Career Averages - Tom Aspinall
Career Averages - Andrei Arlovski
Tom Aspinall
Andrei Arlovski
Tom Aspinall - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 0 | 27 of 39 | 69% | 27 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ciryl Gane | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 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 | Tom Aspinall | 0 | 27 of 39 | 69% | 27 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ciryl Gane | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 27 of 39 | 69% | 14 of 25 | 5 of 6 | 8 of 8 | 27 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ciryl Gane | 30 of 40 | 75% | 8 of 16 | 9 of 11 | 13 of 13 | 30 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 27 of 39 | 69% | 14 of 25 | 5 of 6 | 8 of 8 | 27 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ciryl Gane | 30 of 40 | 75% | 8 of 16 | 9 of 11 | 13 of 13 | 30 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aspinall (-380), Gane (+300)
Round 1
Despite never engaging in an undisputed championship bout, Aspinall (15-3, 8-1 UFC) is the current undisputed heavyweight king. He achieved this feat by annihilating Sergei Pavlovich in 69 seconds to claim the interim strap, and then defended that silver title by punching out Curtis Blaydes in exactly one minute. He has been away for a smidge under 15 months, during which time he was elevated to the undisputed holder when Jon Jones cast his throne aside again. Like the Liverpudlian, Gane (13-2, 10-2 UFC)—who forgot his groin cup—has only held the interim belt, so there are a lot of marbles on the line. A potential date with either Jones or light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira looms, and referee Jason Herzog will be on the ball to make sure everything stays copacetic. He takes a deep breath and brings the two to the middle of the cage to issue instructions, and the big men gladly touch ‘em up with no ill will between them. It’s on with the show.
Gane marches forward and slips a right hand, and he cannot get out of the way of a body kick. Aspinall rushes after him, ignoring kicks and jabs to hurl his big right hand, and he knocks Gane back to the wall. Gane responds with his own overhand right and a kick, and he barely blocks a head kick in time. Every collision is a veritable car crash of danger and pain with these two heavyweights, and Gane has already bloodied up Aspinall’s nose. Aspinall shoots for a takedown, and the Frenchman bucks him to the side without concern and resets on the outside. Aspinall fires off a high kick that pounds into the raised guard, and Gane bounces back and forth on his toes while looking for his sharp jab. Gane pump-fakes to draw a reaction out of his opponent, and Aspinall comes out swinging and trips Gane up with a low kick. The Brit spins with a back kick to the torso, and he darts in and out to draw Gane’s reactions.
Gane jabs him in the stomach, and Aspinall counters with a right hand. Gane stomps the front leg with a kick and peppers Aspinall with his jab, and he tries to escape a body kick but is not out of range. The French fighter keeps behind his jab, and he snaps Aspinall’s head back with a particularly strong one. Gane hyperextends the lead leg with his stomp kick, and Aspinall thinks about a spin and bails on it, only to offer a high-five and a grin to his opponent. Gane pecks away with his sharp jab, staying light on his feet and switching stances frequently. Aspinall chambers and fires a hefty leg kick that Gane takes well, and Gane’s jab is bloodying up the Brit more and more with every impact. They crash together with punches, and Gane’s fingers push off and jam into both of Aspinall’s eyes at once in a Three Stooges-esque disaster. Herzog sees it and calls time, and Aspinall walks to the cage and leans on it in pain. Herzog calls in the doctor as the replays shows both eyes were impacted. Aspinall appears to tell the doctor that he cannot see, and that would be the worst possible outcome if true. Herzog goes over to calm Aspinall down, giving him a towel to hold over his eye and take more time. Once more, Aspinall appears to tell someone that he cannot see. Aspinall is struggling to even open his eye, and he has the doctor further check on the condition. Herzog handles this ordeal like a consummate professional, asking Aspinall once more if he can see. Aspinall says no, so Herzog declares properly that this heavyweight championship bout will be ruled a no contest due to the accidental foul. Gane, learning this news, collapses to the ground in contrition and melancholy, and fans abandon ship in droves and depart the building silently.
Aspinall, who still cannot open his right eye, is incensed that the remaining audience is booing him and curses them out. They keep booing until they see the definitive slow-mo replay, and ouch. He does not stick around long, as he wants to get his eye checked out by the professionals. The crestfallen Gane apologizes to everyone for the inadvertent foul—sometimes these things really do happen in MMA—and hopes that he can get another crack at Aspinall soon. If they run it back in the near future, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
The Official Result
Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane is Ruled a No Contest (Accidental Eye Poke) R1 4:35
Angelo picks Tom Aspinall confidently, calling Ciryl Gane undeserving of the title shot. He notes Aspinall's well-rounded skills, 100% takedown accuracy and defense, and hand speed. However, he admits uncertainty about Aspinall's ability to handle adversity or a long fight, as he has only fought 16 minutes in nine UFC fights. Despite this, he believes Aspinall wins any way he wants.
Big Brady is extremely confident in Tom Aspinall, stating he should run through Ciryl Gane. He criticizes Gane's takedown defense and grappling, noting he was outgrappled by Ngannou, Volkov, and submitted by Jones. Brady believes Aspinall has the power to KO anyone and the grappling to submit Gane. He expects Aspinall to close the distance, get the fight to the ground, and finish Gane in the first round via submission.
Cody picks Tom Aspinall to retain the title, citing Aspinall's wrecking ball form and Gane's exploitable grappling. He notes that while Gane has good elbows and cardio, his takedown defense is weak, as seen against Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Cody believes Aspinall can knock him out or submit him early, but acknowledges the risk if the fight extends past the first round due to Aspinall's history of early finishes and potential cardio issues.
Connor also picks Aspinall, emphasizing that Gane struggles against opponents who press him and don't respect his range. He compares Aspinall's approach to Volkov's pressure in their fight, which caused Gane to make poor grappling decisions. Connor believes Aspinall's athleticism and wrestling will be too much for Gane, though he notes Aspinall's cardio could be a concern if the fight goes long.
Daniel Vreeland is extremely high on Tom Aspinall, calling him the 'baddest man on the planet' and praising his one-two combination, ground game, and finishing ability. He acknowledges Ciryl Gane's diversity and leg lock threat but believes Aspinall's speed and power will be too much. He notes that Aspinall hasn't been tested past the first round but doesn't see that as a flaw. He picks Aspinall to win decisively.
Lucrative James picks Tom Aspinall to win by submission or ground-and-pound finish in the first round. He highlights Aspinall's massive power and speed advantage early, as well as his superior grappling, noting that Ciryl Gane has repeatedly shown grappling holes against strikers like Francis Ngannou and Alexander Volkov. He acknowledges Gane's technical striking and cardio advantage if the fight goes late, but believes Aspinall's early finishing ability and wrestling will be too much. He also mentions that Gane has been training in Abu Dhabi for a month, giving him an acclimatization edge, but still favors Aspinall.
The host believes Aspinall's physical advantages in speed and power will be too much for Gane. He expects Aspinall to touch Gane up on the feet and mix in takedowns, leading to a finish within two rounds.
Paul also picks Tom Aspinall, emphasizing his well-rounded game with high-level BJJ and knockout power. He notes Aspinall's 100% takedown accuracy in the UFC and believes he can submit Gane similar to Jon Jones. However, Paul warns that if Aspinall doesn't finish early, his cardio could be a concern, as seen in the Arlovski fight, and suggests live betting on Gane if the fight goes past round one.
The MMA Guru picks Tom Aspinall by Kimura submission in the first round, around 3-4 minutes. He believes Aspinall's speed and power will be too much for Gane, and that Gane overthinks in high-pressure situations. He compares their common opponents (Spivac, Volkov, Tuivasa) and sees Aspinall as levels above. He predicts Aspinall will sting Gane on the feet, then get a body lock takedown and transition to a Kimura from top position. He also mentions a PrizePicks bet on Aspinall under 1.5 rounds.
