Career Averages - Ion Cuțelaba
Career Averages - Tanner Boser
Ion Cuțelaba
Tanner Boser
Ion Cuțelaba - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 40 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:27 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 40 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:27 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 20 | 70% | 4 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Oumar Sy | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 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 | Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 20 | 70% | 4 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Oumar Sy | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sy (-200); Cutelaba (+170)
Round 1
Herb Dean is the referee. Cutelaba opens with an inside leg kick followed by a body kick. Sy with a leg kick of his own. Cutelaba is utilizing a variety of kicks early. Sy jabs then throws a leg kick. A right lands for Cutelaba. They collide in the clinch and Cutelaba drives his man into the fence. A knee lands for Cutelaba. Sy reverses the position, but Cutelaba trips him down and lands in half guard. Sy scoots toward the fence and reverses into a takedown attempt against the cage. Sy lifts and slams Cutelaba, who assumes top position in a scramble. Cutelaba is in half guard, looking to advance. Cutelaba hovers and drops a right. Sy eats more standing to ground shots as Sy threatens with a heel hook. Cutelaba isn’t too woried about the submission possibility, but Sy falls back, forcing his foe to defend the manuever.. Cutelaba frees his leg and dives back into top position. Now Sy is pushing forward for a takedown, but he finds himself quickly ensnared in a guillotine.
Cutelaba rolls into full mount, forcing Sy to tap almost instantly.
Cutelaba has won three of his last four UFC appearances.
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Oumar Sy via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 4:24
Angelo picks Oumar Sy but is nervous. He acknowledges Sy's athleticism and dangerous grappling, but worries about his tendency to not pull the trigger, as seen in the Alonzo Menifield fight. He thinks Sy should win if he wrestles early, but if he waits too long or stands and bangs, it could be a problem.
Big Brady picks Oumar Sy to win by second-round submission. He identifies three problems with Cutelaba: bad cardio, poor fight IQ, and weak jiu-jitsu off his back. He believes Sy should take the fight to the mat and exploit the grappling gap, especially as Cutelaba slows down.
Cody picks Sy but is hesitant. He notes Sy's size, reach, and wrestling advantage, but acknowledges Cuțelaba's experience and durability. He thinks Sy can get takedowns and grind out a win, but the price is not great. He expects a split decision.
Connor picks Sy, agreeing that Cuțelaba needs an opponent who implodes to win, and Sy is not that. He notes Cuțelaba's wins are over fighters who implode, and Sy has enough survival instinct.
James picks Oumar Sy to win by finish, likely via ground and pound. He notes that Cuțelaba will expend all his energy in round one and gas out, while Sy's size, athleticism, and physicality will allow him to take over. He expects Sy to get on top and finish a tired Cuțelaba in the second round.
The host picks Sy to win by submission, expecting his grappling to dominate. He notes Sy's size and reach advantage, and believes he will take Cuțelaba down and find a finish. He highlights Cuțelaba's cardio issues and tendency to lose to grapplers, making Sy a strong pick.
Paul is tempted by Cuțelaba as a dog, noting his striking and takedown defense. He thinks Cuțelaba can give Sy problems, but ultimately passes due to inconsistency. He mentions Sy's size and wrestling could be too much.
The Guru picks Oumar Sy, comparing him to Ciryl Gane and noting his grappling awareness and striking defense. He thinks Cuțelaba will struggle if he can't get early takedowns, and that Sy will find a finish in the late second or third round as Cuțelaba gets wild.
Zane picks Sy, noting that Cuțelaba is prone to imploding and even when he doesn't, he makes mistakes that allow Sy to take him down and ride him. Sy showed determination in his loss to Menefield.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 44 of 92 | 47% | 52 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 58 of 130 | 44% | 121 of 194 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 17 of 46 | 36% | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 18 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 25 of 49 | 51% | 50 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 | |
| 3 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 22 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 16 of 35 | 45% | 54 of 74 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modestas Bukauskas | 44 of 92 | 47% | 37 of 85 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 42 of 90 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 58 of 130 | 44% | 18 of 74 | 16 of 19 | 24 of 37 | 47 of 117 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modestas Bukauskas | 12 of 34 | 35% | 7 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 17 of 46 | 36% | 4 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 16 | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Modestas Bukauskas | 16 of 32 | 50% | 15 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 25 of 49 | 51% | 11 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 9 of 13 | 20 of 42 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Modestas Bukauskas | 16 of 26 | 61% | 15 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 16 of 35 | 45% | 3 of 18 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 8 | 10 of 29 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bukauskas (-112), Cutelaba (-108)
Round 1
Keeping to the light heavyweight division, there is a very realistic scenario that both men will hold .500 records in the Octagon if one man prevails. Bukauskas (17-6, 5-4 UFC) has done his absolute best to make up for an early rough stretch, while “The Hulk” Cutelaba (19-10-1, 1 NC; 8-9-1 UFC) is aiming to smash his way back to that midpoint range. Both men vastly prefer the knockout, but they have also sustained multiple stoppage losses of that type in the past as well. Referee Dan Miragliotta dons his proverbial hard hat as the 31-year-olds do not bother to touch gloves. Bukauskas leads off with a long, leaping jab. Cutelaba kicks him back in the front leg, doing so one more time when Bukauskas changes stances. Cutelaba keeps at it until Bukauskas fires one back at him, and it does not slow him for long. Cutelaba turns his hips into an especially heavy calf kick, and he leans back as a one-two comes up just short of his face. Bukauskas is unable to reach his foe with punches, while Cutelaba kicks him at will. Bukauskas steps in and catches Cutelaba with a left hand, and he follows with a right that “The Hulk” takes on the chin without batting an eye. Cutelaba fires back with an overhand right, and he offers a body kick and spins with a wheel kick that both bounce off the guard. Cutelaba catches Bukauskas at the end of a calf kick, and he parries a body kick and blocks a subsequent head kick. Bukauskas snaps out a jab, and he sways to avoid the worst of an overhand right. Cutelaba does not falter kicking the front leg time and time again, and they clash together with hooks that partially land. Cutelaba has a massive uppercut and right hand knock out the air around the Lithuanian, and he plants his legs and pounds on Bukauskas’ from leg. Bukauskas gets off a two-punch combo and rushes back knowing “The Hulk” is coming after him. Bukauskas chains together two one-twos that catch the Moldovan on the chin, and once more, he no-sells them and walks forward. They both miss with spinning back kicks to the body, and Cutelaba tries to corner Bukauskas with a low kick and times a left hand when Bukauskas advances. Cutelaba plants his heel on Bukauskas’ side with a spin kick, and Bukauskas tries to do something similar but cannot score it. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
The second round opens up with Cutelaba pressing forward, landing a few punches and mixing in kicks. The Moldovan follows the success with another blitz, backing his opponent up and drilling Bukauskas with a right hand. They crash together, and Cutelaba spins with an elbow that bangs into Bukauskas’ jaw. It is Cutelaba who goes flying after the blow lands, because he spun himself off-balance, and he recovers quickly. Cutelaba considers a level change, and he runs into a stone wall that he pushes against the fence. Cutelaba grinds his man against the fencing, offering a knee or two but otherwise stalling out. They jockey for position when in the clinch, and Miragliotta separates them. Cutelaba spins with a wheel kick out of nowhere, and both men trip and nearly go down without the strike connecting. They get back to their feet, and Cutelaba chases his man with an overhand right. When he pitches a naked leg kick, Bukauskas counters with two punches. Cutelaba sits down on a hard right hand, and Bukauskas has to blink it out but is otherwise unconcerned. Cutelaba keeps his guard up, and he rushes forward and lands a couple punches and a kick at the end. Cutelaba offers a leg kick and ducks down to fire off a right hand when he sees Bukauskas coming forward, and he throws a wheel kick so hard that he falls over when it is way out of range. Cutelaba stands, and he initiates a brawl. Bukauskas catches him and nearly gets blasted, having to circle around to regain his footing. One final brawl ensues, with Bukauskas getting the better of the final exchange before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 3
Cutelaba is energized to start off the final frame, pushing forward immediately but not able to catch Bukauskas standing still. He settles for a few chopping calf kicks, and he shoots in for a double from afar that Bukauskas is able to defend thanks to the wall behind him. The clinch position stalls the two 205ers out, who trade occasional knees but do little more to satisfy Miragliotta. They are separated, and Cutelaba is the aggressor again. Clipping Bukauskas with a left hand, Cutelaba keeps marching forward and lashes out with a low kick that scores, and a spinning back kick that bangs into his foe’s midsection. Cutelaba stomps out with a kick to the front knee, and Bukauskas is tired of waiting and lays into “The Hulk” with a massive right hand. Cutelaba does not so much as flinch, and eats another huge punch that he once more shrugs off. Cutelaba follows his foe around the cage, and he skims a spin kick off the body and reaches at the end of a right hand. Bukauskas goes high with a kick that is blocked, and he stings Cutelaba with a check hook and forces the Moldovan to shoot in on his hips. Bukauskas stops the takedown but is otherwise pushed to the wire, where they spin one another around. They give one another knees to the guts, and Cutelaba goes for a trip that is unable to get his man down. Bukauskas pushes off and lets his hands go, only for Cutelaba to tie him back up. Miragliotta calls for action as Bukauskas leans on his opponent, and he breaks and spins with an elbow. Cutelaba busts him in the chops with a right hand, and swings for the bleachers with a few more. The final strike of the fight is a spinning kick from the Lithuanian to the midsection, and a slightly bloodied Cutelaba raises his hands to signal he thinks he won the fight. Time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
The Official Result
Modestas Bukauskas def. Ion Cutelaba via Split Decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Modestas Bukauskas as the more technically sound and well-rounded fighter, but acknowledges Ion Cuțelaba is unpredictable and dangerous. He notes Cuțelaba has power and offensive takedowns but no takedown defense. Angelo mentions a potential bet on Cuțelaba inside the distance with decision no action, but his pick is Bukauskas. He emphasizes that picks are not bets and he wouldn't bet on Bukauskas.
Big Brady thinks Cuțelaba has multiple paths to victory: he hits harder, is more durable, and can mix in wrestling. He notes Bukauskas is chinny, hittable, and has poor takedown defense. He believes Cuțelaba's losses have come against high-level or dangerous opponents, while Bukauskas is neither. He predicts Cuțelaba wins by decision, landing bigger shots and mixing in wrestling.
