Career Averages - Adrian Yañez
Career Averages - Davey Grant
Adrian Yañez
Davey Grant
Adrian Yañez - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Simón | 0 | 44 of 139 | 31% | 52 of 149 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Adrian Yañez | 1 | 71 of 169 | 42% | 73 of 171 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ricky Simón | 0 | 12 of 55 | 21% | 12 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 16 of 46 | 34% | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ricky Simón | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 23 of 45 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Ricky Simón | 0 | 17 of 49 | 34% | 17 of 49 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrian Yañez | 1 | 40 of 94 | 42% | 41 of 95 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Simón | 44 of 139 | 31% | 33 of 121 | 7 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 38 of 132 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 |
| Adrian Yañez | 71 of 169 | 42% | 63 of 159 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 67 of 156 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ricky Simón | 12 of 55 | 21% | 9 of 48 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 16 of 46 | 34% | 15 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ricky Simón | 15 of 35 | 42% | 13 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 |
| Adrian Yañez | 15 of 29 | 51% | 13 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ricky Simón | 17 of 49 | 34% | 11 of 42 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 40 of 94 | 42% | 35 of 88 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 36 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 13 |
Angelo picks Ricky Simon because he believes Simon's relentless pressure and wrestling will negate Yanez's technical striking. He notes that Simon's takedown defense was exposed against Honey Balcelos, but Balcelos is a high-level wrestler, while Yanez has no offensive takedowns. Angelo also mentions the hometown advantage and the possibility of a close decision, but expects Simon's wrestling to be effective enough to secure the win.
Big Brady picks Ricky Simón to win by decision, but he is hesitant. He notes that Simón has been on a three-fight losing streak and his cardio and wrestling have declined. However, he believes Simón's wrestling upside is key, as Adrian Yañez has not faced a wrestler in the UFC. Simón is the hometown fighter, and Brady thinks he can mix in takedowns, cage push, and win minutes in the clinch to secure a decision.
Cody picks Yanez, believing his striking and takedown defense will be enough to win rounds. He's concerned about Simon's hometown advantage but thinks Yanez lands the more significant shots.
Connor picks Yañez, thinking that Simón doesn't want to win just by holding someone down and will engage in the pocket, where Yañez can catch him. He notes that Simón is square and takes his eyes off the target, and Yañez has power.
Daniel believes Yanez's boxing and takedown defense will be too much for Simon, who he thinks is past his best. He cites sources saying Yanez is sharp again and likes the underdog value.
The host picks Simón despite his poor fight IQ and tendency to strike instead of wrestle. He argues that Simón's wrestling is his path to victory, and Yanez's takedown defense is inflated because he has only faced strikers. Footage from Yanez's fight against Daniel Marcos shows he can be taken down and held down easily. However, the host warns that Simón may not commit to grappling, making this a risky bet.
The host sees Yañez as the better striker with good takedown defense and getups, allowing him to keep the fight standing. He believes Yañez's striking edge and reach advantage will allow him to piece up Simón, and he even suggests Yañez might score a knockout. He notes Simón's reliance on power and wrestling, but thinks Yañez can avoid the big shots and find a finish.
Paul leans Simon, citing his wrestling and hometown crowd. He thinks Simon's control time could sway judges, especially with the Seattle crowd.
The MMA Guru picks Ricky Simón, noting his improved demeanor and grappling ability. He believes Simón is well-rounded enough to grapple his way to a decision victory. He criticizes Adrian Yañez's recent performances, pointing out losses to Rob Font and Daniel Marcos, and suggests Yañez struggles against capable opponents. He expects Simón to mix in grappling and land good shots on the feet.
Zane picks Simón for the wrestling, noting that Simón has shown more interest in keeping people down recently. He is hesitant because Yañez has good defensive wrestling and is a higher output fighter, but he thinks Simón's wrestling will be the difference in a close fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 79 of 183 | 43% | 85 of 189 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:15 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 86 of 147 | 58% | 95 of 156 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 24 of 55 | 43% | 29 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 29 of 46 | 63% | 30 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:46 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 41 of 98 | 41% | 41 of 98 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 39 of 70 | 55% | 39 of 70 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 15 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 26 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 79 of 183 | 43% | 57 of 156 | 8 of 10 | 14 of 17 | 79 of 182 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 86 of 147 | 58% | 60 of 111 | 9 of 16 | 17 of 20 | 81 of 142 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 24 of 55 | 43% | 15 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 29 of 46 | 63% | 14 of 30 | 4 of 5 | 11 of 11 | 27 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 41 of 98 | 41% | 29 of 82 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 10 | 41 of 97 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 39 of 70 | 55% | 29 of 52 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 8 | 39 of 70 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 14 of 30 | 46% | 13 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 18 of 31 | 58% | 17 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Angelo picks Yañez as the better boxer with faster hands, expecting a striking-only fight. He notes Yañez's technical boxing, fight IQ, and 100% takedown defense, while Marcos is undefeated but untested against high-level strikers. He believes Marcos will be forced into a boxing match where Yañez has the edge. He cannot bet on this fight due to unknowns about Marcos.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos to win by second-round knockout. He likes Marcos's diverse striking (leg kicks, body kicks, head kicks) and thinks Yañez is hittable and has durability issues, noting Yañez was knocked out by Rob Font. He expects Marcos to hurt Yañez and finish him.
Cody picks Daniel Marcos, citing his durability, cardio, and pressure fighting. He notes that Yañez has been knocked out by strikers and struggles against volume. Marcos's ability to take a shot and keep coming forward is key. Cody sees this as a striker vs striker matchup where Marcos's durability gives him the edge.
Connor picks Marcos, citing that his game has smaller gaps and he is more consistent. He notes that Marcos can target Yañez's leg kicks and build momentum over rounds, while Yañez may fade if his initial blitz fails. Connor acknowledges it's a close fight and could go either way.
Daniel Vreeland picks Daniel Marcos, citing his high fight IQ and well-rounded skills. He notes that Yañez is one-dimensional with fast hands but predictable, while Marcos can box, kickbox, wrestle, and do jiu-jitsu. Vreeland expects Marcos to avoid unnecessary pocket exchanges and use a varied attack. He mentions the price (-225) is a bit high but still picks Marcos.
Lucrative James picks Daniel Marcos to win, citing Marcos' superior striking skills, clinch work, and leg kicks. He acknowledges Marcos' cardio issues in round three but believes Marcos has enough early upside to win the first two rounds or secure a finish. He notes Yañez's toughness and cardio but points out Yañez's vulnerabilities to leg kicks and head punches, as seen in past losses.
Marcos's calf-kicking abilities will render Yañez defenseless, leading to a TKO victory within the second or third round. The public line movement from -170 to -230 supports this pick.
Paul leans towards Marcos, citing his durability and undefeated record. He notes that Yañez has questionable durability and has been knocked out before. Paul is concerned if Marcos doesn't push the pace, but overall favors Marcos's volume and pressure.
The MMA Guru initially leans toward Adrian Yañez due to his slick hands and underdog status, but after reviewing Marcos' undefeated record and tougher competition on the regional scene, he switches to Daniel Marcos. He predicts Marcos will use lateral movement and leg kicks to win a close decision (29-28). He admits Yañez may have the talent edge but trusts Marcos' resume.
Zane leans toward Yañez because of his flashier punching and ability to hurt opponents. He notes that Marcos has a tendency to have inactive periods and can be hurt, which could be dangerous against Yañez. However, Zane is concerned about Yañez's leg kick defense and his tendency to start fast and fade.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 1 | 36 of 56 | 64% | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Vinicius Salvador | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 17 of 34 | 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 | Adrian Yañez | 1 | 36 of 56 | 64% | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Vinicius Salvador | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 17 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 36 of 56 | 64% | 27 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 9 | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 28 |
| Vinicius Salvador | 17 of 34 | 50% | 6 of 20 | 6 of 6 | 5 of 8 | 17 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 36 of 56 | 64% | 27 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 9 | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 28 |
| Vinicius Salvador | 17 of 34 | 50% | 6 of 20 | 6 of 6 | 5 of 8 | 17 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo acknowledges Adrian Yañez is the more technical striker with fast hands and real power, but he is coming off back-to-back finish losses and is a 3-to-1 favorite, which Angelo considers poor value. Vinicius Salvador is durable, has forward pressure, and is more well-rounded. Angelo leans Yañez due to his takedown defense and striking edge, but will not bet at current odds.
Cody sees this as a bounceback fight for Yañez, who is a slow starter but has the skills to take over. He notes Salvador is a career flyweight moving up, with no real power and poor takedown defense. Cody predicts Yañez will find his rhythm in the second round and potentially knock Salvador out in the third, as Salvador will feel the power of a true bantamweight.
Yañez has superior technical striking and underrated power. Salvador is 0-2 in the UFC, showboats, and has an unorthodox style but a good chin. Yañez should counter Salvador's flashy strikes and chip away to win a decision. A knockout is possible but not likely due to Salvador's durability.
Paul expects Yañez to get back on track after two tough losses. He notes Salvador is moving up from flyweight, where he was 0-2, and his striking volume and wrestling are not elite. Paul believes Yañez's boxing and body work will be too much, and he expects a finish later in the fight.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by TKO over Vinicius Salvador, calling it a 'layup' for Yañez. He criticizes Salvador's losses and lack of urgency, and believes Yañez's boxing will be superior. He notes that Yañez has shown takedown defense improvements and expects him to get back on track with a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 2 | 36 of 58 | 62% | 36 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 20 of 72 | 27% | 20 of 73 | 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 | Jonathan Martinez | 1 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 14 of 46 | 30% | 14 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 1 | 20 of 28 | 71% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 6 of 26 | 23% | 6 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 36 of 58 | 62% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 29 of 41 | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 20 of 72 | 27% | 9 of 59 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 66 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 16 of 30 | 53% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 2 | 15 of 23 | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 14 of 46 | 30% | 5 of 37 | 8 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 20 of 28 | 71% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 6 of 26 | 23% | 4 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez despite the massive line movement toward Martinez. He believes Yañez's boxing is cleaner and faster, and his 100% takedown defense should keep the fight standing. However, he notes Yañez needs to not be gun-shy after his knockout loss and let his hands go. He expects a great fight and potential Fight of the Night.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez in a close fight. He thinks Yañez has the volume and power advantage, with great boxing and hand speed, while Martinez relies on kicks. He sees it as a 15-minute striking match that goes to decision, and worries about judges but leans Yañez as a bounce-back spot after his loss to Rob Font.