Zane picks Aspinall, believing his pressure and willingness to exchange will overwhelm Gane. He notes Aspinall's lack of deep fight experience but thinks his aggression and wrestling will force Gane into mistakes, likely finishing within two rounds. Zane acknowledges Gane's technical striking but doubts his ability to handle Aspinall's relentless forward pressure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 1 | 14 of 19 | 73% | 14 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Curtis Blaydes | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 12 | 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 | Tom Aspinall | 1 | 14 of 19 | 73% | 14 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Curtis Blaydes | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 14 of 19 | 73% | 14 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 11 |
| Curtis Blaydes | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 14 of 19 | 73% | 14 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 11 |
| Curtis Blaydes | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Tom Aspinall, noting that Curtis Blaydes has abandoned his wrestling and has not attempted a takedown in three years. He believes Aspinall is the much better striker and may even mix in takedowns after watching Blaydes get taken down by Jailton Almeida. Angelo warns that heavyweights can always land a knockout, but confidently picks Aspinall.
Cody picks Tom Aspinall, noting his superior boxing, power, and athleticism. He points out that Curtis Blaydes often fails to commit to takedowns and gets knocked out when standing, as seen against Francis Ngannou and Sergei Pavlovich. Cody believes Aspinall's chin is better and that he can finish Blaydes early, likely by knockout in round one or two. He also mentions that Blaydes' wrestling may not be effective against Aspinall's BJJ.
Daniel dismisses the first fight as a fluke injury TKO and believes Tom Aspinall is the superior athlete with better footwork, striking, and fight IQ. He criticizes Blaydes' decision to stand with Pavlovich and thinks Aspinall will finish him early. He predicts a first-round knockout.
Daniel picks Tom Aspinall, citing his superior wrestling, athleticism, and striking power. He notes that Aspinall took down and submitted Volkov, and knocked out Pavlovich, while Blaydes has been exposed by grapplers like Jailton Almeida. He doubts Blaydes can grind out a 25-minute decision and believes Aspinall is far more dangerous on the feet.
Jeff also picks Aspinall, agreeing with Daniel's assessment. He notes Aspinall has the complete package and Blaydes has been out-grappled before. He wishes the line were better but accepts it.
Paul takes a shot on Curtis Blaydes at plus money, citing the volatility of heavyweights. He acknowledges that Aspinall is the more likely winner but notes that Blaydes has cardio and wrestling that could cause problems if the fight goes into later rounds. Paul mentions that he faded Blaydes before but is willing to take a chance at plus 421, as heavyweights are unpredictable.
The MMA Guru picks Tom Aspinall by TKO in the first round. He believes Aspinall is better in every way—faster, more powerful, and with better grappling. He dismisses the first fight due to Aspinall's injury and notes that Blaydes didn't land a clean punch. The Guru points to Aspinall's quick submission of Sergei Pavlovich and his ability to finish fights. He also mentions that Jon Jones tossed Blaydes around, suggesting Aspinall can do the same. He expects Aspinall to land a one-two and finish on the feet.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 0 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sergei Pavlovich | 1 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 0 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sergei Pavlovich | 1 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 1 of 7 | 14% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sergei Pavlovich | 10 of 14 | 71% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 1 of 7 | 14% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sergei Pavlovich | 10 of 14 | 71% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aspinall (-118), Pavlovich (-102)
Round 1
The interim heavyweight strap looms, while current champ Jon Jones is on the mend from shoulder surgery. It is unclear if the winner of this fight will face the victor between the rescheduled Jones-Stipe Miocic tilt that may happen next year, as a lot of factors remain. This silver medal will be vied for by a pair of finishers that have each claimed six victories opposite a single defeat in the UFC thus far, and in those 14 fights, only Aspinall (13-3, 6-1 UFC) has reached Round 2. Once. The betting line that Pavlovich (18-1, 6-1 UFC) and Aspinall reach the final bell is currently around -1400, although that same prop for Jailton Almeida and Derrick Lewis last week was an astounding -3500, and everyone knows what happened. This is MMA, where anything can and often does happen. The fighters share an embrace when brought together, and referee Dan Miragliotta takes a deep breath. Pavlovich keeps his left hand out early to measure, and Aspinall kicks the lead leg in a hurry. Aspinall splits the guard with a front kick that just grazes the midsection, and a kick is checked by Pavlovich. A flurry from the Russian dislodges Aspinall’s mouthpiece, and he appears surprised at the power that came his way as he resets it. Pavlovich blocks a high kick and crowds his man with an overhand right that connects and hurts Pavlovich. Aspinall reaches out with a left, and follows with a momentous right hook that collides square into the temple. Pavlovich’s eyes go wide as his balance gives out, and he slowly collapses to his back like a flan in a cupboard. Confidence through the roof, Aspinall pounces, and he completely hammers the nail with three hammerfists before Miragliotta reaches him to shove the new champion off of the fallen Russian. Aspinall has done it, becoming the third Brit to claim a UFC belt, and joining Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards. What a night of fights so far, and there is one more championship to go.
The Official Result
Tom Aspinall def. Sergei Pavlovich R1 1:09 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Aspinall, citing his well-roundedness and ability to mix in takedowns. He notes Pavlovich has insane power but is untested in later rounds and against takedowns. He thinks Aspinall's wrestling and BJJ will be the difference, but he is not betting due to the even odds and volatility.
Big Brady slightly leans Tom Aspinall, citing his multiple paths to victory. He notes Aspinall has a significant advantage on the ground with his BJJ and ground-and-pound, while Pavlovich has shown nothing off his back. However, he acknowledges Pavlovich's terrifying power and that Aspinall must get the fight to the mat. Brady says he probably won't bet the moneyline but might look at a prop.
Cody leans Pavlovich, citing Aspinall's questionable cardio after the first round and his knee injury history. He thinks Pavlovich's power and pressure will be too much, and that Aspinall hasn't proven he can go into deep waters. He notes Pavlovich's training partners praise his cardio, and he believes Pavlovich will land something big and take over.
James picks Tom Aspinall, believing he should be a decent favorite despite the even line. He sees the striking as roughly 50/50, but gives Aspinall 80% of the grappling upside. He notes Pavlovich's takedown defense is untested and Aspinall has athletic takedowns. He acknowledges the short notice for Aspinall but thinks it matters less at heavyweight. He sees Aspinall having more paths to win: decision, submission, or knockout.
Aspinall's speed, agility, and athleticism will be key. He can land a straight right or secure a takedown and dominate from top position. Pavlovich's grappling vulnerability was exposed by Overeem. Aspinall's physicality will allow him to snatch the victory. Expects a finish, calling it round two. Short notice is less of a concern at heavyweight.
Paul is a believer in Pavlovich, having taken him at +135 earlier. He dismisses the Overeem loss as a debut five years ago, noting Pavlovich has improved immensely at Eagles MMA. He thinks Pavlovich's takedown defense and devastating power make him a problem, and that Aspinall's cardio and durability are unproven.
The MMA Guru picks Tom Aspinall, citing his superior movement and fight IQ. He notes that Pavlovich's opponents have stood still, while Aspinall will use footwork, feints, and takedown threats. He predicts Aspinall will get a takedown and submit Pavlovich in round two, possibly with a rear-naked choke. He also mentions Pavlovich's high activity may lead to accumulated injuries.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 1 | 13 of 18 | 72% | 13 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Marcin Tybura | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 4 of 15 | 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 | Tom Aspinall | 1 | 13 of 18 | 72% | 13 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Marcin Tybura | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 13 of 18 | 72% | 12 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 8 |
| Marcin Tybura | 4 of 15 | 26% | 2 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 13 of 18 | 72% | 12 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 8 |
| Marcin Tybura | 4 of 15 | 26% | 2 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is all-in on Tom Aspinall, believing he should dominate anywhere the fight goes. He acknowledges the knee injury concern but thinks Aspinall's speed, power, and BJJ are superior. He calls Aspinall the most confident pick on the card and suggests him as a parlay piece with Molly McCann.
