both sides, with McGhee’s volume higher by a factor of at least five. McGhee absorbs a leg kick to throw one back, and he leans back to dodge a flurry and fires back with a vengeance. McGhee jabs to the head and body to end the tentative round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Round 2
The fighters touch gloves, and McGhee whips a head kick after. Martinez blocks the first and then the second, keeping his guard up. McGhee chews up his foe’s front leg and body, with Martinez’ blocks effective but counters almost silent. Martinez scores a single leg kick, and McGhee chains a few punches into a kick. Martinez knocks him back with a left hand, but it is one-and-done before McGhee picks up his offense. McGhee plants a one-two on the jaw, and Martinez responses fall flat. Martinez walks into a right hand, and he absorbs a second before throwing back. McGhee reaches his man with a jab, and he uses a side kick to keep Martinez off of him. Martinez spins with a back fist that ricochets off his guard, and he pays Martinez back in spades with a few punches and a kick. When Martinez kicks the front leg, McGhee responds in kind. McGhee puts a couple punches through the guard, getting Martinez’ attention and not giving him much to think about. Martinez manages to sneak in a left hand, but McGhee walks through it as if nothing happened. McGhee’s volume is giving “Dragon” fits, and when he puts power behind a strike, Martinez does not always see it coming. McGhee goes high and opens up a body shot, and he rolls when a left hand thumps him on the temple. Another big left hand from Martinez finds its home, and Martinez celebrates that with a powerful elbow and then a leg kick. Martinez starts picking up the pace, and McGhee appears to be slowing. Martinez misses an elbow by an inch, and they throw hard at one another and cannot score. Martinez sits down on a low kick that draws a limp from his opponent, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Round 3
There is a final clap of hands to commence the final stanza. Martinez puts himself in close range, letting McGhee hurl punches at and past him. McGhee strafes from side to side, not letting Martinez bear down on him. McGhee triples up on a jab to the body and then head, and he ends the trio with a leg kick. When Martinez kicks him back, McGhee hops to try to avoid it. Martinez slams another leg kick home, and McGhee gets after it with a lengthy combination ending with a low kick. Martinez jabs out and parries the response, and he smashes McGhee’s front leg with a kick. McGhee hobbles away, clearly compromised, and Martinez slams it two more times. McGhee remains on his feet but is in big trouble, struggling to keep his balance even as the damaged limb is behind him. Martinez pushes into a clinch rather than attack the leg further, and the crowd disagrees with this decision and audibly voice their opinions. Martinez keeps tight until pushing off with a minute 50 to go. Martinez connects with a mean leg kick, and McGhee barely escapes. Martinez blasts the rear leg again, and McGhee is in a bad way. Martinez lets fly a kick to the front leg, and McGhee bursts into action swinging with everything he has left. Martinez takes it on the guard and kicks McGhee, and McGhee is shaking his leg to recover it slightly. McGhee’s blitzes do not have near the pop on them as before, allowing Martinez to get right in his face. Martinez whips a kick to the other leg, and McGhee wings a right hand over the top to keep him honest. McGhee strings a few punches together and backpedals fast, and Martinez follows and bashes the wounded leg one last time. The round ends, with McGhee surviving the pain and very likely pulling off the victory.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)
The Official Result
Marcus McGhee def. Jonathan Martinez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Marcus McGhee, calling himself a fanboy. He highlights McGhee's power, takedowns, and multiple paths to victory. He notes that Jonathan Martinez is a good fighter but may have been frozen by the moment against Aldo. His only concern is McGhee's gas tank, but he is confident McGhee gets it done.
Big Brady picks Marcus McGhee, highlighting his power, durability, and grappling upside. He notes that Jonathan Martinez is chinny, having been knocked out or dropped in several fights, while McGhee lands harder shots and has more ways to win. He also believes McGhee has the volume advantage and can finish Martinez, predicting a second-round knockout.
Cody picks Marcus McGhee, citing his pressure, power, and wrestling advantage. He notes Martinez is a volume striker who relies on kicks, but McGhee will close the distance and force exchanges in the pocket where his power will be decisive. Cody expects McGhee to win by knockout or decision, possibly in the later rounds.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing McGhee's athleticism and counter-combination skills. He notes that McGhee knows exactly what he is building with his pressure and that Martinez's kicking game will be neutralized. Connor also mentions that McGhee is a 'sweet guy' and a gym legend, and that this fight could propel him into the top 15.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jonathan Martinez as an upset, citing his experience, reach advantage, and kicking game. He notes McGhee's lack of tested competition and vulnerability to body kicks. He believes Martinez will use his kicks to slow McGhee and mix in knees. He acknowledges McGhee's power but trusts Martinez's durability and proven track record.
