Career Averages - Jonathan Martinez
Career Averages - Said Nurmagomedov
Jonathan Martinez
Said Nurmagomedov
Jonathan Martinez - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 48 of 108 | 44% | 49 of 109 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 102 of 223 | 45% | 105 of 226 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 7 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 33 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 17 of 47 | 36% | 17 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 42 of 93 | 45% | 45 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Marcus McGhee | 0 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 25 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 27 of 55 | 49% | 27 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus McGhee | 48 of 108 | 44% | 24 of 76 | 3 of 8 | 21 of 24 | 46 of 105 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 102 of 223 | 45% | 60 of 167 | 18 of 27 | 24 of 29 | 100 of 220 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus McGhee | 7 of 18 | 38% | 0 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 7 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 33 of 75 | 44% | 17 of 52 | 5 of 11 | 11 of 12 | 33 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marcus McGhee | 17 of 47 | 36% | 12 of 38 | 1 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 16 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 42 of 93 | 45% | 27 of 73 | 6 of 8 | 9 of 12 | 41 of 92 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marcus McGhee | 24 of 43 | 55% | 12 of 27 | 1 of 3 | 11 of 13 | 23 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 27 of 55 | 49% | 16 of 42 | 7 of 8 | 4 of 5 | 26 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McGhee (-142), Martinez (+120)
Round 1
Feet and fists are sure to fly in the preliminary headliner. The last several stoppage wins for Martinez (19-5, 10-4 UFC) have all come from strikes from his legs, while the hyper-aggressive McGhee (9-1, 3-0 UFC) has used all kinds of weapons to get the job done as of late. Referee Herb Dean will do his best to keep track of these high-speed, elusive bantamweights. Before they begin, Dean is told to examine Martinez’ toenails. He is cleared to go on, with Dean saying he will not clip anything. They share a glove touch before getting down to business. McGhee flips up a high kick and then one down low to say hello with Martinez standing right in front of him. McGhee throws a head kick on the other side, and he lunges forward with a right hand and then jabs with a front kick. A single Martinez leg kick makes McGhee recoil his leg, and this spurs McGhee into action as he starts spamming more kicks. Martinez chips at him with another kick, and McGhee races after him hurling punches. Leg kicks are traded, and McGhee lands at the end of a salvo of punches. McGhee chops at the front leg twice, and the third punch he throws gets through. McGhee strides forward to pitch a head kick, and Martinez parries it without concern but he does not block the follow-up leg kick. Martinez walks McGhee down but is taking fire high and low, and he has not committed to much halfway through the round. McGhee picks at his man from afar, with Martinez unwilling or unable to pull the trigger. McGhee hacks at the front leg and triples up on his jab, where a big left hand does not get through. Martinez maintains heavy pressure and releases a single low kick, and he shoulder rolls to let overhand lefts bounce off him. Leg kicks come from both sides, with McGhee’s volume higher by a factor of at least five. McGhee absorbs a leg kick to throw one back, and he leans back to dodge a flurry and fires back with a vengeance. McGhee jabs to the head and body to end the tentative round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Round 2
The fighters touch gloves, and McGhee whips a head kick after. Martinez blocks the first and then the second, keeping his guard up. McGhee chews up his foe’s front leg and body, with Martinez’ blocks effective but counters almost silent. Martinez scores a single leg kick, and McGhee chains a few punches into a kick. Martinez knocks him back with a left hand, but it is one-and-done before McGhee picks up his offense. McGhee plants a one-two on the jaw, and Martinez responses fall flat. Martinez walks into a right hand, and he absorbs a second before throwing back. McGhee reaches his man with a jab, and he uses a side kick to keep Martinez off of him. Martinez spins with a back fist that ricochets off his guard, and he pays Martinez back in spades with a few punches and a kick. When Martinez kicks the front leg, McGhee responds in kind. McGhee puts a couple punches through the guard, getting Martinez’ attention and not giving him much to think about. Martinez manages to sneak in a left hand, but McGhee walks through it as if nothing happened. McGhee’s volume is giving “Dragon” fits, and when he puts power behind a strike, Martinez does not always see it coming. McGhee goes high and opens up a body shot, and he rolls when a left hand thumps him on the temple. Another big left hand from Martinez finds its home, and Martinez celebrates that with a powerful elbow and then a leg kick. Martinez starts picking up the pace, and McGhee appears to be slowing. Martinez misses an elbow by an inch, and they throw hard at one another and cannot score. Martinez sits down on a low kick that draws a limp from his opponent, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Round 3
There is a final clap of hands to commence the final stanza. Martinez puts himself in close range, letting McGhee hurl punches at and past him. McGhee strafes from side to side, not letting Martinez bear down on him. McGhee triples up on a jab to the body and then head, and he ends the trio with a leg kick. When Martinez kicks him back, McGhee hops to try to avoid it. Martinez slams another leg kick home, and McGhee gets after it with a lengthy combination ending with a low kick. Martinez jabs out and parries the response, and he smashes McGhee’s front leg with a kick. McGhee hobbles away, clearly compromised, and Martinez slams it two more times. McGhee remains on his feet but is in big trouble, struggling to keep his balance even as the damaged limb is behind him. Martinez pushes into a clinch rather than attack the leg further, and the crowd disagrees with this decision and audibly voice their opinions. Martinez keeps tight until pushing off with a minute 50 to go. Martinez connects with a mean leg kick, and McGhee barely escapes. Martinez blasts the rear leg again, and McGhee is in a bad way. Martinez lets fly a kick to the front leg, and McGhee bursts into action swinging with everything he has left. Martinez takes it on the guard and kicks McGhee, and McGhee is shaking his leg to recover it slightly. McGhee’s blitzes do not have near the pop on them as before, allowing Martinez to get right in his face. Martinez whips a kick to the other leg, and McGhee wings a right hand over the top to keep him honest. McGhee strings a few punches together and backpedals fast, and Martinez follows and bashes the wounded leg one last time. The round ends, with McGhee surviving the pain and very likely pulling off the victory.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)
The Official Result
Marcus McGhee def. Jonathan Martinez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Marcus McGhee, calling himself a fanboy. He highlights McGhee's power, takedowns, and multiple paths to victory. He notes that Jonathan Martinez is a good fighter but may have been frozen by the moment against Aldo. His only concern is McGhee's gas tank, but he is confident McGhee gets it done.
Big Brady picks Marcus McGhee, highlighting his power, durability, and grappling upside. He notes that Jonathan Martinez is chinny, having been knocked out or dropped in several fights, while McGhee lands harder shots and has more ways to win. He also believes McGhee has the volume advantage and can finish Martinez, predicting a second-round knockout.
Cody picks Marcus McGhee, citing his pressure, power, and wrestling advantage. He notes Martinez is a volume striker who relies on kicks, but McGhee will close the distance and force exchanges in the pocket where his power will be decisive. Cody expects McGhee to win by knockout or decision, possibly in the later rounds.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing McGhee's athleticism and counter-combination skills. He notes that McGhee knows exactly what he is building with his pressure and that Martinez's kicking game will be neutralized. Connor also mentions that McGhee is a 'sweet guy' and a gym legend, and that this fight could propel him into the top 15.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jonathan Martinez as an upset, citing his experience, reach advantage, and kicking game. He notes McGhee's lack of tested competition and vulnerability to body kicks. He believes Martinez will use his kicks to slow McGhee and mix in knees. He acknowledges McGhee's power but trusts Martinez's durability and proven track record.
The host notes that people forget Martinez was a favorite against Jose Aldo, and now as an underdog against the hot new prospect McGee, he sees value. He expects Martinez's leg kicks to slow down McGee, allowing Martinez to work his hands in the second and third rounds and win a decision.
