Career Averages - Pat Sabatini
Career Averages - Jamall Emmers
Pat Sabatini
Jamall Emmers
Pat Sabatini - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 25 of 70 | 35% | 78 of 125 | 3 of 20 | 15% | 0 | 0 | 11:12 |
| William Gomis | 0 | 23 of 64 | 35% | 54 of 98 | 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 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 16 of 24 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 4:36 |
| William Gomis | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 8 of 30 | 26% | 31 of 54 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 3:17 |
| William Gomis | 0 | 10 of 30 | 33% | 20 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 14 of 29 | 48% | 31 of 47 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 3:19 |
| William Gomis | 0 | 11 of 30 | 36% | 26 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 25 of 70 | 35% | 7 of 44 | 6 of 10 | 12 of 16 | 18 of 57 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| William Gomis | 23 of 64 | 35% | 12 of 50 | 8 of 10 | 3 of 4 | 13 of 49 | 10 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 3 of 11 | 27% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| William Gomis | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 8 of 30 | 26% | 2 of 19 | 2 of 5 | 4 of 6 | 7 of 27 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| William Gomis | 10 of 30 | 33% | 5 of 22 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 14 of 29 | 48% | 3 of 15 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 10 | 11 of 26 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| William Gomis | 11 of 30 | 36% | 6 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 22 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sabatini (-205), Gomis (+170)
Round 1
An interesting stylistic clash will move the prelims along, with grappling ace Sabatini (21-5, 8-2 UFC) ready and willing to burst out after 10 previous walks to the cage. He will square off with MMA Factory product Gomis (15-3, 5-1 UFC), with the two featherweights under observation by referee Vincent Dudley. Fists are bumped before they are traded.
The taller Gomis marches forward, watching Sabatini kicks fly past him. Sabatini shoots in low for a single, forcing Gomis to the wall and hurling him to the floor. Gomis climbs back up but is still in the arms of his opponent. This strategy totally stifles the Frenchman, with Sabatini controlling and not needing to take the fight down to keep Gomis from landing anything. Johnny Cage, the Pennsylvanian isn’t, as he would much rather wrestle than throw hands, feet, elbows or his sunglasses.
Gomis turns to put his shoulder on the fence and try to escape, but he is stuck without answers. Sabatini slugs him a few times in the face with his free hand, otherwise controlling for long stretches at a time. Little else happens while they do this. Sabatini goes low for a single, briefly dragging Gomis to a knee. Gomis stands, and Sabatini complains to Dudley that his glove is being grabbed. Dudley clears Gomis from any foul, and while they are paying attention to the referee, Sabatini slings Gomis to his seat. Gomis tries for a few elbow strikes from a funny angle, and the slog of a round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Round 2
Gomis walks Sabatini down to start the round, but he does not commit to anything as he knows a takedown attempt is coming. Sabatini feints, fakes and works his way forward to back Gomis off, and he shoots in on his hips. Gomis stands him up by putting his back to the cage wall, with Sabatini leaning on him kneeing him once or twice. Sabatini lifts Gomis’ left leg all the way in the air to set him down on the canvas, but he can only keep Gomis down for a second or two before he is back up. Sabatini lifts Gomis off the ground completely to slam him on his face, and once more, Gomis is speedy at rushing back to his feet. The grind is firmly embraced by Sabatini, as he has controlled and neutralized the Frenchman largely to this point.
Gomis times the right moment to escape, and he takes a right hand on the beard as he resets. Gomis kicks Sabatini in the groin, and Sabatini waves him off and keeps plodding forward. Sabatini loops a right hand, a left, and a jumping switch kick behind it. Gomis times a body kick when he is landing, and he just misses a head kick to follow. Sabatini ducks a one-two to attack a takedown, pushing Gomis to the fencing to defend it. He holds Gomis in place, but does not ground him. With 15 seconds left in the round, Gomis breaks out. They clash kicks at the same time, and both trade fierce hands before the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Round 3
The athletes touch gloves, and Gomis wants to punch him in the face directly thereafter. They clash leg kicks together, their shins slamming together loudly. Gomis loads up on power, hoping for the home run blow as he is likely down on the scorecards. Two takedown shots from Sabatini fail, and Gomis stands him up with a flush elbow on the cheek. Sabatini, swelling growing under his left eye fast from that elbow, plods forward threatening and faking strikes on his way in. He dives after a single, pushing Gomis to the fence with three-plus minutes left on the clock. Fans do not appreciate the ubiquitous grappler who is somehow able to get all over Gomis and completely overwhelm him with his approach at once.
Gomis knees him in the stomach, and he gets dragged down to the floor on his face. Sabatini briefly grinds Gomis face on a part of the canvas with blood drops on it that make a pattern reminiscent of a gruesome ladybug, and Gomis fights as best he can to stand back up. Sabatini chains attempts to hit mat returns, and otherwise rips precious seconds off the clock. Gomis gets space with seconds left and starts throwing hands wildly like a spinning top. Sabatini rocks him with a right hand, and the grueling contest ends. Gomis raises his hand in hopes that he sneaks out two of three rounds to get the unexpected nod. We’ll see what happens.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-27 Sabatini)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-27 Sabatini)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-27 Sabatini)
The Official Result
Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo is confident in Pat Sabatini, noting his incredible grappling and control. He believes Sabatini will take down William Gomez repeatedly and that Gomez's slow technical style won't be enough to stop the takedowns. He mentions that Sabatini has looked incredible lately and that the odds are good value.
Angelo picks Pat Sabatini, citing his dominant wrestling and takedown ability. He notes Sabatini took down Chepe Mariscal seven times and expects similar against Gomis. He says Gomis can be taken down and lacks one-punch knockout power, so Sabatini faces no risk of being KO'd. He loves the minus 133 odds and thinks it's a dominant win.
Big Brady is confident Pat Sabatini wins, citing his elite wrestling and control. He notes Gomis lacks power and has been taken down and put in bad spots before. Brady expects Sabatini to get takedowns and secure a submission, specifically a second-round submission, as Gomis has shown vulnerability to submissions.
Cody picks Sabatini, citing his wrestling and submission skills. He notes Gomis's takedown defense issues and thinks Sabatini can control him on the ground. Cody expects Sabatini to win by submission or decision.
Connor picks Sabatini, believing his wrestling is good enough to get takedowns and control the fight. He notes that Sabatini is a better wrestler than others who have had success against Gomis. Connor expects a razor-thin decision, possibly a split, but thinks Sabatini's dedication to his game plan will earn him the nod.
Daniel picks Sabatini, reasoning that Gomis is a point fighter who doesn't dish out much damage, so Sabatini will take him down and control him on the ground. He believes Sabatini's grappling will be the difference.
Sabatini has home advantage and a relentless grappling style that will smother Gomis. Gomis is a volume striker who needs distance, but Sabatini will either be far outside or in the clinch/takedown range. Gomis has poor takedown defense and takes a long time to get back up; he's been in many split decisions. Sabatini's cardio allows him to grapple for three rounds. Unless Gomis has significantly improved his takedown defense, Sabatini should control the fight.
Predicted method: Submission Round 2. Sabatini's grappling-heavy style (4.48 takedowns per round, 1.5 submission average) is a clear path to victory against Gomis, who has only 72% takedown defense and has been taken down multiple times. Gomis has a reach advantage (73" vs 70") and solid striking, but Sabatini's pressure and top control will neutralize that. Sabatini has won three straight and is a proven finisher on the ground. Expect Sabatini to secure takedowns and win by submission or decision.
Jacob agrees with Angelo, stating that Gomez will either land a knee or headkick on an entry or get taken down and controlled. He praises Sabatini's wrestling and control, noting that Gomez is comfortable fighting off his back foot but that Sabatini's pressure and takedowns will be too much. He thinks the price is about right.
Lucrative James picks Pat Sabatini because he believes Sabatini's grappling will be too much for William Gomis, who is a pure striker without power or strong takedown defense. He notes that Gomis prefers to stay on the outside, which plays into Sabatini's game of closing distance and taking the fight to the ground. He predicts Sabatini wins by submission in round two.
The host picks Sabatini, emphasizing his dominant grappling and ability to control opponents on the ground. He notes that Sabatini's striking is a liability but believes his wrestling will be too much for Gomis, who has shown defensive grappling improvements but may struggle to keep the fight standing. He expects Sabatini to win by decision, possibly at a better price if the line moves.
Paul picks Sabatini, citing his grappling advantage and Gomis's vulnerability. He thinks Sabatini will get takedowns and control the fight. Paul expects Sabatini to win by decision.
The MMA Guru picks Pat Sabatini, praising his elite grappling. He notes Sabatini dominated Shep Mariscal and Joe Anderson Britto, while Gomis had close fights with Britto and others. He worries about Sabatini's chin on the feet but believes his takedowns and top control will secure a decision win, possibly 30-27 or 30-26.
Zane picks Gomis hesitantly. He notes that Gomis is a back-foot neutralizer who can make Sabatini work hard for takedowns. However, Gomis is not a finisher and may not do enough to win rounds decisively. Zane thinks Sabatini's one-dimensional wrestling could be neutralized, leading to a close decision, but Gomis's ability to avoid damage and counter could edge it.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 12 of 29 | 41% | 40 of 61 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 0 | 0 | 10:37 |
| Chepe Mariscal | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 48 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:48 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 4 of 11 | 36% | 8 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:39 |
| Chepe Mariscal | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:33 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 21 of 31 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:36 |
| Chepe Mariscal | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 32 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 11 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:22 |
| Chepe Mariscal | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 11 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 12 of 29 | 41% | 10 of 24 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 9 |
| Chepe Mariscal | 7 of 19 | 36% | 2 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 13 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 4 of 11 | 36% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Chepe Mariscal | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 7 of 13 | 53% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 6 |
| Chepe Mariscal | 5 of 10 | 50% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 2 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 |
| Chepe Mariscal | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Chepe Mariscal, praising his pressure, wrestling, and scrambling ability. He believes Chepe is the better striker and wrestler, and that Pat Sabatini's striking is stiff and he is chinny. Angelo is confident and placed a bet at -113, expecting the line to expand.