The host notes that people forget Martinez was a favorite against Jose Aldo, and now as an underdog against the hot new prospect McGee, he sees value. He expects Martinez's leg kicks to slow down McGee, allowing Martinez to work his hands in the second and third rounds and win a decision.
Paul picks Marcus McGhee, agreeing with Cody. He notes McGhee's pressure and power will be too much for Martinez, who tends to retreat when faced with power. Paul expects McGhee to win by knockout or decision, and likes McGhee by knockout at plus 225.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez, citing his underrated striking and leg kicks. He believes Martinez's investment shots to the legs will be key against McGhee's movement. He trusts Martinez's durability and expects a close decision win.
Zane picks McGhee because he believes McGhee's pressure style will stifle Martinez's kicking game. He notes that Martinez is uncomfortable in the pocket and has struggled against pressure fighters like Jose Aldo. Zane thinks McGhee's athleticism and methodical pressure will lead to a win, though he acknowledges Martinez could win early with kicks.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 1 | 65 of 123 | 52% | 74 of 134 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:47 |
| Gastón Bolaños | 0 | 28 of 81 | 34% | 28 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 35 of 58 | 60% | 44 of 69 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:47 |
| Gastón Bolaños | 0 | 14 of 38 | 36% | 14 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 2 | Marcus McGhee | 1 | 30 of 65 | 46% | 30 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gastón Bolaños | 0 | 14 of 43 | 32% | 14 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 65 of 123 | 52% | 57 of 114 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 52 of 108 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 11 |
| Gastón Bolaños | 28 of 81 | 34% | 14 of 57 | 7 of 14 | 7 of 10 | 28 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 35 of 58 | 60% | 30 of 53 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 44 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 11 |
| Gastón Bolaños | 14 of 38 | 36% | 6 of 25 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 6 | 14 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marcus McGhee | 30 of 65 | 46% | 27 of 61 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 30 of 64 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gastón Bolaños | 14 of 43 | 32% | 8 of 32 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 14 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McGhee (-278), Bolanos (+225)
Round 1
It’s a finisher’s delight in this 135-pound pairing as McGhee (8-1, 2-0 UFC) puts his 100% stoppage rate on the line against Bolanos (7-3, 1-0 UFC), who sports an 86% knockout rate on his ledger. Putting on his hard hat and lacing up his running shoes will be referee Mark Smith, who could be in there for 15 seconds or 15 minutes, as they both predominantly win by knockout, but neither has been put away with strikes. Fists are bumped, and McGhee is the aggressor as he walks the former kickboxer down. When McGhee lets go with a kick, Bolanos catches it and trips him up, but McGhee recovers well enough to get back up with no issue. Bolanos comes up short on a kick high and low, and McGhee takes a page out of his foe’s playbook by spinning with a back kick. Bolanos smiles and throws a right hand back at him, but he misses the mark. McGhee hops out of the way of a body kick, and the two swing big inaccurate strikes at one another. Bolanos leaves a kick out too long, and McGhee marches him down and busts him in the chops with four punches. “The Maniac” suddenly switches it up to hook his arms around the waist and secure a double-leg takedown. Bolanos climbs back up with the wall at his back, and McGhee settles to drive a few knees to the inner thigh of his opponent. McGhee trips Bolanos up and throws him to the ground, but he backs off instead of following him to claim top position. McGhee absorbs a stern leg kick when Bolanos stands, and he leaps at him with a knee. Bolanos grins and nails his man with a right hand. McGhee winds up and races forward, connecting with several heavy shots and staggering “The Dreamkiller.” Bolanos laughs at McGhee as he takes damage, and McGhee lays into him until dragging Bolanos down to the ground. Bolanos uses his legs to push off the chest, but McGhee rains down punches that hurt Bolanos. Bolanos tries to escape, and McGhee intercepts him on the way up with a pair of fists that knock Bolanos squirrelly. Bolanos hangs in there, but McGhee is right on top of him and lays into him with power punches. Bolanos tries to fire back, and McGhee ends the round with a few additional shots.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Round 2
The strikers touch ‘em up to engage in the second round, and they proceed to find the other’s chins in a hurry. McGhee lands the harder shots, but Bolanos stays in his face and swings back with bad intentions. A huge right hand from McGhee opens up a cut on the corner of Bolanos’ left eye, and McGhee targets it with several more blows. Bolanos slashes out with a standing elbow, and he clips McGhee with a high kick as McGhee resets. McGhee gathers his thoughts and blitzes forward, landing flush with power as Bolanos tanks them all. McGhee lands two punches, and Bolanos shrugs him off and tries to give him one back, only to eat three more. McGhee puts volume on his foe, and Bolanos throws so hard that he stumbles. Bolanos kicks off the fence to put more impact into a Superman punch, and McGhee practically ignores it as he welcomes the striking exchange. McGhee gets up close with a left hand, and he spins with a risky back kick that connects cleanly to the midsection. Bolanos sits down on a right hand, and McGhee teeters and comes right back firing. “The Dreamkiller” attempts several high kicks from both legs, but McGhee bounces out of the way each and every time. McGhee times a perfect right hand that separates Bolanos from his senses and drops him on his face, and he raises his arms in the air and walks away. The ultra-tough Bolanos somehow wills himself back to his feet, and Smith is watching closely but has not called the fight.
