Career Averages - Rinat Fakhretdinov
Career Averages - Bryan Battle
Rinat Fakhretdinov
Bryan Battle
Rinat Fakhretdinov - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andreas Gustafsson | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 5 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andreas Gustafsson | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 5 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andreas Gustafsson | 5 of 19 | 26% | 4 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 23 of 42 | 54% | 19 of 38 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 29 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andreas Gustafsson | 5 of 19 | 26% | 4 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 23 of 42 | 54% | 19 of 38 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 29 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 2 |
Angelo picks Andreas Gustafsson but with low confidence, noting the line has flipped from Rinat being favorite to underdog. He acknowledges Rinat's wrestling credentials but points out his poor takedown efficiency (2 for 19 in last fight) and chinny nature. He thinks Gustafsson's relentless pressure and grinding style could cause problems, especially if he defends takedowns. However, he admits Rinat is more experienced and accomplished, and calls this a huge test for Gustafsson. He placed a small bet at +125.
Big Brady picks Andreas Gustafsson, praising his unique clinch game and unlimited cardio. He acknowledges Gustafsson's striking is poor at range but believes he will impose his clinch, wearing on Fakhretdinov with elbows and knees. He sees a potential late finish but predicts a decision win.
The host acknowledges the hype around Gustafsson after his last performance but warns not to overlook Fakhretdinov's wrestling and smothering approach. He leans with Gustafsson winning on the scorecards by landing more damage and getting more meaningful control.
The Guru picks Andreas Gustafsson because he believes Rinat Fakhretdinov has been fortunate in close decisions and that his opponents often fall short. He argues that Gustafsson's constant pressure and volume will overwhelm Fakhretdinov, who won't be able to impose his wrestling. He predicts a 29-28 decision for Gustafsson, winning the last two rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 109 of 222 | 49% | 119 of 236 | 2 of 19 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 3:14 |
| Carlos Leal | 0 | 107 of 246 | 43% | 146 of 292 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 24 of 53 | 45% | 28 of 59 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 1:57 |
| Carlos Leal | 0 | 28 of 63 | 44% | 56 of 95 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 33 of 68 | 48% | 37 of 73 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
| Carlos Leal | 0 | 37 of 86 | 43% | 44 of 94 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 52 of 101 | 51% | 54 of 104 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Carlos Leal | 0 | 42 of 97 | 43% | 46 of 103 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 109 of 222 | 49% | 82 of 184 | 15 of 26 | 12 of 12 | 96 of 197 | 13 of 25 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Leal | 107 of 246 | 43% | 72 of 207 | 16 of 20 | 19 of 19 | 94 of 231 | 13 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 24 of 53 | 45% | 17 of 43 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 47 | 0 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Leal | 28 of 63 | 44% | 19 of 53 | 5 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 59 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 33 of 68 | 48% | 24 of 56 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 31 of 65 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Leal | 37 of 86 | 43% | 25 of 72 | 3 of 5 | 9 of 9 | 35 of 83 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 52 of 101 | 51% | 41 of 85 | 7 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 41 of 85 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Leal | 42 of 97 | 43% | 28 of 82 | 8 of 9 | 6 of 6 | 35 of 89 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Fakhretdinov, emphasizing his dominant wrestling. He acknowledges Leal has good striking and takedown defense but believes Fakhretdinov will implement his will with cage pushing and control time. He predicts a decision win, possibly boring.
Cody picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, believing his wrestling will be the difference. He notes that Leal has questionable takedown defense and that Fakhretdinov can grind out a decision. However, Cody is not confident because Fakhretdinov has gassed in recent fights and struggled against strikers. He expects a decision win.
Connor picks Fakhretdinov, agreeing that Leal is a good veteran but his game is not modern MMA. Leal relies on kicks and clinch wrestling but lacks pace and volume. Fakhretdinov's pressure and wrestling will overwhelm Leal, and this fight was made to give Fakhretdinov a decisive win.
Daniel Vreeland sees Rinat Fakhretdinov as a tough matchup for Carlos Leal, especially on short notice. He notes that Leal lost twice to Magomed Umalatov in PFL, who used clinch and takedowns to outmuscle him, and Fakhretdinov has similar skills. Vreeland believes Fakhretdinov will grind out a win via takedowns and control, and thinks the -250 line is still low.
Daniel Vreeland picks Rinat Fakhretdinov to win, but with low confidence due to Fakhretdinov's recent performances and questionable gas tank. He notes that Fakhretdinov has dominant top-time upside and that Leal is taking the fight on short notice. Vreeland would need a better price to bet Fakhretdinov, but expects him to get takedowns and potentially grind out a win.
Jeff Fox agrees with Vreeland, calling Fakhretdinov a tough matchup for anyone. He notes that Leal has weight-cutting issues and is making his UFC debut on short notice, which makes it even harder. Fox expects Fakhretdinov to grind out a win, though he doesn't provide additional technical detail.
Fakhretdinov has a wrestling and grappling advantage over the short-notice UFC debutant Leal. He should be able to grind out a decision victory by controlling the fight on the ground. Leal deserves to be in the UFC but this is a bad stylistic matchup for him.
Paul picks Fakhretdinov, citing his wrestling and control. He notes that Leal is a good striker but has been taken down before. Paul believes Fakhretdinov can implement a grappling-heavy game plan and win by decision. He is not highly confident due to Fakhretdinov's cardio issues.
The Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, believing his pressure and well-rounded game will be too much for Carlos Leal, who took the fight on short notice. He notes Fakhretdinov's win over Brian Battle was impressive and that Leal's preparation was for a different opponent. He predicts Fakhretdinov will win by decision or submission, possibly facing some danger early.
