Career Averages - Nazim Sadykhov
Career Averages - Evan Elder
Nazim Sadykhov
Evan Elder
Nazim Sadykhov - Fight History
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sadykhov (-250); Camilo (+200)
Round 1
Long Island, New York’s favorite Azerbaijani, Sadykhov, faces off against Camilo in this lightweight feature, with Rich Mitchell set to officiate. Sadykhov comes out southpaw, Camilo orthodox, but Sadykhov is switching stances constantly in the opening exchanges. Sadykhov is coming forward, maneuvering Camilo around the cage, herding him with half-speed kicks, trying to walk him into the fence.
Camilo catches Sadykhov coming in with a brutal right hand that drops him in a heap. Sadykhov covers up as Camilo pounces and drops three or four big hammerfists onto his raised arm and glove, at which point Mitchell dives in for the rescue.
The Baku crowd erupts in boos and Sadykhov springs up to protest, but he had taken several flush shots while doing nothing but shell up. Debate will ensue, but it goes down as a TKO win for Camilo, who climbs the Octagon fence and lets out a jubilant roar that echoes in the suddenly hushed arena.
The Official Result
Matheus Camilo def. Nazim Sadykhov R1 1:31 via TKO (Punches)
AJ picks Sadykhov by knockout in round 3, believing Camilo's cardio is suspect and that Sadykhov's boxing power will prevail late. He notes Camilo may have early success with grappling but will fade. Sadykhov is fighting in Azerbaijan, adding motivation.
AJ picks Sadykhov by third-round knockout, citing his better boxing, power, and durability. He thinks Camilo's jiu-jitsu is a threat but that Sadykhov can defend and outwork him. AJ expects Camilo to fade and Sadykhov to light him up late.
AJ DeVito suggests Nazim Sadykhov is live for a later-stage knockout, possibly in round three. He thinks Camilo may wrestle early but Sadykhov's toughness and power will prevail. He mentions props for Sadykhov to win by KO over 1.5 rounds at +550 and win in round 3 at +1000.
AJ picks Sadykhov by late knockout, citing his hand speed and power advantage. He worries about Camilo's grappling but believes Sadykhov's dog mentality and home crowd will carry him. Expects Sadykhov to land combinations and finish a fatigued Camilo in the third round.
Angelo picks Nazim due to his technical striking and toughness, but is hesitant because Nazim has been dropped in almost every fight and is a slow starter. He notes that Nazim's chin is a major concern and that he cannot bet on him at -220 odds, though he will root for him.
Angelo includes Nazim Sadykhov in a parlay but admits he is not that confident in him, calling him his least confident leg. He suggests removing Nazim from the parlay.
Angelo picks Sadykhov as the better striker, but warns he is chinny and has been dropped in recent fights. He thinks Sadykhov should win but is not worth the -240 price. He expects Sadykhov to win a decision.
Big Brady picks Nazim Sadykhov to knock out Matheus Camilo in the second round. He notes Sadykhov has heart, cardio, and a never-quit attitude, while Camilo has poor cardio and has quit before. Sadykhov is hittable and has been dropped, but Brady expects him to push the pace and break Camilo in the second round, similar to his comeback win over Nicholas Motta.
Cody passes on this fight, seeing no edge. He thinks the moneyline is about right and doesn't want to lay -220 on Sadykhov. He notes slight edge to the under but overall passes.
Daniel Levi confidently picks Nazim Sadykhov to win by late finish, citing Matheus Camilo's history of quitting when pressured. He notes Camilo was tapped out by a 'weed dealer' and broke against the ghost of Slava Claus. Levi expects a rocky first round for Sadykhov but predicts he will take over in the second or third round and finish Camilo emphatically in his home country.
Jacob picks Camilo by submission at huge odds, noting that Sadykhov is vulnerable to grappling and has been outgrappled before. He thinks the submission prop at 11/1 is worth a shot, though he admits it's a value play rather than a strong conviction.
Lucrative James picks Sadykhov because of his proven comeback ability, durability, cardio, and power. He notes that Sadykhov often starts slow but takes over in later rounds, while Camilo tends to fade after starting well. He highlights Camilo's questionable cardio and quitting in the Gabe Green fight, and believes Sadykhov's pressure and will to win will be decisive. He predicts a round three knockout for Sadykhov.
The host is not big on either fighter but believes Sadykhov will wear down Camilo, thwart his grappling, and eventually find a big knockout in front of his home country.
Sadykhov is the better wrestler and has power, but his fights are volatile and he often wins on thin margins. Camilo prefers grappling but Sadykhov's defensive grappling should hold. Sadykhov will find big shots in round 2 or 3 for a knockout, but the line is too wide.
Paul picks Sadykhov but expects a close, contentious decision. He notes Sadykhov's history of struggling in fights and getting knocked down, but believes hometown advantage and judges favoring damage over control time will edge him past Camilo. He is worried about Camilo's wrestling and control time.
The Guru picks Sadykhov via KO, citing his superior footwork, defense, calf kicks, and counter punching. He believes Camilo is not experienced enough and will leave openings. He expects Sadykhov to land accurately and finish, possibly by knockout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 4 of 16 | 25% | 7 of 21 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Farès Ziam | 1 | 31 of 49 | 63% | 76 of 96 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 | 0 | 5:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 3 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Farès Ziam | 0 | 8 of 10 | 80% | 49 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 4:22 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 4 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Farès Ziam | 1 | 23 of 39 | 58% | 27 of 43 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 1:36 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 4 of 16 | 25% | 1 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Farès Ziam | 31 of 49 | 63% | 21 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 10 | 18 of 31 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Farès Ziam | 8 of 10 | 80% | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 4 of 15 | 26% | 1 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Farès Ziam | 23 of 39 | 58% | 18 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 6 | 16 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 9 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ziam (-135), Sadykhov (+114)
Round 1
Jason Herzog is the referee. Ziam follows a leg kick with a body kick, and Sadykhov ties him up and pushes his foe to the fence. Ziam reverses the position and lands some knees to the thighs. Ziam lifs his foe and briefly dumps him on the mat. The Frenchman continues to control the clinch, punching the body. Ziam lifts Sadykhov, pulls him away from the fence and taked him down. Ziam transitions nicely to an arm-triangle choke attempt before moving to the back as Sadykhov attempts to scramble to his feet. Ziam is on Sadykhov’s back, and he drags him down to a seated position. “Smile Killer” has his hooks in, and he switches to a body triangle as he peppers Sadykhov with short shots. Ziam is looking to create opening for a rear-naked choke, but Sadykhov is defending well. Ziam elbows the shoulder of his opponent while still attached to the back. Sadykhov continues to fight the hands of his opponent as time ticks down, and he’ll survive to see another five minutes.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ziam
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ziam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ziam
Round 2
Sadykhov looks to find punching range and Ziam backs him up with a high kick. The Frenchman lands some long punches, taking advantage of his reach. A jab from Ziam appears to briefly stun Sadykhov. Ziam moves in and lands a jab. A front kick makes Sadykhov stumble backwards momentarily. Ziam targets the lead leg of Sadykhov. Sadykhov is strugglling to find openings on the feet. Ziam lands a long right hand before changing levels against the fence. Sadykhov reverses the position and presses his foe into the fence. Ziam reverses and works for a high crotch takedown, punishing the leg of his opponent with a kick. Moments later, Ziam pulls Sadykhov off the fence and lands a takedown. The Frenchman is quickly working to take the back while hunting for a choke. Sadykhov scrambles but he can’t free himself from Ziam’s clutches. Sadykhov gets to a knee and then attempts to stand. But with time winding down in the frame,
Ziam creates some space and rocks Sadykhov with a pair of nasty elbows behind the ear. Sadykhov tumbles to the floor and covers up as Ziam unloads with unanswered ground-and-pound before the horn sounds.
Herzog has been taking a close look at the final salvo, and he elects to wave off the fight. It appears to be the right call because Sadykhov is on wobbly legs as he protests the stoppage. That's six straight victories for Ziam.
The Official Result
Fares Ziam def. Nazim Sadykhov via TKO (Elbows and Punches) R2 4:59
Angelo picks Nazim Sadykhov, acknowledging he has never correctly picked a Farès Ziam fight. He describes Ziam as a technical but boring fighter who sneaks out wins, while Sadykhov is a solid kickboxer with speed, power, and the ability to mix in wrestling. Angelo notes Sadykhov's comeback win over Nicholas Motta and believes his skills will overcome Ziam's style. He bet on Sadykhov at better odds earlier.
Big Brady picks Nazim Sadykhov as a dog, calling him a 'madman' with a dog in him. He acknowledges Ziam is more technical and has improved his grappling, but expects Sadykhov to push a pace and make it a dog fight. He predicts Sadykhov wins by decision.
Cody picks Ziam, noting his improved takedown defense and technical striking. He believes Ziam's length and Muay Thai will be effective against Sadykhov, who is prone to being outworked. He mentions that Ziam has shown durability and has never been knocked down. He thinks Ziam will win a decision.