Paul picks Marcus McGhee, agreeing with Cody. He notes McGhee's pressure and power will be too much for Martinez, who tends to retreat when faced with power. Paul expects McGhee to win by knockout or decision, and likes McGhee by knockout at plus 225.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez, citing his underrated striking and leg kicks. He believes Martinez's investment shots to the legs will be key against McGhee's movement. He trusts Martinez's durability and expects a close decision win.
Zane picks McGhee because he believes McGhee's pressure style will stifle Martinez's kicking game. He notes that Martinez is uncomfortable in the pocket and has struggled against pressure fighters like Jose Aldo. Zane thinks McGhee's athleticism and methodical pressure will lead to a win, though he acknowledges Martinez could win early with kicks.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Aldo | 0 | 77 of 139 | 55% | 101 of 174 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:45 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 52 of 118 | 44% | 80 of 151 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | José Aldo | 0 | 17 of 46 | 36% | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 15 of 34 | 44% | 16 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | José Aldo | 0 | 30 of 50 | 60% | 30 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 14 of 38 | 36% | 20 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 3 | José Aldo | 0 | 30 of 43 | 69% | 54 of 77 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:45 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 44 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Aldo | 77 of 139 | 55% | 41 of 96 | 26 of 33 | 10 of 10 | 70 of 132 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 52 of 118 | 44% | 36 of 96 | 9 of 15 | 7 of 7 | 50 of 116 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | José Aldo | 17 of 46 | 36% | 5 of 30 | 6 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 15 of 34 | 44% | 8 of 23 | 1 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 15 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | José Aldo | 30 of 50 | 60% | 15 of 34 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 30 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 14 of 38 | 36% | 12 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | José Aldo | 30 of 43 | 69% | 21 of 32 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 36 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
| Jonathan Martinez | 23 of 46 | 50% | 16 of 38 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Martinez due to age and activity, believing Aldo is older than listed and rusty after two years. He notes Martinez's leg kicks and technical striking. However, he does not bet on the fight out of respect for Aldo and hopes Aldo wins.
Big Brady is torn due to Aldo's long layoff and retirement, but thinks Aldo's power and the Brazil factor could lead to a decision win. He notes Martinez's leg kicks may be less effective against Aldo. He is not confident enough to bet but picks Aldo by 'robbery decision'.
Cody picks Aldo, citing the Brazilian crowd and judging bias, Aldo's power to have singular moments, and Martinez's questionable chin. He notes Aldo's boxing activity keeps him sharp and that Martinez faces pressure in Brazil. Cody took Aldo at +145.
Daniel Vreeland agrees with Jeff Fox on Jonathan Martinez. He says he doesn't want to pick against Jose Aldo in Rio due to potential weird judging, but everything points to Martinez. Vreeland notes that Aldo has surprised before, but the circumstances suggest Martinez should win.
Daniel Vreeland picks Martinez by decision, citing Martinez's youth, leg kicks, and efficient grappling. He questions Aldo's motivation after retirement and notes that Aldo has not used his leg kicks or takedowns recently. He believes Martinez will win at kicking range and that Aldo's boxing focus may not be enough. He stays away from betting the moneyline due to uncertainty about which Aldo shows up.
Jeff Fox picks Jonathan Martinez but calls it a pure pass fight. He acknowledges that prime Jose Aldo was better than Martinez, but questions Aldo's motivation since he has stated he wants to box and is fighting out his UFC contract. Fox thinks if Aldo is not motivated, Martinez will make him pay. He also notes the risk of judging in Rio and Aldo's ability to surprise. Fox says he doesn't want any part of the line but thinks Martinez wins.
Aldo is the Godfather of the kicking game and will shut down Martinez's kicks. He will use his speed and power advantage to crash the pocket and find Martinez's chin. Despite coming back from retirement at 37, Aldo's hand speed and power will be too much for Martinez, who is uncomfortable striking inside the pocket. Aldo knocks him out.
Paul picks Martinez, arguing Aldo gets out-struck in most fights and relies on moments. He believes Martinez's volume, speed, and leg kicks will overwhelm Aldo, who hasn't fought MMA in 10 months and looked poor in boxing. Paul sees Martinez winning by decision.
The MMA Guru picks José Aldo, predicting a body shot finish. He believes Aldo's boxing and low-kick defense will be key, and that Martinez's recent performances show vulnerabilities. He notes Aldo's wins over Marlon Vera and Rob Font, and expects his size and experience to overwhelm Martinez.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 2 | 36 of 58 | 62% | 36 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 20 of 72 | 27% | 20 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 1 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 14 of 46 | 30% | 14 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 1 | 20 of 28 | 71% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 6 of 26 | 23% | 6 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 36 of 58 | 62% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 29 of 41 | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 20 of 72 | 27% | 9 of 59 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 66 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 16 of 30 | 53% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 2 | 15 of 23 | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 14 of 46 | 30% | 5 of 37 | 8 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 20 of 28 | 71% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 6 of 26 | 23% | 4 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez despite the massive line movement toward Martinez. He believes Yañez's boxing is cleaner and faster, and his 100% takedown defense should keep the fight standing. However, he notes Yañez needs to not be gun-shy after his knockout loss and let his hands go. He expects a great fight and potential Fight of the Night.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez in a close fight. He thinks Yañez has the volume and power advantage, with great boxing and hand speed, while Martinez relies on kicks. He sees it as a 15-minute striking match that goes to decision, and worries about judges but leans Yañez as a bounce-back spot after his loss to Rob Font.
Cody picks Martinez, arguing that Yañez is overhyped and has not faced top competition. He points to Yañez's struggles against Randy Costa and Davey Grant, and his loss to Rob Font. Cody highlights Martinez's five-fight win streak, including a dominant win over Cub Swanson, and believes his jab and kicks will trouble Yañez. He also notes Martinez's improved cardio and seasoning at Factory X.
The host picks Adrian Yañez as an underdog, surprised at the betting public flipping on him after his loss to Rob Font. He believes Yañez's boxing combinations and power will counter Martinez's kicking game. He expects Yañez to crash the pocket and land a knockout, likely in the first two rounds.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Yañez has not been tested by wrestlers and that Martinez could mix in takedowns. He points out that Martinez's kicks can keep the fight at range, neutralizing Yañez's boxing. Paul also mentions that Martinez's volume is lower but his striking is effective, and he expects Martinez to win two of three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez over Adrian Yañez. He notes Yañez's boxing is good but he has a weakness against kicks, as shown in his fight with Davey Grant (which he thinks Grant won). He praises Martinez's five-fight win streak, including wins over Cub Swanson and Said Nurmagomedov, and his ability to mix in low kicks. He believes Martinez has better momentum and will be more switched on, winning a close decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 47 of 78 | 60% | 101 of 134 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 4:21 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 38 of 55 | 69% | 78 of 96 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 6:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 21 of 35 | 60% | 34 of 48 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 17 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:04 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 28 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:46 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 15 of 22 | 68% | 26 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:16 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 39 of 48 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 10 of 12 | 83% | 35 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:49 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 47 of 78 | 60% | 25 of 50 | 14 of 19 | 8 of 9 | 31 of 57 | 12 of 14 | 4 of 7 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 38 of 55 | 69% | 13 of 25 | 7 of 8 | 18 of 22 | 22 of 37 | 13 of 15 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 21 of 35 | 60% | 8 of 19 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 27 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 13 of 21 | 61% | 4 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 7 | 8 of 15 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 16 of 25 | 64% | 9 of 16 | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 19 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 15 of 22 | 68% | 6 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 10 | 8 of 14 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 10 of 18 | 55% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 6 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 10 of 12 | 83% | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Said Nurmagomedov as the better pure striker, noting his versatility and ability to find ways to win. He acknowledges that Martinez has wrestling and can take Said down, but believes Said's striking advantage and proven ability to snatch submissions make him the pick. He thinks the fight is closer than the -200 odds suggest.
