Career Averages - Impa Kasanganay
Career Averages - Maki Pitolo
Impa Kasanganay - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlston Harris | 0 | 6 of 21 | 28% | 6 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 1 | 24 of 46 | 52% | 24 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlston Harris | 0 | 6 of 21 | 28% | 6 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 1 | 24 of 46 | 52% | 24 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlston Harris | 6 of 21 | 28% | 5 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 24 of 46 | 52% | 16 of 37 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlston Harris | 6 of 21 | 28% | 5 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 24 of 46 | 52% | 16 of 37 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 11 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Drifting up to the welterweight division, two men with impressive submission victories in their last outings come to blows when Kasanganay (9-1, 2-1 UFC) meets Harris (16-4, 1-0 UFC). Neither man has ever been tapped out before, so will tonight be the first? Like referee Mark Smith, we will find out soon. The gloves are not touched, as both men instead take a stride on the edge of the cage. Harris is the first to engage, waltzing forward to lob a wide right hand. Kasanganay dodges and moves away, but Harris is intent on closing the distance with it as he punches his way into a clinch. When Kasanganay is able to escape, Harris just misses with a right hand on the break. “Mocambique” slaps away a punch to score a heavier one of his own, and he fires off a head kick. They both exchange with huge punches, and Harris appears stunned but keeps a stiff upper lip to not let his opponent know he may be hurt. They bite down on their mouthpieces and throw for the fences, with little interest in defense as they both go for a home run shot. Harris backs off with a leg kick, and he blocks a punch with an elbow so that he can swing a left hand. Harris swats at his man with a right hand over the top, and he digs his shin into Kasanganay’s liver. Both men blast the other with massive punches, and it is Harris that gets the better of the exchange as Kasanganay staggers back.
Harris follows him and smashes him in the face with a left hand that sends Kasanganay careening to the ground. Kasanganay rolls over and gets to his knees, but Harris is on him in a hurry as he tries to finish the job. As the Guyanan pounds on his foe with strike after unanswered strike, one or two may land to the back of the head, but enough mount until Smith steps in to call a halt to the fight.
Kasanganay stands back up and protests the stoppage, but there is nothing more he can do as the fight is over.
The Official Result
Carlston Harris def. Impa Kasanganay R1 2:38 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Carlston Harris despite Impa's superior striking because Harris is relentless with takedowns. He notes that Impa has good takedown defense but lacks knockout power to keep Harris off him. He worries that Impa's hesitation and Harris's non-stop wrestling will lead to Harris grinding out a win. He briefly considers switching to Impa but sticks with Harris.
Big Brady picks underdog Carlston Harris, impressed by his relentless wrestling and cardio. He notes Harris attempted over 20 takedowns in a 25-minute fight and has a good fight IQ. He believes Harris will pressure Kasanganay for 15 minutes, and predicts a submission win as Kasanganay is green on the mat. He is surprised Harris is the underdog.
Cody leans toward Harris as a slight underdog, citing his experience, submission game, and clear identity as a grappler. He notes that Kasanganay is still figuring out his game after being knocked out by Buckley. Cody believes Harris' pressure and grappling will be key.
Daniel Levi leans with Impa Kasanganay over Carlston Harris. He has scouted Impa for a long time, saw him fight in Atlanta, and praises his mental fortitude and physicality. He notes Harris has a nasty d'arce/anaconda choke but thinks Impa's mindset and athleticism give him the edge in a close fight. He calls it a coin flip but edges Impa.
Preet picks Impa Kasanganay because he believes Impa is the more technically sound striker with better range understanding and serviceable grappling to avoid trouble. He notes that Harris has power and a good top game but questions his takedown entries and thinks Impa's defensive grappling is improving. He expects Impa to win by decision and likes the decision prop at +175.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Harris' experience and that Kasanganay turned into a grappler in his last fight. He thinks Harris' submission threat is real and that the plus money is attractive.