Zane picks Fakhretdinov because he is a pressure fighter who will clash with Leal and win the clinch wrestling exchanges. Leal is awkward, flat-footed, and lacks pace and volume, while Fakhretdinov keeps pushing and is tough to dissuade. Zane sees this as a clear matchup made for Fakhretdinov to get a statement win.
Zane clearly picked Leal, calling the decision a robbery. He argued that Fakhretdinov was doing less damage and fighting from behind in every round, while Leal fought well and was in control. Zane dismissed the idea that the crowd influenced the judges, noting there was no crowd. He called it one of the worst robberies of the year.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 68 of 134 | 50% | 99 of 173 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 0 | 0 | 6:17 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 66 of 134 | 49% | 123 of 195 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:57 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 27 of 52 | 51% | 40 of 66 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:36 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 17 of 41 | 41% | 31 of 58 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 24 of 46 | 52% | 37 of 62 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 31 of 53 | 58% | 48 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:57 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 17 of 36 | 47% | 22 of 45 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:18 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 18 of 40 | 45% | 44 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 68 of 134 | 50% | 53 of 113 | 10 of 13 | 5 of 8 | 49 of 109 | 19 of 25 | 0 of 0 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 66 of 134 | 49% | 36 of 96 | 25 of 33 | 5 of 5 | 38 of 95 | 28 of 39 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 27 of 52 | 51% | 21 of 43 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 4 | 21 of 45 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 17 of 41 | 41% | 6 of 27 | 7 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 32 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 24 of 46 | 52% | 17 of 36 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 14 of 34 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 31 of 53 | 58% | 17 of 34 | 13 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 33 | 16 of 20 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 17 of 36 | 47% | 15 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 30 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 18 of 40 | 45% | 13 of 35 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 30 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fakhretdinov (-355), Dalby (+280)
Round 1
The welterweights set up in orthodox stance and go right at one another, with referee Thomas Fan looking on. They exchange kicks at range before Dalby walks through a flurry of punches to shove Fakhretdinov into the fence. Dalby throws knees from the outside while Fakhretdinov answers with knees up the middle. Fakhretdinov gets off the cage and shucks Dalby away from him, and they go back to kickboxing at range. Dalby flicks a kick up top that is blocked, then a question mark kick. Fakhretdinov tags Dalby with a pair of punches, then changes levels for a single-leg. He hoists the leg and Dalby hops on one foot while continuing to punch the head. Fakhretdinov drives him all the way across the cage before losing the single-leg. He pushes Dalby into the cage, then gets reversed. Fakhretdinov shucks Dalby off of him and nails him with a single punch that drops Dalby to his knees. Dalby pops back up, but he’s hurt, and Fakhretdinov pushes him to the fence. They disengage and Fakhretdinov hits him with an elbow. Fakhretdinov lands a switch knee to the gut before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov
Round 2
Dalby scores first, with a low calf kick. Dalby switches stances, and is backed off by a punching combo from Fakhretdinov. Fakhretdinov gets him to the fence, then changes levels and drives him to the canvas. Dalby gets right back up, his back against the fence. They break off and return to the middle of the cage. Dalby initiates the clinch and shoves Fakhretdinov to the cage. They exchange short strikes on the inside. Dalby releases the clinch and nails Fakhretdinov with a nice right hand. They move back towards the center of the Octagon, and Dalby marches forward, landing a kick and a pair of punches, then another kick. Dalby backs Fakhretdinov into the fence and holds him there with underhooks. Dalby digs his head under the chin of Fakhretdinov and hits him with knees to the thighs. They separate and Fakhretdinov lands a one-two, then changes levels for a smooth double-leg. He drops Dalby to his seat at the base of the fence, lacing the legs. He can’t flatten Dalby out, and they return to their feet seconds before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Round 3
Dalby flicks out a jab, but Fakhretdinov wastes no time in changing levels and running him to the fence. Fakhretdinov tries to lock his hands and pick Dalby up, but Dalby has an underhook and keeps his hips back. They break away from the fence and Dalby grabs a front headlock, then lands a single punch before Fakhretdinov launches another double-leg. Dalby tries to hit an inside switch, but can’t get it. Fakhretdinov has his arms around the waist of the kneeling Dalby, working to finish the takedown as Dalby tries to stand. Halfway into the round, Dalby gets to his feet in a wide-leg stance against the fence, and he separates. Dalby wades forward with punches, and Fakhretdinov drops for another takedown. He gets Dalby to his seat against the fence, but Dalby gets right back up and gets on Fakhretdinov’s back. Fakhretdinov escapes and runs Dalby back to the cage. Dalby reverses the position and throws knees to the thighs of Fakhretdinov. Under a minute left and Dalby separates, then tags Fakhretdinov with a head kick at short range. They swing away at short range until the final horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)
The Official Result
Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Nicolas Dalby via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Angelo picks Rinat, citing his phenomenal non-stop wrestling and power. He notes Rinat gassed in his last fight after chasing the finish, but still dominated the first two rounds. He thinks Dalby is hitable and will be taken down repeatedly. He acknowledges Dalby's win over Bonfim was more about Bonfim's cardio than Dalby's skill. He plans to spend $9,200 on Rinat in DraftKings.
Big Brady picks Rinat Fakhretdinov confidently, citing his wrestling advantage and power. He notes Dalby's 60% takedown defense and that fighters like Claudia Silva and Tim Means have controlled him. Brady expects Fakhretdinov to win by decision due to Dalby's toughness, but a finish wouldn't surprise him. He also mentions a PrizePicks play on Fakhretdinov's fantasy score under 94.5.
Cody picks Fakhretdinov but is hesitant due to the price and Dalby's comeback ability. He notes Fakhretdinov's wrestling and power, but also his cardio issues and Dalby's experience and durability. He expects Fakhretdinov to win early but warns of a potential fade.
