Career Averages - Kennedy Nzechukwu
Career Averages - Devin Clark
Kennedy Nzechukwu
Devin Clark
Kennedy Nzechukwu - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 24 of 48 | 50% | 58 of 87 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:37 |
| Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 27 of 44 | 61% | 47 of 66 | 3 of 13 | 23% | 0 | 0 | 6:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 9 of 18 | 50% | 23 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
| Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 3 of 10 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 0 | 0 | 2:22 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 7 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 25 of 35 | 71% | 40 of 52 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:39 | |
| 3 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 28 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:49 |
| Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 4 of 4 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 24 of 48 | 50% | 21 of 43 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 32 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 14 |
| Marcus Buchecha | 27 of 44 | 61% | 23 of 38 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 12 | 2 of 4 | 23 of 28 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 9 of 18 | 50% | 7 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Marcus Buchecha | 2 of 9 | 22% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 7 of 18 | 38% | 6 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Marcus Buchecha | 25 of 35 | 71% | 23 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 3 | 23 of 28 | |
| 3 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 8 of 12 | 66% | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 11 |
| Marcus Buchecha | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nzechukwu (-130); Almeida (+110)
Round 1
There is only one more heavyweight fight tonight, and it is as quintessential “striker vs. grappler” as it gets. Former light heavyweight power puncher Nzechukwu (14-6, 8-6 UFC) would like nothing more than to shut the lights out of ex-One Championship fighter Almeida (5-2, 0-0 UFC). Submission specialist “Buchecha” has recorded all of his wins in Round 1 while his two losses came on the scorecards, and he will hope he does not earn a third defeat tonight. The third man in the cage for this clash that could go anywhere will be referee Herb Dean. The big men bump fists.
Almeida strikes first with a body kick, and he uses it to close in on the Fortis MMA fighter to pursue a single. Nzechukwu sees it coming from a mile away and hops to the side to stop it. They feint and fake at one another, with Nzechukwu staying extremely low expecting another shot. It comes, and “Buchecha” wrangles Nzechukwu to his knees and slips around to briefly take his back standing. Nzechukwu rolls over the moment that Almeida drops down to pursue a leglock, and he gets his leg far enough out so that he is not in danger. While waiting for Almeida to knock it off, Nzechukwu hammers the back of his thigh with powerful elbows. Nzechukwu bursts back to his feet by rushing towards the wall and walking up it, and Almeida clings to him from behind for a possible mat return. Almeida transitions from a double to a single and gets it, stepping right into half guard. Nzechukwu scoots back upright again, only for Almeida to chuck him back to the mat like a side of beef.
This time, Almeida takes his back, and he hooks up a partial body triangle but lets it go to maintain control when Nzechukwu starts to scramble. Nzechukwu crawls to the fencing and back upright, and he keeps himself afloat while Almeida wrestles him from behind. With Nzechukwu’s back to the wall, Almeida leans on him until Nzechukwu turns him around. Nzechukwu plants a knee square on the groin, clacking off the cup with an audible popping sound as Dean instantly calls time. Almeida wanders to a neutral corner and drops to a crouch, grimacing as he massages his sore groin. He stands back up and drapes his arms over the cage to try to get his wind back. Jostling his cup around, he is good to go after about a minute. Dean tells Nzechukwu to keep it clean, and they get back to business. Nzechukwu drives home a right hand around the guard, backing Almeida up but getting his lead leg grabbed in the single attempt from “Buchecha.” Nzechukwu hops around and manages to get out of it, and Almeida sells out for a sacrifice throw and falls to his back. Nzechukwu drops down on top of his foe to land hammerfists until Almeida is about to scramble, so Nzechukwu abandons ship and stands back up. Nzechukwu times a crisp knee on the jaw, and he starts laying into Almeida with power punches. The Fortis MMA-trained athlete drops Almeida with his punch combination and opens a cut on the cheek, and as he is battering the former One athlete, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Round 2
The fighters clap hands, but as soon as they do, Nzechukwu grabs his opponent’s hand and jacks him in the jaw with his other. Almeida backs off, and he suddenly shoots in for a takedown. As he ducks in to change levels, Nzechukwu inadvertently pokes him in one if not both eyes. “Buchecha” falls over to his back, and the commentary booth quizzically wonders whether he injured himself during the shot. The replay shows Nzechukwu’s fingers jamming into both of his opponent’s eyes, and he needs the doctor to come in so he can wipe his eye out with a cloth. Almeida is clearly compromised from it and none too thrilled by the foul, and he blows his nose in frustration. While Almeida recovers, Dean sighs heavily and brings Nzechukwu to the center of the cage to deduct a point. After three minutes pass, the round resumes with less than 30 seconds gone on the timer. Nzechukwu reintroduces himself with a clubbing left hand on the temple, and he goes for another but misses the mark. When he tries a third, Almeida changes levels to shoot in on his hips. Nzechukwu backs off to lean on the fence to keep his balance, and Almeida circles around from behind to hold on and possibly wrest him to the mat. Almeida breaks off, gets off a right hand and then falls over lobbing a kick. Nzechukwu races after him and starts bombarding him when Almeida stands, and Almeida topples over to his back. Nzechukwu signals for him to get back up, so Almeida answers him and sprints forward to tackle Nzechukwu to the floor. During the ensuing scramble, “Buchecha” secures back control, and this time he hooks up a low body triangle.
Rather than attack from the back, Almeida attempts to slither over to get mount, all while searching for an arm-triangle setup. He manages to get into full mount and starts hammering his opponent with elbows and powerful punches. Nzechukwu shells up to defend his face, but “Buchecha” is slowly pummeling him. Almeida chooses his strikes carefully rather than blowing out his gas tank going for broke, but this means that Dean just watches on as Nzechukwu blocks the worst of the strikes. The impact is still noteworthy, and Almeida picks up on volume and intensity as he tries to drum Nzechukwu out of there. Before gassing himself, he transitions to an armbar with seconds left in the round. He falls to his back to lock the limb lock down, but time expires before he can land it completely.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Almeida
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-8 Almeida
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Almeida
Round 3
To pick up where he left off, Almeida sells out almost immediately out of the gate for a takedown. He manages to get the fight down, but Nzechukwu is on top of him sitting on his chest. Almeida tries to get hold of Nzechukwu’s ankle for a possible sub, but there is nothing there while a 250-pound man sits on him uncomfortably. Nzechukwu threatens with his own unusual foot lock, but he realizes that he has limbs and can hit the grappler with his elbows. He lands a few, and then tries for his toe hold again before stepping into full mount. Nzechukwu puts his fingers in the fence but pulls them out and apologizes to Dean, who signals that Nzechukwu did not actually grab on it and just pushed off.
Nzechukwu is seated while Almeida has him from behind, and he gets away with a cheeky fence grab while Almeida is looking to get top control. Both men stand, and Almeida pulls guard and gets elbowed square in the face for his effort. Nzechukwu starts pummeling Almeida with strikes until Almeida grabs hold of Nzechukwu’s leg for a leglock of some kind. Nzechukwu pulls his leg out of danger and the two result in an uncomfortable, strange position where Almeida cannot swirl around to get on top because Nzechukwu has his arm hooked around Almeida’s elbow. Almeida rolls over, and Nzechukwu takes his back. Nzechukwu beats down on Almeida until the final horn sounds, and a draw is very much in play because of the point deduction in Round 2.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu (28-28)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu (28-28)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Almeida (29-27 Almeida)
The Official Result
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcus Almeida is Scored a Unanimous Draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)
Cody picks Buchecha, believing his BJJ will be decisive. He notes Nzechukwu's poor grappling and Buchecha's improved conditioning. He expects Buchecha to get a takedown and submit Nzechukwu, liking the submission prop.
