Career Averages - Michael Morales
Career Averages - Trevin Giles
Michael Morales
Trevin Giles
Michael Morales - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Brady | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Morales | 1 | 24 of 52 | 46% | 24 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Brady | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Morales | 1 | 24 of 52 | 46% | 24 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Brady | 8 of 22 | 36% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Morales | 24 of 52 | 46% | 24 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Brady | 8 of 22 | 36% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Morales | 24 of 52 | 46% | 24 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brady (-142), Morales (+120)
Round 1
Blake Grice is the referee. Brady circles on the outside, probing with leg kicks. Morales flicks out a couple jabs. Morales continues to throw that jab and he’s gradually starting to find the range on it. Brady leaps in with a hook. Brady lands a hard low kick. Moraes rocks Brady with a right hand, and he tees off with a series of impactful punches during an ensuing barrage. Brady looks like he’s on wobby legs, but he’s able to eventually shove Morales off of him for a brief reset. Morales steps in with an uppercut. The long jab remains effective for Morales, who is brimming with confidence. Brady gets clipped with another right hand and Morales pressures forward with heavy punches. Brady is in survival mode so far, and he’s been unable to close distance to impose his grappling. Morales goes back to the jab, then clips Brady with a right hand over the top. Three more punches connect and Brady goes down. Morales drops a few hammerfists before Grice steps in to save a reeling Brady. The Ecuardorian’s undefeated run continues in impressive fashion, and he might have solidified his claim for a future welterweight title shot.
The Official Result
Michael Morales def. Sean Brady via TKO (Punches) R1 3:27
Angelo picks Sean Brady, believing his relentless wrestling and pressure will stifle Michael Morales, who needs space to strike. He notes Brady's takedowns and control are elite, and Morales doesn't wrestle often despite his credentials. He hopes the line tightens and plans to bet on Brady.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales as a slight underdog, struggling with this fight. He acknowledges Sean Brady's elite wrestling and grappling but notes that if Brady can't get takedowns, he is vulnerable to getting knocked out, as seen in the Belal Muhammad fight. Brady believes Morales hits harder than Muhammad and has a size advantage, making him tough to take down early. He predicts Morales will stuff takedowns and knock out Brady in the first round.
Cody picks Morales despite acknowledging Brady's superior grappling. He highlights Morales's size, youth, reach advantage, and improving takedown defense. He notes that Brady's striking defense is poor and that Morales has power and unorthodox striking. Cody believes Morales can either knock Brady out or win a decision by outworking him on the feet.
Connor picks Brady, citing his well-rounded game, strong wrestling, and improved striking composure. He notes that Morales is a raw athlete with no real game plan, relying on physical gifts. However, he flags a major X-factor: Morales has a 79-inch reach, which could cause Brady striking issues he hasn't faced before.
Daniel is torn but leans toward Morales as a slight underdog. He acknowledges Brady's impressive recent form and top control, but notes Morales' freak athleticism, underrated takedown defense, and ability to power out of bad spots. He sees the fight as 50-50 and likes the plus money on Morales.
Lucrative James picks Sean Brady to win, but with low confidence. He believes Morales' athleticism and power will be dangerous early, but Brady's superior grappling and cardio will take over in later rounds. He notes Morales' massive weight cut may affect his gas tank, while Brady has proven he can go five rounds. He expects Brady to survive the early striking exchanges and then dominate on the ground, possibly securing a submission or decision.
Morales' freak athleticism, power, strength, and speed come through. He stops takedowns or works back to his feet, lands bigger shots on the feet, and gets a knockout victory.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Morales is getting better and that Brady's grappling might not work against a bigger, younger opponent. He mentions that Morales's career trajectory is upward and that he looks like a problem for the division. Paul thinks the first exchange will reveal how effective Brady's wrestling is, but he leans towards Morales.
The Guru picks Sean Brady to win, likely by submission or decision. He highlights Brady's superior grappling and physicality, which should overwhelm Morales, who has shown vulnerability to takedowns. Brady's dominant win over Leon Edwards is a key reference. The Guru acknowledges Morales' power but believes Brady's pressure and clinch work will be decisive.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Brady. He emphasizes Brady's rock-solid wrestling and improved striking, and notes that Morales has never faced a high-level wrestler. He acknowledges the reach advantage but believes Brady's strength and experience will prevail.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert Burns | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Michael Morales | 2 | 33 of 56 | 58% | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gilbert Burns | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Michael Morales | 2 | 33 of 56 | 58% | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert Burns | 5 of 18 | 27% | 4 of 13 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Morales | 33 of 56 | 58% | 31 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 25 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 9 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gilbert Burns | 5 of 18 | 27% | 4 of 13 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Morales | 33 of 56 | 58% | 31 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 25 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 9 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-850), Burns (+575)
Round 1
In keeping with the theme of fights that promise action and intensity, the main event should be just what the doctor ordered. Former title challenger Burns (22-8, 15-8 UFC) may have his best days behind him, but “Durinho” is still as dangerous at it comes at 170 pounds. To keep himself in top contention, he will need to deflate the momentum of Morales (17-0, 5-0 UFC), who would like nothing more than to have a breakout performance at the expense of the vaunted grappler. Referee Herb Dean brings these two to the center of the cage to issue final instructions, and they stoically bump fists to seal the cage and make things official. It’s time for some action. It is Morales who claims the center of the Monster Logo on the floor, while Burns circles around him. Burns circles away from the power side of the Ecuadorian, and he lets loose a low kick that slaps loudly. When Morales retaliates with a calf kick, it is a thudding sound. Burns leaps forward to strike, and Morales dances out of the way and punches him around the back of the ear. Burns launches a kick up high, and Morales parries and lobs a jab back. Burns throws a fastball of a right hand that is well off the mark, but his check left hook does catch the chin. Morales lines up a heavy right hand that back off Burns, and he gets clipped by the older man. Burns marches him down looping hooks, and Morales rolls with the punches and jabs his way forward. Burns counters and takes a few more jabs on the nose, and he absorbs a thumping kick on his calf. Morales connects with a crisp uppercut, shaking up the grappler and forcing him to shoot for a takedown. Morales is dragged to his seat for a moment, and Burns wraps his arms around him as Morales stands. Burns leans in close and tight, but Morales pushes him back and unloads with power punches. Morales knocks Burns back to the wall courtesy of a clubbing right hand, and his onslaught slowly breaks Burns down and puts him on the ground.
Dean calls for Burns to fight back, and Burns answers by ducking under and grabbing his foe's legs awkwardly for some kind of desperation takedown. Morales steps over it, allows Burns to stand and lays into him with a blistering salvo of bombarding fists that puts “Durinho” down for the count again. This time, as Dean observes that Burns’ face is bleeding and he is in a bad way, he waves the fight off.
Burns sits up, but he does not protest, knowing that the day is not his. Morales has just passed the biggest test of his career with flying colors, destroying a durable top talent in the first round and not looking back. When Burns gets back to his feet, he needs a minute to recover, but he embraces the man who ran through him like no one has at 170 pounds. The 25-year-old handles the huge moment with poise, dedicating the victory to his mother and thanking her for her advice while declaring that he is ready for the next challenge, whatever that may be. Morales says he is healthy and ready to go, so with any luck, he will be back in the cage at least one more time this year. When he fights next, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
The Official Result
Michael Morales def. Gilbert Burns R1 3:39 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Michael Morales confidently, citing that Morales is a better wrestler, striker, bigger, faster, stronger, and younger than Gilbert Burns. He notes that Burns is on the wrong side of 35 and coming off a loss to Sean Brady where his grappling was neutralized. Angelo questions what game plan Burns could have, as Morales is a national wrestling champion and Burns was just knocked out. He is shocked Morales is only -600 and expects the line to close at -1000.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales, citing Burns' age (38), three-fight skid, and declining durability. He notes Morales is a much better striker with volume and power, and expects him to find Burns' chin. He predicts a second-round knockout.
