Career Averages - Ryan Spann
Career Averages - Ion Cuțelaba
Ryan Spann
Ion Cuțelaba
Ryan Spann - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 8 of 13 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 1 | 0 | 1:09 |
| Ryan Spann | 1 | 15 of 27 | 55% | 20 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:56 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 | 0 | 1:05 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:29 | |
| 2 | Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 4 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Ryan Spann | 1 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Buchecha | 8 of 13 | 61% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Ryan Spann | 15 of 27 | 55% | 11 of 22 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus Buchecha | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Ryan Spann | 10 of 18 | 55% | 7 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | |
| 2 | Marcus Buchecha | 4 of 7 | 57% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 9 | 55% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Almeida (-150); Spann (+125)
Round 1
From one all-time great grappler in Vieira to another in “Buchecha” Almeida (5-2-1, 0-1-1 UFC) we go. The big man from Brazil is still seeking his first UFC victory, and he will be given the opportunity to do so at the expense of massive ex-light heavyweight Spann (23-11, 9-6 UFC). The Texan once weighed 205 pounds, and he bulked up to a sleek, svelte 264 pounds for this one, or about 11 pounds higher than the established heavyweight he is battling now. To maintain control of the big fellas, referee Herb Dean may need maximum effort. Gloves are touched before they are traded.
Almeida slams a low kick home, which lands with a resounding thud. Spann bounces back and forth to swing a one-two, and Almeida pushes off his face as a finger scrapes Spann’s eye. Spann signals to Dean that he was fouled, and Dean tells him to fight on. From across the cage, Almeida sprints at Spann to take the fight down, and Spann counters with a brief guillotine choke before letting it go to scramble. With Almeida not quite taking the fight down, Spann hovers over him bludgeoning him with his fists. Almeida fights out of the worst of it and turns to his knees to power back to his feet, and he immediately searches for a level change. Almeida wrenches his foe to the floor, and Spann’s attempted guillotine falls apart seconds after he tries for it. Almeida threatens with an arm-triangle choke, and Spann pulls out of it and rips himself back up to his feet. Spann runs towards the cage to escape, not knowing if Almeida is hot on his heels, and he bounces off of it and takes a deep breath. Spann re-engages, and he pushes on the back of Almeida’s neck when Almeida pursues a takedown.
Spann drills his foe with an uppercut and controls Almeida to push him to his back for a moment, and when Almeida turns to his knees, Spann lets him flip over so he can knee him in the ribs. Spann backs away, and Almeida slowly lumbers his way back to his feet. Spann offers up a front kick on the jaw, and “Buchecha” drills his front leg with a kick that makes Spann take a very funny step. Almeida goes for a one-two to set up a double, and when Spann shoves him to the mat, the American turns to escape a sudden heel hook that came out of nowhere. Almeida scrambles to hunt for a takedown, and Spann uses a guillotine to threaten just long enough to bulldoze Almeida over. With Almeida on his knees, Spann connects with a strong knee to the side. Almeida pushes him off, and Spann stands up and just waits until the oddball round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Round 2
A glove touch kicks off the round, both men breathing a big hard after a frenetic five-round stretch. Almeida pushes out with his fingers outstretched, and Spann complains about a poke as Dean calls time and issues a very hard warning to “Buchecha.” They resume shortly thereafter, with Spann standing in the pocket ready to throw hands. Before he can, Almeida once more leads with his fingers out, and Dean shows him how to close his fist. Almeida swings after the break, aiming for a takedown after it. Spann is wise to it and uses his guillotine to not threaten the actual submission but control the posture well enough to force Almeida to think about another angle. Almeida turns his way out of it and works his way back to his feet, as Spann does not want to chill out in the guard. On his feet again, Almeida prods out a solid jab.
Spann works around the jab, swinging all his might behind a left hook and a follow-up straight right hand that smash about as cleanly on the jaw as one can. Almeida crumples to this back, eyes staring off into space and not remotely ready to defend anything else as he is all done.
Dean rushes between them to make sure Spann is not about to batter his doomed opponent further. Spann knows his work here is done and proceeds to dance around the cage, as he has now become the first fighter in MMA to finish “Buchecha.”
The Official Result
Ryan Spann def. Marcus Almeida R2 2:10 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Ryan Spann confidently, calling him the much better striker with better cage awareness and killer instinct. He notes that Marcus Buchecha needs to get the fight to the ground or pray that Spann fades, but Spann has power and takedown defense that should hold up. He dismisses Buchecha's UFC performances as unconvincing.
Big Brady picks Marcus Buchecha over Ryan Spann. He questions Spann's fight IQ and training habits, noting Spann is a light heavyweight moving up. He believes Buchecha's size and grappling will be too much, predicting a first-round submission as long as Buchecha fights smart.
The host is tempted to bet Spann as a slight underdog because Buchecha has terrible cardio and poor striking defense, while Spann has knockout power and better cardio. However, Spann has bad fight IQ, making it risky. He notes Buchecha is awful and he has made money betting against him before. He says if Spann wins, it will likely be inside the distance, so the moneyline is better than the fight spread.
James picks Buchecha, citing Spann's poor cardio and tendency to fade after round one. He believes Buchecha's durability, submission defense, and will to win will allow him to survive early danger and take over in later rounds.
Buchecha is a BJJ legend but has struggled to get takedowns and has poor striking. Spann has knockout power and a sneaky guillotine, but he has mental lapses and often gets finished early. Buchecha should be able to get Spann to the ground and submit him early, but the -145 price is not great value.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:14 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 23 of 28 | 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 | Ryan Spann | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:14 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 23 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 5 of 8 | 62% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 5 of 8 | 62% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Ryan Spann to win, noting his power, submissions, and wrestling. He compares Brzeski to Austin Lane as a finishable opponent. However, he expresses concern about Spann's heavyweight debut where he looked out of shape and not serious, making the -225 price a bit tricky.
Big Brady picks Ryan Spann but expresses concern about Spann's inconsistency and motivation. He notes Spann looked terrible at heavyweight and hasn't posted training content. However, he believes Brzeski is not UFC caliber and Spann should win by first-round knockout if he shows up.
The host thinks Spann will get his first heavyweight win but expects Brzeski to make it more difficult than the odds indicate. He predicts Spann finds the finish inside the distance, but the hesitation suggests some doubt about the ease of victory.
The MMA Guru picks Łukasz Brzeski over Ryan Spann, citing Spann's low fight IQ and poor performance against Anthony Smith. He notes that Brzeski has experience in the cage and went to a decision with Volkan Oezdemir, which is respectable. The Guru also mentions that Brzeski is likely taller than Spann despite the listed height difference. He cannot trust Spann after his last performance and believes Brzeski will win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldo Cortes Acosta | 1 | 66 of 111 | 59% | 77 of 123 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 23 of 86 | 26% | 24 of 87 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 0 | 27 of 49 | 55% | 31 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 12 of 33 | 36% | 13 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 1 | 39 of 62 | 62% | 46 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 11 of 53 | 20% | 11 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldo Cortes Acosta | 66 of 111 | 59% | 56 of 97 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 8 | 59 of 100 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 9 |
| Ryan Spann | 23 of 86 | 26% | 11 of 70 | 5 of 9 | 7 of 7 | 22 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 27 of 49 | 55% | 21 of 40 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 25 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 |
| Ryan Spann | 12 of 33 | 36% | 5 of 23 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 39 of 62 | 62% | 35 of 57 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 34 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Ryan Spann | 11 of 53 | 20% | 6 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cortes-Acosta (-166), Spann (+140)
Round 1
The preliminaries conclude with a heavyweight match that could provide a new contender when the dust settles. Cortes-Acosta (12-1, 5-1 UFC) has won five of six as a full-framed heavyweight, and his opponent Spann (22-10, 8-5 UFC) is introducing himself to the weight class by no longer cutting weight. The ex-205er weighed 249 pounds, so he will be adequately sized as he also stands an inch taller. Referee Mark Smith will be minding his P’s and Q’s as the big men throw down, and he stands by as they clap hands first. Spann strikes first with a heavy leg kick, and Smith tells the heavyweights to watch their extended fingers. Cortes-Acosta responds with his own low kick, but Spann’s has much more behind it. Cortes-Acosta whiffs on a left hook, and a big overhand right of his bangs into Spann’s raised guard. Spann kicks high and is blocked, and he kicks low but is not. Cortes-Acosta wades in with winging punches, and Spann is well out of harm’s way in time. Spann hammers the front leg with a kick, and he counters one coming his way with a thudding overhand right that stuns the man from Dominican Republic. Cortes-Acosta leans forward and the two clash heads, and Smith calls time to make sure no damage resulted from it. He resumes them, and the fighters trade punches. Cortes-Acosta catches Spann on the temple with a blistering right hand, and he uses his weight to drag Spann to the fence. Spann breaks free and plunks Cortes-Acosta with an overhand right, but Cortes-Acosta’s uppercut shakes him up again. Both men swing their fists from down beneath their hips, getting full torque into it. They both lash out with low kicks, and Cortes-Acosta checks it and draws a funny reaction from his opponent. Spann comes up short with a front kick, and Cortes-Acosta chews up his front leg with another kick. Spann goes to the body with his front kick, and Cortes-Acosta winds up with bad intentions looping his haymakers at the former light heavyweight. They clinch up, and Cortes-Acosta drives punches into Spann until Spann breaks away and launches some of his own. Spann gets off a low kick and slips out of the way from “Salsa Boy,” and Cortes-Acosta measures his man with a jab and a right hand that hurts Spann again. Cortes-Acosta’s forward momentum results in a tie-up, using his higher weight to toss Spann to his back. Spann tries to upkick him in the legs a few times until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Round 2
