Career Averages - Charles Jourdain
Career Averages - Marcelo Rojo
Charles Jourdain
Marcelo Rojo
Charles Jourdain - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyler Phillips | 0 | 36 of 77 | 46% | 48 of 92 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 0 | 0 | 7:13 |
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 58 of 104 | 55% | 88 of 142 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 1 | 0:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyler Phillips | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 14 of 21 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 3:51 |
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 15 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Kyler Phillips | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 12 of 26 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:36 |
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 22 of 42 | 52% | 38 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 0:21 | |
| 3 | Kyler Phillips | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 22 of 45 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:46 |
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 31 of 52 | 59% | 35 of 57 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyler Phillips | 36 of 77 | 46% | 28 of 68 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 34 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Charles Jourdain | 58 of 104 | 55% | 28 of 62 | 26 of 37 | 4 of 5 | 41 of 86 | 17 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyler Phillips | 6 of 12 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Charles Jourdain | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 6 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kyler Phillips | 10 of 22 | 45% | 6 of 18 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Charles Jourdain | 22 of 42 | 52% | 8 of 22 | 12 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 32 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Kyler Phillips | 20 of 43 | 46% | 17 of 40 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Charles Jourdain | 31 of 52 | 59% | 17 of 34 | 12 of 15 | 2 of 3 | 24 of 45 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-140); Phillips (+110)
Round 1
Once a fighter deemed on the rise at bantamweight, Phillips (12-4, 6-3 UFC) has fallen on hard times to reach his first career losing streak. Inactivity and inconsistent results have plagued “The Matrix” since his debut with the company in 2020, so he will try to take the wind out of the sails of high-flying Canadian Jourdain (17-8-1, 8-7-1 UFC). In this co-main event, referee Jerin Valel is on standby. The athletes gladly touch gloves before handling their business.
Phillips rushes forward to put his jab in the face of the Canadian and force him to fight off his back foot. Jourdain welcomes this so he can measure a flying knee, and he misses it by a small margin. Phillips shoots in on his hips to take the fight down, and Jourdain hops around on one leg and drops to his back. “Air” Jourdain sets up a triangle choke when put down, and Phillips springs out of it and positions himself in side control. Phillips jumps over into full mount, so Jourdain times twisting to his side to thwart it partially. Phillips get stuck in a partial half guard position, and Jourdain explodes back to his feet and puts his back to the wall to try to scrape Phillips off of him. Phillips completes a mat return, and Jourdain sits down to set up a kimura in hopes of sweeping. Phillips is wise to it all and smothers as he regains half guard, fighting off the bucks and shifts of the active Canadian.
Jourdain tries to fight back while on his back, slashing with elbows until he flirts with a guillotine choke while on his seat. Phillips leaps all the way over through it to get himself in a better position, preferring to stay on top rather than go for anything in particular. When Jourdain sits up, Phillips slings him down, and Phillips has to mind his P’s and Q’s as an upkick zooms right at his face. Jourdain hunts for a triangle choke, and Phillips is about to slam him out of it but lets go before the impact. Phillips controls with his wrestling, reassuming himself on top for mere seconds as Jourdain once more bucks and escapes. Jourdain leans against the wall to keep his balance, and he hunts for a guillotine choke. Phillips immediately abandons the grappling, and Jourdain points at him. Jourdain slings two huge punches, catching the American cleanly. Phillips attacks back with a vengeance, but it is Jourdain who swings more violently as the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Round 2
Jourdain goes right after his opponent as the round begins, backing off only when Phillips initiates a few jabs. Jourdain gets right back to crowding him after those sequences, and he boots Phillips in the gut. Phillips times the kick perfectly, sweeping the other leg to dump the Canadian on his back like a back of groceries. Jourdain scrambles and slithers his legs between Phillips to trip him up, where he briefly turns Phillips over. Phillips regains position, ignoring a possible guillotine from Jourdain to body lock him down to the floor. Jourdain on his seat thinks about another guillotine, but he does not have the leverage for it. Instead, Jourdain climbs back up even as Phillips holds his other limb, and he jacks Phillips in the jaw three times with vicious uppercuts. When Phillips adjusts his grip, Jourdain tries to actually get hold of that guillotine he is seeking, but Phillips is able to move well enough to force him back and reset. The two crash together like waves in the night, both slamming into one another with power strikes.
Jourdain misses on another jump knee, but his front kick to the stomach takes the wind out of Phillips’ sails a bit. Jourdain practically sprints at his man and belts him with a left, right and a left. Phillips kicks him in the side, but it has far less venom than before and Jourdain knows it. Phillips gloms onto the Canadian, who is looking for a standing kimura to readjust their position. They break free, and Jourdain is the aggressor, chasing “The Matrix” around and just missing with a spinning back elbow. Phillips hurls Jourdain to the mat, and Jourdain turns the tables, puts himself on his knees and threatens with a choke. There is no choke to be had, so they fight their way back up and proceed to recklessly duke it out. Phillips busts Jourdain in the chops with an uppercut and stays away from the crazy, flying moves aimed at him for the most part. Jourdain ends the round with an inaccurate rolling thunder kick.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Round 3
It is all offense, all the time as the two bruisers proceed to harm, damage, bludgeon and bash one another with anything they can find. Jourdain’s arsenal is a broad one, while Phillips wants to ultimately turn his attacks into ground control. As they go back and forth, Phillips finds an opening and trips Jourdain down. Jourdain stands even while Phillips is controlling him from behind, hands clasped around his waist, and he still turns Phillips around. Jourdain thanks him for the bit of grappling with an elbow on the temple and a high knee, and he keeps after Phillips with long punches. Phillips fires off an uppercut and a left hand to stun him for a second, but Jourdain does not need long to take a quick count of his teeth and leap at Phillips again with a flying knee.
When Jourdain goes to the well again with yet another flying knee, Phillips catches him in midair and slings him to the canvas. Jourdain wraps up Phillips left hand with a two-on-one wrist grip in hopes of sweeping Phillips off of him, but Phillips shuts it down with sheer force of will. Knowing Jourdain is about to stand, Phillips circles around to take his back standing. Jourdain keeps moving while pressed against the cage, spinning them about once before Phillips reasserts the controlling clinch posture. Jourdain trips Phillips to the floor, allows him to stand back up and belts him in the belly with his shin. Jourdain follows with a knee that busts Phillips’ left eyebrow wide open. Blood pours from the veritable axe wound on his face, and Phillips paws at it, knowing he suffered some real damage. He does not slow down, instead meeting Jourdain in the air with a right hand as Jourdain inevitably jumps. Phillips tries to throw Jourdain down one last time, but it is Jourdain who muscles him around and gives him everything he has to offer. The banger concludes with one last rolling thunder kick from Jourdain, this one banging into the back of his foe’s neck at the bell. The two bantamweights leave it all in the hands of the judges, likely about to become at least $100K richer for their back-and-forth rumble.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (29-28 Jourdain)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (29-28 Jourdain)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (29-28 Jourdain)
The Official Result
Charles Jourdain def. Kyler Phillips via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo leans Charles Jourdain but is hesitant, noting Kyler Phillips is not a bum and has faced tough competition. He worries about Kyler's inconsistent cardio and Charles's lack of meaningful wins. He thinks Charles's experience and toughness give him a slight edge, but advises staying away from betting.
Big Brady picks Charles Jourdain, citing Kyler Phillips' poor cardio. He notes Phillips wins the first round but fades dramatically, as seen in fights against Oliveira and Font. Brady expects Jourdain to lose round one then turn it up, finishing Phillips by third-round knockout.
Cody picks Charles Jourdain, expecting him to win by decision after losing the first round. He notes that Kyler Phillips is a strong first-round fighter but fades, and Jourdain's high pace and guillotine threat will be key. He suggests live betting Jourdain after the first round.
Daniel loves Jourdain's move to bantamweight, noting he looks incredible and has been finishing fights quickly. He believes Jourdain's pressure and durability will overcome Phillips' tendency to fade after the first round. He predicts Jourdain will win and become a top-10 contender.
Jourdain has a big advantage on the feet with high volume and power, and he is the aggressor. Phillips has poor cardio and is a point fighter. However, Jourdain's takedown defense is weak and he is easy to hold down. Phillips could grapple his way to a decision. Home advantage for Jourdain is a factor. Lean Jourdain but not confident enough to bet at these odds.
The host mentions the co-main event but does not make a pick. He only expresses excitement for the fight.
James picks Charles Jourdain to win via finish in round three. He notes that Kyler Phillips is dominant in round one but fades, while Jourdain is strong in round three and has finishing upside. He sees Jourdain's trajectory and self-belief as factors.
