Career Averages - Marvin Vettori
Career Averages - Jack Hermansson
Marvin Vettori - Fight History
Angelo picks Magomedov, citing his technical striking and durability. He thinks Magomedov will stay on the outside and outpoint Pereira. He loves the over 1.5 rounds as a bet, noting both fighters are durable and Magomedov is not as dangerous as advertised.
Angelo did not discuss this fight in the transcript.
This fight was not discussed in the transcript. No pick was made.
Jacob picks Magomedov, calling Pereira unreliable and noting his poor cardio and lack of focus. He thinks Magomedov's durability and technical striking will be too much, and that Pereira will quit or fade. He expects a KO win for Magomedov.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 88 of 186 | 47% | 90 of 188 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 0 | 77 of 149 | 51% | 77 of 149 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 27 of 49 | 55% | 28 of 50 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 0 | 25 of 47 | 53% | 25 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 31 of 71 | 43% | 31 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 0 | 30 of 55 | 54% | 30 of 55 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 30 of 66 | 45% | 31 of 67 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 0 | 22 of 47 | 46% | 22 of 47 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 88 of 186 | 47% | 78 of 176 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 9 | 86 of 181 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 77 of 149 | 51% | 60 of 130 | 9 of 10 | 8 of 9 | 73 of 143 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 27 of 49 | 55% | 22 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 | 27 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 25 of 47 | 53% | 18 of 40 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 25 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 31 of 71 | 43% | 27 of 67 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 29 of 68 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 30 of 55 | 54% | 21 of 45 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 27 of 52 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 30 of 66 | 45% | 29 of 65 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 30 of 65 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 22 of 47 | 46% | 21 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vettori (-118), Ferreira (-102)
Round 1
Chris Tognoni is the referee. Ferreira circles on the outside and the middleweights exchange low kicks. The Brazilian lunges in with a punching combination. Vettori closes the distance but Ferreira denies a takedown. Vettori backs up his foe with straight punches. A straight left from Ferreira gets through Vettori’s guard. Ferreira kicks the midsection. The Brazilian is active, lunging forward with power shots. Vettori lands a low kick. Ferreira lands a heavy leg kick of his own. Vettori shoots behind a combination but it’s denied. Ferreira is throwing bombs, mostly missing the mark thus far. Vettori follows a double jab with a stiff straight left that lands with impact. Ferreira fires off a 1-2. Ferreira tries a head kick and falls to the floor, just missing with the attack. Ferreira counters Vettori as he moves forward. Ferreira grounds Vettori late in the round but the Italian scrambles up. Ferreira stays on the attack, but Vettori counters in turn. Vettori lands a solid combination before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ferreira
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ferreira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ferreira
Round 2
Vettori looks for a single leg but Ferreira stops it and tags him with some punches. A hard body kick connects for the Brazilian and Vettori lands one of his own. Vettori goes back to the 1-1-2, and it’s effective. Ferreira lands a counter left hook as the Italian pressures. Vettori has a haed kick blocked. Ferreira fakes a takedown and misses a looping right hand. A straight left lands for Vettori. Vettori lands a leg kick, and then counters with a short left. Ferreira turns up the heat and attacks behind a combination. Ferreira snaps his foe’s head back with a left. Vettori shakes it off. Vettori stumbles after another combination by the Brazilian. Vettori sticks a jab, but Ferreira partially lands a calf kick. Heavy punches are exchanged. Ferreira moves forward and lands a body-head combination. Ferreira changes levels but Vettori stuffs it. A front kick lands for the Brazilian, and they both connect in an exchange. The frame ends with Vettori circling on the outside.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ferreira
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ferreira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ferreira
Round 3
Ferreira with a hard kick to the body, and he dumps Vettori on his back. Vettori scrambles up and is briefly trapped in a guillotine before assuming top position. Ferreira is able to return to his feet and they’re back to standing. Vettori pressures and stuffs a Ferreira takedown, shoving his foe into the fence. Vettori pursues a takedown against the fence. He connects his hands and gets his first takedown. Ferreira scrambles up, eating a knee in the process. Vettori sticks a solid 1-2. Ferreira responds with a jab. Vettori moves in and lands an uppercut. A right hook from the Brazilian snaps Vettori’s head back. He lands a couple more hard shots to put the Italian on the retreat. Vettori defends a single leg takedown. Vettori is bloodied, and he eats a stiff left from “The Hulk.” The volume is close, but Ferreira is landing the heavier shots in the fight. Vettori ducks under a spinning elbow. Another exchange ends with a left from Ferreira. Moments later, Vettori backs up Ferreira with punches. Time is running out for the former title challenger. Both middleweights are swinging, but it’s Ferreira who steps in with a big uppercut. One more exchange ensues before the final horn. Vettori is wearing the worst of the damage after 15 minutes.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ferreira (30-27 Ferreira)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Ferreira)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Ferreira)
The Official Result
Brunno Ferreira def. Marvin Vettori via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28 R3 5:00
Angelo picks Marvin Vettori, citing his incredible durability and experience against top competition. He notes that Vettori has been fighting the top 10 for years, while Ferreira has not faced the same level. Angelo acknowledges Ferreira's power and judo but doubts his cardio and ability to hurt Vettori. He expects Vettori to weather an early storm and win a decision, and he bet on the over 2.5 rounds.
Big Brady picks Marvin Vettori despite calling him 'washed'. He notes Vettori's durability and volume, and Ferreira's cardio issues, referencing Ferreira's loss to Abus Magomedov. He expects Vettori to mix in takedowns, grind on Ferreira, and submit him in the third round.
Cody picks Vettori, citing his durability and volume. He notes that Vettori has never been finished and has gone the distance with top competition. He believes Ferreira relies on early finishes and will fade if he doesn't get them. He thinks Vettori will outwork Ferreira and win by decision.
Connor picks Brunno Ferreira, citing that Vettori has lost his way after leaving Kings MMA and now fights without a clear game plan. He notes that Ferreira is a power puncher with submission threats, and while Vettori should win on paper, his recent performances show he is adrift. Connor calls it a vibes pick.
Daniel picks Ferreira, citing Vettori's decline (1-5 since title fight), lack of power, and fading durability. He believes Ferreira's power and finishing ability will be too much, and he expects Ferreira to become the first to finish Vettori in the UFC. He notes Vettori's volume edge but doubts it matters.
Lucrative James believes Marvin Vettori has looked washed recently, with declining durability. He notes Ferreira's power and thinks Vettori's chin may finally crack. He acknowledges the risk of betting against a proven chin but sees value in Ferreira as an underdog. He leans towards a KO win for Ferreira but does not predict the method definitively.
The host notes the opposite recent records but sees this as a step up in competition for Ferreira. He highlights Vettori's never-been-finished durability and Ferreira's lack of decision wins, expecting Vettori to bully Ferreira and pull out the win in deep water.
Paul agrees, emphasizing Vettori's chin and experience against elite fighters. He notes that Ferreira's wins are all first-round finishes and that he has never won a decision. He believes Vettori's size and durability will allow him to outlast Ferreira and win by decision or late finish.
The Guru picks Brunno Ferreira to finish Marvin Vettori, despite Vettori's legendary chin. He notes Vettori is becoming more hittable and showing damage, and Ferreira has KO power and submissions. The Guru predicts a first-round finish by TKO or submission.
Zane picks Brunno Ferreira, agreeing that Vettori has destroyed his own ability to fight with a good process. He notes that Ferreira is a power puncher with poor footwork but has knockout wins. Zane believes Vettori's indecision and gun-shyness could lead to Ferreira landing a big shot.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 109 of 253 | 43% | 115 of 262 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:17 |
| Brendan Allen | 0 | 111 of 224 | 49% | 119 of 233 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 1:27 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 29 of 58 | 50% | 35 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:17 |
| Brendan Allen | 0 | 30 of 55 | 54% | 38 of 64 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 36 of 95 | 37% | 36 of 95 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Brendan Allen | 0 | 42 of 83 | 50% | 42 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 44 of 100 | 44% | 44 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Brendan Allen | 0 | 39 of 86 | 45% | 39 of 86 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 109 of 253 | 43% | 98 of 239 | 5 of 7 | 6 of 7 | 99 of 240 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 8 |
| Brendan Allen | 111 of 224 | 49% | 86 of 194 | 18 of 23 | 7 of 7 | 100 of 210 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 29 of 58 | 50% | 25 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 21 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 8 |
| Brendan Allen | 30 of 55 | 54% | 23 of 46 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 36 of 95 | 37% | 34 of 92 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 36 of 95 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Brendan Allen | 42 of 83 | 50% | 32 of 71 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 41 of 82 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 44 of 100 | 44% | 39 of 94 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 42 of 98 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Brendan Allen | 39 of 86 | 45% | 31 of 77 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 36 of 83 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Allen (-245), Vettori (+200)
Round 1
Last year, middleweight contenders Vettori (19-8-1, 9-6-1 UFC) and Allen (24-7, 12-4 UFC) met on a casino floor, where their meeting ended with a brawl. The promotion elected to place that inside the Octagon, with referee Bassel Mahgoub in charge. They plan on settling their bad blood, and have the next 15 minutes or fewer to do so. There is no glove touch.
Vettori advances, trusting his iron chin, and he tests it early when Allen wings several high kicks and punches at him. Vettori takes them all cleanly without budging, firing back a right hook that shakes Allen up. Allen retaliates and busts Vettori’s nose up, and he shoots in for a double and hurls the Italian to the mat. Allen’s ground-and-pound makes Vettori turn around, and he takes the back and gets both hooks in. Allen starts hunting for a rear-naked choke, but partially because of the blood, Vettori slips his neck free. The explosive Italian surges up to a knee despite Allen riding him like a bucking bronco, under fire the whole time. Chants for “USA” in support of Allen boom in the building, and he clasps his hands and takes Vettori for a ride. Allen clings on the back but slides off, with Vettori assuming top position and finding himself quickly in leglock danger. Vettori pushes through the sub setup to spin around and deliver fierce ground-and-pound until Allen ties him up.
Vettori uses his elbow to bash Allen in the cheek, and his own strikes briefly have Allen turning around to present his own back. Vettori threatens with a rear-naked choke, and Allen shakes him off and gets to his feet. Allen drives a kick to the ribs, and they both nail one another with looping punches. Vettori’s face is a bloody mess but there may not be many individual cuts on it, and he is unconcerned as he lets his hands go and rings Allen’s bell once or twice. Allen absorbs a body kick and a right hand, and he jabs his man back. Allen tries to put a few punches together, and Vettori hits him harder and makes him reevaluate his approach. Vettori follows a jab with a left hand, and Allen cracks him with a right that sends him staggering back. Allen leaps forward and takes a right hand on the bow, and when he lands, they bang it out to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 2
The middleweights measure one another with early jabs, with Allen’ head movement protecting him from most other than a couple straight left hands that reach him. Allen responds with a body kick, and Vettori snaps his head back with power jabs. A huge left hook from Vettori goes wide, and Allen times a solid body shot down the middle. Allen loops two lefts around the guard and points at the Italian, and Vettori returns fire with a pair of one-twos. Allen has busted Vettori up again with his brief but effective combos, and he times an elbow when Vettori comes at him. Allen slams a shin to the ribs and pecks out a jab, escaping out of the way from the worst of a pair of hooks. The two trade it out, with Allen pushing Vettori back after the exchange. Allen snaps out several jabs, rocking Vettori with two subsequent right hands that he celebrates by pointing at Vettori again. Allen walks Vettori down to the wall, cornering him and making him bite on fakes and feints.
Allen is briefly drawn into a slugfest that knocks him back, and he sees the telegraphed hurled arms coming at and past him. When Vettori misses, Allen stabs him in the torso with two front kicks, toes extended. They land at the same time, and Allen counts his connect and hits Vettori again for good measure. Vettori is bloodied and bruised but still throwing just as hard as before, clipping Allen at the end of a left but not slowing him down one instant. Allen is right back in his face with jabs and right hands to follow, and a body kick lands on the belt line as Vettori appears briefly concerned of a foul but does not ask for it to be called. Allen overswings a right hand, and Vettori stands him up with his counter. Allen replies with a right hand and points once more, drawing “The Italian Dream” into a slugfest where he controls the terms of engagement. Vettori knocks Allen back a step with a punch or two, but he cannot get Allen to reset as the pressure may be starting to get to him. Allen wraps his foot upside Vettori’s head, and Vettori drills him with a punch combination right as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 3
Reaching the last round, Allen reintroduces himself with a body kick. Vettori does not want to be left out, and he hurls a high kick at his opponent that bangs into the guard. Allen chips at the front leg to disrupt Vettori’s forward movement, drilling him with a one-two after it. Allen pops Vettori in the chops with a right hand, briefly stunning him, but his remarkable durability is on display again as Allen walks him down pointing at him. Allen keeps his right hand up to parry the check right hook coming his way, slipping around another to catch Vettori. Not to be outdone, Vettori hurts Allen with a combination. Allen gathers his thoughts and makes blood spray from the Italian’s face with a thunderous combination, but Vettori does not so much as wobble. Vettori mixes up punches to split the guard with one, and Allen gives him something to think about with one to the solar plexus. Vettori wings a big left hand that skims off the side of the head, and his right that follows hits a little harder. Allen ignores them to work the body with a kick.
Allen keeps on the pressure, celebrating his handiwork when something clean lands and he avoids the response. He does this a few times, as Vettori slows every so often but is still throwing fire. Vettori whiffs with looping punches, and a left hand knocks Allen back a bit. Allen bites down on his mouthpiece and cracks Vettori back. Vettori is a bruiser and stands right in the pocket to trade, while Allen does the same and follows a few punches with a knee that stings his opponent. Vettori a little shaken up, Allen takes him down with a well-timed double. The Italian does not stay grounded for long, exploding back to his feet with a bit under a minute left. The defense falls through the floor for these two, who jack one another in the jaw with everything they still have. Allen lands a left and gets up a head kick on the other side, and his follow-up elbow hurts Vettori. Vettori backs off to the fence, bounces off it and rallies to engage in one final brawl. “All In” obliges him, and the two middleweights bang it out right to the final bell in a blood-and-guts battle that is an early frontrunner for “Fight of the Night” if one is awarded at night’s end. Each round was individually close, so scores could be all over the map here.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen (30-27 Allen)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Allen)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Allen)
The Official Result
Brendan Allen def. Marvin Vettori via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Marvin Vettori despite being an underdog, citing his durability and consistent forward pressure. He questions Brendan Allen's mental consistency and identity, noting Allen's talent but tendency to underperform. He suggests a plus 3.5 bet on Vettori as a safer play.
Big Brady leans Marvin Vettori, disagreeing with the line that makes Allen a heavy favorite. He argues Vettori has advantages in striking volume, cardio, and durability, and that Allen's best wins are unimpressive. He expects a close split decision, possibly influenced by Allen's hometown.