Big Brady picks Jonathan Martinez as a pretty big dog, questioning why Nurmagomedov is such a heavy favorite. He notes Nurmagomedov has only completed two takedowns in the UFC and doesn't wrestle like his last name suggests. Brady likes Martinez's volume and kicks, expects a close fight, and predicts a split decision win for Martinez.
Cody also picks Martinez, echoing Paul's thoughts on the inflated line. He highlights Martinez's volume and kicking game, and doubts Nurmagomedov's ability to finish. He thinks Martinez can win a decision and likes the plus money.
Connor picks Martinez, citing his improved pressure and commitment to kicking. He notes that Martinez has worked on his retreats and angles, and that Nurmagomedov makes poor decisions with flashy techniques. Connor believes Martinez's meat-and-potatoes kickboxing will be effective, and that Nurmagomedov's tendency to retreat and spin will leave him open. He acknowledges it's a close fight but favors Martinez's discipline.
I like Martinez as the underdog here. His kick-heavy style and volume should keep Nurmagomedov at range. Nurmagomedov's low output and tendency to have close fights could be his downfall. However, I have a bad feeling that Nurmagomedov might catch Martinez with something. I think Martinez wins by decision, but I'm not fully confident.
Paul picks Martinez as an underdog, believing the line is inflated due to Nurmagomedov's name. He notes Martinez's diverse kicking game, volume, and recent win over Cub Swanson. He thinks Nurmagomedov's striking is overrated and that Martinez can outwork him over three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Said Nurmagomedov, trusting his grappling and tricky footwork. He notes that Martinez relies on kicks, and Nurmagomedov's movement will evade them. He believes Nurmagomedov has more options to win, including finishing potential, and will take a decision.
Zane picks Nurmagomedov, citing his speed and dynamic striking. He notes that both fighters have similar flaws but Nurmagomedov is faster and more confident. Zane believes that in a long-range kickboxing match, Nurmagomedov's athleticism and trickier attacks will give him the edge. He acknowledges Martinez's improvements but thinks Nurmagomedov's confidence and speed are decisive.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 51 of 79 | 64% | 60 of 88 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Cub Swanson | 2 | 62 of 102 | 60% | 66 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 3:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 31 of 50 | 62% | 38 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 33 of 59 | 55% | 35 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:16 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 20 of 29 | 68% | 22 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 29 of 43 | 67% | 31 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 51 of 79 | 64% | 10 of 35 | 9 of 10 | 32 of 34 | 48 of 73 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Cub Swanson | 62 of 102 | 60% | 40 of 77 | 15 of 18 | 7 of 7 | 37 of 64 | 12 of 14 | 13 of 24 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 31 of 50 | 62% | 5 of 23 | 5 of 6 | 21 of 21 | 29 of 47 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
| Cub Swanson | 33 of 59 | 55% | 21 of 45 | 10 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 39 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 14 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 20 of 29 | 68% | 5 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 13 | 19 of 26 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 29 of 43 | 67% | 19 of 32 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 16 of 25 | 7 of 8 | 6 of 10 |
Angelo leans Cub Swanson, citing his experience, fight IQ, and still-solid chin. He notes that Jonathan Martinez has holes in his game, particularly handling pressure, and that Cub can exploit that in a technical kickboxing match. However, he is not highly confident and calls it a tough pick, acknowledging Martinez's power and recent wins.
Big Brady picks Cub Swanson for the upset by first-round knockout. He notes that Swanson has looked phenomenal lately, has power and volume, while Martinez has a questionable chin (knocked down multiple times). He thinks Swanson's pressure and hard shots will be too much, but says he'll check the weigh-ins to see if Swanson looks drained from the weight cut. He calls it a super close fight.
Cody leans Martinez for the pick but is more confident in the under 2.5 rounds at +130. He notes Cub Swanson still fights with hands down and chin up, and while he has power, Martinez is faster and more technical. He expects violence in a small cage and thinks the fight ends early.
Connor picks Martinez, citing the age and weight cut concerns for Swanson. He notes that Martinez's range kicking game could cause problems for Swanson, and that Swanson's tendency to struggle against range strikers is a factor. He admits it's a coin flip but goes with the younger, established bantamweight.
Swanson is a live underdog at +165 due to his unorthodox striking and power, which could expose Martinez's chin. Martinez is a good striker with kicks and combinations, but he has shown he can be hurt. Swanson's experience and ability to crack opponents make this competitive. However, the weight cut to 135 pounds is a concern; the host wants to see how Swanson looks at weigh-ins before committing. Prediction is Swanson by knockout.
Paul is tempted by Cub Swanson as a live underdog, especially since the fight is at bantamweight, a new weight class for Swanson. He questions Martinez's chin and weight cut issues, noting Martinez has been dropped before and struggled at 135. He thinks Swanson's power and pace could break Martinez if it becomes a scrap.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez over his favorite fighter Cub Swanson, citing momentum and Martinez's age (28) as key factors. He notes that Swanson is moving down to bantamweight, which often leads to poor performances initially. He praises Martinez's leg kicks and slick striking, and predicts a body finish due to Swanson's weaker torso at the new weight.
Zane picks Swanson, reasoning that if he would pick Swanson at featherweight, he has to still pick him at bantamweight despite the weight cut concerns. He believes Swanson's aggression and ability to punish Martinez's poor defense on the back foot will be key. He acknowledges the risk but trusts Swanson's veteran savvy.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 88 of 154 | 57% | 88 of 154 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 |
| Vince Morales | 0 | 51 of 153 | 33% | 62 of 164 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 24 of 40 | 60% | 24 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Vince Morales | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 36 of 56 | 64% | 36 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Vince Morales | 0 | 16 of 56 | 28% | 16 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 28 of 58 | 48% | 28 of 58 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 |
| Vince Morales | 0 | 20 of 62 | 32% | 31 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 88 of 154 | 57% | 41 of 98 | 18 of 22 | 29 of 34 | 86 of 151 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Vince Morales | 51 of 153 | 33% | 33 of 127 | 15 of 23 | 3 of 3 | 48 of 149 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 24 of 40 | 60% | 6 of 17 | 4 of 5 | 14 of 18 | 24 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Vince Morales | 15 of 35 | 42% | 8 of 27 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 36 of 56 | 64% | 18 of 37 | 5 of 6 | 13 of 13 | 34 of 53 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Vince Morales | 16 of 56 | 28% | 10 of 45 | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 28 of 58 | 48% | 17 of 44 | 9 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 28 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Vince Morales | 20 of 62 | 32% | 15 of 55 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 60 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-150), Medic (+130)
Round 1
The third man inside the cage for this bantamweight contest is Herb Dean. Both men take their time feeling out the other with each fighter looking to find their distance with leg kicks and jabs over the opening minute. Martinez snaps a body kick that lands and Martinez lands a solid counter punch a few moments later. Martinez throws two other kicks that connect and begins walking down Morales. Martinez continues to land damaging leg kicks as Morales is unable to counter. Another leg kick slows down Morales as Martinez remains the aggressor, who is just one step ahead on the feet but not getting his opponent in any real danger. The round ends with Martinez throwing a jumping knee.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Round 2
Morales throws a leg kick and a right ot the body, but Martinez answers with a leg kick that lands much harder. Martinez lands a couple more whipping leg kicks as he controls the center of the cage. Morales blocks a high kick with his forearm. They clinch briefly and separate. Morales is struggling to find the range on his attacks. Martinez with another inside low kick. He’s varying his kicks to the legs well, going to both legs and working the inside and outside. Martinez with a kick to the body followed by a front kick down the middle. Morales pressures and eats a knee down the middle from Martinez for his efforts. Martinez with another outside low kick and he avoids the counter from Morales. Morales wings punches moving forward but can’t connect. Martinez whips another outside leg kick, then he follows a knee with a left hand. Martinez shoves his foe away before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Round 3
Martinez lands a push kick and then connects to Morales’ lead leg with an inside low kick. Morales closes the distance but he gets hit with punches. Morales blocks a high kick with his forearm. Martinez flicks out a jab and then connects with a left hook to the chin of his opponent. Martinez continues to dictate the range and the tempo of the exchanges. A knee and a left hand from Martinez land flush. Morales is trying to press the action, but Martinez is countering well. A right hand finds the mark for Morales. Martinez sticks a counter left and then throws a high kick that his foe blocks with his forearm. With about a minute remaining, Martinez executes a nicely timed level change for a double-leg takedown. Morales posts and stands against the fence, but Martinez is driving for another takedown, and he dumps Morales on the canvas. Morales reverses into top position but can’t make anything happen before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)
The Official Result
Jonathan Martinez def. Vince Morales via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
Angelo picks Jonathan Martinez but is hesitant because he thinks Vince Morales's pressure style could cause problems. He notes that Martinez looked terrible in his last fight against Alejandro Perez, only kicking and crumbling under pressure. However, he believes Martinez is the better overall fighter and will squeak out a win. He also mentions a prop bet on Vince Morales winning a round via a plus 3.5 round bet.
