Career Averages - Beneil Dariush
Career Averages - Drew Dober
Beneil Dariush - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 4 of 10 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Quillan Salkilld | 1 | 12 of 19 | 63% | 15 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 4 of 10 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Quillan Salkilld | 1 | 12 of 19 | 63% | 15 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Quillan Salkilld | 12 of 19 | 63% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Quillan Salkilld | 12 of 19 | 63% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In the co-main event, perennial contender Dariush (23-7-1; 17-7-1 UFC) will look to slow the rise of the red-hot Aussie Salkilld (11-1; 4-0 UFC), who has racked up quite the highlight reel since graduating from the Contender Series two years ago. Rich Mitchell draws his final referee assignment of the evening. Salkilld is orthodox, Dariush southpaw, and they exchange awkward pawing jabs with their lead hands. Out of nowhere, Dariush blasts Salkilld with a left hand, buckling his knees! Dariush is all over him but Salkilld recovers quickly, nailing Dariush with a left hand on his way in. Dariush shoves Salkilld into the fence, mugs him with a couple of punches and tries to secure a takedown. Salkilld goes to a knee but doesn’t give up the takedown, and he returns to his feet a moment later. Salkilld reverses the position and drives Dariush into the fence, only to be reversed again. Dariush works for a single-leg against the fence, but Salkilld patiently defends. They separate and Salkilld briefly changes levels, then comes back up and blasts him with a right hand.
Dariush is hurt badly, trying to get his hands on the youngster and recover, but Salkilld crushes him with another right hand that drops him. Salkilld follows up with a stream of big lefts until Mitchell interposes himself, awarding the TKO, and the biggest win of his career, to Quillan Salkilld.
The Official Result
Quillan Salkilld def. Beneil Dariush R1 3:29 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Quillan Salkilld, acknowledging that Beneil Dariush is past his prime with a compromised chin and cardio. He believes Salkilld is the better striker and should win, but hopes Dariush doesn't get knocked out badly. He notes that if Salkilld tries to grapple, Dariush might have an advantage.
Big Brady picks Quillan Salkilld to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Beneil Dariush has elite skills but a completely compromised chin, and that Salkilld has power and has knocked out durable opponents. Brady believes Dariush will get touched early and finished, especially given his age and weight cut issues.
Cody picks Salkilld by knockout, citing Dariush's declining durability and history of getting knocked out. He notes Salkilld's power and length, and believes Dariush's chin is no longer reliable.
Daniel Vreeland picks Quillan Salkilld, believing he is catching Beneil Dariush at a good time. He notes Salkilld's well-rounded skills and momentum, while Dariush has shown vulnerability to knockouts and may be past his prime. He expects a competitive fight but sees Salkilld's damage as decisive.
Odds feel very wide; Salkilld is a big favorite but unproven. Dariush is declining but skilled. The fight spread on Dariush (+3.5) and over 1.5 rounds are interesting but not committed. No bet on moneyline; dog or pass.
Lucrative James picks Quillan Salkilld to win via knockout in round one. He cites Beneil Dariush's declining chin and recent knockout losses, and believes the UFC is setting up Salkilld as a prospect. He notes Dariush's weight cut issues and desire to move up to welterweight.
The host picks Salkilld due to his youth, durability, and well-rounded skills. He expects Salkilld to strike first and find a knockout, likely early in round one. The host notes Dariush's chin issues and recent knockout loss, making it hard to trust him despite his grappling prowess.
Paul agrees with Cody, stating Dariush has all the skills but can't take a punch anymore. He highlights Salkilld's power and the fact that Dariush has been knocked out repeatedly, making Salkilld by KO the likely outcome.
The MMA Guru picks Quillan Salkilld, citing his first-round finishing potential and the pattern of younger athletes beating Dariush. He notes Dariush's recent chin issues and believes Salkilld will get a first-round TKO. He acknowledges Salkilld's grappling skills but expects a striking finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 1 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 1 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Benoît Saint Denis, citing his relentless pressure and wrestling. He believes Beneil Dariush is aging and was sloppy in his last fight. Despite Dariush's scrambling skills, Angelo thinks BSD's grit and non-stop pace will overcome technique. He notes he would have picked Dariush a few years ago.
Big Brady picks Benoît Saint Denis, citing Beneil Dariush's compromised chin. He notes Dariush has been knocked out in three of his last four fights, including by Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, and was dropped by Hakeem Dawodu. Brady believes Saint Denis can take a punch better at this stage and predicts a first-round knockout in a war. He acknowledges Dariush's elite anti-grappling and skills but says the chin is the deciding factor.
Cody picks Dariush despite the risk of a first-round knockout. He notes that Dariush has excellent grappling and cardio, and that Saint Denis tends to fade and take damage in longer fights. Cody believes that if Dariush survives the early onslaught, he can take over with his wrestling and pressure. He suggests a live bet if Dariush gets through the first round.
Connor picks Dariush confidently, citing his superior grappling and scrambling. He notes that Saint Denis relies on aggression and faith in his conditioning, but Dariush is a fluid control grappler who will stay ahead in scrambles. He warns that Dariush could lose if knocked out, but in any grappling exchange, Dariush wins.
Daniel thinks Dariush is the better overall fighter but his chin is suspect, and Saint Denis has the power and pressure to test it. He notes that Saint Denis is riding high on confidence after dismantling Ruffy, while Dariush looks a fight or two away from retirement. He leans toward Saint Denis finding a knockout, but acknowledges Dariush has paths to victory if he can avoid getting hit clean.
Lucrative James picks Benoît Saint Denis to win by knockout, despite acknowledging Dariush's superior scrambling and counter-grappling. He believes Dariush's durability is a major concern, as he has been knocked out multiple times and is getting older. He thinks BSD's relentless pressure and power will eventually catch Dariush on the feet, even if he struggles to secure takedowns. He predicts a KO victory for BSD, possibly via head kick or in a transition.
Dariush is the better fighter. Saint Denis struggles to get grappling going. Dariush scrambles out of bad positions, keeps Saint Denis on the defensive, and finds a finish in the second or third round.
Paul agrees with Cody, preferring to watch the first round before betting due to the knockout risk. He notes that Saint Denis has gassed in past fights and that Dariush's takedown defense is excellent. Paul thinks that if Dariush can avoid early trouble, he can outwork Saint Denis and potentially submit him. He is not fully confident but leans towards Dariush.
The Guru picks Benoît Saint Denis to win by TKO in round two. He believes Saint Denis' pressure, clinch work, and body shots will wear down Dariush, who may struggle with the pace. He notes that both are evenly matched on the ground, but Saint Denis has a higher KO percentage and momentum. The Guru expects Saint Denis to break Dariush against the cage.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Dariush. He emphasizes that Saint Denis' aggressive, throw-himself-in style will not work against Dariush's relaxed, anticipatory grappling. He notes that Saint Denis lost to Moicano by being overwhelmed, and Dariush is a better grappler than Moicano.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 56 of 107 | 52% | 77 of 131 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 5:53 |
| Renato Moicano | 1 | 31 of 61 | 50% | 38 of 69 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 22 of 46 | 47% | 22 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Renato Moicano | 1 | 22 of 42 | 52% | 25 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:45 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 8 of 14 | 57% | 28 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:46 |
| Renato Moicano | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 26 of 47 | 55% | 27 of 48 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Renato Moicano | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 56 of 107 | 52% | 30 of 73 | 10 of 15 | 16 of 19 | 47 of 95 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 7 |
| Renato Moicano | 31 of 61 | 50% | 25 of 52 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 25 of 54 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 22 of 46 | 47% | 9 of 28 | 3 of 6 | 10 of 12 | 22 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Renato Moicano | 22 of 42 | 52% | 16 of 33 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 35 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 8 of 14 | 57% | 8 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 7 |
| Renato Moicano | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 26 of 47 | 55% | 13 of 32 | 7 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 22 of 43 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Renato Moicano | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Beneil Dariush because he believes Dariush's grappling and striking are a good matchup against Renato Moicano, who he thinks is too busy with outside commitments to be fully focused. He notes that Dariush is a BJJ world champion and a powerful striker, and he doesn't see Moicano out-grappling him. He also points out that Moicano's takedowns are not clean and he often clinches, while Dariush has shown incredible scrambles against top competition.
