Career Averages - Carlos Ulberg
Career Averages - Ihor Potieria
Carlos Ulberg
Ihor Potieria
Carlos Ulberg - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiří Procházka | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 14 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 27 of 42 | 64% | 27 of 42 | 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 | Jiří Procházka | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 14 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 27 of 42 | 64% | 27 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiří Procházka | 14 of 20 | 70% | 6 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 14 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 27 of 42 | 64% | 21 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jiří Procházka | 14 of 20 | 70% | 6 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 14 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 27 of 42 | 64% | 21 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 12 |
Angelo picks Jiří Procházka, believing he will close the distance and make the fight ugly. He acknowledges Carlos Ulberg's technical striking and range management but doubts his power to knock out Procházka, citing Ulberg's KO victims as low-level. He thinks Procházka wins if he gets in the pocket and notes the odds are interesting.
Big Brady expects Procházka to be patient in the first round, then turn up the pressure in the second and third rounds, breaking Ulberg similar to how Kennedy Nzechukwu broke him. He notes Procházka's durability and power, but acknowledges his poor striking defense and the risk of being knocked out. He predicts a second-round knockout for Procházka.
Cody leans towards Ulberg's technical striking and believes he can intercept Procházka early. He thinks Ulberg's tight style and jab will exploit Procházka's openings, but acknowledges it's a close fight.
Connor picks Procházka despite some concerns about his recent tendency to overthink and hesitate early in fights. He notes that Procházka has a clear striking plan and is a devastating finisher, while Ulberg's style relies on speed and clean single shots but lacks maintenance work and pressure. Connor believes Ulberg hasn't proven he can handle this level of pressure and that Procházka will eventually force exchanges and land fight-ending blows. He acknowledges Ulberg's speed and power but thinks Procházka's durability and finishing ability will prevail.
Daniel Vreeland picks Carlos Ulberg because he believes Ulberg's precision striking and counter-fighting style will exploit Jiri's reckless aggression. He notes that Ulberg's jab and calf kicks can keep Jiri at range, and that Jiri's unorthodox style leaves openings for Ulberg's left hook. He also mentions that Ulberg has paid his dues and is ready for the title.
Daniel is torn on this fight, acknowledging both fighters have strong cases. He notes that both scenarios start with Ulberg lighting up Procházka, but he ultimately picks the underdog Ulberg to win by knockout, citing his left hook and calf kicks.
The host leans towards Procházka because of his proven toughness, durability, and kill-or-be-killed style, especially in a five-round fight. He notes Ulberg is the more technical striker, but Procházka's heart and ability to turn up the pressure when losing are major factors. He believes Ulberg may not have the same dog in him and could be overwhelmed by Procházka's relentless pressure.
James is unsure who will win the fight, leaning towards Jiří Procházka after the line moved, but he doesn't commit to a winner. Instead, he focuses on prop bets, covering both fighters in different rounds.
James picks Carlos Ulberg as a slight underdog, reasoning that Ulberg will have his chance to win early and that Procházka has to survive the early storm. He acknowledges Procházka's advantages in experience and cardio but leans Ulberg because of the underdog value and early finishing potential.
Procházka's pressure and cardio are key in a five-round fight. He can absorb early shots and break opponents in later rounds. Ulberg is a good technical striker but may fade under Procházka's relentless pressure. Procházka's chin has held up against top competition, and Ulberg is not the same level of knockout threat as Pereira. Expect Procházka to finish in rounds 3 or 4.
Paul believes Procházka's chaotic style and cardio will allow him to survive early and finish late. He notes Procházka has never gone to decision in the UFC and expects a finish, possibly in later rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Jiří Procházka over Carlos Ulberg, despite initially favoring Ulberg. He believes Procházka has improved his striking defense and head movement, and that Ulberg may break if the fight gets scrappy. He notes Procházka's baby is due the day after, and envisions a storybook win. He predicts Procházka will take over from the second half of round two onwards and win by TKO or decision.
Zane picks Procházka but expresses less faith than Connor, noting that Ulberg's style could flummox Procházka if he is too committed to his own approach. He points out that Procházka looked bad for two rounds against Khalil Rountree before turning it on, and that Ulberg's speed and clean punching could hurt Procházka. However, Zane believes Procházka will eventually go for it and that his finishing ability is the difference. He also notes that light heavyweight is a division where anyone can get knocked out, but Procházka's track record of finishes gives him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 11 of 17 | 64% | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Dominick Reyes | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 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 | Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 11 of 17 | 64% | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Dominick Reyes | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 11 of 17 | 64% | 6 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 5 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Dominick Reyes | 5 of 11 | 45% | 0 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 11 of 17 | 64% | 6 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 5 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Dominick Reyes | 5 of 11 | 45% | 0 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Carlos Ulberg over Dominick Reyes, citing Ulberg's superior technical striking and takedown defense. He notes that Reyes does not use his reach well and may get clipped if he charges forward. He expects a decision win for Ulberg, possibly boring, but believes Ulberg is the clear pick. He mentions the line moved from minus 160 to minus 260.
Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg to win by fourth-round knockout. He praises Ulberg's improvements and power, and questions whether Reyes's chin has truly recovered. He believes Ulberg will land a big shot over 25 minutes or win a volume-based decision as the hometown fighter.
Cody believes the line is too wide at Ulberg -260 and sees value on Reyes as a dog. He argues Reyes is just as good a striker, has five-round experience, and may have a wrestling advantage to stuff takedowns. He notes Ulberg's recent fights against older, slower opponents were competitive, and Reyes could drag him into deep waters.
Connor also picks Ulberg, but with more hesitation. He acknowledges that Reyes could pressure effectively like he did against Jon Jones, but doubts Reyes's technical improvements. Connor notes that Reyes's wins are against questionable opposition and that his footwork and combination punching remain flawed. He thinks Ulberg's speed and willingness to make Reyes work could cause Reyes to second-guess himself, especially given Ulberg's imposing physique.
James confidently picks Carlos Ulberg, believing he is the superior striker with better fight IQ and faints. He dismisses Reyes' recent wins as deceiving, noting opponents ran into his punches. He predicts Ulberg will catch Reyes with a clean shot and knock him out, exposing Reyes' chin.
James picks Carlos Ulberg confidently, citing his superior striking technique, feint game, and durability. He notes that Ulberg is the more well-schooled kickboxer with better footwork and shot selection, and that Reyes' recent wins came against opponents who rushed in recklessly, which Ulberg won't do. He also mentions Reyes' past chin issues and believes Ulberg can hurt him to the body or head. He predicts a knockout, though a decision is also possible.
The host acknowledges Reyes has athleticism and power to change the fight, but believes Ulberg's technical advantages will cause Reyes to walk onto a counter and get knocked out. He notes it will be closer than the odds indicate but expects Ulberg to earn his ninth straight victory and potentially a title shot.
The Guru picks Carlos Ulberg to win by TKO in the third round. He believes Ulberg's back-foot striking and counter-punching will frustrate Reyes, who struggles when forced to lead. He notes Reyes' tendency to leave himself open when moving forward and cites Ulberg's performance against Jan Błachowicz as superior to Reyes'. He expects Reyes to get desperate and get caught.