Big Brady picks Jonathan Martinez to win by decision, favoring his diverse striking (leg kicks, body kicks, head kicks) over Vince Morales. He notes Morales has a wrestling background but rarely uses it, and the fight should stay standing. He questions Martinez's chin but believes his volume and kicks will be too much. He does not like the -220 price but picks Martinez to win.
Cody leans Martinez but is wary of his tendency to get caught in fights. He notes Martinez's leg kick game should be effective against Morales, who is susceptible to low kicks. However, he acknowledges Morales' durability and underdog success, making this a tough call.
The host picks Jonathan Martinez to win. He believes Martinez's kicking game, including leg kicks, body kicks, and head kicks, will be the difference. He thinks Morales has a puncher's chance but will get stuck on the end of Martinez's strikes and be outworked. He does not expect the fight to be as close as some people think.
Paul does not give a clear pick. He discusses both sides, noting Martinez's leg kicks and Morales' durability and underdog value. He says he is struggling to pull the trigger on either side.
The MMA Guru sides with Jonathan Martinez, citing his technical striking on the outside and experience. He acknowledges Vince Morales has power but notes Morales hasn't lived up to his KO reputation in the UFC. He trusts Martinez not to make a mistake and get KO'd, predicting a unanimous decision with some hairy moments.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 1 | 52 of 146 | 35% | 52 of 146 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Alejandro Pérez | 0 | 74 of 144 | 51% | 74 of 144 | 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 | Jonathan Martinez | 1 | 9 of 30 | 30% | 9 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Alejandro Pérez | 0 | 22 of 45 | 48% | 22 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 18 of 49 | 36% | 18 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alejandro Pérez | 0 | 17 of 38 | 44% | 17 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 25 of 67 | 37% | 25 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alejandro Pérez | 0 | 35 of 61 | 57% | 35 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 52 of 146 | 35% | 34 of 125 | 8 of 11 | 10 of 10 | 50 of 144 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Alejandro Pérez | 74 of 144 | 51% | 36 of 92 | 23 of 34 | 15 of 18 | 72 of 139 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 9 of 30 | 30% | 3 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alejandro Pérez | 22 of 45 | 48% | 5 of 21 | 10 of 16 | 7 of 8 | 20 of 40 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 18 of 49 | 36% | 14 of 43 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alejandro Pérez | 17 of 38 | 44% | 6 of 24 | 4 of 5 | 7 of 9 | 17 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 25 of 67 | 37% | 17 of 59 | 5 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 24 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alejandro Pérez | 35 of 61 | 57% | 25 of 47 | 9 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 35 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Jonathan Martinez to win by decision. He praises Martinez's striking volume, accuracy, and takedown defense. He criticizes Perez's recent performance against a 45-year-old Johnny Eduardo, where Perez was outlanded and looked poor on the feet. Brady believes Martinez is younger, improving, and training at a good camp. He thinks Perez's takedown attempts will be ineffective and that Martinez will pick him apart on the feet.
Cody picks Martinez confidently, citing his striking, takedown defense, and youth. He notes Pérez's declining chin, low volume, and poor takedown accuracy. Cody believes Martinez wins by volume and suggests watching weigh-ins due to Martinez's past weight issues.
Daniel Levi picks Jonathan Martinez to win, possibly by knockout. He notes Martinez has superior striking and range control, and that Pérez has looked older and less durable. Levi warns that Martinez can be complacent and Pérez could weasel a split decision, but believes Martinez's technique and knees will be the difference. He calls it a dog-or-pass situation betting-wise.
The host is confident in Martinez, citing his length, striking from the outside, and 72% takedown defense. He expects Martinez to keep the fight standing and pick apart Pérez with kicks and punches, similar to his performance against Zviad Lazishvili. He notes Pérez is flat-footed and may struggle to close distance. He predicts a decision win for Martinez.
Paul agrees with Martinez, noting his superior striking and takedown defense. He points out Pérez's poor volume and recent KO loss. Paul thinks the line is fair and expects Martinez to win by decision or late stoppage.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez to win, possibly by third-round finish. He criticizes Alejandro Pérez's striking, calling it terrible with poor range control, and notes that Pérez was clipped by Johnny Eduardo. He highlights Martinez's takedown defense improvements, as seen against Vince Morales, and believes Martinez will stuff takedowns and beat up Pérez on the feet. The Guru expects Martinez to dominate and potentially finish Pérez in the third round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 92 of 188 | 48% | 94 of 191 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zviad Lazishvili | 0 | 63 of 160 | 39% | 66 of 163 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 25 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zviad Lazishvili | 0 | 19 of 46 | 41% | 22 of 49 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 29 of 61 | 47% | 29 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zviad Lazishvili | 0 | 27 of 63 | 42% | 27 of 63 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 40 of 81 | 49% | 40 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zviad Lazishvili | 0 | 17 of 51 | 33% | 17 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 92 of 188 | 48% | 65 of 154 | 14 of 19 | 13 of 15 | 92 of 188 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Zviad Lazishvili | 63 of 160 | 39% | 25 of 115 | 17 of 22 | 21 of 23 | 60 of 153 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 23 of 46 | 50% | 11 of 32 | 6 of 7 | 6 of 7 | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Zviad Lazishvili | 19 of 46 | 41% | 7 of 31 | 3 of 5 | 9 of 10 | 18 of 43 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 29 of 61 | 47% | 21 of 49 | 6 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 29 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Zviad Lazishvili | 27 of 63 | 42% | 11 of 45 | 8 of 9 | 8 of 9 | 25 of 59 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 40 of 81 | 49% | 33 of 73 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 40 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Zviad Lazishvili | 17 of 51 | 33% | 7 of 39 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 17 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Cody does not make a pick due to lack of information. He notes that Lazishvili is an undefeated LFA champion with a wrestling background, but has not fought in a year and pulled out of a previous fight. Cody speculates that Martinez may open as a slight favorite, but he does not have enough data to make a confident pick.
Lock picks Martinez based on striking gap and cardio. He notes Lazishvili is a poor striker and Martinez is legitimately good. He expects Martinez to win on the feet and avoid being controlled on the ground. He bet Martinez at +162 and likes the KO prop.
Paul does not make a pick, noting that there are no odds yet and the fight was announced late. He defers to Cody for information.