McGhee sees he still has more work to do, and he spins with a wheel kick that bangs into the temple of his foe. McGhee follows with a thudding left hook, and he misses with the right as Bolanos falls back to the cage. With the wall likely the only thing keeping the ex-Lion Fight competitor upright, Smith recognizes that Bolanos has nothing left to give and waves the fight off.
McGhee nods, not wanting to inflict any more damage as he also can tell that Bolanos’ goose is cooked. McGhee still keeps his 100% finish rate intact with a spectacular win over a tough, talented adversary.
The Official Result
Marcus McGhee def. Gaston Bolanos R2 3:29 via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches)
Angelo picks Marcus McGhee, citing his power, takedowns, and toughness. He advises McGhee to lean on wrestling rather than striking with a Muay Thai world champion. He notes that Gaston Bolaños is a dangerous striker who could catch McGhee, but believes McGhee's clear path to victory is through grappling. He has McGhee in a parlay for premium members.
Big Brady is cautious because McGhee hasn't shown a grappling game, but Bolaños has a major hole in takedown defense and ground game. He thinks if McGhee wrestles, he can submit Bolaños easily. However, if McGhee stands and trades, Bolaños is the better striker. Brady leans toward McGhee getting a submission but admits it's a stay-away fight.
Cody picks McGhee by submission, citing his well-rounded game, grappling advantage, and ability to grind on Bolaños. He notes that Bolaños is a world-class striker but has poor grappling and pacing, and that McGhee will take him down, take his back, and submit him.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Marcus McGhee, citing his well-rounded game and more paths to victory. He notes McGhee's athleticism and power, but worries he might brawl instead of taking the fight to the mat where he has an advantage. Vreeland thinks McGhee can submit Bolaños but will have to work for it.
James does not discuss this fight in the transcript.
Gastón Bolaños is a more technical striker with a kickboxing background, having competed in Glory. He showed good patience and submission defense in his UFC debut against Aaron Phillips. Marcus McGhee is explosive and powerful but tends to overextend and can be countered. Bolaños has trained at American Kickboxing Academy and Team Alpha Male, improving his takedown defense. If he keeps the fight standing, his technical striking should allow him to pick McGhee apart. At plus 225, Bolaños is a solid underdog pick, and I expect him to win by decision.
Paul picks Bolaños as a live underdog, citing his devastating striking and spinning elbows. He acknowledges Bolaños' grappling is a work in progress but believes if he can keep the fight standing, he has a real chance. He took a shot at +255 a few days ago.
The MMA Guru picks Marcus McGhee, calling it a mismatch. He notes that Gaston Bolaños is a good kickboxer but has grappling issues, while McGhee is strong in both areas. He predicts McGhee will find a takedown and choke him out, possibly with a rear-naked choke in the second round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 4 of 30 | 13% | 4 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| JP Buys | 1 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 4 of 30 | 13% | 4 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| JP Buys | 1 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 4 of 30 | 13% | 2 of 22 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| JP Buys | 7 of 13 | 53% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 4 of 30 | 13% | 2 of 22 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| JP Buys | 7 of 13 | 53% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McGhee (-350), Buys (+280)
Round 1
In the combined 16 victories for South African wrestler Buys (9-5, 0-3 UFC) and power-punching MMA Lab export McGhee (7-1, 1-0 UFC), neither man has ever heard the final bell. In fact, of the two men, Buys is the only one to ever go the distance, when he lost by decision to Montel Jackson nearly two years ago. Referee Jason Herzog will need to hold onto his proverbial hard hat as these bantamweights get after it. There is a calm glove touch before the potential madness ensues. McGhee tosses out a range-finding low kick and blocks a head kick that comes back at him. McGhee spins with a wheel kick that misses the mark, and he keeps moving to not let Buys land on him with sporadic strikes. McGhee sits down on a thudding leg kick and swats away a high kick, and he throws a right hand with the forward pressure that makes Buys bounce off of him. Buys catches his man with a right hand, and the two trade strikes until a Buys kick splits the uprights. McGhee shakes it off and does not let them pause, as he walks “Young Savage” down and plows into him with a fierce one-two. Buys reels and gathers his thoughts, and he tries to swing kicks but is not able to land anything.