Big Brady picks Chepe Mariscal as a slight underdog, acknowledging a clear path for Sabatini via wrestling but favoring Mariscal's striking power. He notes Sabatini's questionable chin, having been knocked out by Damon Jackson and Diego Lopez, and believes Mariscal can exploit that. Brady sees Mariscal's judo as helpful in getting back to his feet and predicts a second-round knockout.
Cody picks Sabatini, noting that his grappling is elite and that Mariscal has been taken down by everyone. He believes Sabatini has learned from his knockout losses and will stick to wrestling. Cody thinks Sabatini can grind out a decision or possibly submit Mariscal. He is not fully confident but sees the path.
Connor also picks Mariscal, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Mariscal is one of the most fluidly offensively minded fighters and that Sabatini needs to dominate and stop the fight from happening, which he can't do against Mariscal. He thinks Mariscal's style is a nightmare for Sabatini.
Daniel sees this as a close fight and picks the underdog Mariscal to win again. He notes that Sabatini's chin is suspect and Mariscal's judo and wild style could keep the fight standing, where Sabatini is vulnerable. He expects a back-and-forth scrap that could end in a knockout for Mariscal.
Lucrative James picks Pat Sabatini to win, believing his elite grappling and top control will be too much for Mariscal. He notes Sabatini's improved control since their first fight and Mariscal's tendency to be taken down. He expects Sabatini to secure takedowns and control the fight on the ground, possibly winning by submission or decision.
Mariscal makes it look more dominant than their first fight. He scrambles and stays ahead of Sabatini, then overwhelms him on the feet leading to a TKO victory.
Paul leans towards Mariscal, noting that he is a better striker and has knockout power. He points out that Sabatini has been knocked out when he tries to strike. Paul thinks Mariscal could win by knockout if he keeps the fight standing. However, he acknowledges the risk of Sabatini's grappling and is not fully committed.
The Guru picks Chepe Mariscal, highlighting his pressure, volume, chin, and scrambling ability. He believes Mariscal's stocky frame will make him hard to hold down for Sabatini, who relies on control. The Guru also notes that judging trends may favor Mariscal if the fight is close. He predicts a late finish or decision win for Mariscal.
Zane picks Mariscal, noting that Mariscal is an excellent scrambler who never stops fighting and that Sabatini struggles to lock him down. He thinks the fight will be uncomfortable for Sabatini because Mariscal is fluid and creative in scrambles. He also notes that Mariscal has never been submitted and has a good chin.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 24 of 31 | 77% | 135 of 158 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 1 | 0 | 13:47 |
| Joanderson Brito | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 27 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 12 of 14 | 85% | 22 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 4:43 |
| Joanderson Brito | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 6 of 8 | 75% | 52 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:34 |
| Joanderson Brito | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 13 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 61 of 71 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:30 |
| Joanderson Brito | 0 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 24 of 31 | 77% | 22 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 23 |
| Joanderson Brito | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 12 of 14 | 85% | 12 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 12 |
| Joanderson Brito | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 6 of 8 | 75% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
| Joanderson Brito | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 6 of 9 | 66% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 6 |
| Joanderson Brito | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brito (-205), Sabatini (+170)
Round 1
It is a grappler against a wild man in the co-main event, one where the winner might potentially have a number next to their name on Monday. Philly-based grappler Sabatini (19-5, 6-2 UFC) will present danger for as long as the bout is on the mat, but every fight starts on the feet. Brito (17-4-1, 5-2 UFC) is no slouch when grappling, so fun exchanges could come early and often. Referee Keith Peterson will have his hands full with these featherweights, although he is able to take a breath as the fighters look to collide with no nonsense in the building. Fists are bumped before they are traded, and Brito gest right to walking the American down. Sabatini springs from side to side, tossing out one kick and having Brito respond with a kick. Sabatini follows the Brazilian’s kick with a single, which he uses to deposit Brito on the canvas easily. Brito defends with the guillotine off his back, opening himself up to Von Preux choke danger as Sabatini traps him with an arm-triangle at the same time. Brito scoots his way to the wall to take a bit of pressure off of him, and he follows the moving legs of his opponent to maintain half guard or guard. Sabatini tries again for the Von Flue, and he pulls his own head out of Brito’s sub. Sabatini stays flat on his man, squeezing down with an arm-triangle setup while Brito smacks him with short but frustrating strikes off his back. Sabatini gets off the heavier of the blows while above, but Brito still manages to put his back on the wire. Sabatini pulls him away from the fence, and Brito sits to stand while Sabatini threatening with a guillotine choke. Sabatini lands a single knee before letting go of the choke, and he lifts Brito in the air and slams him down to the floor. With Brito hanging on with the guillotine, the Von Preux counter is troubling him as Sabatini clings to his neck with his left arm. Sabatini uses his weight to push Brito against the wall and hope for the leverage to be right for a submission. Brito stays calm and wriggles his neck out of danger, and Sabatini climbs into half guard and assaults him with punches and elbows. Brito attacks off his back, and again Sabatini’s are far more effective. The one-sided round ends with both men flailing at one another.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Round 2
Sabatini motions awkwardly to his opponent, offering the glove touch while also wanting to stay far away from the grappler. Brito kicks, and Sabatini sells out for a takedown. Brito hits his seat searching for a front choke, and Sabatini laughs it off and pushes Brito to his back. Sabatini establishes himself on top in half guard, smothering Brito and preventing the expected explosions thanks in part to heavy chest pressure. Sabatini looks to hook up a crucifix with his knee, and he opens things up to try to pass guard, only for Brito to drag him back. Sabatini strikes when he finds openings, irritating the dangerous “Tubarao” while energy is drained from his tank. Brito uses butterfly hooks to push off, and Sabatini is so singularly focused on the top control that he is not budging. Sabatini scores several left hands on the chin, and he times Brito sitting up to flatten him back out in an instant. The Brazilian is out of ideas, with Sabatini two steps ahead of him at every turn. Sabatini renders his foe fairly powerless until the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Round 3
Brito jogs out of his corner to touch gloves, and he dodges a spin strike to come up top with a huge right hand. Sabatini rolls with the punch and switches stances to work his way forward. Brito absorbs a spinning back fist to swing back a right hand, and he jumps guard with a guillotine choke when Sabatini shoots in for a single. Sabatini issues the thumbs-up a few times as the submission is not under his chin, and he threatens with another Von Preux until Brito releases the grip. Sabatini resides in the half guard, where he has spent most of this fight, and he bludgeons Brito every so often. When Brito goes for broke swinging with his back stuck on the floor, Sabatini postures up to drill him with some ground-and-pound. The smothering continues for the Renzo Gracie Philly fighter, displaying that there are levels to this grappling thing. Brito, a savvy submission artist in his own right, has been blanked tonight, with a ceiling that is very clear above him. Sabatini circles around to take Brito’s back, getting his hooks in, and he starts hunting for a kneebar. When Brito turns over, he gives up mount, and Sabatini starts whaling on him. Brito gets to a knee despite taking strikes on the sides of the head, and Sabatini takes any remaining hope and deposits it in the local trash can with dominant control and grappling wizardry. It might not have been the most scintillating to watch, but Sabatini sends a message that the fearsome marauder Brito has met his match.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini (30-25 Sabatini)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini (30-26 Sabatini)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini (30-26 Sabatini)
The Official Result
Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Angelo acknowledges this fight has trap written all over it. He notes Joanderson Brito has power and Pat Sabatini is chinny, but also that Brito's BJJ off his back is poor while Sabatini is phenomenal on top. He predicts the fight won't go the distance, with Brito likely knocking out Sabatini or Sabatini submitting Brito. He picks Brito due to cardio improvements and power, but warns Sabatini could sneak a win as a dog.
Big Brady picks Joanderson Brito, citing Pat Sabatini's questionable chin and Brito's power. He believes Sabatini needs a perfect 15-minute grappling performance to win, but Brito will eventually land a big shot and knock him out, likely in the first round.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Brito. He highlights Brito's dangerous athleticism and Sabatini's stiffness on the feet. Connor notes that Brito's chaotic style often leads to finishes, and while Sabatini could win by grinding him down, Brito's ability to create scrambles and his durability make him the pick. He also mentions Brito's tendency to put himself in bad positions but believes Sabatini is too breakable.
Sabatini could have success with his chain wrestling and BJJ, but Brito's striking and power are favored. Brito is expected to land big power shots that Sabatini cannot handle, leading to a knockout in the first or second round.
The Guru picks Joanderson Brito, calling him too powerful, fast, and dangerous on the feet. He notes Brito's win over Diego Lopez and believes he will stuff Sabatini's takedowns and land strikes for a TKO. He expects a first-round finish, possibly within two minutes, and considers the matchup a mismatch.