Connor picks Farès Ziam, noting that Ziam has improved his striking and wrestling, becoming a more aggressive and dangerous fighter. He believes Ziam's well-rounded game and ability to control range will be too much for Sadykhov, who is a brute but has blank spaces in his game. Connor warns that Sadykhov is dangerous and can turn a fight around.
Daniel picks Ziam, citing his technical striking, reach advantage, and maturity. He expects Ziam to stay disciplined at range and outpoint Sadykhov, though he acknowledges Sadykhov's durability and power. He predicts a unanimous decision for Ziam.
Lucrative James finds this a tough fight to call. He notes that Nazim Sadykhov often gets outmaneuvered early but lands comeback finishes, while Ziam is more technical and durable. He thinks Ziam's fight IQ and ability to avoid big moments will allow him to win a decision. However, he is not confident and would not bet on either fighter at close odds.
The host believes Sadykhov's reliance on power will be exposed. He views Ziam as the superior technical striker who can handle Sadykhov's big shots and nullify his grappling, leading to a decision win.
Paul agrees, citing Ziam's reach advantage and technical striking. He notes that Sadykhov loses chunks of fights and relies on one big shot. He believes Ziam's durability and improved grappling will allow him to outpoint Sadykhov. He picks Ziam by decision.
The Guru picks Farès Ziam over Nazim Sadykhov, citing Ziam's reach advantage and slick striking. He notes Sadykhov's wins have asterisks and he struggled against lower-level opponents. The Guru predicts a clean 30-27 decision for Ziam.
Zane picks Farès Ziam, agreeing that Ziam's game is more coherent and that he has improved significantly. He notes that Sadykhov is a strange fighter who can make bad decisions but turn fights around with athleticism. Zane believes Ziam can stay ahead and control the fight, but must be careful throughout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 1 | 93 of 150 | 62% | 102 of 161 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:29 |
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 66 of 157 | 42% | 76 of 168 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 39 of 63 | 61% | 45 of 70 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:05 |
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 36 of 82 | 43% | 44 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 1 | 54 of 87 | 62% | 57 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 30 of 75 | 40% | 32 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 93 of 150 | 62% | 60 of 114 | 25 of 27 | 8 of 9 | 58 of 109 | 33 of 38 | 2 of 3 |
| Nikolas Motta | 66 of 157 | 42% | 46 of 136 | 16 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 54 of 135 | 12 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 39 of 63 | 61% | 21 of 43 | 12 of 13 | 6 of 7 | 25 of 46 | 14 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 36 of 82 | 43% | 23 of 68 | 9 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 28 of 72 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 54 of 87 | 62% | 39 of 71 | 13 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 33 of 63 | 19 of 21 | 2 of 3 |
| Nikolas Motta | 30 of 75 | 40% | 23 of 68 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 63 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sadykhov (-470), Motta (+360)
Round 1
In one of the wider betting lines on the billing, local finisher Sadykhov (10-1-1, 3-0-1 UFC) is a massive favorite upwards of -500 ahead of his match with “Iron” Motta (15-5, 1 NC; 3-2, 1 NC UFC). It is not to say there is a setup being planned, but it just so happens that Motta has lost all of his bouts by stoppage, and this pairing is on the ABC-based main card for a reason. Motta also hits like a 155-pound truck, and in this sport, there is no such thing as a sure thing. The two combatants touch gloves before the eyes of referee Lukasz Bosacki, and Sadykhov starts off with several low kicks. Motta comes back firing with punches up high, and Sadykhov parries them and pulls off a reverse crescent kick with his lead leg. Motta answers strong with a body kick and a few punches, and Sadykhov hops around to find a better way in. Sadykhov walks face-first into a left hand, and he allows Motta to kick him so he can blast him with a left hook. The crowd is going wild for their home country fighter, who surges forward with two hooks. Motta splits the guard with a few straight punches, and he eats a right hand and is able to block a head kick in time. Sadykhov chips at the front leg, and Motta rushes at him with a left to the body. Motta lets his hands go, catching Sadykhov with fiery fists, backing Sadykhov to the wall and hurting him badly. Motta unloads with everything he has, putting Sadykhov down thanks to his body shots. Sadykhov shells up against the wall, swaying and dodging but not doing anything else, Motta keeps bludgeoning him, until he suddenly stops and backs off, possibly low on steam. Sadykhov surges into action, booting Motta upside the head and chaining several mighty fists behind it. Sadykhov’s momentum and offense pushes Motta to the wall, and Bosacki warns him for grabbing the fence to keep him there. The two break, and Sadykhov lays into his foe with an elbow. Motta still has the energy to lace a flurry together, and Sadykhov gives him plenty to think about including a head kick at the end. Sadykhov backs Motta up and starts doing damage, only to get clipped on the way. Sadykhov kicks high, and Motta kicks him back harder. Sadykhov shoots in low for a double, and Motta stops him but has his back against the wall. Sadykhov leans on him, and both fighters take some time to catch their wind. Right before the bell, Sadykhov drives a knee to the gut and lets go with two elbows. Motta smiles at him.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Motta
Christian Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Motta
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Motta
Round 2
The fighters touch gloves, and Sadykhov is the initial aggressor but is pushed back thanks to a Motta right hand. Motta blocks a kick and responds with his own head kick, and the two both share single punches. Sadykhov lets loose with a spinning wheel kick that glances off the guard, but his straight left hand finds the market. Motta sticks his tongue out, but Sadykhov rails him in the face with a head-splitting combination. Blood streams down the Brazilian’s face, who nevertheless marches forward to strike. Sadykhov backs him off briefly with a combination, keeping his guard up to defend the head kick. Motta’s wound is leaking all over, and Sadykhov jabs him to the body with his foot. Sadykhov lands first, but Motta lands last and harder with an elbow that staggers the local. Sadykhov strings three punches together with a head kick at the end, and “Iron Motta” shows his durability as he remains in the slugfest. Sadykhov shrugs the worst of the blows off to give them back with a vengeance, and Motta attacks the body and rips punches around the guard. The two fight in a phone booth, slashing one another with elbows before Motta clinches up to take a moment. Sadykhov shoves him back and has his guard up to block punches, and then they let loose with a fierce exchange. Sadykhov further busts up Motta, but Motta will not go down and is hitting him back just as hard. They elbow one another, the crowd is exploding, and the fighters are giving it everything they have. Motta unloads with a series of uppercuts as Sadykhov comes towards him, and it is Sadykhov who leans on his opponent to catch his breath. Motta bleeds all over him, similarly glad to have the brief respite.
Sadykhov flips the switch, obliterating the current decision streak by letting loose with a hellacious flurry of body shots and punches up top. As “Black Wolf” delivers the payload of a destructive right hand square on the chin, Motta’s knees finally give way beneath him. Motta crumples to his seat, and Sadykhov demolishes him with a few more right hands until Bosacki waves things off.
The audience goes ballistic as the Azerbaijani secures the dramatic victory in a bloody battle that will reach year-end consideration for sure. The barn was burned, the slobber was knocked and the fists resulted in fireworks after nearly two rounds of terrific action. Both fighters should take a bow for that performance.
The Official Result
Nazim Sadykhov def. Nikolas Motta R2 4:17 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Nazim Sadykhov, praising his striking and footwork. He notes that Nazim is a very good striker and has looked fantastic since his only loss. He acknowledges that Nikolas Motta is a good fighter with fast hands and power, but thinks Nazim is the slightly better striker and can win by finish. He warns that Motta is dangerous and the fight could get weird.
Big Brady is a big fan of Sadykhov in this matchup, citing durability as the key factor. He notes Sadykhov has never been knocked out, while Motta has been finished in all five losses. Brady thinks Sadykhov is more well-rounded, has better cardio, and a good ground game. He predicts Sadykhov will knock out Motta, possibly in the second round, but wouldn't be surprised by a submission.
Connor picks Sadykhov, agreeing that Motta's tendency to jump in with combinations and lack of distance management will be exploited by Sadykhov's countering and physicality. He notes that Sadykhov is not shallow in any area and is a tough, durable fighter who can take a shot and keep coming. He believes Motta's confidence issues, as seen against Ogden, will resurface against a strong opponent like Sadykhov.
The host is surprised Sadykhov is such a big favorite. He acknowledges Sadykhov's knockout power but thinks Motta has rounded out his game enough to eat big shots and put together a better body of work. He expects Motta to touch up Sadykhov, mix in takedowns, and win on the scorecards, noting Motta is live as a +340 underdog.
The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, calling him 'really, really good'. He acknowledges Nikolas Motta's underrated skills and dangerous hooks but believes Sadykhov's defensive striking and pressure will prevail. He warns about Motta's lunging hooks but expects Sadykhov to adjust and finish late second or third round via TKO.