Connor also picks Nzechukwu, agreeing that Buchecha's jiu-jitsu doesn't translate to MMA. He notes that Buchecha had to flop guard against Martin Buday and lost, showing he can't impose his game. Connor also mentions that Nzechukwu has size and reach advantages, and that Buchecha has no confidence in his striking. He sees this as a clear win for Nzechukwu.
Lucrative James picks Marcus Buchecha, citing his elite grappling and the fact that Kennedy Nzechukwu has been submitted multiple times. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's striking advantage but believes Buchecha's takedown ability and submission threat are too strong to ignore. He projects Buchecha as a +120 underdog.
Paul also picks Buchecha, citing his world-class jiu-jitsu and the favorable matchup against a tall, lanky opponent. He thinks Buchecha's takedown ability and top control will be too much for Nzechukwu, and likes the submission prop.
Zane picks Nzechukwu because he has more confidence in his game than Buchecha, who lacks confidence in his striking and has no ability to get to his A-game. He notes that Nzechukwu is huge, has a reach advantage, and has been building confidence by fighting low-confidence heavyweights. Zane also points out that Buchecha's jiu-jitsu is not enough to overcome his poor wrestling and striking, and that he has 'big competitive jiu-jitsu energy' that doesn't translate to fighting.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Valter Walker | 0 | 4 of 11 | 36% | 4 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Valter Walker | 0 | 4 of 11 | 36% | 4 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:28 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Valter Walker | 4 of 11 | 36% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Valter Walker | 4 of 11 | 36% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo thinks Valter Walker can close the distance and get the fight to the ground, where his grappling is a problem for Kennedy Nzechukwu. He notes Kennedy can be gunshy and has lost staring contests, while Walker has transformed his body and has back-to-back heel hook finishes. He plans to bet on Walker, monitoring the line movement to find the peak.
Big Brady sees this as a striker vs wrestler matchup. He expects Valter Walker to take Kennedy down early and win the first round, but questions Walker's cardio and striking. He believes Walker will gas out, allowing Kennedy to take over in the second and third rounds. He picks Kennedy by second-round knockout.
Connor agrees, noting that Walker has no craft to his stand-up game and relies on a single trick (heel hooks). He thinks Nzechukwu is a better wrestler and grappler by virtue of being a former light heavyweight, and should be able to avoid the submission and win comfortably.
The host expects Nzechukwu to make it 3-0 at heavyweight by stuffing Walker's takedowns and outworking him on the feet. He notes that Nzechukwu is not a title contender but should win a decision. The pick is based on Nzechukwu's ability to keep the fight standing and outpoint Walker.
The MMA Guru picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing Valter Walker's poor debut against Lucas Brzeski where he looked lost on the feet and had sloppy takedown entries. He notes Nzechukwu's ability to stuff takedowns, referencing his fight with Paul Craig where he shut down 16 attempts. He expects Nzechukwu to survive a first round of danger, then piece up Walker on the feet for a second or third round TKO.
Zane thinks Nzechukwu looked confident and aggressive in his last fight against Lukasz Brzeski, and as a former light heavyweight, he should have better wrestling and grappling than most heavyweights. He believes Walker's goofy heel-hook game won't work against a good wrestler, and Nzechukwu should be able to beat him standing or on the ground.
Angelo initially wanted to pick Martin Buday but changed his mind after rewatching Buday's fight against Andre Arlovski, where Buday struggled to outwork a 45-year-old. He notes Kennedy Nzechukwu has power and takedown defense, and despite being gun-shy at times, he can turn fights around. Angelo picks Kennedy but suggests a prop bet for better value due to the steep odds.
Big Brady picks Kennedy Nzechukwu despite acknowledging his inconsistency. He believes Martin Buday's game is limited to cage pushing and that Nzechukwu is the much better striker with more power and cardio. He expects a late finish, possibly a third-round KO.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Nzechukwu. He shares concerns about Nzechukwu's mental fragility but thinks Buday is not the fighter to exploit it. Connor notes that Buday's record is unimpressive and he hasn't faced killers, while Nzechukwu is a good athlete for his size. He warns that Nzechukwu starts slow, which could allow Buday to get comfortable, but ultimately sees Nzechukwu's skills prevailing.
Buday will make the fight close by engaging in the clinch, but Nzechukwu's athleticism advantage and damage once back in space will cause problems. Nzechukwu is expected to win on the scorecards.
The Guru is confident in Kennedy Nzechukwu, mocking Martin Buday's poor physique and calling him out of shape. He believes Nzechukwu's reach and dynamism will be too much for Buday, and predicts a first-round TKO via big shots. He notes Buday's training with Tom Aspinall but doesn't think it will help.
Zane picks Nzechukwu, noting he is more technical, diverse, and athletic than Buday. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's confidence issues and tendency to get scared off by aggression, but believes Buday's slow, steady pressure won't overwhelm him. Zane points out that Buday is durable but not powerful, and Nzechukwu has many options to win, though he could still lose if Buday just leans on him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 1 | 29 of 70 | 41% | 29 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 0 | 32 of 69 | 46% | 32 of 69 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 1 | 29 of 70 | 41% | 29 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 0 | 32 of 69 | 46% | 32 of 69 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 29 of 70 | 41% | 19 of 55 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 2 | 26 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 32 of 69 | 46% | 16 of 50 | 6 of 9 | 10 of 10 | 32 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 29 of 70 | 41% | 19 of 55 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 2 | 26 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 32 of 69 | 46% | 16 of 50 | 6 of 9 | 10 of 10 | 32 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, noting he is a massive heavyweight with an 83-inch reach, decent takedown defense, and power. He believes Nzechukwu's physicality and power will overwhelm Brzeski, who is chinny and coming off a knockout loss. Angelo mentions Nzechukwu is not a true heavyweight but looked fine in his last fight. He considers the odds of -500 fair and might include Nzechukwu in a parlay.
Cody picks Nzechukwu, citing his size, reach, and power advantage. He notes Brzeski's poor record and suspect chin. He expects Nzechukwu to win by knockout, though he acknowledges heavyweight volatility.
Connor picks Nzechukwu confidently, noting that Brzeski cannot take shots and has low output. He points out that Nzechukwu is huge and can build into a fight, and that Brzeski does not have the power or volume to hurt him early. Connor believes Nzechukwu's size and durability will be too much for Brzeski.
Daniel picks Nzechukwu, citing his size and skill advantage at heavyweight. He believes Nzechukwu's reach and southpaw stance will be key, and expects a knockout given Brzeski's recent losses. He notes Nzechukwu's improved durability without the weight cut.
Nzechukwu is never really super reliable as a -500 favorite, but I expect him to touch up Brzeski from distance and eventually open up a knockout opportunity for himself in the second or third round.
Paul picks Nzechukwu, citing his physical advantages and Brzeski's lack of skills. He notes Nzechukwu's move to heavyweight and improved comfort. He expects a dominant win, but warns against heavy betting due to heavyweight unpredictability.
The MMA Guru picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing his size, reach advantage, and skill difference on the feet. He thinks Nzechukwu will be bigger and more skilled than Brzeski, who is a smaller heavyweight. He believes Nzechukwu will win and could go far in the division.