Zane picks Brito, emphasizing Sabatini's stiff striking and vulnerability to being overwhelmed. He notes Brito's athleticism and tendency to finish fights, but also his recklessness. Zane believes Sabatini's anxious, structured style will struggle with Brito's chaotic, high-pressure approach, and that Brito's athleticism will create a moment where Sabatini can't secure a takedown and gets caught.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 32 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jonathan Pearce | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 19 of 25 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 3:56 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 32 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jonathan Pearce | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 19 of 25 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 3:56 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Pearce | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jonathan Pearce | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pearce (-130), Sabatini (+110)
Round 1
Grapplers enter the Octagon in what should be a fun stylistic clash. On a rare losing streak, Pearce (14-6, 5-3 UFC) has his back against the wall, but the same might be said for Sabatini (18-5, 5-2 UFC), who has dropped two of three. Someone will turn things around in the next 15 minutes or less, and referee Chris Tognoni will follow them every step of the way. Before throwing hands, “JSP” walks over to the other corner to deliver a friendly fist bump. Pearce takes to the center of the cage, and they clash body kicks at the same time. As they tangle up, Sabatini manages to sneak around and grab Pearce from behind, where he hops on his back to take the form of a mean-spirited backpack. Sabatini locks a body triangle around the waist, slugging his left hand around the raised guard of his foe. Pearce leans against the wall to relieve himself of some of the extra weight, and he turns his shoulder to sling Sabatini off of him. The Pennsylvanian turns the corner to get his arms around Pearce once more, and “JSP” is warned for fence grabs to keep himself on his feet. Rules are mere suggestions in the sport of MMA. Sabatini scoops up Pearce’s legs and steps over him to ground him, and Pearce is warned for elbowing the spine and attempting 12-6 elbows—these will be allowed next month. Pearce uses a butterfly guard to keep Sabatini from establishing a more traditional top position, only for Sabatini to smother him and move to half guard. Sabatini steps over to three-quarter mount, hunting for a choke when Pearce turns the wrong direction. Sabatini looks for another submission as Pearce gets to his knees, and Sabatini’s body triangle is wrapped firmly around the ribs. Pearce stands up and elbows Sabatini’s thigh to try to break up the body lock.
Sabatini leans to add his weight to different places on the back, and he slithers his forearm beneath the chin and fastens a nasty rear-naked choke. Pearce’s head turns a brilliant shade of red, and he thinks about going out on his shield but elects to fight another day and taps out.
Sabatini releases the lock and walks to the center of the cage, letting out one triumphant shout before calming himself. Sabatini tries his best to stay cool, but cannot help but flip around the cage, bellowing and fist-pumping in celebration.
The Official Result
Pat Sabatini def. Jonathan Pearce R1 4:06 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo picks Jonathan Pearce, citing his relentless wrestling pressure and awareness of Sabatini's jiu-jitsu. He notes that Sabatini hasn't improved his skills since entering the UFC and that Pearce's non-stop takedown attempts will be key. Angelo also thinks Pearce can have success on the feet, as Sabatini's striking is technical but lacks head movement. He mentions he placed a half-unit bet on Pearce at -131.
Big Brady picks Jonathan Pearce to win by TKO in the second round. He considers this one of his favorite fights on the card, noting both have paths: Sabatini via submission (Pearce has been submitted three times), but Pearce via knockout (Sabatini has been knocked out by Diego Lopes, Damon Jackson, and dropped by Jamall Emmers). He worries about Sabatini's durability and cardio, and believes Pearce's pace will break him down. Despite Pearce potentially getting into bad spots, Brady trusts his ability to fight out of them.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Pearce's striking is all fencing and he cannot keep opponents down. He points out that Pearce lost to David Onama despite having control time, and that Sabatini is a better grappler who can win if he gets top position. Connor is surprised Sabatini is the underdog.
This fight was not discussed in the transcript. No picks were made.
Daniel thinks Pearce is more well-rounded and has better volume on the feet, but he acknowledges Sabatini's grinding wrestling and durability. He is not confident because Sabatini could easily grind out a win. Daniel leans toward Pearce to outwork him but admits he wouldn't be surprised by a Sabatini decision.
Pearce is on a two-fight losing streak but looked good in his last fight against David Onama even in defeat. He should use defensive grappling to keep the fight standing and put a pace on Sabatini, who is uncomfortable in the striking realm. Pearce will keep it upright, push the pace, and finish Sabatini in the second or third round.
The MMA Guru picks Pat Sabatini, highlighting his technical grappling edge over Jonathan Pearce. He notes that Pearce is tough with good cardio but makes mistakes in grappling, often losing position. Sabatini has good submissions and control, and the Guru believes he can submit Pearce. He acknowledges Pearce could TKO Sabatini due to a suspect chin, but favors Sabatini's grappling.
This fight was not discussed in the transcript. No picks were made.
Zane thinks Sabatini will win because he is a more willing and confident striker, though both are stiff. He notes Sabatini has paid for trying to do other things and will just go for takedowns. Zane points out that Pearce has poor control time (23%) and cannot keep opponents down, while Sabatini has 52% control time. He believes Sabatini can get takedowns and win on the ground.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diego Lopes | 1 | 13 of 18 | 72% | 13 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 10 of 16 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diego Lopes | 1 | 13 of 18 | 72% | 13 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 10 of 16 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diego Lopes | 13 of 18 | 72% | 11 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 7 |
| Pat Sabatini | 7 of 12 | 58% | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diego Lopes | 13 of 18 | 72% | 11 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 7 |
| Pat Sabatini | 7 of 12 | 58% | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sabatini (-120), Lopes (+100)
Round 1
The main card is upon us, and it should provide a grappler’s delight as the two featherweights about to invade the Octagon combine for 23 submission victories without a single defeat via tapout. Aiming to prove he is not just a grappler, action-packed Brazilian contender Lopes (22-6, 1-1 UFC) will bring his 89% finish rate and try to threaten every step of the fight. With not a great deal of New Yorkers on the card, the UFC dipped into the Tri-State Area to pull Pennsylvanian Sabatini (18-4, 4-1 UFC) up onto the billing, and he too would like to showcase his jiu-jitsu chops when it counts. Referee Keith Peterson will draw the assignment for the pay-per-view opener, and the fighters quickly touch ‘em up. No nonsense will be permitted for the next 15 minutes or less. Both men bounce up and down while quite distant from one another, and Lopes tries to reach with a kick. Sabatini surges forward with a three-punch salvo that gets Lopes’ attention, and Lopes has to shake it off early. Sabatini jumps with a switch kick to the body, and Lopes looks to catch it but lets it go all while chants for “USA” rain down in support of Sabatini. The Pennsylvanian comes up short with another jump kick, and the two come together for a possible takedown effort of some sort. Lopes stands his man up with an uppercut as they try to get upright, and Sabatini is stunned when he tries to take a step back. The Brazilian immediately follows suit with a vicious right hand on the temple, and Sabatini might be out on his feet as he turns to another direction and his eyes go wide. Lopes will not let this fish get away, and he charges after Sabatini with powerful fists until pushing Sabatini down to his side. Lopes traps the Pennsylvania native’s arm behind his back and begins battering Sabatini with his free hand. Sabatini, unable to block his face and clinging to consciousness, gets knocked out, back in, and out again as Lopes punishes him with right hands. Peterson recognizes that Sabatini cannot defend himself at all, and he calls a stop to the beating. What a performance for Lopes, who likely catapults himself into featherweight contendership by wrecking a tough out in about a minute and a half.
The Official Result
Diego Lopes def. Pat Sabatini R1 1:30 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Sabatini, believing his takedowns and BJJ will neutralize Lopes. He criticizes Lopes' takedown defense and striking, and thinks Sabatini will control the fight on the ground. He plans to bet on Sabatini later in the week.
Big Brady picks Diego Lopes as the underdog, predicting a second or third round submission. He likes Lopes' evolving striking, power, and dangerous submission game off his back. He worries about Sabatini's durability on the feet, noting he has been dropped early in fights. Brady thinks Lopes has more ways to win and that Sabatini will have to fight off submissions for 15 minutes.
Cody picks Sabatini, expecting him to get takedowns and control the fight on top. He notes Sabatini's suffocating top game and ability to avoid submissions. He thinks Lopes' guard is dangerous but Sabatini's grappling is good enough to avoid trouble, and he sees value at even money.
James leans Diego Lopes because he believes Lopes has a clear advantage on the feet with more power and a better chin, while Sabatini's wrestling may not be sufficient to consistently control Lopes. He notes that Sabatini has been submitted before and is chinny, and Lopes has submission upside. However, he acknowledges Sabatini could have control time on top, making it a tricky matchup.
Sabatini is the better wrestler and will dictate where the fight takes place. He is a good enough BJJ artist to fend off Lopes' submission attempts. Sabatini will control positions and grind out a decision win. The line at -120 is a good value. Notes that recency bias from Lopes' highlight finishes is inflating his line.
Paul picks Sabatini, emphasizing his wrestling and top control. He notes Lopes has been taken down easily in the past and relies on submissions from guard. He thinks Sabatini's suffocating style will neutralize Lopes' offense and lead to a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Diego Lopes, noting his superior Jiu-Jitsu and comfort on the ground, which neutralizes Sabatini's back-taking game. He also highlights Lopes' striking advantage, size, and reach. He predicts a TKO win for Lopes, referencing his recent performances against Movsar Evloev and Gavin Tucker.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 27 of 35 | 77% | 88 of 97 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 6:27 |
| Lucas Almeida | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 23 of 31 | 74% | 81 of 90 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:50 |
| Lucas Almeida | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 4 of 4 | 100% | 7 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:37 |
| Lucas Almeida | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 27 of 35 | 77% | 25 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 24 of 31 |
| Lucas Almeida | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 23 of 31 | 74% | 23 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 30 |
| Lucas Almeida | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 4 of 4 | 100% | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Lucas Almeida | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sabatini (-190), Almeida (+160)
Round 1
In a fight that could end in the blink of an eye, submission specialist Sabatini (17-4, 4-1 UFC) takes on once-beaten finisher Almeida (14-1 1-0 UFC). Together, the two featherweights combine for 26 stoppages in their 31 pro wins, so referee Chris Tognoni could have his hands full. Before they throw down, they opt to bump fists. Almeida advances first, but Sabatini ducks any offense and pursues a quick takedown. Almeida fights off a trip attempt on the way back, and Sabatini looks for a body lock throw. Sabatini secures the drop, and he lands right in half guard while pinning Almeida to his back using his shoulder. Almeida sits up against the fence, but Sabatini hooks both his legs and peels him away from it. Sabatini smoothly maneuvers to keep Almeida trapped on the floor, and he drops down left hands. Sabatini pins Almeida’s right arm down to land several unanswered blows, and he frustrates the Brazilian with his active top control. When Almeida attempts to escape in some direction, Sabatini is aware and follows him every step of the way. Sabatini controls his foe and moves into mount briefly, while nullifying anything that Almeida can do to him. Sabatini leaps back into mount with 75 seconds left in the round, and he also traps Almeida’s arm behind the back and blasts him in the face with left hands. Sabatini hammers Almeida with a few elbows, and Almeida defenselessly takes them flush. Sabatini postures up and batters Almeida with punches and elbows, and Almeida is clinging to his foe with all he has left. Sabatini considers an armbar, but he thinks against it and elbows Almeida repeatedly. Sabatini smashes down with punches right to the bell, and Almeida has survived.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Round 2
Sabatini rushes out of his corner to tap gloves, and he immediately hunts for a single to make the Brazilian’s life miserable again. Almeida backs himself against the wall in defense, and Sabatini switches up to a body lock in pursuit of another trip. Sabatini drills a knee to the body and drops down low for a double, and he lets it go to snake his leg between Almeida’s. Sabatini successfully yanks Almeida to the floor, first bringing him to a knee and pushing him flat on his back. Sabatini slashes down with an elbow on the forehead to slice open a cut, and blood leaks down into Almeida’s eyes.