“The Maniac” unleashes a ferocious right hand on the chin that sends Buys crashing down on his face, and Herzog immediately jumps between them as McGhee specifically holds back on any additional strikes. Buys snaps back into focus, and he thinks the fight is still going. Buys chases after McGhee, who has walked off to celebrate, and he half-heartedly tries to take McGhee down.
As Buys crashes into the wall, still not entirely with it, Herzog officially waves the fight off, and Buys has to take a moment to process things after getting short-circuited. The triumphant McGhee is now 2-0 in the UFC with two stoppages, and his finish rate remains sterling at 100%.
The Official Result
Marcus McGhee def. J.P. Buys R1 2:19 via KO (Punch)
Angelo calls McGhee his most confident pick on the card, saying he should be -1000. He highlights McGhee's power, takedown defense, and finishing ability, while Buys has a weak chin and poor defensive wrestling. He plans to hammer the inside the distance prop when it drops.
Big Brady picks Marcus McGhee to win by knockout, likely in the first round. He calls this the biggest mismatch on the card, noting JP Buys's poor durability (knocked down 8 times in 3 UFC fights) and McGhee's power. He acknowledges Buys's wrestling but doubts it will be effective against a bigger McGhee who has improved takedown defense. He predicts a late first-round knockout.
Cody picks McGhee, praising his toughness, power, and training at MMA Lab with Sean O'Malley. He notes Buys' cardio issues and weak chin, and that Buys has been knocked down repeatedly. He thinks McGhee's power and durability will be too much, and that Buys' wrestling advantage is negated by his poor cardio. He predicts McGhee clips him and knocks him out.
James is leaning toward Buys as a +300 underdog, thinking Buys can submit McGhee in the first round. He notes McGhee struggled with takedowns and back takes, and Buys has a good choke game. However, he acknowledges Buys has been destroyed on the feet multiple times. James is considering a bet on Buys' moneyline or a submission prop.
McGhee is explosive and powerful early, with a successful short-notice UFC debut. Buys is on a three-fight losing streak and has a bad gas tank. McGhee's power and speed should be too much for Buys, and he will likely get a knockout in the first round. However, the chalk is too high, so a prop on McGhee by KO in round 1 is better.
Paul picks McGhee, citing size and strength advantages. He notes Buys used to fight at 125 and is moving up, while McGhee is a natural bantamweight. He thinks McGhee's power and takedown defense will be key, and that Buys' cardio issues will be exacerbated by the weight cut. He sees McGhee winning by knockout or decision.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Marcus McGhee over JP Buys, criticizing Buys for taking the fight on short notice while on a three-fight losing streak. He praises McGhee's impressive debut and full training camp, noting his experience since 2012. He predicts McGhee will break Buys down and finish him by second-round TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 13 of 46 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:03 |
| Journey Newson | 1 | 25 of 53 | 47% | 25 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 9 of 39 | 23% | 9 of 39 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Journey Newson | 0 | 19 of 42 | 45% | 19 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 4 of 7 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Journey Newson | 1 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 13 of 46 | 28% | 6 of 34 | 4 of 7 | 3 of 5 | 12 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Journey Newson | 25 of 53 | 47% | 14 of 39 | 9 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 21 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 9 of 39 | 23% | 4 of 29 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 3 | 8 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Journey Newson | 19 of 42 | 45% | 10 of 30 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 18 of 40 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marcus McGhee | 4 of 7 | 57% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Journey Newson | 6 of 11 | 54% | 4 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
McGhee makes his debut on just a few days notice against five-time UFC vet Newson. Mark Smith will oversee the catchweight bout. McGhee takes the center of the cage and has a high kick blocked. McGhee goes upstairs with another kick and again, Newson’s guard is in place. Newson wings an overhand left and misses the mark. McGhee lands an inside low kick. The newcomer jumps in with a knee and Newson holds on to a leg before releasing. Newson sits down an a solid right hand. A body kick lands for Newson. McGhee jumps in with a front kick that lands. Newson catches it and lets it go immediately. Newson throws a high kick that McGhee blocks. A stiff left hand backs up Newson, and another straight punch lands shortly thereafter. McGhee is finding the mark for his left hand now. Newson looks to keep his man at bay with a series of kicks. A right lands for Newson and he circles away. McGhee kicks the body. Newson closes the range and drops for a takedown against the fence. Newson releases a leg and then follows McGee as he rolls. The fighters get back to range, and Newson pushes his foe into the cage, where he misses a spinning back elbow before stepping away. McGhee lands a knee in the clinch and misses a kick. A spinning kick to the body lands for McGhee and then he fires off a left hand. A right lands for Newson as he rushes forward with punches at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Newson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Round 2
Newson can’t find the range on a head kick and McGhee answers with a body kick. Newson pressures forward and McGhee counters with a right hand. Newson nearly trips his man down but McGhee is up quickly. Newson lands a couple inside leg kicks. They tie up and McGee backs Newson into the fence. Newson reverses the position and he looks for a takedown. He eventually gets McGee down, but only for a couple seconds. A quick straight left at range sits down Newson and McGee jumps on his opponent’s back when he rolls to his knees.