The MMA Guru picks Impa Kasanganay over Carlston Harris, praising Kasanganay's technical soundness and composure. He believes Kasanganay won't be outgrappled and notes his youth and better gym. He predicts a close 29-28 unanimous decision, with Kasanganay winning the later rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 21 of 41 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:54 |
| Sasha Palatnikov | 0 | 13 of 24 | 54% | 31 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 12 of 27 | 44% | 19 of 38 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 |
| Sasha Palatnikov | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 30 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:56 | |
| 2 | Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Sasha Palatnikov | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impa Kasanganay | 13 of 29 | 44% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 26 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Sasha Palatnikov | 13 of 24 | 54% | 6 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 16 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Impa Kasanganay | 12 of 27 | 44% | 10 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Sasha Palatnikov | 12 of 22 | 54% | 5 of 14 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 14 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Impa Kasanganay | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sasha Palatnikov | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Kasanganay to win by second-round knockout. He notes Kasanganay is moving down to welterweight and has good wrestling and striking, while Palatnikov has poor takedown defense and a questionable chin. Brady believes Kasanganay will take Palatnikov down or land a knockout on the feet, as Palatnikov is very hittable. He is excited to see Kasanganay's return after a devastating knockout loss.
Cody leans Palatnikov as a dog, citing his chin, cardio, and kicking game. He notes Kasanganay's greenness and rigid striking. He thinks Palatnikov can outvolume him and that the price is worth a shot.
Daniel Levi picks Impa Kasanganay, praising his work ethic and ability to grind opponents down. He notes that Kasanganay recovered quickly from the devastating knockout by Joaquin Buckley, which speaks to his conditioning. Levi thinks Kasanganay will out-strength and out-muscle Sasha Palatnikov, possibly winning 30-26 or by finish. He also mentions that Kasanganay is dropping to welterweight and has a good mentality.
The host believes Kasanganay is the sharper fighter with better technique, and that he will put it on Palatnikov. He notes that Kasanganay is moving down to 170, which should make him one of the bigger guys in the division. The only concern is the devastating knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley, but the host thinks that was a once-in-a-lifetime shot and shouldn't be held against him. He picks Kasanganay to win by decision, though he thinks the -290 line is a bit too high.
Paul picks Kasanganay, citing his athleticism and move to Sanford MMA. He notes Palatnikov's lack of notable wins and thinks Kasanganay's physicality and improvements will be key. He acknowledges the price is high but believes in the narrative.
The MMA Guru picks Impa Kasanganay, despite his recent KO loss to Joaquin Buckley. He notes Kasanganay is a good fighter who was starting to turn the tables before the finish. He thinks Palatnikov slows down after the first round, while Kasanganay maintains a steady pace. He predicts Palatnikov wins the first round but Kasanganay takes over for a 29-28 decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquin Buckley | 0 | 28 of 79 | 35% | 31 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 1 | 29 of 94 | 30% | 29 of 95 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joaquin Buckley | 0 | 22 of 55 | 40% | 25 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 21 of 61 | 34% | 21 of 62 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:03 | |
| 2 | Joaquin Buckley | 0 | 6 of 24 | 25% | 6 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 1 | 8 of 33 | 24% | 8 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquin Buckley | 28 of 79 | 35% | 17 of 64 | 5 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 28 of 79 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 29 of 94 | 30% | 19 of 79 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 25 of 88 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joaquin Buckley | 22 of 55 | 40% | 14 of 46 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 22 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 21 of 61 | 34% | 13 of 50 | 3 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 55 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | |
| 2 | Joaquin Buckley | 6 of 24 | 25% | 3 of 18 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Impa Kasanganay | 8 of 33 | 24% | 6 of 29 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Making a quick return from his debut at the end of August, Kasanganay (8-0, 1-0 UFC) comes back to face Buckley (10-3, 0-1 UFC) at middleweight. Referee Kevin Sataki is in charge of the cage, and the two men have no interest in touching gloves before getting things started. The two men clash together and swing hard, and Buckley lands a quick left hook and avoids a right head kick. Buckley charges at him like a man possessed, cracking Kasanganay and making the unbeaten fighter back up to the cage and defend himself. Buckley changes levels for a single leg takedown, but Kasanganay stuffs it and gets the two separated. Buckley come at him swinging heavy leather and a head kick that all come up shy, but a follow-up leg kick connects heavily. Kasanganay responds with his own leg kick, and he steps back to avoid the overhand left aimed at his face. Kasanganay cracks Buckley with a left hand as Buckley crashes in, and Buckley takes it full-on without issue and kicks Kasanganay away with a side kick. Buckley loads up on several hooks and dings up Kasanganay, leading into a takedown. On top, Buckley lands a few elbows, but Kasanganay is firing back at him. “Tshilobo” fights back to his knees and then stands up, and Buckley clinches him tight to the fence before a left hand knocks Kasanganay’s mouthpiece out. Kasanganay bears down with a right hand, and then another, but both do not connect. A third cracks Buckley on the chin, but “New Mansa” ignores it. The two come together with opposing flurries, and Buckley lands heavier but does not crack the chin. Kasanganay ducks away when Buckley charges him with a stream of punches, and he lands a heavy leg kick that makes Buckley stumble. Buckley fires up a head kick that glances off the mohawk, and one with his opposite leg collides with the guard and still manages to stagger Kasanganay. The unbeaten fighter strides forward and fakes a spinning strike, and Buckley greets him with a flying knee when Kasanganay turns about. This hard-hitting round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Round 2
Both men swing and miss to begin the round, and the first landed strike is a leg kick from Kasanganay. Buckley comes back at him but hits nothing but air, and the two each let loose a pair of punches at one another. Kasanganay ducks a leaping punch and kicks the lead leg again, and Buckley reacts as it hits him. Buckley stings Kasanganay with two hooks, and Kasanganay tries to throw a front kick to the body but it clicks off the cup. There is no pause, and instead Buckley rages forward but gets caught with a counter flying knee. Buckley snaps the head back with a few ferocious hooks, and Kasanganay keeps his composure to circle out and gather himself.
Buckley throws up a head kick and Kasanganay blocks and catches it, and Buckley jumps to spin and blasts Kasanganay in the face with his other foot like a ninja! Kasanganay is out before he hits the ground, falling over in a manner similar to Terry Etim when Edson Barboza – who fights later tonight – starched him with a spinning wheel kick.
Whatever the nominees were for “Knockout of the Year,” they don’t hold a candle to what Buckley just pulled off inside the Octagon. Buckley celebrates as Kasanganay comes to, and this is the kind of knockout that will live on in highlight reels for years to come. Incredible.
The Official Result
Joaquin Buckley def. Impa Kasanganay R2 2:03 via KO (Spinning Back Kick)
Big Brady picks Kasanganay, impressed by his composure and power despite limited experience. He notes Buckley slows down and has been knocked out twice, and that Kasanganay has a cardio advantage. He predicts a third round knockout, though he acknowledges Buckley is dangerous early. He considers the line a bit wide but likes Kasanganay.
Daniel is very high on Impa Kasanganay, calling him a future top-15 fighter. He praises Kasanganay's physical tools, fight IQ, and rapid improvement. He contrasts that with Joaquin Buckley, whom he calls a 'club fighter' with no plan B if his big bombs don't work. Daniel believes Kasanganay can win standing, in the clinch, or on the ground, and that this is a step down in competition.
Kasanganay is a more efficient and methodical striker with excellent lead hand work and range management. Buckley relies on power and blitzes but fades late. Kasanganay will use his length, counter-striking, and potential grappling to win a decision.