Sabatini transitions over to the side, man on a mission, and he sets up an arm-triangle choke while Almeida fails to clear his vision. The Philadelphia native locks it down and crushes with his shoulder and full body weight, and Almeida has no choice but to tap.
As Tognoni pulls them apart, Sabatini has just become the first fighter to ever finish the Brazilian featherweight, doing so in a spectacular and one-sided performance.
The Official Result
Pat Sabatini def. Lucas Almeida R2 1:48 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Angelo picks Pat Sabatini because he has a huge grappling advantage. He notes that Sabatini's chin is a concern after recent knockouts, but he has been recovering. Lucas Almeida has dangerous hands and good scramble skills, but Sabatini's takedowns and top control should be the difference. Angelo also considers a prop bet on Almeida inside the distance/decision no action.
Big Brady picks Lucas Almeida to win by first-round knockout. He likes both fighters but sees Almeida as a live dog due to his power and volume. Brady questions Sabatini's durability, noting he was hurt by Jamall Emmers and Damon Jackson. Almeida has a 100% finish rate and hits very hard, as seen in his fight with Daniel Zellhuber. Brady thinks Sabatini needs to wrestle early and often, but Almeida's takedown defense looks solid and he is physically strong. If Almeida can keep the fight standing for even a few minutes, he likely gets the knockout.
Cody is hesitant on Sabatini, acknowledging that Almeida has crushing power and improved cardio, and that Sabatini's chin is questionable. He notes that Sabatini's wrestling is good but not elite, and that he tends to stall rather than finish. Cody thinks Sabatini will likely get takedowns and control the fight, but it will be a butt-clencher because Almeida can shut the lights off at any time. He doesn't love the -200 price.
Connor also picks Sabatini, acknowledging that Almeida could KO him but trusting Sabatini's grappling. He notes that Sabatini is awkward on the feet but has shown the ability to recover and submit opponents after being hurt. Connor is less confident than he would like but sees Sabatini as the safer pick.
Daniel Levi leans toward Lucas Almeida, believing if the fight stays standing, Almeida will knock Sabatini out. He notes Sabatini's low volume and chin issues, citing knockouts by Damon Jackson and Jamall Emmers. However, he expresses hesitation because Sabatini's wrestling could neutralize Almeida, leading to a frustrating loss. He considers it a coin flip but prefers the dog.
Sabatini is the best grappler Almeida has faced. He should get takedowns and rack up control time, possibly even a submission. However, there is concern about how Sabatini rebounds from his knockout loss to Damon Jackson. Almeida has power but has shown grappling deficiencies. Sabatini wins by decision.
Paul is not laying -200 on Sabatini, calling him one-dimensional. He notes that Sabatini's takedowns are not always effective and that Almeida has power and durability. Paul thinks Almeida could be in big trouble if the fight stays on the feet, and he likes the plus money on Almeida. He also mentions a prop on Almeida by KO in round 1 at +700.
The MMA Guru picks Lucas Almeida over Pat Sabatini, arguing Sabatini doesn't do much with takedowns and has been stuffed before. He notes Almeida's durability and finishing ability, referencing his comeback win over Mike Trizano. He believes Almeida can survive bad positions on the ground and land a big shot on the feet.
Zane picks Sabatini despite concerns about his striking. He believes the grappling disparity is too wide and that Almeida takes too many risks standing, which will lead to Sabatini getting takedowns. Zane notes that Almeida has never faced a wrestler of Sabatini's caliber and that Sabatini can survive early trouble to win on the mat.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damon Jackson | 0 | 11 of 20 | 55% | 16 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damon Jackson | 0 | 11 of 20 | 55% | 16 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damon Jackson | 11 of 20 | 55% | 11 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 15 |
| Pat Sabatini | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damon Jackson | 11 of 20 | 55% | 11 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 15 |
| Pat Sabatini | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sabatini (-180), Jackson (+155)
Round 1
A pair of surging featherweights are on deck to provide what should be a scintillating clash of grappling styles. With 25 combined submissions between the two, any ground exchanges should be worth watching. Responsible for 15 of those tapouts/chokeouts is “The Leech” Jackson (21-4-1, 1 NC; 4-2-1, 1 NC UFC), while Renzo Gracie Philly rep Sabatini (17-3, 4-0 UFC) posts the other 10. This will be an emotional affair, as Jackson's brother passed away earlier this week. Referee Keith Peterson is ready to step in at a moment’s notice should nonsense materialize out of thin air, and there is no need of a glove touch as these two want to get after it. The first 30 seconds lead to nothing, and out of nowhere, Jackson fires off a front kick to the chin that stuns Sabatini. Sabatini lunges forward, and Jackson turns him about and throws him on his back. Jackson begins to pound on him with his fists, and Sabatini is in a bad way.
Jackson allows Sabatini to give up his back so that he can climb aboard and drop hammers. Sabatini shells up, flattened out on his stomach, and Jackson continues to bombard him with unanswered punches to the side of the head. The blows are fierce and furious, and Jackson does not slow down until Sabatini cries out and Peterson steps in to call a halt to the match.
Jackson climbs off his fallen foe, and he goes over to his corner and collapses to his knees and breaks down in tears. It is an emotional moment for Jackson and his family in the crowd, as he fights to honor his fallen brother.
The Official Result
Damon Jackson def. Pat Sabatini R1 1:09 via TKO (Submission to Punches)
Angelo picks Sabatini, citing his superior wrestling and pure grappling. He notes that Sabatini has technical striking and controls range well, but his main path is through takedowns and top control. Angelo worries about Jackson's pressure but believes Sabatini's grappling will prevail. He is surprised the line has tightened.
Big Brady picks Pat Sabatini to win inside the distance, but acknowledges it's a tough fight to call. He notes that both fighters are similar—BJJ black belts with wrestling backgrounds and mediocre striking. Brady gives the edge to Sabatini due to his youth, power on the feet, and training at Renzo Gracie Philly (which has a 15-0 or 16-0 UFC record). He also points out that Damon Jackson has been finished in all four of his losses (three by KO). Brady predicts Sabatini will hurt Jackson on the feet and then submit him.
Cody thinks Jackson's BJJ black belt and striking advantage will trouble Sabatini, who is one-dimensional. He notes Sabatini struggles when takedowns are stuffed and Jackson can make it ugly on the feet. Cody calls it a potential apple pie (underdog pick).
Daniel Levi picks Pat Sabatini, trusting his wrestling and submission game to win rounds. He views Sabatini as a reliable round-winner despite low output, while Jackson can be slowed down and give up positions. He thinks Sabatini is more likely to seal rounds with late takedowns. He does not bet due to the price.
Jacob is a big fan of Sabatini, calling him 'my dude' and noting his 4-0 lock of the week record. He praises Sabatini's control on the ground and his ability to keep opponents against the cage. Jacob worries about Sabatini's striking improvements but believes his grappling will dominate. He jumped on the -200 line and may double down.
Jackson is the best grappler Sabatini has faced; once it hits the mat, it's a 50-50 fight. Sabatini may be the better wrestler but Jackson has high-level Jiu-Jitsu and experience against tough competition. Jackson's ability to reverse and get back to his feet will be key. The line should be closer to a pick'em, so Jackson at plus money is worth a shot. I see Jackson winning a decision.
Paul leans Jackson, noting Sabatini's lack of striking and that Jackson can stuff takedowns. He admits he hasn't been a Jackson guy historically but sees a path. He's not very confident.
