Career Averages - Da'Mon Blackshear
Career Averages - Youssef Zalal
Da'Mon Blackshear
Youssef Zalal
Da'Mon Blackshear - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 0 | 66 of 130 | 50% | 66 of 133 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 33 of 74 | 44% | 36 of 78 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 | 0 | 3:52 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:52 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 0 | 29 of 57 | 50% | 29 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 17 of 33 | 51% | 18 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 0 | 34 of 68 | 50% | 34 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 14 of 37 | 37% | 14 of 37 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 66 of 130 | 50% | 17 of 67 | 27 of 39 | 22 of 24 | 65 of 128 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 33 of 74 | 44% | 12 of 45 | 7 of 13 | 14 of 16 | 31 of 72 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 29 of 57 | 50% | 9 of 31 | 13 of 19 | 7 of 7 | 29 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 17 of 33 | 51% | 6 of 17 | 5 of 9 | 6 of 7 | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 34 of 68 | 50% | 8 of 35 | 14 of 20 | 12 of 13 | 33 of 67 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 14 of 37 | 37% | 4 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 8 of 9 | 13 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blackshear (-270); Grant (+210)
Round 1
Turning 40 in December, Grant (16-7, 7-6 UFC) knows he may be fast approaching the age cliff, although he did win his last bout. He faces a submission magician in Blackshear (17-7-1, 5-3-1 UFC) nearly a decade his junior, which might not be in his best interest as “Dangerous Davey” posts more losses by sub than any other method. With three rounds to work, the bantamweights meet in the middle with no plan on bumping fists, and referee Jason Herzog will take it from there.
Grant opens up with wide low kicks to the thigh, hoping to keep an arc on them that would dissuade an early takedown effort. He goes after the longer legs of Blackshear a few times on the inside and out, and Blackshear still manages to pursue a takedown and hit it. Grant scoots his way to put his back to the fence, and he uses his legs to try to post off and gets some space from “Da Monster.” Grant gets to a knee, and Blackshear welcomes this as he hops to the side and slides a hook in. Blackshear sneaks his leg around the other side, and he follows a turning Grant until he can secure both hooks.
Blackshear does not set up a body triangle, instead retaining control while thwarting attempts to buck and escape. Grant turns over and finds himself in submission danger, as Blackshear grips hold of what turns into a face and neck crank rather than a textbook rear-naked choke. Grant toughs it out and tries to get out of the back take, only for Blackshear to turn to the proper direction to isolate the Brit’s left arm for a potential armbar. Grant stays heavy on his opponent to not allow Blackshear to extend a limb, and he explodes just enough to wrench his arm out of danger. Grant rains down a couple left hands and an elbow as the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Round 2
Grant takes to the center of the cage to start the round, walking down the grappler and punching him a couple times in the stomach. Grant’s blitz forces Blackshear to ricochet off the wire, and he digs a kick to the ribs. Grant doubles up on a jab and follows with an overhand right that is parried, but his jab to the midsection does connect. They back off to disengage for a time, reaching one another with single low kicks but little else. Grant turns his hips into a thumping kick to the lead leg, and Blackshear drives him away with an overhand right. Grant plants punches to the midsection, a left to the dome and a head kick on the other side to keep Blackshear guessing.
Blackshear rebounds off the wire but has become target practice at this point, with little offense offered on his side other than the occasional kick. Grant times a shot by catching Blackshear with an uppercut, and he gets his foe’s attention with a string of punches to follow. Blackshear nods at him, and he wades forward trying to mask a takedown setup with punches that he does not let fly. Both men land hard punches, but Grant’s are far heavier and knock Blackshear back a step or two when he lands flush. Blackshear circles on the outside offering a body kick and keeping his guard up to block a series of punches and a high kick, the similar combination to earlier. Blackshear goes for body kicks, and Grant peppers him with punches and a low kick that makes Blackshear evaluate his footing. As Grant spams high kicks, the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 3
The bantamweights reach the final frame, and Blackshear says hello again with a calf kick. Grant misses his counter, and Blackshear jabs him up and opens a cut on the bridge of his foe’s nose. Grant is putting a lot of mustard behind his swings, including two concussive blows that make Blackshear bounce off the fencing. Blackshear responds with kicks, but Grant’s fists are having an impact as Blackshear reacts poorly when struck. Grant keeps his man guessing with mixed up punches and kicks to varied targets, like a calf kick to a body shot to a high kick upstairs in rapid succession.
Blackshear targets the wounded spot on his opponent’s forehead to set up a takedown, and Grant’s defense holds up as he clubs “Da Monster” in the jaw with a right hand after stopping the shot. Blackshear goes to his knees for a double, and Grant once more tosses it aside and hurls a right hand at his foe. Blackshear tries to intercept the hard-charging Brit with a knee, and Grant avoids it and starts hammering the front leg with kicks as Blackshear is starting to limp. The kicks from Grant are so powerful that getting checked splits his shin open, as blood flows down his foot to leave partial scarlet footprints around the Octagon. This does not slow him from pitching kicks one second, as he keeps beating on the taller man’s front leg until Blackshear switches stances. When this happens, Grant starts kicking the other leg, and he stops a takedown in its tracks and holds back on firing off a knee that would have been illegal. He lets Blackshear stand, marching him down and hurling right hands at him. Blackshear blocks the worst of them, evading the final strikes as the match comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant (29-28 Grant)
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Grant (29-28 Grant)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant (29-28 Grant)
The Official Result
Davey Grant def. Da'Mon Blackshear via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Da'Mon Blackshear, stating he wins 7 out of 10 times. He notes Blackshear's athletic striking, speed, power, and grappling, but worries about his hesitancy. Davey Grant is old, chinny, but relentless with volume. Angelo likely will bet on Blackshear but wishes he knew Blackshear would let his hands go.
Big Brady picks Da'Mon Blackshear but with hesitation, noting Blackshear has not wrestled in his last four fights despite having a huge grappling advantage. He believes if Blackshear grapples, he will win easily via submission, but if he strikes, he could lose to Grant's awkward volume and power. He predicts a first-round submission.
Blackshear should be able to chip away at Grant from distance, mix in takedowns, and ultimately lock up a submission to force the tap.
The MMA Guru picks Da'Mon Blackshear over Davey Grant, citing Blackshear's underrated submission and grappling game, and his composed performance against Eli Alateng. He worries Grant may have declined after neck surgery and time off. He predicts a second-round finish by submission or TKO after a wild first round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 125 of 273 | 45% | 127 of 275 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alateng Heili | 0 | 61 of 190 | 32% | 61 of 191 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 37 of 78 | 47% | 37 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alateng Heili | 0 | 11 of 45 | 24% | 11 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 40 of 96 | 41% | 42 of 98 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alateng Heili | 0 | 25 of 60 | 41% | 25 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 | |
| 3 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 48 of 99 | 48% | 48 of 99 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alateng Heili | 0 | 25 of 85 | 29% | 25 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 125 of 273 | 45% | 75 of 200 | 37 of 50 | 13 of 23 | 123 of 270 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Alateng Heili | 61 of 190 | 32% | 34 of 148 | 19 of 34 | 8 of 8 | 60 of 189 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 37 of 78 | 47% | 17 of 45 | 15 of 21 | 5 of 12 | 37 of 78 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alateng Heili | 11 of 45 | 24% | 7 of 38 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 40 of 96 | 41% | 24 of 74 | 11 of 15 | 5 of 7 | 39 of 95 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alateng Heili | 25 of 60 | 41% | 11 of 41 | 13 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 59 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 48 of 99 | 48% | 34 of 81 | 11 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 47 of 97 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Alateng Heili | 25 of 85 | 29% | 16 of 69 | 5 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 25 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Da'Mon Blackshear, citing his athleticism, speed, power, and ability to mix striking and grappling. He notes that Alateng Heili struggles to combine his skills, and that Blackshear's technical boxing and clean takedowns should prevail. He has Blackshear in a parlay with Joselyne Edwards.
Big Brady is confident in Da'Mon Blackshear, highlighting his superior grappling and Alateng Heili's low volume and lack of wrestling. He expects Blackshear to get the fight to the ground and submit Heili, noting a massive skill gap on the mat. He predicts a second-round submission.
