Career Averages - Ryan Spann
Career Averages - Devin Clark
Ryan Spann - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 8 of 13 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 1 | 0 | 1:09 |
| Ryan Spann | 1 | 15 of 27 | 55% | 20 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:56 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 | 0 | 1:05 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:29 | |
| 2 | Marcus Buchecha | 0 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 4 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Ryan Spann | 1 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Buchecha | 8 of 13 | 61% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Ryan Spann | 15 of 27 | 55% | 11 of 22 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus Buchecha | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Ryan Spann | 10 of 18 | 55% | 7 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | |
| 2 | Marcus Buchecha | 4 of 7 | 57% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 9 | 55% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Almeida (-150); Spann (+125)
Round 1
From one all-time great grappler in Vieira to another in “Buchecha” Almeida (5-2-1, 0-1-1 UFC) we go. The big man from Brazil is still seeking his first UFC victory, and he will be given the opportunity to do so at the expense of massive ex-light heavyweight Spann (23-11, 9-6 UFC). The Texan once weighed 205 pounds, and he bulked up to a sleek, svelte 264 pounds for this one, or about 11 pounds higher than the established heavyweight he is battling now. To maintain control of the big fellas, referee Herb Dean may need maximum effort. Gloves are touched before they are traded.
Almeida slams a low kick home, which lands with a resounding thud. Spann bounces back and forth to swing a one-two, and Almeida pushes off his face as a finger scrapes Spann’s eye. Spann signals to Dean that he was fouled, and Dean tells him to fight on. From across the cage, Almeida sprints at Spann to take the fight down, and Spann counters with a brief guillotine choke before letting it go to scramble. With Almeida not quite taking the fight down, Spann hovers over him bludgeoning him with his fists. Almeida fights out of the worst of it and turns to his knees to power back to his feet, and he immediately searches for a level change. Almeida wrenches his foe to the floor, and Spann’s attempted guillotine falls apart seconds after he tries for it. Almeida threatens with an arm-triangle choke, and Spann pulls out of it and rips himself back up to his feet. Spann runs towards the cage to escape, not knowing if Almeida is hot on his heels, and he bounces off of it and takes a deep breath. Spann re-engages, and he pushes on the back of Almeida’s neck when Almeida pursues a takedown.
Spann drills his foe with an uppercut and controls Almeida to push him to his back for a moment, and when Almeida turns to his knees, Spann lets him flip over so he can knee him in the ribs. Spann backs away, and Almeida slowly lumbers his way back to his feet. Spann offers up a front kick on the jaw, and “Buchecha” drills his front leg with a kick that makes Spann take a very funny step. Almeida goes for a one-two to set up a double, and when Spann shoves him to the mat, the American turns to escape a sudden heel hook that came out of nowhere. Almeida scrambles to hunt for a takedown, and Spann uses a guillotine to threaten just long enough to bulldoze Almeida over. With Almeida on his knees, Spann connects with a strong knee to the side. Almeida pushes him off, and Spann stands up and just waits until the oddball round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Round 2
A glove touch kicks off the round, both men breathing a big hard after a frenetic five-round stretch. Almeida pushes out with his fingers outstretched, and Spann complains about a poke as Dean calls time and issues a very hard warning to “Buchecha.” They resume shortly thereafter, with Spann standing in the pocket ready to throw hands. Before he can, Almeida once more leads with his fingers out, and Dean shows him how to close his fist. Almeida swings after the break, aiming for a takedown after it. Spann is wise to it and uses his guillotine to not threaten the actual submission but control the posture well enough to force Almeida to think about another angle. Almeida turns his way out of it and works his way back to his feet, as Spann does not want to chill out in the guard. On his feet again, Almeida prods out a solid jab.
Spann works around the jab, swinging all his might behind a left hook and a follow-up straight right hand that smash about as cleanly on the jaw as one can. Almeida crumples to this back, eyes staring off into space and not remotely ready to defend anything else as he is all done.
Dean rushes between them to make sure Spann is not about to batter his doomed opponent further. Spann knows his work here is done and proceeds to dance around the cage, as he has now become the first fighter in MMA to finish “Buchecha.”
The Official Result
Ryan Spann def. Marcus Almeida R2 2:10 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Ryan Spann confidently, calling him the much better striker with better cage awareness and killer instinct. He notes that Marcus Buchecha needs to get the fight to the ground or pray that Spann fades, but Spann has power and takedown defense that should hold up. He dismisses Buchecha's UFC performances as unconvincing.
Big Brady picks Marcus Buchecha over Ryan Spann. He questions Spann's fight IQ and training habits, noting Spann is a light heavyweight moving up. He believes Buchecha's size and grappling will be too much, predicting a first-round submission as long as Buchecha fights smart.
Connor also picks Buchecha, describing Spann as a fighter who visibly does not enjoy fighting and panics when hurt. He notes that Spann's anxiety leads him to wrestle frantically, which will get him submitted by Buchecha. He thinks Buchecha's jiu-jitsu is too much for Spann, and that Spann's only chance is an early knockout, which is unlikely.
The host is tempted to bet Spann as a slight underdog because Buchecha has terrible cardio and poor striking defense, while Spann has knockout power and better cardio. However, Spann has bad fight IQ, making it risky. He notes Buchecha is awful and he has made money betting against him before. He says if Spann wins, it will likely be inside the distance, so the moneyline is better than the fight spread.
James picks Buchecha, citing Spann's poor cardio and tendency to fade after round one. He believes Buchecha's durability, submission defense, and will to win will allow him to survive early danger and take over in later rounds.
Buchecha is a BJJ legend but has struggled to get takedowns and has poor striking. Spann has knockout power and a sneaky guillotine, but he has mental lapses and often gets finished early. Buchecha should be able to get Spann to the ground and submit him early, but the -145 price is not great value.
Zane picks Buchecha, noting that Spann is prone to panic and will likely try to wrestle early, which plays into Buchecha's strength. He points out that Spann hasn't won outside the first round since 2020 and is mentally fragile. Buchecha, despite being a raw MMA fighter, has a huge advantage on the ground. Zane expects an early submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:14 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 23 of 28 | 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 | Ryan Spann | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:14 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 23 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 5 of 8 | 62% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 |
| Łukasz Brzeski | 5 of 8 | 62% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Ryan Spann to win, noting his power, submissions, and wrestling. He compares Brzeski to Austin Lane as a finishable opponent. However, he expresses concern about Spann's heavyweight debut where he looked out of shape and not serious, making the -225 price a bit tricky.
Big Brady picks Ryan Spann but expresses concern about Spann's inconsistency and motivation. He notes Spann looked terrible at heavyweight and hasn't posted training content. However, he believes Brzeski is not UFC caliber and Spann should win by first-round knockout if he shows up.
Connor picks Spann, noting that Brzeski lacks durability and has been finished by lesser punchers. He believes Spann's confidence issues won't be a factor against a non-threatening opponent like Brzeski, who doesn't push a high pace or hit hard.
The host thinks Spann will get his first heavyweight win but expects Brzeski to make it more difficult than the odds indicate. He predicts Spann finds the finish inside the distance, but the hesitation suggests some doubt about the ease of victory.