Said Nurmagomedov - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Mitchell | 0 | 13 of 20 | 65% | 39 of 51 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 0 | 1 | 9:44 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 1 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 100 of 126 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 2 | 3:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryce Mitchell | 0 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 21 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 1 | 17 of 25 | 68% | 42 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:46 | |
| 2 | Bryce Mitchell | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 10 of 12 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 3:56 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 31 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 2 | 0:50 | |
| 3 | Bryce Mitchell | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 8 of 11 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 4:11 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 27 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Mitchell | 13 of 20 | 65% | 3 of 6 | 7 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 11 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 20 of 32 | 62% | 13 of 24 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 19 | 1 of 3 | 6 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryce Mitchell | 10 of 14 | 71% | 2 of 3 | 5 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 17 of 25 | 68% | 11 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | |
| 2 | Bryce Mitchell | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bryce Mitchell | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mitchell (-125); Nurmagomedov (+105)
Round 1
Hoping the answer to his problems is a change in weight, the much-maligned Mitchell (17-3, 8-3 UFC) is shifting gears to 135 pounds in hopes of a new lease on life. He will not receive an easy challenge in the division that many suggest is the best in the sport, as he tangles with Nurmagomedov (18-4, 7-3 UFC). While of a different mold than many of the other men that share his name, this Russian presents danger on the feet as well as on the mat. Referee Jim Perdios will keep things on the up-and-up. There is no fist bump between the bantamweights.
Although Nurmagomedov offers, Mitchell ignores it and kicks him in the lead knee. When Mitchell kicks a second time, Nurmagomedov counters with one upside the head that lands cleanly. Nurmagomedov bounces off the wall to plant a left hand on the chin, circling on the outside and waiting for Mitchell to throw so he can counter with an overhand right. Mitchell ties up the Dagestan native with a body lock, and Nurmagomedov is able to bounce off his knees when they both hit the floor together. Mitchell remains tightly pressed to his opponent, kneeing him once in the stomach while he otherwise hangs on closely. Mitchell stalls out in this position other than offering the occasional knee, and fans loudly ask for the fighters to be split up.
Nurmagomedov takes matters into his own hands, breaking free and cracking Mitchell with a right hand. Mitchell has some swelling on his left cheek and a cut under his right eye, but it is a knee that blasts into his chin that does the real damage. Mitchell goes flying to his back, and Nurmagomedov slashes through his guard to drop down punctuating punches and devastating elbows. Mitchell tries to throw his legs up for a submission setup like a triangle choke, and Nurmagomedov is wise to it as he keeps working on Mitchells side. Mitchell wraps his right leg up and around the shoulder for a moment, but his omoplata shoulder lock setup falls apart before he can get anywhere. Mitchell defends himself well while on his back, staying active to dissuade Nurmagomedov from getting reckless. Nurmagomedov hammers down a single elbow before Mitchell explodes to his feet, where the American hunts for a body lock takedown of his own. He bullies Nurmagomedov to the wall, holding him there until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Round 2
Mitchell rushes out of his corner to engage and start the second round, where it takes him less than 10 seconds to shoot for a takedown. Nurmagomedov defends with a guillotine choke, and Mitchell elevates him and trips him out to break out of the choke and establish top position. When Mitchell lands on top, he isolates Nurmagomedov’s left arm in search of a kimura. Mitchell hangs on as it could also turn into a straight armlock by the way he has the limb stretched, but Nurmagomedov does not appear remotely concerned as he knees Mitchell in the ribs while stuck flat on his back. Mitchell stays holding onto the limb, but he does not have it with both hands so Nurmagomedov raises his hand up to motion to Perdios that he should stand them up. Perdios does not take the bait, and Mitchell releases the grip and pursues an arm-triangle choke.
Nurmagomedov manages to wall-walk to not only get out of the sub but also reverse his position, and Mitchell is able to stand up as well while they are clinched. Mitchell digs a few shots to the body when exerting his weight on the Russian, and he sells out for a single and even rolls over to try to take Nurmagomedov’s back. Nurmagomedov turns to try to escape the back take, and slowly flips Mitchell over to get on top with 45 seconds left in the round. Nurmagomedov quickly advances to the side, and when he tries to take a dominant position. Mitchell uses the moment to fight to his feet and just avoids a knee. Nurmagomedov spins with a back elbow, and Mitchell times a picture-perfect double that puts Nurmagomedov on his back. Nurmagomedov looks to Perdios, who lets time expire as they are tied up in their position.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell
Round 3
Mitchell kicks off the final round looks for a takedown. After a few efforts, he wrangles Nurmagomedov to put his back to the wall, but this is just a trap the Russian has set. Nurmagomedov latches onto a guillotine choke, and he uses it to flip Mitchell to his back and take full mount. Nurmagomedov is unable to complete it, so he lets it go and starts dropping down left hands. Mitchell scrambles to his knees, and Nurmagomedov takes his back and gets a hook in. Mitchell keeps turning to defy the back take and puts the Russian flat on his back once more. Mitchell smothers his opponent, not otherwise attacking in terms of strikes or submissions, so that he can remain on top.
Mitchell holds on with an arm-triangle choke from the opposite side, and Nurmagomedov settles for kneeing him in the side a few times to little effect. Nurmagomedov is warned for putting his toes in the fence to pull himself to a more advantageous position. Nurmagomedov grabs the fence again with his fingers, and Perdios swats his hand and then foot out of the links. Nurmagomedov turns to surrender his back in an effort to stand, but Mitchell is on him like a dog with a bone and he wraps up a body triangle around the Dagestan native’s waist. Mitchell hangs on, and Nurmagomedov has his toes still hooked in the fence as Perdios has to smack his toes again to pull them out of it. They turn to an awkward position, and this 135-pound affair draws to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell (29-28 Mitchell)
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell (29-28 Mitchell)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell (29-28 Mitchell)
The Official Result
Bryce Mitchell def. Said Nurmagomedov via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Bryce Mitchell but with very low confidence (50.5%). He notes Mitchell's dominant wrestling and submission threat, but worries about his move to 135 lbs and his chin. Said Nurmagomedov has questionable takedown defense but a dangerous guillotine. Angelo will monitor the line and may flip his pick.
Big Brady picks Said Nurmagomedov, favoring his striking and submission threats. He worries about Bryce Mitchell's tendency to put his neck in bad spots when shooting takedowns, and notes Nurmagomedov has nasty front chokes. He believes Mitchell will struggle to hold Nurmagomedov down and predicts a second-round submission via front choke.
Many think Mitchell should grind out Nurmagomedov, but it only takes one mistake for Mitchell to lead to Nurmagomedov snatching up the neck and forcing the tap.