Zane picks Sadykhov, noting that Motta's recklessness and chin-first approach will play into Sadykhov's power and physicality. He points out that Motta has been broken by lesser fighters like Trey Ogden, and that Sadykhov is a brute who is physical in all areas and has proven durability against Bonfim. He believes Sadykhov will survive Motta's early aggression and catch him with a fight-ending shot.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ismael Bonfim | 0 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 26 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 14 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ismael Bonfim | 0 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 26 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 14 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ismael Bonfim | 26 of 42 | 61% | 14 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 24 of 39 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Nazim Sadykhov | 13 of 46 | 28% | 9 of 35 | 2 of 7 | 2 of 4 | 12 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ismael Bonfim | 26 of 42 | 61% | 14 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 24 of 39 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Nazim Sadykhov | 13 of 46 | 28% | 9 of 35 | 2 of 7 | 2 of 4 | 12 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bonfim (-198), Sadykhov (+164)
Round 1
Hoping to making tonight a winning night for the family, the elder yet lighter Bonfim (20-4, 2-1 UFC) hits the cage. In a class battle of Brazil vs. Azerbaijan, “Marreta” squares off with Sadykhov (9-1-1, 2-0-1 UFC) in what could be a fascinating 155-pound affair. The styles presented by both men could result in some mighty, thrilling clashes before the dust settles, and referee Mark Smith has the best seat in the house. Doing his duties, Smith clocks the fighters in who are already mid-fist bump. They switch stances while looking for range, and Bonfim strikes first with a few punches and a low kick. Sadykhov has a head kick pound into the guard, and he kicks a few times and spins with a failed back fist. Bonfim loops a right hand around the raised block, and he lets Sadykhov wind up so he can blast him with a right hand and let Sadykhov go whizzing past him. Bonfim just misses with a speedy one-two, and he has a second impact off the shoulder. A third gets through, forcing Sadykhov to swing hard at him. Bonfim gets away with an eye poke, and Sadykhov whips a hook kick at him. Bonfim raps two right hands on the side of the melon, and Sadykhov takes them cleanly without overly seeming concerned. Bonfim lunges to connect with two punches, dancing away from a head kick. Bonfim’s one-two is money in the bank as he keeps drilling “Black Wolf” with it, and Sadykhov is tough but under serious fire. Sadykhov swing back with a vengeance, but his hurled strikes are largely coming up short. Bonfim surges forward with punches, bouncing Sadykhov off the wall and back. When Bonfim wraps a kick under the guard, he is able to slide away before Sadykhov can wind up with his own left hand response. Two kicks from Sadykhov are blocked, and a third hits Bonfim right in the eye and messes him up. Bonfim escapes, and Sadykhov rushes after him hitting him with hammers. A few big left hands from Sadykhov bust a cut open under his right eye, and Sadykhov uses the clinch to hang on to the bell.
Between rounds, Bonfim is appearing severely compromised from the head kick. Smith brings in the doctor after letting the corner and cutman do their business. Bonfim claims that he cannot see, and that is all a physician needs to hear to suggest a fight getting called off.
Bonfim is upset, as he says that he both can and can't see, with the ringside doctor saying it can't be both ways. Any complaints no longer matter, as Smith waves the fight off due to the advice of the physician.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sadykhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sadykhov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sadykhov
The Official Result
Nazim Sadykhov def. Ismael Bonfim R1 5:00 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)
Angelo picks Ismael Bonfim over Nazim Sadykhov, noting that while Sadykhov is talented, his wins have caveats (e.g., Evan Elder was beating him before a cut, Terrence McKinney was beating him before gassing). He believes Bonfim will stay busy with striking and may mix in takedowns, and that Bonfim won't gas or get cut like Sadykhov's previous opponents.
Big Brady picks Bonfim by decision, noting he is the better striker with good boxing and defensive responsibility. Sadykhov has volume issues and was outlanded by Evan Elder. Bonfim has takedown defense to keep it standing and a good chin. Sadykhov may land a big shot but Bonfim has never been knocked out.
Connor picks Ismael Bonfim, agreeing with Zane that Bonfim is more technical. He notes that Sadykhov is a brute with a shallow game who breaks down when out-techniqued. Connor highlights Bonfim's arrogance as a potential weakness but believes Sadykhov's lack of horsepower means Bonfim can successfully pressure and break him. He also notes that Sadykhov will give up the initiative if pressured, unlike Santini, which favors Bonfim.
Lucrative James picks Ismael Bonfim to win by decision, but admits he does not have a strong read on this fight and needs to do more tape study. He sees Bonfim as the more technical striker with better leg kicks and a well-rounded game, while Sadykhov is a brawler with power and durability. He thinks Bonfim's experience and technicality will allow him to outpoint Sadykhov over three rounds, but acknowledges Sadykhov could land a big shot or win a war. He is not confident enough to recommend a bet.
Bonfim has the experience advantage and more to bring to the table. As long as Sadykhov doesn't land a big power shot, Bonfim dictates pace and pressure and wins on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Ismael Bonfim over Nazim Sadykhov, noting Bonfim's slickness and more options. He criticizes Sadykhov for letting fights get scrappy and lacking ability to force things. He believes Bonfim's time off has allowed improvement and he will deliver, though he jokes about Bonfim's reaction to his brother's potential loss.
Zane picks Ismael Bonfim, citing Bonfim's superior technical skills in striking, wrestling, and grappling compared to Sadykhov. He notes that Sadykhov's game breaks down when faced with better technique, as he only wants to fight one way. Zane acknowledges Bonfim's tendency to make arrogant decisions and give up positions, but believes Sadykhov lacks the horsepower to capitalize like Santini did. He also points out that Sadykhov is more of an opportunist on the ground, not a constrictor, reducing the risk of Bonfim getting caught.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 1 | 91 of 207 | 43% | 109 of 228 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 |
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 0 | 143 of 241 | 59% | 144 of 242 | 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 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 23 of 68 | 33% | 23 of 68 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 0 | 58 of 79 | 73% | 58 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 1 | 39 of 77 | 50% | 51 of 91 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 0 | 29 of 60 | 48% | 30 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 3 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 29 of 62 | 46% | 35 of 69 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 1:24 |
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 0 | 56 of 102 | 54% | 56 of 102 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 91 of 207 | 43% | 65 of 172 | 19 of 26 | 7 of 9 | 66 of 175 | 5 of 8 | 20 of 24 |
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 143 of 241 | 59% | 87 of 178 | 30 of 34 | 26 of 29 | 141 of 239 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 23 of 68 | 33% | 12 of 52 | 8 of 11 | 3 of 5 | 22 of 67 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 58 of 79 | 73% | 27 of 46 | 14 of 15 | 17 of 18 | 58 of 79 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 39 of 77 | 50% | 35 of 72 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 53 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 22 |
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 29 of 60 | 48% | 16 of 46 | 7 of 7 | 6 of 7 | 27 of 58 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nazim Sadykhov | 29 of 62 | 46% | 18 of 48 | 8 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 55 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 56 of 102 | 54% | 44 of 86 | 9 of 12 | 3 of 4 | 56 of 102 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sadykhov (-135), Borshchev (+114)
Round 1
Two strikers from Asia that relocated to America to train with prominent MMA gyms will do battle in this next lightweight affair. Winner of nine straight since dropping his pro debut, Azerbaijan-born Longo/Weidman MMA product Sadykhov (9-1, 2-0 UFC) will step into the Octagon to throw hands with Russia’s Borshchev (7-3, 2-2 UFC) out of the Team Alpha Male Stable. Bragging rights for the camps and a step up the pecking order will be in store for the winner, and before that happens, the lightweights clap hands. Referee Keith Peterson dons his proverbial hard hat and boots nonsense to the curb as these two flamethrowers with 89% and 86% stoppage rates, respectively, are about to go at it. Sadykhov strikes first with a low kick, and Borshchev responds with a side kick to the lead leg as well. The two trade kicks to the same targets, and Sadykhov gets off a jab to the body and has a head kick glance off the guard. “Slava” steps back and goes low with a kick, before going high with his shin. Sadykhov guards them both and knees the body, and he considers a level change but lets it go. A powerful kick from the Team Alpha Male forces Sadykhov to spin all the way around to recover, and when he resets, he lines up a right hand down Broadway. Sadykhov takes a few more thudding leg kicks, and Borshchev strings together punches up high and trips Sadykhov up with a kick on the way out. Sadykhov gathers himself and keeps his guard high to block the oncoming fire, and he checks a kick and backs Borshchev off before shooting in on the hips. Borshchev shuts it down and blasts Sadykhov to the body with a right hand, and Sadykhov retaliates with counters. Borshchev hammers the leg with a kick and strings four punches together to immediately follow it, and then retreats to sneak an inside leg kick in after. Sadykhov comes up short with a one-two, and he pops Borshchev with a leg and eats a right hand. Sadykhov continues barreling forward, letting loose with fists and a body kick. Borshchev reels and kicks the leg to spin Sadykhov around again, and he jackhammers the front leg to make Sadykhov stumble. A powerful left hand from Sadykhov rattles “Slava,” forcing the Russian-born fighter to backpedal. Sadykhov marches him down, but Borshchev has recovered in time and is ready to throw hands. Borshchev lambastes Sadykhov with another vicious kick, and Sadykhov tries to spin through it with a back fist. Borshchev blocks and connects with a right hand, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev
Round 2
The fighters clap hands again to lead off the round, and Sadykhov advances to load up on four punches, then goes after a high kick at the conclusion of a combination. Borshchev counters and drills Sadykhov’s lead wheel with a kick, and Sadykhov raises it gingerly and hops around before changing stances. Borshchev strides forward, brimming with confidence, and he puts seven or eight punches on his opponent before spinning Sadykhov all the way around with a devastating leg kick. Sadykhov absorbs two punches flush on the chin and is ready to lash out, only for Borshchev to duck and spin with a back fist that smacks him upside the noggin. Sadykhov shakes it off and walks through a calf kick to pat out jabs, and he ducks under a looping left hand. Sadykhov fakes with a kick and rifles two punches up top, and Borshchev retaliates immediately with a body kick. Sadykhov unloads with a left hand, and Borshchev is rocked badly. Sadykhov releases a high kick that knocks Borshchev to his seat, and he leaps on top to strike. Borshchev gathers his thoughts while on his back, but Sadykhov is not about to let him off the hook as he slashes down with an elbow that splits Borshchev’s head wide open. Borshchev looks to scramble, and he manages to get back to his feet out of sheer force of will. Sadykhov cracks his foe with a few punches, and a big one-two knocks Borshchev back. Sadykhov times his strikes to attempt a takedown, and he puts “Slava” on his back. Borshchev defends and even trips Sadykhov, but Sadykhov steps over to claim full mount, all while blood pours in Borshchev’s eyes. Sadykhov gets dragged to half guard and considers an arm-triangle choke, and he drops down a few elbows. Borshchev turns to his stomach and powers his way back up, and he lands once but gets knocked back. Sadykhov hurts him again, and he tanks an elbow on the chin right at the bell to make him raise his arms in the air in celebration.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Sadykhov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Sadykhov
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Sadykhov
Round 3
After a little examination, Borshchev is cleared to continue, and he is grinning as he is ready to start off the last round. Sadykhov races towards him throwing punches, and he slips a strike and marks the body. Borshchev kicks the leg to spin Sadykhov around, and Sadykhov tackles him down courtesy of a single. Borshchev bucks and twists to try to kick Sadykhov off of him, and Sadykhov frustrates him with a few strikes but cannot keep him there. Borshchev turns over and pops back to his feet, where he is ready to throw hands. Borshchev works the body, and Sadykhov responds with a knee that splits the guard. They trade right hands at the same time, and Borshchev slams his fist into Sadykhov’s midsection and measures a high kick that is barely blocked. Borshchev continues investing in body work, and he lines up a few punches that ring Sadykhov’s bell. Sadykhov tries to recover and takes a left to the body and a right to the head. Borshchev leans back to dodge a strike and snipes Sadykhov with a right hand, and he strings four and then two punches together in rapid succession before kicking out Sadykhov’s leg. Borshchev rips the body and goes up top, and he completely ignores a head kick. Borshchev kicks him back with a heavier blow, leading Sadykhov to crash the pocket and take him to the mat. Borshchev uses his legs and an active butterfly guard to keep Sadykhov from advancing, and Sadykhov jumps over to take a dominant position but only holds it for a second before Borshchev is flipped over and turned to his knees. Borshchev climbs back up and works the body, and a knee bounces off his head that makes Sadykhov tumble to the mat. Borshchev kicks the leg and trades punches, and he evades a head kick and counters with a left hook. Borshchev connects with a partial Superman punch, and he boxes Sadykhov up with punches in bunches. Sadykhov is relegated to single strikes, and he rushes forward to take Borshchev down. Borshchev stands with a second to go, and he blocks a high knee to conclude the fight. Depending on how judges scored the second round, this blood-and-guts thriller could end up as a draw.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev (28-28)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev (28-28)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev (28-28)
The Official Result
Viacheslav Borshchev vs. Nazim Sadykhov is Scored a Majority Draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
Angelo picks Borshchev, trusting his striking pressure and ability to defend takedowns. He notes Sadykhov is not a grappler and will likely strike, which favors Borshchev. He acknowledges Sadykhov could win a decision but leans on Borshchev's power and volume.
Big Brady picks Viacheslav Borshchev to win by first-round knockout. He praises Borshchev's incredible striking and notes that opponents constantly try to take him down because they want nothing to do with his striking. He worries that Sadykhov doesn't wrestle enough to exploit Borshchev's poor takedown defense, and that Sadykhov was outstruck by Evan Elder. Brady expects a striking battle and favors Borshchev's power.
Cody leans Borshchev, expecting a striking match where Borshchev's volume and durability give him an edge. He notes Sadykhov hasn't shown wrestling in the UFC, and Borshchev's takedown defense and ability to get up are solid. He's not confident but sees value.
Borshchev is more tested against better competition and his defensive grappling is improving. He should be able to keep the fight in the striking realm where he has a decided advantage. Expects Borshchev to batter Sadykhov and eventually finish him by knockout in the second or third round. Surprised to see Borshchev as the underdog and happy to take a shot on him.
Paul picks Borshchev, citing Sadykhov's lack of wrestling and questionable takedown defense. He thinks Borshchev's striking and cardio will be too much, and that Sadykhov hasn't shown enough to warrant being a favorite. He calls Borshchev a dog play.
The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, highlighting his grappling as the X-factor. He notes that Sadykhov showed composure against Terrance McKinney's early danger and that his team knows when to use takedowns. He predicts a late second-round submission, as Borshchev is a great striker but has takedown defense issues.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 20 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:55 |
| Terrance McKinney | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 21 of 34 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 4:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 16 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:20 |
| Terrance McKinney | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 20 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:12 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:35 |
| Terrance McKinney | 0 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 8 of 15 | 53% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Terrance McKinney | 6 of 14 | 42% | 3 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 5 of 8 | 62% | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Terrance McKinney | 5 of 8 | 62% | 2 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Terrance McKinney | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sadykhov (-150), McKinney (+130)
Round 1
The UFC chose wisely when it matched up this lightweight main card opener. Ferocious attacker McKinney (13-5; 3-2 UFC) will trade leather and more with Sadykhov (8-1, 1-0 UFC), and combined they hold 20 finishes across their 21 wins. The judges may not be required, but it is an almost certainty that referee Keith Peterson will be called on before it is all said and done. Before the nonsense-free violence ensues, the two clap hands. McKinney darts forward with a jab outstretched, and he counters a leg kick with a left hand. McKinney drops down suddenly in pursuit of a takedown, but the fighter from Azerbaijan shuts him down and gets shoved to the wall. McKinney doggedly pursues the body lock and trip, and he dumps Sadykhov down to his seat. McKinney quickly circles around to take the back, and he locks up the body triangle around the waist as he hunts for a choke. Sadykhov hand-fights well to break up an attempt, so McKinney slams his elbow in to the side of the head to soften him up. Sadykhov keeps his arms up high above his head to prevent any submission from getting close, and the two hand-fight as McKinney looks for a better grip. McKinney smacks the side, and Sadykhov effectively protects himself from anything worse. McKinney alternates one arm or the other to sneak in a rear-naked choke, but Sadykhov is wise to each and every move even though he is getting his midsection crushed with the body lock. McKinney thumps the temple and then side with his left hand, and Sadykhov wall-walks in hopes of breaking up the posture or getting some space. McKinney fishes his right arm around the head to try to secure something, and when he does, Sadykhov turns to his side and breaks up the body lock. Sadykhov spins rapidly to take top position, and he stands himself up. McKinney dives after him for a takedown, but when that fails, they both get back up. Sadykhov charges at his opponent, and McKinney eats two left hands and clinches up. The round ends in this position, with many likely surprised it reached the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McKinney
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 McKinney
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 McKinney
Round 2
Sadykhov races out of his corner to start the second round, backing McKinney right up to the wall. They both sling right hooks, and McKinney hops to the side as he avoids a knee. Sadykhov unloads with a few punches, and McKinney shoots in for a takedown. Sadykhov grabs the fence multiple times to stop it, and Peterson slaps his hand on two separate occasions. This allows Sadykhov to climb on top, and McKinney rolls over to his belly.
McKinney has his left arm trapped in the exchange, and he gets flattened out by the man from Azerbaijan. The rear-naked choke is sunk in with ease, as McKinney is unable to defend it with just one arm in play. After just a second or two, McKinney taps out, and Sadykhov has completely turned the tables after handily dropping the first round.
The victorious Serra-Longo product notches just his second submission as a pro, and he declares that the “world is a boomerang” in his post-fight interview, having avenged the past loss for teammate Matt Frevola.
The Official Result
Nazim Sadykhov def. Terrance McKinney R2 1:07 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo gives a slight lean to Terrance McKinney, calling it a 50.5 to 49.5 pick in his favor. He thinks McKinney is the better fighter overall, with solid striking and wrestling credentials, but his chin is questionable. He is swayed by a conversation with McKinney's coach about improved training partners. However, he hesitates because McKinney was recently knocked out and Sadykhov carries power late. He would only bet if the line moves to make McKinney a bigger underdog.