The host thinks Charles Jourdain is the side here, noting that Phillips has cardio issues and struggles under pressure. He expects Jourdain to apply pressure, work Phillips down, and find a finish in round two or three. He highlights Jourdain's dangerous guillotine and improved BJJ, and believes Phillips will either slow down or get caught in a submission if he grapples.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Charles Jourdain. He highlights that Phillips wins first rounds but fades, and Jourdain's work rate will take over. He also likes the split decision prop and suggests live betting.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 1 | 25 of 43 | 58% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 1 | 25 of 43 | 58% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 25 of 43 | 58% | 20 of 35 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 |
| Davey Grant | 9 of 26 | 34% | 3 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 25 of 43 | 58% | 20 of 35 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 |
| Davey Grant | 9 of 26 | 34% | 3 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-170); Grant (+140)
Round 1
Hold onto your hats, because Jourdain (16-8-1, 7-7-1 UFC) and Grant (17-7, 8-6 UFC) are about to trade leather. The bantamweights that tend to put on a show will be officiated by referee Jason Herzog. They opt to bump fists before jacking one another on the jaw.
Grant strides forward, and he catches an oncoming body kick. He releases it and lets fly a clubbing calf kick. Jourdain bounces off the fence and is just out of range from another kick to the midsection. Jourdain tags his man with a one-two, and Grant opens up with his own overhand right. Jourdain times a jump knee as Grant bears down on him, and he misses by a matter of inches. Grant hammers home another low kick, and he blocks a big knee. Jourdain lines up a straight left hand down the middle, and he whiffs on a looping left of his own. Jourdain absorbs a pair of punches and has to bounce on his heels to gets his bearings, and then leaps into action with a head kick and a powerful right hand. Grant grins at him and asks for more, so Jourdain obliges him. Grant throws back hard. Jourdain catches Grant with his jump knee, and Grant is tough but his forehead is split ever so slightly.
Grant calms himself and looses a heavy leg kick, and he gets blasted with another head kick. Jourdain finds the target with his flying knee, and Grant’s nose explodes in a bloody mess and topples to his back in a bad way.
Jourdain leaps on top and hammers the Brit with ground-and-pound, and Grant somehow survives even though his face is quickly transforming into a crimson mask. Grant turns over, and the Canadian sees his opening and snatches up his preferred move of a power guillotine choke. The moment that Jourdain, who has the grip clutched tight as can be, rolls Grant over, Grant taps out as fast as he can.
Even with Herzog getting between them in a timely manner, Grant appears to at least partially go out, as when he stands back up looking like a victim in an 80's slasher film, he finds that he is not quite capable of doing so on his own. The crowd goes ballistic.
The Official Result
Charles Jourdain def. Davey Grant R1 3:05 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Angelo picks Davey Grant, citing his forward pressure, solid defense, and durability. He notes Charles Jourdain has cleaned up his wild style but may still be exploitable. Grant's age and chin are concerns, but his recent wins over Blackshear and a close fight with Marcos give confidence.
Big Brady likes Jourdain fighting at home and thinks the judges favor him. He notes Grant is 39 and father time is undefeated, especially at lower weight classes. He thinks Jourdain is getting Grant at the right time and picks him by decision, though he won't lay -170.
Cody picks Jourdain, citing his volume and unorthodox striking. He notes Grant doesn't wrestle much, which plays into Jourdain's strengths. Jourdain's takedown defense is a concern, but Grant doesn't shoot. Cody expects Jourdain to win by decision or late stoppage.
Connor leans toward Davey Grant, citing Grant's consistent toughness, awkwardness, and ability to capitalize on retreating opponents. He notes that Jourdain can drift and have wrong ideas, and that Grant's pressure and durability could cause Jourdain trouble, especially given Jourdain's poor defensive wrestling and tendency to improvise. Connor also mentions the age gap (Grant is 39) but still favors Grant's reliability.
James finds this a tough fight to call, noting both fighters have struggled with certain styles. He leans toward Jourdain due to his better career trajectory and Grant's age (39). James mentions Jourdain's guillotine threat but expects a close fight.
The host thinks Jourdain's youth, speed, unorthodox striking, and dangerous BJJ will help him chip away at Grant, pull off a desperation takedown, and eventually snatch a submission victory.
Paul picks Grant, citing his value as a dog. He notes Grant is always game and has good volume. Jourdain's weight cut to 135 is a concern, and Grant can exploit that. Paul plans to bet Grant at plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Jourdain over Davey Grant. He initially considered Grant due to his underdog success but believes Jourdain's skills are superior. He notes Jourdain's ability to beat opponents to the punch on the inside and his guillotine threats. He predicts Jourdain will catch Grant with a straight shot and possibly finish by TKO or guillotine, citing Grant's neck surgeries.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Davey Grant. He emphasizes that Grant is always tough and crafty, and that Jourdain often shows up with the wrong plan or no plan, resorting to wild brawling that doesn't work well. Zane acknowledges that Grant's success can't last forever at 39, but he still expects Grant to deliver.
Angelo picks Ricky Simón because of his relentless wrestling and cardio. He believes Charles does not have good enough takedown defense to stop multiple shots. He notes that Ricky's losses are to top competition and he is consistent.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 39 of 73 | 53% | 50 of 87 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 24 of 54 | 44% | 39 of 75 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:49 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 28 of 46 | 60% | 38 of 59 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 18 of 34 | 52% | 28 of 45 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 | |
| 2 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 11 of 27 | 40% | 12 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 6 of 20 | 30% | 11 of 30 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 39 of 73 | 53% | 19 of 49 | 14 of 18 | 6 of 6 | 31 of 62 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 24 of 54 | 44% | 8 of 30 | 11 of 17 | 5 of 7 | 22 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 28 of 46 | 60% | 12 of 27 | 13 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 21 of 36 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 18 of 34 | 52% | 5 of 15 | 8 of 12 | 5 of 7 | 16 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Charles Jourdain | 11 of 27 | 40% | 7 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 6 of 20 | 30% | 3 of 15 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-125), Henry (+105)
Round 1
Meeting in the middle after plenty of time in different divisions, ex-featherweight Jourdain (15-8-1, 6-7-1 UFC) shifts gears down to 135 pounds in hopes of keeping that explosiveness. He greets former flyweight Henry (24-6, 1 NC, 3-1, 1 NC UFC) at bantamweight, with the two drawing oversight from referee Black Grice. Speed will be the name of the game in this one, and they intend on showing it off just as soon as they complete their expected glove touch. Jourdain slowly plods forward, hand-fighting Henry’s probing jabs. Henry lands a pair of low kicks as Grice issues a warning for outstretched fingers. Jourdain whips a kick up high that is barely blocked, and Henry gets busy with low and body kicks. Henry secures a body kick that splits the guard, and he absorbs a clean low kick that makes him recoil his limb. Jourdain leaps in the air with a knee, and Henry swats it away. The two trade low kicks, and Jourdain prods out a front kick that knocks Henry back a step. A Jourdain jab is met with a leg kick, and Henry walks his foe down and connects with a left hook. Jourdain looses another quick head kick, and he races forward and puts as right hand on the jaw of “La Mangosta.” Henry keeps striding forward, but Jourdain is pecking at him with low kicks and longer punches. Henry attacks the body and lead leg with kicks, and Jourdain comes out firing with a pair of looping hooks. Henry gets off a body kick, and Jourdain trips Henry up and dumps him to the floor. The well-schooled Henry does not show any concern when Jourdain grips hold of a guillotine choke, and he escapes and resets. Henry walks him down and trips him out, putting Jourdain on his back thanks to sheer pressure. Jourdain posts off an arm to sit up, and Henry slickly shuts him down. Jourdain still explodes to his feet despite Henry’s wishes, and he trips Henry to a knee but does not complete it. Jourdain stands, wraps up a guillotine, and releases it to nails Henry with a flush elbow on the forehead. Henry blinks it out and loads up on a pair of right hands, and he gets countered and clips. Jourdain’s power shakes Henry up briefly, but Henry keeps marching onward throwing punches. Jourdain uses a sharp front kick and a head kick to slow Henry, and he tries to time a jump knee but Henry is wise to it and waits to press forward into a clinch. As Jourdain looks to frame off of Henry’s face, Henry trips his legs out. Henry no-sells a guillotine choke until the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Round 2
The two touch gloves before getting going, and Henry is quick to assert heavy pressure. Jourdain is lighter on his feet, swinging harder and landing cleaner. Jourdain clips Henry, forcing Henry to close in on him and trying to clinch. Jourdain shucks him off and rips an uppercut up the middle, and he chews up Henry’s lead leg and strafes to the side. Henry gives chase, pushing out a front kick and a body kick, and he gets caught with an uppercut moving forward. Henry keeps his guard high, allowing Jourdain’s offense to throw him off-balance. Henry wrangles Jourdain to the floor, and he wraps up his opponent with a body lock while fishing for a rear-naked choke. Henry rolls when Jourdain scrambles, and he hunts for a choke any time he can spot an opening. Jourdain defends well and keeps turning, eventually settling to lean his side against the cage. Henry is warned for an elbow to the spine, and he lets Jourdain turn over so he can slip an arm on the side of the chin. Henry moves into top position, but he is dragged back to the guard of “La Mangosta.” Jourdain snatches up a guillotine choke on his back, and Henry pays it no mind as it is not locked up. The Canadian hacks with elbows off his back, and he sits up and nearly works his way up. Henry stifles a guillotine choke without issue by remaining calm, and Jourdain uses the grip to work to his feet.