Cody picks Martinez, arguing that Yañez is overhyped and has not faced top competition. He points to Yañez's struggles against Randy Costa and Davey Grant, and his loss to Rob Font. Cody highlights Martinez's five-fight win streak, including a dominant win over Cub Swanson, and believes his jab and kicks will trouble Yañez. He also notes Martinez's improved cardio and seasoning at Factory X.
The host picks Adrian Yañez as an underdog, surprised at the betting public flipping on him after his loss to Rob Font. He believes Yañez's boxing combinations and power will counter Martinez's kicking game. He expects Yañez to crash the pocket and land a knockout, likely in the first two rounds.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Yañez has not been tested by wrestlers and that Martinez could mix in takedowns. He points out that Martinez's kicks can keep the fight at range, neutralizing Yañez's boxing. Paul also mentions that Martinez's volume is lower but his striking is effective, and he expects Martinez to win two of three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez over Adrian Yañez. He notes Yañez's boxing is good but he has a weakness against kicks, as shown in his fight with Davey Grant (which he thinks Grant won). He praises Martinez's five-fight win streak, including wins over Cub Swanson and Said Nurmagomedov, and his ability to mix in low kicks. He believes Martinez has better momentum and will be more switched on, winning a close decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 1 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 33 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 54 | 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 | Rob Font | 1 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 33 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 33 of 75 | 44% | 30 of 69 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
| Adrian Yañez | 25 of 54 | 46% | 21 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 51 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 33 of 75 | 44% | 30 of 69 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
| Adrian Yañez | 25 of 54 | 46% | 21 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 51 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez but is not highly confident, noting that Rob Font is a clean technical striker who is very live. He thinks Yañez is a younger version of Font, faster and with more power, but Font has a good chin and could win. He warns that this could be a changing of the guard, but Font could also remind everyone he's still elite.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez despite wanting to pick Rob Font, due to Font's recent durability issues. He notes Font has taken massive damage in his last two fights and has been dropped repeatedly. He believes Yañez has power and volume, and can win by decision or knockout. He predicts a decision win for Yañez.
Cody agrees with Paul on Font. He points out that Yañez struggled early against Randy Costa, getting dominated in round one before Costa gassed. Cody believes Font's constant jab and long-range strikes will disrupt Yañez's timing and prevent him from landing his power shots. He sees Font's volume as overwhelming and thinks Yañez may struggle to find his rhythm. Cody also notes Font by decision at +200 is worth a look.
Connor picks Yañez because Font's defensive flaws are well-documented: he has poor footwork after committing to his right hand and relies on a static high guard. Yañez is a fantastic counter puncher who will find openings as Font falls into predictable rhythms. However, Connor notes that Yañez can be a slow starter and may lose the first round if Font's jab takes over. He also mentions that Yañez's high-output style can lead to fatigue, as seen against Davey Grant. Despite these concerns, Connor believes Yañez's sharp countering will eventually catch Font.
Jacob is extremely high on Adrian Yañez, calling him his guy and predicting he will be champion by 2025. He praises Yañez's beautiful boxing, combinations, and power. He believes Yañez will find the timing and land the more impactful shots, possibly finishing inside the distance. He acknowledges that Yañez can be a slow starter but trusts his dog mentality.
Font has high output, a great jab, and good footwork, but his durability is questionable after losses to Aldo and Vera. Yañez is a crisp boxer with power, but this is his toughest test. Font's volume and jab could frustrate Yañez, and Font's cardio should hold up. However, if Font's chin is shot, Yañez could land a big shot. I lean Font by decision but with hesitation.
Paul likes Rob Font as a plus-money underdog. He questions Yañez's level of competition, noting his wins are over lower-tier fighters and his only step-up against Davey Grant was a close split decision. Paul highlights Font's elite striking volume, footwork, and jab, and notes that Font has gone five rounds with top bantamweights. He acknowledges Font's tendency to get knocked down but believes his volume and experience will overwhelm Yañez.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by decision. He expects Font to have success early with his jab and takedowns, but Yañez will weather the storm and start finding his range. He predicts Yañez will hurt Font badly in rounds two and three, with moments of near-finishes, but Font will survive to the final bell. He compares it to a Marlon Vera-esque performance.
Zane picks Yañez because Font's defensive issues are severe: he gets hit cleanly in every fight and has been knocked down repeatedly. Yañez is a sharp counter puncher who will exploit Font's tendency to leave himself open after throwing the right hand. Zane acknowledges that Yañez may start slow and lose the first round, but he expects Yañez to figure out Font's rhythm and land big shots. He also notes that Font's chin is a major concern, as even if Yañez fades, he only needs one clean shot to change the fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 1 | 35 of 67 | 52% | 36 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Tony Kelley | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 21 of 50 | 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 | Adrian Yañez | 1 | 35 of 67 | 52% | 36 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Tony Kelley | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 21 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 35 of 67 | 52% | 29 of 60 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 29 of 60 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 |
| Tony Kelley | 20 of 49 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 6 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 35 of 67 | 52% | 29 of 60 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 29 of 60 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 |
| Tony Kelley | 20 of 49 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 6 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Tony Kelley in an upset, citing his forward pressure, volume, and ability to disrupt Adrian Yañez's rhythm. He notes Yañez's slow starts and willingness to brawl, which plays into Kelley's hands. He mentions Kelley's impressive win over Randy Costa (129 strikes to 32) and believes Kelley can maintain pace.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez to win by third-round knockout. He notes Yañez is a slow starter but has clear power advantage and good combinations, while Kelley is very hittable with 45% striking defense. He expects Kelley to win the first round but Yañez's damage to accumulate and lead to a late knockout.
Cody picks Yañez but emphasizes the over 2.5 rounds as the best bet on the card. He notes neither fighter has been finished and Yañez tends to have close fights. He thinks Yañez's technical striking will win but the fight goes to decision. He calls the over 2.5 a 'face slapper' line.
Daniel Levi leans Adrian Yañez, citing his cleaner hands and improved kicking game, plus the hometown advantage in Texas. However, he notes Yañez absorbs a lot of strikes (nearly six per minute) and Tony Kelley is a durable, high-output fighter who could make it competitive. Levi thinks it will be a close three-round fight and Yañez may get a decision, but the -280 price is too high for comfort. He acknowledges Kelley at +240 has value.