Big Brady likes the stylistic matchup for Dariush, who has elite takedown defense and is the better striker with more power. However, he is worried about Dariush coming off back-to-back knockout losses, his age, and potential chin issues. He thinks Moicano doesn't have knockout power but could still hurt Dariush. Brady predicts Dariush will win by knockout, but he is not confident due to the layoff and durability concerns.
Connor picks Dariush but is not confident. He notes that Moicano has never knocked anyone out standing, so Dariush can survive on the feet. He believes Dariush's wrestling and grappling are superior, and that Moicano's confidence can waver when things go wrong. However, he acknowledges that Moicano's lightweight run has been unpredictable and that Dariush has been knocked out brutally before.
The host is surprised Moicano is the favorite, believing Dariush's durability and grappling defense will shut down Moicano's approach. He predicts Dariush will land big shots and finish inside the distance, likely by TKO or submission within two and a half rounds.
The host picks Renato Moicano by decision, citing Dariush's long layoff and recent KO losses. He believes Moicano's grappling and striking have improved, and that he will start fast and set the tone. He expects a competitive fight but sees Moicano winning a 29-28 decision.
Zane also picks Dariush but is hesitant. He agrees that Moicano is not a dangerous striker and that Dariush can likely outgrapple him. He notes that Dariush has fought and beaten good grapplers before. However, he acknowledges that Moicano's run has been strange and that he has a tendency to find ways to win even when losing.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arman Tsarukyan | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Beneil Dariush | 1 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arman Tsarukyan | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Beneil Dariush | 1 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arman Tsarukyan | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Beneil Dariush | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arman Tsarukyan | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Beneil Dariush | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tsarukyan (-278), Dariush (+225)
Round 1
Lightweights close the show in the five-round headliner, where Dariush (22-5-1, 16-5-1 UFC) sets his sights on Tsarukyan (20-3, 7-2 UFC) at 155 pounds. Tsarukyan has rattled off eight victories across his past nine outings.
For more on the American Top Team standout, see “Rivalries: Arman Tsarukyan” in Features
. Smith administers the law and order once the Octagon door closes. They touch gloves to get us started in the final bout of the night. Dariush fires an inside leg kick, eats a jab and then attacks the leg again.
Tsarukyan steps forward with a knee and follows it with a brutal right hook, dropping Dariush where he stands. He then dives in with punches and pounds Dariush unconscious. A signature victory for the young lightweight contender
.
The Official Result
Arman Tsarukyan def. Beneil Dariush—KO (Punches) 1:04 R1
Big Brady picks Arman Tsarukyan, citing youth, cardio, and durability advantages. He notes Dariush has been finished in all five of his losses, and that Tsarukyan's relentless pace will break him down in the later rounds. He predicts a third-round TKO, as Tsarukyan's ground and pound and big shots will eventually finish Dariush.
Cody picks Tsarukyan but acknowledges Dariush's skills and path to victory. He notes Dariush's cardio, high ring IQ, and BJJ black belt, but thinks Tsarukyan's speed and youth are decisive. He mentions Tsarukyan's five-round experience and that he's only getting better. He doesn't love the money line but expects Tsarukyan to win, possibly by finish.
Lucrative James picks Beneil Dariush, stating that the line is wide and disrespectful at +240. He believes Dariush can defend takedowns and scramble well, and is the better striker. He notes that Tsarukyan's youth and tenacity could be a factor in a five-round fight, but still sees Dariush as the side. He would go heavy on Dariush if it were a three-round fight.
Tsarukyan has high-level wrestling and improving striking, and he is expected to control the fight with his grappling and striking advantage. However, Dariush is a live underdog with great scrambling and BJJ, making the fight closer than the odds suggest. Tsarukyan is predicted to win by decision over 3.5 rounds, but a small underdog shot on Dariush is also recommended due to value.
Paul thinks Tsarukyan is the rightful favorite due to a sizable speed advantage and good enough grappling to avoid submissions. He notes the line is wide but doesn't see much value at -310. He mentions Tsarukyan's speed in striking and entrances/exits as the biggest difference. He is not lining up to bet it but picks Tsarukyan.
The MMA Guru picks Arman Tsarukyan, believing his youth, wrestling, and striking will be too much for Beneil Dariush. He notes Tsarukyan's reach advantage and ability to win the leg kick battle. He predicts Tsarukyan will break Dariush down and win by TKO in the fourth round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | 1 | 26 of 36 | 72% | 37 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 12 of 28 | 42% | 32 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 1 | 26 of 36 | 72% | 37 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 12 of 28 | 42% | 32 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:44 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | 26 of 36 | 72% | 23 of 32 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 20 |
| Beneil Dariush | 12 of 28 | 42% | 8 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 14 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 26 of 36 | 72% | 23 of 32 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 20 |
| Beneil Dariush | 12 of 28 | 42% | 8 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 14 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dariush (-140), Oliveira (+120)
Round 1
Hold onto your hats, because a fight many fans and observers circled on their calendars is about to happen. Former champ Oliveira (33-9, 1 NC; 21-9, 1 NC UFC), fresh off losing his belt to Islam Makhachev, is aiming to bounce back from that submission loss. Across from him is the surging Dariush (22-4-1, 16-4-1 UFC), who has strung eight impressive wins together to earn this potential no. 1 contender matchup. While unfortunately only scheduled for three rounds, the two top lightweights might not need that long. Referee Jason Herzog earns the honor of officiating this co-main attraction, and the combatants respectfully bump fists first. Oliveira reaches out with a front kick, and as he does, Dariush kicks his lead leg. Oliveira walks straight into the fire, throwing a head kick and shaking Dariush up, and the two trade furious strikes. The two wind up clashing together, chest to chest, and Oliveira looks to lift Dariush and dump him to the mat but ends up falling to his back. Dariush sits in the close guard and lands a few punches, and Oliveira actively pushes off the chest and uses upkicks. Oliveira attacks with hammerfists while Dariush is striking him from above, and the blows from Dariush are heavier. Oliveira pursues a leglock, and he hooks Dariush’ leg beneath his armpit. Dariush stands up, and he slips his foot out and meanders back into Oliveira’s guard. Dariush swings hard down at his opponent, and he punches the floor a few times with Oliveira swaying back and forth. Oliveira kicks off with upkicks again, and Dariush settles to return to the closed guard, smacking the Brazilian with hammerfists and punches. Dariush avoids any traps, but Oliveira bursts back to his feet and knees his man in the chest. Oliveira abandons the clinch and boots Dariush in the head. Dariush is stung from that and a subsequent left hand, and he knocks Dariush to his knees with a clubbing right hand behind the ear. Dariush drops to go after a takedown, and when that fails, he rolls with desperation with for some kind of leglock. “Do Bronx” pushes right past it and slams his fists down on Dariush again and again. Dariush tries to turn to his side, but his bell is rung and Oliveira is not about to let him off the hook. The punches continue to mount for the Brazilian, who will not stop until Herzog pulls him off. As he keeps beating down the Kings MMA fighter, Herzog has no choice but to wave the fight off. The former champ peels off to jump atop the cage and soak it in as the deafening crowd showers him with cheers and affection. Oliveira climbs back down to embrace his fallen foe, and then he leaps out of the cage to go hug someone in the crowd. This is a statement performance for Oliveira, who claims his 20th finish as a UFC fighter, which adds to his own record. Lightweights will not likely going to line up wanting to face him next, and he has just one goal in mind: he wants his belt back, calling out Islam Makhachev and offering to the UFC brass that he will fight Makhachev on his home soil.
The Official Result
Charles Oliveira def. Beneil Dariush R1 4:10 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Beneil Dariush, having placed 1.5 units on him at -125. He argues that Dariush is the better wrestler and grappler, and that his no-gi BJJ world championship credentials give him an edge. He believes Dariush can avoid Charles Oliveira's submission threats by staying controlled and not creating scrambles. He thinks Dariush's power and wrestling will be key.
Big Brady picks Beneil Dariush to finish Charles Oliveira in the first round. He notes that Dariush has the wrestling to dictate where the fight goes and has heavy hands. Oliveira is hittable and has been dropped in recent fights. Dariush's power and grappling should overwhelm Oliveira early. He predicts a knockdown followed by a submission or TKO.
