Career Averages - Kyle Daukaus
Career Averages - Jamie Pickett
Kyle Daukaus
Jamie Pickett
Kyle Daukaus - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 1 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 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 | Kyle Daukaus | 1 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 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 | Kyle Daukaus | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Daukaus (-375), Meerschaert (+295)
Round 1
Herb Dean is the referee. Daukaus immediately tags Meerschaert with a straight left. Daukaus wades in with a straight left hand that rocks Meerschaert, who is already in retreat mode. Meerschaert falls to the floor after absorbing another shot. Daukaus follows him down and tees off with hammerfists before locking in a brabo choke.
Daukaus powers Meerschaert to his back and applies the squeeze, and itβs only a matter of moments before the veteran middleweight is forced to tap out.
Daukaus now has back-to-back first round finishes since returning to the UFC.
The Official Result
Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert via Submission (Brabo Choke) R1 0:50
Angelo picks Kyle Daukaus, noting that Gerald Meerschaert has poor takedown accuracy and hasn't taken anyone down in three fights. Daukaus is a good grappler with length and solid takedown defense. Angelo is confident but questions the -325 odds, suggesting Daukaus' last win was against a distracted opponent.
Big Brady picks Kyle Daukaus, noting his improved striking and power since being cut from the UFC. He criticizes Gerald Meerschaert's chin as 'dust' and his recent poor performances, including gassing out badly. Brady believes Daukaus is the better grappler and striker at this point and predicts a first-round knockout, referencing Daukaus's own claim that he will knock out Meerschaert.
Cody agrees with Paul, noting that Meerschaert is on a losing streak and has been knocked out multiple times. He points out that Daukaus is bigger and has better striking. Cody thinks Daukaus will finish the fight inside the distance, possibly by TKO in the first round. He is confident in the pick.
Connor also picks Daukaus, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Meerschaert has lost a step and that Daukaus showed aggression and certainty in his last fight. However, he warns that Daukaus might get overly ambitious and get submitted, but overall trusts Daukaus to win.
Daniel believes Daukaus is on a resurgence with newfound confidence and power, as shown in his knockout of Michelle Pereira. He expects Daukaus to feast on an aging Meerschaert, who has been finished in recent fights. He predicts a first-round knockout for Daukaus.
Lucrative James picks Kyle Daukaus to win, stating that Gerald Meerschaert is washed and Daukaus has better striking and grappling. He notes Daukaus' resurgence after a first-round KO in his return fight, and believes his takedown defense and top control will neutralize Meerschaert's submission threats. He predicts a finish or clear decision for Daukaus.
Daukaus is a better and younger version of Meerschaert. He can win whichever way he chooses, whether by knockout or submission. He wins inside the distance.
Paul picks Daukaus, citing his size, striking, and submission defense. He notes that Meerschaert has poor durability and has been knocked out frequently. Paul believes Daukaus will win by TKO, possibly in the first round. He also mentions that Daukaus has looked good on the regional scene and is a big middleweight.
The Guru picks Kyle Daukaus to win by TKO in round two. He notes that Gerald Meerschaert is on a three-fight losing streak and aging, while Daukaus is coming into his prime with improved striking and grappling. Daukaus' clinch work and power should be too much for Meerschaert, who may no longer have the craftiness to pull off a submission.
Zane picks Daukaus confidently, noting that Meerschaert has lost a step and never had much physical edge. He thinks Daukaus has surprisingly fast hands and is too willing to grapple, but that he can be fast and slick. He believes Daukaus might be starting a veteran run and that Meerschaert is past his prime.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michel Pereira | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 7 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michel Pereira | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 7 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Daukaus | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 7 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The younger Daukaus brother returns to the UFC after a mixed first run in the Octagon followed a second middleweight title win in
Cage Fury Fighting Championships
after his release. Tasked with getting Daukausβ second stint off to a bad start will be noted Brazilian madman Pereira. The referee on duty is Marc Goddard. Daukaus is southpaw, Pereira orthodox. Daukaus stalks forward and Pereira gives ground. Pereira nails Daukaus with a huge body kick, but he wears it well.
Seconds later, Daukaus clips the onrushing βDemolidorβ with a short right hook to the jaw that drops him to his butt. Pereira tries to rally, but Daukaus pounces with a couple of glancing fists, then three jackhammer elbows that spur Goddard into action for the save.
Sensational knockout and a triumphant return for βThe DβArce Knight,β and for those keeping track at home, that makes two sub-minute finishes in the first four fights at UFC Shanghai. Yes, please.
The Official Result
Kyle Daukaus def. Michel Pereira R1 0:43 via KO (Punches and Elbows)
Angelo is very confident in Michel Pereira, calling him an absolute beast with insane athleticism, real power, and solid wrestling and BJJ. He notes that Pereira is a better hammer than nail and that his recent loss was uncharacteristic, partly due to personal life issues. He dismisses Kyle Daukaus as not good at the UFC level despite regional wins, and expects Pereira to beat the brakes off him. He even says if Pereira doesn't win, cut them both.
Big Brady picks Michel Pereira to win by first-round knockout, despite Pereira's recent poor performance against Abus Magomedov. He believes the matchup is favorable for Pereira because Daukaus is hittable and fragile, and Pereira has the striking advantage. He notes that Daukaus will struggle to take Pereira down and that Pereira should finish early with a body shot or flying knee.