The MMA Guru picks Pat Sabatini by submission in the third round. He notes Damon Jackson often wins by barely doing enough and has trouble with shorter opponents, as seen against Daniel Argueta. He believes Sabatini's jiu-jitsu and shorter stocky frame will cause problems, and that Sabatini is younger and closer to his prime. He expects Sabatini to get a submission win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 36 of 63 | 57% | 124 of 162 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 7:59 |
| T.J. Laramie | 0 | 15 of 31 | 48% | 22 of 39 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 1 | 4:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 9 of 16 | 56% | 25 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| T.J. Laramie | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 15 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:53 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 24 of 40 | 60% | 71 of 94 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:57 |
| T.J. Laramie | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:42 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 28 of 36 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:41 |
| T.J. Laramie | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:32 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 36 of 63 | 57% | 29 of 55 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 22 of 37 |
| T.J. Laramie | 15 of 31 | 48% | 9 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 9 of 16 | 56% | 4 of 10 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| T.J. Laramie | 9 of 15 | 60% | 4 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 24 of 40 | 60% | 23 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 37 |
| T.J. Laramie | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| T.J. Laramie | 6 of 14 | 42% | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Many UFC fighters come up through Dana White’s Contender Series these days, with the farm system churning year after year to pump prospects into the ranks. Sabatini (16-3, 3-0 UFC), who has won three fights since his 2021 debut on the roster, is not one of those fighters, as he came up the old-fashioned way by claiming belts on the regional scene – Cage Fury FC, to be precise. He will meet Laramie (12-4, 0-1 UFC), who was picked up from the 2020 season of DWCS, and is looking for his first UFC victory. The featherweights touch gloves in front of referee Herb Dean, and they both circle one another in the early going trying to find a striking range. They kick one another low, one after the next, and they do the same again. Sabatini shoots in low for a takedown, only to get stuffed with ease on the way in. Laramie is well-prepared for the second attempt, which follows soon after. Laramie turns him around in the fence, and when he does, Sabatini sets up a guillotine choke standing up. Sabatini goes for a trip takedown, and Laramie manages to scramble mid-air to put Sabatini on his back. Sabatini keeps an active guard, and he uses his right leg to wrap around the shoulder in a possible triangle or even omoplata setup. Laramie shucks it off, but he cannot keep Sabatini on his back, as the Pennsylvanian fights his way back up. Laramie kicks the body, and Sabatini kicks the inside leg. As soon as Sabatini sets his own leg down, he snatches up the Canadian’s leg and hits a single to take him down. “The Truth” springs back up, and he scores a trio of punches when Sabatini rumbles towards him. They both land strikes simultaneously, as they have been doing for much of the fight, and they clinch up with Sabatini pushed up the wall. Sabatini unloads with a brutal kick to the liver, and the toes stab into it in such a way that Laramie leans over in trouble. Sabatini chases after him and wings a high kick that slams into the side of the Canadian’s head. Instead of trying to finish the job on the feet, Sabatini jumps guard for a guillotine, and Laramie somehow manages to yank his head free. Briefly taking mount, Laramie settles for half guard to ride out the rest of the round and recover.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Round 2
Sabatini practically runs out of his corner to start off the second round, and he wings a pair of looping punches before shooting in low for a single. Laramie defends the takedown with a guillotine choke of his own, with it threatening just enough to make Sabatini think about it. The two stand back up, and Laramie presses him up against the wall. Sabatini gets turned around, and he changes levels for another takedown, only for Laramie to rebuff him as they both drop to their knees. Sabatini goes after a double, and Sabatini pummels, turns the corner in search of a single, and lifts Laramie’s leg up in the air high enough to scoop Laramie off the ground. Laramie hits the ground on his backside, and Sabatini is already circled around to the back in pursuit of a choke. Looping his legs beneath Laramie’s, Sabatini holds Laramie down and works him on the side of the head with punches. The punches keep coming from the Pennsylvanian until Laramie wrenches his leg out, but Sabatini does not let him free completely and still bullies him with punches. Laramie rolls to his back, but Sabatini keeps him in his preferred position with a partial hook in. A few more punches fluster Laramie enough to turn, which lets Sabatini pursue a choke. Sabatini winds up on power punches from on top, pounding into the side of the Canadian’s head. Laramie is surviving but slowly fading as the punishment begins to add up. Sabatini has his foe on one knee, having taken his back with one hook in, and he makes Laramie’s life miserable with effective ground-and-pound. Laramie attempts to turn out, but Sabatini is riding him like a horse, while busting him up on both sides. No choke presents itself, so Sabatini elects to sit on his back and land irritating punches right to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Round 3
The featherweights touch gloves to start off the last round, and Laramie is fired up and hellbent for leather. Sabatini wings a right hand at him, and it bounces off the dome as he distracts his man and shoots for a takedown. Laramie defends it and pushes him back to the wall, but Sabatini is able to break free and swing a high kick. When the kick misses, Sabatini spins with a back fist, and that too misses the mark. The momentum from the Pennsylvania native allows him to press forward to a takedown that simply bowls Laramie over. Laramie defends off his back with a leglock, and he keeps Sabatini at bay when that does not succeed with a pushing upkick. Sabatini jumps down on top, and he pushes the Canadian over to take half guard. Staying busy on top with punches and an arm-triangle choke setup, Sabatini is not in danger of Dean standing them up. Instead, Laramie takes it upon himself to get up, as he explodes up to his feet so that he is not losing control time. Getting up by wall-walking, Sabatini trips him back out shortly after he stands, and he gets back to that partial back-take position where he rode out much of the second round. Sabatini winds up with several knees to the thigh when he pulls his hook free, as Laramie tries to stand. A trip from Sabatini drops “The Truth” back down on his hands and knees, and Sabatini snakes a hook in so that he can get back to his smothering top control with surprisingly effective punches. Laramie looks to push through to get up, only for Sabatini to take his back and cinch up Laramie’s arm with his legs. Laramie twists with all his might to put Sabatini on his back, and Sabatini defends with a shoulder lock before going after a leg. The submission attempts from his back keep coming right until the bitter end, when the final bell rings and the fight comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-26 Sabatini)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-26 Sabatini)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-26 Sabatini)
The Official Result
Pat Sabatini def. T.J. Laramie via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Angelo picks Pat Sabatini, continuing to ride the Sabatini train. He praises Sabatini's outstanding grappling and decent striking, noting his ability to control range and set up takedowns. He acknowledges that T.J. Laramie is dangerous with power and submissions, but believes Sabatini's technical striking will avoid big shots. He thinks the odds are a bit wide but still picks Sabatini.
Big Brady picks Pat Sabatini to win by first-round submission. He highlights Sabatini's relentless wrestling and BJJ black belt, predicting he will take Laramie down and submit him early. He acknowledges Laramie has better striking but believes the grappling gap is huge. He expects Sabatini to take Laramie's back and tap him out in the first round.
Cody picks Sabatini, emphasizing his wrestling and physicality. He notes Laramie's size disadvantage and thinks Sabatini will impose his grappling. He acknowledges Laramie's potential but believes Sabatini's game plan is clear.
Daniel Levi picks Pat Sabatini, citing his ability to overcome adversity (as seen against Jamal Emmons), his submission skills, and his pace-setting wrestling. He notes Laramie is too small for featherweight (listed 5'6" but likely 5'4") and has a 66-inch reach, making him undersized. Levi expects Laramie to be game but believes Sabatini's ceiling is higher and he should win, though the fight might be closer than the line suggests.
Paul picks Sabatini, noting his size and grappling advantage. He thinks Sabatini will take Laramie down and control him, despite Laramie's striking edge. He mentions he already bet Sabatini at -350 as part of a parlay.
The MMA Guru picks Pat Sabatini by first-round submission. He notes Sabatini's grappling expertise and win streak, and criticizes T.J. Laramie's physique and debut performance. He expects Sabatini to submit Laramie easily, possibly by guillotine or other submission.
Jamall Emmers - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyder Amil | 0 | 47 of 125 | 37% | 80 of 164 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 50 of 101 | 49% | 83 of 141 | 7 of 8 | 87% | 1 | 0 | 8:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyder Amil | 0 | 33 of 90 | 36% | 37 of 95 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 28 of 65 | 43% | 28 of 65 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 | |
| 2 | Hyder Amil | 0 | 12 of 29 | 41% | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 13 of 23 | 56% | 31 of 43 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 3:20 | |
| 3 | Hyder Amil | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 24 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 4:50 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyder Amil | 47 of 125 | 37% | 28 of 94 | 7 of 13 | 12 of 18 | 44 of 119 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamall Emmers | 50 of 101 | 49% | 37 of 83 | 13 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 38 of 83 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 14 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyder Amil | 33 of 90 | 36% | 19 of 67 | 6 of 11 | 8 of 12 | 31 of 86 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamall Emmers | 28 of 65 | 43% | 17 of 49 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 27 of 63 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Hyder Amil | 12 of 29 | 41% | 8 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 11 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamall Emmers | 13 of 23 | 56% | 11 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | |
| 3 | Hyder Amil | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamall Emmers | 9 of 13 | 69% | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Amil (-140); Emmers (+115)
Round 1
Wrapping up the prelims is a featherweight clash between similarly aged Californians. Amil (11-1, 3-1 UFC) trains out of Giblert Melendez’ El Nino Training Center, while “Prettyboy” Emmers (21-8, 4-4 UFC) counters with his studies at Pinnacle MMA. The two 145ers will be let loose just as soon as referee Kerry Hatley says go, and they greet one another with a fist bump.
Amil circles quickly from one side of the cage to the other, and the two hand-fight and swat away opening jabs. Amil looks for range with his kicks, and Emmers blasts him with left hand at the same time Amil accidentally kicks him in the groin. Hatley sees it and calls time, with Emmers taking about 45 seconds to recover before he starts up guns blazing. Both men throw caution to the wind and hammer one another with high-amplitude, wide-reaching strikes. Amil tries to get behind his kicks, spamming them from both legs until Emmers crashes the pocket throwing hands. Amil takes a one-two down Broadway and defends a takedown attempt from his opponent. “Prettyboy” trips up Amil and uses a body lock to put Amil to the mat. Amil bounces back upright, turning himself about in the clinch to give Emmers a knee to think about. Emmers throws one back, and they split. Emmers pushes out with a front kick from a long way out, and he reaches Amil with a right hand. Amil fires back with a body kick and punches, and Emmers slips out of the way.