The choke is still wrapped around Henry’s neck, and Jourdain jumps guard to set up and lock down the guillotine. This time, it is exceptionally tight, and Henry does not have a way out. With no more options, Henry frantically taps out, surrendering for the first time in his lengthy career.
Jourdain sends a message to his new division with his stoppage win, while also showing off his new, impressive back tattoo.
The Official Result
Charles Jourdain def. Victor Henry R2 3:43 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Angelo is confident Victor Henry wins, calling Charles Jourdain 'just not that good' despite being fun. He thinks Henry has better technique and cardio, and will outwork Jourdain. He notes Henry is 37 but still looks good and fights smart. He placed a half unit bet on Henry at even money (minus 110). He acknowledges Jourdain has a fanbase but insists he is not an upper echelon fighter.
Big Brady picks Victor Henry to win by decision. He likes Henry's nonstop volume (8.5 significant strikes per minute) and notes that Jourdain is a slow starter and has struggled with wrestling recently. Brady thinks Jourdain won't be able to take Henry down and that Henry's pace will overwhelm Jourdain over 15 minutes. He is picking against another Canadian.
Cody picks Victor Henry, citing his volume, wrestling, and experience. He questions Jourdain's weight cut to bantamweight and notes his recent KO loss and poor performances. He believes Henry's well-rounded game and durability will allow him to outwork Jourdain, especially if Jourdain struggles with the cut. He expects a close decision but favors Henry.
Daniel Vreeland picks Charles Jourdain to win his bantamweight debut, citing the size advantage after dropping down. He believes Jourdain's movement, kicks, and range will trouble Victor Henry, who has been outclassed by faster opponents. Vreeland notes Henry's toughness but thinks Jourdain's experience at higher weight classes and finally being the bigger fighter will lead to a win, though he wants to see the weigh-ins first.
Henry is a very experienced and difficult opponent who has never been finished in his 30-fight career. He will put a pace, pressure, and volume that Jourdain is not used to, allowing Henry to grind out a win on the scorecards.
Paul also picks Henry, noting his superior volume and wrestling. He is concerned about Jourdain's weight cut and recent knockout loss, and believes Henry's pressure and grappling will be too much. He sees the fight as close but expects Henry to edge it out, possibly by split decision.
The Guru picks Charles Jourdain over Victor Henry, citing Jourdain's physicality and dynamic striking. He believes Jourdain's clinch work and knees to the body will be key, and he predicts a TKO finish from the clinch. He notes that if Jourdain makes bantamweight effectively, he will have a significant advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Silva | 0 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 24 of 48 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 |
| Charles Jourdain | 2 | 34 of 55 | 61% | 35 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jean Silva | 0 | 20 of 40 | 50% | 20 of 41 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Charles Jourdain | 1 | 25 of 45 | 55% | 26 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | Jean Silva | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 4 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
| Charles Jourdain | 1 | 9 of 10 | 90% | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Silva | 23 of 46 | 50% | 6 of 26 | 11 of 14 | 6 of 6 | 17 of 39 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 2 |
| Charles Jourdain | 34 of 55 | 61% | 26 of 47 | 7 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 31 | 16 of 19 | 4 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jean Silva | 20 of 40 | 50% | 4 of 22 | 10 of 12 | 6 of 6 | 16 of 35 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 |
| Charles Jourdain | 25 of 45 | 55% | 21 of 41 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 27 | 11 of 14 | 3 of 4 | |
| 2 | Jean Silva | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Charles Jourdain | 9 of 10 | 90% | 5 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-120), Silva (+100)
Round 1
An all-action battle originally scheduled at 145 pounds takes center stage next, as ultra-aggressive Canadian striker Jourdain (15-7-1, 6-6-1 UFC) runs into the 92% finish rate of “Lord” Silva (12-2, 1-0 UFC). The latter came in heavy by 2.5 pounds, and he has surrendered 20% of his purse to Jourdain. With three decision wins across their 27 victories, referee Marc Goddard better bring his A-game to this catchweight match. Silva offers an apologetic glove touch to get things started, and Jourdain accepts. Jourdain says hello with a loud body kick, and Silva responds with a Mortal Kombat-esque extremely low leg sweep. Silva bounces out of the way from a left hand, and he leans back as a head kick buzzes past him. Two more head kicks from the Canadian miss, and Silva offers him a high-five after an exchange. Jourdain connects with a heavy low kick, and a front kick lands as well. Silva again whiffs on the head kick, and Silva once more high-fives him. Jourdain pounds on the front leg, and Silva is walking forward but not throwing anything of note. Jourdain jumps forward with a high body kick, and Silva pounces with two punches but lets up. “Air” lands another big kick, and Silva eats a left hand and tells his opponent to keep throwing. Jourdain changes things up with a sudden double-leg takedown, and he shucks off a guillotine choke but cannot keep his foe down. Jourdain gets to his feet first, and he fires off a head kick that misses the mark by a matter of inches. Silva leaps forward with a hacking elbow, and Jourdain bounces off the fence to find another angle. Silva misses with a jumping front kick, and his looping left hook is just slightly inaccurate. As Jourdain crashes the pocket, Silva blasts him in the face with a left hand. Jourdain hits the ground like a sack of potatoes, and Silva drops to his knees to land strikes before standing up and motioning for Jourdain to follow him up and trade hands. Silva moves awkwardly to mess with Jourdain, who is still struggling on his feet, and he connects with a number of heavy strikes including a huge left. Jourdain tries for another takedown, and Silva blocks it and elbows him several times in the side of the head until Jourdain abandons it. Silva pursues his man recklessly, unafraid of the Canadian’s power so he can throw bombs. Jourdain catches a kick and puts Silva on his back, but he cannot do anything with it before the wild round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Round 2
Silva claps hands and hugs Jourdain to start off the round, and he wants to say something but Jourdain is more interested in fighting. Silva gets off first, landing power strikes and otherwise making Jourdain react from mere feints. Jourdain shoots in for a single, and he drags Silva to a knee but Silva bounces back up to his feet with his back to the wall. Silva hacks at his man with an elbow in the side, and he allows Jourdain to abandon the takedown and lift his head up.
At the perfect moment, “Lord” unloads an uppercut that completely knocks Jourdain off his feet, and it is a done deal. Goddard steps in to wave off the one-sided beatdown, with Jourdain clutching the back of his head after it rattled off the floor.
Silva, who will unfortunately sacrifice a post-fight bonus for missing weight, is the first fighter to knock out the durable Canadian. When Jourdain comes to his senses, the two fighters embrace, and Silva proudly dons his team’s black-rimmed glasses of the Fighting Nerds. He even draws a smile from the stoic Goddard.
The Official Result
Jean Silva def. Charles Jourdain R2 1:22 via KO (Punch)
Cody picks Silva, citing his speed, power, and game planning. He notes that Jourdain is inconsistent and has poor takedown defense, while Silva comes from a strong camp (Fighting Nerds) and has a clear game plan. Cody believes Silva's physicality and striking will overwhelm Jourdain, and that he can win by knockout or decision. He also mentions that Jourdain often chases bonuses instead of fighting smart.
Daniel believes in 'paying your dues' and thinks Jourdain's experience and veteran tactics will be the separator. He notes that Jourdain's loss to Woodson was a bad stylistic matchup and that this fight is different. He expects a back-and-forth banger where Jourdain edges out a decision, though Silva may have moments and raise his stock.
The host does not discuss this fight at all in the transcript. The entire podcast is focused on the Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight, which is not on the provided fight card. Therefore, no pick is made for this fight.
The host leans Silva as a slight underdog, citing his speed and power advantage. He expects both fighters to engage in a wild striking battle, and believes Silva's physical attributes will allow him to land first and potentially get a knockout. He notes Jourdain has never been knocked out but thinks this could be the first time.
Paul leans toward Silva, noting that the line has moved from Jourdain being a favorite to a pick 'em. He believes Silva will land the more impactful strikes and that Jourdain's recent performances have been disappointing. Paul acknowledges that Jourdain has experience but thinks Silva's youth and power give him the edge.
