Career Averages - Mohammed Usman
Career Averages - Zac Pauga
Mohammed Usman
Zac Pauga
Mohammed Usman - Fight History
Angelo picks Valter Walker, noting his wrestling and heel hook expertise. He believes Valter should win by takedown and submission, but expresses concern about Valter's striking and potential to quit if takedowns are defended. He has low confidence in Mohammed Usman's skill set, calling him not a great fighter. He advises caution due to Valter's shaky performance in his last fight.
Cody picks Usman but is not confident, noting Walker's submission threat. He believes Usman's wrestling and durability can neutralize Walker, but expects a close fight. He suggests passing or taking the sub prop on Walker.
Lucrative James picks Valter Walker, highlighting his signature heel hook and the fact that Mohammed Usman is the type of fighter to get caught in one. He notes Walker's three consecutive heel hook wins in the UFC and believes Usman's grappling defense is not elite. He also mentions Walker's improved physique and cardio, and expects a round one submission. He likes the under 2.5 rounds (-135) and Walker by submission (+175).
Manpreet picks Walker to win by submission but is not confident in the moneyline at -315. He notes Walker's heel hook threat but also his vulnerability if the submission fails. He suggests Usman at plus 265 is worth consideration if he can avoid early danger. He prefers the submission prop at +175.
Paul picks Usman as a dog, citing Walker's one-dimensional game of fishing for heel hooks. He notes Usman's wrestling defense and jab, and believes he can stuff takedowns and win a decision. He suggests the over and Usman by decision.
The MMA Guru picks Valter Walker over Mohammed Usman, citing Walker's recent leg lock submissions and Usman's tentative, scared fighting style. He believes Walker will march forward and secure a heel hook submission in the first round. He notes Usman is more of an athlete than a fighter.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamdy Abdelwahab | 0 | 55 of 123 | 44% | 55 of 124 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 86 of 179 | 48% | 86 of 179 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamdy Abdelwahab | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 9 of 46 | 19% | 9 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Hamdy Abdelwahab | 0 | 21 of 39 | 53% | 21 of 40 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 29 of 54 | 53% | 29 of 54 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Hamdy Abdelwahab | 0 | 18 of 52 | 34% | 18 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 48 of 79 | 60% | 48 of 79 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamdy Abdelwahab | 55 of 123 | 44% | 34 of 97 | 10 of 13 | 11 of 13 | 55 of 123 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 86 of 179 | 48% | 44 of 123 | 41 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 86 of 179 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamdy Abdelwahab | 16 of 32 | 50% | 9 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 8 | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 9 of 46 | 19% | 8 of 42 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 9 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Hamdy Abdelwahab | 21 of 39 | 53% | 13 of 31 | 5 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 21 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 29 of 54 | 53% | 16 of 34 | 12 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 29 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Hamdy Abdelwahab | 18 of 52 | 34% | 12 of 44 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 48 of 79 | 60% | 20 of 47 | 28 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 48 of 79 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Hamdy Abdelwahab but with significant reservations. He notes that Hamdy is an Olympic wrestler but has looked sloppy, gasses easily, and hasn't shown good cardio. He mentions that Mohammed Usman is big and athletic but may not be fully committed, citing an interview where his brother said he's on the fence about continuing. Angelo ultimately fades both for fantasy but picks Hamdy due to the potential for takedowns if Usman is not prepared.
Big Brady picks Hamdy Abdelwahab but is not excited about the fight. He expects Abdelwahab to get a takedown in the first round, gas out, and then the fight becomes a low-volume affair going to decision. He thinks Abdelwahab clearly lost his last fight but will get the nod from judges. He predicts Abdelwahab by decision and says he will look to fade him in the future.
Connor agrees, noting that Usman is built like a superhuman but fights like he wants to flitter around with jabs, and struggles against steady aggression. He points out that Abdelwahab is a crazy aggressive guy who will pressure Usman, and the only risk is gassing out. Connor believes Usman's lack of fight IQ and aggression will be his downfall.
The host is not a big believer in Abdelwahab but thinks Usman is not good either. He expects Abdelwahab's aggressiveness and wrestling threat to keep Usman moving backward, allowing Abdelwahab to grind out a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Mohammed Usman as an underdog, calling Hamdy Abdelwahab 'absolute garbage' and a 'fat sack of garbage'. He believes the odds are skewed because Abdelwahab is undefeated, but sees the fight as 50/50. He expects Usman's reach advantage and better conditioning to allow him to outpoint Abdelwahab in the later rounds, predicting a 29-28 decision.
Zane picks Abdelwahab on vibes, acknowledging he is a bad fighter but at least a fighter who wants to fight, unlike Usman who seems to lack passion. He notes that Abdelwahab is crazy aggressive and the only way he loses is by burning himself out. Zane sees Usman as a guy who doesn't really like MMA and would rather be a horticulturist.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Petersen | 0 | 63 of 185 | 34% | 63 of 185 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 76 of 138 | 55% | 98 of 164 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas Petersen | 0 | 22 of 50 | 44% | 22 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 22 of 41 | 53% | 24 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Thomas Petersen | 0 | 17 of 60 | 28% | 17 of 60 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 25 of 45 | 55% | 30 of 52 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 | |
| 3 | Thomas Petersen | 0 | 24 of 75 | 32% | 24 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 29 of 52 | 55% | 44 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Petersen | 63 of 185 | 34% | 44 of 151 | 19 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 61 of 181 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 76 of 138 | 55% | 58 of 117 | 13 of 16 | 5 of 5 | 72 of 134 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas Petersen | 22 of 50 | 44% | 18 of 44 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 46 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 22 of 41 | 53% | 13 of 32 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 20 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Thomas Petersen | 17 of 60 | 28% | 9 of 46 | 8 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 17 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 25 of 45 | 55% | 20 of 37 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Thomas Petersen | 24 of 75 | 32% | 17 of 61 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 29 of 52 | 55% | 25 of 48 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 28 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Mohammed Usman because he is the larger, more physically imposing fighter with a brick for a head and decent power. He notes that neither fighter is very good or entertaining, and that Usman's takedown defense should hold up against Petersen's wrestling. However, he explicitly says he cannot bet on low-level heavyweight fights, so this is a lean with no stake.