Big Brady picks Terrance McKinney, expecting him to revert to his aggressive style and finish Sadykhov early. He notes Sadykhov is a slow starter who has been hurt early in fights, which plays into McKinney's strengths. However, he warns that if McKinney doesn't finish in the first few minutes, his poor cardio will be a problem. He calls it a great live betting spot if Sadykhov survives the first round.
Cody picks McKinney at plus money, citing his explosiveness, power, and wrestling advantage. He thinks McKinney will go back to his aggressive style after pacing himself poorly against Bomfim. He notes Sadykhov's takedown defense issues and that McKinney has speed and power advantages. He acknowledges McKinney's cardio is a concern but thinks he can finish early.
The host highlights McKinney's 17 of 18 fights finishing under 1.5 rounds and 15 first-round finishes. He thinks Sadykhov is hittable and lacks durability, and McKinney's explosivity and power will be too much. He picks McKinney to win in round one, either by KO or submission.
Paul picks Sadykhov, citing his ability to fight 15 full minutes and survive early pressure. He notes McKinney's cardio fades after 5-6 minutes and that Sadykhov can take damage and come back. He mentions Sadykhov's cut stoppage win over Elder was competitive, not one-sided. He thinks a live bet on Sadykhov after the first round is a good strategy.
The MMA Guru picks Terrance McKinney over Nazim Sadykhov, citing McKinney's KO power and ability to catch opponents, as seen against Matt Frevola. He worries about McKinney's KO loss but notes his youth and six-month layoff. He sees Sadykhov as a forward-momentum scrapper who could run into a big shot, predicting a McKinney KO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 64 of 132 | 48% | 71 of 141 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Evan Elder | 1 | 70 of 142 | 49% | 84 of 158 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 28 of 74 | 37% | 28 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Evan Elder | 1 | 35 of 78 | 44% | 36 of 79 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 29 of 45 | 64% | 36 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 32 of 53 | 60% | 45 of 68 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 | |
| 3 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 3 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 64 of 132 | 48% | 38 of 103 | 19 of 20 | 7 of 9 | 54 of 118 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 70 of 142 | 49% | 25 of 87 | 36 of 46 | 9 of 9 | 60 of 129 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 28 of 74 | 37% | 15 of 58 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 7 | 26 of 68 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 35 of 78 | 44% | 16 of 55 | 15 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 75 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 29 of 45 | 64% | 20 of 36 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 39 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 32 of 53 | 60% | 8 of 25 | 20 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 44 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nazim Sadykhov | 7 of 13 | 53% | 3 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 3 of 11 | 27% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sadykhov (-170), Elder (+145)
Round 1
The two lightweights about to take the stage share a fair amount of similarities. Well-schooled Americans with equal records and fairly close knockout and finish rates toe the line as Longo and Weidman product Sadykhov (7-1, 0-0 UFC) squares off with Nick Diaz Academy pupil Elder (7-1, 0-1 UFC). Something’s got to give in this matchup, and referee Mark Smith will know first what that could be. The youthful athletes with plenty to prove touch ‘em up and come out frenetically. Sadykhov slaps a kick low on the calf to introduce himself, and Elder responds with a booming kick to the ribs. They trade body kicks, and Elder goes up high with the instep of his foot to just get blocked. He backs off and reaches with a straight right hand, and Sadykhov walks him down and scores a few punches and a kick. Elder backs him off with his own kicking arsenal, with a front kick to the solar plexus driving Sadykhov back momentarily. Elder swings hard, and Sadykhov catches him with a right hand and drops Elder to his knees. Elder springs back up and a high kick zooms across his dome, and he escapes no worse for wear. Sadykhov gives chase and has his lead leg kicked, but this does not slow him down into a combination of punches to the face. Sadykhov eats a clean kick to the body so that he can bully Elder around, ignoring the kicks and throwing heavy punches in response. Elder shoots in suddenly for a takedown, and the maneuver is stuffed in a hurry. As Sadykhov pops back up, Elder drills him with a right hand that sends Sadykhov flying to the mat. Somehow, Sadykhov springs right back up, with blood streaming from his mouth, and he begins to strike back. The two swing on one another with bad intentions, and both land flush with Elder taking the worse of it as he escapes. Elder plants a left hand on the temple, and he dips away with an elbow to the sternum as he escapes the counters. Sadykhov kicks low and high in rapid succession, and he continues to walk Elder down. Elder sticks him with a left hand, and he rips a kick to the other side. Sadykhov meets him with a left on the chin, and Elder slips away and lands one of his own. Sadykhov knees his man in the chin, and Elder backs off and chains a few punches together. As he pushes off, his finger swipes into Sadykhov’s right eye, and Smith calls time. Sadykhov needs less than 30 seconds to recover before getting right back to business, and he stalks Elder down like a Terminator. Sadykhov scores, Elder fires back, and the two throw down right to the bell to end a terrific round that may be a real handful to score.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 2
The lightweights rush out of their corners, eager to pick up right where they left off. They re-engage with punches and kicks in rapid succession, with targets to the head and body indiscriminate. Elder loads up on a hefty right hand that knocks Sadykhov back, and Sadykhov eats it like a plate of plov and wades back in the fire to throw haymakers. Elder punches into a takedown, and he successfully trips the fighter from Azerbaijan down to the mat to land in his foe’s guard. Sadykhov scrambles and scoots his way back to the wall, and he posts off his right arm to fight his way back up despite getting kneed in the ribs on the way. Elder squeezes his man on the wire, slowing the fight down and softening the ribs up with knees. Sadykhov explodes out of the clinch and throws back, and the two move together and clack heads to open a cut on corner of his eye. Sadykhov paws at it and gets shoved back, but the two are far from done throwing caution to the wind. Elder strings a few punches together to stun Sadykhov, and Sadykhov swings back and tackles Elder to the mat. Elder climbs back to the wire and stands up, with Sadykhov landing a single left hand before disengaging. Elder walks him down, and the two trade knees and uppercuts on the inside. Sadykhov boots Elder upside the head with his shin, and Elder absorbs it without batting an eye before pushing Sadykhov back to the fencing. Elder scores a few knees before the horn blares, and once the round was ultra-close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 3
There is a final clap of hands to start off the last round, but it is contentious and they go right to hand-fighting before pulling their extended limbs back. They immediately trade leather, and they go all-out throwing punches and kicks in an early exchange. Sadykhov whips a kick up high, and they get up close and knee one another. During the firefight, a Sadykhov knee slams into Elder’s eyebrow and splits it open from one end to the other. Before Smith can see the wound, Sadykhov strikes a few more times, and Smith pauses the fight and calls in the doctor. As soon as the medical professional observes the gash, he tells Smith that it is way too severe to keep going, and the fight is waved off. Elder protests the ruling, but the damage has been done and he can live to fight another day. What a fight for as long as it lasts, and in a few years, it might be worthwhile to see these up-and-comers share the cage again.
The Official Result
Nazim Sadykhov def. Evan Elder R3 0:38 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)
Angelo likes Evan Elder's well-rounded skills, loose striking, heavy kicks, and composure on the ground. He notes Elder's short-notice loss at welterweight should be discounted as he's a natural lightweight. Angelo is concerned about Sadykhov's tendency to throw unnecessary spinning attacks, which led to his only loss. He wishes he got Elder at +220 and notes the line is tightening, recommending to bet now.
Big Brady is impressed with Sadykhov's striking and ability to battle through adversity, noting he fights out of bad positions. He thinks Elder's takedown defense is poor based on his debut, and Sadykhov has wrestling of his own. He predicts a decision win, as Elder is tough and has a chin.
Cody picks Sadykhov, noting he has more firepower, hits harder, and has 15-minute cardio. He says Sadykhov trains at a good gym with Aljamain Sterling and others. He acknowledges Evan Elder is better than his UFC debut showed (short notice, up a weight class) but notes Elder gets hit a lot and is defensively poor. He thinks Sadykhov will have forward pressure and either catch him with something or mix in takedowns for a decision win. He says the line is repetitive on this card and he doesn't love it.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Sadykhov is a much better puncher and counter puncher than anyone Elder has faced. He notes Elder's vulnerability when stepping in without landing, and that Sadykhov can pressure through Elder's kicks and remain balanced to throw. Connor also points out that Elder's striking is entirely dependent on scaring opponents with kicks, but his punching form is wild and leaves him out of position. He concludes that Sadykhov is a reliable pick to win.
Jacob is high on Evan Elder, calling him an absolute dog after his short-notice performance. He believes Elder is the better technical striker and has shown he can work through adversity. Jacob thinks Sadykhov will look good early but slow down, and Elder's pressure and wrestling will take over. He compares it to the Blake Bilder fight from last week where the odds tightened similarly.
Elder is the better striker with more power and forward pressure, and his training at Kill Cliff FC should improve his cardio and takedown defense. Sadykhov's level of competition is weak, and his takedowns may not work against Elder's strength. Expect Elder to land a knockout in the second round.