The Guru picks Charles Jourdain over Jean Silva. He believes Jourdain is more technical and better under pressure. He notes Jourdain's submission skills and ability to finish. He thinks Jourdain's best work comes against shorter, wild opponents. He predicts a second or third round TKO for Jourdain.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Woodson | 0 | 60 of 156 | 38% | 78 of 175 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 1:58 |
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 80 of 168 | 47% | 102 of 193 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 18 of 51 | 35% | 20 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 31 of 72 | 43% | 39 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 22 of 46 | 47% | 27 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 28 of 51 | 54% | 41 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sean Woodson | 0 | 20 of 59 | 33% | 31 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 22 of 46 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Woodson | 60 of 156 | 38% | 19 of 98 | 20 of 32 | 21 of 26 | 52 of 147 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Charles Jourdain | 80 of 168 | 47% | 59 of 143 | 10 of 13 | 11 of 12 | 70 of 156 | 8 of 9 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Woodson | 18 of 51 | 35% | 5 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 14 | 18 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Charles Jourdain | 31 of 72 | 43% | 19 of 60 | 6 of 6 | 6 of 6 | 28 of 68 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean Woodson | 22 of 46 | 47% | 8 of 29 | 9 of 11 | 5 of 6 | 18 of 42 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Charles Jourdain | 28 of 51 | 54% | 23 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 23 of 46 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sean Woodson | 20 of 59 | 33% | 6 of 34 | 10 of 19 | 4 of 6 | 16 of 54 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Charles Jourdain | 21 of 45 | 46% | 17 of 39 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-190), Woodson (+145)
Round 1
It’s a likely firefight at featherweight as Jourdain and Woodson take to the cage, with Jerin Valel there to make sure things stay nice and clean. Jourdain immediately goes for a head kick, perhaps to give the tallest man in the division something to think about. Woodson switches stances constantly in the opening moments, sticking out a fast, long jab from both sides. A minute and a half in, neither man has committed to much in the way of full-speed power shots. Woodson catches Jourdain cleanly with a straight from each side. Jourdain comes in with a low stance, shoulder-rolling, but can’t get off any punches before he is forced to retreat. Jourdain lands a hard leg kick, then a solid punch upstairs. Woodson goes southpaw and snaps Jourdain’s head back with a right straight. Jourdain moves in and tries to corner Woodson against the fence, but Woodson puts his hands on his foe and pushes him aside as he slides out of the pocket. Jourdain steps in and runs right into an intercepting knee from Woodson. Jourdain lands a slapping spin kick at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Round 2
Jourdain wades forward behind a trio of punches but Woodson steps back, evades and lands a clean counter on the end of it. Jourdain comes in with another combo that clatters off the guard of the taller man. Woodson lands an outside leg kick. Jourdain responds with one of his own a second later. Two minutes in, Woodson is beginning to flow, waving his hands and switching stances before launching long single punches. Jourdain drops for a single-leg and gets it, but can’t finish the takedown even after running Woodson to the fence. They end up in a stalemate, with Jourdain trying to hoist the leg as Woodson counters with an overhook. They disengage and Jourdain lands a glancing spinning strike on the break. Jourdain is back to stalking, but continues to have trouble getting inside against the lanky boxer. Jourdain drops for another takedown attempt, getting onto Woodson’s hips and driving him into the fence. Woodson defends calmly, and Jourdain gives it up, launching another spin kick in an attempt to surprise Woodson on the break. Jourdain lands a head kick right before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Woodson
Round 3
Woodson stands his ground as Jourdain advances, tagging him with a couple of glancing short punches, before circling out. Jourdain, looking perhaps to change things up, rushes forward with a flurry of hooks, then throws a spinning back elbow that comes up short. They collide and clinch, and it’s Woodson who ends up on Jourdain’s back standing against the fence. Jourdain hits him with a hard shot on the break, then immediately pursues and charges forward. He’s landing more, his relentless forward pressure clearly making Woodson uncomfortable. At the midpoint of the round, Woodson is back on the outside, and he counters a kick with a long uppercut to the body. Jourdain throws a spinning back kick, then another, but he’s out of range both times. He throws a third, with similar lack of success. Woodson hits his man with a body punch. Jourdain grabs a snatch single-leg, but cannot finish, and the takedown shutout by Woodson continues. With 45 seconds to go, Jourdain is throwing haymakers and spinning attacks, looking for a moment of fight-changing offense. Woodson goes for a reactive takedown and Jourdain grabs a guillotine, falling to his back and closing his guard as he does so. The choke is tight but time is short, but Woodson pops his head out at the 10-second clapper and is throwing punches from top position at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Woodson (30-27 Woodson)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (29-28 Woodson)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Woodson (30-27 Woodson)
The Official Result
Sean Woodson def. Charles Jourdain via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Angelo picks Jourdain despite acknowledging Woodson's reach and takedown defense. He believes Jourdain's pressure, chin, and ability to keep the fight ugly will be key. He notes that Woodson showed grappling in his last fight but Jourdain's takedown defense is poor, yet still favors Jourdain's doggedness.
Big Brady picks Jourdain, noting that Woodson is a boxer who won't take Jourdain down, and if he does, he risks getting submitted. He compares the fight to Woodson's loss to Julian Erosa, where Erosa pressured and broke Woodson. He believes Jourdain's power, grappling, and third-round mythical status will lead to a late submission.
Cody picks Jourdain, citing his power, cardio, and home-field advantage. He notes Woodson's lack of power and wrestling, and believes Jourdain will overwhelm him with volume and power. He sees Jourdain winning by KO or decision.
Daniel Vreeland leans toward Charles Jourdain in a fight he sees as a 50-50 banger. He notes both fighters build into fights and have opportunistic submissions. He gives a slight edge to Jourdain's aggressiveness and the Canadian crowd possibly influencing judges. He expects a back-and-forth war with a close decision or finish.
This fight is not discussed in the transcript. The host does not mention Woodson vs Jourdain.
I'm picking Woodson to win this fight on the scorecards. He is the better technical striker with a significant height and reach advantage. If he can stick with his jab and stay on the outside, he can outvolume Jourdain from distance. Jourdain's unorthodox striking could allow him to crash the pocket, but Woodson's chin might be suspect. However, I think Woodson does a good enough job rolling with shots and sticking to his game plan. I don't think Jourdain can successfully take a grapple-heavy approach either.
Paul picks Jourdain but is hesitant due to the -220 price. He thinks the fight could be close and Woodson's reach could pose problems. He notes the line movement suggests sharp money on Jourdain but still sees value in the Canadian favorite.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Jourdain, despite Woodson's 9-inch reach advantage. He questions Woodson's chin and level of competition, calling his opponents not UFC-level. He praises Jourdain's improved shot selection, patience, and submission skills. He predicts a TKO win for Jourdain in Canada.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 0 of 9 | 0% | 0 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:58 |
| Ricardo Ramos | 0 | 8 of 9 | 88% | 8 of 10 | 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 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 0 of 9 | 0% | 0 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:58 |
| Ricardo Ramos | 0 | 8 of 9 | 88% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 0 of 9 | 0% | 0 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ricardo Ramos | 8 of 9 | 88% | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 0 of 9 | 0% | 0 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ricardo Ramos | 8 of 9 | 88% | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-135), Ramos (+114)
Round 1
Kicking off the main card is a potential banger at 145 pounds, as the wild and crazy Ramos (16-4, 7-3 UFC) throws down with a man in Jourdain (14-6-1, 5-5-1 UFC) that properly represents his nickname of “Air” any time he can. Referee Herb Dean will join the two high-flying, frequently spinning, hard-swinging and extremely exciting combatants in the cage, hoping to not be struck by errant blows. Before the violence ensues, the featherweights tap their gloves together. Jourdain snaps into action with a body kick, and he swats away a front kick. Jourdain aims another kick to the midsection, where he leans back from three head kicks – the third grazes off his guard. Ramos tosses out a low kick, and he gets sniped with a right hand over the top. Jourdain slaps a head kick up high, and he grabs hold of a guillotine when Ramos charges towards him for a possible takedown. Ramos jumps over the legs and is in Von Preux position with Jourdain still holding on with the guillotine, and he presses his shoulder down on Jourdain’s throat. Ramos pushes his weight down to keep Jourdain in submission danger, but he lets it go to re-posture himself. Jourdain keeps his left arm around the neck until Ramos wriggles his head out of it, and Ramos looks to sneak into side control while sitting comfortable in half guard. Jourdain turns to his side, and Ramos times this so he can pass.
Both men somersault in a wild scramble, and Jourdain recovers first to latch on with a guillotine choke and pulls guard. This time, the submission is extremely tight, and the Brazilian finds himself firmly entrenched in the danger zone. Ramos has no way out, and before going out on his shield, he taps out.
This is a huge win for the no-longer-.500 Jourdain, as he becomes the first fighter to submit Ramos since 2016.