Cody picks Petersen, noting his youth (29) and wrestling pedigree. He thinks if Petersen can get takedowns, he can control Usman. He admits Usman has better striking and cardio but believes Petersen's southpaw stance and sophomore improvement could be factors. He calls it a dogger pass situation and sides with the underdog.
Daniel Vreeland picks Mohammed Usman, noting his improvements and ability to last three rounds. He believes Usman can defend takedowns and tire out Petersen, who gasses when his takedown game fails. Vreeland expects Usman to take over late in the fight.
Petersen is a slight dog at +110. He has a wrestling-heavy approach but needs to improve his striking to avoid being picked apart. Usman is not as crisp a striker as Jamal Pogues, which could allow Petersen to have more success with his wrestling. Petersen's pressure and pace should wear down Usman around the 6-minute mark, leading to a decision win. However, I need to see improvements in Petersen's striking before I'm confident enough to invest heavily.
Paul picks Usman, citing his wrestling background, takedown defense (never taken down in UFC), and better striking. He thinks Petersen's wrestling won't be effective and that Usman will edge a decision or get a late finish. He calls the line very playable.
The MMA Guru picks Mohammed Usman over Thomas Petersen, calling Petersen 'garbage' and a 'fat dum dum'. He notes Usman has knockout power and is more technical, with better conditioning and athleticism. He dismisses Petersen's size and recent loss to Jamal Poges, concluding Usman should win easily.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mick Parkin | 0 | 57 of 167 | 34% | 57 of 168 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 72 of 150 | 48% | 72 of 150 | 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 | Mick Parkin | 0 | 15 of 48 | 31% | 15 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 16 of 40 | 40% | 16 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mick Parkin | 0 | 18 of 51 | 35% | 18 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 20 of 41 | 48% | 20 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Mick Parkin | 0 | 24 of 68 | 35% | 24 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 36 of 69 | 52% | 36 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mick Parkin | 57 of 167 | 34% | 26 of 114 | 30 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 57 of 167 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 72 of 150 | 48% | 37 of 109 | 4 of 4 | 31 of 37 | 71 of 149 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mick Parkin | 15 of 48 | 31% | 11 of 39 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 16 of 40 | 40% | 6 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 13 | 16 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mick Parkin | 18 of 51 | 35% | 5 of 32 | 12 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 18 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 20 of 41 | 48% | 9 of 27 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 12 | 20 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mick Parkin | 24 of 68 | 35% | 10 of 43 | 14 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 68 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mohammed Usman | 36 of 69 | 52% | 22 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 12 | 35 of 68 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Mick Parkin because he is the more technical fighter with sharper striking and slightly better takedowns. He expects a boring, slow, sloppy heavyweight decision, possibly with a stoppage from Parkin via takedown and ground control. He will stay away from betting unless the over 1.5 rounds line is available, which he would hammer.
Big Brady picks Mick Parkin, believing the fight will primarily be standing. He notes Parkin's striking looked good in his debut but was inconsistent against Kyle Machado. He thinks Parkin will land more strikes at range, while Usman has low volume and relies on power. Brady doubts Usman can knock out Parkin and expects a decision win for Parkin.
Cody picks Parkin, citing his size, mobility, and superior boxing. He criticizes Usman's low output and lack of power. Cody believes Parkin will outwork Usman and win a decision.
Daniel Vreeland leans toward Mohammed Usman, admiring his ability to find a way to win even in ugly fights. He notes Usman has power and wrestling, and can take Parkin down. He thinks Parkin is the cleaner striker but Usman's physicality and grit could carry him.
Parkin has a great gas tank for a heavyweight, good output, and excellent scrambling ability. He will pressure Usman, who has a low-volume kickboxing style and tends to slow down late. Parkin can win by decision or even snatch a late submission, as Usman has been submitted before. Usman's only path is a flash KO, but Parkin should control the fight.
Paul picks Parkin, noting his training with Tom Aspinall and his ability to go the distance. He acknowledges the line movement toward Usman but still favors Parkin's overall game.
