Career Averages - Alex Caceres
Career Averages - SeungWoo Choi
Alex Caceres
SeungWoo Choi
Alex Caceres - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Woodson | 0 | 82 of 197 | 41% | 85 of 200 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 101 of 226 | 44% | 101 of 226 | 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 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 18 of 49 | 36% | 18 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 31 of 63 | 49% | 31 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 32 of 73 | 43% | 32 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 31 of 71 | 43% | 31 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 32 of 75 | 42% | 35 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 39 of 92 | 42% | 39 of 92 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Woodson | 82 of 197 | 41% | 43 of 143 | 28 of 40 | 11 of 14 | 79 of 190 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 101 of 226 | 44% | 61 of 171 | 19 of 28 | 21 of 27 | 98 of 222 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Woodson | 18 of 49 | 36% | 11 of 36 | 4 of 8 | 3 of 5 | 18 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 31 of 63 | 49% | 18 of 44 | 3 of 6 | 10 of 13 | 31 of 63 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean Woodson | 32 of 73 | 43% | 16 of 52 | 11 of 15 | 5 of 6 | 31 of 70 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 31 of 71 | 43% | 16 of 51 | 9 of 13 | 6 of 7 | 29 of 69 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sean Woodson | 32 of 75 | 42% | 16 of 55 | 13 of 17 | 3 of 3 | 30 of 71 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 39 of 92 | 42% | 27 of 76 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 7 | 38 of 90 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Sean Woodson, citing his excellent boxing, reach management, and 84% takedown defense. He notes Woodson uses his length well and is a clean boxer. He expects Woodson to win a decision, as Alex Caceres is durable but not powerful. He is confident in Woodson's ability to keep the fight at distance.
Big Brady picks Sean Woodson by decision, citing his height and reach advantage, volume advantage, and the hometown crowd in St. Louis. He notes that Caceres has a black belt but rarely uses it, so this will be a striker vs. striker matchup. He expects Woodson to do more work over 15 minutes and not have to worry about takedowns, which should give him confidence to throw more volume.
Cody picks Woodson but is hesitant due to Woodson's inconsistency. He notes that Woodson has shown improvements in wrestling and cardio in recent fights, and his length is a major advantage at 145. Cody believes Woodson can outpoint Caceres on the feet and has the takedown defense to avoid submissions. However, he acknowledges that Caceres is a savvy veteran and Woodson has been chinny in the past. Cody ultimately sides with Woodson but is not confident.
Daniel Vreeland picks Sean Woodson, emphasizing his physical attributes (6'2" with 78-inch reach) and his ability to come back from adversity, as seen in the Luis Saldana fight. He believes Woodson's length and jab will be too much for Caceres, and that Woodson is ready to crack the top 15. He predicts a decision win.
The host confidently picks Woodson due to his length, jab, and distance management, which should neutralize Caceres' unorthodox striking. He notes Woodson's improved takedown defense and discipline, expecting him to outpoint Caceres over three rounds. He sees Caceres' grappling as a threat but doubts he can get the fight to the ground. The pick is confident, with a decision victory expected.
Paul picks Caceres as a slight underdog, citing his veteran savvy and ability to win scrambles. He notes that Caceres knocked out Julian Rosa, while Woodson lost to Rosa. Paul thinks the fight will be competitive and that Caceres has value at plus money. However, he is not confident enough to bet it, calling it a 'dog or pass' situation. He mentions that Woodson's improvements could make it close, but he leans towards Caceres.
The MMA Guru picks Sean Woodson over Alex Caceres, citing Caceres' age (35) and recent losses. He notes Woodson's height and reach advantage (4.5 inches) and believes Woodson has looked better recently. He predicts a decision win, possibly with body shots against the cage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 65 of 141 | 46% | 65 of 141 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 62 of 168 | 36% | 62 of 168 | 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 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 17 of 30 | 56% | 17 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 15 of 39 | 38% | 15 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 23 of 44 | 52% | 23 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 24 of 61 | 39% | 24 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 25 of 67 | 37% | 25 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 23 of 68 | 33% | 23 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 65 of 141 | 46% | 25 of 83 | 22 of 38 | 18 of 20 | 65 of 139 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 62 of 168 | 36% | 25 of 110 | 25 of 44 | 12 of 14 | 62 of 168 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 17 of 30 | 56% | 7 of 16 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 17 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 15 of 39 | 38% | 5 of 23 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 15 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 23 of 44 | 52% | 14 of 30 | 4 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 24 of 61 | 39% | 8 of 40 | 12 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 24 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Giga Chikadze | 25 of 67 | 37% | 4 of 37 | 13 of 21 | 8 of 9 | 25 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 23 of 68 | 33% | 12 of 47 | 8 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 23 of 68 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Chikadze (-245), Caceres (+200)
Round 1
A hotly anticipated featherweight scrap heats up the room in Southeast Asia. Chikadze finds his way back into the cage for the first time in more than a year and looks to rebound from a decision defeat to Calvin Kattar that put an end to his nine-fight winning streak. Caceres appears to be enjoying a mid-career resurgence, with victories seven of his past eight bouts. Marc Goddard gets the nod to officiate. Caceres opens with a side kick to the body and looks light on his feet. Chikadze stalks from the center of the cage and uses feints to back up the Miami native. Caceres connects with a crisp one-two, then stomps at the knee. Chikadze partially blocks and spinning backfist and targets the body with one of his patented kicks. Caceres controls the center of the cage but eats a right hand over the top. His unorthodox style seems to be giving Chikadze trouble. Caceras throws in a jab, follows it with a low kick and misfires on a Superman punch. Chikadze still throwing in single strikes. So far, Caceres is holding his own on the feet. Chikadze meets him with a jab in the center of the cage, as Caceres lunges in and out with punches. They trade right hands as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Caceres
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Caceres
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Round 2
Caceres once again gets out of the gate first. Chikadze looks keen to counter, but the Georgian is still only throwing one shot at a time. Lack of output is limiting his effectiveness. Chikadze follows a sharp jab with a right cross. The Kings MMA rep seems to have found his rang and timing, as he starts to connect in combination. Caceres dives in with a right hook to the body and exits without absorbing anything in return. Chikadze steps into a right hand, then follows a jab with a heavy straight right, snapping back his counterpart’s head. There is a noticeable difference in the impact of their shots. Chikadze uncorks a kicks to the body, backs out of the pocket and answers a leg kick with a right cross. Momentum has definitely shifted here.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Round 3
Chikadze gives Caceres pause with a head kick to start Round 3, then rattles him with a jarring right hook. The Georgian counters a low kick with an overhand right and continues to land the more impactful blows. Caceres probably needs to alter his strategy, though he punctuates a nice combination with a partially blocked head kick. The Miami native smiles, as Chikadze remains stoic and hunts opportunities. Kicks to the leg and body back up Caceres, who is swinging and missing far more often now. Chikadze steps into another right hand, nearly spinning around “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 12 graduate. With 90 seconds left, Caceres needs to put forth something significant. Chikadze circles on the outside and delivers a heavy kick to the chest. A two-punch volley comes next. Caceres is running out of time. Chikadze counters while moving backward and chews up the remaining seconds on the clock.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (29-28 Chikadze)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (29-28 Chikadze)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (30-27 Chikadze)
The Official Result
Giga Chikadze def. Alex Caceres—Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-37, 30-27)
Angelo sees Giga as the much better striker and dangerous, but worries about the long layoff (1.5 years) and takedown defense issues from past losses. He notes that Caceres is a tough veteran with good scrambles. He picks Giga but is undecided on betting him, as the layoff and Caceres' toughness give him pause.