Cody picks Beneil Dariush despite being a fan of Oliveira. He argues that Dariush is a thinking man's fighter with high ring IQ, underrated power, and a nasty liver kick. He notes that Oliveira's reckless approach and durability issues (gets knocked down often) play into Dariush's precision. He also believes Dariush's wrestling and BJJ are good enough to grapple with Oliveira, and he can win standing or on the ground. He expects the fight to end inside the distance.
Connor picks Dariush confidently, citing his superior grappling and pressure. He believes Dariush can out-grapple Oliveira and that Oliveira's submission threat is overrated. He notes that Dariush is willing to grapple and has the skills to neutralize Oliveira's guard. However, he acknowledges the risk of Oliveira's power and chaos.
Daniel Levi picks Beneil Dariush in a coin-toss fight, citing momentum and Dariush's time to get a title shot. He notes that Dariush has paid his dues and is on a win streak, while Oliveira has been dropped in his last three fights. He believes Dariush will not be afraid to follow Oliveira to the ground, unlike previous opponents, and that Dariush's calm, pressure-based Jiu-Jitsu can neutralize Oliveira's non-stop attacking style. However, he acknowledges Oliveira's offensive potency and the possibility of Dariush getting hurt.
James picks Beneil Dariush, believing Oliveira's time at the top is done. He thinks Dariush's distance control with his left kick and technical striking can make Oliveira look amateur on the feet, similar to how Islam Makhachev did. He also believes Dariush can get takedowns and has elite jiu-jitsu to avoid submissions. However, he notes Dariush's chin is vulnerable and he could be dragged into a brawl, where Oliveira has an edge. James sees Dariush winning by decision or submission, and considers the moneyline value good.
Dariush has a well-rounded game with improved striking and excellent defensive grappling. Oliveira is dangerous everywhere but has shown vulnerability to pressure and wrestling. Dariush's ability to stuff takedowns and land on the feet should lead to a finish, likely by KO. The under 2.5 rounds is a strong play given both fighters' finishing rates.
Paul leans toward Dariush, citing his technical striking and smart approach. He thinks Oliveira could do crazy things early, but once Dariush susses out the situation, he will take over and find his advantage. Paul is not betting this fight but is interested in a PrizePicks play on under 1.5 takedowns for Dariush, reasoning that Dariush may not want to go to the ground with Oliveira.
The MMA Guru picks Beneil Dariush over Charles Oliveira, despite wanting Oliveira to win. He notes Dariush's consistent recent performances, great takedown defense, and improving hands. He worries about Oliveira's tendency to get dropped and his injury layoff. He believes Dariush can control where the fight goes and may finish or win a decision.
Zane also picks Dariush, emphasizing that if Dariush can scramble with Oliveira on the ground, he can win. He notes that Dariush's defensive wrestling and scrambling were impressive against Gamrot and Ferreira. He acknowledges the danger of Oliveira's striking but believes Dariush's grappling advantage is key.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 1 | 59 of 130 | 45% | 67 of 138 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 0 | 33 of 81 | 40% | 38 of 86 | 4 of 19 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 2:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 13 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 0 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 13 of 17 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 31 of 67 | 46% | 32 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 0 | 15 of 47 | 31% | 15 of 47 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 1 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 22 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 10 of 22 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 59 of 130 | 45% | 35 of 100 | 15 of 21 | 9 of 9 | 52 of 121 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 33 of 81 | 40% | 22 of 67 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 29 of 76 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 9 of 26 | 34% | 2 of 16 | 4 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 9 of 13 | 69% | 8 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 31 of 67 | 46% | 19 of 53 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 27 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 15 of 47 | 31% | 9 of 40 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 46 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 19 of 37 | 51% | 14 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 9 of 21 | 42% | 5 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gamrot (-195), Dariush (+165)
Round 1
Like every other main card tilt, this lightweight affair pitting Dariush (21-4-1, 15-4-1 UFC) against Gamrot (21-1, 1 NC; 4-1 UFC) has nearly immediate championship implications, as the victor could very likely be next in line for the winner of the headliner a few fights from now. Before they can look ahead, they have to get past the other, and they will do so under the watchful eye of referee Dan Movahedi. The two bump fists, and after a few seconds to find their feet in the cage, Dariush slings a pair of quick kicks. Dariush rushes forward with a high kick, and Gamrot attacks for a takedown. A furious scramble ensues, and Gamrot lowers Dariush down but finds himself in leglock danger. Dariush attempts to sweep with this, but the two end up back on their feet. Gamrot pushes him to the wall, but he releases his foe and they reset. The right ear of Gamrot is split, and it starts to bleed, but he pays it no mind. Dariush attacks with a few low kicks, and Gamrot catches a body kick that follows and dumps Dariush to the mat. Dariush pursues a leglock as soon as they hit the ground, and he considers a heel hook but is on the wrong side without the right leverage to lock it down. “Gamer” pulls his leg out and stands up, and Dariush follows him. Gamrot stays tightly pressed to his opponent, before releasing him and backing off. An odd takedown entry allows Gamrot to get his hands on Dariush and drag the fight down, but Dariush defends with an awkward position to stop it. Dariush implores the referee to break them up, so Gamrot answers this by taking Dariush’s legs out beneath him. The Polish fighter cannot keep Dariush down, so he backs off and lets Dariush kick him in the side. On the kick, Gamrot grabs it, and he gives a shove but cannot ground Dariush this time. They trade kicks, and Gamrot slips on the way out before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
Round 2
Sherdog encountered some technical difficulties at the beginning of this round, and we apologize for the inconvenience. We resume the action at the beginning of Round 2. The lightweights touch ‘em up, and Gamrot leans forward into a punch and has a strange reaction to it, but it could have been from a possible takedown setup. Gamrot resets and crashes forward for an authentic try, and Dariush tosses him aside and lets Gamrot get his footing again. Dariush kicks the body and gets punched in the head for his effort, and Gamrot counters another kick with an overhand right. Dariush pushes a jab out, and he sets up a high kick that glances off the shoulder. The lightweights clash legs at the same time, and Dariush walks forward to engage only to get sniped with a jab. Gamrot dives down to the ankle to take the fight down, and Dariush pulls his leg away and backs away. Dariush intercepts his opponent with a stern knee, and he targets the body with his shin as his legs continue to be his best weapon. A Gamrot takedown is stuffed, and Dariush makes him pay by chopping at his lead leg. The single strikes come back and forth, and Gamrot darts forward to throw a few in a bundle, but Dariush slips and rips with a left hand. The former KSW champ slowly moves forward without pulling the trigger, and he is forced to block a high kick that rolls off his shoulder. Dariush scoops up an uppercut and gets backed off with an overhand right, and Gamrot blitzes him with a knee. Gamrot sprints at his foe for one final takedown, and the scramble that ensues ends the round with both men on their seats.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Round 3
The top lightweights meet in the middle and offer half-hearted gloved touch that is more of a jab, and Gamrot claims the center of the cage. Gamrot punches his way into a takedown entry, but the veteran savvy of Dariush smoothly flows with the attempt and forces Gamrot to release his grip and stand back up. Dariush lets him have it with a flush kick to the body, and he lets go with a subsequent pair of kicks to the upper thigh. As Gamrot replies with a head kick try, Dariush pops him with a right hook. Gamrot comes up short with another high kick, and Dariush sees his strikes coming and is seemingly one step ahead of the offense. Dariush lifts up a knee that bounces off the midsection when Gamrot strides forward, and Gamrot continues to give chase no matter what he absorbs. The crowd appears distracted with the drama outside the cage, and they rain down a shower of boos not targeting the fighters but at that individual or individuals. As they are paying attention to something out of the cage, Gamrot leaps forward to snatch up Dariush’s lead leg and look for a takedown, but the attempt fails and Dariush gains his balance and hops away. Gamrot loops a right hand over the top, but it is one-and-done when Dariush backpedals. Dariush prepares a left-hand counter for when Gamrot walks into his range, and he times a spectacular blow that knocks Gamrot clean off his feet. The recoverability of Gamrot is solid, as he somersaults back and gets right back into action following the flash knockdown. Gamrot punches his way into a takedown attempt, and Dariush smoothly follows him all the way through to get to his knees and back up without spending much time on his back. The fight comes to an end with one final exchange of alternating punches, and the lightweights hug it out after the bell sounds. It remains to be seen if the victor here has done enough to earn a crack at the triumphant man of the main event, a shot which also hinges on the result of that match itself.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)
The Official Result
Beneil Dariush def. Mateusz Gamrot via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Mateusz Gamrot confidently, stating he is better everywhere than Dariush. He highlights Gamrot's wrestling, power, cardio, and pace, and notes that Dariush has been waiting for a title shot while Gamrot has been active. He has 2 units on Gamrot at -185 and expects the line to move.