The MMA Guru picks Mohammed Usman over Mick Parkin, citing Parkin's poor last performance where he arguably lost and looked bad. He believes Usman's athleticism and wrestling will wear on Parkin as the fight goes on, with Usman landing takedowns in rounds two and three. He notes Parkin's eye swelling in his last fight and thinks Usman's power and pressure will be too much. He predicts a decision win for Usman.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 85 of 191 | 44% | 118 of 234 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:07 |
| Jake Collier | 0 | 87 of 183 | 47% | 100 of 198 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:53 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Usman | 0 | 32 of 72 | 44% | 34 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Collier | 0 | 41 of 89 | 46% | 41 of 89 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:49 | |
| 2 | Mohammed Usman | 0 | 36 of 85 | 42% | 37 of 87 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Collier | 0 | 34 of 68 | 50% | 34 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 3 | Mohammed Usman | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 47 of 73 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:07 |
| Jake Collier | 0 | 12 of 26 | 46% | 25 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Usman | 85 of 191 | 44% | 58 of 156 | 27 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 83 of 186 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 2 |
| Jake Collier | 87 of 183 | 47% | 53 of 145 | 22 of 25 | 12 of 13 | 80 of 171 | 7 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Usman | 32 of 72 | 44% | 26 of 60 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 31 of 69 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Collier | 41 of 89 | 46% | 25 of 71 | 11 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 35 of 79 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mohammed Usman | 36 of 85 | 42% | 22 of 71 | 14 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 36 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Collier | 34 of 68 | 50% | 17 of 49 | 11 of 12 | 6 of 7 | 33 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mohammed Usman | 17 of 34 | 50% | 10 of 25 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Jake Collier | 12 of 26 | 46% | 11 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Usman due to size and speed advantage, but notes Collier has a great chin, busy jab, and more experience. He thinks Collier could win a close decision. He is not confident and only considers betting the over 1.5 rounds if available.
Big Brady picks Jake Collier with low confidence, calling the fight a mess. He notes Collier is the better striker by far, has a wrestling background, and appears to be in better shape after dropping weight. He worries about Collier's grappling at heavyweight but believes he can stuff takedowns and keep the fight standing. He is not betting this fight.
Cody picks Jake Collier as a live underdog, citing his volume and speed advantage if his cardio holds. He notes Usman's low output and stiffness. He is encouraged by Collier looking trimmer on social media and thinks if Collier can last past the first round, he wins.
Daniel picks Usman confidently, comparing Collier to Jared Vandera as a fan-favorite who loses. He notes Collier is 2-5 at heavyweight and was finished by Chris Barnett. He thinks Usman's physicality and takedowns will be too much, and Collier has never faced a takedown attempt at heavyweight. He expects Usman to control and possibly finish.
Lucrative James picks Collier, believing he should be favored. He notes Collier's high volume and finishing upside, while Usman lacks finishing ability. He thinks Collier can win by decision or finish, and sees value at plus 150. He acknowledges Collier's cardio issues but expects him to do enough early.
The host picks Collier as a live underdog, expecting the best version of him given his improved shape and urgency. He notes Collier has advantages in combination striking and volume, and that Usman is a low-volume kickboxer who may struggle if he can't grapple. He predicts a decision win for Collier and also likes the over 2.5 rounds prop.
Paul sides with Collier at plus money, noting Usman's low volume (7 significant strikes in his last fight). He thinks Collier's experience and volume will be too much if he doesn't gas. He mentions Collier's takedown defense against Buday.
The MMA Guru picks Mohammed Usman, criticizing Jake Collier as a 'morbidly obese middleweight' who no longer cares. He praises Usman's athleticism, knockout power, and commitment, noting he is on a two-fight win streak and won The Ultimate Fighter. He acknowledges Collier's decent hands but believes Usman's wrestling and power will be too much. He mentions Collier could catch him as an underdog but ultimately favors Usman's style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Usman | 0 | 7 of 29 | 24% | 79 of 133 | 2 of 12 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 12:03 |
| Junior Tafa | 0 | 22 of 61 | 36% | 37 of 78 | 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 | Mohammed Usman | 0 | 1 of 12 | 8% | 16 of 36 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:26 |
| Junior Tafa | 0 | 8 of 24 | 33% | 11 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mohammed Usman | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 38 of 59 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 4:09 |
| Junior Tafa | 0 | 6 of 18 | 33% | 13 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Mohammed Usman | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 25 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:28 |
| Junior Tafa | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 13 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Usman | 7 of 29 | 24% | 6 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 22 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 5 |
| Junior Tafa | 22 of 61 | 36% | 17 of 55 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 45 | 10 of 16 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Usman | 1 of 12 | 8% | 1 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Junior Tafa | 8 of 24 | 33% | 6 of 22 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mohammed Usman | 4 of 12 | 33% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 |
| Junior Tafa | 6 of 18 | 33% | 4 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mohammed Usman | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Junior Tafa | 8 of 19 | 42% | 7 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tafa (-115), Usman (-105)
Round 1
Up now, heavyweights take center stage, when two brothers of more established UFC competitors come to blows. Tachi Palace Fights vet Usman (8-2, 1-0 UFC) aims to go 2-0 in the promotion, while “The Juggernaut” Tafa (4-0, 0-0 UFC) would like nothing more than to keep his 100% knockout rate intact. It’s high alert for referee Mark Smith, as the likelihood that this reaches the scorecards is low. Fists are tapped, and Usman moves to lead the dance immediately. Tafa is comfortable putting his back against the wall, but they are extremely respectful of the other’s power as they do not trade a strike in the first 35 seconds. Tafa finally reaches Usman with a left hand, and he tosses out a front kick to draw an exaggerated, energetic charging double-leg takedown attempt. Tafa gets pushed back to the wire, and he looks to fight out of this position by framing his elbow on Usman’s face. “The Motor” stalls as he pushes the Kiwi out of Australia up against the fencing, holding him there without bothering to swing a single strike. Smith asks Usman to work as they pummel for underhooks, and Usman gets a knee off to the body while searching for a better posture. Tafa briefly turns him out, and they spin one another around. Tafa releases a high knee that glances off the side of the head, and Usman drops to a knee and tries for another takedown. Tafa grabs the top of the cage to stay afloat, and Usman squeezes him tightly like he is trying to make play-do shapes out of his back. Tafa gets just enough space to unload a combination of punches, and Usman gets staggered and wobbles back. Tafa swings everything he has into his punches, and Usman is on ice skates as he backs off. Tafa misses with some massive hooks, lands with others, and reaches Usman with a head kick. The round ends before Tafa can completely hammer the nail.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tafa