The MMA Guru picks Łukasz Brzeski over Ryan Spann, citing Spann's low fight IQ and poor performance against Anthony Smith. He notes that Brzeski has experience in the cage and went to a decision with Volkan Oezdemir, which is respectable. The Guru also mentions that Brzeski is likely taller than Spann despite the listed height difference. He cannot trust Spann after his last performance and believes Brzeski will win.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Spann. He notes that Brzeski is a low-level opponent who won't test Spann's confidence, and Spann should win comfortably.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldo Cortes Acosta | 1 | 66 of 111 | 59% | 77 of 123 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 23 of 86 | 26% | 24 of 87 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 0 | 27 of 49 | 55% | 31 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 12 of 33 | 36% | 13 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 1 | 39 of 62 | 62% | 46 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 11 of 53 | 20% | 11 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldo Cortes Acosta | 66 of 111 | 59% | 56 of 97 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 8 | 59 of 100 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 9 |
| Ryan Spann | 23 of 86 | 26% | 11 of 70 | 5 of 9 | 7 of 7 | 22 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 27 of 49 | 55% | 21 of 40 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 25 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 |
| Ryan Spann | 12 of 33 | 36% | 5 of 23 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | 39 of 62 | 62% | 35 of 57 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 34 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Ryan Spann | 11 of 53 | 20% | 6 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cortes-Acosta (-166), Spann (+140)
Round 1
The preliminaries conclude with a heavyweight match that could provide a new contender when the dust settles. Cortes-Acosta (12-1, 5-1 UFC) has won five of six as a full-framed heavyweight, and his opponent Spann (22-10, 8-5 UFC) is introducing himself to the weight class by no longer cutting weight. The ex-205er weighed 249 pounds, so he will be adequately sized as he also stands an inch taller. Referee Mark Smith will be minding his P’s and Q’s as the big men throw down, and he stands by as they clap hands first. Spann strikes first with a heavy leg kick, and Smith tells the heavyweights to watch their extended fingers. Cortes-Acosta responds with his own low kick, but Spann’s has much more behind it. Cortes-Acosta whiffs on a left hook, and a big overhand right of his bangs into Spann’s raised guard. Spann kicks high and is blocked, and he kicks low but is not. Cortes-Acosta wades in with winging punches, and Spann is well out of harm’s way in time. Spann hammers the front leg with a kick, and he counters one coming his way with a thudding overhand right that stuns the man from Dominican Republic. Cortes-Acosta leans forward and the two clash heads, and Smith calls time to make sure no damage resulted from it. He resumes them, and the fighters trade punches. Cortes-Acosta catches Spann on the temple with a blistering right hand, and he uses his weight to drag Spann to the fence. Spann breaks free and plunks Cortes-Acosta with an overhand right, but Cortes-Acosta’s uppercut shakes him up again. Both men swing their fists from down beneath their hips, getting full torque into it. They both lash out with low kicks, and Cortes-Acosta checks it and draws a funny reaction from his opponent. Spann comes up short with a front kick, and Cortes-Acosta chews up his front leg with another kick. Spann goes to the body with his front kick, and Cortes-Acosta winds up with bad intentions looping his haymakers at the former light heavyweight. They clinch up, and Cortes-Acosta drives punches into Spann until Spann breaks away and launches some of his own. Spann gets off a low kick and slips out of the way from “Salsa Boy,” and Cortes-Acosta measures his man with a jab and a right hand that hurts Spann again. Cortes-Acosta’s forward momentum results in a tie-up, using his higher weight to toss Spann to his back. Spann tries to upkick him in the legs a few times until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Round 2
The fighters lead off with a brief glove touch, and Spann is quick to fight behind his jab. Cortes-Acosta snaps his head back with a straight right hand, and he is met with a front kick to the belly. Cortes-Acosta jabs his man in the belly, but the fist goes low and bangs into Spann’s cup. Smith calls time, and Spann drops to his knees and takes a little under a minute to recover. They resume, and Cortes-Acosta flashes out his jab as Spann does the same. Cortes-Acosta scores a left and a right, and Spann indicates he was poked in the eye. Smith again pauses the action and checks the replay, and they get back to it after a few seconds. Spann jams the body with a kick, and he wings a huge right hand that Cortes-Acosta rolls with. Spann whiffs on another, and a third is met with a sharp jab from his foe. Spann is irritated about getting poked in the eye, and Smith issues a loud warning to Cortes-Acosta. Spann overthrows his punches, and the Dominican is beating him to the punch and clips the Fortis MMA fighter with his overhand right. Cortes-Acosta kicks the inner thigh, and the strike pounds square into his cup. Smith sighs heavily and calls time one more time. Spann crouches down and is not a happy camper after receiving these fouls, and Smith issues a final warning to Cortes-Acosta to keep things clean. The Texan takes more time than before to get his wind back, with Cortes-Acosta getting away with multiple fouls without a point deduction. The fighters get back to business after another 90-second break, and Spann returns to fighting behind his jab. Spann rifles off a calf kick, and Cortes-Acosta lands a powerful right hand across the forward bow. “Superman” dodges a check left hook but is unable to get away from the jab, and Cortes-Acosta loads up on his overhand right and sways the right direction to avoid one coming his direction. Cortes-Acosta prods with a jab until Spann bears down on him, and he uses the jab again to keep Spann honest. A one-two from Spann does not find its target, and he dances away from a similar pair of blows. Cortes-Acosta’s head movement and footwork keeps him safe, and he clubs Spann in the side of the dome. Spann spins with a back kick, and he shoots for a double that is met with 262 pounds of meat and several punches on the side of the head. Spann explodes back to his feet, and Cortes-Acosta is on him clubbing him with fists.
Spann swings back, still in trouble, and Cortes-Acosta sticks him with a jab and follows with a short left hook that levels Spann. When “Superman” hits the ground, Smith is already racing in towards the fighters, only to allow a few more punctuating hammerfists and punches to briefly shut Spann’s lights out.
Smith gets between them and allows Cortes-Acosta to reposition his foe’s legs who are tangled up with his, and Cortes-Acosta walks off to celebrate his handiwork. The ranked heavyweight calls for fights against either Tai Tuivasa or Derrick Lewis, and both are within his reach given his success in the division thus far.
The Official Result
Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Ryan Spann R2 4:48 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Waldo Cortes Acosta over Ryan Spann. He believes Waldo is faster, has better movement, and cardio, while Spann's last win was his first in three years against an older opponent. He notes that public money might come in on Spann, making Waldo even better value.
Big Brady picks Waldo Cortes Acosta, reasoning that Ryan Spann is a round-one-or-bust fighter who fades after the first five minutes. He notes Spann's last win outside the first round was a split decision in 2020. Brady believes Cortes Acosta has good durability and cardio, and if he survives the first round, he will take over in the later rounds with higher output. He predicts a decision win for Cortes Acosta.
Cody picks Julius Walker, noting that the UFC is giving him a bounce-back fight after a competitive debut against Alonzo Menifield. He believes Raphael Cerqueira is a low-level opponent with poor durability and that Walker will win easily. He acknowledges the high price but sees it as a safe play.
Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.
The host believes Cortes Acosta's takedown defense will keep the fight standing, allowing him to run away with the matchup in deep water and win on the scorecards.
Paul also picks Walker, citing his athleticism and the favorable matchup. He notes that Cerqueira has a padded record and has been knocked out quickly. He believes Walker will roll and sees value in the win, despite the high price.