The host thinks Morales is a huge favorite but not justified given Burns' strength of schedule; Burns' three-fight losing streak came against top competition. He gives Burns the benefit of the doubt as a championship gatekeeper but worries if Burns can't dictate pace or get takedowns, his cardio fades and Morales can take over and knock him out. He picks Morales to win by knockout, but notes minus 800 is tough to get behind. He also leans under 3.5 rounds.
The Guru picks Michael Morales, calling him a crazy natural athlete who controls distance well and switches stances. He thinks Burns is past his prime and lacks the grit to engage, citing the Sean Brady fight where Burns didn't let his hands go. He believes the five-round fight benefits Morales' picking style and predicts a decision win (49-46). He notes the -850 odds are insane and thinks Morales is not that good, but still picks him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Neil Magny | 1 | 34 of 40 | 85% | 39 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Neil Magny | 1 | 34 of 40 | 85% | 39 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Neil Magny | 34 of 40 | 85% | 30 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 35 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Neil Magny | 34 of 40 | 85% | 30 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 35 |
Angelo picks Michael Morales confidently, calling himself a 'big Michael Morales guy.' He highlights Morales' national championships in freestyle wrestling and Muay Thai, his fantastic footwork, and his clean takedowns. He believes Morales is better than Magny everywhere and will win with accurate striking and takedowns. He notes Magny's age and recent comeback win but thinks Morales is the superior fighter.
Cody picks Morales because he is a young, talented prospect with a judo background and power. He thinks Morales will outwork Magny and possibly get a finish. He notes that Magny has looked slow and flat-footed in recent fights and has been outworked by lesser fighters. He believes Morales' cardio is good and he won't fade like some prospects.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Michael Morales, arguing that Morales thrives in the clinch where Magny often beats opponents. He notes Morales' improving hands and wrestling background, and believes he will beat Magny at his own game and possibly get a finish.
Brevin picks Magny as a big underdog, citing his experience against top competition, his size and reach advantage, and his grappling edge. He thinks Morales is overhyped and will get fraud-checked. He notes Magny is a gatekeeper who often wins these matchups. JP disagrees, picking Morales, calling Magny a 40-year-old gatekeeper who goes to decision and has shown his ceiling. JP thinks Morales is better and younger.
Paul takes a small shot on Magny at +600 because he thinks the line is too wide. He notes that Morales has looked good but has dropped rounds and hasn't faced a veteran like Magny. He thinks Magny's cardio and clinch work could give Morales problems if the fight goes deep. He admits Morales likely wins but the price is worth a small bet.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales because he believes Neil Magny is past his prime at 37 and does not check low kicks. He notes Morales is young (25), talented, and has good wins over Jake Matthews and Max Griffin. He expects Morales to attack the low kicks and stuff takedowns, winning on the feet.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 0 | 84 of 208 | 40% | 84 of 208 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 57 of 149 | 38% | 57 of 149 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 26 of 73 | 35% | 26 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 14 of 40 | 35% | 14 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 0 | 36 of 77 | 46% | 36 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 18 of 46 | 39% | 18 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 0 | 22 of 58 | 37% | 22 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 25 of 63 | 39% | 25 of 63 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 84 of 208 | 40% | 45 of 157 | 12 of 17 | 27 of 34 | 80 of 197 | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Matthews | 57 of 149 | 38% | 33 of 109 | 17 of 24 | 7 of 16 | 54 of 146 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 26 of 73 | 35% | 12 of 54 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 14 | 26 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Matthews | 14 of 40 | 35% | 7 of 26 | 6 of 11 | 1 of 3 | 13 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 36 of 77 | 46% | 20 of 58 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 9 | 32 of 68 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Matthews | 18 of 46 | 39% | 13 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 6 | 18 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 22 of 58 | 37% | 13 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 11 | 22 of 56 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Matthews | 25 of 63 | 39% | 13 of 46 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 7 | 23 of 61 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-270), Matthews (+230)
Round 1
The winner of this co-main event may earn a place in the top 15 at welterweight. It could be undefeated 23-year-old wunderkind Morales (15-0, 3-0 UFC), or former wunderkind-turned-veteran Matthews (19-6, 12-6 UFC). Referee Herb Dean will know which one it is first, and he is confident this will be all above board. The 170ers calmly slap fists, and Morales snaps out a jab. Matthews does the same, as they use it as a rangefinder. Morales scores an inside leg kick that lands with a thump, and he just misses with a left hook. Morales bounces off the fence with a Superman punch that Matthews bats away, and Matthews backs him off with a right hand. Morales rebounds with a right of his own, and he slips in a jab to break up a combination that buzzes his hair. Matthews digs to the body as he eats a leg kick, and Morales’ jab has already reddened Matthews’ face up a bit. Matthews overswings and stumbles, and Morales lets him up so that he can stick the jab in his face. Morales connects with a slapping kick, and Matthews unloads with an overhand left that surprises his foe. Morales fires back with a right hand down the pipe, and Matthews staggers but does not fall down. The two reset and start trading calf kicks one after the other, and Matthews breaks the chain with a swatting left to the body. Morales sits down on a leg kick, and Matthews jabs him of his feet. Morales climbs back up and is quick to engage with a one-two, and he kicks out Matthews’ leg to drop Matthews to a knee. Matthews returns to his feet and blocks a trio of punched aimed at his mug. Morales plants a one-two on the jaw, and he looks to follow it with a flying knee but is caught in midair and hurled down to the mat. Morales springs back up as Matthews raises his eyebrows, and Matthews swings a right hand and gets jabbed back. Morales peppers the lead leg and comes up short with a jumping switch kick, and again Matthews raises his eyebrows. The Aussie surges forward with a left and a right, and Morales tanks them right on the chin and shrugs them off. Morales leaps at him with a flying knee, and he lands to attempt a takedown. Morales attempts one more Superman punch off the cage, and the tense round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Round 2
The welterweights bump their fists together before trading them. They feint leg kicks, and Morales jumps forward with a right hand. When Matthews attempts to respond, Morales digs his shin in the calf. Morales whiffs on a counter when Matthews pops him, and jumps forward with a stomp kick to the knee. Morales gets his jab going again, disrupting the overhand right from “The Celtic Kid,” and he stings Matthews with a long and powerful series of uppercuts. Matthews shakes his head when he escapes, and he chips at Morales’ calf and wings a right hand that comes up short. Matthews has a one-two bounce off gloves, and Morales answers him with a thudding kick to the calf that is showing some damage. Matthews paws out his own jab, and they both throw hands and catch the other. Morales shakes his arms out, and he turns to dodge the worst of a one-two coming at his face. Morales gets off a few inside kicks, and he jabs as Matthews kicks him back. Morales ducks a looping right hand and hops away from darting offense so he can counter with sharp strikes. Morales slips and rips with a right hand, and he does eat a right hand on the way out after landing a few strikes of his own. Morales peppers out the jab and eats a right hand for his effort, and he answers a few strikes with a Superman punch. Matthews digs to the body, and Morales rifles back a quick and dangerous right hand that snaps the head back. Matthews keeps a stiff upper lip as he eats a few jabs on the nose, and he swats out a left hook and keeps his guard up as Morales springs into action. Morales jump with a knee, a body kick, and he releases a long series of punches and a high kick at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Round 3
There is a final tap of the gloves to start off the last round, and Matthews strikes first with a kick from either leg. Morales shuts down a punch by working the lead leg, and Matthews beats him to the punch with a few additional strikes. Matthews fires off a one-two, and a leg kick that follows slams right into the 23-year-old’s cup. Morales groans as Dean calls time, and it does not take long before Morales signals he is ready to go. Just 30 seconds elapse before the fight resumes, and Matthews wants to take advantage of the discomfort by crowding his adversary with looping punches. Morales strafes away and counters, and he settles down and prods out a jab. Morales shakes his hands out and starts doing the Ali Shuffle, and he leaps into action with a knee that flies past the Australian. Matthews lunges with two punches, and Morales slides just to the side and counters with a right hand. Morales drives a kick to the calf, and Matthews stumbles. He kicks the same spot, and Matthews catches his leg and tries to take Morales down. Morales recovers his balance and swats away a jumping front kick. Matthews attempts a one-two, and Morales parries him with ease. When Matthews jabs the body, Morales kicks him on the inside of the leg. The unbeaten fighter continues working the leg on both sides, and he stays out of range from the power punches hurled back his direction. Morales lands a right hand after evading Matthews’, and Morales throws two punches and a body kick that strikes the peninsula south of the equator. Matthews groans from the foul, and Dean pauses the fight for a few seconds before Matthews waves them back on. Matthews charges with a pair of punches, and Morales steps to the side and releases two kicks with the same leg in rapid succession. Morales drives a shovel uppercut that brushes the beard, and Matthews goes after him and puts hands on his opponent. Morales throws back, keeping composed and still barely breaking a sweat after nearly 15 minutes of activity. Matthews tries to corner him and lay into him, and Morales pushes him away and snipes him with an uppercut. With 15 seconds to go, the Ecuadorian attempts a takedown, and Matthews shuts it down and lets his hands go. They brawl it out to end the fight, with a jump knee by Morales mixed in during the final slugfest. They hear the final bell, and hug it out.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)
The Official Result
Michael Morales def. Jake Matthews via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is very confident in Michael Morales, calling him an incredible prospect with wrestling and Muay Thai credentials. He notes Morales has cardio and finishes fights. He thinks -255 feels like a discount and that Morales can be parlayed. He expects Morales to dominate.