The MMA Guru picks Bryce Mitchell, citing his size and strength advantage at bantamweight, and his ability to grapple tall to avoid guillotines. He notes Said Nurmagomedov's guillotine threat but believes Mitchell's physicality and grappling control will be the difference. He predicts a close 29-28 decision win for Mitchell.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 38 of 79 | 48% | 69 of 111 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
| Vinicius Oliveira | 0 | 43 of 94 | 45% | 68 of 125 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 0 | 7:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 12 of 21 | 57% | 28 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Vinicius Oliveira | 0 | 3 of 14 | 21% | 5 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:44 | |
| 2 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 13 of 38 | 34% | 21 of 46 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Vinicius Oliveira | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 26 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:54 | |
| 3 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 13 of 20 | 65% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Vinicius Oliveira | 0 | 19 of 35 | 54% | 37 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 3:34 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 38 of 79 | 48% | 18 of 54 | 13 of 17 | 7 of 8 | 37 of 76 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Vinicius Oliveira | 43 of 94 | 45% | 24 of 63 | 11 of 18 | 8 of 13 | 31 of 74 | 2 of 5 | 10 of 15 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 12 of 21 | 57% | 6 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Vinicius Oliveira | 3 of 14 | 21% | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 3 | 3 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | |
| 2 | Said Nurmagomedov | 13 of 38 | 34% | 3 of 25 | 7 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 13 of 36 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Vinicius Oliveira | 21 of 45 | 46% | 8 of 25 | 7 of 13 | 6 of 7 | 19 of 40 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Said Nurmagomedov | 13 of 20 | 65% | 9 of 15 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Vinicius Oliveira | 19 of 35 | 54% | 14 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 13 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
They move the line forward in the 135-pound weight class, as Nurmagomedov (18-3, 7-2 UFC) and Oliveira (21-3, 2-0 UFC) meet in a pivotal bantamweight attraction. Hatley officiates. Oliveira steps forward, eats a leg kick and uncorks a left hook. Nurmagomedov stays light on his feet and sends a kick glancing off the Brazilian’s forehead. A spinning back kick to the body sends Oliveira to the canvas. He gets to his feet, only to absorb a stout low kick. Nurmagomedov threatens a guillotine in a scramble, then separates. Another powerful low leg kick from the Russian. Oliveira ducks a spinning backfist. Nurmagomedov briefly secures a takedown, but Oliveira gets back to his feet and drives forward in the clinch. Midway through the round. Oliveira scores with knees to the legs. Inadvertent eye poke from the Brazilian results in a pause. Hatley restarts it. Slapping head kick lands from Nurmagomedov. Chopping overhand right from Nurmagomedov misses and an accidental head butt knocks Oliveira off-balance. He gets back to his feet, eats a flying knee and manages to score a takedown. Oliveira navigates the guard and scores with ground-and-pound. Nurmagomedov gets back to his feet. The round ends in the clinch.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nurmegomedov
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Round 2
Oliveira steps forward, and they trade body kicks. Nurmagomedov throw a kick high, only to get blocked. Leg kick from the Russian, who ducks in, shoot on the hips and hunts a takedown. Oliveira denies his efforts. A clinch battle ensues. Knee up the middle on the break from Nurmagomedov. Oliveira presses the issue behind punches and executes a takedown. Nurmagomedov gets back to his feet without much issues and gets his kicks in gear in the center of the cage. Right hand over the top from the Russian draws a thumbs up from Oliveira. Nurmagomedov complains about an eye poke, leaves his guard down and eats a few punches for his troubles. He circles behind Oliveira, resets and secures a brief takedown. Output an issue for Nurmagomedov, who appears to be tiring. Oliveira moves forward behind punches from both hands and lands a glancing uppercut, then misses on a wild spinning backfist. Weary punches from both men to end the frame.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Round 3
Anyone’s fight with five minutes to go. Oliveira presses forward behind a body kick and punches. Nurmagomedov slips throwing a kick. Oliveira dives in top position and works in full guard. He scores with short punches. Nurmagomedov scrambles from underneath. Oliveira draws a warning for grabbing the cage and another for strikes to the back of the head. He powers into half guard and briefly achieves full mount. Nurmagomedov escapes and snatches a single-leg. Oliveira sprawls and circles, then locks in a brabo choke. He bails and throws elbows instead. Ninety seconds left. Oliveira connects with a knee to the body on the kneeling Nurmagomedov. The momentum has certainly shifted. Nurmagomedov gets back to his feet but looks gassed. His movements are woefully labored. Oliveira doubles up on right hooks and connects with a side kick to the body. Nurmagomedov scores with a spinning backfist, but his opponent appears unmoved. Oliveira sprawls on a takedown attempt from the Russian and wheels behind him with 30 seconds remaining. Nurmagomedov clings to a single-leg but has neither the energy nor wherewithal to do anything with it.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira (29-28 Oliveira)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira (30-27 Oliveira)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira (29-28 Oliveira)
The Official Result
Vinicius Oliveira def. Said Nurmagomedov—Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Vinicius Oliveira as an underdog, noting his length, durability, and creativity. He believes Oliveira's chaotic style and takedown defense (defended 9 takedowns against Ricky Simon) will trouble Said Nurmagomedov. He worries that Oliveira's recklessness could lead to a submission, but thinks his aggression and power will be enough.
Big Brady is impressed with Said Nurmagomedov's striking and submission game. He thinks Vinicius Oliveira is hitable and has been finished in all his losses. Brady predicts Nurmagomedov will catch Oliveira with a spinning attack or submit him, possibly via a club-and-sub. He calls Nurmagomedov a finisher and expects a second-round submission.
Connor picks Nurmagomedov, believing his well-rounded game and wrestling will overcome Oliveira's wild aggression. He notes that Oliveira is a formless bully who cuts a lot of weight, but Nurmagomedov has the tools to neutralize him and find submissions. However, he acknowledges that Oliveira's chaotic style could make the fight uncomfortable and that Nurmagomedov has struggled with physical pressure in the past.
James picks Oliveira to win, citing Nurmagomedov's poor cardio and tendency to gas out, as seen in recent fights. He believes Oliveira's pressure, size, and strength will overwhelm Nurmagomedov in later rounds. He notes Nurmagomedov's submission threat (ninja choke) but thinks Oliveira can survive and win by decision or late knockout. He sees Oliveira's trajectory rising while Nurmagomedov's is declining.
Oliveira's output and volume will cause Nurmagomedov trouble, as Nurmagomedov is more reliant on finishes. If he can't get Oliveira out of there early, he will struggle with the volume coming back. Oliveira is expected to win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Said Nurmagomedov in a close fight. He notes Oliveira is rangy and well-rounded, but Nurmagomedov has finishing potential and experience. He worries about Nurmagomedov's performance against Jonathan Martinez but believes he can win the first two rounds and edge a decision. He mentions Oliveira's short-notice loss to Bernardo Sopaj as a factor.
Zane picks Nurmagomedov, agreeing that his technical edge and wrestling should prevail. He notes that Oliveira's lack of defense and tendency to scramble hard will give Nurmagomedov opportunities. However, Zane warns that Oliveira's size and pace could cause problems, and that Nurmagomedov has a history of slowing down under physical pressure. He still sees Nurmagomedov as the rightful favorite.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Muin Gafurov | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Muin Gafurov | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 5 of 11 | 45% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Muin Gafurov | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 5 of 11 | 45% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Muin Gafurov | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Said Nurmagomedov but fades the bet. He notes Gafurov's wrestling could be a problem, as seen when Kakhramonov dominated Said with takedowns. However, he thinks Gafurov might get sucked into a brawl, where Said's striking will prevail. He is wary of the clear path to beat Said via wrestling.
Big Brady picks Said Nurmagomedov to win by second round submission. He notes that Gafurov is reckless, gets hurt often, and has a questionable chin, while Nurmagomedov has power and a dangerous guillotine. Brady expects Nurmagomedov to hurt Gafurov on the feet, then snatch a submission when Gafurov shoots for a takedown.
Cody picks Nurmagomedov, emphasizing his well-rounded skills and ability to mix striking with wrestling. He notes that Gafurov gasses out and has been out-struck by lesser opponents, while Nurmagomedov has better speed, volume, and wrestling. Cody expects Nurmagomedov to drown Gafurov in deeper waters and win a decision or late finish.
Daniel picks Said Nurmagomedov to win, citing his length, explosiveness, and dynamic kicking style. He notes that Nurmagomedov has a gas tank issue due to his explosive style but believes he is on a different level than Gafurov. He respects Gafurov's heart and well-roundedness but thinks the athleticism and size disparity will be too much. He expects Nurmagomedov to win a decision but says Gafurov could raise his stock in defeat.
Nurmagomedov lacks output and assertiveness, relying on spectacular finishes. Gafurov has good forward movement, volume, and a wrestling game. He can set the pace and manage his gas tank better. As long as Gafurov doesn't get caught in a choke or knocked out, he can win by decision. He is a solid underdog spot.
