Career Averages - Thiago Santos
Career Averages - Johnny Walker
Thiago Santos
Johnny Walker
Thiago Santos - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamahal Hill | 0 | 53 of 94 | 56% | 56 of 98 | 6 of 20 | 30% | 0 | 0 | 5:54 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 89 of 152 | 58% | 130 of 194 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamahal Hill | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 9 of 30 | 30% | 18 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jamahal Hill | 0 | 16 of 38 | 42% | 16 of 38 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 31 of 52 | 59% | 35 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 3 | Jamahal Hill | 0 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 10 of 14 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 0 | 0 | 3:50 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 9 of 11 | 81% | 23 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:33 | |
| 4 | Jamahal Hill | 0 | 19 of 27 | 70% | 19 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 40 of 59 | 67% | 54 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamahal Hill | 53 of 94 | 56% | 28 of 66 | 13 of 16 | 12 of 12 | 43 of 82 | 8 of 9 | 2 of 3 |
| Thiago Santos | 89 of 152 | 58% | 68 of 131 | 12 of 12 | 9 of 9 | 52 of 107 | 19 of 21 | 18 of 24 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamahal Hill | 10 of 18 | 55% | 1 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 9 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 9 of 30 | 30% | 5 of 26 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 26 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jamahal Hill | 16 of 38 | 42% | 9 of 29 | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
| Thiago Santos | 31 of 52 | 59% | 19 of 40 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 7 | 28 of 48 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jamahal Hill | 8 of 11 | 72% | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
| Thiago Santos | 9 of 11 | 81% | 5 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Jamahal Hill | 19 of 27 | 70% | 12 of 20 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 17 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 40 of 59 | 67% | 39 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 29 | 5 of 6 | 18 of 24 |
Angelo picks Jamahal Hill, citing Thiago Santos's decline in power and speed since his injuries. He notes Hill's excellent striking differential and accuracy, and believes he can outpoint Santos. However, he acknowledges Santos's durability and championship-round experience, leaving some uncertainty if the fight goes deep. He cannot bet on 'survive logic' and sticks with Hill.
Big Brady picks Jamahal Hill, noting his high volume and power compared to Thiago Santos, who has been low-volume and inactive in his recent fights. He acknowledges Santos's power and the fact that Hill is hittable, but believes Hill's pressure and output will overwhelm Santos. He predicts a second or third-round knockout win for Hill, expressing hope that Hill makes it exciting after Santos's recent boring performances.
Cody also picks Hill, citing Santos's decline since the Jones fight and his knee injuries. He notes that Santos has become a shell of himself, with low output and a tendency to wait for counters. Cody believes Hill's length, southpaw stance, and left hand will be key, and that Hill can carry his power into later rounds. He predicts a late stoppage or decision for Hill.
Daniel Levi picks Jamahal Hill, citing his superior output (nearly double Santos's), power, and heart. He notes Hill's ability to fight in the pocket and force Santos to engage, while Santos has declined since knee surgeries and lacks the output to keep up. Levi is concerned about Santos's power and opportunistic hooks but believes Hill's durability and pace will prevail. He parlayed Hill with Oleksiejczuk to win 2 units.
Paul picks Jamahal Hill, noting that Hill is too fast for Thiago Santos. He points out that Santos has been in a decline since his fight with Jon Jones, with knee injuries and poor performances. Paul is concerned about the -315 price but still sees Hill as the rightful favorite. He mentions that Hill's speed and power should be enough to win, possibly by late stoppage or decision.
The MMA Guru picks Jamahal Hill by second-round TKO. He notes Santos's age (38) and lack of leg kicks since injury. He believes Hill's rangy punching and pressure will be effective, and compares to David Branch's KO of Santos. He expects Hill to land a one-two against the cage after a competitive first round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | 1 | 60 of 138 | 43% | 81 of 160 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 78 of 155 | 50% | 114 of 191 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magomed Ankalaev | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 8 of 23 | 34% | 8 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Magomed Ankalaev | 1 | 15 of 36 | 41% | 18 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 15 of 32 | 46% | 15 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Magomed Ankalaev | 0 | 18 of 30 | 60% | 18 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 19 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Magomed Ankalaev | 0 | 10 of 32 | 31% | 16 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 21 of 48 | 43% | 36 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 | |
| 5 | Magomed Ankalaev | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 19 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 15 of 21 | 71% | 36 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | 60 of 138 | 43% | 14 of 75 | 16 of 26 | 30 of 37 | 57 of 135 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Thiago Santos | 78 of 155 | 50% | 33 of 94 | 35 of 51 | 10 of 10 | 64 of 140 | 12 of 13 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magomed Ankalaev | 10 of 21 | 47% | 0 of 6 | 3 of 6 | 7 of 9 | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 8 of 23 | 34% | 3 of 13 | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Magomed Ankalaev | 15 of 36 | 41% | 7 of 22 | 3 of 6 | 5 of 8 | 13 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Thiago Santos | 15 of 32 | 46% | 6 of 18 | 6 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Magomed Ankalaev | 18 of 30 | 60% | 2 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 13 | 18 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 19 of 31 | 61% | 7 of 17 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 18 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Magomed Ankalaev | 10 of 32 | 31% | 4 of 23 | 4 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 21 of 48 | 43% | 13 of 38 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | |
| 5 | Magomed Ankalaev | 7 of 19 | 36% | 1 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 15 of 21 | 71% | 4 of 8 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 11 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Magomed Ankalaev, noting that Thiago Santos has slowed down at 38 and is not the same fighter who knocked out Jan Blachowicz. He believes Ankalaev's forward pressure, heavy kicks, and constant takedown threats will be too much. He expects a one-sided win, though not necessarily a stoppage.
Big Brady picks Magomed Ankalaev to win by decision. He notes Santos is 38, looks washed, has low volume (44 strikes in 25 minutes vs Walker), and has never recovered from his knee injuries after the Jones fight. He thinks Ankalaev is well-rounded, has power, and will outpoint Santos easily over five rounds. He expects the fight to be somewhat uneventful but Ankalaev will dominate. He mentions the line has moved from -330 to -500.
Cody is confident in Ankalaev, citing his pace, cardio, chin, and improved striking. He notes Santos is 38, has declined since knee surgery, and lacks volume. Cody sees Ankalaev as the best at 205 and expects him to win via pressure and volume, possibly a late stoppage. He mentions a parlay with Murzakanov at -106.
Daniel Levi picks Magomed Ankalaev to win, citing Ankalaev's upward trajectory and the emergence of a new era of light heavyweights. He notes that Thiago Santos has had lackluster performances since the Jon Jones fight, with his knees falling apart. Levi expects a chess match early but sees Ankalaev landing a big counter or takedown with ground and pound. He acknowledges Santos's power but believes Ankalaev's counters are sharp and that he will eventually get a title shot.