Zane picks Ulberg, expecting him to use his jab-centric, technical out-fighting to keep Reyes at range and avoid pressure. He notes that Ulberg is fast and will likely circle away, making it hard for Reyes to cut off the cage. Zane worries that Reyes's confidence may not hold if he can't close the distance, and he sees Ulberg's speed and low kicks as key factors. He also mentions that the big cage in Perth favors Ulberg's movement.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Błachowicz | 0 | 59 of 131 | 45% | 59 of 131 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 75 of 157 | 47% | 75 of 157 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan Błachowicz | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 18 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 15 of 32 | 46% | 15 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jan Błachowicz | 0 | 16 of 33 | 48% | 16 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 29 of 60 | 48% | 29 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Jan Błachowicz | 0 | 25 of 67 | 37% | 25 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 31 of 65 | 47% | 31 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Błachowicz | 59 of 131 | 45% | 17 of 67 | 10 of 26 | 32 of 38 | 59 of 131 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 75 of 157 | 47% | 19 of 87 | 6 of 15 | 50 of 55 | 74 of 156 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan Błachowicz | 18 of 31 | 58% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 4 | 14 of 16 | 18 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 15 of 32 | 46% | 2 of 16 | 1 of 4 | 12 of 12 | 15 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jan Błachowicz | 16 of 33 | 48% | 6 of 16 | 2 of 8 | 8 of 9 | 16 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 29 of 60 | 48% | 6 of 30 | 3 of 7 | 20 of 23 | 28 of 59 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jan Błachowicz | 25 of 67 | 37% | 8 of 40 | 7 of 14 | 10 of 13 | 25 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Ulberg | 31 of 65 | 47% | 11 of 41 | 2 of 4 | 18 of 20 | 31 of 65 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Carlos Ulberg, citing Jan Błachowicz's age (42) and lack of recent wins over light heavyweights. He notes that Jan's wins are mostly over middleweights and his last win was due to a freak injury. He acknowledges Ulberg didn't look great in his last fight but believes he will be too fast and too young. He mentions a text argument with Jacob about this fight.
Brady thinks Blachowicz is old (42), coming off injuries and layoff, and likely not the same fighter. He predicts Ulberg wins by decision. However, he notes the line is silly and if Blachowicz looks healthy without knee sleeves, he might take a small bet on him.
Connor picks Jan, sticking with the old man despite the risks. He argues Jan has been an unsolvable puzzle for most light heavyweights due to his compact defense, counter-punching, and leg kicks. He hasn't seen Jan decline yet and believes his experience and durability will carry him, though he admits the layoff and age are concerns.
The host leans with Ulberg's striking advantage, noting Błachowicz is coming back from injury, a long layoff, and is 42 years old. He expects Ulberg to shut down takedowns, touch him up on the feet, and win on the scorecards.
The Guru confidently picks Jan Błachowicz, despite his age and surgeries, because he believes Błachowicz is a much better striker than Ulberg's previous opponents. He notes that Ulberg struggled against OSP and Devin Clark, while Błachowicz has beaten top competition. He expects Błachowicz to out-strike Ulberg, especially in a three-round fight at sea level, and sees value in Błachowicz as a nearly 3-to-1 underdog.
Zane picks Ulberg, citing Jan's age (42), long layoff, and shoulder injury as major concerns. He believes Ulberg's speed, jab, and improving striking can overwhelm Jan, especially in a three-round fight. However, he acknowledges Jan's durability, leg kicks, and counter-punching make him dangerous, and Ulberg's inconsistency could cost him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 96 of 183 | 52% | 96 of 183 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | 0 | 98 of 204 | 48% | 98 of 204 | 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 | Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 29 of 51 | 56% | 29 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | 0 | 24 of 60 | 40% | 24 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 28 of 59 | 47% | 28 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | 0 | 29 of 60 | 48% | 29 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 39 of 73 | 53% | 39 of 73 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | 0 | 45 of 84 | 53% | 45 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 96 of 183 | 52% | 51 of 131 | 17 of 24 | 28 of 28 | 95 of 182 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | 98 of 204 | 48% | 81 of 182 | 9 of 13 | 8 of 9 | 98 of 204 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 29 of 51 | 56% | 12 of 30 | 8 of 12 | 9 of 9 | 28 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | 24 of 60 | 40% | 18 of 51 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 24 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Carlos Ulberg | 28 of 59 | 47% | 11 of 40 | 4 of 6 | 13 of 13 | 28 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | 29 of 60 | 48% | 23 of 53 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 29 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Carlos Ulberg | 39 of 73 | 53% | 28 of 61 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 6 | 39 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | 45 of 84 | 53% | 40 of 78 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 45 of 84 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo initially was very confident in Ulberg but became more hesitant after reviewing Oezdemir's resume and chin. He still picks Ulberg as the much better striker but acknowledges Oezdemir's takedown threat and experience. He notes Oezdemir hasn't been knocked out since 2020.
Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg to win by decision. He believes Ulberg is the better striker with more volume and power, and Oezdemir is unlikely to wrestle. Brady notes Oezdemir has looked like he's losing a step, citing the Paul Craig fight where he seemed slow. He expects Ulberg to outwork Oezdemir over 15 minutes in a competitive but clear decision.
Cody picks Ulberg, citing his speed, power, and improved cardio and grappling. He notes that Oezdemir is a first-round knockout threat but fades in later rounds and has been taken down. Ulberg's diverse skill set and ability to mix takedowns give him multiple paths to victory. He expects Ulberg to win by decision or late knockout.
Connor also picks Ulberg, but notes that Oezdemir could win if he pressures and lands big combinations. He compares Ulberg to Charbel Magomedov, saying he is fast but vulnerable when pressured. Connor expects a sticky split decision where Ulberg jabs from range and Oezdemir has moments of success, but Ulberg's speed and reach should edge it.
Daniel Vreeland is confident Carlos Ulberg will win, citing his superior athleticism, speed, and slick striking. He praises Ulberg's left hook and step-back counter. He views Volkan Oezdemir as a solid but limited gatekeeper who is too meat-and-potatoes for the new breed. Vreeland predicts a left hook knockout by Ulberg.
James does not give a clear pick for this fight, citing inside information from Ulberg's camp that he keeps private. He notes the odds seem based on recency bias and that Ulberg is stepping up in competition. He suggests the line may be off but does not reveal his lean.
Paul agrees, highlighting Ulberg's speed and technical striking advantage. He thinks Oezdemir will struggle to land his power shots and may force a dogfight, but Ulberg's improved cardio and fight IQ will carry him. He notes that Ulberg's grappling is a question mark, but Oezdemir doesn't have the wrestling to exploit it.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg over Volkan Oezdemir, despite acknowledging Oezdemir's potential to fraud-check prospects. He notes Oezdemir's hype was built on not getting hit, but since then only has a KO over Johnny Walker and couldn't finish Paul Craig. He believes Ulberg is more talented, trains at a good gym (City Kickboxing), and is now or never at 34. He predicts a competitive decision win for Ulberg.
Zane picks Ulberg, arguing that his jab and range control will frustrate Oezdemir, who struggles against kickboxers that sit on a jab. He notes that Oezdemir's poor defensive striking and fragile confidence will be exposed if Ulberg can stick him from distance. Zane compares it to the Rakic fight, expecting a split decision where Ulberg's jab wins rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 1 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 1 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ulberg (-245), Menifield (+205)
Round 1
Throughout his entire UFC run dating back to 2019, Texas-based powerhouse Menifield (15-3-1, 8-3-1 UFC) has never strung three wins together. Triumphant in his last two, he meets City Kickboxing’s Ulberg (9-1, 5-1 UFC), who seems to be putting it together piece by piece as he works his way up the 205-pound board. To the victor belong the spoils and a number next to their name. Taking charge of the Octagon will be referee Nick Berens, who hopes to not get caught with any errant blows when these two heavy hitters collide. Fists are bumped before they are traded. Menifield charges like a bull to start the fight, marauding forward and swinging his mighty fists with a vengeance. “Atomic Alonzo” lands with a looping right hand but crashes into the cage, and Ulberg turns him around and nails him with a right hook on the temple. A left from Ulberg sends Menifield down to the mat, and Menifield springs back up ready for blood.
Both men winging power shots, Ulberg’s cruise missile of a left hand finds its home on the jaw and puts Menifield down in a heap. Berens leaps between them when Menifield hits the deck, and Menifield protests but is holding his head and not entirely with it.