The host acknowledges it's tough to trust Pereira after his last gunshy performance, but thinks he has a good opponent here to show off his power. He notes that Daukaus has crumbled under power before and expects Pereira to find a knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Michel Pereira to win, expecting an easy first-round finish. He believes Pereira is on another level compared to Kyle Daukaus, who is decent but lacks standout ability in any area. He notes that Pereira is much better at striking and moves well, which should carry him past Daukaus. However, he acknowledges that if the fight goes later, Daukaus could find success in the clinch.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 1 | 49 of 94 | 52% | 97 of 159 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:26 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 37 of 79 | 46% | 38 of 83 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 1 | 29 of 62 | 46% | 36 of 75 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 33 of 63 | 52% | 33 of 63 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 61 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:28 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 4 of 16 | 25% | 5 of 20 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 49 of 94 | 52% | 27 of 70 | 14 of 14 | 8 of 10 | 23 of 55 | 6 of 8 | 20 of 31 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 37 of 79 | 46% | 14 of 55 | 8 of 9 | 15 of 15 | 35 of 76 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 29 of 62 | 46% | 12 of 43 | 9 of 9 | 8 of 10 | 20 of 46 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 9 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 33 of 63 | 52% | 13 of 43 | 8 of 8 | 12 of 12 | 31 of 61 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 20 of 32 | 62% | 15 of 27 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 22 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 4 of 16 | 25% | 1 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Daukaus (-215), Anders (+185)
Round 1
Middleweights open up the main card in a fight that will get one man back up to .500 inside the Octagon. Whether that is former light heavyweight Anders (14-7, 1 NC; 6-7, 1 NC UFC) or submission specialist Daukaus (11-3, 1 NC; 2-3, 1 NC UFC), that remains to be seen. They bump fists in front of referee Keith Peterson, who clocks them in right after ejecting nonsense from the Amway Center. Anders strikes first with a body kick, and Daukaus strides forward with two punches and two low kicks in response. Anders stutter-steps his way forward, and Daukaus intercepts him with a few punches and makes Anders turn around. As they trade leather, commentators Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier talk about popular television shows. Daukaus gets off a knee to the body, and he shoots in for a double but is stuffed by the brick wall former football player. Daukaus sticks out a jab, and when he kicks the body, Anders lifts him up and throws him to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Anders lords over his grounded opponent with several slapping low kicks, and Daukaus considers a leglock before Anders hops away. Daukaus allows his opponent to adjust his shorts, and they touch βem up before re-engaging. Daukaus feints and gets kicked, and he wings a left hand over the top that slams into the side of Andersβ head. Anders backs his man up and punches the body, prompting Daukaus to spring into action. The Philadelphia native leaps forward, and after landing a few, Anders clips him with a right hand and sends Daukaus tumbling to the mat. Anders considers kicking the legs a few times before letting Daukaus back up, and Daukaus takes a few deep breaths when coming back to his feet. Anders is swinging heavily, and Daukaus does not shy away from these exchanges as he similarly slugs back. Daukaus scores thudding hooks on the side of Andersβ head, but Anders is tough and throws back with a ferocious uppercut that snaps the head back. Anders reddens the nose with a one-two, and he continues to push the pace as he works the body and head. The fighters rush together, and the crown of Andersβ head slams square into Daukausβ face and drops him to his knees. Peterson sees it and immediately calls it, and he informs the outside officials that it was an accidental clash of heads. Daukaus takes the time he needs and gets right back to it, but Anders is on him and belts him with a few punches with a left hand that send Daukaus straight back to the floor. As Daukaus attempts to scramble and look for some kind of late submission, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Round 2
Anders senses that Daukaus may not be fully recovered, and he immediately pushes the pace to start Round 2 with a vengeance. A few heavy strikes prompt βThe DβArce Knightβ to shoot for a takedown, and he chains singles into doubles as Anders gets away with a fence grab. Anders slugs Daukaus on the side of the head, and these punches may be hurting Daukaus, as he lets go and flops to his back. Anders kicks the legs a few times, and this time, he lowers himself to the ground to drop a few hammerfists. Anders lands several standing-to-ground punches in rapid succession, and Daukaus kicks him back. Peterson lets Daukaus stand back up, and
Anders coils his fist and cracks Daukaus in the face with a brutal left hand. Daukaus awkwardly slumps to his knees and half-heartedly pursues a low single takedown, only to get shoved to his back, as Anders beats him down with right hand after merciless right hand. The hammerfists and punches continue to get through while Daukaus is shelled up, and Peterson has no choice but to call it on account of rain.
The knockout victory for Anders is his first finish in almost three and a half years, while he also snaps a two-fight skid in the process.
The Official Result
Eryk Anders def. Kyle Daukaus R2 2:45 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Eryk Anders as a solid underdog, expecting him to bully Kyle Daukaus with better wrestling and power. He criticizes Daukaus's chin and mediocre striking, calling him a 'jiu jitsu nerd' who can snatch submissions but lacks wrestling control. He believes Anders will avoid submissions and take Daukaus's head off with strikes.
Big Brady picks the underdog Anders, citing his takedown defense (75%) and power advantage on the feet. He notes Daukaus is hittable (40% striking defense) and not a great wrestler. He expects Anders to keep the fight standing and win a close decision, though he acknowledges it could go either way.
Cody provides a detailed breakdown of Anders' career, calling him untrustworthy. He thinks Daukaus will land combinations and has a grappling advantage. He expects a boring decision win for Daukaus.
Daniel Levi leans Daukaus to slightly out-hustle Anders, but he has concerns about Daukaus not putting a stamp on fights and Anders' physicality. He notes Anders' lack of activity and tendency to not pull the trigger. He picks Daukaus but is not confident.
The host leans towards Daukaus but is not confident enough to bet the minus 200 line. He thinks Daukaus may have a slight striking advantage and could win by decision, but he is concerned about Anders' strength and grappling. He prefers the over 2.5 rounds as a bet, expecting a clinch-heavy fight that goes to decision.
Paul picks Daukaus, noting Anders' inconsistency and poor performances. He thinks Daukaus has a grappling edge and will land more strikes. He is cautious about betting but expects Daukaus to win cleanly.
The MMA Guru picks Kyle Daukaus, believing Eryk Anders has lost his touch. He notes Anders looked bad against Jun Yong Park and Darren Stewart, while Daukaus has more potential and looked good against Jamie Pickett. He predicts Daukaus will win a decision with grappling and submission attempts.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Dolidze | 2 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 10 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 4 of 9 | 44% | 5 of 10 | 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 | Roman Dolidze | 2 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 10 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 4 of 9 | 44% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Dolidze | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 8 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 4 of 9 | 44% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Dolidze | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 8 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 4 of 9 | 44% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Daukaus (-240), Dolidze (+195)
Round 1
A 14-fight card β and admittedly a solid one for the ESPN airwaves, relative to recent offers on that flagship network β has dwindled to 13 with the co-main event scratched. We still begin the dayβs festivities in the Texas capital city of Austin, with a middleweight matchup of power vs. technique starting things off. The massive Georgian Dolidze (9-1, 3-1 UFC) will battle it out against sneaky submission specialist Daukaus (11-2, 1 NC; 2-2, 1 NC UFC) in a matchup that could put one within spitting distance of the rankings, and referee Mike Beltran has the honors of the first fight of the card. There is a side glove touch to start the night, and Daukaus leads off with a slapping low kick. Dolidze walks through another as he stares down in opponent with bad intentions, and he ducks forward to throw a left hook only to bang into Daukausβ head. There is no cut on either man, and Beltran lets him recover for a moment. When they reset, a short left hook from Dolidze shakes Daukaus up, and Daukaus falls to his back. As he recovers, Daukaus shoots in for a takedown while his legs simultaneously abandon him. Dolidzeβs takedown defense holds up well as he jams Daukaus up against the wall, and Daukaus powers his way back up to his feet and may have grabbed the fence on the way.
After a clinch exchange, the Georgian lifts up a high knee that blasts into Daukausβ chin, crashing into it with a sickening thud. Daukaus crumbles to the mat on his back, totally annihilated from the blow, and he instinctively covers his face with his arms even if he might not be with it. Dolidze seals the deal with a short barrage of punches, leading Beltran to step in and stop the fight.
Thatβs one heck of a way to start things off tonight.
The Official Result
Roman Dolidze def. Kyle Daukaus R1 1:13 via KO (Knee and Punches)
Angelo picks Roman Dolidze because he is a world champion grappler, far superior to Kyle Daukaus in pure grappling. He notes Dolidze's power in his hands and believes the fight comes down to takedowns and takedown defense. He acknowledges Dolidze's cardio issues and low takedown defense (37%) but thinks Dolidze can win early rounds. He suggests a plus 3.5 round bet as a safer option.
Big Brady picks Kyle Daukaus to win by decision. He notes Dolidze has power but lacks volume and cardio, while Daukaus has better striking volume, cardio, and fight IQ. He also highlights Dolidze's poor fight IQ, such as dropping for leg locks and giving up positions, which Daukaus can exploit as a black belt.
Cody picks Daukaus, citing his improving striking, BJJ, and takedown defense. He thinks Dolidze's striking is poor and his grappling is overrated. He expects Daukaus to win on the feet or survive on the ground and take over late.
Daniel Levi leans Kyle Daukaus, thinking his hands have improved and he can grind out a win if he avoids Dolidze's leg locks. He notes Dolidze has power and a leg lock game, but if he doesn't secure a submission, he ends up on his back. Levi sees Daukaus as slightly ahead but the -265 price demands domination, which he doesn't expect. He calls it a dog-or-pass situation, with Dolidze at +220 having value.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Daukaus' improvements and Dolidze's lack of striking and cardio. He thinks Daukaus is the better fighter and should win.