Ankalaev is seen as the uncrowned champ, with a seven-fight win streak and granite chin. He's a technical striker with high striking defense, and his ability to adjust mid-fight is praised. Santos is past his prime at 38, with ACL surgery and tentative performances. Ankalaev is expected to win via decision, possibly a one-sided chess match.
Paul echoes Cody's view, emphasizing Santos' decline and Ankalaev's advantages in speed, volume, and wrestling. He notes the price is high but believes Ankalaev is the best in the division. He also mentions a parlay with Murzakanov.
The MMA Guru picks Magomed Ankalaev over Thiago Santos, citing Santos' hesitancy and lack of ligaments in his leg. He believes Ankalaev will chop at the legs early, mix in takedowns, and expose Santos' poor ground game as Glover Teixeira did. He expects a late second-round ground-and-pound TKO, noting that Ankalaev's patient counter-striking style works well against Santos. He admits Santos is a decent underdog but says the odds won't sway him, as Ankalaev wins this fight seven or eight times out of ten.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 44 of 105 | 41% | 44 of 105 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 48 of 130 | 36% | 48 of 130 | 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 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 3 of 13 | 23% | 3 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 11 of 22 | 50% | 11 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 11 of 25 | 44% | 11 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 9 of 22 | 40% | 9 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 11 of 41 | 26% | 11 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 10 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 8 of 29 | 27% | 8 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago Santos | 44 of 105 | 41% | 9 of 40 | 16 of 28 | 19 of 37 | 42 of 103 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 48 of 130 | 36% | 7 of 55 | 9 of 20 | 32 of 55 | 46 of 127 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiago Santos | 3 of 13 | 23% | 0 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 9 of 15 | 60% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 8 of 10 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Thiago Santos | 11 of 22 | 50% | 2 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 3 of 9 | 9 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 10 of 20 | 50% | 2 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 11 | 8 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Thiago Santos | 11 of 25 | 44% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 4 | 8 of 11 | 11 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 10 of 25 | 40% | 2 of 10 | 2 of 6 | 6 of 9 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Thiago Santos | 9 of 22 | 40% | 2 of 9 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 7 | 9 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 11 of 41 | 26% | 1 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 16 | 11 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Thiago Santos | 10 of 23 | 43% | 3 of 10 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 7 | 10 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 8 of 29 | 27% | 2 of 15 | 2 of 5 | 4 of 9 | 8 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Johnny Walker, expecting his forward pressure, craziness, and size to frustrate Thiago Santos, who is a shell of his former self after knee injuries and three straight losses. He notes that Santos has massive power and could knock anyone out, but his cardio suffers and he may be gun-shy. Walker is never afraid to throw and will stay busy. Angelo likes Walker at plus 145 moneyline and in DraftKings at $7,400. He also likes the over on rounds and the more more monkey knife fight pick.
Big Brady picks Thiago Santos to win, citing his experience, better competition, and more paths to victory. He notes Santos has fought Jon Jones, Glover Teixeira, and Rakic, while Walker's best wins are over lesser competition. Walker is very hittable (31% striking defense) and chinny, while Santos hits hard. Santos has better cardio, having gone five rounds with Jones, while Walker fades after the first round. Brady suggests a ground game path for Santos, similar to his win over Kevin Holland. He recommends a violence play rather than the moneyline.
Cody picks Thiago Santos based on superior experience and durability. He notes that Santos has slowed down and his knees are shot, but he still hits hard and can drag the fight into later rounds. He expects Santos to survive Walker's early explosiveness and then pressure him, eventually landing a finish in the second, third, or fourth round. He highlights that Santos outstruck Alexander Rakic in their fight and has better cardio than Walker, who has never gone five rounds.
Daniel Levi picks Johnny Walker as the underdog, citing that both fighters have declined since their surgeries—Santos after ACL surgery and Walker after shoulder injury. He notes Walker's dynamic striking and finishing ability but acknowledges his poor durability and tendency to flop when hit. Levi believes the fight is a coin flip about who lands first, but he leans Walker because of motivation concerns for the nearly 40-year-old Santos with a baby on the way. He expects a knockout either way and takes the underdog.
I think Santos is the more disciplined striker and should be able to counter Walker's wildness. Walker is explosive but hittable and has poor durability. However, I'm concerned about Santos's recent performances and knee surgeries. I like Santos inside the distance at -120 and also like the under 1.5 rounds. I'm picking Santos but not with high confidence.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Santos but with less confidence. He notes that Walker is dangerous early but has never gone five rounds and his cardio is suspect. He believes Santos's chin holds up better at 205 and that Walker's grappling is not a major concern. He does not have a bet on Santos straight up but suggests looking at live betting after the first round if Santos survives.
The MMA Guru picks Thiago Santos, despite rooting for Johnny Walker. He notes Santos' check hook is his best weapon and Walker leaves himself open when rushing in. Walker has been KO'd in most of his losses by rushing in. Santos has five-round experience and still has power. He predicts Santos will catch Walker with a check hook and finish him by KO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleksandar Rakić | 0 | 49 of 97 | 50% | 61 of 109 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 36 of 89 | 40% | 50 of 103 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleksandar Rakić | 0 | 15 of 27 | 55% | 15 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 14 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Aleksandar Rakić | 0 | 11 of 31 | 35% | 18 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 24 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:11 | |
| 3 | Aleksandar Rakić | 0 | 23 of 39 | 58% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 7 of 24 | 29% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:21 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleksandar Rakić | 49 of 97 | 50% | 10 of 41 | 23 of 33 | 16 of 23 | 35 of 82 | 14 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 36 of 89 | 40% | 8 of 47 | 13 of 16 | 15 of 26 | 29 of 82 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleksandar Rakić | 15 of 27 | 55% | 1 of 8 | 8 of 11 | 6 of 8 | 15 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 14 of 30 | 46% | 3 of 16 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 10 | 14 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aleksandar Rakić | 11 of 31 | 35% | 3 of 16 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 25 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 15 of 35 | 42% | 3 of 17 | 8 of 9 | 4 of 9 | 8 of 28 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aleksandar Rakić | 23 of 39 | 58% | 6 of 17 | 9 of 12 | 8 of 10 | 15 of 30 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 7 of 24 | 29% | 2 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 7 | 7 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Aleksandar Rakić, favoring him on the feet and heavily on the ground. He notes Rakić has been dropped before (by Devin Clark) and is hittable, while Santos has one-shot power. He recommends a ground game plan and predicts a TKO ground-and-pound finish in the second round, but passes on betting.
Daniel picks Aleksandar Rakić to win, citing his well-rounded game, wrestling, and smart game planning. He notes Santos' submission defense issues and believes Rakić can mix in takedowns and possibly finish on the mat or win a decision.