Paul is considering a Tony Kelley play, noting Yañez's struggles against aggressive fighters and his close split decisions. He thinks Kelley's durability and improved training with Andrea Lee make him a live underdog. He also likes the over 2.5 rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez, though he worries about his performance against Davey Grant. He believes Tony Kelley is tough but has been eking out close decisions. He expects Yañez to use better distance control and body shots, winning a decision (29-28 or 30-27) in a scrappy fight, with Kelley surviving but losing.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 98 of 273 | 35% | 98 of 274 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 100 of 255 | 39% | 100 of 255 | 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 | Adrian Yañez | 0 | 29 of 74 | 39% | 29 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 24 of 65 | 36% | 24 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Adrian Yañez | 0 | 27 of 92 | 29% | 27 of 93 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 31 of 81 | 38% | 31 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Adrian Yañez | 0 | 42 of 107 | 39% | 42 of 107 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 45 of 109 | 41% | 45 of 109 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 98 of 273 | 35% | 40 of 182 | 40 of 68 | 18 of 23 | 98 of 272 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 100 of 255 | 39% | 66 of 212 | 14 of 22 | 20 of 21 | 100 of 255 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 29 of 74 | 39% | 5 of 42 | 15 of 21 | 9 of 11 | 29 of 74 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 24 of 65 | 36% | 15 of 52 | 5 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 65 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Adrian Yañez | 27 of 92 | 29% | 19 of 66 | 3 of 18 | 5 of 8 | 27 of 91 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 31 of 81 | 38% | 21 of 70 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 31 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Adrian Yañez | 42 of 107 | 39% | 16 of 74 | 22 of 29 | 4 of 4 | 42 of 107 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 45 of 109 | 41% | 30 of 90 | 5 of 8 | 10 of 11 | 45 of 109 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The prelims were rough, but an immediate “Fight of the Night” contender greets fans in the main card opener between Yanez (14-3, 3-0 UFC) and Grant (13-5, 4-4 UFC), in an intriguing striker-grappler affair at 135 pounds. Yanez has won all three of his UFC outings by knockout, while Grant has never been knocked out with his last two victories also by KO. Something might have to give, and referee Herb Dean is ready to catch the chips that fall where they may. They touch gloves before getting down to business, and Yanez tries to get the fight over early with a huge right hand that whizzes past his target. Grant backs away, chops at the leg a few times, and then goes up higher with a kick. Yanez looks to counter Grant’s kicks, or attempts to check them down low. Yanez walks through a few kicks, and Grant keeps letting go with leg strikes of all direction. The front kicks land flush, and the Brit turns through a kick to spin with a back fist that just misses. An inside leg kick from Grant trips Yanez down to the ground, but Yanez gets up and aims a right hand across the bow. Grant stays composed, but Yanez bears down on him with one to the body and one to the head. Yanez scores a leg kick, and he clips his foe with a left hand. “Dangerous Davey” just misses with a spinning wheel kick, and Yanez blocks a subsequent flying knee so that he can let go with a few punches up top. Body kicks from both feet connect for Grant, and he just misses with a looping left hand. Yanez does not appear concerned and is calmly attempting to counter, with a right hook that is not far from the mark. Grant kicks Yanez in the calf again, causing Yanez to lose his footing, and Yanez gathers himself with a one-two that cuts Grant on the nose. Grant puts a few punches on Yanez, and Yanez slips a spinning wheel kick that comes right after. Grant stands tall and gets nailed with a left and a right, and the Houstonian ducks a punch to nail Grant with a right hand. Grant shakes it off and raises his arms in the air to celebrate a tough scrap, and they stand right in front of one another and bang. When they back away, Grant keeps his distance with reaching front and high kicks. Grant takes a leg kick, and a punch that busts his nose up a little more. The Brit spins with a hook kick to the legs in the vein of Andy Hug, and Yanez shrugs it off so that he can wind up a right hand. Grant swings and misses, and he turns all the way through with a tornado punch after a full rotation. Right after that bounces off Yanez’ shoulder, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yanez
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Yanez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yanez
Round 2
The bantamweights clap hands before getting right to it, with heavy strikes right out of the gate. Grant backs off to land a low kick, and then a combination of punches follows. Shortly after another kick to the calf from Grant, Yanez snipes him with a right hand but Grant is not fazed. They trade ferociously, and one kick collides with Yanez’ cup, but Yanez does not want to pause. Grant keeps his range with kicks, and he tries to spin with them but Yanez sees them coming. Yanez brushes off punches and kicks, but a scraping finger to the eye makes the American take a break. Dean brings in the doctor, who lets Yanez wipe his own eye out. After a minute to recover and blink it out, they clap hands to start off again. Grant surges forward with a single-leg takedown try immediately, and Yanez stuffs it and even tags Grant with a right hand as they separate. Yanez begins to chop at Grant’s legs with kicks, and they go back to full-throated brawling, with each landing cleanly and not budging. Grant’s nose gets battered even more after absorbing blows, but he does not seem to care as he spins with a back fist and then a follow-up punch with the momentum. Yanez stays composed, but Grant swipes a right hand around the guard right in the face. Yanez scores a one-two, and Grant is right there to answer back. These two bantamweights are not afraid of the other’s power, and they have complete faith in their chins as they are unloading with ferocious strikes. A looping punch leads to a knee, and Grant lands to score a few punches and shake Yanez up a little. The Houstonian wears it well and marches forward to engage, but Grant’s looping shots still find their home on the nose. Grant keeps his hands wide, using awkward striking and the occasional head kick to keep Yanez honest. A few more dangerous shots from “Dangerous Davey” connect right before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Yanez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 3
The gloves get touched to start the last round, and they unload immediately. Grant lands a few kicks, including a head kick that glances off the side of Yanez’ head, and Yanez tries to return fire. Yanez flicks out a jab or two, and Grant still manages to connect with his wild right hand. Grant rushes forward with his sprinting, spinning blow, but Yanez sees it coming and tries to intercept him with a heavy calf kick. Grant checks it, and Yanez marks him up with a one-two. Grant shrugs it off to attack with a flying knee, and he winds up with power punches even as Yanez scores a clean combination right on the face. Yanez sinks in a one-two, and Grant comes back at him with a spinning back kick. Yanez connects with a single right hand, and Grant eats it so that he can chain together a combination of punches and a head kick. Yanez’ strikes are cleaner and crisper, while Grant’s looping punches sound louder. Yanez dings Grant with a few punches, and Grant is right there every time to throw right back at him even as the blood continues to flow. Yanez sticks out a piston-like jab several times to bloody Grant up badly, and Grant is able to still be in his face throwing everything and the kitchen sink. The easiest pick for “Fight of the Night” so far is going down in the cage tonight, and Yanez triples up on a jab only to absorb a flush overhand right. Grant lines up a left hook, and then another, as Yanez tries to defend himself. Yanez continues to batter Grant with a jab, and the jab is disrupting the ridiculous hooks of his opponent. Yanez is able to stick and move, rolling with the telegraphed power punches and letting them hit his shoulder. Yanez lands jab after jab, and Grant lets it go with a leaping kick, a few wild punches, a knee and a couple more punchers for good measure. Yanez stays light on his feet, dodging and weaving from most of them while piercing the guard with his jab. The fight ends with a fun exchange, putting a cap on the best fight on the card so far. When the battle ends, Yanez collapses to the ground in tears, letting out all of his emotions as he mourns his fallen coach Saul Soliz.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yanez (29-28 Yanez)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Yanez (30-27 Yanez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yanez (29-28 Yanez)
The Official Result
Adrian Yanez def. Davey Grant via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez but is hesitant, noting Davey Grant has a clear path to victory via grappling. He acknowledges Yañez is the cleaner striker with a good chin, but Grant is a grappler at heart who could mix in takedowns. He does not place a bet because he sees value on Grant as a live dog. He expects Yañez to win but not confidently enough to bet.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez to win by third-round knockout. He praises Yañez's striking, speed, and volume, and notes his 100% takedown defense in the UFC. He believes Davey Grant's recent striking success won't work against Yañez, and that Yañez has paths to victory both on the feet and on the ground. He predicts Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant.
Cody picks Yañez despite the high price. He praises Yañez's crisp boxing and compares him to Jorge Masvidal. He notes that Yañez is a slow starter but takes over as opponents fade, as seen against Randy Costa. He believes Yañez's striking is superior and that Grant is hittable, having been wobbled in recent fights. Cody is concerned about Grant's takedowns and top game, but thinks Yañez's takedown defense will hold up and he will win rounds two and three.
Daniel Levi confidently picks Adrian Yañez to knock out Davey Grant. He praises Yañez's clean hands, countering ability, and toughness, noting that he has never been knocked out. He criticizes Grant's chin-up style and wild looping shots, believing Yañez's superior boxing will capitalize on openings. Levi predicts Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant.
Lock thinks Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant. He notes Grant has never been KO'd but has taken damage, especially in his last fight. Yañez has straight punches and speed advantage, and Lock believes he will counter Grant's looping hooks. He likes Yañez by KO at around -105 rather than the -310 moneyline.
Paul likes Yañez's hands but is concerned about the -320 price. He points out that Yañez had a bad first round against Randy Costa, looking gun-shy and overwhelmed by volume. He notes that Davey Grant is tough, has never been knocked out, and brings volume and pressure. Paul thinks Yañez could be a live bet candidate if he starts slow again. He is waiting for weigh-ins before committing fully.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by KO in the first round. He notes that Davey Grant is open to shots, as seen in his fight against Jonathan Martinez where he was dropped. He highlights Yañez's quick hands, reach advantage, and training with Aljamain Sterling, which gives him confidence in grappling defense. He expects Yañez to find his range, land a big shot as Grant loads up, and finish with ground and pound.
Davey Grant - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 0 | 162 of 307 | 52% | 164 of 309 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Adrián Luna Martinetti | 0 | 99 of 196 | 50% | 100 of 199 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 0 | 44 of 89 | 49% | 46 of 91 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Adrián Luna Martinetti | 0 | 18 of 41 | 43% | 18 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 0 | 54 of 105 | 51% | 54 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrián Luna Martinetti | 0 | 38 of 79 | 48% | 38 of 79 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 0 | 64 of 113 | 56% | 64 of 113 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrián Luna Martinetti | 0 | 43 of 76 | 56% | 44 of 79 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 162 of 307 | 52% | 56 of 183 | 45 of 59 | 61 of 65 | 148 of 289 | 14 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrián Luna Martinetti | 99 of 196 | 50% | 48 of 136 | 37 of 43 | 14 of 17 | 91 of 183 | 8 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 44 of 89 | 49% | 8 of 46 | 12 of 17 | 24 of 26 | 41 of 86 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrián Luna Martinetti | 18 of 41 | 43% | 6 of 25 | 7 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 18 of 40 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 54 of 105 | 51% | 18 of 62 | 15 of 20 | 21 of 23 | 50 of 100 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrián Luna Martinetti | 38 of 79 | 48% | 19 of 58 | 16 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 35 of 73 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 64 of 113 | 56% | 30 of 75 | 18 of 22 | 16 of 16 | 57 of 103 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrián Luna Martinetti | 43 of 76 | 56% | 23 of 53 | 14 of 16 | 6 of 7 | 38 of 70 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grant (-120); Luna (+100)
Round 1
Getting a high card placement in his promotional debut, Martinetti (17-1, 0-0 UFC) dazzled in his incredible all-out battle on the Contender Series with Mark Vologdin last year. Whether he will be able to keep that momentum of 15 consecutive victories and a good amount of hype on his side, he will have to go through Grant (17-8, 8-7 UFC) to fully introduce himself to the UFC brass. Referee Chris Tognoni will keep tabs on the bantamweights, stepping back as they touch gloves to get going.
Grant lets loose a nearly calf kick, and he checks one coming back his way. Grant chops at the lead leg a few more times, with Grant ready for checks as he expects retaliation from the Ecuadorian. Grant flicks out his jab and stomps down at the knee with a kick, winging a right hand to the ribs after it. Martinetti is stuck dealing with Grant’s offense to offer much of his own, tossing out three of his own kicks amidst Grant’s accurate swings. Grant knocks Martinetti down with a kick, and he slips a few punches to let go with a right hand. Grant tosses out a head kick, one to the body and dings his foe with a right hand, sliding away from the counter in a hurry. Martinetti keeps after him, landing with a solid uppercut and a low kick. He shrugs at Grant when Grant hurls a right hand that partially lands on the temple. Grant’s kicks are consistent and Martinetti’s movement is keeping him safe from the worst of it. Grant steps in with a right hand, and Martinetti chambers and swings back but does not land nearly as cleanly.
