Career Averages - Manuel Torres
Career Averages - Nikolas Motta
Manuel Torres
Nikolas Motta
Manuel Torres - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Dawson | 0 | 8 of 21 | 38% | 8 of 21 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Manuel Torres | 1 | 9 of 17 | 52% | 9 of 17 | 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 | Grant Dawson | 0 | 8 of 21 | 38% | 8 of 21 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Manuel Torres | 1 | 9 of 17 | 52% | 9 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Dawson | 8 of 21 | 38% | 4 of 13 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 8 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Manuel Torres | 9 of 17 | 52% | 5 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grant Dawson | 8 of 21 | 38% | 4 of 13 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 8 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Manuel Torres | 9 of 17 | 52% | 5 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dawson (-218), Torres (+180)
Round 1
Herb Dean is the referee. Torres takes the center of the cage. Dawson flocks out a high kick. Another head kick slams off of Torres’ guard. Dawson’s first shot is denied by Torres, who is patient early. Torres steps in with a left, and Dawson returns fire with an overhand right. Dawson remains active with his kicking game, as he lands to his foe’s body. Torres kicks the body in return. A straight left ot the body connects for Torres. Torres stuffs anotehr takedown. Dawson lands a front kick down the middle. “El Loco” is unfazed, and he finds his opening moments later. After Dawson whiffs on an overhand,
Torres goes on the attack, dropping his American adversary with a rapid-fire combination. Dawson collapses to the canvas and covers up. Torres wastes little time sealing his victory, as he unloads with a barrage of approximately five unanswered hammerfists to force the stoppage.
That’s now five finishes in five UFC victories — and 16 first-round stoppages overall — for the Mexican standout.
The Official Result
Manuel Torres def. Grant Dawson via TKO (Punches) R1 2:25
Angelo picks Grant Dawson despite calling him the most boring fighter on the roster. He acknowledges Dawson's excellent wrestling and grappling, and expects him to get takedowns and control the fight. He notes that Manuel Torres is dangerous but believes Dawson's game plan will prevail. Angelo expresses disdain for the entertainment value but respects Dawson's skills.
Big Brady picks Grant Dawson, expecting him to weather Torres' early storm and take the fight to the mat. He notes Dawson's improved cardio and ground and pound at American Top Team, and predicts a second-round TKO via ground and pound.
Cody picks Dawson but is hesitant due to Torres' knockout power. He believes Dawson's wrestling and control will neutralize Torres, as Torres has not shown good takedown defense. He notes that Dawson trains at American Top Team and will likely get early takedowns. He acknowledges the risk of getting knocked out but trusts Dawson's game plan.
Connor picks Grant Dawson by smothering wrestling, noting that Dawson has won 23 of 25 fights and is a proven grinder. He acknowledges that Dawson has never beaten a real hitter and has faded in fights where he didn't crush his opponent early, but still sees Dawson's path to victory through control.
Daniel picks Dawson, believing his relentless grappling will drown Torres if he survives the first round. He notes Torres has never been past the first round and has knockout power, but Dawson's improved striking and top control should prevail in an extended fight. He expects a submission or ground-and-pound TKO.
Lucrative James highlights Grant Dawson's elite wrestling and back-taking ability. He notes that Manuel Torres is a fast starter who fades if he doesn't finish early, and that Dawson's grappling will neutralize Torres' power. He also mentions that Dawson's teammate Chris Duncan has fought Torres before, providing valuable intel. He predicts Dawson wins inside the distance via grappling.
The host views this as a dangerous early fight for Dawson but believes if he can secure takedowns and wear Torres down, his elite lightweight grappling will shine. He expects Dawson to find a finish in the second or third round.
Paul is confident in Dawson, citing his wrestling and control time. He notes that Dawson has dominated grapplers and that Torres' wins are all first-round finishes, which becomes less likely if Dawson gets takedowns. He believes Dawson will smother Torres and win by decision or submission.
The Guru picks Grant Dawson over Manuel Torres, trusting Dawson's elite grappling to survive Torres' early power. He notes Torres has never left the first round and has been submitted before. The Guru predicts a late second or third round submission or ground-and-pound finish.
Zane picks Manuel Torres as a fun upset, citing that Torres is a big, strong athlete with quick reactions who may be hard to hold down. He notes that Dawson has been taken down quickly by Chris Duncan and that Torres has submission threats. Zane believes Torres could knock Dawson out if he can't control him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 1 | 23 of 25 | 92% | 23 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 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 | Manuel Torres | 1 | 23 of 25 | 92% | 23 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 23 of 25 | 92% | 21 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
| Drew Dober | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Torres | 23 of 25 | 92% | 21 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
| Drew Dober | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
James picks Drew Dober to win, arguing that Torres has never won outside round one except for a split decision where he gassed, and that elevation will worsen his cardio. He highlights Dober's elite chin, cardio, and forward pressure, noting Dober's last fight against Jean Silva showed his durability. James believes Dober will survive Torres' early onslaught and then dominate in rounds two and three, likely finishing Torres. He also mentions a potential submission angle for Torres but favors Dober's path to victory.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ignacio Bahamondes | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Manuel Torres | 2 | 31 of 58 | 53% | 36 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ignacio Bahamondes | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Manuel Torres | 2 | 31 of 58 | 53% | 36 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ignacio Bahamondes | 20 of 43 | 46% | 9 of 30 | 10 of 10 | 1 of 3 | 12 of 35 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Manuel Torres | 31 of 58 | 53% | 25 of 46 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 8 | 11 of 25 | 4 of 4 | 16 of 29 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ignacio Bahamondes | 20 of 43 | 46% | 9 of 30 | 10 of 10 | 1 of 3 | 12 of 35 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Manuel Torres | 31 of 58 | 53% | 25 of 46 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 8 | 11 of 25 | 4 of 4 | 16 of 29 |
Angelo leans Ignacio Bahamondes for three reasons: his length advantage, higher level experience, and the fact that Manuel Torres pulled guard in his last fight, which won't work against Bahamondes. He notes Bahamondes has good footwork and head movement, solid takedown defense, and came out aggressive in his last fight. However, he acknowledges Torres is dangerous and the fight could end early. He suggests a round under or 'fight doesn't go the distance' prop.