Rakić is younger, stronger, and has a wrestling advantage. Santos is 37 with knee injuries and poor jiu-jitsu off his back. The host expects Rakić to use his kicks and takedowns to control the fight and win by decision.
The MMA Guru picks Aleksandar Rakić over Thiago Santos. He highlights Rakić's dangerous leg kicks and improved grappling, and notes Santos has no ligaments in his legs. He believes Rakić will chop at Santos's legs, inhibit his movement, and win by 30-27 unanimous decision, possibly mixing in takedowns.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glover Teixeira | 1 | 40 of 64 | 62% | 81 of 109 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 46 of 63 | 73% | 148 of 180 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 2 | 0 | 9:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glover Teixeira | 0 | 15 of 24 | 62% | 40 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 20 of 27 | 74% | 77 of 87 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:02 | |
| 2 | Glover Teixeira | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 22 of 31 | 70% | 58 of 78 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 4:39 | |
| 3 | Glover Teixeira | 1 | 22 of 33 | 66% | 32 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 13 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:22 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glover Teixeira | 40 of 64 | 62% | 38 of 58 | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 29 of 40 |
| Thiago Santos | 46 of 63 | 73% | 46 of 63 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 44 of 58 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glover Teixeira | 15 of 24 | 62% | 15 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 8 |
| Thiago Santos | 20 of 27 | 74% | 20 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 24 | |
| 2 | Glover Teixeira | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Thiago Santos | 22 of 31 | 70% | 22 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 30 | |
| 3 | Glover Teixeira | 22 of 33 | 66% | 22 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 31 |
| Thiago Santos | 4 of 5 | 80% | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
Big Brady picks Teixeira as an underdog, citing Santos' injury layoff and questionable losses. He thinks Teixeira has more paths to victory, including takedowns and submissions. He notes Teixeira's recent form and improved conditioning.
Daniel Levi leans toward Glover Teixeira as a betting pick, despite acknowledging Thiago Santos should be the favorite. He believes Teixeira's ground game is a huge edge; if he gets Santos down, the fight is likely over via submission. Levi notes that Santos is explosive and powerful on the feet, and Teixeira has been wobbled before, but he thinks Teixeira can take him down and submit him. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and picks Teixeira at plus money.
The host is very confident in Glover Teixeira at plus money, citing Thiago Santos coming off a severe ACL injury and a 16-month layoff. He believes Glover's durability, top pressure, and jiu-jitsu will be too much, especially in a five-round fight where Glover can drown Santos. He notes that Santos is not a one-punch knockout artist and that Glover has only been finished once in 3.5 years. He plans to wait for a better line, expecting it to reach +200.
The MMA Guru picks Thiago Santos to win by first-round TKO. He believes Santos is too dangerous in the first round and Teixeira has a habit of getting cracked early. He notes Santos's power and cardio, and that Teixeira cannot afford to take the same shots he took against lesser opponents.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Jones | 0 | 59 of 90 | 65% | 59 of 90 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 43 of 166 | 25% | 43 of 166 | 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 | Jon Jones | 0 | 7 of 16 | 43% | 7 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jon Jones | 0 | 11 of 17 | 64% | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 7 of 42 | 16% | 7 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jon Jones | 0 | 14 of 19 | 73% | 14 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 6 of 33 | 18% | 6 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Jon Jones | 0 | 11 of 17 | 64% | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 8 of 28 | 28% | 8 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Jon Jones | 0 | 16 of 21 | 76% | 16 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 11 of 37 | 29% | 11 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Jones | 59 of 90 | 65% | 11 of 32 | 16 of 19 | 32 of 39 | 55 of 84 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 43 of 166 | 25% | 9 of 92 | 7 of 21 | 27 of 53 | 42 of 159 | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jon Jones | 7 of 16 | 43% | 0 of 4 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 7 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 11 of 26 | 42% | 3 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 13 | 11 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jon Jones | 11 of 17 | 64% | 2 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 7 of 42 | 16% | 1 of 25 | 2 of 6 | 4 of 11 | 6 of 38 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jon Jones | 14 of 19 | 73% | 4 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 8 | 11 of 15 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 6 of 33 | 18% | 1 of 17 | 1 of 6 | 4 of 10 | 6 of 30 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Jon Jones | 11 of 17 | 64% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 7 | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 8 of 28 | 28% | 0 of 13 | 1 of 5 | 7 of 10 | 8 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Jon Jones | 16 of 21 | 76% | 3 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 11 | 16 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Thiago Santos | 11 of 37 | 29% | 4 of 25 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 11 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 20 of 53 | 37% | 20 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Jan Błachowicz | 1 | 52 of 104 | 50% | 52 of 104 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 7 of 27 | 25% | 7 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Jan Błachowicz | 0 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 22 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jan Błachowicz | 0 | 13 of 34 | 38% | 13 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jan Błachowicz | 1 | 17 of 26 | 65% | 17 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago Santos | 20 of 53 | 37% | 7 of 31 | 6 of 12 | 7 of 10 | 19 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jan Błachowicz | 52 of 104 | 50% | 21 of 58 | 5 of 10 | 26 of 36 | 38 of 82 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 21 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiago Santos | 7 of 27 | 25% | 3 of 16 | 2 of 7 | 2 of 4 | 6 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jan Błachowicz | 22 of 44 | 50% | 4 of 19 | 4 of 7 | 14 of 18 | 21 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Thiago Santos | 12 of 23 | 52% | 3 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jan Błachowicz | 13 of 34 | 38% | 2 of 16 | 1 of 3 | 10 of 15 | 13 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Thiago Santos | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jan Błachowicz | 17 of 26 | 65% | 15 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 21 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago Santos | 0 | 27 of 42 | 64% | 30 of 45 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:25 |
| Jimi Manuwa | 2 | 42 of 74 | 56% | 65 of 97 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 26 of 36 | 72% | 29 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:23 |
| Jimi Manuwa | 1 | 33 of 55 | 60% | 55 of 77 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 | |
| 2 | Thiago Santos | 0 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Jimi Manuwa | 1 | 9 of 19 | 47% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago Santos | 27 of 42 | 64% | 15 of 30 | 12 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 20 | 17 of 19 | 2 of 3 |
| Jimi Manuwa | 42 of 74 | 56% | 27 of 58 | 13 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 45 | 22 of 28 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiago Santos | 26 of 36 | 72% | 15 of 25 | 11 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 15 | 17 of 18 | 2 of 3 |
| Jimi Manuwa | 33 of 55 | 60% | 20 of 41 | 11 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 32 | 18 of 22 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Thiago Santos | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimi Manuwa | 9 of 19 | 47% | 7 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 13 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Johnny Walker - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominick Reyes | 0 | 34 of 73 | 46% | 34 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 42 of 80 | 52% | 42 of 80 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominick Reyes | 0 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 17 of 28 | 60% | 17 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Dominick Reyes | 0 | 9 of 19 | 47% | 9 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 13 of 28 | 46% | 13 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 3 | Dominick Reyes | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 12 of 24 | 50% | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominick Reyes | 34 of 73 | 46% | 10 of 35 | 7 of 17 | 17 of 21 | 34 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 42 of 80 | 52% | 7 of 31 | 6 of 11 | 29 of 38 | 41 of 78 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominick Reyes | 10 of 19 | 52% | 5 of 11 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 17 of 28 | 60% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 18 | 17 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Dominick Reyes | 9 of 19 | 47% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 13 of 28 | 46% | 3 of 14 | 1 of 5 | 9 of 9 | 12 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Dominick Reyes | 15 of 35 | 42% | 1 of 12 | 2 of 8 | 12 of 15 | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 12 of 24 | 50% | 2 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 11 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo hesitantly picks Dominick Reyes, calling him the more technical fighter despite both having poor chins. He notes Reyes revived his career but is still chinny, while Johnny Walker is wild and dangerous. He admits his instincts said Walker but went against them, finding the fight hard to bet on.