The host acknowledges Heili's wrestling could cause issues but believes Blackshear's striking power and BJJ black belt will keep him safe and allow him to grind out a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Da'Mon Blackshear to win by finish in the first two rounds. He cites Blackshear's reach advantage (5.5 inches), activity, and ability to dictate range. He notes Heili is not a pressure fighter and fights once a year, which hurts his development. He expects Blackshear to hurt Heili and finish via TKO or submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 13 of 39 | 33% | 46 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 3 | 1 | 3:32 |
| Cody Gibson | 0 | 45 of 71 | 63% | 53 of 82 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 6 of 16 | 37% | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 1:11 |
| Cody Gibson | 0 | 30 of 43 | 69% | 37 of 52 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:13 | |
| 2 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 7 of 23 | 30% | 37 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 2:21 |
| Cody Gibson | 0 | 15 of 28 | 53% | 16 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 13 of 39 | 33% | 11 of 35 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Gibson | 45 of 71 | 63% | 23 of 47 | 12 of 14 | 10 of 10 | 31 of 53 | 14 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 6 of 16 | 37% | 5 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Gibson | 30 of 43 | 69% | 16 of 27 | 9 of 11 | 5 of 5 | 21 of 30 | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 7 of 23 | 30% | 6 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Gibson | 15 of 28 | 53% | 7 of 20 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 23 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blackshear (-455), Gibson (+350)
Round 1
Despite their middling records with the promotion, the UFC elected to slot this bantamweight tilt between Blackshear (15-7-1, 3-3-1 UFC) and Gibson (21-10, 3-5 UFC) over names like Spann…and others. Grappling could be the difference maker in this contest, and it commences without the fighters touching gloves. Referee Chris Tognoni stands back and stands by. Gibson loads up on a big right hand to start up, and when it is blocked, Blackshear responds in kind. Blackshear surges forward with body shots and a power right hand, and Gibson replies with an identical flurry that knocks Blackshear to the fencing. Gibson looks for a level change, energetically attacking a single and lifting Blackshear’s leg up. Blackshear frees himself, and Gibson marches him down and pummels him in the ribs several times. Blackshear turtles up, perhaps still compromised from body blows, and Gibson is on him not giving him a moment to breathe. Gibson drills Blackshear with a few more body shots and drops down in pursuit of a double. Blackshear defends with a guillotine choke, using the stalling time to recover. Gibson drives a few knees to the body before breaking off, and he plods forward whipping a kick to the lead leg. When Blackshear scores as left hand, Gibson is in his face with a combination. Blackshear backs him away with a few kicks, and simultaneous kicks results in both men toppling to the mat. They spring back up, and Gibson stabs out a jab and shoots for a single. Blackshear backs to the wall and grips a guillotine choke, pulling guard for it but not completing it. Gibson adjusts himself and lowers Blackshear all the way to the floor, and Blackshear fastens his arm around the chin but does not appear to be threatening in this position. Gibson stays calm in the position, and when he sits up, Blackshear transitions to a power guillotine where he imposes his body weight. Blackshear releases the sub to take side control, and Gibson throws his legs up and briefly snares Blackshear in an inverted triangle choke. Blackshear fights out of it and isolates an arm, and he abandons it to wrap up a brabo choke in a north-south position. Gibson hand-fights well enough to defend the efforts, and he retaliates with an armbar that surprises Blackshear but does not get him. The spirited round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gibson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gibson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gibson
Round 2
Replays show that right at the tail end of the round, Blackshear rips a nasty elbow that opened a cut on Gibson’s face. The two get back to business, and Blackshear is immediately giving chase with leaping strikes. Gibson walks into a right hand and is stunned, and Blackshear keeps swinging with bad intentions. Gibson throws back, working the body until he tries to hit a takedown, and Blackshear shuts it down and pushes him away. Gibson strings four punches together, wrapping them around the guard and punctuating the combo with a slapping leg kick. Blackshear fakes a kick and slashes an elbow up top, and Gibson steps in with his fists flying. The two engage in a clinch battle where they slug another with uppercuts, and Gibson gets tired of punching and scoops “Da Monster” up and dumps him to the mat. Blackshear keeps his back to the wire, and he hits a switch to flip Gibson to his back. Blackshear finds himself in side control, keeping tightly pressed to “The Renegade” having opened Gibson up again. Blackshear isolates Gibson’s right arm, and he elbows Gibson in the thigh several times with the sharp part of his elbow. Gripping the two-on-one wrist lock, Blackshear alternates between trying to pull on that arm and elbowing his opponent wherever he can. Blackshear grinds the elbow on Gibson’s increasingly bloodied face, and he stays heavy to disallow Gibson from any bucking or twisting. Blackshear hooks Gibson’s left arm between his legs and traps his foe’s right arm under him as well to set up a crucifix position, where he hammers the California native with elbows.
Blackshear finds the kimura again, and he grabs it while seated on top of Gibson’s face in a dominating move. The new Kill Cliff FC convert cranks the limb behind Gibson’s back, giving it all he has until Gibson has no choice but to say “Matte” and tap out.
Remarkable! Back-to-back kimura wins in the Octagon is definitely a rarity in company history, and it will be interesting to determine how many times this has ever happened in UFC history. Blackshear lifts his UFC record above .500 while giving “The Renegade” something to be disappointed about.
The Official Result
Da'Mon Blackshear def. Cody Gibson R2 4:09 via Submission (Kimura)
Angelo picks Da'Mon Blackshear over Cody Gibson. He believes Blackshear's striking is far superior and that he will 'smoke Cody on the feet.' However, he notes that Cody is durable and may look to wrestle. Angelo is confident Blackshear wins but chooses not to bet due to the risk of big favorites losing this year.
Big Brady picks Da'Mon Blackshear, calling him underrated with good striking and slick grappling (BJJ black belt). He notes that Cody Gibson often looks to take fights to the ground, which could put him in bad positions against Blackshear, who has submitted opponents via guillotine before. Brady expects a ground battle where Blackshear's superior grappling leads to a submission win, likely in the second round.
Cody picks Christian Rodriguez, citing Andre Fili's decline and Rodriguez's youth. He notes Fili's recent close decisions and losses, and believes Rodriguez can stuff takedowns and win on the feet. He is wary of Rodriguez's tendency to struggle against experienced fighters but thinks Fili is past his prime.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Blackshear is one of the best scramblers in the bantamweight division and that Gibson's style will inevitably lead to grappling exchanges where Blackshear has the advantage. He notes that Gibson is fun and courageous but lacks the athleticism to keep up with Blackshear's scrambling.
Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.
The host believes Blackshear's grappling advantage and power striking approach will keep Gibson on the defensive, leading to Blackshear grinding out a win on the scorecards.
Paul also picks Rodriguez, noting Fili's inconsistency and Rodriguez's ability to stuff takedowns. He points out that Fili's recent wins have been split decisions and he could be on a losing streak. He believes Rodriguez's volume and wrestling defense will be enough.
The MMA Guru picks Da'Mon Blackshear, calling him underrated and noting his good fight with Mario Bautista. He mentions Blackshear's takedown defense clinic against Brett Johns and his recent submission win over Cody Stamann with a 50k bonus. He criticizes Cody Gibson for lacking finishing ability and not impressing against Miles Johns. He predicts a first or second-round finish for Blackshear.
Zane picks Blackshear because he is a significantly better athlete and scrambler than Gibson. He notes that Gibson's high-energy style leads to him fading, and that Blackshear excels in scrambles, which is where the fight will likely go. He also points out that Gibson is underpowered and that Blackshear's only losses come to fighters who can survive his scrambles and out-strike him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 13 of 33 | 39% | 13 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Stamann | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 21 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 3 | 0 | 1:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 13 of 33 | 39% | 13 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Stamann | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 21 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 3 | 0 | 1:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 13 of 33 | 39% | 5 of 21 | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Stamann | 20 of 44 | 45% | 15 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 19 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 13 of 33 | 39% | 5 of 21 | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Stamann | 20 of 44 | 45% | 15 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 19 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo believes Da'Mon Blackshear is the better fighter with far better striking and good wrestling. He thinks Cody Stamann will get outstruck and then shoot sloppy takedowns. However, he notes Blackshear is 2-4 in the UFC and hasn't had a key win over a division staple like Stamann, so he is not confident enough to bet. He might consider a plus 3.5 round bet on Stamann if the odds are good.
Big Brady favors Blackshear due to his size, reach, and youth advantage over the 35-year-old Stamann. He believes Blackshear's striking is underrated and his grappling is elite, with a black belt in BJJ. He expects Blackshear to have success wherever the fight goes and predicts a decision win, though he acknowledges the line may be too wide.
Cody is high on Stamann as a dog, citing Blackshear's cardio issues and lack of power. He notes Stamann's wrestling credentials and ability to get back up from takedowns. Cody expects a close decision and thinks the +230 line is too wide for a veteran like Stamann.
Connor picks Stamann, noting Blackshear is too willing to start from negative positions and it has cost him. He thinks Stamann's neutralizer style will make Blackshear make mistakes. Connor expects a narrow split decision, possibly ugly. He mentions Stamann is the underdog at +217 to +232.
Daniel Vreeland picks Da'Mon Blackshear, citing his physical advantages (reach, height) and higher aspirations compared to Cody Stamann, who may be nearing retirement. He acknowledges Stamann's takedown defense and ability to make fights close, but believes Blackshear's grappling and motivation give him the edge. Vreeland expects a close fight.
Stamann is being overlooked as a +230 underdog. His defensive wrestling should keep him away from Blackshear's BJJ, allowing him to dictate the striking pace and pull away in the second and third rounds as Blackshear slows down. Expect a decision win.
Paul agrees, questioning how Blackshear can be such a favorite given his recent KO loss and cardio problems. He thinks Stamann's experience and wrestling will keep the fight competitive, and the price is too good to pass up. Paul calls it a clear dogger pass.
The Guru picks Da'Mon Blackshear, citing his size, strength, and youth. He criticizes Cody Stamann's lack of finishing ability and short reach. He notes Blackshear gave Mario Bautista a tough fight and believes he is the better fighter. He mentions the odds might be worth betting on Blackshear as a favorite.
Zane picks Stamann, agreeing with Connor. He describes Stamann as a solid defensive striker who can bang in the pocket, but notes he never presses advantages. Zane thinks Blackshear's poor striking and tendency to start from negative positions will allow Stamann to neutralize him. He expects a narrow split decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montel Jackson | 1 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 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 | Montel Jackson | 1 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montel Jackson | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montel Jackson | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jackson (-162), Blackshear (+136)
Round 1
The prelims continue as bantamweights meet in the Octagon, with Jackson (13-2, 7-2 UFC) putting together a quietly successful run in the UFC as he enters into his 10th fight. The same cannot be said for Blackshear (14-6-1, 2-2-1 UFC), who hopes to break out of his .500 record with a victory. The two will be joined in the cage by referee Nick Berens, who checks them in as they bump fists. Blackshear lands a leg kick earl y, and Jackson responds with a right hand that loops around the guard. They hand-fight, and Jackson sticks out a front kick.
As Blackshear steps in to attack, Jackson releases a lightning-quick one-two that knocks Blackshear clean off his feet. As Blackshear’s head ricochets off the mat, it is clear he is out cold, and Jackson knows that his work here is done but understands the rules and drops down a few unnecessary punches until Berens leaps in.
While the audience explodes in favor of the ultra-fast knockout, Jackson signals to bring it down a few notches and drops a knee out of concern for his wrecked opponent. Blackshear comes to, although he needs to lean on his coach to remain upright, and Jackson is relieved and goes to embrace his fallen foe. The confident Jackson, who finds himself on a mighty win streak after a vicious knockout, simply tells upcoming adversaries during his post-fight interview that they need to “sign the contract.”
The Official Result
Montel Jackson def. Da’Mon Blackshear R1 0:18 via KO (Punch)
Angelo picks Montel Jackson, citing his superior wrestling background (Olympic Training Facility), power, and speed. He notes that while Da'Mon Blackshear is a good underdog with early wrestling initiation, Montel's offensive wrestling and power should be the difference. Angelo plans to wait for prop bets before placing a wager.