Daniel Vreeland picks Rinat Fakhretdinov to win a decision, expecting him to take the first two rounds with wrestling pressure. He notes Dalby's third-round resurgence but believes Fakhretdinov's takedowns and grinding style will secure a win. He acknowledges Dalby's cardio and finishing ability but sees Fakhretdinov controlling the fight early.
Jacob picks Rinat but does not trust him due to his mentality—he was happy with a draw after nearly getting finished. Jacob worries Rinat will try to knock Dalby out instead of wrestling, which could lead to trouble. He compares Rinat's attitude to Loopy Godinez, saying it's not a killer mentality. However, he acknowledges Rinat should win if he sticks to wrestling.
JP is confident in Fakhretdinov, citing his 22-2 record with 11 KOs and 7 subs, and notes Dalby's tendency to go to decision (12-4 in decisions). He expects Fakhretdinov to win by decision. Brevan agrees, highlighting Fakhretdinov's strong wrestling base and ability to control Dalby on the ground. He suggests a prop bet on Fakhretdinov by decision if the odds are plus money. Both see Fakhretdinov as the clear winner.
Paul does not make a winner pick but suggests Dalby as a live bet. He notes Fakhretdinov will likely get takedowns but may gas, and Dalby's ability to get up and outwork him. He prefers to watch and potentially bet Dalby live.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Nicolas Dalby, after initially considering Dalby. He rewatched Dalby's fight with Gabriel Bonfim and was less impressed, noting that Dalby was held down for significant periods. He believes Fakhretdinov's patient top game will be effective, as he doesn't chase submissions and is content to hold opponents down. He contrasts this with Bonfim's scrambling, which allowed Dalby to escape. He also notes Fakhretdinov's win over Brian Battle as impressive.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 | 87 of 186 | 46% | 109 of 216 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 1 | 4:25 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 75 of 152 | 49% | 115 of 211 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 1:24 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 | 37 of 61 | 60% | 47 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:43 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 10 of 34 | 29% | 14 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 27 of 73 | 36% | 32 of 78 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 22 of 50 | 44% | 25 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 23 of 52 | 44% | 30 of 63 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:29 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 43 of 68 | 63% | 76 of 119 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 1:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 87 of 186 | 46% | 50 of 144 | 11 of 16 | 26 of 26 | 65 of 156 | 7 of 8 | 15 of 22 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 75 of 152 | 49% | 47 of 113 | 17 of 26 | 11 of 13 | 57 of 129 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 20 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 37 of 61 | 60% | 17 of 40 | 5 of 6 | 15 of 15 | 21 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 21 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 10 of 34 | 29% | 5 of 25 | 2 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 27 of 73 | 36% | 15 of 57 | 3 of 7 | 9 of 9 | 24 of 70 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 22 of 50 | 44% | 12 of 38 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 46 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 23 of 52 | 44% | 18 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 43 of 68 | 63% | 30 of 50 | 9 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 28 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 17 |
Angelo is very high on Fakhretdinov, calling him the pick done right. He highlights Fakhretdinov's non-stop wrestling, power, and pressure. He thinks the 36-year-old Zaleski won't have what it takes. Angelo has made money on Fakhretdinov in every UFC fight and likes him even more now. He considers Fakhretdinov safe to parlay.
Big Brady picks Rinat Fakhretdinov to win by decision. He notes Fakhretdinov's dominant wrestling, controlling Brian Battle for 14 minutes and taking down Andreas Michailidis five times. He believes Fakhretdinov can take down Zaleski and grind out a decision, though he's not sure about a finish. He acknowledges Zaleski's toughness and BJJ but favors Fakhretdinov's wrestling and cardio.
Daniel Levi picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, impressed by his incredible stats: absorbs less than one strike per minute, 67% striking accuracy, over 5 takedowns per 15 minutes, and 100% takedown defense. He sees Fakhretdinov as a dominant wrestler who can control and finish fights. Levi respects Zaleski's toughness and highlight-reel kicks, but believes at 36 years old and coming off a suspension, Zaleski is in a tough spot. He expects Fakhretdinov to pressure, take him down, and possibly finish him.
James bet on Zaleski at +290, believing the line is too wide. He argues that Zaleski has much better takedown defense than Fakhretdinov's previous opponents and that if the fight stays on the feet, Zaleski is the more educated striker with nasty setups. He worries that Zaleski may be washed and can get hurt early, as seen in the Abubakar fight, but he also has Russian intel suggesting Fakhretdinov may be dealing with an injury and might strike more than grapple. James sees value in Zaleski as an underdog.
Fakhretdinov is a strong grappler with high-level cardio who chains takedowns together well. Zaleski may fend off takedowns early, but as the fight goes on, Fakhretdinov's pressure will be too much. He will accumulate top control time and win by decision. The line is a bit wide but Fakhretdinov should implement his style without too much resistance.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. He acknowledges Zaleski's underrated resume but notes his age and recent performances. The Guru highlights Fakhretdinov's dominant win over Brian Battle and his improving hands, combining grappling and striking. He believes Fakhretdinov's athleticism and pressure will be too much for the older Zaleski, predicting a decision or late finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Lee | 1 | 11 of 17 | 64% | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Lee | 1 | 11 of 17 | 64% | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Lee | 11 of 17 | 64% | 6 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Lee | 11 of 17 | 64% | 6 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, citing his offensive wrestling, heavy hands, and insane cardio. He believes Kevin Lee's only chance is to come forward and initiate takedowns, but he doubts Lee can take down Fakhretdinov. He notes the line has moved from -260 to -190, indicating money on Lee, but he is shocked the odds are close.
Big Brady picks Rinat Fakhretdinov to win by decision, but is not confident. He notes Fakhretdinov has a size and cardio advantage, and is in his prime, while Kevin Lee has been battling injuries and is small for welterweight. However, he acknowledges if prime Kevin Lee shows up, the price would be a steal. He thinks Fakhretdinov's wrestling and pace will be too much for the current version of Lee.