Grant’s calf kick is starting to give the newcomer pause, who has a hitch in his step as he uses a knee shield and freezes when doing so. This allow Grant to let his hands go when Martinetti’s leg is in the air. Martinetti bites down on his mouthpiece to throw leather, and when he ducks down, Grant drills him with a knee on the forehead. Martinetti keeps pushing forward, and Grant is starting to time his movement and flusters the man from Ecuador with his kicks. Grant lands another knee when Martinetti leans over, and when Martinetti skitters back, Grant chops at the lead leg. Martinetti answers back with a spinning back kick, and he shoots for a takedown after that does not score. Grant lands a combination beginning and ending with a calf kick, and Martinetti is unable to find a pattern and just has to swing back with sheer power. Grant is able to dodge them, brushing past a jump knee and watching a swinging kick go past him after Martinetti lands. The round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 2
The fighters touch gloves, and within seconds, Grant lashes out with his low kick and a few more kicks after it. Martinetti plods forward, seemingly ignoring the kicks so he can trade vicious leather. He keeps after Grant, pushing the pace and forcing Grant to fight off his back foot, but that does not bother the Brit. Grant is content to crush the front leg with enough kicks to force Martinetti to change stances, and when that happens, he kicks the other leg. A right hand from Martinetti opens a cut on Grant’s temple, who pays it no mind and circles away to drill his foe with a left hand. Grant nearly kicks out the newly placed front leg, and he misses a head kick and recovers it to a side kick. Martinetti rushes ever forward, and Grant deals with the largely single strikes aimed at him to chain two or three together. Martinetti elbows Grant to back him off, and he doubles up with body shots to allow him to close in and shoot for a double. Grant scores a few knees before pushing out of the clinch, flicking punches and kicks out to varied targets with aplomb.
Martinetti keeps pinning shots to the body, but they are largely single swings while Grant strings a few together. Martinetti stays right in front of Grant, taking everything he throws at him in hopes of giving him back power. Martinetti stomps at the knee and spins with a back fist, the swing missing and opening him up to heavy right hand. Martinetti has to blink it out, and Grant targets it with one more and ducks to circle away. Grant stays in the pocket to throw hands, Martinetti scoring to the body while he shells up from the head shots. Martinetti pocket boxes to get off short but solid uppercuts, and Grant breaks his front leg down with kicks to force Martinetti to switch back to orthodox. Fists fly from both sides, with Grant getting slightly pushed back but by no means struggling with the pressure. Grant sinks in a brutal calf kick and beans Martinetti with two hooks, and he raises his hands in the air to celebrate his handiwork. Feeling himself, Grant keeps his hands up and takes a spinning back fist right in the face, laughing at it and encouraging Martinetti to hit him with more. A few more punches from Grant conclude the violent round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 3
The fighters lather up those in the building at the Apex to start off the final frame, with Grant immediately scoring with accurate combinations. Martinetti presses towards him and pursues a takedown, backing Grant down to the wall but not grounding him. Grant stays right in front of his foe, consistently striking with anything that comes to mind at that moment. His unpredictability, mixed in with a non-recurring pattern of solid low kicks, irritate Martinetti. Martinetti gathers his thoughts and starts loading up, landing on Grant with a right hand and a body kick. Grant shrugs it off and keeps his guard up to block a sudden flurry of fists. Martinetti spins with a back kick aimed up high that careens off the gloves, and Grant greets him in the proverbial phone booth with elbows and short punches. Martinetti is hellbent for leather, swinging with reckless abandon, while commentator John Gooden remarks that “these two gentlemen woke up and chose violence.” How fitting.
It is all gas, no brakes for these two bantamweights, who trade no matter the damage, pain or impact from any of the numerous blows absorbed thus far. Grant may be leaking from a few spots around his face, but he might not even register the damage as he sits down on a left hand to rock the Ecuadorian. Martinetti’s nostrils spray blood as Grant’s fists meet them again and again, and Martinetti sells out for a low takedown and hits the ankle pick to put Grant on his seat. Grant turns to his knee with the wall at his side, and Martinetti climbs to his back to search for a choke. Grant wills his way upright, and Martinetti drags him right back down. The squirming Brit works his way back to his feet, and the two men decide it’s time to stand and bang. They proceed to duke it out with no fear of reprisal, and Martinetti even tries a Hail Mary rolling thunder kick that Grant dodges but celebrates. They reach the final horn, and celebrate their handiwork, very likely the frontrunners for the $100K “Fight of the Night” bonus that was still quite up for grabs.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
The Official Result
Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo confidently picks Adrián Luna Martinetti, citing his insane volume, solid chin, and solid takedown defense. He notes that Davey Grant is 40 years old with a poor chin, and expects Martinetti to overwhelm him with strikes. He is surprised the odds are close and has bet on Martinetti.
Big Brady picks Davey Grant over Adrián Luna Martinetti. He notes Grant's age (40) but sees no decline, citing recent performances. He believes Grant is the better striker and more durable, and expects a competitive fight that Grant wins by decision.
The host believes Grant is a lot better than Martinez, who looked like a basic striker with poor wrestling and cardio in his Contender Series fight. Grant is more experienced, skilled, powerful, and has better cardio despite being 40. He acknowledges the risk of age-related decline but thinks Grant should win comfortably. He will bet Grant.
James picks Martinetti due to his youth (10-year age advantage) and similar high-volume style. He thinks Martinetti's takedowns and durability will outlast Grant, who is 40 and coming off a quick loss. He predicts a decision win.
Grant is a pressure fighter with power and a BJJ black belt, but he has been submitted multiple times. Martinetti is an unorthodox striker with good grappling, but his striking defense is suspect. Grant should be able to walk Martinetti down and land big shots, leading to a knockout. However, Martinetti could also land a flashy strike and submit Grant. The fight is expected to be chaotic and finish early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 1 | 25 of 43 | 58% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 9 of 26 | 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 | Charles Jourdain | 1 | 25 of 43 | 58% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 25 of 43 | 58% | 20 of 35 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 |
| Davey Grant | 9 of 26 | 34% | 3 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 25 of 43 | 58% | 20 of 35 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 |
| Davey Grant | 9 of 26 | 34% | 3 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-170); Grant (+140)
Round 1
Hold onto your hats, because Jourdain (16-8-1, 7-7-1 UFC) and Grant (17-7, 8-6 UFC) are about to trade leather. The bantamweights that tend to put on a show will be officiated by referee Jason Herzog. They opt to bump fists before jacking one another on the jaw.
Grant strides forward, and he catches an oncoming body kick. He releases it and lets fly a clubbing calf kick. Jourdain bounces off the fence and is just out of range from another kick to the midsection. Jourdain tags his man with a one-two, and Grant opens up with his own overhand right. Jourdain times a jump knee as Grant bears down on him, and he misses by a matter of inches. Grant hammers home another low kick, and he blocks a big knee. Jourdain lines up a straight left hand down the middle, and he whiffs on a looping left of his own. Jourdain absorbs a pair of punches and has to bounce on his heels to gets his bearings, and then leaps into action with a head kick and a powerful right hand. Grant grins at him and asks for more, so Jourdain obliges him. Grant throws back hard. Jourdain catches Grant with his jump knee, and Grant is tough but his forehead is split ever so slightly.
Grant calms himself and looses a heavy leg kick, and he gets blasted with another head kick. Jourdain finds the target with his flying knee, and Grant’s nose explodes in a bloody mess and topples to his back in a bad way.
Jourdain leaps on top and hammers the Brit with ground-and-pound, and Grant somehow survives even though his face is quickly transforming into a crimson mask. Grant turns over, and the Canadian sees his opening and snatches up his preferred move of a power guillotine choke. The moment that Jourdain, who has the grip clutched tight as can be, rolls Grant over, Grant taps out as fast as he can.
Even with Herzog getting between them in a timely manner, Grant appears to at least partially go out, as when he stands back up looking like a victim in an 80's slasher film, he finds that he is not quite capable of doing so on his own. The crowd goes ballistic.
The Official Result
Charles Jourdain def. Davey Grant R1 3:05 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Angelo picks Davey Grant, citing his forward pressure, solid defense, and durability. He notes Charles Jourdain has cleaned up his wild style but may still be exploitable. Grant's age and chin are concerns, but his recent wins over Blackshear and a close fight with Marcos give confidence.
Big Brady likes Jourdain fighting at home and thinks the judges favor him. He notes Grant is 39 and father time is undefeated, especially at lower weight classes. He thinks Jourdain is getting Grant at the right time and picks him by decision, though he won't lay -170.
Cody picks Jourdain, citing his volume and unorthodox striking. He notes Grant doesn't wrestle much, which plays into Jourdain's strengths. Jourdain's takedown defense is a concern, but Grant doesn't shoot. Cody expects Jourdain to win by decision or late stoppage.
Connor leans toward Davey Grant, citing Grant's consistent toughness, awkwardness, and ability to capitalize on retreating opponents. He notes that Jourdain can drift and have wrong ideas, and that Grant's pressure and durability could cause Jourdain trouble, especially given Jourdain's poor defensive wrestling and tendency to improvise. Connor also mentions the age gap (Grant is 39) but still favors Grant's reliability.
James finds this a tough fight to call, noting both fighters have struggled with certain styles. He leans toward Jourdain due to his better career trajectory and Grant's age (39). James mentions Jourdain's guillotine threat but expects a close fight.
The host thinks Jourdain's youth, speed, unorthodox striking, and dangerous BJJ will help him chip away at Grant, pull off a desperation takedown, and eventually snatch a submission victory.