Big Brady flipped from initially leaning Torres to picking Bahamondes as a dog. He notes Torres is a beast in the first round (14 of 15 wins in round 1) but has never been past round 1.5. Bahamondes has shown ability to go into later rounds and weather storms. He predicts Bahamondes will survive an early onslaught and break Torres in the second round via knockout.
Daniel picks Ignacio Bahamondes, believing that if he survives the early storm, he will pick Torres apart with calf kicks, jabs, and spins. He notes Bahamondes' training with Khabib and Islam for grappling, and doubts Torres can maintain his high pace. He predicts a knockout for Bahamondes.
The transcript does not discuss this fight.
Fading the hype on Torres and going with the more experienced and technically better fighter in Bahamondes. He will touch up Torres, lean on his durability early, and then utilize superior technical striking to finish Torres in the second or third round.
The MMA Guru picks Manuel Torres. He describes Torres as a physical freak with incredible strength, comparing him to a lightweight version of Dricus du Plessis. He notes Bahamondes has had mediocre performances against similar competition, including a loss to Ludovic Klein where he was controlled on the ground. He also points out that Bahamondes was wobbled by a shorter fighter with a shorter reach, and Torres has more power and range.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Torres | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Chris Duncan | 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 | Manuel Torres | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Chris Duncan | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Torres as the more dangerous fighter, citing his length and finishing ability. He acknowledges Duncan's durability and toughness but believes Torres will eventually break him. He mentions that over 1.5 rounds might be solid but Torres is the pick.
Big Brady picks Manuel Torres to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Torres has 15 finishes in 16 fights, all in the first round, and is a chaotic striker. He criticizes Chris Duncan's 49% striking defense and notes that Duncan has been knocked down and knocked out before. Brady believes Torres will draw Duncan into a brawl and that Torres has more power and durability. He expects the fight to end in the first round.
Cody picks Duncan as an underdog, noting that Torres is a first-round finisher with suspect cardio and grappling. He believes Duncan can take Torres down, make him carry weight, and grind him out. He mentions Duncan's improved wrestling and game plan against Ashmus. He acknowledges the risk of getting melted early but likes the plus price.
The host acknowledges Torres's power and early finishes but notes he overextends and can be countered. He believes Duncan is a more educated striker with a well-rounded game. If Duncan can survive the early onslaught, he can grind Torres against the cage and on the mat, finding a finish in the second or third round as Torres slows down.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Duncan. He notes Torres is an offensive dynamo but has cardio issues and poor grappling defense. Duncan's takedowns and pressure could be key. He mentions Duncan's camp at American Top Team and his improved fight IQ. He thinks Duncan can avoid a gunfight and grind out a win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 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 | Manuel Torres | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 13 of 17 | 76% | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 7 of 14 | 50% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Torres | 13 of 17 | 76% | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 7 of 14 | 50% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as the underdog. He believes Motta is the more powerful striker and will avoid Torres's plum clinch and takedowns. Torres has a BJJ advantage but will struggle to get the fight to the ground. Angelo plans to bet Motta plus 3.5 points on the judge's scorecard, so a 29-28 loss still pays.
Big Brady picks Manuel Torres to win by first-round knockout. He describes Torres as a wild, relentless fighter who pushes a high pace and looks for finishes. Brady notes Torres has been finished twice by submission but has good durability and chin, while Motta has been knocked out multiple times. He believes Torres will make it his fight and overwhelm Motta with pressure and volume. Brady expects a chaotic car crash of a fight ending early in Torres' favor.
Cody is high on Torres, citing his finishing ability, good volume, durability, and multiple ways to win. He notes that Torres has a nasty submission game and striking, and that his only losses came via leg locks early in his career. Cody thinks Torres will overwhelm Motta with volume and eventually catch him, predicting a knockout after the over 1.5 rounds. He acknowledges Motta's durability is a question mark.
Connor picks Torres, citing his chin and comfort in the pocket. He notes that Motta is a sharp counter puncher but gets hit cleanly and lacks durability. Connor expects Torres to fire back when hit and eventually overwhelm Motta with power.
Daniel Levi picks Nikolas Motta, citing Motta's superior technical striking and counter boxing. He notes Torres's reckless striking leaves openings, and Motta can exploit them. He also mentions Motta's grappling as a potential path to tire Torres. He acknowledges the danger in the first few minutes but believes Motta can weather the storm and take over.
Torres has cardio issues and is mostly an early knockout threat. Motta is a better technical striker with more experience. If Motta survives the early onslaught, he can take over in the second round and find his own knockout. The fight likely ends inside the distance. Motta wins by knockout.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Torres puts on a high pace early and often, and that his significant strike totals are impressive. He questions whether Torres can maintain that pace if the fight extends, but given Motta's durability issues, he thinks Torres will get the job done. Paul likes the over 37.5 significant strikes for Torres on PrizePicks.