Cody reluctantly picks Kevin Lee as a plus-money underdog. He notes Lee's past success against top competition, his never losing a first round in the UFC, and his improved knees after surgery. He thinks Fakhretdinov's wins over Andreas Michailidis and Brian Battle are unimpressive and that Lee's striking and wrestling are superior. However, he acknowledges Lee's poor performance against Diego Sanchez and the size disadvantage.
Daniel confidently picks Fakhretdinov, citing his dominant grappling and striking stats (7 takedowns, 102-25 strikes against Battle; 5 takedowns, 106-48 strikes against Michailidis). He criticizes Kevin Lee as a front-runner who fades when pressured, and notes Lee's 1-4 skid before being cut. He expects Fakhretdinov to impose his will and finish Lee, possibly by submission or TKO. He dismisses the 'crotch sniffer' label, emphasizing that Fakhretdinov outstrikes opponents as well.
Paul picks Fakhretdinov, citing his size advantage (natural welterweight vs Lee moving up), dominant performance against Brian Battle, and Lee's poor showing against Diego Sanchez. He notes Lee's knee surgeries and layoff, and believes Fakhretdinov's grappling will be too much. Paul thinks Lee may have peaked and is now declining.
The Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, citing Kevin Lee's decline, especially his poor performance against Diego Sanchez. He notes Fakhretdinov's dominance over Brian Battle, who is a solid prospect. He predicts Fakhretdinov will dominate in later rounds, getting a third-round TKO or rear-naked choke, as Lee's cardio and chin are questionable.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 3 of 16 | 18% | 25 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 43 of 68 | 63% | 102 of 149 | 7 of 9 | 77% | 0 | 0 | 14:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 19 of 30 | 63% | 37 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 10 of 15 | 66% | 30 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:49 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 35 of 55 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 3 of 16 | 18% | 1 of 11 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 43 of 68 | 63% | 38 of 62 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 33 of 54 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 19 of 30 | 63% | 16 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 25 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 10 of 15 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 14 of 23 | 60% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 17 |
Angelo picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, citing that Bryan Battle is stepping up on short notice and facing the toughest opponent of his career. He believes Fakhretdinov's wrestling will be the difference, as Battle has poor takedown accuracy. He acknowledges Battle is a live underdog and plans to look for prop bets on him.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle as an underdog, citing Fakhretdinov's padded record against low-level competition. He likes Battle's striking, power, opportunistic submission game, and cardio. However, he notes Battle is hittable and has defensive issues, and Fakhretdinov has power. He expects Fakhretdinov to have early success but Battle to wear on him and get a late submission. He needs to see Battle's weight cut to increase confidence.
Cody picks Battle as an underdog, believing his volume and striking can win rounds. He thinks Fakhretdinov's lay-and-pray style may not impress judges. He notes Battle has good takedown defense and cardio. He is not confident but sees value.
Connor picks Fakhretdinov, expecting him to come out dedicated to an ugly wrestling game. He notes Battle is too takedownable and depends on scrambling after bad stuff. He thinks Fakhretdinov's clingy wrestling will be the answer to Battle's volume-based style.
Battle's style, pace, and pressure will cause Fakhretdinov problems, making him work too much and slow down. Battle either finishes in the third or wins a decision. The line moved against the host to +130, but he still likes the matchup. The main question is whether Battle can maintain his cardio at this weight class.
Paul picks Fakhretdinov, noting his wrestling and control. He thinks Battle's takedown defense is not elite and Fakhretdinov will take him down. He is not sure about betting because of judging concerns but picks him.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Bryan Battle, disagreeing with the majority picking Battle. He highlights Fakhretdinov's dominant wrestling, citing 14 minutes of control time against Andreas Michailidis and a recent freestyle wrestling match where he made his opponent retire. He notes Battle took the fight on short notice and questions his preparation, suggesting Battle might be looking for a paycheck before Christmas. He believes Fakhretdinov's grappling is a different level and that Battle's takedown defense won't be enough.
Zane agrees, noting Fakhretdinov's persistent wrestling game is the kryptonite to Battle's style of weathering attacks. He thinks Battle has no full dimension while Fakhretdinov has one strong dimension. He expects Fakhretdinov to take Battle down and test his guard.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 45 of 61 | 73% | 106 of 130 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 13:00 |
| Andreas Michailidis | 0 | 18 of 33 | 54% | 48 of 65 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 17 of 25 | 68% | 33 of 42 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:53 |
| Andreas Michailidis | 0 | 12 of 17 | 70% | 24 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:24 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 31 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:35 |
| Andreas Michailidis | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 16 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 23 of 28 | 82% | 42 of 51 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 4:32 |
| Andreas Michailidis | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 45 of 61 | 73% | 27 of 41 | 10 of 11 | 8 of 9 | 10 of 20 | 18 of 22 | 17 of 19 |
| Andreas Michailidis | 18 of 33 | 54% | 7 of 22 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 9 of 22 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 17 of 25 | 68% | 7 of 14 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 7 | 14 of 17 | 1 of 1 |
| Andreas Michailidis | 12 of 17 | 70% | 7 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 7 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 5 of 8 | 62% | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 |
| Andreas Michailidis | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 23 of 28 | 82% | 16 of 21 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 10 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 14 |
| Andreas Michailidis | 4 of 12 | 33% | 0 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo notes that Andreas Michailidis is a decent striker with power but leaves openings, while Rinat Fakhretdinov is a wrestler with heavy hands making his UFC debut. He acknowledges Fakhretdinov's poor wrestling technique but says it works in fights. He worries about the -321 odds for a debutant but still picks Fakhretdinov to get the takedown and pound away.
