Career Averages - Ramiz Brahimaj
Career Averages - Micheal Gillmore
Ramiz Brahimaj
Micheal Gillmore
Ramiz Brahimaj - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 38 of 67 | 56% | 43 of 73 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 0 | 0 | 3:48 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 40 of 92 | 43% | 66 of 123 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 5:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 31 of 56 | 55% | 31 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 17 of 52 | 32% | 21 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 10 of 12 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:47 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 26 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:35 | |
| 3 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 5 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 19 of 32 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 38 of 67 | 56% | 16 of 42 | 21 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 35 of 63 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 40 of 92 | 43% | 29 of 79 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 74 | 14 of 15 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 31 of 56 | 55% | 13 of 37 | 17 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 30 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 17 of 52 | 32% | 14 of 47 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 5 of 7 | 71% | 2 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 16 of 28 | 57% | 13 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 19 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 1 |
Angelo picks Punahele Soriano, citing his power, wrestling credentials, and ability to stay safe on top. He acknowledges Ramiz Brahimaj's submission threat but believes Soriano's wrestling and striking will prevail. He notes the line has flipped but remains confident in Soriano.
Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to defeat Punahele Soriano, citing Brahimaj's recent underdog wins and Soriano's poor takedown defense and cardio. He notes Soriano has success early but fades, and Brahimaj is tough and has good submissions. He predicts Brahimaj will survive the early storm, mix in takedowns, and submit Soriano in the second round. He references Soriano's losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and Nick Maximov as evidence of his vulnerability.
Cody thinks Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu and hometown crowd give him an edge. He notes Soriano's inconsistency and cardio issues. He expects Brahimaj to win by submission or decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Soriano. He notes that Soriano's recent wins are more trustworthy and indicative of a step forward, while Brahimaj's wins are against fighters with no defense. Connor also mentions that if Court McGee could grind Brahimaj, Soriano can too.
The host leans towards Soriano, noting his advantage on the feet with power and aggression, and his improved cardio since dropping to welterweight. He believes Soriano can outstrike and outgrapple Brahimaj if his gas tank holds up. However, he is not betting because Brahimaj has proven cardio and could make Soriano work hard, and both fighters are evolving, making it difficult to predict which version shows up.
James picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing his superior jiu-jitsu and front choke series. He notes that Soriano's wrestling could put him in danger of submissions, and that Brahimaj is the better striker over 15 minutes. James believes Brahimaj will catch Soriano in a front headlock and submit him.
Brahimaj has improved his cardio and takedown defense since moving to Chicago, and he is more calculated now. Soriano is a power puncher but relies on wrestling to grind out wins, and he doesn't threaten submissions. Brahimaj's grappling defense should be good enough to keep it standing or scramble, and he can catch Soriano in a submission. The under 2.5 rounds also makes sense.
Paul thinks Soriano at 170 is a different beast with better cardio and power. He acknowledges Brahimaj's grappling but thinks Soriano's wrestling and strength will be enough. He calls it a pick'em and leans Soriano.
The MMA Guru picks Punahele Soriano, citing his nasty knockout power, solid chin, and physicality. He believes Soriano won't be lost on the feet and can avoid Brahimaj's guillotine. He notes Brahimaj's wins are over lesser competition and that Soriano has dominated grapplers before. He predicts a TKO finish in round one or two.
Zane picks Soriano, believing he will bully Brahimaj with his athleticism and power. He notes that Soriano has options and is too dangerous. If Soriano chooses to wrestle, he might get caught in a submission, but that's a thin chance. Zane trusts Soriano's recent wins more than Brahimaj's.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 21 of 35 | 60% | 46 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0:37 |
| Austin Vanderford | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 13 of 24 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 4 of 13 | 30% | 16 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Vanderford | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 12 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:30 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 17 of 22 | 77% | 30 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0:37 |
| Austin Vanderford | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 21 of 35 | 60% | 18 of 29 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 23 | 8 of 8 | 4 of 4 |
| Austin Vanderford | 5 of 16 | 31% | 4 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 4 of 13 | 30% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Vanderford | 4 of 12 | 33% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 17 of 22 | 77% | 16 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 8 of 8 | 4 of 4 |
| Austin Vanderford | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo sees this as a grappler vs grappler matchup. He believes Austin Vanderford is the better wrestler, which is the key factor since both have similar jiu-jitsu and striking. He notes that Ramiz Brahimaj can get stuck on his back and that his jiu-jitsu off his back is not as good as on top. He expects Vanderford to get takedowns and control the fight, but is not very confident in a finish.