The MMA Guru picks Manuel Torres over Nikolas Motta, citing Torres as a good prospect with momentum and a reach advantage. He notes Motta was slept by Jim Miller and has questionable striking defense. He expects a stand-up fight favoring Torres, who has improved over a year off.
Zane picks Torres because of his durability and ability to navigate wild exchanges. He notes that Motta is fragile and has been knocked out multiple times, while Torres has never been KO'd. Zane believes that in a pocket exchange, Torres will land the harder shots and Motta will break.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 0 | 16 of 31 | 51% | 24 of 40 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Frank Camacho | 1 | 34 of 64 | 53% | 34 of 64 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Torres | 0 | 16 of 31 | 51% | 24 of 40 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Frank Camacho | 1 | 34 of 64 | 53% | 34 of 64 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 16 of 31 | 51% | 10 of 24 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 14 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Frank Camacho | 34 of 64 | 53% | 27 of 56 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 30 of 60 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Torres | 16 of 31 | 51% | 10 of 24 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 14 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Frank Camacho | 34 of 64 | 53% | 27 of 56 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 30 of 60 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Camacho but with very low confidence. He notes Camacho has more experience, a BJJ black belt, and looks in great shape on social media after a year off. However, he acknowledges Camacho's recent loss to Justin James and fight pullouts. He says there's not a shred of confidence in the selection.
Paul is undecided, calling it a 50-50 stay-away fight. He notes there's not enough footage on Torres and Camacho's last performance was poor. He mentions the line is close and he doesn't have enough confidence to pick either side.
Nikolas Motta - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 1 | 93 of 150 | 62% | 102 of 161 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:29 |
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 66 of 157 | 42% | 76 of 168 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 39 of 63 | 61% | 45 of 70 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:05 |
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 36 of 82 | 43% | 44 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 1 | 54 of 87 | 62% | 57 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 30 of 75 | 40% | 32 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 93 of 150 | 62% | 60 of 114 | 25 of 27 | 8 of 9 | 58 of 109 | 33 of 38 | 2 of 3 |
| Nikolas Motta | 66 of 157 | 42% | 46 of 136 | 16 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 54 of 135 | 12 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 39 of 63 | 61% | 21 of 43 | 12 of 13 | 6 of 7 | 25 of 46 | 14 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 36 of 82 | 43% | 23 of 68 | 9 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 28 of 72 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 54 of 87 | 62% | 39 of 71 | 13 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 33 of 63 | 19 of 21 | 2 of 3 |
| Nikolas Motta | 30 of 75 | 40% | 23 of 68 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 63 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Nazim Sadykhov, praising his striking and footwork. He notes that Nazim is a very good striker and has looked fantastic since his only loss. He acknowledges that Nikolas Motta is a good fighter with fast hands and power, but thinks Nazim is the slightly better striker and can win by finish. He warns that Motta is dangerous and the fight could get weird.
Big Brady is a big fan of Sadykhov in this matchup, citing durability as the key factor. He notes Sadykhov has never been knocked out, while Motta has been finished in all five losses. Brady thinks Sadykhov is more well-rounded, has better cardio, and a good ground game. He predicts Sadykhov will knock out Motta, possibly in the second round, but wouldn't be surprised by a submission.
Connor picks Sadykhov, agreeing that Motta's tendency to jump in with combinations and lack of distance management will be exploited by Sadykhov's countering and physicality. He notes that Sadykhov is not shallow in any area and is a tough, durable fighter who can take a shot and keep coming. He believes Motta's confidence issues, as seen against Ogden, will resurface against a strong opponent like Sadykhov.
The host is surprised Sadykhov is such a big favorite. He acknowledges Sadykhov's knockout power but thinks Motta has rounded out his game enough to eat big shots and put together a better body of work. He expects Motta to touch up Sadykhov, mix in takedowns, and win on the scorecards, noting Motta is live as a +340 underdog.
The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, calling him 'really, really good'. He acknowledges Nikolas Motta's underrated skills and dangerous hooks but believes Sadykhov's defensive striking and pressure will prevail. He warns about Motta's lunging hooks but expects Sadykhov to adjust and finish late second or third round via TKO.
Zane picks Sadykhov, noting that Motta's recklessness and chin-first approach will play into Sadykhov's power and physicality. He points out that Motta has been broken by lesser fighters like Trey Ogden, and that Sadykhov is a brute who is physical in all areas and has proven durability against Bonfim. He believes Sadykhov will survive Motta's early aggression and catch him with a fight-ending shot.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 56 of 169 | 33% | 60 of 173 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 2 | 78 of 166 | 46% | 87 of 183 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 16 of 44 | 36% | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 1 | 25 of 63 | 39% | 32 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 24 of 66 | 36% | 24 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 16 of 59 | 27% | 20 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 1 | 28 of 49 | 57% | 30 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 56 of 169 | 33% | 29 of 133 | 9 of 13 | 18 of 23 | 53 of 160 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 78 of 166 | 46% | 61 of 144 | 7 of 11 | 10 of 11 | 67 of 147 | 2 of 7 | 9 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 16 of 44 | 36% | 7 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 25 of 63 | 39% | 18 of 52 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 24 of 60 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nikolas Motta | 24 of 66 | 36% | 11 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 12 | 24 of 62 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 25 of 54 | 46% | 19 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 24 of 50 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nikolas Motta | 16 of 59 | 27% | 11 of 49 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 15 of 57 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 28 of 49 | 57% | 24 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 12 |
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as an underdog, citing Maheshate's sloppiness and hittability. He believes Motta is faster, more accurate, and a better striker. He notes both are chinny but Motta's technical edge should prevail. He will sprinkle if the line widens to +200 or +250.