Menifield gets back upright, but his knees are wobbly, and his cries fall on deaf ears. This ridiculous fight wraps in less than 15 seconds, and it will clock in the top five at light heavyweight for fastest finishes when the time is official. The victorious Ulberg calls for his placement in the latest video game, while declaring that he will destroy any opponent in the top 10.
The Official Result
Carlos Ulberg def. Alonzo Menifield R1 0:12 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Carlos Ulberg because he is the better striker with legitimate fight-ending power and excellent takedown defense. He notes Ulberg's striking differential is impressive and he has a professional kickboxing background. He acknowledges Alonzo Menifield's power and takedown defense but believes Ulberg's technical striking and power give him the edge.
Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg by decision, noting his volume advantage (over double Menifield's) and power. He trusts Ulberg the longer the fight goes, as Menifield typically wins in the first round and has a questionable loss to William Knight. He expects Ulberg to do better work across 15 minutes, and if Menifield wrestles, he will only get tired faster.
Cody picks Ulberg, praising his improved kickboxing and ability to maintain volume without gassing. He notes that Ulberg learned from his loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu and now fights more conservatively, conserving energy. Cody believes Ulberg's superior technique and range will outpoint Menifield, who has poor cardio and relies on power. He also mentions that Menifield's wrestling is not a major threat, as he is not a good wrestler and gasses quickly.
Daniel Vreeland picks Carlos Ulberg, highlighting his counter-striking style and the fact that his only loss came from gassing after a high-output first round. He notes that Ulberg can fight both safely and aggressively, and that Menifield's approach will determine the fight. He believes Ulberg has matured since that loss.
The host confidently picks Ulberg due to his lateral movement, jab, and range management, which should keep Menifield at bay. He notes Menifield's power and ability to change fights with one shot, but believes Ulberg's discipline and striking volume will earn a decision. He expects Ulberg to avoid big shots and outpoint Menifield over three rounds.
Paul picks Ulberg, emphasizing his clean kickboxing and ability to stay at range. He notes that Menifield has struggled against technical strikers like Justin Jacoby, and Ulberg presents similar problems. Paul points out that Menifield's takedowns are muscled and not technically sound, and he gasses quickly. He expects Ulberg to outpoint Menifield or land a kill shot, but advises caution due to Menifield's power.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg over Alonzo Menifield, despite considering an upset. He criticizes Menifield's mental game and notes his win over Jacoby was due to Jacoby's recklessness. He believes Ulberg's low kicks and elusive style will be effective, and predicts a late TKO or decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 81 of 154 | 52% | 91 of 165 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:41 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 58 of 120 | 48% | 60 of 123 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 19 of 36 | 52% | 21 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 17 of 30 | 56% | 17 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 24 of 55 | 43% | 24 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 23 of 44 | 52% | 23 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 38 of 63 | 60% | 46 of 72 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:38 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 18 of 46 | 39% | 20 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 81 of 154 | 52% | 50 of 119 | 20 of 23 | 11 of 12 | 59 of 126 | 8 of 9 | 14 of 19 |
| Da Woon Jung | 58 of 120 | 48% | 14 of 59 | 12 of 20 | 32 of 41 | 55 of 115 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 19 of 36 | 52% | 7 of 22 | 7 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 17 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 |
| Da Woon Jung | 17 of 30 | 56% | 0 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 14 of 21 | 17 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Carlos Ulberg | 24 of 55 | 43% | 21 of 51 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 23 of 44 | 52% | 4 of 18 | 4 of 9 | 15 of 17 | 23 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Carlos Ulberg | 38 of 63 | 60% | 22 of 46 | 10 of 11 | 6 of 6 | 18 of 40 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 16 |
| Da Woon Jung | 18 of 46 | 39% | 10 of 36 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 42 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is very confident in Carlos Ulberg, calling him one of his most confident picks on the card. He notes that Ulberg's striking is elite with great footwork and range management. Jung is well-rounded but may try takedowns, but Ulberg should be too good a striker and should have improved takedown defense.
Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg, noting his recent knockout performances and Da-un's poor recent form. He worries about Ulberg's untested takedown defense but thinks if it stays standing, Ulberg will knock him out. He predicts a first-round knockout.
Cody picks Ulberg confidently, citing his improvement since the Kennedy fight and his ability to finish fights early. He notes that Da-un has poor cardio, durability issues, and doesn't fight well at range. Cody expects Ulberg to win by knockout, possibly in the first round, and likes the under on significant strikes.
Daniel Levi picks Carlos Ulberg but with some hesitation. He notes that both fighters are counter-strikers, which could lead to a slow fight. Ulberg has a nasty check left hook and big kicks, but Da-un is a step up in competition. Levi says he is not as confident as in Ulberg's previous fights because Da-un won't rush in recklessly. He still expects Ulberg to win, possibly by knockout if Da-un overcommits.
Ulberg is on a four-fight winning streak with three finishes, showing improved confidence and speed. He is a City Kickboxing product. Da-un is on a two-fight losing streak but is grindy and tough. Ulberg's early speed and power should be too much, and he will likely win by knockout. The KO prop is preferred over the heavy moneyline.
Paul picks Ulberg, noting his rapid improvement and Da-un's inconsistency. He mentions that Da-un looked lost against Sam Alvey and was exposed in his last two fights. Paul believes Ulberg's precision and power will be too much, and he likes the under on significant strikes.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg over Jung Da-un, expressing frustration that Ulberg is not being given tougher opponents. He notes that Da-un can grapple with cage trips and throws but believes Ulberg's movement and striking on the back foot will neutralize that. He points out that Da-un has lost to Devin Clark and was knocked out by Jacoby, while Ulberg is on a four-fight win streak. He predicts Ulberg will win easily, likely by knockout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 13 of 21 | 61% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 10 |
| Ihor Potieria | 5 of 9 | 55% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 5 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 | Carlos Ulberg | 13 of 21 | 61% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 10 |
| Ihor Potieria | 5 of 9 | 55% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Ulberg, calling him a world-class kickboxer with incredible footwork and range management. He notes Ulberg has 100% takedown accuracy and defense (though only one attempt defended). He says Potieria is a brawler who keeps his hands low and relies on his chin. He expects Ulberg to win inside the distance and would hammer the under if a 2.5 round line is available.
Big Brady is very confident in Ulberg, calling him the much better striker. He notes Potieria has terrible striking defense and will rush in, allowing Ulberg to catch him. Brady references Ulberg's impressive first-round knockout of Negumereanu as evidence of his power. He sees no path to victory for Potieria outside of landing a big shot, and predicts Ulberg will starch him in the first round. He mentions Ulberg is a popular parlay piece but says he's not laying the -400 himself.
Cody picks Ulberg by knockout, expecting him to flatline Potieria. He praises Ulberg's kickboxing and training with Adesanya, and notes Potieria's wild style and disrespectful behavior after the Shogun win. He believes Ulberg's precision will counter Potieria's aggression.
Connor agrees with Zane, calling it a bad matchup for Potieria. He notes that Ulberg is a good low kicker and counter-puncher, and Potieria's wild pressure will play into Ulberg's hands. He thinks Potieria's lack of defense and inability to handle kicks will be his downfall.
Daniel Levi picks Carlos Ulberg, highlighting his sharp striking and recent performances against tough opponents. He notes Ulberg's precise combinations and ability to avoid damage, as seen in his last fight where he wasn't touched. Levi criticizes Potieria's padded record and lack of high-level competition, though he acknowledges Potieria's power and the risk of a knockout. He believes Ulberg's cleaner technique and higher ceiling will prevail, but the price is too high for a bet.
Ulberg is far superior in striking, with a disciplined kickboxing style. He has 100% takedown defense, though he hasn't faced a dedicated wrestler. Potieria has power but poor cardio and will likely gas trying to get the fight to the ground. Ulberg will keep it upright and walk Potieria into a big shot, knocking him out. The fight likely ends inside the distance.