The fighters lead off with a brief glove touch, and Spann is quick to fight behind his jab. Cortes-Acosta snaps his head back with a straight right hand, and he is met with a front kick to the belly. Cortes-Acosta jabs his man in the belly, but the fist goes low and bangs into Spann’s cup. Smith calls time, and Spann drops to his knees and takes a little under a minute to recover. They resume, and Cortes-Acosta flashes out his jab as Spann does the same. Cortes-Acosta scores a left and a right, and Spann indicates he was poked in the eye. Smith again pauses the action and checks the replay, and they get back to it after a few seconds. Spann jams the body with a kick, and he wings a huge right hand that Cortes-Acosta rolls with. Spann whiffs on another, and a third is met with a sharp jab from his foe. Spann is irritated about getting poked in the eye, and Smith issues a loud warning to Cortes-Acosta. Spann overthrows his punches, and the Dominican is beating him to the punch and clips the Fortis MMA fighter with his overhand right. Cortes-Acosta kicks the inner thigh, and the strike pounds square into his cup. Smith sighs heavily and calls time one more time. Spann crouches down and is not a happy camper after receiving these fouls, and Smith issues a final warning to Cortes-Acosta to keep things clean. The Texan takes more time than before to get his wind back, with Cortes-Acosta getting away with multiple fouls without a point deduction. The fighters get back to business after another 90-second break, and Spann returns to fighting behind his jab. Spann rifles off a calf kick, and Cortes-Acosta lands a powerful right hand across the forward bow. “Superman” dodges a check left hook but is unable to get away from the jab, and Cortes-Acosta loads up on his overhand right and sways the right direction to avoid one coming his direction. Cortes-Acosta prods with a jab until Spann bears down on him, and he uses the jab again to keep Spann honest. A one-two from Spann does not find its target, and he dances away from a similar pair of blows. Cortes-Acosta’s head movement and footwork keeps him safe, and he clubs Spann in the side of the dome. Spann spins with a back kick, and he shoots for a double that is met with 262 pounds of meat and several punches on the side of the head. Spann explodes back to his feet, and Cortes-Acosta is on him clubbing him with fists.
Spann swings back, still in trouble, and Cortes-Acosta sticks him with a jab and follows with a short left hook that levels Spann. When “Superman” hits the ground, Smith is already racing in towards the fighters, only to allow a few more punctuating hammerfists and punches to briefly shut Spann’s lights out.
Smith gets between them and allows Cortes-Acosta to reposition his foe’s legs who are tangled up with his, and Cortes-Acosta walks off to celebrate his handiwork. The ranked heavyweight calls for fights against either Tai Tuivasa or Derrick Lewis, and both are within his reach given his success in the division thus far.
The Official Result
Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Ryan Spann R2 4:48 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Waldo Cortes Acosta over Ryan Spann. He believes Waldo is faster, has better movement, and cardio, while Spann's last win was his first in three years against an older opponent. He notes that public money might come in on Spann, making Waldo even better value.
Big Brady picks Waldo Cortes Acosta, reasoning that Ryan Spann is a round-one-or-bust fighter who fades after the first five minutes. He notes Spann's last win outside the first round was a split decision in 2020. Brady believes Cortes Acosta has good durability and cardio, and if he survives the first round, he will take over in the later rounds with higher output. He predicts a decision win for Cortes Acosta.
Cody picks Julius Walker, noting that the UFC is giving him a bounce-back fight after a competitive debut against Alonzo Menifield. He believes Raphael Cerqueira is a low-level opponent with poor durability and that Walker will win easily. He acknowledges the high price but sees it as a safe play.
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 Cortes Acosta's takedown defense will keep the fight standing, allowing him to run away with the matchup in deep water and win on the scorecards.
Paul also picks Walker, citing his athleticism and the favorable matchup. He notes that Cerqueira has a padded record and has been knocked out quickly. He believes Walker will roll and sees value in the win, despite the high price.
The MMA Guru picks Ryan Spann, believing in light heavyweights succeeding at heavyweight. He notes Spann has touch-of-death power and dangerous grappling, though he has bad IQ moments. He criticizes Waldo Cortes Acosta as a 'fat heavyweight' who nearly got fraud-checked by Jared Vanderaa and has poor takedown entries. He thinks Spann's experience against better competition gives him the edge, and he expects a knockout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 9 of 20 | 45% | 5 of 13 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 7 of 10 | 70% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 9 of 20 | 45% | 5 of 13 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 7 of 10 | 70% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Ryan Spann, citing his youth, danger, and finishing ability. He notes Ovince Saint Preux is older and hesitant. However, he is not betting on this fight due to the short notice and elevation, which could lead to a staring contest. He thinks the under 1.5 rounds line is tempting but unreliable.
Big Brady picks Ryan Spann to win by first-round knockout, acknowledging that Spann is dangerous early but fades if the fight goes past the first round. He notes that OSP is 41 and has been knocked out by lesser fighters like Tanner Boser and Philipe Lins, so Spann's power should be enough. He understands why people are betting OSP but trusts Spann's first-round finishing ability.
Cody picks OSP, citing Spann's cardio issues and tendency to quit. He thinks OSP's durability and experience at altitude will allow him to outlast Spann. He expects a late finish or decision.
Connor picks Spann, arguing that OSP's recent wins have come against smaller or slower opponents, while Spann is neither. Spann is fast and huge, and OSP's age and decline make him a poor bet. He notes that Spann's losses are bad, but he has the physical tools to beat OSP.
Daniel Vreeland leans toward Ovince Saint Preux, citing his unorthodox style and veteran tactics. He notes that Ryan Spann is a talented flake with a weak chin and poor decision-making. Vreeland points out that OSP has beaten other Forest MMA fighters and had a career-high output in his last fight. He expects OSP to win if he survives the early rounds.
The host believes Ovince Saint Preux will avoid the early finishing power of Ryan Spann and then chip away at him in the second and third rounds, winning on the scorecards. He notes that the moneyline is very juicy at the current price, indicating value.
Paul picks OSP but with less confidence than before. He notes the altitude and Spann's cardio problems. He thinks OSP can find a finish or win a decision if he conserves energy.
The MMA Guru picks Ryan Spann to KO Ovince Saint Preux, despite acknowledging Spann's poor decision-making. He believes Spann's explosive power and size will be too much for the 41-year-old OSP, who he considers finished. He expects Spann to land a brutal knockout on the early prelims, as OSP is unlikely to get takedowns and the fight will stay standing.
Zane agrees with Connor, noting that OSP's recent wins are unimpressive and Spann has the size and speed advantage. He acknowledges Spann's inconsistency but believes he will win this matchup.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Guskov | 0 | 15 of 38 | 39% | 20 of 44 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 3:29 |
| Ryan Spann | 1 | 31 of 48 | 64% | 49 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Guskov | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 11 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:29 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 21 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bogdan Guskov | 0 | 9 of 28 | 32% | 9 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ryan Spann | 1 | 28 of 40 | 70% | 28 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Guskov | 15 of 38 | 39% | 10 of 30 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Ryan Spann | 31 of 48 | 64% | 30 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 17 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Guskov | 6 of 10 | 60% | 3 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Ryan Spann | 3 of 8 | 37% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bogdan Guskov | 9 of 28 | 32% | 7 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 28 of 40 | 70% | 28 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 17 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Herb Dean will oversee the co-main event. Both men show a lot of respect. Guskov throws an overhand right. Spann gets in on a takedown and then lands a knee to the groin. The fight is paused. They're put back in position oddly. Spann lands another low blow with a knee. Dean doesn't take a point despite two fouls in a row. They touch gloves as the fight continues. Spann lands an overhand right. Spann is able to get a takedown and lands in guard. Guskov gives up side control. Spann is able to get into mount and is looking to take the back. Guskov almost escapes, but Spann is able to get his hooks in and takes the back. Spann is looking for a rear-naked choke with a minute left. Guskov is flattened out, so Spann abandons the attempt and starts punching before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Round 2
It is a slow start to the second round as both men are hesitant about the other's power. Both men miss with hooks. Guskov hurts Spann with a right hand and then a left hook. Spann dives for a takedown to no avail. Spann fires back with a right hand of his own. Guskov eats a giant overhand right. Spann lands another looping punch. Guskov comes forward with straight punches and is beating Spann to the punch.
A huge uppercut hurts Spann. A right hand floors Spann, who then eats a series of vicious right hands on the ground. Herb Dean finally steps in, and this is over!