McGhee applies a rear-naked choke and tightens the hold. Newson can only hold on for a few seconds before he taps out.
McGhee has yet to go the distance in his professional career.
The Official Result
Marcus McGhee def. Journey Newson via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 2:03
Cody picks Kelleher by decision, noting that Kelleher has underrated wrestling and can control Newson on the ground. He points out that Newson has poor takedown defense against wrestlers and that Kelleher's recent wins have come via wrestling-heavy game plans. He believes Kelleher will fight smart to secure a decision.
Connor also picks Newson hesitantly, citing the short notice and McGhee's potential to gas if he blitzes. He notes Newson's wrestling could be a factor, but McGhee's athletic takedown defense and scrambling are good. Connor thinks the fight could be ugly and low-volume.
Paul picks Kelleher by decision, agreeing with Cody. He notes that Kelleher is on a three-fight losing streak against top competition and this is a must-win. He expects Kelleher to rely on his wrestling and control time to secure a decision. He is surprised the line has moved towards a pick'em and may bet Kelleher.
Zane picks Newson hesitantly due to McGhee's short notice, but acknowledges McGhee could blitz and win early. He notes Newson's wrestling and submission game could be effective if McGhee gasses. Zane is concerned about Newson's broken style but thinks the short notice favors him.
JP Buys - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 4 of 30 | 13% | 4 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| JP Buys | 1 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 4 of 30 | 13% | 4 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| JP Buys | 1 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 4 of 30 | 13% | 2 of 22 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| JP Buys | 7 of 13 | 53% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 4 of 30 | 13% | 2 of 22 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| JP Buys | 7 of 13 | 53% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McGhee (-350), Buys (+280)
Round 1
In the combined 16 victories for South African wrestler Buys (9-5, 0-3 UFC) and power-punching MMA Lab export McGhee (7-1, 1-0 UFC), neither man has ever heard the final bell. In fact, of the two men, Buys is the only one to ever go the distance, when he lost by decision to Montel Jackson nearly two years ago. Referee Jason Herzog will need to hold onto his proverbial hard hat as these bantamweights get after it. There is a calm glove touch before the potential madness ensues. McGhee tosses out a range-finding low kick and blocks a head kick that comes back at him. McGhee spins with a wheel kick that misses the mark, and he keeps moving to not let Buys land on him with sporadic strikes. McGhee sits down on a thudding leg kick and swats away a high kick, and he throws a right hand with the forward pressure that makes Buys bounce off of him. Buys catches his man with a right hand, and the two trade strikes until a Buys kick splits the uprights. McGhee shakes it off and does not let them pause, as he walks “Young Savage” down and plows into him with a fierce one-two. Buys reels and gathers his thoughts, and he tries to swing kicks but is not able to land anything.
“The Maniac” unleashes a ferocious right hand on the chin that sends Buys crashing down on his face, and Herzog immediately jumps between them as McGhee specifically holds back on any additional strikes. Buys snaps back into focus, and he thinks the fight is still going. Buys chases after McGhee, who has walked off to celebrate, and he half-heartedly tries to take McGhee down.
As Buys crashes into the wall, still not entirely with it, Herzog officially waves the fight off, and Buys has to take a moment to process things after getting short-circuited. The triumphant McGhee is now 2-0 in the UFC with two stoppages, and his finish rate remains sterling at 100%.
The Official Result
Marcus McGhee def. J.P. Buys R1 2:19 via KO (Punch)
Angelo calls McGhee his most confident pick on the card, saying he should be -1000. He highlights McGhee's power, takedown defense, and finishing ability, while Buys has a weak chin and poor defensive wrestling. He plans to hammer the inside the distance prop when it drops.