The MMA Guru picks Ryan Spann, believing in light heavyweights succeeding at heavyweight. He notes Spann has touch-of-death power and dangerous grappling, though he has bad IQ moments. He criticizes Waldo Cortes Acosta as a 'fat heavyweight' who nearly got fraud-checked by Jared Vanderaa and has poor takedown entries. He thinks Spann's experience against better competition gives him the edge, and he expects a knockout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 0 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 9 of 20 | 45% | 5 of 13 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 7 of 10 | 70% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 9 of 20 | 45% | 5 of 13 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ovince Saint Preux | 7 of 10 | 70% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Ryan Spann, citing his youth, danger, and finishing ability. He notes Ovince Saint Preux is older and hesitant. However, he is not betting on this fight due to the short notice and elevation, which could lead to a staring contest. He thinks the under 1.5 rounds line is tempting but unreliable.
Big Brady picks Ryan Spann to win by first-round knockout, acknowledging that Spann is dangerous early but fades if the fight goes past the first round. He notes that OSP is 41 and has been knocked out by lesser fighters like Tanner Boser and Philipe Lins, so Spann's power should be enough. He understands why people are betting OSP but trusts Spann's first-round finishing ability.
Cody picks OSP, citing Spann's cardio issues and tendency to quit. He thinks OSP's durability and experience at altitude will allow him to outlast Spann. He expects a late finish or decision.
Connor picks Spann, arguing that OSP's recent wins have come against smaller or slower opponents, while Spann is neither. Spann is fast and huge, and OSP's age and decline make him a poor bet. He notes that Spann's losses are bad, but he has the physical tools to beat OSP.
Daniel Vreeland leans toward Ovince Saint Preux, citing his unorthodox style and veteran tactics. He notes that Ryan Spann is a talented flake with a weak chin and poor decision-making. Vreeland points out that OSP has beaten other Forest MMA fighters and had a career-high output in his last fight. He expects OSP to win if he survives the early rounds.
The host believes Ovince Saint Preux will avoid the early finishing power of Ryan Spann and then chip away at him in the second and third rounds, winning on the scorecards. He notes that the moneyline is very juicy at the current price, indicating value.
Paul picks OSP but with less confidence than before. He notes the altitude and Spann's cardio problems. He thinks OSP can find a finish or win a decision if he conserves energy.
The MMA Guru picks Ryan Spann to KO Ovince Saint Preux, despite acknowledging Spann's poor decision-making. He believes Spann's explosive power and size will be too much for the 41-year-old OSP, who he considers finished. He expects Spann to land a brutal knockout on the early prelims, as OSP is unlikely to get takedowns and the fight will stay standing.
Zane agrees with Connor, noting that OSP's recent wins are unimpressive and Spann has the size and speed advantage. He acknowledges Spann's inconsistency but believes he will win this matchup.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Guskov | 0 | 15 of 38 | 39% | 20 of 44 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 3:29 |
| Ryan Spann | 1 | 31 of 48 | 64% | 49 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Guskov | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 11 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:29 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 21 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bogdan Guskov | 0 | 9 of 28 | 32% | 9 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ryan Spann | 1 | 28 of 40 | 70% | 28 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Guskov | 15 of 38 | 39% | 10 of 30 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Ryan Spann | 31 of 48 | 64% | 30 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 17 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Guskov | 6 of 10 | 60% | 3 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Ryan Spann | 3 of 8 | 37% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bogdan Guskov | 9 of 28 | 32% | 7 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 28 of 40 | 70% | 28 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 17 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Herb Dean will oversee the co-main event. Both men show a lot of respect. Guskov throws an overhand right. Spann gets in on a takedown and then lands a knee to the groin. The fight is paused. They're put back in position oddly. Spann lands another low blow with a knee. Dean doesn't take a point despite two fouls in a row. They touch gloves as the fight continues. Spann lands an overhand right. Spann is able to get a takedown and lands in guard. Guskov gives up side control. Spann is able to get into mount and is looking to take the back. Guskov almost escapes, but Spann is able to get his hooks in and takes the back. Spann is looking for a rear-naked choke with a minute left. Guskov is flattened out, so Spann abandons the attempt and starts punching before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Spann
Round 2
It is a slow start to the second round as both men are hesitant about the other's power. Both men miss with hooks. Guskov hurts Spann with a right hand and then a left hook. Spann dives for a takedown to no avail. Spann fires back with a right hand of his own. Guskov eats a giant overhand right. Spann lands another looping punch. Guskov comes forward with straight punches and is beating Spann to the punch.
A huge uppercut hurts Spann. A right hand floors Spann, who then eats a series of vicious right hands on the ground. Herb Dean finally steps in, and this is over!
The Official Result
Bogdan Guskov def. Ryan Spann TKO (Punches); R2, 3:16.
Angelo picks Ryan Spann due to experience, size, and durability. He thinks Bogdan Guskov may have early success but will fade, while Spann will survive and take over. He notes Spann is dangerous everywhere (striking, submissions, wrestling) and has cardio for 15 minutes. He believes Spann likely wins by decision or late stoppage, but is not confident enough to bet on him.
Cody leans toward Guskov as a doger pass, citing Spann's inconsistencies and poor durability. He thinks Guskov's power gives him a puncher's chance, especially if Spann's weight cut is rough. However, he admits Guskov is not very good and the pick is high variance.
Daniel acknowledges Spann's talent and athleticism but calls him a 'talented flake' with mental issues and a history of getting knocked out the same way. He thinks Spann should win based on skills but can't lay -190 on him. He leans Spann but passes on betting.
Spann has the athleticism, power, and speed advantage. He should be able to hurt Guskov early and find a finish, likely in the first round. Guskov was knocked out in his UFC debut and may be vulnerable to Spann's power. I expect Spann to win by first-round knockout.
Paul picks Spann despite his inconsistencies, arguing Spann has faced much better competition and is more skilled overall. He believes Spann's takedowns and grappling will be the difference, and that Guskov's padded record and lack of durability will be exposed.
The MMA Guru picks Ryan Spann, noting that Bogdan Guskov has never fought someone taller than him and keeps his hands down. He criticizes Guskov's style of throwing shovel hooks from the waist, which may not work against a longer opponent. He believes Spann's reach and low kicks will be effective, and mentions Spann's guillotine threat. He predicts Spann will win, possibly by low kicks.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 91 of 147 | 61% | 91 of 147 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 59 of 187 | 31% | 62 of 191 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 24 of 42 | 57% | 24 of 42 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 10 of 41 | 24% | 10 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 22 of 36 | 61% | 22 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 22 of 60 | 36% | 25 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:19 | |
| 3 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 45 of 69 | 65% | 45 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 27 of 86 | 31% | 27 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 91 of 147 | 61% | 44 of 92 | 12 of 15 | 35 of 40 | 90 of 146 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 59 of 187 | 31% | 39 of 158 | 14 of 23 | 6 of 6 | 50 of 174 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 24 of 42 | 57% | 9 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 16 | 23 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 10 of 41 | 24% | 5 of 32 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Anthony Smith | 22 of 36 | 61% | 10 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 10 | 22 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 22 of 60 | 36% | 16 of 52 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 13 | |
| 3 | Anthony Smith | 45 of 69 | 65% | 25 of 45 | 7 of 10 | 13 of 14 | 45 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ryan Spann | 27 of 86 | 31% | 18 of 74 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 27 of 86 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo believes Smith's best days are behind him, citing his recent loss to Johnny Walker where he was dropped and then headhunted. He thinks Spann will be too big, fast, and powerful for Smith. He has a full unit bet on Spann at -147, noting that the bet is more about Smith's decline than Spann's rise.