Big Brady calls this a battle of chins, noting both have poor striking defense and power. He favors Reyes because his losses are to higher-level competition (Jones, Procházka, Błachowicz, Ulberg) compared to Walker's losses to Oezdemir, Ankalaev, Hill, and Anderson. He predicts a first-round knockout by Reyes but admits it's a toss-up.
Cody also picks Reyes, citing Walker's poor defense and recent sparring knockout. He thinks Reyes' straight punches will land first and knock out Walker, but acknowledges it's a volatile fight.
Connor picks Reyes confidently, arguing that Johnny Walker has ruined his career by becoming overly technical and losing his natural aggression. He notes that Reyes is still fast and throws long straight shots that should topple Walker. Connor also points out that Walker's tendency to throw wild techniques and his poor fight IQ will play into Reyes' hands. He acknowledges that Reyes could get caught by a big punch, but believes Walker will avoid throwing it for as long as possible.
Daniel Vreeland picks Johnny Walker as a slight lean, calling it a 50/50 fight. He notes that stylistically, Walker's counter-punching and reach advantage may give him an edge, but both fighters have questionable chins. He ultimately goes with Walker to play devil's advocate.
Daniel sees this as a toss-up but gives Reyes the edge due to being slightly more technical and accomplished. He acknowledges Walker's danger but thinks Reyes has historically been better.
The host leans towards Walker because Reyes has been knocked out multiple times recently and Walker has significant power. He sees the fight as likely ending in a Walker KO or Reyes decision, and given Reyes' chin issues, Walker's path seems more probable. However, he does not rate Walker highly and finds it difficult to trust either fighter.
James picks Johnny Walker, believing his unorthodox style can catch Reyes, who relies on athleticism. He notes both fighters have questionable chins and expects a knockout, possibly early.
This is a coin flip fight between two power punchers with shaky chins. Reyes is the more technical striker but his durability is a major concern. Walker has a reach and height advantage and can use lateral movement and calf kicks to set up his power. If Walker lands first, he likely finishes Reyes. The line is close, so taking the plus money on Walker is the value play.
Paul leans towards Reyes, preferring his striking technique and believing he is the cleaner striker. He acknowledges the fight is highly volatile and not very confident.
The MMA Guru picks Dominick Reyes over Johnny Walker. He thinks Walker is goofy and will make a mistake, allowing Reyes to counter with an uppercut or straight shot. He notes Reyes has good finishing instincts, as seen against Jacoby. He predicts a KO in the second round, possibly late in the first.
Zane picks Reyes, echoing Connor's view that Walker has deteriorated under SBG Ireland. He notes that Reyes should be able to sit down on one-twos, check kicks, and stay composed while Walker throws himself wildly forward or backward. Zane also mentions that Walker's coach Owen Roddy hasn't helped, and that Walker's game has lost all cohesion. He believes Reyes' speed and straight punches will be enough to win, though he acknowledges that Reyes can't be fully trusted.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 1 | 50 of 67 | 74% | 51 of 70 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
| Zhang Mingyang | 0 | 20 of 47 | 42% | 28 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 0 | 9 of 22 | 40% | 10 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Zhang Mingyang | 0 | 12 of 30 | 40% | 20 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:21 | |
| 2 | Johnny Walker | 1 | 41 of 45 | 91% | 41 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:41 |
| Zhang Mingyang | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 50 of 67 | 74% | 36 of 49 | 1 of 5 | 13 of 13 | 15 of 26 | 2 of 4 | 33 of 37 |
| Zhang Mingyang | 20 of 47 | 42% | 8 of 35 | 6 of 6 | 6 of 6 | 15 of 39 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 9 of 22 | 40% | 3 of 12 | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Zhang Mingyang | 12 of 30 | 40% | 6 of 24 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 22 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Johnny Walker | 41 of 45 | 91% | 33 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 8 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 33 of 37 |
| Zhang Mingyang | 8 of 17 | 47% | 2 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The moment of truth has arrived, as Zhang stakes his 12-fight win streak—the last four in the Octagon—against Walker in an attempt to take a huge step towards becoming China’s second UFC champion. Walker, for his part, seeks to prove he has made strides in fight IQ and defense to go with his outlandish physical gifts and offensive arsenal. In an eminently sensible move, Marc Goddard, the largest referee available, has pulled main event duty. Zhang reaches out for a glove touch. Walker trots across the cage, ducks under his foe’s outstretched hand and shoots for a takedown. It isn’t terribly sporting, but more importantly it backfires, as he ends up with Zhang on top of him in his guard. Zhang tries to capitalize with some elbow strikes, but Walker manages to survive the miscue with little damage. Zhang lets him return to his feet and hurts him with a right hand. Zhang gives chase as Walker stumbles to the fence, and is forced to back off as Walker whiffs with a huge haymaker. Walker comes up short with a flying knee. Zhang clinches and drives Walker to the fence. Two minutes to go and they finally separate. Zhang is still in pursuit, but ends up chasing the Brazilian around the cage rather than cutting angles. Walker shoots a long double-leg and Zhang snuffs it out easily. Zhang rocks Walker with a big elbow inside. Walker backs off and returns to sliding around the perimeter, Zhang in tow. Zhang slaps a high kick off the side of Walker’s head at the clapper.
10-9 Zhang.