The Official Result
Bogdan Guskov def. Ryan Spann TKO (Punches); R2, 3:16.
Angelo picks Ryan Spann due to experience, size, and durability. He thinks Bogdan Guskov may have early success but will fade, while Spann will survive and take over. He notes Spann is dangerous everywhere (striking, submissions, wrestling) and has cardio for 15 minutes. He believes Spann likely wins by decision or late stoppage, but is not confident enough to bet on him.
Cody leans toward Guskov as a doger pass, citing Spann's inconsistencies and poor durability. He thinks Guskov's power gives him a puncher's chance, especially if Spann's weight cut is rough. However, he admits Guskov is not very good and the pick is high variance.
Daniel acknowledges Spann's talent and athleticism but calls him a 'talented flake' with mental issues and a history of getting knocked out the same way. He thinks Spann should win based on skills but can't lay -190 on him. He leans Spann but passes on betting.
Spann has the athleticism, power, and speed advantage. He should be able to hurt Guskov early and find a finish, likely in the first round. Guskov was knocked out in his UFC debut and may be vulnerable to Spann's power. I expect Spann to win by first-round knockout.
Paul picks Spann despite his inconsistencies, arguing Spann has faced much better competition and is more skilled overall. He believes Spann's takedowns and grappling will be the difference, and that Guskov's padded record and lack of durability will be exposed.
The MMA Guru picks Ryan Spann, noting that Bogdan Guskov has never fought someone taller than him and keeps his hands down. He criticizes Guskov's style of throwing shovel hooks from the waist, which may not work against a longer opponent. He believes Spann's reach and low kicks will be effective, and mentions Spann's guillotine threat. He predicts Spann will win, possibly by low kicks.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 91 of 147 | 61% | 91 of 147 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 59 of 187 | 31% | 62 of 191 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 24 of 42 | 57% | 24 of 42 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 10 of 41 | 24% | 10 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 22 of 36 | 61% | 22 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 22 of 60 | 36% | 25 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:19 | |
| 3 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 45 of 69 | 65% | 45 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 27 of 86 | 31% | 27 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 91 of 147 | 61% | 44 of 92 | 12 of 15 | 35 of 40 | 90 of 146 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 59 of 187 | 31% | 39 of 158 | 14 of 23 | 6 of 6 | 50 of 174 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 24 of 42 | 57% | 9 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 16 | 23 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 10 of 41 | 24% | 5 of 32 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Anthony Smith | 22 of 36 | 61% | 10 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 10 | 22 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 22 of 60 | 36% | 16 of 52 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 13 | |
| 3 | Anthony Smith | 45 of 69 | 65% | 25 of 45 | 7 of 10 | 13 of 14 | 45 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 27 of 86 | 31% | 18 of 74 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 27 of 86 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo believes Smith's best days are behind him, citing his recent loss to Johnny Walker where he was dropped and then headhunted. He thinks Spann will be too big, fast, and powerful for Smith. He has a full unit bet on Spann at -147, noting that the bet is more about Smith's decline than Spann's rise.
Big Brady questions why this rematch is happening, noting Anthony Smith dominated the first fight. However, he believes Smith looks uninterested and has taken too much damage, citing his recent performances against Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev. He thinks Spann is dangerous everywhere and will knock out Smith in the first round, as Smith's durability is declining.
Cody picks Smith because he already beat Spann via submission and is getting plus money. He notes that Spann is a one-round fighter who fades under adversity, while Smith has better grappling and durability. Cody believes Smith can survive the early onslaught and take over later in the fight.
Daniel picks Ryan Spann, reasoning that Spann is an athletic freak who can catch Smith early. He notes that Smith is coming off a leg break and looked terrible against Johnny Walker. He acknowledges that Smith dominated the first fight, but believes Spann's power and explosiveness give him a chance to finish early. He is not confident, calling it a lean.
James picks Anthony Smith, citing his cardio advantage and durability. He notes Smith hurt and submitted Spann in their first fight, and Spann's finishing equity drops after round one. He believes Smith is not as washed as some think and that the line is off. He also mentions Smith's historical durability and difficulty to submit.
The host recalls Smith's submission win over Spann in their first fight and believes Smith's veteran experience and confidence will allow him to replicate that performance. He notes Spann is dangerous early but fades, and expects Smith to exchange in the pocket, hurt Spann, and submit him again. The host likes the under 1.5 rounds prop and finds Smith as a dog 'absolutely crazy'.
Paul initially picks Spann due to his recent wins and early explosiveness, but after Cody corrects him on the first fight result, he switches to Smith. However, his original pick was Spann, so we capture that. He notes Spann is dangerous early but fades, and Smith is durable enough to survive.
The MMA Guru picks Ryan Spann in the rematch, believing Anthony Smith has declined physically and mentally. He notes Smith's poor physique and lack of fast-twitch fibers, comparing him to a fighter past his prime. He thinks Spann's scrambling and power will be enough, and that Smith won't land the same hook again. He predicts Spann will catch Smith and finish him, possibly in round two, leading to Smith's retirement.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikita Krylov | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 24 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 2 | 2:39 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 2 | 0:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikita Krylov | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 24 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 2 | 2:39 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 2 | 0:32 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikita Krylov | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 11 | 45% | 4 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikita Krylov | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 11 | 45% | 4 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Krylov (-170), Spann (+145)
Round 1
Two weeks later than expected, fans in the building should soon be treated to an all-action slugfest in what was supposed to be the UFC Vegas 70 headliner. A combined 38 first-round finishes have come between Krylov (29-9, 10-7 UFC) and Spann (21-7, 7-2 UFC), with stellar stoppage rates of 93% for the former and 86% for the Texan. Referee Herb Dean better buckle up for this one, although he is able to take solace knowing it is still a matchup without any bad blood. With the cancelation a few weeks ago, this is no longer taking place at light heavyweight, and instead at 215 pounds. Fists are bumped before they throw down, and when they do, it should be one heck of a show. Spann reaches out with an early jab as Krylov kicks, and Spann follows it with a few punches that knock Krylov around. Krylov gains space after bouncing off the fence, and he pops Spann with a right hand to wobble the Texan’s legs. Krylov advances to try to keep swinging, and he ends up clinched up with his opponent. Spann throws Krylov down to the mat, and he lands on top and starts fishing for a submission. Krylov sits up and finds his neck in submission danger, but he shucks off the first guillotine choke try as Spann switches to a brabo choke. Krylov stays patient, and Spann adjusts his head and settles down with another guillotine. “The Miner” digs through the pain and discomfort to yank his neck free, and the two fighters work their way back upright. Krylov holds Spann from behind and kicks him in the side of the face awkwardly, and he drags Spann down to the ground. Spann turns the tables to take Krylov down, and Spann winds up in a guillotine choke threat on the other side. Spann slides out the back door and frees himself, and he grabs a two-on-one wrist lock in an attempt to scramble out. Krylov stays tightly pressed to him and lands a few punches that might have hit the back of the head. Spann stands up and Krylov falls over, and Spann jumps on top of him to drop hammers down.
When Spann lands on top, Krylov wraps his legs up around his opponent's head to tighten up a triangle choke. Spann knows this time, there is no way out, as he fell right into a trap. “Superman” is forced to surrender to the choke, as the crowd is silenced at the sudden conclusion of the mighty grappling battle.
This gives the victor, who is not representing a country given the Russian invasion of his home country of Ukraine, his 30th pro win and 28th by stoppage.
The Official Result
Nikita Krylov def. Ryan Spann R1 3:38 via Submission (Triangle Choke)
Angelo originally picked Nikita Krylov due to his wrestling and grinding ability, but the illness has significantly reduced his confidence. He still thinks Krylov will win if he is 100%, but he is no longer betting on him. He suggests a prop bet on Ryan Spann inside the distance (decision no action) because Spann is dangerous and the fight is now three rounds instead of five.
Big Brady picks Ryan Spann for the slight upset, noting both fighters have durability issues. He questions Krylov's submission defense (submitted six times) and Spann's chin. Brady expects a first-round finish, predicting Spann locks up a guillotine when Krylov shoots for takedowns. He has low confidence but thinks someone gets finished early.
Cody flips to Ryan Spann, citing Krylov's recent illness and the change from five rounds to three rounds. He thinks Spann's cardio is less of a concern in a three-round fight and notes Spann's submission threat. He believes the narrative of Krylov pulling out is enough to take the underdog.
Connor picks Krylov, emphasizing his durability and relentless wrestling. He notes that Spann has poor takedown defense (83% takedown defense when excluding the Enrique fight) and that Krylov will keep shooting takedowns. Connor also points out that Krylov has never been knocked out and is crafty in finding ways to win. He expects Krylov to survive Spann's early power and take over with grappling.
I think Krylov's improved grappling and takedown game will be key. He should drag Spann to the ground and work from top position, but he must be careful of Spann's guillotine. Spann's early power is a threat, but if Krylov survives the first round, he can take over. I expect a submission or TKO in the latter rounds. However, the early threat from Spann makes me hesitant to bet this fight.