Big Brady picks Tom Aspinall to win by first-round knockout. He calls it a setup fight for Aspinall after his injury. He notes Tybura has been knocked out by Derrick Lewis and others, and questions his chin. He thinks Aspinall's speed and power will be too much, and Tybura's only path is to take Aspinall down or outlast him, which he doubts. He mentions Tybura looked skinny at the face-off.
Cody acknowledges Aspinall is likely to win but sees value on Tybura at +380 due to Aspinall's knee injury and heavyweight volatility. He took a very small bet on Tybura, fully expecting to lose, but thinks the price is too high on Aspinall. He mentions that historically, plus money heavyweights have value.
Daniel picks Tom Aspinall to win, citing his speed, technical striking, and well-rounded game including takedowns and submissions. He notes that Aspinall represents the new wave of heavyweights and has a significant speed advantage over Tybura. However, he is concerned about the price at -475, calling it a 'sucker bet' and stating he lines Aspinall closer to -400. He also mentions the risk of freak injury given Aspinall's recent surgery. Despite the pick, he passes on betting due to poor value.
James picks Tom Aspinall to win by finish in round two. He acknowledges Aspinall's cardio is an unknown but notes that the only evidence of a cardio issue was the Arlovski fight where Aspinall seemed to have an adrenaline dump but still finished. He believes Aspinall is better than Tybura everywhere and that Tybura's only advantages are experience and potential cardio. James thinks Aspinall will be smarter this time and not steamroll in round one, but will get the finish in round two. He mentions that Tybura at +350 is the value side but he still favors Aspinall.
The host picks Tom Aspinall, citing his speed, power, and ability to finish. He notes Tybura has been hurt early in fights before but that Aspinall is a better finisher than those opponents. He predicts a first-round stoppage and suggests targeting under 1.5 rounds.
Paul picks Aspinall but notes the price is too high to bet straight. He suggests live betting Tybura after the first round if Aspinall gasses. He highlights Aspinall's speed, power, and BJJ, but also his cardio concerns and the knee injury. He would hedge if Aspinall is on a parlay.
The MMA Guru picks Tom Aspinall, calling it a logical pick. He criticizes Marcin Tybura's age and conditioning, and notes Tybura has no submission wins in the UFC. The Guru believes Aspinall has a massive advantage on the feet and on the ground, and predicts a finish in the first round, either by TKO or takedown. He also mentions Aspinall's year off and vengeance after surgery.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curtis Blaydes | 0 | 4 of 10 | 40% | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Tom Aspinall | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curtis Blaydes | 0 | 4 of 10 | 40% | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Tom Aspinall | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curtis Blaydes | 4 of 10 | 40% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tom Aspinall | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curtis Blaydes | 4 of 10 | 40% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tom Aspinall | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Curtis Blaydes, citing his next-level wrestling and recent striking improvement. He notes Blaydes has taken down elite heavyweights like Volkov, Overeem, and Hunt, while Aspinall's 100% takedown defense is based on only two defended attempts. He believes Blaydes will have success on the feet but ultimately get takedowns and win. He has a moneyline bet on Blaydes as an underdog.
Big Brady picks Tom Aspinall to win by first-round knockout, but he is hesitant. He notes Blaydes is a tough matchup with great wrestling, but Aspinall is the much better striker with power and speed. He questions Aspinall's takedown defense but thinks his BJJ black belt and get-up game could be key. He believes Aspinall can knock Blaydes out early.
Cody leans towards Tom Aspinall, expecting an early stoppage within the first 10 minutes. He highlights Aspinall's superior hands, pro boxing experience, and size advantage. Cody notes Blaydes' tendency to get complacent striking and his late notice for the fight. He also mentions Aspinall's jiu-jitsu can keep him safe on the ground. Cody plans to live bet Blaydes if Aspinall doesn't finish early.
Daniel Levi picks Tom Aspinall to win, arguing that Aspinall's speed, variety, and well-rounded game will be too much for Curtis Blaydes. He dismisses the notion that Blaydes can simply extend the fight and win, noting that Blaydes lost the championship rounds against Volkov. Levi emphasizes Aspinall's impressive grappling, including a straight arm lock submission on Volkov, and believes Aspinall's takedown defense and offensive wrestling are underrated. He also mentions the home crowd advantage and Blaydes' potential jet lag.
Aspinall has cardio questions. If Blaydes survives the early onslaught and takes Aspinall down, Aspinall will gas. Blaydes has faced tougher competition and has more tools to win over a longer fight. I see Blaydes finishing Aspinall in the third round via TKO from top position.
Paul leans towards Curtis Blaydes at plus money, citing uncertainty about Tom Aspinall's cardio and performance if taken down multiple times. He notes Blaydes has never been an underdog in the UFC and has strong wrestling and top control. Paul suggests live betting Aspinall early and then Blaydes if Aspinall doesn't finish. He admits he doesn't love the pick and probably won't bet it.
The MMA Guru picks Tom Aspinall to win by first-round TKO. He notes Blaydes has a pattern of overcommitting to a strategy and losing. Aspinall is quick, technical, and has a jiu-jitsu background. He will chop the legs, land combos, and time a takedown. Blaydes will get back up but take damage, and Aspinall will finish him late in the first round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 0 | 13 of 23 | 56% | 13 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alexander Volkov | 0 | 29 of 43 | 67% | 35 of 50 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:54 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 0 | 13 of 23 | 56% | 13 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alexander Volkov | 0 | 29 of 43 | 67% | 35 of 50 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:54 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 13 of 23 | 56% | 6 of 16 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Alexander Volkov | 29 of 43 | 67% | 16 of 30 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 8 | 16 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 16 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 13 of 23 | 56% | 6 of 16 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Alexander Volkov | 29 of 43 | 67% | 16 of 30 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 8 | 16 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 16 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In extremely hostile territory, Russian striker Volkov (34-9, 8-3 UFC) will compete as one half of the main event against surging British upstart and pure finisher Aspinall (11-2, 4-0 UFC). The partisan crowd has been treated to plenty of locals getting their hand raised thus far tonight, and they hope to end the night with the Team Kaobon fighter out of Manchester getting it done once more. Referee Marc Goddard will serve as the final Octagon ranger of the evening, and a cool hand shake is exchanged before the two inflict powerful heavyweight violence on one another. Aspinall starts first with several quick punches, landing a trio of shots on the chin as Volkov is caught standing still. Volkov backs off to get into his preferred range, landing leg kicks and checking one of his own. The Brit surges forward, grabbing hold of his opponent and wrenching him down to the mat. Landing in side control one minute into the round, Aspinall elects to step into half guard and hack down with short elbows. Volkov is already cut from these elbows on the side of his head, and Aspinall continues working on it. Aspinall lets go with his other hand, slamming down fists and elbows as Volkov struggles to work his way to the fence. When the Russian sits up, Aspinall isolates a two-on-one wrist lock to try to hunt for a kimura, but Volkov straightens his arm and fights back up to his feet. Aspinall resets, and Volkov chips at him with a leg kick and a right hand as Aspinall advances with a hacking standing elbow. Aspinall attacks the leg and stands right in front of his opponent, throwing strikes, and Volkov is frozen watching it happen. Aspinall throws a kick and falls to the ground, and although Volkov runs over to try to capitalize on the position, Aspinall rolls and stands back up to high five Volkov. The Brit gathers his footing and rushes in, hitting a tackle of a double-leg takedown to put the Russian down to the canvas again.