Big Brady questions why this rematch is happening, noting Anthony Smith dominated the first fight. However, he believes Smith looks uninterested and has taken too much damage, citing his recent performances against Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev. He thinks Spann is dangerous everywhere and will knock out Smith in the first round, as Smith's durability is declining.
Cody picks Smith because he already beat Spann via submission and is getting plus money. He notes that Spann is a one-round fighter who fades under adversity, while Smith has better grappling and durability. Cody believes Smith can survive the early onslaught and take over later in the fight.
Daniel picks Ryan Spann, reasoning that Spann is an athletic freak who can catch Smith early. He notes that Smith is coming off a leg break and looked terrible against Johnny Walker. He acknowledges that Smith dominated the first fight, but believes Spann's power and explosiveness give him a chance to finish early. He is not confident, calling it a lean.
James picks Anthony Smith, citing his cardio advantage and durability. He notes Smith hurt and submitted Spann in their first fight, and Spann's finishing equity drops after round one. He believes Smith is not as washed as some think and that the line is off. He also mentions Smith's historical durability and difficulty to submit.
The host recalls Smith's submission win over Spann in their first fight and believes Smith's veteran experience and confidence will allow him to replicate that performance. He notes Spann is dangerous early but fades, and expects Smith to exchange in the pocket, hurt Spann, and submit him again. The host likes the under 1.5 rounds prop and finds Smith as a dog 'absolutely crazy'.
Paul initially picks Spann due to his recent wins and early explosiveness, but after Cody corrects him on the first fight result, he switches to Smith. However, his original pick was Spann, so we capture that. He notes Spann is dangerous early but fades, and Smith is durable enough to survive.
The MMA Guru picks Ryan Spann in the rematch, believing Anthony Smith has declined physically and mentally. He notes Smith's poor physique and lack of fast-twitch fibers, comparing him to a fighter past his prime. He thinks Spann's scrambling and power will be enough, and that Smith won't land the same hook again. He predicts Spann will catch Smith and finish him, possibly in round two, leading to Smith's retirement.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikita Krylov | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 24 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 2 | 2:39 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 2 | 0:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikita Krylov | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 24 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 2 | 2:39 |
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 2 | 0:32 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikita Krylov | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 11 | 45% | 4 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikita Krylov | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 11 | 45% | 4 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Krylov (-170), Spann (+145)
Round 1
Two weeks later than expected, fans in the building should soon be treated to an all-action slugfest in what was supposed to be the UFC Vegas 70 headliner. A combined 38 first-round finishes have come between Krylov (29-9, 10-7 UFC) and Spann (21-7, 7-2 UFC), with stellar stoppage rates of 93% for the former and 86% for the Texan. Referee Herb Dean better buckle up for this one, although he is able to take solace knowing it is still a matchup without any bad blood. With the cancelation a few weeks ago, this is no longer taking place at light heavyweight, and instead at 215 pounds. Fists are bumped before they throw down, and when they do, it should be one heck of a show. Spann reaches out with an early jab as Krylov kicks, and Spann follows it with a few punches that knock Krylov around. Krylov gains space after bouncing off the fence, and he pops Spann with a right hand to wobble the Texan’s legs. Krylov advances to try to keep swinging, and he ends up clinched up with his opponent. Spann throws Krylov down to the mat, and he lands on top and starts fishing for a submission. Krylov sits up and finds his neck in submission danger, but he shucks off the first guillotine choke try as Spann switches to a brabo choke. Krylov stays patient, and Spann adjusts his head and settles down with another guillotine. “The Miner” digs through the pain and discomfort to yank his neck free, and the two fighters work their way back upright. Krylov holds Spann from behind and kicks him in the side of the face awkwardly, and he drags Spann down to the ground. Spann turns the tables to take Krylov down, and Spann winds up in a guillotine choke threat on the other side. Spann slides out the back door and frees himself, and he grabs a two-on-one wrist lock in an attempt to scramble out. Krylov stays tightly pressed to him and lands a few punches that might have hit the back of the head. Spann stands up and Krylov falls over, and Spann jumps on top of him to drop hammers down.
When Spann lands on top, Krylov wraps his legs up around his opponent's head to tighten up a triangle choke. Spann knows this time, there is no way out, as he fell right into a trap. “Superman” is forced to surrender to the choke, as the crowd is silenced at the sudden conclusion of the mighty grappling battle.
This gives the victor, who is not representing a country given the Russian invasion of his home country of Ukraine, his 30th pro win and 28th by stoppage.
The Official Result
Nikita Krylov def. Ryan Spann R1 3:38 via Submission (Triangle Choke)
Angelo originally picked Nikita Krylov due to his wrestling and grinding ability, but the illness has significantly reduced his confidence. He still thinks Krylov will win if he is 100%, but he is no longer betting on him. He suggests a prop bet on Ryan Spann inside the distance (decision no action) because Spann is dangerous and the fight is now three rounds instead of five.
Big Brady picks Ryan Spann for the slight upset, noting both fighters have durability issues. He questions Krylov's submission defense (submitted six times) and Spann's chin. Brady expects a first-round finish, predicting Spann locks up a guillotine when Krylov shoots for takedowns. He has low confidence but thinks someone gets finished early.
Cody flips to Ryan Spann, citing Krylov's recent illness and the change from five rounds to three rounds. He thinks Spann's cardio is less of a concern in a three-round fight and notes Spann's submission threat. He believes the narrative of Krylov pulling out is enough to take the underdog.
Connor picks Krylov, emphasizing his durability and relentless wrestling. He notes that Spann has poor takedown defense (83% takedown defense when excluding the Enrique fight) and that Krylov will keep shooting takedowns. Connor also points out that Krylov has never been knocked out and is crafty in finding ways to win. He expects Krylov to survive Spann's early power and take over with grappling.
I think Krylov's improved grappling and takedown game will be key. He should drag Spann to the ground and work from top position, but he must be careful of Spann's guillotine. Spann's early power is a threat, but if Krylov survives the first round, he can take over. I expect a submission or TKO in the latter rounds. However, the early threat from Spann makes me hesitant to bet this fight.
Paul picks Krylov but with less confidence than two weeks ago due to Krylov pulling out of the previous fight. He notes Krylov's improvements and path to victory via takedowns, but questions why Krylov pulled out. He thinks the -170 price is about right and calls it a stay-away.
The MMA Guru picks Nikita Krylov, citing Ryan Spann's weight cut issues and the fact that Spann missed weight in his last fight. He believes Krylov's illness may help him keep weight down, while Spann will struggle with two weight cuts back-to-back. He predicts Krylov will push the pace, take Spann down, and get a TKO or submission in the later rounds.