Big Brady picks Maheshate to win by second-round knockout. He notes Maheshate is seven years younger, has a height and reach advantage, and is the more active striker. He highlights that Nikolas Motta has been finished in all five of his losses, including four by knockout, while Maheshate has only one knockout loss. Brady believes both have knockout power but Maheshate has better durability.
Cody picks Maheshate, citing his power and youth. He notes that Motta has been knocked out multiple times and fades in later rounds. Maheshate's durability and improving cardio should allow him to win by knockout or decision. He expects a violent finish in Maheshate's favor.
Daniel Vreeland acknowledges Motta's devastating knockout power, noting 10 of his 14 wins are by KO. However, he believes Maheshate has more tools on the feet and can win a decision if he avoids getting knocked out. He leans towards Maheshate due to his youth, size, and more diverse striking, but admits Motta always has a puncher's chance.
Paul picks Maheshate but is hesitant, noting that both have power and can finish. He thinks Motta has more power but less heart, and Maheshate's volume and durability will be key. He suggests a live bet on Motta by KO early, but expects Maheshate to win if it goes past the first round.
The MMA Guru initially considered Maheshate due to his size and reach, but changed his mind after noting Maheshate's split decision win over Gabriel Benitez, which he views as unimpressive. He believes Motta won't get knocked out early and will warm into the fight, ultimately picking Motta to start the card. However, he acknowledges Maheshate's knockout of Steve Garcia, showing hesitation.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 21 of 40 | 52% | 21 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Tom Nolan | 0 | 12 of 20 | 60% | 12 of 20 | 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 | Nikolas Motta | 1 | 21 of 40 | 52% | 21 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Tom Nolan | 0 | 12 of 20 | 60% | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 21 of 40 | 52% | 19 of 35 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 13 of 20 |
| Tom Nolan | 12 of 20 | 60% | 5 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 21 of 40 | 52% | 19 of 35 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 13 of 20 |
| Tom Nolan | 12 of 20 | 60% | 5 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nolan (-298), Motta (+240)
Round 1
Two power-punching lightweights enter the Octagon to make some waves. Motta (13-5, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC) may be fighting for his job, depending on the result, while unbested Aussie Nolan (6-0, 0-0 UFC) wants to leave a lasting impression in his promotional debut. Referee Dan Miragliotta draws the charge for this fight that might not need the full 15 minutes, and it opens up with a glove touch from the two combatants. Nolan quickly whips a leg kick on the inside, and he follows it with two punches. Nolan crowds his man and swings hard, and Motta bites down on his mouthpiece and throws back with a vengeance. Nolan sits down on a few kicks as he mixes in punches, while Motta fires off two body kicks that land with loud slaps. Motta takes a few punches on the chin, says “please sir, may I have some more,” and retaliates with a left hand and a vicious right that drops the unbeaten Australian to his seat.
Nolan turns over and tries to survive, but Motta follows him and proceeds to batter him with right hands. The thudding punches continue to connect on the side of the head, and Nolan is showing no signs of recovering at this point. Miragliotta recognizes this and intervenes,
and Nolan thinks about protesting but decides against it as his circuits are still somewhat scrambled. Motta rushes off and proceeds to celebrate with his eclectic corner of Ray Sefo, Jake Shields and Julian Erosa.
The Official Result
Nikolas Motta def. Tom Nolan R1 1:03 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Tom Nolan, believing he is the better striker with good accuracy, power, and pressure. He notes Nolan's poor takedown defense but thinks Motta won't exploit it as he averages zero takedowns per fight. He is slightly concerned about Motta's veteran savvy and explosive striking, and finds the -330 odds too steep for a UFC debutant. He plans to leave the fight alone rather than bet.
Big Brady acknowledges Tom Nolan's defensive flaws but believes Nikolas Motta's confidence and durability are shot. He notes Motta has been knocked out repeatedly and even struggled against low-output fighters. Brady expects Nolan's power and aggression to overwhelm Motta, predicting a first-round knockout.
Cody picks Nolan but is hesitant, noting that Motta is a shell of himself and has lost confidence. He acknowledges Nolan's inexperience and defensive flaws, but believes Motta's recent performances are so poor that Nolan can win. He says it's a trappy fight and he's not confident.
Daniel Vreeland picks Tom Nolan to win, but is hesitant due to Nolan's inexperience. He compares Nolan to a green Carlos Condit, praising his length and variety of strikes. Vreeland worries about Nolan making rookie mistakes against the experienced Motta, who has knockout power. He thinks Nolan can get a finish if he avoids Motta's big hooks.
James does not discuss this fight in the transcript.
Tom Nolan is an undefeated 23-year-old with a massive 6'3" frame and 76-inch reach, giving him a significant height and reach advantage over Motta. He earned his UFC contract by destroying Bogdan Grad on the Contender Series, showcasing his speed and power. Motta has durability issues and has been hurt in multiple fights, which Nolan can exploit. I expect Nolan to use his physical advantages to brutalize Motta and finish him inside the first round by KO. The minus 330 line is a bit steep for a debutant, but the matchup favors Nolan heavily.