Instead of hunting for ground-and-pound, Aspinall immediately goes after Volkov’s left arm. Briefly considering a kimura again, Aspinall changes it up to lock up a straight armbar, and Volkov taps out frantically when his elbow hyperextends.
The Team Kaobon fighter releases, and he sprints to the cage wall to climb it alongside teammate Darren Till. This is unquestionably a breakout performance for the instant heavyweight contender, blowing through a durable, crafty veteran while barely breaking a sweat. What a major turn of events in a fight card full of them, closing out a thrilling card that very well will be involved in “Event of the Year” conversations in nine-plus months. In his post-fight conversation with commentator Michael Bisping, the victorious Aspinall challenges Tai Tuivasa to drink beer with him – and fight – when the promotion returns to England. Should that come together, we will be here for it, and we hope you are too.
The Official Result
Tom Aspinall def. Alexander Volkov R1 3:45 via Submission (Straight Armbar)
Angelo picks Tom Aspinall, citing his superior pure striking, more power, and better grappling compared to Volkov. He notes that Volkov has lost to strikers like Gane and Lewis, and to grapplers like Blaydes. Angelo acknowledges Volkov's durability and the fact that Aspinall has never gone three rounds, but still sees Aspinall as the straightforward pick. He has a moneyline bet on Aspinall at minus 110.
Big Brady picks Alexander Volkov to win by late knockout. He has question marks about Aspinall's cardio, as Aspinall has never won a fight past 1.5 rounds and slowed in the Arlovski fight. Brady believes Volkov has a proven chin, excellent cardio, and has faced much better competition. He doubts Aspinall can take Volkov down and thinks the fight will stay on the feet, where Volkov's experience and durability will prevail.
Cody picks Aspinall but is hesitant due to the five-round distance. He notes Aspinall's speed and power advantage, and thinks his grappling might be better, but the five rounds scare him. He hasn't placed a bet on it.
Daniel Levi picks Tom Aspinall at dog odds (+110), citing his speed advantage, confidence, and Volkov's potential decline after missing a title shot. He notes Aspinall's footwork and movement are rare for a heavyweight, and that Volkov's recent performances have been shaky. Levi acknowledges the cardio question but believes Aspinall can finish early or outpoint Volkov. He also mentions that Volkov's last two five-round fights were losses.
Volkov is a 43-fight veteran who has only been knocked out twice, showing durability. Aspinall's win condition is a first-round KO; if he doesn't get it, he fades. Volkov's range kickboxing, teeps, and leg kicks will chip away at Aspinall's gas tank. Aspinall's win over Spivak was impressive but Spivak looked intimidated. Volkov at underdog odds is great value; I'll bet him at +120 to +130 for 2 units. I'm picking Volkov via third-round TKO.
Paul picks Volkov, emphasizing the five-round advantage and Volkov's durability. He argues Aspinall needs a first-round KO, but Volkov has a good chin and cardio. He cites Volkov's improvements in takedown defense and size, and believes Aspinall's aggressive style will lead to fatigue in later rounds.
The Guru picks Tom Aspinall despite the close odds, citing Aspinall's speed, power, and grappling pedigree. He notes Volkov's vulnerability to being cracked, referencing Derrick Lewis's knockout, and believes Aspinall's team focus (after Darren Till left) will elevate him. He also mentions potential hometown judging bias in the UK. He predicts a first-round TKO, with Aspinall landing a 1-2 straight down the pipe.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 1 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 16 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Serghei Spivac | 0 | 0 of 11 | 0% | 0 of 11 | 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 | Tom Aspinall | 1 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 16 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Serghei Spivac | 0 | 0 of 11 | 0% | 0 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 16 of 26 | 61% | 12 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 10 |
| Serghei Spivac | 0 of 11 | 0% | 0 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 16 of 26 | 61% | 12 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 10 |
| Serghei Spivac | 0 of 11 | 0% | 0 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Tom Aspinall to win by knockout, citing Aspinall's excellent striking volume (7.43 sig strikes/min, 66% accuracy) and power. He acknowledges question marks about Aspinall's takedown defense and cardio beyond the first round, but believes Spivac's short notice and questionable cardio will prevent him from wrestling effectively for three rounds. Brady notes Spivac has been knocked out before (by Walt Harris) and expects Aspinall to finish him either early or late as Spivac gasses. He cautions against parlays this week due to close fights.
Cody picks Aspinall but suggests betting Spivac live after the first round, expecting Aspinall to dominate early and the line to swell. He notes Aspinall's cardio concerns and Spivac's ability to fight deep, but thinks Spivac looked awful against Olenyk and is on short notice. He believes Aspinall's speed and power will be too much early, but if it goes past round one, Spivac could take over.
I'm fading Aspinall because his cardio is suspect—he gassed against Stuart Austin and slowed against Arlovski. Spivak has shown he can go deep into fights, like against Carlos Felipe. Aspinall's grappling defense is questionable; he got submitted by Austin and looked bad on his back. Spivak keeps a high pace and can wrestle. If Aspinall doesn't finish early, Spivak will take over. I bet Spivak on the moneyline and like Spivak by decision at +500.
Paul is staying away from this fight, citing the big juice on heavyweights and the uncertainty of both young fighters. He mentions Aspinall's cardio issues and Spivac's poor performance against Olenyk, but doesn't commit to a pick. He notes the prop 'Aspinall by KO' is -120 but still doesn't want to bet.
The MMA Guru picks Tom Aspinall to win by first-round TKO. He believes Aspinall's size, athleticism, and jiu-jitsu black belt will prevent Spivac from grinding him out. He notes Spivac starts slow and makes mistakes on the feet early, and on short notice, Spivac's cardio will be compromised. He compares it to Walt Harris's TKO of Spivac.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 0 | 20 of 55 | 36% | 22 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 37 of 60 | 61% | 41 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 0 | 16 of 42 | 38% | 18 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 33 of 54 | 61% | 37 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:09 | |
| 2 | Tom Aspinall | 0 | 4 of 13 | 30% | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 20 of 55 | 36% | 8 of 40 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 6 | 17 of 49 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 37 of 60 | 61% | 22 of 44 | 6 of 7 | 9 of 9 | 24 of 40 | 13 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Aspinall | 16 of 42 | 38% | 7 of 31 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 13 of 36 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 33 of 54 | 61% | 21 of 42 | 6 of 6 | 6 of 6 | 20 of 34 | 13 of 20 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tom Aspinall | 4 of 13 | 30% | 1 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Daniel Levi dismisses the narrative that Aspinall gasses after the first round, noting his only real loss was a heel hook in 2015 and a DQ due to an illegal elbow. He praises Aspinall's physical traits: 6'5", 265 lbs, 78-inch reach, and straight punches down the pipe. Levi believes Aspinall's sparring with Tyson Fury and training at Team Cowboy have elevated his game. He expects Aspinall to knock out Arlovski in the first round, comparing it to when Jairzinho Rozenstruik knocked out Arlovski.