Amil walks his man down and starts slugging him in the chops, getting countered but not appearing remotely concerned, even as his face turns red. Amil strings a trio of punches together, and he tags Emmers up top when Emmers pitches a front kick at him. Emmers slips after scoring a left hand, and he reaches Amil with a few punches. Amil fires back, so Emmers runs at him and tackles him to the ground. Amil springboards back upright and gets back in Emmers’ face, knocking his head around with violent swinging fists. Emmers knees him in the gut when the two are tied up, and Amil gets away with a fence grab. Emmers breaks with an elbow on the temple, and Amil swats out with a right hand and a scooping left hook that appears to hurt “Prettyboy.” Amil catches a kick and tosses Emmers back, and he takes a left hand on the side of the eyebrow that splits his face open. Emmers sits down on a massive right hand, and Amil’s chin holds up somehow. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Amil
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Emmers
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Amil
Round 2
The two come out of their corners loaded for bear, and they proceed to prove it by punching one another square in the face when they are permitted to do so. Emmers fights behind his one-twos, and Amil relies on explosions to close the distance. Amil’s front kick brushes the cup before striking the body, and Hatley signs and calls time. Hatley informs Amil to not commit any more fouls, and after about 40 seconds, they get back to business. The two walk towards one another, slinging leather, until Emmers connects and skirts away on the outside. Amil goes high with his shin, and Emmers dances away after dinging Amil with a one-two. Emmers catches a kick, tripping Amil to the ground. Amil falls forward and grabs the fence to keep him afloat while scrambling, and they quickly get back up to continue trading. Emmers takes advantage of an overswinging “Hurricane” by tackling him to the canvas, this time putting Amil flat on his back.
Emmers calmly, methodically opens up with ground-and-pound. He uses those strikes to pass to the side, and he positions himself in half guard going after an arm-triangle choke on the other side. Amil defends by raising his right arm as high as he can over his head, and he recovers back to the guard. Amil tries to stay busy with hacking elbows off his back, but Emmers’ own strikes have more oomph behind them. The round concludes in this position.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Emmers
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Emmers
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Emmers
Round 3
The featherweights meet in the middle, and they start throwing hands almost immediately. Emmers sees his opening when Amil engages and shoots under his swings to take him to the mat. Amil stands back up, and he looks to scramble while rolling through, clutching Emmers’ arm for a potential sweep. Emmers throws him back down on his face, and he lets Amil roll to his back so he can implement the offense he wishes to offer. Emmers settles down and presses his shoulder on Amil’s throat, securing an arm-triangle choke while being on the wrong side. Amil toughs it out and sucks wind, so Emmers switches the grip to the other side. Amil tries to turn himself around, and this only allows Emmers to take his back and lump him up on either side of the head. Amil spins to his back, and Emmers secures full mount and beats on Amil with elbows.
“The Hurricane” is almost out of energy, and Emmers is bullying him and clubbing him any time he finds an opening. Amil gets to a knee and puts his side against the fence, so Emmers wraps his arm around his waist and mat returns him. Emmers lands in an arm-triangle choke position, and he uses it to take mount with 70 seconds to go. Emmers sits up and pops Amil in the chops when Amil tries to scramble, and he allows Amil to turn so he can set up another arm-triangle choke. Amil’s face is contorted in agony and exhaustion as Emmers is tossing him around on the mat, and he manages to get to his knees with any remaining reserves he has left. Emmers completely deflates him by stepping into full mount with 20 seconds to go, and he slugs Amil in the face until he sees an opening. Emmers batters Amil with two elbows and a concussive punch, and the fight has reached its conclusion. Emmers helps the defeated, spent Amil to his feet, but Amil is not quite ready to stand yet.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Emmers (29-28 Emmers)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Emmers (30-27 Emmers)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Emmers (29-28 Emmers)
The Official Result
Jamall Emmers def. Hyder Amil via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo slightly leans Hyder Amil as the underdog because of his insane volume and pressure. He thinks if Amil's chin holds up and he walks through Jamal's power, he can wear him down. He notes that Jamal Emmers is not as good as previously thought, as shown in his last fight where he got taken down and had his back taken.
Big Brady is excited for this fight, calling Amil an absolute animal who comes forward with pressure and never stops. He notes Emmers has been knocked out three times and submitted several times. He predicts Amil wins by second-round knockout, but acknowledges Emmers could catch him early.
Cody picks Amil, citing his durability, cardio, and power. He thinks Emmers fades after the first round and Amil will catch him with clubbing shots. He predicts a TKO in the first or second round.
Lucrative James picks Hyder Amil, expecting him to bounce back from his first loss. He notes Amil's relentless pressure and durability, while Jamall Emmers fades as fights progress. He predicts Amil will take Emmers' best shots early and then take over, possibly finishing him. He also mentions Amil's personal tragedies before his last fight.
The host notes that Emmers has often fumbled the bag and expects him to do so again. If Amil survives the early striking and speed advantage of Emmers, he should grind him out and either get a late finish or win on the scorecards.
Paul agrees, noting Emmers' tendency to fade and Amil's pressure. He likes the Emmers round one props at plus 650.
The Guru picks Jamall Emmers to win by TKO. He believes Emmers's craftiness and reach advantage will be too much for Hyder Amil, who is coming off a KO loss. He expects Emmers to piece up Amil with kicks and straight shots, finishing him in round one or two.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamall Emmers | 2 | 33 of 54 | 61% | 35 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:49 |
| Gabriel Miranda | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 20 of 37 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:25 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamall Emmers | 2 | 33 of 54 | 61% | 35 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:49 |
| Gabriel Miranda | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 20 of 37 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:25 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamall Emmers | 33 of 54 | 61% | 24 of 45 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 26 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 |
| Gabriel Miranda | 18 of 35 | 51% | 10 of 24 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 16 of 32 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamall Emmers | 33 of 54 | 61% | 24 of 45 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 26 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 |
| Gabriel Miranda | 18 of 35 | 51% | 10 of 24 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 16 of 32 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Connor picks Emmers, noting his solid boxing and wrestling base. He thinks Miranda's gambit style of sacrificing everything for a submission is unlikely to work against a competent fighter like Emmers. He compares Miranda to Derek Minter and Terence McKinney, noting that his best wins are against cans.
Zane picks Emmers, agreeing that Miranda's all-or-nothing submission hunting is unlikely to succeed. He notes that Miranda has been shown up by higher-level fighters like Benoit Saint-Denis and Morgan Charrière. Zane thinks Emmers is underrated and should win comfortably.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nate Landwehr | 1 | 37 of 76 | 48% | 37 of 76 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 39 of 78 | 50% | 39 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nate Landwehr | 1 | 37 of 76 | 48% | 37 of 76 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 39 of 78 | 50% | 39 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nate Landwehr | 37 of 76 | 48% | 34 of 70 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 24 of 62 | 9 of 10 | 4 of 4 |
| Jamall Emmers | 39 of 78 | 50% | 24 of 59 | 13 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 36 of 74 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nate Landwehr | 37 of 76 | 48% | 34 of 70 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 24 of 62 | 9 of 10 | 4 of 4 |
| Jamall Emmers | 39 of 78 | 50% | 24 of 59 | 13 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 36 of 74 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Jamall Emmers but is hesitant due to the odds and Nate Landwehr's forward pressure. He notes Emmers is a calculated striker with good takedown defense, but Landwehr's relentless pressure could cause problems. He goes back and forth on whether Emmers should be a 2-to-1 favorite, ultimately sticking with Emmers but not fully confident.
Big Brady picks Jamall Emmers to win by decision. He notes Emmers has a reach advantage, good striking with leg kicks, and elite takedown defense. He expects the fight to stay on the feet where Emmers is the better striker, though Landwehr is tough and can eat shots. Brady sees a competitive decision win for Emmers.
Cody picks Emmers despite being a fan of Landwehr, citing Emmers' speed, lateral movement, and wrestling. He worries about Landwehr's durability and recklessness, and thinks Emmers can pick him apart from the outside. He also notes a potential weight cut issue for Emmers but still favors him.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jamall Emmers but with hesitation due to the price (-220). He acknowledges Emmers' superior skills and athleticism but worries about his mental consistency and decision-making (e.g., leg lock exchange with Pat Sabatini). He thinks Emmers should win if he stays focused, but notes Landwehr's pressure and durability could make it tough. He prefers to pass or look at props.
Emmers has speed, agility, and wrestling but has shown poor fight IQ (e.g., striking with Julian Rosa after grappling success). Landwehr's constant forward pressure and durability could trouble Emmers. If Emmers uses his wrestling and counters, he should win, but his tendency to brawl is a risk. Prediction: Emmers by decision, but not a confident bet.
Paul is tempted by Landwehr's dog mentality and plus money, but acknowledges Emmers' skill advantage. He makes a shoey bet with Cody, taking Landwehr at 2-to-1 odds, showing some faith in Landwehr's ability to out-tough Emmers.
The host picks Jamall Emmers to knock out Nate Landwehr in the first round. He believes Landwehr's chin is suspect, citing his fights against Austin Lingo and David Onama where he got wobbled. He thinks Emmers is underrated, with wins over quality opponents, and has the reach, speed, and patience to land a clean shot. He predicts a first-round TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dennis Buzukja | 1 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 14 of 20 | 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 | Jamall Emmers | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dennis Buzukja | 1 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 14 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamall Emmers | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dennis Buzukja | 14 of 20 | 70% | 8 of 12 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamall Emmers | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dennis Buzukja | 14 of 20 | 70% | 8 of 12 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Emmers (-258), Buzukja (+210)
Round 1
There’s not much like a live sporting event at Madison Square Garden. The UFC makes its annual pilgrimage to the world-famous arena with a show that took several huge hits but came back with a vengeance. The main card alone promises plenty of action, but before then, eight prelims play out on the various ESPN and streaming networks out there. The fights commence with a match scheduled at featherweight only to get a slight tweak on weigh-in day. Coming in one pound heavy, Emmers (19-7, 2-3 UFC) will hope that surrendering a percentage of purse is the only thing he loses today against New York’s own Buzukja (11-3, 0-1 UFC). Buzukja offers his hand outstretched, and the heavy fighter choose not to accept it under the nonsense-free gaze of referee Keith Peterson. It’s on with the show. Buzukja sticks out a few jabs early, and Emmers is on him with multiple low kicks. Emmers charges forward, getting in a right hand and slipping back from the counter. A second blitz from Emmers gets through the defense of his opponent, and Buzukja defends himself but gets cracked with a right hand in the midst of a flurry. “Pretty Boy” again dips back to evade the strikes coming back, and
he lines up a straight right hand down the pipe that smashes square into Buzukja’s chin. The New Yorker collapses in a heap, and Emmers pounces immediately. Emmers batters Buzukja with a number of mighty hammerfists, and as Buzukja turns to his side, Peterson steps in to call a halt to the action.