The Official Result
Charles Jourdain def. Ricardo Ramos R1 3:12 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Angelo gives a slight lean to Ramos, thinking he can pick his shots and work in takedowns. He notes Jourdain is tough but not technical, and if Ramos avoids the chaos, he can pot-shot his way to a win. Not insanely confident.
Big Brady picks Charles Jourdain to win by third-round knockout, citing durability as the key edge. He notes Jourdain has never been knocked out in 21 fights, while Ramos has been finished in three of four losses. He expects a stand-up war and trusts Jourdain's third-round cardio and power. He acknowledges Ramos may have early wrestling success but thinks Jourdain will take over late.
Cody picks Charles Jourdain, highlighting his doggedness and ability to thrive in tough fights. He notes Ramos's weight cut issues (missed by 9 pounds) and tendency to fold under pressure. Jourdain's volume and durability should overwhelm Ramos, especially if the fight goes deep.
Daniel picks Jourdain due to consistency and maturity, contrasting Ramos's flakiness. He notes Jourdain improves as fights go on, with high volume in later rounds, while Ramos tends to fade or get finished early. He respects Ramos's talent but questions his work ethic and mental fortitude. He thinks Jourdain's durability and pressure will be too much, and he can win by knockout or decision.
Lucrative James leans Jourdain due to durability edge and pressure. He notes Ramos needs a perfect game with takedowns, while Jourdain can have big moments on the feet. He thinks Jourdain may drop Ramos if the fight stays standing. However, he hasn't fully taped the fight and wants to review Ramos's top control.
The host picks Ramos (Hakaru Hokamura) as a plus 120 underdog, expecting him to use a grapple-heavy approach to neutralize Jourdain's striking. He notes Jourdain's takedown defense issues and that Ramos has improved his wrestling at Team Alpha Male. He believes Ramos will mix in takedowns behind his striking, control Jourdain on the mat, and win a decision.
Paul picks Ramos pending weigh-ins, citing his takedown-heavy game plan from the Bill Algeo fight. He thinks Ramos can control Jourdain on the ground, but is concerned about Ramos's weight cut. He would swap if Ramos looks sick at weigh-ins.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Jourdain, acknowledging he is 'too fun to be good' but believes he has the skills to win. He notes Jourdain's recent win over Kron Gracie and his training camp for this fight. He criticizes Ricardo Ramos for fading in fights and being wild, while Jourdain is durable and technical. He predicts Jourdain will catch Ramos in round two with crisper striking, as Ramos swings wildly and Jourdain counters.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 32 of 57 | 56% | 171 of 216 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
| Kron Gracie | 0 | 80 of 168 | 47% | 175 of 266 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 6:48 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 48 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Kron Gracie | 0 | 21 of 46 | 45% | 34 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:33 | |
| 2 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 68 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Kron Gracie | 0 | 21 of 47 | 44% | 55 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:03 | |
| 3 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 55 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kron Gracie | 0 | 38 of 75 | 50% | 86 of 124 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 32 of 57 | 56% | 18 of 37 | 1 of 6 | 13 of 14 | 32 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kron Gracie | 80 of 168 | 47% | 59 of 145 | 14 of 16 | 7 of 7 | 54 of 138 | 16 of 20 | 10 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 12 of 22 | 54% | 4 of 12 | 0 of 2 | 8 of 8 | 12 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kron Gracie | 21 of 46 | 45% | 19 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 40 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Charles Jourdain | 10 of 14 | 71% | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kron Gracie | 21 of 47 | 44% | 17 of 43 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 35 | 4 of 7 | 5 of 5 | |
| 3 | Charles Jourdain | 10 of 21 | 47% | 9 of 17 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kron Gracie | 38 of 75 | 50% | 23 of 58 | 8 of 10 | 7 of 7 | 27 of 63 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 5 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-180), Gracie (+155)
Round 1
Styles make fights, and that could scarcely be said more appropriately the UFC 288 main card opener. Submission master Gracie (5-1, 1-1 UFC), competing for the first time since October 2019, will be hoping to shake off any rust in short order. He will collide with high-flying striker Jourdain (13-6-1, 4-5-1 UFC), who aims to lift his UFC record to an even .500. The Octagon ranger for this featherweight matchup will be referee Gary Copeland, and the fighters do not touch gloves ahead of the bout. They meet in the middle of the cage but do not throw much of note, pawing out with occasional jabs and hand-fighting. Jourdain splits the guard with a few such jabs, and he chains a few sharp punches and powerful uppercuts together to get Gracie’s respect early. Gracie walks forward, and reaches out with a right hand simply to distract Jourdain enough to close the distance. Jourdain fights off a takedown attempt frantically, and when Gracie re-engages, the Canadian chucks his man down to the canvas. Jourdain intercepts the rushing Gracie with an uppercut, and he stays on his back foot as Gracie is committed to stalking him down and looking for some kind of level change. Jourdain stops this in its track momentarily with a fierce combination, and he slides away from the plodding Gracie. Jourdain cracks Gracie again and pushes him off when Gracie tries to tie him up, and his uppercut continues to split the guard. As Jourdain is moving and sticking, Gracie snatches him up just enough to pull guard. The Brazilian gladly lands on his back, and he slowly moves his guard up high to threaten with a potential triangle choke or armbar setup. Jourdain is wise to it, and he slowly slides his upper body out of danger and softens Gracie up with body shots. Jourdain leaps back to his feet and hops away before Gracie can trip him up, and Gracie scoots on his posterior until the crowd boos him. Gracie stands back up, and he meanders forward to close in and tie Jourdain up. The two trade short body shots until Jourdain breaks out, and he scores a few uppercuts when backpedaling. Gracie throws two naked leg kicks, and Jourdain tags him with a few punches that damage his nose before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Round 2
Jourdain opens the round up with a few quick punches, landing fast enough to quell Gracie’s never-ending forward movement. Gracie wanders forward into the fray, throwing little in the way of offense as he is singularly obsessed with just getting his hands or legs on his foe. As they clinch, Gracie pulls guard, and he succeeds in managing to bring Jourdain with him. The Canadian positions Gracie in a bad place with his neck up against the wire, and Gracie is quick to roll for an armbar as Jourdain opens up with ground-and-pound. “Air” resets on top and starts absorbing elbows to the top of his dome, but he is not in submission danger. Gracie puts a high guard up again and looks to isolate Jourdain’s left arm, and Jourdain maintains heavy chest pressure to not let Gracie get enough space to secure anything. Jourdain ignores offense coming from his adversary, as it is short and not particular effective, and more of a setup for Gracie to try a submission. Jourdain explodes out of the guard and gets back to his feet, and he backs off and knees Gracie in the body when Gracie bears down on him. Jourdain strings several punches together that get around the guard, and he whiffs on an uppercut that lets Gracie close in. Jourdain swings out with an elbow, and he gets tagged with an unexpected left hand before getting mashed up against the wall. Gracie pulls guard once more to force the fight horizontal, and Jourdain shucks off arm control to drop down a solid elbow. The round ends with Jourdain in no particular danger.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Round 3
The last round kicks off, and Gracie slowly lumbers from out of his corner. Jourdain dances his way in and out, ripping body shots and keeping out of reach. Jourdain lands an uppercut and takes one punch on the chin, with Gracie throwing a modicum more of offense but not enough to make a difference. Jourdain tags Gracie with a right hand, and Gracie attempts to pull guard. Jourdain drives him to the fence and slides him off, and Gracie crashes forward and bangs his head into his opponent’s. Jourdain releases clean combinations, rarely throwing single blows and landing en masse. Gracie takes them on the chin, generally, and succeeds to pull guard again. The crowd lets Gracie have it for this tactic, and he does not adjust his approach and hopes to secure a submission. Jourdain pounds on the ribcage with short punches and elbows, not concerned with the grappling chops of his opponent, and he stacks Gracie up briefly. Gracie hangs on from beneath, until Jourdain sees and opening and darts back upright. Gracie follows him while on his seat, aiming kicks to the knees, and Jourdain answers with slapping kicks. Copeland forces Gracie to stand up, and Gracie carries out his perpetual forward motion that is unable to lock Jourdain down and do anything. Jourdain breaks away thanks to a knee to the body, and he slams a shin into Gracie’s liver. Jourdain slips a few punches and tees off on Gracie, who is taking a beating but not slowing. Jourdain jumps in the air with a flying knee with seconds to go, and he lets fly a few more punches and kick until the lackluster match ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (30-27 Jourdain)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (30-27 Jourdain)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (30-27 Jourdain)
The Official Result
Charles Jourdain def. Kron Gracie via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Charles Jourdain because he is the more complete MMA fighter. He notes that Kron Gracie has been away for four years and in his last fight against Cub Swanson, he didn't attempt to grapple effectively and was pieced up on the feet. Angelo believes Jourdain's takedown defense should be sufficient against Gracie's poor wrestling, and that Jourdain's striking and speed will be decisive. He sees the most likely outcomes as Jourdain by decision or Gracie by submission, but favors the MMA fighter.