Paul picks Sadykhov but is not willing to lay -200. He thought Sadykhov showed flashy striking on Contender Series and has promise, but he's not confident enough to parlay him. He notes there was steam on Elder earlier in the week but the line has corrected. He says Sadykhov is someone to keep an eye on but not someone to lay heavy chalk on in his UFC debut.
The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, highlighting his training at Longo and Weidman's gym and his impressive win on the Contender Series against a 9-1 opponent. He contrasts that with Evan Elder's less dominant wins, including a third-round TKO of a 9-16 short-notice opponent. He believes Sadykhov has more talent and skill, predicting a TKO in the later rounds.
Zane sees Sadykhov as a solid, raw prospect with good fundamental power punching and well-roundedness, including top position grappling. He notes Sadykhov's ability to scramble and his innovative striking, like the spinning back kick. Zane contrasts this with Elder, who he describes as a formless regional fighter dependent on heavy kicks to keep opponents at bay, with poor punching form and wrestling defense. He believes Sadykhov's camp (Serra-Longo) instills good technique, and that Sadykhov will be able to push through Elder's kicks and find success in the pocket.
Evan Elder - Fight History
Angelo picks Evan Elder, noting that Ahmad Hassanzada is too hittable despite his length and speed. Elder is a well-rounded fighter with heavy kicks and solid punching combinations. The odds have moved from -300 to -415, reflecting confidence in Elder.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 0 | 115 of 210 | 54% | 115 of 210 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Gauge Young | 0 | 81 of 183 | 44% | 81 of 183 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 0 | 35 of 57 | 61% | 35 of 57 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Gauge Young | 0 | 21 of 37 | 56% | 21 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 0 | 40 of 76 | 52% | 40 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gauge Young | 0 | 24 of 69 | 34% | 24 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Evan Elder | 0 | 40 of 77 | 51% | 40 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gauge Young | 0 | 36 of 77 | 46% | 36 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 115 of 210 | 54% | 47 of 127 | 45 of 57 | 23 of 26 | 115 of 210 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gauge Young | 81 of 183 | 44% | 33 of 107 | 33 of 56 | 15 of 20 | 81 of 183 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 35 of 57 | 61% | 13 of 31 | 14 of 18 | 8 of 8 | 35 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gauge Young | 21 of 37 | 56% | 6 of 15 | 9 of 15 | 6 of 7 | 21 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 40 of 76 | 52% | 14 of 45 | 19 of 22 | 7 of 9 | 40 of 76 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gauge Young | 24 of 69 | 34% | 12 of 45 | 8 of 20 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Evan Elder | 40 of 77 | 51% | 20 of 51 | 12 of 17 | 8 of 9 | 40 of 77 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gauge Young | 36 of 77 | 46% | 15 of 47 | 16 of 21 | 5 of 9 | 36 of 77 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Elder (-258), Young (+210)
Round 1
A pair of Missouri-based lightweights will share the Octagon with local bragging lights on the line. Elder (9-2, 2-2 UFC) will try to hold the line against newcomer Young (9-2, 0-0 UFC), and the 9-2 records of the two fighters will change in the next 15 minutes or less. It is Elder who is the elder, while Young is the younger of the two in this pairing. Drawing the assignment for this preliminary tilt will be referee Nick Berens, who is well-prepared if this one goes to the judges. The fighters and former teammates tap gloves first, and then get down to business. Young takes the center of the cage, and Elder uses his space to land strikes on the outside. When Young responds with a body kick, Elder clips him with an overhand right. Young staggers back, and Elder gives chase and tosses out a head kick before pursuing a takedown. Young stops the takedown by lifting Elder and hurling him to the side like a dad wrestling with his kid, and he backs Elder up and punches him in the face. Young stays busy with single strikes, potshotting the relative veteran with blows to all targets. Berens tells the fighters to keep their hands closed, and Young does not listen and pokes Elder in the eye when Elder was swinging for a right hand. During the 30-second break, Young is harshly warned for his infraction, and Elder responds, “it happens.” Elder fires off three body kicks one after the other, and his kick is the weapon that keeps Young away from him. Elder goes to the body with a kick, and Young grunts and has to quickly stuff a takedown entry. They trade punches, and Elder’s guard is up to block a high kick that follows. Elder hammers the side and lead leg with constant kicks, and he hears his corner calling for a hook kick and answers them with a spinning hook kick that slams Young in the side of the dome. Young tries to throw back, but he is out of range and is caught with another spin kick. Young is warned for outstretched fingers once more, and Elder further inflicts damage with his kicking arsenal. Elder fakes two takedowns, and then blasts the body with three kicks and aims a low kick right before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 2
Elder runs out of his corner to touch gloves, and Young stands firm in front of him and makes Elder back away. This does not prove to be a problem for Elder, who kicks and kicks and kicks. Young reaches him with an overhand right, and he clips Elder with a second. Elder shakes his head and recommits to kicking aplenty, with his body kick arguably his most effective weapon. He pushes Young away when Young advances, and Young jabs his way back towards him. Elder’s body kick finds its home again, and he pounds the front leg with his shin. Elder dips a jab to come over the top with a right hand, and he drills the side with a vicious kick. Young prods his jabs forward, but it is Elder who is the one swinging with bad intentions. Elder gets off a left hand and strafes to the side to not stay in front of jabs. Elder shoots for a takedown from a distance, and Young’s sprawl puts Elder on his back. Elder keeps moving, and he slithers back to his feet and blocks a kick aimed his way. Young’s overhand right is answered by a body kick, and he is turned around with a painful leg kick. Elder sits down on a trio of punches, with the exclamation point a body kick. Young flirts with a high kick that is way out of range, and he backs Elder to the fence but cannot capitalize on the position. Young walks his foe down but is missing with most of his strikes, while Elder is putting him through a slow-motion wood chipper with his kicks. Elder goes to the body and opens up with a right hand over the top, and Young responds with a stomp kick to the knee. Elder deposits a hearty low kick on the lead leg, and a body kick from his other limb concludes the second stanza.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 3
The two Missourians hug it out to start off the final round, and they proceed to lovingly punch one another square in the face. Young steps back first, and he is chased with a jump knee that misses that mark. When Elder lands, he goes to the body on either side with his shins. Young offers a few awkward low kicks, and Elder ignores them and fires off a straight right hand down the pipe. Elder fakes a takedown to come up high, and Young chases after him but is not able to catch him. Elder flings a pair of high kicks that work the guard, and his low kick and body shot get Young’s attention. Young is tough, and he shows welting and redness everywhere but is not flinching much. Elder dips and lands a right hand, and when he dips a second time, Young picks up on it and tags him with a left hook. Elder opens up with kick after unanswered kick, with Young having to work through them to strike back with jabs to the midsection. Elder slams his shin on the side of Young’s liver, and Young is tough as a two-dollar steak and keeps pushing ever forward. Elder styles on his opponent with longer punches and kicks, and Young corners him against the fence but only manages to land once before getting pushed away. Elder goes high and then low with the same leg, and he snaps the head back with a left hand and connects on the front leg with his right shin. Young tries to time Elder’s ducks and movements with punches, and he catches Elder with a clean left hand that is one-and-done. Elder continues feed Young a steady diet of body kicks, and he slaps Young in the face with an open-handed left. Young rubs his face and has to block a head kick aimed at the same spot, and he pushes through to make Elder bounce off the wire. Elder walks directly into a knee, and Young pours it on with punches and a front kick as he has bloodied his foe’s nose up in the waning seconds. They give it all they have until time expires, and then embrace after 15 minutes of combat.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)
The Official Result
Evan Elder def. Gauge Young via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Big Brady picks Evan Elder, emphasizing his full camp, experience against better competition, and striking advantage. He notes Gauge Young is taking the fight on short notice and making his UFC debut, which favors Elder. He predicts a competitive decision win for Elder, though he feels the line is a bit wide.
Connor picks Elder hesitantly, citing that Elder is slightly more technically adept and has proven himself against somewhat decent fighters. He notes that both fighters are durable and may have a scrappy back-and-forth, but Elder's steadier work rate and ability to outlast Young could be key. Connor also mentions that Young's record against cans and his performance against Sal Killed gives him little faith in Young.
The host notes Young is slicker with hands but believes Elder's power and physicality will keep Young muzzled, leading to a decision win for Elder.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder to win by TKO in the second or third round. He notes Elder's toughness, ability to come back from being hurt, and pressure fighting. He believes Gauge Young stepping in on short notice is a disadvantage, and Elder's grinding style will be too much. He references Elder's performance against Nazim Sadykhov.