Paul picks Nolan as a fade of Motta, noting that Motta's durability and confidence are gone. He says he has no intention of betting Motta and that Nolan is unproven but likely wins. He calls it a trappy fight and is not confident.
The MMA Guru picks Tom Nolan, highlighting his size, reach, and finishing ability. He notes that Nikolas Motta has been too finishable recently, with KO losses to Manel Torres, Trey Ogden, and Jim Miller. He believes Nolan's power and size will catch Motta's chin and put him away by TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Ogden | 0 | 58 of 83 | 69% | 96 of 128 | 3 of 16 | 18% | 1 | 0 | 4:28 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 14 of 80 | 17% | 16 of 82 | 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 | Trey Ogden | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 35 of 49 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 2 of 17 | 11% | 2 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Trey Ogden | 0 | 41 of 56 | 73% | 43 of 59 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 12 of 58 | 20% | 12 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Trey Ogden | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 18 of 20 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:47 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Ogden | 58 of 83 | 69% | 49 of 74 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 44 of 65 | 13 of 17 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 14 of 80 | 17% | 8 of 73 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 80 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trey Ogden | 16 of 25 | 64% | 11 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 2 of 17 | 11% | 0 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Trey Ogden | 41 of 56 | 73% | 37 of 52 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 31 of 43 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 12 of 58 | 20% | 8 of 53 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Trey Ogden | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Motta (-135), Ogden (+114)
Round 1
Moving on to the lightweight division, two fighters will set foot in the cage hoping right the ship after losses earlier in the year, and the next victory will even their UFC record. Whether it is Ogden (16-6, 1-2 UFC) or Motta (13-5, 1-2 UFC), they will have the next three rounds or less to decide. Referee Mike Beltran draws the charge, and he sits back as the fighters do not choose to touch ‘em up. Both fighters fake jabs at one another, and then they reach out with jabs that do not find their targets. The first land is from Ogden in the form of a prodding jab, and he wipes his hands on his shorts. Ogden snaps out another jab as Motta comes in, and Motta sits down on a leg kick in response. Ogden gets in a jab and dodges when Motta counters, and he ducks away as Motta swings at him. Motta throws a kick, and Ogden catches it and goes after a single. Ogden presses his foe against the fence when the takedown does not materialize, and he is warned for grabbing the fence to keep Motta trapped on it. Ogden softens the body up with a few knees before pushing off, and he drops down for another single and bails on it to go up top with a right and a left. Ogden snipes his foe with another sharp jab, snapping the head back and disrupting the power coming back at him. Ogden shoots for a naked double-leg takedown, and Motta stands him up but gets popped with another jab. Motta prepares for another takedown and halts it, and Ogden once more sticks him with the jab. Ogden kicks low and rifles out a few jabs, and Motta is unable to let go with power punches as a result. Motta’s nose begins to glow like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and he defends against another shot but eats a number of jabs. Ogden snake-charms his opponent with jabs, and as Motta overswings on a right hand, he drops down low and secures a double to dump the Brazilian on his back. Ogden moves right to half guard with ease, and he grinds out the remainder of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Round 2
Ogden is ready and rearing to pick up right where he left off, and he pushes out a jab and beats Motta to the punch a few times. Motta rushes out throwing big punches, but Ogden sees them coming and evades them. Motta looks for a head kick at the end of a few strikes, and Ogden parries and strafes to the side. Ogden ducks and runs to the side when Motta swings for the bleachers, and he gets back into position and pierces the guard with a jab. An overzealous Motta runs into a takedown attempt, and he manages to stop it and throw hand back. Ogden keeps composed and rolls with the punches, what few Motta has landed. Motta unloads a right hand that skims past the side of his foe’s head, and Ogden answers this with a double attempt. Motta stifles this and chomps down on a few more jabs as mis mouth opens from the blows. Ogden fails on another takedown attempt, but his follow-up punches are largely finding their mark while Motta swings back hitting air. Ogden stands in one place a little too long and takes a right hand on the chin, and this wobbles him as he stumbles away. Motta tries to give chase, but Ogden takes a quick count of his teeth and smacks the Brazilian with a left hook. The jabs continue to mount by the busy Ogden, who regains his sea legs as he further marks up Motta’s face. Ogden fakes out his foe to grab hold of him with a body lock, and he delivers a pair of knees to the body. Motta pushes off and continues to throw wildly, and every so often he does manage a land. Motta dips down to block a takedown, and Ogden opens up with three punches and a blocked head kick. Ogden slings Motta to the ground with sheer strength, and Motta climbs back up and takes a knee up the middle and a right hand. Motta shakes it off and continues relentlessly throwing power punches, but Ogden sees most of them coming and does work with his jab and follow-up hook. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Round 3
The two have reached the final round, and they meet in the middle and trade hands. Ogden hops back away from the power right hand, and he glances it off the cheek and surprises Ogden. The Marathon MMA fighter doggedly goes after a takedown, and Motta hops across the cage and keeps his balance. Ogden exerts himself and dumps the Brazilian to his seat, and he wraps his legs around Motta’s for a partial mount position. Motta sits himself against the fence, and Ogden drags him flat to his back as he slides himself a bit higher to claim full mount. “Samurai Ghost” maintains heavy chest pressure and bonks Motta in the side of the head with open palm strikes, and he squeezes down to set up an arm-triangle choke and slips his left arm behind Motta’s head. Ogden adjusts his grip and talks to his corner, and he follows their instructions to lock down the arm-triangle choke. Ogden steps over to the side as he presses down with all his might.