Big Brady thinks Matthews' wins are against low-level competition and that Morales has a massive reach advantage (7 inches), higher volume, and power. He notes Matthews gets knocked down often, as in the Semelsberger fight. He predicts Morales wins by decision, citing the reach, volume, and strength as key differences.
Cody picks Michael Morales confidently, citing his youth, physical strength, and 92% takedown defense. He notes that Jake Matthews struggles against decent competition, has low striking volume, and poor durability. Morales has a 6-inch reach advantage and can win by knockout or decision. Cody expects Morales to out-strike Matthews and stuff takedowns, leading to a win.
Morales is a physical specimen with power and takedown defense. Matthews is inconsistent and may struggle to take Morales down, forcing him to strike where Morales has the advantage. Morales is faster and stronger, and will likely land a knockout in the first or second round.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Morales' reach advantage and ability to keep the fight at range. He mentions Morales' judo background and confidence on the ground. Paul thinks the line is a bit wide but expects Morales to show improvements and win.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales over Jake Matthews, predicting a decision win with Matthews getting knocked down in key moments. He criticizes Matthews as a boxer with a double leg who doesn't surprise opponents. He notes Morales' reach, power, and dynamism as the difference, and compares Matthews' performance to a Matt Semelsberger-like showing.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 0 | 36 of 102 | 35% | 39 of 105 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:10 |
| Max Griffin | 0 | 72 of 164 | 43% | 73 of 165 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 13 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Max Griffin | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 0 | 15 of 38 | 39% | 15 of 38 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Max Griffin | 0 | 31 of 70 | 44% | 31 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 0 | 10 of 38 | 26% | 11 of 39 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
| Max Griffin | 0 | 26 of 54 | 48% | 27 of 55 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 36 of 102 | 35% | 28 of 93 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 35 of 99 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Max Griffin | 72 of 164 | 43% | 59 of 145 | 5 of 8 | 8 of 11 | 68 of 159 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 11 of 26 | 42% | 8 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Max Griffin | 15 of 40 | 37% | 9 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 5 | 13 of 38 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 15 of 38 | 39% | 10 of 33 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 36 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Max Griffin | 31 of 70 | 44% | 30 of 67 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 29 of 67 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 10 of 38 | 26% | 10 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Max Griffin | 26 of 54 | 48% | 20 of 47 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 26 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-240), Griffin (+200)
Round 1
Welterweights take center stage in the “featured fight of the night” slot, as Griffin (19-9, 7-7 UFC) has clawed his way back towards a .500 record courtesy of four wins in his last five appearances. While the last 14 fights for Griffin have been 50/50, the same cannot be said about opponent Morales (14-0, 2-0 UFC), who is a perfect 14 up and none down. The two are 14 years apart, and referee Kerry Hatley stands guard for the battle of 14s. There is no glove touch, and Griffin is active early on moving from side to side and staying on the outside. “Pain” causes some early pain with low kicks, and he is met with sharp jabs from the unbeaten youngster. Morales reaches his foe with a looping one-two, and he backs off when Griffin kicks the inside of his calf. They both snap out jabs, but Morales’ is faster and prods the nose. Griffin swings and misses, with Morales dancing out of the way of the punches but not the follow-up leg kick. Griffin charges with a stream of punches, and Morales bends over to avoid them and leaps at his man with a jump knee. There is a reset period, and Morales then attacks again with a flying knee that claps off the cup of the American. Griffin waves Hatley off, and he surges into action with a takedown attempt. Morales turns him around and separates, but Griffin is on him and his left hand has developed some swelling on Morales’ right eye. Griffin presses his weight on his opponent, and he gets kneed in the face by the younger man. Morales shakes Griffin off to get away, and he leaps at his opponent with a Superman punch. Morales lands and comes out swinging, and Griffin backs him into the fence with a clubbing right hand. Morales jumps with another kick, and his foot once more bounces into Griffin’s cup. Hatley does not recognize it, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Round 2
The welterweights meet in the middle, and Morales claims the center of the cage and flashes out his jab. Griffin lunges in with a long left hand, and he backs away when Morales jumps at him with a kick. Morales tags Griffin with three punches, and Griffin shakes it out and gets staggered by a right hand. Morales charges into action, throwing so hard he almost falls over, and he rocks Griffin with another overhand right. Griffin sits down on a counter right, but Morales walks through it and is now in stalking mode. Griffin sticks him with a right but eats one right back, and his chin is durable and his counters effective enough to slow Morales down for a moment. Griffin gathers his thoughts and absorbs a jab, and he skirts out of the way when Morales tries to bust him in the chops. Morales flicks out a few jabs to open a cut under Griffin’s left eye, and he stays composed and walks through a body kick to aim a right over the top. Morales lands two more jabs, and Griffin looks for an overhand right and backs away when Morales charges. Griffin lets loose with a leg kick, and he ducks a huge right hand that blows past his hair. Morales swings so hard that Griffin is able to duck it, change levels and go for a takedown. Morales shuts down the attempt and circles away, thanks in part to a kimura threat of his own. Morales pops his foe again with a few jabs, and he resets with a minute left in the round. Griffin blitzes but misses, and Morales nods at him and makes him backpedal. Morales tags Griffin with a Superman punch, and as he pours it on, a knee from up close bumps into Griffin’s cup and forces a 30-second pause. Griffin gets jabbed when they restart, and he throws a simultaneous head kick that is easily blocked. Morales jabs into a high kick, and he raises his arm in the air with a few seconds left in the round to lure Griffin into a slugfest. Morales gets off a few more shots before the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Round 3
Five minutes remain, and it could be tied up going into this last round. They proceed to throw big hands, and Morales eats a left hook and nods. Morales pushes out a jab, and he slides away when Griffin throws a haymaker. Griffin misses with a head kick and attacks a takedown, and he gets nailed with a flying knee. Griffin bounces off the fence and the two gets back to striking range. Griffin tries to close in on his opponent, and he crashes right into Morales’ hip and bounces off the fence. Griffin manages to grab Morales from behind while the Ecuadorian leans against the cage, and he turns around and goes after a double. Lifting the unbeaten fighter off the ground, he dumps Morales down for a second. Morales hits a quick switch to move around and grab hold of Griffin’s back, before they split up. Morales jabs when he gets back to a safe berth, and Griffin responds with an overhand right. Griffin dings Morales with a left and presses him into the clinch, and there is no takedown to be found. Morales stands him up with a few punches after they break, and he jumps with a knee that crashes right into Griffin’s head. Griffin gets kicked low a few times to shake up his balance, and he tries to time a jab with a right hook. Morales leans back to dodge a sweeping left hook, and he takes a deep breath with a minute left. Morales ushers Griffin aside when Griffin charges recklessly, and he tries another jump knee that misses the mark. Griffin walks his foe down, and he chambers a big right hand and connects with it. The impact leads to a clinch, and he gets thrown to the mat by the unbeaten fighter for emphasis. Morales tries to get off some ground-and-pound, but the fight comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
The Official Result
Michael Morales def. Max Griffin via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Michael Morales, highlighting his credentials as a freestyle wrestling and Muay Thai national champion. He notes Morales's footwork, forward pressure, and clean takedowns. He believes Morales's offensive wrestling will be the difference, though Max Griffin is a live underdog. He mentions the moneyline is already juiced and will wait for props.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win by decision. He is high on Morales but cautions against the -240 line, noting Max Griffin is a tough veteran who has only been finished once. He thinks the fight will be close and could go to decision, where the UFC's preference for the undefeated prospect may favor Morales. He also notes Morales has multiple paths to win, including a finish or a close decision.