Big Brady acknowledges that Ramiz Brahimaj is live in the first round, as he typically wins early. However, he believes Vanderford can survive the early storm, extend the fight, and mix in takedowns as the fight goes on. He notes that Brahimaj has slowed down in longer fights and that Vanderford is a good grappler. He predicts Vanderford by decision.
Connor picks Brahimaj hesitantly, noting that while both fighters are similar, Brahimaj will bring an aggressive fight and is more likely to push the pace. He acknowledges that Vanderford is vulnerable and that Brahimaj has power, but admits there is not much to separate them.
The host believes Vanderford will utilize his grappling excellence to stay out of Brahimaj's submission danger and eventually secure a second or third round TKO finish.
The MMA Guru picks Austin Vanderford, believing his size, wrestling, and durability will be too much for Ramiz Brahimaj. He notes Brahimaj's inconsistency and poor performances against solid competition, while Vanderford has shown grit and improving grappling. He predicts a decision win for Vanderford.
Zane picks Vanderford hesitantly, noting that both fighters are similar: good grapplers but not slick strikers. He gives Vanderford the edge because he can lay on opponents better and is more likely to control the fight, though he is also more likely to get knocked out when he screws up. Zane admits it's a coin flip.
Angelo picks Oban Elliott confidently, noting his well-rounded skills, cardio, and ability to get back to his feet after takedowns. He contrasts this with Ramiz Brahimaj's tendency to grapple off his back and lack of striking. He expects the odds to widen further and advises betting early.
Big Brady picks Billy Goff despite the wide line, noting that Ramiz Brahimaj is essentially first-round sub or bust and fades after the first five minutes. Goff is tough, has great cardio, and applies constant pressure. Brady expects Goff to break Brahimaj and finish him in the second round, possibly by knockout.
Matt picks Billy Goff to win by decision. He notes that Goff is an all-gas fighter who wears opponents down, while Brahimaj is an early-finish threat who fades. Goff has never been finished and should survive the early onslaught, then take over in the second and third rounds. Matt likes Goff by decision at +220.
The MMA Guru picks Billy Goff over Ramiz Brahimaj, citing Goff's pressure, body work, and grit. He criticizes Brahimaj's level, noting losses to Court McGee and others. He predicts Goff will win by second or third round TKO, mixing body shots and low kicks.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Billy Goff | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 9 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Billy Goff | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 9 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:42 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Goff | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Goff | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 28 of 41 | 68% | 30 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mickey Gall | 1 | 31 of 56 | 55% | 31 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 28 of 41 | 68% | 30 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mickey Gall | 1 | 31 of 56 | 55% | 31 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 28 of 41 | 68% | 25 of 38 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Mickey Gall | 31 of 56 | 55% | 27 of 50 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 43 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 28 of 41 | 68% | 25 of 38 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Mickey Gall | 31 of 56 | 55% | 27 of 50 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 43 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 4 |
Angelo picks Mickey Gall, reasoning that Gall is a good grappler in his own right and a better wrestler than Brahimaj, so Brahimaj won't submit him. He notes that Brahimaj is submission-or-bust and that Gall has raw talent and athleticism. However, he advises against betting on this low-level fight due to Gall's poor recent record.
Big Brady picks Mickey Gall despite calling it a low-level fight. He notes that Ramiz Brahimaj has 10 wins, all by first-round submission, and is 0-5 when he doesn't submit his opponent in the first round. Brady believes Gall has improved striking and better cardio, and that the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Gall. He also mentions Brahimaj's long layoff and poor performance in his last fight, predicting a decision win for Gall.