Cody picks Jackson, citing his striking advantage and improved grappling. He notes Blackshear's cardio issues and short notice, and believes Jackson will win by decision or late TKO. He expects Jackson to stuff takedowns and outwork Blackshear.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Da'Mon Blackshear as a plus 130 underdog. He notes that Montel Jackson is talented but inconsistent, often having long periods of inactivity. He thinks Blackshear's pressure and cardio could be factors, though he acknowledges Jackson's high ceiling. He calls it a tough fight to call but prefers the dog.
Montel Jackson has shown improvements in surviving early rounds and taking over in the second and third. Blackshear tends to slow down later in fights. Jackson will keep the fight upright and use his power to finish Blackshear in the second or third round.
Paul picks Jackson but is less confident, citing Blackshear's wrestling threat. He notes Jackson's inactivity but believes his striking and cardio advantage will prevail. He expects a competitive fight and may wait for weigh-ins.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Bautista | 0 | 90 of 174 | 51% | 108 of 192 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 3:00 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 79 of 137 | 57% | 102 of 161 | 2 of 10 | 20% | 1 | 0 | 4:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario Bautista | 0 | 29 of 48 | 60% | 38 of 57 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 0 | 0 | 2:28 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 19 of 25 | 76% | 27 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Mario Bautista | 0 | 40 of 74 | 54% | 44 of 78 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 32 of 67 | 47% | 34 of 69 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 | |
| 3 | Mario Bautista | 0 | 21 of 52 | 40% | 26 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 28 of 45 | 62% | 41 of 59 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:44 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Bautista | 90 of 174 | 51% | 48 of 123 | 22 of 30 | 20 of 21 | 52 of 129 | 37 of 42 | 1 of 3 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 79 of 137 | 57% | 48 of 103 | 21 of 22 | 10 of 12 | 51 of 101 | 24 of 30 | 4 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario Bautista | 29 of 48 | 60% | 11 of 27 | 11 of 14 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 28 | 15 of 18 | 1 of 2 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 19 of 25 | 76% | 11 of 17 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 18 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mario Bautista | 40 of 74 | 54% | 25 of 54 | 7 of 11 | 8 of 9 | 23 of 56 | 17 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 32 of 67 | 47% | 22 of 55 | 8 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 21 of 53 | 11 of 14 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mario Bautista | 21 of 52 | 40% | 12 of 42 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 16 of 45 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 1 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 28 of 45 | 62% | 15 of 31 | 10 of 10 | 3 of 4 | 17 of 30 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 6 |
Big Brady picks Mario Bautista to win by first-round knockout, despite hating the line. He notes Bautista has been dominating on the ground but doubts he can take down and submit Cody Garbrandt, who has excellent takedown defense. Instead, Brady believes Bautista will knock Garbrandt out on the feet, as Garbrandt's chin is compromised and he fights cautiously.
Cody thinks Bautista is the better fighter with superior wrestling and striking, but notes Blackshear is durable and has never been finished. He expects Bautista to win a decision, possibly fading in later rounds. He suggests live betting Blackshear after the first round if Bautista starts fast.
Daniel Levi slightly leans toward Mario Bautista, citing his body work, aggression, and pace. He thinks Bautista's pressure will pull him away in the second and third rounds, leading to a decision win. However, he acknowledges that Blackshear is a live dog with plus money, and that the quick turnaround for Blackshear could be a factor. Levi calls it a dog-or-pass situation and respects Blackshear's skills.
Lucrative James picks Mario Bautista but with hesitation, citing Blackshear's tough weight cut twice in two weeks and Bautista's high pace. He admits he has been wrong on Blackshear twice before, so he is not fully confident. He expects a decision win for Bautista.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 18 of 30 | 60% | 30 of 46 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:57 |
| Jose Johnson | 0 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 16 of 21 | 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 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 18 of 30 | 60% | 30 of 46 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:57 |
| Jose Johnson | 0 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 16 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 18 of 30 | 60% | 7 of 16 | 2 of 5 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 13 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 9 |
| Jose Johnson | 8 of 12 | 66% | 4 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 18 of 30 | 60% | 7 of 16 | 2 of 5 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 13 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 9 |
| Jose Johnson | 8 of 12 | 66% | 4 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Cody picks Blackshear, citing his solid striking and top game. He notes Johnson's poor takedown defense and that Blackshear can mix in takedowns and control on the ground. He thinks Blackshear's experience against better competition (Yusuf Zalal, Basharat) will pay off. He expects Blackshear to get his first UFC win.
James has not taped this fight, which was made 12 hours ago, and offers no pick.
Blackshear is an explosive and athletic striker with a BJJ black belt, and he does great work in scrambles. Johnson is a striker coming in on short notice, and I have questions about his takedown defense. Blackshear should be able to take advantage of Johnson's layoff and short notice to grind out a decision.
Paul picks Blackshear, noting his improvements and solid grappling shown in his last fight against Luan Lacerda. He is surprised early action is on Johnson and thinks Blackshear's cardio and grappling will be too much. He expects Blackshear to win by decision or submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 66 of 135 | 48% | 85 of 158 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 2:14 |
| Luan Lacerda | 0 | 28 of 64 | 43% | 31 of 67 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 1 | 0:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 30 of 60 | 50% | 44 of 76 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:29 |
| Luan Lacerda | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 20 of 37 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 36 of 75 | 48% | 41 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:45 |
| Luan Lacerda | 0 | 11 of 30 | 36% | 11 of 30 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:06 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 66 of 135 | 48% | 42 of 103 | 11 of 17 | 13 of 15 | 38 of 96 | 8 of 13 | 20 of 26 |
| Luan Lacerda | 28 of 64 | 43% | 16 of 42 | 9 of 19 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 61 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 30 of 60 | 50% | 17 of 41 | 4 of 8 | 9 of 11 | 19 of 43 | 8 of 13 | 3 of 4 |
| Luan Lacerda | 17 of 34 | 50% | 11 of 24 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 31 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 36 of 75 | 48% | 25 of 62 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 22 |
| Luan Lacerda | 11 of 30 | 36% | 5 of 18 | 4 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Blackshear, impressed by his toughness and performance in his loss to Fareed. He thinks Blackshear is better than his winless UFC record and can defend Lacerda's takedowns, noting Lacerda is not the wrestler Fareed was. Angelo acknowledges Lacerda is dangerous everywhere but believes Blackshear's speed and accuracy will be key. He placed a $20 bet on Blackshear at +111.
Cody picks Lacerda, agreeing with Paul. He notes Lacerda looked like a problem in his debut against Stamann, showing strong takedown defense and striking. Cody highlights Blackshear's poor takedown defense and inability to get back to his feet. He thinks Lacerda's physicality and grappling will be too much, and that -150 is fair.
Connor fully agrees with Zane, praising Lacerda's assertiveness and well-rounded skills. He compares Lacerda favorably to a more aggressive version of Hacran Dias, noting that Lacerda knows how to lead and break opponents down methodically. Connor believes Blackshear's lack of striking comfort and tendency to give up the initiative will be exploited by Lacerda's pressure and takedowns.
Daniel picks Lacerda, praising his elite Jiu-Jitsu and ability to sweep and take backs. He notes that Blackshear is explosive and athletic but makes defensive mistakes and puts himself in deep submissions. He believes Lacerda's consistency and grappling will be the difference, and he wouldn't be surprised by a submission win.
Jacob picks Lacerda, believing he is the better striker with more power and Muay Thai kicks. He thinks Lacerda is next level on the ground and Blackshear will be outclassed everywhere. Jacob notes Lacerda struggled against Cody's elusive style but Blackshear will be more in front of him. He does not see a finish but expects Lacerda to out-grapple and out-strike Blackshear to win a decision.
Lacerda is a BJJ black belt who gets most of his work done on the mat with submissions. Blackshear has cardio issues and his efficiency drops after the first two rounds. Lacerda will land takedowns, establish dominant control, and find a submission in the latter half of the fight.
Paul picks Lacerda confidently, calling him the most value on the card at -150. He notes Lacerda's strong grappling and physicality, and that Blackshear cannot fight off his back. Paul recalls Lacerda's impressive UFC debut against Cody Stamann, where he nearly won. He thinks Lacerda's second fight will show an even better version, and that he has the tools to submit or dominate Blackshear.
The MMA Guru leans towards Luan Lacerda, acknowledging it's a tough matchup to predict. He notes Lacerda had a competitive fight with Cody Stamann, a tough veteran, and that Lacerda is more talented and had momentum coming into the UFC. He also mentions that Blackshear had a close fight with Farid Basharat and made big mistakes. The Guru thinks Lacerda will mix in grappling and get takedowns, but warns that Blackshear could win by finish as an underdog.
Zane picks Lacerda based on his assertive, front-foot style and well-rounded game. He notes that Blackshear is a good scrambler but tends to let opponents be first, which is dangerous against Lacerda's pressure. Lacerda's solid Muay Thai, power, and wrestling (he even took down Kody Stamann) should allow him to control the fight. Zane believes Blackshear's passive approach will lead to him being outworked and outgrappled.
Youssef Zalal - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 46 of 89 | 51% | 220 of 293 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 1 | 0 | 13:49 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 35 of 65 | 53% | 61 of 97 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 3:59 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 8 of 24 | 33% | 15 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:19 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 4 of 16 | 25% | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 67 of 88 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:25 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 15 of 23 | 65% | 16 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 11 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 3:48 | |
| 4 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 16 of 22 | 72% | 81 of 101 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 4:16 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 5 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 46 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:02 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 21 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aljamain Sterling | 46 of 89 | 51% | 25 of 56 | 12 of 16 | 9 of 17 | 25 of 59 | 15 of 22 | 6 of 8 |
| Youssef Zalal | 35 of 65 | 53% | 25 of 51 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 32 of 62 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aljamain Sterling | 8 of 24 | 33% | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 7 | 5 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Youssef Zalal | 4 of 16 | 25% | 3 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 4 | 4 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aljamain Sterling | 15 of 29 | 51% | 6 of 17 | 5 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 10 of 23 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 15 of 23 | 65% | 11 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aljamain Sterling | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 3 of 4 | 75% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Aljamain Sterling | 16 of 22 | 72% | 9 of 13 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 9 | 8 of 11 | 2 of 2 |
| Youssef Zalal | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Aljamain Sterling | 5 of 11 | 45% | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 |
| Youssef Zalal | 10 of 18 | 55% | 8 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zalal (-160); Sterling (+135)
Round 1
Say what we will about UFC card structure and matchmaking as of late, Sterling (25-5, 17-5 UFC) vs. Zalal (18-5-1, 8-3-1 UFC) is a dope matchup. We’ll let them do the talking from here, as referee Herb Dean handles the particulars and draws out a glove touch. It’s time for a featherweight main event.