Paul is confident in Ulberg, noting his consistent improvements and striking. He mentions Ulberg's adjustments after his first fight, and his ability to pick shots and finish. He sees Potieria as wild and less technical, and expects Ulberg to roll. He added Ulberg to a parlay.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg, calling it a mismatch. He notes that Ulberg is more complete on the feet and that Potieria's win over Shogun is not impressive. He predicts a TKO in round two or late in the first round.
Zane picks Ulberg, noting that he has figured out his game after a prospect loss and now fights with more composure. He highlights Ulberg's good low kicks, straight punches, and counter-punching, which are terrible for Potieria's wild pressure style. He thinks Potieria has no answer to kicks and will be overwhelmed.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 14 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Nicolae Negumereanu | 0 | 2 of 14 | 14% | 2 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 | Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 14 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Nicolae Negumereanu | 0 | 2 of 14 | 14% | 2 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 14 of 23 | 60% | 8 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Nicolae Negumereanu | 2 of 14 | 14% | 0 of 7 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 3 | 2 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 | Carlos Ulberg | 14 of 23 | 60% | 8 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Nicolae Negumereanu | 2 of 14 | 14% | 0 of 7 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo acknowledges that Carlos Ulberg is the far better striker with superior technique and range, but he is concerned about Ulberg's untested takedown defense (only one takedown defended in the UFC). He notes that Negumereanu is incredibly durable, throws heat, and has a backup plan with slamming takedowns. Despite Ulberg's advantages, Angelo picks Negumereanu because he is the more well-rounded MMA fighter and believes Negumereanu's chin and takedowns will be the difference. He admits he is going against his own analysis.
Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg to win by decision. He believes Ulberg is the much better striker, while Negumereanu has terrible striking defense and absorbs many strikes. However, he notes Negumereanu has a great chin and could win if he gets takedowns. He trusts Ulberg's takedown defense due to training with Adesanya, and expects Ulberg to keep it at range and outpoint Negumereanu to a decision, as he doesn't think Ulberg can knock him out.
Cody picks Ulberg by decision, noting that Ulberg is more polished and a better kickboxer. He thinks Ulberg's improvements in footwork and fight IQ will allow him to stay at range and pick apart Negumereanu, who is durable but lacks a standout skill. Cody believes Ulberg's reach and technique will lead to a clear decision win.
Connor picks Negumereanu, noting that Ulberg has poor defense and either fights tentatively or gasses when he goes wild. He points out that Negumereanu is incredibly durable and will pressure Ulberg, forcing him into a brawl. Connor believes that Ulberg's lack of defense and tendency to collapse under pressure will be exploited by Negumereanu's relentless style.
Daniel Levi has a bet on Carlos Ulberg, citing Ulberg's cleaner striking and the fact that Negumereanu gets hit clean in every fight. He notes that Negumereanu relies on toughness and pressure, but Ulberg's counters will be there because Negumereanu comes forward. Levi believes Ulberg learned from his loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu (where he gassed) and will pace himself better. He predicts either a knockout or a clear decision win.
The host sees this as a 50/50 fight with a slight edge to Negumereanu due to his grit, durability, and ability to grind opponents. He notes Ulberg has a striking advantage but questions his comfort in a brawl. Negumereanu's path to victory via grinding and takedowns is more varied than Ulberg's knockout-only path. The host is taking a shot on Negumereanu around plus money.
Paul picks Ulberg, agreeing that Ulberg's striking pedigree and improvements will be key. He notes that Negumereanu is durable but has been outstruck in fights and relies on pressure. Paul thinks Ulberg's reach and technique will allow him to control the fight, and he also likes the over 46.5 significant strikes prop for Ulberg.
The MMA Guru leans towards Carlos Ulberg, noting that Negumereanu's win over Nzechukwu was a robbery and that Ulberg was schooling Nzechukwu before gassing out. He highlights Ulberg's smoother sailing and momentum, but acknowledges Negumereanu's reach advantage and potential takedowns. He predicts a 29-28 decision for Ulberg, expecting him to work back up from takedowns.
Zane picks Negumereanu, agreeing that Ulberg's defensive issues and tendency to either be tentative or wild make him vulnerable. He notes that Negumereanu is unbreakable and will keep coming, and that Ulberg's best chance is an early knockout, but Negumereanu's durability makes that unlikely. Zane also points out that Negumereanu's pressure will draw the brawl out of Ulberg.
Ihor Potieria - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Tulio | 1 | 29 of 54 | 53% | 34 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 6 of 15 | 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 | Marco Tulio | 1 | 29 of 54 | 53% | 34 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Tulio | 29 of 54 | 53% | 20 of 41 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 6 | 17 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 |
| Ihor Potieria | 6 of 15 | 40% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marco Tulio | 29 of 54 | 53% | 20 of 41 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 6 | 17 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 |
| Ihor Potieria | 6 of 15 | 40% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
With the recent memory of a spinning back kick knockout to earn him a spot on the UFC roster, Tulio (12-1, 0-0 UFC) surges into what would have been a middleweight affair with plenty of momentum on his side. The same cannot be said for the struggling Potieria (20-7, 2-5 UFC), who has not only dropped four of five but missed weight ahead of what may be a pink-slip matchup. This bout now taking place at 188 pounds will be covered by referee Mark Smith, who is prepped and ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. Potieria offers an apologetic glove touch to get going, and it is accepted. The center of the cage goes to Potieria, who springs away from a low kick early. Tulio unleashes a one-two, and when that comes up short, his leg kick does not. Potieria absorbs a right hand to counter with a hook over the top, and it marks Tulio’s eye up fast. Potieria goes after a second power left hook, and Tulio’s footwork keeps him safe. Tulio chains a punch into a kick, and the two lean towards one another and clack their heads together. Smith calls time to warn them, and they are quick to resume after the warning with two punches from Tulio. Potieria ducks down, and he eats a particularly stern right hand. Tulio lines up another right as he backs away, and he steps in and blasts Potieria in the groin with a knee, drawing a sound that echoes in the arena. Potieria collapses to the mat and does not make a sound, as Smith pauses the fight and tells Potieria he will have five minutes to recover. Smith warns Tulio, and Potieria blows his nose while on one knee. After 90 seconds, Potieria climbs to his feet using the fence, and he tells Smith he does not need the doctor. Three minutes elapse before Potieria is good to go, and they start up again. Tulio is quick to strike again when resuming, with a head kick and standing back fist surprising the Ukrainian. Tulio cracks “The Duelist” with a right hand, and he puts Potieria down with a follow-up right. Potieria’s nose busted open with blood leaking fast. Potieria tries to get hold of an armbar off his back, and Tulio punches and elbows through it.
Potieria turns to his knees, and Tulio clubs him with a devastating undercut beneath his armpit that shuts his lights out. Smith witnesses that Potieria has been deprived of his consciousness and waved the fight off
, and a bloody, beaten Potieria comes to and coughs his mouthpiece out. This is a statement introduction for Tulio, whose performance is slightly marred for the earlier foul but sealed the deal with his fists.
The Official Result
Marco Tulio def. Ihor Potieria R1 3:04 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Marco Tulio, stating that the fight is set up for him to win. He notes Tulio's diverse striking and solid grappling, while Ihor Potieria is a kickboxer with poor takedown defense. He believes Tulio's wrestling and power will be enough, though he dislikes the -500 odds on a UFC debut. He expects Tulio to win, possibly via takedowns and ground control.
Big Brady thinks Tulio is the better fighter overall, with more ways to win. He acknowledges Potieria has looked better than expected, even having moments against Bolat and Almeida, but still considers him bad. Brady notes Tulio can push Potieria against the cage, get takedowns, and is a better striker. He predicts Tulio wins by decision, though he thinks the line is too wide.
Cody picks Potieria as a big underdog, arguing the line is inflated on Tulio. He notes Potieria's power, experience against tough competition, and improvements at 185. He believes Tulio is not a proven prospect and Potieria has a puncher's chance.