Paul picks Grant, citing his value as a dog. He notes Grant is always game and has good volume. Jourdain's weight cut to 135 is a concern, and Grant can exploit that. Paul plans to bet Grant at plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Jourdain over Davey Grant. He initially considered Grant due to his underdog success but believes Jourdain's skills are superior. He notes Jourdain's ability to beat opponents to the punch on the inside and his guillotine threats. He predicts Jourdain will catch Grant with a straight shot and possibly finish by TKO or guillotine, citing Grant's neck surgeries.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Davey Grant. He emphasizes that Grant is always tough and crafty, and that Jourdain often shows up with the wrong plan or no plan, resorting to wild brawling that doesn't work well. Zane acknowledges that Grant's success can't last forever at 39, but he still expects Grant to deliver.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 0 | 66 of 130 | 50% | 66 of 133 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 33 of 74 | 44% | 36 of 78 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 | 0 | 3:52 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:52 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 0 | 29 of 57 | 50% | 29 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 17 of 33 | 51% | 18 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 0 | 34 of 68 | 50% | 34 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 14 of 37 | 37% | 14 of 37 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 66 of 130 | 50% | 17 of 67 | 27 of 39 | 22 of 24 | 65 of 128 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 33 of 74 | 44% | 12 of 45 | 7 of 13 | 14 of 16 | 31 of 72 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 29 of 57 | 50% | 9 of 31 | 13 of 19 | 7 of 7 | 29 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 17 of 33 | 51% | 6 of 17 | 5 of 9 | 6 of 7 | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 34 of 68 | 50% | 8 of 35 | 14 of 20 | 12 of 13 | 33 of 67 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 14 of 37 | 37% | 4 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 8 of 9 | 13 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blackshear (-270); Grant (+210)
Round 1
Turning 40 in December, Grant (16-7, 7-6 UFC) knows he may be fast approaching the age cliff, although he did win his last bout. He faces a submission magician in Blackshear (17-7-1, 5-3-1 UFC) nearly a decade his junior, which might not be in his best interest as “Dangerous Davey” posts more losses by sub than any other method. With three rounds to work, the bantamweights meet in the middle with no plan on bumping fists, and referee Jason Herzog will take it from there.
Grant opens up with wide low kicks to the thigh, hoping to keep an arc on them that would dissuade an early takedown effort. He goes after the longer legs of Blackshear a few times on the inside and out, and Blackshear still manages to pursue a takedown and hit it. Grant scoots his way to put his back to the fence, and he uses his legs to try to post off and gets some space from “Da Monster.” Grant gets to a knee, and Blackshear welcomes this as he hops to the side and slides a hook in. Blackshear sneaks his leg around the other side, and he follows a turning Grant until he can secure both hooks.
Blackshear does not set up a body triangle, instead retaining control while thwarting attempts to buck and escape. Grant turns over and finds himself in submission danger, as Blackshear grips hold of what turns into a face and neck crank rather than a textbook rear-naked choke. Grant toughs it out and tries to get out of the back take, only for Blackshear to turn to the proper direction to isolate the Brit’s left arm for a potential armbar. Grant stays heavy on his opponent to not allow Blackshear to extend a limb, and he explodes just enough to wrench his arm out of danger. Grant rains down a couple left hands and an elbow as the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Round 2
Grant takes to the center of the cage to start the round, walking down the grappler and punching him a couple times in the stomach. Grant’s blitz forces Blackshear to ricochet off the wire, and he digs a kick to the ribs. Grant doubles up on a jab and follows with an overhand right that is parried, but his jab to the midsection does connect. They back off to disengage for a time, reaching one another with single low kicks but little else. Grant turns his hips into a thumping kick to the lead leg, and Blackshear drives him away with an overhand right. Grant plants punches to the midsection, a left to the dome and a head kick on the other side to keep Blackshear guessing.
Blackshear rebounds off the wire but has become target practice at this point, with little offense offered on his side other than the occasional kick. Grant times a shot by catching Blackshear with an uppercut, and he gets his foe’s attention with a string of punches to follow. Blackshear nods at him, and he wades forward trying to mask a takedown setup with punches that he does not let fly. Both men land hard punches, but Grant’s are far heavier and knock Blackshear back a step or two when he lands flush. Blackshear circles on the outside offering a body kick and keeping his guard up to block a series of punches and a high kick, the similar combination to earlier. Blackshear goes for body kicks, and Grant peppers him with punches and a low kick that makes Blackshear evaluate his footing. As Grant spams high kicks, the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 3
The bantamweights reach the final frame, and Blackshear says hello again with a calf kick. Grant misses his counter, and Blackshear jabs him up and opens a cut on the bridge of his foe’s nose. Grant is putting a lot of mustard behind his swings, including two concussive blows that make Blackshear bounce off the fencing. Blackshear responds with kicks, but Grant’s fists are having an impact as Blackshear reacts poorly when struck. Grant keeps his man guessing with mixed up punches and kicks to varied targets, like a calf kick to a body shot to a high kick upstairs in rapid succession.
Blackshear targets the wounded spot on his opponent’s forehead to set up a takedown, and Grant’s defense holds up as he clubs “Da Monster” in the jaw with a right hand after stopping the shot. Blackshear goes to his knees for a double, and Grant once more tosses it aside and hurls a right hand at his foe. Blackshear tries to intercept the hard-charging Brit with a knee, and Grant avoids it and starts hammering the front leg with kicks as Blackshear is starting to limp. The kicks from Grant are so powerful that getting checked splits his shin open, as blood flows down his foot to leave partial scarlet footprints around the Octagon. This does not slow him from pitching kicks one second, as he keeps beating on the taller man’s front leg until Blackshear switches stances. When this happens, Grant starts kicking the other leg, and he stops a takedown in its tracks and holds back on firing off a knee that would have been illegal. He lets Blackshear stand, marching him down and hurling right hands at him. Blackshear blocks the worst of them, evading the final strikes as the match comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant (29-28 Grant)
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Grant (29-28 Grant)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant (29-28 Grant)
The Official Result
Davey Grant def. Da'Mon Blackshear via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Da'Mon Blackshear, stating he wins 7 out of 10 times. He notes Blackshear's athletic striking, speed, power, and grappling, but worries about his hesitancy. Davey Grant is old, chinny, but relentless with volume. Angelo likely will bet on Blackshear but wishes he knew Blackshear would let his hands go.
Big Brady picks Da'Mon Blackshear but with hesitation, noting Blackshear has not wrestled in his last four fights despite having a huge grappling advantage. He believes if Blackshear grapples, he will win easily via submission, but if he strikes, he could lose to Grant's awkward volume and power. He predicts a first-round submission.
Blackshear should be able to chip away at Grant from distance, mix in takedowns, and ultimately lock up a submission to force the tap.
The MMA Guru picks Da'Mon Blackshear over Davey Grant, citing Blackshear's underrated submission and grappling game, and his composed performance against Eli Alateng. He worries Grant may have declined after neck surgery and time off. He predicts a second-round finish by submission or TKO after a wild first round.
Angelo describes Davey Grant as an awkward fighter who wins fights despite looking like he's losing, with good fight IQ and the ability to survive early storms. He notes Daniel Santos is a typical Chute Boxe fighter with explosive power but no striking defense and poor takedown defense. Angelo predicts Grant will survive an early onslaught, then grind Santos against the cage and win rounds two and three. He considers waiting for prop bets but is confident Grant pulls it off.
Big Brady picks the underdog Davey Grant, noting Santos's long layoff and hittability. He believes Grant has improved with age, has better accuracy, and an awkward style. He expects a close fight but sees Grant winning a decision, possibly a split.
Despite being 39, Grant has recently showcased he can still compete against young prospects. He is expected to engage in a pocket exchange and uncork a big shot to knock Santos out.
The Guru is very confident in Davey Grant, calling him a phenom who defies aging logic. He praises Grant's speed, power, long limbs, and snappy kicks, and believes he will TKO Daniel Santos. He notes Grant's win over Jonathan Martinez as a fraud check and thinks Grant's high-volume, Muay Thai style will overwhelm Santos, leading to a finish or dominant decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 0 | 147 of 290 | 50% | 147 of 290 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ramon Taveras | 0 | 69 of 156 | 44% | 69 of 156 | 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 | Davey Grant | 0 | 39 of 72 | 54% | 39 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ramon Taveras | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 0 | 45 of 89 | 50% | 45 of 89 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ramon Taveras | 0 | 25 of 49 | 51% | 25 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 0 | 63 of 129 | 48% | 63 of 129 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ramon Taveras | 0 | 32 of 73 | 43% | 32 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 147 of 290 | 50% | 50 of 158 | 42 of 67 | 55 of 65 | 147 of 290 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramon Taveras | 69 of 156 | 44% | 63 of 149 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 67 of 152 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 39 of 72 | 54% | 5 of 28 | 15 of 22 | 19 of 22 | 39 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramon Taveras | 12 of 34 | 35% | 10 of 32 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 45 of 89 | 50% | 16 of 46 | 12 of 22 | 17 of 21 | 45 of 89 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramon Taveras | 25 of 49 | 51% | 23 of 47 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 45 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 63 of 129 | 48% | 29 of 84 | 15 of 23 | 19 of 22 | 63 of 129 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramon Taveras | 32 of 73 | 43% | 30 of 70 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 32 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Taveras (-130), Grant (+110)
Round 1
The bantamweight fight will be overseen by Keith Peterson. Grant lands a solid leg kick to start. Taveras takes the center of the Octagon. A nice straight right lands for Taveras, who is timing it well as Grant comes in. Grant is finding distance with his kicks. Grant is staying on the outside and throwing side kicks. Nice right hand from Grant to the body. A body kick from Grant slaps into the side of Taveras. Grant is the much more active fighter so far. A sneaky right hand lands for Grant, who then lands a head kick. Taveras eats two leg kicks but throws a nice straight left. A low blow lands for Grant, so Taveras will take time to recover. The fight restarts with under two minutes left. Nice side kick from Grant. Taveras avoids a big right hand and is able to counter with some hooks. A night left for Taveras, who is starting to find his distance. Grant still finding success with leg kicks. Grant misses a spinning kick. A nice combination of hooks land for Grant, who misses a spinning back fist as the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 2
Taveras takes the center of the cage again but comes up short trying to fire punches back at Grant, who continues to land kicks at range. Grant gets clipped by a big left hand from Taveras, who allows his opponent to get back up. Grant still looks rocked, but Taveras isn't rushing. Grant seems to have recovered but isn't nearly as confident. Taveras is loading up on big shots as an overhand left misses. A head kick for Grant is blocked. Grant falls after attempting a spin kick but gets back up without taking much damage. Taveras is once again failing to do much in terms of output. Big left hook comes up short for Taveras. Grant lands a big swinging right hook of his own. Several kicks land for Grant. Big hooks land for Grant as Taveras shows how good his chin is. Taveras avoids a spinning back fist but is being outstruck here despite the big moment early on. Grant doing a good job of following up his punches with kicks. The round ends with Grant swinging wildly with hooks and then landing a kick to the shin.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 3
Taveras eats a big right hook to start the final round. Grant was told not to spin by his coaches between rounds and has been following their direction. Taveras is finding his distance and landing a nice jab. Grant gets busier and hurts Taveras with a left hook. Grant is once again staying busier. Nice body kick lands for Grant, who follows it up with hooks. Grant's pace is really impressive to be getting busier in the third round. Grant lands a nice leg kick and is throwing hard to the body. Two minutes left. Taveras is defending well but needs to be landing. A big right straight lands for Grant, who stuns Taveras late. Really strong performance from Grant, who has really separated himself from Taveras as a far more varied and better striker. One minute left, and Taveras needs something big. Taveras is looking for a big shot but not throwing. Grant eats a right hand but comes back with several punches of his own. Taveras is swinging wildly in the last 20 seconds but most aren't connecting. The fight ends with Grant jabbing his way to what will be a clear-cut decision.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
The Official Result
Davey Grant def. Ramon Taveras via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27); R3, 5:00.