Big Brady picks Gracie despite a 3.5-year layoff. He notes Jourdain has poor takedown defense (48%), and Gracie only needs one takedown to submit him. He acknowledges the layoff is a huge risk but believes Gracie's path to victory is clear: take Jourdain down, take his back, and choke him out. He predicts a first-round submission.
Cody highlights that Jourdain has 48% takedown defense in the UFC and gets taken down frequently by lesser grapplers. He believes Gracie's world-class jiu-jitsu can exploit Jourdain's wild striking style, which creates openings for takedowns. Despite Gracie's four-year layoff, he sees value at plus money because Jourdain's recklessness plays into Gracie's strengths.
Connor also picks Jourdain, citing the X factors of Gracie's long layoff and uncertainty about his training. He notes that Jourdain is a very good striker who can stop takedowns after the first round, and that Gracie's best chance is an early submission. Connor believes Jourdain's power and pressure will be too much as the fight progresses.
The host picks Kron Gracie by submission in round one, hoping Gracie learned from his loss to Cub Swanson and will be more aggressive with takedowns. He believes Gracie's high-level BJJ will find a submission against Charles Jourdain, who has struggled against grapplers.
Paul agrees with Cody and has already bet Gracie by submission at +230. He notes that Jourdain is dangerous at range but gives opportunities to grapple, and Gracie's path is clear: get the fight to the mat. He sees the line moving and expects Gracie to find a submission.
The Guru picks Jourdain, citing Gracie's four-year layoff and Jourdain's takedown defense and ability to get back up. He believes Jourdain will use kicks to bust up Gracie's lead leg and set up a body kick KO. He predicts a finish in the first or second round via body kick.
Zane picks Jourdain, noting that Jourdain's striking improves as the fight goes on and that he has good takedown defense after the first round. He acknowledges the risk of Gracie submitting him early but believes Jourdain's power and fluid boxing will take over in later rounds. Zane also mentions that Gracie's long layoff is a concern.
Marcelo Rojo - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Francis Marshall | 0 | 31 of 47 | 65% | 48 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 1 | 23 of 81 | 28% | 29 of 89 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:47 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francis Marshall | 0 | 18 of 26 | 69% | 35 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 11 of 44 | 25% | 17 of 51 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:43 | |
| 2 | Francis Marshall | 0 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 1 | 12 of 37 | 32% | 12 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Francis Marshall | 31 of 47 | 65% | 20 of 35 | 4 of 5 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 6 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 23 of 81 | 28% | 20 of 78 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 72 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francis Marshall | 18 of 26 | 69% | 12 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 12 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 6 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 11 of 44 | 25% | 8 of 41 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | |
| 2 | Francis Marshall | 13 of 21 | 61% | 8 of 15 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 12 of 37 | 32% | 12 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marshall (-155), Rojo (+135)
Round 1
Wasting no time, the UFC is on with the next in the form of a featherweight pairing of Rojo (16-8, 0-2 UFC) vs. Marshall (6-0, 0-0 UFC), and one man will earn their first win inside the Octagon when the dust settles. Whether that is the recent Glory MMA trainee or “Fire” Marshall, referee Larry Folsom will be the first to know. The fighters bump fists, and Marshall sternly moves to the center of the cage and swats out with left hands. Marshall kicks low to trip up his opponent, and as he rushes forward to strike, Rojo replies with outstretched fingers pointing his direction. This draws a warning from Folsom, and Rojo does not close his fists until he belts Marshall upside the head with a right hand. Marshall does not flinch and paws out with a left hand, and as he does, Rojo responds with a heavy outside leg kick. Marshall reaches him with an overhand right, and he pierces out a few jabs. Marshall scores a few more punches, and swelling develops around the Argentinian’s left eye. Marshall runs forward to engage, and he gets caught with a clean elbow but returns fire with a couple heavy punches. “Fire” Marshall burns his opponent with a fiery right hand, and Rojo cools himself and climbs back up. Cold water is doused on the match as they clinch, and Rojo grabs the fence repeatedly to stop takedowns. Folsom slaps Rojo’s hand away, and Marshall manages to drag Rojo to the ground when Rojo finally releases the cage. Rojo uses a rubber guard to wrap his right leg around the back of his foe's neck, only to let it go when there is no omoplata shoulder lock to be found. Marshall exudes heavy shoulder pressure and considers a half-guard arm-triangle choke before slicing over to the side. Marshall stays tightly pressed and forces Rojo to stay on the mat while Rojo scrambles, but Rojo does manage to turn about to his knees. Rojo connects with a no-look elbow on the side of the head, and he cracks Marshall with several more emphatic short elbows until the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Marshall
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Marshall
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Marshall
Round 2
Gloves are touched, and Marshall once more is in the middle of the cage ready to engage. Marshall lets his hands go, and he catches Rojo a few times only to get drilled with a heavy looping counter. Marshall walks through them and starts to flash out a jab, and Rojo replies with an inside low kick that clatters off the cup. Folsom identifies it and calls a pause, and 30 seconds later, they are back to fighting. Marshall starts off the new exchange with a right hand, and Rojo responds with a side kick and a pair of punches that get Marshall’s attention. Marshall jabs his way in, following them with powerful blows, and Rojo is shocked but still alert enough to fire back.
A short right hook from “Fire” Marshall knocks Rojo clean off his feet, and the back of the Argentinian’s head bounces off the mat as he is in a bad, bad way. Marshall pounces, knowing his first UFC win is right around the corner, and he smashes Rojo in the face with a few punches until Rojo is out and Folsom has seen more than enough.
There are UFC debuts and
UFC debuts
, and this is the latter. The still-undefeated Marshall has just registered his first career knockout against a 24-fight veteran that had only once been stopped with strikes before, all in front of a packed house in Orlando.
The Official Result
Francis Marshall def. Marcelo Rojo R2 1:14 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Francis Marshall but warns against betting or parlaying him, calling it a 'tricky fight.' He notes Marshall is a talented kid early in his career who gets hit too much, while Rojo is a gritty vet who takes damage but is always grinding. He thinks Marshall will need his wrestling to avoid a slugfest, and could win by submission or stoppage, but advises just watching the fight.
Big Brady picks Marshall to win by submission in the third round, citing Rojo's poor takedown and submission defense (submitted five times). He notes Marshall's wrestling background and cardio, but expresses concern about Marshall's striking defense. He expects Marshall to get takedowns early and eventually submit Rojo.
Cody picks Marshall, citing his wrestling and cardio. He notes Rojo's cardio issues and poor get-up game. He thinks Marshall can wear him down and finish in the third round.
Connor picks Francis Marshall hesitantly, worried that Marshall's rawness could lead to him getting clubbed early. However, he notes that Rojo is a relatively soft touch and Marshall is a significantly better athlete, so he sides with Zane.
Daniel Levi picks Marshall but is wary of debut jitters. He likes Marshall's Contender Series performance but notes the risk of a 'Zell Hoover' type performance. He is staying away from betting unless the line becomes enticing.
The host picks Marshall to win but prefers the over 1.5 rounds at minus 160. He thinks Marshall will use grappling to control Rojo and the fight will go deep. He is cautious about backing Marshall at minus 170 due to his greenness. He believes Rojo's early pressure could be neutralized by Marshall's wrestling.
Paul picks Marshall but is hesitant. He notes Marshall's pressure and cardio, but questions his technique and experience. He sees Rojo's power and durability as threats. He likes the over 1.5 rounds prop.
The MMA Guru picks Marcelo Rojo as an underdog, believing we haven't seen his full potential due to canceled fights and short-notice bouts. He thinks Rojo is dangerous with a full camp and can finish Marshall by TKO in the first or second round. He acknowledges Marshall's undefeated record and grappling but questions the level of competition.