Zane agrees, picking Nzechukwu. He notes that Brzeski is a low-output volume fighter who cannot take shots, and that Nzechukwu is a giant who can come back into fights. Zane believes Brzeski will not be able to do enough damage to stop Nzechukwu from finding his rhythm.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 51 of 74 | 68% | 51 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Barnett | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 12 of 34 | 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 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 51 of 74 | 68% | 51 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Barnett | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 12 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 51 of 74 | 68% | 28 of 50 | 22 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 50 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Chris Barnett | 12 of 34 | 35% | 3 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 9 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 51 of 74 | 68% | 28 of 50 | 22 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 50 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Chris Barnett | 12 of 34 | 35% | 3 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 9 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu but is very hesitant. He notes Kennedy is taller, longer, and had a full camp, but warns that Kennedy 'kind of sucks' and was a massive favorite who lost to an older opponent in his last fight. He advises staying far away from betting on this fight due to the risk.
Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, noting his significant size advantage (6'5" vs 5'9" on paper, but Barnett is likely shorter). He believes Kennedy has many ways to win: knockout, submission, or decision. He acknowledges Kennedy can be inconsistent but cannot pick Barnett. He predicts a second-round submission.
Cody picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing his massive reach and height advantage. He notes that Barnett is old, overweight, and has low volume. Cody believes Nzechukwu's length and striking will keep Barnett at range, and that he will win by knockout in the second round. However, he warns that heavyweight fights are unpredictable.
Connor picks Nzechukwu, agreeing that Barnett is a total mess who can't consistently win rounds. He notes that Nzechukwu has the size to dominate but lacks confidence, but against Barnett, he should be able to use his reach and size to win. Connor is not confident in Nzechukwu long-term but sees this as a favorable matchup.
Daniel Vreeland picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win, citing massive advantages in size, reach, and level of competition. He notes that Barnett does not belong in the UFC and that Nzechukwu can win easily by takedown or striking. Vreeland believes the true price is around -900 and that Nzechukwu is a much worse matchup for Barnett than Junior Tafa.
Daniel Vreeland is taking the huge underdog Chris Barnett. He argues that Nzechukwu has awful cardio, no motivation to come in shape now that he doesn't have to cut weight, and gets knocked out. Barnett is a heavy puncher who has won two of his last three by knockout, and Vreeland sees value at +500.
Jeff Fox is reluctantly picking Nzechukwu, pushed into a corner by Vreeland's strong argument for Barnett. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's cardio issues and lack of motivation but still believes he is better than Barnett's previous opponents. Fox seems uncomfortable with the pick but sticks with Nzechukwu.
Nzechukwu is a big favorite but tough to trust after his last performance. He should keep Barnett at bay and possibly find a finish after the 1.5 round mark. However, minus 700 is a bit too wide for comfort.
Paul picks Nzechukwu, agreeing that Barnett is a freak show fighter past his prime. He notes that Nzechukwu's reach and volume will be too much, and that Barnett's durability is questionable. Paul is confident Nzechukwu wins but avoids betting at heavy odds.
The Guru picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing Barnett's long layoff (over two years), age (38), and questionable conditioning. He believes Nzechukwu's athleticism and range will allow him to pick apart Barnett. He notes Barnett's past fight cancellations and weight issues. The Guru predicts Nzechukwu will win by decision or late finish.
Zane picks Nzechukwu despite his lack of power and confidence, because Barnett is a tiny heavyweight with no real tools besides confidence. Nzechukwu's size and reach will allow him to crowd Barnett and overwhelm him, though he expects a messy fight. Zane notes that Barnett has lost to other former light heavyweights and lacks durability.
Zane picked Nzechukwu, noting that Barnett is a fun fighter but not going to beat big heavyweights. He highlighted that Barnett injured his leg in the pre-fight intro and further during a wheel kick, which was predictable given his rushed recovery from an Achilles injury. Zane praised Nzechukwu's size and form but questioned his confidence, suggesting he may struggle against other big heavyweights.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovince Saint Preux | 1 | 143 of 276 | 51% | 143 of 276 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 106 of 250 | 42% | 106 of 250 | 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 | Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 26 of 57 | 45% | 26 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 22 of 57 | 38% | 22 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 44 of 79 | 55% | 44 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 29 of 80 | 36% | 29 of 80 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Ovince Saint Preux | 1 | 73 of 140 | 52% | 73 of 140 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 55 of 113 | 48% | 55 of 113 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovince Saint Preux | 143 of 276 | 51% | 98 of 223 | 32 of 39 | 13 of 14 | 131 of 262 | 11 of 13 | 1 of 1 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 106 of 250 | 42% | 85 of 213 | 19 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 93 of 235 | 13 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ovince Saint Preux | 26 of 57 | 45% | 10 of 38 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 9 | 26 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 22 of 57 | 38% | 14 of 37 | 6 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ovince Saint Preux | 44 of 79 | 55% | 30 of 62 | 10 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 44 of 79 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 29 of 80 | 36% | 25 of 73 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 79 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ovince Saint Preux | 73 of 140 | 52% | 58 of 123 | 15 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 61 of 126 | 11 of 13 | 1 of 1 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 55 of 113 | 48% | 46 of 103 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 43 of 99 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo calls this his most confident pick on the card. Nzechukwu is long, powerful, has solid takedown defense, and is never out of a fight, though he can be gun-shy. Saint Preux is 40, has no chin, and is frustratingly low-volume, rarely letting his hands go. Angelo sees no path to victory for Saint Preux outside a Hail Mary bomb, which is unlikely given his low output. He thinks Nzechukwu will win easily.
Big Brady picks Kennedy Nzechukwu to win by first-round knockout. He believes OSP is past his prime and not motivated, while Nzechukwu is a big favorite for a reason. He expects a quick finish despite Nzechukwu's history of weird outcomes.
Cody is confident in Kennedy Nzechukwu, believing OSP is completely washed and on his way out. He details OSP's decline: missing weight, looking flat, and being knocked out in recent fights. He acknowledges Kennedy's chin issues but thinks OSP lacks the power to exploit them. He warns against the minus 500 line but still picks Kennedy.
Lucrative James sees Kennedy Nzechukwu as a massive favorite and expects him to finish the fight. He notes that OSP has looked washed recently, with poor cardio and chin, and that Kennedy can knock him out on the feet, with elbows, or in the clinch. He dismisses OSP's chances, stating that the only way OSP wins is if Kennedy makes a huge mistake.
The host notes that Saint Preux is nearing 41 and fighting a young, hungry fighter in Nzechukwu, who should have speed and power advantages. He expects Nzechukwu to light up Saint Preux early and get a TKO, but mentions that the -500 or -700 odds are too much given the weight class and Saint Preux's experience. He still thinks the under 1.5 rounds should come through easily.
Paul also picks Kennedy, echoing that OSP is done. He notes Kennedy's physical advantages (size, speed, reach) and OSP's inability to take punches anymore. He calls it an 'apple pie situation' where fading OSP is tempting but warns about Kennedy's own flaws. He still expects Kennedy to win.