Big Brady picks Gamrot to win by knockout in the second round. He questions Dariush's chin (three knockout losses) and believes Gamrot's volume and deceptive power will catch him. He expects the fight to play out mostly on the feet, with Gamrot dictating the range. He notes Dariush's striking is underrated but trusts Gamrot to land a finishing shot.
Cody thinks Gamrot is the pick, noting his wrestling pedigree and takedown defense. He believes Gamrot's pressure and pace will be key, and that Dariush may struggle with cardio. Cody acknowledges Dariush is a live underdog but feels Gamrot is getting more comfortable and should put on a clean performance. He is not super high on Gamrot this week because Dariush could spoil.
Connor picks Gamrot, citing his incredible pace and cardio, which he believes will wear down Dariush over three rounds. He notes that Dariush often gasses after going berserk, and Gamrot's ability to keep up high-intensity scrambles will exploit that. However, he acknowledges that Dariush could win early if he lands a big shot or imposes his grappling.
Daniel Levi slightly leans toward Mateusz Gamrot. He praises Gamrot's unorthodox low single leg takedown and relentless pressure, noting he attempted 21 takedowns against Arman Tsarukyan. Levi is concerned about Dariush's recent broken ankle and whether he will be fully recovered. He thinks Dariush has the better striking, especially body kicks, but worries that Gamrot's wrestling and scrambling could overwhelm Dariush over three rounds. Levi does not bet this fight.
Gamrot has shown he can grapple with high-level fighters like Arman Tsarukyan. Dariush's reckless style may leave him open to counters. Gamrot is the cleaner striker and has cardio advantage. The under 2.5 at +160 or Gamrot inside the distance at +250 are intriguing. A one-unit shot on the under is the play.
Paul is torn but leans Gamrot, citing that wrestling may be negated in the big cage and that Gamrot has speed and grappling advantages. He mentions Dariush's chin issues from the past and that Gamrot's power could be a factor. Paul is not sure about betting but picks Gamrot.
The MMA Guru picks Mateusz Gamrot over Beneil Dariush. He questions the quality of Dariush's wins (e.g., Ferguson) and notes Dariush's long layoff due to a broken leg. He believes Gamrot's youth, momentum, and grappling will overwhelm Dariush, predicting a decision win with some dangerous moments.
Zane picks Dariush, arguing that Dariush's well-rounded game and ability to control the fight early will give him an edge. He notes that Dariush is a hell of a grappler and can match Gamrot's wrestling, and that Gamrot's takedowns don't lead to control. He admits it's a close fight and that Dariush's tendency to get hurt is a concern, but he thinks Dariush can win a decision or finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 15 of 34 | 44% | 37 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Tony Ferguson | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 76 of 142 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 12:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 13 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tony Ferguson | 0 | 10 of 28 | 35% | 32 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Tony Ferguson | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 26 of 41 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 4:04 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tony Ferguson | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 18 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 15 of 34 | 44% | 10 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 10 |
| Tony Ferguson | 23 of 55 | 41% | 16 of 48 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 7 of 18 | 38% | 6 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 |
| Tony Ferguson | 10 of 28 | 35% | 6 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Tony Ferguson | 6 of 14 | 42% | 5 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 6 of 12 | 50% | 3 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
| Tony Ferguson | 7 of 13 | 53% | 5 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Up next is the long-awaited co-main event, which sees Ferguson (25-5, 15-3 UFC) try to snap the first losing streak of his career against the surging Dariush (20-4-1, 14-4-1 UFC). Hold on to your hats, this one is about to get crazy. Referee Mike Beltran clocks them in and they do not touch gloves, preferring to let their hands settle things instead. Ferguson stutter-steps forward into a left hand, but he is no worse for wear from it. Dariush kicks across Ferguson’s leg to his surprise, and he darts in with a left hook that falls short. Dariush charges in to attack, and Ferguson eats a few shots but is slick and moving everywhere to avoid the shots. Dariush scores another unusual leg kick to Ferguson’s rear leg, and Dariush is ready to brawl and throws hands to catch Ferguson off-guard. Dariush presses forward, and he hits a body lock takedown to plant Ferguson on his back. Ferguson kicks him off, scores an upkick, and pulls a high rubber guard when Dariush climbs back down. Dariush ignores it and pushes through to land a few punches to the body, but “El Cucuy” is holding him tight and elbowing him on the side of the head a few times. Ferguson looks to set up a triangle choke, but when that fails, he recovers his guard. Dariush sits up to start nailing Ferguson with punches and elbows, and Ferguson takes them on the chin all while continuing to hack back with elbows. Ferguson rolls over to nearly sweep Dariush, but he is pushed back over and finds himself surrendering half guard. Dariush steps over to set up an arm-triangle choke, and Ferguson looks to roll through and attack with an armbar as he pushes off the fence. Dariush sees it coming and flows with him, where he slides into Ferguson’s butterfly guard. The Kings MMA fighter resecures half guard, and he steps over to the other side to land some ground-and-pound. When Dariush looks to congratulate him for the round, Ferguson pushes him away to go back to his corner.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Round 2
The second round begins with Ferguson taking the center of the cage, and Dariush kicks his lead leg. Ferguson falls down Dariush looks to take him down. Instead of succumbing to a bad position, Ferguson attacks a brabo choke from his back against the wall. Dariush stays patient and unconcerned with the submission until Ferguson bails on it, where he looks to pull Ferguson’s legs out from beneath him. Dariush pulls him off the fence to put Ferguson flat on his back, and Dariush in full guard starts slugging away at Ferguson. Dariush ignores Ferguson’s flailing on his back to smash his fists on Ferguson’s head, and elbows and punches land until Ferguson tries to push him away. Dariush stays committed to keeping Ferguson grounded, and Ferguson attacks with a submission to get Dariush to back off. Ferguson sweeps Dariush in a wild scramble, and Dariush pulls him back down to attack a heel hook. Ferguson is in serious agony, and he grimaces but does not yell out and instead kicks Dariush in the chest to break the grip. As Dariush loosens the grip, he climbs over on top. Dariush steps into half guard, where he threatens with an arm-triangle choke but is more intent on smothering Ferguson’s face with his chest. Ferguson elbows him a few times, but Dariush does not care as he stays pressed heavy to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Round 3
Ferguson’s leg is severely compromised from the heel hook, and he tries to use his tricky movement but does not have his wheels about him. Dariush walks through any strikes to grab hold of Ferguson, and “El Cucuy” latches on to a guillotine choke. Dariush lifts him up and slams him down, where he breaks the grip and gains an advantageous position. The two end up in a north-south position as Ferguson kicks off the fence, but Dariush expertly traverses the guard to try to get side control. The crowd chants “stand them up,” and these chants echo through the Toyota Center, Beltran asks the fighters to keep moving. Dariush pulls on his adversary to try to get Ferguson’s legs away from the cage, and the two are in a grappling stalemate with no strikes thrown of any kind. Dariush grinds his elbow on Ferguson’s chin, and Ferguson holds on tight but is not doing anything of note either. This odd north-south posture continues as fans grow more restless, and Dariush hops over to side control. Ferguson looks to set up an arm-triangle choke from his back like Maurice Greene pulled off on Gian Villante, but Dariush breaks the grip and hops over on top. Ferguson rolls through and the two get back to their north-south with Ferguson’s feet on the cage, and Dariush spins through to try to land strikes. Ferguson closes his guard and Dariush lands a few short punches to the body. Dariush finishes the fight with a few punches from above, and Ferguson answers with elbows to end this disappointing yet one-sided lightweight clash.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (30-27 Dariush)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (30-27 Dariush)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (30-27 Dariush)
The Official Result
Beneil Dariush def. Tony Ferguson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ferguson has taken massive damage and looks diminished. Dariush is a BJJ black belt with good striking and takedowns. He can implement a similar game plan to Oliveira: take Ferguson down and control him. Ferguson is tough to finish, so I expect a decision win for Dariush.