Big Brady picks Rinat Fakhretdinov to win by late finish, specifically a third-round submission or ground-and-pound. He notes that Fakhretdinov is a solid grappler with good cardio and ground game, while Michailidis is talented but has terrible cardio and tends to fade after the first round. He expects Fakhretdinov to take the fight to the mat and wear Michailidis down, eventually finishing him. He is not betting this fight due to the -260 price but likes the pick.
Cody is uncertain but leans toward Michailidis, noting Fakhretdinov's questionable competition and Michailidis' size at 170. He thinks the line is too wide and may take the dog, but is not confident.
Daniel Levi picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, noting Michailidis's history of being finished and his cardio issues. He believes Fakhretdinov has the power and pressure to get the job done, especially with his training at American Top Team. He recommends the inside distance prop at -110 as a better bet than the moneyline.
Paul picks Michailidis as an underdog, arguing that Fakhretdinov's record is padded with cans and he lacks wrestling. He notes Michailidis' size advantage at 170 and thinks the price is too wide. He is not highly confident but sees value.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov to win by first-round KO. He notes Fakhretdinov has stepped up against decent competition recently, with first-round finishes over Eric Spicely and Alberto Uda. He worries about early career padding but trusts his recent performances. He sees Michailidis as vulnerable, having been finished in four of five losses, and believes Fakhretdinov's power and grappling will be too much. He predicts a first-round KO.
Bryan Battle - Fight History
Angelo has been a big supporter of Ruziboev since his UFC debut and picks him here. He highlights Ruziboev's wrestling and grappling prowess, his size at 6'5, and his power, noting that Battle missed weight and is moving up to middleweight where his power may not carry. He believes Battle is not big enough for the weight class and that Ruziboev's chin and skills will prevail. He bet on Ruziboev at +150.
Big Brady picks Nursulton Ruziboev to win by second-round knockout. He notes Ruziboev has massive size, reach, and power, and that Battle has poor striking defense (44%). He thinks Battle will walk into big shots and could get knocked out. He also mentions Ruziboev's takedown defense is improving and Battle is not a wrestler at middleweight. He acknowledges Ruziboev is low volume but dangerous, and could win by damage-based decision or knockout.
The Guru picks Nursulton Ruziboev to win by TKO in the first two rounds. He believes Ruziboev's height and reach advantage will be problematic for Bryan Battle, who won't be able to use his physicality as he did against Randy Brown. The Guru notes that Ruziboev is a dirty fighter who will cheat to win, extending fingers and grabbing the cage. He also mentions Ruziboev's dynamic movement and ability to dart in and out, which will be difficult for Battle to handle.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 60 of 111 | 54% | 80 of 135 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:46 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 57 of 110 | 51% | 109 of 175 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 7:25 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 29 of 56 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 21 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 22 of 41 | 53% | 56 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:37 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 24 of 37 | 64% | 30 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 21 of 38 | 55% | 35 of 54 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 60 of 111 | 54% | 32 of 79 | 22 of 26 | 6 of 6 | 49 of 96 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 57 of 110 | 51% | 20 of 64 | 31 of 38 | 6 of 8 | 27 of 76 | 30 of 34 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 21 of 45 | 46% | 11 of 32 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 14 of 31 | 45% | 4 of 17 | 9 of 11 | 1 of 3 | 11 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 15 of 29 | 51% | 11 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 22 of 41 | 53% | 6 of 23 | 13 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 25 | 15 of 16 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 24 of 37 | 64% | 10 of 22 | 10 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 17 of 28 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 21 of 38 | 55% | 10 of 24 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 24 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, believing his forward pressure and dirty boxing will frustrate the more technical Randy Brown. He notes Battle's improvements and work ethic, but acknowledges he gets hit a lot. Angelo thinks the clash of styles favors Battle, as he can brawl the boxer. He is monitoring the line movement and may bet if Battle's odds drop to -150.
Cody picks Battle, citing his power and improving skills. He notes Brown's tendency to struggle against pressure fighters and thinks Battle will land big shots. He expects a knockout win for Battle.
Connor is confident in Battle because his new pressure-fighting style is the exact antidote to Randy Brown. He notes that Brown has historically struggled against pressure fighters who are willing to eat shots and counter, as seen in his losses to Jack Della Maddalena and Vicente Luque. Connor believes Battle's aggression, power, and willingness to trade will overwhelm Brown, who tends to hit the fence and fall apart. He also points out that Battle's recent performances show a clear, winning game plan.
Daniel picks Brown as an underdog, citing his experience, reach, and cleaner technique. He believes Battle's competition has been weak and that Brown's length and footwork will be too much. He expects Brown to pick Battle apart.
Battle's aggressiveness in the clinch and grappling will break down Randy Brown and lead to a second or third round finish.
Paul picks Battle, emphasizing his momentum and power. He notes Brown's age and suspect chin, and thinks Battle's pressure will be too much. He expects a finish inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, citing his volume, hustle, and cardio. He thinks Battle will out-volume Brown on the feet and that Brown lacks takedown threats to mix in. He notes Brown has lost close decisions before and that lesser fighters have made it close with Brown. He predicts a close 29-28 decision, possibly split.