Big Brady acknowledges Giga Chikadze's long layoff and loss to Calvin Kattar but sees this as a good matchup for him. He notes that Alex Caceres doesn't use his wrestling and prefers to strike, which favors Giga. He believes Giga is the better striker with more power and tools, and expects him to win a kickboxing fight by decision.
Cody is tempted by the underdog line on Caceres but ultimately picks Chikadze. He notes that Caceres has a grappling advantage but may not be able to get takedowns against a high-level striker. Chikadze's striking is elite and he should win if he keeps it standing. Cody is not highly confident due to the 16-month layoff and grappling risk.
Daniel picks Giga Chikadze, noting that this is a major step down in competition from Calvin Kattar. He believes Giga's power advantage is one-sided and that Caceres doesn't have the power to hurt him. He acknowledges concerns about Giga's layoff and surgeries, but thinks he cruises to a victory, possibly by knockout. He mentions that Caceres has a grappling edge but rarely uses takedowns.
James picks Alex Caceres as an underdog, citing Giga's long layoff, age (35), and the beating he took from Calvin Kattar. He believes Caceres can keep the striking close and has a massive grappling edge if the fight goes to the mat. He notes Giga gasses quickly after grappling exchanges, and Caceres could submit him or win via cardio advantage. He sees value at +210.
The host notes Giga Chikadze has been out for over a year and was exposed by Calvin Kattar's grappling. He believes Caceres is in his best form, with an unorthodox striking style and a dangerous Jiu-Jitsu game. The host expects Caceres to stifle Chikadze's early power, take the fight to the ground, and possibly find a submission. He calls the +210 odds 'crazy' and picks Caceres by decision.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Caceres' path to victory is via grappling, but Chikadze's striking is superior. He mentions Caceres' loss to Yusuff as a blueprint for how this fight could go. Paul is not confident enough to bet Chikadze at the price.
The MMA Guru picks Alex Caceres as an underdog over Giga Chikadze, envisioning Caceres finding a back take and rear-naked choke. He notes Caceres' momentum and two-fight winning streak, and Chikadze's struggles against well-rounded opponents who threaten takedowns. He believes Chikadze's best performances are against pure strikers, and Caceres' grappling threat will make Chikadze second-guess. He predicts a submission in round two via standing back take.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 60 of 99 | 60% | 86 of 128 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 4:26 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 27 of 56 | 48% | 43 of 74 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 1 | 1 | 3:57 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 29 of 46 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:02 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 11 of 13 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 2 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 7 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:43 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 9 of 14 | 64% | 19 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 1 | 3:36 | |
| 3 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 40 of 60 | 66% | 50 of 70 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 13 of 35 | 37% | 13 of 35 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 60 of 99 | 60% | 32 of 69 | 26 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 45 of 76 | 11 of 15 | 4 of 8 |
| Daniel Pineda | 27 of 56 | 48% | 15 of 42 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 10 | 22 of 50 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 15 of 30 | 50% | 9 of 24 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 15 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 8 |
| Daniel Pineda | 5 of 7 | 71% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alex Caceres | 5 of 9 | 55% | 2 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Pineda | 9 of 14 | 64% | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Alex Caceres | 40 of 60 | 66% | 21 of 39 | 18 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 36 of 56 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Pineda | 13 of 35 | 37% | 6 of 27 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Caceres, believing he can weather Pineda's early storm and then take over as Pineda fades. He notes Pineda is dangerous but only for about three minutes. Angelo is concerned about recency bias from Caceres' knockout win over Julian Erosa, but still thinks Caceres' durability and experience will carry him.
Cody picks Caceres, noting his resurgence and improved skills across the board. He mentions Caceres has a knack for taking the back and fishing for rear-naked chokes. Cody contrasts Pineda's early-finish style with Caceres's ability to go the distance. He also notes Caceres recently lost a grappling match to Pat Sabatini, which could be a concern. Overall, he feels Caceres should win over 15 minutes but isn't overly confident.
Connor picks Pineda, citing that Caceres has historically struggled against intense, fast-starting power punchers. He notes that Pineda's aggression and power could overwhelm Caceres early, as seen in Caceres' losses to Francisco Rivera and Juan Wong. However, Connor is hesitant because Pineda is inconsistent and can be outmaneuvered by mobile strikers.
Daniel sees this as a dog-or-pass situation, noting that Pineda is a kill-or-be-killed fighter with 30 finishes in 30 wins. He believes the line has overcorrected after Caceres' win over Julian Erosa, and that Pineda's grappling and finishing ability make him a live underdog. However, he acknowledges Pineda's cardio issues and the risk of him getting finished himself.
Jacob picks Pineda, citing his power and finishing ability. He thinks Pineda's leg kicks will slow Caceres' movement and set up takedowns or knockout shots. Jacob notes Caceres' recent knockout was against a broken Julian Erosa and he hasn't shown real power since 2010. He believes Pineda finds a finish.
Caceres has cleaner technical striking and a sneaky submission game. Pineda is aggressive but leaves openings. Caceres will likely land a head kick or set up a submission in the second or third round. The fight not going to decision is a strong prop.
Paul picks Alex Caceres but is not confident at the -180 price. He notes Caceres has improved his wrestling and striking, and his grappling is his best asset. Paul points out Pineda is a front-runner who fades in later rounds, while Caceres can survive and be dangerous in the second and third. However, he acknowledges Pineda's physical strength and BJJ could pose problems if he gets takedowns early. Paul leans Caceres over 15 minutes but won't bet heavily.
The MMA Guru picks Alex Caceres, noting he is very hard to finish due to his elusiveness. He highlights Caceres' five-fight win streak with finishes, and a close fight with Sadiq Youssef. He believes Caceres will make it tricky for Pineda on the feet and that Pineda will slow down due to rough weight cuts. He thinks if it goes to decision, Caceres wins, though Pineda is a finisher.
Zane picks Caceres because he believes Pineda's striking falls apart against fighters who use movement and angles. He notes that Pineda overthrows and is vulnerable to fluid strikers like Caceres. Zane expects Caceres to survive Pineda's early intensity and then take over, similar to how Andre Fili beat Pineda.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 1 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Julian Erosa | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 10 of 22 | 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 | Alex Caceres | 1 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Julian Erosa | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 16 of 30 | 53% | 9 of 19 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 13 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 |
| Julian Erosa | 10 of 22 | 45% | 2 of 11 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 7 | 10 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 | Alex Caceres | 16 of 30 | 53% | 9 of 19 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 13 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 |
| Julian Erosa | 10 of 22 | 45% | 2 of 11 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 7 | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is very confident in Julian Erosa, believing he can win the stand-up exchanges and stay alive on the ground. He notes Erosa has more power, volume, and good enough takedowns to keep Caceres guessing. He acknowledges Caceres' experience could sneak out a win but thinks Erosa is dangerous and well-rounded enough.