Cody also picks Dariush, emphasizing Ferguson's decline and poor game plans. He notes that Ferguson's wins are aging and he hasn't knocked anyone out in years. Cody believes Dariush is a thinking man's fighter who will use takedowns and top control to win. He points out that Ferguson's takedown defense is weak and his submission game is not a threat from the bottom. Cody expects Dariush to win the first round and then secure a decision.
Daniel Levi picks Beneil Dariush, emphasizing Ferguson's decline since his knee injury and the Gaethje fight. He notes Dariush's six-fight win streak, knockout power, and jiu-jitsu credentials, and believes Dariush can mix takedowns and avoid submissions. Levi is concerned about Dariush's tendency to leave openings and gas, but thinks Ferguson's durability and chin have diminished. He expects Dariush to dominate and win via decision or late stoppage.
The host picks Dariush but is not confident, noting Ferguson's chaotic style could cause problems. He thinks Dariush should have a grappling advantage and grind out a decision, but worries about Ferguson's ability to create volatility. He says he is not running to the betting window on Dariush.
Paul picks Dariush, citing Ferguson's decline. He notes that Ferguson has lost to elite guys and looked abysmal in his last two fights. Paul believes Dariush's wrestling and game planning will be key, as he can take Ferguson down and neutralize him, similar to what Oliveira did. He mentions that Ferguson's takedown defense is poor and his submission game is not a threat from the bottom. Paul expects Dariush to win by decision, using takedowns to control the fight.
The MMA Guru picks Beneil Dariush over Tony Ferguson, citing Ferguson's age and recent decline. He notes that Ferguson's wins are aging poorly and that Dariush thrives under chaos, which is key against Ferguson. He predicts Dariush will control the fight with grappling and win a unanimous decision 29-28.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 54 of 121 | 44% | 74 of 145 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:58 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 0 | 62 of 116 | 53% | 74 of 132 | 5 of 15 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 7:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 21 of 39 | 53% | 24 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 0 | 29 of 51 | 56% | 32 of 54 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:06 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 14 of 24 | 58% | 30 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 18 of 34 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:37 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 19 of 58 | 32% | 20 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:36 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 0 | 23 of 43 | 53% | 24 of 44 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 54 of 121 | 44% | 43 of 104 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 45 of 109 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 7 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 62 of 116 | 53% | 46 of 98 | 10 of 12 | 6 of 6 | 51 of 93 | 3 of 5 | 8 of 18 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 21 of 39 | 53% | 17 of 32 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 19 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 29 of 51 | 56% | 24 of 46 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 38 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 11 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 14 of 24 | 58% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 10 of 22 | 45% | 7 of 17 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 7 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 19 of 58 | 32% | 16 of 52 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 23 of 43 | 53% | 15 of 35 | 6 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady slightly edges Carlos Diego Ferreira, citing his durability and output advantage. He notes that Dariush has been knocked out three times and Ferreira is not a knockout artist, but Ferreira's volume could be key. He expects a very close decision and admits it's a coin-flip fight.
Daniel Levi picks Beneil Dariush, noting his wrestling and top control advantage. He acknowledges Ferreira's improved boxing and footwork, but believes Dariush's grappling and ability to avoid submissions will be key. He mentions Dariush's past win over Ferreira and his experience against high-level grapplers.
Ferreira has transformed his game since joining Fortis MMA, showing improved striking, pace, and pressure. He averages 283 strikes thrown per fight and has great cardio. His takedown defense has improved, and he gets back to his feet quickly. Dariush has been in firefights recently and may struggle with Ferreira's constant forward pressure. Ferreira's durability and chin are solid. I expect Ferreira to push the pace, outwork Dariush, and win a decision. The line is fair and Ferreira is the better fighter now.
The MMA Guru picks Beneil Dariush in a close fight, noting the odds should be 50-50. He praises Dariush's youth, activity, and improving stand-up, citing his performance against Edson Barboza. He questions Ferreira's wins over aging opponents and thinks Dariush's grappling will keep him safe. He predicts a 29-28 unanimous decision.
Drew Dober - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Dober | 1 | 22 of 55 | 40% | 22 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Johnson | 0 | 27 of 76 | 35% | 27 of 76 | 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 | Drew Dober | 0 | 11 of 29 | 37% | 11 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Johnson | 0 | 18 of 51 | 35% | 18 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Drew Dober | 1 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Johnson | 0 | 9 of 25 | 36% | 9 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Dober | 22 of 55 | 40% | 9 of 33 | 7 of 14 | 6 of 8 | 21 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Michael Johnson | 27 of 76 | 35% | 18 of 55 | 0 of 11 | 9 of 10 | 27 of 76 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Dober | 11 of 29 | 37% | 2 of 14 | 5 of 9 | 4 of 6 | 11 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Johnson | 18 of 51 | 35% | 9 of 31 | 0 of 11 | 9 of 9 | 18 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Drew Dober | 11 of 26 | 42% | 7 of 19 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Michael Johnson | 9 of 25 | 36% | 9 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 9 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Drew Dober as a slight underdog over Michael Johnson, but with very low confidence. He notes Johnson is inconsistent and his recent wins are against weak competition, while Dober's chin may be fading after brutal KO losses. However, Brady thinks Dober hits harder and could catch Johnson, predicting a second-round KO. He acknowledges the fight is a toss-up and trusts neither fighter.
Cody picks Johnson, citing his better speed, boxing, and reach advantage. He notes Dober's recent knockout losses and regression, while Johnson is on a three-fight win streak. He expects Johnson to win by knockout or decision.
Connor picks Johnson, citing Dober's clear decline in recent fights, especially the Kyle Propolek fight where Dober looked slow and unfocused. He notes that Johnson has maintained a consistent level and still has sharp counterpunching and good first-level takedown defense. Connor believes Dober's durability has faded and his pressure style leaves him open to counters, which Johnson can exploit.
Daniel Vreeland leans toward Drew Dober as an underdog, expecting an early scare followed by a late knockout. He notes that Michael Johnson's speed fades with age, and Dober's durability and power can turn the tide. Vreeland compares it to Dober's fight against Bobby Green, where he took punishment early and finished later.
James picks Michael Johnson because he is faster and hits just as hard as Dober, and he expects Johnson to land first. He notes Dober's declining durability and hittability, making him vulnerable to a knockout. James predicts a KO finish, likely by Johnson, and suggests betting on the fight ending via KO.
Johnson is the better technical striker with cleaner counters. Dober is explosive but vulnerable to counters. Johnson's speed and power should allow him to land a big shot and put Dober away. Johnson by knockout.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Johnson due to his power, volume, and footwork. He mentions Dober's durability issues and Johnson's ability to fight to his opponent's level. He expects Johnson to either knock Dober out or win a decision.
The MMA Guru picks Drew Dober, believing he will walk through Johnson's shots and land a KO. He compares it to the Bobby Green fight and predicts a second-round TKO. He mentions Dober's whiteboard and obsession with finishing Johnson.
Zane also picks Johnson, agreeing with Connor's assessment. He emphasizes that Dober's recent performances show a fighter who is no longer present in the moment, similar to Tony Ferguson's decline. Zane notes that Johnson's speed and counterpunching are still dangerous, and Dober's tendency to lead with his face makes him vulnerable. He sees Johnson as the more reliable fighter at this stage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Prepolec | 0 | 51 of 164 | 31% | 51 of 164 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 83 of 161 | 51% | 85 of 163 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Prepolec | 0 | 17 of 66 | 25% | 17 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 28 of 58 | 48% | 28 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Kyle Prepolec | 0 | 27 of 80 | 33% | 27 of 80 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 35 of 58 | 60% | 36 of 59 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Kyle Prepolec | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 7 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 20 of 45 | 44% | 21 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Prepolec | 51 of 164 | 31% | 36 of 139 | 7 of 13 | 8 of 12 | 51 of 164 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 83 of 161 | 51% | 46 of 117 | 18 of 22 | 19 of 22 | 77 of 153 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Prepolec | 17 of 66 | 25% | 11 of 53 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 6 | 17 of 66 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 28 of 58 | 48% | 12 of 40 | 5 of 7 | 11 of 11 | 28 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kyle Prepolec | 27 of 80 | 33% | 20 of 70 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 27 of 80 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 35 of 58 | 60% | 18 of 36 | 11 of 13 | 6 of 9 | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Kyle Prepolec | 7 of 18 | 38% | 5 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 20 of 45 | 44% | 16 of 41 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 37 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dober (-500); Prepolec (+375)
Round 1
Chins will be tested when this lightweight matchup is all said and done. Dober (27-15, 1 NC; 13-11, 1 NC UFC) may be one of the quietest recordholders in the promotion, as he and Dustin Poirier remain tied for the most knockouts (nine) in the history of the division. He gains a fortuitous matchup in Canada’s Prepolec (18-9, 0-3 UFC), who with a win tonight would earn his first in the Octagon after four efforts. The two will be joined by referee John Cooper, who will keep things on the up-and-up as the fighters choose not to touch gloves.