Zane picks Krylov, agreeing with Connor's assessment. He highlights Spann's terrible takedown defense and Krylov's durability. Zane notes that Krylov is not a clean technician but makes good decisions and is flexible. He expects Krylov to take Spann down and grind out a win, as Spann is chinny and tense.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dominick Reyes | 1 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dominick Reyes | 1 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dominick Reyes | 8 of 17 | 47% | 7 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dominick Reyes | 8 of 17 | 47% | 7 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Reyes (-205), Spann (+175)
Round 1
It’s been a rough stretch for Reyes, who was finished by Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz in back-to-back fights after a near-victory against Jon Jones in February 2020. He’ll look to right the ship against Spann, who missed weight by half a pound but has been victorious in six of eight promotional appearances. Marc Goddard gets the call to oversee the light heavyweight clash. Reyes with a front kick down the middle, and Spann misses a high kick. A right hand from Spann makes Reyes stumble, and Reyes answers. Reyes slips during an ensuing exchange and Spann latches onto a guillotine. He relents and they’re back at range. Spann counters a kick with a 1-2 combination and Reyes attempts to answer.
As he steps in, a short left hand from “Superman” — along with a glancing right — lays Reyes out stiff on the canvas. He dives in and lands one unnecessary blow before Goddard dives in to save Reyes.
Spann has his second straight first-round finish in the Octagon. Reyes’ struggles continue, as he loses his fourth straight.
The Official Result
Ryan Spann def. Dominick Reyes via KO (Punches) R1 1:20
Angelo does not make a pick for this fight. He notes that Reyes is a former title challenger with suspect chin coming off two KO losses, while Spann is a powerful but slow striker. He says the odds favor Reyes at 2-1 but calls it a coin toss and advises against betting at those odds. He will wait for weigh-ins and a Tuesday breakdown before deciding.
Big Brady picks Dominick Reyes to win by first-round knockout, but expresses low trust due to Reyes' recent performances and mental state. He notes Reyes has looked awful since the Jon Jones fight, being hesitant and getting knocked out by Jan Blachowicz. However, he believes Reyes is the much better striker with phenomenal takedown defense, and that Spann has been dropped by lesser fighters (Sam Alvey, Anthony Smith). He says if Reyes loses this, it's inexcusable.
Cody picks Ryan Spann as an underdog, citing narrative and speculation. He notes that Reyes' wins came against opponents who were past their prime or at a weight disadvantage, and that Reyes has lost three straight, including two knockouts. Cody points out that Reyes has been inactive for a year and a half and may have ring rust, while Spann is younger, active, and improving. He thinks Spann's power and reach could capitalize on Reyes' potential durability and confidence issues.
Connor picks Dominick Reyes, arguing that despite Reyes' recent losses, Spann's messy style and lack of discipline play into Reyes' counter-punching strengths. He notes that Spann's entries are wild and he often leaves openings, while Reyes is a cool, technical counter puncher. Connor believes Spann is not capable of making Reyes as uncomfortable as Prochazka did, and that Reyes should be able to take him apart.
Daniel Levi picks Dominick Reyes to knock out Ryan Spann, citing Reyes' superior distance game, straight left, and composure. He notes that Spann has been knocked out three times the same way (on takedown attempts) and has a questionable chin. Levi believes Reyes is on a different level and that Spann's mental fragility and tendency to get wild will be his downfall. He also mentions that Reyes has taken a year off and changed camps, which should help him refocus.
The host sees Reyes as the better technical striker with good range and a clean left hand. He is concerned about the layoff and durability questions after recent KO losses, but believes Reyes can take his time and finish Spann in the latter half. He likes the over 1.5 rounds at -120 as Reyes may be cautious early. He won't bet the moneyline at -225 but picks Reyes by KO.
Paul picks Dominick Reyes, arguing that if the fight extends, Reyes will lap Spann in volume. He notes that Spann's decision wins are uninspiring (e.g., split decision over Sam Alvey) and that he has been knocked out by Johnny Walker. Paul believes Reyes' losses are to elite competition (Jones, Blachowicz, Prochazka) and that Spann hasn't fought anyone of that caliber. He thinks Reyes' volume and experience will be decisive.
The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Ryan Spann, expressing concern about Reyes' motivation and damage taken after the Jones fight and long layoff. He thinks Reyes may shell up under power and predicts Spann will rock him and secure a guillotine choke. He acknowledges Spann's glass chin but believes his bursts will be enough.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Reyes. He notes that Spann is a dangerous but fundamentally limited fighter who relies on chaos, while Reyes has a thin but effective counter-punching game. Zane points out that Spann's wild entries and lack of durability make him vulnerable to Reyes' counters, and that Reyes' losses came against elite fighters who could exploit his weaknesses in ways Spann cannot.
Devin Clark - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 53 of 127 | 41% | 53 of 127 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 101 of 189 | 53% | 112 of 204 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 11 of 29 | 37% | 11 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 23 of 47 | 48% | 27 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 2 | Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 19 of 36 | 52% | 19 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 30 of 60 | 50% | 32 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 3 | Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 23 of 62 | 37% | 23 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 48 of 82 | 58% | 53 of 89 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcin Prachnio | 53 of 127 | 41% | 36 of 106 | 13 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 49 of 120 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 101 of 189 | 53% | 42 of 113 | 37 of 51 | 22 of 25 | 78 of 156 | 23 of 33 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcin Prachnio | 11 of 29 | 37% | 7 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 23 of 47 | 48% | 8 of 28 | 7 of 9 | 8 of 10 | 21 of 42 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marcin Prachnio | 19 of 36 | 52% | 13 of 29 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 30 of 60 | 50% | 9 of 33 | 9 of 15 | 12 of 12 | 26 of 52 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marcin Prachnio | 23 of 62 | 37% | 16 of 53 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 21 of 58 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 48 of 82 | 58% | 25 of 52 | 21 of 27 | 2 of 3 | 31 of 62 | 17 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo believes Devin Clark can pressure forward, avoid Prachnio's power, get takedowns, and grind out a win. He notes Clark's solid grappling and footwork, and that Prachnio has a questionable chin. He thinks Clark should win, but the -190 odds are a bit rich; he would prefer Clark at -150. He will monitor the line movement.
Big Brady hesitantly picks Devin Clark to win by decision. He notes that Clark has a clear path to victory through wrestling, as Prachnio has terrible takedown defense and ground game. However, he is not confident because Clark has poor cardio and has been finished often, and Prachnio's fights have had weird results.
Cody picks Prachnio as a dog, noting Clark's cardio issues and tendency to fade. Prachnio has power and has shown he can survive early takedowns and come back. Cody thinks if Clark doesn't finish early, Prachnio can knock him out in the later rounds. He suggests a prop on Prachnio by KO in round 3 at long odds.
Clark should be able to use his clinch and grappling to push Prachnio against the cage and drag him to the mat. Prachnio has questionable takedown defense and durability. However, Clark is inconsistent and has a history of fumbling fights he's winning. The line at -210 is too wide for someone as flimsy as Clark, but he should still win by decision.
Paul also picks Prachnio, agreeing with Cody's assessment. He notes Clark's wrestling advantage but thinks Prachnio can survive and find a knockout. Paul mentions that Clark has been knocked out before and that Prachnio has power. He is tempted by the dog price and the prop.