Round 2
Zhang is the aggressor to open Round 2, but Walker continues to move laterally, refusing to be trapped against the fence. The pace has slowed a bit, a minute into the round, but Zhang steps forward and lands two straight right hands that make the big man stumble. Walker creeps forward and meets Zhang in the center of the cage.
Walker lands a hard leg kick, then another. Zhang is in trouble, having taken some kind of serious damage from the kicks. Walker connects with another low kick, but Zhang is already on his way down. Walker pounces on his stricken foe, delivering some huge punches and elbows, and the suspense is suddenly over whether he will manage to get himself disqualified, as the blows rain all over Zhang’s head, while he grounds and ungrounds himself.
Enough legal blows get through—and no blatantly illegal ones—that the outcome becomes obvious to all, and Goddard moves in to halt the beating. A wild end to a wild fight.
The Official Result
Johnny Walker def. Mingyang Zhang R2 2:37 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)
Angelo is very confident in Zhang Mingyang, calling him a dangerous finisher on feet and ground. He criticizes Johnny Walker for losing his craziness after training at SBG Ireland and becoming chinny. He thinks this is a showcase for the hometown guy and that Walker will get knocked out. He says Mingyang should be a much heavier favorite.
Big Brady picks Zhang Mingyang to win by first-round knockout, stating that Johnny Walker has a glass chin and has been knocked out six times. He notes that Zhang hits very hard and that Walker is unlikely to wrestle given his history. He believes the fight will be a striking match and that Zhang will knock Walker out early. He does not like the -310 line or the props.
Connor believes Johnny Walker is a broken fighter after training at SBG Ireland, where he lost his aggressive brawling style and now moves around aimlessly without a clear game plan. He notes that Walker's last three fights show him getting annihilated, and that Zhang Mingyang, while unproven, is a big, fast, aggressive brawler who will likely just throw punches until Walker gets knocked out. Connor thinks this fight will be less competitive than Walker's loss to Anthony Smith.
The host notes that all 19 of Mingyang's victories have come in the first round and expects him to continue that trend against Johnny Walker, who has comically horrible durability at this stage. He thinks Mingyang will take the pace immediately, dictate range, and land big shots to get Walker out in the first round by knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Zhang Mingyang to win by first-round KO. He expresses no trust in Johnny Walker's chin, noting that Walker gets knocked out repeatedly. He highlights that all of Zhang's wins are first-round KOs and that he found the punch on Brenson Ribeiro, who is tall and rangy. He believes Zhang is a master at finding those shots and that Walker is chinny enough to get put down. He acknowledges that Walker might try to grapple, but expects the fight to be decided in the pocket.
Zane agrees with Connor that Johnny Walker is broken, citing his lack of direction and inability to execute a neutralizing game plan. He points out that Walker's footwork is poor and he can't hold opponents off with range tools, making him an easy target for Zhang's aggression. Zane expects Zhang to win by knockout, as Walker's fight response has turned into a flight response.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkan Oezdemir | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 2 | 37 of 67 | 55% | 37 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkan Oezdemir | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Johnny Walker | 2 | 37 of 67 | 55% | 37 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkan Oezdemir | 15 of 33 | 45% | 6 of 20 | 3 of 6 | 6 of 7 | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 37 of 67 | 55% | 22 of 49 | 9 of 12 | 6 of 6 | 33 of 59 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkan Oezdemir | 15 of 33 | 45% | 6 of 20 | 3 of 6 | 6 of 7 | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 37 of 67 | 55% | 22 of 49 | 9 of 12 | 6 of 6 | 33 of 59 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 |
Angelo picks Johnny Walker, citing his size, athleticism, speed, and power. He thinks Walker's unpredictability and creativity will be key. He acknowledges Walker's chin issues and unreliability but believes the height and athleticism advantage will be too much for Oezdemir. He does not have a bet on the fight but notes the odds are close, making it a good value play.
Big Brady picks Volkan Oezdemir hesitantly, calling it a coin flip. He favors Oezdemir's durability and output over Johnny Walker's inconsistency. Brady notes Walker's tendency to be hesitant after knockouts and expects a close, possibly boring decision. He acknowledges that anything can happen in a Johnny Walker fight.
Cody picks Walker, citing his improved fight IQ under SBG Ireland, using length and distance to outpoint opponents. He notes Oezdemir's reliance on power and low output, and believes Walker can avoid the big shot and win a decision or late finish.
Daniel Vreeland leans slightly towards Johnny Walker, citing his unorthodox attacks and athleticism. He notes Oezdemir's gas tank issues and believes Walker can cause problems with range and unpredictability. However, he acknowledges Walker's chin vulnerability and the possibility of getting knocked out.
Jacob picks Oezdemir, citing his durability and power. He does not trust Johnny Walker's chin and believes Oezdemir will eventually land. He notes that Johnny Walker as a dog (+150 or more) would be worth a bet, but as a favorite he cannot pick him. He thinks Oezdemir's durability will be the difference.
JP picks Walker, citing his size, power, and unorthodox style. He expects a KO but acknowledges it could go to decision. He doubts Oezdemir's grappling ability. Brevan agrees, noting Oezdemir's experience and calf kicks but believes Walker's size and explosiveness will be too much. He predicts Walker by KO/TKO or decision, and mentions Walker's need for a comeback win after losses to Ankalaev.
Paul does not make a clear winner pick but suggests the over 1.5 rounds as a play. He notes both fighters have become more methodical and that Walker's new style may lead to a boring decision. He doesn't commit to a side.
The MMA Guru picks Volkan Oezdemir over Johnny Walker, expressing frustration with Walker's lack of fundamentals. He notes that Walker has not learned to jab despite his reach advantage and often puts himself in bad positions. He believes Oezdemir is composed, has good recent form, and will likely catch Walker with a low kick heavy game plan and finish him by TKO. He admits Walker could win at any time but trusts Oezdemir's chin and discipline.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | 1 | 39 of 58 | 67% | 39 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 24 of 71 | 33% | 26 of 73 | 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 | Magomed Ankalaev | 0 | 17 of 33 | 51% | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 15 of 50 | 30% | 17 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Magomed Ankalaev | 1 | 22 of 25 | 88% | 22 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | 39 of 58 | 67% | 8 of 22 | 6 of 7 | 25 of 29 | 38 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Johnny Walker | 24 of 71 | 33% | 2 of 34 | 3 of 6 | 19 of 31 | 24 of 71 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magomed Ankalaev | 17 of 33 | 51% | 2 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 17 | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Johnny Walker | 15 of 50 | 30% | 2 of 26 | 2 of 5 | 11 of 19 | 15 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Magomed Ankalaev | 22 of 25 | 88% | 6 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 12 | 21 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Johnny Walker | 9 of 21 | 42% | 0 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 12 | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Magomed Ankalaev, expecting him to avoid Johnny Walker's wild strikes, clinch, and take him down to wear him out. He notes Ankalaev's wrestling backup and thinks he is desperate for a win. He finds the -500 odds too steep to bet given Walker's danger and Ankalaev's recent no-contest and draw.