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Tafa
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Tafa
Round 2
The heavyweights have reached Round 2, and Usman is light on his feet as he tries to get them completely beneath him. Tafa slowly walks him down instead of swinging for the bleachers, and he aims an uppercut to just miss the mark of a shooting Usman. Tafa drops his hands and starts throwing bungalows, and Usman takes several on the chin and wobbles back, stung again from the blows. Usman tries to connect with a short right hook, and settles for a single-leg entry. The Kiwi considers elbowing Usman on the side of the head like Travis Brown to Josh Barnett, but he stops throwing them to keep his balance. Usman gains the upper hand, and he elevates Tafa and dumps him to the floor. Usman smothers his man in half guard when he jumps on top, much more interested than position than a dropping a few feeble hammerfists. Tafa lays flat on his back, seemingly disappointed and totally unable to buck off or move to get “The Motor” off of him. Usman slowly scoots his way to a better offensive posture while still in half guard, but his strikes have practically nothing on them as he seems to be heavily fatigued. Usman sits up and drives a few punches to the body to better effect, as he remains chest-to-chest to keep Tafa down. The round ends with Usman throwing a few labored punches.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Round 3
The heavyweights come out lumbering from their corners, and Tafa is the aggressor to start with a few winging punches. Usman jams him up with an attempted tackle, and he smushes Tafa into the chain-link fence. Using the remaining energy he has, Usman lifts Tafa up in the air and deposits him gingerly to the floor, where he steps over to half guard. Tafa leans up against the fence to try to wall-walk or at least be in a less disadvantageous position, but Usman is fully equipped to ruin the rest of his day with his wrestling. Usman holds on from above with his chest pinning Tafa to the mat, and Tafa starts talking to him to try to inspire some different approach. “The Motor” ignores him, hanging on from above in grueling, exhausting fashion, and he decides against taking mount so that he can keep Tafa pinned. With the last vestiges of his gas, Tafa bursts to his knees with 45 seconds to spare, and he walks up the wall. Usman doggedly pursues a single to put him back down, and time is Tafa’s greatest enemy right now as Usman controls him. Tafa elbows his man on the side of the head, and he pushes Usman back to belt him with a few punches. “The Juggernaut” charges at the spent Usman, unleashing everything he has left, but it is not enough before time expires to conclude the heavyweight slog.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Usman (29-28 Usman)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Usman (29-28 Usman)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Usman (29-28 Usman)
The Official Result
Mohammad Usman def. Junior Tafa via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Junior Tafa but is hesitant, calling it a sketchy pick. He notes Tafa's power, speed, and technical kickboxing, but questions his takedown defense. He bet $25 on Tafa at -195 as an experiment based on line movement (Tafa opened as underdog, now favorite). He acknowledges the risk and advises not to blindly tail.
Big Brady picks Mohammad Usman to win by a greasy decision, but he wants nothing to do with this fight from a betting perspective. He notes that Usman's path to victory is to wrestle and take the fight to the mat, as Tafa is a much better striker but has questionable takedown defense and cardio. However, Brady is not confident in Usman, calling him 'very bad' and noting he got lucky in his last fight. He also mentions the wild line movement but stayed away from betting it.
Cody picks Tafa, calling him a world-class kickboxer while Usman is not good. He criticizes Usman's wrestling, cardio, and tendency to rely on one-punch power. Cody notes Usman's wins on The Ultimate Fighter were close and he struggled against older competition. He believes Tafa will win by knockout if the fight stays standing, which is likely.
Connor picks Mohammed Usman, reasoning that Usman is much bigger and stronger than Tafa, and that neither fighter is likely to get knocked out. He expects a wild brawl for five minutes followed by a slog, and thinks Usman's size will allow him to hold Tafa enough to win. Connor notes that Usman hits like a truck and has never been knocked out.
Mohammad Usman has a massive experience advantage over Junior Tafa, who has less than a year of MMA experience. Usman is a mediocre fighter but has fought higher-level competition. Tafa is a raw kickboxer with poor takedown defense, as seen in his regional fights. Usman should be able to take the fight to the ground and grind out a decision or TKO. The odds have moved significantly in Tafa's favor, but Usman's MMA experience should prevail.
Paul also picks Tafa, agreeing with Cody. He notes that if Usman doesn't shoot for takedowns, Tafa will likely clip him. Paul acknowledges the risk that Usman could use wrestling, but doubts he will. He calls it a low-level heavyweight fight where anything can happen.
The MMA Guru picks Junior Tafa, going against Mohammad Usman. He sees no skill in Usman's game and notes Tafa's combat sports experience in boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. He thinks Tafa's activity and momentum are advantages, and that Usman is unimpressive with losses to Brandon Sales and a split decision over Eduardo Perez. He predicts a first-round KO.
Zane also picks Mohammed Usman, but with low confidence, calling it a coin flip. He notes that Usman is stiff and disconnected but hits hard, while Tafa is a wild combination puncher who gasses. Zane thinks the fight will be a mess and that Usman's size advantage might be the deciding factor.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Usman | 1 | 12 of 40 | 30% | 13 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 32 of 50 | 64% | 33 of 51 | 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 | Mohammed Usman | 0 | 9 of 35 | 25% | 10 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 31 of 46 | 67% | 32 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mohammed Usman | 1 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Usman | 12 of 40 | 30% | 11 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 |
| Zac Pauga | 32 of 50 | 64% | 14 of 29 | 9 of 10 | 9 of 11 | 31 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Usman | 9 of 35 | 25% | 8 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
| Zac Pauga | 31 of 46 | 67% | 14 of 26 | 8 of 9 | 9 of 11 | 30 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mohammed Usman | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Zac Pauga | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo has a slight lean towards Mohammed Usman due to his size, power, and physicality. He notes that Pauga is the better overall fighter but his size disadvantage at heavyweight could be decisive. He references Pauga being dropped by Terence Jacquez and believes a similar shot from Usman could finish him. However, he acknowledges Usman has had issues with wrestlers in the past.