The Guru picks Kennedy Nzechukwu by TKO, citing OSP's age (40) and recent KO loss to Philipe Lins. He notes Nzechukwu is chinny but has youth and momentum. He dismisses OSP's win over Shogun as controversial and believes Nzechukwu will get the finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Jacoby | 1 | 10 of 33 | 30% | 10 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 4 of 18 | 22% | 4 of 18 | 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 | Dustin Jacoby | 1 | 10 of 33 | 30% | 10 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 4 of 18 | 22% | 4 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Jacoby | 10 of 33 | 30% | 5 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 7 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 4 of 18 | 22% | 3 of 14 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Jacoby | 10 of 33 | 30% | 5 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 7 |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 4 of 18 | 22% | 3 of 14 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu despite acknowledging Dustin Jacoby is the better striker. He notes that Kennedy is bigger, more dangerous, and has fought higher competition. He warns that Kennedy is never out of a fight and can come from behind, but also mentions that Jacoby was dropped in his last fight, which is concerning. Angelo admits he would love Jacoby as an underdog if not for that, but ultimately goes with Kennedy's danger factor.
Big Brady is uncertain but leans toward Nzechukwu. He argues that if Nzechukwu strikes with Jacoby he'll lose, but his path to victory is wrestling. He notes Nzechukwu's takedown defense is good and his grappling has improved, as seen in recent fights. He thinks Nzechukwu can take Jacoby down and control him, especially since Jacoby has been taken down many times before. He predicts a decision win but admits Nzechukwu fights are hard to predict.
Cody leans towards Nzechukwu on the moneyline, but his main interest is a small poke on Kennedy by submission at +950. He believes Kennedy will rely on grappling and can submit Jacoby, who has faced few grapplers. He notes Jacoby's kickboxing base and cardio, but thinks Kennedy's improvements in grappling and size could be decisive.
Daniel Levi leans toward Kennedy Nzechukwu but is not confident. He acknowledges Jacoby's striking credentials and past success, but worries about Jacoby's age (35-36) and potential decline. Levi notes Nzechukwu's physical advantages (7-inch reach, southpaw) and his knack for comebacks, but also his slow starts and durability concerns. He sees this as a dog-or-pass situation and prefers Nzechukwu at the current price, though he would have picked Jacoby two years ago.
James changed his mind after tape. He thinks Nzechukwu is younger, more athletic, and on an upward trajectory while Jacoby is declining. Nzechukwu's height and reach advantage will disrupt Jacoby's outside kickboxing game. He expects Nzechukwu to force pressure, clinch, and possibly finish inside the distance.
Jacoby loves combination striking, leg kicks, and body work. He had a 6-1-1 run until a split decision loss to Khalil Rountree and a bad KO loss. If he can stay safe and not get dropped, he should outpoint Nzechukwu, who is explosive but wears down. Jacoby's durability is a concern, but I'm sticking with Jacoby as a dog shot. He wins by decision.
Paul takes Jacoby at plus money, citing his volume, leg kicks, and takedown defense. He notes Kennedy's suspect cardio and tendency to get rocked, and believes Jacoby can outland him in a kickboxing match. However, he acknowledges Jacoby's fights are often close decisions and only takes him at plus money.
The host picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, citing his youth (31), durability, and recent momentum. He believes Nzechukwu will out-volume Jacoby and has a granite chin. He notes Jacoby is 35 and coming off a loss. He thinks Nzechukwu wins by decision but could finish. He warns that if the line goes above -165, value shifts to Jacoby.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 62 of 81 | 76% | 79 of 98 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 3:42 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 36 of 58 | 62% | 61 of 90 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 41 of 53 | 77% | 54 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:35 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 25 of 37 | 67% | 47 of 65 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 21 of 28 | 75% | 25 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 14 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 62 of 81 | 76% | 44 of 63 | 18 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 17 | 53 of 64 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 36 of 58 | 62% | 25 of 46 | 7 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 28 | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 41 of 53 | 77% | 34 of 46 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 39 of 50 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 25 of 37 | 67% | 18 of 29 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 10 | 20 of 27 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 21 of 28 | 75% | 10 of 17 | 11 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 14 | 14 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 11 of 21 | 52% | 7 of 17 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, noting his length, power, and ability to come back from behind. He compares this fight to Kennedy's last win where he lost the first round before knocking out Jan Kutulaba. Angelo is hesitant because Kennedy can be a slow starter and gun-shy, which could allow Devin Clark to grind out early rounds. However, he believes Kennedy hits too hard and is never out of a fight, expecting a finish similar to his last performance.
Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, citing his massive size and reach advantages. He notes Nzechukwu is finally putting it together, showing improved grappling and takedown defense. He believes Clark will struggle with the reach and power, and Nzechukwu's get-up game is excellent. He predicts a second-round knockout, as Nzechukwu starts slow but finishes strong.
Cody sees value in Clark at plus money, noting his cardio and cage control are his best weapons. He believes Clark can press Nzechukwu against the fence, use outside trips to take him down, and grind out a win. He points out that Nzechukwu has been taken down by lesser wrestlers and Clark's style is perfectly suited to exploit that.
Connor picks Nzechukwu more confidently, arguing that Nzechukwu has a plan and can use pressure striking and reach, not just clinching. He notes Devin Clark has no technical foundation and relies on physicality, but Nzechukwu can adapt and find moments. Connor acknowledges Clark is tough and strong, but Nzechukwu should be able to outwork him.
The host picks Kennedy Nzechukwu by late first round stoppage. He believes Nzechukwu's improved striking and power will overcome Devin Clark's grappling. He notes Clark's durability issues and expects Nzechukwu to land big shots after a potentially sticky early grappling exchange.
Paul also picks Clark, having bet him at +180. He notes Clark's chin concerns are overblown, as he's shown durability in recent fights. He expects Clark to use his wrestling and pressure to control the fight, similar to his win over Jung. He thinks the line is too wide.
The Guru picks Nzechukwu, citing his size and range advantage over Clark. He believes Nzechukwu will pick at Clark on the feet and land knees as Clark closes distance. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's questionable chin (KO by Dalton Young) but thinks Clark's wrestling won't be effective due to Nzechukwu's size. He predicts a TKO in the later rounds.
Zane picks Nzechukwu but is hesitant because Nzechukwu is not a range fighter and may struggle to avoid Clark's physicality. He notes Clark is beatable if you don't fight his fight, but Nzechukwu tends to clinch and pressure, which could play into Clark's strengths. However, Nzechukwu gets stronger as fights go on and Clark is not a finisher, giving Nzechukwu time to grow into the fight.
Devin Clark - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 53 of 127 | 41% | 53 of 127 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 101 of 189 | 53% | 112 of 204 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 11 of 29 | 37% | 11 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 23 of 47 | 48% | 27 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 2 | Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 19 of 36 | 52% | 19 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 30 of 60 | 50% | 32 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 3 | Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 23 of 62 | 37% | 23 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 48 of 82 | 58% | 53 of 89 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcin Prachnio | 53 of 127 | 41% | 36 of 106 | 13 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 49 of 120 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 101 of 189 | 53% | 42 of 113 | 37 of 51 | 22 of 25 | 78 of 156 | 23 of 33 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcin Prachnio | 11 of 29 | 37% | 7 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 23 of 47 | 48% | 8 of 28 | 7 of 9 | 8 of 10 | 21 of 42 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marcin Prachnio | 19 of 36 | 52% | 13 of 29 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 30 of 60 | 50% | 9 of 33 | 9 of 15 | 12 of 12 | 26 of 52 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marcin Prachnio | 23 of 62 | 37% | 16 of 53 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 21 of 58 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 48 of 82 | 58% | 25 of 52 | 21 of 27 | 2 of 3 | 31 of 62 | 17 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo believes Devin Clark can pressure forward, avoid Prachnio's power, get takedowns, and grind out a win. He notes Clark's solid grappling and footwork, and that Prachnio has a questionable chin. He thinks Clark should win, but the -190 odds are a bit rich; he would prefer Clark at -150. He will monitor the line movement.