The two bounce towards and measure one another, with Sterling the one advancing and throwing the majority of the offense early on. Zalal counters with a sharp left hand, and he keeps his jab outstretched. Sterling offers up a number of kicks, missing on several of them. He catches up to “The Moroccan Devil” with a reaching right hand, but it is one-and-done. Sterling circles from side to side while Zalal aims jabs at him, and he shoots in for a single and lifts one of his foe’s legs in the air.
Sterling transitions to a body lock, and when he does not get as Zalal circles out, Sterling trips him up on the way out. Zalal gathers himself easily enough and is about to leap at Sterling with a knee, but Sterling kicks his plant leg out from beneath him to race on top and establish top control. Sterling advances to half guard fairly comfortably while Zalal bops him in either side of the head with his free left fist, and he offers a few elbows off his back as well. Zalal keeps attacking until he can suddenly throw his legs up for a potential armbar. Sterling sits up and takes a breath to calm himself, not twisting or wriggling to put himself further in danger. The former champ works out of it and repositions himself back into half guard. Zalal goes for the triangle again, shoving Sterling back a smidge with an upkick to the chest. Before Zalal can stand, Sterling leaps on top of him and drives knees and elbows to the side until five minutes are up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Round 2
There is a quick glove touch to get started, and Sterling winds up behind two powerful low kicks. Zalal quickly rushes back to circle away from the impact of those kicks, putting his back to the wall and exposing himself for the takedown that comes naturally from the former champ. Sterling considers a single but threatens with a body lock and lets go to scores a few punches. Zalal tries to time him on the way out but is out of range. He does chase Sterling down behind his fists, and he knees Sterling square in the beard. Sterling no-sells it like The Great Antonio against Antonio Inoki and puts the pressure on his foe. Zalal circles and drives home a right hand on the side of the dome. Both men take downs advancing, finding their way to attack and disengaging when it does not fully work. Sterling drops down for a single when pushing Zalal to the fencing, and he stands Zalal up with a couple of big punches on the break.
Zalal tries for another knee, and he wades back as Sterling lunges at him with long, winding hooks. Zalal’s jab is much straighter and quicker, ringing up Sterling a few times and forcing the former champ to try more unorthodox approaches like off-balance punches and oddly timed shots. Zalal spins to complete a back fist, and Sterling ducks it and tackles Zalal to the floor. Sterling hooks his legs around the waist to lock down a body triangle, where he postures up to hammer Zalal with punches to both sides of the head. Zalal turns all the way to give up his back, briefly breaking the body lock but unable to escape from the punches and hammerfists consistently raining down on him. Sterling bludgeons Zalal with well over a dozen unanswered strikes until Zalal turns away and tries to protect his neck. Sterling reasserts his dominant position when they both sit up, with his rapping his left hand around the guard again and again until the round is over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Round 3
Zalal lands a low kick and immediately has to back off, with Sterling quick to corner him aiming body shots and pump-faking his hips. Sterling catches a knee on the chin and drives through to get hold of a single, bringing Zalal to a knee with his foe’s side against the fencing. When Zalal stands back up, he wraps up a guillotine choke, only for Sterling to scoop him up and deposit him gingerly down like a parent putting their young child on a diaper changing table in a public restroom. Zalal’s choke suddenly grows much tighter as Sterling finds himself in submission danger, but like before, the calm, cool cucumber that is the former champion moves just enough to relieve the tension on his throat and free himself. Zalal does establish himself on top after letting the choke go, but Sterling’s scrambles defend him from much of the ground-and-pound.
Sterling looks to push off the hips with butterfly hooks, switching suddenly to wrap up a partial triangle choke. When Zalal stands up to free his neck from the choke setup, Sterling belts him in the face with a crisp upkick. Zalal nods in approval and lowers himself back into the guard uncontested, where he maneuvers himself into side control and takes the back when Sterling scrambles. Zalal ties up a body triangle when he assumes back control, and Sterling sits up and defends his neck from any chokes coming his way. Zalal clings to his adversary but cannot isolate the neck, although his control ability and time sends a clear message. When Sterling gets to one knee, the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Round 4
Sterling walks down Zalal as soon as the round begins, slugging him with several right hands and slinging numerous leg kicks. Zalal’s reaction changes and his body language gets worse as Sterling keeps battering his leg with powerful kicks. Sterling closes in and grabs Zalal from behind, rolling him to the mat and completing the body triangle less than a minute into the round. Sterling softens Zalal up with a steady stream of strong left hands, trapping Zalal with his arm on the other side. Sterling holds his choke arm very closely to under the chin, and Zalal motions that he is thinking about tapping but does not give up. Sterling cinches the forearm under the chin, and he has Zalal’s left arm trapped in the submission so he cannot quite finish it. Zalal grimaces and toughs it out as best he can, rolling over to his stomach to reduce the pressure.
Sterling yanks him back over and has the body triangle just as frustratingly tight as ever. Zalal turns to try to break up the body lock, and he is constantly absorbing strike after unanswered strike. Zalal rolls to his back, with Sterling fully in mount, and it is Sterling who holds on with an arm-triangle choke. The former champ decides not to lock it down so he can bash Zalal in the face again and again. Zalal somehow fights out of the body lock and wills himself back to his feet, but he is under fire immediately as Sterling tears into him with body shots, knees and a few elbows. As he beats down Zalal against the wall, the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Sterling
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Sterling
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Sterling
Round 5
Although Zalal initially comes out aggressively in the final frame, Sterling shuts him down before long with pressure and the threat of a looming takedown. Zalal ignores his concerns and lets his hands go, connecting squarely with a few punches to drive Sterling back. Sterling knows that his best path to victory is through his grappling, and he engages it. Pressing Zalal to the fencing, Sterling hunts for a single and transitions to a body lock with an outside trip. Zalal remains upright but is being controlled as precious seconds tick off the clock. Zalal pushes off at the midpoint of the round, and he throws once before Sterling is on him like a cheap suit.
Sterling swings like a Tasmanian devil, a veritable cloud of feet and fists surrounding him as he smashes directly into Zalal. Sterling’s strikes open up the takedown, which he completes and takes the wind out of the younger man’s sails. When Zalal turns, he exposes himself to the back take magician. Unsurprisingly, Sterling gladly secures back control with his body triangle locked down, and he starts railing Zalal with his left hand en masse. Zalal turns to take the sting out of it, and Sterling follows him and sticks his tongue out while grinning and nodding. Zalal turns to try to brawl while on the mat, and when he sits up, Sterling bludgeons, batters and bruises him with double axe handle smashes and Sakuraba-esque double punches. The moment the final horn blares, Sterling disengages, and he pumps his arms in the air certain that the victory is likely moments away.
The former training partners share plenty of laughs and good spirits after 25 minutes of combat. The victorious Sterling praises Zalal, suggesting that Zalal could fight for a title in the future. Until that happens, Sterling believes it is his time at 145 pounds. He asks for another fight against Movsar Evloev, while saying that he is also coming for champion Alexander Volkanovski. If that latter fight comes together, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sterling (49-45 Sterling)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sterling (49-45 Sterling)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sterling (49-45 Sterling)
The Official Result
Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal via Unanimous Decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)
Angelo leans on Aljamain Sterling, citing his five-round experience and wrestling edge. He acknowledges that Youssef Zalal is the better striker but believes Sterling's wrestling will be superior, referencing Sterling's performance against Movsar Evloev. He notes that Sterling opened as a favorite but is now an underdog, and he encourages rewatching the Evloev fight to see Sterling's scrambling ability.
Big Brady picks Youssef Zalal over Aljamain Sterling. He notes Zalal's recent improvements and finishing ability, and believes Zalal's cardio and pace will be advantages in a five-round fight. He thinks Sterling may slow down as the fight progresses, and predicts Zalal wins by decision.
The host leans Zalal due to his output, aggression, pace, and volume, plus Sterling's decline and lack of power. However, he admits it's impossible to form a strong opinion because Zalal hasn't faced a wrestler like Sterling in years. He calls the odds fair coin-flip territory and passes on betting.
James picks Youssef Zalal based on stylistic matchup, believing Zalal's footwork and striking will cause problems for Sterling. He notes Zalal's recent improvements and age advantage, and predicts a finish inside the distance as Sterling gets desperate with takedowns.
Zalal is on an eight-fight winning streak with improved wrestling and submission defense. Sterling is a former champion but is 36 and has a questionable gas tank. Zalal should be able to defend Sterling's grappling, use his striking edge, and win a decision. He is the younger, more confident fighter with momentum.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Emmett | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:48 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Emmett | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:48 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Emmett | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Emmett | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zalal (-440), Emmett (+340)
Round 1
The UFC knew exactly what it was doing when it paired brick-fisted Emmett (19-5, 10-5 UFC) with whirling dervish Zalal (17-5-1, 7-3-1 UFC), and a passing of the torch moment may come when the dust settles. While Emmett may have passed the 40-year-old threshold, the last thing to go is the power. Referee Jason Herzog dons his proverbial hard hat as the two featherweight contenders touch ‘em up.
Zalal approaches with his hands wide by his sides, and his leg ready to fly. Zalal lands a quick kick and darts out of the way when Emmett bears down on him. Zalal whiffs on a front kick, and he shoots for a double when Emmett is about to strike. Zalal succeeds in grounding the Team Alpha Male-trained athlete with ease, and he advances to three-quarter mount while clinging to an arm-triangle setup. Emmett muscles his man over, and Zalal isolates his foe’s arm in pursuit of an armbar. Emmett keeps his weight pressed down on top, and he starts stepping over to try to get out of the sub. With Emmett’s arms both trapped, he is stunned and has to call out “tap tap tap” in order to signal that he is done and does not want to get his limb snapped. The crowd is silenced as Herzog steps in, not entirely knowing what has just happened. Fans start booing until they realize that Emmett verbally surrendered, and then they chill out because Zalal just notched an extremely impressive victory over a perennial contender in under two minutes. In victory, Zalal declares that he will be champion one day.