Big Brady picks Zac Pauga, noting his speed and cardio advantages over Mohammed Usman. He criticizes Usman's low volume and poor cardio, and praises Pauga's takedown defense and improved striking. He predicts Pauga will stuff takedowns and win a decision, though he notes Pauga is undersized for heavyweight. He also mentions Pauga's training at Elevation Fight Team with Curtis Blaydes.
Cody also picks Pauga, highlighting his undefeated record and clean performances on TUF. He notes that Pauga is a natural 205-pounder who moved up for the show and will likely move back down. Cody contrasts Pauga's refined skills with Usman's poor losses and questionable wins, including a controversial decision. He believes Pauga's speed and output will overwhelm Usman.
Paul picks Pauga, noting that Pauga is a former football player with good mobility and athleticism. He mentions that Pauga looked impressive on The Ultimate Fighter, throwing spinning attacks and showing improvement. Paul is wary of laying -250 on a debuting heavyweight but sees Pauga as the clear pick.
The MMA Guru picks Zac Pauga by third-round ground-and-pound TKO. He praises Pauga's technique and undefeated record, and criticizes Mohammed Usman's lack of commitment and poor performances. He believes Pauga's Samoan chin will allow him to take shots and break Usman down.
Zac Pauga - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Guskov | 0 | 17 of 26 | 65% | 19 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
| Zac Pauga | 1 | 10 of 29 | 34% | 25 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Guskov | 0 | 17 of 26 | 65% | 19 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
| Zac Pauga | 1 | 10 of 29 | 34% | 25 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Guskov | 17 of 26 | 65% | 7 of 13 | 2 of 5 | 8 of 8 | 14 of 22 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Zac Pauga | 10 of 29 | 34% | 10 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Guskov | 17 of 26 | 65% | 7 of 13 | 2 of 5 | 8 of 8 | 14 of 22 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Zac Pauga | 10 of 29 | 34% | 10 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo criticizes Zac Pauga for lacking urgency and a game plan in the cage, despite having skills. He notes Pauga has become a striker in the UFC and hasn't shown his pre-UFC wrestling. Bogdan Guskov is described as heavy-handed, with good footwork and combinations, and patience on top. Angelo believes Guskov is the more dangerous fighter and picks him, though he will monitor the odds.
Big Brady picks Bogdan Guskov to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Pauga is the worst finisher in UFC history and has poor striking defense and chin, while Guskov is a one-round banger who will try to take his head off. He calls it a 50-50 fight but favors Guskov's power and aggression.
Cody picks Pauga, noting Guskov is a one-dimensional power puncher with poor cardio and takedown defense. Pauga has decent cardio and can grind out a win by controlling against the cage. Cody thinks Pauga will survive the early storm and take over in later rounds, possibly by knockout.
Pauga is more well-rounded and should be able to grind Guskov up against the cage, similar to his fight against Jordan Wright. Guskov relies heavily on early knockout power and has poor durability if he doesn't get the finish. Pauga's grinding style should wear on Guskov, leading to a late finish or decision. However, Pauga's chin is a concern if he eats early shots.
Paul also picks Pauga, agreeing that Guskov is a can crusher with no chin. He notes Pauga's experience against bigger men and his ability to implement a grinding game plan. Paul expects Pauga to wear on Guskov and get a finish or decision.
The MMA Guru picks Bogdan Guskov because he is fighting Zac Pauga, who he considers a low-level fighter from The Ultimate Fighter. He notes Guskov's good hands and delivery systems, and expects him to have an intimidation advantage on the feet. He predicts a first-round KO win, as Guskov is a finisher who gets most of his fights done in the first round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 67 of 117 | 57% | 72 of 123 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2:17 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 56 of 112 | 50% | 62 of 120 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 20 of 35 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:04 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 27 of 48 | 56% | 27 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 23 of 40 | 57% | 23 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 | |
| 3 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 25 of 40 | 62% | 25 of 40 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 25 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modestas Bukauskas | 67 of 117 | 57% | 35 of 80 | 25 of 30 | 7 of 7 | 58 of 105 | 7 of 10 | 2 of 2 |
| Zac Pauga | 56 of 112 | 50% | 42 of 96 | 10 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 50 of 102 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modestas Bukauskas | 15 of 29 | 51% | 11 of 23 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Zac Pauga | 13 of 29 | 44% | 9 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Modestas Bukauskas | 27 of 48 | 56% | 14 of 33 | 10 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 26 of 46 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Zac Pauga | 23 of 40 | 57% | 18 of 35 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 37 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Modestas Bukauskas | 25 of 40 | 62% | 10 of 24 | 13 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 34 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Zac Pauga | 20 of 43 | 46% | 15 of 36 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 37 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bukauskas (-200), Pauga (+170)
Round 1