The MMA Guru leans towards Kyle Daukaus, citing Dolidze's poor performance in his last fight where he struggled against an opponent he should have handled easily. He believes Daukaus is younger, improving, and capable in the clinch and at range. He predicts a close 29-28 decision win for Daukaus, noting that Dolidze's best wins have not been impressive.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 19 of 29 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 4:12 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 19 of 29 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 4:12 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 6 of 9 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 5 of 9 | 55% | 2 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Daukaus | 6 of 9 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 5 of 9 | 55% | 2 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Receiving an upgrade to the co-main event slot, Daukaus (10-2, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC) and Pickett (13-6, 2-2 UFC) will handle their business at a pre-planned 195-pound catchweight due to the latter taking the fight on short notice. This fun stylistic clash will draw officiating from referee Herb Dean, and the fighters gladly touch gloves as they are happy to be fighting tonight. Pickett strikes first with few low kicks, and Daukaus replies in kind. Right after Daukaus wings a right hand, he changes levels to go after a takedown. Although Pickett stays upright on the first attempt, Daukaus sucks his legs out beneath him and drags him down. From his back, βThe Nightwolfβ holds on to a guillotine choke, and Daukaus wisely comes around with his own shoulder to set up a Von Preux shoulder choke. Pickett lets go of his arm grip so that he does not himself get submitted, and instead sits up and turns on his hip to try to stand back up. Daukaus keeps his man trapped beneath him, smacking him in the face with a few right hands, but Pickett explodes out of the position and powers back to his feet. Pickett tries to let his hands go when he gets upright, only to find Daukaus right on him to go hunting for a single. The Philadelphia native successfully lifts Pickettβs leg all the way up in the air before slamming him to the mat, and he is quick to secure half guard. When Pickett sits up and turns like before, Daukaus times this to try to take his back. Pickett simply stands up from this position, and he shucks Daukaus off of his back. Daukaus does not let up, remaining tied to Pickett until he lets go of his own accord. Out of nowhere, Daukaus drills Pickett with a few punches square on the chin, and when Pickett is shaken up, Daukaus leaps forward to snag another takedown.
Pickett falls to his back, and when he rolls to his side, Daukaus quickly attacks with a sneaky brabo choke from a difficult angle. In half guard, Daukaus keeps the choke snaked around Pickettβs neck and it is tight. With no way to get out, Pickett wriggles his arm free so that he can tap out on Daukausβ side barely one second before the horn blares.
There is a bit of confusion as to the timing of the stoppage, or whether Pickett reached the end of the round, but it appears that he tapped out just before the bell. What a way to win a fight!
The Official Result
Kyle Daukaus def. Jamie Pickett R1 4:59 via Submission (Brabo Choke)
Angelo leans toward Jamie Pickett, citing his recent performance against Joseph Holmes where he showed volume and mixed in takedowns. He notes that if Pickett fights aggressively and uses takedowns, he beats Daukaus almost every time. However, he acknowledges Pickett's gun-shy tendencies could be a problem.
Big Brady picks Kyle Daukaus, noting Pickett has low output and has been outgrappled by lesser fighters. He believes Daukaus has advantages on the feet and on the ground, and predicts a submission in the first or second round.
Cody picks Kyle Daukaus, citing his well-rounded skill set and superior grappling. He notes that Daukaus has shown good moments in his UFC fights, including a strong performance against Kevin Holland that was ruled a no contest due to an accidental headbutt. Cody believes Daukaus will have faster hand speed and should be able to take the fight to the mat, where he has a sizable advantage. He also mentions that Jamie Pickett's game is not well-rounded and relies on smothering opponents against the cage.
Levi leans toward Daukaus but thinks the line is too wide, suggesting it should be around -175. He acknowledges Pickett's momentum and confidence from two wins, but notes Pickett's wins were over lower-level opponents. Levi expects Daukaus to win a close decision, possibly an ugly fight, and mentions Daukaus should finish but might not.
Daukaus is better everywhere: clinch, grappling, and developing striking. Pickett has physical tools but lacks output and fight IQ. Daukaus should control the fight with takedowns and either submit or decision Pickett. The sub/decision combo at -165 is a great line. A knockout is unlikely, so the method is between submission and decision.
Paul picks Daukaus, noting that Pickett is low-volume and doesn't use his long reach well. He thinks Daukaus's path to victory is to take the fight to the mat, where he should have a clear advantage. Paul acknowledges that Pickett could spam clinches, but overall he sees Daukaus as a rightful favorite at -250.
The MMA Guru picks Kyle Daukaus to win by 29-28 decision in a clinch-heavy fight. He believes Daukaus has better technique on the feet and superior jiu-jitsu, and can neutralize Pickett's cage-grappling game. He notes Daukaus has a good chin and has never been finished as a pro, so Pickett's power is less of a threat. He expects a boring clinch fest with Daukaus edging out the rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Holland | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 24 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 19 of 25 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 3 | 0 | 2:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Holland | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 24 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 19 of 25 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 3 | 0 | 2:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Holland | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 9 of 13 | 69% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Holland | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 9 of 13 | 69% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 5 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In the co-main event, two middleweights who have struggled as of late in Holland (21-7, 8-4 UFC) and Daukaus (10-2, 1-2 UFC) will pair off in hopes of staying afloat on the ever-growing roster. Their finish rates are 1% apart, with Holland preferring the knockout while all of Daukausβ wins inside the distance have come by submission, most of which from a brabo choke. Can Daukaus give Holland fits on the ground, or has βTrailblazerβ ironed out those deficiencies? Like referee Dan Miragliotta, we are about to find out after the two touch gloves. Holland begins with a slapping low kick, and he darts forward with a big right hand. Daukaus responds with a few right hands, and he charges in for a takedown try. Holland is ready for it, and he gets pushed to the fence and possibly kneed low. Holland keeps himself upright as he starts talking to the commentary team, and he smiles and boxes Daukausβ ears. Holland gets dragged to a knee, but he pops back up without concern. Daukaus looks to trip him down, and βTrailblazerβ keeps his balance and starts talking more trash. Holland breaks free and finds himself in submission danger when Daukaus pulls for a standing guillotine choke. Holland provides humorous commentary to commentator Daniel Cormierβs commentary, making himself laugh while punching his foe in the side. Daukaus holds on in this stalemate position as neither can advance, and Holland stomps the toes several times until Miragliotta breaks them up.
Holland gets off a one-two, and when he leans forward to strike, the two clash heads and Holland falls forward to the ground in a heap. Miragliotta calls for a replay and Daukaus hunts for a brabo choke that he turns into a guillotine. Holland gets back to his knees and stands up, but Daukaus is on his back and he snares a rear-naked choke. The choke is incredibly tight, and Holland grimaces and taps out.
There is immediate controversy as Holland was clearly compromised by the clash of heads. There is no bad blood, as they hug it out while the referees and commission officials talk over the next steps. Replay official Herb Dean informs Miragliotta that he could assign the result as a no contest depending on how he feels and reviews the sequence. A lengthy period of confusion follows, and Holland asks for them to run it back no matter the final result. Daukaus is fine with this. It appears that this fight will not be a win for Daukaus, and it is good for the fighters involved that instant replay has been implemented.