The host believes Bukauskas is in the best form of his career and will thwart Cuțelaba's power striking and grappling. He expects Bukauskas to use his cardio, technical striking, and improved grappling to win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Cuțelaba as a slight underdog, citing Bukauskas' knee injury and susceptibility to pressure. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling and early aggression will exploit Bukauskas' compromised leg, leading to a finish in the first or second round by TKO or submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 17 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Ibo Aslan | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 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 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 17 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Ibo Aslan | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 31 | 45% | 10 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Ibo Aslan | 15 of 30 | 50% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 31 | 45% | 10 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Ibo Aslan | 15 of 30 | 50% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
If this prelim headliner does not end violently, it will be quite the surprise. “The Hulk” Cutelaba (18-10-1, 1 NC; 7-9-1 UFC) has claimed 13 of his 18 wins via strikes, while Aslan (14-1, 2-0 UFC) presents a 100% knockout rate. Referee Kevin MacDonald keeps his head on a swivel for the mayhem that is about to ensue. Nothing more needs to be said other than buckle up, buckaroos. Cutelaba is so intense, security has to keep him from putting his hands on Aslan before the opening bell rings. The power-punching 205ers do not touch gloves. Aslan walks Cutelaba down with his right hand chambered, and he pitches a front kick instead. Cutelaba responds in kind, and he wings an overhand right that buzzes the beard of his foe. Aslan slings back with fire, and the two turn their hips into mighty low kick that crash together. A furious brawl suddenly erupts out of nowhere, with both men bashing each other in the face with ridiculously arced punches. When Cutelaba gets clipped, he shoots for a takedown, and it is rebuffed. Aslan tags him a few more times, and a second takedown effort from the Moldovan succeeds to get his wits back about him. Aslan climbs back to his feet, and he ducks to dodge a spinning back fist from “The Hulk,” who is bleeding already. Aslan tees off with strikes, and Cutelaba steels himself and releases a bomb of a right hand that sends Aslan staggering back. With his balance barely beneath him, Aslan stumbles away and gets taken to the floor by a beautiful double. Cutelaba sits up and smashes Aslan with a number of right hands, forces Aslan to turn over and jumps into dominant position.
Rather than keep smashing, “The Hulk” in mount steps to the side to wrap up an unexpected arm-triangle choke. Aslan hangs on tough as MacDonald checks on him, and he signals he is ok and shows resistance on his arm. As the submission is not wavering, Aslan is about to go out, and he taps out.
Cutelaba stands up and roars repeatedly. In his post-fight interview, the Moldovan declares, “Who now is power,” and that he is a “f---ing crazy guy.” With that, the prelims are violently completed, but who expected the hard-swinging Cutelaba to wrap up a submission?
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Ibo Aslan R1 2:51 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Big Brady picks Ibo Aslan (Eduard Oslan) despite wanting to back Ion Cuțelaba. He notes Cuțelaba is untrustworthy with poor cardio, often gassing after three minutes of wrestling. He believes Aslan has good takedown defense from training at Extreme Couture and Tiger Muay Thai, carries power late, and will stuff takedowns, causing Cuțelaba to slow down. He predicts a second-round knockout.
The host is intrigued by Cuțelaba as an underdog, noting the fight could be a car crash or a grind. He thinks if Cuțelaba avoids getting knocked out early, he can match Aslan's aggression and power and finish him within the first two rounds.
Despite a bias toward Cuțelaba, the Guru picks Aslan, citing Cuțelaba's rough recent wins and low success rate. He notes Aslan is 2-0 in the UFC with finishes, has momentum, and has fought tricky grapplers. He expects Aslan to TKO Cuțelaba in the first or second round, though he mentions Aslan's 'gynoed up' physique as a potential concern.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 45 of 120 | 37% | 80 of 161 | 3 of 12 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 39 of 69 | 56% | 63 of 101 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 5:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 18 of 72 | 25% | 22 of 77 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 24 of 39 | 61% | 25 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 44 of 66 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:26 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 14 of 18 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 21 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 45 of 120 | 37% | 24 of 93 | 9 of 14 | 12 of 13 | 38 of 112 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 |
| Ivan Erslan | 39 of 69 | 56% | 29 of 59 | 7 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 33 of 61 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 18 of 72 | 25% | 9 of 57 | 5 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 14 of 68 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Ivan Erslan | 24 of 39 | 61% | 21 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 35 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 24 of 43 | 55% | 13 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 21 of 39 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Ivan Erslan | 14 of 27 | 51% | 7 of 20 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ivan Erslan | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
With four losses in his last five outings, “The Hulk” Cutelaba (17-10-1, 1 NC; 6-9-1, 1 NC UFC) has not been smashing much lately. Luckily for him, the UFC has given him a willing dance partner in KSW vet Erslan (14-3, 1 NC; 0-0 UFC), who has seen 10 of his last 11 appearances end inside the distance, win or lose. Before they go ballistic, the two hulking 205ers meet in the middle to share an incredibly intense face-to-face staredown as referee Herb Dean watches closely. There is no glove touch to be shared, as Cutelaba is energized and wants to inflict punishment of some sort. Cutelaba sweeps the leg early, and Erslan does not budge. Cutelaba splits the guard with a front kick, and Erslan sits down on a left hand counter. Cutelaba has a kick checked, and he lets go with two punches that bounce off the guard. Cutelaba lunges and whiffs with a right hand, but his front kicks to get through. Cutelaba overswings, and Erslan ducks under and pushes him to the wall. Cutelaba spins around and smashes Erslan in the face, and Erslan staggers away, regains his footing and shakes his head to signal he is fine. Cutelaba comes up short on a big head kick, and Erslan bets him to the punch with two counters. Cutelaba walks Erslan down and draws him into a brief slugfest, but Erslan is wise to it and does not want to get blasted. Erslan sneaks in an uppercut while Cutelaba blitzes, and he absorbs a low kick and a left hand before stopping a takedown shot. Cutelaba steps in with a body kick, and he whizzes past his target with a spinning back kick. Cutelaba bites down on his mouthpiece to throw hammers, but the head movement of the newcomer keeps him safe. Erslan keeps his guard up high, but the sheer horsepower of Cutelaba’s three punches knock Erslan across the cage and down to his seat. Cutelaba leisurely walks him down rather than sprinting, and instead lets Erslan stand so he can go after a single. Erslan stands, ignores a right hand to his temple and puts his back to the wall. Erslan gains a bit of space thanks to an elbow on the inside, and they reset. Erslan lashes out with a calf kick, and when he throws a second, Cutelaba is on him with a winging right hand. Cutelaba’s big right hooks come up short, and he gets stuck with a right straight. Erslan walks through a power punch to sling leather, and he gets his bell rung once more in a furious exchange. Cutelaba spins with a back fist that goes well wide, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
The light heavyweights lumber towards one another to start off the stanza, and they both measure one another with front kicks from afar. Cutelaba advances rapidly, and Erslan escapes out the side before getting struck. Erslan rolls with a punch, but Cutelaba is on him with three more and a takedown shot. Erslan shoves the Moldovan away, and Cutelaba takes a moment before lashing out with a low kick and a right hand. Cutelaba gets caught with a right hand and wobbles back, but then flashes a huge grin as he was playing possum and hoped to draw Erslan in. When Erslan does not engage, Cutelaba spins with a back kick that slams into his liver. Cutelaba jabs and swings hard behind it, and he clips the Polish fighter with a powerful left hook. Erslan does not like what he is getting, and he shoots in for a single but finds himself facing a wall in “The Hulk.” Cutelaba gives Erslan a taste of his own medicine, grabbing a single and kicking Erslan’s other leg out to put him down dramatically on the canvas. Cutelaba jumps around to take his back, wrapping a body triangle around his waist and hitting him with punches around the side of the head. Cutelaba briefly latches onto a rear-naked choke, and the newcomer fights out of it, breaks the body triangle and muscles back to his feet. Erslan tries to wrangle Cutelaba down to the floor, and when they hit 50/50 position, Cutelaba turns the tables and tosses Erslan effortlessly to the mat. Cutelaba climbs into full mount, and he takes Erslan’s back and slides off of it. Falling to his back, Cutelaba briefly considers a triangle choke, but Erslan keeps himself flat on top of his adversary to ride out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 3
The heavy hitters have reached the third round—as many of the fights tonight have done so far—and it starts off gingerly as neither man wants to overcommit. Erslan walks the favorite down, and he swings for the fences with a monster right hand. Cutelaba counters him brilliantly with a right hand, only for Erslan to duck under a second blow and hit an easy takedown. Erslan gets dragged into the guard when assuming top position, but he finds himself struggling to mount any offense. Cutelaba either holds on tightly or pushes off Erslan enough to get space so that Erslan cannot reach him. When not pushed by Cutelaba’s legs, Erslan utilizes tight chest pressure, smothering rather than attacking. Erslan stands up and drills “The Hulk” with a huge right hand, and it is one-and-done when Cutelaba kicks him off. Erslan lowers himself back to top control, and Cutelaba is flat on his back not entirely sure which way to lean. Cutelaba briefly considers a kimura, and Erslan sees it coming a mile away and wrenches his arm out. Cutelaba looks for an omoplata shoulder lock, which he uses to get enough leverage to work his way to his feet. Erslan controls Cutelaba from behind, dragging the Moldovan to his seat against the fencing to further nullify him. Erslan is warned for hooking his fingers inside of Cutelaba’s gloves, and Erslan lets go and starts slugging Cutelaba in the chops. Cutelaba stands up, and Erslan tries to muscle him back down. Cutelaba turns him around and imposes his weight to attempt to wrench Erslan to the mat, dropping low for a double and tossing the newcomer to the floor. Time runs out, and these two have surprisingly left it in the hands of the judges.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Ivan Erslan via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Ivan Erslan but does not bet on him. He notes that Cuțelaba is feast or famine and can be knocked out, but Erslan has holes in his grappling defense. If Cuțelaba wrestles early, he can win, but if he stands, he'll likely get knocked out. Angelo is not betting on a UFC newcomer with grappling issues.
Big Brady picks Ivan Erslan by first-round knockout, citing Cuțelaba's tendency to find ways to lose and his poor cardio. He notes Erslan has power and good takedown defense, and if he stuffs takedowns, he could knock out Cuțelaba early. He expects the fight to end in the first round.
Cody picks Erslan as a slight underdog, noting Cuțelaba's inconsistency and poor fight IQ. He believes Erslan has better striking and takedown defense, and can keep the fight standing. However, he acknowledges Cuțelaba's power and explosiveness make this a 50/50 fight, and he's not confident.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Cuțelaba is a 'five-tool loser' who has lost every way possible. He notes that Erslan is a back-foot counter striker who may struggle if Cuțelaba doesn't come forward, but ultimately Cuțelaba's tendency to lose makes Erslan the pick.
Daniel Vreeland picks Ivan Erslan to win. He thinks Erslan is a technical striker with good power, speed, and durability, and that he can recover from being dropped. He believes Cuțelaba will gas out or make mistakes, and Erslan will catch him. He notes Erslan's takedown defense looks solid and that Cuțelaba is not at a good camp.
JP picks Ivan Erslan because he doesn't trust Ion Cuțelaba, who is inconsistent and has low fight IQ. He notes Cuțelaba lost to Ryan Spann and Johnny Walker, whom he considers low-IQ fighters. He thinks Erslan has power and is more calculated, and calls it a coin flip but sides with the dog.
Paul leans towards Erslan, citing Cuțelaba's poor takedown accuracy and tendency to gas. He notes that Erslan has good takedown defense and power, but the fight is volatile. He doesn't plan to bet heavily but takes the slight dog.
The MMA Guru picks Ivan Erslan over Ion Cuțelaba, noting Erslan's well-roundedness and experience against good competition. He believes Cuțelaba's reign over lower-level opponents will end. He predicts a second-round TKO for Erslan.