Zane picks Francis Marshall, noting that Marshall is a better athlete with developing striking technique and a wrestling fallback. He expects Marshall to build a volume lead and eventually take Rojo down, as Rojo tends to get submitted in chaotic fights.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyler Phillips | 0 | 80 of 164 | 48% | 90 of 176 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 2 | 0 | 2:33 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 55 of 153 | 35% | 57 of 155 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyler Phillips | 0 | 34 of 64 | 53% | 36 of 66 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 15 of 49 | 30% | 16 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Kyler Phillips | 0 | 38 of 85 | 44% | 44 of 91 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 35 of 94 | 37% | 36 of 95 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Kyler Phillips | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 10 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyler Phillips | 80 of 164 | 48% | 52 of 135 | 14 of 15 | 14 of 14 | 63 of 146 | 8 of 9 | 9 of 9 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 55 of 153 | 35% | 32 of 123 | 5 of 10 | 18 of 20 | 53 of 147 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyler Phillips | 34 of 64 | 53% | 21 of 51 | 8 of 8 | 5 of 5 | 24 of 53 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 4 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 15 of 49 | 30% | 10 of 40 | 0 of 2 | 5 of 7 | 15 of 46 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kyler Phillips | 38 of 85 | 44% | 25 of 72 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 8 | 36 of 83 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 35 of 94 | 37% | 19 of 75 | 4 of 7 | 12 of 12 | 33 of 91 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Kyler Phillips | 8 of 15 | 53% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
We keep things moving right along to the bantamweights, in what should be a fast-paced, high-intensity battle between Phillips (9-2, 3-1 UFC) and Rojo (16-7, 0-1 UFC) that was initially set for the main card but for late lineup shuffling. Taking charge of the cage is referee Dan Miragliotta, and the fighters touch gloves to begin what could be a fun one. At any rate, it will be better than the last fight, if one could call it that. Phillips leads off with a leg kick, and Rojo fires right back. Phillips aims a right hand over the top, and he jabs up high, throws a right hand and a left to the body. “Matrix” spins with a body kick, and he backs away when Rojo tries to counter him. Rojo just misses with a looping right hook, and Phillips delivers a one-two across the bow. The American cannot connect with a spinning wheel kick, but he does get off a flying knee. Phillips goes low with a kick that trips Rojo to the mat, and he charges ahead with a three-punch salvo. Rojo looks to counter, and Phillips changes things up with a takedown entry. Although it does not succeed, Phillips backs away just enough to whip a spinning wheel kick around, and it clatters off the high guard of his foe. They both fire off right hands at the same time, and Phillips rushes in to clip the Argentinian with an elbow and a left hand before tripping “Pitbull” to the mat. Phillips claims Rojo’s back quickly when Rojo stands, and he drags Rojo’s legs out and steps over to full mount. Rojo quickly recovers half guard, but a few short elbow strikes from Phillips have opened a cut on the side of Rojo’s eye. Rojo sits up, gets to his knees and stands up, but not before eating a crisp knee to the body on the way up. Phillips resets and paws out with a jab, and he darts out of the way when a combination whizzes past him. A high spinning back kick lands flush on Rojo’s arms, and he follows it with a jab that split the guard. Rojo fires back, only to get countered with a right hand on that damaged eye. Phillips is just a little too high from yet another spinning wheel kick, and Rojo ducked just in time. After a brief clinch, they break away where Phillips tags Rojo with a swatting left hook. Phillips steps in with a right hand, and he sweeps Rojo down to the mat with 15 seconds to go. Rojo throws his legs up for a sneaky armbar, and Phillips stands up to pull his arm out, lowering himself back down right as the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Round 2
Rojo strides out of his corner to attack at the beginning of Round 2, but Phillips beats him to the punch and works the body with a left hand. Chaining punches into a spinning back kick, Phillips has Rojo guessing. Rojo swings back, mostly hitting air, and he sticks out a leg kick but gets met with three punches. The Argentinian attacks the lead leg again, leading Phillips to do the same with his own strikes. “Matrix” fires off a head kick that collides with the raised guard, and he sets his leg down and is already on to stringing jabs into a combination. Rojo throws caution to the wind, swinging wildly but inaccurately, as Phillips jabs away and starts drilling Rojo’s calf with repeated kicks. Rojo meets him in the middle with a jab back, but the kicks from Phillips are quickly doing damage and changing the color of Rojo’s lead calf. Phillips is loose, light on his feet, hopping in and out of range to toss a flying knee or piercing jab out. Rojo catches Phillips at the end of a right hand after blocking a head kick, but Phillips’ strikes are straighter and sharper, and therefore finding their target at a much higher clip. The American springs out of the way when Rojo bears down on him, and he continues battering Rojo’s calf as swelling grows. Rojo fights to through the pain to swing for the fences, and as soon as he commits to a big punch, Phillips dives low for a takedown. Rojo pops right back up before staying down for more than one second, and Phillips feeds him a steady diet of jabs on an increasingly reddening nose. Rojo scores to the body, forcing Phillips to crash forward and attempt a body lock trip. Rojo sneaks in a knee and an uppercut before they separate, and the round ends with Phillips blocking a high kick.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Round 3
Coming out to the third round, Rojo’s lead leg is hamburger, swollen and bruised badly. Phillips picks up where he left off there, attacking the damaged leg before assailing his man with a chained takedown that set Rojo on his back. Phillips lands in side control, and he grips on to a double wrist lock that he uses to claim mount brilliantly. In a very high mount, Phillips locks up a high mounted triangle, and he sits up to smash Rojo in the head with punches and elbows. Rojo turns over, in an effort to slide his neck out.
When Phillips lands on his back, he is already setting up an armbar while he still holds on to the triangle choke. The combo submission is tight as can be, and there is no way out for the Argentinian. “Matrix” elicits the tap right when Rojo stands, with Rojo surrendering before losing consciousness or hyperextending his elbow.
That’s a rare triangle armbar on the books for the highly touted prospect from Arizona.
The Official Result
Kyler Phillips def. Marcelo Rojo R3 1:48 via Submission (Triangle Armbar)
Angelo picks Phillips, expecting a competitive back-and-forth fight where Phillips leans on his wrestling. He notes that Phillips has made mistakes in the past that cost him, but believes his technical striking and grappling will be enough. He suggests a plus 3.5 prop bet on Rojo as an underdog.
Big Brady is very impressed with Phillips, calling him a skilled striker with good wrestling and BJJ. He believes Phillips should take the fight to the mat, where Rojo has been submitted multiple times. He predicts Phillips will win by first round submission. He notes Phillips' cardio is a concern but Rojo's cardio is also questionable. He thinks Phillips will look his price tag.
Cody defends the price, noting Phillips is young and talented. He thinks Phillips' cardio issues are overblown and that he should dominate Rojo, who is a brawler with poor cardio. He expects Phillips to win, possibly by finish.
Daniel Levi picks Kyler Phillips to win a decision, but expects a tough fight. He notes that Phillips is more dynamic and explosive early, but tends to slow down. Rojo is a durable dog who can drag Phillips into deep waters. Levi thinks Phillips will win but not cover the -430 line.
Phillips is the more skilled fighter with good movement and jiu-jitsu. Rojo is a brawler with knockout power but poor submission defense. Phillips should take the fight to the ground and submit Rojo. Phillips' cardio is a concern if he gasses, but he should finish early. The under 2.5 rounds is a good prop if plus money.
Paul picks Phillips but thinks the price is too high. He notes Phillips has cardio issues but should dominate early. He warns that Rojo could be dangerous if he survives the first round, and that the weight cut for Rojo is a concern.