Zane also picks Elder, but with hesitation. He notes that Elder is more proven and that Young's record against weak competition is concerning. Zane thinks Elder can outlast Young and keep up a steadier work rate to win rounds, but acknowledges that Young's physicality could be a factor if he brings more force.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 0 | 45 of 86 | 52% | 61 of 104 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 2:01 |
| Darrius Flowers | 0 | 24 of 60 | 40% | 26 of 65 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 0:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 0 | 37 of 75 | 49% | 48 of 88 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:24 |
| Darrius Flowers | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 25 of 59 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 0 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 13 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:37 |
| Darrius Flowers | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 45 of 86 | 52% | 17 of 51 | 27 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 29 of 60 | 3 of 5 | 13 of 21 |
| Darrius Flowers | 24 of 60 | 40% | 12 of 37 | 5 of 13 | 7 of 10 | 21 of 56 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 37 of 75 | 49% | 17 of 49 | 19 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 27 of 56 | 3 of 5 | 7 of 14 |
| Darrius Flowers | 24 of 58 | 41% | 12 of 36 | 5 of 13 | 7 of 9 | 21 of 54 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 8 of 11 | 72% | 0 of 2 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 7 |
| Darrius Flowers | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Elder, citing his striking advantage and Flowers' poor record. He notes Flowers' 1-10 boxing record and tendency to get knocked out. He believes Elder's power and takedown ability will lead to a finish.
Evan Elder is heavily favored and deservedly so. Darrius Flowers is not UFC-level talent. Elder will pressure, land big power punches, slow Flowers down, and finish him in the first or second round. His takedown defense is good enough to nullify Flowers' BJJ black belt, allowing Elder to control on the feet and get a knockout.
Paul picks Elder, citing his superior striking and Flowers' lack of UFC success. He notes Flowers' short notice and poor wrestling defense. He expects Elder to win by knockout or decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 1 | 96 of 195 | 49% | 96 of 195 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Genaro Valdez | 1 | 64 of 236 | 27% | 65 of 237 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 0 | 25 of 50 | 50% | 25 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Genaro Valdez | 0 | 24 of 76 | 31% | 25 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 1 | 37 of 67 | 55% | 37 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Genaro Valdez | 1 | 22 of 80 | 27% | 22 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Evan Elder | 0 | 34 of 78 | 43% | 34 of 78 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Genaro Valdez | 0 | 18 of 80 | 22% | 18 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 96 of 195 | 49% | 61 of 155 | 15 of 19 | 20 of 21 | 96 of 193 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Genaro Valdez | 64 of 236 | 27% | 51 of 210 | 4 of 6 | 9 of 20 | 62 of 231 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 25 of 50 | 50% | 12 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 8 of 9 | 25 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Genaro Valdez | 24 of 76 | 31% | 22 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 5 | 23 of 75 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 37 of 67 | 55% | 21 of 49 | 8 of 10 | 8 of 8 | 37 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Genaro Valdez | 22 of 80 | 27% | 16 of 70 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 8 | 22 of 80 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Evan Elder | 34 of 78 | 43% | 28 of 71 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Genaro Valdez | 18 of 80 | 22% | 13 of 71 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 17 of 76 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Evan Elder, believing he is slightly better everywhere except straight-up BJJ, but his submission defense is good enough to keep him out of trouble. He notes both fighters have back-to-back losses, but Elder should win. However, he calls anyone playing minus 275 crazy, saying there are better spots.
Big Brady picks Evan Elder, expecting a wild brawl. He notes Valdez gets hurt frequently and has poor durability, while Elder is tougher and more durable. He predicts Elder will survive an early storm, hurt Valdez multiple times, and eventually finish him via TKO in the second round. He doesn't love the -300 price but thinks Elder's durability will be the difference.
Cody picks Elder, citing his power, durability, and improvement at 155. He thinks Elder will clip Valdez and put him away, as Valdez is defensively liable and gets hit frequently. He notes Elder's cut stoppage loss was not a knockout and he is hungry for his first UFC win. He expects a banger that ends in a knockout within two rounds.
The host believes Elder is the better striker and has good durability to handle a war with Valdez. He expects Elder to mix in takedowns if needed and potentially get a TKO. He notes Elder's improvements at Kill Cliff FC and sees this as a great matchup for Elder to get his first UFC win.
Paul picks Elder, agreeing it's a dangerous fight but noting Elder's durability and that his cut stoppage loss wasn't a knockout. He thinks both guys will stand and trade, and Elder has the advantage. He mentions a PrizePicks prop for over 40.5 significant strikes for Elder, as he expects a high-volume banger.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder over Genaro Valdez, praising Elder's footwork, power, and toughness after a strong performance against Nazim Sadykhov. He criticizes Valdez's recent losses to Natan Levy and Matt Frevola, noting Valdez's plodding style and damage taken. He predicts Elder wins by decision or late TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 64 of 132 | 48% | 71 of 141 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Evan Elder | 1 | 70 of 142 | 49% | 84 of 158 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 28 of 74 | 37% | 28 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Evan Elder | 1 | 35 of 78 | 44% | 36 of 79 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 29 of 45 | 64% | 36 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 32 of 53 | 60% | 45 of 68 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 | |
| 3 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 3 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 64 of 132 | 48% | 38 of 103 | 19 of 20 | 7 of 9 | 54 of 118 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 70 of 142 | 49% | 25 of 87 | 36 of 46 | 9 of 9 | 60 of 129 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 28 of 74 | 37% | 15 of 58 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 7 | 26 of 68 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 35 of 78 | 44% | 16 of 55 | 15 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 75 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 29 of 45 | 64% | 20 of 36 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 39 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 32 of 53 | 60% | 8 of 25 | 20 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 44 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nazim Sadykhov | 7 of 13 | 53% | 3 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 3 of 11 | 27% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sadykhov (-170), Elder (+145)
Round 1
The two lightweights about to take the stage share a fair amount of similarities. Well-schooled Americans with equal records and fairly close knockout and finish rates toe the line as Longo and Weidman product Sadykhov (7-1, 0-0 UFC) squares off with Nick Diaz Academy pupil Elder (7-1, 0-1 UFC). Something’s got to give in this matchup, and referee Mark Smith will know first what that could be. The youthful athletes with plenty to prove touch ‘em up and come out frenetically. Sadykhov slaps a kick low on the calf to introduce himself, and Elder responds with a booming kick to the ribs. They trade body kicks, and Elder goes up high with the instep of his foot to just get blocked. He backs off and reaches with a straight right hand, and Sadykhov walks him down and scores a few punches and a kick. Elder backs him off with his own kicking arsenal, with a front kick to the solar plexus driving Sadykhov back momentarily. Elder swings hard, and Sadykhov catches him with a right hand and drops Elder to his knees. Elder springs back up and a high kick zooms across his dome, and he escapes no worse for wear. Sadykhov gives chase and has his lead leg kicked, but this does not slow him down into a combination of punches to the face. Sadykhov eats a clean kick to the body so that he can bully Elder around, ignoring the kicks and throwing heavy punches in response. Elder shoots in suddenly for a takedown, and the maneuver is stuffed in a hurry. As Sadykhov pops back up, Elder drills him with a right hand that sends Sadykhov flying to the mat. Somehow, Sadykhov springs right back up, with blood streaming from his mouth, and he begins to strike back. The two swing on one another with bad intentions, and both land flush with Elder taking the worse of it as he escapes. Elder plants a left hand on the temple, and he dips away with an elbow to the sternum as he escapes the counters. Sadykhov kicks low and high in rapid succession, and he continues to walk Elder down. Elder sticks him with a left hand, and he rips a kick to the other side. Sadykhov meets him with a left on the chin, and Elder slips away and lands one of his own. Sadykhov knees his man in the chin, and Elder backs off and chains a few punches together. As he pushes off, his finger swipes into Sadykhov’s right eye, and Smith calls time. Sadykhov needs less than 30 seconds to recover before getting right back to business, and he stalks Elder down like a Terminator. Sadykhov scores, Elder fires back, and the two throw down right to the bell to end a terrific round that may be a real handful to score.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 2
The lightweights rush out of their corners, eager to pick up right where they left off. They re-engage with punches and kicks in rapid succession, with targets to the head and body indiscriminate. Elder loads up on a hefty right hand that knocks Sadykhov back, and Sadykhov eats it like a plate of plov and wades back in the fire to throw haymakers. Elder punches into a takedown, and he successfully trips the fighter from Azerbaijan down to the mat to land in his foe’s guard. Sadykhov scrambles and scoots his way back to the wall, and he posts off his right arm to fight his way back up despite getting kneed in the ribs on the way. Elder squeezes his man on the wire, slowing the fight down and softening the ribs up with knees. Sadykhov explodes out of the clinch and throws back, and the two move together and clack heads to open a cut on corner of his eye. Sadykhov paws at it and gets shoved back, but the two are far from done throwing caution to the wind. Elder strings a few punches together to stun Sadykhov, and Sadykhov swings back and tackles Elder to the mat. Elder climbs back to the wire and stands up, with Sadykhov landing a single left hand before disengaging. Elder walks him down, and the two trade knees and uppercuts on the inside. Sadykhov boots Elder upside the head with his shin, and Elder absorbs it without batting an eye before pushing Sadykhov back to the fencing. Elder scores a few knees before the horn blares, and once the round was ultra-close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 3
There is a final clap of hands to start off the last round, but it is contentious and they go right to hand-fighting before pulling their extended limbs back. They immediately trade leather, and they go all-out throwing punches and kicks in an early exchange. Sadykhov whips a kick up high, and they get up close and knee one another. During the firefight, a Sadykhov knee slams into Elder’s eyebrow and splits it open from one end to the other. Before Smith can see the wound, Sadykhov strikes a few more times, and Smith pauses the fight and calls in the doctor. As soon as the medical professional observes the gash, he tells Smith that it is way too severe to keep going, and the fight is waved off. Elder protests the ruling, but the damage has been done and he can live to fight another day. What a fight for as long as it lasts, and in a few years, it might be worthwhile to see these up-and-comers share the cage again.