The Official Result
Youssef Zalal def. Josh Emmett R1 1:38 via Submission (Armbar)
Angelo picks Youssef Zalal, citing his ability to be an outside distance striker or a full-blown grappler. He notes Zalal's high fight IQ and low strikes absorbed per minute. He acknowledges Josh Emmett's power and experience but thinks Zalal's versatility and youth will be key. He is surprised Zalal is almost a 4-to-1 favorite and would set the line at -170.
Big Brady sees this as an easy win for Zalal, who is in his prime at 29, while Emmett is 40 and fighting at featherweight. He believes Zalal can use his speed and footwork to avoid Emmett's power and mix in takedowns. He predicts Zalal by decision.
Connor picks Zalal, agreeing that Zalal's movement and ability to fight at range will give Emmett problems. He notes that Emmett's only major improvement was learning to throw punches at two speeds, but he still lacks dexterity and cage-cutting skills. Connor also mentions that Zalal's performance against Calvin Katter showed he can neutralize opponents, though he cautions that Emmett's power is a constant threat.
Zalal's style is expected to be too difficult for Emmett to track. Emmett may land some big shots, but Zalal should flow with them and get off his own offense, winning a boring decision.
The MMA Guru picks Youssef Zalal, believing his counter-striking and movement will frustrate Josh Emmett. He notes Emmett's predictable overhands and lack of grappling. He predicts a late TKO via knee up the middle.
Zane picks Zalal because he believes Zalal can frustrate Emmett with movement and range control, similar to how Laron Murphy and Yair Rodriguez did. He notes that Emmett lacks a range game and struggles when opponents refuse to engage in the pocket. Zane also points out that Zalal is a dangerous striker with good combinations and that Emmett's limited offensive toolkit makes him vulnerable to a neutralizing game plan.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin Kattar | 0 | 38 of 134 | 28% | 38 of 134 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 74 of 133 | 55% | 75 of 134 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvin Kattar | 0 | 8 of 23 | 34% | 8 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 26 of 46 | 56% | 26 of 46 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Calvin Kattar | 0 | 10 of 37 | 27% | 10 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 27 of 46 | 58% | 28 of 47 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Calvin Kattar | 0 | 20 of 74 | 27% | 20 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 21 of 41 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin Kattar | 38 of 134 | 28% | 27 of 110 | 5 of 11 | 6 of 13 | 35 of 128 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 74 of 133 | 55% | 53 of 104 | 5 of 9 | 16 of 20 | 74 of 133 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvin Kattar | 8 of 23 | 34% | 7 of 20 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 8 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 26 of 46 | 56% | 16 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 11 | 26 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Calvin Kattar | 10 of 37 | 27% | 5 of 27 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 7 | 10 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 27 of 46 | 58% | 20 of 35 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 27 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Calvin Kattar | 20 of 74 | 27% | 15 of 63 | 2 of 6 | 3 of 5 | 17 of 68 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 21 of 41 | 51% | 17 of 36 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 21 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zalal (-395), Kattar (+310)
Round 1
Records are meant to be broken, and torches are meant to be passed. It is not a guarantee of either, but rather that with enough time, everything moves forward. Itching to see if the featherweight division has passed him by entirely, 36-year-old striker Kattar (23-8, 7-6 UFC) had had a tough go of it since his fateful encounter with Max Holloway in 2021. On the other side of that metric is Zalal (16-5-1, 6-3-1 UFC), who bounced out and back into the UFC only to find himself on a solid run of three straight submissions. Whether Kattar can impose adequate resistance or be the fourth in that line, referee Dan Miragliotta will oversee it all from start to finish. Gloves are touched, and both men want to start fairly measured. Picking their shots with jabs and low kicks—a pace that has been consistent for many of the fights on this card—Zalal aims a few more times at the front leg before going up high. Zalal jabs and moves, with Kattar giving chase but not cutting him off or cornering him. Zalal is able to strafe to either side, poking with his strikes and not taking much back. They both flash jabs at the same time, and it is Zalal who follows up with a one-two. The Moroccan is comfortable at his own distance, outshooting the boxer and marking his face up with power punches. Zalal picks a jab to open up a step-in knee, and Kattar walks him down but is stuck in first gear. Zalal reaches his man with a long right hand, and they try to trip one another at the same time. Kattar buzzes the hair with a huge overhand right, and Zalal pecks at him with a left hook before zipping away. Zalal measures another knee up the middle, and Kattar’s chin has no trouble holding up. Kattar puts a little more mustard behind some punches, and Zalal is forced to book it to the side so he does not get hurt. Zalal keeps moving, Kattar keeps chasing and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Round 2
Fists are tapped together before they are traded in Round 2, and they let their jabs fly early. Zalal shoots in for a double, and Kattar easily stuffs it and turns to the side to break away. Zalal jabs the body and then the head, and his head movement keeps him from taking unnecessary shots. Zalal shifts to one direction, then pivots the other way, and he throws out a takedown to keep Kattar guessing. Zalal jabs Kattar up, and his leg kicks mixed in are repeatedly effective. Zalal steps in with a high knee that bounces off the eyebrow, and he checks a kick that flies his way. Zalal splits the guard with a jab and rips a kick to the ribs, and he does not slow “The Boston Finisher.” Kattar follows Zalal around the Octagon, with Zalal doing full rotations and then some while Kattar tries and fails to track him down. Kattar drops low to shoot a faked takedown, and Zalal just misses with an uppercut. “The Moroccan Devil” rifles off a kick to the side, and he chains a few jabs behind it. Kattar reaches him with his own body kick, but it is one-and-done as he is primarily headhunting with jabs. Kattar checks a kick and maintains Zalal’s respect with a scooping right hand over the shoulder, and he appears irritated that he cannot track and lock Zalal down. The horn sounds with Kattar lunging at air.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Round 3
There is a presumptive final glove touch leading into the last round, and Kattar has listened to his corner and is pressing the action even harder than before. Kattar’s chases have turned into borderline jogging sessions, with Zalal rapidly springing from side to side to evade attack. Kattar tries to time an uppercut, and he gets his hands on Zalal at least once in a flurry before Zalal rushes away. Kattar scores a low kick, checks one back and drops to his knees to defend and crawl away from a takedown. Kattar gets up and sprints towards Zalal with looping left hands, and Zalal pecks back with jabs. Kattar sells out and marches through a few strikes to bash Zalal in the cheek with an elbow, and Zalal’s expression changes from light-hearted to one a bit more serious. Zalal keeps hurrying away to one side, and Kattar is tracking him and winding up with big power. Zalal senses danger and slides away, marking up Kattar’s face and swelling up his right eye. Kattar reaches and connects cleanly on Zalal, who stumbles to the side and is no worse for wear. Kattar is buzzing missiles past his intended target, with Zalal doing nothing but running away while Kattar is hellbent for leather. Zalal occasionally sticks out a jab, but over the last few minutes he has been backpedaling even more than usual—drawing boos and questions of what the rule of timidity is for, if a fighter can back away from engagements for minutes at a time without being called on it. Kattar cannot get the home run strike he is looking for, and when the fight wraps, he is understandably disappointed that he got outhustled.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (29-28 Zalal)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (29-28 Zalal)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (29-28 Zalal)
The Official Result
Youssef Zalal def. Calvin Kattar via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is extremely confident in Youssef Zalal, calling him his 'most confident pick on this card.' He highlights Zalal's momentum, improved wrestling and submissions, and Calvin Kattar's inability to defend takedowns. He also notes that Kattar's team (New England Cartel) has not proven they can stop takedowns, so he fades them against any wrestler.
Big Brady picks Zalal by second-round submission, citing Zalal's recent finishing streak and improved aggression. Kattar is 36, on a losing streak, and had a terrible performance against Aljamain Sterling. Zalal has a grappling path and can also win on the feet with movement. He expects Zalal to take down Kattar and submit him.
Connor picks Youssef Zalal, emphasizing Zalal's newfound confidence and flexibility. He notes that Zalal has turned a corner, becoming a more dynamic fighter who can create and take advantage of openings. Connor compares Zalal's development to a sumo wrestler who has found his center, and believes Zalal's adaptability marks him as a potential elite fighter. He acknowledges Kattar's durability and slow-start style but thinks Zalal's improved wrestling and ability to recover from difficulty will be key.
Lucrative James is confident Youssef Zalal will win and cover the -400 price tag. He believes Zalal is the better striker, kickboxer, grappler, and wrestler everywhere except pure boxing, where Kattar has an edge. He highlights Zalal's elite footwork and defensive skills, noting that even Ilia Topuria struggled to land clean on him. He expects Zalal to outclass Kattar on the outside with jabs and leg kicks, and predicts a 30-27 decision. He dismisses the idea of betting Kattar as a value underdog, stating the narrative that Kattar is washed is correct.
Zalal is the better fighter with momentum. He will remain competitive on the feet and then get the fight to the ground, showcasing his aggressive submission approach. He is more aggressive than Sterling, who couldn't finish Kattar, and will find a submission.
The MMA Guru picks Youssef Zalal over Calvin Kattar, citing Zalal's ability to mix it up with wrestling, low kicks, and boxing. He notes Kattar's recent losses, injuries, and susceptibility to leg kicks. He believes Zalal will chew up Kattar's legs, grapple, and win a decision, possibly with a 10-8 round.