Beltran tells Motta to show him he is still in the fight, and Motta fights the grip and is still with it. Beltran checks on Motta’s hand and believes that Motta is out, and he steps in to stop the fight. Motta immediately screams at Beltran, saying he was not out and asking why the fight is over.
By first glance, it appears to be a bit of a premature stoppage, as Motta was not rendered unconscious and his attempts to signal Beltran something like a thumbs-up would put him further in danger. For now, the result is what it is, a win by technical submission for Ogden, unless the replay goes over the footage and determines something else. As it turns out, they do.
The Official Result
Trey Ogden vs. Nikolas Motta is Ruled a No Contest (Premature Stoppage) R3 3:11
Angelo leans towards Nikolas Motta, expecting him to stay busy on the feet and keep Trey Ogden out of his wrestling rhythm. He notes Motta has solid takedown defense and explosive striking. He predicts a decision win for Motta.
Big Brady calls this a terrible fight, criticizing Trey Ogden for being a point striker who doesn't engage and has zero knockout wins. He thinks Motta has a questionable chin but will land big shots because Ogden will be running around. He predicts Motta wins by decision because he looks like he wants to be there, but he has little interest in the fight.
Cody picks Nikolas Motta, citing his superior striking and hand speed. He notes that Ogden has no knockout power and low volume. Motta's chin is a concern, but Ogden is unlikely to exploit it. Cody expects Motta to out-strike Ogden and win.
Ogden is a BJJ black belt who can implement his grappling pressure similar to his win over Zellhuber. He will walk Motta down, land kicks and punches, then change levels for takedowns. Motta has questionable durability and grappling acumen, having been knocked out recently and not tested on the ground. Ogden can find a submission victory.
Paul picks Motta, noting his better boxing and speed. He mentions Ogden's lack of power and inability to wrestle effectively. Paul thinks Motta can win by decision or TKO if he avoids getting hit clean.
The MMA Guru picks Trey Ogden over Nikolas Motta, citing Motta's lack of momentum after being knocked out by Manuel Torres and Jim Miller. He notes Ogden's tricky style and competitive fights against Ignacio Bahamondes and Daniel Zellhuber, and believes Ogden can outpoint Motta on the outside to a decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 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 | Manuel Torres | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 13 of 17 | 76% | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 7 of 14 | 50% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Torres | 13 of 17 | 76% | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 7 of 14 | 50% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as the underdog. He believes Motta is the more powerful striker and will avoid Torres's plum clinch and takedowns. Torres has a BJJ advantage but will struggle to get the fight to the ground. Angelo plans to bet Motta plus 3.5 points on the judge's scorecard, so a 29-28 loss still pays.
Big Brady picks Manuel Torres to win by first-round knockout. He describes Torres as a wild, relentless fighter who pushes a high pace and looks for finishes. Brady notes Torres has been finished twice by submission but has good durability and chin, while Motta has been knocked out multiple times. He believes Torres will make it his fight and overwhelm Motta with pressure and volume. Brady expects a chaotic car crash of a fight ending early in Torres' favor.
Cody is high on Torres, citing his finishing ability, good volume, durability, and multiple ways to win. He notes that Torres has a nasty submission game and striking, and that his only losses came via leg locks early in his career. Cody thinks Torres will overwhelm Motta with volume and eventually catch him, predicting a knockout after the over 1.5 rounds. He acknowledges Motta's durability is a question mark.
Connor picks Torres, citing his chin and comfort in the pocket. He notes that Motta is a sharp counter puncher but gets hit cleanly and lacks durability. Connor expects Torres to fire back when hit and eventually overwhelm Motta with power.
Daniel Levi picks Nikolas Motta, citing Motta's superior technical striking and counter boxing. He notes Torres's reckless striking leaves openings, and Motta can exploit them. He also mentions Motta's grappling as a potential path to tire Torres. He acknowledges the danger in the first few minutes but believes Motta can weather the storm and take over.
Torres has cardio issues and is mostly an early knockout threat. Motta is a better technical striker with more experience. If Motta survives the early onslaught, he can take over in the second round and find his own knockout. The fight likely ends inside the distance. Motta wins by knockout.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Torres puts on a high pace early and often, and that his significant strike totals are impressive. He questions whether Torres can maintain that pace if the fight extends, but given Motta's durability issues, he thinks Torres will get the job done. Paul likes the over 37.5 significant strikes for Torres on PrizePicks.
The MMA Guru picks Manuel Torres over Nikolas Motta, citing Torres as a good prospect with momentum and a reach advantage. He notes Motta was slept by Jim Miller and has questionable striking defense. He expects a stand-up fight favoring Torres, who has improved over a year off.
Zane picks Torres because of his durability and ability to navigate wild exchanges. He notes that Motta is fragile and has been knocked out multiple times, while Torres has never been KO'd. Zane believes that in a pocket exchange, Torres will land the harder shots and Motta will break.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 24 of 45 | 53% | 24 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 15 of 40 | 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 | Nikolas Motta | 1 | 24 of 45 | 53% | 24 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 24 of 45 | 53% | 22 of 41 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 15 of 40 | 37% | 7 of 26 | 4 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 24 of 45 | 53% | 22 of 41 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 15 of 40 | 37% | 7 of 26 | 4 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Motta because he believes Motta is the better striker, with explosive athleticism and solid takedown defense. He notes that VanCamp is a wild brawler with power but is kill-or-be-killed, and that Motta should be able to pick him apart if he keeps a tight guard. However, he acknowledges the odds are wide and VanCamp is a live underdog, making him hesitant.