Daniel highlights Tulio's confidence and ground game, noting he is nasty on the mat and trains at Shoot the Box. He thinks Potieria is better than his record shows but lacks confidence and is on a losing streak. He predicts Tulio will get the fight to the mat and finish quickly.
This should be a chaotic matchup favoring Tulio, but not enough to justify -500 odds. The host lacks confidence to back Potieria either, but expects chaos and Tulio to win, probably by knockout.
Paul also picks Potieria, calling it a 'dogger pass' fight. He notes Tulio's unimpressive Contender Series performances and Potieria's ability to grapple a little. He expects a competitive striking match where Potieria can land.
The Guru picks Tulio, calling him an underrated prospect with good standup and grappling. He notes Tulio's win over Yusri Belgar on the contender series and his momentum. He sympathizes with Potieria's tough career but thinks Tulio is the better fighter. He mentions Tulio trains at Shooter Box with Diego Lima and has a decent chin.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| César Almeida | 0 | 57 of 113 | 50% | 78 of 137 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 2:15 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 44 of 89 | 49% | 57 of 102 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | César Almeida | 0 | 23 of 41 | 56% | 24 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 17 of 33 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 | |
| 2 | César Almeida | 0 | 22 of 36 | 61% | 37 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 2:13 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 10 of 17 | 58% | 13 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 | |
| 3 | César Almeida | 0 | 12 of 36 | 33% | 17 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 18 of 40 | 45% | 27 of 49 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| César Almeida | 57 of 113 | 50% | 32 of 69 | 14 of 28 | 11 of 16 | 41 of 90 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 22 |
| Ihor Potieria | 44 of 89 | 49% | 22 of 64 | 9 of 12 | 13 of 13 | 42 of 85 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | César Almeida | 23 of 41 | 56% | 6 of 16 | 7 of 14 | 10 of 11 | 23 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ihor Potieria | 16 of 32 | 50% | 6 of 21 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | César Almeida | 22 of 36 | 61% | 17 of 29 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 22 |
| Ihor Potieria | 10 of 17 | 58% | 6 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | César Almeida | 12 of 36 | 33% | 9 of 24 | 2 of 8 | 1 of 4 | 12 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ihor Potieria | 18 of 40 | 45% | 10 of 30 | 2 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 16 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks César Almeida, citing his superior striking and kickboxing background, including a win over Alex Pereira. He notes Ihor Potieria is hittable and has poor takedown defense, but Almeida is the better striker. He wishes Almeida were more affordable at -400 but expects the win.
Big Brady confidently picks César Almeida, noting that Potieria will likely attempt takedowns but has poor wrestling (0 for 10 or 11 in the UFC). He believes Almeida will stuff takedowns and out-strike Potieria, eventually breaking him and winning by second-round knockout.
Cody picks Almeida, calling Potieria a 'bum' and noting Almeida's striking pedigree. He believes Potieria's poor chin and cardio will be exposed, and that Almeida will win by knockout. He dismisses Potieria's grappling threat.
Connor is confident Almeida will win, noting that Potieria's boxing is unstructured and he leaves massive openings. Almeida's low kicks will disrupt Potieria's tricky strikes, and Almeida's kickboxing pedigree should overwhelm Potieria, who cannot challenge him in that realm.
Daniel Vreeland leans toward César Almeida due to his superior kickboxing background, including a trilogy with Alex Pereira. However, he is concerned about Almeida's age (36) and transitioning to MMA, as he can be taken down. Vreeland notes that Potieria has improved and could win if he gets the fight to the mat, but he favors Almeida's striking.
The host acknowledges that Almeida let down many people last time against Roman Kopylov by not showing urgency to get back to his feet. However, he believes Potieria lacks that type of grappling and will be forced to strike with the better striker, leading to Almeida finding a knockout.
Paul is hesitant to pick either fighter. He acknowledges Almeida's flaws and Potieria's puncher's chance but doesn't like the minus 350 price. He calls it a 'dogger pass' and doesn't commit.
The MMA Guru picks César Almeida over Ihor Potieria, citing Almeida's superior striking and fewer flaws. He notes Almeida trains with Alex Pereira, which helps with takedown defense and striking. He believes Potieria makes mistakes on the feet and won't get takedowns, and at altitude, Almeida's better striking defense will prevail. He predicts Almeida gets the win.
Zane agrees, stating that Almeida is a great MMA kickboxer who will exploit Potieria's defensive flaws. He notes that Potieria's one-and-done strikes leave him out of position, and Almeida's low kicks will neutralize his boxing. This is a perfect matchup for a kickboxer dabbling in MMA.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 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 | Michel Pereira | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michel Pereira | 6 of 10 | 60% | 4 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Ihor Potieria | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michel Pereira | 6 of 10 | 60% | 4 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Ihor Potieria | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is confident in Pereira, citing his speed, power, creativity, and grappling. He notes Potieria is a technical striker but hittable and with poor takedown defense. He expects Pereira to win by finish.
Big Brady is high on Pereira's middleweight resurgence, noting his two quick finishes. He views Potieria as a step down and believes Pereira will knock him out in the first round, possibly mid to late.
Cody picks Pereira, noting his improved fight IQ, cardio, and well-roundedness at middleweight. He believes Potieria is a one-dimensional knockout artist with poor durability and cardio. Cody expects Pereira to win, likely by knockout.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Pereira but considers it a dog-or-pass situation. He acknowledges Potieria's recent improvements, including better cardio and confidence, but believes Pereira's top-15 trajectory and finishing ability give him the edge. He suggests that Pereira's decision prop at +550 might be a better value than the moneyline, as Potieria could last the distance.
Daniel Vreeland agrees with Jeff Fox on Michel Pereira. He notes that Pereira has chilled out his wild style since gassing out against Tristan Connelly, and has been on a seven-fight winning streak. Vreeland thinks Pereira will win easily, though he doesn't elaborate on a specific method. He later mentions that Pereira's submission prop has moved from +650 to +370, indicating the books are aware of his submission threat.
Jeff Fox is very confident in Michel Pereira, calling him a 'demolisher' and noting his seven-fight winning streak since two losses. Fox explains that one loss was due to an illegal knee against Diego Sanchez, and the other was a short-notice grappling loss to Tristan Connelly. Since then, Pereira has been more measured and finished opponents like Andre Petroski. Fox believes Potieria is not UFC caliber, with wins only over aged fighters like Shogun. He expects Pereira to do whatever he wants, and later in the show he picks Pereira by submission for the Hungry Man parlay.
Pereira is on a crazy run, harnessing his big striking power over 15 minutes. His speed and power advantage will be enough to find Potieria's chin and put him out clean.
Paul picks Pereira, highlighting his 8-2 UFC record, athleticism, and evolution into a winning style. He dismisses Potieria's chances, citing his poor durability, cardio, and ground game. Paul sees Pereira as a rightful favorite.