Big Brady picks Marcus McGhee to win by knockout, likely in the first round. He calls this the biggest mismatch on the card, noting JP Buys's poor durability (knocked down 8 times in 3 UFC fights) and McGhee's power. He acknowledges Buys's wrestling but doubts it will be effective against a bigger McGhee who has improved takedown defense. He predicts a late first-round knockout.
Cody picks McGhee, praising his toughness, power, and training at MMA Lab with Sean O'Malley. He notes Buys' cardio issues and weak chin, and that Buys has been knocked down repeatedly. He thinks McGhee's power and durability will be too much, and that Buys' wrestling advantage is negated by his poor cardio. He predicts McGhee clips him and knocks him out.
James is leaning toward Buys as a +300 underdog, thinking Buys can submit McGhee in the first round. He notes McGhee struggled with takedowns and back takes, and Buys has a good choke game. However, he acknowledges Buys has been destroyed on the feet multiple times. James is considering a bet on Buys' moneyline or a submission prop.
McGhee is explosive and powerful early, with a successful short-notice UFC debut. Buys is on a three-fight losing streak and has a bad gas tank. McGhee's power and speed should be too much for Buys, and he will likely get a knockout in the first round. However, the chalk is too high, so a prop on McGhee by KO in round 1 is better.
Paul picks McGhee, citing size and strength advantages. He notes Buys used to fight at 125 and is moving up, while McGhee is a natural bantamweight. He thinks McGhee's power and takedown defense will be key, and that Buys' cardio issues will be exacerbated by the weight cut. He sees McGhee winning by knockout or decision.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Marcus McGhee over JP Buys, criticizing Buys for taking the fight on short notice while on a three-fight losing streak. He praises McGhee's impressive debut and full training camp, noting his experience since 2012. He predicts McGhee will break Buys down and finish him by second-round TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Durden | 0 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| JP Buys | 1 | 23 of 30 | 76% | 34 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Durden | 0 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| JP Buys | 1 | 23 of 30 | 76% | 34 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Durden | 7 of 11 | 63% | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| JP Buys | 23 of 30 | 76% | 21 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 17 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Durden | 7 of 11 | 63% | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| JP Buys | 23 of 30 | 76% | 21 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 17 |
Angelo picks Cody Durden, finding the line move bizarre. He expects Durden to come forward with big shots and work his takedowns, noting that if Montel Jackson could take JP Buys down four times, Durden can too. He acknowledges Durden tends to fade but believes his chain wrestling and pressure will be enough. He has a moneyline bet on Durden.
Big Brady picks Cody Durden to win by second-round knockout, but expresses low confidence. He notes that both fighters have poor durability and cardio, but favors Durden's striking power and durability over JP Buys's chin (Buys has been knocked down 7-8 times in UFC). He acknowledges Buys's submission threat early, but believes Durden's better cardio and power will lead to a finish in the second round. He calls it a tough fight to call.
Cody likes Buys, citing his youth, wrestling credentials, and better striking. He notes Durden's poor cardio and that Buys will put a pace on him. He thinks Buys can win by submission or decision.
Paul agrees after Cody's reasoning, and will bet Buys. He notes Durden's pattern of wins and losses but thinks Buys has the edge.
The host picks Cody Durden, citing JP Buys' questionable cardio and tendency to fade after a strong start. He notes Durden's good first-round control against Chris Gutierrez and believes Durden will grind out a decision, winning rounds two and three after losing the first. He acknowledges Buys is dangerous and explosive but trusts Durden's pace.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montel Jackson | 4 | 25 of 43 | 58% | 91 of 117 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 1 | 0 | 10:03 |
| JP Buys | 0 | 8 of 24 | 33% | 39 of 60 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 3 | 0 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montel Jackson | 0 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 27 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:36 |
| JP Buys | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 9 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 2 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 2 | Montel Jackson | 2 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 21 of 30 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:07 |
| JP Buys | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 14 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Montel Jackson | 2 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 43 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:20 |
| JP Buys | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 16 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montel Jackson | 25 of 43 | 58% | 18 of 36 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 17 | 6 of 8 | 8 of 18 |
| JP Buys | 8 of 24 | 33% | 3 of 10 | 4 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montel Jackson | 8 of 12 | 66% | 4 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| JP Buys | 3 of 8 | 37% | 1 of 4 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Montel Jackson | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 3 |
| JP Buys | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Montel Jackson | 10 of 19 | 52% | 9 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 10 |
| JP Buys | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 4 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Montel Jackson as he is well-rounded with power, striking, and wrestling. He notes JP Buys has a path via wrestling but Montel is too good everywhere. He does not like the moneyline at -700 but has a bet on over 1.5 rounds because he thinks Buys will survive early and make it past the first round and a half.