The MMA Guru picks Kyler Phillips by decision, citing his well-rounded skills and learning from the Paiva fight. He expects Phillips to drop Rojo early but not chase the finish, winning a clear decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 2 | 106 of 220 | 48% | 128 of 248 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:57 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 74 of 204 | 36% | 80 of 211 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 18 of 53 | 33% | 26 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 24 of 55 | 43% | 29 of 60 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 45 of 72 | 62% | 46 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 38 of 109 | 34% | 38 of 109 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 3 | Charles Jourdain | 2 | 43 of 95 | 45% | 56 of 112 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:38 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 0 | 12 of 40 | 30% | 13 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 106 of 220 | 48% | 68 of 167 | 21 of 35 | 17 of 18 | 73 of 163 | 14 of 18 | 19 of 39 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 74 of 204 | 36% | 25 of 146 | 22 of 29 | 27 of 29 | 63 of 187 | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 18 of 53 | 33% | 8 of 31 | 8 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 47 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 24 of 55 | 43% | 9 of 39 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 11 | 19 of 48 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Charles Jourdain | 45 of 72 | 62% | 23 of 47 | 7 of 9 | 15 of 16 | 40 of 66 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 38 of 109 | 34% | 12 of 78 | 14 of 18 | 12 of 13 | 35 of 102 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Charles Jourdain | 43 of 95 | 45% | 37 of 89 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 50 | 5 of 6 | 19 of 39 |
| Marcelo Rojo | 12 of 40 | 30% | 4 of 29 | 3 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 9 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
This featherweight scrap that is about to take place comes in the form of a classic Canada vs. Argentina battle, when “Air” Jourdain (10-3-1, 1-2-1 UFC) looks to keep his finishing ways intact against uniquely nicknamed “Pitbull” Rojo (16-6, 0-0 UFC). Holding on tight for what could be a furious affair is referee Mark Smith, and the two stoppage-happy competitors touch gloves before swinging for the bleachers. Rojo thinks to come forward to start out swinging, but Jourdain is ready with a head kick. The kicks keep coming for the Canadian, spamming kicks to the head and body, and Rojo absorbs them and looks to counter. Rojo rushes in with an aggressive swing that nearly makes him fall over, but he backs off and Jourdain kicks at him and slips. The Canadian springs back up, and Rojo grabs hold of him to take the fight down. “Air” Jourdain does not stay grounded for long, powering his way back up and landing a kick the same time his foe lands one. Jourdain gets off a head kick a split-second before a right hand nails him in the face, and Rojo is loading up on shots to do some damage early. Rojo splits the guard with a knee up the middle, and Jourdain retreats to pepper away with leg kicks. Rojo sits down on his own leg kick that makes Jourdain nearly turn around, and he steps through with a left hand that stings Jourdain. Both men get off leg kicks at the same time, and they both land heavy punches before breaking apart. Jourdain slings three kicks to the body and head before Rojo can close the distance, and he keeps working these kicks until Rojo crashes the pocket and knees him in the face. Jourdain lets loose another head kick that gets blocked, and he stutter-steps forward to score a solid left hand. Rojo fires right back at him, and the two trade heavy leather for a moment. Jourdain kicks high, and Rojo blocks it and lets Jourdain tumble to the ground. As soon as the Canadian stands, Rojo is on him landing punches. Jourdain circles off and kicks high and low a few times, and Rojo chops at his legs with a few heavy leg kicks. Jourdain ducks in to throw, and the newcomer hurts him with a quick combination. Jourdain keeps a good poker face, and circles off the cage as Rojo chases after him to keep punching. Jourdain rushes forward to land and surprise Rojo, and the two trade furiously in the clinch as Jourdain presses his man into the wire. Jourdain works the body several times in close proximity, and the two break apart where Jourdain lets go with a big head kick. Rojo eats a few big punches, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rojo
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Rojo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rojo
Round 2
There is a respectful touch of gloves to start the second round after five minutes of fury, and Rojo advances first and lands a few punches and a slapping leg kick. Jourdain leaps forward with a jab, and Rojo meets him with six punches before Jourdain can get his bearings. Rojo rings Jourdain’s bell as he keeps landing, backing Jourdain into the fence and doing some damage. When they separate, Jourdain tries to kick but Rojo targets his legs with impunity. Rojo lands a right hand, and Jourdain fires right back to get Rojo’s attention. Jourdain hacks at the lead leg and snaps Rojo’s head back with a jab, but the newcomer is not concerned and instead meets the Canadian’s aggression with his own. Jourdain reaches out with his fingers, and he inadvertently jabs Rojo in the eye. A 30 second break is all Rojo needs to recover, and Jourdain apologizes with a glove touch. Jourdain from a distance starts working Rojo with leg kicks and body kicks, and Rojo tries to counter with booming overhand rights. Jourdain springs forward with a left hand and ducks the inevitable counter, where he backs off into the fence to secure a big head kick. Rojo starts ripping the body with vicious punches in bunches, and Jourdain doubles over in pain and surprise. Rojo uses his momentum to tie Jourdain up, and he tries to drag the fight down but Jourdain stays upright and gains separation. Rojo swings wildly and whiffs on a spinning back elbow, and Jourdain gathers himself and lands a few punches that mark up Rojo’s face. Jourdain scores a few times to his foe’s lead leg, and Rojo winds up on big shots that just barely miss. Jourdain hops forward, lands a left hand, and evades the counter that soon follows. Jourdain lands a kick that makes him fall back, but he regains his composure and sticks out a few jabs. Rojo absorbs a right hand to land three or four punches, and he chains them into a knee that forces Jourdain back into the fence. The Canadian gathers his thoughts and just barely avoids a huge punch to the body. Rojo chips away at his opponent’s leg, and Jourdain limps away. Out of nowhere, Jourdain cracks Rojo with a flying knee, and he seeks the finish as he pours it on. Rojo steels himself and slings heavy leather back, and the two trade violently to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rojo
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Rojo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Round 3
There is no feeling-out process to begin the final round, and they pick up where they left off swinging with everything they have. Rojo jumps forward to attack, and Jourdain stands firm and gets off several short shots until Rojo is forced to backpedal. Jourdain’s leg may be compromised, but he is not showing it as he puts several punches together. Jourdain stings Rojo with a left hand, and Rojo eats it like a steak and fires right back with his own salvo of punches. Jourdain splits the guard with a few quick strikes, and he steps away to uppercut Rojo in the face. A huge right hand from Jourdain knocks Rojo flat on his back, and “Air” Jourdain leaps through the air to drop bombs. Smith tells Rojo to defend himself as Jourdain pours it on, and Jourdain stands up to lord over his opponent but allows Rojo to get his bearings. Jourdain steps away, and he leaps high in the air to land a brutal hammerfist on the chin. Jourdain keeps slamming his fist into Rojo’s face, and he steps back to dive down and elbow him in the face. Jourdain is merciless, smashing the body and head and forcing Rojo to turtle up briefly. Rojo turns around and rolls to his stomach, where Jourdain ties up his arm and rains down punches. Jourdain steps away to let Rojo up, and he marches forward to slug it out. Rojo greets him with a violent flurry, and these two are giving it all they have and are laying into each other with bad intentions. Jourdain tags Rojo with a flying knee, and he works the body repeatedly as he bullies Rojo into the fence. Jourdain targets the body repeatedly, and Rojo tries to tie him up in the clinch.
Jourdain pours it on, throwing everything he has left in one blistering left hand that short-circuits Rojo and puts the newcomer out on his back. Smith has seen enough and saves Rojo from his own toughness, awarding what should be a massive comeback as some scored the first two rounds to Rojo.
With less than 30 seconds to go, Jourdain kept his 100 percent finish rate intact with a thrilling knockout after a terrifically violent battle.
The Official Result
Charles Jourdain def. Marcelo Rojo R3 4:31 via TKO (Punches)
Big Brady picks Charles Jourdain, noting his higher level of competition and brown belt in BJJ. He expects Jourdain to hurt Rojo on the feet and then submit him, as Rojo has been submitted four times. He mentions Jourdain has never won by decision and has a 100% finish rate. He is not confident in the price (-270) but sees a path to victory via submission in the third round.
Daniel Levi picks Charles Jourdain but is not fully sold, noting that Jourdain has never landed a takedown in the UFC, which could be a problem against a grappler. He acknowledges Rojo's weakness is submissions, but Jourdain doesn't wrestle. He thinks the fight may be closer than the line indicates, but Jourdain's experience and volume should win a close decision. He is concerned about Jourdain getting touched after his draw with Josh Culibao.
Lock is a huge Jourdain believer but is hesitant at -260, especially after Jourdain's competitive fight with Joshua Culibao. He hasn't run tape on Rojo yet, so he's not comfortable betting Jourdain at that price. He notes Rojo could have value at +260, but he needs to do more research.
The Guru believes Charles Jourdain has a solid chin and can recover well, as shown in his fight with Andre Fili. He expects Marcelo Rojo to come out aggressively looking for an early finish, but will gas out, allowing Jourdain to take over in the second and third rounds. The Guru notes Jourdain's size advantage and youth (25 vs 32) as factors. He predicts a TKO win for Jourdain in the third round, citing Jourdain's higher level of competition and ability to survive early storms.
Expert Picks (4)
Big Brady picks Charles Jourdain, noting his higher level of competition and brown belt in BJJ. He expects Jourdain to hurt Rojo on the feet and then submit him, as Rojo has been submitted four times. He mentions Jourdain has never won by decision and has a 100% finish rate. He is not confident in the price (-270) but sees a path to victory via submission in the third round.
Daniel Levi picks Charles Jourdain but is not fully sold, noting that Jourdain has never landed a takedown in the UFC, which could be a problem against a grappler. He acknowledges Rojo's weakness is submissions, but Jourdain doesn't wrestle. He thinks the fight may be closer than the line indicates, but Jourdain's experience and volume should win a close decision. He is concerned about Jourdain getting touched after his draw with Josh Culibao.
Lock is a huge Jourdain believer but is hesitant at -260, especially after Jourdain's competitive fight with Joshua Culibao. He hasn't run tape on Rojo yet, so he's not comfortable betting Jourdain at that price. He notes Rojo could have value at +260, but he needs to do more research.
The Guru believes Charles Jourdain has a solid chin and can recover well, as shown in his fight with Andre Fili. He expects Marcelo Rojo to come out aggressively looking for an early finish, but will gas out, allowing Jourdain to take over in the second and third rounds. The Guru notes Jourdain's size advantage and youth (25 vs 32) as factors. He predicts a TKO win for Jourdain in the third round, citing Jourdain's higher level of competition and ability to survive early storms.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!