Zane thinks Erslan is a capable, big, powerful athlete who fits the UFC light heavyweight baseline. He notes that Cuțelaba finds ways to lose and has a poor record, while Erslan has a whole host of first-round knockouts. Zane believes Erslan will probably beat Cuțelaba, though he has some long-term concerns about Erslan's style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipe Lins | 0 | 47 of 97 | 48% | 119 of 171 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 67 of 115 | 58% | 73 of 121 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 5:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 24 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 33 of 50 | 66% | 34 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 2 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 13 of 20 | 65% | 27 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 19 of 29 | 65% | 22 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:26 | |
| 3 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 11 of 35 | 31% | 68 of 93 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 15 of 36 | 41% | 17 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:46 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipe Lins | 47 of 97 | 48% | 33 of 82 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 6 | 42 of 90 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 67 of 115 | 58% | 37 of 82 | 7 of 9 | 23 of 24 | 57 of 100 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philipe Lins | 23 of 42 | 54% | 14 of 32 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 22 of 39 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 33 of 50 | 66% | 16 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 14 of 15 | 32 of 47 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Philipe Lins | 13 of 20 | 65% | 8 of 15 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 19 of 29 | 65% | 11 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 | |
| 3 | Philipe Lins | 11 of 35 | 31% | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 15 of 36 | 41% | 10 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 32 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-135), Lins (+114)
Round 1
At long last, we will finally see the oft-delayed light heavyweight showdown between Cutelaba (17-9-1, 1 NC; 6-8-1 UFC) and Lins (17-5, 3-2 UFC). This fight was initially slated for an October 2023 event, and a fight night medical scratch for Lins delayed it until now. Both men sharing their preferred method of victory of the knockout, referee Mike Beltran may have his hands full until it is all over. The two have to be separated when Cutelaba walks right in front of his opponent during the introductions, and they do not touch gloves when completed. Lins strikes first with a low kick, and Cutelaba answers immediately with the same blow. Lins goes low, and Cutelaba tries to catch it and go over the top with a right hand. Lins slides back in the nick of time, and he connects with a heavy calf kick that Cutelaba does not like. Cutelaba gives him a lighter kick back to the same target, and he intercepts an advancing Lins with a jab. Lins comes out swinging, and he ends a combination with a low kick that gets checked. Cutelaba turns his hips into a leg kick, and Lins throws one back as Cutelaba reaches for it. Lins hops in, lands a straight left, and gets out of harm’s way before the counter lands. Lins lands a hard calf kick, and Cutelaba swings heavy punches him that bounce the Brazilian off the cage. Lins ricochets off and chambers to fire a low kick, and he buckles Cutelaba’s leg for a second. Cutelaba shakes it off and winds up with a right hand, and he blasts Lins in the face and sends him flying to his seat. Lins pops back up, no worse for wear, and he throws a leg kick. Cutelaba checks it and grins, and he reaches out with an overhand right. Cutelaba preemptively lifts his leg ahead of time to prevent a kick from landing, and this allow Lins to pops him with a right hand over the top. Lins then goes low with a heavy leg kick, and he shoots in for a single. Cutelaba hops back to the wall, elbows Lins in the face and drags his leg back down. Lins backpedals and lets go with a head kick, and Cutelaba charges him and busts him in the chops with an elbow. Lins scores a leg kick, draws a wobble, and fires off a one-two that gets Cutelaba’s attention. Cutelaba bites down on his mouthpiece and starts trading heavy leather, cracking “Monstro,” and Lins throws back hard. Cutelaba gets rocked as they keep throwing, and Lins shoots for a takedown that ultimately fails. Cutelaba lashes out with an elbow that cuts the Brazilian on the cheek, and he wades into a brawl and slugs it out with his opponent. Lins backs off, scores a low kick, and the tense round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Round 2
Lins opens up in the second round to throw a low kick at the compromised lead leg of his opponent. Lins motions that he has done some damage to his foe’s leg, and he throws another that takes Cutelaba’s balance away. Cutelaba changes stances and is hurt badly from the kicks, and it is swelled and damaged. Cutelaba blitzes, walking through a low kick so he can throw hands, and he ignores another kick so he can engage in a brawl. Lins shrugs off a back fist and scores another devastating leg kick, and Cutelaba is tough as nails as his calf has swelled up on multiple places. Cutelaba overswings, and Lins ducks and circles around to take his back standing so he can take the fight down. Cutelaba keeps on his feet, and they spin around in the clinch until Lins trips his man up and falls on top of him. Lins lands in half guard, and he smothers his opponent without getting any ground-and-pound off. The crowd rains down boos as Lins holds on from on top, and Cutelaba hangs on to force a standup. Cutelaba pushes off and Lins stands up, and they start talking to one another. Lins lowers himself down, and he leans back before taking an upkick on the chin. Lins leaps down and hammers his man with standing-to-ground punches, and Cutelaba explodes through to get back to his feet and put his back to the fence. Lins attempts another takedown, and Cutelaba shuts it down. Cutelaba squirrels away with 30 seconds left in the round, and he plods forward and shoots in right after absorbing a low kick. Lins shucks it off, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Round 3
The two are so excited to fight, they have to get ushered back to their corners by Beltran before he clocks them in. When they commence, Cutelaba pushes forward, and he checks a low kick and limps forward. Lins winds up with a left hand, and Cutelaba’s aggression makes Lins trip up. Cutelaba swarms forward, and he opens himself up to a takedown by swinging for the bleachers. Lins takes him down, and holds him there for a few seconds. Cutelaba muscles his way up, only to get dragged down with a mat return. Cutelaba attempts a kimura to sweep, but this only allows Lins to turn the corner and take his back. Cutelaba goes for another double wrist lock to force his way back to his feet, and he succeeds with his back to the wall. Lins presses heavily on his man against the cage, and Cutelaba pushes off and swings hard but misses the mark. Lins strafes to the side, trying to get away as he sucks wind. Cutelaba charges at him, ignoring jabs so he can throw bombs. Lins shoots for a single and is stood up, and Cutelaba hacks down with an elbow on the back of the head. Beltran immediately calls time and very sternly warns Cutelaba for the blatant foul. Beltran resets them in the center of the cage rather than putting them back in the clinch where Lins was. Cutelaba thanks him for this by rushing forward to throw hands, and he catches Lins with a right hand but cannot hurt him enough before Lins shoots. Lins knees him in the body, and he hangs on to run the clock out. Lins softens him up with knees from both sides, and he shoots in for a double. Cutelaba sprawls his hips to stop the takedown, and he bops Lins with short right hands until Beltran splits them up at the 40-second mark. Cutelaba plods forward while Lins runs away, and he throws two punches and eats a right hand. Cutelaba screams at Lins, and he wings punches that Lins can avoid. Lins knocks Cutelaba back with a left hook, and he gets bounced off the wall with a counter. The fight ends, and it could be a close one where a 30-27 tally might not illustrate just how evenly matched it was.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lins (29-28 Lins)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins (30-27 Lins)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins (30-27 Lins)
The Official Result
Philipe Lins def. Ion Cutelaba via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo rolls the dice on Ion Cuțelaba, noting his dangerous grappling and power, despite his questionable chin. He thinks Cuțelaba can win because Lins hasn't faced good takedown artists. He warns Cuțelaba gets finished often but says his losses are to quality opponents. He won't bet on this fight due to Cuțelaba's chinny nature.
Big Brady picks Philipe Lins to win by decision, but is not confident. He calls the fight a 'dog or pass' because he doesn't trust either fighter. He notes that Cuțelaba has only 5 minutes of gas and tends to fade, while Lins has shown he can go 15 minutes. He expects a chaotic fight but thinks Lins can win a greasy decision.
Cody thinks Cuțelaba is explosive but has terrible cardio and often fades after the first round. He believes Lins is durable and can survive the initial onslaught, then take over as the fight goes on. However, he notes Lins has a history of pulling out of fights, which makes him hard to trust.
Daniel flips a coin and picks Cuțelaba. He notes Cuțelaba is dangerous early but can gas out, while Lins has been knocked out before but looked good at 205. He has very low confidence and says he could see it going either way.
Lins has been on a three-fight winning streak since moving down to light heavyweight, showing good power and the ability to mix in the clinch and wear on opponents. Cuțelaba relies on early knockouts but tends to gas out and become vulnerable if he doesn't get the finish. Lins is more skilled overall and should be able to roll with Cuțelaba's big shots, then grind on him in the clinch and slow him down. I expect Lins to showcase a full MMA arsenal and pick up a decision victory. The plus money is a good value.
Paul agrees that Cuțelaba is a one-round fighter and that Lins can weather the storm. He also notes Lins' durability and ability to go the distance, but he is concerned about Lins' frequent withdrawals from fights.
The MMA Guru picks Ion Cuțelaba, acknowledging his inconsistency but highlighting his physical freak athleticism and moments of brilliance. He believes Philipe Lins lacks the athleticism and power to punish Cuțelaba's mistakes, and that Cuțelaba will get his own way and finish early. He notes Cuțelaba's losses came against strong, athletic fighters like Nikita Krylov and Johnny Walker, which Lins is not.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 30 of 40 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 30 of 40 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-130), Boser (+110)
Round 1
While there are no heavyweight matches littering the lineup tonight, this next fight may seem like the closest of any. Two men with their backs against the proverbial wall come to blows, when ex-heavyweight Boser (20-9-1, 4-4 UFC) makes his move down in weight having dropped three of his last four. Cutelaba (16-9-1, 1 NC; 5-8-1 UFC) sports the same unsuccessful record the last couple years, so they are both in dire need of a win. Watching out for any nonsense or an errant blow will be referee Keith Peterson, as this potential mad dash begins with a glove touch. The first 30 seconds go by without a strike, and as soon as the crowd turns on them, they surge into action. Both men throw bombs, and Boser gets knocked back and bounces off the cage. Cutelaba flicks out front kicks as Boser backpedals, and the Canadian sticks out a jab to avoid a huge overhand right.
Cutelaba launches a missile of a right hand that collides square on the jaw of the ex-heavyweight, and Boser is on rubber legs and in big trouble as he falls to his knee up against the wall. With sheer force of will, Cutelaba charges in and angrily hurls Boser down on the mat, where he begins to unload his right fist repeatedly with Boser on his knees. Cutelaba continues pounding on the exposed face of Boser, and Boser tries to stand but is wobbled and his head is getting knocked around like a heavy bag.
“The Hulk” keeps on smashing Boser’s noggin until Peterson calls a stop to the fight, with Boser not defending himself or improving his position. This is a huge win for Cutelaba, who ends a long losing streak to get back in the win column in a big way.
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Tanner Boser R1 2:05 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Tanner Boser as an underdog, noting the line has flipped from Boser being a favorite to an underdog. He believes Boser has all the power, chin, and athleticism to win, especially at light heavyweight where he looks in great shape. He notes Cuțelaba has no chin and gets finished in losses. He has a quarter-unit bet on Boser at +105 and may add more.
Big Brady picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by first-round TKO via ground and pound. He notes Cuțelaba's excellent first-round wrestling and Boser's terrible takedown defense and ground game. However, he warns that Cuțelaba has only one round of gas, so if it goes past the first, Boser could win. He suggests a live bet on Boser if the fight leaves the first round.