Paul picks Krylov but with less confidence than two weeks ago due to Krylov pulling out of the previous fight. He notes Krylov's improvements and path to victory via takedowns, but questions why Krylov pulled out. He thinks the -170 price is about right and calls it a stay-away.
The MMA Guru picks Nikita Krylov, citing Ryan Spann's weight cut issues and the fact that Spann missed weight in his last fight. He believes Krylov's illness may help him keep weight down, while Spann will struggle with two weight cuts back-to-back. He predicts Krylov will push the pace, take Spann down, and get a TKO or submission in the later rounds.
Zane picks Krylov, agreeing with Connor's assessment. He highlights Spann's terrible takedown defense and Krylov's durability. Zane notes that Krylov is not a clean technician but makes good decisions and is flexible. He expects Krylov to take Spann down and grind out a win, as Spann is chinny and tense.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dominick Reyes | 1 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dominick Reyes | 1 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dominick Reyes | 8 of 17 | 47% | 7 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dominick Reyes | 8 of 17 | 47% | 7 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Reyes (-205), Spann (+175)
Round 1
It’s been a rough stretch for Reyes, who was finished by Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz in back-to-back fights after a near-victory against Jon Jones in February 2020. He’ll look to right the ship against Spann, who missed weight by half a pound but has been victorious in six of eight promotional appearances. Marc Goddard gets the call to oversee the light heavyweight clash. Reyes with a front kick down the middle, and Spann misses a high kick. A right hand from Spann makes Reyes stumble, and Reyes answers. Reyes slips during an ensuing exchange and Spann latches onto a guillotine. He relents and they’re back at range. Spann counters a kick with a 1-2 combination and Reyes attempts to answer.
As he steps in, a short left hand from “Superman” — along with a glancing right — lays Reyes out stiff on the canvas. He dives in and lands one unnecessary blow before Goddard dives in to save Reyes.
Spann has his second straight first-round finish in the Octagon. Reyes’ struggles continue, as he loses his fourth straight.
The Official Result
Ryan Spann def. Dominick Reyes via KO (Punches) R1 1:20
Angelo does not make a pick for this fight. He notes that Reyes is a former title challenger with suspect chin coming off two KO losses, while Spann is a powerful but slow striker. He says the odds favor Reyes at 2-1 but calls it a coin toss and advises against betting at those odds. He will wait for weigh-ins and a Tuesday breakdown before deciding.
Big Brady picks Dominick Reyes to win by first-round knockout, but expresses low trust due to Reyes' recent performances and mental state. He notes Reyes has looked awful since the Jon Jones fight, being hesitant and getting knocked out by Jan Blachowicz. However, he believes Reyes is the much better striker with phenomenal takedown defense, and that Spann has been dropped by lesser fighters (Sam Alvey, Anthony Smith). He says if Reyes loses this, it's inexcusable.
Cody picks Ryan Spann as an underdog, citing narrative and speculation. He notes that Reyes' wins came against opponents who were past their prime or at a weight disadvantage, and that Reyes has lost three straight, including two knockouts. Cody points out that Reyes has been inactive for a year and a half and may have ring rust, while Spann is younger, active, and improving. He thinks Spann's power and reach could capitalize on Reyes' potential durability and confidence issues.
Connor picks Dominick Reyes, arguing that despite Reyes' recent losses, Spann's messy style and lack of discipline play into Reyes' counter-punching strengths. He notes that Spann's entries are wild and he often leaves openings, while Reyes is a cool, technical counter puncher. Connor believes Spann is not capable of making Reyes as uncomfortable as Prochazka did, and that Reyes should be able to take him apart.
Daniel Levi picks Dominick Reyes to knock out Ryan Spann, citing Reyes' superior distance game, straight left, and composure. He notes that Spann has been knocked out three times the same way (on takedown attempts) and has a questionable chin. Levi believes Reyes is on a different level and that Spann's mental fragility and tendency to get wild will be his downfall. He also mentions that Reyes has taken a year off and changed camps, which should help him refocus.
The host sees Reyes as the better technical striker with good range and a clean left hand. He is concerned about the layoff and durability questions after recent KO losses, but believes Reyes can take his time and finish Spann in the latter half. He likes the over 1.5 rounds at -120 as Reyes may be cautious early. He won't bet the moneyline at -225 but picks Reyes by KO.
Paul picks Dominick Reyes, arguing that if the fight extends, Reyes will lap Spann in volume. He notes that Spann's decision wins are uninspiring (e.g., split decision over Sam Alvey) and that he has been knocked out by Johnny Walker. Paul believes Reyes' losses are to elite competition (Jones, Blachowicz, Prochazka) and that Spann hasn't fought anyone of that caliber. He thinks Reyes' volume and experience will be decisive.
The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Ryan Spann, expressing concern about Reyes' motivation and damage taken after the Jones fight and long layoff. He thinks Reyes may shell up under power and predicts Spann will rock him and secure a guillotine choke. He acknowledges Spann's glass chin but believes his bursts will be enough.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Reyes. He notes that Spann is a dangerous but fundamentally limited fighter who relies on chaos, while Reyes has a thin but effective counter-punching game. Zane points out that Spann's wild entries and lack of durability make him vulnerable to Reyes' counters, and that Reyes' losses came against elite fighters who could exploit his weaknesses in ways Spann cannot.
Ion Cuțelaba - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 40 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:27 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 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 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 40 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:27 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 20 | 70% | 4 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Oumar Sy | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 20 | 70% | 4 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Oumar Sy | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sy (-200); Cutelaba (+170)
Round 1
Herb Dean is the referee. Cutelaba opens with an inside leg kick followed by a body kick. Sy with a leg kick of his own. Cutelaba is utilizing a variety of kicks early. Sy jabs then throws a leg kick. A right lands for Cutelaba. They collide in the clinch and Cutelaba drives his man into the fence. A knee lands for Cutelaba. Sy reverses the position, but Cutelaba trips him down and lands in half guard. Sy scoots toward the fence and reverses into a takedown attempt against the cage. Sy lifts and slams Cutelaba, who assumes top position in a scramble. Cutelaba is in half guard, looking to advance. Cutelaba hovers and drops a right. Sy eats more standing to ground shots as Sy threatens with a heel hook. Cutelaba isn’t too woried about the submission possibility, but Sy falls back, forcing his foe to defend the manuever.. Cutelaba frees his leg and dives back into top position. Now Sy is pushing forward for a takedown, but he finds himself quickly ensnared in a guillotine.
Cutelaba rolls into full mount, forcing Sy to tap almost instantly.
Cutelaba has won three of his last four UFC appearances.
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Oumar Sy via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 4:24
Angelo picks Oumar Sy but is nervous. He acknowledges Sy's athleticism and dangerous grappling, but worries about his tendency to not pull the trigger, as seen in the Alonzo Menifield fight. He thinks Sy should win if he wrestles early, but if he waits too long or stands and bangs, it could be a problem.
Big Brady picks Oumar Sy to win by second-round submission. He identifies three problems with Cutelaba: bad cardio, poor fight IQ, and weak jiu-jitsu off his back. He believes Sy should take the fight to the mat and exploit the grappling gap, especially as Cutelaba slows down.
Cody picks Sy but is hesitant. He notes Sy's size, reach, and wrestling advantage, but acknowledges Cuțelaba's experience and durability. He thinks Sy can get takedowns and grind out a win, but the price is not great. He expects a split decision.
Connor picks Sy, agreeing that Cuțelaba needs an opponent who implodes to win, and Sy is not that. He notes Cuțelaba's wins are over fighters who implode, and Sy has enough survival instinct.
James picks Oumar Sy to win by finish, likely via ground and pound. He notes that Cuțelaba will expend all his energy in round one and gas out, while Sy's size, athleticism, and physicality will allow him to take over. He expects Sy to get on top and finish a tired Cuțelaba in the second round.
The host picks Sy to win by submission, expecting his grappling to dominate. He notes Sy's size and reach advantage, and believes he will take Cuțelaba down and find a finish. He highlights Cuțelaba's cardio issues and tendency to lose to grapplers, making Sy a strong pick.
Paul is tempted by Cuțelaba as a dog, noting his striking and takedown defense. He thinks Cuțelaba can give Sy problems, but ultimately passes due to inconsistency. He mentions Sy's size and wrestling could be too much.
The Guru picks Oumar Sy, comparing him to Ciryl Gane and noting his grappling awareness and striking defense. He thinks Cuțelaba will struggle if he can't get early takedowns, and that Sy will find a finish in the late second or third round as Cuțelaba gets wild.