Welcome to another installment of Dana White’s Saturday Night Contender Series, also known as UFC on ESPN 47 or UFC Vegas 75. This dozen-fight show in the Apex is extremely light on star power, with just three ranked competitors on the whole billing, and two of those are in the main attraction. Sometimes, fight cards less desirable on paper can deliver in a big way, so all hope is not lost. Starting low in the standings at 205 pounds, either one of these men will reach .500 or pass it with a win today. The latter can be said for Pauga (6-1, 1-1 UFC), while the former is available for Bukauskas (14-5, 2-3 UFC) on his second stint with the promotion. The third man in the cage for the first fight of the night is referee Mark Smith, and the two fighters choose la violencia and proceed without a glove touch. Bukauskas takes the middle of the fence, and Pauga practically runs at his opponent. Swinging his fists wildly, Pauga clips Bukauskas with windmilling overhand right, and Bukauskas bangs into the wall and is seeing stars. Pauga closes the distance and grabs hold of his opponent to dump him to the mat. Bukauskas recovers to full guard, and he hacks with elbows off his back until he fights to his feet. Pauga presses heavily on him, but Bukauskas shakes him off and returns to kickboxing range. Pauga sticks out a jab that snaps the head back, and Bukauskas absorbs a subsequent low kick and barely dodges a looping right hook. Pauga attacks the body, and Bukauskas sits down on a thudding leg kick. Pauga dings Bukauskas with a pair of hooks, and he uses the momentum to press “The Baltic Gladiator” to the fencing. Pauga hunts for a trip as he tangles up Bukauskas’ legs, and Bukauskas is able to stifle the attempt and a redoubled effort from the former NFL player. Bukauskas shoves him away, and Pauga springs back away from a straight left hand. Bukauskas follows it with a high kick and a jab, and Pauga ignores it to double up his jabs. Pauga swings too hard with a right hand, and Bukauskas catches him with a right hand counter. Pauga shakes it out, and the two trade heavy leather in an exchange. Chins remain intact, and Bukauskas swipes out with a left hook that grazes the chin. Bukauskas counters an advancing Pauga with a right hand, and Pauga is rocked and shoots for an emergency takedown. Bukauskas stands him up and pushes him away, but he does not empty his gas tank hunting for a finish. Instead, Bukauskas tags him with a big right hand, and the horn blares right after Pauga gets one back.
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Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Round 2
The light heavyweights come together in the center of the Octagon, ready to trade, but they are somewhat cautious of the other’s power. Bukauskas lands first with a chipping calf kick, and Pauga walks into a counter right hand. Bukauskas strafes to the side, and they both snap out powerful jabs. Pauga takes the worst of it when they land at the same time, but he does not seem concerned as he races forward with a swinging hook and a level change for a double. Bukauskas avoids the former and shrugs off the latter, and he circles away to aim a left hand at the chest. Pauga splits the guard with a left hand, and he surges forward and hits nothing but air with Bukauskas out of harm’s way. Pauga plants his shin on Bukauskas’ raising leg, and he jabs, ducks and bangs a right hand off Bukauskas’ chin. Pauga lunges, and Bukauskas reacts by jumping away from him. Bukauskas sits down on a thudding low kick, and Pauga comes at him throwing haymakers. Bukauskas prepares a right hand counter but does not release it as Pauga is rushing at him. They trade low kicks, and Bukauskas’ foot goes up to bump off the cup. Pauga waves off Smith, and he raises his guard right in the nick of time when Bukauskas zooms a high kick at him. Pauga keeps plodding forward, jabbing his way in, and he telegraphs a big right hand on the way. Pauga dips and scores a short right hook, and Bukauskas replies with the fall of his foot on the chest. Pauga strides forward, right hand ready for bear, and he knocks Bukauskas back and digs punches to the body. Bukauskas tries to keep circling away and respond with a few punches, but he is more intent on dodging the wide arcing blows aimed at his chin. Pauga steps through with a straight right hand, wobbling Bukauskas and sending him ricocheting off the fencing. Pauga ends up clinched, but he moves back so he can unload power punches. Bukauskas avoids the worst of it but his face is swelling from the blows. Bukauskas ends the round with a few hooks of his own.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Round 3
The last round begins with Bukauskas trying to keep a slugging Pauga at bay. He cannot do so, as Pauga runs him down and busts him in the chops. Bukauskas responds with a big body kick, and Pauga bites down on his mouthpiece to throw bombs. Bukauskas closes the distance to stop Pauga from reaching him with these winging punches, and he presses the American against the fence. Smith tells Bukauskas to work as the two do little in the position, and Bukauskas answers this by gripping his hands around the back. Pauga fights off the potential takedown setup, and he ignores a few knees to the thigh. Pauga explodes to turn him around, and the two end up splitting with three minutes left on the clock. Bukauskas misses with a check left hook, as Pauga throws him off with feints and fakes now. Bukauskas connects with a clean right hand as Pauga sits still for too long, and Pauga blinks it out and flicks out a jab. The two clash together when throwing hands, and Pauga backs Bukauskas away with a sprinting right hand. Pauga kicks the ribs, and Bukauskas stands him up with a long punch. Pauga, not discouraged, throws another kick to the same spot, and this time he is not answered the same. Pauga winds up on a power right hand, and Bukauskas wears it well and is forced to eat a second one right after. Pauga aims another body kick, and he times a takedown when Bukauskas comes at him. Pauga ducks a punch to unloads a hefty right hand, and he absorbs a flush one-two without batting an eye. Pauga nearly falls over when swinging for the fences, and he clips Bukauskas with an overhand right. Bukauskas tries to counter, and he spins with a back kick but Pauga is too close. Bukauskas pops him with a jab, and he spins with a back kick that finds its mark. Pauga rushes headlong into a punch, and the two engage in one last mighty slugfest before the final bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pauga (30-27 Pauga)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pauga (30-27 Pauga)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Pauga)
The Official Result
Modestas Bukauskas def. Zac Pauga via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Modestas Bukauskas because he is the more technical striker and this is mostly a striking matchup. He notes that if Zac Pauga could wrestle effectively, he'd be the easy pick, but Pauga hasn't shown that wrestling in the UFC. However, Angelo acknowledges there is a world where Pauga holds Bukauskas against the cage for 15 minutes and wins a decision, so he does not place a bet.