Cody is tentative, wanting to see Boser's weigh-in at 205. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling should be effective early, but Boser's cardio and size could be factors. He picks Cuțelaba for now but could switch.
Connor also picks Boser but with hesitation, agreeing that Cuțelaba's erratic style and poor fight IQ make him prone to losing. He notes that Boser's consistent, unimaginative approach may be enough to outlast Cuțelaba's wild aggression. However, Connor warns that dropping to light heavyweight could be a terrible idea for Boser, as the speed of the division may expose him to shots he didn't see at heavyweight.
Cuțelaba's wrestling background should be the key against Boser, who has grappling deficiencies. Boser is moving to light heavyweight but still has issues with takedown defense. Cuțelaba is desperate for a win and may revert to his wrestling. However, his confidence and game plan are uncertain after three straight losses. Expect a grinding decision if he uses his wrestling.
Paul notes Boser has made 205 before and has good striking and cardio. He thinks Cuțelaba will win the first round but gas, allowing Boser to take over. He likes Boser as a live underdog and picks him outright.
The MMA Guru picks Tanner Boser to win, possibly by finish, as he drops to light heavyweight. He believes Boser's improved physique, footwork, and boxing will overwhelm Cuțelaba, who is on a three-fight losing streak and may be mentally fragile. He notes Cuțelaba's wrestling and durability but thinks Boser's pressure and striking will be too much.
Zane picks Boser hesitantly, citing Cuțelaba's tendency to self-destruct and Boser's consistency. He notes that Cuțelaba has become overly reliant on takedowns and burns energy, while Boser is durable and methodical. However, Zane expresses concern about Boser dropping to light heavyweight, as the speed and athleticism of the division may negate his durability advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 1 | 24 of 42 | 57% | 24 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 30 of 57 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 26 of 37 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 1 | 22 of 36 | 61% | 22 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 4 of 20 | 20% | 4 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 24 of 42 | 57% | 22 of 40 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 9 of 26 | 34% | 7 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 6 | 83% | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 22 of 36 | 61% | 20 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 4 of 20 | 20% | 3 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nzechukwu (-175), Cutelaba (+150)
Round 1
Do not adjust your set, we have reached the main event of the evening. This three-round light heavyweight affair is the new marquee matchup, if you have not been following the news today thus far. With knockout rates of 70% or higher, they very well might not need those 15 minutes, and referee Keith Peterson is on high alert and prepared to dispose of any nonsense that rears its ugly head. Nzechukwu (10-3, 4-3 UFC) looks to put two wins together after his demolition of Karl Roberson in July, while Cutelaba (16-8-1, 1 NC; 5-7-1 UFC) is gunning to get back in the win column. This almost certainly ultraviolent affair begins with a touch of gloves as these two are thrilled to be here, and it’s on with the makeshift headliner. Nzechukwu begins with a jab and a one-two, and he trips up Cutelaba in an odd exchange. Cutelaba unloads with three punches that appear to hurt Nzechukwu, and he suddenly grabs a takedown even though his right hand stung the Fortis MMA fighter. Cutelaba elevates and drops Nzechukwu to his knees, and Nzechukwu climbs back up to absorb several crisp uppercuts. Nzechukwu breaks the grip around his waist and blocks a high knee just in the nick of time. Cutelaba secures a trip, and Nzechukwu nearly grabs the top of the cage to stop it from succeeding. “The Hulk” falls straight into full mount, and he drops down a few punches until Nzechukwu drags him back to half guard. The defensive grappling of Nzechukwu allows him to bring Cutelaba back to the guard, and he kicks off and fights to his feet. Cutelaba grabs him from behind and considers lifting and slamming Nzechukwu again, but that does not succeed on a second attempt. Cutelaba hits a throw and lands in scarf hold position, and he isolates Nzechukwu’s arm while slamming his left hand into Nzechukwu’s face. Cutelaba cannot get the armlock, and Nzechukwu does enough to fight out of the position and stand back up. Cutelaba defends with a standing kimura effort, in which he plans on taking the fight back down to the mat again. Cutelaba stomps the toes several times with his heel, doing so until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
Fists are bumped to commence Round 2, and the strikes come fast and furious from both fighters. Nzechukwu reaches with a left hand, and Cutelaba loads up on power punches. Cutelaba rushes forward for a takedown, and Nzechukwu times a perfect knee that busts into Cutelaba’s chin. Cutelaba eats it like a platter of friptura and somehow is not completely out from the devastating blow. Nzechukwu looks hammer the nail, but Cutelaba works his way back up to his feet and swings for the fences. As they wildly continue striking, a foot from Cutelaba comes up and smacks into the cup. Nzechukwu bellows but takes a couple seconds before Peterson can even pause the fight to wave him off and say he wants to continue fighting. Cutelaba strikes, and
Nzechukwu lashes back with a flying knee that cracks the Moldovan’s chin. When Nzechukwu plants both feet on the ground, he shoves Cutelaba back, and Cutelaba is in big trouble as his legs go splayed like a baby deer on a frozen pond. Nzechukwu loads up and smashes “The Hulk” with several punches, punctuated by a ruthless uppercut that practically separates Cutelaba from his senses. While Nzechukwu beats on him, Cutelaba reaches one knee while leaned up against the fence, but the assault is not slowing. “African Savage” swings his fists like wrecking balls, and the damage is insurmountable as Peterson intervenes to rescue Cutelaba from any further harm.
That is one more comeback victory for Nzechukwu, who woke up this morning and chose violence, earning what should register as the biggest win of his career. The man who can unleash great vengeance and furious anger is soft-spoken on the microphone, giving his love to his mother suffering from illness and praising his training partners and team for the end result. That’s it. There are no more fights tonight after this one. With luck, Derrick Lewis will recover from his illness soon and get back to action. The UFC takes next week off for Thanksgiving, and it will return in Orlando in December. We will be here for it, and we hope you are too.
The Official Result
Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Ion Cutelaba R2 1:02 via TKO (Flying Knee and Punches)
Tanner Boser - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 60 of 97 | 61% | 77 of 117 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
| Gokhan Saricam | 1 | 57 of 121 | 47% | 79 of 145 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanner Boser | 0 | 27 of 45 | 60% | 35 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Gokhan Saricam | 0 | 28 of 66 | 42% | 38 of 76 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 | |
| 2 | Tanner Boser | 0 | 33 of 52 | 63% | 42 of 63 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
| Gokhan Saricam | 1 | 29 of 55 | 52% | 41 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Boser | 60 of 97 | 61% | 30 of 64 | 9 of 12 | 21 of 21 | 47 of 82 | 13 of 14 | 0 of 1 |
| Gokhan Saricam | 57 of 121 | 47% | 40 of 101 | 8 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 39 of 99 | 10 of 13 | 8 of 9 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanner Boser | 27 of 45 | 60% | 11 of 27 | 7 of 9 | 9 of 9 | 23 of 40 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
| Gokhan Saricam | 28 of 66 | 42% | 20 of 57 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 19 of 55 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tanner Boser | 33 of 52 | 63% | 19 of 37 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 12 | 24 of 42 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Gokhan Saricam | 29 of 55 | 52% | 20 of 44 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 7 | 20 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 9 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Saricam (-160); Boser (+130)
Round 1
About as Canadian as it gets, moderately mulleted Boser (22-10-1, 5-5 UFC) is back on the roster after beating up Vinicius Moreira over in UAE Warriors last year. The Albertan—remember what we said above involving Croden—is aiming to reach a .500 record in the Octagon when he stands across the cage from Bellator expat Saricam (11-2, 0-0 UFC). The heavyweights 34 and 35, respectively, they come in as relative youngsters to a division that is begging for hot commodities. Referee Herb Dean stands firm, ready to take care of the big men no matter where the action leads them. Fists are nearly bumped before they are traded, with the two offering at different times that did not line up.
There is little from the two big men in the early seconds, and as if he heard something that angered him, Boser springs into action and busts Saricam in the face with a fast flurry. He tags Saricam again, and the Turkish athlete counters with a takedown shot. Boser shoves his man back, who trips and falls to his seat. Saricam bounces back up, and they proceed to pitch kicks at one another. Boser swings for the bleachers, and Saricam dips and pops him with a short right hand. Saricam shoots for a double way out of range, and Boser stops it but is backed to the fencing. Boser is warned for grabbing shorts while Saricam grabs the fence, offsetting penalties should result in a repeat first down but nothing ends up happening. They separate, and Boser scores but is dinged with fast counters.
Boser winds up and hurls two big right hands, backing off when a spinning back kick is aimed at his torso. Saricam comes up short winging punches, but his calf kick impacts on Boser’s lead leg coming in. Saricam kicks the same spot, and he blocks a head kick with his elbow. Saricam loops a right hand around the guard after doubling up on a jab, and Boser is quick to get his hands up to defend anything that comes after like a head kick. Saricam boots him in the face with another kick, and the Canadian does not flinch. Boser cracks Saricam, and Saricam fires right back and proceeds to bash the Canadian and knock him to the wall. Boser bounces back and nails Saricam, but Saricam keeps on him and stifles him. Boser turns him about before long, authoring knees to the thigh until he has to fight off a throw effort. Boser separates with seconds to spare, going for two elbows and a spinning back fist as the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Round 2
The heavyweights try to find their range early, with Boser getting it first as he slings four punches in rapid succession. Saricam fires off a big right hand to keep Boser honest, allowing Boser to kick him in the lead leg so he can launch two right back. Boser zips a right hand down the middle, and Saricam answers him immediately and effectively. Boser kicks the front leg and looks to initiate his power jab, looping a right hand and getting pushed off his feet when they smash chests together. Boser scrambles to get back to his feet with what was not a knockdown but was a disadvantageous position, and he is able to do so no worse for wear. They tie up in the center of the cage, with Boser staying busy with short elbows on the forehead. The Canadian stomps on his foe’s toes as he keeps things old school.
Boser clings on the Turkish fighter to take some of the steam out of his fists, and he frames off to catch Saricam with two punches before letting go. Saricam slowly works his way forward, ready and willing to bounce back when Boser hurls things at him. Boser keeps going forward with two more big punches, and he appears to hurt Saricam up close with short, strong elbows. Saricam has to blink out the attack and gather a head of steam to fire off three quick punches that force Boser to reevaluate his strategy. Boser throws so far, he nearly topples over, but he recovers and watches Saricam almost do the same. Saricam clips the Canadian behind the ear, sucking wind and advancing to set something big up.
Saricam counters a low kick to release a tremendous right hand that smashes square into the Canadian’s jaw, sending the mulleted man crashing down to the canvas once and for all. To finish the job, Saricam rains down punishment with his fists until Dean has seen enough.
Boser may have been knocked out in the exchange, as he cannot stand up on his own power after the stoppage. Dean and medical staff tend to the Canadian, who is ushered to his stool where he sits to learn what just happened. It is now official: Gokhan Saricam has as many wins (one) in the UFC as legendary kickboxer Gokhan Saki. Let that sink in.
The Official Result
Gokhan Saricam def. Tanner Boser R2 4:43 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo confidently picks Gokhan Saricam, calling him an explosive wrestler who fights like a welterweight. He believes Tanner Boser is only on the card because he's Canadian and will lose. He placed a half-unit bet on Gokhan, surprised the odds are reasonable.