Zane picks Sy, noting that Cuțelaba is prone to imploding and even when he doesn't, he makes mistakes that allow Sy to take him down and ride him. Sy showed determination in his loss to Menefield.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 44 of 92 | 47% | 52 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 58 of 130 | 44% | 121 of 194 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 17 of 46 | 36% | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 18 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 25 of 49 | 51% | 50 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 | |
| 3 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 22 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 16 of 35 | 45% | 54 of 74 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modestas Bukauskas | 44 of 92 | 47% | 37 of 85 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 42 of 90 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 58 of 130 | 44% | 18 of 74 | 16 of 19 | 24 of 37 | 47 of 117 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modestas Bukauskas | 12 of 34 | 35% | 7 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 17 of 46 | 36% | 4 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 16 | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Modestas Bukauskas | 16 of 32 | 50% | 15 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 25 of 49 | 51% | 11 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 9 of 13 | 20 of 42 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Modestas Bukauskas | 16 of 26 | 61% | 15 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 16 of 35 | 45% | 3 of 18 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 8 | 10 of 29 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bukauskas (-112), Cutelaba (-108)
Round 1
Keeping to the light heavyweight division, there is a very realistic scenario that both men will hold .500 records in the Octagon if one man prevails. Bukauskas (17-6, 5-4 UFC) has done his absolute best to make up for an early rough stretch, while “The Hulk” Cutelaba (19-10-1, 1 NC; 8-9-1 UFC) is aiming to smash his way back to that midpoint range. Both men vastly prefer the knockout, but they have also sustained multiple stoppage losses of that type in the past as well. Referee Dan Miragliotta dons his proverbial hard hat as the 31-year-olds do not bother to touch gloves. Bukauskas leads off with a long, leaping jab. Cutelaba kicks him back in the front leg, doing so one more time when Bukauskas changes stances. Cutelaba keeps at it until Bukauskas fires one back at him, and it does not slow him for long. Cutelaba turns his hips into an especially heavy calf kick, and he leans back as a one-two comes up just short of his face. Bukauskas is unable to reach his foe with punches, while Cutelaba kicks him at will. Bukauskas steps in and catches Cutelaba with a left hand, and he follows with a right that “The Hulk” takes on the chin without batting an eye. Cutelaba fires back with an overhand right, and he offers a body kick and spins with a wheel kick that both bounce off the guard. Cutelaba catches Bukauskas at the end of a calf kick, and he parries a body kick and blocks a subsequent head kick. Bukauskas snaps out a jab, and he sways to avoid the worst of an overhand right. Cutelaba does not falter kicking the front leg time and time again, and they clash together with hooks that partially land. Cutelaba has a massive uppercut and right hand knock out the air around the Lithuanian, and he plants his legs and pounds on Bukauskas’ from leg. Bukauskas gets off a two-punch combo and rushes back knowing “The Hulk” is coming after him. Bukauskas chains together two one-twos that catch the Moldovan on the chin, and once more, he no-sells them and walks forward. They both miss with spinning back kicks to the body, and Cutelaba tries to corner Bukauskas with a low kick and times a left hand when Bukauskas advances. Cutelaba plants his heel on Bukauskas’ side with a spin kick, and Bukauskas tries to do something similar but cannot score it. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
The second round opens up with Cutelaba pressing forward, landing a few punches and mixing in kicks. The Moldovan follows the success with another blitz, backing his opponent up and drilling Bukauskas with a right hand. They crash together, and Cutelaba spins with an elbow that bangs into Bukauskas’ jaw. It is Cutelaba who goes flying after the blow lands, because he spun himself off-balance, and he recovers quickly. Cutelaba considers a level change, and he runs into a stone wall that he pushes against the fence. Cutelaba grinds his man against the fencing, offering a knee or two but otherwise stalling out. They jockey for position when in the clinch, and Miragliotta separates them. Cutelaba spins with a wheel kick out of nowhere, and both men trip and nearly go down without the strike connecting. They get back to their feet, and Cutelaba chases his man with an overhand right. When he pitches a naked leg kick, Bukauskas counters with two punches. Cutelaba sits down on a hard right hand, and Bukauskas has to blink it out but is otherwise unconcerned. Cutelaba keeps his guard up, and he rushes forward and lands a couple punches and a kick at the end. Cutelaba offers a leg kick and ducks down to fire off a right hand when he sees Bukauskas coming forward, and he throws a wheel kick so hard that he falls over when it is way out of range. Cutelaba stands, and he initiates a brawl. Bukauskas catches him and nearly gets blasted, having to circle around to regain his footing. One final brawl ensues, with Bukauskas getting the better of the final exchange before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 3
Cutelaba is energized to start off the final frame, pushing forward immediately but not able to catch Bukauskas standing still. He settles for a few chopping calf kicks, and he shoots in for a double from afar that Bukauskas is able to defend thanks to the wall behind him. The clinch position stalls the two 205ers out, who trade occasional knees but do little more to satisfy Miragliotta. They are separated, and Cutelaba is the aggressor again. Clipping Bukauskas with a left hand, Cutelaba keeps marching forward and lashes out with a low kick that scores, and a spinning back kick that bangs into his foe’s midsection. Cutelaba stomps out with a kick to the front knee, and Bukauskas is tired of waiting and lays into “The Hulk” with a massive right hand. Cutelaba does not so much as flinch, and eats another huge punch that he once more shrugs off. Cutelaba follows his foe around the cage, and he skims a spin kick off the body and reaches at the end of a right hand. Bukauskas goes high with a kick that is blocked, and he stings Cutelaba with a check hook and forces the Moldovan to shoot in on his hips. Bukauskas stops the takedown but is otherwise pushed to the wire, where they spin one another around. They give one another knees to the guts, and Cutelaba goes for a trip that is unable to get his man down. Bukauskas pushes off and lets his hands go, only for Cutelaba to tie him back up. Miragliotta calls for action as Bukauskas leans on his opponent, and he breaks and spins with an elbow. Cutelaba busts him in the chops with a right hand, and swings for the bleachers with a few more. The final strike of the fight is a spinning kick from the Lithuanian to the midsection, and a slightly bloodied Cutelaba raises his hands to signal he thinks he won the fight. Time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
The Official Result
Modestas Bukauskas def. Ion Cutelaba via Split Decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Modestas Bukauskas as the more technically sound and well-rounded fighter, but acknowledges Ion Cuțelaba is unpredictable and dangerous. He notes Cuțelaba has power and offensive takedowns but no takedown defense. Angelo mentions a potential bet on Cuțelaba inside the distance with decision no action, but his pick is Bukauskas. He emphasizes that picks are not bets and he wouldn't bet on Bukauskas.
Big Brady thinks Cuțelaba has multiple paths to victory: he hits harder, is more durable, and can mix in wrestling. He notes Bukauskas is chinny, hittable, and has poor takedown defense. He believes Cuțelaba's losses have come against high-level or dangerous opponents, while Bukauskas is neither. He predicts Cuțelaba wins by decision, landing bigger shots and mixing in wrestling.
The host believes Bukauskas is in the best form of his career and will thwart Cuțelaba's power striking and grappling. He expects Bukauskas to use his cardio, technical striking, and improved grappling to win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Cuțelaba as a slight underdog, citing Bukauskas' knee injury and susceptibility to pressure. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling and early aggression will exploit Bukauskas' compromised leg, leading to a finish in the first or second round by TKO or submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 17 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Ibo Aslan | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 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 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 17 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Ibo Aslan | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 31 | 45% | 10 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Ibo Aslan | 15 of 30 | 50% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 31 | 45% | 10 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Ibo Aslan | 15 of 30 | 50% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
If this prelim headliner does not end violently, it will be quite the surprise. “The Hulk” Cutelaba (18-10-1, 1 NC; 7-9-1 UFC) has claimed 13 of his 18 wins via strikes, while Aslan (14-1, 2-0 UFC) presents a 100% knockout rate. Referee Kevin MacDonald keeps his head on a swivel for the mayhem that is about to ensue. Nothing more needs to be said other than buckle up, buckaroos. Cutelaba is so intense, security has to keep him from putting his hands on Aslan before the opening bell rings. The power-punching 205ers do not touch gloves. Aslan walks Cutelaba down with his right hand chambered, and he pitches a front kick instead. Cutelaba responds in kind, and he wings an overhand right that buzzes the beard of his foe. Aslan slings back with fire, and the two turn their hips into mighty low kick that crash together. A furious brawl suddenly erupts out of nowhere, with both men bashing each other in the face with ridiculously arced punches. When Cutelaba gets clipped, he shoots for a takedown, and it is rebuffed. Aslan tags him a few more times, and a second takedown effort from the Moldovan succeeds to get his wits back about him. Aslan climbs back to his feet, and he ducks to dodge a spinning back fist from “The Hulk,” who is bleeding already. Aslan tees off with strikes, and Cutelaba steels himself and releases a bomb of a right hand that sends Aslan staggering back. With his balance barely beneath him, Aslan stumbles away and gets taken to the floor by a beautiful double. Cutelaba sits up and smashes Aslan with a number of right hands, forces Aslan to turn over and jumps into dominant position.
Rather than keep smashing, “The Hulk” in mount steps to the side to wrap up an unexpected arm-triangle choke. Aslan hangs on tough as MacDonald checks on him, and he signals he is ok and shows resistance on his arm. As the submission is not wavering, Aslan is about to go out, and he taps out.
Cutelaba stands up and roars repeatedly. In his post-fight interview, the Moldovan declares, “Who now is power,” and that he is a “f---ing crazy guy.” With that, the prelims are violently completed, but who expected the hard-swinging Cutelaba to wrap up a submission?