Big Brady picks Zac Pauga to win by decision, but he is very low on both fighters. He criticizes Bukauskas for low volume and power, and Pauga for taking Jordan Wright to a decision, which he calls a terrible look. However, Pauga throws more volume and has solid cardio. Brady thinks Pauga can hold Bukauskas against the cage and potentially take him down, as Bukauskas has struggled with takedown defense in the past. He expects a boring fight with Pauga winning a close decision.
Cody is confident in Bukauskas, citing his speed, striking advantage, and improved cardio since returning to the UFC. He notes that Pauga's only notable win is a decision over Jordan Wright, which was uninspiring, and that Pauga is 35 with only three years of pro experience. Cody thinks Bukauskas will outwork Pauga and possibly get a TKO in the second or third round.
Connor picks Bukauskas, acknowledging his limited boxing but noting his athleticism and size. He believes Bukauskas has improved his aggression and output, as seen in the Tyson Pedro fight. Connor expects Bukauskas to use his reach and movement to outwork Pauga, who lacks dynamic speed. He thinks Bukauskas will win by decision or late stoppage.
Daniel Levi leans toward Modestas Bukauskas, citing his size, length, and experience. He notes Pauga's greenness and that the UFC may be setting up Bukauskas as a prospect. He thinks Bukauskas could win by knockout. However, he is not interested in betting at -200 and sees it as a pass at current odds.
Pauga has a good enough striking and overall MMA game to tie up Bukauskas in the clinch, drag him to the ground, and do damage from top. He has good cardio to maintain this for 15 minutes. Bukauskas is overhyped due to recency bias from his win over Tyson Pedro. Pauga is a solid underdog at plus 165. Pauga wins by decision.
Paul agrees, noting that Pauga's win over Jordan Wright was terrible and that he will be picking against Pauga for the rest of eternity. He thinks Bukauskas is younger, more experienced, and has rebuilt himself after a knee injury. Paul expects Bukauskas to win, possibly by late stoppage or decision.
The MMA Guru picks Modestas Bukauskas, citing a massive advantage at range on the feet against Zac Pauga. He notes Pauga was on one of the worst seasons of TUF and lacks skill at range, while Bukauskas is technical with good footwork. He also mentions Bukauskas has improved since his first UFC stint, with a win over Tyson Pedro on short notice and a controversial loss to Khalil Rountree. He believes Bukauskas is reborn and will continue his momentum.
Zane picks Bukauskas, noting his improved output and good frame for light heavyweight. He throws long strikes and has power that can be decisive. Zane criticizes Pauga as not dynamic, lacking speed, and only beating Jordan Wright by clinching. He expects Bukauskas to move around, make Pauga look slow, and land consistent one-twos for a clear decision or late TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 29 of 78 | 37% | 199 of 261 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Jordan Wright | 0 | 59 of 85 | 69% | 85 of 114 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 8:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zac Pauga | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 55 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jordan Wright | 0 | 22 of 26 | 84% | 43 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:32 | |
| 2 | Zac Pauga | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 105 of 122 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Jordan Wright | 0 | 15 of 22 | 68% | 20 of 30 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:27 | |
| 3 | Zac Pauga | 0 | 17 of 52 | 32% | 39 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Jordan Wright | 0 | 22 of 37 | 59% | 22 of 37 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zac Pauga | 29 of 78 | 37% | 15 of 55 | 13 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 18 of 65 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| Jordan Wright | 59 of 85 | 69% | 31 of 54 | 21 of 24 | 7 of 7 | 21 of 42 | 38 of 43 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zac Pauga | 5 of 7 | 71% | 1 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Jordan Wright | 22 of 26 | 84% | 8 of 11 | 11 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 21 of 24 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Zac Pauga | 7 of 19 | 36% | 5 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 13 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Jordan Wright | 15 of 22 | 68% | 10 of 16 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 8 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Zac Pauga | 17 of 52 | 32% | 9 of 36 | 7 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 14 of 49 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jordan Wright | 22 of 37 | 59% | 13 of 27 | 7 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 32 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is confident in Pauga, citing his strong wrestling and low stance. He notes Pauga went up to heavyweight for TUF but is a natural light heavyweight. Jordan Wright has a 100% finish rate but is on a three-fight losing streak by stoppage and has a weak chin. Angelo thinks Pauga will wrestle and win, but there's no value in the betting line so he won't bet.
Big Brady is picking Jordan Wright for the upset, despite never picking him before. He notes that Pauga was knocked out by Muhammad Usman, who is not a power puncher, and that Pauga has only a 20% finish rate. He believes Wright is dangerous in the first two minutes and should come out aggressively rather than wrestling, as his cardio is poor. He predicts a first-round knockout for Wright.
Cody picks Pauga but is terrified of the -270 line. He notes Jordan Wright has only 5-6 minutes of cardio and is an under machine, but Pauga isn't a big finisher. He says Wright can absolutely get finishes early, so he'll watch weigh-ins closely. He compares Wright to Terence McKinney as a 50/50 fighter who either finishes early or gets pieced up. He also mentions Pauga got knocked out in his last fight and has been hurt before, so he's not confident.