Angelo picks Taveras due to his power and hand speed, which he believes will be too much for the aging Davey Grant. He notes Grant's blind forward pressure and lack of output, while Taveras is a powerful southpaw striker with good takedown defense. He expects Taveras to look good despite the experience gap.
Big Brady picks Ramon Taveras to win by decision, but is hesitant due to concerns about Grant's neck surgery and long layoff. He notes Taveras has heavy hands and has knocked down opponents in almost every fight, but worries about Taveras's chin. He originally leaned Grant but flipped after learning about Grant's neck surgery and age (39). He thinks Grant might look like a shell of himself.
Cody picks Davey Grant, citing his experience, durability, and well-rounded skills. He notes that Taveras is a one-round fighter who gasses, and Grant's volume and pressure will overwhelm him. Cody believes Grant's grappling and striking are superior, and he expects a finish or clear decision.
Connor also picks Grant, emphasizing that Grant's game makes sense despite his poor technique, and that he has a good understanding of tempo and momentum. He notes that Taveras is a fighter who backs up against the cage and throws counter combinations, leaving himself open. Until Grant shows signs of decline, Connor will pick him over a fighter like Taveras.
Daniel Vreeland picks Ramon Taveras, citing his fast hands and boxing skills for MMA. He notes Davey Grant is coming off neck surgery at 39, and Taveras is nearly 10 years younger. Vreeland believes Taveras could knock out Grant, though he acknowledges Grant's calf kicks could be a factor. He expects a banger and leans toward the younger fighter.
Grant's strength of schedule, durability, and cardio advantage will allow him to land big shots on Ramon Taveras, leading to a knockout victory. The public has been backing Grant this week, which aligns with the pick.
Paul picks Davey Grant, citing his experience and ability to go toe-to-toe with top fighters. He notes that Taveras is untested and Grant's submission skills could be a factor. Paul expects Grant to win, possibly by submission.
The MMA Guru picks Davey Grant, citing his history as a tricky underdog who has been competitive against tough opponents. He believes Grant's leg kicks and body work will keep Taveras at bay, and notes that Taveras is a flat-footed boxer who has been finished before. He acknowledges Grant's recent neck surgery and age (38) but dismisses those as reasons to bet against him, stating that Taveras is not a dangerous enough prospect to beat Grant.
Zane picks Grant confidently, describing him as a legitimate technical brawler with a great feel for fighting, despite his ugly technique. He notes that Grant has given tough fights to better strikers like Adrian Yanez and Daniel Marcos, while Taveras has a record built on beating low-level competition and barely beat Serhiy Sidey. Zane sees this as a levels matchup where Grant should win by knockout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 70 of 215 | 32% | 70 of 215 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 48 of 140 | 34% | 49 of 141 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 16 of 49 | 32% | 16 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 13 of 35 | 37% | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 26 of 75 | 34% | 26 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 15 of 51 | 29% | 15 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 28 of 91 | 30% | 28 of 91 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 20 of 54 | 37% | 21 of 55 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 70 of 215 | 32% | 17 of 127 | 27 of 55 | 26 of 33 | 70 of 213 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 48 of 140 | 34% | 21 of 90 | 6 of 24 | 21 of 26 | 47 of 139 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 16 of 49 | 32% | 1 of 28 | 7 of 10 | 8 of 11 | 16 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 13 of 35 | 37% | 1 of 15 | 2 of 8 | 10 of 12 | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 26 of 75 | 34% | 9 of 48 | 8 of 15 | 9 of 12 | 26 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 15 of 51 | 29% | 4 of 33 | 3 of 8 | 8 of 10 | 14 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 28 of 91 | 30% | 7 of 51 | 12 of 30 | 9 of 10 | 28 of 89 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 20 of 54 | 37% | 16 of 42 | 1 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 20 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marcos (-140), Grant (+120)
Round 1
In the one corner, “Dangerous Davey” Grant (15-6, 6-5 UFC) stands firm, ready to represent his home country. In the other, lead-fisted and lead-kneed Peruvian Marcos (14-0, 1-0 UFC) puts his unblemished record on the line. Grant has only been defeated in the past via submission, while Marcos has never before forced a foe to tap out. Something’s gotta give in this newly minted bantamweight main card opener that could be a banger, and it begins with a glove touch. Referee Marc Goddard adjusts his gloves, pulls up his pants and sits back to observed the proceedings, and The two fighters come out to the middle of the cage to engage, and Grant goes first with a heavy leg kick. Grant walks down Marcos and kicks on the inside, and he throws one more to the outer calf. Marcos replies with one that sends Grant off-balance, but the Brit adjusts himself and continues coming forward. Grant pushes out a front kick, and he wings a right hand that slides off the top of the guard to bounce off Marcos’ temple. Marcos shrugs at him and kicks so hard on the calf that he takes Grant off his feet. Grant jumps back up and rips a kick to the ribs, and he checks a kick that comes his way. Grant turns an uppercut into a spinning back fist, and Marcos dances out of the way and keeps his guard up high to stop another strike from getting through. Grant comes out swinging, throwing a right hook that puts himself off-balance, and Marcos does not capitalize on it but is able to eat up Grant’s calf with another kick. Grant strides in with a side kick, and he jumps forward with a stomping kick to the knee. The unbeaten fighter ducks down and absorbs a side kick, and Grant then plants the ball of his foot on the chest to follow. Grant snipes out a left hook when Marcos advances, and he jumps forward with a knee that glances off his intended target. Grant counters a leg kick with a clean right hand, and he kicks the body and backs off when Marcos throws hands. Marcos walks “Dangerous Davey” down and kicks him in the chest, and Grant is able to time a right hand when Marcos loads up. Grant sweeps the leg as he comes forward, and he chains a calf kick into a head kick with the same leg. Marcos gives a body kick back, only for Grant to defend against it. Marcos reaches his man with a right hook, and Grant spins with a wheel kick that ricochets off the chest of his foe. Marcos rubs his chest, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 2
The 135ers bump fists before getting after it, and Grant spurs into action in a hurry with several kicks to multiple targets. Grant sprints and pulls back to draw a reaction, and he does this to clip Marcos with a short left hook. Grant aims a right hand when Marcos rushes at him with a jump knee, and Grant scampers away before it reaches him. Grant kicks the side and goes with a hook kick up high, and they proceed to throw fists at the same time. Marcos catches Grant with a solid right hand, and Grant gathers his thoughts and chips at the lead wheel of his foe. Grant punches his way into a combination that ends with a low kick, and he misses with a wheel kick as Marcos backs off. Grant nails a leg kick and wings a right hook over the top, and Marcos ignores it and tries to counter with a right hand. A few jabs from the Peruvian fighter have bloodied Grant’s nose up, and Grant pays it no mind as his offense is still as active as ever. Grant strings three hooks together and pushes off the chest with the ball of his foot when Marcos attempts to reply. Marcos swings as hard as he can with a right hand, and Grant ducks and nails Marcos with a front kick on the chin. Grant swings a high kick that grazes off the red hair of his opponent, and Marcos responds with two punches and a step-in kick that splits the uprights and slams square into Grant’s cup. Grant grimaces and bends over as Goddard calls time, and Grant tells Goddard he is good to go after about 45 seconds off. When restarting, Marcos offers an apologetic glove touch. Grant gets going again with a huge right hand, and he watches Marcos comes towards him and raise up a hook kick. Grant plants his shin on the lower calf of “Soncora,” and he steps in with an elbow. Grant trips on Marcos’ leg when spinning with a strike, and Marcos’ jabs are starting to bloody Grant up further. “Dangerous Davey” plants a dangerous right hand on the nose, and Marcos shakes his head and defends against the standing hook kick. Grant lets go with several punches and a side kick, and he gives chase as Marcos backpedals. The round ends with the lower part of Grant’s face covered in blood.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 3
Grant nods and winks at Marcos to lead off the last round, and the two hug it out before getting down to business. Marcos strikes first with a calf kick, and Grant strides forward and lets go with a spinning wheel kick. It only takes a jab or two from Marcos to bust up Grant’s nose again. Grant absorbs a jab and goes forward into a takedown. The unbeaten fighter stands him up, and the two fighters stand in the pocket and trade. Marcos backs off first, and Grant follows him down with a head kick, a front kick and a right hand. Grant puts three fists on Marcos before Marcos is able to land one. Marcos, out of nowhere, jumps at his man with a knee, and Grant takes it flush and keeps coming ever forward. Marcos waves his arms around, and Grant comes at him with a knee. Marcos swats him aside and strafes on the outside, and it is up to Grant to initiate the offense. Grant spins with a back fist, and then keeps spinning to throw other strikes. Marcos nods approvingly from the strikes, and he keeps backing off as Grant is pushing the pace. Grant walks through jabs to swing with far harder strikes, and one such blow comes in the form of a right to the body. Marcos jabs up his man, and Grant unloads with a right hand that bounces off the shoulder. Grant walks Marcos down, getting in a leg kick and a right hand, and Marcos tries to reply with a left hook that only slightly connects. Grant ducks a flailing fist to come in and land a straight right to the body, and a subsequent kick makes Marcos drops his guard and back off. Grant jumps with a knee, and when he misses and lands, Marcos greets him with a stern right hand down the pipe. Grant doggedly pursues his opponent, throwing everything and the kitchen sink at him. Marcos times a takedown out of nowhere, hitting it with ease. Grant frantically works his way up with the fence behind him, and he separates. Grant spins with a wheel kick that bounces off the shoulder, and he raise his arm to draw Marcos into a final brawl. Grant spams any kind of kick he can think of, all while Marcos backs away, until time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
The Official Result
Daniel Marcos def. Davey Grant via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is very confident in Daniel Marcos, believing the odds are incredible value. He thinks Davey Grant is chinny and if he can't get a takedown (which he hasn't since 2021), he will get lit up on the feet. He has a half-unit bet at -121 and calls it some of the best value on the card.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos by decision. He likes Marcos' striking and volume, and thinks he can outwork Grant over 15 minutes. He notes Grant is durable and has power, but Marcos is younger and has upside. He is concerned about Marcos' chin not being tested. He thinks it will be close but Marcos' volume and youth give him the edge.