Zane also confidently picks Battle, agreeing that his pressure style is the key to beating Brown. He notes that Brown has always struggled against fighters who walk him down and put combinations together against the fence. Zane highlights that Battle has evolved from a reactive fighter to an aggressive pressure fighter, and that this new approach makes him a dangerous matchup for Brown. He believes Battle will overwhelm Brown with volume and power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 58 of 97 | 59% | 63 of 107 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 97 of 170 | 57% | 118 of 194 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 29 of 40 | 72% | 32 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 26 of 57 | 45% | 36 of 69 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:54 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 29 of 57 | 50% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 71 of 113 | 62% | 82 of 125 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 58 of 97 | 59% | 31 of 66 | 10 of 12 | 17 of 19 | 46 of 84 | 12 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 97 of 170 | 57% | 79 of 146 | 17 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 80 of 145 | 17 of 25 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 29 of 40 | 72% | 16 of 26 | 6 of 7 | 7 of 7 | 19 of 29 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 26 of 57 | 45% | 19 of 46 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 49 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 29 of 57 | 50% | 15 of 40 | 4 of 5 | 10 of 12 | 27 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 71 of 113 | 62% | 60 of 100 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 59 of 96 | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle and has a small bet on him. He highlights Battle's constant forward pressure, tenacity, and improving skills. He notes that Battle never quits, as seen in his loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov. He acknowledges Jousset is good and could slow the pace, plus home territory might affect judging, but believes Battle's pressure and range will get the job done.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle by decision, citing his toughness, output, sneaky power, and opportunistic grappling. He notes Battle is improving rapidly and has more ways to win. He thinks the striking could be competitive but Battle has the grappling edge.
Cody picks Bryan Battle to win but expresses hesitation, noting that Kevin Jousset is more technical and could be competitive at home in France. He highlights Battle's effective striking, submission grappling, better competition, and ability to fight through adversity. However, he also mentions Jousset's leg kicks and Judo background as potential threats. Cody ultimately leans Battle but is second-guessing his pick.
Cody picks Jousset as a plus-money underdog, highlighting Battle's poor grappling defense. He notes that Battle has been controlled by grapplers like Rinat Fakhretdinov, while Jousset has a strong takedown game and submission threat. Jousset's forward pressure and ability to mix in wrestling should neutralize Battle's counter-striking.
Connor picks Jousset because he believes Jousset's consistent, technical striking from City Kickboxing will allow him to outwork Battle over three rounds. He notes that Battle's counter-punching is dangerous but Jousset's jab and lead hand will be difficult to counter. Connor also points out that Jousset has never been finished and is physically imposing, while Battle's success has come against fighters who fall into his counter game. He sees Jousset controlling the range and winning a decision.
Daniel Vreeland picks Kevin Jousset as a slight underdog. He thinks Jousset has good durability, cardio, and striking, and that Battle can be hit in the clinch. He expects a close fight and sees value in Jousset at plus money, possibly winning by decision.
JP picks Bryan Battle because he thinks Battle is faster, has a reach advantage, and is better on the ground. He notes Jousset is slow and calculated, and once in a negative position, his confidence fades. He predicts Battle will dominate and submit him.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that if the fight stays standing it's 50/50, but Jousset's wrestling gives him an edge. He believes Battle is overvalued at -175 and that Jousset's grappling advantage makes him a solid underdog pick.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle over Kevin Jousset, citing Battle's reach advantage and momentum. He criticizes Jousset's performances, including going to decision with Song Kenan. He believes Battle will finish Jousset and become a mainstay in the welterweight rankings.
Zane picks Jousset because he trusts Jousset's technical consistency and believes Battle's counter-punching will be less effective against a disciplined striker. He notes that Jousset is stiff but has a solid jab and good fundamentals, while Battle tends to rely on opponents overextending. Zane also points out that Jousset is durable and has never been finished, making it likely he can weather Battle's power and win on points.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 27 of 75 | 36% | 28 of 78 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 26 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 23 of 63 | 36% | 24 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 17 of 44 | 38% | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 27 of 75 | 36% | 16 of 56 | 10 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 69 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Ange Loosa | 23 of 54 | 42% | 6 of 34 | 8 of 9 | 9 of 11 | 22 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 23 of 63 | 36% | 12 of 45 | 10 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 57 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Ange Loosa | 17 of 44 | 38% | 4 of 29 | 6 of 6 | 7 of 9 | 16 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ange Loosa | 6 of 10 | 60% | 2 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is a big fan of Battle, noting his incredible improvement every fight. He worries that Battle needs to be the better wrestler and may not be able to take Loosa down, and he doesn't see Battle winning a striking match. However, he has blind faith in Battle's rapid improvement and thinks the latest version of Battle, with added improvements, will win. He is monitoring the line before betting.
Big Brady picks Ange Loosa to win by decision as an upset. He thinks Loosa's wrestling and takedown defense will be key, as Battle has poor takedown defense. He expects a close, competitive fight but favors Loosa's ability to mix in takedowns.
Cody sides with the underdog Ange Loosa, citing Bryan Battle's suspect takedown defense (45% overall) and Loosa's improved wrestling. He notes Battle is a good counter puncher but lacks physical strength and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. Loosa has shown volume striking and takedowns in recent fights, which should sway rounds. He sees this as close to 50/50 and likes the plus money.
Lucrative James believes Bryan Battle is the much better fighter overall. He notes that Ange Loosa is durable but lacks technique and grappling strength, and that Battle can scramble if taken down. He sees Battle winning via finish, possibly by submission or head kick, and mentions that Loosa's path to victory is limited to a knockout or three rounds of grappling, which he doubts Loosa has the gas tank for.
The host admits this is the fight he is least confident in picking. He sides with Loosa's explosive power striking and notes that Battle hasn't utilized the style that made him successful at 185 lbs, possibly due to the weight cut to 170. He expects Loosa to be on the front foot, using power punches to keep Battle defensive, and even try grappling where he can hold Battle down. He acknowledges Battle's submission threats but believes Loosa wins on the scorecards.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Battle's low volume and poor takedown defense. He points out that Loosa has durability and the plus 155 line offers value, as he sees the fight closer to 50/50. He mentions Loosa by decision at +275 as an interesting prop.