The Guru picks Kasanganay, emphasizing Buckley's recent KO loss (twice in one night to Kevin Holland) and quick turnaround. He believes Buckley will be gun-shy and overaggressive, allowing Kasanganay to counter. He predicts Kasanganay will take over in later rounds, winning by unanimous decision or third-round finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 71 of 173 | 41% | 72 of 174 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 85 of 198 | 42% | 86 of 199 | 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 | Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 31 of 66 | 46% | 31 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 29 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 19 of 50 | 38% | 20 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 30 of 70 | 42% | 30 of 70 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 3 | Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 21 of 57 | 36% | 21 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 27 of 59 | 45% | 27 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impa Kasanganay | 71 of 173 | 41% | 54 of 141 | 13 of 27 | 4 of 5 | 71 of 172 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 85 of 198 | 42% | 68 of 164 | 12 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 82 of 190 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Impa Kasanganay | 31 of 66 | 46% | 21 of 52 | 7 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 31 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 28 of 69 | 40% | 20 of 55 | 5 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Impa Kasanganay | 19 of 50 | 38% | 15 of 42 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 30 of 70 | 42% | 27 of 61 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 66 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Impa Kasanganay | 21 of 57 | 36% | 18 of 47 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 27 of 59 | 45% | 21 of 48 | 4 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 27 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Kasanganay but is hesitant, acknowledging Pitolo is being disrespected by the odds and should be a slight favorite. He thinks Kasanganay can grind out a decision by using his size, takedowns, and top control, but worries about Pitolo's power and finishing ability in the first round. He notes Kasanganay has only one finish in seven fights.
Daniel Levi picks Impa Kasanganay, citing his heart and ability to dig deep in tough spots, as seen on Contender Series. He believes Kasanganay's wrestling and clinch work will tire Pitolo, and that Pitolo has a history of making mistakes and getting finished. He expects Kasanganay to win by decision, though the first round could be a sweat due to Pitolo's power.
Kasanganay is more well-rounded with better striking and can wrestle if needed. Pitolo has power but poor cardio and has been submitted recently. Kasanganay should avoid early bombs and take over later, winning by decision via grappling and clinch work.
The host picks Maki Pitolo, noting that Impa Kasanganay has not fought good competition and his legs were chewed up in his Contender Series fight. He believes Pitolo's experience and ability to build momentum as the fight goes on will lead to a finish in the third round.
Maki Pitolo - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duško Todorović | 0 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 13 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 30 of 53 | 56% | 67 of 91 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:46 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duško Todorović | 0 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 13 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 30 of 53 | 56% | 67 of 91 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:46 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duško Todorović | 13 of 29 | 44% | 5 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 30 of 53 | 56% | 28 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 30 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duško Todorović | 13 of 29 | 44% | 5 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 30 of 53 | 56% | 28 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 30 |
Angelo picks Maki Pitolo but does not bet the moneyline; instead he takes inside the distance/decision no action at +140. He notes Maki has power, solid takedowns, and a tough chin, and that Dusko's chin is questionable. He believes Maki can win by stoppage, and if not, he gets a refund.
Big Brady picks Maki Pitolo as a dog, but with low confidence. He notes that neither fighter is reliable, but he likes Pitolo's game plan in his last fight against Julian Marquez, where he fought smart and used takedowns. He criticizes Todorović's terrible striking defense (48%) and poor takedown defense (50%), and believes Pitolo can exploit those weaknesses. However, he acknowledges Pitolo's inconsistency and loss to Callan Potter as red flags.
Cody also picks Pitolo, emphasizing Todorović's defensive flaws and Pitolo's sharper hands. He thinks Pitolo can beat him to the punch and potentially knock him out. Cody notes that Pitolo has cardio issues but believes he can win the first two rounds.
Daniel Levi leans towards Duško Todorović, citing his body work, clinch fighting, dirty boxing, and vicious ground and pound. He notes that Todorović fights with his hands down and relies on head movement, which could be exploited by Pitolo's power. He acknowledges that Pitolo can crack and that Todorović leaves his chin up, making him vulnerable. He thinks Todorović can make the right decisions in a close fight.