The MMA Guru picks Michel Pereira, praising his skills at middleweight and noting that welterweights often make better middleweights. He highlights Pereira's wins over Andre Petroski and Maxime Gremont, and predicts a first-round rear-naked choke. He criticizes Potieria's record and recent performances, including a loss to Shogun Rua.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 32 of 133 | 24% | 41 of 143 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Robert Bryczek | 1 | 67 of 168 | 39% | 77 of 181 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihor Potieria | 0 | 12 of 35 | 34% | 16 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 14 of 41 | 34% | 22 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 | |
| 2 | Ihor Potieria | 0 | 12 of 56 | 21% | 12 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 28 of 62 | 45% | 28 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Ihor Potieria | 0 | 8 of 42 | 19% | 13 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Robert Bryczek | 1 | 25 of 65 | 38% | 27 of 68 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ihor Potieria | 32 of 133 | 24% | 19 of 103 | 10 of 24 | 3 of 6 | 30 of 127 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 67 of 168 | 39% | 47 of 139 | 5 of 12 | 15 of 17 | 61 of 156 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihor Potieria | 12 of 35 | 34% | 7 of 26 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 14 of 41 | 34% | 5 of 26 | 1 of 5 | 8 of 10 | 12 of 35 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ihor Potieria | 12 of 56 | 21% | 6 of 41 | 3 of 10 | 3 of 5 | 12 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 28 of 62 | 45% | 20 of 51 | 3 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ihor Potieria | 8 of 42 | 19% | 6 of 36 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 37 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 25 of 65 | 38% | 22 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 59 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bryczek (-198), Potieria (+164)
Round 1
Just one of the 14 fights on this card featured someone missing weight—Flowers and Marcos both missed initially and then came back to hit their proper marks. Former light heavyweight Potieria (19-5, 1-3 UFC) took his fight against Bryczek (17-5, 0-0 UFC) on short notice, and he clocked in one and a half pounds over the middleweight limit. As a result, Potieria surrenders 20% of his purse to the Polish slugger. Whether that 20% will be from Potieira’s one check or two, the two men have the next 15 minutes or less to decide it. Referee Mike Beltran checks them in as they touch gloves. Potieria is the aggressor as he pitches kicks from his rear leg to the waist and knee. Bryczek allows Potieria to crash the pocket, so he can sit down on two punches that stop Potieria in his tracks. The Ukrainian shakes out immediate cobwebs and continues to move forward, looking for a right hook that is not there. Bryczek takes a kick to the ribs and responds with a right hand, and he pushes off as a finger jabs into Potieria’s eye. Beltran sees it immediately and calls time, and he lets Potieria wipe it out with a towel as he brings in the doctor. Potieria remarks that he is a little bleary in his eye, but that he is otherwise good to continue. After two minutes, the fighters resume their mutual combat in the center of the cage. Potieria tosses out low kicks, and one lands with a thump instead of a slap. Bryczek loops punches to the body, and Potieria scores a solid kick and a right hand. Bryczek opens up with a huge right hand, and he cracks Potieria again. Bryczek lets loose several more punches, and Potieria bounces away and absorbs one more flush right hand on the jaw. As Potieria backpedals, he parries a right hand from the Polish fighter, which rebounds square into Potieria’s cup in an unlucky turn of events. Beltran recognizes the unintentional foul and allows Potieria to recover once more, and Potieria takes all the time he needs. This results in another lengthy stoppage of three minutes long, and Beltran loudly and sternly admonishes Bryczek that he will lose a point if he fouls again. When they resume, Bryczek is ready and rearing to throw hands, and he lands several hard ones to force Potieria to shoot for an ill-advised takedown. Bryczek stops it, but he gets pressed into the fence from behind, with Potieria kneeing him in the back of the thigh frustratingly. Bryczek spins around with seconds to go, and they bang it out right to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bryczek
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Bryczek
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bryczek
Round 2
The fighters meet in the middle and jab at one another from range, with neither landing much early. Potieria misses with an overhand right, but he plants a kick on the inside of the Polish fighter’s calf. Potieria shoots for a takedown, and he abandons it right when Bryczek sprawls so that he can aim an uppercut on the dome. Bryczek sees it at the last second and dodges it, and he ducks a subsequent spinning back fist. Potieria drops his hands and lands a few punches from a safe distance, and he punctuates a combination with a low kick. The two clash together and bang heads, but it does not result in anything more problematic. Bryczek digs a left to the body, and Potieria shrugs at him and then shoots for a single. Potieria again follows that failed takedown with an uppercut, and this one brushes the side of the UFC newcomer’s head. Bryczek looks for a right hand over the top, and he kicks the body as Potieria again shrugs at him mockingly. Potieria sprints in for a single, and Bryczek hops away and walks Potieria down. Potieria intercepts him with a spinning back kick to the midsection, and Bryczek takes it cleanly and keeps his guard up to block and overhand left. Potieria taps his chest and drops down to the floor with a Mortal Kombat-esque leg sweep. Bryczek look at him confusedly. Potieria is in his groove, having fun and dodging and weaving anything coming from Bryczek. Potieria clips his man a few times with short shots, and he catches Bryczek on the chin with an uppercut. Bryczek headhunts and struggles to reach his opponent, and they trade one big punch right as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Round 3
There is a final glove touch to check in the last round, and Potieria stays firmly in his groove with jabs and funky hand movements. Bryczek reaches his foe with a straight left hand, but it is one-and-done. Bryczek loads up on a right hand, only to get countered with a left hook that shakes him up. Bryczek charges into action with a huge left hook, and Potieria’s head snaps back like a Pez dispenser. Potieria replies with a three-punch salvo that knocks Bryczek off his feet, and Bryczek barely keeps with it courtesy of a desperation takedown. Bryczek gets back to his feet, and Potieria chases after him and swings for the bleachers. Bryczek does the same, and he manages to catch Potieria coming in but is taking shots as well. Both men use a ton of energy, and Potieria presses the Polish fighter into the wall and strings four elbows together. Bryczek slips and rips Potieria with big punches, and he splits Potieria’s eyebrow open in the process. Potieria rips an elbow that misses slightly, but he blasts Bryczek with an elbow and several punches from up close. Bryczek turns his man around in the tie-up, and he sneaks an elbow up top before breaking away. Potieria reaches his foe with a few punches, and Bryczek tags him back with his own short flurry. The two clash together, and Potieria clinches up to wear on the exhausted Bryczek. Bryczek gets space with 10 seconds to go, and the two throw down and knee one another right as time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Potieria (29-28 Potieria)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Potieria (29-28 Potieria)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Potieria (29-28 Potieria)
The Official Result
Ihor Potieria def. Robert Bryczek via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo notes that Ihor Potieria has good striking power and accuracy but poor cardio and is hittable. Robert Bryczek is a trained boxer with good footwork, feints, and power, and solid takedown defense. Angelo believes Bryczek just needs to survive Potieria's early danger and then take over as Potieria fades. He calls this one of his most confident picks and suggests a potential under 2.5 rounds bet.
Big Brady picks Robert Bryczek to win by first-round KO. He notes that Bryczek has unreal power and has been knocking out opponents cold in his recent fights, while Potieria has poor striking defense (41%) and limited cardio. He expects a one-round banger where both fighters swing, but Bryczek's power and the fact that Potieria is cutting to middleweight on short notice give him the edge.
Cody is hesitant but picks Potieria as a dog. He questions Bryczek's level of competition, noting he's 33, making his UFC debut, and has fought lower-level opponents. Potieria has faced better competition at 205 and showed competitiveness against Rodolfo Vieira. Cody thinks Bryczek's physique and quick finishes may not translate against a UFC-level opponent, and Potieria's power at 185 could be a factor.
Bryczek has speed, power, and athleticism. He should be able to land an early knockout against Potieria, who is making his middleweight debut on short notice. Potieria has poor durability and slows down in deep waters. The under 1.5 rounds is a strong play. Bryczek by first-round knockout.
Paul is also hesitant but picks Potieria. He notes that Bryczek's record is padded with low-level competition and that he has never fought at this level. Potieria, despite his losses, has fought good fighters and has power. Paul thinks Bryczek's size and possible PED concerns are red flags, and that Potieria at his natural weight class could surprise.