The MMA Guru picks Marcin Prachnio as an underdog after initially leaning toward Devin Clark. He notes that Clark has taken a lot of damage and lacks one-punch KO power or submission threat. He believes Prachnio can out-damage Clark on the feet with better striking skill. He acknowledges the pick is risky but thinks Prachnio is a lot better than Clark in terms of before a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 62 of 81 | 76% | 79 of 98 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 3:42 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 36 of 58 | 62% | 61 of 90 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 41 of 53 | 77% | 54 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:35 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 25 of 37 | 67% | 47 of 65 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 21 of 28 | 75% | 25 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 14 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 62 of 81 | 76% | 44 of 63 | 18 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 17 | 53 of 64 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 36 of 58 | 62% | 25 of 46 | 7 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 28 | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 41 of 53 | 77% | 34 of 46 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 39 of 50 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 25 of 37 | 67% | 18 of 29 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 10 | 20 of 27 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 21 of 28 | 75% | 10 of 17 | 11 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 14 | 14 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 11 of 21 | 52% | 7 of 17 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Kennedy Nzechukwu, noting his length, power, and ability to come back from behind. He compares this fight to Kennedy's last win where he lost the first round before knocking out Jan Kutulaba. Angelo is hesitant because Kennedy can be a slow starter and gun-shy, which could allow Devin Clark to grind out early rounds. However, he believes Kennedy hits too hard and is never out of a fight, expecting a finish similar to his last performance.
Big Brady picks Nzechukwu, citing his massive size and reach advantages. He notes Nzechukwu is finally putting it together, showing improved grappling and takedown defense. He believes Clark will struggle with the reach and power, and Nzechukwu's get-up game is excellent. He predicts a second-round knockout, as Nzechukwu starts slow but finishes strong.
Cody sees value in Clark at plus money, noting his cardio and cage control are his best weapons. He believes Clark can press Nzechukwu against the fence, use outside trips to take him down, and grind out a win. He points out that Nzechukwu has been taken down by lesser wrestlers and Clark's style is perfectly suited to exploit that.
Connor picks Nzechukwu more confidently, arguing that Nzechukwu has a plan and can use pressure striking and reach, not just clinching. He notes Devin Clark has no technical foundation and relies on physicality, but Nzechukwu can adapt and find moments. Connor acknowledges Clark is tough and strong, but Nzechukwu should be able to outwork him.
The host picks Kennedy Nzechukwu by late first round stoppage. He believes Nzechukwu's improved striking and power will overcome Devin Clark's grappling. He notes Clark's durability issues and expects Nzechukwu to land big shots after a potentially sticky early grappling exchange.
Paul also picks Clark, having bet him at +180. He notes Clark's chin concerns are overblown, as he's shown durability in recent fights. He expects Clark to use his wrestling and pressure to control the fight, similar to his win over Jung. He thinks the line is too wide.
The Guru picks Nzechukwu, citing his size and range advantage over Clark. He believes Nzechukwu will pick at Clark on the feet and land knees as Clark closes distance. He acknowledges Nzechukwu's questionable chin (KO by Dalton Young) but thinks Clark's wrestling won't be effective due to Nzechukwu's size. He predicts a TKO in the later rounds.
Zane picks Nzechukwu but is hesitant because Nzechukwu is not a range fighter and may struggle to avoid Clark's physicality. He notes Clark is beatable if you don't fight his fight, but Nzechukwu tends to clinch and pressure, which could play into Clark's strengths. However, Nzechukwu gets stronger as fights go on and Clark is not a finisher, giving Nzechukwu time to grow into the fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 0 | 18 of 52 | 34% | 43 of 78 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 5:48 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 39 of 70 | 55% | 96 of 136 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 0 | 0 | 5:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 0 | 5 of 15 | 33% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 10 of 15 | 66% | 42 of 52 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:09 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 23 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:16 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 24 of 35 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 0 | 7 of 25 | 28% | 11 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
| Da Woon Jung | 0 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 30 of 49 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:28 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 18 of 52 | 34% | 11 of 42 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 36 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 39 of 70 | 55% | 22 of 51 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 13 | 26 of 52 | 11 of 14 | 2 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 5 of 15 | 33% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 10 of 15 | 66% | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 10 of 18 | 55% | 4 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 7 of 25 | 28% | 4 of 19 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 19 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Da Woon Jung | 19 of 37 | 51% | 14 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 14 of 30 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 |
Big Brady sees Jung as the bigger, more powerful striker with solid takedown defense. He criticizes Devin Clark's recent performance and lack of wrestling. He expects Jung to knock out Clark early, likely in the first round.
Cody leans toward Jung but is not confident. He notes Jung's power and elbows in the clinch, but worries about his cardio and size. He thinks Devin Clark could grind out a decision by pressing Jung against the cage. He considers the line too big and prefers to pass or bet the over 2.5 rounds at +130.
Connor picks Da Woon Jung, citing his reach advantage and consistent pressure striking. He notes that Devin Clark lacks a process in his striking, with no jab, feints, or defense, and that his father's coaching has stunted his development. Connor expects Jung to win a three-round decision, as Clark is durable but unable to handle Jung's range and output.
Paul also leans toward Jung but is not betting. He notes Jung's size advantage (6'4" vs 6'0") and power, but acknowledges Clark's durability and grinding style. He points out that Clark often fights to a decision and lacks killer instinct. He prefers to avoid the fight entirely.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Da Woon Jung. He highlights Jung's size and durability, and Clark's inability to put together combinations or defend effectively. Zane notes that Clark's only chance is a surprise head kick, but Jung's consistent pressure and reach will lead to a clear decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 14 of 52 | 26% | 39 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Devin Clark | 1 | 79 of 106 | 74% | 95 of 127 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 6 of 23 | 26% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 41 of 52 | 78% | 52 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:24 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 1 | 31 of 39 | 79% | 31 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 14 of 52 | 26% | 4 of 29 | 3 of 7 | 7 of 16 | 13 of 50 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 79 of 106 | 74% | 41 of 65 | 31 of 34 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 42 | 9 of 9 | 46 of 55 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 6 of 23 | 26% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 10 | 6 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 7 of 15 | 46% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 5 of 19 | 26% | 2 of 12 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 41 of 52 | 78% | 12 of 21 | 22 of 24 | 7 of 7 | 10 of 18 | 9 of 9 | 22 of 25 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 3 of 10 | 30% | 0 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 31 of 39 | 79% | 25 of 32 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 30 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, citing his power and wrestling credentials. He notes Devin Clark has chin issues and Murzakanov is the more dangerous fighter. He likes the value at -170, believing the line should be closer to -200.
Big Brady picks Azamat Murzakanov to knock out Devin Clark early, likely in the first round. He notes that Murzakanov has power that carries into later rounds, as shown in his last fight. Clark has poor striking defense (46%) and has been finished in six of seven losses. Murzakanov is a much better striker and has dangerous ground and pound. Brady expects a quick finish.
Cody picks Murzakanov by knockout, noting he liked him coming into the TUF fight and cashed his flying knee finish. He thinks the line is moving toward Clark, so he may wait for a better price. Cody believes Murzakanov has enough grappling to keep the fight standing and will land a knockout.
Daniel Levi picks Azamat Murzakanov, dismissing the narrative that his last win was a fluke. He explains that Murzakanov was winning on two scorecards before the finish and that his speed and power will be too much for Devin Clark. Levi notes that Clark tends to blitz with his chin up and that Murzakanov has knockout power, predicting a KO win.