Jacob picks Dusko Todorovic, noting his striking confidence and head movement. He thinks Dusko can win by submission at +285, but the odds are too short. He believes Maki's path is wrestling but he will gas, and Dusko's guard is active. Jacob likes Dusko all the way.
I like Pitolo here. He is better on the feet, throws more volume, and has better striking stats across the board. Todorović has defensive issues and tends to lose minutes. Pitolo should win the striking exchanges and can mix in takedowns. I expect him to win a decision, and the decision prop at plus 450 offers great value.
Paul picks Pitolo, citing his cleaner boxing and power. He notes that Todorović is a defensive liability with poor head movement and has been rocked in recent fights. Paul thinks Pitolo can knock him out or win a decision, but worries about Pitolo's cardio in the third round.
The MMA Guru picks Maki Pitolo to win by split decision. He expects a back-and-forth war where Todorović may drop Pitolo in the first but uses too much energy. Pitolo will grind out the second and third rounds with better pacing, landing knees and takedowns. He calls it a close fight, 29-28 split decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Marquez | 0 | 32 of 65 | 49% | 70 of 110 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 | 1 | 9:07 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 41 of 100 | 41% | 61 of 129 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 4 | 1 | 1:54 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julian Marquez | 0 | 10 of 16 | 62% | 18 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:24 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 8 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Julian Marquez | 0 | 11 of 23 | 47% | 41 of 54 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 1 | 3:02 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 11 of 40 | 27% | 17 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:57 | |
| 3 | Julian Marquez | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 11 of 27 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 1:41 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 26 of 52 | 50% | 36 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:46 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Marquez | 32 of 65 | 49% | 16 of 46 | 12 of 14 | 4 of 5 | 22 of 52 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 5 |
| Maki Pitolo | 41 of 100 | 41% | 37 of 94 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 18 of 72 | 15 of 16 | 8 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julian Marquez | 10 of 16 | 62% | 5 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 7 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 3 |
| Maki Pitolo | 4 of 8 | 50% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Julian Marquez | 11 of 23 | 47% | 7 of 17 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 |
| Maki Pitolo | 11 of 40 | 27% | 11 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 11 | |
| 3 | Julian Marquez | 11 of 26 | 42% | 4 of 18 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 26 of 52 | 50% | 22 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 38 | 12 of 13 | 1 of 1 |
Big Brady picks Julian Marquez to win by finish, likely knockout in the second round. He thinks Marquez is the better fighter and that Pitolo has looked poor in the UFC, slowing down and being finished multiple times. He notes Marquez has a 100% finish rate and a sneaky ground game. He is concerned about Marquez's long layoff but thinks he will be prepared.
Daniel Levi leans toward Julian Marquez but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation. He notes Marquez's size and power, and that he can wear on Pitolo. However, he worries about Marquez's layoff and cardio, and thinks Pitolo could have improved training with Brad Tavares. He believes if Marquez doesn't finish early, Pitolo's volume and hands could take over. He ultimately says the lean is Marquez but it might be a pass.
The host leans toward Pitolo as an underdog, citing his better technical striking and hand speed. He notes that Marquez has been out for three years and relies on forward pressure and big shots, which Pitolo can counter with movement. He expects Pitolo to outpoint Marquez over three rounds, though he admits some hesitation.