Big Brady is very confident in Montel Jackson, citing huge size and reach advantages. He notes JP Buys is moving up a weight class on short notice and has a history of gassing out. He predicts Jackson will finish Buys in the second round, either by knockout or submission, as Buys has never been to a decision.
Cody is very confident in Jackson, citing his size, power, and improved takedown defense. He notes that JP Buys is undersized, on short notice, and failed to wrestle in his UFC debut. Cody believes Jackson will keep the fight standing and land a knockout.
Daniel Levi picks Montel Jackson to finish JP Buys. He believes Jackson has top-five potential and skills, despite past criticism of his mentality. He notes Buys is composed but lacks the goods, and Jackson's path to victory is finishing him. He advises against betting the moneyline at -650 and suggests looking at props like inside distance.
Preet picks Montel Jackson to win, expecting a finish. He notes Jackson has better striking and power, while Buys is fragile and tends to quit when pressured. He likes the fight doesn't go to decision at -200 and Jackson by KO at +105.
Paul has Jackson in his parlay, noting his physical advantages and Buys' lack of wrestling. He believes Jackson's power and full camp will be decisive. Paul mentions he bet the over 1.5 rounds as well.
The MMA Guru picks Montel Jackson to win by first-round KO, calling it the 'stupidest decision' for JP Buys to take this fight. He emphasizes Jackson's size, power, and grappling advantage, noting he shut down Brett Johns' grappling. He predicts Jackson will land a big shot and finish Buys early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 3 | 37 of 61 | 60% | 62 of 89 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:51 |
| JP Buys | 0 | 17 of 56 | 30% | 37 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 1:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 15 of 23 | 65% | 29 of 40 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:33 |
| JP Buys | 0 | 6 of 22 | 27% | 21 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:50 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 3 | 22 of 38 | 57% | 33 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| JP Buys | 0 | 11 of 34 | 32% | 16 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 37 of 61 | 60% | 29 of 51 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 26 of 43 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 16 |
| JP Buys | 17 of 56 | 30% | 8 of 42 | 4 of 7 | 5 of 7 | 15 of 53 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 15 of 23 | 65% | 8 of 14 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 |
| JP Buys | 6 of 22 | 27% | 2 of 14 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 22 of 38 | 57% | 21 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 13 |
| JP Buys | 11 of 34 | 32% | 6 of 28 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 32 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
By the time fight night started, UFC on ESPN 21 was left with 10 bouts. We begin this shortened card in the flyweight division, when Buys (9-2, 0-0 UFC) looks for his successful debut against “Bulldog” Silva (10-5-2, 1 NC; 0-2, 1 NC UFC). The former will be aiming to make good on a married couple winning tonight – wife Cheyanne Buys competes later – while the latter searches for his first win inside the Octagon. This card opener draws officiating from referee Mark Smith, and the two 125ers touch gloves to kick off the night. Silva comes out jittery, and when he steps forward with a reaching left hand and flush kick to the cup. Fortuitous opening to the evening’s hostilities. Buys tries to walk it off, but the action is paused for a bit over 30 seconds before he is ready to go again. Both men come out swinging, and Silva aims a calf kick as Buys throws a right hand. Silva sits down on a right hand and another calf kick, and Buys walks through it but is surprised. Silva reaches out with his fingers outstretched and jabs Buys in the eye with his thumb, and we have another break as Smith is not thrilled with Silva. The South African takes 45 seconds to clear his vision, and Smith issues Silva a hard warning. Silva does not close his fists when engaging and draws a shout from Smith. When the two come together, Buys slips and falls to his back, where the Brazilian dives on top into the guard. Buys rolls and nearly frees himself in a scramble, but “Bulldog” is resilient and remains on top. Buys looks to sweep, and as he does, Silva times it and advances to half guard. The newcomer kicks off, and Silva rides the kick and climbs back into his foe’s open guard. Buys scoots his way back to the fence, gets to a knee and wall-walks to his feet. Silva delivers a knee to the chest, and he picks Buys up from behind and slams him down on his face. Buys shakes it off, stands again and threatens with a kimura to sweep. Silva stands up, and Buys is able to reverse the position and press the Brazilian into the wire. Buys works his man on the fence with a couple shoulder strikes, and Silva twists him back around before they separate. Buys whiffs on a big head kick, but he does manage to bully Silva back. Silva responds with an uppercut, and he catches his opponent with another shot before rushing into a clinch. Buys defends himself mashed into the fence by slapping his adversary in the ear, and they break free again. Silva cracks Buys with a spinning back fist that lands on the forearm, and Buys drops to knee as the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Round 2
Silva charges out of his corner to begin the round, and he launches a spinning kick and comes up short as Smith warns him already to not reach with his fingers. Buys chases him down with a few head kicks, and he throws one too hard and loses his balance. As soon as Silva sees this, he charges in and plows Buys over, where he starts dropping down hammers. Even in full guard, Silva is doing work with strikes from on top, until Buys latches on to him to keep him trapped. Silva bucks and stands up, where Buys uses the momentum to get standing as well. As Buys hops away, Silva kicks him in the face, but the South African appears unconcerned. Buys instead charges towards his opponent, throwing combinations and even mixing in a few low kicks. Silva throws back, but Buys is advancing heavily. Buys walks into a clean right hand, and his knees wiggle for a moment but he crashes into the clinch. After a brief clinch exchange, they break apart and Silva nails him with a quick combination. Silva blasts Buys with a nasty right hand and sends Buys flying, leading to Buys doing a somersault to recover. Buys gets up, and he falls back into the fence as Silva is ripping into him with a storm of punches. On rubber legs but still in the fight, Buys tries to escape.