Cody picks Mickey Gall, arguing Brahimaj is a fraud with poor striking and wrestling. He notes Brahimaj's only wins are against low-level opponents, and Gall has improved and has better striking and comparable grappling. Cody expects Gall to win by decision or TKO.
Connor picks Gall because he thinks Gall is more dynamic and might be able to hurt Brahimaj. He notes that Gall's striking has improved significantly, though he still has many holes. Connor acknowledges that Brahimaj could out-wrestle Gall, but he leans toward Gall's power.
Vreeland picks Brahimaj, noting he has never won a fight without a submission. He believes Brahimaj will submit Mickey Gall, who has good Jiu-Jitsu but Brahimaj's submission game is strong.
Daniel Vreeland reluctantly picks Mickey Gall, citing Brahimaj's poor performances when he doesn't get early submissions. He notes Gall's durability and activity, despite his technical flaws. He acknowledges Brahimaj's submission threat but doubts his ability to execute. He calls it a 'reluctant' pick.
Fox does not make a clear pick for this fight. He mentions Vreeland's pick but does not state his own opinion.
The host acknowledges both fighters are flaky but leans with Gall's overall advantages. He notes Brahimaj is dangerous in grappling but so is Gall, and expects Gall's Viking pressure to eventually break Brahimaj and win on the scorecards.
Paul picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing his BJJ and the plus money. He notes Gall has lost to everyone decent he's faced, and Brahimaj has a chance if he can get the fight to the ground early. Paul is not confident but likes the underdog value.
The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Mickey Gall, despite acknowledging Gall's poor UFC record. He criticizes Ramiz Brahimaj's performances, calling him 'terrible' and noting his ear injury loss to Max Griffin. He expects a close decision win for Gall.
Zane picks Brahimaj because he thinks Brahimaj will try to impose his wrestling game and it will probably work. He notes that Gall's grappling has disappeared and that Brahimaj has a set process. However, he acknowledges that Gall is a decent puncher and could hurt Brahimaj.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 43 of 52 | 82% | 110 of 134 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 0 | 1 | 10:13 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 15 of 20 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 3:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 34 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:20 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 9 of 10 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 | |
| 2 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 15 of 20 | 75% | 28 of 35 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 3:42 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 | |
| 3 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 23 of 27 | 85% | 48 of 62 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 of 2 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Themba Gorimbo | 43 of 52 | 82% | 9 of 13 | 31 of 35 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 10 | 35 of 38 | 2 of 4 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Themba Gorimbo | 5 of 5 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Themba Gorimbo | 15 of 20 | 75% | 1 of 2 | 12 of 15 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 13 of 15 | 0 of 1 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Themba Gorimbo | 23 of 27 | 85% | 7 of 10 | 15 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 18 of 19 | 2 of 3 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gorimbo (-135), Brahimaj (+114)
Round 1
Full of emotion, Gorimbo (12-4, 2-1 UFC) takes to the cage today and fights with a heavy weight on his shoulders. Earlier in the week, his coach’s mother passed away, and the Zimbabwe native vowed that he would win for her. He faces submission specialist Brahimaj (10-4, 2-2 UFC), who holds a 100% sub rate as a pro but is coming off a nearly career-ending injury. This emotional welterweight clash will be officiated by referee Mark Smith, and the fighters do not bump fists. Gorimbo is the initial aggressor, walking Brahimaj around the cage while measuring his jab. Gorimbo gets off a front kick, and Brahimaj immediately closes in on him to change levels. Gorimbo turns him around and pushes him to the fence, and Brahimaj settles for this position by landing several knees to the belly. Brahimaj turns him about and drags Gorimbo down, bringing Gorimbo on top of him in a sacrifice throw. Brahimaj scoots his way to the wall and stands up without taking any damage, and he knees Gorimbo in the hand to break up his grip momentarily. Gorimbo lifts Brahimaj up in the air but sets him down when he cannot find the right angle to put him on the mat. The two fighters push one another in the clinch, and Brahimaj once more tries to take the fight down only to land on his back. Brahimaj turns to his side and tries to sneak around the back, but Gorimbo stops him from getting anywhere. Brahimaj climbs up with the fence behind him, and Gorimbo knees him a few times. Brahimaj spins him around and delivers a solid knee to the sternum, and Gorimbo answers with his own knee and an elbow for good measure. The grinding round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Round 2