Big Brady picks Julian Erosa, noting that Erosa is typically an underdog but is favored here. He likes Erosa's volume, pressure, power, and submission game. He thinks Caceres lacks power and has been submitted many times. He expects Erosa to break Caceres and get a second-round submission.
Cody picks Erosa, noting his inconsistency but coming off a good performance against Hakeem Dawodu. He thinks Erosa has all the intangibles: volume, movement, wrestling, and grappling. He believes Caceres is a gatekeeper who beats lower-level guys but loses to legit fighters. He expects Erosa to outwork Caceres and win by decision.
The host bet the over 2.5 rounds, not a moneyline pick. He thinks both guys are durable and neither has big knockout power, so it should go to decision. He leans Erosa to win but doesn't like the -170 moneyline. No clear winner pick.
Paul picks Erosa, agreeing with Cody. He notes his biggest concern with Erosa is his chin against power punchers, but Caceres is not a one-hitter quitter. He expects Erosa to clear 65.5 significant strikes on PrizePicks, as he throws high volume and the fight likely goes to decision.
The MMA Guru picks Julian Erosa over Alex Caceres, believing Erosa's pace, pressure, and wrestling will be too much. He notes Caceres is vegan and Erosa goes to the body a lot, which could be a factor. He thinks Caceres won't finish Erosa, and Erosa's grappling is too good to get submitted. He predicts a third-round finish or decision win for Erosa, citing his recent wins over Hakeem Dawodu and Nate Landwehr.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 64 of 123 | 52% | 74 of 133 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 66 of 138 | 47% | 71 of 143 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 8 of 25 | 32% | 17 of 34 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:24 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 13 of 23 | 56% | 18 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 2 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 29 of 48 | 60% | 29 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 25 of 53 | 47% | 25 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 27 of 50 | 54% | 28 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 28 of 62 | 45% | 28 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 64 of 123 | 52% | 18 of 70 | 12 of 16 | 34 of 37 | 59 of 117 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 66 of 138 | 47% | 43 of 107 | 14 of 20 | 9 of 11 | 64 of 133 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 8 of 25 | 32% | 1 of 17 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 13 of 23 | 56% | 8 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sodiq Yusuff | 29 of 48 | 60% | 5 of 22 | 5 of 6 | 19 of 20 | 27 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 25 of 53 | 47% | 18 of 42 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 5 | 25 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sodiq Yusuff | 27 of 50 | 54% | 12 of 31 | 3 of 5 | 12 of 14 | 25 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 28 of 62 | 45% | 17 of 47 | 8 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 26 of 59 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Sodiq Yusuff because he is too powerful and fast on the feet for Alex Caceres. He notes that Caceres averages less than one takedown per fight and likely won't use his wrestling, so he will lose the striking exchanges. However, he suggests Caceres might be worth a plus 3.5 bet (buying a round on scorecards) as he could have moments of success.
Big Brady picks Sodiq Yusuff to win by decision. He notes Yusuff has more power and will land the harder shots, while Caceres is a volume striker with a black belt in BJJ but rarely goes for takedowns. He thinks the smaller cage favors Yusuff's pressure. He expects a competitive fight but Yusuff's power will be the difference, possibly hurting or dropping Caceres, but ultimately winning a decision.
Cody leans Yusuff but is not confident. He notes Caceres' submission threat but believes Yusuff's power and pressure will be too much. He worries about Caceres' grappling but thinks Yusuff's takedown defense and ability to get up will suffice.
Daniel Levi picks Sodiq Yusuff, noting that he has been on Yusuff every fight except the Arnold Allen one. He believes Yusuff will walk Caceres down and use his Nigerian power and underrated ground game. Levi mentions that he has a bet on Yusuff at minus 220. He acknowledges Caceres's veteran tricks but thinks Yusuff's physicality and pressure will be too much.
Yusuff is a powerful striker returning from a loss to Arnold Allen. He has knockout power and good boxing, but cardio can be a concern if he grapples heavily. Caceres is on a five-fight win streak but against lesser competition, and was nearly finished by Seungwoo Choi. Yusuff is expected to land a big shot and knock out Caceres, likely in the first round.
Paul leans Yusuff but is not confident. He notes Caceres' submission threat but believes Yusuff's power and pressure will be too much. He worries about Caceres' grappling but thinks Yusuff's takedown defense and ability to get up will suffice.
The MMA Guru picks Sodiq Yusuff over Alex Caceres, citing Yusuff's maturity in grappling situations and his composure on the feet. He notes that Yusuff stayed calm against Andre Fili and Arnold Allen, showing good sprawls and top control. He believes Yusuff's power will be a difference-maker and predicts a second-round KO. However, he admits Caceres is a good underdog and that the odds are too wide, suggesting a small bet on Caceres might be worth it. He still thinks Yusuff prevails.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 46 of 64 | 71% | 54 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:49 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 33 of 98 | 33% | 38 of 104 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 29 of 39 | 74% | 29 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 19 of 65 | 29% | 22 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 | |
| 2 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 17 of 25 | 68% | 25 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:49 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 14 of 33 | 42% | 16 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 46 of 64 | 71% | 22 of 33 | 13 of 17 | 11 of 14 | 37 of 54 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 33 of 98 | 33% | 18 of 78 | 11 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 26 of 85 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 29 of 39 | 74% | 12 of 18 | 9 of 12 | 8 of 9 | 26 of 36 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 19 of 65 | 29% | 13 of 56 | 2 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 10 | |
| 2 | Alex Caceres | 17 of 25 | 68% | 10 of 15 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 18 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 14 of 33 | 42% | 5 of 22 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 30 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo thinks Choi is the more technical striker with better takedown entries, and should win the fight. However, he loves the value on Caceres as a +200 underdog and already grabbed a +3.5 bet on him at -115, meaning Caceres only needs to win one round. He thinks Caceres is tough enough to not get finished and can steal a round. He likes the more/more on the monkey knife fight.
Big Brady picks Choi as the younger, improving fighter who lands harder shots. He notes Caceres is durable but expects Choi to win a clear decision, though he warns that betting a -300 favorite to decision is risky due to poor judging. He sees Choi's takedown defense as a potential issue but believes he's worked on it.
Cody is confident in Seung Woo Choi, citing his size, reach, and striking acumen. He notes that Choi is a former Korean Muay Thai champion and has improved his takedown defense. Cody contrasts Choi's recent wins against solid competition with Alex Caceres's wins over lower-level opponents. He points out that Caceres has not scored a clean knockout since 2010 and lacks the wrestling to take Choi down. Cody believes Choi will out-strike Caceres and potentially finish him.
Lock picks Choi based on power and striking. He thinks Choi's power will be the difference and that Caceres will be outmatched on the feet. He expects Choi to win by decision, noting Caceres is experienced but may be on the decline.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Caceres is not used to facing opponents with reach and height advantages. He highlights Choi's cleaner, harder strikes and Caceres's lack of takedown threat. Paul mentions that Caceres's recent wins are over fighters who are no longer in the UFC or are fringe roster members. He believes Choi's size and striking will be too much for Caceres.