Big Brady picks Nikolas Motta to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Motta has dynamite in his hands and hits very hard, while Cameron VanCamp has poor striking defense (29% striking defense) and keeps his hands down with his chin up. Brady believes Motta's power will be too much for VanCamp, who has been knocked out multiple times. He also mentions that VanCamp is cutting down to 155 for the first time in a while, which could affect his performance. Brady predicts a first-round knockout for Motta.
Cody thinks VanCamp's size and reach advantage at 155 will be key. He notes Motta's questionable chin and low volume. He says VanCamp looked good in his last fight despite the KO loss and can out-point Motta from distance.
Daniel Levi leans Nikolas Motta, citing his brawling style and durability compared to VanCamp, who has been knocked out at 170 and is moving down. He thinks Motta is more UFC-ready and has improved by training in the US. He is not crazy about the price and does not bet.
Jacob picks VanCamp despite being biased because he trains with a friend of VanCamp. He highlights VanCamp's tenacity, length, power, and finishing ability, noting that he hurt Fiallo in his debut before getting caught. Jacob also took the under 1.5 rounds, expecting a brawl. He acknowledges Motta is more technical but believes VanCamp's pressure and power will prevail.
Motta is the slicker striker with better technique, while VanCamp is loose and defensively flawed. Both have durability issues, but Motta should capitalize on VanCamp's poor striking defense and counter him. The fight likely ends inside the distance. I prefer the fight doesn't go to decision at -170 to -225 rather than Motta's moneyline at -195.
Paul does not give a clear pick for this fight. He says he has no thoughts and defers to Cody.
The MMA Guru picks Cameron VanCamp as a massive underdog. He believes Nikolas Motta is not special after losing to Jim Miller, and that VanCamp's size, grappling, and full camp will be decisive. He predicts a first-round submission via rear naked choke, noting VanCamp's teeps and calf kicks to wear down opponents. He acknowledges Motta may start fast but thinks VanCamp's youth and experience give him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Miller | 1 | 48 of 92 | 52% | 49 of 93 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 21 of 57 | 36% | 21 of 57 | 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 | Jim Miller | 0 | 26 of 54 | 48% | 27 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 14 of 35 | 40% | 14 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jim Miller | 1 | 22 of 38 | 57% | 22 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 7 of 22 | 31% | 7 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Miller | 48 of 92 | 52% | 24 of 67 | 6 of 7 | 18 of 18 | 34 of 68 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 21 |
| Nikolas Motta | 21 of 57 | 36% | 17 of 53 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Miller | 26 of 54 | 48% | 8 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 13 of 13 | 23 of 51 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 14 of 35 | 40% | 12 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jim Miller | 22 of 38 | 57% | 16 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 21 |
| Nikolas Motta | 7 of 22 | 31% | 5 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The widest gap in Octagon experience comes in this lightweight tilt, as the most active fighter in company history in the legendary Miller (33-16, 1 NC; 22-15, 1 NC UFC) comes to blows with the debuting Motta (12-3, 0-0 UFC). Miller has fought more than twice as many times in the UFC as Motta has competed in his whole career, but the 29-year-old from Brazil is undaunted. Watching closely to see if Motta can pass this difficult test is referee Keith Peterson, and Motta shows plenty of reverence but not a lick of nonsense as he chooses not to touch gloves with the longtime vet. Miller begins with several jabs, and he chains a few together into a slapping leg kick. Miller gets off a one-two, and he swats away the quick hands coming back at him from the Brazilian. Miller gets cracked with a short combination, but he give its right back to Motta. “Iron Motta” connects with a short punch, and Miller steps in with an elbow to keep him honest. Miller slings a high kick, and Motta sticks him with a right hand that hurts Miller cut does not send him down to the mat. Motta does not capitalize on this, and he lets the vet off the hook. Motta sticks him with a jab, stunning Miller again, but Miller attacks with a leg kick on the inside. Miller blocks another power right hand so that he can kick Motta’s lead leg once more, and Motta visibly reacts from it. A kick from Miller may have glanced off the cup, but Motta signals that he can keep fighting and they don’t slow down. Miller chops down Motta’s leg again, leading Motta to stumble forward and try to find his footing. Although Miller gives chase, Motta is able to duck out of the way and recover. “A-10” charges ahead with a short salvo of long punches, and Motta escapes the brunt of the damage but cannot escape the low kick from the vet. Motta rips the body with a left, and he barely avoids a looping left hand from Miller. Miller scores a leg kick, and he gets tagged with a clean counter right, but he shows no worse for wear from it. Miller continues to sting the leg a few more times, and Motta winces from the strikes. Miller leaps forward with a superman punch, using his forward momentum to tie the newcomer up and press him tightly against the fencing. Miller uses several close clinch strikes to his advantage, including a few knees to the inner thigh, until Motta pushes off to reset. Motta zips a high kick up and wraps his foot around Miller’s guard, and the New Jersey native wears it well and continues to assault his foe’s lead leg. One more leg kick from Miller ends the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Round 2
When Miller reaches out with a right hand to start off the second stanza, Motta replies with a pair of punches to break it up and catch Miller standing still. Miller revs up his engine and slams his shin into the inner thigh of his opponent, and Motta hops back only to take one on the outside. Miller stands firm when Motta advances, landing a check right hook on the inside and sending the Brazilian back. Motta escapes and circles away, and Miller gives chase and scores another solid right hand when Motta tries to get strikes going over the top. “A-10” is relentless when it comes to the inside leg of his opponent, and one big kick gives Motta all sorts of problems.