Connor picks Brendan Allen hesitantly, citing Vettori's recent decline in confidence and inability to pressure effectively. He notes that Allen's aggression and grappling could overwhelm Vettori, who has been overthinking and losing his edge since leaving Kings MMA. However, he acknowledges that Allen's own gas tank issues and Vettori's durability make it a coin flip.
The host thinks this is a great matchup for Vettori to keep the fight upright, bully Allen in the clinch and in pocket exchanges, and pull away on the scorecards. This indicates a clear path to victory.
The MMA Guru picks Brendan Allen over Marvin Vettori, predicting a 29-28 decision. He criticizes Vettori's lack of power and volume, noting that he landed only about 90 significant strikes in recent fights. Allen is described as more versatile with kicks and grappling, though he can be reckless. The Guru believes Allen will mix in takedowns and out-hustle Vettori, who is coming off a long layoff and personal issues. He also notes that Vettori cannot finish Allen and that Allen's chin is durable enough to handle Vettori's shots.
Zane picks Vettori hesitantly, banking on Allen's tendency to gas from grappling and Vettori's durability. He thinks Allen's grappling success could lead to fatigue, allowing Vettori to win by default. However, he admits it doesn't feel right and acknowledges Vettori's recent struggles.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 111 of 220 | 50% | 112 of 221 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 141 of 338 | 41% | 141 of 340 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 19 of 38 | 50% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 17 of 52 | 32% | 17 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 20 of 45 | 44% | 20 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 31 of 66 | 46% | 31 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 22 of 34 | 64% | 22 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 18 of 62 | 29% | 18 of 63 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 | |
| 4 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 21 of 43 | 48% | 21 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 37 of 71 | 52% | 37 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 29 of 60 | 48% | 30 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 38 of 87 | 43% | 38 of 88 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 111 of 220 | 50% | 72 of 173 | 8 of 11 | 31 of 36 | 110 of 218 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 141 of 338 | 41% | 85 of 253 | 20 of 36 | 36 of 49 | 137 of 332 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 19 of 38 | 50% | 8 of 26 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 10 | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 17 of 52 | 32% | 9 of 40 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 10 | 17 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 20 of 45 | 44% | 12 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 | 20 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 31 of 66 | 46% | 18 of 50 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 13 | 31 of 66 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 22 of 34 | 64% | 16 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 22 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 18 of 62 | 29% | 12 of 50 | 2 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 17 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Marvin Vettori | 21 of 43 | 48% | 12 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 9 of 10 | 21 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 37 of 71 | 52% | 24 of 51 | 4 of 7 | 9 of 13 | 36 of 70 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Marvin Vettori | 29 of 60 | 48% | 24 of 53 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 28 of 58 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 38 of 87 | 43% | 22 of 62 | 10 of 16 | 6 of 9 | 36 of 83 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Roman Dolidze over Marvin Vettori in the rematch. He cites Vettori's two-year layoff, a rumored shoulder injury, and Dolidze's progression since their first fight. Angelo notes Dolidze has improved his striking and grappling activity, and he likes the 'win inside distance, decision no action' prop for Dolidze because he can finish and is durable.
Big Brady picks Marvin Vettori, arguing that the first fight was close but Vettori outlanded Dolidze in two of three rounds. He emphasizes that this is a five-round fight, which favors Vettori's superior cardio and minute-winning style, while Dolidze is not a five-round fighter and needs a finish to win. Brady believes Vettori's takedown defense will keep the fight standing, where he will outwork Dolidze. He predicts a decision win for Vettori, though he expresses concern about corrupt judges.
Cody believes Hernandez's weaponized gas tank and constant pressure will eventually break Dolidze, especially in a five-round fight. He notes Hernandez is a slow starter and has durability issues, but expects him to take over in later rounds. He suggests live betting Hernandez after the first round for better value.
Connor picks Vettori despite acknowledging the X-factors of injury and camp change, because he believes Vettori's Kings MMA programming makes him durable and consistent. He notes that Vettori's style of moving forward and punching is hard to break, and that Dolidze's unathletic brawling may not be enough to overcome Vettori's pressure. However, he expresses concern that Vettori might try to be too technical after the layoff.
Daniel picks Roman Dolidze as a plus money underdog, acknowledging the speed and movement advantage of Imavov but believing Dolidze's dangerous finishing ability and durability give him a chance over five rounds. He notes Dolidze's cardio concerns but thinks Imavov fades harder, and that Dolidze's leg lock threat is mitigated by Imavov's training with Ciryl Gane. He is not confident, calling it a tough fight where he could be frustrated if Dolidze gets outpointed.
The host expects Vettori to replicate his previous decision win, using his ability to mix it up in the clinch and improved striking to shut down Dolidze's overaggressive nature. He predicts Vettori will outpoint, out strike, and out grapple Dolidze to win on the scorecards.
Paul thinks Dolidze has improved striking and can exploit Hernandez's questionable standup and body vulnerability. He believes the market has overcooked Hernandez and sees value in Dolidze as a dog. He plans to wait for better odds, possibly plus 300 on fight day.
The MMA Guru picks Roman Dolidze, believing he could have won the first fight. He notes Dolidze's momentum with three fights in 2024, including wins over Anthony Smith and Kevin Holland, showing improvement. He questions Marvin Vettori's activity and recovery from the Cannonier beatdown and an injury. He thinks Dolidze's finishing potential and size advantage are key, and he predicts a 48-47 decision win for Dolidze, though a finish is possible. He also notes Dolidze is an underdog.
Zane picks Dolidze based on the suspicion that Vettori's long layoff and potential camp change to American Top Team could disrupt his game. He notes that Vettori backed up a lot and got hit hard in their first fight, and that Dolidze came worryingly close to outworking him. However, he acknowledges Dolidze's unathletic style and that Vettori is durable and hard to put away.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Cannonier | 0 | 153 of 301 | 50% | 154 of 302 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 241 of 411 | 58% | 257 of 428 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jared Cannonier | 0 | 38 of 71 | 53% | 38 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 29 of 66 | 43% | 29 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jared Cannonier | 0 | 24 of 50 | 48% | 24 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 82 of 125 | 65% | 94 of 138 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:46 | |
| 3 | Jared Cannonier | 0 | 31 of 50 | 62% | 31 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 49 of 81 | 60% | 52 of 84 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:43 | |
| 4 | Jared Cannonier | 0 | 37 of 76 | 48% | 37 of 76 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 32 of 57 | 56% | 32 of 57 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 | |
| 5 | Jared Cannonier | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 24 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 49 of 82 | 59% | 50 of 83 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Cannonier | 153 of 301 | 50% | 117 of 257 | 15 of 21 | 21 of 23 | 148 of 293 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Marvin Vettori | 241 of 411 | 58% | 173 of 339 | 39 of 43 | 29 of 29 | 195 of 354 | 26 of 31 | 20 of 26 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jared Cannonier | 38 of 71 | 53% | 31 of 63 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 37 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Marvin Vettori | 29 of 66 | 43% | 14 of 51 | 8 of 8 | 7 of 7 | 28 of 65 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jared Cannonier | 24 of 50 | 48% | 21 of 44 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 22 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Marvin Vettori | 82 of 125 | 65% | 62 of 104 | 15 of 16 | 5 of 5 | 58 of 96 | 12 of 13 | 12 of 16 | |
| 3 | Jared Cannonier | 31 of 50 | 62% | 23 of 42 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 30 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Marvin Vettori | 49 of 81 | 60% | 36 of 66 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 41 of 70 | 7 of 10 | 1 of 1 | |
| 4 | Jared Cannonier | 37 of 76 | 48% | 26 of 63 | 4 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 37 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Marvin Vettori | 32 of 57 | 56% | 22 of 46 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 32 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Jared Cannonier | 23 of 54 | 42% | 16 of 45 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 22 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Marvin Vettori | 49 of 82 | 59% | 39 of 72 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 36 of 66 | 6 of 7 | 7 of 9 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vettori (-115), Cannonier (-105)
Round 1
We have reached the final fight of the card, and it is the only one to contain a pair of ranked competitors. Both men have lost to champ Israel Adesanya, so a victory tonight might not be enough to move them to the top of the ladder. In one corner stands Vettori (19-6-1, 9-4-1 UFC), who has never had his chin checked as a pro. In the other is knockout artist Cannonier (16-6, 9-4 UFC), who celebrates a solid 75% finish rate. Whether it lasts five minutes or five rounds, referee Herb Dean is prepped and ready to go. There is an intense glove touch between the two middleweights, and it’s on with the main event. Vettori looks to set up his jab early, and Cannonier walks him down and does the same, except he follows with a calf kick. Vettori sticks out a one-two, and he catches Cannonier with a power left hand that stuns “The Killa Gorilla” unexpectedly. Cannonier defends with his back to the wall and thinks to change levels, and he gathers his thoughts and waves Vettori on for more. Vettori aims a left hand over the top and stings Cannonier again, and Cannonier once more has to retreat to gather his thoughts. Vettori does not give chase or get into a reckless slugfest, instead measuring the former heavyweight with a head kick. Cannonier blocks it in time and steps in with a right hand, and Vettori gets cracked with a right hand that shakes him up. Vettori pays him back with a left hand, and he ducks a swopping punch to sneak a right hand around the guard. Cannonier checks a leg kick and has a left hand bounce off his forehead with little effect. Vettori works the body with a kick, and Cannonier backs him away with a thumping kick to the inside calf. Cannonier keeps his guard up when Vettori throws hands, and he gets off another solid leg kick. Cannonier walks through a jab and rolls with a right hand, and he forces out a jab only to give two right back to his opponent. The Italian flicks out several jabs, and he follows one with a left hand to stagger Cannonier. “The Killa Gorilla” reels and recovers once more, and he kicks at the lead wheel and puts the ball of his foot on Vettori’s sternum twice. Cannonier unloads with a leg kick, only to get knocked back with a pair of punches. Cannonier backs Vettori against the wall and cannot trap him with a barrage, as Vettori instead makes him change his mind with a step-in knee. Cannonier gets in two right hands as Vettori rolls, and he escapes out the side but walks into a right hand that soars at him. Cannonier paws out with three punches that slide off the shoulder, and he eats a one-two shortly thereafter. As Cannonier comes out throwing, the exciting round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Round 2
Cannonier moves right to the center of the cage after second stanza opens, and they trade rangy punches. Cannonier throws a hard low kick, and he walks into a few punches. As Cannonier bears down on Vettori, Vettori escapes out the side and fires off a piston-like straight left hand. Cannonier knows he will take it on the eye, and he does so he can loop a right hand over the guard. Cannonier slips a few punches as he trades with Vettori, and he ends a combo with a leg kick. Cannonier lines up a ferocious straight right hand, and Vettori wears it well but is not enjoying what he gets. Cannonier rails him with another overhand right, and Vettori staggers back and leans against the fence. Vettori clinches up, and Cannonier pushes him off to reset and approach from another angle. Vettori strides forward in effort to counter, and Cannonier kicks his leg out and puts Vettori on his back. Vettori defends from the subsequent ground-and-pound that Cannonier drops on him, and he moves to his knees while still clearly very hurt as his nose is bleeding. Cannonier racks him up with a few body shots and punches over the top, and Vettori succeeds in slowing Cannonier just enough with a combination. Cannonier digs a left to the body and a right to the head, and Vettori is on rubber legs and taking punches right on the chin. Vettori remains upright, and Cannonier is giving it all he has with punches, knees and even short elbows. Vettori blocks several of the strikes but takes many more, and he is hanging in there but taking a beating. Cannonier backs him off and stands Vettori up with a right hand, and Vettori surges forward with a pair of punches to surprise Cannonier. Cannonier slows himself down, and Vettori rushes after him with a one-two. Vettori misses with a left hook, and he dings Cannonier behind the ear with another and reaches the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Cannonier
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Cannonier
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Cannonier
Round 3
A busted up and slightly bloodied Vettori makes it to the third round, and he appears to still be trying to get his wits about him. Vettori leads off with a jab, and he uses several more to decent effect to keep Cannonier from bearing down on him. Vettori sits down on alternating leg kicks, and Cannonier measures a right hand to the midsection. Vettori swings a big left hand, and he springs forward to deliver a right hand off the guard. Cannonier knocks his man back with a power right hand, and he shoots in for a takedown. Vettori stops it and pushes him away, and he chains a calf kick into a one-two as he appears more recovered 75 seconds into the round. Vettori jumps into throwing an uppercut to the body and he snaps out a jab only to get met with a body kick. Cannonier knocks the mouthpiece sideways with a big right hand, and Vettori gathers it and reaches Cannonier with a right hand. Cannonier lines up a right hand down the middle, and Cannonier drills him with a right that marks up Vettori’s nose. Cannonier walks down his man and lands without fear, and he makes Vettori bend over so he can smack him with uppercuts. Cannonier drags Vettori to the floor and smashes him in the face with a right hand, and Vettori fights his way to his knee and feet while his face is transforming into a bloody visage. Cannonier is relentless, stalking Vettori down and lining up body shots and some others up top. Vettori backs Cannonier off with an elbow, but Cannonier is able to shake it off and pay him back. Cannonier tries to dump his foe to the floor, and Vettori reverses him and puts Cannonier on his seat. “The Killa Gorilla” desperately leaps back to his feet, and he breaks off from the clinch to get back to walking Vettori down. The two middleweights trade jabs, and Cannonier bops Vettori on the nose and finds his chin with two more hooks. Vettori puts two punches on Cannonier to make him reset, and his jab finds its home right before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Round 4
Having reached the championship rounds, they meet in the middle and Vettori starts off with a leg kick and a few jabs. Vettori has some bounce back in his step, and he flicks out a few punches and ignores the return fire. Cannonier blocks a head kick and drives Vettori back with an overhand right, and Vettori is able to blink it out and string a pair of punches to the face. Vettori sinks a body kick home, and he slips a Cannonier right hook to put two on Cannonier’s face. Cannonier connects with a solid low kick, and Vettori reaches out with his lead right hook. Vettori again goes high with a kick, and it lands off the guard with a loud thud. Vettori tags Cannonier with straight punches, and Cannonier answers with chopping leg kicks. Cannonier leans back and pounds Vettori in the face with a right hand, and he shoots in for a takedown to put Vettori down. Vettori powers his way back up, and Cannonier leads him over to the fence in the tie-up. Cannonier cannot keep him, as Vettori squirts out the side and starts flashing his jab again. Vettori counters a leg kick with a left hand, and he leans back as Cannonier throws a haymaker. Vettori walks into a hook to throw two more, and he gets his head snapped back with a fierce jab. Vettori gets knocked back with jabs, and a one-two gets Vettori’s attention. The Italian kicks the lead leg, and Cannonier answers him right back and follows suit with a right hook behind the ear. Vettori delivers a kick to the ribs, and he hops away as Cannonier rushes at him with big hands. Cannonier throws hard and misses the mark a few times, and they hand-fight in the open until Cannonier closes in to go after a takedown. Vettori shuts it down and moves back to the middle of the cage, and he gets just out of the way of a home run punch from his opponent. Cannonier cracks Vettori with a right hand, but Vettori’s beard is immeasurable. When Cannonier kicks low, Vettori replies with a one-two, and he concludes the round with a head kick and a straight left.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Round 5
With five minutes left to decide things once and for all, the middleweights do not waste more than a few seconds before engaging. Vettori aims a kick up high, and when Cannonier guards against it, Vettori kicks low. Cannonier makes him think twice about this with a hard right hand, and he eats one back as Vettori starts chattering to him. They trade power punches, and then power kicks, as nothing is off the table in this skirmish. They both pop out jabs, and Vettori wipes his nose and nods. Cannonier smashes his fist into Vettori’s nose, and Vettori is right there answering him back with a combination. Cannonier rings Vettori’s bell with a monstrous right hand, but somehow Vettori is still with it and pushes off with a knee. Cannonier connects with another big right hook, and he clinches up with Vettori in search of a few short strikes on the inside. Vettori pushes him away and absorbs a flush body kick, only to throw a high kick right back Cannonier’s way. Cannonier corners Vettori momentarily with a short salvo of punches, and Vettori again escapes out the side and resets. Cannonier lunges with straight punches, and Vettori jabs him in the face. “The Italian Stallion” does not land his head kick, and he slides away from one power punch but takes a second one. Cannonier hurts his foe with a hellacious pair of punches, and he muscles Vettori down to the floor and hopes to hammer the nail with ground-and-pound. Vettori clings to him, but Cannonier is able to posture up with a minute to go and rain down elbows. Vettori’s face starts spraying blood, and he still has the wherewithal to sit up and fight back to his feet. All the while, Cannonier is punching Vettori on the bloodied nose. Cannonier swings with bad intentions, and Vettori eludes them and catches Cannonier with a big punch of his own. Cannonier tries to hit one final takedown to conclude the match, but Vettori turns him around. The bloody, brutal firefight that likely set striking total records in the 185-pound division wraps up, and “The Italian Stallion” has miraculously made it to the final horn. The two men may very well find a post-fight bonus in their immediate future after that thrilling back-and-forth slugfest. At the tender age of 39, Cannonier may have put forth his finest performance to date, and he asks for either a title shot or a fight that will get him there. When that happens, we will unquestionably be here for it. We hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier (49-45 Cannonier)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier (49-45 Cannonier)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier (49-45 Cannonier)
The Official Result
Jared Cannonier def. Marvin Vettori via Unanimous Decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46)
Angelo picks Marvin Vettori, trusting his chin and pressure. He notes that Vettori's takedowns and volume should be effective against Jared Cannonier, who can be gun shy at 39. Vettori lands more significant strikes and has only lost to top competition. Angelo has a half unit moneyline bet on Vettori at minus 145.