The MMA Guru picks SeungWoo Choi, citing his Muay Thai skills, reach, and physical advantages. He questions Alex Caceres' level of competition and believes Choi will out-strike him, particularly with leg kicks, winning by decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 48 of 68 | 70% | 97 of 121 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 1 | 3:44 |
| Kevin Croom | 0 | 16 of 51 | 31% | 26 of 67 | 1 of 16 | 6% | 0 | 1 | 7:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 18 of 28 | 64% | 23 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:32 |
| Kevin Croom | 0 | 7 of 22 | 31% | 8 of 23 | 0 of 7 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 | |
| 2 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 26 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Kevin Croom | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 4:16 | |
| 3 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 22 of 29 | 75% | 48 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:09 |
| Kevin Croom | 0 | 4 of 21 | 19% | 7 of 26 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 48 of 68 | 70% | 33 of 49 | 11 of 13 | 4 of 6 | 30 of 46 | 12 of 14 | 6 of 8 |
| Kevin Croom | 16 of 51 | 31% | 10 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 14 of 46 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 18 of 28 | 64% | 9 of 16 | 7 of 8 | 2 of 4 | 11 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 6 |
| Kevin Croom | 7 of 22 | 31% | 1 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alex Caceres | 8 of 11 | 72% | 6 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Croom | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Alex Caceres | 22 of 29 | 75% | 18 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 22 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
| Kevin Croom | 4 of 21 | 19% | 4 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Kevin Croom to win by submission, calling it an upset. He thinks Croom will be more aggressive, throw harder shots, and have higher volume. He notes Croom can take Caceres' back standing and take the fight to the mat, where Caceres has been submitted six times. He compares Croom favorably to Chase Hooper, who was a favorite against Caceres. He believes the line at +175 is off and that Caceres should not be a -210 favorite.
Daniel Levi picks Alex Caceres, citing his experience and level of competition. He notes Croom's win over Roosevelt Roberts was more about Roberts not being ready, and that Croom has a ugly, lunge-heavy style. Levi believes Caceres' striking edge and movement will allow him to pick Croom apart over three rounds, and that Croom's recent win is overrated.
Croom's pressure and pace will not allow Caceres to operate at his preferred kicking range. Croom has solid cardio, good volume, and a strong clinch game. Caceres struggles when pressured, and Croom's takedowns and forward movement should earn him a decision. The line is moving down, indicating value.
The MMA Guru picks Alex Caceres, believing his UFC experience against higher-level competition gives him the edge. He expects Croom to start fast and fade, allowing Caceres to take over in the later rounds for a 29-28 decision. He notes the odds are tempting for Croom but sticks with Caceres as the winner, though he acknowledges Caceres should not be such a heavy favorite.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 18 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Austin Springer | 0 | 14 of 32 | 43% | 14 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 18 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Austin Springer | 0 | 14 of 32 | 43% | 14 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 18 of 31 | 58% | 11 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 5 | 18 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Springer | 14 of 32 | 43% | 3 of 17 | 2 of 5 | 9 of 10 | 13 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 18 of 31 | 58% | 11 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 5 | 18 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Springer | 14 of 32 | 43% | 3 of 17 | 2 of 5 | 9 of 10 | 13 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Daniel Levi picks Alex Caceres, calling him a gatekeeper who measures if a fighter belongs in the UFC. He believes Springer is not ready for this level, citing his loss to Chris Gruetzemacher and knockout loss to Julian Erosa. He expects Caceres to use his left hand and footwork to pick Springer apart, possibly getting a knockout.
The host picks Alex Caceres as an underdog, citing that Giga Chikadze has been unimpressive in the UFC, with split decisions over Brandon Davis, Jamal Emmers, and Irwin Rivera. He believes Caceres is a step up in competition and can stuff Chikadze's takedowns. He expects Caceres to win a close split decision, using his kicks and experience.
SeungWoo Choi - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 16 of 44 | 36% | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 1 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 26 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 16 of 44 | 36% | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 1 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 26 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeungWoo Choi | 16 of 44 | 36% | 4 of 20 | 1 of 8 | 11 of 16 | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 14 of 27 | 51% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 6 | 7 of 9 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SeungWoo Choi | 16 of 44 | 36% | 4 of 20 | 1 of 8 | 11 of 16 | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 14 of 27 | 51% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 6 | 7 of 9 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Kevin Vallejos over Choi Seung-woo. He is very confident in Vallejos, citing his power, speed, and the fact that Choi has been knocked out recently. He notes that UFC debuts can be nerve-wracking but believes Vallejos is the real deal. He expects the odds to move further in Vallejos' favor.
Big Brady picks Kevin Vallejos, calling Choi Seung-woo very hittable and chinny. He notes that Choi has been knocked down or finished by lesser strikers like Michael Trizano and Josh Culibao, and that his style of standing and banging when hurt will backfire against Vallejos. Brady expects Vallejos to land a brutal first-round knockout, predicting he 'pipes up' Choi on sight.
Cody picks Christian Leroy Duncan, citing his speed, movement, and ability to finish. He notes that Eric Anders has been knocked down in his last three fights and is 38 years old. He believes Duncan can land a knockout, possibly in the first round, and considers the KO prop at plus 200.
Connor agrees, noting that Vallejos is a much more natural puncher inside and that Choi will relegate himself to brawling. He compares Vallejos to Jack Della Maddalena without a jab, but still fearsome. He also mentions that Vallejos looks for ways in off his opponent's offense and is a damn good combination puncher once he gets you out of position.
Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.
The host believes this is a horrible matchup for Choi, who may have an output advantage but will eventually be caught by Vallejos crashing the pocket with big shots that put him clean out.
Paul also picks Duncan, noting that Anders is a low-volume fighter who has been dropped early in recent fights. He believes Duncan's speed and athleticism will be too much, and he expects a finish. He is considering the KO prop as well.
The MMA Guru is very high on Kevin Vallejos, calling him the 'people's Main Event' and a real deal prospect. He praises his striking, head movement, and defensive responsibility, noting he took Jean Silva to a decision on the Contender Series at age 21. He criticizes Choi Seung-woo's bad chin and knockout losses, including to Mike Trizano. He predicts Vallejos will get a TKO finish in the second round, possibly late first, and believes he will go far in the division.