Zane picks Youssef Zalal confidently, citing Zalal's transformation into a more confident, aggressive, and well-rounded fighter. He notes that Zalal has developed killer instinct, recovers well from difficulty, and has incorporated wrestling effectively into his flow. Zane contrasts this with Calvin Kattar's slow starts and recent losses to elite fighters, suggesting Kattar may have hit a wall stylistically. He believes Zalal is primed for a run and that this fight is a great opportunity for him to prove he's a top-10 fighter.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 10 of 21 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
| Jack Shore | 1 | 13 of 27 | 48% | 21 of 37 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youssef Zalal | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 9 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
| Jack Shore | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 13 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:39 | |
| 2 | Youssef Zalal | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jack Shore | 1 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 8 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:28 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youssef Zalal | 8 of 18 | 44% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Jack Shore | 13 of 27 | 48% | 9 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 23 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youssef Zalal | 7 of 15 | 46% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Jack Shore | 7 of 17 | 41% | 3 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Youssef Zalal | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Shore | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zalal (-258), Shore (+210)
Round 1
What was once an extremely promising resume listed at 16-0 has transformed into 17-2 in the span of two years for Welshman Shore (17-2, 6-2 UFC). A pair of stoppages have turned him away from elite opposition, and he now draws a resurgent Zalal (15-5-1, 5-3 UFC) in what should be a fast-paced and exciting featherweight affair. The third man in the Octagon will be referee Luke Boutin, clocking the fighters in as they share a swift tap of gloves. Zalal immediately sticks out a jab, and Shore’s eye is red instantly. Zalal pushes out a front kick and dodges a jab, and he puts a few leg kicks on his opponent’s front wheel. Shore tries to check one and comes out swinging with an overhand right, and the Zalal jabs have further transformed his face to a redder color. Shore crashes the pocket and shoots for a single, and Zalal leans against the fence to defend it. Zalal watches the video screen to see the other side of his opponent, and Shore wrenches him down to his hands. Shore legally knees Zalal in the face while Zalal’s hands are down, and Zalal drops down to a single knee before blasting to his feet. Shore elevates his man down once more, and Zalal lowers himself to a knee to not get kneed in the face. Zalal works his way up and pushes Shore to the wall, and Shore explodes out of it and whips a kick at “The Moroccan Devil.” Zalal loads up on power strikes, opening him up to a three-punch counter. As the fighters trade hands, the fans again decide it is the right time to voice a political opinion about their current leader. Shore takes a few punches on the chin to push Zalal to the wall, and Zalal uses a kimura to turn Shore around. Zalal uses a body lock to lower Shore to the mat, and he hits the ground in half guard. Zalal wraps his arm around Shore’s head to keep him pinned down to the ground, but Shore still fights out of the choke and nearly gives up his back. Zalal positions himself to where he can get both hooks in, and he turns Shore around and starts hunting for a cranking submission. The neck crank does not get a tap, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Round 2
The two touch gloves, and Zalal opens up with a few jabs. Shore walks into a jab and a right hand, and Zalal’s counters are quicker and he is evasive enough to block the strikes from coming. As Shore ducks down, “The Moroccan Devil” fires off a devilishly powerful knee up the middle that knocks Shore to his seat. Zalal leaps on top into half guard, and he establishes an arm-triangle choke.
Zalal locks down the arm-triangle and does not even need to move to the side, instead pressing his full body weight down while in mount to complete it. Shore hangs on tight, but he has to tap out before getting rendered unconscious.
Boutin gets between them, and Zalal has just notched arguably the largest win in his career while breaking a tough stretch of decisions tonight. That marks three wins in 2024 for the Factory X fighter, all by submission.
The Official Result
Youssef Zalal def. Jack Shore R2 0:59 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Angelo sees Youssef Zalal as the better wrestler, grappler, and more technical striker in this matchup. He notes Zalal's 2.0 version since returning to the UFC has been a buzzsaw, with improved wrestling and ground control. He mentions Zalal's low striking absorption rate (1.73 per minute) and high fight IQ. He also highlights Zalal's recent submission win over Jarno Errens. Angelo is confident Zalal will win and considers the -225 price affordable.
Big Brady picks Youssef Zalal to win by decision. He notes that Zalal has looked much more aggressive in his second UFC stint, finishing opponents, while Jack Shore is moving up to featherweight and will be undersized. Brady believes Zalal is the better striker and can compete in grappling, stuffing takedowns and possibly getting his own. He expects a close fight but thinks Zalal does enough over 15 minutes.
Cody picks Youssef Zalal, citing his improved grappling and striking since his return to the UFC. He notes that Zalal is younger, faster, and more well-rounded than Shore, who he sees as undersized and struggling against physical opponents. He believes Zalal's movement and takedown ability will be too much for Shore, and expects a dominant performance.
Daniel Vreeland picks Youssef Zalal, citing his resurgence and improved skills since returning to the UFC. He believes Zalal's movement, footwork, and ability to mix in takedowns will be too much for Jack Shore, who is stuck between weight classes. Vreeland notes that Zalal has looked impressive against solid competition and is on a trajectory to face ranked opponents, while Shore is underwhelming and in the wrong division.
Shore is dealing with recency bias as a big underdog, but his relentless wrestling style can still prove fruitful, especially since Zalal doesn't present the athletic and physical dangers that Shore's recent opponents have, allowing Shore to grind out a win and spoil Zalal's winning streak.
Paul agrees, noting that Zalal has looked impressive in his second UFC stint and has a well-rounded skill set. He points out that Shore struggles against physically stronger opponents and that Zalal's speed and technique will give him problems. He believes Zalal is the rightful favorite and should win comfortably.
The Guru picks Youssef Zalal over Jack Shore, citing that Shore is not a true featherweight and lacks physicality. He notes Zalal's momentum, improvements in grappling, and recent performances, including a win over Billy Quarantillo as an underdog. He believes Zalal's technical skills and confidence will be key, while Shore's move up in weight is a disadvantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 10 of 12 | 83% | 10 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:08 |
| Jarno Errens | 0 | 6 of 26 | 23% | 7 of 27 | 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 | Youssef Zalal | 0 | 10 of 12 | 83% | 10 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:08 |
| Jarno Errens | 0 | 6 of 26 | 23% | 7 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youssef Zalal | 10 of 12 | 83% | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 9 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jarno Errens | 6 of 26 | 23% | 3 of 22 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youssef Zalal | 10 of 12 | 83% | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 9 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jarno Errens | 6 of 26 | 23% | 3 of 22 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zalal (-395), Errens (+310)
Round 1
Attention shifts to the featherweight division, where Errens (14-5-1, 1-2 UFC) awaits Zalal (14-5-1, 4-3-1 UFC) at 145 pounds. Mike Beltran serves as the third man in the cage. Errens pumps out his jab, looking to get a read on range. Zalal greets him with a leg kick, then another and another. Errens light on his feet in the center of the cage. He shoots a leg kick of his own, then and overhand right. Leg kick from Zalal. Errens answers with a jab. Another leg kick from Zalal. Errens whiffs on a spinning wheel kick, then charges forward. Zalal scores with a left hook to the body. Eye poke from Errens results in pause to the action and warning from Beltran. Errens looks to up the aggression midway through the round. Zalal shoots on the hips and powers the Dutchman into the cage. Errens avoids the initial takedown attempt but not the second. Zalal establishes top position, then moves to the back with a body triangle. Errens stands.
Zalal goes to work on a rear-naked choke, forces his arms into place, tightens his squeeze and prompts the tapout
.
The Official Result
Youssef Zalal def. Jarno Errens—Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 3:52 R1
Angelo is very confident in Zalal because of his high fight IQ, incredible defense (only 1.73 significant strikes absorbed per minute), and well-rounded skills. He notes that Errens overcommits and extends while chasing power, which sets him up to be taken down. Zalal is one of Angelo's most confident picks on the card.
Cody is high on Zalal, citing his improved grappling, slick Jiu-Jitsu, and dominant win over Billy Quarantillo. He notes Errens has poor takedown defense (26%) and is one-dimensional. Cody expects Zalal to submit Errens and took Zalal by submission at plus 310.
Zalal has a solid all-around game with good striking, leg kicks, and aggressive grappling, plus high-level cardio training at elevation. Errens has shown flaws in takedown defense and has been out-grinded by strikers. Zalal should mix in takedowns to separate himself and win on the scorecards, though Errens is tough to finish.
Paul agrees, calling Zalal a potential top-five guy. He notes Errens' takedown defense is a massive flaw and Zalal should dominate. Paul took Zalal by submission as well, believing Zalal will take the smart route and not risk striking.
The MMA Guru picks Youssef Zalal, citing his experience and underrated skills. He notes Zalal's ability to float on the outside and play the point-fighting game, which he believes will be effective against Jarno Errens. He mentions Zalal's close fight with Ilia Topuria and his win over Billy Quarantillo as evidence of his quality. He dismisses Errens' recent win over Steven Nguyen, stating Zalal is a step up in competition.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 10 of 50 | 20% | 26 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 33 of 56 | 58% | 37 of 62 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:55 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youssef Zalal | 0 | 8 of 40 | 20% | 15 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 31 of 49 | 63% | 33 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:33 | |
| 2 | Youssef Zalal | 0 | 2 of 10 | 20% | 11 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 4 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:22 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youssef Zalal | 10 of 50 | 20% | 8 of 36 | 0 of 8 | 2 of 6 | 10 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 33 of 56 | 58% | 18 of 36 | 5 of 9 | 10 of 11 | 28 of 49 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youssef Zalal | 8 of 40 | 20% | 6 of 28 | 0 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 8 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 31 of 49 | 63% | 17 of 31 | 5 of 8 | 9 of 10 | 26 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 6 | |
| 2 | Youssef Zalal | 2 of 10 | 20% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 2 of 7 | 28% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Quarantillo (-148), Zalal (+124)
Round 1
Keeping the main card pushing, the hyper-aggressive Quarantillo (18-5, 6-3 UFC) will welcome kickboxer-turned-wrestler Zalal (13-5-1, 3-3-1 UFC) back to the Octagon after a year and half away. While Quarantillo has battled three top-25 names in that span, Zalal has crushed three adversaries in the Sparta Combat League promotion—the last coming at the end of a night where he won a boxing match, then a kickboxing match, and tapped a kickboxer in the MMA finals. Speed will be the name of the game in this featherweight encounter, and referee Herb Dean will try to keep up. Gloves are tapped, and Zalal moves right to the middle of the cage to plant a kick on the lead leg of the Floridian. When Quarantillo comes forward to throw hands, Zalal skirts on the outside and lands another slapping calf kick. Zalal pokes out a jab and has a third leg kick find its home, and he is able to dance away from “Billy Q.” Zalal gets off kicks on the inside and out of his foe’s leg, and he snaps a jab out to follow. Quarantillo again telegraphs his blitz, and Zalal dodges everything but a leg kick and a power right hand. Zalal rolls with it and strafes from side to side, not letting Quarantillo find his pattern yet. Quarantillo steps in with a knee that brushes his past his target, and he reaches out with a right hand. Zalal keeps moving and lands a knee to the chest, and Quarantillo chases him and walks into a punch to the ribs and a low kick. Quarantillo lumbers in with a right that whiffs, and Zalal rings his bell with a right hand as he delivers kicks to several targets. Zalal hops in and out, landing another one-two as Quarantillo shakes his head. Quarantillo crashes forward and results in a clinch, and Zalal scrambles away and points at the ground as he would prefer to strike. Zalal takes a right hand on the temple and drops to a knee, and he fires back and gets Quarantillo’s attention with a flurry of punches. The right hand from Zalal tags Quarantillo another time, nails him with a knee and he hits a trip that takes “Billy Q” off his feet. Zalal moves into the guard, and he hacks down with elbows and prevents Quarantillo from getting his butterfly hooks in. Quarantillo rolls for an armbar, and Zalal sees it coming and turns to the right side and batters him with punches and elbows. Zalal steps over to take the back, and he hooks up a body triangle and hunts for a standing rear-naked choke when Quarantillo stands. Quarantillo falls to the ground, with the grip on his chin and not under it, and he toughs it out and winces in pain. Zalal crushes with the squeeze until Quarantillo punches his way out of it, and he smacks Quarantillo on the side of the head until the one-sided round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Round 2
Quarantillo starts the round aggressively, winging overhand rights, and tries to counter kicks with this big right hand. Zalal slides from side to side, landing a front kick and a few punches until he closes in to hit a trip and toss Quarantillo to his back. Zalal ignores a rubber guard moment from his opponent so he can punish Quarantillo with punches and hammerfists, and he stacks Quarantillo up and thwarts an armbar as Quarantillo turns to his knees. Zalal hangs on from behind again, and he drags a standing Quarantillo back down and locks down a body triangle.