Cody likes Morales' youth, power, and wrestling background. He notes Morales' wins over Trevin Giles and Adam Fugit show finishing ability. He acknowledges Griffin is a seasoned veteran but points out Griffin's low volume and lack of recent finishes. Cody thinks Morales' power and pressure will be too much, but he will watch the live market in case Griffin teaches him a lesson.
Daniel leans Morales due to his athleticism, youth, and potential improvements after a year off, but calls it a 'dog or pass' at -240. He acknowledges Griffin's experience, durability, and knockdown power, and notes Morales' defensive flaws (gets hit clean). He compares the situation to Jamahal Hill's loss to Paul Craig, suggesting a setback wouldn't ruin Morales' future. He is not confident enough to bet, as Griffin's plus-205 price is tempting.
James briefly mentions this fight in response to a chat question, stating he sees Michael Morales knocking Max Griffin out. He does not elaborate further, but the statement is clear and confident.
Paul thinks the market is about right. He notes Griffin was taken down three times by Tim Means and that Morales can mix in wrestling. He sees Morales as a high-potential prospect and is not willing to bet against him against an aging Griffin. Paul believes Morales will win, possibly by using his wrestling.
The Guru picks Michael Morales, despite some sloppy moments in his last fight against Adam Fugitt. He notes Morales's youth (24), reach advantage, and consistency, while Max Griffin is hit-or-miss and older. He believes Morales's talent is above Griffin's level and predicts a win, possibly a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 2 | 83 of 151 | 54% | 89 of 157 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 64 of 113 | 56% | 70 of 120 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 1:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 26 of 50 | 52% | 29 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 25 of 42 | 59% | 30 of 48 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 0 | 32 of 70 | 45% | 34 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 32 of 58 | 55% | 33 of 59 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 2 | 25 of 31 | 80% | 26 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 83 of 151 | 54% | 74 of 140 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 64 of 127 | 12 of 17 | 7 of 7 |
| Adam Fugitt | 64 of 113 | 56% | 32 of 74 | 20 of 26 | 12 of 13 | 58 of 99 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 26 of 50 | 52% | 20 of 43 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 46 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Adam Fugitt | 25 of 42 | 59% | 10 of 25 | 8 of 9 | 7 of 8 | 24 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 4 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 32 of 70 | 45% | 29 of 66 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 28 of 63 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Adam Fugitt | 32 of 58 | 55% | 15 of 36 | 12 of 17 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 50 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 25 of 31 | 80% | 25 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 | 5 of 7 | 6 of 6 |
| Adam Fugitt | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win by first-round knockout. He is very high on Morales, citing his physical strength, offensive wrestling, takedown defense, and power. He notes Fugitt is on short notice and outmatched. He acknowledges Morales is hittable but believes he runs through Fugitt.
Cody picks Morales, describing him as a promising young fighter with a judo brown belt, BJJ brown belt, and national wrestling team experience. He notes that Fugitt is a short-notice replacement who shouldn't be in the UFC. He thinks Morales will take him out inside the distance, likely by TKO/KO, because Fugitt is not durable. He also mentions that Morales is strong, physical, and improving quickly.
Daniel is high on Morales, calling him a very talented prospect with wrestling, knockout power, and size. He notes the massive speed and athleticism advantage over Fugitt. He warns about Morales' maturity after receiving a $50k bonus, but thinks as long as he stays focused, he will win. He predicts a knockout, saying Fugitt is too slow. He calls the -600 line justified but does not bet due to the price.
Preet took a shot on the over 1.5 rounds at -103, banking on Fugitt's durability and ability to make it a clinchy, grinding fight. He acknowledges Morales should win but sees value on Fugitt's side, noting his wrestling background and pressure. He may also place a half-unit on Fugitt's moneyline if it reaches +500.
Paul also picks Morales, agreeing that Fugitt is a short-notice replacement who shouldn't be in the UFC. He notes that Morales is young, strong, and has a promising future. He thinks Morales will win, possibly inside the distance, but the price is steep. He also mentions that the over/under is 1.5 rounds with juice to the under.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales by submission (d'arce choke) in round two. He expects Fugitt to have some early success with takedowns and clinch work, but Morales will find his timing in round two, land big shots, stuff a takedown, and cinch the choke. The Guru notes Morales' ability to compose himself after early adversity.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:05 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 1:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:05 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 1:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 26 of 42 | 61% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
| Trevin Giles | 8 of 15 | 53% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 26 of 42 | 61% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
| Trevin Giles | 8 of 15 | 53% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Michael Morales, calling him a killer with national championships in wrestling and Muay Thai. He notes Morales' footwork and jab, and believes he is better everywhere except pace. He sees Trevin Giles as a good measuring stick but expects Morales to win.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win a close decision, citing his volume, reach advantage, and well-rounded game. He heavily criticizes Trevin Giles for poor fight IQ, cardio, and low volume, and notes Giles is cutting to 170 which is a concern. He acknowledges Giles has a grappling advantage but doesn't trust him to fight smart. He expects Morales to outpoint Giles in a close fight.
Cody picks Trevin Giles as an underdog, citing Giles' experience against higher-level competition and his well-rounded skills. He notes that Giles has fought at 205 and 185, and moving to 170 may benefit him. Cody acknowledges Giles' cardio issues and past submissions, but believes his boxing and grappling are superior to Morales'. He sees this as a dog-or-pass situation.
Daniel Levi picks Michael Morales but admits he is hesitant and will not bet the fight. He acknowledges the classic spot where an unproven prospect faces a grizzled vet at dog money, which often goes the vet's way. However, his gut tells him Morales is the more talented fighter and will get it done. Levi notes that Giles has a history of making mistakes and getting choked out, but also that Morales could suffer from debut nerves. He compares it to the Ignacio vs Makdessi fight where the better fighter didn't win.
The host is skeptical of Morales being a favorite given his unproven competition. He notes that Giles is a tested veteran with fast hands and good movement, and that Morales has not faced anyone like Giles. He thinks Giles can use his jab and movement to discourage Morales and win a decision. However, he admits he is not a big Giles fan and may not bet it, but his prediction is Giles by decision.
Paul picks Michael Morales, noting his youth (22) and wrestling from the contender series. He acknowledges that Morales' striking is a work in progress but believes his ceiling is higher. Paul is not a fan of Trevin Giles, citing his underwhelming UFC run and cardio issues. However, he is not highly confident and suggests this fight could be passed.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales, praising his stand-up, grappling, and all-around skills. He notes Giles' recent KO loss and poor performance against James Krause on short notice. He predicts a 30-27 unanimous decision, with Morales schooling Giles on the feet for three rounds.
Trevin Giles - Fight History
Big Brady picks Andreas Gustafsson, impressed by his relentless pressure and cardio, describing him as a fighter who fights like a man possessed. He criticizes Trevin Giles for not fighting to his strengths, lacking urgency, and having poor durability (gets knocked out often). He expects Gustafsson to land a big elbow in the clinch and finish Giles in the second round.
Matt picks Andreas Gustafsson to win by knockout. He notes that Giles is on a three-fight losing streak and seems to have lost durability, allowing opponents to dictate pace. Gustafsson is a strong clinch fighter who wears opponents down. Matt expects Gustafsson to control Giles in the clinch and finish him in the second or third round.