Smelling blood, Miller leaps forward to blast Motta in the face with a huge right hand, and Motta’s legs give way beneath him. With Motta falling to the ground with one arm trapped beneath his body, Miller is there to maul him with a blinding barrage of punches and hammerfists. The longtime vet does not take his foot off the gas, knowing he is about to finish the job, as Peterson gives Motta every possible chance to get out of it. With nothing left to offer from Motta, Peterson steps in, and Jim “Expletive Deleted” Miller has done it again.
Not only does Miller hold the most fights in company, but he is also now the winningest fighter in UFC history alongside Donald Cerrone with 23 victories apiece.
The Official Result
Jim Miller def. Nikolas Motta R2 1:58 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta despite loving Jim Miller. He notes Motta is explosive, athletic, has great power, and is patient. He believes Miller's chin and durability are declining, and Motta's striking is too slick and athletic for the aging Miller. He acknowledges Miller's ground advantage but doubts Miller can take the damage to get there.
Big Brady picks Nikolas Motta, noting he hits hard and is nine years younger. He believes Motta's takedown defense has improved and that Jim Miller's gas tank is poor. He predicts Motta will knock out Miller in the second round, though he acknowledges Miller could win early.
Cody is hesitant but leans toward Motta. He acknowledges that Jim Miller is a live underdog with excellent submission skills and sneaky power, but he is concerned about Miller's age (38) and Lyme disease, which may affect his cardio. Cody notes that Miller tends to fade in later rounds and that Motta, despite a questionable chin, has power and could finish early. He ultimately doesn't have the courage to pick Miller straight up, so he goes with Motta.
Levi is confident in Motta, highlighting his brutal knockout power (devastating KOs over Joe Solecki and Cesar Balmaceda) and improved discipline. He notes that Jim Miller historically struggles past the first round, and Motta has the jiu-jitsu to survive early grappling. Levi expects Motta to weather the early storm and finish Miller in the second or third round.
This fight is likely to end inside the distance. Miller will look for a submission early, but if he fails, his cardio fades and Motta can knock him out. The under 2.5 rounds is a strong play regardless of who wins. Motta by KO is also a possibility, but the under is the safer bet. Miller by submission at +350 is a live dog prop.
Paul picks Jim Miller as a dog, arguing that the line has moved too far in Motta's favor. He points out that Motta's takedown defense is untested and that Miller, with 39 UFC fights, has a massive experience advantage. Paul believes Miller can take Motta down and submit him, or even knock him out. He acknowledges Miller's age and potential cardio issues but thinks the value is on the veteran at +155.
The MMA Guru picks Nikolas Motta to win by late second-round TKO. He disagrees with the public favoring Jim Miller, arguing that Motta is a better prospect with a solid chin and good technique. He notes that Motta beat Joe Solecki, who controlled Miller on the ground, and that Motta's grappling is better than previous prospects Miller has beaten. He thinks Motta's youth and durability will carry him.
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as the underdog. He believes Motta is the more powerful striker and will avoid Torres's plum clinch and takedowns. Torres has a BJJ advantage but will struggle to get the fight to the ground. Angelo plans to bet Motta plus 3.5 points on the judge's scorecard, so a 29-28 loss still pays.
Big Brady picks Manuel Torres to win by first-round knockout. He describes Torres as a wild, relentless fighter who pushes a high pace and looks for finishes. Brady notes Torres has been finished twice by submission but has good durability and chin, while Motta has been knocked out multiple times. He believes Torres will make it his fight and overwhelm Motta with pressure and volume. Brady expects a chaotic car crash of a fight ending early in Torres' favor.
Cody is high on Torres, citing his finishing ability, good volume, durability, and multiple ways to win. He notes that Torres has a nasty submission game and striking, and that his only losses came via leg locks early in his career. Cody thinks Torres will overwhelm Motta with volume and eventually catch him, predicting a knockout after the over 1.5 rounds. He acknowledges Motta's durability is a question mark.
Connor picks Torres, citing his chin and comfort in the pocket. He notes that Motta is a sharp counter puncher but gets hit cleanly and lacks durability. Connor expects Torres to fire back when hit and eventually overwhelm Motta with power.
Daniel Levi picks Nikolas Motta, citing Motta's superior technical striking and counter boxing. He notes Torres's reckless striking leaves openings, and Motta can exploit them. He also mentions Motta's grappling as a potential path to tire Torres. He acknowledges the danger in the first few minutes but believes Motta can weather the storm and take over.
Torres has cardio issues and is mostly an early knockout threat. Motta is a better technical striker with more experience. If Motta survives the early onslaught, he can take over in the second round and find his own knockout. The fight likely ends inside the distance. Motta wins by knockout.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Torres puts on a high pace early and often, and that his significant strike totals are impressive. He questions whether Torres can maintain that pace if the fight extends, but given Motta's durability issues, he thinks Torres will get the job done. Paul likes the over 37.5 significant strikes for Torres on PrizePicks.
The MMA Guru picks Manuel Torres over Nikolas Motta, citing Torres as a good prospect with momentum and a reach advantage. He notes Motta was slept by Jim Miller and has questionable striking defense. He expects a stand-up fight favoring Torres, who has improved over a year off.
Zane picks Torres because of his durability and ability to navigate wild exchanges. He notes that Motta is fragile and has been knocked out multiple times, while Torres has never been KO'd. Zane believes that in a pocket exchange, Torres will land the harder shots and Motta will break.
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