Big Brady leans toward Gokhan Saricam, citing his wrestling as the key difference. He notes Tanner Boser's history of being taken down by fighters like Khalil Rountree and Latifi. Brady thinks Saricam will dictate the fight with wrestling and win a boring decision.
Cody picks Gokhan Saricam, citing his wrestling and size advantage. He notes that Boser has been inactive and struggled against wrestlers. He also mentions the narrative that Saricam's manager Ali Abdelaziz may have set up this fight.
Connor picks Boser because he knows how to fight and can out-hustle Saricam, who is not high-energy. He notes that Boser's only real ability is not getting tired at heavyweight, and that Saricam is a regional-level fighter who gets taken down easily. He acknowledges Boser is too small for heavyweight but believes Saricam is not capable enough to exploit that.
No strong lean either way. Both have poor takedown defense and ground game, so likely a stand-up fight. Boser is durable with good cardio, Saricam is a better boxer but making UFC debut. Too many unknowns for a pre-fight bet.
James picks Gokhan Saricam to win via decision, citing his better all-around game and wrestling. He notes Boser's experience but thinks Saricam's style matches up well. He is not highly confident due to Saricam's UFC debut.
The host picks the over 2.5 rounds prop for this fight, not a fighter. He believes both fighters are durable and not finishers, leading to a late-rounds or decision outcome. He also leans Gokhan Saricam to win by decision for a ladder bet.
The host believes Saricam is the cleaner striker and will land better volume, eventually getting a knockout victory. However, he has some pause due to Boser's pace and pressure. He expects Saricam to counter Boser's pressure with power and slicker striking, finding a big shot to put Boser away.
Paul also picks Saricam, citing his wrestling and Boser's inactivity. He notes that Boser has not fought in three years and that Saricam has better recent wins. He also likes Saricam's takedown props.
Zane agrees with Connor, noting that Saricam is big enough to test guys but lacks high energy or activity. He points out that Saricam was held down by Oleg Popov and struggled with Daniel James, while Boser at least knows how to fight and can maintain pace. He sees Boser's cardio as the deciding factor.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 120 of 215 | 55% | 145 of 253 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 5:27 |
| Aleksa Camur | 0 | 68 of 136 | 50% | 105 of 175 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanner Boser | 0 | 33 of 71 | 46% | 38 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Aleksa Camur | 0 | 23 of 45 | 51% | 24 of 46 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:50 | |
| 2 | Tanner Boser | 0 | 46 of 70 | 65% | 56 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:02 |
| Aleksa Camur | 0 | 19 of 41 | 46% | 37 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Tanner Boser | 0 | 41 of 74 | 55% | 51 of 88 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:13 |
| Aleksa Camur | 0 | 26 of 50 | 52% | 44 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Boser | 120 of 215 | 55% | 78 of 163 | 24 of 32 | 18 of 20 | 87 of 174 | 33 of 41 | 0 of 0 |
| Aleksa Camur | 68 of 136 | 50% | 34 of 97 | 25 of 28 | 9 of 11 | 46 of 108 | 22 of 28 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanner Boser | 33 of 71 | 46% | 17 of 50 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 11 | 28 of 64 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Aleksa Camur | 23 of 45 | 51% | 11 of 29 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 6 | 15 of 36 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tanner Boser | 46 of 70 | 65% | 36 of 59 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 31 of 51 | 15 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
| Aleksa Camur | 19 of 41 | 46% | 8 of 30 | 9 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 27 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tanner Boser | 41 of 74 | 55% | 25 of 54 | 11 of 15 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 59 | 13 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Aleksa Camur | 26 of 50 | 52% | 15 of 38 | 8 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 45 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Boser (-162), Camur (+136)
Round 1
Justin Brown will be in charge for this light heavyweight matchup. Boser opens with an outside leg kick. Boser catches Camur coming in withh a jab. They trade in close, and Camur lands heavy leather before clinching with Boser against the fence. Camur lands a short elbow in the clinch. Camur separates and lands a jab. Bose with another jab. Camur ducks under a punch and shoves Boser into the fence, landing a pair of knees in the clinch. Boser with an outside leg kick. Boser jabs and Camur responds with a lowkick. Boser lands a right, then a knee in close. Camur responds with a stiff jab. Another jab from Camur before he clinches with Boser. Camur eats an elbow and briefly sweeps Boser, but he’s up immediately. They clinch and Boser connects with a short elbow. Boser doubles up on his jab. He sticks another jab, then lands a two-punch combo. Camur counters a low kick with a solid left hook. Camur forces the clinch, but Boser lands a left on the break. Boser follows up with a head kick, and Camur forces the clinch before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Round 2
Both men swing and miss, but Boser lands a kick after the exchnage. Boser ties up with Camur and presses him into the cage. Boser lands a punch on the break. Camur lands a jab but a Boser left stings Camur. The Canadian lands punches in bunches, but Camur keeps his cool. Another big right lands for Boser. Boser moves into the clinch and connects with a short elbow. Boser keeps head pressure against the fence, then lands another short elbow. Boser continues to make Camur work. He creates space and fires off a quick combination — including another elbow. Camur breaks free and attacks the body. That’s short-lived, as Boser flurries with volume, backing up Camur and shoving him into the fence. Boser grinds away in the clinch, adding a few knees to the thigh. They break and Boser tags Camur with multiple punches. Camur lands a knee and elbow in the clinch, but Boser shoves him into the cage again. Boser gives up on a single leg and punches the body. Camur answers with a right and they trade before Boser shoves him back into the wire. Boser backs off in the last 10 seconds and avoids a final offering from Camur.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Round 3
Boser with a leg kick. Camur has a head kick blocked and they clinch again. Boser makes Camur think about the single leg again. Boser digs the body with punches and Camur answers with a knee before they break. Boser follows a body kick with a series of heavy punches to the head. The Canadian then uses the single to push Camur into the fence again. Boser backs away and they trade. A foot sweep from Camur makes Boser stumble. Camur lands in the pocket, but Boser shoves him back into the fence. The crowd is not pleased with Boser’s approach. Camur breaks free. They collide in the center, with both men swinging . Camur shoves Boser backward but eats a knee to the chin for his efforts. Boser reverses and grinds away in the clinch. Boser backs off and lands a couple jabs. They trade in close, but Boser tags Camur with a series of six to eight unanswered punches. Camur eats them all and remains upright, but he’s exhausted. Boser shoves his man into the fence one more time and lands an elbow before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Boser (30-27 Boser)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Boser (30-27 Boser)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Boser (30-27 Boser)
The Official Result
Tanner Boser def. Aleksa Camur via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
Angelo leans toward Aleksa Camur as an underdog, noting his technical striking and takedowns. He is concerned about Camur's two-year layoff but finds +160 appealing. He suggests the UFC might be feeding Tanner Boser to build up Camur. Angelo plans to watch weigh-ins and may bet if Camur looks good, comparing it to Derrick Lewis's return. He criticizes Boser's -185 price given his 1-4 record and recent knockout loss.
Big Brady calls this the worst fight on the card and has very low confidence. He notes Camur hasn't fought in two years and could have improved, but it's a shot in the dark. He picks Camur by decision with zero confidence, saying if Camur looks the same it's a close fight, but if improved he could beat Boser. He admits he wants nothing to do with this fight.
Cody picks Boser based on volume and cardio, expecting a 15-minute decision. He notes Camur's poor cardio and tendency to fade, and believes Boser's leg kicks and output will win the later rounds. He acknowledges Camur's durability and early power, but thinks Boser's gas tank and volume are decisive.
Daniel Levi leans toward Aleksa Camur, citing the upside of a young fighter with a two-year layoff to improve. He notes that Boser is a finished product who gave up his speed advantage by dropping to light heavyweight, and that Boser's debut at 205 was poor. Levi is concerned about Camur's potential shoulder injury but thinks if healthy, Camur's wrestling and athleticism could trouble Boser. He has zero interest in laying a price on Boser and sees this as a dog-or-pass fight.
James sides with the dog Camur. He notes Boser is coming off a first-round KO and may be chinny or tentative. Camur is gritty, walks forward, and could get takedowns against Boser, who is terrible off his back. He says if Boser fights a grappler, you bet the grappler.
Boser has combination striking, output, and leg kicks, but struggles with takedown defense. Camur likes to crash the pocket but has been out with nerve damage. Boser should keep on the move, use footwork and leg kicks to damage Camur from distance. I like the over 2.5 rounds most, but no real conviction. Give me Boser by decision.
Paul leans towards Camur at plus money, citing his youth, training with Stipe Miocic, and potential improvements during his two-year layoff. He thinks Cody may have overrated Boser's durability and notes Camur's power. However, he is not confident enough to bet it.
The host picks Aleksa Camur as an underdog, calling Tanner Boser an 'absolute flake' who is mentally unreliable. He believes Camur, training with Stipe Miocic, will be a step ahead and more well-rounded. He sees Camur winning by decision or possibly a finish. He is surprised Camur is the dog and advises against betting Boser at -185.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 30 of 40 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 30 of 40 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-130), Boser (+110)
Round 1
While there are no heavyweight matches littering the lineup tonight, this next fight may seem like the closest of any. Two men with their backs against the proverbial wall come to blows, when ex-heavyweight Boser (20-9-1, 4-4 UFC) makes his move down in weight having dropped three of his last four. Cutelaba (16-9-1, 1 NC; 5-8-1 UFC) sports the same unsuccessful record the last couple years, so they are both in dire need of a win. Watching out for any nonsense or an errant blow will be referee Keith Peterson, as this potential mad dash begins with a glove touch. The first 30 seconds go by without a strike, and as soon as the crowd turns on them, they surge into action. Both men throw bombs, and Boser gets knocked back and bounces off the cage. Cutelaba flicks out front kicks as Boser backpedals, and the Canadian sticks out a jab to avoid a huge overhand right.
Cutelaba launches a missile of a right hand that collides square on the jaw of the ex-heavyweight, and Boser is on rubber legs and in big trouble as he falls to his knee up against the wall. With sheer force of will, Cutelaba charges in and angrily hurls Boser down on the mat, where he begins to unload his right fist repeatedly with Boser on his knees. Cutelaba continues pounding on the exposed face of Boser, and Boser tries to stand but is wobbled and his head is getting knocked around like a heavy bag.
“The Hulk” keeps on smashing Boser’s noggin until Peterson calls a stop to the fight, with Boser not defending himself or improving his position. This is a huge win for Cutelaba, who ends a long losing streak to get back in the win column in a big way.
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Tanner Boser R1 2:05 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Tanner Boser as an underdog, noting the line has flipped from Boser being a favorite to an underdog. He believes Boser has all the power, chin, and athleticism to win, especially at light heavyweight where he looks in great shape. He notes Cuțelaba has no chin and gets finished in losses. He has a quarter-unit bet on Boser at +105 and may add more.
Big Brady picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by first-round TKO via ground and pound. He notes Cuțelaba's excellent first-round wrestling and Boser's terrible takedown defense and ground game. However, he warns that Cuțelaba has only one round of gas, so if it goes past the first, Boser could win. He suggests a live bet on Boser if the fight leaves the first round.