Andrei Arlovski - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Buday | 0 | 74 of 119 | 62% | 98 of 147 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:58 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 54 of 84 | 64% | 165 of 199 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Buday | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 16 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 8 of 21 | 38% | 55 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:18 | |
| 2 | Martin Buday | 0 | 27 of 46 | 58% | 32 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:09 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 22 of 32 | 68% | 45 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 3 | Martin Buday | 0 | 33 of 48 | 68% | 50 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:01 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 24 of 31 | 77% | 65 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Buday | 74 of 119 | 62% | 34 of 69 | 26 of 33 | 14 of 17 | 54 of 97 | 20 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 54 of 84 | 64% | 24 of 51 | 25 of 27 | 5 of 6 | 23 of 48 | 31 of 36 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Buday | 14 of 25 | 56% | 8 of 17 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 8 of 21 | 38% | 5 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Martin Buday | 27 of 46 | 58% | 14 of 29 | 8 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 19 of 37 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 22 of 32 | 68% | 8 of 16 | 11 of 12 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 14 | 14 of 18 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Martin Buday | 33 of 48 | 68% | 12 of 23 | 14 of 16 | 7 of 9 | 23 of 38 | 10 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 24 of 31 | 77% | 11 of 18 | 13 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 18 | 13 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Arlovski, citing his experience and tendency to win close decisions. He notes that Buday has low output and poor wrestling, and that Arlovski is a fan favorite who often gets the nod in close fights. Cody believes Arlovski can outpoint Buday in a low-volume affair, but admits it's a risky pick.
Daniel thinks Buday will win the fight by pinning Arlovski against the fence and wearing him down with dirty boxing. However, he is hesitant to lay the price because similar prospects like Tanner Boser and Philipe Lins failed to finish Arlovski. He notes that Aspen Ladd did his job at a similar price, so he expects Buday to win but is not interested in the bet.
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 picks Buday, expecting him to be pissed off after his last loss and to pressure Arlovski. He thinks Buday's clinch work and forward pressure will wear on Arlovski, and hopes Buday goes for takedowns to finish easily. He recommends Buday inside the distance at +150.
Paul leans toward Arlovski, noting that Buday has been out struck in recent fights and that Arlovski has a history of winning split decisions. He believes Arlovski's durability and experience will be key, and that Buday lacks the power to finish him. Paul expects a boring decision win for Arlovski.
The Guru picks Martin Buday over Andrei Arlovski. He notes Arlovski's age and recent KO losses. He likes Buday's pressure game plan and training with Tom Aspinall. He believes Buday will lean on Arlovski in the clinch and break him down with body shots.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldo Cortes Acosta | 0 | 58 of 127 | 45% | 58 of 127 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 49 of 136 | 36% | 50 of 137 | 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 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 15 of 48 | 31% | 15 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 0 | 20 of 41 | 48% | 20 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 14 of 44 | 31% | 14 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 0 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 21 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldo Cortes Acosta | 58 of 127 | 45% | 13 of 63 | 22 of 40 | 23 of 24 | 58 of 127 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 49 of 136 | 36% | 24 of 97 | 11 of 19 | 14 of 20 | 46 of 131 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 15 of 40 | 37% | 4 of 21 | 5 of 12 | 6 of 7 | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 15 of 48 | 31% | 8 of 36 | 4 of 7 | 3 of 5 | 15 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 20 of 41 | 48% | 4 of 20 | 8 of 13 | 8 of 8 | 20 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 14 of 44 | 31% | 6 of 29 | 2 of 6 | 6 of 9 | 14 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 23 of 46 | 50% | 5 of 22 | 9 of 15 | 9 of 9 | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 20 of 44 | 45% | 10 of 32 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 6 | 17 of 39 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cortes-Acosta (-600), Arlovski (+440)
Round 1
It’s a titanic tussle to start off the main card, as heavyweights collide with 50% knockout rates between them. Former champ Arlovski (34-22, 2 NC; 23-16, 1 NC UFC) is looking to end his losing streak before he turns 45, while the relative youngster Cortes-Acosta (10-1, 3-1 UFC), almost 13 years his junior, is seeking to be a contender. Fists are soon to fly, but referee Marc Goddard is there to keep things on the up-and-up just in case. There is no glove touch to begin, as Cortes-Acosta instead wants to reach his target with an introductory kick to the ribs. Arlovski kicks high, gets blocked, and keeps his guard up to defend against a kick to his dome. Arlovski lands two kicks to the lead leg, and he makes Cortes-Acosta pull back from a kick and land his own to the side. Cortes-Acosta swings and misses with a wide overhand right, and Arlovski reaches him at the end of a head kick. Arlovski scores with a left hand, and his hands open as a finger grazes the eye. Cortes-Acosta is alright and waves off a pause, and they trade hands for a moment. Arlovski whiffs on a haymaker of his own, and Cortes-Acosta rifles off a right hand to the midsection. Cortes-Acosta jumps forward with a switch kick that pushes off the body, and Arlovski responds with two jabs and a missed spinning back fist. Arlovski does land with a low kick, and Cortes-Acosta shrugs at him and leaps forward with two massive hooks that cannot find their mark. Arlovski tries and fails to get him back with a big hook, and Cortes-Acosta plods forward and swings a back fist at him. Arlovski pokes out a jab, and Cortes-Acosta reaches him with a right hand and goes high with a kick. The two big men go tit-for-tat with single strikes, and Arlovski lands a glancing blow and leans back to dodge a monstrous uppercut. Arlovski bounces off the fence when evading a kick aimed at his torso, and Cortes-Acosta dips down and rings Arlovski’s bell with a left hand on the temple. Arlovski blinks it off and starts peppering jabs, and a low kick follows with an audible thud. Cortes-Acosta comes out swinging, pouring it on with huge punches, and Arlovski sways and dodges to defend against every single one. The round ends as an Arlovski right hand bounces off his foe’s shoulder.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Round 2
The second round opens with Cortes-Acosta throwing heavy strikes, and Arlovski is ready to parry and avoid them. Arlovski doubles up on a jab, and he kicks the inner thigh. Cortes-Acosta lands two kicks and starts salsa dancing, and Arlovski does not bite and engage. Cortes-Acosta dips straight into a left hook, and he reaches his foe with his own left hand. Cortes-Acosta starts shaking his hips and trying to draw Arlovski in, and he slaps the veteran in the face with an open-handed slap. Arlovski protests, but it is a legal strike. Cortes-Acosta measures out a few jabs, and the volume diminishes for both fighters as they likely have low accuracy rates as well. Cortes-Acosta comes up short with a spinning back fist, and he gets Arlovski’s attention with a single left hook in the midst of a blitz. Cortes-Acosta dances when Arlovski lands on him, and he is showboating even though he lands very little on his own side. A jab from Arlovski dislodges the mouthpiece of his opponent, and Arlovski looks frustrated at the pause of the action or lack thereof. Cortes-Acosta blocks the oncoming strikes for the most part, and he parries an Arlovski blitz. Arlovski lands to the body, and Cortes-Acosta surges into action with several flailing punches. A few land, including an uppercut, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Round 3
The final round opens up, and the first strike lands courtesy of Cortes-Acosta in the form of a light leg kick. Arlovski kicks him back harder, and the stalemate of awkward strikes resumes. Cortes-Acosta crowds him and throws big strikes, and a big right hand from “Salsa Boy” appears to straighten Arlovski’s crooked nose. Arlovski targets the body and kicks high, and Cortes-Acosta shrugs at him. Arlovski again strikes the body and rolls with the winging punches aimed at him, and Cortes-Acosta again shrugs at him and takes three punches. Arlovski gets off a leg kick, and Cortes-Acosta splits the guard with a power right hand that shakes the former champion up. Arlovski recovers, and he lands a light leg kick that makes Cortes-Acosta mockingly grunt loudly at him. Cortes-Acosta sells out with two looping hooks that miss the mark, and Arlovski spins with a back fist in response. Arlovski has a high kick bounce off the guard, and he jabs his way forward. Cortes-Acosta lines up a huge right hand and appears to hurt Arlovski, but Arlovski leans down and connects with an overhand right before signaling he suffered an eye poke. Time is not called, and they trade body kicks as Cortes-Acosta is in full showboating mode. Matt Hughes would not be impressed by his performance. Cortes-Acosta pushes out a front kick and tries to tie Arlovski up, but is pushed back thanks in part to a front kick from the Belarusian. Arlovski gets off a high kick, and Cortes-Acosta starts talking to him. Arlovski spins with a kick to the ribs, and Cortes-Acosta slaps for him. Arlovski blitzes forward, lands a few heavy punches, and Cortes-Acosta takes them flush and asks for more. The fight ends with Arlovski launching a flurry of strikes, and he is not a happy camper as he stares at the younger fighter. Due to the low volume and oddly connecting strikes, scorecards could be diverse here. It was not a good fight, and no one came out ahead, winner or loser.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (29-28 Cortes-Acosta)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (29-28 Cortes-Acosta)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (29-28 Cortes-Acosta)
The Official Result
Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Andrei Arlovski via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Waldo Cortes Acosta, stating that while Andrei Arlovski is the better fighter historically, his age (44) and compromised chin make him unlikely to win. He notes Waldo's athleticism, power, and toughness. He suggests Waldo inside the distance as a likely prop bet.