Paul picks Nurmagomedov, citing his diverse striking, high fight IQ, and ability to adapt. He notes that Gafurov has poor cardio and has struggled against lower-level competition, while Nurmagomedov has shown he can compete with top bantamweights. Paul expects Nurmagomedov to use his speed and wrestling to outwork Gafurov, likely winning a decision.
The MMA Guru calls this a mismatch and picks Said Nurmagomedov. He notes that Gafurov lost to John Castaneda and Chad Anheliger, while Nurmagomedov had a close fight with Jonathan Martinez, who is very good. He believes Nurmagomedov is top-15 level and has higher finishing potential.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 47 of 78 | 60% | 101 of 134 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 4:21 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 38 of 55 | 69% | 78 of 96 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 6:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 21 of 35 | 60% | 34 of 48 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 17 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:04 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 28 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:46 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 15 of 22 | 68% | 26 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:16 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 39 of 48 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 10 of 12 | 83% | 35 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:49 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 47 of 78 | 60% | 25 of 50 | 14 of 19 | 8 of 9 | 31 of 57 | 12 of 14 | 4 of 7 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 38 of 55 | 69% | 13 of 25 | 7 of 8 | 18 of 22 | 22 of 37 | 13 of 15 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 21 of 35 | 60% | 8 of 19 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 27 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 13 of 21 | 61% | 4 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 7 | 8 of 15 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 16 of 25 | 64% | 9 of 16 | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 19 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 15 of 22 | 68% | 6 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 10 | 8 of 14 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Martinez | 10 of 18 | 55% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 6 |
| Said Nurmagomedov | 10 of 12 | 83% | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Said Nurmagomedov as the better pure striker, noting his versatility and ability to find ways to win. He acknowledges that Martinez has wrestling and can take Said down, but believes Said's striking advantage and proven ability to snatch submissions make him the pick. He thinks the fight is closer than the -200 odds suggest.
Big Brady picks Jonathan Martinez as a pretty big dog, questioning why Nurmagomedov is such a heavy favorite. He notes Nurmagomedov has only completed two takedowns in the UFC and doesn't wrestle like his last name suggests. Brady likes Martinez's volume and kicks, expects a close fight, and predicts a split decision win for Martinez.
Cody also picks Martinez, echoing Paul's thoughts on the inflated line. He highlights Martinez's volume and kicking game, and doubts Nurmagomedov's ability to finish. He thinks Martinez can win a decision and likes the plus money.
Connor picks Martinez, citing his improved pressure and commitment to kicking. He notes that Martinez has worked on his retreats and angles, and that Nurmagomedov makes poor decisions with flashy techniques. Connor believes Martinez's meat-and-potatoes kickboxing will be effective, and that Nurmagomedov's tendency to retreat and spin will leave him open. He acknowledges it's a close fight but favors Martinez's discipline.
I like Martinez as the underdog here. His kick-heavy style and volume should keep Nurmagomedov at range. Nurmagomedov's low output and tendency to have close fights could be his downfall. However, I have a bad feeling that Nurmagomedov might catch Martinez with something. I think Martinez wins by decision, but I'm not fully confident.
Paul picks Martinez as an underdog, believing the line is inflated due to Nurmagomedov's name. He notes Martinez's diverse kicking game, volume, and recent win over Cub Swanson. He thinks Nurmagomedov's striking is overrated and that Martinez can outwork him over three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Said Nurmagomedov, trusting his grappling and tricky footwork. He notes that Martinez relies on kicks, and Nurmagomedov's movement will evade them. He believes Nurmagomedov has more options to win, including finishing potential, and will take a decision.
Zane picks Nurmagomedov, citing his speed and dynamic striking. He notes that both fighters have similar flaws but Nurmagomedov is faster and more confident. Zane believes that in a long-range kickboxing match, Nurmagomedov's athleticism and trickier attacks will give him the edge. He acknowledges Martinez's improvements but thinks Nurmagomedov's confidence and speed are decisive.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 21 of 34 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Saidyokub Kakhramonov | 0 | 11 of 30 | 36% | 32 of 65 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 | 0 | 7:52 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 3 of 12 | 25% | 13 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Saidyokub Kakhramonov | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 17 of 27 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 4:29 | |
| 2 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Saidyokub Kakhramonov | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 15 of 38 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 7 of 18 | 38% | 3 of 12 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 12 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Saidyokub Kakhramonov | 11 of 30 | 36% | 8 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 19 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 3 of 12 | 25% | 0 of 7 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Saidyokub Kakhramonov | 7 of 15 | 46% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 6 | |
| 2 | Said Nurmagomedov | 4 of 6 | 66% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Saidyokub Kakhramonov | 4 of 15 | 26% | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 13 |
Angelo picks Kakhramonov, hoping he brings the same wrestling pace as in his last fight against Ronnie Lawrence, where he had 10 takedowns and 12 minutes of control. He notes that Said Nurmagomedov is not a wrestler despite his last name, but a flashy striker with only two takedowns in the UFC. He expects Kakhramonov to bully Said.
Big Brady picks Kakhramonov as an underdog, impressed by his wins over Ronnie Lawrence (taking him down 10 times) and Trevin Jones (submission). He thinks Kakhramonov is a different level and can pass this test against Nurmagomedov, who he's never been high on. He expects a close, competitive fight but picks Kakhramonov by decision.
Cody picks Kakhramonov, noting his size and strength advantage. He thinks Kakhramonov will get takedowns and control the fight. He was impressed by his performance against Ronnie Lawrence where he ragdolled him. He expects a decision win for Kakhramonov.
Connor picks Nurmagomedov but is hesitant, calling it a trap fight. He thinks Nurmagomedov can find enough moments to land big and take advantage of Kakhramonov's wild entries. However, he notes Kakhramonov is a dogged technical wrestler who could steal momentum.
Kakhramonov is relentless with takedowns and has better technical wrestling than Nurmagomedov's previous opponents. Nurmagomedov has the striking advantage but doesn't give himself many chances to win outside of a finish. Lesser wrestlers have had grappling success against Nurmagomedov, and Kakhramonov will grind out a win.
Paul picks Kakhramonov, agreeing with Cody. He was surprised by his performance against Lawrence and thinks he is a real prospect. He notes Kakhramonov has good wrestling and size. He expects a decision but acknowledges judging could be an issue.
The MMA Guru picks Saidyokub Kakhramonov over Said Nurmagomedov, going against the majority. He questions Nurmagomedov's cardio, noting he slowed down against Douglas Silva de Andrade and Kyler Phillips. He praises Kakhramonov's pace and wrestling, citing his 10 takedowns against Ronnie Lawrence. He believes Kakhramonov will drown Nurmagomedov as the fight goes on and get an upset 29-28 decision. He also notes Kakhramonov is younger at 27 and still improving, while Nurmagomedov is 30 and may be at his peak.
Zane picks Nurmagomedov but is leaning, noting it's a wide open fight. He thinks Nurmagomedov can win rounds with single moments and kick Kakhramonov's legs. However, he acknowledges Kakhramonov's wrestling could be a problem and that Nurmagomedov's striking is pot-shotty.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 28 of 74 | 37% | 44 of 95 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:12 |
| Douglas Silva de Andrade | 0 | 42 of 97 | 43% | 77 of 150 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 10 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:31 |
| Douglas Silva de Andrade | 0 | 9 of 30 | 30% | 24 of 46 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 14 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Douglas Silva de Andrade | 0 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 24 of 46 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 7 of 20 | 35% | 20 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:21 |
| Douglas Silva de Andrade | 0 | 12 of 26 | 46% | 29 of 58 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 28 of 74 | 37% | 4 of 34 | 11 of 19 | 13 of 21 | 24 of 66 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 |
| Douglas Silva de Andrade | 42 of 97 | 43% | 21 of 69 | 12 of 18 | 9 of 10 | 39 of 89 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 8 of 22 | 36% | 0 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 10 | 7 of 20 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Douglas Silva de Andrade | 9 of 30 | 30% | 4 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Said Nurmagomedov | 13 of 32 | 40% | 3 of 16 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 8 | 12 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Douglas Silva de Andrade | 21 of 41 | 51% | 11 of 30 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 19 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Said Nurmagomedov | 7 of 20 | 35% | 1 of 9 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 |
| Douglas Silva de Andrade | 12 of 26 | 46% | 6 of 17 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 23 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Said Nurmagomedov, citing his cleaner and more versatile striking technique and solid defense. He notes Douglas Silva de Andrade has more power but a negative striking differential. He believes Nurmagomedov's pace and striking defense will allow him to outpoint Silva de Andrade, though he must avoid the power. He sees this as a striker vs striker matchup.