The Official Result
Nazim Sadykhov def. Evan Elder R3 0:38 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)
Angelo likes Evan Elder's well-rounded skills, loose striking, heavy kicks, and composure on the ground. He notes Elder's short-notice loss at welterweight should be discounted as he's a natural lightweight. Angelo is concerned about Sadykhov's tendency to throw unnecessary spinning attacks, which led to his only loss. He wishes he got Elder at +220 and notes the line is tightening, recommending to bet now.
Big Brady is impressed with Sadykhov's striking and ability to battle through adversity, noting he fights out of bad positions. He thinks Elder's takedown defense is poor based on his debut, and Sadykhov has wrestling of his own. He predicts a decision win, as Elder is tough and has a chin.
Cody picks Sadykhov, noting he has more firepower, hits harder, and has 15-minute cardio. He says Sadykhov trains at a good gym with Aljamain Sterling and others. He acknowledges Evan Elder is better than his UFC debut showed (short notice, up a weight class) but notes Elder gets hit a lot and is defensively poor. He thinks Sadykhov will have forward pressure and either catch him with something or mix in takedowns for a decision win. He says the line is repetitive on this card and he doesn't love it.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Sadykhov is a much better puncher and counter puncher than anyone Elder has faced. He notes Elder's vulnerability when stepping in without landing, and that Sadykhov can pressure through Elder's kicks and remain balanced to throw. Connor also points out that Elder's striking is entirely dependent on scaring opponents with kicks, but his punching form is wild and leaves him out of position. He concludes that Sadykhov is a reliable pick to win.
Jacob is high on Evan Elder, calling him an absolute dog after his short-notice performance. He believes Elder is the better technical striker and has shown he can work through adversity. Jacob thinks Sadykhov will look good early but slow down, and Elder's pressure and wrestling will take over. He compares it to the Blake Bilder fight from last week where the odds tightened similarly.
Elder is the better striker with more power and forward pressure, and his training at Kill Cliff FC should improve his cardio and takedown defense. Sadykhov's level of competition is weak, and his takedowns may not work against Elder's strength. Expect Elder to land a knockout in the second round.
Paul picks Sadykhov but is not willing to lay -200. He thought Sadykhov showed flashy striking on Contender Series and has promise, but he's not confident enough to parlay him. He notes there was steam on Elder earlier in the week but the line has corrected. He says Sadykhov is someone to keep an eye on but not someone to lay heavy chalk on in his UFC debut.
The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, highlighting his training at Longo and Weidman's gym and his impressive win on the Contender Series against a 9-1 opponent. He contrasts that with Evan Elder's less dominant wins, including a third-round TKO of a 9-16 short-notice opponent. He believes Sadykhov has more talent and skill, predicting a TKO in the later rounds.
Zane sees Sadykhov as a solid, raw prospect with good fundamental power punching and well-roundedness, including top position grappling. He notes Sadykhov's ability to scramble and his innovative striking, like the spinning back kick. Zane contrasts this with Elder, who he describes as a formless regional fighter dependent on heavy kicks to keep opponents at bay, with poor punching form and wrestling defense. He believes Sadykhov's camp (Serra-Longo) instills good technique, and that Sadykhov will be able to push through Elder's kicks and find success in the pocket.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 75 of 112 | 66% | 121 of 160 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 5 | 1 | 7:48 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 27 of 60 | 45% | 34 of 67 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 1:47 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 23 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:16 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 15 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 40 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 1 | 2:55 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 2 | 0:52 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 43 of 59 | 72% | 58 of 76 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:37 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 8 of 23 | 34% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 75 of 112 | 66% | 60 of 94 | 9 of 11 | 6 of 7 | 33 of 58 | 7 of 11 | 35 of 43 |
| Evan Elder | 27 of 60 | 45% | 12 of 43 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 26 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 16 of 28 | 57% | 13 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
| Evan Elder | 12 of 22 | 54% | 5 of 15 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 16 of 25 | 64% | 12 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 8 |
| Evan Elder | 7 of 15 | 46% | 3 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 43 of 59 | 72% | 35 of 49 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 26 of 33 |
| Evan Elder | 8 of 23 | 34% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Evan Elder (referred to as Luis Cose, but likely Evan Elder given the matchup). He likes Elder's power and pressure, and thinks Parsons' takedowns aren't good enough to be a constant threat. He sees it as a sprawl-and-brawl matchup where Elder can settle in and let his hands go. He notes Elder was dominating his last fight before gassing.
Cody picks Elder, citing his striking and preparation for a grappler. He notes Parsons' one-dimensional grappling and tendency to get knocked out. He thinks Elder will stuff takedowns and land a knockout.
The host picks Evan Elder in his quick picks list and includes the fight in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds. He does not provide detailed reasoning for the pick.
Paul agrees, noting Elder's training at Sanford MMA and preparation for a wrestler. He thinks Elder's striking will be too much for Parsons. He suggests Elder should be around -185 favorite.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder (referred to as 'Louis Coskey' in transcript, likely a mispronunciation) over Preston Parsons. He describes Elder as explosive and dangerous early, noting his debut loss but good performance. He criticizes Parsons for being unimpressive and easily handled by Daniel Rodriguez. He predicts Elder will be more patient this time and get a first-round KO, citing power difference. He mentions Elder's recent KO loss but believes he will bounce back.
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo likes Evan Elder's well-rounded skills, loose striking, heavy kicks, and composure on the ground. He notes Elder's short-notice loss at welterweight should be discounted as he's a natural lightweight. Angelo is concerned about Sadykhov's tendency to throw unnecessary spinning attacks, which led to his only loss. He wishes he got Elder at +220 and notes the line is tightening, recommending to bet now.
Big Brady is impressed with Sadykhov's striking and ability to battle through adversity, noting he fights out of bad positions. He thinks Elder's takedown defense is poor based on his debut, and Sadykhov has wrestling of his own. He predicts a decision win, as Elder is tough and has a chin.
Cody picks Sadykhov, noting he has more firepower, hits harder, and has 15-minute cardio. He says Sadykhov trains at a good gym with Aljamain Sterling and others. He acknowledges Evan Elder is better than his UFC debut showed (short notice, up a weight class) but notes Elder gets hit a lot and is defensively poor. He thinks Sadykhov will have forward pressure and either catch him with something or mix in takedowns for a decision win. He says the line is repetitive on this card and he doesn't love it.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Sadykhov is a much better puncher and counter puncher than anyone Elder has faced. He notes Elder's vulnerability when stepping in without landing, and that Sadykhov can pressure through Elder's kicks and remain balanced to throw. Connor also points out that Elder's striking is entirely dependent on scaring opponents with kicks, but his punching form is wild and leaves him out of position. He concludes that Sadykhov is a reliable pick to win.
Jacob is high on Evan Elder, calling him an absolute dog after his short-notice performance. He believes Elder is the better technical striker and has shown he can work through adversity. Jacob thinks Sadykhov will look good early but slow down, and Elder's pressure and wrestling will take over. He compares it to the Blake Bilder fight from last week where the odds tightened similarly.
Elder is the better striker with more power and forward pressure, and his training at Kill Cliff FC should improve his cardio and takedown defense. Sadykhov's level of competition is weak, and his takedowns may not work against Elder's strength. Expect Elder to land a knockout in the second round.
Paul picks Sadykhov but is not willing to lay -200. He thought Sadykhov showed flashy striking on Contender Series and has promise, but he's not confident enough to parlay him. He notes there was steam on Elder earlier in the week but the line has corrected. He says Sadykhov is someone to keep an eye on but not someone to lay heavy chalk on in his UFC debut.
The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, highlighting his training at Longo and Weidman's gym and his impressive win on the Contender Series against a 9-1 opponent. He contrasts that with Evan Elder's less dominant wins, including a third-round TKO of a 9-16 short-notice opponent. He believes Sadykhov has more talent and skill, predicting a TKO in the later rounds.
Zane sees Sadykhov as a solid, raw prospect with good fundamental power punching and well-roundedness, including top position grappling. He notes Sadykhov's ability to scramble and his innovative striking, like the spinning back kick. Zane contrasts this with Elder, who he describes as a formless regional fighter dependent on heavy kicks to keep opponents at bay, with poor punching form and wrestling defense. He believes Sadykhov's camp (Serra-Longo) instills good technique, and that Sadykhov will be able to push through Elder's kicks and find success in the pocket.
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