Big Brady is very confident, calling the fight a mismatch. He notes Arlovski is 44, has been knocked out 12 times, and was recently knocked out by Dantel Maye. He believes Cortes Acosta is younger, hits hard, and will finish Arlovski early. He expresses concern for Arlovski's safety.
Cody picks Waldo, citing his youth, boxing background, volume, and the fact that Arlovski is old and on a decline. He notes that Arlovski has no takedown threat, so Waldo can box freely. He expects Waldo to land bigger shots and possibly get a finish, but acknowledges that if Waldo doesn't put him away, it could be a close decision.
Daniel Vreeland picks Waldo Cortes-Acosta to win, noting his athleticism and youth should be the difference. He mentions Cortes-Acosta's baseball background and punching power. Vreeland has been picking against Arlovski for years and sees no reason to change now, though he's not crazy about the minus-600 line.
James does not discuss this fight in the transcript.
Waldo Cortes Acosta is a volume striker who works behind his jab and maintains a high output. He has good footwork and can outpoint opponents over three rounds. Andrei Arlovski is a veteran who fades in fights and has been finished in his last two losses. This should be a striking battle, and Cortes Acosta's consistent output should earn him a decision. I'm not touching the moneyline at -600, but the over 1.5 rounds is a good play, and Cortes Acosta by decision is worth a sprinkle if the odds are right.
Paul does not make a clear pick. He says he thinks Waldo will win but won't bet him at -650. He considers waiting for the line to move to +500 on Arlovski but doesn't commit. He mentions the possibility of Waldo freezing up against a legend.
The MMA Guru picks Waldo Cortes Acosta, citing Andrei Arlovski's declining chin and recent losses. He notes Arlovski got KO'd by Don'Tale Mayes and struggled with Jake Collier and Jared Vanderaa. He believes Cortes Acosta's boxing and power will lead to a first-round KO, and suggests the UFC wants Arlovski to lose due to his high salary.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don'Tale Mayes | 0 | 24 of 56 | 42% | 26 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 1 | 25 of 87 | 28% | 28 of 91 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don'Tale Mayes | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 16 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 8 of 47 | 17% | 11 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Don'Tale Mayes | 0 | 10 of 31 | 32% | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 1 | 17 of 40 | 42% | 17 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don'Tale Mayes | 24 of 56 | 42% | 10 of 36 | 9 of 10 | 5 of 10 | 24 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 25 of 87 | 28% | 14 of 58 | 4 of 14 | 7 of 15 | 22 of 82 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don'Tale Mayes | 14 of 25 | 56% | 5 of 12 | 5 of 6 | 4 of 7 | 14 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 8 of 47 | 17% | 5 of 33 | 1 of 7 | 2 of 7 | 7 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Don'Tale Mayes | 10 of 31 | 32% | 5 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 3 | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 17 of 40 | 42% | 9 of 25 | 3 of 7 | 5 of 8 | 15 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
Angelo picks Arlovski, believing he is the better fighter in every category except age and chin. He thinks Arlovski's technical striking and experience will overcome Mayes' power. He is concerned about Arlovski's chin after the last fight but still expects him to win. He would bet Arlovski if the line keeps moving.
Cody picks Arlovski, agreeing with Paul. He notes that middling heavyweights often go to decision and that Arlovski is a fan favorite who gets close decisions. Cody points out that Mayes doesn't use his physical advantages and that Arlovski's experience and durability will carry him. He also mentions that Mayes has been knocked out by lesser fighters and that Arlovski is the safer pick.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Mayes is a 'giant ball of wasted potential' who has never realized his athletic gifts. He points out that Arlovski has consistently beaten lower-tier heavyweights who lack a real striking game or finishing ability. Mayes' tendency to throw single strikes and his poor grappling will be exploited by Arlovski's steady pressure and clinch work.
Daniel picks Arlovski, though he admits he hasn't taped the fight deeply. He thinks Mayes has mental fragility and Arlovski's veteran savvy could eke out a decision. He notes that Arlovski has been quitting in fights but Mayes may not bring that out of him. He considers a sprinkle on Arlovski by decision.
Jacob picks Mayes, citing his speed and athleticism advantage over the 44-year-old Arlovski. He thinks Mayes should use range and volume to break down Arlovski's chin. He notes Arlovski looked old and uninterested in his last fight. Jacob is betting $100 on Mayes at +120.
Mayes is a hybrid heavyweight who mixes takedowns behind punches and works well in the clinch. Arlovski is reliant on striking and tends to quit when grappling gets tough. Mayes will tie him up, land takedowns, and control the fight to win a decision. The over 2.5 is the preferred bet.
Paul picks Arlovski at plus money. He notes Mayes has low output and doesn't use his reach or speed advantage. Paul mentions Arlovski's recent wins over low-output fighters and that the UFC seems to give him favorable matchups. He thinks Mayes is overrated as a favorite and that Arlovski can squeak out a decision. Paul also recalls losing money on Mayes in the past, making him hesitant to trust him.
The MMA Guru picks Andrei Arlovski, believing this is one of the heavyweight fights Arlovski wins. He criticizes Don'Tale Mayes for being hesitant on the feet and getting blanketed by Augusto Sakai. He expects Arlovski to frustrate Mayes at range with leg kicks and small shots, while Mayes will be gun-shy and not throw enough. He acknowledges an upset is possible but thinks Arlovski's skill at this level of heavyweight will take over.
Zane picks Arlovski based on his consistent ability to outwork opponents who lack a high-output striking game. He notes that Mayes is a talented but dysfunctional fighter with poor wrestling and no coherent game plan. Arlovski's jab, clinch work, and steady pace have proven too much for similar fighters like Felipe Lins and Tanner Boser. Zane believes Mayes' athleticism won't compensate for his lack of structure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcos Rogério de Lima | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 1 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 25 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcos Rogério de Lima | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 1 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 25 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcos Rogério de Lima | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 6 of 11 | 54% | 3 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcos Rogério de Lima | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrei Arlovski | 6 of 11 | 54% | 3 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Big Brady picks Marcos Rogério de Lima to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Arlovski has been knocked out by power punchers and that de Lima has heavy hands, as seen in his knockout of Ben Rothwell. He mentions that Arlovski's recent wins have come against non-power punchers, and that de Lima's power and early finishing ability will be too much for the 43-year-old Arlovski.
Cody picks Andrei Arlovski as a dog, citing his four-fight winning streak and ability to win close decisions. He notes that Arlovski has been knocked out only by elite power punchers and that Marcos Rogério de Lima is a one-round fighter with poor cardio. Cody expects Arlovski to survive the first round and take over in rounds two and three, winning a decision. He is betting Arlovski.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking de Lima based on his speed and power advantage. He notes that Arlovski has been beating low-technique, slow heavyweights, but de Lima is a significant step up in athleticism. Connor also points out that de Lima can wrestle if needed, and Arlovski's lack of finishing ability means he likely can't come back if he loses the first round.