Zalal hunts for a rear-naked choke, and he wriggles his forearm beneath the chin. When the choke locks down, Quarantillo quickly knows that this is it for him, and he surrenders with taps on the arm.
This is a stellar performance for the returning Zalal, who ended a seven-fight streak in the Octagon of going the distance by running roughshod over a solid featherweight in Quarantillo.
The Official Result
Youssef Zalal def. Billy Quarantillo R2 1:50 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo is very confident in Billy Quarantillo, placing a full unit bet on him at -146. He believes Quarantillo's constant forward pressure and high output will overwhelm Zalal, who prefers to point fight from the outside. He expects the line to rebound to -300 and advises jumping on the current value.
Big Brady picks Billy Quarantillo, citing his high volume (almost 8 strikes per minute) compared to Zalal's low volume (2.75). He notes Zalal is durable and has good cardio but will be outworked. He thinks Quarantillo will drown Zalal with activity and win a decision.
Cody picks Quarantillo, citing his volume, durability, and ability to push a pace. He thinks Zalal's wrestling could be neutralized by Quarantillo's scrambling and constant forward pressure. Cody notes that Zalal is returning after a layoff and may not be ready for Quarantillo's relentless style.
Daniel Vreeland leans toward Youssef Zalal, believing he can pick Quarantillo apart with his striking and avoid getting drawn into a brawl. He notes Zalal has never had cardio issues and has won rounds against top competition. He thinks Zalal's maturity and composure will be key, but he would have liked better odds.
Zalal is the better striker with good combinations and cardio. He should be able to outwork Quarantillo on the feet and avoid takedowns. Quarantillo is a slow starter who relies on pressure and grappling, but his takedown success rate is low. Zalal's improved aggression could be key, but there is concern about Quarantillo's clinch and submission threats. Zalal by decision is the pick.
Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing Quarantillo's volume and the value at minus 140. He believes Zalal's path to victory via takedowns is difficult because Quarantillo fights to get back up and throws volume. Paul sees Quarantillo as the clear play.
The MMA Guru picks Youssef Zalal as an underdog over Billy Quarantillo, believing Zalal is a better striker with good cardio and reach. He criticizes Quarantillo's slow movement and poor standup. He thinks Zalal will finish Quarantillo by TKO, catching him coming in with straight punches.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 63 of 150 | 42% | 82 of 179 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 1 | 4:52 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 27 of 69 | 39% | 40 of 91 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 | 2 | 3:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 9 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:22 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:43 | |
| 2 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 1:35 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 3:08 | |
| 3 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 59 of 136 | 43% | 67 of 152 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:55 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 19 of 53 | 35% | 19 of 53 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 63 of 150 | 42% | 43 of 126 | 13 of 14 | 7 of 10 | 42 of 114 | 5 of 7 | 16 of 29 |
| Youssef Zalal | 27 of 69 | 39% | 10 of 42 | 6 of 11 | 11 of 16 | 27 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 6 of 13 | 46% | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Da'Mon Blackshear | 59 of 136 | 43% | 42 of 116 | 12 of 13 | 5 of 7 | 39 of 101 | 4 of 6 | 16 of 29 |
| Youssef Zalal | 19 of 53 | 35% | 9 of 36 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 7 | 19 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zalal (-120), Blackshear (+100)
Round 1
The Factory X-trained Zalal, who is in the midst of a three-bout skid, will welcome former Cage Fury Fighting Championship title holder Blackshear to the Octagon in this bantamweight scrap. Herb Dean will get the first referee assignment of the card. They touch gloves before trading low kicks. Blackshear is feinting with jumping front kicks while continuing to work the outside leg of his opponent. Blackshear continues to chip away at the legs before Zalal changes levels for a takedown. Blackshear attempts to post before Zalal forces his back down to the mat. Blackshear with a couple elbows to the head as Zalal attempts to navigate his guard. Blackshear walks his legs up and threatens with an armbar, but Zalal isn’t in trouble yet. Zalal stacks Blackshear near the cage and drops a short right hand. Zalal lands a few more short punches before Blackshear transitions to a leg lock. Blackshear clings to the leg and Zalal grabs a leg of his own. Shortly thereafter, Blackshear scrambles his way into a back take and he has both hooks in with 30 seconds remaining. Blackshear lands a couple right hands to the head and controls positioning until the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Round 2
Blackshear with a jumping front kick and Zalal answers with a left jab. blackshear connects with a sharp right hand. The CFFC veteran shoots for a takedown against the fence and Zalal defends. Blackshear locks his hands, lifts and dumps his opponent on his seat. Zalal gets to a knee, which allows Blackshear to take the back. He’s too high, though, and Zalal slips off and assumes control, eventually working his way to his oppponent’s back. Zalal hunts for a rear-naked choke with a body traingle secured. Blackshear turns his head and fights the hands. Blackshear moves to his knees and then powers out of the predicament, dropping ground-and-pound from above in the process. Blackshear tries for a choke without back control and Zalal returns to his feet and shoots for a takedown against the fence. He gives up on the takedown and maintains a body lock. Blackshear reverses and turns his man to the fence as the grappling heavy affair continues. Blackshear drops low for a single leg. Zalal defends, but Blackshear spins around and jumps on his back. Zalal is carrying Blackshear like a backpack, leaning into the fence ot help carry the weight. Blackshear is attempting to slide his left arm under the chin in the waning moments of the round. It gets a little deeper but Zalal does a good job of keeping his chin down until the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Round 3
Zalal walks forward and flicks out a jab, and Blackshear answers with a right hand. Blackshear whiffs on a superman punch, and Zalal lands a straight right. Zalal denies a level change as the bantamweights nearly clash heads. Zalal follows a jab with a step-in knee that just misses. Another jab for Zalal gets through. A glancing high kick lands for Zalal, who is looking to strike this round. They trade low kicks and Zalal lands a straight right ot the body. Blackshear is slowing down and Zalal flurries with a combination near the fence. Blackshear circles away and Zalal keeps the pressure on. Blackshear dives low for a takedown and grabs hold of a leg. Zalal hops on one leg before freeing himself. Zalal pressures against the fence with a punching combination. Zalal keeps the heat on and throws a pair of elbows. They tie up and Blackshear eats an elbow. Zalal stalks his man and lands more punches. A counter left hook lands for Blackshear, but Zalal does damage with a kick and punch to the body. Zalal walks his man into the fence and drops Blackshear to a knee with another clean body shot. Zalal follows his man to the mat and drops elbows from above. He transitions to side control and is teeing off with punches and hammerfists. Dean is taking a close look as Zalal achieves full mount. Zalal tees off all the way until the horn, but Blackshear survives.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Zalal (28-28)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Zalal (28-28)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-8 Zalal (28-28)
The Official Result
Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Youssef Zalal is declared a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28) R3 5:00
Angelo picks Da'Mon Blackshear despite it being short notice, citing his athleticism, speed, and power. He notes that Zalal is tough to finish and has great defense, but believes Blackshear can win if his conditioning holds up and he can defend takedowns. However, Angelo is not betting on this fight due to the short notice uncertainty.
Big Brady leans toward Youssef Zalal to win by decision. He notes that Zalal has had a year off and is dropping to bantamweight, which could be beneficial. Zalal impressed in his last fight against Sean Woodson, showing good striking and wrestling. Blackshear is tough with good grappling, but Brady thinks Zalal is a little better overall and should win a decision.
Cody picks Blackshear as an underdog, citing Zalal's low output and reliance on wrestling. He notes Blackshear is physically strong, has excellent cardio, and has submitted several prospects. Cody thinks Blackshear will stuff takedowns and break Zalal down.
Daniel Levi leans Youssef Zalal, citing his experience inside the UFC and his back being against the wall. He notes that Zalal has paid his dues and has a solid grappling game. However, he acknowledges Blackshear's athleticism and unorthodox style, and that Blackshear could make big leaps. Levi predicts a split decision for Zalal.
The host includes Blackshear in his totals parlay, betting over 2.5 rounds. He notes that Blackshear has never been finished in his professional MMA career, so he expects the fight to go the distance or at least past 2.5 rounds.
Paul leans toward Zalal, noting his youth and experience. He is interested in live betting to see if Zalal can get takedowns early. Paul is hesitant because Zalal has struggled against stronger grapplers, but he thinks Zalal's game plan could be to win rounds.