Big Brady hesitantly picks Devin Clark to win by decision. He notes that Clark has a clear path to victory through wrestling, as Prachnio has terrible takedown defense and ground game. However, he is not confident because Clark has poor cardio and has been finished often, and Prachnio's fights have had weird results.
Cody picks Prachnio as a dog, noting Clark's cardio issues and tendency to fade. Prachnio has power and has shown he can survive early takedowns and come back. Cody thinks if Clark doesn't finish early, Prachnio can knock him out in the later rounds. He suggests a prop on Prachnio by KO in round 3 at long odds.
Clark should be able to use his clinch and grappling to push Prachnio against the cage and drag him to the mat. Prachnio has questionable takedown defense and durability. However, Clark is inconsistent and has a history of fumbling fights he's winning. The line at -210 is too wide for someone as flimsy as Clark, but he should still win by decision.
Paul also picks Prachnio, agreeing with Cody's assessment. He notes Clark's wrestling advantage but thinks Prachnio can survive and find a knockout. Paul mentions that Clark has been knocked out before and that Prachnio has power. He is tempted by the dog price and the prop.
The MMA Guru picks Marcin Prachnio as an underdog after initially leaning toward Devin Clark. He notes that Clark has taken a lot of damage and lacks one-punch KO power or submission threat. He believes Prachnio can out-damage Clark on the feet with better striking skill. He acknowledges the pick is risky but thinks Prachnio is a lot better than Clark in terms of before a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 62 of 81 | 76% | 79 of 98 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 3:42 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 36 of 58 | 62% | 61 of 90 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 41 of 53 | 77% | 54 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:35 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 25 of 37 | 67% | 47 of 65 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 21 of 28 | 75% | 25 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 14 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 62 of 81 | 76% | 44 of 63 | 18 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 17 | 53 of 64 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 36 of 58 | 62% | 25 of 46 | 7 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 28 | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 41 of 53 | 77% | 34 of 46 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 39 of 50 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 25 of 37 | 67% | 18 of 29 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 10 | 20 of 27 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 21 of 28 | 75% | 10 of 17 | 11 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 14 | 14 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 11 of 21 | 52% | 7 of 17 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, noting his length, power, and ability to come back from behind. He compares this fight to Kennedy's last win where he lost the first round before knocking out Jan Kutulaba. Angelo is hesitant because Kennedy can be a slow starter and gun-shy, which could allow Devin Clark to grind out early rounds. However, he believes Kennedy hits too hard and is never out of a fight, expecting a finish similar to his last performance.
Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, citing his massive size and reach advantages. He notes Nzechukwu is finally putting it together, showing improved grappling and takedown defense. He believes Clark will struggle with the reach and power, and Nzechukwu's get-up game is excellent. He predicts a second-round knockout, as Nzechukwu starts slow but finishes strong.
Cody sees value in Clark at plus money, noting his cardio and cage control are his best weapons. He believes Clark can press Nzechukwu against the fence, use outside trips to take him down, and grind out a win. He points out that Nzechukwu has been taken down by lesser wrestlers and Clark's style is perfectly suited to exploit that.
Connor picks Nzechukwu more confidently, arguing that Nzechukwu has a plan and can use pressure striking and reach, not just clinching. He notes Devin Clark has no technical foundation and relies on physicality, but Nzechukwu can adapt and find moments. Connor acknowledges Clark is tough and strong, but Nzechukwu should be able to outwork him.
The host picks Kennedy Nzechukwu by late first round stoppage. He believes Nzechukwu's improved striking and power will overcome Devin Clark's grappling. He notes Clark's durability issues and expects Nzechukwu to land big shots after a potentially sticky early grappling exchange.
Paul also picks Clark, having bet him at +180. He notes Clark's chin concerns are overblown, as he's shown durability in recent fights. He expects Clark to use his wrestling and pressure to control the fight, similar to his win over Jung. He thinks the line is too wide.
The Guru picks Nzechukwu, citing his size and range advantage over Clark. He believes Nzechukwu will pick at Clark on the feet and land knees as Clark closes distance. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's questionable chin (KO by Dalton Young) but thinks Clark's wrestling won't be effective due to Nzechukwu's size. He predicts a TKO in the later rounds.
Zane picks Nzechukwu but is hesitant because Nzechukwu is not a range fighter and may struggle to avoid Clark's physicality. He notes Clark is beatable if you don't fight his fight, but Nzechukwu tends to clinch and pressure, which could play into Clark's strengths. However, Nzechukwu gets stronger as fights go on and Clark is not a finisher, giving Nzechukwu time to grow into the fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 0 | 18 of 52 | 34% | 43 of 78 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 5:48 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 39 of 70 | 55% | 96 of 136 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 0 | 0 | 5:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 0 | 5 of 15 | 33% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 10 of 15 | 66% | 42 of 52 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:09 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 23 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:16 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 24 of 35 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 0 | 7 of 25 | 28% | 11 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 30 of 49 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:28 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 18 of 52 | 34% | 11 of 42 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 36 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 39 of 70 | 55% | 22 of 51 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 13 | 26 of 52 | 11 of 14 | 2 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 5 of 15 | 33% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 10 of 15 | 66% | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 10 of 18 | 55% | 4 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 7 of 25 | 28% | 4 of 19 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 19 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 19 of 37 | 51% | 14 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 14 of 30 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 |
Big Brady sees Jung as the bigger, more powerful striker with solid takedown defense. He criticizes Devin Clark's recent performance and lack of wrestling. He expects Jung to knock out Clark early, likely in the first round.
Cody leans toward Jung but is not confident. He notes Jung's power and elbows in the clinch, but worries about his cardio and size. He thinks Devin Clark could grind out a decision by pressing Jung against the cage. He considers the line too big and prefers to pass or bet the over 2.5 rounds at +130.
Connor picks Da Woon Jung, citing his reach advantage and consistent pressure striking. He notes that Devin Clark lacks a process in his striking, with no jab, feints, or defense, and that his father's coaching has stunted his development. Connor expects Jung to win a three-round decision, as Clark is durable but unable to handle Jung's range and output.
Paul also leans toward Jung but is not betting. He notes Jung's size advantage (6'4" vs 6'0") and power, but acknowledges Clark's durability and grinding style. He points out that Clark often fights to a decision and lacks killer instinct. He prefers to avoid the fight entirely.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Da Woon Jung. He highlights Jung's size and durability, and Clark's inability to put together combinations or defend effectively. Zane notes that Clark's only chance is a surprise head kick, but Jung's consistent pressure and reach will lead to a clear decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 14 of 52 | 26% | 39 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Devin Clark | 1 | 79 of 106 | 74% | 95 of 127 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 6 of 23 | 26% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 41 of 52 | 78% | 52 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:24 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 1 | 31 of 39 | 79% | 31 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 14 of 52 | 26% | 4 of 29 | 3 of 7 | 7 of 16 | 13 of 50 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 79 of 106 | 74% | 41 of 65 | 31 of 34 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 42 | 9 of 9 | 46 of 55 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 6 of 23 | 26% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 10 | 6 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 7 of 15 | 46% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 5 of 19 | 26% | 2 of 12 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 41 of 52 | 78% | 12 of 21 | 22 of 24 | 7 of 7 | 10 of 18 | 9 of 9 | 22 of 25 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 3 of 10 | 30% | 0 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 31 of 39 | 79% | 25 of 32 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 30 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, citing his power and wrestling credentials. He notes Devin Clark has chin issues and Murzakanov is the more dangerous fighter. He likes the value at -170, believing the line should be closer to -200.