Prepolec offers an early low kick, and he leans back out of range from a check right hook. Both men land at the end of punches, and Dober scores a low kick behind it. Dober turns his hips behind another hefty leg kick, and he fires one more off and cracks Prepolec with a left hand. Prepolec boots Dober in the face with his shin, and Dober completely ignores it and pops him with a one-two. Dober has his guard up to defend against a high kick the next time, and he swats away all but a body shot from the Canadian. Dober lunges in with a flurry of punches, his left hook finding the target. Dober goes low with a kick and high upstairs with a right hand. A Dober left misses by a hair, and Prepolec’s counters fall short as well. Dober pounds the front leg and puts fists on face immediately thereafter, with Prepolec left playing second fiddle with little more than an overhand left.
Dober scores with his left and chops the front leg with a kick, and he aims a body shot but is kicked back by the Canadian. Dober reaches with his big left, and his body kick plants on the torso. Dober kicks the thigh, and the leg brushes up against the cup. Prepolec waves Cooper off and they keep going. Dober’s kicks have started to have an impact on Prepolec’s front wheel, as Prepolec is ginger on it and open to big left hands. Dober catches him at the end of his left, and he flashes out a few jabs to set up a body shot. Dober backs his man off only to walk into a combination, and Prepolec grins. Even when Prepolec blocks a head kick, the impact of it bangs into his head. Dober whiffs on a wheel kick, clearly feeling himself in the Octagon. Prepolec doubles up jabs to mark up Dober’s nose, and he slips a punch and scores a straight left. Both men toss out head kicks, and Prepolec goes to the body. Prepolec’s jabs further bloody Dober’s nose, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dober
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dober
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dober
Round 2
The lightweights bump fists this round, and Dober says hello with a low kick that transitions into a wheel kick. Prepolec tries to defend a low kick by raising his knee, but that only opens Dober up to throw a body shot. Prepolec strings together his own counters, and Dober takes them on the chin and swings back with bad intentions. Prepolec gets back behind his jab and two, and the nose of Dober begins to leak again. Prepolec checks a kick with an audible thud to it and splits Dober’s shin wide open, and he punches Dober in the face with both fists—one after the other, not at once. Dober shrugs it off and tries to brawl, only for Prepolec to answer him with two upstairs and a head kick. Dober rips the body and jams a kick on the lead leg, and Prepolec is ginger on it after taking damage. Dober kicks it on the inside and swipes out with a pair of hooks, and his left hand is catching the Canadian but not seeming to slow him. Dober gets off the wheel kick he was seeking, banging it into Prepolec’s raised guard. Dober slips a punch and counters with a big left hand up top.
Dober leaps forward behind a Superman punch, and Prepolec’s chin holds up well as he tanks it and hurls back. Dober goes to the body, and Prepolec returns fire with a few punches and a head kick that Dober rolls. Prepolec checks another kick, and Dober stumbles back from it. Prepolec slaps his foe’s inside thigh, and Dober blasts him with a left hand. Prepolec tries to spin through it with a back fist, but it is out of range. Prepolec snaps Dober’s head back with a right hand, and Dober belts him in the belly with his non-damaged shin. Dober opens up with power punches, and Prepolec stands in the pocket and bangs with him, even shaking Dober up with a left hand. Dober suddenly shoots in for a single-leg takedown, and Prepolec sits him up and staves it off. Both men stand up, and Dober bounces a left hand off the temple and releases his opponent’s leg. Prepolec chains a left hand into a head kick, and Dober is wearing it at this point but has hit Prepolec with everything and the kitchen sink. Prepolec splits the guard with an uppercut, and he knocks Dober to his knees with a ferocious left hand. Right before Prepolec is about to annihilate Dober with what would be an illegal soccer kick with Dober’s knee down, the round ends and Cooper is between them.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Prepolec
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Prepolec
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Prepolec
Round 3
When the last round begins, Dober shouts, “Let’s do it!” They nod to one another, touch gloves, and swing for the fences. Prepolec boots Dober in the face with his foot, and Dober races after him with flailing punches. Dober unleashes a low kick with everything behind it, and it crashes directly into Prepolec’s cup. Prepolec collapses to the floor, and Cooper goes to the Canadian and practically begs him to take as much time as he needs instead of hurrying back. The partisan crowd starts a booming, profane chant of “F--- Drew Dober,” as Prepolec is in agony on his knees. Two minutes into the five-minute window, and Prepolec stands back up, albeit hunched over. Cooper keeps Prepolec informed of how much time he has left, and Prepolec responds that he is starting to feel better. Due to the severity of the foul, Cooper elects to deduct one point from Dober—this is the right call given the fight-changing nature of the illegal kick. Prepolec asks for them to restart the fight, and after 4:10 of recovery time, he is good to go.
Dober rushes after the Canadian and starts swinging for the bleachers. Practically sprinting at his opponent, Dober hurls punches in bunches and knocks Prepolec’s head around the cage. Prepolec leans over and takes a brutal knee to the chest that further makes him double over. Prepolec skirts away, and Dober rushes after him with one goal in mind: smash the Canadian’s face. Dober takes the counters that Prepolec offers, including a head kick or two, because he is a man possessed.
Backing Prepolec up against the cage, Dober blasts his man with a knee, an elbow and one final surge of punches. With Prepolec leaned over in bad shape, Cooper saves him from further punishment, and the fans are not having it.
Dober apologizes to the Vancouver masses for sending their fighter out like that, and they appear to accept his apology and stop raining down boos. While claps are sporadic, a few in the building realize the significance of Dober now the solo recordholder for the most knockouts in UFC lightweight history with 10.
The Official Result
Drew Dober def. Kyle Prepolec R3 1:16 via TKO (Elbow and Punches)
Angelo picks Drew Dober to win, citing his technical striking and ability to grapple if needed. He notes Dober's recent chin issues but believes Kyle Prepolec is not a UFC-caliber fighter and lacks power. He expects Dober to find a finish, making him a good fantasy play at $9,400.
Big Brady is concerned about Drew Dober's age, fight mileage, and recent chin issues, but believes the skill gap is massive in Dober's favor. He notes Prepolec has never been knocked out and is likely more durable at this stage. He picks Dober by decision, staying away from the -550 price.
Cody picks Prepolec, citing value. He notes Dober's chin is declining and he has been knocked out recently. Prepolec has never been knocked out and has a full camp. Cody believes Prepolec can catch Dober and win by knockout, but admits it's a value play.
Connor picks Drew Dober but is hesitant, acknowledging that Dober seems to have lost his confidence and timing after the Manuel Torres loss. He notes that Prepolec is a tough slugger who has never been knocked out, and that Dober's usual brawling approach may not work anymore. However, Connor still expects Dober to win because Prepolec is a step down in competition.
James picks Dober to win but notes value on Prepolec as an underdog. He questions Dober's recent chin issues after knockouts by Jean Silva and Matt Frevola, while Prepolec has never been knocked out. James expects a striking battle where Prepolec could land a head kick, but ultimately favors Dober's speed and experience.
The host is not a big fan of Dober at the super chalky line given his recent form and Prepolec being a striker himself. However, he still thinks Dober is the better all-around fighter and should mix striking and grappling to win on the scorecards, provided his durability holds up.
Paul leans Prepolec, agreeing with Cody on value. He notes Dober's durability is a question and Prepolec has power. Paul says he'll have a small bet on Prepolec but has low conviction.
The MMA Guru picks Drew Dober over Kyle Prepolec. He acknowledges Dober's recent KO loss to Manuel Torres but attributes that to Torres being a genetic freak with nasty power. He believes Dober still has it and will beat Prepolec easily, noting Prepolec shouldn't be in the UFC. He predicts a TKO in the second round.