Big Brady picks Marvin Vettori to win by decision. He believes Vettori will implement a wrestling-heavy game plan, pushing Cannonier against the cage and taking him down, similar to Israel Adesanya's second fight strategy. He notes Cannonier hasn't faced many wrestlers recently and has been taken down in the past by Derek Brunson and David Branch. Brady emphasizes Vettori's superior cardio, toughness, and durability, and thinks he can win minutes with control and grappling over 25 minutes. He does not expect a finish but sees a clear path to a decision win.
Cody initially gravitates toward Vettori due to his elite generalist skills, cardio, and durability, but he reconsiders after reviewing Cannonier's last fight against Sean Strickland, where Cannonier landed 141 significant strikes and proved he can maintain pace for five rounds despite his muscular build. He notes that Vettori's wrestling may not be good enough to take Cannonier down and hold him there, and that Vettori's last fight against Roman Dolidze was a close call where many thought he lost. Cody ultimately leans Cannonier for landing more damaging strikes, but acknowledges the fight could go either way and recommends betting live rather than pre-fight.
Connor picks Vettori, citing his consistency, durability, and high output. He argues that Vettori is more reliable minute-to-minute than Cannonier, and that Cannonier's lack of a systematic approach will allow Vettori to outwork him. Connor expects a five-round decision where Vettori lands more strikes and edges out rounds.
Daniel Levi picks Jared Cannonier, citing comparable volume but a significant power advantage for Cannonier. He notes Cannonier's high output against Strickland (140+ significant strikes) and believes Cannonier lands the harder shots that impress judges. He expects a decision win for Cannonier, though acknowledges a finish is possible. He also mentions Cannonier's leg kicks as a key weapon and Vettori's susceptibility to them. He got Cannonier at +100 and expects the fight to be close but favors Cannonier's power.
Cannonier lands more significant strikes over a prolonged period, similar to what Roman Dolidze did but for longer. Vettori's striking is improving but he will struggle to implement his clinch/grappling game because Cannonier is tough to keep in one spot and difficult to hold down. Cannonier keeps the fight upright, uses leg kicks and movement, and lands big shots down the middle. Vettori is very durable so Cannonier wins by decision.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting the line has shortened from +130s to near pick'em, which he considers sharp. He thinks Vettori can take Cannonier down but cannot hold him down and maintain position. He likes the over 2 takedowns prop for Vettori but is not fully committed. He leans Cannonier for landing more damaging strikes over 25 minutes but says anything could happen.
The MMA Guru picks Jared Cannonier over Marvin Vettori, arguing Cannonier is more dynamic with leg kicks, body kicks, and elbows, while Vettori mostly boxes. He compares their common opponents: Cannonier held his own against Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, while Vettori was schooled by both. He also notes Cannonier knocked out Derek Brunson, while Vettori went to a decision. He predicts a 49-46 decision win for Cannonier.
Zane picks Cannonier because he believes Cannonier's power will be the deciding factor. He notes that Cannonier is not consistent but has a 'get out of jail free card' with his power, and that Vettori has been pushed out of his fight by power punchers like Whittaker and Adesanya. Zane expects a close fight where Cannonier's power wins out over Vettori's durability and output.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 106 of 218 | 48% | 106 of 218 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 71 of 192 | 36% | 71 of 192 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 38 of 75 | 50% | 38 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 29 of 71 | 40% | 29 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 28 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 16 of 50 | 32% | 16 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 40 of 74 | 54% | 40 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 26 of 71 | 36% | 26 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 106 of 218 | 48% | 60 of 165 | 8 of 13 | 38 of 40 | 100 of 212 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 71 of 192 | 36% | 52 of 169 | 11 of 15 | 8 of 8 | 67 of 180 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 38 of 75 | 50% | 24 of 60 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 12 | 35 of 72 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 29 of 71 | 40% | 20 of 62 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 6 | 29 of 69 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 28 of 69 | 40% | 11 of 48 | 3 of 6 | 14 of 15 | 28 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 16 of 50 | 32% | 12 of 44 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 40 of 74 | 54% | 25 of 57 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 13 | 37 of 71 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Roman Dolidze | 26 of 71 | 36% | 20 of 63 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 61 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vettori (-166), Dolidze (+140)
Round 1
In 2023, Vettori (19-7-1, 9-5-1 UFC) and Dolidze (14-3, 8-3 UFC) tangled in a main card match on UFC 286. The former ended up getting his hand raised on the scorecards, and for some reason, the promotion is running back this middleweight entanglement. Rather than a three-rounder, these two get five rounds to stretch out and ply their respective trades. Before Vettori gets to the cage, he remembers that he did not put on a groin cup. Vettori has to go back to the locker room to get it, resulting in an extremely awkward wait. Absent-minded or mind games, you be the judge. When they both take the cage, referee Herb Dean calls the fighters to the center of the cage to issue final instructions and elicit a fist bump, and the competitors oblige. It’s on with the show. Vettori on the outside measures his jab, and Dolidze returns fire with an axe kick that is well out of range. Dolidze reaches out with his right hand, and Vettori protects himself from it and gets off a low kick. Vettori goes to the front leg a few more times, and he checks one coming back his way. Dolidze rings his bell with a punch combo, as Vettori nods at his opponent after absorbing the blows. Vettori kicks twice low and then high with his foot, and Dolidze drives him back with a right hand. The two lean in and bang their heads together, and Dean sees it immediately and calls time. They take the necessary seconds to shake anything off and return to their distant striking engagement. Dolidze loads up on a big right that bangs into the raised guard, and he has a second come up just short. Vettori jabs and moves, but he does eat a right hand on the temple. Dolidze hammers home a low kick, and the two appear to clash heads again but there is no pause this time. Vettori uses low kicks to keep distance, while Dolidze is all firepower throwing big punches that cause him to slide off-balance. Vettori slips in and out with a sharp left hand, and Dolidze nods at him and swings back violently. Another axe kick from the Georgian goes wide, and Vettori splits the guard with a jab and a one-two. Dolidze responds with a short punch combination, and he sticks out a front kick for good measure. The Italian sneaks in a punch, but his leg kick gets checked as Dolidze smiles. Dolidze marches forward with a right hand, spinning through it with an elbow that brushes past his opponent. They trade kicks to the kneecap, and Dolidze races after him swinging for the fences. Vettori slides out of the way and clips Dolidze with a short right hook. Dolidze shrugs it off and loads up on his right hand, and Vettori is wise to it and a second that follows. Dolidze launches a head kick, and Vettori shoulder-rolls it to keep himself safe. Dolidze considers a level change, but Vettori no-sells it and gets back to boxing distance. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Round 2
Before the round begins, Dean goes over to Dolidze to inform him that he needs to stop pointing his fingers towards his opponent. Dolidze acknowledges him, and the round commences. When Dolidze darts forward, Vettori is out of the way safely. As Vettori slides in and out of range, Dolidze connects at the end of a right hand. Dolidze then pushes off and his thumb jams into Vettori’s eye, and Dean heavily sighs and calls time. There is no point deduction despite the stern warning seconds ago, with the rules more guidelines than anything. Vettori clears his eye quickly, and he wants to make Dolidze pay. They both crack one another with heavy right hands, and Dolidze’s face sports a wry grin. Dolidze tries again to spin for a strike, and this time Vettori closes the distance to shut him down. A third spinning back elbow from the Georgian ricochets off the guard, and they both reset. Both fighters crash together, and Dolidze gets the better of it with a clean right hand. Dolidze plants the ball of his foot on the torso, and he comes up short with his axe kick. Dolidze slaps the calf a few times with the instep of his foot, and Vettori swings with one heavier and wades out of danger as Dolidze fires off a front kick. A Vettori head kick is blocked, and he charges in but does not catch his man with anything. Dolidze kicks low, and Vettori throws high. Dean issues Dolidze another warning for his outstretched fingers, and they leap towards one another to engage and then back off after doing what they want to do. This fight is playing out almost exactly like their first bout a few years ago, with Vettori slipping in and out with more accurate strikes while Dolidze leans on power that occasionally connects. Dolidze gets off a leg kick, and Vettori strides forward and puts a one-two on the chest. A flurry from both men wraps up the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze
Round 3
Vettori leads off with his jab, and Dolidze reaches him with a big right hand and swings wide with a left. Vettori kicks his foe in the ribs, and Dolidze eventually pays him back with a similar strike. Vettori tries to sweep the leg, and he has his nose bloodied with a powerful strike. This angers him, and he unloads a fierce combination of fists that sends Dolidze squirrely. Dolidze stumbles, bumbles and fumbles his way towards the fence, and Vettori gives chase and starts pounding on him. The Georgian somehow manages to gather his thought and respond with a big right hand, winging it hard enough to make Vettori think twice about advancing without care. Vettori sticks his foe with a jab and follows with a left, and he shimmies out of the way when Dolidze tries to load up on him. One good right hand comes in from Dolidze, who follows with two head kicks that are blocked. The body kick that follows is much heavier and is not guarded against, prompting Vettori to press the action with a long left. Dolidze goes to the body with a pair of front kicks, and he takes a heavy kick to his calf. Dolidze pushes out a straight right hand down the pipe, and Vettori leans back to dodge the subsequent heavy left. Dolidze connects with a hefty leg kick that makes Vettori both smile and limp. Vettori ducks away from looping punches, seeing the fastballs aimed his way. The leg kicks are much more effective from the Georgian, who raps one off the lead leg and pursues a takedown. Vettori shrugs, not getting taken down, and the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Round 4
With the championship rounds reached, both fighters consider touching gloves but abandon it. Instead, it is Dolidze pressing the pace, loading up on power shots but largely missing the mark. Dolidze times a knee when Vettori ducks, and he beans the Italian with a destructive right hand that cuts him. Dolidze sees the blood leaking and grows in confidence, walking his adversary down and keeping his right hand cocked back ready for attack. Vettori peppers him from a distance as he shakes out the cobwebs, using his jab to keep Dolidze away. Dolidze swarms with three hooks, and the first lands while the other two hit air. Vettori slams his shin on the lead leg of his opponent, and Dolidze lobs bombs that whiz past the Italian’s face. When Dolidze uses a front kick to close in and swipe out a right hand, Vettori skips away and prods him with his jab. Vettori’s strikes are appearing more labored, and his movement is less quick, as Dolidze is able to trap him for a second to string several mighty punches together that splits open a cut on the bridge of Vettori’s nose. Vettori tries to strike back, and he walks straight into a spinning back elbow that lands on his neck. Both fighters smile after the strike lands, and Vettori comes at him with a one two and nods. Dolidze nods back. Dolidze tries an awkwardly angled leg kick, and Vettori laughs at him. The Georgian points to the ground to initiate a brawl, and then pitches out an axe kick that is leagues away from his intended target. Dolidze gets in a front kick, and Vettori clips him behind the ear. Both men score at the end of their punches in an exchange, and Dolidze snaps Vettori’s head back with a right. Dolidze unleashes another heavy right hand, and Vettori runs at him fists flying and connects with a thudding left at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze
Round 5
The combatants are so ready to get back to it, they start before the cage door is closed. Dean makes sure it gets shut first, and then lets the middleweights go after it. They proceed to brawl, with Dolidze landing flush and Vettori finally standing in the pocket and banging right back. Dolidze has a front kick slide off the cup, and Dean does not see it and tells them to keep going. Dolidze lets loose a hard right hand, knocking the Italian back and away from counters. Vettori drives a knee to the chin, and Dolidze bites down on his mouthpiece and slings wild hooks. Vettori keeps himself safe from most of them and bounces off the fence, only to be met with a front kick from either leg. The Georgian wraps a kick around the guard, and Vettori’s lunges are doing some serious damage to his foe’s face. Dolidze’s eye is swollen and bloodied, and he pays it no mind as he just wants to punch Vettori in the face. Lucky for him, Vettori wants to the same to Dolidze. They punch each other in the face. Again. And again. Dolidze mixes things up with a few front kicks, and one goes low and has Dean call time this time around. Vettori groans and takes about 20 seconds before being ready to go for broke. Dolidze kicks high three times, left, right and left, and he zips a fourth up that manages to get through the guard. Dolidze drills his man on the nose with a knee, and Vettori shakes his head at him. Dolidze’s kicks are the most effective weapons thus far, and as Dolidze kicks high and pushes off, Vettori claims he was poked in the eye again. It is not called, and Dolidze bears down on the Italian swinging with sheer power. Dolidze doubles up on head kicks, and even though it hits the guard, it still knocks him back a step. Another zooming head kick buzzes the tower, and they crash together with fists flying for one last engagement. Dolidze spins for a final elbow, and the match concludes. This rematch will likely lean towards the man who lost the first fight, setting up the UFC for a super-duper rubber match in the future. If they fight a third time, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze (48-47 Dolidze)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze (48-47 Dolidze)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze (48-47 Dolidze)
The Official Result
Roman Dolidze def. Marvin Vettori via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Angelo picks Vettori because of his cement chin, incredible cardio, and submission defense. He thinks Dolidze will fade and cannot take Vettori down. He notes Dolidze's takedowns are trash and his only path is a submission, but Vettori's submission defense is good enough. He has a bet on Dolidze inside distance (decision no action) as a hedge.