Cody picks Grant, questioning Marcos's hype. He notes Grant has fought tougher competition (Vera, Yanez) and is a gatekeeper. He thinks the line is an overreaction to Marcos's win over Oliveira. He sees Grant as a live dog.
Daniel picks Daniel Marcos, calling him the best Peruvian prospect ever and praising his professional approach, training in Florida, and high-tech recovery. He thinks Marcos's pressure and intensity make opponents fight uncharacteristically, as seen in the Simon Oliveira fight. He acknowledges Davey Grant's toughness and experience but believes Marcos is catching him at the right time. However, he is not willing to lay -140 and says he would be interested if the price drops to around -115. He passes on betting but picks Marcos to win.
James picks Daniel Marcos to win. He thinks Marcos is a better striker than Grant, with cleaner technique and better footwork. He believes Marcos can play the range game and punish Grant with straight shots. James notes that Grant is older and may be slowing down, while Marcos is on an upward trajectory. He acknowledges that this is a step up in competition for Marcos and that Grant has knockout power, but he favors Marcos's skills and potential.
The host picks Daniel Marcos, believing his overall game, output, grappling, and calf kicks will neutralize Grant's power. He expects Marcos to withstand Grant's early power and win by decision. He notes it's a stiff test but thinks Marcos passes.
Paul leans toward Marcos, noting his undefeated record and willingness to engage. He thinks Marcos can outwork Grant, though Grant has power and grappling advantages. He is not fully confident and calls it a dog or pass.
The MMA Guru picks Davey Grant, initially considering Daniel Marcos but ultimately favoring Grant's experience and power. He notes Grant's win over Aiemann Zahabi is underrated and that Marcos was timid in his fight against Simon Oliveira. The Guru believes Grant's size, power, and front kicks will overwhelm Marcos, and predicts a KO win in a scrap against the cage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 0 | 42 of 58 | 72% | 67 of 85 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 0 | 0 | 4:17 |
| Raphael Assunção | 1 | 65 of 138 | 47% | 80 of 154 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:52 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 0 | 13 of 19 | 68% | 23 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:46 |
| Raphael Assunção | 0 | 20 of 39 | 51% | 20 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 0 | 16 of 20 | 80% | 27 of 31 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 |
| Raphael Assunção | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 22 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 0 | 13 of 19 | 68% | 17 of 23 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
| Raphael Assunção | 1 | 25 of 55 | 45% | 38 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:52 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 42 of 58 | 72% | 16 of 29 | 8 of 8 | 18 of 21 | 38 of 53 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
| Raphael Assunção | 65 of 138 | 47% | 28 of 91 | 18 of 28 | 19 of 19 | 59 of 132 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 13 of 19 | 68% | 4 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 9 | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Raphael Assunção | 20 of 39 | 51% | 5 of 21 | 7 of 10 | 8 of 8 | 20 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 16 of 20 | 80% | 4 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 8 | 14 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Raphael Assunção | 20 of 44 | 45% | 6 of 25 | 4 of 9 | 10 of 10 | 18 of 42 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 13 of 19 | 68% | 8 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Raphael Assunção | 25 of 55 | 45% | 17 of 45 | 7 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 51 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grant (-140), Assuncao (+120)
Round 1
One of the more underrated bantamweight greats might be entering the final fight of his storied career, as longtime Brazilian contender Assuncao (28-9, 12-6 UFC) is a few months away from his 41st birthday. He battles .500 UFC fighter Grant (14-6, 5-5 UFC), who posts an 86% finish rate and generally lives up to his “Dangerous” nickname. The match will be officiated by nonsense-allergic referee Keith Peterson, and the two fighters opt to clap hands. Assuncao moves to the center of the cage briefly, and they clash legs early. As Assuncao pushes back, Grant does the same, and fingers rake eyes. Grant offers an apology, and they resume nailing one another on the legs. Assuncao sits down on a booming right hand, wrapping his arm just around the head and not connecting with it. Grant boots his foe in the body, and Assuncao catches it and scores a right hand to put Grant on his back. Assuncao whips an elbow down, and Grant threatens with a triangle choke that the Brazilian sees coming from a mile away. Grant scoots to the wall on his backside, and Assuncao follows him from behind and slides his left arm around the chest in hopes of setting up a rear-naked choke. Assuncao releases the arm so that he can punch Grant in the side of the head repeatedly, all while Grant tries and fails to scramble away. Grant stands back up despite Assuncao’s arm around his neck, and he spins around and shoves his man back to get space. Grant, with distance to strike, does just that with a front kick. Grant goes to the body and tries to swing a left hand over the top, but Assuncao intercepts him with a push kick. Grant scores a right hand after regaining his balance, and he switches stances right into a right hook in response. Assuncao lets go with a few punches on the inside, and he ducks back and blocks a head kick. Grant darts forward with a few punches, sneaking them in and evading the counters. Assuncao measures a right hand, and he signals to Peterson that the two clashed heads. Grant spins with a wheel kick that just misses, and Assuncao ducks a few leaping punches to clinch up and push Grant to the wire. The Brazilian lands a few knees to the thigh before breaking off with a right hand. Grant winds up with a right hook, landing it a second before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Round 2
The respect is high to start off the second round, as the two gladly high-five to get going again. They trade body kicks, and Assuncao leans back to dodge a spinning wheel kick. Assuncao checks a low kick, and he tries to engage but gets popped with an overhand right. Assuncao chips at the calf of his opponent, while checking those that come back to his lead wheel. Assuncao grabs hold of a single, ducking a punch from his opponent, and he is stood up before securing it. Assuncao does land a right hand on the break, and they reset. The two land lefts at the same time, and Grant goes high with a kick that whizzes past his foe’s face. Grant throws a naked leg kick, and Assuncao counters with an emphatic right hand that makes Grant turn about. Grant steps in to release a spinning back elbow, and Assuncao blocks the worst of it and fires off a low kick. Grant kicks high and low, and the Brazilian swats them away without much concern. Assuncao looses a head kick, and he backs off as Grant walks him down and wings right hooks. Grant lunges forward, and his only strike that lands is a low kick. Grant gets a little too reckless, getting countered on the way in, and he finds himself getting grabbed by the veteran. Grant is warned for grabbing the fence to prevent the takedown, and Assuncao still drags him to his knees despite the foul. Grant fights his way back to his feet, but Assuncao has his arm around Grant’s waist with his legs intertwined for a trip. Grant looks to counter Assuncao with a trip, only to get thrown down once more. Assuncao gets a hook in as he takes the back, and Grant defends himself from anything else until the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Round 3
The last round opens with a glove touch, and then the two throw hands. Both fighters connect with clean overhand rights, and they back off to measure one another. Assuncao beats the Brit to the punch with another right over the top, and Grant tries and fails to reach him back. As Grant advances, Assuncao kicks at his lead leg, which changes as Grant switches stances a few times. Assuncao hops away from a low kick, and he gets caught with a right hand coming in. Grant shucks him aside and strings a few punches together, ending it with a head kick that slides over the top. “Dangerous Davey” suddenly unleashes a torrent of punishment, blasting Assuncao with punches until he knocks Assuncao off-balance. Assuncao wobbles back to the fence, and he shoots for a desperation takedown to keep himself afloat. Grant defends the first try, but Assuncao redoubles his effort and pulls Grant’s ankle out to strip away his footing and put the Brit on his back. Assuncao holds on from an unorthodox half guard, but this posture allows Grant to explode back up. Grant fires off an uppercut that snaps Assuncao’s head back like a Pez dispenser, and he still has the Brazilian hurt. Grant tosses aside takedown entries from the veteran so that he can lay into him with punches, and he hurts Assuncao again in an exchange. Assuncao dives after a takedown, and Grant grabs the fence again to stop it. This time, Peterson has had enough of this nonsense, and he pauses the fight and deducts a point from Grant. Assuncao also loses his position from this, and Grant is thrilled so that he can tee off on the Brazilian some more. Assuncao struggles to stay on his feet from an onslaught of strikes, and Grant spins with a back fist that drills into the side of Assuncao’s head. Assuncao tries desperately to get the fight down, and he falls on top of Grant as the British fighter still tries to scramble.