Zane picks Vallejos because he believes Vallejos has a good chin (going three rounds with John Silva) and that Choi will eventually brawl, which favors Vallejos' natural pocket punching. He notes that Vallejos is a good combination puncher with defense, and that Choi cannot fight from distance forever. He acknowledges the competition level concern but thinks Vallejos has the tools.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Garcia | 1 | 15 of 27 | 55% | 18 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 16 | 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 | Steve Garcia | 1 | 15 of 27 | 55% | 18 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Garcia | 15 of 27 | 55% | 10 of 19 | 2 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 6 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 9 of 15 | 60% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steve Garcia | 15 of 27 | 55% | 10 of 19 | 2 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 6 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 9 of 15 | 60% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-148), Choi (+124)
Round 1
Finding himself in the unexpected situation of serving as the co-main event after the cancelation of Brad Tavares vs. Jun Yong Park, “Mean Machine” Garcia (15-5, 4-2 UFC) is ready to rise the occasion and lock down his fourth win in a row. The Jackson-Wink fighter will try to hand Choi (11-6, 4-5 UFC) his fourth loss in five fights, and the two featherweights will likely meet in the middle and throw down. When they do, referee Herb Dean will be hanging on tight. There is a touch of gloves, and Garcia is the initial aggressor as he gets into the center of the cage and lands a stomp kick to the knee. Garcia ducks back to avoid two looping hooks, only to race forward and bump into Choi’s forehead to tie him up. Garcia ties up a leg but is unable to put the South Korean down, and when Choi escapes, he throws hands. Garcia welcomes the exchange, and when things settle down, he lands another kick to the knee. Choi chambers and fires a low kick that puts Garcia down to a knee, and Garcia climbs back up and gets swept with another kick. Garcia wades forward, thinks about throwing a front kick and lets it go to stand and bang. Stand and bang is exactly what “Mean Machine” does, rocking Choi and getting clipped in a destructive exchange.
Garcia lands the cleaner of the blows as he continues to slug it out, and he knocks Choi off-balance with a left hand and floors him with another bomb of a left. Choi turns to his side and then knees in an effort to shell up and survive, but Garcia is a man possessed at getting the win. Garcia stings “Sting” repeatedly with hammerfists, raining down a seemingly unending onslaught of fists until Dean has no choice but to stop the fight.
Choi looks up at Dean quizzically as blood streams from his mouth, and Garcia runs to the cage wall to scream and then scales it to shout even louder. This is a big moment for Garcia, who has now picked up four straight knockout victories. The triumphant Garcia calls for an MMA fight against Dan Ige, a popular name lately, while also calling out commentator Daniel Cormier for a golf match.
The Official Result
Steve Garcia def. Seung Woo Choi R1 1:36 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Steve Garcia because he is sneaky good with five UFC wins all by KO/TKO. He believes Garcia's striking and wrestling are there, and that Choi Seung-woo has been finished before. He has placed a bet on Garcia at -140 and expects the line to move.
Cody also picks Garcia but with less confidence, noting Garcia's own durability issues and the fact that both fighters have been dropped. He sees the fight as close to 50/50 and suggests taking Choi if plus money is available. He emphasizes the under 2.5 rounds as the best bet, expecting a violent finish.
Daniel Vreeland picks Steve Garcia by knockout, comparing the fight to a coin flip but ultimately choosing Garcia. He notes both fighters have high knockdown rates and can be dropped, but Garcia's size (6'0", 75" reach) and recent form (5 knockdowns in last 3 fights) give him the edge. He expects a stand-up war ending in a Garcia knockout.
Garcia is a -140 favorite. He relies on his knockout power and has a three-fight KO streak. Choi is more technical but has been finished before. Garcia can survive early pressure and land a big shot to get the KO. I prefer Garcia by knockout rather than moneyline, as his KO line is around +130.
Paul likes Garcia's momentum and power, noting his three-fight winning streak with five knockdowns. He questions Choi's durability, pointing out Choi has been knocked down five times in his last three fights. Paul thinks Garcia's power is the difference and expects a knockout, though he acknowledges both have shaky chins.
The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia, noting he has doubted Garcia before but he keeps winning. He highlights Garcia's recent finishes over Malik El Kousa, Shannon Nurnbeck, and Chase Hooper, and his training at Jackson Wink. He points out Choi Seung-woo's questionable chin, getting wobbled in most fights, and believes Garcia's power and size at 145 will be too much.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 56 of 115 | 48% | 108 of 179 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 5:21 |
| Jarno Errens | 1 | 30 of 76 | 39% | 40 of 88 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 26 of 52 | 50% | 29 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:55 |
| Jarno Errens | 0 | 18 of 41 | 43% | 18 of 41 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 | |
| 2 | SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 9 of 19 | 47% | 28 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:34 |
| Jarno Errens | 1 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 14 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 | |
| 3 | SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 21 of 44 | 47% | 51 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:52 |
| Jarno Errens | 0 | 8 of 27 | 29% | 8 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeungWoo Choi | 56 of 115 | 48% | 22 of 69 | 8 of 15 | 26 of 31 | 51 of 107 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 5 |
| Jarno Errens | 30 of 76 | 39% | 13 of 47 | 6 of 14 | 11 of 15 | 30 of 73 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SeungWoo Choi | 26 of 52 | 50% | 10 of 32 | 4 of 6 | 12 of 14 | 24 of 49 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jarno Errens | 18 of 41 | 43% | 9 of 25 | 3 of 6 | 6 of 10 | 18 of 39 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | SeungWoo Choi | 9 of 19 | 47% | 5 of 13 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
| Jarno Errens | 4 of 8 | 50% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | SeungWoo Choi | 21 of 44 | 47% | 7 of 24 | 3 of 7 | 11 of 13 | 21 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jarno Errens | 8 of 27 | 29% | 2 of 16 | 3 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo acknowledges Choi's three-fight losing streak and recent TKO loss, but notes that his losses came against solid competition. He highlights Choi's technical striking, leg kicks, and takedown setups. Despite the losing streak, he believes Choi is the better fighter and picks him, but with no bet due to the streak.
Big Brady acknowledges Choi Seung-woo's three-fight skid but believes he is much better than his record indicates, with good striking and power. He thinks Choi has improved his takedown defense enough to keep the fight standing. He is not a fan of Jarno Errens, citing a lackluster debut and disadvantages in volume and power. He expects Choi to outpoint Errens over 15 minutes.
Cody picks Errens as an underdog, noting his Dutch kickboxing style and volume. He thinks Choi's chin is deteriorating and Errens can outwork him. Cody likes the plus money value.
Daniel leans Choi Seung-woo, noting that he is the more skilled mixed martial artist. He mentions that Choi has a habit of dropping his right hand and getting countered with left hooks, and his chin may be damaged. He acknowledges that Errens has a good submission game and takedown defense issues. He is not confident and advises staying away from this fight.
James leans towards Jarno Errens as an underdog, citing Choi's poor durability and defensive technique after being dropped multiple times in recent fights. He believes the fight will be a 15-minute striking affair and trusts Errens' durability and technical striking over Choi's power. He notes the line has moved but originally Errens was at +180, which he sees as value.
The host notes that Choi Seung-woo is on a 0-3 slump, has been finished in two of those fights, and his durability is declining. He highlights Choi's poor striking defense and vulnerability to grappling. Jarno Errens has a judo background and decent power, and the host believes his power and grappling advantage will allow him to pull off the upset. The host mentions that Errens' odds have moved from +210 to +140/+150, indicating public support.
Paul picks Errens, noting Choi's low volume and defensive issues. He expects Errens to pressure and land more strikes. Paul is not confident but likes the underdog value.