“Bulldog” relentlessly pursues his man, and he loads up with a monster right hand that buckles Buys’ legs and puts him down once and for all.
Smith sees that Buys is done, and he jumps in to save the “Young Savage” from any more damage. What a way to start the night!
The Official Result
Bruno Silva def. J.P. Buys R2 2:56 via TKO (Punch)
Big Brady picks Bruno Silva as an underdog, citing JP Buys' cardio issues and tendency to gas after the first round. He notes Buys has never been to a decision and has been finished before, while Silva is a black belt in BJJ with better cardio and takedown defense. Brady believes if Silva survives the early storm, he will take over and finish Buys by TKO in the second round.
Daniel Levi picks JP Buys, expecting him to get off to a big lead and possibly an early submission. He notes Buys' cardio issues but thinks he can weather the storm and win a decision. He acknowledges Bruno Silva's improvements but sees Buys as the more physical fighter early.
Bruno Silva has shown great cardio against high-level opponents like Dvorak and Ulanbekov, while JP Buys slows down past the first round. Silva's ability to survive the early storm and take over later in the fight is key. Buys has better striking technique but his cardio issues make him vulnerable as a favorite. Silva should win by decision, though Buys has potential if he fixes his cardio.
The MMA Guru picks Bruno Silva over JP Buys. He believes Silva's superior competition (close fights with Tagir Ulanbekov and David Dvořák) gives him an edge. He expects Silva to wear on Buys as the fight goes on, using his grappling and stand-up, and win by unanimous decision (29-28). He notes Buys starts fast but slows down, as seen against Joby Sanchez.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo calls McGhee his most confident pick on the card, saying he should be -1000. He highlights McGhee's power, takedown defense, and finishing ability, while Buys has a weak chin and poor defensive wrestling. He plans to hammer the inside the distance prop when it drops.
Big Brady picks Marcus McGhee to win by knockout, likely in the first round. He calls this the biggest mismatch on the card, noting JP Buys's poor durability (knocked down 8 times in 3 UFC fights) and McGhee's power. He acknowledges Buys's wrestling but doubts it will be effective against a bigger McGhee who has improved takedown defense. He predicts a late first-round knockout.
Cody picks McGhee, praising his toughness, power, and training at MMA Lab with Sean O'Malley. He notes Buys' cardio issues and weak chin, and that Buys has been knocked down repeatedly. He thinks McGhee's power and durability will be too much, and that Buys' wrestling advantage is negated by his poor cardio. He predicts McGhee clips him and knocks him out.
James is leaning toward Buys as a +300 underdog, thinking Buys can submit McGhee in the first round. He notes McGhee struggled with takedowns and back takes, and Buys has a good choke game. However, he acknowledges Buys has been destroyed on the feet multiple times. James is considering a bet on Buys' moneyline or a submission prop.
McGhee is explosive and powerful early, with a successful short-notice UFC debut. Buys is on a three-fight losing streak and has a bad gas tank. McGhee's power and speed should be too much for Buys, and he will likely get a knockout in the first round. However, the chalk is too high, so a prop on McGhee by KO in round 1 is better.
Paul picks McGhee, citing size and strength advantages. He notes Buys used to fight at 125 and is moving up, while McGhee is a natural bantamweight. He thinks McGhee's power and takedown defense will be key, and that Buys' cardio issues will be exacerbated by the weight cut. He sees McGhee winning by knockout or decision.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Marcus McGhee over JP Buys, criticizing Buys for taking the fight on short notice while on a three-fight losing streak. He praises McGhee's impressive debut and full training camp, noting his experience since 2012. He predicts McGhee will break Buys down and finish him by second-round TKO.
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