Big Brady picks Azamat Murzakanov to knock out Devin Clark early, likely in the first round. He notes that Murzakanov has power that carries into later rounds, as shown in his last fight. Clark has poor striking defense (46%) and has been finished in six of seven losses. Murzakanov is a much better striker and has dangerous ground and pound. Brady expects a quick finish.
Cody picks Murzakanov by knockout, noting he liked him coming into the TUF fight and cashed his flying knee finish. He thinks the line is moving toward Clark, so he may wait for a better price. Cody believes Murzakanov has enough grappling to keep the fight standing and will land a knockout.
Daniel Levi picks Azamat Murzakanov, dismissing the narrative that his last win was a fluke. He explains that Murzakanov was winning on two scorecards before the finish and that his speed and power will be too much for Devin Clark. Levi notes that Clark tends to blitz with his chin up and that Murzakanov has knockout power, predicting a KO win.
The host expects an early finish from Murzakanov, noting his big power but not much volume. He includes Murzakanov in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds, expecting a first-round KO.
Paul picks Murzakanov by knockout in round two. He criticizes Clark's durability and low volume, noting Clark has been knocked out before and relies on pressing opponents against the cage. Paul believes Murzakanov has heavier hands and will clip Clark with something like a flying knee.
The host picks Azamat Murzakanov, recalling his previous knockout of Devin Clark in a regional tournament. He trusts Murzakanov's stand-up and grappling, and believes Clark has taken too much damage over his career. He expects a first-round TKO in a firefight, though he acknowledges Clark's power makes it risky.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 1 | 34 of 47 | 72% | 125 of 140 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 5:46 |
| William Knight | 0 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 39 of 59 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 33 of 39 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| William Knight | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 19 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 2:03 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 0 | 12 of 15 | 80% | 63 of 68 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:13 |
| William Knight | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 8 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 1 | 19 of 23 | 82% | 29 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| William Knight | 0 | 5 of 14 | 35% | 12 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 34 of 47 | 72% | 19 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 11 | 25 of 37 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| William Knight | 21 of 41 | 51% | 11 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 9 | 16 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| William Knight | 10 of 18 | 55% | 9 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 12 of 15 | 80% | 5 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| William Knight | 6 of 9 | 66% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 19 of 23 | 82% | 12 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 |
| William Knight | 5 of 14 | 35% | 0 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks William Knight, believing he hits too hard and has his own wrestling. He notes that both are moving up to heavyweight, but Knight will be the bigger, faster, and harder-hitting fighter. He expresses concern about Knight's cardio with added muscle and his wrestling defense, but still thinks Knight gets the win and redeems himself from the weight miss.
Big Brady picks Devin Clark to win by decision. He notes Clark has fought much better competition, has cardio, and can take the fight to the ground. He criticizes William Knight's 33% striking defense, low volume, poor takedown defense, and cardio issues. However, he is cautious because the fight is at heavyweight, which could favor Knight. He expects Clark to grind out a decision.
Cody picks Clark, emphasizing his wrestling and clinch work. He thinks Clark can grind Knight against the cage and win a decision. He notes Knight's lack of output and Clark's edge in wrestling.
Daniel Levi has no clear pick for this fight. He acknowledges Devin Clark is much more skilled with good wrestling and experience, but notes he has been finished multiple times and can break mentally. William Knight is unskilled with poor defense but has tremendous toughness, power, and explosiveness, similar to Derrick Lewis. Levi says the fight could go either way depending on which version shows up, and he has no conviction on a pick.
Paul picks Clark but is hesitant, noting the weigh-ins will be important. He thinks Clark's wrestling and pace will be key, but worries about Clark's chin and Knight's power. He expects a decision win for Clark.
The MMA Guru picks William Knight by first-round KO. He notes the fight is at heavyweight, benefiting Knight who doesn't have to cut weight, and that Devin Clark is coming off a horrific jaw injury from Krzysztof Jotko. He believes Clark will be hesitant and Knight's power will prevail.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 1 | 64 of 101 | 63% | 92 of 138 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 8:48 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 23 of 52 | 44% | 84 of 130 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 1 | 47 of 73 | 64% | 53 of 79 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 2:08 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 11 of 19 | 57% | 18 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 11 of 19 | 57% | 24 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:24 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 3 of 13 | 23% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 15 of 21 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:16 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 43 of 62 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 64 of 101 | 63% | 59 of 95 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 21 | 11 of 16 | 46 of 64 |
| Devin Clark | 23 of 52 | 44% | 10 of 32 | 3 of 7 | 10 of 13 | 12 of 32 | 8 of 13 | 3 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 47 of 73 | 64% | 42 of 67 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 13 | 9 of 12 | 33 of 48 |
| Devin Clark | 11 of 19 | 57% | 4 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 9 | 8 of 14 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 11 of 19 | 57% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 10 |
| Devin Clark | 3 of 13 | 23% | 0 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 6 of 9 | 66% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 6 |
| Devin Clark | 9 of 20 | 45% | 6 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 6 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 7 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In the co-main event, we have reached the age-old question of whether “The Hulk” could take on a bear. Soon, in front of referee Keith Peterson, we will have our answer when “The Hulk” Cutelaba (15-6-1, 1 NC; 4-5-1 UFC) meets “Brown Bear” Clark (12-5, 6-5 UFC) in the center of the Octagon. There is no interest in a glove touch from the light heavyweights and nonsense is left to a minimum, as Cutelaba just wants to smash. Cutelaba starts off with a spinning back fist, and Clark rushes in and hits an early takedown to drag Cutelaba down to the canvas. The Moldovan gets right back to his feet without much effort, and Clark grinds him into the wall to try to get him back down. Cutelaba blocks a takedown try with a high knee, and he uses the other to thump on Clark’s chest a few times. Cutelaba pushes away with a heavy knee, and he rushes after Clark with a body kick. Clark swings and misses with a counter, but he does get a kick off to Cutelaba’s heavy plant leg. Cutelaba paws out with a few jabs as he corks back a right hand, and he tries to block a low kick as he slowly works his way in. Clark just misses landing a hook kick, and he strides ahead to pop Cutelaba in the chops with a head kick. “The Hulk” does not register the blow, and instead stalks Clark down before jumping ahead with a thudding knee. Clark circles away so that he can chop down Cutelaba’s leg, much to the delight of his father. Cutelaba winds up with his thunderous right hand, and Clark falls to the ground lifelessly. As Cutelaba comes after him to hammer the nail, Clark comes to and is able to block the follow-up ground-and-pound. Peterson tells Clark to defend himself, and Clark survives by grabbing on to one of Cutelaba’s arms. Cutelaba slugs him in the face a few times and lands a solid knee on the chin as well with Clark leaning against the cage. Cutelaba tries to strip his foe’s legs out beneath him, and Clark grabs the fence to stay upright. Peterson slaps his hand away and Cutelaba brings him back down. Clark, on his knees, gets smashed repeatedly with heavy punches. Clark stands up, and Cutelaba wrenches him back down to take full mount. “The Hulk” smashes with elbows and thunderous punches, and Clark miraculously makes it to the first buzzer.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Round 2