The MMA Guru picks Choi Seung-woo over Jarno Errens, citing Errens' lack of skill and poor performance against William Gomez. He notes Choi's mixed results but highlights his experience at a high level, takedown defense, and composure. He believes Choi's striking and clinch strength will be decisive, predicting a TKO finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Trizano | 2 | 32 of 53 | 60% | 34 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 26 of 73 | 35% | 26 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Trizano | 2 | 32 of 53 | 60% | 34 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 26 of 73 | 35% | 26 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Trizano | 32 of 53 | 60% | 28 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 12 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 26 of 73 | 35% | 19 of 61 | 3 of 7 | 4 of 5 | 25 of 70 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Trizano | 32 of 53 | 60% | 28 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 12 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 26 of 73 | 35% | 19 of 61 | 3 of 7 | 4 of 5 | 25 of 70 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo sees this as a close firefight between two forward-pressure strikers. He thinks Trizano may be more technical, but Choi is more well-rounded, has higher volume, and is more durable. He notes that Choi's losses were close and he showed durability. He is not sure about betting because the odds are close, but he leans Choi to win.
Big Brady picks SeungWoo Choi to win by decision. He believes Choi is the better striker with more power, and that Trizano doesn't wrestle (only 1-2 takedowns in UFC). He notes Choi has struggled with grapplers but Trizano won't take him down. He criticizes Trizano's recent performances, being outlanded by Lucas Almeida and Chidi Njokuani. He expects a striking match where Choi's power and volume earn him a decision.
Cody picks Choi, arguing that Trizano looks washed and disinterested, with poor striking defense and low volume. He notes that Choi is long, rangy, and versatile with his Muay Thai, and that Trizano has been getting hit and knocked down recently. Cody believes Choi will pick Trizano apart from distance and win by decision or TKO.
Connor picks Choi, noting that Trizano's low output and discomfort in exchanges play into Choi's strengths as a sharp counter puncher. He points out that Choi is dangerous at range and Trizano struggles to force the kind of messy fight that would make Choi uncomfortable. Connor also mentions that Trizano's recent improvements in aggression are not natural, and he still looks uncomfortable in exchanges.
Daniel Levi picks SeungWoo Choi, believing he will land the bigger shots and potentially knock out Trizano. He notes that Trizano has a low-volume point-fighting style and may be on a losing streak, while Choi has faced tougher competition and shown resilience. Levi thinks Choi's power and experience will be too much for Trizano, who has confidence issues after recent losses.
The host sees Choi as the slicker striker with better range and combinations. He notes Trizano struggles when at a striking disadvantage, as seen in losses to L'Empereur and Almeida. Choi's size and reach should allow him to touch Trizano from the outside and win a decision. The host also likes the over 2.5 rounds if the price is right, expecting a kickboxing match without a finish.
Paul leans towards Trizano, noting that Choi's volume is low and that Trizano could mix in takedowns. He acknowledges that Trizano has looked bad recently but thinks the fight is close and that Trizano's wrestling could be the difference. Paul is not confident and calls it a stay-away fight.
The MMA Guru confidently picks SeungWoo Choi, reasoning that Trizano lacks takedown ability and Choi has great takedown defense. He criticizes Trizano's basic, goofy striking and notes that Choi has dealt with unorthodox fighters before. He predicts a 30-27 decision for Choi.
Zane picks Choi, agreeing that Trizano's low output and lack of comfort in exchanges make him vulnerable. He notes that Choi is sharp and dangerous in the first layer of striking, where Trizano tends to get stuck. Zane also points out that Trizano's jab and low kicks may have success, but he won't be able to make Choi uncomfortable enough to win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Culibao | 0 | 46 of 163 | 28% | 64 of 184 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:30 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 2 | 51 of 111 | 45% | 69 of 132 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Culibao | 0 | 17 of 62 | 27% | 18 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 23 of 47 | 48% | 35 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Josh Culibao | 0 | 16 of 59 | 27% | 16 of 59 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 19 of 43 | 44% | 19 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Josh Culibao | 0 | 13 of 42 | 30% | 30 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 15 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Culibao | 46 of 163 | 28% | 29 of 137 | 6 of 14 | 11 of 12 | 39 of 147 | 4 of 10 | 3 of 6 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 51 of 111 | 45% | 40 of 97 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 40 of 95 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 8 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Culibao | 17 of 62 | 27% | 13 of 56 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 58 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 23 of 47 | 48% | 20 of 42 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 17 of 36 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 7 | |
| 2 | Josh Culibao | 16 of 59 | 27% | 10 of 50 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 15 of 56 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 19 of 43 | 44% | 16 of 39 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Josh Culibao | 13 of 42 | 30% | 6 of 31 | 3 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 9 of 33 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 6 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 9 of 21 | 42% | 4 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Choi, expecting him to keep the fight technical and avoid a brawl. He notes Culibao is tough and has power but is willing to fight dirty, which could be dangerous. However, he believes Choi's technical striking and ability to mix in takedowns will secure a decision win.
Big Brady picks SeungWoo Choi to win by decision. He notes that Choi is a very good Muay Thai striker with power, while Culibao has zero takedown accuracy in the UFC and is unlikely to take Choi down. He expects the fight to stay on the feet, where Choi has the advantage.
Cody picks Choi, citing his length, Muay Thai background, and improved takedown defense. He thinks Choi's striking will be too much for Culibao, who is shorter and less technical. He expects Choi to win by decision or late stoppage.
Daniel Levi picks SeungWoo Choi, citing his physicality, knockout power, and technical striking. He is not fully convinced about Josh Culibao's ceiling and sees Choi as the better athlete. He notes that Culibao's best chance is to win competitive striking exchanges, but Choi's advantages should prevail. He is not betting the fight.
Choi is the better striker with range and power. Culibao wants to brawl, but Choi can stay on the outside and pick him apart. Culibao's chin is granite, so a decision is likely. Choi is a solid parlay piece. I think Choi wins by decision.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Choi's length and striking advantage. He thinks Culibao's takedowns won't be effective and that Choi will control the distance. He sees Choi as the rightful favorite.
The MMA Guru picks SeungWoo Choi by 29-28 decision, but warns not to sleep on Josh Culibao. He acknowledges Culibao's skills and close fight with Jordan, but believes Choi's superior stand-up, reach advantage, and Muay Thai credentials will give him the edge. He expects Choi to win the first two rounds clearly, with Culibao possibly taking the third due to volume. He rates Choi's chances at 6.5-7 out of 10, not higher.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 46 of 64 | 71% | 54 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:49 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 33 of 98 | 33% | 38 of 104 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 29 of 39 | 74% | 29 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 1 | 19 of 65 | 29% | 22 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 | |
| 2 | Alex Caceres | 0 | 17 of 25 | 68% | 25 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:49 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 14 of 33 | 42% | 16 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Caceres | 46 of 64 | 71% | 22 of 33 | 13 of 17 | 11 of 14 | 37 of 54 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 33 of 98 | 33% | 18 of 78 | 11 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 26 of 85 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Caceres | 29 of 39 | 74% | 12 of 18 | 9 of 12 | 8 of 9 | 26 of 36 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 19 of 65 | 29% | 13 of 56 | 2 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 10 | |
| 2 | Alex Caceres | 17 of 25 | 68% | 10 of 15 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 18 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| SeungWoo Choi | 14 of 33 | 42% | 5 of 22 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 30 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo thinks Choi is the more technical striker with better takedown entries, and should win the fight. However, he loves the value on Caceres as a +200 underdog and already grabbed a +3.5 bet on him at -115, meaning Caceres only needs to win one round. He thinks Caceres is tough enough to not get finished and can steal a round. He likes the more/more on the monkey knife fight.