Connor picks Wright because he thinks the move to light heavyweight could benefit Wright's speed and power, and Pauga is inexperienced and slow. However, he acknowledges Wright's mental fragility and tendency to panic. He picks Wright to win by first-round KO, but says he wouldn't bet on it.
Jacob picks Pauga but is a Jordan Wright fan. He thinks Wright's chin is gone and his blitzing style leaves him open. Pauga's wrestling and power at 205 should be too much. Jacob played the under 1.5 rounds and feels good about it, though he cautions both are coming off knockout losses. He expects Wright to get knocked out again.
Pauga has better cardio and a more complete MMA game, while Wright fades after the first round and has durability issues. Pauga can survive the early storm and then take over with grappling and pressure, finishing Wright via ground and pound in the second or third round.
Paul agrees with Cody, calling Jordan Wright a lost fighter with no cardio or durability. He details Wright's pattern of starting fast but fading and getting finished. He notes Pauga has excellent cardio, trains at altitude, and has enough striking to pressure Wright. However, he says the -270 line is too high for a guy with one UFC win who got knocked out. He prefers the under 2.5 rounds at -350 as a parlay piece.
The MMA Guru picks Zac Pauga, citing his takedown defense from The Ultimate Fighter and his size advantage. He criticizes Jordan Wright's poor decision-making and quick turnaround after a KO loss. He believes Pauga is patient and can catch Wright with a counter shot after Wright gets reckless in round two, predicting a KO. He notes the possibility of an upset but trusts Pauga's chin more.
Zane picks Pauga because Jordan Wright has a history of panicking and losing focus when he doesn't finish early. Wright is dangerous early but fades and makes defensive mistakes. Pauga is raw but has a takedown game and can survive the initial storm. Zane notes that Wright's move to light heavyweight seems desperate and may not fix his mental issues.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Usman | 1 | 12 of 40 | 30% | 13 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 32 of 50 | 64% | 33 of 51 | 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 | Mohammed Usman | 0 | 9 of 35 | 25% | 10 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 31 of 46 | 67% | 32 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mohammed Usman | 1 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Zac Pauga | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Usman | 12 of 40 | 30% | 11 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 |
| Zac Pauga | 32 of 50 | 64% | 14 of 29 | 9 of 10 | 9 of 11 | 31 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Usman | 9 of 35 | 25% | 8 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
| Zac Pauga | 31 of 46 | 67% | 14 of 26 | 8 of 9 | 9 of 11 | 30 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mohammed Usman | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Zac Pauga | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo has a slight lean towards Mohammed Usman due to his size, power, and physicality. He notes that Pauga is the better overall fighter but his size disadvantage at heavyweight could be decisive. He references Pauga being dropped by Terence Jacquez and believes a similar shot from Usman could finish him. However, he acknowledges Usman has had issues with wrestlers in the past.
Big Brady picks Zac Pauga, noting his speed and cardio advantages over Mohammed Usman. He criticizes Usman's low volume and poor cardio, and praises Pauga's takedown defense and improved striking. He predicts Pauga will stuff takedowns and win a decision, though he notes Pauga is undersized for heavyweight. He also mentions Pauga's training at Elevation Fight Team with Curtis Blaydes.
Cody also picks Pauga, highlighting his undefeated record and clean performances on TUF. He notes that Pauga is a natural 205-pounder who moved up for the show and will likely move back down. Cody contrasts Pauga's refined skills with Usman's poor losses and questionable wins, including a controversial decision. He believes Pauga's speed and output will overwhelm Usman.
Paul picks Pauga, noting that Pauga is a former football player with good mobility and athleticism. He mentions that Pauga looked impressive on The Ultimate Fighter, throwing spinning attacks and showing improvement. Paul is wary of laying -250 on a debuting heavyweight but sees Pauga as the clear pick.
The MMA Guru picks Zac Pauga by third-round ground-and-pound TKO. He praises Pauga's technique and undefeated record, and criticizes Mohammed Usman's lack of commitment and poor performances. He believes Pauga's Samoan chin will allow him to take shots and break Usman down.
Expert Picks (5)
Angelo has a slight lean towards Mohammed Usman due to his size, power, and physicality. He notes that Pauga is the better overall fighter but his size disadvantage at heavyweight could be decisive. He references Pauga being dropped by Terence Jacquez and believes a similar shot from Usman could finish him. However, he acknowledges Usman has had issues with wrestlers in the past.
Big Brady picks Zac Pauga, noting his speed and cardio advantages over Mohammed Usman. He criticizes Usman's low volume and poor cardio, and praises Pauga's takedown defense and improved striking. He predicts Pauga will stuff takedowns and win a decision, though he notes Pauga is undersized for heavyweight. He also mentions Pauga's training at Elevation Fight Team with Curtis Blaydes.
Cody also picks Pauga, highlighting his undefeated record and clean performances on TUF. He notes that Pauga is a natural 205-pounder who moved up for the show and will likely move back down. Cody contrasts Pauga's refined skills with Usman's poor losses and questionable wins, including a controversial decision. He believes Pauga's speed and output will overwhelm Usman.
Paul picks Pauga, noting that Pauga is a former football player with good mobility and athleticism. He mentions that Pauga looked impressive on The Ultimate Fighter, throwing spinning attacks and showing improvement. Paul is wary of laying -250 on a debuting heavyweight but sees Pauga as the clear pick.
The MMA Guru picks Zac Pauga by third-round ground-and-pound TKO. He praises Pauga's technique and undefeated record, and criticizes Mohammed Usman's lack of commitment and poor performances. He believes Pauga's Samoan chin will allow him to take shots and break Usman down.
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