The Guru picks Bryan Battle, noting his size, power, and grappling. He criticizes Loosa for getting hurt easily and nearly finished in fights. He believes Battle is a level above and will either TKO or outpoint Loosa. He mentions Battle's recent grappling performances against AJ Fletcher.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 45 of 80 | 56% | 63 of 105 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:30 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 25 of 51 | 49% | 29 of 57 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 23 of 50 | 46% | 23 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 18 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 22 of 30 | 73% | 40 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:30 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 45 of 80 | 56% | 9 of 25 | 34 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 29 of 61 | 16 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 25 of 51 | 49% | 6 of 26 | 6 of 9 | 13 of 16 | 20 of 41 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 23 of 50 | 46% | 5 of 19 | 16 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 22 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 18 of 38 | 47% | 4 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 15 | 15 of 32 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 22 of 30 | 73% | 4 of 6 | 18 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 15 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 7 of 13 | 53% | 2 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo's most confident pick on the card. He notes Battle improves every fight, has great hands, and never stops working. He thinks Fletcher will struggle with Battle's reach and movement, and will make poor decisions like pulling guillotine. He has a 1.5 unit bet on Battle.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle to win by second-round submission, citing Fletcher's poor cardio and striking defense. He notes Battle has a 10-inch reach advantage and is dangerous on the feet and ground. He expects Fletcher to win the first round with wrestling but fade, allowing Battle to capitalize. He mentions this is a good live betting spot.
Cody picks Bryan Battle, citing his reach advantage (10 inches), volume striking, and ability to fight off his back foot. He acknowledges Fletcher's wrestling and athleticism but notes Battle's takedown defense and counter-striking. He sees Fletcher's path to victory as narrow and prefers Battle's proven skills.
Daniel sees value in Fletcher at plus money, believing the line should be closer to pick'em. He notes Battle backs up and relies on counters, while Fletcher pressures and mixes takedowns. He thinks Fletcher's cardio has been addressed by training at elevation in Colorado. He only needs a close decision to cash, and thinks Fletcher can win rounds with pressure and grappling.
Lucrative James picks Battle but is hesitant due to Fletcher's early wrestling and durability. He notes Fletcher gasses out but stays tough, so Battle may come back late. He doesn't want to lay -200 on a fighter with cardio issues, but expects Battle to win via late finish or decision. He also considers a small bet on Fletcher but ultimately passes.
The host picks Battle to win inside the distance, citing his reach advantage and ability to touch Fletcher from distance with leg kicks and body shots. He expects Battle's cardio and pressure to wear on Fletcher, leading to a late finish (round 2 or 3). He notes Fletcher's power but questions his durability and cardio, and that Fletcher's wins rely on early finishes.
Paul also picks Battle, but sees a path for Fletcher via wrestling and pressure. He notes Battle's 38% takedown defense but believes Battle's best characteristic is fighting moving backwards, which counters Fletcher's forward pressure. He mentions the reach advantage and Battle's experience.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, citing his 10-inch reach advantage and better overall skills. He notes Battle lost to Renat Khetagurov via wrestling but believes AJ Fletcher's grappling is not at that level. He criticizes Fletcher's short reach and tendency to get wild, predicting Battle will counter him at range. He expects a TKO in late round two, similar to Battle's last fight where he fired back in the pocket.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Gabe Green | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 1 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Gabe Green | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Gabe Green | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Gabe Green | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, noting his constant pressure and improving skills. He says Battle never quit in his last loss and that grinding loss prepared him. He thinks the striking will be even but Battle will have the more dangerous ground game. He bet 0.2 units on Battle at +110.
Big Brady likes Gabriel Green because he has a clear path to victory: taking down Bryan Battle. He notes Battle has poor takedown defense, citing his debut against Urbin and his last fight against Fakhretdinov where he was controlled for 14 minutes. Green is a brown belt in BJJ and has good cardio. Brady expects Green to grind out a decision, as both guys are tough and durable. He thinks the fight is competitive on the feet but Green's wrestling gives him the edge.
Cody picks Battle as an underdog, citing his lateral movement and ability to fight off his back foot. He notes that Green is a grimy forward pressure fighter but lacks cage cutting skills. He expects Battle to win a competitive decision, but worries about Battle's wrestling liability and short notice. He proposes a second Shoei bet.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Battle's style is not honed and that Green's constant pressure and tirelessness will create opportunities. He points out that Battle's path to victory is unclear, while Green's game is straightforward and effective. Connor expects Green to control the fight and win.
Daniel Levi slightly leans towards Gabriel Green, citing his work rate, durability, and never-say-die attitude. He notes that Bryan Battle was badly exposed in his last fight, landing only three strikes and being taken down seven times. However, Battle has physical advantages in height and reach. Levi sees this as a close fight but favors Green's pressure and leg kicks.
Battle can utilize his range and height advantage to pick apart Green from distance, mix in takedowns, and wear on him with cardio. Green is a durable, hard-nosed striker but may struggle with Battle's pace and grappling. Battle should pull away late and win by decision, though a Green knockout is a possible hedge.
Paul picks Green, citing Battle's poor wrestling and Green's durability. He notes that Green can take Battle down and control him, and that Battle has been taken down multiple times in past fights. He expects a close competitive fight but leans toward Green. He accepts the second Shoei bet.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, noting that he was dealt a bad card in his last fight against a tough opponent. He believes Battle is underrated and can keep up with Green's pace, picking him apart for a 30-27 decision.