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Ibo Aslan R1 2:51 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Big Brady picks Ibo Aslan (Eduard Oslan) despite wanting to back Ion Cuțelaba. He notes Cuțelaba is untrustworthy with poor cardio, often gassing after three minutes of wrestling. He believes Aslan has good takedown defense from training at Extreme Couture and Tiger Muay Thai, carries power late, and will stuff takedowns, causing Cuțelaba to slow down. He predicts a second-round knockout.
The host is intrigued by Cuțelaba as an underdog, noting the fight could be a car crash or a grind. He thinks if Cuțelaba avoids getting knocked out early, he can match Aslan's aggression and power and finish him within the first two rounds.
Despite a bias toward Cuțelaba, the Guru picks Aslan, citing Cuțelaba's rough recent wins and low success rate. He notes Aslan is 2-0 in the UFC with finishes, has momentum, and has fought tricky grapplers. He expects Aslan to TKO Cuțelaba in the first or second round, though he mentions Aslan's 'gynoed up' physique as a potential concern.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 45 of 120 | 37% | 80 of 161 | 3 of 12 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 39 of 69 | 56% | 63 of 101 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 5:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 18 of 72 | 25% | 22 of 77 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 24 of 39 | 61% | 25 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 44 of 66 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:26 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 14 of 18 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 21 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 45 of 120 | 37% | 24 of 93 | 9 of 14 | 12 of 13 | 38 of 112 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 |
| Ivan Erslan | 39 of 69 | 56% | 29 of 59 | 7 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 33 of 61 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 18 of 72 | 25% | 9 of 57 | 5 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 14 of 68 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Ivan Erslan | 24 of 39 | 61% | 21 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 35 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 24 of 43 | 55% | 13 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 21 of 39 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Ivan Erslan | 14 of 27 | 51% | 7 of 20 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ivan Erslan | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
With four losses in his last five outings, “The Hulk” Cutelaba (17-10-1, 1 NC; 6-9-1, 1 NC UFC) has not been smashing much lately. Luckily for him, the UFC has given him a willing dance partner in KSW vet Erslan (14-3, 1 NC; 0-0 UFC), who has seen 10 of his last 11 appearances end inside the distance, win or lose. Before they go ballistic, the two hulking 205ers meet in the middle to share an incredibly intense face-to-face staredown as referee Herb Dean watches closely. There is no glove touch to be shared, as Cutelaba is energized and wants to inflict punishment of some sort. Cutelaba sweeps the leg early, and Erslan does not budge. Cutelaba splits the guard with a front kick, and Erslan sits down on a left hand counter. Cutelaba has a kick checked, and he lets go with two punches that bounce off the guard. Cutelaba lunges and whiffs with a right hand, but his front kicks to get through. Cutelaba overswings, and Erslan ducks under and pushes him to the wall. Cutelaba spins around and smashes Erslan in the face, and Erslan staggers away, regains his footing and shakes his head to signal he is fine. Cutelaba comes up short on a big head kick, and Erslan bets him to the punch with two counters. Cutelaba walks Erslan down and draws him into a brief slugfest, but Erslan is wise to it and does not want to get blasted. Erslan sneaks in an uppercut while Cutelaba blitzes, and he absorbs a low kick and a left hand before stopping a takedown shot. Cutelaba steps in with a body kick, and he whizzes past his target with a spinning back kick. Cutelaba bites down on his mouthpiece to throw hammers, but the head movement of the newcomer keeps him safe. Erslan keeps his guard up high, but the sheer horsepower of Cutelaba’s three punches knock Erslan across the cage and down to his seat. Cutelaba leisurely walks him down rather than sprinting, and instead lets Erslan stand so he can go after a single. Erslan stands, ignores a right hand to his temple and puts his back to the wall. Erslan gains a bit of space thanks to an elbow on the inside, and they reset. Erslan lashes out with a calf kick, and when he throws a second, Cutelaba is on him with a winging right hand. Cutelaba’s big right hooks come up short, and he gets stuck with a right straight. Erslan walks through a power punch to sling leather, and he gets his bell rung once more in a furious exchange. Cutelaba spins with a back fist that goes well wide, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
The light heavyweights lumber towards one another to start off the stanza, and they both measure one another with front kicks from afar. Cutelaba advances rapidly, and Erslan escapes out the side before getting struck. Erslan rolls with a punch, but Cutelaba is on him with three more and a takedown shot. Erslan shoves the Moldovan away, and Cutelaba takes a moment before lashing out with a low kick and a right hand. Cutelaba gets caught with a right hand and wobbles back, but then flashes a huge grin as he was playing possum and hoped to draw Erslan in. When Erslan does not engage, Cutelaba spins with a back kick that slams into his liver. Cutelaba jabs and swings hard behind it, and he clips the Polish fighter with a powerful left hook. Erslan does not like what he is getting, and he shoots in for a single but finds himself facing a wall in “The Hulk.” Cutelaba gives Erslan a taste of his own medicine, grabbing a single and kicking Erslan’s other leg out to put him down dramatically on the canvas. Cutelaba jumps around to take his back, wrapping a body triangle around his waist and hitting him with punches around the side of the head. Cutelaba briefly latches onto a rear-naked choke, and the newcomer fights out of it, breaks the body triangle and muscles back to his feet. Erslan tries to wrangle Cutelaba down to the floor, and when they hit 50/50 position, Cutelaba turns the tables and tosses Erslan effortlessly to the mat. Cutelaba climbs into full mount, and he takes Erslan’s back and slides off of it. Falling to his back, Cutelaba briefly considers a triangle choke, but Erslan keeps himself flat on top of his adversary to ride out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 3
The heavy hitters have reached the third round—as many of the fights tonight have done so far—and it starts off gingerly as neither man wants to overcommit. Erslan walks the favorite down, and he swings for the fences with a monster right hand. Cutelaba counters him brilliantly with a right hand, only for Erslan to duck under a second blow and hit an easy takedown. Erslan gets dragged into the guard when assuming top position, but he finds himself struggling to mount any offense. Cutelaba either holds on tightly or pushes off Erslan enough to get space so that Erslan cannot reach him. When not pushed by Cutelaba’s legs, Erslan utilizes tight chest pressure, smothering rather than attacking. Erslan stands up and drills “The Hulk” with a huge right hand, and it is one-and-done when Cutelaba kicks him off. Erslan lowers himself back to top control, and Cutelaba is flat on his back not entirely sure which way to lean. Cutelaba briefly considers a kimura, and Erslan sees it coming a mile away and wrenches his arm out. Cutelaba looks for an omoplata shoulder lock, which he uses to get enough leverage to work his way to his feet. Erslan controls Cutelaba from behind, dragging the Moldovan to his seat against the fencing to further nullify him. Erslan is warned for hooking his fingers inside of Cutelaba’s gloves, and Erslan lets go and starts slugging Cutelaba in the chops. Cutelaba stands up, and Erslan tries to muscle him back down. Cutelaba turns him around and imposes his weight to attempt to wrench Erslan to the mat, dropping low for a double and tossing the newcomer to the floor. Time runs out, and these two have surprisingly left it in the hands of the judges.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Ivan Erslan via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Ivan Erslan but does not bet on him. He notes that Cuțelaba is feast or famine and can be knocked out, but Erslan has holes in his grappling defense. If Cuțelaba wrestles early, he can win, but if he stands, he'll likely get knocked out. Angelo is not betting on a UFC newcomer with grappling issues.
Big Brady picks Ivan Erslan by first-round knockout, citing Cuțelaba's tendency to find ways to lose and his poor cardio. He notes Erslan has power and good takedown defense, and if he stuffs takedowns, he could knock out Cuțelaba early. He expects the fight to end in the first round.
Cody picks Erslan as a slight underdog, noting Cuțelaba's inconsistency and poor fight IQ. He believes Erslan has better striking and takedown defense, and can keep the fight standing. However, he acknowledges Cuțelaba's power and explosiveness make this a 50/50 fight, and he's not confident.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Cuțelaba is a 'five-tool loser' who has lost every way possible. He notes that Erslan is a back-foot counter striker who may struggle if Cuțelaba doesn't come forward, but ultimately Cuțelaba's tendency to lose makes Erslan the pick.
Daniel Vreeland picks Ivan Erslan to win. He thinks Erslan is a technical striker with good power, speed, and durability, and that he can recover from being dropped. He believes Cuțelaba will gas out or make mistakes, and Erslan will catch him. He notes Erslan's takedown defense looks solid and that Cuțelaba is not at a good camp.
JP picks Ivan Erslan because he doesn't trust Ion Cuțelaba, who is inconsistent and has low fight IQ. He notes Cuțelaba lost to Ryan Spann and Johnny Walker, whom he considers low-IQ fighters. He thinks Erslan has power and is more calculated, and calls it a coin flip but sides with the dog.
Paul leans towards Erslan, citing Cuțelaba's poor takedown accuracy and tendency to gas. He notes that Erslan has good takedown defense and power, but the fight is volatile. He doesn't plan to bet heavily but takes the slight dog.