Gorimbo reintroduces himself to his foe with a front kick and a low kick, and he tries another leg kick but is out of range. Brahimaj closes in, and Gorimbo nails him in the calf with a kick. Brahimaj regains his balance and practically runs forward to engage in a clinch. Gorimbo meets him and instantly turns him around, and it does not take long for Smith to ask for more action as they stall out. Brahimaj turns things around with one arm between Gorimbo’s legs, but Gorimbo manages to muscle his opponent down to the floor. Brahimaj considers a guillotine choke, but the leverage is wrong given that his right side is against the cage. Brahimaj sits up and puts his back to the wall, and he stands up. Gorimbo uses a body lock to hurl Brahimaj to the mat, and Brahimaj scrambles to fight his way back upright. Gorimbo leans heavily on his opponent, making life miserable for Brahimaj and the audience watching as he clings with zero offense offered. Brahimaj turns him about and takes a knee to the belly as Smith clasp for them to do something, anything. The wall-and-stall continues as Gorimbo pushes him back to the fence. Brahimaj slides around and attempts to take the back and get hold of a choke, but he falls off the back and goes down to his seat. Brahimaj scoots his way to the wire and stands, and Gorimbo knees him in the groin. Smith tells him to watch out, and they continue embracing the grind. Gorimbo gets off a few more knees and gains enough space to land and elbow, before tripping Brahimaj up and setting him down to the floor. Gorimbo, with one hook around the side, fishes for a one-armed choke. Smith sees there is nothing from this position and asks for more work. There is no more work from either man until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Round 3
The two have five minutes left to handle their business, and they come out of their corners in a labored pace. Gorimbo strikes first, with a few punches and a leg kick before shooting for a takedown. “The Answer” successfully pushes the submission artist against the wall, but they wind up in the same position they have spent the majority of the lackluster encounter. Brahimaj goes after a single, and Gorimbo gets away with a fence grab to keep himself on his feet. Brahimaj fails to get him down, and Gorimbo turns him around as the grueling tie-up continues. Gorimbo plants a few knees to the belly before he is spun around, and Smith warns someone for grabbing the cage. Nothing happens absent a few minor knees from Gorimbo, and time slowly ticks off the clock as the remain stuck together in the clinch. Brahimaj flirts with a takedown effort but is nowhere close to getting anything, and Smith asks for more work. Gorimbo grinds, grinds and grinds away as he spams short knees. Brahimaj goes after another trip, and for the third time this fight, he falls on his own back feebly. While he manages to get back up without taking any damage, it is because Gorimbo is not striking. Gorimbo wrenches him back down, and he apologizes to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby for the anti-“Fight of the Night” performance. The kind Shelby flashes him double thumbs-up signs, as he does not wish to kick anyone while they are down. The miserable matchup ends after 15 long minutes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
The Official Result
Themba Gorimbo def. Ramiz Brahimaj via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo sees Themba Gorimbo as a distance striker with good takedown defense and now proven power. Ramiz Brahimaj is a submission specialist who has been away for two years and tends to grapple off his back. Angelo thinks Brahimaj will struggle to get past Gorimbo's range and takedown defense, making Gorimbo the clear pick. He may parlay Gorimbo with Piera Rodríguez.
Cody provides a detailed breakdown: Gorimbo has a great story and work ethic, but his grappling defense is a concern. However, Brahimaj is a one-trick pony who relies on first-round submissions and has terrible cardio if he doesn't get them. Cody notes Brahimaj's losses come when he can't secure a takedown, and Gorimbo's cardio and power should take over if he survives the first round. He also mentions live betting Gorimbo if he loses the first round.
Gorimbo is reckless on the feet and has holes in his game. Brahimaj is a slick BJJ specialist who sets up takedowns well and has finishing ability. Both guys have cardio issues, but Brahimaj should find a submission opportunity early. The fight not going to decision is a strong play.