The MMA Guru picks Robert Bryczek because Potieria is taking the fight on short notice after a recent TKO loss, and has been finished multiple times. He notes Bryczek is a dangerous knockout artist in his prime, with a full camp. He expects Bryczek to get a first-round finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodolfo Bellato | 0 | 80 of 131 | 61% | 99 of 160 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:49 |
| Ihor Potieria | 1 | 73 of 127 | 57% | 92 of 153 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rodolfo Bellato | 0 | 18 of 43 | 41% | 27 of 54 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 37 of 69 | 53% | 42 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rodolfo Bellato | 0 | 62 of 88 | 70% | 72 of 106 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:42 |
| Ihor Potieria | 1 | 36 of 58 | 62% | 50 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodolfo Bellato | 80 of 131 | 61% | 70 of 116 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 3 | 18 of 46 | 11 of 14 | 51 of 71 |
| Ihor Potieria | 73 of 127 | 57% | 58 of 111 | 9 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 38 of 73 | 12 of 21 | 23 of 33 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rodolfo Bellato | 18 of 43 | 41% | 12 of 32 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 3 | 9 of 32 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Ihor Potieria | 37 of 69 | 53% | 22 of 53 | 9 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 29 of 56 | 8 of 13 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rodolfo Bellato | 62 of 88 | 70% | 58 of 84 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 51 of 71 |
| Ihor Potieria | 36 of 58 | 62% | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 17 | 4 of 8 | 23 of 33 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bellato (-455), Potieria (+350)
Round 1
Light heavyweights are next to the stage, as Bellato (11-2, 0-0 UFC) makes his organizational debut opposite Potieria (19-4, 1-2 UFC) at 205 pounds. Potieria will be remembered as the man who retired Brazilian icon Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
For more on Bellato, read “Zero Hour” from Sherdog’s own Christian Stein
. Jacob Montalvo steps up as the third man in the cage. They touch gloves, and we are underway. Bellato backs Potieria onto his back foot and clips him with a right hook. Potieria answers with an inside leg kick. Bellato closes the distance, but Potieria shrugs off his bid for a takedown. Jab-jab-cross combo from the Ukrainian. Bellato tests the midsection with a kick. Potieria finds a home with a clean straight left, which has been his best weapon thus far. Sweeping hooks from both hands wobbles Bellato. Potieria using his speed and lateral movement to stay ahead of the Brazilian. He steps into a knee to the body. Bellato steps forward and engages his adversary in the clinch. A knee south of the equator draws an audible reaction from Potieria and results in a halt to the action. Future generations of Potierias cry out as we await a restart. Potieria sticks the Brazilian with a straight left, dodges a flying knee and circles out into open space. He clips Bellato with a multi-punch burst, avoids return fire and scores with another straight left. Bellato presses his efforts in the clinch, drawing boos from the crowd. A knee and a right hook gets Potieria’s attention. They trade at close range to close out the round. Excitement starts to build.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Round 2
Bellato immediately closes the distance and scores with a front kick to the gut. He follows clubbing left hand with an elbow strike and knee up the middle. Potieria floors him with a multi-punch volley, follows up with heavy fire, shuts down a takedown, takes top position and unleashes a barrage of brutal hammerfists. Bellato somehow survives the onslaught. Potieria slows, waits for his second wind and gets busy again with punches and hammerfists. The Brazilian may not be able to take much more, with Montalvo hovering above. Potieria passes guard and slams home more punches and hammerfists. Bellato rises to his feet. Potieria looks exhausted but continues to throw. Bellato connects with a left hook, ducks a few counterpunches and trips the Ukrainian to the floor. What a turn of events.
Bellato sets up in half guard and slams elbows into the legs, body and head. Bellato moves to full mount with a minute to go and cuts loose with punches. Potieria offering no intelligent defense, and Montalvo decides to stop it
. Amazing rally from Bellato in his UFC debut.
The Official Result
Rodolfo Bellato def. Ihor Potieria—TKO (Punches) 4:17 R2
Big Brady is very confident in Rodolfo Bellato, calling him the biggest favorite on the card. He praises Bellato's well-rounded game, including leg kicks, clinch work, and BJJ. He thinks Potieria has a padded record and poor cardio, and that Bellato will break him down against the cage, drag him to the mat, and finish him in the second round by submission.
Cody picks Bellato, calling Potieria a fraud. He notes Potieria's only win condition is an early knockout, and his cardio and durability are terrible. He thinks Bellato can take him down and finish him. He warns that Bellato might stand and bang, which could be risky, but still expects a win.
Lucrative James leans towards Ihor Potieria, noting that the line is wide and that Bellato may be overvalued after a big win on Dana White's Contender Series. He thinks Potieria has a good chance of knocking out Bellato early, especially in round one or two, as Bellato keeps his chin up. However, he is not fully confident and may bet on Potieria by KO if the prop odds are favorable.
Bellato is a BJJ black belt with improving striking and forward pressure. He has shown confidence and power, and his training at Teixeira MMA should provide good partners. Potieria has been exposed against higher-level competition and tends to break under pressure. Bellato is expected to swarm Potieria and finish him either on the ground or on the feet.
Paul picks Bellato but doesn't love the price. He thinks Bellato is a rightful favorite with a well-rounded skill set. He notes Potieria has shown nothing except finishing an aged Shogun. He believes Bellato should win easily if he wrestles, but worries he might stand and bang.
The MMA Guru picks Rodolfo Bellato, calling him a tank with good takedown defense and pressure. He believes Potieria lacks quality wins and will fade if he can't finish early. He predicts Bellato will break Potieria in the second round by TKO, citing Bellato's toughness and ability to walk down opponents.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 13 of 21 | 61% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 10 |
| Ihor Potieria | 5 of 9 | 55% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 5 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 | Carlos Ulberg | 13 of 21 | 61% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 10 |
| Ihor Potieria | 5 of 9 | 55% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Ulberg, calling him a world-class kickboxer with incredible footwork and range management. He notes Ulberg has 100% takedown accuracy and defense (though only one attempt defended). He says Potieria is a brawler who keeps his hands low and relies on his chin. He expects Ulberg to win inside the distance and would hammer the under if a 2.5 round line is available.
Big Brady is very confident in Ulberg, calling him the much better striker. He notes Potieria has terrible striking defense and will rush in, allowing Ulberg to catch him. Brady references Ulberg's impressive first-round knockout of Negumereanu as evidence of his power. He sees no path to victory for Potieria outside of landing a big shot, and predicts Ulberg will starch him in the first round. He mentions Ulberg is a popular parlay piece but says he's not laying the -400 himself.
Cody picks Ulberg by knockout, expecting him to flatline Potieria. He praises Ulberg's kickboxing and training with Adesanya, and notes Potieria's wild style and disrespectful behavior after the Shogun win. He believes Ulberg's precision will counter Potieria's aggression.
Connor agrees with Zane, calling it a bad matchup for Potieria. He notes that Ulberg is a good low kicker and counter-puncher, and Potieria's wild pressure will play into Ulberg's hands. He thinks Potieria's lack of defense and inability to handle kicks will be his downfall.
Daniel Levi picks Carlos Ulberg, highlighting his sharp striking and recent performances against tough opponents. He notes Ulberg's precise combinations and ability to avoid damage, as seen in his last fight where he wasn't touched. Levi criticizes Potieria's padded record and lack of high-level competition, though he acknowledges Potieria's power and the risk of a knockout. He believes Ulberg's cleaner technique and higher ceiling will prevail, but the price is too high for a bet.
Ulberg is far superior in striking, with a disciplined kickboxing style. He has 100% takedown defense, though he hasn't faced a dedicated wrestler. Potieria has power but poor cardio and will likely gas trying to get the fight to the ground. Ulberg will keep it upright and walk Potieria into a big shot, knocking him out. The fight likely ends inside the distance.
Paul is confident in Ulberg, noting his consistent improvements and striking. He mentions Ulberg's adjustments after his first fight, and his ability to pick shots and finish. He sees Potieria as wild and less technical, and expects Ulberg to roll. He added Ulberg to a parlay.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg, calling it a mismatch. He notes that Ulberg is more complete on the feet and that Potieria's win over Shogun is not impressive. He predicts a TKO in round two or late in the first round.