Big Brady believes Ankalaev can win however he wants, but prefers the wrestling path. He notes Ankalaev's durability and wrestling are superior, while Walker is chinny and unpredictable. He expects Ankalaev to control the fight and win by decision, avoiding prolonged striking exchanges.
Cody picks Ankalaev despite acknowledging his tendency to make fights closer than necessary. He notes that in the brief first fight, Walker had nothing for Ankalaev and that Ankalaev is clearly the more skilled fighter. He believes Ankalaev will win even if he fights a stupid game plan, citing durability and overall skill advantage.
Cody picks Ankalaev to win by decision, noting that Ankalaev won the first fight and can mix in wrestling for cage control. He believes Ankalaev is faster and has a better gas tank, and that Pereira is 38 and unlikely to make major adjustments. He expects another close fight but edges it to Ankalaev.
Daniel Vreeland picks Magomed Ankalaev to defeat Johnny Walker. He acknowledges Ankalaev's well-rounded skill set and size, but notes he sometimes underwhelms. He believes Ankalaev will make adjustments after the first fight, where Walker targeted his legs. Vreeland is confident Ankalaev can get the job done wherever the fight goes, though he worries about Walker's athleticism and unorthodox attacks.
James picks Ankalaev to win via KO, citing that Ankalaev hurt Pereira in round two of their first fight and nearly knocked him out. He believes Pereira's chin may give out this time, and Ankalaev could also secure takedowns and dominate on the ground. James notes that Pereira's calf kicks were effective in the first fight but thinks Ankalaev may have adjusted. He also likes the under 4.5 rounds.
Magomed Ankalaev is a smooth, technical striker who is comfortable in both stances and has a strong clinch and wrestling game. He showed in the first fight that he could take Walker down and control him. Johnny Walker is on a three-fight winning streak and looks confident, but he has historically struggled against technical fighters and can be overwhelmed by grappling. Ankalaev's discipline and wrestling should allow him to neutralize Walker's power and grind out a decision. The over 1.5 rounds is a good play given Ankalaev's grappling approach.
Paul leans towards Ankalaev but acknowledges the fight is close. He notes that Pereira took rounds off and that Ankalaev's wrestling, even if not successful, gave him cage control. He thinks the line is too wide and prefers the decision prop for Pereira, but ultimately sticks with Ankalaev.
Paul picks Ankalaev but expresses concern about his ring IQ and tendency to make fights close. He notes that Ankalaev has the skills to beat anyone but often ignores the wrestling path to victory. He believes Ankalaev is durable enough to take Walker's big shots and will win even if he fights a stupid game plan.
The MMA Guru picks Johnny Walker as an underdog, citing Walker's finishing ability and reach advantage (82 inches vs 75). He notes that Ankalaev may be frustrated by recent events (draw with Jan, no-contest with Walker) and that Walker got back up quickly from a takedown in the first fight. He predicts Walker will get a TKO/KO, benefiting from Ankalaev's potential emotional state.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | 0 | 13 of 19 | 68% | 16 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 30 | 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 | Magomed Ankalaev | 0 | 13 of 19 | 68% | 16 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | 13 of 19 | 68% | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 |
| Johnny Walker | 14 of 27 | 51% | 4 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 9 of 10 | 14 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magomed Ankalaev | 13 of 19 | 68% | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 |
| Johnny Walker | 14 of 27 | 51% | 4 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 9 of 10 | 14 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Magomed Ankalaev, calling him one of the best light heavyweights. He thinks Ankalaev will slow the pace and fight his fight. He notes Johnny Walker's danger if he makes it ugly, but expects Ankalaev to earn a title shot. He considers Ankalaev a safe bet.
Big Brady picks Magomed Ankalaev to win by decision, though he expects a boring fight. He notes that Ankalaev has good wrestling, as seen against Jan Blachowicz, and that Johnny Walker struggled on the ground against Nikita Krylov. Brady believes Ankalaev will mix in takedowns, control Walker, and win a dull decision.
Cody picks Ankalaev, emphasizing that he should use his wrestling to neutralize Walker. He notes that Ankalaev has excellent wrestling and ground control, and that Walker is inconsistent and can be taken down. Cody believes that even if Ankalaev fights to his opponent's level, he should edge out a decision or get a finish. He also mentions the Abu Dhabi factor favoring Ankalaev in a close fight.
Daniel picks Magomed Ankalaev to win, acknowledging Ankalaev's superior technical skills and experience but expressing concern that he sometimes fights down to his competition. He notes Ankalaev's vulnerabilities, such as being dropped by Thiago Santos and leg kicks from Jan Błachowicz, and thinks Johnny Walker's leg kick game plan could be effective. However, he believes Ankalaev is on a different level and should win if he is aggressive, but he is not confident enough to bet at -350.
Ankalaev is one of the most complete fighters at 205 lbs, with high-level striking and wrestling. He can mix in takedowns to wear on Walker's cardio and slow him down. Walker is explosive but when unable to set the pace, he slows down and gives up positions. Expects Ankalaev to win a decision and earn another title shot.
Paul picks Ankalaev but is hesitant, noting that Ankalaev often fights to the level of his competition and has had close fights with lesser opponents. He worries that Ankalaev may not use his wrestling early and could get into a striking match where Walker's reach is an advantage. However, Paul believes Ankalaev's wrestling and the Abu Dhabi location give him the edge in a close decision.
The MMA Guru picks Johnny Walker as a big underdog, citing a feeling that Walker will finish Ankalaev in a weird way. He notes Walker's 7-inch reach advantage and wild style that Ankalaev hasn't faced recently. He recalls Ankalaev being dropped by Thiago Santos and thinks Walker's takedown defense is underrated. He believes Ankalaev doesn't use his grappling unless losing and that Walker's momentum and size will be key.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 38 of 92 | 41% | 41 of 95 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 92 of 192 | 47% | 99 of 204 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 12 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 28 of 58 | 48% | 28 of 59 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Johnny Walker | 0 | 18 of 34 | 52% | 18 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 31 of 59 | 52% | 31 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Johnny Walker | 0 | 10 of 36 | 27% | 11 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 40 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 38 of 92 | 41% | 19 of 64 | 10 of 17 | 9 of 11 | 38 of 91 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Anthony Smith | 92 of 192 | 47% | 32 of 117 | 9 of 19 | 51 of 56 | 81 of 178 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 10 of 22 | 45% | 8 of 19 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Anthony Smith | 28 of 58 | 48% | 16 of 40 | 3 of 7 | 9 of 11 | 19 of 48 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 3 | |
| 2 | Johnny Walker | 18 of 34 | 52% | 8 of 24 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 8 | 18 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Anthony Smith | 31 of 59 | 52% | 7 of 32 | 4 of 7 | 20 of 20 | 31 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Johnny Walker | 10 of 36 | 27% | 3 of 21 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 3 | 10 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Anthony Smith | 33 of 75 | 44% | 9 of 45 | 2 of 5 | 22 of 25 | 31 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 |
Angelo picks Johnny Walker, citing his size, speed, power, and unorthodox striking. He thinks Walker is the more dangerous fighter and notes Anthony Smith may be focused on his post-fight career. He mentions Walker has only shot two takedowns in the UFC but got both, and could use that to surprise Smith. He expects the fight to go to the second round and likes the over 1.5 rounds if available.