Big Brady picks Vettori, citing his higher output (4.20 vs 2.62 significant strikes per minute) and durability (never knocked out). He questions Dolidze's path to victory, as Vettori is tough to finish and Dolidze has low volume. He predicts a decision win, but notes the odds are surprising and he may look for a prop instead.
Cody picks Vettori, arguing Dolidze is a 'comeback kid' who relies on finishing but fades in longer fights. He notes Dolidze's low volume and poor cardio, while Vettori is durable, has solid wrestling, and good cardio. He thinks Vettori wins by decision, possibly with takedowns. He says minus 270 isn't bad and likes Vettori by decision prop.
Connor picks Vettori for his consistency and durability. He notes that Vettori is a roundly solid fighter who doesn't get submitted or knocked out, and he maintains a steady output of one-twos. Dolidze is more of a wild athlete who relies on flashy moments but lacks process. Connor points out that Jack Hermansson was dominating Dolidze before collapsing, and Vettori is a tougher matchup because he won't break. He thinks Vettori's pace and durability will overwhelm Dolidze, who cannot craft a game plan to break Vettori down.
Jacob picks Dolidze, believing Vettori is an emotional idiot who will eventually shoot a takedown and get submitted. He thinks Vettori has no power and Dolidze can land a big shot. He notes Dolidze is undefeated except for a fight where Jacob picked against him. He is riding the Dolidze train until it falls off.
Vettori is a strong grappler with good clinch work and durability, though his striking is still developing. Dolidze is on a four-fight winning streak with knockout power, but his striking is technically lacking and he can be reckless. Vettori should weather early storms and use his wrestling to control the fight, likely winning a decision. The minus 300 line is a bit steep but the skill gap is clear.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Vettori. He notes Dolidze's volume is so low that an elite fighter should be able to do what Jack Hermansson did and extend it over 15 minutes. He likes Vettori by decision at minus 120 and says Dolidze has never been finished but Vettori can outpoint him.
The MMA Guru picks Marvin Vettori over Roman Dolidze, despite Vettori's sometimes questionable game plans. He notes Dolidze is dangerous on the ground but has poor striking and was easily picked apart by Jack Hermansson on the feet. Vettori outstruck Hermansson and stuffed his takedowns, so he should do the same to Dolidze. He predicts a 30-27 decision for Vettori, warning that if Vettori shoots takedowns he deserves to lose.
Zane agrees with Connor, emphasizing Vettori's block-headed consistency. He notes that Vettori doesn't collapse when outsmarted; he just keeps coming. Dolidze is a flashy fighter but lacks the technical foundation to break Vettori down. Zane also mentions that Vettori's takedown defense and ability to stop takedowns are solid. He thinks Dolidze's best chance is a lucky shot, but Vettori's durability and pace will carry him to a decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Whittaker | 0 | 74 of 166 | 44% | 74 of 166 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 33 of 116 | 28% | 38 of 121 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Whittaker | 0 | 22 of 56 | 39% | 22 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 14 of 41 | 34% | 16 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Robert Whittaker | 0 | 25 of 53 | 47% | 25 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 10 of 45 | 22% | 11 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 3 | Robert Whittaker | 0 | 27 of 57 | 47% | 27 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 9 of 30 | 30% | 11 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Whittaker | 74 of 166 | 44% | 49 of 138 | 6 of 9 | 19 of 19 | 72 of 163 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Marvin Vettori | 33 of 116 | 28% | 15 of 94 | 7 of 10 | 11 of 12 | 33 of 116 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Whittaker | 22 of 56 | 39% | 15 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 6 | 22 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marvin Vettori | 14 of 41 | 34% | 6 of 33 | 5 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Robert Whittaker | 25 of 53 | 47% | 17 of 43 | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 25 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marvin Vettori | 10 of 45 | 22% | 4 of 36 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Robert Whittaker | 27 of 57 | 47% | 17 of 47 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 8 | 25 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Marvin Vettori | 9 of 30 | 30% | 5 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Whittaker (-230), Vettori (+195)
Round 1
Even though these two middleweights are in the top three or four of their division, this match between former champ Whittaker (23-6, 14-4 UFC) and fiery ex-title challenger Vettori (18-5-1, 8-3-1 UFC) may be little more than a stay-busy fight as long as Israel Adesanya holds the title. These two top contenders are taking it quite seriously, and so is referee Jason Herzog. There is no interest in a glove touch, as these two would rather get right to the action. Whittaker lands first with a lunging low kick, and he connects with another right after to the same spot. Vettori crashes in to engage, but Whittaker is able to dodge them all. Whittaker scores a low kick and escapes the counters that fly, and he is able to beat Vettori to the punch in a few exchanges. Vettori loads up on a heavy inside leg kick as he gets cracked with an overhand right, and Whittaker reaches him with a left hand when they settle. Whittaker catches the Italian coming in with a swatting left, and he flusters Vettori with his movement. Vettori snakes in a left hand over the top, and Whittaker leans back as another is aimed at his jaw. Vettori times a dipping Whittaker with a sharp left, only to get popped with a swiping right hook. “Bobby Knuckles” stabs breadbasket with the toes with a front kick, forcing Vettori to shoot in, and Whittaker easily turns him around and separates. They both paw at one another with single strikes, and Vettori loads up on a body kick. Whittaker secures two left hands, and he absorbs a body kick so that he can snap out a right hand. Vettori ignores a jab to step in with a knee, and the horn sounds to end the close round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker
Round 2
The middleweights meet in the middle, and Whittaker lands the first blow with a stomping kick to the knee. He follows it with a kick to the ribs, and he hops back when Vettori tosses out a right hand. Whittaker fires a high kick that makes him fall over before it can reach Vettori, but he climbs back up with no issue. Whittaker leans back as a head kick soars past him, and he springs away when Vettori gives chase with a few punches. Vettori clinches up the former champ and pushes him to the wall, and Whittaker frames him off and gets back to the middle of the Octagon. “The Italian Dream” dreams up a head kick, but it floats past Whittaker. Whittaker then responds with a head kick, and as it skims off the head, he connects with a follow-up right hand that stuns Vettori. Whittaker puts a front kick up to split the guard, and Vettori gives one jab back in response. The punches from Vettori are out of range, and Whittaker is able to close the distance and pop him in the chops and get out of the way before a counter comes. Whittaker launches another head kick, and as it gets blocked, he pounds a right hand on the chin. Vettori blocks another head kick, but it gets through the guard and he is wobbled. Whittaker does not let things go, instead staying measured and allowing Vettori to hit air. Whittaker pushes out a right hand down the pipe, and he sneaks up a speedy head kick that careens off the block. Vettori appears to have his legs beneath him again, but he cannot seem to connect with any meaningful offense. Whittaker bullies him back with punches off the arms, and he nails Vettori with a right hand and a head kick. The Italian bounces off the fence and right into a fist of “Bobby Knuckles,” and Whittaker is in his element. When Vettori comes forward, Whittaker chops a side kick on the knee that hyperextends it for his foe. Whittaker drills his man with a straight right hand, and the horn sounds. As it does, Vettori limps back to his corner, possibly compromised from the leg strikes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker
Round 3
Vettori is motivated going into Round 3, with a higher pace, but he still cannot consistently find the mark. Whittaker plants the ball of his foot on Vettori’s body several times, and he stands there a little too long, allowing Vettori to score a few punches. Vettori gives chase as Whittaker moves quickly, and he tries for a high kick only to get caught on the way up with a right hand. Vettori walks through a punch so that he can pound a left hand on the chin, and the responsive strike from the former champ opens a cut on Vettori’s left cheek. Whittaker jabs and fires off a head kick, and Vettori smiles but he is hurt. Whittaker jumps forward with a right hand, and he snaps the head back with another. Whittaker swings a high kick that ends up kneeing Vettori on the top of the head, and Vettori’s eyes go wide but he remains on his feet. Vettori kicks low, only to get it checked, and Whittaker replies with one that lands. “Bobby Knuckles” plants a right hand on the cheek, knocking Vettori back and making Vettori check himself. Vettori gathers steam and looses a head kick, and Whittaker leans back and watches it soar past him. Vettori attempts a takedown entry, and Whittaker tosses him aside and busts him in the face with a right hand. Whittaker side kicks the knee and then uses his other leg to belt Vettori upside the head, and Vettori is guessing and eating shots without any hope of response. As Vettori plans on defending a head kick, Whittaker shoots in low and takes him down to make a point. Vettori sits up and turns to his knees, and Herzog informs Whittaker that his foe is grounded. Whittaker elects instead to uppercut Vettori a few times, before Vettori climbs back up to his feet. Vettori looses a head kick, and Whittaker responds with three that land time and again. The bell sounds to end the 15-minute showcase in striking, with Whittaker putting on a master class.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker (30-27 Whittaker)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker (30-27 Whittaker)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Whittaker (30-27 Whittaker)
The Official Result
Robert Whittaker def. Marvin Vettori via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Robert Whittaker easily, citing his speed, cleaner striking, five-round cardio, and improved grappling. He notes Vettori has a brick head and is hard to finish, so he expects a decision win. He has a moneyline bet on Whittaker at -235 and says the line has moved to -300s.
Big Brady picks Robert Whittaker to win by decision. He argues that Whittaker has phenomenal takedown defense and get-up game, so the fight will stay on the feet where Whittaker is the better striker. He notes that Vettori has a granite chin and has never been knocked out, so a finish is unlikely, but Whittaker should outpoint him comfortably.
Cody picks Robert Whittaker, arguing that Whittaker is at his best against aggressive fighters who come forward, as he becomes the counter puncher. He notes that Vettori is a 'junkyard dog' who will brawl, but Whittaker's precision, volume, and ability to make mid-round adjustments will be decisive. Cody also points out that Vettori is not a power puncher, so Whittaker's suspect chin is less of a concern, and that the fight is three rounds, which favors Whittaker's cardio. He recommends Whittaker by decision to improve the -210 price.
Daniel Levi picks Robert Whittaker but expresses hesitation, citing concerns about Whittaker's motivation after two title losses and potential drop-off. He acknowledges Vettori's hunger and mental strength, but believes Whittaker is technically superior. He notes that Whittaker has been hurt in recent fights and that Vettori could potentially finish him, but ultimately leans on the chalk. He does not bet the fight himself.
The host is confident in Whittaker, citing his superior athleticism, striking, wrestling, and overall skill. He expects Whittaker to stay at range, land leg kicks, and possibly secure takedowns. He prefers the decision prop at minus 105, as Vettori is durable and hard to finish.