Cody is tentative, wanting to see Boser's weigh-in at 205. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling should be effective early, but Boser's cardio and size could be factors. He picks Cuțelaba for now but could switch.
Connor also picks Boser but with hesitation, agreeing that Cuțelaba's erratic style and poor fight IQ make him prone to losing. He notes that Boser's consistent, unimaginative approach may be enough to outlast Cuțelaba's wild aggression. However, Connor warns that dropping to light heavyweight could be a terrible idea for Boser, as the speed of the division may expose him to shots he didn't see at heavyweight.
Cuțelaba's wrestling background should be the key against Boser, who has grappling deficiencies. Boser is moving to light heavyweight but still has issues with takedown defense. Cuțelaba is desperate for a win and may revert to his wrestling. However, his confidence and game plan are uncertain after three straight losses. Expect a grinding decision if he uses his wrestling.
Paul notes Boser has made 205 before and has good striking and cardio. He thinks Cuțelaba will win the first round but gas, allowing Boser to take over. He likes Boser as a live underdog and picks him outright.
The MMA Guru picks Tanner Boser to win, possibly by finish, as he drops to light heavyweight. He believes Boser's improved physique, footwork, and boxing will overwhelm Cuțelaba, who is on a three-fight losing streak and may be mentally fragile. He notes Cuțelaba's wrestling and durability but thinks Boser's pressure and striking will be too much.
Zane picks Boser hesitantly, citing Cuțelaba's tendency to self-destruct and Boser's consistency. He notes that Cuțelaba has become overly reliant on takedowns and burns energy, while Boser is durable and methodical. However, Zane expresses concern about Boser dropping to light heavyweight, as the speed and athleticism of the division may negate his durability advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodrigo Nascimento | 0 | 62 of 115 | 53% | 163 of 220 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:58 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 36 of 86 | 41% | 91 of 149 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 | 0 | 8:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rodrigo Nascimento | 0 | 15 of 23 | 65% | 31 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:58 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 37 of 50 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:43 | |
| 2 | Rodrigo Nascimento | 0 | 32 of 57 | 56% | 42 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 15 of 37 | 40% | 18 of 41 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:48 | |
| 3 | Rodrigo Nascimento | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 90 of 112 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 12 of 28 | 42% | 36 of 58 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodrigo Nascimento | 62 of 115 | 53% | 40 of 87 | 13 of 16 | 9 of 12 | 59 of 112 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Tanner Boser | 36 of 86 | 41% | 32 of 81 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 80 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rodrigo Nascimento | 15 of 23 | 65% | 10 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Tanner Boser | 9 of 21 | 42% | 6 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rodrigo Nascimento | 32 of 57 | 56% | 20 of 42 | 6 of 7 | 6 of 8 | 32 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 15 of 37 | 40% | 15 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Rodrigo Nascimento | 15 of 35 | 42% | 10 of 28 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 12 of 28 | 42% | 11 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Boser (-165), Nascimento (+140)
Round 1
Heavyweights take center stage for the only time tonight, with two mid-range competitors in the division that are a couple wins away from a number next to their name. Boser (20-8-1, 4-3 UFC) recently ended a skid by punching out Ovince St. Preux, while Nascimento (8-1, 1 NC; 1-1, 1 NC UFC) thought he was going to do the same against Alan Baudot, only to get flagged for Ritalin. Octagon ranger Mark Smith may get a workout trying to dodge the punches and kicks from these fighters, who have no plan in touching gloves. Nascimento works his way in, and he walks right into a right hand from the Canadian. Nascimento fires back with a clubbing left hand, and he follows it with another that knocks his opponent back. “Yogi Bear” shoots for a takedown, and he elects to lift Boser up in the air and deposit him to the mat not-so-gingerly. Nascimento lands in half guard, and he isolates the left wrist with a two-on-one wrist control in an attempt to pass. Boser does not fall for it, and he recovers his guard, so Nascimento thanks him with several heavy punches on the side. Boser smacks Nascimento a few times from his back to keep him honest, and he is hanging on tight in hopes of a referee standup. Boser has his hands clasped around the waist, and this prohibits Nascimento from getting any significant leverage to drop down noteworthy ground-and-pound. Boser explodes in hopes of bucking the larger man off his hips, but when that does not succeed, he sucks Nascimento back into his guard. Smith asks the Brazilian to keep working or he will lose the position, and Boser attempts multiple times to scramble. The Canadian works his way towards the wall, and he spins through a back take attempt to drill Nascimento with a few left hands. Nascimento stands up with his back to the wire, and he gets uppercutted before Boser pushes off. Boser sticks and moves with jabs and a leg kick, but one overhand right from Nascimento shakes Boser up. Boser decides to clinch up again to stop these strikes from landing, and he presses forward with his shoulder on the chest to keep Nascimento pinned. Boser sneaks an elbow up to break, and he kicks the body when they separate. Nascimento fires off a high kick that misses the mark, and he counters a leg kick with a pair of swatting hooks. Boser rings Nascimento’s bell with a right hand, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Round 2
Nascimento is the immediate aggressor as he marches forward to engage, and it is Boser who lands first with two looping punches. Boser fires off a leg kick, Nascimento does the same, and the power of Nascimento is giving Boser some issues. Boser is the sharper striker, with jabs and straighter punches, but the looping strikes from Nascimento are knocking the Canadian back even when guarded. Boser sticks the jab and wings a hook, and Nascimento answers him with the same blow. Boser snaps out several more jabs, and he has a kick checked. Boser punches the body and remains mobile, and he staggers Nascimento with a left hand. Boser loads up on several more punches that careen off the guard, and he backs Nascimento up with his barrage. Boser does not burn himself up or empty the gas tank searching for a finish, and he goes back to his rhythm that includes stance switches and active movement. “Yogi Bear” lumbers forward, lobbing picnic baskets that are his massive fists, and Boser takes a few on the chin but avoids the others. The forward momentum from Nascimento allows him to dump Boser down to the ground, and he falls forward and into a back take opportunity. Boser defends his neck, but he sits up and punches behind his head. As he does this, Nascimento snakes the arm around and ties up the rear-naked choke. Boser signals to Smith that he is fine, and he spins around to his back to escape the choke. Nascimento attempts to move from half guard to the mount position, and Boser stops him from doing so and spams short punches. Nascimento lands a pair of blows as he rides out the round on top.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Round 3
The Brazilian starts out in an effort to stalk Boser down and possibly close the distance for a takedown, but Boser is on his bike. Nascimento is slower but still lands a few punches, while Boser slips and jabs him. Boser gets caught with a short hook as he tries to get in his groove, and Nascimento changes levels to secure a tackling takedown. Boser hooks his arm over the fence and is not called on it, but it does not prevent him from getting put on his back. Nascimento smothers from on top, with Boser’s guard closed, and Nascimento occasionally gets some strikes going from on top. The Brazilian shifts to half guard, and Smith tells him to start working. Nascimento hangs out on top and scores a few punches before grabbing Boser’s left leg and holding it up strangely. Boser tries to burst out of the posture, but he does not have the energy or power to get the man 30-something pounds heavier off of him. Nascimento lands a single right hand in hopes of staving Smith off, and Boser recovers his guard. The Brazilian stays pinned to Boser like a cheap suit, occasionally smacking him with a closed fist, but doing little in the way of damaging ground strikes. Smith is watching closely, and he intervenes to stand them up with 35 seconds left in the fight. Boser climbs to his feet and starts throwing bombs, and he drills Nascimento with an uppercut when Nascimento shoots for a takedown. Boser hurts the Brazilian with a combination, and he tries to follow it with a head kick. Nascimento responds with a knee to the body, and Boser chases him down and swings everything he has with several punches until the grueling matchup comes to an end.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (29-28 Nascimento)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (29-28 Nascimento)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (29-28 Nascimento)
The Official Result
Rodrigo Nascimento def. Tanner Boser via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Angelo picks Boser, citing his athleticism and striking, but acknowledges Nascimento's size and grappling edge. He notes that Boser has been bullied by bigger wrestlers before, but Nascimento's layoff may help Boser. Angelo is hesitant and does not recommend betting on this fight.
Big Brady leans with Rodrigo Nascimento to win by first-round submission. He views this as a striker vs. grappler matchup: Boser has the clear striking advantage, while Nascimento is a BJJ black belt with slick submissions. Brady notes that Boser has struggled when taken down (e.g., against Ilir Latifi) and may not have a good get-up game. He also mentions that Nascimento is the younger fighter (29) and trains at American Top Team. However, Brady acknowledges that if Nascimento cannot get the takedown, Boser could knock him out. He calls the line 50/50.
Cody thinks Boser is faster, more mobile, and has better cardio. He notes Nascimento's poor performances against Chris Daukaus and Alan Baudot, and that Boser can out-volume him. However, he cautions that heavyweight fights are volatile and Boser has been off for 15 months.
Daniel Levi leans Tanner Boser but is not confident. He notes Boser's volume striking and durability, but worries about Nascimento's jiu-jitsu if the fight goes to the ground. He thinks Boser can piece him up on the feet, but Nascimento has a reach advantage and a questionable chin. He does not bet due to the uncertainty.
Jacob picks Boser, believing his speed and footwork will keep the fight standing, where he has the advantage. He notes that Nascimento needs takedowns but may not be quick enough to close the distance. Jacob warns against betting on heavyweights but thinks Boser wins a striking battle.
Nascimento is the bigger man and has a clear grappling advantage. Boser is a technical striker but struggles to get back to his feet when taken down, as seen in the Latifi fight. Nascimento should drag Boser to the ground and control him for 15 minutes. Boser's recent knockout power is a threat, but Nascimento's size and pressure should be enough to grind out a decision.
Paul agrees, noting Boser's high volume and that Nascimento has looked poor. He likes Boser's prize picks line of 35.5 significant strikes, thinking it's too low. He also mentions Boser's speed and cardio advantages.
The MMA Guru picks Tanner Boser by KO in the first round. He thinks Boser has good hands for heavyweight, is young, and is underrated. He notes Boser held his own against Ciryl Gane and arguably beat Ilir Latifi. He believes Nascimento is slow and sloppy on the feet, as seen against Chris Daukaus, and that Boser's quick hands in the pocket will lead to a multiple-punch combination finish late in the first round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Boser | 1 | 33 of 72 | 45% | 33 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 12 of 26 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanner Boser | 0 | 25 of 53 | 47% | 25 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 8 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Tanner Boser | 1 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Boser | 33 of 72 | 45% | 10 of 44 | 10 of 15 | 13 of 13 | 31 of 69 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 9 of 21 | 42% | 2 of 13 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanner Boser | 25 of 53 | 47% | 4 of 29 | 9 of 12 | 12 of 12 | 25 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 8 of 18 | 44% | 2 of 11 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tanner Boser | 8 of 19 | 42% | 6 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Ovince Saint Preux, hoping that Boser's forward pressure will bring out volume in OSP. He notes OSP has more ways to win and hits hard, but his issue is low output. Angelo has a moneyline bet on OSP at plus odds. He likes more/more on the strike line.