The host picks Youssef Zalal, acknowledging Blackshear is a decent underdog but trusting Zalal's youth (25) and improvements after time off. He notes Zalal's close fights with tough opponents and believes he can avoid being finished. The host cites Blackshear's losses to composed fighters like Pat Sabatini and Chris Moutinho as a pattern.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Woodson | 0 | 40 of 116 | 34% | 104 of 204 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 1:03 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 42 of 89 | 47% | 55 of 112 | 2 of 17 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 6:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 11 of 38 | 28% | 28 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 17 of 31 | 54% | 20 of 37 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:46 | |
| 2 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 15 of 46 | 32% | 24 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 15 of 34 | 44% | 19 of 42 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:46 | |
| 3 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 14 of 32 | 43% | 52 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 10 of 24 | 41% | 16 of 33 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:49 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Woodson | 40 of 116 | 34% | 23 of 88 | 6 of 12 | 11 of 16 | 33 of 107 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 42 of 89 | 47% | 18 of 62 | 9 of 11 | 15 of 16 | 40 of 85 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Woodson | 11 of 38 | 28% | 4 of 26 | 2 of 6 | 5 of 6 | 11 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 17 of 31 | 54% | 6 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 8 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean Woodson | 15 of 46 | 32% | 7 of 35 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 7 | 14 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 15 of 34 | 44% | 8 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 14 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sean Woodson | 14 of 32 | 43% | 12 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 8 of 25 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 10 of 24 | 41% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
We move along to the featherweight division with a match between sharp strikers as “The Sniper” Woodson (7-1, 1-1 UFC) takes on “The Moroccan Devil” Zalal (10-4, 3-2 UFC). Keeping his head on a swivel is referee Keith Peterson, who destroys all the nonsense in the building. A touch of gloves to start things off, and Woodson reaches out with several long strikes and takes advantage of his sharp jab early. Zalal returns fire with a calf kick, and Woodson changes stances and walks face-first into a punch. “The Sniper” snipes at Zalal’s legs with his own calf kicks, and the preeminent strike thus far is a kick down low. Zalal advances and looks to close the distance, crowding Woodson and getting past his reaching jabs. Zalal gets off a few punches on the outside, and “The Sniper” chases after him but is reaching and lunging recklessly. Zalal corners his foe into the cage, and he starts to rip into Woodson, only to eat a stiff counter. Zalal backs off, rushes back in and ducks low for a double. The Glory MMA & Fitness representative stuffs the takedown, and he gets a break to fire off a few distance kicks. Woodson clocks Zalal with a one-two, and he just whiffs with a high kick. Zalal takes a kick to the body as he stays loose and on his bike, trying to find his way back in. Both men fire off spinning kicks, but it is Zalal that connects with one to the body. “The Sniper” snipes with a left hand, only to be greeted with a takedown attempt. Like before, Woodson defends it well, and hacks at Zalal’s head with a couple elbows. Woodson punches the thigh and body as he is pinned to the wire, and he makes Zalal pay for the attempt with a few strikes on the inside before breaking. Zalal backs off, and he attacks one final takedown right before the 10-second clapper. When he lands it, Woodson stands up, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Round 2
Woodson marches out of his corner to engage, and Zalal is right there to meet him. A few reaching punches from Woodson score, and Zalal fires back with some calf kicks and a clubbing right hand. Woodson does not let him of the hook, as he pressures Zalal towards the cage, landing a few punches to varying targets. Zalal looks to brawl, and Woodson eats a right hand while trying to jab his way out of danger. “The Moroccan Devil” throws hands until ducking down for a takedown attempt, and Woodson keeps his wits and balance about him as he pushes away and shakes his head. Zalal answers this with another double, forcing the striker to defend with his back on the cage wall. Zalal turns it into a single, and he elevates Woodson in a moment only to set him back down where there is nothing to it. Woodson fires off an elbow to get Zalal to back off, and he tattoos Zalal’s body with a kick on the way out. Woodson goes up high with a kick, and Zalal ducks and weaves with a counter right hand. Zalal dodges another looping high kick, and Woodson grabs hold of him to clinch up on his own terms. Woodson lands an elbow and loads up on a few shots, but Zalal dances out of the way as he escapes. Zalal swipes with a left hand on the way in, and Woodson responds with three punches up top. Both men trade hacking calf kicks, and Woodson catches Zalal coming in with a stiff knee. Zalal eats it like a traditional Moroccan dish and gathers himself, only to take a few jabs on the chin. The momentum shifts keep occurring as one lands in volume, and the other answers with their own salvo. Zalal pushes in to grab hold of Woodson’s right leg, and Woodson snatches up a guillotine choke and pulls guard to fall to his back and secure it. Time expires before he can get a tap.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Round 3
There is a glove touch to begin the last round, and there is immediate action as Zalal goes low with a kick. Woodson tags him with a left hand, and he follows it with a solid one-two. Zalal lands a few of his own, only to duck down to pursue a single leg takedown. Woodson keeps his back on the fencing and splits his legs to stuff the attempt, where he stands Zalal back up and turns him about. Woodson tries to get off a few knees, and Zalal does not like these so he bails and backs off. Woodson rushes after him to push the pace, and Zalal drops down for a double. “The Sniper” is forced to stave off the try instead of getting strikes off, and he keeps his hand pressed on the back of Zalal’s neck to stop the takedown from succeeding. Woodson pushes off and lands a knee to the liver, and he flicks out a front kick to follow suit. Zalal scores a leg kick, and he whiffs on a huge left hook. Zalal’s hands are by his waist as he escapes, and Woodson is chasing him down with strikes. Zalal breaks up this advancement with a double that turns into a single, and Woodson stands tall and keeps it from succeeding. With Woodson stuck against the fence, he signals to Peterson that he is being held and not doing anything with it. Zalal answers with a single, and Woodson latches on to a guillotine choke to defend the position. “The Moroccan Devil” notices this, and he lets go, where Woodson thanks him with a body kick. When Zalal shoots in for a takedown, Woodson meets him in the middle and snags on to a guillotine choke. Zalal squirms his neck out, escapes a potential triangle setup, and rolls through. Woodson follows him, but the two stand up to bang it out to the final bell. Both men flail wildly and recklessly, and they laugh as they largely do not connect. The round ends, and the featherweights embrace after an exhausting battle.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Woodson (29-28 Woodson)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Woodson (29-28 Woodson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Woodson (29-28 Woodson)
The Official Result
Sean Woodson def. Youssef Zalal via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Big Brady thinks the line is off and the fight should be a pick'em. He notes Woodson has a big reach advantage but Zalal has a strong ground game, averaging 2.5 takedowns per 15 minutes. He points out Woodson's takedown defense is inflated by facing poor wrestlers, and that Terence McKinney had success controlling Woodson on the mat. He believes if Zalal mixes in takedowns he can win a decision, as Zalal is not a finisher.
Cody picks Woodson, noting his size and reach. He thinks Zalal's takedowns won't be effective and that Woodson will outpoint him. Cody likes Woodson by decision as a prop.
Daniel picks Woodson, believing he has cleaner hands and more output. He notes that Woodson's length (6'2", 79" reach) will be a problem for Zalal, and that Zalal is a jack-of-all-trades without a standout skill. Daniel acknowledges Zalal's smarts and calf kicks, but thinks Woodson will pick him apart on the feet and avoid takedowns. He expects Woodson to win a decision, possibly a split, but is confident in his striking advantage.
Woodson has superior boxing and range, and he gets up quickly if taken down. Zalal's takedowns won't keep him down, and Woodson will out-strike him for a decision win.
Paul picks Woodson, citing his reach and boxing advantage. He notes Zalal's low output and reliance on takedowns, which Woodson can defend. Paul thinks Woodson will win a decision. He likes Woodson by decision as a prop.
The Guru picks Sean Woodson, emphasizing his significant reach advantage (6'2" with 78-inch reach at featherweight). He believes Woodson will keep Zalal at range and pick him apart for three rounds, similar to how Sung Woo Choi did. He notes Zalal's tendency to take fights too frequently without enough time to improve, and thinks Zalal's two-fight losing streak may lead to a cut. He predicts a unanimous decision with Woodson outlanding Zalal every round.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Da'Mon Blackshear despite it being short notice, citing his athleticism, speed, and power. He notes that Zalal is tough to finish and has great defense, but believes Blackshear can win if his conditioning holds up and he can defend takedowns. However, Angelo is not betting on this fight due to the short notice uncertainty.
Big Brady leans toward Youssef Zalal to win by decision. He notes that Zalal has had a year off and is dropping to bantamweight, which could be beneficial. Zalal impressed in his last fight against Sean Woodson, showing good striking and wrestling. Blackshear is tough with good grappling, but Brady thinks Zalal is a little better overall and should win a decision.
Cody picks Blackshear as an underdog, citing Zalal's low output and reliance on wrestling. He notes Blackshear is physically strong, has excellent cardio, and has submitted several prospects. Cody thinks Blackshear will stuff takedowns and break Zalal down.
Daniel Levi leans Youssef Zalal, citing his experience inside the UFC and his back being against the wall. He notes that Zalal has paid his dues and has a solid grappling game. However, he acknowledges Blackshear's athleticism and unorthodox style, and that Blackshear could make big leaps. Levi predicts a split decision for Zalal.
The host includes Blackshear in his totals parlay, betting over 2.5 rounds. He notes that Blackshear has never been finished in his professional MMA career, so he expects the fight to go the distance or at least past 2.5 rounds.
Paul leans toward Zalal, noting his youth and experience. He is interested in live betting to see if Zalal can get takedowns early. Paul is hesitant because Zalal has struggled against stronger grapplers, but he thinks Zalal's game plan could be to win rounds.
The host picks Youssef Zalal, acknowledging Blackshear is a decent underdog but trusting Zalal's youth (25) and improvements after time off. He notes Zalal's close fights with tough opponents and believes he can avoid being finished. The host cites Blackshear's losses to composed fighters like Pat Sabatini and Chris Moutinho as a pattern.
Two people fighting tonight have a twister. Da'mon no handshake in the weigh-ins. Davey body is looking deformed after years of fighting not saying he is or isnt in good shape.. Da Mon is 100 for the twister.