Paul leans toward Marvin Vettori as a slight underdog, citing Vettori's durability, forward pressure, and wrestling. He is concerned that Whittaker has been hurt many times and may be shopworn from wars with Yoel Romero and Israel Adesanya. Paul believes Vettori's volume and ability to grind out takedowns could be the difference, and that the line is closer than -215/+185. He admits he hasn't bet it yet and will see how weigh-ins go.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Robert Whittaker over Marvin Vettori, stating that Vettori's main problem is talent and skill. He praises Whittaker's boxing ability, footwork, and evolution, noting his dominant win over Kelvin Gastelum. He believes Whittaker will outclass Vettori on the feet with teeps, leg kicks, jabs, and head kicks, and that Vettori won't be able to take him down or outgrapple him. He predicts a 30-27 unanimous decision for Whittaker, with Vettori complaining about the decision afterward.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 163 of 260 | 62% | 172 of 269 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 190 of 346 | 54% | 214 of 373 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 3:27 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 35 of 53 | 66% | 35 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 39 of 68 | 57% | 42 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 36 of 65 | 55% | 36 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 40 of 80 | 50% | 40 of 80 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 17 of 29 | 58% | 19 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 31 of 55 | 56% | 47 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:27 | |
| 4 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 30 of 47 | 63% | 32 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 49 of 81 | 60% | 53 of 85 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 | |
| 5 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 45 of 66 | 68% | 50 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 31 of 62 | 50% | 32 of 63 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 163 of 260 | 62% | 82 of 174 | 67 of 72 | 14 of 14 | 154 of 249 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 6 |
| Paulo Costa | 190 of 346 | 54% | 154 of 307 | 33 of 36 | 3 of 3 | 168 of 316 | 21 of 29 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 35 of 53 | 66% | 13 of 29 | 18 of 20 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 39 of 68 | 57% | 34 of 62 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 37 of 66 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 36 of 65 | 55% | 14 of 42 | 18 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 35 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 40 of 80 | 50% | 29 of 69 | 10 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 36 of 72 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 17 of 29 | 58% | 13 of 24 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
| Paulo Costa | 31 of 55 | 56% | 23 of 46 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 27 of 51 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | |
| 4 | Marvin Vettori | 30 of 47 | 63% | 16 of 32 | 11 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 28 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 49 of 81 | 60% | 41 of 73 | 7 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 38 of 66 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Marvin Vettori | 45 of 66 | 68% | 26 of 47 | 17 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 43 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Paulo Costa | 31 of 62 | 50% | 27 of 57 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
What can be said about this mess of a fight formerly scheduled at middleweight? On just a few days’ notice, this 185-pound tilt between Costa (13-1, 5-1 UFC) and Vettori (17-5-1, 7-3-1 UFC) transformed into a 195-pound catchweight affair before shifting to light heavyweight the night before weigh-ins. There is more bad blood in this fight than all of the rest of the 13 matches tonight combined, and they would like more than anything to smash the other. They nearly get into a fracas as Costa enters the cage. Referee Jason Herzog will be holding on tight for this flamethrowing main event, and it comes to the surprise of no one that there is no glove touch. Costa takes the center of the cage, and he misses with a high kick but pounds Vettori’s inside thigh with his shin. Vettori launches his own head kick, and Costa sees it coming a mile away and batters Vettori’s lead leg with a kick. Costa has a high kick blocked, and one to the body knocks him off-balance. Vettori charges after him, having landed the counter that may have actually dropped Costa, but Costa backs him off with a thudding body kick. Costa catches Vettori on the way in with a short right hand, and they push one another into the wall as Vettori is in the driver’s seat. Costa again fights his way out, and he eats a left hand and may be stung from one that comes after. Costa scores a right and a body kick, and the two trade vicious right hands. Costa sits down on a body kick again, and Vettori’s left arm is down to block it. Costa lands to the body with a punch, and Vettori counters him with five punches. At the midpoint of the round, Costa appears to be breathing heavy already, and Vettori walks through a leg kick to pressure his opponent. The Brazilian swats away punches, but Vettori is on him working him over with a combination. Costa shrugs it off and fires a body kick off, and Vettori pushes through another that does not have nearly the impact as previous ones. Vettori jabs a few times to back Costa away, and he blocks an overhand right as Costa is trying to load up on single shots. Costa has a head kick get through, but Vettori is not fazed as he pops Costa with a jab and then a one-two. Vettori lands a few punches as Costa shells up, and a left hand pierces the guard as Costa waves him on for more. Vettori sticks and moves, ignores a kick and punch to the midsection, and lands a straight right hand. Right before the round ends, Costa has a head kick zoom by the Italian’s face.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Round 2
They meet in the middle and stick out straight punches, and Vettori triples up on a jab before scoring a body kick. Costa’s is much heavier in response, but Vettori shrugs it off to land a quartet of significant punches. Costa gets backed up to the fence, but he lands a right hand that Vettori is able to partially block. Vettori lands a body shot, and Costa suddenly surprises him with a head kick. Vettori is rocked and falls back towards the fence, and “Borrachinha” chases him down with a body kick and a swarm of punches. As Vettori clears his head, he lands a few knees, but Costa is right in his face with another shin to the chin. Vettori’s beard is quite something, as he seems to have his footing beneath him again as he throws right back at his Brazilian foe. They trade kicks, and Vettori has a pair of punches collide with the guard. Costa’s body shots continue to land, but the looping punches are not as accurate as Vettori is able to slip them. The momentum keeps shifting between the two, as Costa gets Vettori’s attention with a punch salvo. Vettori just ducks when a head kick is aimed at his head, but he steps face-first into a left hook. Vettori uses Costa’s forward momentum against him, hitting a well-timed trip to put the Brazilian on the canvas. Costa fights back to his feet and walks up the wall, and he gains separation. Costa reaches out with a body kick and an opened right hand, and his fingers jab the Italian in the eye. Herzog is aware of this as he allows Vettori all the time he needs to recover, bringing in the doctor just in case. As he had already been warned for something from Herzog, Herzog deducts one point for the eye poke. Costa is incensed but there is nothing he can do, so the two get back to business with kicks from both sides. Costa sits down on a pair of head kicks, and Vettori defends himself but the sheer impact moves him. Vettori lances the guard with a pair of punches, and he goes low with a kick as he punches his way into a clinch. Vettori pressures Costa against the wire with a steady diet of punches, and Costa looses a huge right hand that Vettori sees coming. A glancing left hand gets Vettori’s attention, and Vettori blasts him back with a left hook. Both men wobble briefly but they keep it together, to end the round with a flurry.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Vettori
Ben Duffy scores the round: 9-9
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Vettori
Round 3
Vettori is amped up to start off Round 3, putting a jab in Costa’s face a few times. Costa comes up a millimeter short with a head kick, and Vettori is right there to work the body as Costa puts his foot down. Costa slips a punch to land a right, and he takes a step back and absorbs a body kick. Vettori puts a pace on Costa as he pressures him, and when he lands a few punches, Costa slaps his belly to entice him to throw more. Costa wings a spinning wheel kick, and it skims off Vettori’s hair. As he lands, he catches Vettori with a right hand, but the Italian is able to run out of the way and recover. “The Italian Dream” goes right back to his aggressive ways, landing right hands and busting Costa’s nose open. As they clinch up, Vettori has a single elbow pound into Costa’s face, and Costa grins widely. Costa backs his foe off with a straight right hand to the body, but Vettori is undaunted, as he walks the Brazilian down to throw hands. Three punches split the guard of Costa, who circles off the fence to not take more damage. Vettori lands a single kick, and Costa crashes forward to hit his own unexpected takedown and put the Italian on his back. Costa gets kicked off, and he jumps back down to fight it. When Vettori gives his neck up, Costa jumps guard for a guillotine choke. Vettori does not appear concerned, as he wriggles his neck out and puts Costa flat on his back. Vettori begins to get his ground-and-pound going while Costa closes his guard, with punches and elbows to keep Costa guessing. As Vettori lands a few more strikes from on top, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Round 4
As he has done for the previous rounds, Vettori charges ahead to start off the round. A huge body kick from Costa resounds around the arena, and Vettori is able to tank it and keep pressing forward. The Italian pushes Costa against the fence, where he unloads with a combination of punches. Vettori changes things up every so often with a sharp jab, and he sits down on one with a crisp left hand that makes Costa shake his head. Make no mistake, that punch hurt. Vettori jabs a few more times to keep Costa back, and because of this, he is able to dodge a high kick. Vettori rolls with a head kick, but it might have opened a cut on the side of his eye. Vettori advances and pours it on with a barrage of brutal blows, and Costa winds up with a hook to the body to prove he is very much still in the fight. Costa tags Vettori with a few punches, and Vettori is right there to throw back at him. Another big body kick from Costa connects cleanly on the midsection, and he lands one to the side of Vettori’s knee for good measure. A solid combination from Vettori gets Costa’s attention, one punctuated with a left hand that draws a huge smile out of Costa. Vettori tries to push on the accelerator, only to take a flush kick to the body. Vettori steps in with a knee, and Costa takes the knee to the cup and tells Herzog to back off so they can keep fighting. Costa has his hands down, and Vettori times a swift left hand that backs Costa up to the fence. Costa lets go with a combo of power punches when he is in this position, and Vettori takes a deep breath as he avoids most of them. Vettori blitzes forward, pursues a takedown, and is stuffed. Costa slams his shin into Vettori’s waist, and Vettori will be wearing it tomorrow but he does not flinch here. Instead, he introduces his own shin to Costa’s body, and Costa simply sticks his tongue out at him. The horn sounds, and the fight has reached the fifth frame.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Round 5
The first strike landed in the last round is a huge right hand from Costa, one that Vettori eats like an entire plate of pasta. He follows this with a booming head kick, and Vettori’s chin can never be questioned again after the punishment he has endured the last two fights. They stand right in front of one another and trade, not afraid of the other in any way. Costa smashes his leg into Vettori’s torso like he was hitting a side of beef, and Costa may have finally gotten through to Vettori. Seeing Vettori may be hurt, he peppers him with more punches and a few more kicks, until Vettori shoots in for a desperation takedown. The Brazilian is strong enough to endure and stop it, and he keeps himself upright after the subsequent try. When Vettori cannot get it, he backs off, and Costa follows him with punches. Costa tags his foe with a monstrous right hand, and Vettori wears it and takes a knee and a kick to the body right after. “Borrachinha” continues to batter the body with blistering blows, and Vettori has had enough of them, so he ducks down and telegraphs a double from halfway across the fence. Costa notices it, stops it, and lets Vettori take a step back so he can kick Vettori in the midsection again. Vettori aims a kick to the body to pay him back, but Costa’s are far more emphatic and still landing hard and loud this late into the fight. They start trading, and Costa gets a head kick over the top of the guard. Costa grabs hold of a clinch to try to set up a Thai Plum, but he releases it when Vettori pulls back. Back to his preferred range, Vettori jabs out a few times, but Costa pounds him in the chops with a right hand. Vettori is now the one shaking his head to signal that it does not hurt. The Italian ties him up and hunts for a takedown, and Costa stuffs it and shakes his head. He slaps Vettori in the side and backside as time expires, clearly not thrilled with his performance. The Brazilian might be disappointed, but most fans watching around the world clearly will not be after that wild, hard-fought battle. It is a relief to those same fans that the event ended with a bang and not a dud, like recent weeks, and there will be little time to take a breath as the next big show is right around the corner. UFC 267 will take place next Saturday early in the morning, and it will be a pay-per-view caliber card for free for those that have ESPN+. Although we might not have been here live today due to technical difficulties, we will be here for it next week with bells on. We hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Costa (49-45 Vettori)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Costa (48-47 Vettori)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Costa (49-45 Vettori)
The Official Result
Marvin Vettori def. Paulo Costa via Unanimous Decision (48-46, 48-46, 48-46)
Angelo finds this a very tough pick. He initially had Costa but flipped to Vettori because Vettori has more ways to win (grappling, durability). He notes Vettori's takedown accuracy is under 50% and he struggles to keep people down, while Costa has 80% takedown defense. He's worried Vettori will get sucked into a striking match. He ultimately picks Vettori but is not confident. He loves a prop bet on Costa: 'wins inside the distance, decision no action' at -110, meaning if Costa wins by KO he gets paid, if he loses a decision he gets a refund.
Big Brady picks Vettori to survive Costa's early storm and win late, citing Vettori's durability, five-round experience, and never-been-KO'd record. He notes Costa's takedown defense (80%) and strength make him hard to take down, but believes Vettori's wrestling and cardio will prevail in later rounds. He predicts a fifth-round TKO or submission.
Cody picks Marvin Vettori, expecting to get a better live price after Vettori likely drops the first round. He highlights Vettori's durability, cardio, and experience in five-round fights, contrasting with Costa's questionable cardio and history of gassing. Cody notes Costa's impressive pressure against Yoel Romero but points out his poor performance against Adesanya and his tendency to fade after two rounds. He believes Vettori can take over in rounds 3-5 and recommends betting live after the first round.
Lock picks Vettori based on durability and cardio advantage. He notes Costa's cardio drops after 8 minutes and Vettori's pace will take over late. He expects Vettori to survive early onslaught and finish in rounds 3-5. He also likes Vettori inside the distance and round props.
Paul initially leans towards Costa but is swayed by Cody's reasoning. He acknowledges Vettori's durability and chin, but also notes Costa's power and the possibility of a knockout. Paul suggests that if betting Costa, the knockout prop at +225 is the way to go. He ultimately agrees that waiting for live markets is the best approach, but does not commit to a clear pick.
The MMA Guru picks Marvin Vettori, citing Costa's questionable cardio and mindset after his first KO loss. He believes Vettori's durability, pressure, and activity will allow him to take over in the later rounds. He predicts a rear-naked choke finish in round 4, drawing parallels to Vettori's fight with Omari Akhmedov.
Jack Hermansson - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 19 of 38 | 50% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 1 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 19 of 38 | 50% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 1 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 19 of 38 | 50% | 9 of 25 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 15 of 33 | 45% | 9 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 19 of 38 | 50% | 9 of 25 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 15 of 33 | 45% | 9 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Myktybek Orolbai over Jack Hermansson, calling it a life savings on the caveman. He describes Orolbai as a fun grappler with non-stop pressure, cardio, and power, while Hermansson is an aging welterweight moving down in weight, which weakens his chin and cardio. Orolbai's game plan is simple: takedown, smash, win.
Big Brady picks Myktybek Orolbai (Mairbek Tukhugov) by first-round knockout, citing Hermansson's recent brutal KO loss and quick turnaround. He questions Hermansson's chin and weight cut to welterweight, expecting Orolbai to land a big shot and finish him early.
Cody picks Jack Hermansson confidently, pending weight cut. He notes that Orolbai is one-dimensional, a weight bully who relies on takedowns but has poor striking defense. Jack has a reach advantage, excellent wrestling, and BJJ. Cody believes Jack can stuff takedowns and outwork Orolbai, who gasses and gets hit a lot.
Connor picks Orolbai, citing his physicality and grinding style as a problem for Hermansson. He notes that Hermansson is making a drastic weight cut to welterweight, which often fails at this career stage. Connor acknowledges Hermansson's win over Joe Pyfer but sees Orolbai's natural size and aggression as decisive.
Lucrative James picks Myktybek Orolbai, citing the weight class advantage (Orolbai moving up from 155, Hermansson cutting from 185). He believes Orolbai has better striking power, durability, and grappling. He notes Hermansson's recent KO loss and questionable chin. He predicts Orolbai will win, possibly by knockout.
Orolbai is a pressure grappler with solid cardio and finishing ability. Hermansson is dropping to welterweight at 37, with durability concerns and a long layoff. Orolbai should overwhelm Hermansson and finish him via TKO or submission.
Paul picks Jack Hermansson, noting that Orolbai is moving up to welterweight and has struggled with bigger opponents. Jack is a natural welterweight with good wrestling and submission skills. Paul believes Jack's experience and size will be too much for Orolbai, who has poor cardio and striking defense.
The MMA Guru picks Myktybek Orolbai over Jack Hermansson, believing Orolbai's speed and technique will overcome Hermansson's size. He notes Hermansson's KO loss and weight cut to welterweight. He trusts Orolbai's grappling defense and offensive submissions, predicting a win.
Zane picks Hermansson, betting that his size and strength at welterweight will be enough to control Orolbai. He notes that Orolbai's success depends on physicality, and if Hermansson is too strong, Orolbai's one-dimensional pressure will fail. Zane admits it's a risky pick given Hermansson's recent losses.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 30 of 55 | 54% | 30 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gregory Rodrigues | 1 | 18 of 63 | 28% | 18 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 30 of 55 | 54% | 30 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gregory Rodrigues | 1 | 18 of 63 | 28% | 18 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 30 of 55 | 54% | 24 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 30 of 54 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gregory Rodrigues | 18 of 63 | 28% | 11 of 54 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 18 of 63 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 30 of 55 | 54% | 24 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 30 of 54 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gregory Rodrigues | 18 of 63 | 28% | 11 of 54 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 18 of 63 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans Gregory Rodrigues because he believes Rodrigues's power and early success will carry him in a three-round fight, despite his cardio issues. He compares it to Jack Hermansson's win over Joe Pyfer, where Hermansson survived early and took over, but notes that Rodrigues's loss to Jared Cannonier was in the fourth round and Cannonier hits harder. He is cautious because Rodrigues is a -180 favorite with cardio concerns, and he suggests the over 1.5 rounds might be a good bet.
Big Brady likes Rodrigues stylistically, noting his power advantage over Hermansson. He thinks Hermansson's best path is wrestling, but Rodrigues has good takedown defense and is a BJJ black belt. Brady expects the fight to stay standing, where Rodrigues will land harder shots. He references Marvin Vettori knocking down Hermansson as evidence of his chin vulnerability, and picks Rodrigues by second-round knockout.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Rodrigues. He notes that Hermansson's wins come against limited fighters, while Rodrigues is a well-rounded athlete who can offer problems everywhere. Hermansson's long layoff and injuries are concerns, and Rodrigues' aggression and durability should carry him.
The host notes Hermansson's long layoff and believes Rodrigues will dictate the pace with power punching and ground control, winning on the scorecards.
The host picks Gregory Rodrigues, citing his activity and more intricate striking compared to Hermansson's last opponent. He believes Rodrigues' grappling is good enough to neutralize Hermansson's, and that Hermansson's long layoff is a concern. He predicts a TKO win for Rodrigues in the first or second round.