The MMA Guru picks Andreas Gustafsson by TKO, citing Trevin Giles' lack of durability and full-time commitment (police officer). He notes Giles often takes short-notice fights and has been finished many times. He believes Gustafsson, a full-time fighter, will put Giles away.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Malott | 0 | 59 of 130 | 45% | 59 of 130 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 34 of 78 | 43% | 34 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Malott | 0 | 12 of 37 | 32% | 12 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 9 of 16 | 56% | 9 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mike Malott | 0 | 28 of 54 | 51% | 28 of 54 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 17 of 32 | 53% | 17 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Mike Malott | 0 | 19 of 39 | 48% | 19 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 8 of 30 | 26% | 8 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Malott | 59 of 130 | 45% | 22 of 82 | 19 of 28 | 18 of 20 | 59 of 129 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 34 of 78 | 43% | 23 of 64 | 3 of 5 | 8 of 9 | 34 of 77 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Malott | 12 of 37 | 32% | 2 of 24 | 4 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 12 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 9 of 16 | 56% | 4 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 9 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mike Malott | 28 of 54 | 51% | 13 of 34 | 8 of 11 | 7 of 9 | 28 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 17 of 32 | 53% | 13 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mike Malott | 19 of 39 | 48% | 7 of 24 | 7 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 19 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 8 of 30 | 26% | 6 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malott (-250), Giles (+205)
Round 1
As it tends to do lately, the UFC has plugged in a fight promising violence in the opener of its main card. Malott (10-2-1, 3-1 UFC) will have the crowd behind him when he battles Houston native Giles (16-6, 7-6 UFC). The former has seen all 10 of his wins end inside the distance, while all of Giles’ pro defeats have come via stoppage. Anything can and often does happen in MMA, so even with Malott one of the largest betting favorites tonight, all that matters is the activity when the cage door closes. When it does, referee Andy Social is installed as the Octagon commander, and he starts the clock while the competitors do not touch gloves. Malott tries to strike first, but his front kick misses the mark. Once more, the Canadians in the building show their lack of support for Justin Trudeau, and the fighters ignore the chants. They measure one another from afar, pitching single strikes at one another and bouncing them off one another’s guard. The enthusiasm of the crowd shifts to “Let’s go Mike,” who promptly kicks Giles upside the head. Giles keeps his jab out to not let Malott get to him, and he chops at the low calf a few times. Malott winds a right hand over the top, and Giles checks a low kick. Giles slams his foot on the front leg of his opponent, and every impact sounds more bone-on-bone than slapping off skin. Malott digs deep with a hard low kick, and the jabs from Giles have reddened up the Canadian’s nose. Malott sprints forward, and when countered, blood trickles out of a cut on the bridge of his nose. Giles targets the new cut with jabs, and Malott chambers and fires three kicks that are all guarded. Giles paws out with a low kick and rifles off a right hand that brushes past his foe’s hair. Giles keeps his guard up to defend head kicks that fly fairly frequently, and Malott mixes things up with a hard calf kick. Giles parries a front kick and absorbs another heavy low kick, and he tries to push out a jab and is countered with a combination of punches. Giles snaps out a mean jab, and he tosses away a high kick and blocks a spinning back kick. The Texan turns his shin towards a calf kick, and he ducks a few looping punches and breathes a sigh of relief. Giles comes up hitting air with an overhand right, and he blocks a head kick right before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Round 2
Malott wants to get right down to business to start the second round, and Giles meets him in the middle with powerful punches. Giles defends a head kick and takes a right hand and a low kick, and he looks for a clubbing right hand over the top that glances off the shoulder. Giles kicks the front leg, and Malott responds with a front kick. When seeing it land, Malott targets the same spot on the abdomen with the ball of his foot, drawing a reaction out of an energized Giles. The Texan connects with a jab and two follow-up punches, and Malott keeps him honest by slinging head kicks at him. Giles wings two huge punches, and a third whooshes past the Canuck. Malott jabs the body with a front kick from either let, and he looses a heavy body kick that Giles catches and sets down. Giles slides back from a high kick, and he lunges in and gets countered with a short right hand. Giles plods ever forward, staying light on his feet to protect himself from kicks, and still keeps a solid base to shut down a takedown effort. Malott kicks the front leg twice, and he chambers and fires a third from the other side. Giles prods out a heavy jab, and he follows one with a wide overhand right. Malott uses front kick after front kick to keep Giles from reaching him with his big punches, but this results in them taking turns. Malott splits the guard with a big right hand, and Giles blinks it out and crouches down to try to defend a low kick. Malott has a head kick zoom past his foe, and Giles looks for a right hand over the top but absorbs a clean spinning back kick to the ribcage. “The Problem” gives Malott a problem to think about in the form of a huge right hand, and Malott welcomes it and slings back. Malott kicks his foe in the ribs, and he tries to spin with it and then turn through with a head kick, but Giles watches them all whiz by his face without concern. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malott
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malott
Round 3
A Giles jab starts the round, but Malott is quick to hop on his bike and peck away with kicks to all targets. A front kick narrowly misses the jaw, and Giles tries to make him pay with a booming right hand. Malott rolls with it and sticks out a jab, and he bounces up and down and is slapped in the face with a surprise question-mark kick. Malott sinks two leg kicks low, and Giles has to pull his leg back and thinks about changing stances. Malott kicks him in the head, with the impact of the blow knocking him back a step despite it colliding with his glove. Malott drives a leg kick to the calf, and Giles pushes forward swinging hammers but has his hands batted away. Malott uses a jab to open up a front kick from either foot, and he overswings and is lucky to not get caught with a looping strike. Malott brings his shin up quickly, but it is his short left hand when Giles bares down on him that lands more effectively. Giles whiffs, dodges a spin kick and takes a kick on the ribs. Malott’s front kick keeps him at a safe range, and he checks a kick while switching stances. Giles hits nothing but air with huge right hands, and Malott picks his shots carefully and does not expose himself for much. A body kick from the Canadian is caught, and Giles whips a right hand at him but it just grazes off the cheek. Malott drops his hands and looses a head kick that ricochets off the raised guard of his opponent, and he is met with a jab to the body on the way out. Malott freezes up his opponent with his feints and fakes, and he shuts down a body lock attempt and thumps Giles with a calf kick. A head kick goes wide from “Proper Mike,” who properly ends the middling fight with a sharp jab.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malott (29-28 Malott)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Malott (29-28 Giles)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malott (29-28 Malott)
The Official Result
Mike Malott def. Trevin Giles via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Mike Malott despite his recent quit against Neil Magny, calling it a 'quitters discount.' He thinks Malott is better everywhere except the jab, and should be faster, stronger, and a better wrestler. He acknowledges the PTSD from the quit but says Malott should win and is more affordable than he should be. He hesitates to bet due to the quit but thinks it's probably worth betting.
Big Brady picks Mike Malott to win by second-round submission. He acknowledges Malott's questionable chin and cardio but notes that Trevin Giles has a history of finding ways to lose, often by finish (six finish losses). Brady expects Giles to get submitted again, possibly via club and sub. He thinks Malott's power and submission threat will be too much for Giles.
Cody picks Mike Malott, citing his athleticism, technical striking, and grappling advantage. He notes that Malott took Giles down easily in a previous grappling match and believes he can do so again. He acknowledges Malott's cardio issues in the Neil Magny fight but trusts that Malott has made adjustments. He also mentions Giles's jab as a concern but believes Malott's speed and wrestling will prevail.
Daniel Vreeland picks Mike Malott, citing Trevin Giles's history of imploding in fights despite looking good early. He references Giles's multiple comeback losses and a previous grappling match where Giles lost after competing early. Vreeland expects Giles to start strong but eventually make a mistake, allowing Malott to secure an opportunistic finish. He notes the price is high but is confident in the pick.
Lucrative James picks Trevin Giles as a value bet, despite predicting Malott is more likely to win. He notes Malott's questionable durability and that Giles has a real chance to win. He likes the fight doesn't go to decision prop as a hedge, expecting a finish either way.