Zane picks Kyle Prepolec as a wild flyer, citing Dober's recent struggles and loss of confidence. He notes that Prepolec is a tough slugger who has never been knocked out, and that Dober's path to victory is to slug it out, which may no longer work. Zane is not confident but sees value in the underdog.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 1 | 23 of 25 | 92% | 23 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 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 | Manuel Torres | 1 | 23 of 25 | 92% | 23 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 23 of 25 | 92% | 21 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
| Drew Dober | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Torres | 23 of 25 | 92% | 21 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
| Drew Dober | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
James picks Drew Dober to win, arguing that Torres has never won outside round one except for a split decision where he gassed, and that elevation will worsen his cardio. He highlights Dober's elite chin, cardio, and forward pressure, noting Dober's last fight against Jean Silva showed his durability. James believes Dober will survive Torres' early onslaught and then dominate in rounds two and three, likely finishing Torres. He also mentions a potential submission angle for Torres but favors Dober's path to victory.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Silva | 0 | 59 of 147 | 40% | 59 of 148 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 53 of 109 | 48% | 53 of 109 | 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 | Jean Silva | 0 | 20 of 58 | 34% | 20 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 16 of 42 | 38% | 16 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jean Silva | 0 | 30 of 70 | 42% | 30 of 71 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 31 of 55 | 56% | 31 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jean Silva | 0 | 9 of 19 | 47% | 9 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Silva | 59 of 147 | 40% | 29 of 109 | 21 of 28 | 9 of 10 | 55 of 138 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 53 of 109 | 48% | 37 of 89 | 15 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 48 of 101 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jean Silva | 20 of 58 | 34% | 7 of 41 | 8 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 16 of 42 | 38% | 10 of 34 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jean Silva | 30 of 70 | 42% | 17 of 53 | 10 of 13 | 3 of 4 | 26 of 61 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 31 of 55 | 56% | 23 of 45 | 7 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 29 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Jean Silva | 9 of 19 | 47% | 5 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 6 of 12 | 50% | 4 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Jean Silva, having bet on him at +105. He believes Silva is the better striker and would win with a full camp, but cautions about the quick turnaround (fighting two weeks after UFC 303) and moving up in weight. He notes that Silva opened as an underdog but has become the favorite, and advises that betting at plus money was good but at current minus odds may not be worth it. He acknowledges Drew Dober's durability and chin.
Cody picks Jean Silva, impressed by his power and durability shown against Charles Jourdain. He believes Dober's chin is declining and that Silva's pressure and power will be too much. He notes Silva's camp at Fighting Nerds and his ability to generate power from any position.
Daniel Vreeland picks Drew Dober over Jean Silva. He cites Dober's experience, power, and size advantage as a true lightweight, while Silva is moving up from featherweight. He notes Dober's status as a lightweight KO king and that he lives in Colorado, giving him an altitude advantage. He acknowledges Silva's impressive performances but thinks the quick turnaround and elevation may affect him. He leans with the veteran Dober.
Drew Dober is the more technical striker. If he can stay competitive early, Jean Silva will slow down due to altitude and whiffing. Dober's solid striking defense will allow him to turn up the pace and potentially put Silva away in the second or third round.
Paul picks Jean Silva, citing his power and the fact that Dober's chin may be fading. He notes Silva's performance against Jourdain and believes Silva's pressure will overwhelm Dober. He expects an entertaining fight with a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renato Moicano | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 142 of 177 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 10:33 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 23 of 59 | 38% | 36 of 73 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renato Moicano | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 43 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:48 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 6 of 20 | 30% | 7 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 | |
| 2 | Renato Moicano | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 34 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:19 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 17 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 | |
| 3 | Renato Moicano | 0 | 15 of 25 | 60% | 65 of 81 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:26 |
| Drew Dober | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 12 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renato Moicano | 23 of 42 | 54% | 20 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 13 |
| Drew Dober | 23 of 59 | 38% | 17 of 50 | 4 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 19 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renato Moicano | 6 of 12 | 50% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Drew Dober | 6 of 20 | 30% | 5 of 17 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Renato Moicano | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Drew Dober | 6 of 13 | 46% | 5 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | |
| 3 | Renato Moicano | 15 of 25 | 60% | 14 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Drew Dober | 11 of 26 | 42% | 7 of 21 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Drew Dober, trusting his chin and brawling ability. He notes that Moicano is chinny and hasn't fought in a year. He believes Dober can bait Moicano into a firefight and knock him out. He has a half-unit bet on Dober at +125.
Big Brady picks Renato Moicano to win by first-round submission. He notes that Moicano has a huge advantage on the ground, and Dober has been submitted multiple times. However, Moicano sometimes falls in love with striking, which would be dangerous against Dober's power. Brady thinks Moicano will take Dober down and submit him, but acknowledges it's a 50-50 fight.
Cody picks Moicano, citing Dober's declining durability and Moicano's superior grappling and angles. He notes Dober's chin is fading after the Fialho knockout, and Moicano can set up takedowns with his jab. He sees Moicano by submission as a strong prop.
Moicano has a tremendous BJJ black belt and should be able to drag Dober to the ground and sink in a rear naked choke. However, the host is hesitant due to Moicano's long layoff and knee surgery at 34 years old. Dober has power and good cardio, but is at a skill disadvantage on the ground. The host expects the fight not to go to decision, with Moicano winning by submission.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Moicano. He highlights Dober's reckless pressure and suspect takedown defense, while Moicano's jab and movement should set up takedowns. He notes Moicano's losses are to elite fighters, and Dober has never been at that level.
The MMA Guru picks Drew Dober over Renato Moicano, predicting a TKO. He cites Moicano's long layoff since November 2022 due to a leg injury, and doubts he will look his best. He believes Dober has more power on the feet and has impressive wins over Terrance McKinney, Rafael Alves, and Bobby Green. He thinks Moicano will struggle to take Dober down and that Dober will catch him with his hands down, Korean Zombie style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Dober | 1 | 30 of 53 | 56% | 30 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Ricky Glenn | 0 | 5 of 22 | 22% | 5 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Dober | 1 | 30 of 53 | 56% | 30 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Ricky Glenn | 0 | 5 of 22 | 22% | 5 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Dober | 30 of 53 | 56% | 19 of 40 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 20 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 12 |
| Ricky Glenn | 5 of 22 | 22% | 2 of 15 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Dober | 30 of 53 | 56% | 19 of 40 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 20 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 12 |
| Ricky Glenn | 5 of 22 | 22% | 2 of 15 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Drew Dober confidently, citing his technical kickboxing, power, and willingness to brawl. He notes that Ricky Glenn struggles when opponents bring a brawl. However, he expresses concern about Dober's chin after his knockout loss to Matt Frevola, wondering if it's the beginning of the end. He has Dober in a parlay with Kanako Murata, calling it risky.
Big Brady is very confident in Drew Dober, calling the matchup questionable and noting Ricky Glenn's poor performance in his last fight. He believes Glenn looks washed and has had long layoffs due to injuries. He expects Dober's power to be too much, predicting a first-round knockout despite Glenn only being knocked out once in his career.
Cody picks Dober but is hesitant, noting that Dober's chin may be compromised after his knockout loss to Matt Frevola. He acknowledges Glenn's sneaky power and low activity, but believes Dober's experience and power give him the edge. He does not like the line and sees better value elsewhere.
Daniel Levi picks Drew Dober, noting that Dober has always been a step ahead of Ricky Glenn in competition. He highlights Dober's power and his record for most KOs in the lightweight division, but also acknowledges Glenn's durability (only one KO loss in over 30 fights). He thinks Dober should get back on track but doesn't guarantee a KO.
Lucrative James predicts Dober wins by knockout in round two or three. He thinks the line is wide but Dober should get the finish. He notes Dober has good takedown defense but struggles to get back up if taken down. He believes Glenn is slowing down and Dober will eventually crack his chin.
Dober has power and speed advantages, and Glenn has durability concerns after a long layoff and surgeries. However, Dober is unreliable as a heavy favorite and Glenn can also knock him out. The fight likely ends inside the distance, with Dober getting a KO, but the odds are too high to trust. I predict Dober by KO but won't bet the moneyline.
Paul picks Ricky Glenn as a value play, citing Dober's recent knockout loss and Glenn's volatility. He notes that Glenn has sneaky power and could catch Dober. However, he is not highly confident, calling it a high-volatility fight. He prefers the under 2.5 rounds prop as a safer bet.