Zane picks Gregory Rodrigues because he sees Hermansson as a fighter who struggles against well-rounded athletes. Rodrigues is competent everywhere and can land bigger shots, while Hermansson needs time to establish his jab and lacks finishing power. Over three rounds, Rodrigues should be able to put it on Hermansson and win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 121 of 235 | 51% | 188 of 327 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:08 |
| Joe Pyfer | 0 | 92 of 250 | 36% | 95 of 254 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:50 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 16 of 38 | 42% | 16 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joe Pyfer | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 19 of 38 | 50% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Joe Pyfer | 0 | 22 of 60 | 36% | 22 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 37 of 69 | 53% | 43 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joe Pyfer | 0 | 20 of 65 | 30% | 20 of 65 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 33 of 57 | 57% | 58 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joe Pyfer | 0 | 22 of 46 | 47% | 23 of 48 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:50 | |
| 5 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 16 of 33 | 48% | 52 of 90 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:01 |
| Joe Pyfer | 0 | 4 of 21 | 19% | 6 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 121 of 235 | 51% | 74 of 174 | 15 of 23 | 32 of 38 | 111 of 219 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 10 |
| Joe Pyfer | 92 of 250 | 36% | 56 of 196 | 25 of 34 | 11 of 20 | 92 of 250 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 16 of 38 | 42% | 3 of 21 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 8 | 16 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Joe Pyfer | 24 of 58 | 41% | 11 of 41 | 9 of 10 | 4 of 7 | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jack Hermansson | 19 of 38 | 50% | 11 of 28 | 1 of 3 | 7 of 7 | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Joe Pyfer | 22 of 60 | 36% | 11 of 45 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 5 | 22 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jack Hermansson | 37 of 69 | 53% | 25 of 54 | 4 of 7 | 8 of 8 | 33 of 64 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Joe Pyfer | 20 of 65 | 30% | 12 of 54 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 20 of 65 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Jack Hermansson | 33 of 57 | 57% | 21 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 13 | 32 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Joe Pyfer | 22 of 46 | 47% | 19 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 3 | 22 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Jack Hermansson | 16 of 33 | 48% | 14 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 10 |
| Joe Pyfer | 4 of 21 | 19% | 3 of 17 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo acknowledges Jack Hermansson's grappling credentials but notes his low takedown accuracy (29%). Joe Pyfer has incredible power, good wrestling, and has trained with high-level grapplers, including a win over Gerald Meerschaert. Angelo believes Pyfer is the real deal and that this is a perfect stepping stone fight. He suggests betting or parlaying Pyfer.
Big Brady picks Joe Pyfer to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Pyfer has dynamite in his hands and hits like a truck, while Hermansson has been knocked out before and struggles to get fights to the mat. He thinks the small cage favors Pyfer's pressure, and he expects Pyfer to knock Hermansson out early. He acknowledges Hermansson's cardio and grappling but believes Pyfer's power is the difference.
Cody sees value in Hermansson as a plus money underdog. He questions Pyfer's cardio and five-round experience, noting Pyfer has never fought three rounds and relies on early finishes against lower-level competition. Hermansson has proven volume and cardio over five rounds, with wins over Chris Curtis and competitive fights with Strickland and Vettori. Cody believes Pyfer's -260 price is too high given the unknowns, making Hermansson a clear dogger pass pick.
Hermansson is a tough veteran with a grappling-heavy approach and good durability. He should be able to weather Pyfer's early power and then take over with his grinding style, potentially winning by decision or late stoppage. Pyfer's cardio is untested against a durable opponent. However, Hermansson is coming off a knee injury, and Pyfer has youth and power. Low confidence pick.
Paul agrees with Cody, calling Hermansson a clear dogger pass. He notes Pyfer's lack of five-round experience and that Hermansson has multiple tools and paths to victory. Paul points out that if the fight goes deep, Hermansson's cardio and volume will be decisive. He also mentions that Pyfer could win by early knockout, but the value is on Hermansson at plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Joe Pyfer with high confidence, citing Pyfer's knockout power and grappling ability. He notes Pyfer's impressive KO of Gerald Meerschaert and his performance against Abdul Razak Alhassan, where Alhassan seemed scared. He believes Pyfer can put away Hermansson, who he criticizes for losing to Roman Dolidze. He predicts a first-round KO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 47 of 79 | 59% | 48 of 80 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:52 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 39 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 3 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Dolidze | 0 | 25 of 40 | 62% | 26 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 4 of 16 | 25% | 7 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Roman Dolidze | 0 | 22 of 39 | 56% | 22 of 39 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:46 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 21 of 38 | 55% | 32 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:28 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Dolidze | 47 of 79 | 59% | 16 of 41 | 11 of 16 | 20 of 22 | 43 of 74 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
| Jack Hermansson | 25 of 54 | 46% | 23 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 15 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Dolidze | 25 of 40 | 62% | 6 of 16 | 6 of 9 | 13 of 15 | 23 of 37 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Jack Hermansson | 4 of 16 | 25% | 3 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Roman Dolidze | 22 of 39 | 56% | 10 of 25 | 5 of 7 | 7 of 7 | 20 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 21 of 38 | 55% | 20 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 14 |
Angelo picks Roman Dolidze, calling him a world champion grappler with real power. He notes Dolidze's impressive recent win over Phil Hawes, where he showed both submission and KO ability. He thinks Hermansson is a good grappler but not on Dolidze's level, and lacks power in his striking. He expects Dolidze to be the favorite by fight night and has a moneyline bet on him.
Big Brady is confident in Hermansson, citing his underrated striking, improved cardio, and superior grappling. He notes Dolidze's poor takedown defense (33%) and short-notice fight, expecting Hermansson to win exchanges on the feet, mix in takedowns, and finish a tired Dolidze in the second round by submission. He mentions Hermansson's dominant win over Chris Curtis as evidence.
Cody agrees, highlighting Hermansson's high output and Dolidze's low volume. He thinks Hermansson can win by decision or even submission, and prefers Hermansson by decision. He notes Dolidze's power but doubts he can land cleanly.
Daniel Levi leans Hermansson as a pure pick, citing his better competition, improved striking, and ground-and-pound. However, he notes Dolidze's danger everywhere and calls it a dog-or-pass situation at the current line. He might bet Dolidze if the line widens to +200 or more.
The host picks Hermansson but is not confident due to Dolidze's tendency to pull off upsets. He thinks Hermansson will dictate the fight with clinching and striking from the outside, similar to his win over Chris Curtis. He likes the over 2.5 rounds as a bet, expecting a slow-paced fight. He warns that Dolidze is a wild man who could finish if he smells blood.
Paul thinks Hermansson has Dolidze covered everywhere. He notes Dolidze's low volume and Hermansson's output advantage. He expects Hermansson to keep the fight standing and use his reach and cardio to win a decision or possibly get a finish.
The MMA Guru picks Jack Hermansson, citing his superior experience and grappling. He thinks Dolidze's recent wins are over lesser competition and that Hermansson's leg kicks and pressure will be key. He predicts Hermansson will take over in the later rounds and win a decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 100 of 251 | 39% | 100 of 251 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Curtis | 0 | 43 of 125 | 34% | 43 of 125 | 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 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 21 of 65 | 32% | 21 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Curtis | 0 | 7 of 28 | 25% | 7 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 45 of 108 | 41% | 45 of 108 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Curtis | 0 | 16 of 40 | 40% | 16 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 34 of 78 | 43% | 34 of 78 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Curtis | 0 | 20 of 57 | 35% | 20 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 100 of 251 | 39% | 48 of 176 | 25 of 45 | 27 of 30 | 99 of 246 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Chris Curtis | 43 of 125 | 34% | 18 of 89 | 25 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 41 of 123 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 21 of 65 | 32% | 7 of 42 | 3 of 10 | 11 of 13 | 21 of 63 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Chris Curtis | 7 of 28 | 25% | 3 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jack Hermansson | 45 of 108 | 41% | 26 of 80 | 10 of 18 | 9 of 10 | 44 of 105 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Chris Curtis | 16 of 40 | 40% | 5 of 24 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jack Hermansson | 34 of 78 | 43% | 15 of 54 | 12 of 17 | 7 of 7 | 34 of 78 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Chris Curtis | 20 of 57 | 35% | 10 of 42 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 18 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo has a slight lean towards Chris Curtis but expresses buyer's remorse after betting on him. He notes Curtis has good boxing and takedown defense, but gassed in his last fight against Rodolfo Vieira and was outstruck. He points out Jack Hermansson went 0 for 8 on takedowns against Sean Strickland but still won rounds on some scorecards, meaning he can strike. He says the pick might change by fight day.
Big Brady picks Chris Curtis to win by decision. He notes Curtis has shown improved takedown defense (stuffing all 20 of Rodolfo Vieira's attempts). On the feet, Curtis has the striking advantage. If Hermansson can't take him down, Curtis should outpoint him in a competitive decision. He acknowledges Hermansson's ground game is dangerous if he gets takedowns.
Cody is confident in Chris Curtis, citing his excellent cardio, takedown defense, and boxing. He argues that Hermansson's best volume comes in championship rounds, but this is a three-round fight. Cody notes Hermansson has been knocked out by punchers and dropped by Marvin Vettori, while Curtis has power and volume. He also mentions Curtis' training with Sean Strickland and his ability to stuff takedowns. Cody believes Curtis will keep the fight standing and box Hermansson up.
Daniel Levi leans towards Jack Hermansson, citing his top-level experience and dangerous ground game, particularly his guillotine choke. He acknowledges Chris Curtis's improved takedown defense and boxing, but questions whether Curtis can handle the step up in competition. Levi notes that Hermansson has been in there with the best and has a lot of heart, but also wonders if Hermansson still has the hunger after recent setbacks. He thinks Hermansson can find opportunistic takedowns and use his ground and pound to win.
Hermansson is too big and strong for Curtis. He will drag the fight to the ground and control him. Curtis defended 20 takedowns against Adolfo Vieira, but Vieira is a jiu-jitsu player, not a wrestler. Hermansson's wrestling is elite. Curtis will realize he should have stayed at 170.
Paul picks Jack Hermansson, feeling the line is too close and that there may be too much hype on Chris Curtis. He notes Hermansson is a legitimate pounder with great cardio, excellent wrestling, and complete skills. Paul acknowledges Curtis has been a cash printing machine but thinks this step up in competition might be too much. He wants to hear Cody's take before making any action.