Clark rises from off his back like the Undertaker between rounds, and he recovers enough to make it into the second round. Clark walks forward to pursue a takedown, and Cutelaba sees it coming and wings a right hand that just misses. Clark composes himself with multiple leg kicks, and he just manages to escape a big right hand that soars past his chin. Cutelaba counters Clark coming in with a check left hook, and Clark scores a high leg kick. “The Hulk” charges ahead with a bullying takedown, and he practically lands in full mount. Clark holds on for dear life on Cutelaba’s shoulders, keeping him close so that he cannot get off the brutal blows that he ate at the end of the last round. Cutelaba sits up in a high mount with slashing elbows, and Clark protects his mug from some of them but others get through. Cutelaba opts against spending his gas tank by forcing a finishing sequence, instead sitting up every so often to hack with elbows. Clark tries to kick off, bucking and flailing with his legs, but the Moldovan is a 205-pound cement block with jagged edges sitting on his abdomen. Clark kicks off suddenly, turning around just enough to escape out the back door as Cutelaba looks to tie an arm down for a possible submission. Clark spins with a kick that is telegraphed and several feet away from his intended target. Cutelaba powers his way forward to press Clark into the fencing, and he knees Clark in the face before tripping his leg out again. Clark is able to stay upright this time, but he takes another knee that opens a cut. Cutelaba wrests him down to the ground again, and Clark once more gets to a knee and to his feet. Cutelaba grinds with his full body weight, as if he were trying to mash Clark through the wire like he was made of Play-do. The horn sounds, and Clark shouts a loud expletive.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Round 3
The doctors come in to check on Clark between rounds, with parts of his lower jaw smashed and his vision struggling. “Brown Bear” is cleared to continue, and he thanks the doctors and Peterson for allowing him to continue by shooting in for a takedown. He nearly lifts Cutelaba off the ground, but Cutelaba ultimately keeps his balance and breaks free. Instead of laying into Clark with strikes, he takes him back down and puts Clark flat on his back. When Cutelaba tries to advance position and reclaim mount, Clark bucks him off and ambles back to his feet. Cutelaba keeps him pressed into the chain-link fence, and Clark looks for a takedown and almost trips Cutelaba to his back. Instead, the Moldovan reverses the position and puts Clark down to the mat. With Clark stacked up, Cutelaba sits on top of him and pins an arm under his knee. With his right hand free, Cutelaba slams his fist into Clark’s face a few times. Cutelaba uses his knee to hold Clark down on his already hammer-smashed face, and he climbs into full mount while Clark’s father watches with dread from his corner. Cutelaba sits up and elbows Clarks a few times, and Clark bursts back to his feet in a rage to start throwing hands with Cutelaba. The Moldovan tries to take him back down, but Clark turns the tables and takes “The Hulk” down and puts him flat on his back. In full guard, Cutelaba holds on and absorbs sporadic punches. Cutelaba kicks off and gets to a knee, and Clark lands a potentially illegal knee while Cutelaba was grounded. Clark lays into him with a few more punches, but the final bell sounds before anything of merit can come from the final flurry. Clark collapses to the ground with the fight over, while Cutelaba stands and raises his arms triumphantly.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba (30-25 Cutelaba)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Clark (29-26 Cutelaba)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba (30-25 Cutelaba)
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Devin Clark via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-26, 29-27)
Angelo is hesitant but leans toward Ion Cuțelaba because of his power and finishing ability. He notes that Devin Clark is a grinder who doesn't finish fights, so if Cuțelaba wins it will be inside the distance, and if he loses it will be a decision. He likes the prop 'Cuțelaba wins inside the distance, decision no action' and the over on rounds.
Big Brady picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by first-round knockout, noting his 93% finish rate and Devin Clark's history of being finished in all his losses. He acknowledges Cuțelaba's cardio concerns but believes he will finish Clark early. He suggests betting Cuțelaba in the first round if betting.
Cody picks Cuțelaba, noting his explosive first round and improved cardio training at Extreme Couture. He believes Cuțelaba's wrestling and power will be too much for Clark, who has lost all five of his pro losses inside the distance. Cody warns that Cuțelaba is a 'greasy' bet and that Clark could take over if the fight goes past the first round.
Daniel Levi picks Ion Cuțelaba by first-round knockout. He notes Cuțelaba is a first-round-or-bust fighter and that Clark is a chinny spaz with poor fight IQ. He says if it goes past round one, Clark's better cardio could be a factor, but he expects Cuțelaba to get the knockout early. He advises live bettors to watch the line if it goes past the first round.
Preet leans Cuțelaba by KO because of his explosiveness and power early. He thinks Cuțelaba will find Clark's chin within the first 6-7 minutes. However, he acknowledges Clark has better cardio and could take over if he survives. He likes Cuțelaba by KO at +105.
Paul leans toward Cuțelaba but is cautious due to his history of gassing. He suggests this fight is best watched live, as Clark could take over late if he survives the initial onslaught. Paul compares it to the Menifield fight where Clark came back.
The MMA Guru picks Ion Cuțelaba by first-round TKO, citing his improved cardio and aggressive style. He believes Cuțelaba can replicate his performance against Dustin Jacoby, overwhelming Clark with pressure and elbows. He notes Clark's questionable chin and history of being finished.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 27 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 27 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:07 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Devin Clark | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 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 | Anthony Smith | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Devin Clark | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
The MMA Guru believes Devin Clark has the perfect style to beat Anthony Smith, citing Clark's ability to pressure against the cage, use clinch work, and grind out a decision. He notes Smith has taken too much damage recently and has looked poor since getting new teeth, suggesting Smith may be more focused on his analyst role. He predicts Clark will win by unanimous decision, 30-27, and mentions waiting to bet Clark as an underdog.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 0 | 39 of 85 | 45% | 54 of 103 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 8:42 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 79 of 124 | 63% | 150 of 198 | 1 of 10 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 2:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 0 | 14 of 37 | 37% | 19 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:10 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 23 of 37 | 62% | 42 of 56 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 0 | 16 of 33 | 48% | 21 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 30 of 49 | 61% | 59 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 14 of 21 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:01 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 26 of 38 | 68% | 49 of 63 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:48 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 39 of 85 | 45% | 31 of 75 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 45 | 26 of 40 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 79 of 124 | 63% | 23 of 67 | 56 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 62 | 57 of 61 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 14 of 37 | 37% | 11 of 32 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 15 | 11 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 23 of 37 | 62% | 8 of 22 | 15 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 17 | 17 of 20 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 16 of 33 | 48% | 13 of 30 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 22 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 30 of 49 | 61% | 7 of 26 | 23 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 27 | 22 of 22 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 9 of 15 | 60% | 7 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 26 of 38 | 68% | 8 of 19 | 18 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 18 | 18 of 19 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Moving up to the light heavyweight division, we will see the heaviest bout of the evening take place between the unbeaten power striker Menifield (9-0, 2-0 UFC) and the durable “Brown Bear” Clark (11-4, 4-4 UFC). Referee Mark Smith will serve as the third man in the cage, and the two men do not touch glove as Clark shoots in immediately for a low takedown. Menifield stuffs it but finds his back against the fence, where he powers Clark around as his corner pleads with him to break away and throw bombs. Clark is throwing knees now with his back to the cage, and he repeatedly kicks out the leg from Menifield in an unusual way. The undefeated fighter does not like