The MMA Guru picks Drew Dober over Ricky Glenn, predicting a TKO. He jokes about Dober's racially motivated power but seriously notes Glenn looked like an 'old age pensioner' in his last fight against Christos Giagos, slow and predictable. He believes Dober has decent takedown defense and will land body shots, finishing Glenn in the late first round. He also mentions Glenn stands upright, making him vulnerable.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Frevola | 0 | 20 of 59 | 33% | 20 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Drew Dober | 1 | 35 of 75 | 46% | 39 of 79 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matt Frevola | 0 | 20 of 59 | 33% | 20 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Drew Dober | 1 | 35 of 75 | 46% | 39 of 79 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Frevola | 20 of 59 | 33% | 12 of 50 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 35 of 75 | 46% | 26 of 61 | 6 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 58 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 15 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matt Frevola | 20 of 59 | 33% | 12 of 50 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Drew Dober | 35 of 75 | 46% | 26 of 61 | 6 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 58 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 15 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dober (-205), Frevola (+175)
Round 1
What many are coining the must-watch battle of the evening takes place in the ESPN prelim headliner, when hard-chinned brawler Dober (26-11, 1 NC; 12-7, 1 NC UFC) throws down with aggressive action fighter Frevola (10-3-1, 4-3-1 UFC). Ahead of what hopes to be a lightweight thriller, the two men bump fists. Referee Herb Dean stands at the ready. Frevola engages with a jab and a body kick, and the latter lands flush. Dober counters with a left hand, and he gets tagged with a right hand over the top. Frevola comes at his foe with a superman punch and a head kick, and he scores a right hand that gives Dober pause. They crash together and bump heads together, and Dober gets a left hand to find the chin. Frevola flails back with powerful punches, and he changes levels and bails on it to knee the body. Dober swats away a kick to his ribs, and he gives Frevola a shove. Frevola slides a punch but cannot dodge the subsequent body shot. A few punches from Frevola bust open Dober’s nose, and he fights his way of the fence. Dober keeps walking him down, slipping a pair of hooks and walking him down. Dober thumps a left to the body, and Frevola loads up with everything he has to fire back. Dober sticks a straight right down the pipe that reddens Frevola’s nose, and he is backing Frevola off but not slowing his offense. Frevola sings a few right hands, and they crash together swinging fists. Both split apart, no worse for wear, and Frevola boots him upside the head with his shin. Dober practically ignores it to retaliate with a one-two, and a left to the body. Frevola connects with another Superman punch, and Dober wobbles but continues marching forward. Dober looses head kicks, and one slides under the arm to the upper ribs.
Frevola sits down on a right hand that pounds square into Dober's perfect jawline, and Dober collapses to his seat. Sensing he might be able to pull off the finish and upset, Frevola leaps on top and hammers Dober with a lengthy barrage of unanswered blows. Frevola beats down on Dober with a long stream of punches, and Dober’s eyes roll back briefly before he gets knocked back into his senses.
As Frevola keeps swinging to finish the job, Dean steps in to wave the fight off, and Dober immediately protests. Dober tries to get back to his feet to show he can still fight and that Dean made a mistake, but he is wobbling on his feet and barely upright. Blood streams from Dober’s face, and the fight is officially over. Frevola goes over to make sure there is no bad blood, and tensions cool down.
The Official Result
Matt Frevola def. Drew Dober R1 4:08 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Matt Frevola, citing his recent knockout power and wrestling ability. He thinks Drew Dober's chin may finally be wearing out from accumulated damage, and that Frevola is smart enough to mix in takedowns rather than brawl. Angelo notes Frevola's confidence from back-to-back KO wins and believes he can land, shoot, and grind to victory. He has a quarter unit on Frevola at +185, calling it great odds for a guy with power and wrestling.
Big Brady picks Dober, expecting a stand-up war. He notes Frevola has power but tends to brawl, and Dober has one of the best chins in the UFC. He believes if Frevola stands and trades, Dober will knock him out. He predicts a first-round knockout, as Frevola has been knocked out before and Dober's durability is elite.
Cody emphasizes Dober's incredible chin and power, noting that Frevola has been knocked out by lesser punchers. He points out that Dober survived a knockdown from Terence McKinney and came back to win, while McKinney knocked out Frevola in 7 seconds. He expects Dober to land big shots and knock Frevola out, possibly under 1.5 rounds.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Dober's pressure and ability to come back from being hurt make him the pick. He notes Frevola has been knocked out too many times and that Dober's losses come only to elite wrestlers. Connor sees Frevola's path as unlikely.
The host picks Drew Dober, believing his speed and explosiveness will allow him to land cleanly on Matt Frevola. He notes Dober's defensive grappling should nullify Frevola's takedowns. He expects a knockout and recommends the fight doesn't go to decision as the best bet.
Paul agrees, calling Dober's chin one of the best in the game. He notes Frevola's path is to grapple early, but at range Dober has a clear advantage. He predicts Dober knocks him out, as Frevola has struggled against power punchers.
The Guru picks Dober, calling Frevola a scrappier, worse version of Dober. He notes Dober's chin and ability to survive storms, while Frevola has been finished by lesser fighters. He expects a stand-up fight with Dober finishing Frevola in the first round via being more technical and tough in the pocket.
Zane picks Drew Dober because Dober is more reliable in a brawl, with excellent pocket composure and body work. He notes Frevola may have a wrestling out but is likely to get drawn into a war. Dober's defensive wrestling is solid but not ironclad, but Frevola's tendency to brawl and get knocked out makes Dober the clear pick.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Dober | 1 | 34 of 121 | 28% | 34 of 121 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| King Green | 0 | 73 of 142 | 51% | 75 of 145 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Dober | 0 | 17 of 71 | 23% | 17 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| King Green | 0 | 39 of 87 | 44% | 40 of 89 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Drew Dober | 1 | 17 of 50 | 34% | 17 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| King Green | 0 | 34 of 55 | 61% | 35 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Dober | 34 of 121 | 28% | 16 of 86 | 9 of 21 | 9 of 14 | 33 of 119 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| King Green | 73 of 142 | 51% | 50 of 113 | 17 of 22 | 6 of 7 | 72 of 141 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Dober | 17 of 71 | 23% | 5 of 50 | 7 of 13 | 5 of 8 | 17 of 70 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| King Green | 39 of 87 | 44% | 27 of 71 | 7 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 38 of 86 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Drew Dober | 17 of 50 | 34% | 11 of 36 | 2 of 8 | 4 of 6 | 16 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| King Green | 34 of 55 | 61% | 23 of 42 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 34 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Drew Dober hesitantly, acknowledging that this is a very tough fight to call. He notes Dober has a great chin and power, while Bobby Green is more technically sound with higher volume and better defense. He worries that Dober might get touched up like in the Nazrat fight. He plans to stay away from betting on this fight due to low confidence.
Big Brady picks Bobby Green as an underdog, citing his recent impressive performances and high volume. He worries about Green's fight IQ and the judges, but thinks Green will outland Dober. He notes Dober will land the harder shots but Green's volume should win rounds. He also mentions Green could wrestle but likely won't. He predicts a close decision win for Green.
Cody picks Dober, believing his power and durability will sway judges. He notes Dober sits down on his punches and has good leg kicks. He thinks Green's flat-footed boxing style and head-shaking may not impress judges. He expects a close decision win for Dober and considers Dober by decision.
Green is a solid spot here. Dober has recency bias from two straight KOs, but Green is much more durable than those opponents (Rafael Alves, Terrence McKinney). Green will outstrike Dober, throw more combinations, and take home a decision. The line stayed around +130 to +135.
Paul leans Green, thinking he is a cleaner, more dynamic boxer who can win on volume. He notes Green has insane durability and will outland Dober. However, he is hesitant because Dober lands bigger shots and judges may favor damage. He says if the lines were flipped he wouldn't touch it, but at plus money he considers it.
The MMA Guru picks King Green over Drew Dober, despite many picking Dober. He compares Dober to Rafael Fiziev, whom Green nearly beat, and believes Green's style of straight punches and range control will trouble Dober. He notes Green's reach and height advantages and expects him to pepper Dober, swelling his eye and nose, and win a 29-28 decision. He also thinks Dober may not react well to Green's taunting.
Maybe the KO is value -162