Big Brady picks Tanner Boser to win by decision, citing his superior striking output (4.21 sig strikes/min) and defense (63%), while OSP has low volume and negative strike differential. He notes OSP's reach advantage but thinks Boser's speed and youth will be key. He worries about judges after Boser's recent close losses but believes Boser should win if he out-lands OSP. He is not confident betting Boser due to judging.
Cody picks Tanner Boser but with low confidence. He notes Boser has lost his last two as a favorite, but those were questionable decisions. He argues Boser has speed and size advantages, and OSP is past his prime, missing weight recently, and looked lethargic. He thinks Boser can stuff takedowns and keep the fight standing. However, he warns against heavy exposure due to Boser's recent losses and OSP's veteran savvy.
Jacob says he has no idea who will win this fight but hopes OSP wins. He picks OSP with heart rather than logic. He would stay away from both guys in DraftKings.
Boser's leg kick is the main ingredient in his wins, and he should establish it against Saint Preux. OSP's cardio issues will surface after the first round, allowing Boser to take over with bigger strikes. Boser will shuck off desperation takedowns and outstrike OSP over 15 minutes. The longer the fight goes, the more it favors Boser. OSP's submission threat is there but his top control and wrestling aren't good enough to keep Boser down.
Paul leans toward Tanner Boser, citing speed advantage and OSP's poor performance at heavyweight. He notes OSP missed weight and is 37, with his best days behind him. However, he is not confident because Boser didn't look great against Latifi and has lost two straight as a favorite. He thinks OSP's path is takedowns, but Boser's takedown defense should hold.
The MMA Guru picks Tanner Boser by first-round KO, citing OSP's hesitancy and declining chin. He notes Boser's anger from his loss to Ilir Latifi and believes he will come out aggressive. He criticizes OSP's grappling and aging, predicting Boser will land combination punches against the cage and finish him early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilir Latifi | 0 | 45 of 105 | 42% | 84 of 153 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 10 of 38 | 26% | 51 of 98 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 6:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ilir Latifi | 0 | 8 of 28 | 28% | 14 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 1 of 12 | 8% | 6 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:03 | |
| 2 | Ilir Latifi | 0 | 34 of 71 | 47% | 35 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 6 of 21 | 28% | 6 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 3 | Ilir Latifi | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 35 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 39 of 60 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilir Latifi | 45 of 105 | 42% | 32 of 84 | 11 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 28 of 79 | 4 of 9 | 13 of 17 |
| Tanner Boser | 10 of 38 | 26% | 8 of 33 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ilir Latifi | 8 of 28 | 28% | 6 of 25 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 1 of 12 | 8% | 1 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ilir Latifi | 34 of 71 | 47% | 25 of 57 | 8 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 49 | 2 of 5 | 13 of 17 |
| Tanner Boser | 6 of 21 | 28% | 5 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ilir Latifi | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In the first of a trio of heavyweight slobberknockers tonight, Boser (19-7-1, 3-2 UFC) will try to get back on the winning track at the expense of the skidding ex-light heavyweight Latifi (14-8, 1 NC; 7-6 UFC). Keeping tabs on this match between big men is referee Herb Dean, and there is a respectful glove touch to start things off. Boser keeps a healthy distance early, landing leg kicks from afar and avoiding the reaching strikes of “The Sledgehammer.” Latifi catches him on the way in, and Boser is able to get out of the way to avoid the brunt of the damage. The Canadian sticks out a jab and fires out a body kick, but the kick gets caught and Latifi throws him down to the ground. The Swede climbs into his foe’s guard, and he steps over to half guard with working on Boser with slow, methodical strikes. Boser recovers his guard without taking much damage, but Latifi slices over to the other side. Latifi latches on with an arm-triangle choke from above, using his full body weight as a smothering device more than actual technique from a choke. Boser explodes out of danger and back to his feet, where he grinds Latifi against the wire. Latifi pushes off thanks to an elbow, and Boser is right there to pop him in the face with a left hand. Boser sits down on a huge right hand, but Latifi crashes in to avoid it and try to throw his own bomb. As a result, neither man connect, and they back off to measure their range. Latifi eats a crisp jab, and slaps another away as he can do nothing but absorb a subsequent body kick. A quick Boser right hand concludes the opening frame.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Latifi
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Latifi
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Latifi
Round 2
Boser offers a glove touch to begin the second frame, and he snaps out a jab and ducks out of the way from an oncoming counter. Latifi presses forward to swing a looping left hand, and Boser takes it on the chin and responds with an uppercut. Boser stabs the body with a kick, and he stutter-steps his way in to connect with a right hand and not fall into a clinch. Boser chips away with a body kick, and he comes over the top with a big right hand that glances off the forward bow. Latifi prepares counter left hands, so Boser elects to jab from a distance and sling body kicks that Latifi cannot properly retaliate against. Boser pops out a crisp jab, breaking up a plodding Latifi’s forward movement. Both men trade leg kicks, and “The Bulldozer” tries to knock Latifi over with a head kick that careens off the high guard. Several sticking left hands from Boser find the mark, and Latifi comes back over the top with a single right hand that makes Boser’s mullet shake. The Canadian is no worse for wear from the blow, and Boser reaches out his fist and pokes Latifi in the eye with his thumb. Latifi falls over in pain, but Dean does not recognize the blow, so Boser tries to finish the job with an onslaught of strikes. Boser pounds away on his opponent as Latifi turtles up, and Dean tells him to fight back. This leads Latifi to bursting back to his feet, where he turns him around and even pursues a takedown that falls short. Latifi appears to have recovered, even if his sight may be compromised, and Boser walks him down with punches and a body kick. Boser stays loose and active from a distance, snapping out jabs and body kicks as Latifi is frustrated. Latifi walks away before the round ends, but Boser cannot capitalize on this and time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Round 3
Between rounds, Dean calls in the doctor to examine Latifi’s eye. Latifi says he can see, so the fight continues, and the two touch gloves. Boser sticks out a jab, and Latifi is there to meet him with two looping hooks that bounce off his opponent’s shoulders. Boser backs him off with a few jabs, and he ducks down to tag Latifi with a left hand. “The Sledgehammer” gathers himself and ducks down with a double leg takedown, where he slams Boser to his back and may have hurt Boser by landing head-first. Boser punches with both hands as if he were Sakuraba from his back, and Latifi gloms on to him and keeps his full body weight pressed down. Latifi slowly works Boser’s body and head from above, which may not be individually effective, but are adding up. Boser keeps an open guard and tries to buck and kick off, and this does not succeed, allowing Latifi to keep pounding away on him. “The Sledgehammer” keeps landing his sledgehammers as he tries to break Canadian stone, all while the control time is rapidly accumulating for the Swede. Boser paws at Latifi with a line of short right hands, and he tries to sit up but gets easily pushed over. Latifi climbs into half guard as he squeezes down on his adversary, and a few more punches connect before the slow fight ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Latifi (29-28 Latifi)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Latifi (29-28 Latifi)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Latifi (29-28 Latifi)
The Official Result
Ilir Latifi def. Tanner Boser via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Big Brady thinks the line is off and Latifi has a clear path to victory via takedowns. He notes Boser's 100% takedown defense is untested against real wrestlers, and regional tape shows Boser being taken down and controlled. He points out Latifi took down Derrick Lewis three times and controlled him for nine minutes. He is not impressed with Boser's last performance against Arlovski and predicts Latifi wins by decision.
Cody leans toward Latifi, agreeing with Paul. He notes Boser has not faced a wrestler like Latifi and that Latifi's takedowns could be key. Cody is concerned about Latifi's age and recent losses but sees value. He calls it a dogger pass but is tempted.
Daniel picks Boser but is not confident due to unknown grappling defense. He notes that Boser is a natural heavyweight with twice the output and better point fighting, but if Latifi pins him against the fence or mixes in takedowns, Boser could be exploited. Daniel admits he hasn't seen Boser tested in grappling recently, so the pick is tentative. He expects Boser to outpoint Latifi if the fight stays at range, but acknowledges Latifi's power and clinch work could be problematic.
Boser has good striking and volume, but his takedown defense is a question mark. Latifi will try to grapple, but Boser's cardio and movement should allow him to win a decision if he can stay standing.
Paul picks Latifi as a dog, citing his takedown ability and Boser's lack of wrestling defense. He notes Latifi took down Derrick Lewis and thinks he can do the same to Boser. Paul is concerned about Latifi's age and recent form but sees value at +170. He already bet Latifi at +180.