The Guru picks Maki Pitolo as an underdog, citing Julian Marquez's long layoff and sloppy technique. He believes Pitolo's cardio and chin will allow him to survive Marquez's early power, then wear him down with body shots in the clinch and secure a third-round TKO. He notes that Marquez has never looked impressive and that Pitolo is more technical.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 71 of 173 | 41% | 72 of 174 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 85 of 198 | 42% | 86 of 199 | 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 | Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 31 of 66 | 46% | 31 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 29 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 19 of 50 | 38% | 20 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 30 of 70 | 42% | 30 of 70 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 3 | Impa Kasanganay | 0 | 21 of 57 | 36% | 21 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 27 of 59 | 45% | 27 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impa Kasanganay | 71 of 173 | 41% | 54 of 141 | 13 of 27 | 4 of 5 | 71 of 172 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 85 of 198 | 42% | 68 of 164 | 12 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 82 of 190 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Impa Kasanganay | 31 of 66 | 46% | 21 of 52 | 7 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 31 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 28 of 69 | 40% | 20 of 55 | 5 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Impa Kasanganay | 19 of 50 | 38% | 15 of 42 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 30 of 70 | 42% | 27 of 61 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 66 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Impa Kasanganay | 21 of 57 | 36% | 18 of 47 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 27 of 59 | 45% | 21 of 48 | 4 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 27 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Kasanganay but is hesitant, acknowledging Pitolo is being disrespected by the odds and should be a slight favorite. He thinks Kasanganay can grind out a decision by using his size, takedowns, and top control, but worries about Pitolo's power and finishing ability in the first round. He notes Kasanganay has only one finish in seven fights.
Daniel Levi picks Impa Kasanganay, citing his heart and ability to dig deep in tough spots, as seen on Contender Series. He believes Kasanganay's wrestling and clinch work will tire Pitolo, and that Pitolo has a history of making mistakes and getting finished. He expects Kasanganay to win by decision, though the first round could be a sweat due to Pitolo's power.
Kasanganay is more well-rounded with better striking and can wrestle if needed. Pitolo has power but poor cardio and has been submitted recently. Kasanganay should avoid early bombs and take over later, winning by decision via grappling and clinch work.
The host picks Maki Pitolo, noting that Impa Kasanganay has not fought good competition and his legs were chewed up in his Contender Series fight. He believes Pitolo's experience and ability to build momentum as the fight goes on will lead to a finish in the third round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Stewart | 0 | 12 of 31 | 38% | 14 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 13 of 38 | 34% | 14 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darren Stewart | 0 | 12 of 31 | 38% | 14 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 13 of 38 | 34% | 14 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Stewart | 12 of 31 | 38% | 7 of 22 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 13 of 38 | 34% | 9 of 32 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darren Stewart | 12 of 31 | 38% | 7 of 22 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 13 of 38 | 34% | 9 of 32 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Pitolo as an underdog, believing his volume striking and improved cardio at 185 will be key. He notes Stewart's power but thinks Pitolo can outwork him and possibly get a knockout, as Stewart has never been knocked out. He predicts a second-round knockout for Pitolo.
Daniel Levi picks Maki Pitolo to win, citing that Pitolo is a different fighter at 185 pounds compared to 170, where he had brutal weight cuts. He notes Pitolo's improved durability, volume striking, and wrestling, and believes he is the better fighter across the board. Levi acknowledges the risk of Stewart's knockout power but thinks Pitolo can avoid it and win a decision or finish.
Stewart is the better striker with more power and technical kicking. Pitolo may try to grapple, but his takedowns are not as good as Stewart's previous opponents. Stewart's cardio is a question, but Pitolo has also gassed in the past. The fight likely ends inside the distance, but the line at -160 is a bit steep. Stewart by TKO in the second or third round.