Big Brady sees this as a true pick'em fight, calling both fighters untrustworthy. He expects a striking fight, as Walker's takedown defense is good enough to keep it standing. Brady gives Walker the power advantage and believes he can land a big knockout shot, but worries about Walker's chin. He picks Walker to knock out Smith in the first round, but calls it his least confident pick on the card.
Cody picks Anthony Smith but is hesitant due to Smith's age and 50+ pro fights. He notes Smith's superior wrestling and jiu-jitsu, and his ability to survive early storms and finish late. However, he worries about Smith's leg injury and layoff, and acknowledges Walker's explosiveness and power. He sees Smith's jab and ring IQ as key advantages.
Connor picks Anthony Smith despite reservations, mainly because he dislikes Johnny Walker's move to SBG Ireland and feels it's a bad idea. He acknowledges Smith's vulnerability to larger fighters but thinks Smith's technical consistency and ability to take advantage of Walker's self-destructive tendencies could win. He notes the line is dead even and admits he might be wrong.
Daniel Levi picks Johnny Walker despite concerns about Walker's chin and durability. He believes Walker will be winning the fight until he either gets his arm raised or gets caught, as Smith's style relies on comebacks and opportunistic finishes. Levi notes that Smith is a veteran with many finishes but does not see Smith dominating the fight; instead, he expects Walker to be ahead on the scorecards or land a knockout. He acknowledges the risk due to Walker's history of being knocked out and his tall man defense, but ultimately favors Walker's athleticism and recent focus.
Smith is back at Factory X with Mark Montoya, motivated after a loss. His durability allows him to roll with Walker's shots, and he can pressure, land combinations, and counter Walker's wild striking. Smith can open up a finish via knockout or submission. Walker's durability issues and tentative moments may be exploited. Smith's experience and re-alignment with his camp are key.
Paul slightly favors Anthony Smith, calling it a fair pick'em. He notes both fighters can crack and Walker is more likely to finish early, but if Smith can secure takedowns and hang around, he can capitalize. He acknowledges the volatility and question marks on both sides, but edges toward Smith due to his well-rounded game.
The MMA Guru picks Johnny Walker, citing his athleticism and reach advantage. He notes that Anthony Smith has looked hesitant and stiff on the feet recently, and his body appears less toned, suggesting decline. He believes Walker's momentum and finishing potential will be too much for Smith, predicting a TKO in the first round.
Zane leans Johnny Walker based on a 'vibe pick,' feeling that Anthony Smith will be uncomfortable fighting someone as huge as Walker. He notes that Smith tends to gas and fold when things go wrong, and Walker's size and reach (6 inches longer) could bully Smith. He acknowledges Smith's technical striking but thinks Walker's athleticism and size will cause Smith to freak out.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paul Craig | 1 | 16 of 20 | 80% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paul Craig | 1 | 16 of 20 | 80% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 3 of 8 | 37% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Paul Craig | 16 of 20 | 80% | 12 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 3 of 8 | 37% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Paul Craig | 16 of 20 | 80% | 12 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 6 |
Big Brady picks Johnny Walker to knock out Paul Craig in the first round. He notes Walker is much bigger, more explosive, and has huge power on the feet. Craig's striking is not good and he will likely pull guard, but Walker should disengage and keep it standing. If Walker goes to the mat, Craig is dangerous with submissions, but Walker can also finish with ground and pound. He trusts Walker to get the knockout but warns of sweating if it hits the mat.
Cody picks Johnny Walker confidently, noting Walker's striking advantage and improved fight IQ under John Kavanagh. He says Walker can dictate range, use footwork, and potshot Paul Craig. He acknowledges Craig's dangerous BJJ but thinks Walker will keep the fight standing and avoid the ground. He mentions Walker's power and ability to knock out Craig. He also notes Craig's poor striking and takedown defense.
Connor picks Paul Craig, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Walker's new passive style is worse than his old reckless one, and that Craig will pressure and likely land clean shots. Connor also mentions that Walker has never been submitted but that Craig is a submission specialist who could catch him.
Paul picks Johnny Walker confidently, noting Walker's striking advantage and improved fight IQ. He says Walker can keep the fight standing and avoid Craig's BJJ. He mentions Craig's poor striking and takedown defense, and says Walker has the power to knock him out. He acknowledges Craig's submission wins over top guys but thinks Walker will fight smart and avoid the ground.
The Guru is confident Walker will KO Craig. He highlights Walker's underrated grappling, noting he reversed Krylov and has improved rapidly. Craig has no striking threat, so Walker will be confident on the feet. The Guru predicts Walker will rock Craig, force a bad takedown, and finish with ground and pound, similar to the Ryan Spann fight.