The Official Result
Kyle Daukaus vs. Kevin Holland is ruled a No Contest (Accidental Clash of Heads) R1 3:43
Angelo picks Kyle Daukaus, believing his grappling will be enough to take down Kevin Holland, who has shown zero takedown defense. He notes that Daukaus is a very good grappler with solid jiu-jitsu, while Holland is a sniper on his feet with good BJJ but no wrestling. Angelo thinks Daukaus will stick to a game plan, get the fight to the ground, and control from there. He likes Daukaus at plus 120 moneyline and in DraftKings at $7,700. He hates the monkey knife fight line and will not touch it.
Big Brady picks Kevin Holland to win by knockout, seeing this as a good bounce-back spot. He notes Holland's losses came against elite wrestlers (Marvin Vettori, Derek Brunson) who are far better than Daukaus. Daukaus has poor striking defense (39%) and is very hittable, while Holland is a black belt himself and has shown good grappling against Gerald Meerschaert. Brady thinks Holland will stuff takedowns or get back up, and on the feet it's night and day. He predicts a knockout due to Daukaus's poor striking defense.
Cody picks Daukaus as a dog, citing Holland's poor takedown defense and mental fragility. He notes that Holland has shown no ability to keep fights standing and gets taken down easily, even by mediocre wrestlers. Daukaus has good grappling and should be able to take Holland down and control him on the ground. He also mentions that Holland's long frame makes it hard for him to scramble back to his feet.
Daniel Levi picks Kevin Holland, believing he is in a different class than Kyle Daukaus. He acknowledges Holland's wrestling issues exposed by top-five opponents but thinks Daukaus is not at that level to exploit them. Levi notes Daukaus is tough and durable but expects Holland's dynamic striking and reach to be too much. He suggests the line is a discount due to Holland's recent losses and that he would be a bigger favorite otherwise.
I'm staying away from this fight. Holland has huge grappling holes, but Daukaus isn't a great wrestler either. I think the over 2.5 rounds is interesting because both guys are durable and it might be a low-output fight. I don't have a strong pick either way.
Paul leans towards Holland but dislikes the -160 price. He acknowledges Holland's advantages on the feet but is concerned about his takedown defense and mental lapses. He notes that Daukaus is not a world-class wrestler but should be able to get the fight to the ground. He ultimately does not make a firm pick but seems to favor the dog.
The MMA Guru picks Kevin Holland, citing his reach advantage and Daukaus' poor stand-up. He notes Daukaus was dominated by Phil Hawes and struggled to take him down. Holland has been training wrestling and should stuff takedowns. He predicts Holland will get a second-round KO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Hawes | 0 | 66 of 101 | 65% | 157 of 210 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 5:34 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 28 of 82 | 34% | 52 of 113 | 0 of 7 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 4:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phil Hawes | 0 | 16 of 22 | 72% | 32 of 39 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:33 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 5 of 21 | 23% | 18 of 37 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:56 | |
| 2 | Phil Hawes | 0 | 29 of 45 | 64% | 48 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 30 of 60 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 | |
| 3 | Phil Hawes | 0 | 21 of 34 | 61% | 77 of 106 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:26 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 1 of 10 | 10% | 4 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Hawes | 66 of 101 | 65% | 42 of 75 | 23 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 33 of 57 | 18 of 19 | 15 of 25 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 28 of 82 | 34% | 20 of 68 | 6 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 26 of 78 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phil Hawes | 16 of 22 | 72% | 10 of 15 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 11 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 5 of 21 | 23% | 2 of 15 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Phil Hawes | 29 of 45 | 64% | 15 of 30 | 14 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 37 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 22 of 51 | 43% | 17 of 44 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 21 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Phil Hawes | 21 of 34 | 61% | 17 of 30 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 25 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 1 of 10 | 10% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The new main card opener sees a middleweight clash between representatives of rival states New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as Hawes (10-2, 2-0 UFC) will ply his knockout-friendly trade against submission specialist Daukaus (10-1, 1-1 UFC). The third man in the cage for a fight that may not last long is referee Mark Smith, and there is no serious glove touch before the two get down to business. The blonde-haired Hawes comes out aggressively, throwing bombs and backing Daukaus up immediately. Hawes has a kick clip the cup, and there is a pause for just a second or two. Daukaus adjusts himself and throws back with heavy leather, and Hawes is either hurt or off-balance, as he slips back. Hawes interrupts an advancing Daukaus with a front kick, and he goes back to stalking the Philadelphia native down and throwing big strikes. Out of nowhere, Hawes ducks down, scoops Daukaus up and slams him down. Daukaus defends off his back with a guillotine choke, but he is immediately in danger for the Von Preux choke. Hawes recognizes this and presses his shoulder down, but he cannot finish it. Instead, Daukaus uses pure power to roll Hawes over and put him on his back. βMegatronβ slides right into danger with a choke attempt from Daukaus, but he scrambles and gets out of harmβs way. When he gets to his knees, Daukaus takes his back. Hawes defends the hooks, powers back to his feet, and is quick to fight off a single leg takedown attempt from Daukaus. When he does not land it, Daukaus drops to his knees for a double, and that too comes up short. Hawes, while keeping himself upright, is landing short strikes to the body and head to make Daukaus think twice about his position. Hawes lifts Daukaus up with a knee to the chest, but he cannot get the Pennsylvanian off of him. Daukaus embraces the grind, pressing Hawes into the wire and putting his full body weight on his man. Both men try to get off elbows, but neither are successful. Daukaus sells out for a double, and Hawes sprawls against the cage and keeps his balance to fight off this attempt. Hawes introduces his knee to Daukausβ torso, and the two separate with seconds to spare. Neither throw anything of note until the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Daukaus
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Daukaus
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Daukaus
Round 2
The middleweights rush out of their corners to meet in the middle, but it does not take long for Hawes to push the pace and start backing Daukaus up against the fence. Daukaus tries to spring forward with a kick to the body, and Hawes interrupts him and lands a few punches. Daukaus swings a spinning strike, and Hawes does not completely avoid it. βMegatronβ is suddenly rocked, and Daukaus lays into him with a salvo of punches to try to finish the job. Hawes gains the wherewithal to embrace the grappling, and even though he cannot get the takedown, he gains valuable time clearing his head. The two clinch briefly, and push off, where both men trade heavy shots. Daukaus gets the better of an exchange, and Hawes bends over and slams his right hand into the torso. A cracking right hand puts Daukaus on roller skates for a moment, and the Philadelphia native crashes in to clinch and try to take the fight down. Daukaus looks to trip his man down, attack singles or otherwise plant Hawes on his back, but the Sanford MMA fighter stands tall and looks frustrated. Hawes frames off to nail Daukaus with a stern elbow, and this forces Daukaus to backpedal quickly. Hawes parries a strike to fire back at Daukaus, and he mixes things up with body strikes and head shots. βMegatronβ notices his body work is starting to make a difference, and he lifts up a knee to the body. The knee does not rise high enough, and it clunks straight into Daukausβ cup. Thirty seconds are all Daukaus needs to catch his breath, and Hawes picks up where he left off with body shots. As he targets the body and again with impunity, Daukaus shoots in low for a takedown to stop this. Hawes stuffs it and pushes Daukaus back, where he drills Daukaus with a right hand and a front kick that nails Daukaus in the head when Daukaus bends over. Hawes hunts Daukaus down with strikes until the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hawes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hawes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hawes
Round 3
Smith calls in the doctor between rounds to check a cut around Daukausβ eye, but there is no concern and the fight clocks in normally. Hawes loads up on several big shots to begin the round, alternating between the head and body with punches and kicks. Hawes works the body, catches a body kick, and puts Daukaus on his back. Daukaus throws up his legs quickly to defend with a triangle choke off his back, but βMegatronβ laughs it off, breaks the position and postures up in Daukausβ guard. There may have been an eye poke for Hawes, but he is warned in passing as Daukaus complains. Daukaus opens and closes his guard to try to find a better way out, all while Hawes pounds on him with short strikes. Individually, they may not be especially damaging, but they are adding up quickly as time ticks off the clock. Daukaus punches the back of the head a few times in passing, and he grimaces when his own blood trickles into his eye. Hawes steps into half guard, where he begins to unleash a series of punches to try to pound Daukaus out. Daukaus twists and nearly climbs to his feet, but Hawes pushes him back over and continues to work him over with left hands. Smith asks for Daukaus to keep moving and defend himself, and Hawes uses this as an opportunity to start slamming down elbows. Hawes continues to batter Daukaus with punches and elbows, and once more, Hawes appears to scrape the eye with his fingers. Daukaus appears miserable as blood is in his eyes, Hawes relentlessly punches him, and he cannot do anything but get Hawes back to his full guard. The 10-second clapper leads Daukaus to close his guard to lock Hawes down, where he survives and does not take much more punishment until the fight is over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Hawes (29-27 Hawes)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Hawes (29-27 Hawes)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Hawes (29-27 Hawes)
The Official Result
Phil Hawes def. Kyle Daukaus via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27)
Big Brady picks Hawes but is not confident, noting Hawes is typically first-round-or-bust. He thinks Hawes needs to land an early knockout, otherwise Daukaus will take over. Brady likes the prop 'fight doesn't go to decision' and suggests live betting Daukaus if Hawes doesn't finish in the first round. He mentions Hawes's last fight went to decision but that was an anomaly. He picks Hawes by first-round knockout.