Big Brady picks Said Nurmagomedov, praising his flashy striking, defensive soundness, and youth. He notes that Nurmagomedov is hard to hit and has a well-rounded game with wrestling in his back pocket. He believes Silva de Andrade, despite his power and toughness, will struggle with Nurmagomedov's movement and volume. Brady predicts a decision win for Nurmagomedov, though he acknowledges a finish is possible.
Cody thinks Said's superior speed, footwork, and lateral movement will be key against the shorter, stockier de Andrade. He believes Said can stay at distance and chip away, and has multiple paths to victory including a finish. He acknowledges de Andrade's durability and toughness but sees Said as the safer play.
The host does not make a pick on the winner of this fight. He only bets on the under 2.5 rounds prop, which is his lock of the night play. He expects a finish regardless of who wins, likely from Nurmagomedov within the first two rounds. He does not pick a side on the moneyline.
Paul is torn on this fight. He loves de Andrade as a dog but thinks the price is too wide. He calls it a dogger pass situation, noting that de Andrade has shown heart and durability but Said is very skilled. He doesn't commit to a pick.
The Guru picks Said Nurmagomedov, noting his range and body kicks will trouble the shorter de Andrade. He predicts a submission (guillotine) in the second round, possibly after hurting de Andrade to the body. He mentions de Andrade's age (37) as a factor.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Cody Stamann | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Cody Stamann | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Stamann | 7 of 13 | 53% | 4 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Stamann | 7 of 13 | 53% | 4 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Cody Stamann, expecting his pace and takedowns to frustrate a ring-rusty Nurmagomedov. He compares it to Barcelos vs Nurmagomedov where Barcelos won a decision. He admits it's not a confident pick but likes Cody in that matchup.
Big Brady picks Said Nurmagomedov to win by decision, citing his striking advantage, volume, defense, and significant reach and height advantages. He notes that Stamann's path to victory is takedowns, but Stamann struggles to control opponents and Nurmagomedov has good takedown defense and scrambling. He expects the fight to stay on the feet where Nurmagomedov will outpoint Stamann.
Cody picks Cody Stamann as a live underdog, arguing that the line is off because people assume Nurmagomedov has grappling like other Nurmagomedovs, but Said is primarily a striker. He notes that Said has been taken down before (e.g., by Bibilatov) and that Stamann has good wrestling and game plans. Cody believes Stamann will use takedowns and top control to win a decision, and likes the plus money.
Daniel Levi leans toward Said Nurmagomedov but is not confident enough to lay the -200 price. He notes Nurmagomedov's explosive striking and six-inch reach advantage, but acknowledges Stamann's wrestling and ability to make fights close. Levi thinks Stamann can be competitive with anyone and that the fight could be a split decision. He ultimately gives a slight edge to Nurmagomedov due to his flashy striking and crowd-pleasing style.
The host believes the line is inflated due to the 'Russian tax' on Nurmagomedov. He argues that Stamann has the wrestling advantage and will be able to take Nurmagomedov down, especially in later rounds. He notes that Nurmagomedov prefers to strike from range, but Stamann can crash the pocket and use his wrestling. He expects Stamann to win a decision by out-grappling and out-working Nurmagomedov.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Stamann as a live dog. He notes that Said's wrestling hasn't been tested at UFC level and that Stamann is a bigger bantamweight who has fought tough competition. Paul believes Stamann's wrestling and game planning will expose Said's defensive weaknesses. He also mentions that Stamann has scored takedowns in his last four fights.
The MMA Guru picks Said Nurmagomedov, citing his youth, improvements, and recent first-round KO of Mark Striegl. He believes Nurmagomedov can stuff takedowns and outwork Stamann, predicting a second-round spinning back kick to the body TKO. He notes Stamann's recent losses and crying incident as signs of decline.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 18 of 24 | 75% | 18 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Mark Striegl | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 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 | Said Nurmagomedov | 0 | 18 of 24 | 75% | 18 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Mark Striegl | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Said Nurmagomedov | 18 of 24 | 75% | 17 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 13 |
| Mark Striegl | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Said Nurmagomedov | 18 of 24 | 75% | 17 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 13 |
| Mark Striegl | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Said Nurmagomedov because he is the better striker and has solid defensive grappling, never having been submitted. He believes Striegl's path to victory is a submission, but Nurmagomedov's takedown defense and ability to get back to his feet make him confident. He notes the line is wide but sees it as an okay parlay piece.
The MMA Guru picks Said Nurmagomedov because he has faced much higher level competition than Mark Striegl, who has a questionable record with many losses. He notes that Nurmagomedov's close fight with Hani Barcelos shows his skill, and that Striegl is older and past his prime. He expects a unanimous decision win.
Expert Picks (8)
Angelo picks Said Nurmagomedov as the better pure striker, noting his versatility and ability to find ways to win. He acknowledges that Martinez has wrestling and can take Said down, but believes Said's striking advantage and proven ability to snatch submissions make him the pick. He thinks the fight is closer than the -200 odds suggest.
Big Brady picks Jonathan Martinez as a pretty big dog, questioning why Nurmagomedov is such a heavy favorite. He notes Nurmagomedov has only completed two takedowns in the UFC and doesn't wrestle like his last name suggests. Brady likes Martinez's volume and kicks, expects a close fight, and predicts a split decision win for Martinez.
Cody also picks Martinez, echoing Paul's thoughts on the inflated line. He highlights Martinez's volume and kicking game, and doubts Nurmagomedov's ability to finish. He thinks Martinez can win a decision and likes the plus money.
Connor picks Martinez, citing his improved pressure and commitment to kicking. He notes that Martinez has worked on his retreats and angles, and that Nurmagomedov makes poor decisions with flashy techniques. Connor believes Martinez's meat-and-potatoes kickboxing will be effective, and that Nurmagomedov's tendency to retreat and spin will leave him open. He acknowledges it's a close fight but favors Martinez's discipline.
I like Martinez as the underdog here. His kick-heavy style and volume should keep Nurmagomedov at range. Nurmagomedov's low output and tendency to have close fights could be his downfall. However, I have a bad feeling that Nurmagomedov might catch Martinez with something. I think Martinez wins by decision, but I'm not fully confident.
Paul picks Martinez as an underdog, believing the line is inflated due to Nurmagomedov's name. He notes Martinez's diverse kicking game, volume, and recent win over Cub Swanson. He thinks Nurmagomedov's striking is overrated and that Martinez can outwork him over three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Said Nurmagomedov, trusting his grappling and tricky footwork. He notes that Martinez relies on kicks, and Nurmagomedov's movement will evade them. He believes Nurmagomedov has more options to win, including finishing potential, and will take a decision.
Zane picks Nurmagomedov, citing his speed and dynamic striking. He notes that both fighters have similar flaws but Nurmagomedov is faster and more confident. Zane believes that in a long-range kickboxing match, Nurmagomedov's athleticism and trickier attacks will give him the edge. He acknowledges Martinez's improvements but thinks Nurmagomedov's confidence and speed are decisive.
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