Zane picks Paul Craig, citing that Craig has a reliable bag of tricks and will be aggressive, while Johnny Walker has regressed under SPG coaching, becoming passive and lacking a functional style. Zane notes that grappling is light heavyweight secret sauce, and Craig is a submission artist who can exploit Walker's poor grappling.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 17 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 1 | 2:10 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 17 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 17 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 1 | 2:10 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 17 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 3 of 3 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 3 of 3 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
It’s time for the main card, with the only fight that did not change one day ago. It opens with a light heavyweight battle between finishers, and a ranked spot is on the line for the victor. The high-flying Walker (18-7, 4-4 UFC) will try to right the ship and get things going again, while powerful Moldovan Cutelaba (16-7-1, 1 NC; 5-6-1 UFC) wants to keep things afloat with a .500 record in the company. Stoppage rates of 94% for Walker and 87% for Cutelaba likely mean that referee Mike Beltran will be busy in this matchup, and the two intense 205ers do still touch gloves. Walker pokes out a few jabs with his range advantage, and Cutelaba fires off a head kick at him. Walker looks shocked, and he responds with a high kick of his own. “The Hulk” catches it and smashes him down to the ground with a slam. Cutelaba pounds on his opponent from the guard, and Walker scoots his way to the fence and grabs it to try to improve position. Beltran will not let him get away with it, and he shouts at the Brazilian to knock it off. Even in a close guard, Cutelaba uses his forearm and elbow to grind on Walker and score a few shots. Walker grabs the cage again, and he lets it go when Cutelaba belts him on the chin. Walker frames off with his feet, and he pulls on the wire once more to earn another severe warning. Exploding out of the bad position, Walker flips over, and he falls into an armbar setup. Cutelaba immediately moves to his knees, and he stands up even while Walker hangs onto him from behind. Cutelaba stomps the feet of his opponent, and Walker lifts him and drops him down hard. As soon as they land, the Brazilian sets up a rear-naked choke, but it is not under the chin. Cutelaba does not go away from a neck crank, and he grits it out and fights the grip. The Brazilian switches the hands and goes for a rear-naked choke on the other side, and Cutelaba fights tooth-and-nail to preserve his neck. Walker keeps hooks in instead of utilizing a body triangle, and he stretches Cutelaba out and wraps up a rear-naked choke. Cutelaba turns to his side and holds his chin down, but the forearm of Walker sneaks beneath it and squeezes tightly. Cutelaba’s face turns a dark shade of pink and he begins to gurgle from the vice-like grip, and there is no way out. Before he passes out from the submission, Cutelaba taps out, and Walker lets go and moves to an open area of the cage to start doing the worm. Walker breakdances a little more, but does not get reckless and injure himself like in the past. This is an important one for Walker, who records his first finish in nearly two years while landing his first sub since 2017.
The Official Result
Johnny Walker def. Ion Cutelaba R1 4:37 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo picks Ion Cuțelaba, noting that Johnny Walker has been ruined by SBG Ireland and is no longer the creative fighter he once was. He thinks Walker will be low volume and hesitant, allowing Cuțelaba to get takedowns. He mentions Cuțelaba took Ryan Spann down three times, and Spann took Walker down, so Cuțelaba should dominate with wrestling.
Big Brady picks Johnny Walker as a dog, calling the line nonsensical. He argues Walker's losses came against elite fighters like Jamal Hill and Thiago Santos, while Cuțelaba has poor control despite good wrestling. He notes Walker's size and strength make him hard to take down and hold down, and predicts Walker wins by first-round knockout, though he admits both are chinny and someone is getting knocked out.
Cody picks Johnny Walker as a dog, despite not trusting him. He notes that Cuțelaba overexerts and gasses, and that Walker has a reach advantage and can dictate range. He is concerned about Walker's style under John Kavanagh but thinks the point-fighting approach could work. He says he will not bet Walker but picks him for the show.
Daniel Levi leans Ion Cutelaba but with very low confidence. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation, noting both fighters are unreliable glass cannons. He points to Cutelaba's wrestling advantage and power, but questions whether Cutelaba will use wrestling or brawl. He also mentions Walker's confidence issues after knockout losses and his own chin problems. Levi says he can't trust either guy and won't bet the -200 on Cutelaba.
Jacob calls it a coin toss but leans toward Cuțelaba because the path to victory is clear via wrestling. He notes both fighters have no chins and do stupid things, making it unpredictable. He placed a bet on under 1.5 rounds at plus money for premium members, as he expects a finish.
The host picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by knockout but is not confident at -200. He notes Cuțelaba's power and durability advantage, but thinks Walker's size could make it difficult for Cuțelaba to hold him down. He sees Walker as a live dog and won't bet the moneyline.
Paul also picks Johnny Walker, but is very hesitant. He notes that Cuțelaba has cardio issues and is undersized, and that Walker has the reach and flashy techniques to pick him apart. However, he acknowledges that Cuțelaba could land a big shot and knock Walker out. He says he is 'super scared' of this fight.
The MMA Guru picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by first-round TKO. He describes Walker coming out with a flying attack, Cuțelaba moving away and wagging his finger. Cuțelaba chews at the inside leg, shoots a takedown, but Walker explodes up. Against the cage, Cuțelaba lands punches on Walker, who takes them but is known to be vulnerable. They separate, Cuțelaba fakes a takedown, throws an overhand, rocks Walker, and finishes with ground and pound.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Johnny Walker, expecting his forward pressure, craziness, and size to frustrate Thiago Santos, who is a shell of his former self after knee injuries and three straight losses. He notes that Santos has massive power and could knock anyone out, but his cardio suffers and he may be gun-shy. Walker is never afraid to throw and will stay busy. Angelo likes Walker at plus 145 moneyline and in DraftKings at $7,400. He also likes the over on rounds and the more more monkey knife fight pick.
Big Brady picks Thiago Santos to win, citing his experience, better competition, and more paths to victory. He notes Santos has fought Jon Jones, Glover Teixeira, and Rakic, while Walker's best wins are over lesser competition. Walker is very hittable (31% striking defense) and chinny, while Santos hits hard. Santos has better cardio, having gone five rounds with Jones, while Walker fades after the first round. Brady suggests a ground game path for Santos, similar to his win over Kevin Holland. He recommends a violence play rather than the moneyline.
Cody picks Thiago Santos based on superior experience and durability. He notes that Santos has slowed down and his knees are shot, but he still hits hard and can drag the fight into later rounds. He expects Santos to survive Walker's early explosiveness and then pressure him, eventually landing a finish in the second, third, or fourth round. He highlights that Santos outstruck Alexander Rakic in their fight and has better cardio than Walker, who has never gone five rounds.
Daniel Levi picks Johnny Walker as the underdog, citing that both fighters have declined since their surgeries—Santos after ACL surgery and Walker after shoulder injury. He notes Walker's dynamic striking and finishing ability but acknowledges his poor durability and tendency to flop when hit. Levi believes the fight is a coin flip about who lands first, but he leans Walker because of motivation concerns for the nearly 40-year-old Santos with a baby on the way. He expects a knockout either way and takes the underdog.
I think Santos is the more disciplined striker and should be able to counter Walker's wildness. Walker is explosive but hittable and has poor durability. However, I'm concerned about Santos's recent performances and knee surgeries. I like Santos inside the distance at -120 and also like the under 1.5 rounds. I'm picking Santos but not with high confidence.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Santos but with less confidence. He notes that Walker is dangerous early but has never gone five rounds and his cardio is suspect. He believes Santos's chin holds up better at 205 and that Walker's grappling is not a major concern. He does not have a bet on Santos straight up but suggests looking at live betting after the first round if Santos survives.
The MMA Guru picks Thiago Santos, despite rooting for Johnny Walker. He notes Santos' check hook is his best weapon and Walker leaves himself open when rushing in. Walker has been KO'd in most of his losses by rushing in. Santos has five-round experience and still has power. He predicts Santos will catch Walker with a check hook and finish him by KO.
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