Daniel Levi picks Phil Hawes, arguing that Hawes is underappreciated and has been rushed against tough competition. He notes Hawes' D1 wrestling, freak athleticism, and one-punch knockout power. He believes Hawes learned from his past mistakes and will win a decision, as he did against Imavov. He views Daukaus as an average athlete and black belt, and thinks Hawes can lean on him and get takedowns.
The host favors Kyle Daukaus, believing his jiu-jitsu and cardio will be the difference. He expects Daukaus to survive Hawes' early power and then submit him later. He likes the under 2.5 rounds and Daukaus by submission prop.
The MMA Guru picks Kyle Daukaus over Phil Hawes, noting that Daukaus is the slight favorite. He believes Daukaus's smothering clinch game and technical stand-up will overwhelm Hawes, who showed a hole in his last fight against the cage. He predicts a 29-28 unanimous decision, with Daukaus winning the second and third rounds.
Jamie Pickett - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 23 of 59 | 38% | 83 of 147 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 0 | 0 | 10:08 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 | 20 of 55 | 36% | 26 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 20 of 32 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 33 of 59 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:57 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 11 of 24 | 45% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 6 of 17 | 35% | 30 of 56 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:29 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 1 of 12 | 8% | 3 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 23 of 59 | 38% | 14 of 48 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 38 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 12 |
| Jamie Pickett | 20 of 55 | 36% | 11 of 45 | 8 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 46 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 7 of 19 | 36% | 2 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 8 of 19 | 42% | 3 of 14 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 10 of 23 | 43% | 6 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 16 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 1 |
| Jamie Pickett | 11 of 24 | 45% | 8 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 19 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Eryk Anders | 6 of 17 | 35% | 6 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 11 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 of 12 | 8% | 0 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Eryk Anders, citing his athleticism, durability, and ability to bully his way to a win. He notes Anders is a large favorite at -330, which is too wide for him, but he expects Anders to win. He suggests there might be value on inside the distance props.
Big Brady picks Anders, calling it a cage-pushing fight. He notes Anders has higher volume, more power, and is physically stronger. He expects Anders to push Pickett against the cage and take him down, similar to his 24-takedown-attempt fight. He predicts a greasy decision win for Anders.
Cody picks Anders, calling him a gatekeeper who beats lower-level opponents like Pickett. He notes Pickett's terrible output and lack of finishing ability, and that Anders has been competitive with better fighters. Cody believes Anders will win but calls it a bad bet at minus-500, though he admits he'll include Anders in parlays as a degenerate.
Anders should be able to force the action, push Pickett against the cage, and land takedowns. However, Anders is 36 and slowing down, and -400 is not a number to trust with him. The fight is expected to be closely competitive and go to the scorecards, with Anders likely getting his hand raised. The host prefers the over or fight goes to decision.
Paul picks Anders but is hesitant due to the minus-500 price. He notes Anders has been inconsistent but has faced better competition and has shown improved cardio and output recently. He thinks Pickett is on a losing streak and lacks volume or power. Paul expects Anders to win but acknowledges the price is steep and that Pickett could make it close.
The MMA Guru initially considered Pickett but decided Anders is the pick. He notes Anders was close with Marc-AndrΓ© Barriault and had a scrap, while Pickett is on a four-fight losing streak and has no impressive wins. He calls Pickett 'awful' and says his wins are unimpressive.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Fremd | 0 | 31 of 80 | 38% | 59 of 109 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 2 | 1 | 7:15 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 14 of 52 | 26% | 26 of 67 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Fremd | 0 | 11 of 29 | 37% | 23 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:31 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 4 of 18 | 22% | 8 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:28 | |
| 2 | Josh Fremd | 0 | 13 of 31 | 41% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 1:51 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 5 of 15 | 33% | 7 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:39 | |
| 3 | Josh Fremd | 0 | 7 of 20 | 35% | 19 of 33 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:53 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 11 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:54 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Fremd | 31 of 80 | 38% | 11 of 49 | 10 of 18 | 10 of 13 | 22 of 64 | 6 of 11 | 3 of 5 |
| Jamie Pickett | 14 of 52 | 26% | 4 of 31 | 6 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 11 of 45 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Fremd | 11 of 29 | 37% | 2 of 17 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 7 | 9 of 25 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 4 of 18 | 22% | 0 of 9 | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Josh Fremd | 13 of 31 | 41% | 7 of 20 | 4 of 7 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 22 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 5 |
| Jamie Pickett | 5 of 15 | 33% | 1 of 8 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Josh Fremd | 7 of 20 | 35% | 2 of 12 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 17 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 5 of 19 | 26% | 3 of 14 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 15 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Fremd, citing his improving grappling and athleticism. He notes Pickett is a solid striker but gun-shy and has poor takedown defense. He expects Fremd to wrestle and grind out a win.
Big Brady picks Josh Fremd to win by submission in the second round. He believes Fremd has Pickett covered in every aspect, noting Pickett's three-fight skid and poor durability. He mentions Fremd's power and submission game, and says Fremd can win by decision, knockout, or submission. He is not laying -325 but is confident Fremd gets it done.
Cody picks Fremd, citing his wrestling background, cardio, and improvement. He notes Fremd's competitive fight against Fluffy Hernandez and his submission win over Cedric Dumas. He criticizes Pickett's three-fight losing streak and lack of UFC-level skills. He thinks Fremd's wrestling and grappling advantage will be too much, and that Pickett's job is on the line but he doesn't see a path to victory.
James picks Fremd but is not confident, calling it a 'bad fight' and not his type. He thinks Fremd should win but notes Pickett is tough, long, and strong in the clinch. He believes the line at -350 is too wide and should be around -250. He likely won't bet it.
Fremd showed a relentless wrestling style in his last fight, but he is a heavy favorite at -350 against a guy on a three-fight losing streak. Pickett relies on physical traits but is not great technically. Fremd's wrestling and pace should be too much, but trusting him at such a short price is risky given his limited sample size. Fremd should grind out a decision.