The MMA Guru picks Ivan Erslan over Ion Cuțelaba, noting Erslan's well-roundedness and experience against good competition. He believes Cuțelaba's reign over lower-level opponents will end. He predicts a second-round TKO for Erslan.
Zane thinks Erslan is a capable, big, powerful athlete who fits the UFC light heavyweight baseline. He notes that Cuțelaba finds ways to lose and has a poor record, while Erslan has a whole host of first-round knockouts. Zane believes Erslan will probably beat Cuțelaba, though he has some long-term concerns about Erslan's style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipe Lins | 0 | 47 of 97 | 48% | 119 of 171 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 67 of 115 | 58% | 73 of 121 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 5:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 24 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 33 of 50 | 66% | 34 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 2 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 13 of 20 | 65% | 27 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 19 of 29 | 65% | 22 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:26 | |
| 3 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 11 of 35 | 31% | 68 of 93 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 15 of 36 | 41% | 17 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:46 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipe Lins | 47 of 97 | 48% | 33 of 82 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 6 | 42 of 90 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 67 of 115 | 58% | 37 of 82 | 7 of 9 | 23 of 24 | 57 of 100 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philipe Lins | 23 of 42 | 54% | 14 of 32 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 22 of 39 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 33 of 50 | 66% | 16 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 14 of 15 | 32 of 47 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Philipe Lins | 13 of 20 | 65% | 8 of 15 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 19 of 29 | 65% | 11 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 | |
| 3 | Philipe Lins | 11 of 35 | 31% | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 15 of 36 | 41% | 10 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 32 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-135), Lins (+114)
Round 1
At long last, we will finally see the oft-delayed light heavyweight showdown between Cutelaba (17-9-1, 1 NC; 6-8-1 UFC) and Lins (17-5, 3-2 UFC). This fight was initially slated for an October 2023 event, and a fight night medical scratch for Lins delayed it until now. Both men sharing their preferred method of victory of the knockout, referee Mike Beltran may have his hands full until it is all over. The two have to be separated when Cutelaba walks right in front of his opponent during the introductions, and they do not touch gloves when completed. Lins strikes first with a low kick, and Cutelaba answers immediately with the same blow. Lins goes low, and Cutelaba tries to catch it and go over the top with a right hand. Lins slides back in the nick of time, and he connects with a heavy calf kick that Cutelaba does not like. Cutelaba gives him a lighter kick back to the same target, and he intercepts an advancing Lins with a jab. Lins comes out swinging, and he ends a combination with a low kick that gets checked. Cutelaba turns his hips into a leg kick, and Lins throws one back as Cutelaba reaches for it. Lins hops in, lands a straight left, and gets out of harm’s way before the counter lands. Lins lands a hard calf kick, and Cutelaba swings heavy punches him that bounce the Brazilian off the cage. Lins ricochets off and chambers to fire a low kick, and he buckles Cutelaba’s leg for a second. Cutelaba shakes it off and winds up with a right hand, and he blasts Lins in the face and sends him flying to his seat. Lins pops back up, no worse for wear, and he throws a leg kick. Cutelaba checks it and grins, and he reaches out with an overhand right. Cutelaba preemptively lifts his leg ahead of time to prevent a kick from landing, and this allow Lins to pops him with a right hand over the top. Lins then goes low with a heavy leg kick, and he shoots in for a single. Cutelaba hops back to the wall, elbows Lins in the face and drags his leg back down. Lins backpedals and lets go with a head kick, and Cutelaba charges him and busts him in the chops with an elbow. Lins scores a leg kick, draws a wobble, and fires off a one-two that gets Cutelaba’s attention. Cutelaba bites down on his mouthpiece and starts trading heavy leather, cracking “Monstro,” and Lins throws back hard. Cutelaba gets rocked as they keep throwing, and Lins shoots for a takedown that ultimately fails. Cutelaba lashes out with an elbow that cuts the Brazilian on the cheek, and he wades into a brawl and slugs it out with his opponent. Lins backs off, scores a low kick, and the tense round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Round 2
Lins opens up in the second round to throw a low kick at the compromised lead leg of his opponent. Lins motions that he has done some damage to his foe’s leg, and he throws another that takes Cutelaba’s balance away. Cutelaba changes stances and is hurt badly from the kicks, and it is swelled and damaged. Cutelaba blitzes, walking through a low kick so he can throw hands, and he ignores another kick so he can engage in a brawl. Lins shrugs off a back fist and scores another devastating leg kick, and Cutelaba is tough as nails as his calf has swelled up on multiple places. Cutelaba overswings, and Lins ducks and circles around to take his back standing so he can take the fight down. Cutelaba keeps on his feet, and they spin around in the clinch until Lins trips his man up and falls on top of him. Lins lands in half guard, and he smothers his opponent without getting any ground-and-pound off. The crowd rains down boos as Lins holds on from on top, and Cutelaba hangs on to force a standup. Cutelaba pushes off and Lins stands up, and they start talking to one another. Lins lowers himself down, and he leans back before taking an upkick on the chin. Lins leaps down and hammers his man with standing-to-ground punches, and Cutelaba explodes through to get back to his feet and put his back to the fence. Lins attempts another takedown, and Cutelaba shuts it down. Cutelaba squirrels away with 30 seconds left in the round, and he plods forward and shoots in right after absorbing a low kick. Lins shucks it off, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Round 3
The two are so excited to fight, they have to get ushered back to their corners by Beltran before he clocks them in. When they commence, Cutelaba pushes forward, and he checks a low kick and limps forward. Lins winds up with a left hand, and Cutelaba’s aggression makes Lins trip up. Cutelaba swarms forward, and he opens himself up to a takedown by swinging for the bleachers. Lins takes him down, and holds him there for a few seconds. Cutelaba muscles his way up, only to get dragged down with a mat return. Cutelaba attempts a kimura to sweep, but this only allows Lins to turn the corner and take his back. Cutelaba goes for another double wrist lock to force his way back to his feet, and he succeeds with his back to the wall. Lins presses heavily on his man against the cage, and Cutelaba pushes off and swings hard but misses the mark. Lins strafes to the side, trying to get away as he sucks wind. Cutelaba charges at him, ignoring jabs so he can throw bombs. Lins shoots for a single and is stood up, and Cutelaba hacks down with an elbow on the back of the head. Beltran immediately calls time and very sternly warns Cutelaba for the blatant foul. Beltran resets them in the center of the cage rather than putting them back in the clinch where Lins was. Cutelaba thanks him for this by rushing forward to throw hands, and he catches Lins with a right hand but cannot hurt him enough before Lins shoots. Lins knees him in the body, and he hangs on to run the clock out. Lins softens him up with knees from both sides, and he shoots in for a double. Cutelaba sprawls his hips to stop the takedown, and he bops Lins with short right hands until Beltran splits them up at the 40-second mark. Cutelaba plods forward while Lins runs away, and he throws two punches and eats a right hand. Cutelaba screams at Lins, and he wings punches that Lins can avoid. Lins knocks Cutelaba back with a left hook, and he gets bounced off the wall with a counter. The fight ends, and it could be a close one where a 30-27 tally might not illustrate just how evenly matched it was.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lins (29-28 Lins)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins (30-27 Lins)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins (30-27 Lins)
The Official Result
Philipe Lins def. Ion Cutelaba via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo rolls the dice on Ion Cuțelaba, noting his dangerous grappling and power, despite his questionable chin. He thinks Cuțelaba can win because Lins hasn't faced good takedown artists. He warns Cuțelaba gets finished often but says his losses are to quality opponents. He won't bet on this fight due to Cuțelaba's chinny nature.
Big Brady picks Philipe Lins to win by decision, but is not confident. He calls the fight a 'dog or pass' because he doesn't trust either fighter. He notes that Cuțelaba has only 5 minutes of gas and tends to fade, while Lins has shown he can go 15 minutes. He expects a chaotic fight but thinks Lins can win a greasy decision.
Cody thinks Cuțelaba is explosive but has terrible cardio and often fades after the first round. He believes Lins is durable and can survive the initial onslaught, then take over as the fight goes on. However, he notes Lins has a history of pulling out of fights, which makes him hard to trust.
Daniel flips a coin and picks Cuțelaba. He notes Cuțelaba is dangerous early but can gas out, while Lins has been knocked out before but looked good at 205. He has very low confidence and says he could see it going either way.
Lins has been on a three-fight winning streak since moving down to light heavyweight, showing good power and the ability to mix in the clinch and wear on opponents. Cuțelaba relies on early knockouts but tends to gas out and become vulnerable if he doesn't get the finish. Lins is more skilled overall and should be able to roll with Cuțelaba's big shots, then grind on him in the clinch and slow him down. I expect Lins to showcase a full MMA arsenal and pick up a decision victory. The plus money is a good value.
Paul agrees that Cuțelaba is a one-round fighter and that Lins can weather the storm. He also notes Lins' durability and ability to go the distance, but he is concerned about Lins' frequent withdrawals from fights.