The victor immediately calls for “50Gs,” but due to his weight miss, a post-fight bonus is all but off the table. Nevertheless, Emmers earns his first finish in the Octagon while becoming the first fighter to ever stop “The Great” as a pro.
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The Official Result
Jamall Emmers def. Dennis Buzukja R1 0:49 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo leans Emmers despite acknowledging Buzukja's potential. He cites Emmers' finishing ability and power, but worries about Emmers' bad luck with judges. He plans to avoid betting on the moneyline and may bet on Buzukja's takedown props.
Big Brady picks Jamall Emmers by decision, but expresses low trust at the price. He believes Emmers is better everywhere except fight IQ and heart: better striker, better wrestler, better grappler. He notes Emmers has a history of losing fights he should win due to bad game plans. He thinks Buzukja's game plan of pushing opponents to the cage and attempting takedowns won't work against Emmers.
Cody picks Emmers, citing Buzukja's poor performances and lack of UFC-level skills. He notes Emmers' wrestling, size, and experience. He thinks Emmers will dominate wherever the fight goes and calls him a good parlay piece.
Emmers has all the skill set advantages over Buzukja except fight IQ. If he utilizes his grappling, it will be the path of least resistance. Expects Emmers to outwork Buzukja over 15 minutes and win by decision, but cautions about fight IQ. Notes the line has moved from -275 to -250 and believes it's generous for Emmers.
Paul picks Emmers, detailing Buzukja's struggles and management's careful matchmaking. He notes Emmers' wrestling and submission game, and thinks Buzukja's poor takedown defense and cardio will be exploited. He expects Emmers to win comfortably.
The MMA Guru picks Jamall Emmers, calling him underrated. He notes that Emmers took Giga Chikadze to a split decision and had a close fight with Jack Jenkins. He thinks Emmers has matured as a veteran and will beat Buzukja if he stays composed, predicting a win 8 times out of 10.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Jenkins | 0 | 57 of 155 | 36% | 76 of 185 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 2 | 4:17 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 59 of 119 | 49% | 85 of 154 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Jenkins | 0 | 21 of 69 | 30% | 21 of 69 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 20 of 40 | 50% | 20 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jack Jenkins | 0 | 28 of 71 | 39% | 29 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:08 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 31 of 61 | 50% | 31 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 3 | Jack Jenkins | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 26 of 43 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 1 | 4:09 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 34 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Jenkins | 57 of 155 | 36% | 26 of 98 | 18 of 38 | 13 of 19 | 51 of 146 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 6 |
| Jamall Emmers | 59 of 119 | 49% | 26 of 67 | 14 of 21 | 19 of 31 | 53 of 110 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Jenkins | 21 of 69 | 30% | 6 of 40 | 10 of 21 | 5 of 8 | 20 of 67 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamall Emmers | 20 of 40 | 50% | 8 of 20 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 11 | 19 of 38 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jack Jenkins | 28 of 71 | 39% | 13 of 44 | 7 of 16 | 8 of 11 | 27 of 70 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Jamall Emmers | 31 of 61 | 50% | 12 of 32 | 6 of 11 | 13 of 18 | 31 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jack Jenkins | 8 of 15 | 53% | 7 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 5 |
| Jamall Emmers | 8 of 18 | 44% | 6 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
Angelo gives a slight lean to Jamall Emmers due to his 100% takedown defense. He acknowledges Jack Jenkins is a real prospect with power and leg kicks, but notes Jenkins has low IQ moments where he grapples when he shouldn't. He expects a decision and suggests the best bet might be Jack Jenkins at +3.5 points (buying a round).
Big Brady picks Jamall Emmers but is hesitant due to Emmers' poor fight IQ, citing examples like striking with Giga Chikadze instead of wrestling and getting injured against Pat Sabatini. He acknowledges Emmers' talent and well-rounded skills, including a significant reach advantage. He believes Emmers can win if he fights smart, but warns against betting on him at -210. He predicts a decision victory.
Cody picks Jenkins, agreeing with Paul. He notes Emmers's poor decisions and inactivity, and thinks Jenkins can win a striking battle. He expects a decision.
Connor picks Jenkins, impressed by his low-kicking and combination punching. He notes that Jenkins creatively sets up low kicks from various angles and uses them to set up hands and body punches. Connor thinks Emmers will struggle with Jenkins' low kicks because Emmers doesn't have a way to block or protect his leg. He also notes that Emmers' boxing is very Bobby Green-like, relying on sliding away and not sitting down on punches, which could make him hard to track but also leaves his leg exposed. Connor believes Jenkins' intuitive scrambling and ground game are also advantages.
Daniel Levi picks Jamall Emmers, citing his experience, length, and well-rounded game. He notes Emmers's wrestling and striking, and his ability to mix them. He acknowledges Jenkins's leg kicks and potential but thinks Emmers is ahead at this stage. He is not betting at -210 but picks Emmers.
The host picks Jamall Emmers to win by decision. He believes Emmers has the speed and striking advantage, and if he uses his fight IQ, he can stuff takedowns and pick Jenkins apart. He notes Jenkins is a good prospect but thinks this is a step up too far. He would only take Emmers around -150, but thinks he wins.
Paul picks Jenkins, citing Emmers's questionable fight IQ and inactivity. He thinks Jenkins can outbox him and that Emmers may not use his wrestling. He notes the plus money is attractive.
The Guru picks Jamall Emmers, citing his experience against top competition and reach advantage. He feels Jack Jenkins' win over Don Shainis was unimpressive and that Emmers, after shaking off rust, will perform better. He predicts Emmers will keep the fight at range and win a 2-1 decision, with Jenkins having moments inside but too little too late.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Jenkins. He notes that Jenkins' low-kicking and combination punching are excellent, and he creatively sets up low kicks from various angles. Zane thinks Emmers will struggle with Jenkins' low kicks because Emmers doesn't have a way to block or protect his leg. He also notes that Emmers' boxing is very Bobby Green-like, relying on sliding away and not sitting down on punches, which could make him hard to track but also leaves his leg exposed. Zane believes Jenkins' intuitive scrambling and ground game are also advantages.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 62 of 144 | 43% | 79 of 170 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:45 |
| Khusein Askhabov | 0 | 30 of 114 | 26% | 40 of 127 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 0:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamall Emmers | 0 | 24 of 55 | 43% | 24 of 57 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Khusein Askhabov | 0 | 14 of 49 | 28% | 17 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 | |
| 2 | Jamall Emmers | 0 | 27 of 65 | 41% | 34 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Khusein Askhabov | 0 | 13 of 54 | 24% | 18 of 60 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jamall Emmers | 0 | 11 of 24 | 45% | 21 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:25 |
| Khusein Askhabov | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 5 of 14 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamall Emmers | 62 of 144 | 43% | 27 of 82 | 18 of 26 | 17 of 36 | 44 of 119 | 10 of 12 | 8 of 13 |
| Khusein Askhabov | 30 of 114 | 26% | 15 of 88 | 7 of 9 | 8 of 17 | 25 of 104 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamall Emmers | 24 of 55 | 43% | 5 of 20 | 5 of 8 | 14 of 27 | 23 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Khusein Askhabov | 14 of 49 | 28% | 6 of 34 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 12 | 12 of 45 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jamall Emmers | 27 of 65 | 41% | 14 of 43 | 11 of 15 | 2 of 7 | 19 of 56 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 1 |
| Khusein Askhabov | 13 of 54 | 24% | 8 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 51 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jamall Emmers | 11 of 24 | 45% | 8 of 19 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 12 |
| Khusein Askhabov | 3 of 11 | 27% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo has a two-unit bet on Askhabov at -156. He highlights Askhabov's undefeated record (23-0) with 18 stoppages, Chechen wrestling base, wild striking, and slick grappling. He notes Askhabov's takedowns are impressive, including scooping opponents against the cage. Angelo dismisses Emmers' win over Giga Chikadze as irrelevant and believes Askhabov's three-year layoff and move up in weight have been well-spent, as he looks bigger and more refined at Tiger Muay Thai and ATT.
Big Brady is skeptical of Askhabov's 23-0 record, calling it the worst 23-0 he's ever seen, with weak competition. He favors Emmers' striking, takedown defense (100% in UFC), and experience against better fighters. He predicts Emmers wins by decision, pulling off the upset.
Cody picks Emmers as an underdog, noting Askhabov's 23-0 record is massively ballooned with weak competition and he hasn't fought in three years. He says Emmers has fought at a higher level, has wrestling and speed advantages, and looks to have skill advantages. He acknowledges Emmers has self-destructive tendencies (e.g., the Pat Sabatini fight) but thinks he can give Askhabov problems. He says the line feels like a trap and he needs underdogs on this card.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Emmers has a history of making poor strategic decisions, like the leg lock attempt against Sabatini that led to his injury. He sees Askhabov as a very fast athlete who will create opportunities, even if his style is messy. Connor also points out that Emmers' pressure-heavy game leaves him vulnerable to being drawn into opponents' fights, and that Askhabov's aggression could be a problem if Emmers is not sharp. He picks Askhabov but without strong confidence.