The MMA Guru picks Chris Curtis to win by decision. He praises Curtis's grappling defense, as seen against Rodolfo Vieira. Hermansson will have success with takedowns early but will slow down. Curtis will land body shots and knees, pulling away in the last two rounds for a 29-28 decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Strickland | 0 | 137 of 353 | 38% | 137 of 353 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 153 of 330 | 46% | 161 of 338 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Strickland | 0 | 26 of 47 | 55% | 26 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 24 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Sean Strickland | 0 | 32 of 70 | 45% | 32 of 70 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 32 of 77 | 41% | 32 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sean Strickland | 0 | 26 of 75 | 34% | 26 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 27 of 59 | 45% | 27 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Sean Strickland | 0 | 27 of 78 | 34% | 27 of 78 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 34 of 67 | 50% | 37 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Sean Strickland | 0 | 26 of 83 | 31% | 26 of 83 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 38 of 76 | 50% | 41 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Strickland | 137 of 353 | 38% | 22 of 194 | 64 of 105 | 51 of 54 | 134 of 350 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 153 of 330 | 46% | 125 of 286 | 24 of 40 | 4 of 4 | 151 of 328 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Strickland | 26 of 47 | 55% | 4 of 15 | 11 of 20 | 11 of 12 | 25 of 46 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 22 of 51 | 43% | 19 of 46 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean Strickland | 32 of 70 | 45% | 3 of 35 | 15 of 21 | 14 of 14 | 31 of 69 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 32 of 77 | 41% | 22 of 65 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 32 of 77 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sean Strickland | 26 of 75 | 34% | 4 of 43 | 9 of 19 | 13 of 13 | 26 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 27 of 59 | 45% | 22 of 49 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 27 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Sean Strickland | 27 of 78 | 34% | 6 of 47 | 13 of 22 | 8 of 9 | 26 of 77 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 34 of 67 | 50% | 30 of 58 | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 34 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Sean Strickland | 26 of 83 | 31% | 5 of 54 | 16 of 23 | 5 of 6 | 26 of 83 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 38 of 76 | 50% | 32 of 68 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 38 of 76 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Top-10 middleweights come to blows for the marquee matchup atop UFC Fight Night 200, with possible championship implications in play. “The Joker” Hermansson (22-6, 9-4 UFC) will try to blunt the momentum of the fast-swinging “Tarzan” Strickland (24-3, 11-3 UFC) in a clear-cut style matchup of a savvy grappler against a solid striker. Referee Herb Dean draws the final assignment of the evening, and he may have his hands full depending on where the fight goes. The gloves are touched, the fighters are ready, and it’s time for some action. The middleweights meet in the middle, and Hermansson lands first with a leg kick. Strickland checks the second one that comes to that target, and he flicks out a few jabs as Hermansson comes towards him. Strickland pops out his jab to split the guard repeatedly, and he blocks one from Hermansson but does not block the sweeping low kick. Strickland keeps his jab flowing, and he gets forced to fight off a takedown effort about a minute into the round. Strickland backs up to the fence, keeping himself upright, while Hermansson goes low for a single. Hermansson hooks the leg between his own, and Strickland defends with a few body shots but gets wrenched down to his hands and knees. “Tarzan” swings right back up to his feet, and Hermansson holds him from behind against the wire. Hermansson bails on the single so that he can knee the body, and he kicks Strickland’s calf on the way out. Strickland returns a jab, and Hermansson pushes one back that is far less snappy. Strickland blocks a body kick and is comfortable with his left jab finding the spot again and again. Strickland checks another leg kick, and Hermansson kicks it from the other side when he does. Strickland’s jab pierces the guard again and again, and he keeps at a safe range to dodge a three-punch salvo that swings his way. While Strickland powers out a jab, he eats a heavy body kick and a slapping inside low kick. Hermansson varies his targets while Strickland is primarily focused on sticking out a jab on the nose. Strickland follows a jab with a right, and Hermansson wears it well and replies with a low kick. The American opens up with another one-two, and it gives Hermansson pause for a moment but “The Joker” bites down on his mouthpiece and throws with a right hand and a leg kick. Strickland’s jab continues to find its home, and he adds in a front kick to the body. “Tarzan” dances out of the way of punches right at the end of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Round 2
The Swede comes out of his corner much more aggressively than the previous frame, swinging wildly with looping shots and heavier kicks. Strickland remains composed with his jabs and effective defense, checking the low kicks and blocking the bigger punches aimed at his head. They both trade strikes, and Hermansson rushes in with a combination that gets intercepted by a pair of punches. Hermansson hammers Strickland’s lead leg with another kick, and the calf is starting to change colors. Without setting it up, Hermansson ducks down for a takedown attempt, and Strickland shucks it off and pushes him aside. Strickland marches ahead with jabs and follow-up right hands, and he swats down a punch aimed at his face. Hermansson may be throwing harder, but the accuracy rate of his vicious strikes is low. Hermansson bites down on his mouthpiece to throw hands, and they begin to trade it out right in front of one another. Hermansson slugs Strickland in the face, and Strickland’s pace does not change that significantly, keeping to jabs and occasional twos. Hermansson has another takedown try stuffed with ease, allowing Strickland to get to his preferred range and smack him in the face with a jab and body with a right hand. Hermansson kicks the body, and Strickland does not register the blow as he checks a leg kick. Strickland picks out with punches and a single body kick, and Hermansson blitzes forward with a wide combination that mostly misses the mark. A heavy low kick connects for the Swede, but it is one-and-done as he backs away to reset. Strickland lands cleanly with a power jab, and he winds up with a power punch only for Hermansson to greet him with one of his own. They club one another in the face with big punches, and Strickland scores a few kicks to the body. Strickland sits back, avoids a punch and lets go with a right hand that knocks Hermansson cleanly off his feet. Strickland does not give chase, letting Hermansson up as the round comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Round 3
Strickland’s jab starts off again in the round, as he stabs out his fist while Hermansson keeps a high, tight guard. Hermansson’s low kicks have ranging success, as some land cleanly while others get checked. The hand speed shifts in favor of Strickland, catching Hermansson on the way in when Hermansson loads up on powerful strikes. The kicks are marking Strickland’s legs up as well, but Strickland keeps a stiff upper lip and does not change his approach. Hermansson keeps the leg attack going as he eats punches, giving up jabs to land calf kicks. Hermansson tries to bob and weave, and Strickland’s accurate jab is able to still find the target as Hermansson’s face begins to change color. Hermansson sells out for a heavy body kick, and it pounds into Strickland’s liver. Strickland does not budget, and he proceeds to let loose a high kick that glances off Hermansson’s shoulder. “Tarzan” smoothly dodges punches while feeding Hermansson a steady diet of jabs, and he gets tagged with a looping left hand. Strickland gives it back with a body kick, allowing him to take a moment in case he needs to shake off the cobwebs. Hermansson’s variety is much more noteworthy than Strickland, as Strickland sticks to a few fundamentals while Hermansson is trying everything he can to close the distance and land with power punches. Strickland slips and moves, sticking Hermansson with jabs and occasionally mixing in a front kick. Strickland snipes Hermansson with a right hand, and he slings a high kick that is blocked just in the nick of time. They both trade heavy shots, with Strickland scoring a right hand while Hermansson gets off a head kick, and the third frame wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Round 4
The jab keeps right on coming from Strickland, but Hermansson is motivated to turn this into a wild brawl. The powerful punches of the Swede hit little but air, as Strickland calmly dodges and counters with jabs up the middle. Hermansson swings wide, using his forward momentum to go after a single-leg takedown, and Strickland keeps smart neck control by pushing Hermansson’s head down to fail on the attempt. The American is able to stop the try and gain some space, where he starts to add right hands in after stinging Hermansson with jabs. One such right hand stuns the Swede momentarily, but Hermansson shakes it off and throws back with bad intentions. Hermansson tries to punch around the jab, getting off a few right hands that loop around Strickland’s outstretched arm. Strickland doubles up on a jab, and Hermansson swings wild and goes wide. Strickland’s defensive nature does not put him into much danger, but it is damaging Hermansson to any noticeable degree. Strickland scores a leg kick, and he backs off as Hermansson goes for broke by ducking down and winging punches. Strickland does not absorb them and stays loose and light, jabbing out while windmilling punches go past him. Hermansson finally lands with a big right hand, but Strickland does not budge. Strickland continues to play the matador to Hermansson’s bull, and he pokes and prods Hermansson from a distance until the bell sounds. Both men appear to be bleeding after exchanges, with Strickland’s nose leaking while Hermansson has a cut under his right eye.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Round 5
Sensing he is likely down on the scorecards, Hermansson attacks recklessly with whipping punches. Strickland’s composure never changes, with his jab and footwork keeping him safe from the majority of harm. On the other hand, Hermansson throws so hard he nearly topples over, unable to find the range with more than a single strike in a salvo. Hermansson kicks the legs and body, and Strickland does what he does best with straight, sharp jabs right down Broadway. While Strickland gets off a one-two, Hermansson leaps ahead with a superman punch that pops Strickland on the cheek. Hermansson walks Strickland down, putting everything he has into his punches, and Strickland’s guard remains active and effective at staving off the worst that comes at him. Hermansson does not bother reacting to jabs any longer, and he throws hard at his opponent. Strickland gives it right back with a pair of one-twos, but he settles back to his calm, methodical pace while Hermansson shouts kiais after every strike. Strickland smoothly walks through a leg kick to push out a few jabs, and he leans to the side to slap Hermansson in the side of his calf. A whiff from Hermansson allows Strickland to counter heavily, but Hermansson does not falter. Instead, the Swede crashes forward in pursuit of a single-leg takedown, and Strickland’s takedown defense remains immaculate as he pushes Hermansson away. Strickland shrugs off a low kick so that he can belt Hermansson in the face with a right hand, and he jabs out a few more times for good measure. Strickland starts talking trash, telling Hermansson to brawl with him. Hermansson appears confused at this, and his confusion lets Strickland blast him in the face a few times. Hermansson obliges him in one final throwdown, and they let it go right to the final horn. There is no bad blood after the last exchange, as they slap one another on the shoulder and laugh after five hard-fought rounds. After the head-scratching split decision score is read, Strickland thanks the UFC for the opportunity and says he is a “company man” and would be more than willing to fight the person that holds the belt next, if that is who’s next for him. The middleweight championship will be decided next week in Houston at UFC 271, with Sherdog in the building covering the fight card, so we will absolutely be there for it. We hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland (50-45 Strickland)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Strickland (49-46 Strickland)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Strickland (50-45 Strickland)
The Official Result
Sean Strickland def. Jack Hermansson via Split Decision (49-46, 47-48, 49-46)
Angelo picks Sean Strickland but is hesitant. He notes Strickland's insane volume and solid takedown defense, but criticizes his lack of hip rotation and footwork. Hermansson is a great grappler who will shoot takedowns relentlessly. Angelo thinks Strickland's volume can win, but Hermansson could frustrate him with takedowns. He calls it a great live betting card.
Cody agrees with Paul that Strickland's volume and cardio should win the fight, but he is hesitant about the decision prop. He notes that Hermansson has good wrestling and BJJ, and if anyone can take Strickland down, it's Hermansson. However, he thinks Strickland's takedown defense has improved and that the fight will likely be decided by volume down the stretch. He picks Strickland but is hesitant on the method.
Daniel Levi picks Sean Strickland, citing his improved power at middleweight and his ability to stuff takedowns and get back up. He notes that Strickland's wrestling is underrated, having taken down Uriah Hall and Brendan Allen. Levi believes Jack Hermansson's herky-jerky striking won't trouble Strickland, and that Hermansson shells up when hit, while Strickland thrives on pressure. He predicts a late finish or unanimous decision for Strickland.
Lock of the Night favors Strickland, citing his high output and volume striking that will drown Hermansson on the feet. He acknowledges the unknown of Strickland's takedown defense at 185 but believes his black belt and training with Kutila will suffice. He expects Strickland to get back to his feet and outpoint Hermansson, similar to the Vettori fight. He likes the over 4.5 rounds and Strickland by decision.
Paul thinks Strickland's volume and cardio will be the difference in a five-round fight. He notes that Strickland lands a high volume of significant strikes and that Hermansson may struggle to keep up. He also mentions that Strickland's wrestling is rarely tested but he trains with great wrestlers, so Hermansson's takedown edge is uncertain. Paul picks Strickland but says the price is about right.
The MMA Guru picks Sean Strickland, citing his experience and underrated grappling. He notes that Khamzat Chimaev flies across the world to train grappling with Strickland, implying high-level skills. He predicts Strickland will piece up Hermansson on the feet, stuff takedowns, and win a decision (50-45 or 50-44). He mentions Hermansson doesn't take damage well, as seen in the Uriah Hall fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 55 of 100 | 55% | 141 of 192 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 7:11 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 0 | 40 of 92 | 43% | 42 of 94 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 1:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 18 of 42 | 42% | 18 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 0 | 26 of 67 | 38% | 26 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 24 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:54 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 0 | 10 of 17 | 58% | 12 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 1:51 | |
| 3 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 31 of 45 | 68% | 99 of 115 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:14 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 0 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 55 of 100 | 55% | 44 of 82 | 3 of 6 | 8 of 12 | 20 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 35 of 44 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 40 of 92 | 43% | 34 of 84 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 77 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 18 of 42 | 42% | 7 of 24 | 3 of 6 | 8 of 12 | 18 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 26 of 67 | 38% | 21 of 60 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jack Hermansson | 6 of 13 | 46% | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 10 of 17 | 58% | 10 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 11 | |
| 3 | Jack Hermansson | 31 of 45 | 68% | 31 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 31 of 39 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 4 of 8 | 50% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The main card commences with a high-stakes middleweight showdown as “The Joker” Hermansson (21-6, 8-4 UFC) will try to take more shine away from “The Golden Boy” Shahbazyan (11-1, 4-1 UFC). Two finishers will collide here, with 27 stoppage wins among their 32 career victories, so referee Herb Dean will need to mind his P’s and Q’s. There is no sign of a glove touch, as the two would rather get right down to business. Hermansson hops around as he takes the center of the cage, where he lets go with several front kicks to the knee. Shahbazyan loads up on a few punches down the middle, and Hermansson swats them away and kicks his lead leg. Shahbazyan sneaks in a right hand, and he follows it with a few more powerful strikes that give Hermansson some pause. “The Joker” sits down on a jab, and he gets countered with a left hand on the way in. Three big punches from Shahbazyan ricochet off Hermansson’s guard, and he splits that guard with an uppercut. Hermansson looses a few head kicks and a leg kick, and a jab that comes his way stings him on the chin. A long shot from Hermansson is unsuccessful, as Shahbazyan hops back and lands a big uppercut as the Swede stands. Hermansson rushes in to throw hands, but Shahbazyan’s sharper jab gives him some pause. A few punches from Shahbazyan have marked up Hermansson’s face, but the Swede gives him a response with a few kicks. Shahbazyan’s hands continue to land, and a single leg kick from Hermansson finds its home. Shahbazyan mixes it up with body shots as he jabs, forcing Hermansson to shoot in on him from a distance. “The Golden Boy” shines as he stuffs it, and he cracks Hermansson with a right hand. Hermansson walks through everything, until he meets a one-two that wobbles his knees. “The Joker” is not laughing as he stalks Shahbazyan down, but Shahbazyan is the one landing practically at will. Shahbazyan circles on the outside and reaches out with a front kick, and he sticks Hermansson with a few jabs. Hermansson fires off a kick on the inside leg, and one on the outside, but Shahbazyan ignores them and drills him in the face with a pair of punches. Hermansson gets busted up with a nasty jab, and Hermansson throws wildly with power strikes but is largely inaccurate. Hermansson attacks, but those strikes do not find their home as the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shahbazyan
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Shahbazyan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shahbazyan
Round 2
Hermansson is ready to throw bombs as he starts the second round, and he clips Shahbazyan with an uppercut as he closes the distance. The Swede gets in close with his strikes, and he attempts a single leg takedown when he has Shahbazyan pushed against the fence. “The Joker” scoops up the legs, and he plants Shahbazyan firmly on his back. Shahbazyan closes the guard, but he is eating some serious ground-and-pound as Hermansson starts to unload on him. As a cut opens on his eyebrow from a strike, Shahbazyan wildly scrambles to burst back to his feet. Hermansson keeps him held tight with the threat of a guillotine choke as he leans against the cage wall, and he tightens it when Shahbazyan tries to step out. One solid elbow from Shahbazyan lands, but Hermansson tackles him down right into a guillotine choke from Shahbazyan. The Swede welcomes the exchange, as he is not concerned about the arm around his neck, and instead puts Shahbazyan down to the ground and hops to mount. Shahbazyan recovers position slightly, and Hermansson sits in a high half guard as he elbows Shahbazyan. A few more elbows for Hermansson land as he puts a knee on the belly to slice to full mount, but Shahbazyan is bucking like a bronco. Hermansson is unable to pass position, but he isolates an arm to hunt for a kimura. When Shahbazyan kicks to get out, Hermansson jumps a bit too high and Shahbazyan slides out the back door. Hermansson falls over, and Shahbazyan climbs on top to land a single elbow. “The Golden Boy” reaches down for a guillotine choke to keep the Swede in a position he would prefer, and bails on it to get into half guard. One big thudding elbow from Shahbazyan lands as Hermansson sits up, and “The Joker” twists and turns but falls short in his escape attempt. Hermansson kicks him off, and misses with a few upkicks. This is the perfect moment for Shahbazyan, who dives down with heavy ground-and-pound to end the round violently.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson
Round 3
The middleweights meet in the center of the cage, and both land single strikes on the other. Shahbazyan sticks out a few jabs, and Hermansson shrugs them off only to get stung with an uppercut. “The Joker” blocks a front kick up the middle, and Hermansson shoots in for a single. He is able to scoop Shahbazyan off the ground, and a second attempt puts “The Golden Boy” on his back. Hermansson, sitting in half guard, frees his right hand to start raining it down on the jaw of the American. Hermansson clubs him with punches and squeezes down with shoulder pressure to pass to mount. Hermansson elbows him a few times, and lands some thudding right hands that bounce Shahbazyan’s head off the cage floor. The Swede continues to pour it on with punches and elbows, and a big cut has opened up around Shahbazyan’s right eye. Hermansson stays comfortable in half guard, thwarting any of Shahbazyan attempts to get up and making him pay for each one with strikes. The blood continues to flow from the man on bottom, and Hermansson opens up with a barrage of nasty elbows as he looks to force a stoppage. Dean keeps a close eye on the proceedings as Hermansson wails on him, and Hermansson sits up to hammer down with a huge elbow. Hermansson steps over into side control as he lands hammerfists, and he turns it into a north-south before taking the other side. Hermansson steps to mount with seconds to go, and he unloads with a fury of punches until the final bloody round ends. As soon as the bell rings, Hermansson gets up and helps a battered Shahbazyan back up to his feet.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Hermansson (29-27 Hermansson)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Hermansson (29-27 Hermansson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Hermansson (29-27 Hermansson)
The Official Result
Jack Hermansson def. Edmen Shahbazyan via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Big Brady picks Hermansson to survive Shahbazyan's dangerous first round, then take over with takedowns and ground game. He notes Shahbazyan's cardio issues and high finish rate (91%) but believes Hermansson's grappling and experience will lead to a second-round submission. He acknowledges Shahbazyan could knock him out early.