Zane picks Ulberg, noting that he has figured out his game after a prospect loss and now fights with more composure. He highlights Ulberg's good low kicks, straight punches, and counter-punching, which are terrible for Potieria's wild pressure style. He thinks Potieria has no answer to kicks and will be overwhelmed.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 17 of 31 | 54% | 21 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Maurício Rua | 1 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 27 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihor Potieria | 0 | 17 of 31 | 54% | 21 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Maurício Rua | 1 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 27 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ihor Potieria | 17 of 31 | 54% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 10 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maurício Rua | 21 of 41 | 51% | 16 of 35 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 31 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihor Potieria | 17 of 31 | 54% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 10 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maurício Rua | 21 of 41 | 51% | 16 of 35 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 31 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 4 |
Big Brady calls this the sketchiest fight on the card and is staying far away from betting. He notes Potieria has power and finishing ability, with most wins in the first round, but is not sold on his UFC caliber. Shogun is washed at 41 and has been for a while. Potieria has a huge hole in takedown defense, but Shogun doesn't wrestle much. He leans towards Potieria by first-round knockout but has no confidence.
Cody picks Ihor Potieria confidently, noting Potieria's power, speed, and youth advantage over an aging Shogun. He says Shogun is past his prime, has poor durability, and is retiring, which historically leads to losses. He thinks Potieria will land something early and put Shogun away. He mentions Shogun's recent performances have been poor, and that Potieria is a limited striker but enough to beat the current Shogun.
Connor agrees with Zane, stating Shogun's prime ended in 2009 and he's been too slow and fragile. He notes Potieria is not very good but not bad enough to lose to Shogun at this point.
Paul picks Ihor Potieria, agreeing with Cody. He says he hopes he's wrong but thinks Potieria will win. He notes Shogun's decline and the retirement announcement curse. He says he won't bet on this fight but picks Potieria. He mentions Shogun's legendary status but says his time is up.
The Guru picks Potieria despite calling him a 'can crusher.' He notes Shogun is 41 and looked awful in recent fights, struggling against Saint Preux. Potieria is young and scrappy, and the Guru trusts the younger fighter to land first. He predicts a first-round TKO for Potieria, though he admits it would be nice to see Shogun win.
Zane picks Potieria because Shogun is too slow and lacks durability. He notes Potieria is a decent athlete with speed and size, and can take shots. He mentions Shogun's recent losses to Paul Craig and OSP show he's done.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolae Negumereanu | 0 | 51 of 95 | 53% | 72 of 122 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:01 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 38 of 70 | 54% | 52 of 85 | 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 | Nicolae Negumereanu | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 29 of 45 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:36 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 20 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Nicolae Negumereanu | 0 | 43 of 77 | 55% | 43 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 31 of 55 | 56% | 32 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolae Negumereanu | 51 of 95 | 53% | 44 of 84 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 57 | 25 of 32 | 3 of 6 |
| Ihor Potieria | 38 of 70 | 54% | 26 of 58 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 9 | 31 of 62 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicolae Negumereanu | 8 of 18 | 44% | 7 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 |
| Ihor Potieria | 7 of 15 | 46% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Nicolae Negumereanu | 43 of 77 | 55% | 37 of 69 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 46 | 24 of 31 | 0 of 0 |
| Ihor Potieria | 31 of 55 | 56% | 24 of 48 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 25 of 48 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Nicolae Negumereanu to win by decision. He is not impressed with Potieria's padded record and poor competition, while Negumereanu has faced better opposition. He notes both fighters are hittable and reckless, but favors Negumereanu's chin, toughness, and cardio. He expects Potieria to have moments early but fade as the fight goes on.
Cody picks Negumereanu as a dog, citing his UFC experience and wins over real UFC fighters like Kennedy Nzechukwu. He notes that Potieria's record is padded with questionable fights and that he hasn't fought anyone. He thinks Negumereanu is more seasoned and can take punishment, and that Potieria's cardio is suspect. He also mentions that Negumereanu has been working on his wrestling and can implement it once Potieria tires.
Daniel leans Negumereanu, citing his UFC experience, willingness to push the pace, and training at Extreme Couture. He heavily criticizes Potieria's record, noting he fought mostly cans, was dropped by a fat 5'9" heavyweight, and even took an amateur fight in 2019. He thinks Negumereanu's grit and pressure will be too much for Potieria, especially in a deep-water fight. He missed the line at +145 and is now +110, so he passes on betting.
Preet got in on Negumereanu at +125 earlier in the week, citing the padded record of Potieria and the low level of competition he faced. He notes Potieria was dropped by an 'ice cream vendor' and that Negumereanu's durability and grimy style should carry him. He is unsure of the method but happy with the plus money.
Paul leans Negumereanu but is not passionate. He notes that Potieria's record is suspicious with many amateur fights on the same day and possible padding. He thinks Negumereanu is more experienced at a higher level and can take a punch. He also mentions that Potieria has cardio issues and that Negumereanu could take over in later rounds. He says it's a good live betting opportunity.
The MMA Guru picks Nicolae Negumereanu by TKO in the first round. He expects Ihor Potieria to start fast with big shots and create chaos, but once things calm down, Negumereanu will find his range, chop the legs, and land a big shot to finish. The Guru emphasizes Negumereanu's patience and defense as key factors.
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo picks Ulberg, calling him a world-class kickboxer with incredible footwork and range management. He notes Ulberg has 100% takedown accuracy and defense (though only one attempt defended). He says Potieria is a brawler who keeps his hands low and relies on his chin. He expects Ulberg to win inside the distance and would hammer the under if a 2.5 round line is available.
Big Brady is very confident in Ulberg, calling him the much better striker. He notes Potieria has terrible striking defense and will rush in, allowing Ulberg to catch him. Brady references Ulberg's impressive first-round knockout of Negumereanu as evidence of his power. He sees no path to victory for Potieria outside of landing a big shot, and predicts Ulberg will starch him in the first round. He mentions Ulberg is a popular parlay piece but says he's not laying the -400 himself.
Cody picks Ulberg by knockout, expecting him to flatline Potieria. He praises Ulberg's kickboxing and training with Adesanya, and notes Potieria's wild style and disrespectful behavior after the Shogun win. He believes Ulberg's precision will counter Potieria's aggression.
Connor agrees with Zane, calling it a bad matchup for Potieria. He notes that Ulberg is a good low kicker and counter-puncher, and Potieria's wild pressure will play into Ulberg's hands. He thinks Potieria's lack of defense and inability to handle kicks will be his downfall.
Daniel Levi picks Carlos Ulberg, highlighting his sharp striking and recent performances against tough opponents. He notes Ulberg's precise combinations and ability to avoid damage, as seen in his last fight where he wasn't touched. Levi criticizes Potieria's padded record and lack of high-level competition, though he acknowledges Potieria's power and the risk of a knockout. He believes Ulberg's cleaner technique and higher ceiling will prevail, but the price is too high for a bet.
Ulberg is far superior in striking, with a disciplined kickboxing style. He has 100% takedown defense, though he hasn't faced a dedicated wrestler. Potieria has power but poor cardio and will likely gas trying to get the fight to the ground. Ulberg will keep it upright and walk Potieria into a big shot, knocking him out. The fight likely ends inside the distance.
Paul is confident in Ulberg, noting his consistent improvements and striking. He mentions Ulberg's adjustments after his first fight, and his ability to pick shots and finish. He sees Potieria as wild and less technical, and expects Ulberg to roll. He added Ulberg to a parlay.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg, calling it a mismatch. He notes that Ulberg is more complete on the feet and that Potieria's win over Shogun is not impressive. He predicts a TKO in round two or late in the first round.
Zane picks Ulberg, noting that he has figured out his game after a prospect loss and now fights with more composure. He highlights Ulberg's good low kicks, straight punches, and counter-punching, which are terrible for Potieria's wild pressure style. He thinks Potieria has no answer to kicks and will be overwhelmed.
Comments (1)
Caught him coming in sorta. Quick flurry of punches in the gnp and walks away before cigarettes can call it. ?
Ulberg could be franked by Reyes fight