Malott can land big power and put Giles away, but Giles' striking speed and overall advantage should allow him to put pace on Malott and run away late, getting a finish in the second or third round.
Paul also picks Malott, noting his familiarity with Giles from their grappling match and his improved mindset after the Magny loss. He believes Malott's speed and technique will overcome Giles's jab, and that Giles's cardio is also questionable. He sees Malott as the rightful favorite and likely a top pick in their PRP.
The Guru picks Mike Malott over Trevin Giles, citing Malott's grappling advantage and leg kicks. He notes Malott's dominant grappling against Neil Magny and believes he can out-grapple Giles. He predicts a submission win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Prates | 0 | 68 of 102 | 66% | 70 of 105 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:28 |
| Trevin Giles | 1 | 37 of 72 | 51% | 38 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Prates | 0 | 35 of 55 | 63% | 35 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 24 of 44 | 54% | 24 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Carlos Prates | 0 | 33 of 47 | 70% | 35 of 50 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:28 |
| Trevin Giles | 1 | 13 of 28 | 46% | 14 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Prates | 68 of 102 | 66% | 25 of 51 | 2 of 2 | 41 of 49 | 67 of 100 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 37 of 72 | 51% | 3 of 24 | 18 of 26 | 16 of 22 | 37 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Prates | 35 of 55 | 63% | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 33 | 35 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 24 of 44 | 54% | 2 of 12 | 9 of 13 | 13 of 19 | 24 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Carlos Prates | 33 of 47 | 70% | 15 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 16 | 32 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 13 of 28 | 46% | 1 of 12 | 9 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Prates (-270), Giles (+220)
Round 1
The long preliminary card wraps up with welterweights on the docket, as longtime vet Giles (16-5, 7-5 UFC) enters into his 13th UFC fight against promotional neophyte Prates (17-6, 0-0 UFC)—although the debuting Brazilian holds the overall experience edge at 23 to 21 fights. Both fighters have abilities to finish the fight anywhere, and they have also suffered more stoppage losses than by decision. Referee Mike Beltran draws the charge for this preliminary headliner, and it begins as the 170ers touch ‘em up. Giles introduces himself with a jumping side kick, and he smacks Prates’ front leg with several times in rapid succession. Prates preemptively raises his leg after the early barrage of kicks, looking to check these kicks coming at him, and Giles ignores it and keeps kicking it. Prates quickly chambers and releases a kick to the body, and Giles ignores it and kicks Prates in the knee. Beltran warns them for outstretched fingers, and Prates nods and kicks Giles in the chest. Prates goes high with a kick that bounces off the guard, and Giles plods after him and nails him with a one-two. Prates bounces off the fencing to reset, and he starts jabbing with the ball of his foot. Prates looks to use his rangy legs to keep Giles away from him, and Giles stays ready to block the bigger kicks while getting inside the others. Prates lunges forward with three punches, and Giles ducks away from it. Giles comes out swinging, and Prates defends himself and tries to reply with a kick. Giles cracks Prates with a left hook in the midst of a combination, and Prates wears it well and tries to retaliate with a knee. Giles tosses out two punches and gets away in time to avoid counters, and Prates sweeps out kicks that partially land at best. Giles continues prodding at the lead knee, and he takes a knee on the chest from his opponent. The opening frame wraps as Prates jump at him with a knee, and Giles hops away.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Round 2
The welterweights tap their gloves together before engaging, and Prates starts off by kicking the chest. Giles gets off two inside leg kicks to stumble Prates, and the taller man regains his composure only to get knocked back by the Texan’s fists. Prates kicks the body and then looks for step-in knee, and Giles grabs him in an effort to take him down. Prates shoves him away and looks for long kicks, while Giles crowds him with short three-punch salvos. Prates takes at least one clean punch each time Giles rushes him, and his counters are limited to a high knee that has not landed cleanly more than once. Giles allows Prates to swing a kick by him so that he can shoot for a double, and the American is unable to complete it. Prates defends with his back to the wall with short strikes, and Giles comes over the top with an elbow that splits the corner of Prates’ right eyebrow. Prates connects with a big knee as he shuts down Giles’ takedown efforts, but he cannot seem to stop Giles from teeing off on him with four punches at a time.
Prates comes in faking with a knee, reaches out with a right hand and rifles a left hand down the pipe. Giles is out before his head hits the mat, and Prates does not need to follow up as he sees Giles is unconscious while Beltran gets between them.
What a stunning moment, staging a mighty comeback and introducing himself to the stacked 170-pound weight class with a vicious knockout.
The Official Result
Carlos Prates def. Trevin Giles R2 4:03 via KO (Punch)
Angelo notes that Carlos Prates is a dangerous striker with big power, good range control, and kicks to all levels, with a stance similar to Alex Pereira. Trevin Giles has a great jab and athleticism, but needs to close distance to land it, which could leave him open to kicks. Angelo thinks Prates will pass the test and win, but acknowledges Giles' jab could be frustrating.
Big Brady picks Carlos Prates to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Prates has a 78-inch reach and many tools to finish, including a jab that can knock out opponents, head kicks, and knees. He thinks Giles has poor durability and cardio, and has been brutally finished by prospects before. He expects Prates to knock him out early.
Cody picks Prates, noting his power and length. He criticizes Giles for being lethargic and lacking volume, and points out that Giles has not improved. Prates is a dangerous striker with a good chin. Cody thinks Prates will stand in the pocket and land the bigger shots, though he is not confident enough to bet heavily.
Prates has a Muay Thai background with improved takedown defense and a 4-inch reach advantage. He should be able to stuff Giles' early takedowns and then find a knockout in the second or third round as Giles slows down. Giles has durability issues from cutting to welterweight. Prates is experienced enough to handle a grappler.
Paul also picks Prates, noting Giles' inconsistency and low output. He thinks Prates' length and technical striking will be too much. Giles could win if he wrestles, but Paul doubts he will. Prates is the pick, but Paul is not forcing action at -260.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Prates because he believes Prates has hit another level in his career, with a wicked winning streak against decent competition. He praises Prates' range, kicks, and a straight right hand with no telegraph. He thinks Prates can kick at range and eventually score a second-round KO. He notes that Trevin Giles has not had impressive performances recently.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Bonfim | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Bonfim | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Bonfim | 3 of 11 | 27% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Bonfim | 3 of 11 | 27% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bonfim (-320), Giles (+265)
Round 1
Concluding the prelims is a 170-pound scrap between two promising fighters age 30 or younger. With welterweight so logjammed, a win tonight for the undefeated Bonfim (14-0, 1-0 UFC) or resilient Giles (16-4, 7-4 UFC) may help raise them to greater heights in the weight class. Before said action, the two men touch ‘em up, and referee Herb Dean is ready to take charge of what comes next. Bonfim walks forward fearlessly, and he blocks a head kick that flies at him immediately. Bonfim comes forward, and he starts throwing hands. Giles gets tagged, throws back with bad intentions, and makes Bonfim reevaluate his current position. Bonfim backs off, measures his way back in and clips Giles with a left hand. Giles, perhaps from the strike or because he is off-balance, gathers himself and moves to the outside. Giles comes at him, and Bonfim grapples him, gets around to take his back, and lifts Giles off his feet and slams him down. Bonfim lands and considers a submission from on top, but he decides to maintain position while Giles is bucking. Giles manages to kick Bonfim off of him, and he leans forward while on his knees.
“Marretinha” welcomes this and licks his chops, as he snatches up and jumps guard with a guillotine choke. The submission is tight as a drum, and Giles sits up but is gurgling and the lights are flickering in his eyes. Giles surrenders, and he appears to go out right as Bonfim is releasing the grip due to Dean’s intervention.
Giles comes to, and Bonfim celebrates the victory that boosts him to 15-0 as a pro with 15 stoppages. Welterweight has one more threatening contender in the works, and Bonfim confidently claims in his post-fight interview that he will be the champion.