Cody Saftic picks Jack Hermansson, criticizing the matchmaking for Shahbazyan. He notes that Hermansson is a strong wrestler with good cardio, while Shahbazyan has shown poor takedown defense and gassing issues. Saftic believes Hermansson will take the fight to the ground and wear Shahbazyan down, similar to what Derek Brunson did. He sees value at -150 and considers it a strong play.
Daniel Levi picks Edmen Shahbazyan, arguing that Shahbazyan is a young phenom with knockout power and takedown ability, and that his loss to Brunson was due to inexperience. He believes Jack Hermansson is a one-trick pony with poor striking defense and that he took too much damage in his last fight (broken orbital). He predicts Shahbazyan will knock out Hermansson in the first round, calling it a dog or pass situation.
Matt picks Edmen Shahbazyan by knockout, believing Shahbazyan's striking advantage and power will be too much for Hermansson. He notes Hermansson's defensive striking issues, having been hit by Cannonier, Vettori, and others. He thinks Shahbazyan's cardio issues may still exist, but he should finish within two rounds. He compares the matchup to Derek Brunson's win over Shahbazyan, but notes Brunson is more defensively sound than Hermansson. He likes Shahbazyan by KO at +265 and round 1 KO at +325.
Paul Shaughnessy agrees with Hermansson, noting that the line seems too good to be true. He points out that Hermansson has fought top competition and has good cardio, while Shahbazyan was dominated by Brunson. He suggests that if Shahbazyan wins, it would likely be by early knockout, but the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Hermansson. He recommends Hermansson by knockout at +265 as a prop.
The MMA Guru predicts Jack Hermansson will win by first-round submission via arm-in guillotine. He expects Shahbazyan to show improvements on the feet and stuff some takedowns early, but Hermansson will eventually catch him in a scramble as Shahbazyan tries to get back up, latching onto the guillotine for the finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 0 | 122 of 346 | 35% | 139 of 365 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Jack Hermansson | 1 | 164 of 334 | 49% | 202 of 376 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 5:47 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 16 of 38 | 42% | 17 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jack Hermansson | 1 | 23 of 47 | 48% | 58 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 2:29 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 20 of 40 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 12 of 24 | 50% | 14 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 2:28 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 29 of 72 | 40% | 35 of 78 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 23 of 50 | 46% | 23 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 32 of 106 | 30% | 32 of 106 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 52 of 104 | 50% | 52 of 104 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Marvin Vettori | 0 | 30 of 95 | 31% | 35 of 102 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 54 of 109 | 49% | 55 of 111 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:50 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Vettori | 122 of 346 | 35% | 86 of 306 | 18 of 22 | 18 of 18 | 118 of 339 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 164 of 334 | 49% | 143 of 312 | 18 of 19 | 3 of 3 | 156 of 320 | 0 of 1 | 8 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Vettori | 16 of 38 | 42% | 8 of 28 | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 15 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 23 of 47 | 48% | 18 of 42 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 10 | |
| 2 | Marvin Vettori | 15 of 35 | 42% | 7 of 27 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 14 of 32 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 12 of 24 | 50% | 7 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | 29 of 72 | 40% | 21 of 62 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 29 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 23 of 50 | 46% | 20 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Marvin Vettori | 32 of 106 | 30% | 28 of 102 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 30 of 103 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 52 of 104 | 50% | 46 of 98 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 52 of 103 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Marvin Vettori | 30 of 95 | 31% | 22 of 87 | 5 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 30 of 95 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jack Hermansson | 54 of 109 | 49% | 52 of 106 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 54 of 109 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
After a round robin of opponents, “The Joker” Hermansson (21-5, 8-3 UFC) now settles on “The Italian Dream” Vettori (15-4-1, 5-2-1 UFC) in an all-Europe headliner at middleweight. The two thrilling grapplers with 28 stoppages across their 36 combined fights have referee Herb Dean standing between them as they greet for the last time before throwing down. There is a glove touch, but these two are fired up. Both middleweights paw at one another to find their range, and Hermansson lands a leg kick that make Vettori pick his leg up and dance for a second. The Italian loads up on a left hand, and it bounces off Hermansson’s forehead. Vettori lands another left hand, and Hermansson respond with two punches and an inside leg kick. “The Joker” lands on the outside of his opponent’s leg, and Vettori crashes in on him to land a few punches. Vettori charges him and stings Hermansson with an uppercut, and the Swede shakes it off and starts reaching out with a jab. Vettori punches the body, and Hermansson blasts him with a body kick that makes Vettori wince. Both men trade heavy leather on the inside, and Hermansson counters when Vettori lands on him. Hermansson cracks him with a right hand, and then lands a low kick for good measure. Vettori is walking his man down, and Hermansson fakes a takedown to make the Italian reconsider himself. Vettori rushes in with a chain of punches, and he swarms and drops Hermansson with a fierce one-two. As he keeps landing punches from above, Dean is taking a close eye on the action, but Vettori opts to pursue a guillotine choke. Hermansson welcomes it as the choke is not tight, and Vettori lets it go to drop down a few elbows. Hermansson lets him grab on to a guillotine choke again so that he can clear out the cobwebs, and Vettori lets go and works the body with several punches. Hermansson maintains a high guard when Vettori pushes him over, and the Italian drops down some heavy hammerfists as Hermansson is stuck against the fence. Vettori drops down for another guillotine choke, but the arm is not under the chin so Hermansson sits up and gets punched in the ribs repeatedly. Vettori slices over to side control, and when Hermansson sits up, Vettori once more considers the guillotine. Hermansson bursts to his feet and lands an uppercut as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Vettori
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Vettori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Vettori
Round 2
Hermansson aggressively starts the round with a heavy right hand, and backs Vettori up quickly. The Swede lands a thudding body kick, and Vettori sneaks in a counter to catch Hermansson with a few punches. “The Joker” shoots low for a single leg takedown, and he puts Vettori down on his backside but only for a moment. Vettori defends with a guillotine choke, and Hermansson manages a mat return until Vettori sweeps him to wind up in full guard. Vettori stays heavy to not allow Hermansson to scramble, but the Swede throws his legs up for an omoplata sweep. Vettori breaks it up and remains on top, and pushes over Hermansson to try to advance his position. Hermansson sits up but gets shoved over, and he tries to utilize butterfly hooks to kick off or attempt a submission. Vettori manages to pass to half guard, but Hermansson threats from below to make Vettori stand up. The Italian kicks his foe in the thigh and backside a few times, but Hermansson springs back to his feet and takes a one-two on the chin. “The Italian Dream” targets the body with a right hand, and he slips an overhand right to land two of his own. Hermansson swings and misses with an unusual pawing right hand, and he stops Vettori briefly by kicking the inside leg. Hermansson digs to the body and jabs up top, only to shoot in for a single. Vettori knees him in the chest as he stops the takedown, standing Hermansson up and ducking the spinning back elbow. Vettori lands a few punches as he slips a couple Hermansson punches, and he stings Hermansson with a power right hand. Hermansson slams his shin into the midsection of his foe, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Round 3
Hermansson comes out guns blazing again, ripping the body with a kick and landing a couple left hands as well. Vettori clips Hermansson with a lunging left hand, so Hermansson kicks the calf twice. When Hermansson kicks on the inside leg, Vettori checks it and misses with a counter. Vettori scores on a right hand, and Hermansson pays him back with one. Although Hermansson boots him in the head with a kick, Vettori ignores it and walks him down to crack him with a left hand. When Vettori swings hard, Hermansson drops down for a single and grabs the leg. Vettori keeps upright and hops away, but he takes a pair of body kicks on the way out. As Vettori starts to get a jab going, Hermansson again changes levels for a single. “The Italian Dream” scrambles well enough so that they both fall over, and get back up before either can capitalize. Hermansson scores a big right hand, and shoots in for a takedown as Vettori takes a deep breath while stuffing it. Hermansson lands a few punches from a distance, getting off a shovel hook. Hermansson lands a few punches, and Vettori tries to give it back to him but his strikes may not have the same pop on them as the first round. Hermansson lands a few and Vettori clinches, but the Italian shoves him away before either can get a knee off. Both trade jabs, and Vettori blocks two punches to land three. Hermansson smacks Vettori with two big right hands, and Vettori takes them on the chin and throws back. Vettori splits the guard with a left hand, and both land at the same time with heavy punches. Hermansson takes a kick to the breadbasket and walks forward to ding Vettori on the jaw repeatedly, and the Swede’s jab is showing some appreciable damage. A few punches bounce off Hermansson’s guard as the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson
Round 4
Hermansson once more starts aggressively, swinging hard as he marches down his foe. The Italian stands his ground and swings back, landing a few punches in the face and scoring to the body. Vettori sits down on a left hand that catches Hermansson flush, but the Swede takes it on the brow and throws back. Both men swing wildly with right hands, and Vettori sticks a jab and moves to avoid the returning blow. Hermansson lands a glancing right hand to make Vettori retreat, and he stands in front of his Italian foe to make him trade. Vettori is able to repeatedly score his crisp left hand, but they are largely single strikes as Hermansson chains together combinations. A left and a right score from the Swede, and the two are just slugging it out in the center of the cage one after the other. Vettori steps in with a big left, and Hermansson swings recklessly and misses four times. Vettori’s pace has improved from the previous round, but Hermansson is the one doing the pursuing as he makes Vettori back away. The tide keeps turning as one unloads a salvo of punches, only for the other to do the same. Vettori gets off a few left hands that go through the guard, and Hermansson is walking into them as he chambers looping right hooks again and again. Hermansson attacks the leg once, and Vettori reacts but flicks out a jab to make Hermansson take a step back. Hermansson nails Vettori with a pair of hard uppercuts, and Vettori retreats along the fence to gather himself. Vettori bites down on his mouthpiece and lands several concussive punches, ending a powerful combination with a body kick. Three big punches from Vettori land flush, and Hermansson is unable to pay him back for the strikes. Vettori stands firm and swings it out with his foe, landing a few left hands until the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Round 5
Hermansson sprints out of his corner like his hair is on fire, landing a leg kick and a few punches. Vettori is ready for him, cracking the Swede with power punches. Vettori stings him with a left, a right and another left. Hermansson fiercely attacks with several massive punches, but Vettori sees them coming and weathers the storm to throw right back. “The Joker” is not joking as he furiously assaults his opponent. Vettori ducks, moves, eats shots and throws back. Vettori backs away from an oncoming combination, and he strings together punches in bunches while Hermansson is loading up on home run punches. Vettori sticks him and moves, landing a few left hands to get Hermansson’s attention. Hermansson wisely clinches up after taking the damage, but Vettori shoves him away to not give his foe a moment to breathe. They are standing in front of each other and trading, and the strike totals are likely off the charts in this clash. Hermansson lands one, Vettori lands two, and so on. Three punches from Vettori are blocked, as Hermansson clips him with three of his own while shouting for emphasis. Hermansson rips several uppercuts through the guard, and Vettori shrugs them off to trade back at him. Hermansson backs Vettori against the cage, but he cannot capitalize on it as Vettori circles away and scores. Vettori’s strikes are straighter and less wild, allowing him to intercept an advancing Hermansson before the hooks can land. Vettori clinches up to grind out the waning seconds, and Dean calls for them to work multiple times. Vettori looks for a trip while Hermansson rolls, and he grabs hold of a heel hook in the last seconds. The Italian spins out and takes top position, where he remains until this frenetic fight ends. This was a spectacular performance from both men, but more so for Vettori, who should take home a decision to become the winningest Italian fighter in UFC history (tied with Alessio Sakara) – doing so in the first-ever UFC headliner for an Italian. This event in the books, next week we will be joined by a pay-per-view card capped by a flyweight title fight with the champ on a short turnaround. We will be here for it, and we hope you are too!
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori (49-45 Vettori)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vettori (49-45 Vettori)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vettori (49-45 Vettori)
The Official Result
Marvin Vettori def. Jack Hermansson via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)
Big Brady picks Jack Hermansson as a dog, surprised by the line movement making Vettori the favorite. He believes Hermansson's cardio in the championship rounds is superior, as Vettori has slowed in the third round of three-round fights. He sees Hermansson's takedowns and ground game as key to grinding Vettori down, and notes Hermansson has faced tougher competition recently. He expects Hermansson to win a decision, possibly taking the last two rounds.
Daniel picks Jack Hermansson, arguing that Marvin Vettori's hype is inflated by a close fight with Israel Adesanya, which was not a true split decision. He notes that Hermansson has better volume, proven five-round cardio, and submission threats, as seen against Jacare Souza. He also questions Vettori's power, stating he doesn't have the one-punch knockout ability to stop Hermansson. However, he acknowledges that Hermansson's mental state could be a factor if he doesn't want to be there.
The host picks Jack Hermansson to win by decision, citing his superior wrestling and top pressure, especially in a five-round fight. He notes that Vettori has not faced someone with Hermansson's ground game and that Hermansson's unorthodox style and lanky strength will be key. He is not confident enough to bet Hermansson at current odds but would consider it if the line widens to +150.
The MMA Guru picks Jack Hermansson by submission in the first two rounds, emphasizing that Hermansson's style is completely different from Jacare's—he fights on the outside, chops at the legs, and waits for takedowns. He believes Vettori is taking a jump too soon and that Hermansson's explosive grappling will be too much. He notes Hermansson almost submitted Jacare with an arm-in guillotine on short notice and predicts a similar early submission here.
Expert Picks (4)
Big Brady picks Jack Hermansson as a dog, surprised by the line movement making Vettori the favorite. He believes Hermansson's cardio in the championship rounds is superior, as Vettori has slowed in the third round of three-round fights. He sees Hermansson's takedowns and ground game as key to grinding Vettori down, and notes Hermansson has faced tougher competition recently. He expects Hermansson to win a decision, possibly taking the last two rounds.
Daniel picks Jack Hermansson, arguing that Marvin Vettori's hype is inflated by a close fight with Israel Adesanya, which was not a true split decision. He notes that Hermansson has better volume, proven five-round cardio, and submission threats, as seen against Jacare Souza. He also questions Vettori's power, stating he doesn't have the one-punch knockout ability to stop Hermansson. However, he acknowledges that Hermansson's mental state could be a factor if he doesn't want to be there.
The host picks Jack Hermansson to win by decision, citing his superior wrestling and top pressure, especially in a five-round fight. He notes that Vettori has not faced someone with Hermansson's ground game and that Hermansson's unorthodox style and lanky strength will be key. He is not confident enough to bet Hermansson at current odds but would consider it if the line widens to +150.
The MMA Guru picks Jack Hermansson by submission in the first two rounds, emphasizing that Hermansson's style is completely different from Jacare's—he fights on the outside, chops at the legs, and waits for takedowns. He believes Vettori is taking a jump too soon and that Hermansson's explosive grappling will be too much. He notes Hermansson almost submitted Jacare with an arm-in guillotine on short notice and predicts a similar early submission here.
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