“Dangerous Davey” wraps his legs around Assuncao’s neck to set up an inverted triangle choke, and the unexpected move is secured in a hurry. Assuncao is nonresponsive from on top after the choke gets tight, and he goes out without Peterson recognizing it immediately. Peterson reaches in to check on the Brazilian, who is completely unconscious, and he determines that Assuncao is out and stops the fight.
As soon as the fight is stopped, Assuncao’s coach, Eric Nicksick, is outraged from Peterson’s point deduction that also resulted in Assuncao losing his position, and it is explained that Grant had sat up and gained a superior position – and cannot be rewarded for gaining that position due to a foul. After Assuncao comes to, he removes his gloves and places them in the center of the cage to signal his retirement, while saying in his quick farewell interview that, “I think my time has come.”
The Official Result
Davey Grant def. Raphael Assuncao R3 4:43 via Technical Submission (Inverted Triangle Choke)
Angelo picks Davey Grant as the better striker with takedown defense that should hold up against the aging Assunção. He acknowledges Assunção's past success but believes Grant's power and composure will prevail. He notes the line at -160 is likely to move and considers it a safe pick.
Big Brady picks Davey Grant, noting Grant has never looked this good and is in his prime at 37. He expects Grant to march forward with wild looping shots and put Assunção away, as Assunção has been knocked out recently by Garbrandt and Simon. Brady predicts a second-round knockout, though he acknowledges Assunção could win via wrestling if Grant struggles on the mat.
Cody picks Grant, citing Grant's toughness and ability to push the pace. He notes Assunção's age and recent surgery, but acknowledges Assunção could win a close decision. He calls it a close fight.
Connor picks Assunção despite concerns about his age and recent performances. He believes Assunção's counter-striking, jab, and wrestling will be key against Grant's wild brawling style. He notes that Grant makes many mistakes and Assunção can take him down and control him, though there's always a risk of Grant landing a lucky shot.
I think Grant's power will be too much for Assunção, who has shown durability issues at 40. Assunção is the better technical striker, but Grant throws heavy shots and can end the fight at any moment. Assunção's recent losses have come by knockout, and Grant has the power to exploit that. I expect a knockout within the first 12 minutes.
Paul picks Grant but is not confident, noting Assunção's low volume and close fights. He thinks Grant's volume and takedown defense could be key, but calls it a dicey fight and says he won't bet it.
The MMA Guru picks Davey Grant, citing his toughness and finishing ability. He believes Grant can finish Assunção, while Assunção is unlikely to finish Grant. He notes Grant's win over Jonathan Martinez and his competitive fight with Adrian Yanez (which he thought Grant won). He predicts a KO in the second round.
Zane picks Assunção but is hesitant due to his age and recent decline. He notes that Assunção's counter-striking and wrestling should neutralize Grant's wild pressure, but Grant's power and unpredictability make it a risky pick. He mentions that Assunção has seen everything and should be able to handle Grant's style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 1 | 81 of 197 | 41% | 84 of 200 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
| Louis Smolka | 0 | 71 of 139 | 51% | 75 of 145 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 1 | 45 of 90 | 50% | 46 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Louis Smolka | 0 | 14 of 37 | 37% | 14 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 0 | 27 of 87 | 31% | 29 of 89 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Louis Smolka | 0 | 56 of 93 | 60% | 60 of 99 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Louis Smolka | 0 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davey Grant | 81 of 197 | 41% | 36 of 134 | 29 of 42 | 16 of 21 | 68 of 180 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 9 |
| Louis Smolka | 71 of 139 | 51% | 46 of 101 | 19 of 31 | 6 of 7 | 67 of 133 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davey Grant | 45 of 90 | 50% | 17 of 54 | 18 of 24 | 10 of 12 | 39 of 84 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 |
| Louis Smolka | 14 of 37 | 37% | 8 of 24 | 3 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Davey Grant | 27 of 87 | 31% | 14 of 66 | 10 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 23 of 81 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Louis Smolka | 56 of 93 | 60% | 37 of 70 | 16 of 20 | 3 of 3 | 53 of 88 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | |
| 3 | Davey Grant | 9 of 20 | 45% | 5 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
| Louis Smolka | 1 of 9 | 11% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grant (-290) Smolka (+230)
Round 1
In a fight clearly booked for its potential entertainment value, “Dangerous Davey” and “Da Last Samurai” square off, with veteran ref Mike Beltran set to supervise the expected violence. Grant comes out in southpaw and is met by the orthodox Smolka. Grant throws a kick to the Hawaiian’s lead leg. Smolka comes forward, bobbing and weaving. He throws a front kick up the middle which lands. Grant launches a spinning high kick, but comes up short. Grant lands a hard pair of hooks to the body. Grant lands a hard outside kick to Smolka’s lead left leg, then just misses with a murderous punch up top. Smolka lunges in and scores with a nice jab. Two minutes left in the round. Smolka lunges in again and lands a left hand, but Grant scores with a pair of counters. Grant lands another hard leg kick, then a spinning back fist. Smolka is still marching forward, but Grant is hitting with just about everything he throws. Smolka walks right into a hard jab and falls to his rear, dazed. Grant jumps on him and after a brief scramble, lets Smolka back up. The round expires.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 2
Smolka charges forward, swinging big hooks. Grant gives ground and circles away, tagging the Hawaiian with punches as he goes. Grant goes to the body several times in the first minute, then follows up with combinations upstairs. Smolka keeps on coming, however, and is landing quite a few of his own shots. Grant appears to be slowing just a bit. Smolka wades in and lands a right kick to the body. Smolka mixes in level elbow strikes at close range, catching the Englishman. Smolka takes a collar tie and looks to punch with the other hand, but Grant shrugs him off and throws a pair of wide hooks. A minute left, and the momentum seems to have shifted. Smolka catches a kick, hoists Grant’s leg high and runs him to the ground. Smolka moves to the back, then out to the side, working for an armbar. Grant defends the hold, and escapes to his feet. They swing wildly as the final seconds expire.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Smolka
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Smolka
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Smolka
Round 3
Grant lands a hard low kick, then a pair of punches upstairs. Smolka sneaks a look at his own leg, comes forward somewhat gingerly, and
Grant lands another low kick that takes his base out from under him completely.
Smolka lunges forward for a desperate takedown attempt, but Grant sprawls all over it, then dives in with punches that land unblocked, the last of which puts “Da Last Samurai” out. Ref Beltran is there a heartbeat later, and it’s another stoppage win for Davey Grant.
The Official Result
Davey Grant def. Louis Smolka R3 0:49 via TKO (Leg Kick and Punches)
Cody is confident in Davey Grant, citing his durability, cardio, power, and improved striking. He notes Grant has been fighting more frequently and showing heart, while Smolka has durability issues, poor wrestling, and was knocked out by Vince Morales. He thinks Grant is much stronger and will march Smolka down, though the -300 price is rich.
Paul agrees with Grant, struggling to see where Smolka wins unless by submission. He notes Grant is making up for lost time, has made significant improvements, and is an Ultimate Fighter winner. He thinks Grant's style and effort make him the pick despite the high price.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez but is hesitant, noting Davey Grant has a clear path to victory via grappling. He acknowledges Yañez is the cleaner striker with a good chin, but Grant is a grappler at heart who could mix in takedowns. He does not place a bet because he sees value on Grant as a live dog. He expects Yañez to win but not confidently enough to bet.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez to win by third-round knockout. He praises Yañez's striking, speed, and volume, and notes his 100% takedown defense in the UFC. He believes Davey Grant's recent striking success won't work against Yañez, and that Yañez has paths to victory both on the feet and on the ground. He predicts Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant.
Cody picks Yañez despite the high price. He praises Yañez's crisp boxing and compares him to Jorge Masvidal. He notes that Yañez is a slow starter but takes over as opponents fade, as seen against Randy Costa. He believes Yañez's striking is superior and that Grant is hittable, having been wobbled in recent fights. Cody is concerned about Grant's takedowns and top game, but thinks Yañez's takedown defense will hold up and he will win rounds two and three.
Daniel Levi confidently picks Adrian Yañez to knock out Davey Grant. He praises Yañez's clean hands, countering ability, and toughness, noting that he has never been knocked out. He criticizes Grant's chin-up style and wild looping shots, believing Yañez's superior boxing will capitalize on openings. Levi predicts Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant.
Lock thinks Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant. He notes Grant has never been KO'd but has taken damage, especially in his last fight. Yañez has straight punches and speed advantage, and Lock believes he will counter Grant's looping hooks. He likes Yañez by KO at around -105 rather than the -310 moneyline.
Paul likes Yañez's hands but is concerned about the -320 price. He points out that Yañez had a bad first round against Randy Costa, looking gun-shy and overwhelmed by volume. He notes that Davey Grant is tough, has never been knocked out, and brings volume and pressure. Paul thinks Yañez could be a live bet candidate if he starts slow again. He is waiting for weigh-ins before committing fully.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by KO in the first round. He notes that Davey Grant is open to shots, as seen in his fight against Jonathan Martinez where he was dropped. He highlights Yañez's quick hands, reach advantage, and training with Aljamain Sterling, which gives him confidence in grappling defense. He expects Yañez to find his range, land a big shot as Grant loads up, and finish with ground and pound.
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