The Official Result
Gabriel Bonfim def. Trevin Giles R1 1:13 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Angelo picks Gabriel Bonfim, believing he is the better fighter everywhere with more powerful striking and better grappling. He acknowledges Trevin Giles' incredible jab and athleticism as a concern, but thinks Bonfim's overall game will prevail. He considered putting Bonfim in a parlay but decided against it due to Giles' potential to sneak out a win.
Big Brady picks Gabriel Bonfim to win by first-round submission. He praises Bonfim's opportunistic submission skills and finishing ability, noting 79% of wins by submission. He criticizes Trevin Giles' poor fight IQ and durability, expecting Bonfim to capitalize on a mistake early. He sees Bonfim as dangerous everywhere and predicts a quick finish.
Cody picks Bonfim to win inside 1.5 rounds, betting the under at -125. He sees Bonfim as an opportunistic finisher with power, while Giles has low output and a suspect chin. He notes Giles' career-high significant strikes is only 71, and his cardio is poor, especially at altitude. He plans to fade Bonfim in the future but likes him here.
James rates Bonfim highly, calling him an elite boxer with dangerous submissions. He expects Bonfim to finish Giles early, likely in round one or two. He notes that Bonfim was underrated earlier but the market has corrected, and he believes Bonfim can become a top-15 fighter.
Bonfim is the better striker and has a slick submission game. Giles has durability issues and Bonfim will put pressure on him with combinations. Bonfim is the future and will get another finish, probably in the second round. Giles's experience won't be enough.
Paul picks Bonfim despite the high price, citing Giles' low output and lack of power. He notes Bonfim is faster, sharper, and can take Giles down. He acknowledges Bonfim is hittable but believes Giles doesn't have the volume or power to capitalize. He expects Bonfim to finish or win a clear decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 55 of 108 | 50% | 71 of 129 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 4:14 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 42 of 95 | 44% | 62 of 130 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 3 | 1 | 5:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 14 of 26 | 53% | 17 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:26 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 14 of 28 | 50% | 23 of 43 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 1:52 | |
| 2 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 18 of 40 | 45% | 29 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 18 of 40 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 1 | 1:30 | |
| 3 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 25 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:25 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 21 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:54 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevin Giles | 55 of 108 | 50% | 51 of 102 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 34 of 83 | 7 of 9 | 14 of 16 |
| Preston Parsons | 42 of 95 | 44% | 24 of 77 | 6 of 6 | 12 of 12 | 34 of 84 | 7 of 10 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevin Giles | 14 of 26 | 53% | 14 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 |
| Preston Parsons | 14 of 28 | 50% | 9 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Trevin Giles | 18 of 40 | 45% | 15 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 6 |
| Preston Parsons | 13 of 32 | 40% | 7 of 26 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Trevin Giles | 23 of 42 | 54% | 22 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 6 |
| Preston Parsons | 15 of 35 | 42% | 8 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 13 of 32 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Parsons, noting his slick grappling and the fact that he showed he can go three rounds in his last fight. He thinks Giles is overrated due to the Roman Dolidze win, which he argues Dolidze actually won. He believes Parsons will get the wrestling going and win, possibly inside the distance. He has a half-unit moneyline bet on Parsons at -105.
Big Brady picks Preston Parsons by submission in the second round. He questions Trevin Giles' fight IQ, durability, and volume, noting that Giles has been finished in all four losses. Brady believes Parsons' pressure and cardio will break Giles, and that Giles' weight cut to 170 will hurt his gas tank. He expects Parsons to mix takedowns, get on top, and secure a submission.
Cody picks Parsons, citing Giles' inconsistency, low output, and recent durability issues. He notes Parsons is younger, improving, and has solid wrestling. He worries about Texas judging but believes Parsons can edge out a decision or get a takedown. He calls it a 50/50 fight but leans Parsons.
Connor initially hesitates but ultimately sides with Zane's pick of Preston Parsons. He acknowledges that Parsons will eat a lot of straight punches early and that Giles is fast and a good straight puncher, but he doesn't trust Giles's application of his tools or his defensive absence at welterweight. Connor notes that Giles looked okay against Louis Cosce but not great, and he believes Parsons's physical pressure will be enough to exploit Giles's weaknesses.
Jacob also picks Parsons, agreeing that Giles is a good boxer but does not use his jab enough and struggles with pressure. He thinks Parsons will get in Giles' face, disrupt his striking, and win inside the distance. He says he is 'pressing Parsons all the way'.
The host likes Parsons' relentless grappling style and believes he can push a pace that Giles may not handle at welterweight. He notes Parsons showed good cardio in his last fight, and expects him to find a finish from top dominant position. He has questions about Giles' energy levels and weight cut.
The Guru picks Giles, citing his experience and athleticism. He notes that Parsons hasn't fought since his debut and lacks a standout skill. He expects Giles to win by decision, using his physicality and technique.
Zane picks Preston Parsons because he believes Trevin Giles's athletic advantages are less pronounced at welterweight and his defensive flaws are more exploitable. Giles backs up with his hands down and is prone to getting hurt, while Parsons is a pressuring bully who will walk through shots and wear Giles down. Zane notes that Giles has not knocked anyone out since 2017 and tends to gas when having success, making him vulnerable to Parsons's relentless pressure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 25 of 46 | 54% | 45 of 66 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:09 |
| Louis Cosce | 0 | 10 of 38 | 26% | 21 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:36 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Louis Cosce | 0 | 2 of 18 | 11% | 2 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 12 of 24 | 50% | 18 of 30 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:00 |
| Louis Cosce | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 14 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:09 |
| Louis Cosce | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 12 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:36 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevin Giles | 25 of 46 | 54% | 10 of 29 | 2 of 4 | 13 of 13 | 25 of 45 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Louis Cosce | 10 of 38 | 26% | 5 of 29 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 4 | 9 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevin Giles | 13 of 21 | 61% | 4 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 8 | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Louis Cosce | 2 of 18 | 11% | 0 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Trevin Giles | 12 of 24 | 50% | 6 of 16 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Louis Cosce | 7 of 17 | 41% | 4 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Trevin Giles | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Louis Cosce | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Giles but hates the odds, calling them far too wide. He notes that Giles is athletic with a good jab and should be able to get the fight to the ground, where he has a wide advantage. However, he acknowledges that Cosce is the more powerful striker and could finish early. Angelo suggests an inside the distance/decision no action bet on Cosce at +170.
Big Brady picks Trevin Giles to win by late first-round submission, but with hesitation. He acknowledges Giles has poor fight IQ and cardio, but notes that Giles has all the skills—powerful jab, good wrestling, BJJ black belt. Brady expects Louis Cosce to come out aggressively looking for a finish, as he has a 100% finish rate all in the first round. If Giles survives the initial onslaught (2.5-3 minutes), Brady believes Giles will take over and submit Cosce, who gassed in his last fight. Brady also mentions that Giles recently quit his police job to focus on fighting, which could be a positive sign.
Cody thinks Cosce has a wrestling advantage and power, and that Giles has a questionable chin and low volume. He notes Cosce's two-year layoff could have helped him improve. He calls Cosce 'live' but admits it's a low-confidence pick.
Daniel Levi leans Trevin Giles due to his experience and level of competition, but is not interested at the price. He notes Giles has been knocked out in two straight fights and questions his fight IQ, but thinks his jab and takedown mix should be enough to give Cosce a vet lesson. He sees Cosce as unproven with weak competition.
Jacob picks Cosce, believing he will get a first-round finish. He notes that Cosce is a dangerous striker with power and pressure, and that Giles can wilt when pressured. Jacob acknowledges Cosce's cardio issues but thinks he will finish early. He suggests live betting Giles if Cosce fades after the first round.
Cosce is a first-round finisher with all his wins coming in round one, but he fades if the fight goes longer. Giles is vulnerable early but if he survives, he should take over with his jab and aggression. The fight likely ends inside the distance. I lean Giles surviving and finishing Cosce later, but Cosce by round one at +750 is a live sprinkle.
Paul picks Cosce but is not confident, calling it 'gross'. He notes Giles' poor takedown numbers and thinks Cosce could have a wrestling advantage. He says he'll blame Cody if it loses.