Daniel Levi picks de Lima, citing youth, power, and grappling advantage. He admits his poor track record picking Arlovski fights. He notes Arlovski's veteran savvy and speed but thinks de Lima's power and youth will be too much. He has no interest in laying -225.
Jacob picks de Lima but warns against betting heavyweight fights due to inconsistency. He notes Arlovski's recent win streak but says he was getting hit by Jake Collier, and de Lima has more power. He advises not to put money on either side.
Arlovski is on a 6-1 run over his last seven fights and has shown durability and veteran savvy. De Lima is first-round-or-bust and tends to fade in later rounds. Arlovski should survive the initial onslaught and take over in the second and third rounds, winning a decision. The plus 200 price is a no-brainer for an underdog bet.
Paul also picks Arlovski, calling him dog number two on the card. He highlights Arlovski's six wins in his last seven fights and his ability to grind out decisions. Paul criticizes de Lima's poor cardio, submission losses, and tendency to fade after the first round. He believes Arlovski's stick-and-move style will tire de Lima and lead to a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Marcos Rogério de Lima over Andrei Arlovski, noting that Arlovski's recent fights have been close and he still gets caught on the chin. He highlights de Lima's hands, reach, and grappling threat, which Arlovski hasn't faced recently. He predicts de Lima will mix in takedowns, push Arlovski against the cage, and eventually clip him for a KO win.
Zane picks de Lima confidently, citing his significant speed and power advantage over Arlovski's recent opponents. He notes that de Lima is a fast, powerful striker who can put Arlovski away early, similar to how Ben Rothwell or Tom Aspinall did. Zane also mentions de Lima's improved conditioning and potential wrestling as an out if needed, while Arlovski is slow and not a finisher anymore.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 91 of 164 | 55% | 105 of 178 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Jake Collier | 0 | 93 of 188 | 49% | 132 of 231 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 20 of 40 | 50% | 31 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Jake Collier | 0 | 25 of 46 | 54% | 50 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:54 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 39 of 66 | 59% | 40 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Collier | 0 | 36 of 65 | 55% | 47 of 78 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:21 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 32 of 58 | 55% | 34 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Collier | 0 | 32 of 77 | 41% | 35 of 80 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 91 of 164 | 55% | 66 of 137 | 15 of 17 | 10 of 10 | 82 of 152 | 8 of 11 | 1 of 1 |
| Jake Collier | 93 of 188 | 49% | 77 of 168 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 81 of 171 | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Arlovski | 20 of 40 | 50% | 13 of 33 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 17 of 34 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Collier | 25 of 46 | 54% | 18 of 38 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 37 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 39 of 66 | 59% | 33 of 59 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 37 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Jake Collier | 36 of 65 | 55% | 30 of 58 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 35 of 62 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 32 of 58 | 55% | 20 of 45 | 6 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 28 of 54 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Collier | 32 of 77 | 41% | 29 of 72 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 28 of 72 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Arlovski, expecting another decision win. He highlights Arlovski's superior technique, conditioning, and 78% takedown defense over 43 UFC fights. He notes Collier lacks one-punch KO power and is undersized at heavyweight. He sees this as a kickboxing match where Arlovski cruises to a decision.
Big Brady picks Jake Collier but is very hesitant, calling the fight a mess. He notes Collier's volume advantage and youth, but worries about his poor cardio and tendency to gas. He expects a split decision that could go either way, and advises against betting.
Cody also picks Jake Collier, calling it a 'dogger pass' situation. He believes Collier's volume and better defense will edge out Arlovski in a close fight. Cody notes Arlovski tends to get the benefit of the doubt in close decisions but thinks Collier is better than Jared Vanderaa, who gave Arlovski trouble. He mentions Collier's cardio faded in the third against Felipe but expects a high pace from Collier.
Daniel Levi leans toward Andrei Arlovski but is hesitant to lay the -145 price. He notes Arlovski's recent winning streak and speed advantage, but acknowledges Collier's power and potential for a finish. Levi expects a close split decision and suggests the Arlovski by decision prop, but is not confident enough to bet the moneyline.
The host picks Arlovski, highlighting his experience and decision-friendly style. He notes Arlovski's takedown defense and ability to outpoint opponents, even when outstruck in volume. He believes Collier's body language and cardio issues will be a factor, and that Arlovski will land the more significant strikes to sway judges. He expects a decision win.
Paul picks Jake Collier as an underdog, expecting him to win by decision through volume striking. He notes Collier's high output (e.g., 130 significant strikes against Carlos Felipe) and doubts the modern Arlovski can keep pace. Paul acknowledges Arlovski's ability to slow fights down but believes Collier's volume will be decisive. He mentions the over 2.5 rounds line has moved from -155 to -210, making overs risky.
The Guru picks Arlovski to win by decision, noting his consistency and activity. He acknowledges Collier looked good against Chase Sherman but believes Arlovski is a better fighter overall. The Guru points out that Arlovski has been active and patient recently, with wins over Jared Vanderaa and Carlos Felipe. He thinks Collier may have early moments but Arlovski will steer it back in the later rounds for a 29-28 unanimous decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 64 of 133 | 48% | 71 of 140 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jared Vanderaa | 0 | 70 of 156 | 44% | 102 of 190 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 30 of 55 | 54% | 32 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jared Vanderaa | 0 | 23 of 58 | 39% | 30 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 23 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jared Vanderaa | 0 | 19 of 42 | 45% | 33 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:17 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 14 of 34 | 41% | 16 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jared Vanderaa | 0 | 28 of 56 | 50% | 39 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 64 of 133 | 48% | 40 of 100 | 19 of 26 | 5 of 7 | 60 of 128 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Jared Vanderaa | 70 of 156 | 44% | 30 of 110 | 24 of 29 | 16 of 17 | 55 of 134 | 15 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Arlovski | 30 of 55 | 54% | 18 of 42 | 8 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 29 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jared Vanderaa | 23 of 58 | 39% | 13 of 46 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 53 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 20 of 44 | 45% | 15 of 33 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 18 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jared Vanderaa | 19 of 42 | 45% | 6 of 27 | 11 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 35 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 14 of 34 | 41% | 7 of 25 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 13 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jared Vanderaa | 28 of 56 | 50% | 11 of 37 | 7 of 8 | 10 of 11 | 21 of 46 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Arlovski, expecting a three-round kickboxing match where Arlovski's footwork and speed allow him to outpoint Vanderaa. He compares it to Arlovski's fight against Carlos Felipe and thinks Arlovski will jab his way to a decision win. He warns not to sleep on Vanderaa, who is better than his matchups suggest.
Big Brady believes Arlovski is the more skilled fighter despite being 42. He notes Arlovski has improved his striking defense and changed his style to be more conservative. He criticizes Vanderaa's 20% takedown defense and 39% striking defense, calling him a walking punching bag. Brady thinks Arlovski will win a decision, as he hasn't had a finish since 2015. He sees no clear path to victory for Vanderaa.
Cody picks Vanderaa as an underdog, citing Arlovski's age (43) and low output. He notes Vanderaa has a good chin and has shown volume in fights. He thinks Vanderaa can outwork Arlovski over three rounds, especially if he pressures.
Daniel Levi picks Andrei Arlovski, stating he is much faster and can fight for three rounds. He notes that Jared Vanderaa is slow and plodding, and that Arlovski's volume and boxing will win him the fight. Levi expects Arlovski to win a decision, as Vanderaa is durable but not a takedown threat.