The MMA Guru picks Darren Stewart because he is too big, strong, and dangerous in the clinch. He notes that Pitolo has dangerous body shots in the clinch, but Stewart has nasty elbows there. He expects Stewart to crack Pitolo with an elbow and win by unanimous decision, possibly a TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 11 of 25 | 44% | 16 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 2:54 |
| Charles Byrd | 0 | 29 of 59 | 49% | 33 of 65 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:52 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maki Pitolo | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 10 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 2:54 |
| Charles Byrd | 0 | 2 of 10 | 20% | 6 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:44 | |
| 2 | Maki Pitolo | 0 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Charles Byrd | 0 | 27 of 49 | 55% | 27 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maki Pitolo | 11 of 25 | 44% | 10 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 |
| Charles Byrd | 29 of 59 | 49% | 20 of 48 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 39 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 15 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maki Pitolo | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 |
| Charles Byrd | 2 of 10 | 20% | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | |
| 2 | Maki Pitolo | 6 of 15 | 40% | 5 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Charles Byrd | 27 of 49 | 55% | 18 of 38 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 31 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 13 |
Big Brady picks Charles Byrd by first-round submission, confident that Byrd's superior ground game will overcome Pitolo's one-dimensional striking. He notes Pitolo hits hard but has no ground game, and Byrd should take him down early to avoid getting knocked out. He acknowledges Byrd's age and recent losses but believes he is the better fighter overall.
Daniel is not confident in Byrd, calling him basic and old, but still leans toward him as the more skilled fighter. He notes Pitolo is undefeated at 185 but has been knocked out badly at 170. He says he would not lay -170 on Byrd and that nothing would surprise him, but ultimately picks Byrd by decision.
Charles Byrd is a grappler who will look to take the fight to the ground, where he has a submission threat. Maki Pitolo has gas tank issues and has been submitted before. If Pitolo doesn't get a knockout in the first round, he tends to fade, and Byrd can exploit that. Byrd's takedowns and top control should wear on Pitolo. Byrd is a solid play at -170.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Byrd over Maki Pitolo. He notes that Byrd was doing well against Darren Stewart before getting KO'd, while Pitolo is a glider coming off a loss to Callum Potter. He expects Byrd to use his size advantage to bully Pitolo against the cage and win by decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callan Potter | 0 | 48 of 96 | 50% | 127 of 198 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 1 | 8:25 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 60 of 155 | 38% | 103 of 198 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 1:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Callan Potter | 0 | 20 of 38 | 52% | 35 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 2:13 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 26 of 62 | 41% | 45 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:55 | |
| 2 | Callan Potter | 0 | 23 of 48 | 47% | 49 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:13 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 27 of 73 | 36% | 45 of 91 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 | |
| 3 | Callan Potter | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 43 of 57 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:59 |
| Maki Pitolo | 0 | 7 of 20 | 35% | 13 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:25 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callan Potter | 48 of 96 | 50% | 44 of 91 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 41 of 89 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 |
| Maki Pitolo | 60 of 155 | 38% | 49 of 142 | 9 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 60 of 155 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Callan Potter | 20 of 38 | 52% | 20 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 26 of 62 | 41% | 21 of 56 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 26 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Callan Potter | 23 of 48 | 47% | 19 of 43 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 45 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Maki Pitolo | 27 of 73 | 36% | 24 of 69 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 27 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Callan Potter | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| Maki Pitolo | 7 of 20 | 35% | 4 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Expert Picks (4)
Big Brady picks Kasanganay but is hesitant, acknowledging Pitolo is being disrespected by the odds and should be a slight favorite. He thinks Kasanganay can grind out a decision by using his size, takedowns, and top control, but worries about Pitolo's power and finishing ability in the first round. He notes Kasanganay has only one finish in seven fights.
Daniel Levi picks Impa Kasanganay, citing his heart and ability to dig deep in tough spots, as seen on Contender Series. He believes Kasanganay's wrestling and clinch work will tire Pitolo, and that Pitolo has a history of making mistakes and getting finished. He expects Kasanganay to win by decision, though the first round could be a sweat due to Pitolo's power.
Kasanganay is more well-rounded with better striking and can wrestle if needed. Pitolo has power but poor cardio and has been submitted recently. Kasanganay should avoid early bombs and take over later, winning by decision via grappling and clinch work.
The host picks Maki Pitolo, noting that Impa Kasanganay has not fought good competition and his legs were chewed up in his Contender Series fight. He believes Pitolo's experience and ability to build momentum as the fight goes on will lead to a finish in the third round.
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