The MMA Guru picks Trevin Giles by 29-28 decision. He thinks Louis Cosce is athletic but lacks hype, and Giles is bigger with a reach advantage. He expects Giles to use his jab and wear down Cosce, surviving any early power shots. He notes Giles has good grappling and should win the later rounds, possibly losing the first round but coming back to win a decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:05 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 1:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:05 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 1:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 26 of 42 | 61% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
| Trevin Giles | 8 of 15 | 53% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 26 of 42 | 61% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
| Trevin Giles | 8 of 15 | 53% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Michael Morales, calling him a killer with national championships in wrestling and Muay Thai. He notes Morales' footwork and jab, and believes he is better everywhere except pace. He sees Trevin Giles as a good measuring stick but expects Morales to win.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win a close decision, citing his volume, reach advantage, and well-rounded game. He heavily criticizes Trevin Giles for poor fight IQ, cardio, and low volume, and notes Giles is cutting to 170 which is a concern. He acknowledges Giles has a grappling advantage but doesn't trust him to fight smart. He expects Morales to outpoint Giles in a close fight.
Cody picks Trevin Giles as an underdog, citing Giles' experience against higher-level competition and his well-rounded skills. He notes that Giles has fought at 205 and 185, and moving to 170 may benefit him. Cody acknowledges Giles' cardio issues and past submissions, but believes his boxing and grappling are superior to Morales'. He sees this as a dog-or-pass situation.
Daniel Levi picks Michael Morales but admits he is hesitant and will not bet the fight. He acknowledges the classic spot where an unproven prospect faces a grizzled vet at dog money, which often goes the vet's way. However, his gut tells him Morales is the more talented fighter and will get it done. Levi notes that Giles has a history of making mistakes and getting choked out, but also that Morales could suffer from debut nerves. He compares it to the Ignacio vs Makdessi fight where the better fighter didn't win.
The host is skeptical of Morales being a favorite given his unproven competition. He notes that Giles is a tested veteran with fast hands and good movement, and that Morales has not faced anyone like Giles. He thinks Giles can use his jab and movement to discourage Morales and win a decision. However, he admits he is not a big Giles fan and may not bet it, but his prediction is Giles by decision.
Paul picks Michael Morales, noting his youth (22) and wrestling from the contender series. He acknowledges that Morales' striking is a work in progress but believes his ceiling is higher. Paul is not a fan of Trevin Giles, citing his underwhelming UFC run and cardio issues. However, he is not highly confident and suggests this fight could be passed.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales, praising his stand-up, grappling, and all-around skills. He notes Giles' recent KO loss and poor performance against James Krause on short notice. He predicts a 30-27 unanimous decision, with Morales schooling Giles on the feet for three rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dricus du Plessis | 0 | 10 of 32 | 31% | 10 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Trevin Giles | 1 | 25 of 48 | 52% | 26 of 49 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 1:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dricus du Plessis | 0 | 6 of 20 | 30% | 6 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 14 of 29 | 48% | 15 of 30 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 1 | 1:31 | |
| 2 | Dricus du Plessis | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Trevin Giles | 1 | 11 of 19 | 57% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dricus du Plessis | 10 of 32 | 31% | 6 of 26 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 30 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 25 of 48 | 52% | 7 of 23 | 7 of 10 | 11 of 15 | 22 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dricus du Plessis | 6 of 20 | 30% | 4 of 16 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 14 of 29 | 48% | 2 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 8 of 12 | 14 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Dricus du Plessis | 4 of 12 | 33% | 2 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Giles | 11 of 19 | 57% | 5 of 11 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Angelo picks du Plessis, citing his striking advantage and movement to avoid takedowns. He thinks du Plessis will piece up Giles on the feet and potentially get a late stoppage. He notes Giles is a grappler but du Plessis can avoid being pressed against the cage.
Big Brady picks Trevin Giles to win by second-round knockout. He thinks Giles is the better fighter everywhere, with better striking and grappling. He notes Giles' power and finishing ability (79% finish rate). However, he has concerns about Giles' fight IQ, cardio, and output. He acknowledges du Plessis is dangerous with fight-changing power, but believes Giles can keep distance and land. He mentions Giles' losses are both third-round submissions, so he expects an early finish.
Cody leans toward du Plessis. He notes du Plessis' power and submission game, and Giles' history of being submitted by guillotine. He thinks du Plessis can finish inside the distance. He calls it a dog or pass.
Daniel Levi leans toward Trevin Giles. He notes Giles' UFC experience, speed, and lightning-fast jab, and believes Giles will win the minutes. However, he warns that Giles can make mental mistakes and get caught, while du Plessis is extremely durable and has opportunistic finishing ability with submissions and knockout power. He sees value on both sides but slightly favors Giles.
Jacob picks Giles, noting his intelligence and ability to win close rounds. He references Giles' previous lock of the week win over Roman Rodriguez. He thinks Giles can find a way to win, possibly by stealing rounds late. He almost made Giles his lock of the week again.
I lean towards Giles by decision. He has a speed and jab advantage, and I expect him to out-strike du Plessis on the feet. Du Plessis is too patient and gives up his back foot. Giles' cardio is a concern, but I think he can win rounds with his striking. I don't have high confidence, but I like Giles to get it done via decision.
Paul leans toward du Plessis. He notes du Plessis' leg kicks and submission threat, and Giles' cardio issues. He thinks du Plessis can win by finish. He calls it a volatile fight.
The Guru predicts du Plessis will win by third-round guillotine choke. He expects du Plessis to chew up Giles' lead leg with kicks in the first round, while Giles is boxing-heavy. Giles will have a better second round, but du Plessis will continue chopping the leg. In the third round, Giles' leg will be damaged, and du Plessis will land good shots. Giles will panic and shoot a takedown, putting his neck in a guillotine, which du Plessis will capitalize on. The Guru notes Giles has been choked out twice before when panicking.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Michael Morales, calling him a killer with national championships in wrestling and Muay Thai. He notes Morales' footwork and jab, and believes he is better everywhere except pace. He sees Trevin Giles as a good measuring stick but expects Morales to win.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win a close decision, citing his volume, reach advantage, and well-rounded game. He heavily criticizes Trevin Giles for poor fight IQ, cardio, and low volume, and notes Giles is cutting to 170 which is a concern. He acknowledges Giles has a grappling advantage but doesn't trust him to fight smart. He expects Morales to outpoint Giles in a close fight.
Cody picks Trevin Giles as an underdog, citing Giles' experience against higher-level competition and his well-rounded skills. He notes that Giles has fought at 205 and 185, and moving to 170 may benefit him. Cody acknowledges Giles' cardio issues and past submissions, but believes his boxing and grappling are superior to Morales'. He sees this as a dog-or-pass situation.
Daniel Levi picks Michael Morales but admits he is hesitant and will not bet the fight. He acknowledges the classic spot where an unproven prospect faces a grizzled vet at dog money, which often goes the vet's way. However, his gut tells him Morales is the more talented fighter and will get it done. Levi notes that Giles has a history of making mistakes and getting choked out, but also that Morales could suffer from debut nerves. He compares it to the Ignacio vs Makdessi fight where the better fighter didn't win.
The host is skeptical of Morales being a favorite given his unproven competition. He notes that Giles is a tested veteran with fast hands and good movement, and that Morales has not faced anyone like Giles. He thinks Giles can use his jab and movement to discourage Morales and win a decision. However, he admits he is not a big Giles fan and may not bet it, but his prediction is Giles by decision.
Paul picks Michael Morales, noting his youth (22) and wrestling from the contender series. He acknowledges that Morales' striking is a work in progress but believes his ceiling is higher. Paul is not a fan of Trevin Giles, citing his underwhelming UFC run and cardio issues. However, he is not highly confident and suggests this fight could be passed.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales, praising his stand-up, grappling, and all-around skills. He notes Giles' recent KO loss and poor performance against James Krause on short notice. He predicts a 30-27 unanimous decision, with Morales schooling Giles on the feet for three rounds.
A polarised fight, the ko can be found for 5.0