The Guru picks Ilir Latifi as an underdog, believing his grappling will be too much for Tanner Boser. He notes Latifi picked up Derrick Lewis and dunked him, so he expects similar success against Boser. He predicts Latifi will control the fight with takedowns and top control, winning a 30-27 unanimous decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 34 of 82 | 41% | 34 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 68 of 119 | 57% | 68 of 119 | 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 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 6 of 16 | 37% | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 16 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 13 of 31 | 41% | 13 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 23 of 39 | 58% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 29 of 55 | 52% | 29 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 34 of 82 | 41% | 16 of 53 | 6 of 13 | 12 of 16 | 33 of 81 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 68 of 119 | 57% | 16 of 58 | 6 of 9 | 46 of 52 | 68 of 118 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Arlovski | 6 of 16 | 37% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 16 of 25 | 64% | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 15 | 16 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 13 of 31 | 41% | 6 of 21 | 2 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 13 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 23 of 39 | 58% | 5 of 18 | 5 of 6 | 13 of 15 | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 15 of 35 | 42% | 8 of 24 | 2 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 14 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 29 of 55 | 52% | 7 of 30 | 1 of 3 | 21 of 22 | 29 of 54 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Our co-main event comes in the form of a heavyweight battle between two smaller men in the division in former champ Arlovski (29-19, 2 NC; 18-13, 1 NC UFC) and majestically mulleted Boser (19-6-1, 3-1 UFC). The chief in the cage is referee Mark Smith, who will keep things above board for this respectful matchup – judging by the fact that the two touched gloves before coming out swinging. As Boser feints and fakes around the outside, his Canadian passport bounces beautifully behind him, but neither man commit to a strike for the first 40 seconds of the fight until Boser kicks the lead leg. Arlovski checks it, and the action again pauses. Boser throws out a leg kick, and this time Arlovski is unable to check it. Boser attempts to kick with the other foot, and it clacks off the knee, prompting Arlovski to throw a big right hand at him. As soon as Arlovski switches stances, Boser kicks the other leg. Arlovski throws a head kick at the Canadian, but Boser is able to block it in time. Another leg kick from Boser glances off the knee, and Arlovski blocks a head kick with relative ease. Arlovski returns with a leg kick, and he fakes a superman punch to make Boser rush backwards. Boser steps back in and lands a left hand as Arlovski slings a hard left hand at him, interrupting the strike and getting out of danger in time. A pair of leg kicks from Arlovski fall short of the mark, and he checks a leg kick as both men do not commit to many blows. Arlovski guards against a right hand and has his own leg kick checked. Boser chips away at him with his lead leg kick, and Arlovski steps through it to swing a head kick that is well away from his intended target. Boser hops in with a pair of punches, but they cannot land so he instead scores a leg kick from each foot. The round ends as Arlovski drills Boser on the jaw with a right hand, landing the most consequential strike in the first five minutes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-10
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-10
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Round 2
The two heavyweights touch gloves to begin the round, and Arlovski misses first with a leg kick. Boser returns fire with a leg kick, so Arlovski sits down on one of his own. Boser jabs his way forward but nothing lands, so Boser peppers the lead leg with another kick. Arlovski drops his arm to block a kick, and this interrupts a left hand he was about to throw. Inactivity begins to plague this round like much of the last, until Arlovski throws an unexpected hook kick that brushes past the hair. Boser tries to make him pay but misses, and Arlovski comes back at him with a right hand. Arlovski partially lands a one-two, and as Boser pushes out a front kick, the former champ scores a right hand on the chest that pushes Boser back. The Canadian gathers himself and re-introduces Arlovski to his leg kick, which is starting to mark up Arlovski’s knee. Arlovski flicks out a few front kicks to get Boser to guess, and when Boser walks his way forward, Arlovski stings him with a power right hand. Boser stalks Arlovski down and lands a leg kick, but Arlovski chambers a right hand that just misses. Arlovski steps in with a hard inside leg kick, and Boser fires an outside kick back at Arlovski’s leg. The heavyweights crash together and land a few strikes on the inside before pushing off to gain separation. Arlovski stalks Boser down and slings a head kick, but it slaps off the arm as Boser trips against the cage. Boser lands a punch to the body, and Arlovski stuns him with a right hand. One brief final exchange concludes the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski
Round 3
The two big men touch gloves to check in the last round, and Boser bails on a leg kick right before it lands. Arlovski’s front kick is similarly inaccurate, but the ex-champ does land a kick with either leg. Boser tags Arlovski and may have hurt him with a right hand, but instead of chasing him down and falling into a counter, he opts to step back and chop away at Arlovski’s left leg. Arlovski sees on coming and checks it, and he scores to the body after Boser lands an overhand left. Boser is inches away from getting off a one-two, but he sits down on twin leg kicks to make Arlovski simply look at them. Arlovski walks forward and hammers the inside thigh, and his head kick goes way off the mark. The Canadian tries a spinning back fist, but Arlovski ignores it as he blocks it and steps forward to clock Boser with a right hand. Boser shrugs it off to stride forward, and he sneaks a left hand around the guard. Arlovski charges in with a short surge of punches, and he catches Boser at the end of one. Boser gets a kick off to the lead leg, but Arlovski again blitzes forward and sends the mullet flying with a short punch salvo. Boser eats them like poutine and keeps attacking the lead leg, and Arlovski has started to change his stances as he cannot check all of them and his knee is starting to turn purple. Arlovski double jabs his way forward, and he blocks a telegraphed right hand to press forward. Boser comes up short with a head kick, and Arlovski stings him at the end of a long string of punches with a right hand. Boser bounces off the cage and reapplies himself to attack, and when he wades forward, Arlovski counters him with an overhand right. As Arlovski advances, a right hand clanks off the jaw and the former champ appears unfazed. Boser carries on with leg kick after leg kick, but Arlovski chases after him with punches. The round ends in the midst of an exchange, and scorecards could be all over the map in this one.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (30-28 Arlovski)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (30-28 Arlovski)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (29-28 Arlovski)
The Official Result
Andrei Arlovski def. Tanner Boser via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Big Brady is confident in Boser, noting his volume, leg kicks, and Arlovski's 12 knockout losses. He predicts a knockout in the second round, citing the small cage favoring Boser. He suggests looking at the knockout prop.
Daniel Levi picks Tanner Boser, calling him Canada's top prospect. He believes Boser is faster, throws at a higher pace, and can surpass Arlovski's output. Levi thinks Boser can win by decision or even knockout, as Arlovski's recent wins have been close decisions against lower-level competition. He sees this as Boser's biggest career win.
The host picks Tanner Boser to win by decision, emphasizing Boser's leg kicks as the key to slowing down Arlovski and opening up his hands. He notes Arlovski's durability and movement but believes Boser's consistency and volume will earn him a decision. He mentions Boser is a solid parlay piece and that Arlovski makes fights closer than they should be.
The MMA Guru picks Tanner Boser to win by first-round TKO, calling it his lock of the night. He believes Boser has the technical advantage and patience to pick apart Arlovski, chopping at the legs and setting up a big hook. He contrasts Boser with other heavyweights who have failed against Arlovski due to lack of technique.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 43 of 60 | 71% | 43 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Raphael Pessoa | 0 | 12 of 36 | 33% | 13 of 37 | 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 | Tanner Boser | 0 | 15 of 24 | 62% | 15 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Raphael Pessoa | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Tanner Boser | 0 | 28 of 36 | 77% | 28 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Raphael Pessoa | 0 | 7 of 20 | 35% | 8 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Boser | 43 of 60 | 71% | 15 of 31 | 7 of 7 | 21 of 22 | 34 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 12 |
| Raphael Pessoa | 12 of 36 | 33% | 6 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 12 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanner Boser | 15 of 24 | 62% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 12 | 15 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Raphael Pessoa | 5 of 16 | 31% | 2 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tanner Boser | 28 of 36 | 77% | 12 of 20 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 10 | 19 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 12 |
| Raphael Pessoa | 7 of 20 | 35% | 4 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Leaping up to the heavyweight division, Boser (18-6-1, 2-1 UFC) tries to keep his momentum going against once-beaten Brazilian Pessoa (10-1, 1-1 UFC). Keeping tabs on this 499-pound rumble is referee Herb Dean, and with a tough of gloves the cage is sealed. The two big men keep a wide berth as they try to find an angle to get, and Pessoa swings and misses with a wheel kick. Boser stands back and chops at him with a single leg kick. Pessoa responds to a jab that comes short with his own low kick. Boser and his mighty mullet stalk the Brazilian down, but neither are committing to anything of note. Boser lets fly another leg kick, and Pessoa practically ignores it. The Canadian tries to jab his way in to wing a right hand, but nothing lands besides one of his leg kicks at the end. Pessoa attacks back, and he also misses with the lion’s share of his strikes. Boser winds up on a leg kick, and he darts out of the way when Pessoa charges after him before landing an inside leg kick. They jab one another at the same time, and Boser stings him with another heavy leg kick. Pessoa puts on the pressure but does not throw a single strike, disengaging before swinging leather. Boser swings and misses with a hellish overhand right, and Pessoa stays on the outside with a quick leg kick. Boser responds with one of his own, and sets up a right jab to a windmilling left hook. Boser evades a spinning back kick, and sneaks in another low kick. The output is tragically low in this first round, and Boser puts his version of a stamp on it with a slapping leg kick.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Round 2
A touch of gloves opens the second, and Boser whips a leg kick to start things off. Although practically the only strike of note that Boser has landed, there is some discoloration and swelling on the lead leg of the Brazilian. Boser throws another at the same spot, and Pessoa finally checks it. Boser backs away to land two, and Pessoa is ready with two looping hooks that make Boser’s hair flip back. Pessoa rushes in and tries to clinch, but Boser gets away and keeps battering the lead leg on the inside and outside. As he targets the leg again, Pessoa winds up with a booming right hand that just misses the mark, and Boser fires back at him but also comes up short. They partially connect at the end of jabs, and when Pessoa gives him a leg kick to think about,
Boser winds up with a blistering left hook that glances off the cheek. “Bebezao” stumbles back to the cage, and slumps over clutching his eye – there was no poke, it was a clean punch – so “The Bulldozer” buries him with a frightening salvo of hammerfists and looping punches. Dean stands around while Boser keeps swinging with reckless abandon, and finally steps in to save Pessoa, who is practically in the fetal position while turtled up trying to protect his head.
With that, we get our first finish of the evening, and Boser is the first man to stop the Brazilian with strikes.
The Official Result
Tanner Boser def. Raphael Pessoa R2 2:36 via TKO (Punches)
Big Brady picks Boser, citing his speed and leg kicks. He thinks Boser is the better striker and will attack Pessoa's lead leg. He is concerned about the quick turnaround and jet lag but still expects Boser to win a decision. He notes Pessoa has never been finished by KO.
Daniel picks Boser, citing his speed, sharpness, and striking knowledge. He thinks Pessoa is wild and sloppy, leaving openings. He notes Boser's quick turnaround but believes if Boser doesn't back up, he should find a knockout. He thinks the line is a bit high but still favors Boser.
Pessoa moves well for a heavyweight, has solid Muay Thai, and good cardio. The line should be much closer; Pessoa offers value at plus money. He can check leg kicks and match Boser's output. Pessoa likely wins a decision or possibly a late finish.
The MMA Guru is sold on Tanner Boser after his impressive KO of Felipe Lins, noting Boser's activity and improved shape. He acknowledges Pessoa has a good chin and doesn't get TKO'd, so he predicts a unanimous decision win for Boser. He sees no way Pessoa wins but admits Pessoa has a chance.
Expert Picks (8)
Angelo picks Tanner Boser as an underdog, noting the line has flipped from Boser being a favorite to an underdog. He believes Boser has all the power, chin, and athleticism to win, especially at light heavyweight where he looks in great shape. He notes Cuțelaba has no chin and gets finished in losses. He has a quarter-unit bet on Boser at +105 and may add more.
Big Brady picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by first-round TKO via ground and pound. He notes Cuțelaba's excellent first-round wrestling and Boser's terrible takedown defense and ground game. However, he warns that Cuțelaba has only one round of gas, so if it goes past the first, Boser could win. He suggests a live bet on Boser if the fight leaves the first round.
Cody is tentative, wanting to see Boser's weigh-in at 205. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling should be effective early, but Boser's cardio and size could be factors. He picks Cuțelaba for now but could switch.
Connor also picks Boser but with hesitation, agreeing that Cuțelaba's erratic style and poor fight IQ make him prone to losing. He notes that Boser's consistent, unimaginative approach may be enough to outlast Cuțelaba's wild aggression. However, Connor warns that dropping to light heavyweight could be a terrible idea for Boser, as the speed of the division may expose him to shots he didn't see at heavyweight.
Cuțelaba's wrestling background should be the key against Boser, who has grappling deficiencies. Boser is moving to light heavyweight but still has issues with takedown defense. Cuțelaba is desperate for a win and may revert to his wrestling. However, his confidence and game plan are uncertain after three straight losses. Expect a grinding decision if he uses his wrestling.
Paul notes Boser has made 205 before and has good striking and cardio. He thinks Cuțelaba will win the first round but gas, allowing Boser to take over. He likes Boser as a live underdog and picks him outright.
The MMA Guru picks Tanner Boser to win, possibly by finish, as he drops to light heavyweight. He believes Boser's improved physique, footwork, and boxing will overwhelm Cuțelaba, who is on a three-fight losing streak and may be mentally fragile. He notes Cuțelaba's wrestling and durability but thinks Boser's pressure and striking will be too much.
Zane picks Boser hesitantly, citing Cuțelaba's tendency to self-destruct and Boser's consistency. He notes that Cuțelaba has become overly reliant on takedowns and burns energy, while Boser is durable and methodical. However, Zane expresses concern about Boser dropping to light heavyweight, as the speed and athleticism of the division may negate his durability advantage.
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