them, and tries to set up a Thai clinch of sorts, but Clark protects it and continues the low kicks. Menifield lands a blistering uppercut on the break, and Clark is already hurt. Menifield pours it on and throws heavy punches, and a wincing Clark shoots low for a desperation takedown to survive the barrage. In doing so, he halts the momentum and gives himself a moment to recover until Menifield turns him around and gest free. Both men start slugging it out as soon as they separate, and although he lands flush on the hard-charging Menifield, Clark is already hurt once more as he covers his face. The eye of Clark is closing up already, and by the way he is clearly in pain and swelling, it could be an orbital injury. Clark takes a moment to gather himself as Menifield gets off, and Clark is keeping his left eye closed which will do wonders for his depth perception. Menifield crashes forward to land some strikes, and brings up a big knee that Clark is just barely able to block. Clark starts to rip a few knees to the body until Menifield shoves him away, and Clark clips him with a jab that sends Menifield diving in for some kind of a takedown. Clark keeps throwing with one eye closed and tags Menifield a few more times, forcing Menifield to shake out the cobwebs and fall right into a takedown attempt. Clark cannot quite land it, and Menifield turns him about to the fence as the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Round 2
The cardio could be a factor as we reach the second round -- a rare occasion for Menifield -- and Clark’s eye is mostly closed. As Menifield wades forward, he gets dinged by a wild punch from Clark. Menifield regathers himself and races in to fire off a head kick and land some bombs. They clinch up for a moment, and Menifield takes a breath to unload a salvo of slowing punches. Clark does not see as affected by these strikes as he was the first round, and he fires right back at him and does some damage as well. When they are clinched up, Menifield passes the mark for the longest fight in his ten-bout career. Clark works some of those low kicks and wings a right hand and then a left when they break. Clark gets racked with an uppercut that bloodies his mouth up, and as he falls to the fence Menifield tries to blast him with hooks but Clark protects himself. Clark goes wild with some looping shots but is bullrushed into the fence, where Menifield puts his full body weight on him. When they are clinched, Clark keeps the knees going and sets up a Thai clinch to score some more. Menifield finally decides to throw punches in the clinch, as Clark’s strikes are adding up fast. Even with his back mashed against the fence wall, Clark is the one working and doing damage with knees to the gut and punches around the head. Menifield has no answer for the knees, and as they separate, Clark goes ballistic with a string of heavy punches until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Clark
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Clark
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Clark
Round 3
Clark starts off the round as aggressively as he ended the second, with a bevy of big punches that hurt Menifield. The unbeaten fighter can do nothing but clinch up, and as they break for a moment, Menifield still manages to sting Clark with a left and a knee up the middle. Clark pushes away only to shoot in low for a single, and Menifield sprawls to defend it and walks his man down. Like the previous frame, Clark works knees to the body and forces Menifield to consider his own takedown. Clark defends it by partially grabbing the fence, and he manages to turn Menifield around and goes to the body with some thudding punches. As they try to mount offense, Clark manages to finally wrestle the other man down. Clark is on top, and Menifield is flatted out and likely exhausted. A rear-naked choke opportunity goes unnoticed for Clark as “The Brown Bear” has full back control, but Clark instead wants to pound him out. Menifield twists and turns to get to his back sitting down against the cage. Clark flirts with a guillotine choke but does not have enough to keep Menifield down, and Menifield stands back to his feet. The two continue to jockey for position against the fence, and Clark keeps throwing punches and knees until he shoves Menifield away. Clark uses the moment to dive in deep for a takedown, but Menifield catches up and stands him up until they walk across the floor to the other side of the wall. Although Clark is still with his back to the fence and Smith is calling for action, Clark keeps short but effective offense going. They separate at the 10-second clapper, and decide to end the fight in style by throwing bombs until the final bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Clark (29-28 Clark)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Clark (29-28 Clark)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Clark (29-28 Clark)
The Official Result
Devin Clark def. Alonzo Menifield via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Big Brady confidently picks Alonzo Menifield, citing Clark's poor performance against Ryan Spann and his tendency to get finished. He believes Menifield will impose his physicality and finish Clark early, likely in the first round. He notes Clark's only chance is takedowns, but doubts Clark will execute.
Daniel dismisses the myth that Menifield can't grapple, praising his underhook instincts and physicality. He notes Menifield has developed submissions and ground-and-pound on the regional scene. He criticizes Clark's mentality and tendency to fold under pressure, predicting Menifield will knock him out in the first round. He mentions the line moved due to public betting on Clark, but he's confident in Menifield.
Alonzo Menifield has huge power and is a top-five power puncher in the division. Devin Clark has a suspect chin and has been finished multiple times. Menifield's path to victory is a knockout, likely in the first round. However, Clark has good wrestling and cardio, and if he can survive the early onslaught, he could take over. The fight is a pass for betting, but the pick is Menifield by first-round KO.
The MMA Guru picks Alonzo Menifield over Devin Clark. He believes Menifield is the younger, more rapidly evolving fighter with knockout power, as seen in his wins over Paul Craig and Vinicius Moreira. He notes that Clark is coming off a KO loss and that Menifield has been in training camp, giving him an edge. He is confident in Menifield's potential and expects him to get the job done.
Expert Picks (8)
Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, noting his length, power, and ability to come back from behind. He compares this fight to Kennedy's last win where he lost the first round before knocking out Jan Kutulaba. Angelo is hesitant because Kennedy can be a slow starter and gun-shy, which could allow Devin Clark to grind out early rounds. However, he believes Kennedy hits too hard and is never out of a fight, expecting a finish similar to his last performance.
Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, citing his massive size and reach advantages. He notes Nzechukwu is finally putting it together, showing improved grappling and takedown defense. He believes Clark will struggle with the reach and power, and Nzechukwu's get-up game is excellent. He predicts a second-round knockout, as Nzechukwu starts slow but finishes strong.
Cody sees value in Clark at plus money, noting his cardio and cage control are his best weapons. He believes Clark can press Nzechukwu against the fence, use outside trips to take him down, and grind out a win. He points out that Nzechukwu has been taken down by lesser wrestlers and Clark's style is perfectly suited to exploit that.
Connor picks Nzechukwu more confidently, arguing that Nzechukwu has a plan and can use pressure striking and reach, not just clinching. He notes Devin Clark has no technical foundation and relies on physicality, but Nzechukwu can adapt and find moments. Connor acknowledges Clark is tough and strong, but Nzechukwu should be able to outwork him.
The host picks Kennedy Nzechukwu by late first round stoppage. He believes Nzechukwu's improved striking and power will overcome Devin Clark's grappling. He notes Clark's durability issues and expects Nzechukwu to land big shots after a potentially sticky early grappling exchange.
Paul also picks Clark, having bet him at +180. He notes Clark's chin concerns are overblown, as he's shown durability in recent fights. He expects Clark to use his wrestling and pressure to control the fight, similar to his win over Jung. He thinks the line is too wide.
The Guru picks Nzechukwu, citing his size and range advantage over Clark. He believes Nzechukwu will pick at Clark on the feet and land knees as Clark closes distance. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's questionable chin (KO by Dalton Young) but thinks Clark's wrestling won't be effective due to Nzechukwu's size. He predicts a TKO in the later rounds.
Zane picks Nzechukwu but is hesitant because Nzechukwu is not a range fighter and may struggle to avoid Clark's physicality. He notes Clark is beatable if you don't fight his fight, but Nzechukwu tends to clinch and pressure, which could play into Clark's strengths. However, Nzechukwu gets stronger as fights go on and Clark is not a finisher, giving Nzechukwu time to grow into the fight.
Ankle lock and leg lock attempt from Marcus. High tempo. Breaks from dick kick eye poke. Kennedy is decent at jiu jitsu grappling it seems. Marcus falls to his back for defense