The host expects an early finish from Murzakanov, noting his big power but not much volume. He includes Murzakanov in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds, expecting a first-round KO.
Paul picks Murzakanov by knockout in round two. He criticizes Clark's durability and low volume, noting Clark has been knocked out before and relies on pressing opponents against the cage. Paul believes Murzakanov has heavier hands and will clip Clark with something like a flying knee.
The host picks Azamat Murzakanov, recalling his previous knockout of Devin Clark in a regional tournament. He trusts Murzakanov's stand-up and grappling, and believes Clark has taken too much damage over his career. He expects a first-round TKO in a firefight, though he acknowledges Clark's power makes it risky.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 1 | 34 of 47 | 72% | 125 of 140 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 5:46 |
| William Knight | 0 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 39 of 59 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 33 of 39 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| William Knight | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 19 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 2:03 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 0 | 12 of 15 | 80% | 63 of 68 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:13 |
| William Knight | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 8 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 1 | 19 of 23 | 82% | 29 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| William Knight | 0 | 5 of 14 | 35% | 12 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 34 of 47 | 72% | 19 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 11 | 25 of 37 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| William Knight | 21 of 41 | 51% | 11 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 9 | 16 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| William Knight | 10 of 18 | 55% | 9 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 12 of 15 | 80% | 5 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| William Knight | 6 of 9 | 66% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 19 of 23 | 82% | 12 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 |
| William Knight | 5 of 14 | 35% | 0 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks William Knight, believing he hits too hard and has his own wrestling. He notes that both are moving up to heavyweight, but Knight will be the bigger, faster, and harder-hitting fighter. He expresses concern about Knight's cardio with added muscle and his wrestling defense, but still thinks Knight gets the win and redeems himself from the weight miss.
Big Brady picks Devin Clark to win by decision. He notes Clark has fought much better competition, has cardio, and can take the fight to the ground. He criticizes William Knight's 33% striking defense, low volume, poor takedown defense, and cardio issues. However, he is cautious because the fight is at heavyweight, which could favor Knight. He expects Clark to grind out a decision.
Cody picks Clark, emphasizing his wrestling and clinch work. He thinks Clark can grind Knight against the cage and win a decision. He notes Knight's lack of output and Clark's edge in wrestling.
Daniel Levi has no clear pick for this fight. He acknowledges Devin Clark is much more skilled with good wrestling and experience, but notes he has been finished multiple times and can break mentally. William Knight is unskilled with poor defense but has tremendous toughness, power, and explosiveness, similar to Derrick Lewis. Levi says the fight could go either way depending on which version shows up, and he has no conviction on a pick.
Paul picks Clark but is hesitant, noting the weigh-ins will be important. He thinks Clark's wrestling and pace will be key, but worries about Clark's chin and Knight's power. He expects a decision win for Clark.
The MMA Guru picks William Knight by first-round KO. He notes the fight is at heavyweight, benefiting Knight who doesn't have to cut weight, and that Devin Clark is coming off a horrific jaw injury from Krzysztof Jotko. He believes Clark will be hesitant and Knight's power will prevail.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 1 | 64 of 101 | 63% | 92 of 138 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 8:48 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 23 of 52 | 44% | 84 of 130 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 1 | 47 of 73 | 64% | 53 of 79 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 2:08 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 11 of 19 | 57% | 18 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 11 of 19 | 57% | 24 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:24 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 3 of 13 | 23% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 15 of 21 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:16 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 43 of 62 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 64 of 101 | 63% | 59 of 95 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 21 | 11 of 16 | 46 of 64 |
| Devin Clark | 23 of 52 | 44% | 10 of 32 | 3 of 7 | 10 of 13 | 12 of 32 | 8 of 13 | 3 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 47 of 73 | 64% | 42 of 67 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 13 | 9 of 12 | 33 of 48 |
| Devin Clark | 11 of 19 | 57% | 4 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 9 | 8 of 14 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 11 of 19 | 57% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 10 |
| Devin Clark | 3 of 13 | 23% | 0 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 6 of 9 | 66% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 6 |
| Devin Clark | 9 of 20 | 45% | 6 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 6 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 7 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In the co-main event, we have reached the age-old question of whether “The Hulk” could take on a bear. Soon, in front of referee Keith Peterson, we will have our answer when “The Hulk” Cutelaba (15-6-1, 1 NC; 4-5-1 UFC) meets “Brown Bear” Clark (12-5, 6-5 UFC) in the center of the Octagon. There is no interest in a glove touch from the light heavyweights and nonsense is left to a minimum, as Cutelaba just wants to smash. Cutelaba starts off with a spinning back fist, and Clark rushes in and hits an early takedown to drag Cutelaba down to the canvas. The Moldovan gets right back to his feet without much effort, and Clark grinds him into the wall to try to get him back down. Cutelaba blocks a takedown try with a high knee, and he uses the other to thump on Clark’s chest a few times. Cutelaba pushes away with a heavy knee, and he rushes after Clark with a body kick. Clark swings and misses with a counter, but he does get a kick off to Cutelaba’s heavy plant leg. Cutelaba paws out with a few jabs as he corks back a right hand, and he tries to block a low kick as he slowly works his way in. Clark just misses landing a hook kick, and he strides ahead to pop Cutelaba in the chops with a head kick. “The Hulk” does not register the blow, and instead stalks Clark down before jumping ahead with a thudding knee. Clark circles away so that he can chop down Cutelaba’s leg, much to the delight of his father. Cutelaba winds up with his thunderous right hand, and Clark falls to the ground lifelessly. As Cutelaba comes after him to hammer the nail, Clark comes to and is able to block the follow-up ground-and-pound. Peterson tells Clark to defend himself, and Clark survives by grabbing on to one of Cutelaba’s arms. Cutelaba slugs him in the face a few times and lands a solid knee on the chin as well with Clark leaning against the cage. Cutelaba tries to strip his foe’s legs out beneath him, and Clark grabs the fence to stay upright. Peterson slaps his hand away and Cutelaba brings him back down. Clark, on his knees, gets smashed repeatedly with heavy punches. Clark stands up, and Cutelaba wrenches him back down to take full mount. “The Hulk” smashes with elbows and thunderous punches, and Clark miraculously makes it to the first buzzer.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Round 2
Clark rises from off his back like the Undertaker between rounds, and he recovers enough to make it into the second round. Clark walks forward to pursue a takedown, and Cutelaba sees it coming and wings a right hand that just misses. Clark composes himself with multiple leg kicks, and he just manages to escape a big right hand that soars past his chin. Cutelaba counters Clark coming in with a check left hook, and Clark scores a high leg kick. “The Hulk” charges ahead with a bullying takedown, and he practically lands in full mount. Clark holds on for dear life on Cutelaba’s shoulders, keeping him close so that he cannot get off the brutal blows that he ate at the end of the last round. Cutelaba sits up in a high mount with slashing elbows, and Clark protects his mug from some of them but others get through. Cutelaba opts against spending his gas tank by forcing a finishing sequence, instead sitting up every so often to hack with elbows. Clark tries to kick off, bucking and flailing with his legs, but the Moldovan is a 205-pound cement block with jagged edges sitting on his abdomen. Clark kicks off suddenly, turning around just enough to escape out the back door as Cutelaba looks to tie an arm down for a possible submission. Clark spins with a kick that is telegraphed and several feet away from his intended target. Cutelaba powers his way forward to press Clark into the fencing, and he knees Clark in the face before tripping his leg out again. Clark is able to stay upright this time, but he takes another knee that opens a cut. Cutelaba wrests him down to the ground again, and Clark once more gets to a knee and to his feet. Cutelaba grinds with his full body weight, as if he were trying to mash Clark through the wire like he was made of Play-do. The horn sounds, and Clark shouts a loud expletive.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Cutelaba