Paul picks Fremd, agreeing that Pickett doesn't belong in the UFC. He notes Fremd's submission skills and ability to get dominant positions. He thinks Fremd will likely win by submission. He considered Pickett at plus money but after digging, concluded Pickett is just not good enough.
The MMA Guru picks Josh Fremd over Jamie Pickett, noting Fremd's losses to Anthony Hernandez (who is doing that to everyone) and Tresean Gore (a nasty guillotine). He believes Fremd is more well-rounded with grappling and striking, and that Pickett tends to fade in fights. He thinks Fremd's potential and size advantage will lead to a win, possibly ending Pickett's UFC career.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 3 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 2 | 0 | 2:30 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 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 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 3 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 2 | 0 | 2:30 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-1400), Pickett (+850)
Round 1
The main card of UFC 285 begins with the hotly anticipated debut of elite college wrestler Nickal (3-0, 0-0 UFC), who is entering only his fourth pro fight with a combined two minutes and 27 seconds of fight time under his belt not counting his amateur outings. He meets Pickett (13-8, 2-4 UFC), whose last trip to the cage lasted nearly 10 minutes, or nearly twice much time as Nickalβs pro and amateur career combined. Nickal comes in as a nonsensical favorite of -2000 or above in some books, and referee Keith Peterson will be the one to clock them in despite that nonsense. The middleweights do not touch gloves, as they would rather get right to it. Nickal leaps forward, jumps in the air with a kick that misses, and he hits the floor. Nickal shoots for a takedown, and Pickett stuffs it on the first try. Nickal shoves him against the wall and knees him a few times, and Pickett grimaces from an apparent knee to the groin. The foul uncalled, Nickal throws his man to his knees, and searches for a possible brabo choke, only to release it to circle around and take the back. Nickal grabs hold of a rear-naked choke, and he changes it to a neck crank but lets it go to look for another opening. Nickal jumps to the side, and he wraps his left arm beneath Pickettβs chin and squeezes with an arm-triangle choke. Pickett talks to Nickal the whole time while the submission is being attempted, and Pickett is able to survive the first strong squeeze. Pickett defends with his left arm between the neck and the choke, and Nickal adjusts and fastens it tighter. Pickett stays composed and calm as Nickal keeps squeezing, and Pickett pushes off the hip and stays with it. The wrestler keeps the vice-like grip as tight as can be, and he forces Pickett to finally surrender, thereby boosting his young record to 4-0 with four finishes on his ledger. Nickal has made good on his promotional debut, and the next question will soon be what the UFC does with him next with all the hype surrounding him. The victorious Nickal claims in his post-fight interview that he will be not only the champion, but the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Jamie Pickett R1 2:54 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Angelo is certain Bo Nickal will win, stating he will wrestle immediately and finish the fight. He notes that the odds are extremely high and there is no value, but Nickal is the closest thing to a guarantee in the sport. Angelo advises against betting due to the poor odds.
Big Brady is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, calling him a next-level wrestler with power and submission ability. He notes Jamie Pickett has poor takedown defense and has been submitted before. He predicts a first-round submission for Nickal, welcoming him to the UFC.
Cody is confident Nickal wins inside the distance, likely by submission. He thinks Nickal will overwhelm Pickett early and finish him in the first round. He recommends under 1.5 rounds and says Nickal ends up on parlay tickets.
Connor is extremely confident Nickal wins, calling it a soft touch. He notes Pickett is a good athlete but easily cowed by superior athletes, with poor body language and a tendency to crumble. He expects Nickal to finish via TKO or submission, though Pickett may avoid submission briefly.
Jacob agrees that Bo Nickal will win, but questions whether Nickal will go for a quick takedown or try to show off his striking. He notes that Jamie Pickett folds under pressure and that this matchup was made for a reason. Jacob sees no value in betting on Nickal at these odds.
Nickal is a decorated wrestler with good submissions. Pickett is on a two-fight losing streak and likely fighting for his job. Nickal will get a takedown and submit him in the first round. Look for early finishing props.
Paul agrees Nickal will win easily but notes the odds are too short to bet the moneyline. He mentions the under 1.5 rounds is heavily juiced and considers a small sprinkle on the over as a contrarian play, but ultimately expects a quick finish.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round submission, likely a rear-naked choke. He criticizes Pickett's lack of quality wins and believes Nickal's wrestling will be too much.
Zane agrees, calling Pickett a 'gentle giant' who crumbles under pressure. He notes Pickett was submitted by Kyle Daukaus and TKO'd by Jordan Wright, so a finish is probable. He sees no path for Pickett.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denis Tiuliulin | 2 | 73 of 161 | 45% | 87 of 178 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 60 of 111 | 54% | 63 of 114 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 22 of 76 | 28% | 28 of 82 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 35 of 60 | 58% | 37 of 62 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 | |
| 2 | Denis Tiuliulin | 2 | 51 of 85 | 60% | 59 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 25 of 51 | 49% | 26 of 52 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denis Tiuliulin | 73 of 161 | 45% | 53 of 131 | 19 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 52 of 133 | 15 of 15 | 6 of 13 |
| Jamie Pickett | 60 of 111 | 54% | 44 of 90 | 13 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 56 of 103 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denis Tiuliulin | 22 of 76 | 28% | 16 of 64 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 76 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 35 of 60 | 58% | 23 of 46 | 10 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 33 of 57 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Denis Tiuliulin | 51 of 85 | 60% | 37 of 67 | 14 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 30 of 57 | 15 of 15 | 6 of 13 |
| Jamie Pickett | 25 of 51 | 49% | 21 of 44 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 46 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans toward Jamie Pickett, citing his takedowns and ability to win via grappling. He notes Pickett is a solid striker but gun-shy, while Tiuliulin is a brawler with power. He thinks if Pickett manages range and uses takedowns, he can win, but it's a low-confidence pick.
Big Brady picks Denis Tiuliulin as a dog, criticizing Jamie Pickett for being inactive and fighting not to lose. He was impressed by Tiuliulin's debut against a tough prospect and believes Tiuliulin can stuff takedowns and land a big shot. He predicts a first-round knockout, though he expects the fight to be terrible overall.
Cody leans towards Denis Tiuliulin as a dog, noting that Jamie Pickett is not a great wrestler and that Tiuliulin has power and durability. He mentions that Pickett's takedown defense is not elite and that Tiuliulin can hold his own on the feet. He is not betting it but picks Tiuliulin for the show.
Daniel Levi picks Denis Tiuliulin for the upset. He notes Tiuliulin's knockout power and long striking, while Pickett has been finished before. He acknowledges Pickett's physical advantages and takedown ability, but believes if Tiuliulin can avoid being taken down, he can light up Pickett on the feet. Levi calls it a 'dog or pass' situation.
Jacob strongly disagrees, picking Denis Tiuliulin. He thinks Pickett does not belong in the UFC, is gun-shy, and has telegraphed takedowns. He praises Tiuliulin's striking, power, and toughness, noting he landed clean shots against a dominant wrestler on short notice. He believes Tiuliulin will march forward and find a finish.
The host leans Jamie Pickett but can't back him at -130. He expects Pickett to use his physical attributes to overpower Tiuliulin in the clinch and grind out a decision. He notes Tiuliulin's power but thinks Pickett's durability and bullying style will prevail.
Paul leans towards Jamie Pickett, noting that Tiuliulin has poor takedown defense and cardio, which are Pickett's strengths. He believes Pickett will use his wrestling to lean on Tiuliulin and tire him out. However, he is not confident and says it's a dog or pass fight.