Jacob is not touching Askhabov as a favorite due to red flags: three-year layoff, moving up from 135, and unknown UFC performance after the first round. He thinks Emmers is a well-rounded striker with good wrestling defense and doesn't tire. Jacob believes if Emmers can keep it on the feet, he's the better striker and could be live as an underdog. He might look at Emmers if the odds widen.
Emmers has faced much tougher competition and has the length and speed to pick apart Askhabov from range. Askhabov's reckless striking and questionable takedown defense will be exposed. Emmers should win a decision, though his fight IQ is a concern.
Paul picks Emmers, saying he watched tape and was not impressed by Askhabov despite the 23-0 record. He notes Askhabov fought a bunch of cab drivers and looks incredibly green. He says Emmers has a wrestling advantage, speed advantage, and potentially a striking advantage. He acknowledges Emmers puts himself in bad spots but thinks he can win. He says he won't bet it but will pick Emmers.
The MMA Guru picks Khusein Askhabov, acknowledging the risk of an upset. He notes Askhabov's two years off may have helped him develop, and his undefeated record includes quality opponents. He mentions Jamall Emmers is skilled but inconsistent, and suggests if the odds are crazy, a small bet on Askhabov is worthwhile. He predicts a decision win, possibly after getting hurt early.
Zane is tempted to pick Emmers due to his solid, well-rounded game and boxing, but he has doubts about Emmers' recovery from a severe knee injury that sidelined him for two years. He notes that Askhabov is a very fast, aggressive athlete who can overwhelm opponents with insane aggression, though his style is wild and reckless. Zane worries that Emmers might get caught early if he starts cold, and that Askhabov's single-minded aggression could be decisive. He ultimately goes with Askhabov, citing the uncertainty around Emmers' health.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 0 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 10 of 14 | 71% | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Jamall Emmers | 1 of 9 | 11% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 10 of 14 | 71% | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Jamall Emmers | 1 of 9 | 11% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Fast-paced featherweights enter the Octagon next as Emmers (18-5, 1-1 UFC) tries to blunt the momentum of Sabatini (14-3, 1-0 UFC). The third man in the cage is referee Mark Smith, who observes a touch of gloves to get things going. Emmers is the first to engage with a couple kicks, one of which clacks off directly into Sabatini’s cup. Sabatini somehow needs just 15 seconds to recover before he is good to go, and when the round begins again, Emmers is not discouraged from throwing kicks. He scores a kick up the middle, and tags Sabatini with an uppercut. Sabatini is wobbled and hurt, and Emmers cracks him once more as Sabatini’s legs give way beneath him. Emmers jumps on top of him, and as Sabatini rolls to try to survive on autopilot, he inadvertently gives up his back. Emmers searches for a rear-naked choke, but he cannot get it and recovers the position. Sabatini grabs hold of a leglock, and he latches on with the heel hook as Emmers dives down to break it up. In a 50-50 position, Emmers hunts for a toe hold while Sabatini keeps a tight, deadly grip on the heel hook.
Emmers’ toe hold is nothing more than a pain move, while Sabatini suddenly has his opponent is grave danger. One last torque is all Sabatini needs to shred Emmers’ ligaments like overtuned guitar strings.
Emmers screams out and taps at the same time, and Sabatini releases it a split-second before Smith intervenes. Emmers writhes on the ground in pain, and he will need assistance to get out of the cage as doctors attend to him. Sabatini appears crestfallen with his victory, clearly upset with him that Emmers is badly hurt from the slick maneuver.
The Official Result
Pat Sabatini def. Jamall Emmers R1 1:53 via Submission (Heel Hook)
Angelo picks Emmers, highlighting his superior striking and wrestling defense to keep the fight standing. He notes Emmers is the only one who hung with Giga Chikadze, and that Sabatini's takedowns may not be enough. He acknowledges Sabatini is a dog but believes Emmers' wrestling background gives him the edge.
Cody picks Sabatini as a dog, citing Emmers' poor ring IQ and tendency to lose close fights. He notes that Emmers doesn't pull the trigger on takedowns and has underachieved. Sabatini is well-rounded, has good cardio, and comes from a solid camp. Cody thinks Sabatini's volume and aggression could earn him a decision.
Jacob calls Sabatini the lock of the week, citing his championship mentality, relentless wrestling, and submission threat. He notes Emmers has already lost to a lock of the week (Chaz Skelly) and quit in the locker room. He believes Sabatini will finish the fight via submission.
Lock picks Emmers by decision at +135, believing Emmers' striking and cardio advantage will be decisive. He thinks Sabatini will grapple early but Emmers' defensive grappling and clinch work will nullify him. Lock expects Emmers to pull away in rounds 2 and 3, winning a decision. He likes the over 1.5 rounds as well.
Paul picks Sabatini, agreeing that Emmers has low ring IQ and that Sabatini is a solid underdog. He notes Sabatini's grappling and cardio, and thinks he can outwork Emmers. Paul says he'll tail Cody on this pick.
The Guru picks Jamall Emmers as an underdog, citing his reach and height advantages, sound fundamentals, and close fights with top competition. He acknowledges Pat Sabatini could out-grapple Emmers, but believes Emmers' takedown defense and striking will earn a unanimous decision. The Guru notes Sabatini's holes in stand-up and short arms as key factors.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamall Emmers | 0 | 103 of 196 | 52% | 113 of 209 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 0 | 0 | 5:47 |
| Vince Cachero | 0 | 76 of 152 | 50% | 121 of 201 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamall Emmers | 0 | 49 of 85 | 57% | 49 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Vince Cachero | 0 | 28 of 59 | 47% | 37 of 69 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 | |
| 2 | Jamall Emmers | 0 | 43 of 88 | 48% | 50 of 97 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:27 |
| Vince Cachero | 0 | 39 of 75 | 52% | 53 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 | |
| 3 | Jamall Emmers | 0 | 11 of 23 | 47% | 14 of 27 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
| Vince Cachero | 0 | 9 of 18 | 50% | 31 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamall Emmers | 103 of 196 | 52% | 58 of 143 | 37 of 44 | 8 of 9 | 78 of 164 | 23 of 30 | 2 of 2 |
| Vince Cachero | 76 of 152 | 50% | 58 of 127 | 10 of 15 | 8 of 10 | 62 of 132 | 11 of 17 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamall Emmers | 49 of 85 | 57% | 16 of 46 | 28 of 33 | 5 of 6 | 29 of 63 | 20 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
| Vince Cachero | 28 of 59 | 47% | 18 of 44 | 5 of 9 | 5 of 6 | 22 of 49 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Jamall Emmers | 43 of 88 | 48% | 36 of 79 | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 40 of 82 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 |
| Vince Cachero | 39 of 75 | 52% | 33 of 69 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 36 of 70 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Jamall Emmers | 11 of 23 | 47% | 6 of 18 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 19 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Vince Cachero | 9 of 18 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
Big Brady picks Jamall Emmers to win by decision as an underdog. He notes Emmers has a significant height and reach advantage and is a standout wrestler. He believes Emmers will lose the first round but take over in the second and third, similar to his fight against Giga Chikadze. He thinks the line should be closer to a pick'em and considers betting on Emmers at +155.
Daniel picks Emmers, acknowledging his talent and athleticism but criticizing his fight IQ. He notes that Cachero is coming in on short notice and moving up a weight class. He expects Emmers to get his first UFC win.
The host picks Emmers but with low confidence due to Emmers' questionable fight IQ, as he often chooses to strike instead of using his wrestling. He notes that Emmers has a size and strength advantage and should win if he wrestles, but he cannot trust him to do so. He also mentions that Valiev has takedown defense issues but is a solid fighter. He passes on betting due to uncertainty.
The host picks Timo Valiev (Vince Cachero's opponent) to win by TKO or submission in the second or third round. He notes Valiev's gritty grappling and ability to take down taller opponents, and believes he will outwork Jamall Emmers despite Emmers' length advantage. He acknowledges Emmers is tough but favors Valiev's wrestling and cardio.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Emmers, highlighting his superior striking and wrestling defense to keep the fight standing. He notes Emmers is the only one who hung with Giga Chikadze, and that Sabatini's takedowns may not be enough. He acknowledges Sabatini is a dog but believes Emmers' wrestling background gives him the edge.
Cody picks Sabatini as a dog, citing Emmers' poor ring IQ and tendency to lose close fights. He notes that Emmers doesn't pull the trigger on takedowns and has underachieved. Sabatini is well-rounded, has good cardio, and comes from a solid camp. Cody thinks Sabatini's volume and aggression could earn him a decision.
Jacob calls Sabatini the lock of the week, citing his championship mentality, relentless wrestling, and submission threat. He notes Emmers has already lost to a lock of the week (Chaz Skelly) and quit in the locker room. He believes Sabatini will finish the fight via submission.
Lock picks Emmers by decision at +135, believing Emmers' striking and cardio advantage will be decisive. He thinks Sabatini will grapple early but Emmers' defensive grappling and clinch work will nullify him. Lock expects Emmers to pull away in rounds 2 and 3, winning a decision. He likes the over 1.5 rounds as well.
Paul picks Sabatini, agreeing that Emmers has low ring IQ and that Sabatini is a solid underdog. He notes Sabatini's grappling and cardio, and thinks he can outwork Emmers. Paul says he'll tail Cody on this pick.
The Guru picks Jamall Emmers as an underdog, citing his reach and height advantages, sound fundamentals, and close fights with top competition. He acknowledges Pat Sabatini could out-grapple Emmers, but believes Emmers' takedown defense and striking will earn a unanimous decision. The Guru notes Sabatini's holes in stand-up and short arms as key factors.
sab is 30 for the heel hook