Vanderaa is a solid striker with good combinations and forward pressure. Arlovski is an aging point-fighter who has faced low-output opponents recently. Vanderaa should win exchanges and has the power to hurt Arlovski. Arlovski's durability hasn't been tested by someone with Vanderaa's combination punching. Vanderaa is the dog of the night.
Paul thinks Arlovski is the more technical fighter and that Vanderaa doesn't have fight-ending power. He notes Arlovski has been winning decisions lately and expects a similar low-volume affair. He acknowledges Arlovski's age but believes he can edge out another win.
The MMA Guru picks Andrei Arlovski by decision, citing his veteran striking and experience. He views Vanderaa as a bottom-feeder who takes too much damage and expects Arlovski to pick him apart.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 83 of 172 | 48% | 84 of 173 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Felipe | 0 | 73 of 172 | 42% | 73 of 172 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 26 of 51 | 50% | 26 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Felipe | 0 | 12 of 33 | 36% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 28 of 67 | 41% | 28 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Felipe | 0 | 30 of 74 | 40% | 30 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 29 of 54 | 53% | 30 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Felipe | 0 | 31 of 65 | 47% | 31 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 83 of 172 | 48% | 49 of 133 | 11 of 15 | 23 of 24 | 81 of 170 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Felipe | 73 of 172 | 42% | 53 of 145 | 15 of 21 | 5 of 6 | 54 of 148 | 12 of 14 | 7 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Arlovski | 26 of 51 | 50% | 9 of 32 | 7 of 9 | 10 of 10 | 26 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Felipe | 12 of 33 | 36% | 3 of 22 | 6 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 28 of 67 | 41% | 17 of 54 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 9 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Felipe | 30 of 74 | 40% | 25 of 67 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 27 of 71 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 29 of 54 | 53% | 23 of 47 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Felipe | 31 of 65 | 47% | 25 of 56 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 44 | 9 of 11 | 7 of 10 |
Angelo picks Arlovski reluctantly due to his age (42) but believes his new bouncing style, footwork, and jab will allow him to outpoint Felipe. Felipe is a young boxer with good volume and cardio but lacks power. Arlovski can also initiate grappling if needed. Angelo is concerned about Arlovski's chin but thinks he can avoid danger. He likes Arlovski at 8200 in DraftKings and the more more on monkey knife fight.
Big Brady leans toward Carlos Felipe by decision, citing Felipe's youth, durability, and volume. He notes Arlovski is 42 and inconsistent, sometimes low-volume. However, he dislikes Felipe's close split decisions and showboating. He has no interest in betting this fight.
Cody picks Arlovski as a slight lean, arguing that Arlovski has become the ultimate gatekeeper who beats young up-and-comers who aren't the real deal. He points out that Felipe's wins have been close split decisions against low-level competition, and that Arlovski's smart game plan of smothering Felipe against the cage and outpointing him at distance should work. He expects the fight to go to decision.
Daniel picks Carlos Felipe, noting the odds are close and everyone is on Arlovski. He sees Felipe as a young, improving fighter who likes to bang, and he dismisses the controversial Jake Collier fight as a win for Felipe. He acknowledges Arlovski's veteran savvy and speed but thinks Felipe can win a close, possibly controversial split decision.
Arlovski will use his outside striking, jabs, and leg kicks to outpoint Felipe, who lacks finishing ability in the UFC. Felipe's success comes in the pocket, but Arlovski will avoid brawling. The fight is likely to go the distance, with Arlovski winning a decision.
Paul leans toward Felipe edging out a decision based on volume and forward pressure, but admits he's not confident. He notes that Arlovski is the more technical striker but Felipe throws more volume and is durable. He says he's not willing to step in front of it with his money.
The MMA Guru picks Andrei Arlovski by decision, noting the even odds and Felipe's lack of KO power. He argues that only fighters who obliterate competition beat Arlovski, and Felipe's close fights with Jake Collier and Justin Tafa are red flags. He expects Arlovski's footwork and jab to neutralize Felipe's body shots, leading to a 30-27 decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 105 of 222 | 47% | 109 of 226 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Chase Sherman | 0 | 88 of 192 | 45% | 99 of 203 | 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 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 27 of 65 | 41% | 27 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chase Sherman | 0 | 33 of 69 | 47% | 33 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 32 of 69 | 46% | 36 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Chase Sherman | 0 | 21 of 58 | 36% | 32 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 0 | 46 of 88 | 52% | 46 of 88 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chase Sherman | 0 | 34 of 65 | 52% | 34 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski | 105 of 222 | 47% | 54 of 154 | 26 of 39 | 25 of 29 | 103 of 217 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Chase Sherman | 88 of 192 | 45% | 55 of 154 | 16 of 20 | 17 of 18 | 84 of 187 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Arlovski | 27 of 65 | 41% | 15 of 51 | 4 of 6 | 8 of 8 | 25 of 61 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Chase Sherman | 33 of 69 | 47% | 22 of 55 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 31 of 66 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Andrei Arlovski | 32 of 69 | 46% | 16 of 47 | 10 of 12 | 6 of 10 | 32 of 68 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Chase Sherman | 21 of 58 | 36% | 12 of 49 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Andrei Arlovski | 46 of 88 | 52% | 23 of 56 | 12 of 21 | 11 of 11 | 46 of 88 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Chase Sherman | 34 of 65 | 52% | 21 of 50 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 7 | 33 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Andrei Arlovski to win by decision, though he is not very confident. He notes that Arlovski is a favorite for the first time in many fights and that Sherman is the easiest opponent Arlovski has faced in a long time. He highlights Sherman's poor striking defense (absorbs 5.55 significant strikes per minute) and Arlovski's good defense (absorbs 2.83). However, he is concerned about Arlovski's age (42) and lack of knockout power. He sees the fight as close and likely to go to decision.
Cody thinks Arlovski is old and boring, landing only 30-50 significant strikes per fight. He notes Sherman is younger, has better output, and is improving. He sees Sherman outpointing Arlovski and considers it a dog or pass fight, leaning towards Sherman as the underdog.
Daniel Levi leans toward Arlovski, noting that he is the better fighter and a sharp counter-puncher. He acknowledges that Chase Sherman has good leg kicks and is 10 years younger, and that Arlovski is coming off a loss to Tom Aspinall. Levi mentions that he has faded Arlovski in the past with mixed results, but this time he thinks Arlovski can win a close decision. He also speculates that Sherman might still be using performance-enhancing drugs.
Manpreet leans toward Sherman by KO, citing his improved calf-kick-heavy style and the fact that Arlovski's movement-based game could be neutralized by leg kicks. He acknowledges the uncertainty around Sherman's post-suspension performance but believes Sherman's pressure and power can lead to a finish, likely in the second round after wearing Arlovski down.
Paul says friends don't let friends bet on Chase Sherman, but he is leaning towards Sherman as the underdog. He acknowledges both fighters are bottom heavyweights and that Sherman is 11 years younger. He is not confident and calls it a pitbull or pass fight.
The MMA Guru picks Andrei Arlovski to win by unanimous decision. He notes Arlovski is a tricky veteran who is patient and pushes a good pace. He believes Chase Sherman needs to overwhelm opponents to win, but Arlovski's level of opposition is much higher. He expects Sherman to go all out in the first round, but Arlovski will take over in the second and third for a 29-28 decision.
Expert Picks (1)
Daniel Levi dismisses the narrative that Aspinall gasses after the first round, noting his only real loss was a heel hook in 2015 and a DQ due to an illegal elbow. He praises Aspinall's physical traits: 6'5", 265 lbs, 78-inch reach, and straight punches down the pipe. Levi believes Aspinall's sparring with Tyson Fury and training at Team Cowboy have elevated his game. He expects Aspinall to knock out Arlovski in the first round, comparing it to when Jairzinho Rozenstruik knocked out Arlovski.
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