Paul agrees with Cody that the line has moved to a pick 'em for good reason. He notes Gorimbo's cardio and work ethic are his biggest weapons, while Brahimaj has a history of gassing if he doesn't get a first-round submission. Paul believes Gorimbo's improvements at MMA Masters and his raw power make him the play at this price.
The MMA Guru picks Themba Gorimbo over Ramiz Brahimaj, citing Gorimbo's better finishing potential and training at MMA Masters. He notes that Brahimaj lost to Court McGee, which he considers a bad sign for a prospect. He expects Gorimbo to stuff takedowns and eventually finish Brahimaj in round two or three, possibly due to cardio advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 of 5 | 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 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj has only won by first-round submission and has never won by knockout or decision. He criticizes Gillmore's takedown defense and grappling, saying Gillmore has been finished in all four losses, three by submission. However, he is cautious because Brahimaj is on short notice and has poor cardio if the fight goes past the first round. He calls the -350 line 'terrifying' but believes Brahimaj is the much better fighter.
Cody picks Brahimaj by submission, noting his 9 career wins all by submission and Gillmore's 4 losses all by submission. He believes Brahimaj will take Gillmore down and submit him early, but acknowledges Brahimaj's cardio issues if it goes past the first round. Cody bets Brahimaj by submission at +100.
Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win via first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj's wins are mostly first-round submissions and that Gillmore has a history of getting tapped. Levi acknowledges Brahimaj's confidence may be shaken after two losses, but believes Gillmore is a step down in competition. He expects Brahimaj to get back on track.
The host is very confident in Brahimaj, expecting him to take the fight to the ground with ease and find a submission. He notes that Gillmore has been submitted before and that Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu is more finesse and should lead to a finish. He prefers betting Brahimaj inside the distance at -125 rather than the moneyline.
Paul agrees with Brahimaj by submission, citing the stylistic matchup. He notes Gillmore's poor takedown defense and Brahimaj's wrestling background. Paul is concerned about Brahimaj's cardio but expects a first-round submission.
The MMA Guru picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round rear-naked choke. He dismisses Micheal Gillmore as not UFC-caliber, citing his losses to Gilbert Urbina and Andre Petroski by submission. The Guru believes Brahimaj's grappling is a perfect stylistic matchup, predicting he will land a double leg early, take the back, and choke Gillmore out in the first round. He notes that all of Gillmore's losses have been by early submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court McGee | 1 | 54 of 91 | 59% | 76 of 113 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 | 0 | 10:57 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 32 of 62 | 51% | 35 of 65 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Court McGee | 1 | 30 of 51 | 58% | 42 of 63 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:58 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Court McGee | 0 | 21 of 37 | 56% | 24 of 40 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 15 of 26 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 | |
| 3 | Court McGee | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 10 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 4:48 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court McGee | 54 of 91 | 59% | 30 of 63 | 17 of 21 | 7 of 7 | 46 of 81 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 4 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 32 of 62 | 51% | 21 of 51 | 10 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 53 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Court McGee | 30 of 51 | 58% | 13 of 31 | 13 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 28 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 15 of 33 | 45% | 11 of 29 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 30 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Court McGee | 21 of 37 | 56% | 16 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 14 of 25 | 56% | 9 of 20 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Court McGee | 3 of 3 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Brahimaj, citing his world-class jiu-jitsu and the blueprint from Sean Brady's win over McGee. He notes Brahimaj's tendency to strike instead of grapple but expects him to stick to grappling here. He believes Brahimaj will get takedowns and control McGee to a decision win, as McGee is incredibly tough to finish.
Big Brady highlights that Brahimaj has a 100% submission rate but has never been past the first round, while McGee has never been submitted in 30 fights. He expects Brahimaj to slow down after the first round, allowing McGee's cardio and striking to take over. He picks McGee by decision, noting McGee's takedown defense and ability to get back up.
Cody picks Brahimaj, emphasizing his youth, athleticism, and grappling. He notes McGee's skills are outdated and his takedown defense is poor. He expects Brahimaj to win via decision, possibly with a submission attempt. He mentions McGee's cardio but doubts it will be enough.
Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing youth and momentum. He notes that Brahimaj is a beast on the mat when fresh, but has cardio and plan B concerns. Levi believes Brahimaj can finish Court McGee, who is 37 and has shown signs of slowing. He argues that McGee's recent wins are over older opponents and that Brahimaj's talent will shine. Levi expects a statement finish from Brahimaj.
The host favors Court McGee due to his veteran savvy, cardio, and takedown defense. He notes Brahimaj's all-offense style and suspect cardio, expecting McGee to weather an early storm and take over in later rounds. The host highlights McGee's never-submitted record and ability to get back to his feet. He predicts a decision win for McGee, possibly with a late finish if Brahimaj gasses.
Paul leans toward Brahimaj, noting his youth, athleticism, and grappling. He expects Brahimaj to take McGee down and control him. He questions if Brahimaj can maintain pace for three rounds but thinks his submission threat will be enough. He mentions McGee's durability and cardio as potential factors.
The MMA Guru picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win, noting that he is younger, trains at a good gym, and has more finishing ability. He was initially tempted by Court McGee as an underdog but realized Brahimaj is actually the underdog. He trusts Brahimaj's grappling and striking in the early rounds, and believes his desire to return after the ear injury shows dedication. He acknowledges McGee's pressure and toughness could be a factor in later rounds, but thinks Brahimaj will win the early rounds enough to take a decision or finish.
Micheal Gillmore - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 of 5 | 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 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj has only won by first-round submission and has never won by knockout or decision. He criticizes Gillmore's takedown defense and grappling, saying Gillmore has been finished in all four losses, three by submission. However, he is cautious because Brahimaj is on short notice and has poor cardio if the fight goes past the first round. He calls the -350 line 'terrifying' but believes Brahimaj is the much better fighter.
Cody picks Brahimaj by submission, noting his 9 career wins all by submission and Gillmore's 4 losses all by submission. He believes Brahimaj will take Gillmore down and submit him early, but acknowledges Brahimaj's cardio issues if it goes past the first round. Cody bets Brahimaj by submission at +100.
Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win via first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj's wins are mostly first-round submissions and that Gillmore has a history of getting tapped. Levi acknowledges Brahimaj's confidence may be shaken after two losses, but believes Gillmore is a step down in competition. He expects Brahimaj to get back on track.
The host is very confident in Brahimaj, expecting him to take the fight to the ground with ease and find a submission. He notes that Gillmore has been submitted before and that Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu is more finesse and should lead to a finish. He prefers betting Brahimaj inside the distance at -125 rather than the moneyline.
Paul agrees with Brahimaj by submission, citing the stylistic matchup. He notes Gillmore's poor takedown defense and Brahimaj's wrestling background. Paul is concerned about Brahimaj's cardio but expects a first-round submission.
The MMA Guru picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round rear-naked choke. He dismisses Micheal Gillmore as not UFC-caliber, citing his losses to Gilbert Urbina and Andre Petroski by submission. The Guru believes Brahimaj's grappling is a perfect stylistic matchup, predicting he will land a double leg early, take the back, and choke Gillmore out in the first round. He notes that all of Gillmore's losses have been by early submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 46 of 80 | 57% | 91 of 131 | 4 of 9 | 44% | 1 | 0 | 7:38 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 31 of 52 | 59% | 38 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Petroski | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 24 of 37 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:54 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Andre Petroski | 0 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 20 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 25 of 44 | 56% | 28 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 3 | Andre Petroski | 0 | 17 of 21 | 80% | 47 of 56 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:53 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Petroski | 46 of 80 | 57% | 36 of 69 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 29 of 38 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 31 of 52 | 59% | 14 of 34 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 14 | 28 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Petroski | 10 of 22 | 45% | 8 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 14 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 5 of 7 | 71% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Andre Petroski | 19 of 37 | 51% | 12 of 29 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 25 of 44 | 56% | 11 of 29 | 4 of 4 | 10 of 11 | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | |
| 3 | Andre Petroski | 17 of 21 | 80% | 16 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 19 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The first bout determining which fighter from their season of TUF 29 is offered a UFC contract is up now at middleweight, between the finish-minded Petroski (5-1, 0-0 UFC) and “The Gentleman” Gillmore (6-3, 0-0 UFC). While neither competed past the semifinals, the victor will likely stick around for a few more outings, and referee Jason Herzog is on top of the action. There is nothing but respect between these TUF castmates, who touch gloves before getting down to business. Petroski advances quickly, charging across the cage, only to get popped with a short right hook. Petroski wings a body kick, but it is one-and-done as he resets from a distance. Gillmore looks to counter on the outside, and Petroski charges him on a takedown that looks more like a tackle. Gillmore sees it coming and looks for a smashing right hand, but it breezes past Petroski’s beard. Petroski attacks, winging a huge right hand that connects right on the chin, and he may not even have realized the damage he caused as he commits to a takedown. Petroski lifts his foe up in the air, walks him towards the middle of the cage, and slams him down like a bag of potatoes. Petroski easily takes side control as he looks to get a few strikes off or set up a submission, and he elects to land a few right hands until Gillmore scrambles. Petroski takes an unusual one-quarter mount position as he pushes Gillmore’s leg over to trap him down, and he starts hammering down with ground-and-pound. The elbows and punches begin to mount, and Gillmore manages to kick off to get himself back to surrendering side control. Petroski sits up and aims an elbow, but Gillmore walks to his knees and stands up. Petroski elevates him immediately, slamming Gillmore down and taking his back with both hooks in. Petroski slides his arm on the face, and he crushes Gillmore’s jaw with a neck crank. Gillmore toughs it out and survives by shaking his neck free, but he still has his back taken with a minute to go. Petroski decides to soften his foe up with a few strikes to the side of the head, and Gillmore pushes a hook off and scoots his way back to the fence. Petroski punches Gillmore in the side a few times until the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Petroski
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Petroski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Petroski
Round 2
The middleweights touch gloves to begin the second frame, and Gillmore begins with a head kick that is blocked in time. Gillmore swipes with a left hook that is similarly inaccurate, and the two crash together with strikes that miss. Gillmore works the leg with a kick, and he chains it into a head kick. When Gillmore backs away, Petroski follows him but does not pursue a takedown. Gillmore gets off a one-two that shakes the beard of his foe, and he again chops at the wrestler’s lead leg. Petroski jumps in the air to check a kick, and he suddenly snaps up a head kick that Gillmore eats like a steak. Gillmore lands a kick to the groin, and Petroski groans and waves it off to keep fighting. The two start brawling, and Petroski sinks a body kick under the guard that forces Gillmore to drop his hands. Petroski shoots for a takedown, and when he misses, Gillmore counters with a sharp uppercut. Petroski rolls his eyes as a leg kick comes his way, and he shoots in for a takedown from far away. The try gets stuffed, and he fires off a high kick that is blocked so that he tumbles to the ground. “The Gentleman” has no interest in playing on the ground, so he lets Petroski up. Petroski throws wild, labored punches, and all the while he absorbs frustrating leg kicks. Petroski once more lands a stern body kick, and he backs off just enough to avoid a couple of winging hooks. Gillmore sits down on a leg kick that forces a grimace out of his opponent, and both land big shots at the same time. Petroski tries to follow it with a right hand, and he has another glance off the forward bow. Petroski shoots in to take the fight down, ducking a punch and hitting it to plant Gillmore on his back. Petroski slices to side control like a hot knife through butter, and he presses his knee on his opponent’s belly to tire Gillmore. With seconds to go, Petroski claims mount and unleashes a few heavy punches, but the bell sounds before a finish can materialize.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Round 3
The gloves are touched to begin the round, and Petroski darts in with a left hand. Petroski charges ahead to take the fight down, and he scoops Gillmore’s legs out beneath him and hits an emphatic takedown. Gillmore defends with a feeble guillotine choke as his back is against the cage with no leverage to seek a submission, all the while Petroski practically walks into full mount. Gillmore leans his shoulder against the fence to gain a better angle, but Petroski flattens him out and starts to drop left hands on him. Gillmore turns and surrenders his back momentarily, but he decides against it and turns back into full mount to try to wall-walk off the wire. Gillmore kicks off the cage successfully, only for Petroski to get back to a three-quarter mount as he hammers his foe with elbows.