The MMA Guru picks Denis Tiuliulin to win by TKO in the first round. He describes both fighters playing at range early, with Tiuliulin looking for body kicks. Pickett will time punches when Tiuliulin kicks, but as he rushes in, Tiuliulin lands a big shot over the top, rocks Pickett, and finishes with body shots and big shots against the cage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 19 of 29 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 4:12 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 19 of 29 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 4:12 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 6 of 9 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 5 of 9 | 55% | 2 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Daukaus | 6 of 9 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 5 of 9 | 55% | 2 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Receiving an upgrade to the co-main event slot, Daukaus (10-2, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC) and Pickett (13-6, 2-2 UFC) will handle their business at a pre-planned 195-pound catchweight due to the latter taking the fight on short notice. This fun stylistic clash will draw officiating from referee Herb Dean, and the fighters gladly touch gloves as they are happy to be fighting tonight. Pickett strikes first with few low kicks, and Daukaus replies in kind. Right after Daukaus wings a right hand, he changes levels to go after a takedown. Although Pickett stays upright on the first attempt, Daukaus sucks his legs out beneath him and drags him down. From his back, βThe Nightwolfβ holds on to a guillotine choke, and Daukaus wisely comes around with his own shoulder to set up a Von Preux shoulder choke. Pickett lets go of his arm grip so that he does not himself get submitted, and instead sits up and turns on his hip to try to stand back up. Daukaus keeps his man trapped beneath him, smacking him in the face with a few right hands, but Pickett explodes out of the position and powers back to his feet. Pickett tries to let his hands go when he gets upright, only to find Daukaus right on him to go hunting for a single. The Philadelphia native successfully lifts Pickettβs leg all the way up in the air before slamming him to the mat, and he is quick to secure half guard. When Pickett sits up and turns like before, Daukaus times this to try to take his back. Pickett simply stands up from this position, and he shucks Daukaus off of his back. Daukaus does not let up, remaining tied to Pickett until he lets go of his own accord. Out of nowhere, Daukaus drills Pickett with a few punches square on the chin, and when Pickett is shaken up, Daukaus leaps forward to snag another takedown.
Pickett falls to his back, and when he rolls to his side, Daukaus quickly attacks with a sneaky brabo choke from a difficult angle. In half guard, Daukaus keeps the choke snaked around Pickettβs neck and it is tight. With no way to get out, Pickett wriggles his arm free so that he can tap out on Daukausβ side barely one second before the horn blares.
There is a bit of confusion as to the timing of the stoppage, or whether Pickett reached the end of the round, but it appears that he tapped out just before the bell. What a way to win a fight!
The Official Result
Kyle Daukaus def. Jamie Pickett R1 4:59 via Submission (Brabo Choke)
Angelo leans toward Jamie Pickett, citing his recent performance against Joseph Holmes where he showed volume and mixed in takedowns. He notes that if Pickett fights aggressively and uses takedowns, he beats Daukaus almost every time. However, he acknowledges Pickett's gun-shy tendencies could be a problem.
Big Brady picks Kyle Daukaus, noting Pickett has low output and has been outgrappled by lesser fighters. He believes Daukaus has advantages on the feet and on the ground, and predicts a submission in the first or second round.
Cody picks Kyle Daukaus, citing his well-rounded skill set and superior grappling. He notes that Daukaus has shown good moments in his UFC fights, including a strong performance against Kevin Holland that was ruled a no contest due to an accidental headbutt. Cody believes Daukaus will have faster hand speed and should be able to take the fight to the mat, where he has a sizable advantage. He also mentions that Jamie Pickett's game is not well-rounded and relies on smothering opponents against the cage.
Levi leans toward Daukaus but thinks the line is too wide, suggesting it should be around -175. He acknowledges Pickett's momentum and confidence from two wins, but notes Pickett's wins were over lower-level opponents. Levi expects Daukaus to win a close decision, possibly an ugly fight, and mentions Daukaus should finish but might not.
Daukaus is better everywhere: clinch, grappling, and developing striking. Pickett has physical tools but lacks output and fight IQ. Daukaus should control the fight with takedowns and either submit or decision Pickett. The sub/decision combo at -165 is a great line. A knockout is unlikely, so the method is between submission and decision.
Paul picks Daukaus, noting that Pickett is low-volume and doesn't use his long reach well. He thinks Daukaus's path to victory is to take the fight to the mat, where he should have a clear advantage. Paul acknowledges that Pickett could spam clinches, but overall he sees Daukaus as a rightful favorite at -250.
The MMA Guru picks Kyle Daukaus to win by 29-28 decision in a clinch-heavy fight. He believes Daukaus has better technique on the feet and superior jiu-jitsu, and can neutralize Pickett's cage-grappling game. He notes Daukaus has a good chin and has never been finished as a pro, so Pickett's power is less of a threat. He expects a boring clinch fest with Daukaus edging out the rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 50 of 122 | 40% | 54 of 126 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:02 |
| Joseph Holmes | 0 | 51 of 93 | 54% | 59 of 101 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamie Pickett | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 12 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:24 |
| Joseph Holmes | 0 | 24 of 35 | 68% | 26 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:54 | |
| 2 | Jamie Pickett | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 24 of 56 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Joseph Holmes | 0 | 13 of 27 | 48% | 18 of 32 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:08 | |
| 3 | Jamie Pickett | 0 | 17 of 44 | 38% | 18 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
| Joseph Holmes | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 15 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Pickett | 50 of 122 | 40% | 22 of 86 | 19 of 24 | 9 of 12 | 40 of 108 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Joseph Holmes | 51 of 93 | 54% | 30 of 65 | 13 of 19 | 8 of 9 | 41 of 82 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamie Pickett | 10 of 23 | 43% | 4 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 5 | 9 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Joseph Holmes | 24 of 35 | 68% | 13 of 21 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 17 of 28 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jamie Pickett | 23 of 55 | 41% | 12 of 42 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 18 of 50 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Joseph Holmes | 13 of 27 | 48% | 9 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jamie Pickett | 17 of 44 | 38% | 6 of 29 | 7 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 36 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Joseph Holmes | 14 of 31 | 45% | 8 of 22 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans toward Pickett due to UFC experience, but worries about Holmes' equal size and grappling threat. He notes Pickett's reach advantage is neutralized and that both can be gun-shy. He calls it a razor-thin pick and says he won't bet on it.
Big Brady thinks the odds are off, as Joseph Holmes is inexperienced and has fought low-level competition, while Jamie Pickett has faced UFC-caliber fighters. He calls it a coin flip and says he would not bet it, but if forced to pick, he takes Pickett as a dog by decision. He notes both fighters have similar skill sets and low volume.
Cody leans toward Holmes, citing his length and reach advantage. He notes Holmes's camp (James Krause) will have a good game plan. He expects Holmes to use his range striking and avoid grappling. However, he admits Holmes looked green and the fight could go either way.
Daniel Levi leans toward Joseph Holmes, citing his physical advantages (6'4", 80-inch reach) and finishing ability (submission and KO). He notes that Pickett has folded under pressure in the past, losing by first-round finishes to Charles Byrd and Jordan Wright. Levi is hesitant because Holmes hasn't been tested at UFC level, but he believes Holmes will outwork Pickett in a close fight. He also mentions Pickett's mental struggles and that he's seeing a therapist.
The host leans toward Joseph Holmes, expecting him to dictate the pace with clinch work and takedowns against the cage. He notes Pickett's durability but thinks Holmes' aggression and control will win rounds. The host is not confident in a finish, predicting a decision. He mentions the over 1.5 rounds as a possible bet due to both fighters' low finishing rates.