Big Brady picks Choi as the younger, improving fighter who lands harder shots. He notes Caceres is durable but expects Choi to win a clear decision, though he warns that betting a -300 favorite to decision is risky due to poor judging. He sees Choi's takedown defense as a potential issue but believes he's worked on it.
Cody is confident in Seung Woo Choi, citing his size, reach, and striking acumen. He notes that Choi is a former Korean Muay Thai champion and has improved his takedown defense. Cody contrasts Choi's recent wins against solid competition with Alex Caceres's wins over lower-level opponents. He points out that Caceres has not scored a clean knockout since 2010 and lacks the wrestling to take Choi down. Cody believes Choi will out-strike Caceres and potentially finish him.
Lock picks Choi based on power and striking. He thinks Choi's power will be the difference and that Caceres will be outmatched on the feet. He expects Choi to win by decision, noting Caceres is experienced but may be on the decline.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Caceres is not used to facing opponents with reach and height advantages. He highlights Choi's cleaner, harder strikes and Caceres's lack of takedown threat. Paul mentions that Caceres's recent wins are over fighters who are no longer in the UFC or are fringe roster members. He believes Choi's size and striking will be too much for Caceres.
The MMA Guru picks SeungWoo Choi, citing his Muay Thai skills, reach, and physical advantages. He questions Alex Caceres' level of competition and believes Choi will out-strike him, particularly with leg kicks, winning by decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Julian Erosa | 1 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 14 of 30 | 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 | SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Julian Erosa | 1 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 14 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeungWoo Choi | 10 of 20 | 50% | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Julian Erosa | 13 of 29 | 44% | 10 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SeungWoo Choi | 10 of 20 | 50% | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Julian Erosa | 13 of 29 | 44% | 10 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 7 |
Angelo picks Julian Erosa, noting his violence, aggression, and multiple ways to win (KO or submission). He acknowledges Erosa relies on his chin but thinks he has more paths to victory than Choi, who can only win by KO. He has a bet on the fight going under 2.5 rounds at +125 and also bet on it not going the distance at +105.
Big Brady thinks Choi is the much better striker and that Erosa is very hittable with a weak chin. He expects a knockout, predicting Choi finishes Erosa in the second round. He considered betting but decided to pass.
Cody picks Choi, citing Choi's physical strength, excellent jab, and durability. He acknowledges Erosa's pressure and volume but believes Choi's jab and ability to stay on the outside will carry him to a competitive decision win. He notes Choi's fatigue in the third round of his last fight but thinks Erosa's pressure could be neutralized.
Daniel Levi picks SeungWoo Choi, citing his physicality, size, and technical striking. He notes that Choi has been improving and is now more comfortable in the UFC, while Erosa has a tendency to fight with his hands down and has been knocked out multiple times. He believes Choi's technique and strength will be too much for Erosa, and expects a dominant performance.
Jacob picks SeungWoo Choi, citing his speed and precise in-and-out striking. He believes Choi can stuff takedowns and keep the distance, avoiding Erosa's dirty boxing and submissions. He also mentions a pattern where Erosa alternates wins and losses, predicting a loss here. He has Choi in his lineup.
The host picks SeungWoo Choi, believing his Muay Thai and technical striking will overcome Julian Erosa's wild, loopy shots. He notes Choi's improving takedown defense and that Erosa's brawling style plays into Choi's counters. He expects Choi to keep the fight standing and outpoint Erosa over 15 minutes, possibly earning a decision. He mentions Choi's win over Youssef Zalal as evidence of his growth, and that Erosa's wrestling is not better than Gavin Tucker's, which Choi handled.
Paul picks Erosa by KO as a YOLO play, noting Erosa's recent knockout wins and Choi's history of being knocked out. He also bets under 2.5 rounds, expecting a finish. He acknowledges the risk but likes Erosa's pressure and volume.
The MMA Guru picks Julian Erosa to win by submission (d'arce choke) in round three. He expects Choi to land good shots early, but Erosa will make it messy in round two, forcing clinches and takedowns. In round three, Erosa will lure Choi into a war, Choi will lose composure and shoot a bad takedown, allowing Erosa to latch on a d'arce choke.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 41 of 109 | 37% | 73 of 144 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:39 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 23 of 47 | 48% | 46 of 70 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 1 | 1 | 4:29 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 13 of 54 | 24% | 26 of 67 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 12 of 24 | 50% | 19 of 31 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 | |
| 2 | SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 34 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 14 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:52 | |
| 3 | SeungWoo Choi | 0 | 9 of 18 | 50% | 13 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:20 |
| Youssef Zalal | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 13 of 17 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 1 | 1:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeungWoo Choi | 41 of 109 | 37% | 25 of 84 | 10 of 13 | 6 of 12 | 26 of 93 | 12 of 13 | 3 of 3 |
| Youssef Zalal | 23 of 47 | 48% | 12 of 34 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 21 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SeungWoo Choi | 13 of 54 | 24% | 7 of 42 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 9 of 50 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Youssef Zalal | 12 of 24 | 50% | 5 of 16 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | SeungWoo Choi | 19 of 37 | 51% | 14 of 31 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 28 | 8 of 8 | 1 of 1 |
| Youssef Zalal | 6 of 14 | 42% | 4 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | SeungWoo Choi | 9 of 18 | 50% | 4 of 11 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Youssef Zalal | 5 of 9 | 55% | 3 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In yet another bout stung by opponent change after opponent change, “Sting” Choi (8-3, 1-2 UFC) finds himself glad to face anyone inside the cage, drawing a tough matchup against the recently surging Zalal (10-3, 3-1 UFC) also at featherweight. The third man inside the Octagon is referee Chris Tognoni, and the two men are so glad to be competing tonight that they practically hug when touching gloves. Choi opens up with a leg kick that comes up short, and Zalal walks around the outside and similarly misses with his own leg kick. Choi lets loose with a head kick, and he fires off a one-two that makes Zalal bounce off the cage wall. Choi’s punches are drawing reactions out of his opponent, and he just misses with a head kick that blows back Zalal’s hair. Zalal jabs to the body, and he hops forward with a left hand and ducks out of the way before a counter can find him. Zalal sticks his man with a jab, and is in and out with a body strike but he does take a high body kick. Zalal starts talking, and Choi slams him in the leg with a kick. Zalal’s jabs allow him to get out of danger as Choi is loading up on power strikes, and the South Korean does land with a solid right hand but Zalal rolls with it without issue. Choi scores a body kick and glances off with a pair of punches as he wings heavily, but the speed of Zalal is giving his foe issues as he jabs in and out. Zalal chains a strike into a takedown attempt, and he does not secure it but bullies “Sting” into the wire. Choi grinds his elbow on Zalal’s face while defending himself, and Tognoni asks them to stay busy as a stalemate has presented itself. Zalal pushes up high before changing levels for a low double, but Choi keeps his legs spread far enough apart to keep his balance and break the grip. Choi lands a couple heavy shoulder strikes, but Tognoni breaks them apart. Choi steps back and delivers a leg kick, and gets clipped with a left hand on the way in but he lands as well. As they come together and break, “Sting” stings him with an elbow. Choi tags Zalal with a quick counter, and presses Zalal into the fence before dragging Zalal down to punctuate the round right before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Choi