The MMA Guru picks Ion Cuțelaba, acknowledging his inconsistency but highlighting his physical freak athleticism and moments of brilliance. He believes Philipe Lins lacks the athleticism and power to punish Cuțelaba's mistakes, and that Cuțelaba will get his own way and finish early. He notes Cuțelaba's losses came against strong, athletic fighters like Nikita Krylov and Johnny Walker, which Lins is not.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 30 of 40 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 30 of 40 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-130), Boser (+110)
Round 1
While there are no heavyweight matches littering the lineup tonight, this next fight may seem like the closest of any. Two men with their backs against the proverbial wall come to blows, when ex-heavyweight Boser (20-9-1, 4-4 UFC) makes his move down in weight having dropped three of his last four. Cutelaba (16-9-1, 1 NC; 5-8-1 UFC) sports the same unsuccessful record the last couple years, so they are both in dire need of a win. Watching out for any nonsense or an errant blow will be referee Keith Peterson, as this potential mad dash begins with a glove touch. The first 30 seconds go by without a strike, and as soon as the crowd turns on them, they surge into action. Both men throw bombs, and Boser gets knocked back and bounces off the cage. Cutelaba flicks out front kicks as Boser backpedals, and the Canadian sticks out a jab to avoid a huge overhand right.
Cutelaba launches a missile of a right hand that collides square on the jaw of the ex-heavyweight, and Boser is on rubber legs and in big trouble as he falls to his knee up against the wall. With sheer force of will, Cutelaba charges in and angrily hurls Boser down on the mat, where he begins to unload his right fist repeatedly with Boser on his knees. Cutelaba continues pounding on the exposed face of Boser, and Boser tries to stand but is wobbled and his head is getting knocked around like a heavy bag.
“The Hulk” keeps on smashing Boser’s noggin until Peterson calls a stop to the fight, with Boser not defending himself or improving his position. This is a huge win for Cutelaba, who ends a long losing streak to get back in the win column in a big way.
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Tanner Boser R1 2:05 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Tanner Boser as an underdog, noting the line has flipped from Boser being a favorite to an underdog. He believes Boser has all the power, chin, and athleticism to win, especially at light heavyweight where he looks in great shape. He notes Cuțelaba has no chin and gets finished in losses. He has a quarter-unit bet on Boser at +105 and may add more.
Big Brady picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by first-round TKO via ground and pound. He notes Cuțelaba's excellent first-round wrestling and Boser's terrible takedown defense and ground game. However, he warns that Cuțelaba has only one round of gas, so if it goes past the first, Boser could win. He suggests a live bet on Boser if the fight leaves the first round.
Cody is tentative, wanting to see Boser's weigh-in at 205. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling should be effective early, but Boser's cardio and size could be factors. He picks Cuțelaba for now but could switch.
Connor also picks Boser but with hesitation, agreeing that Cuțelaba's erratic style and poor fight IQ make him prone to losing. He notes that Boser's consistent, unimaginative approach may be enough to outlast Cuțelaba's wild aggression. However, Connor warns that dropping to light heavyweight could be a terrible idea for Boser, as the speed of the division may expose him to shots he didn't see at heavyweight.
Cuțelaba's wrestling background should be the key against Boser, who has grappling deficiencies. Boser is moving to light heavyweight but still has issues with takedown defense. Cuțelaba is desperate for a win and may revert to his wrestling. However, his confidence and game plan are uncertain after three straight losses. Expect a grinding decision if he uses his wrestling.
Paul notes Boser has made 205 before and has good striking and cardio. He thinks Cuțelaba will win the first round but gas, allowing Boser to take over. He likes Boser as a live underdog and picks him outright.
The MMA Guru picks Tanner Boser to win, possibly by finish, as he drops to light heavyweight. He believes Boser's improved physique, footwork, and boxing will overwhelm Cuțelaba, who is on a three-fight losing streak and may be mentally fragile. He notes Cuțelaba's wrestling and durability but thinks Boser's pressure and striking will be too much.
Zane picks Boser hesitantly, citing Cuțelaba's tendency to self-destruct and Boser's consistency. He notes that Cuțelaba has become overly reliant on takedowns and burns energy, while Boser is durable and methodical. However, Zane expresses concern about Boser dropping to light heavyweight, as the speed and athleticism of the division may negate his durability advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 1 | 24 of 42 | 57% | 24 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 30 of 57 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 26 of 37 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 1 | 22 of 36 | 61% | 22 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 4 of 20 | 20% | 4 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 24 of 42 | 57% | 22 of 40 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 9 of 26 | 34% | 7 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 6 | 83% | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 22 of 36 | 61% | 20 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 4 of 20 | 20% | 3 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nzechukwu (-175), Cutelaba (+150)
Round 1
Do not adjust your set, we have reached the main event of the evening. This three-round light heavyweight affair is the new marquee matchup, if you have not been following the news today thus far. With knockout rates of 70% or higher, they very well might not need those 15 minutes, and referee Keith Peterson is on high alert and prepared to dispose of any nonsense that rears its ugly head. Nzechukwu (10-3, 4-3 UFC) looks to put two wins together after his demolition of Karl Roberson in July, while Cutelaba (16-8-1, 1 NC; 5-7-1 UFC) is gunning to get back in the win column. This almost certainly ultraviolent affair begins with a touch of gloves as these two are thrilled to be here, and it’s on with the makeshift headliner. Nzechukwu begins with a jab and a one-two, and he trips up Cutelaba in an odd exchange. Cutelaba unloads with three punches that appear to hurt Nzechukwu, and he suddenly grabs a takedown even though his right hand stung the Fortis MMA fighter. Cutelaba elevates and drops Nzechukwu to his knees, and Nzechukwu climbs back up to absorb several crisp uppercuts. Nzechukwu breaks the grip around his waist and blocks a high knee just in the nick of time. Cutelaba secures a trip, and Nzechukwu nearly grabs the top of the cage to stop it from succeeding. “The Hulk” falls straight into full mount, and he drops down a few punches until Nzechukwu drags him back to half guard. The defensive grappling of Nzechukwu allows him to bring Cutelaba back to the guard, and he kicks off and fights to his feet. Cutelaba grabs him from behind and considers lifting and slamming Nzechukwu again, but that does not succeed on a second attempt. Cutelaba hits a throw and lands in scarf hold position, and he isolates Nzechukwu’s arm while slamming his left hand into Nzechukwu’s face. Cutelaba cannot get the armlock, and Nzechukwu does enough to fight out of the position and stand back up. Cutelaba defends with a standing kimura effort, in which he plans on taking the fight back down to the mat again. Cutelaba stomps the toes several times with his heel, doing so until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
Fists are bumped to commence Round 2, and the strikes come fast and furious from both fighters. Nzechukwu reaches with a left hand, and Cutelaba loads up on power punches. Cutelaba rushes forward for a takedown, and Nzechukwu times a perfect knee that busts into Cutelaba’s chin. Cutelaba eats it like a platter of friptura and somehow is not completely out from the devastating blow. Nzechukwu looks hammer the nail, but Cutelaba works his way back up to his feet and swings for the fences. As they wildly continue striking, a foot from Cutelaba comes up and smacks into the cup. Nzechukwu bellows but takes a couple seconds before Peterson can even pause the fight to wave him off and say he wants to continue fighting. Cutelaba strikes, and
Nzechukwu lashes back with a flying knee that cracks the Moldovan’s chin. When Nzechukwu plants both feet on the ground, he shoves Cutelaba back, and Cutelaba is in big trouble as his legs go splayed like a baby deer on a frozen pond. Nzechukwu loads up and smashes “The Hulk” with several punches, punctuated by a ruthless uppercut that practically separates Cutelaba from his senses. While Nzechukwu beats on him, Cutelaba reaches one knee while leaned up against the fence, but the assault is not slowing. “African Savage” swings his fists like wrecking balls, and the damage is insurmountable as Peterson intervenes to rescue Cutelaba from any further harm.
That is one more comeback victory for Nzechukwu, who woke up this morning and chose violence, earning what should register as the biggest win of his career. The man who can unleash great vengeance and furious anger is soft-spoken on the microphone, giving his love to his mother suffering from illness and praising his training partners and team for the end result. That’s it. There are no more fights tonight after this one. With luck, Derrick Lewis will recover from his illness soon and get back to action. The UFC takes next week off for Thanksgiving, and it will return in Orlando in December. We will be here for it, and we hope you are too.
The Official Result
Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Ion Cutelaba R2 1:02 via TKO (Flying Knee and Punches)
Expert Picks (2)
Cody is confident in Cuțelaba, citing his improved cardio and game planning from the Devin Clark fight. He believes Cuțelaba has a wrestling edge, is stronger, and can take Spann down. He notes Spann is a one-round fighter with poor cardio and ground game, while Cuțelaba is putting it together at American Top Team. He thinks the -220 price is fair.
Paul picks Cuțelaba, noting he is more aggressive, tenacious, and has a wrestling edge. He thinks Spann is a one-round bust and Cuțelaba is durable outside the Ankalaev fight. He believes Cuțelaba is a rightful favorite.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!