Gillmore sits up against the fencing, but Petroski drags him back down and starts to punish him with elbows. Petroski pours it on as he looks to Herzog for a stoppage, and when there is none, he keeps slamming his fists and elbows into the side of Gillmore’s noggin. Eventually, Herzog has seen enough, calling a halt to the fight and saving Gillmore from any more punishment.
With the stoppage, Petroski maintains his 100 percent career finish rate, all while introducing himself to fans and the rest of the UFC brass with a finish.
The Official Result
Andre Petroski def. Micheal Gillmore R3 3:12 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)
Angelo picks Petroski, citing his dominant wrestling and clear path to victory. He notes Petroski lost to Battle when he didn't set up takedowns, but expects him to wrestle and win. He thinks the odds are wide and Petroski shouldn't be a 3-1 favorite.
Cody picks Petroski but is wary of the -525 price. He notes Petroski's wrestling background and that Gillmore has poor takedown defense. However, Cody points out Petroski's cardio issues and that he faded in previous fights. He thinks Petroski should win early but is not confident enough to bet heavily at such short odds.
Jacob picks Petroski, agreeing he should dominate with wrestling. He warns Petroski must be boring and shoot takedowns, not exchange strikes with Gillmore who has power. He stayed away from betting because Gillmore is live.
Lock is very confident in Petroski, making the under 1.5 rounds his lock of the night. He cites the massive grappling gap, with Petroski having a strong wrestling and jiu-jitsu background while Gillmore has shown no takedown defense and poor grappling. Lock expects Petroski to get the fight to the ground quickly and finish via submission or ground-and-pound, likely in round one. He likes Petroski round one at +110 as the best prop.
Paul picks Petroski but calls it a 'cupcake matchup' and notes the banana peel pricing. He thinks Petroski's wrestling will dominate Gillmore, but he is concerned about Petroski's cardio and the fact that he hasn't shown durability or deep cardio. Paul says he won't be the contrarian but doesn't feel as confident as the line suggests.
The Guru picks Andre Petroski, noting his strong performance on TUF until a submission loss. He dismisses Micheal Gillmore's record as unimpressive and believes Petroski will grind out a submission win in the third round. The Guru views this as a showcase for Petroski to prove his TUF loss was a fluke.
Expert Picks (6)
Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj has only won by first-round submission and has never won by knockout or decision. He criticizes Gillmore's takedown defense and grappling, saying Gillmore has been finished in all four losses, three by submission. However, he is cautious because Brahimaj is on short notice and has poor cardio if the fight goes past the first round. He calls the -350 line 'terrifying' but believes Brahimaj is the much better fighter.
Cody picks Brahimaj by submission, noting his 9 career wins all by submission and Gillmore's 4 losses all by submission. He believes Brahimaj will take Gillmore down and submit him early, but acknowledges Brahimaj's cardio issues if it goes past the first round. Cody bets Brahimaj by submission at +100.
Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win via first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj's wins are mostly first-round submissions and that Gillmore has a history of getting tapped. Levi acknowledges Brahimaj's confidence may be shaken after two losses, but believes Gillmore is a step down in competition. He expects Brahimaj to get back on track.
The host is very confident in Brahimaj, expecting him to take the fight to the ground with ease and find a submission. He notes that Gillmore has been submitted before and that Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu is more finesse and should lead to a finish. He prefers betting Brahimaj inside the distance at -125 rather than the moneyline.
Paul agrees with Brahimaj by submission, citing the stylistic matchup. He notes Gillmore's poor takedown defense and Brahimaj's wrestling background. Paul is concerned about Brahimaj's cardio but expects a first-round submission.
The MMA Guru picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round rear-naked choke. He dismisses Micheal Gillmore as not UFC-caliber, citing his losses to Gilbert Urbina and Andre Petroski by submission. The Guru believes Brahimaj's grappling is a perfect stylistic matchup, predicting he will land a double leg early, take the back, and choke Gillmore out in the first round. He notes that all of Gillmore's losses have been by early submission.
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