Paul leans toward Pickett as an underdog, citing his experience and durability. He notes Holmes is very green and his striking is telegraphed. He expects Pickett's strength in the clinch to be a factor. However, he acknowledges Holmes's length and potential if he keeps the fight at range.
The MMA Guru picks Joseph Holmes to win by first-round TKO. He highlights Holmes' Muay Thai background, range, power, and accuracy on the feet, and notes that Holmes already beat Pickett on the regional scene by first-round destruction. He doesn't see Pickett's grappling as a threat, as Holmes is rangier and better at controlling distance. He expects Holmes to land a clean shot early and finish the fight quickly, similar to how Jordan Wright did.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 47 of 96 | 48% | 58 of 108 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
| Laureano Staropoli | 0 | 25 of 62 | 40% | 43 of 80 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 5:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamie Pickett | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:33 |
| Laureano Staropoli | 0 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:00 | |
| 2 | Jamie Pickett | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 26 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| Laureano Staropoli | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 18 of 28 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 | |
| 3 | Jamie Pickett | 0 | 19 of 43 | 44% | 19 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Laureano Staropoli | 0 | 10 of 34 | 29% | 18 of 42 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Pickett | 47 of 96 | 48% | 23 of 64 | 23 of 30 | 1 of 2 | 26 of 72 | 21 of 23 | 0 of 1 |
| Laureano Staropoli | 25 of 62 | 40% | 14 of 48 | 8 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 19 of 54 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamie Pickett | 10 of 18 | 55% | 2 of 7 | 7 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 10 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Laureano Staropoli | 4 of 7 | 57% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jamie Pickett | 18 of 35 | 51% | 9 of 22 | 9 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 11 of 26 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 1 |
| Laureano Staropoli | 11 of 21 | 52% | 6 of 15 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jamie Pickett | 19 of 43 | 44% | 12 of 35 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 36 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Laureano Staropoli | 10 of 34 | 29% | 6 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 31 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is surprised Pickett is such a big underdog. He notes Pickett has a foot reach advantage and manages range well, and can mix in takedowns. He thinks Staropoli gets gun shy and is hit twice as much as he hits. He already grabbed a +3.5 bet on Pickett, meaning he only needs Pickett to win one round. He likes the more/more on the monkey knife fight (over 73.5 combined strikes).
Big Brady picks Staropoli as the more talented fighter despite a three-fight skid, noting his losses came against tough competition. He worries about Staropoli's size disadvantage and Pickett's 8.5-inch reach advantage, but believes Staropoli's skill edge will carry him to a close decision. He advises against betting this fight.
Cody picks Laureano Staropoli, citing his volume, forward pressure, and durability. He notes that Pickett has poor striking defense, moves backward, and was knocked out quickly in his last fight. Cody believes Staropoli will win the numbers battle and likely take a decision, though he acknowledges the price is high. He sees Staropoli as a lower-tier parlay piece.
Lock leans Staropoli based on competition level. He notes Pickett is not UFC level and Staropoli has fought better opponents. He expects Staropoli to win by decision but is not confident enough to bet heavily.
Paul leans towards Staropoli, noting that Pickett's best attribute was his durability, but that was shattered in his last fight. He agrees with Cody that Staropoli's forward pressure and volume should win the fight. However, Paul is not fully confident due to the price.
The MMA Guru picks Laureano Staropoli, noting that Staropoli is moving up to middleweight but is naturally a welterweight, which he believes makes him better than most middleweights. He points out that Jamie Pickett is coming off a KO loss and lacks quality wins, while Staropoli has faced tougher competition and is more technically sound. He predicts Staropoli will out-grapple Pickett and win by unanimous decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Wright | 1 | 26 of 32 | 81% | 33 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Wright | 1 | 26 of 32 | 81% | 33 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Wright | 26 of 32 | 81% | 21 of 27 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 12 | 9 of 14 |
| Jamie Pickett | 4 of 5 | 80% | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Wright | 26 of 32 | 81% | 21 of 27 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 12 | 9 of 14 |
| Jamie Pickett | 4 of 5 | 80% | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Pickett is durable, never knocked out, and has a solid chin. Wright has terrible striking defense (40%), no chin, and has never been to decision. Pickett can pressure forward, land hard shots, and has good wrestling. I expect Pickett to finish Wright in the second round by knockout.
Daniel Levi picks Jamie Pickett, citing his physicality, speed, and strength advantage. He notes that Jordan Wright (Beverly Hills Ninja) has a suspect chin, as seen in the Anthony Hernandez fight, and was steamrolled by Joaquin Buckley. Levi thinks Pickett can knock out Wright or win by decision, and calls this Pickett's best chance to get a UFC win.
The host picks Pickett but wants no part of betting the fight. He notes Pickett has shown durability, eating big shots from Soriano and Chukwu, while Wright has a questionable chin. He thinks Pickett lands a big shot and finishes Wright in the second round. However, he acknowledges both fighters are low level and that Wright could win if he lands early.
The MMA Guru picks Jamie Pickett to win by TKO in round 2. He notes that Jordan Wright has spectacular finishes but against weak competition, and that Wright slows down after the first round. He believes Pickett can absorb Wright's early onslaught, as shown in his fight with Pannie Soriano, and then finish Wright late in the second round against the cage.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo leans toward Jamie Pickett, citing his recent performance against Joseph Holmes where he showed volume and mixed in takedowns. He notes that if Pickett fights aggressively and uses takedowns, he beats Daukaus almost every time. However, he acknowledges Pickett's gun-shy tendencies could be a problem.
Big Brady picks Kyle Daukaus, noting Pickett has low output and has been outgrappled by lesser fighters. He believes Daukaus has advantages on the feet and on the ground, and predicts a submission in the first or second round.
Cody picks Kyle Daukaus, citing his well-rounded skill set and superior grappling. He notes that Daukaus has shown good moments in his UFC fights, including a strong performance against Kevin Holland that was ruled a no contest due to an accidental headbutt. Cody believes Daukaus will have faster hand speed and should be able to take the fight to the mat, where he has a sizable advantage. He also mentions that Jamie Pickett's game is not well-rounded and relies on smothering opponents against the cage.
Levi leans toward Daukaus but thinks the line is too wide, suggesting it should be around -175. He acknowledges Pickett's momentum and confidence from two wins, but notes Pickett's wins were over lower-level opponents. Levi expects Daukaus to win a close decision, possibly an ugly fight, and mentions Daukaus should finish but might not.
Daukaus is better everywhere: clinch, grappling, and developing striking. Pickett has physical tools but lacks output and fight IQ. Daukaus should control the fight with takedowns and either submit or decision Pickett. The sub/decision combo at -165 is a great line. A knockout is unlikely, so the method is between submission and decision.
Paul picks Daukaus, noting that Pickett is low-volume and doesn't use his long reach well. He thinks Daukaus's path to victory is to take the fight to the mat, where he should have a clear advantage. Paul acknowledges that Pickett could spam clinches, but overall he sees Daukaus as a rightful favorite at -250.
The MMA Guru picks Kyle Daukaus to win by 29-28 decision in a clinch-heavy fight. He believes Daukaus has better technique on the feet and superior jiu-jitsu, and can neutralize Pickett's cage-grappling game. He notes Daukaus has a good chin and has never been finished as a pro, so Pickett's power is less of a threat. He expects a boring clinch fest with Daukaus edging out the rounds.
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