Zane picks Gabe Green, citing his constant pressure and output as a style that will overwhelm Bryan Battle, who lacks a clear plan and relies on scrapping. He notes that Battle struggled against wrestlers and that Green's relentless striking will keep him on the back foot. Zane expects Green to win by decision or late stoppage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 3 of 16 | 18% | 25 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 43 of 68 | 63% | 102 of 149 | 7 of 9 | 77% | 0 | 0 | 14:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 19 of 30 | 63% | 37 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 10 of 15 | 66% | 30 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:49 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 35 of 55 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 3 of 16 | 18% | 1 of 11 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 43 of 68 | 63% | 38 of 62 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 33 of 54 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 19 of 30 | 63% | 16 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 25 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 10 of 15 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 14 of 23 | 60% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 17 |
Angelo picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, citing that Bryan Battle is stepping up on short notice and facing the toughest opponent of his career. He believes Fakhretdinov's wrestling will be the difference, as Battle has poor takedown accuracy. He acknowledges Battle is a live underdog and plans to look for prop bets on him.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle as an underdog, citing Fakhretdinov's padded record against low-level competition. He likes Battle's striking, power, opportunistic submission game, and cardio. However, he notes Battle is hittable and has defensive issues, and Fakhretdinov has power. He expects Fakhretdinov to have early success but Battle to wear on him and get a late submission. He needs to see Battle's weight cut to increase confidence.
Cody picks Battle as an underdog, believing his volume and striking can win rounds. He thinks Fakhretdinov's lay-and-pray style may not impress judges. He notes Battle has good takedown defense and cardio. He is not confident but sees value.
Connor picks Fakhretdinov, expecting him to come out dedicated to an ugly wrestling game. He notes Battle is too takedownable and depends on scrambling after bad stuff. He thinks Fakhretdinov's clingy wrestling will be the answer to Battle's volume-based style.
Battle's style, pace, and pressure will cause Fakhretdinov problems, making him work too much and slow down. Battle either finishes in the third or wins a decision. The line moved against the host to +130, but he still likes the matchup. The main question is whether Battle can maintain his cardio at this weight class.
Paul picks Fakhretdinov, noting his wrestling and control. He thinks Battle's takedown defense is not elite and Fakhretdinov will take him down. He is not sure about betting because of judging concerns but picks him.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Bryan Battle, disagreeing with the majority picking Battle. He highlights Fakhretdinov's dominant wrestling, citing 14 minutes of control time against Andreas Michailidis and a recent freestyle wrestling match where he made his opponent retire. He notes Battle took the fight on short notice and questions his preparation, suggesting Battle might be looking for a paycheck before Christmas. He believes Fakhretdinov's grappling is a different level and that Battle's takedown defense won't be enough.
Zane agrees, noting Fakhretdinov's persistent wrestling game is the kryptonite to Battle's style of weathering attacks. He thinks Battle has no full dimension while Fakhretdinov has one strong dimension. He expects Fakhretdinov to take Battle down and test his guard.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 7 of 10 | 70% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 7 of 10 | 70% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, describing him as a very busy striker with solid volume and head kicks. He notes Battle's grinding style and takedown attempts should earn him a decision win over Sato, who is hittable and lacks head movement. He references his own notes from Battle's previous fight, calling him 'very tough not amazing anywhere but very busy striker.'
Cody also picks Battle, highlighting his long-range kickboxing and ability to avoid takedowns. He notes that Sato's losses come against grapplers, and Battle is not an offensive wrestler. Cody believes Battle will stay at range and outpoint Sato, possibly by decision. He agrees that Battle's takedown total is likely under 2.
Daniel Levi leans Battle but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation, noting Battle's cardio and durability should allow him to break Sato down over time. He warns that Sato has power and could catch Battle, and that laying -270 on an unproven fighter like Battle is not advisable. He prefers Sato as a dog if forced to pick.
Paul picks Battle, noting that Battle is a striker with good range and output. He mentions that Sato is a power puncher who has been taken down by grapplers. Paul thinks Battle will use the threat of takedowns to open up his striking and win a decision. He is concerned about Battle's weight cut to 170.
Expert Picks (8)
Angelo picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, citing that Bryan Battle is stepping up on short notice and facing the toughest opponent of his career. He believes Fakhretdinov's wrestling will be the difference, as Battle has poor takedown accuracy. He acknowledges Battle is a live underdog and plans to look for prop bets on him.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle as an underdog, citing Fakhretdinov's padded record against low-level competition. He likes Battle's striking, power, opportunistic submission game, and cardio. However, he notes Battle is hittable and has defensive issues, and Fakhretdinov has power. He expects Fakhretdinov to have early success but Battle to wear on him and get a late submission. He needs to see Battle's weight cut to increase confidence.
Cody picks Battle as an underdog, believing his volume and striking can win rounds. He thinks Fakhretdinov's lay-and-pray style may not impress judges. He notes Battle has good takedown defense and cardio. He is not confident but sees value.
Connor picks Fakhretdinov, expecting him to come out dedicated to an ugly wrestling game. He notes Battle is too takedownable and depends on scrambling after bad stuff. He thinks Fakhretdinov's clingy wrestling will be the answer to Battle's volume-based style.
Battle's style, pace, and pressure will cause Fakhretdinov problems, making him work too much and slow down. Battle either finishes in the third or wins a decision. The line moved against the host to +130, but he still likes the matchup. The main question is whether Battle can maintain his cardio at this weight class.
Paul picks Fakhretdinov, noting his wrestling and control. He thinks Battle's takedown defense is not elite and Fakhretdinov will take him down. He is not sure about betting because of judging concerns but picks him.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Bryan Battle, disagreeing with the majority picking Battle. He highlights Fakhretdinov's dominant wrestling, citing 14 minutes of control time against Andreas Michailidis and a recent freestyle wrestling match where he made his opponent retire. He notes Battle took the fight on short notice and questions his preparation, suggesting Battle might be looking for a paycheck before Christmas. He believes Fakhretdinov's grappling is a different level and that Battle's takedown defense won't be enough.
Zane agrees, noting Fakhretdinov's persistent wrestling game is the kryptonite to Battle's style of weathering attacks. He thinks Battle has no full dimension while Fakhretdinov has one strong dimension. He expects Fakhretdinov to take Battle down and test his guard.
Rinat went out banging and crumbled Andreas in two min