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Choi
Round 2
Both men jab at the same time to begin the second frame, and Choi walks Zalal down and works him with a left hand. An errant kick from Zalal clanks off the cup, but Choi assures that he is fine and darts forward to pursue a takedown. Zalal, with his back on the fence, jumps up to attack a guillotine choke. In the process, Zalal turns the two around, and he goes after his own takedown while Choi works him with short elbows to the side of the head. Zalal’s single leg takedown attempt ignores a solid elbow to lift Choi’s leg up, but Choi is still able to stay standing on one leg. “The Moroccan Devil” changes it up to a double leg takedown, and Choi keeps elbowing him to break it up. Zalal looks to elevate his opponent, and he does not have the ability to put Choi on his back, leading to Tognoni asking them to keep fighting. Zalal stays pressed on Choi against the cage until Tognoni splits them up. Choi lands a kick on the shoulder, and a few punches clatter off Zalal’s face. Zalal smiles and gets out of the way, but he takes a jab on the chin as he retreats. Choi powers forward with punches before latching on to his opponent for a body lock takedown attempt, but Zalal sees it coming and holds on tight without concern of hitting the canvas. Choi turns the attempt into a throw, and both end up on the ground but Choi cannot keep him there. Zalal looks for upkicks that do not score, and when he stands up, he goes after a flying knee. Choi brushes it aside and cracks him with a right hand. Zalal scores a knee when Choi tries to clinch up, and he connects with a jab but eats a right hand. Choi catches a kick and pushes Zalal down, but Zalal pops up. The two both leap with flying strikes at the same time, and they crash into the fence without landing much of note before the second round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Choi
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Choi
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Choi
Round 3
The glove touch commences the final round, and Choi is looking for knockout blows early as he slings head kick and big punches. He backs Zalal away with a kick and then follows it with a slapping leg kick, and his forward momentum bowls Zalal over. “The Moroccan Devil” is sly, and he rolls through to stand back up, where he re-presents his jab. Choi crashes forward with strikes to clinch, and this time, Zalal is not interested in engaging like this. Choi gathers himself and attempts this again, so Zalal jumps guard for a guillotine choke. As there is nothing to it, Zalal bails on it and spins around to attack a double leg takedown. Choi stands him back up, and for the first time, Zalal lifts him up and sets him down. Zalal immediately attacks a guillotine choke, and he rolls to mount as it is locked in fairly tight. Choi grits it out, and he puts Zalal on his back, so Zalal throws his legs up for a triangle choke. The South Korean is not remotely flustered, as he breaks the posture and sits down in Zalal’s guard. Choi drops down a shoulder strike to put Zalal flat on his back, and Zalal sits up only to get dropped back down. Zalal uses upkicks to back Choi off, and as Choi avoids them, he vaults back up. Zalal lands a quick jab but takes two punches for it, and he changes levels for a single leg takedown. Choi defends it by grabbing the fence, and Tognoni does not call it as Zalal is still pushing to try to complete it. Choi sits against the fence and stands up, but Zalal scoops him up and hits a double. “Sting” stands up once more without issue, and he allows Zalal to take his back for a moment. Zalal defends a takedown attempt with a guillotine choke, and he keeps his balance as Choi nearly has him down. Choi stays heavy, keeping his full body weight pressed on his opponent, so Zalal latches on to one final guillotine choke. It is not there, and time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal (29-28 Choi)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zalal (29-28 Zalal)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zalal (29-28 Choi)
The Official Result
Seung Woo Choi def. Youssef Zalal via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Big Brady picks the underdog SeungWoo Choi, disagreeing with the line that has Zalal as a heavy favorite. He notes that Zalal may struggle to take Choi down, and if the fight stays standing, Choi's striking is very impressive. He also mentions that Zalal is coming in on short notice, which adds to his uncertainty. He is not overly confident but likes the value at plus money.
Daniel Levi picks SeungWoo Choi as a dog-or-pass, viewing it as a close fight. He notes Choi's takedown defense (stuffed 11 vs Evloev, 8 vs Tucker) and believes his physical attributes and kickboxing make him live. He thinks the line moved too far in Zalal's favor and sees value on Choi.
Zalal is a well-rounded fighter with good cardio and a solid ground game. He should be able to mix in takedowns and grind out a decision. Choi has a tough run in the UFC and tends to fade as fights go on. Zalal's pace and pressure will be too much. I expect Zalal to win by decision, using his wrestling and volume striking.
The MMA Guru picks the underdog SeungWoo Choi, believing the odds should be even. He highlights Choi's Muay Thai background and reach advantage, and doubts Zalal's offensive grappling ability to expose Choi's ground game. He predicts Choi will piece Zalal up on the feet for two rounds, possibly slowing in the third, winning a 30-27 decision.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo thinks Choi is the more technical striker with better takedown entries, and should win the fight. However, he loves the value on Caceres as a +200 underdog and already grabbed a +3.5 bet on him at -115, meaning Caceres only needs to win one round. He thinks Caceres is tough enough to not get finished and can steal a round. He likes the more/more on the monkey knife fight.
Big Brady picks Choi as the younger, improving fighter who lands harder shots. He notes Caceres is durable but expects Choi to win a clear decision, though he warns that betting a -300 favorite to decision is risky due to poor judging. He sees Choi's takedown defense as a potential issue but believes he's worked on it.
Cody is confident in Seung Woo Choi, citing his size, reach, and striking acumen. He notes that Choi is a former Korean Muay Thai champion and has improved his takedown defense. Cody contrasts Choi's recent wins against solid competition with Alex Caceres's wins over lower-level opponents. He points out that Caceres has not scored a clean knockout since 2010 and lacks the wrestling to take Choi down. Cody believes Choi will out-strike Caceres and potentially finish him.
Lock picks Choi based on power and striking. He thinks Choi's power will be the difference and that Caceres will be outmatched on the feet. He expects Choi to win by decision, noting Caceres is experienced but may be on the decline.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Caceres is not used to facing opponents with reach and height advantages. He highlights Choi's cleaner, harder strikes and Caceres's lack of takedown threat. Paul mentions that Caceres's recent wins are over fighters who are no longer in the UFC or are fringe roster members. He believes Choi's size and striking will be too much for Caceres.
The MMA Guru picks SeungWoo Choi, citing his Muay Thai skills, reach, and physical advantages. He questions Alex Caceres' level of competition and believes Choi will out-strike him, particularly with leg kicks, winning by decision.
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