Round 3
The doctors come in to check on Clark between rounds, with parts of his lower jaw smashed and his vision struggling. “Brown Bear” is cleared to continue, and he thanks the doctors and Peterson for allowing him to continue by shooting in for a takedown. He nearly lifts Cutelaba off the ground, but Cutelaba ultimately keeps his balance and breaks free. Instead of laying into Clark with strikes, he takes him back down and puts Clark flat on his back. When Cutelaba tries to advance position and reclaim mount, Clark bucks him off and ambles back to his feet. Cutelaba keeps him pressed into the chain-link fence, and Clark looks for a takedown and almost trips Cutelaba to his back. Instead, the Moldovan reverses the position and puts Clark down to the mat. With Clark stacked up, Cutelaba sits on top of him and pins an arm under his knee. With his right hand free, Cutelaba slams his fist into Clark’s face a few times. Cutelaba uses his knee to hold Clark down on his already hammer-smashed face, and he climbs into full mount while Clark’s father watches with dread from his corner. Cutelaba sits up and elbows Clarks a few times, and Clark bursts back to his feet in a rage to start throwing hands with Cutelaba. The Moldovan tries to take him back down, but Clark turns the tables and takes “The Hulk” down and puts him flat on his back. In full guard, Cutelaba holds on and absorbs sporadic punches. Cutelaba kicks off and gets to a knee, and Clark lands a potentially illegal knee while Cutelaba was grounded. Clark lays into him with a few more punches, but the final bell sounds before anything of merit can come from the final flurry. Clark collapses to the ground with the fight over, while Cutelaba stands and raises his arms triumphantly.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba (30-25 Cutelaba)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Clark (29-26 Cutelaba)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba (30-25 Cutelaba)
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Devin Clark via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-26, 29-27)
Angelo is hesitant but leans toward Ion Cuțelaba because of his power and finishing ability. He notes that Devin Clark is a grinder who doesn't finish fights, so if Cuțelaba wins it will be inside the distance, and if he loses it will be a decision. He likes the prop 'Cuțelaba wins inside the distance, decision no action' and the over on rounds.
Big Brady picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by first-round knockout, noting his 93% finish rate and Devin Clark's history of being finished in all his losses. He acknowledges Cuțelaba's cardio concerns but believes he will finish Clark early. He suggests betting Cuțelaba in the first round if betting.
Cody picks Cuțelaba, noting his explosive first round and improved cardio training at Extreme Couture. He believes Cuțelaba's wrestling and power will be too much for Clark, who has lost all five of his pro losses inside the distance. Cody warns that Cuțelaba is a 'greasy' bet and that Clark could take over if the fight goes past the first round.
Daniel Levi picks Ion Cuțelaba by first-round knockout. He notes Cuțelaba is a first-round-or-bust fighter and that Clark is a chinny spaz with poor fight IQ. He says if it goes past round one, Clark's better cardio could be a factor, but he expects Cuțelaba to get the knockout early. He advises live bettors to watch the line if it goes past the first round.
Preet leans Cuțelaba by KO because of his explosiveness and power early. He thinks Cuțelaba will find Clark's chin within the first 6-7 minutes. However, he acknowledges Clark has better cardio and could take over if he survives. He likes Cuțelaba by KO at +105.
Paul leans toward Cuțelaba but is cautious due to his history of gassing. He suggests this fight is best watched live, as Clark could take over late if he survives the initial onslaught. Paul compares it to the Menifield fight where Clark came back.
The MMA Guru picks Ion Cuțelaba by first-round TKO, citing his improved cardio and aggressive style. He believes Cuțelaba can replicate his performance against Dustin Jacoby, overwhelming Clark with pressure and elbows. He notes Clark's questionable chin and history of being finished.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 27 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 27 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:07 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Devin Clark | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Devin Clark | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
The MMA Guru believes Devin Clark has the perfect style to beat Anthony Smith, citing Clark's ability to pressure against the cage, use clinch work, and grind out a decision. He notes Smith has taken too much damage recently and has looked poor since getting new teeth, suggesting Smith may be more focused on his analyst role. He predicts Clark will win by unanimous decision, 30-27, and mentions waiting to bet Clark as an underdog.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 0 | 39 of 85 | 45% | 54 of 103 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 8:42 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 79 of 124 | 63% | 150 of 198 | 1 of 10 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 2:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 0 | 14 of 37 | 37% | 19 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:10 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 23 of 37 | 62% | 42 of 56 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 0 | 16 of 33 | 48% | 21 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 30 of 49 | 61% | 59 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 14 of 21 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:01 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 26 of 38 | 68% | 49 of 63 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:48 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Clark | 39 of 85 | 45% | 31 of 75 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 45 | 26 of 40 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 79 of 124 | 63% | 23 of 67 | 56 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 62 | 57 of 61 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Clark | 14 of 37 | 37% | 11 of 32 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 15 | 11 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 23 of 37 | 62% | 8 of 22 | 15 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 17 | 17 of 20 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Devin Clark | 16 of 33 | 48% | 13 of 30 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 22 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 30 of 49 | 61% | 7 of 26 | 23 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 27 | 22 of 22 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Devin Clark | 9 of 15 | 60% | 7 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 26 of 38 | 68% | 8 of 19 | 18 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 18 | 18 of 19 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Moving up to the light heavyweight division, we will see the heaviest bout of the evening take place between the unbeaten power striker Menifield (9-0, 2-0 UFC) and the durable “Brown Bear” Clark (11-4, 4-4 UFC). Referee Mark Smith will serve as the third man in the cage, and the two men do not touch glove as Clark shoots in immediately for a low takedown. Menifield stuffs it but finds his back against the fence, where he powers Clark around as his corner pleads with him to break away and throw bombs. Clark is throwing knees now with his back to the cage, and he repeatedly kicks out the leg from Menifield in an unusual way. The undefeated fighter does not like them, and tries to set up a Thai clinch of sorts, but Clark protects it and continues the low kicks. Menifield lands a blistering uppercut on the break, and Clark is already hurt. Menifield pours it on and throws heavy punches, and a wincing Clark shoots low for a desperation takedown to survive the barrage. In doing so, he halts the momentum and gives himself a moment to recover until Menifield turns him around and gest free. Both men start slugging it out as soon as they separate, and although he lands flush on the hard-charging Menifield, Clark is already hurt once more as he covers his face. The eye of Clark is closing up already, and by the way he is clearly in pain and swelling, it could be an orbital injury. Clark takes a moment to gather himself as Menifield gets off, and Clark is keeping his left eye closed which will do wonders for his depth perception. Menifield crashes forward to land some strikes, and brings up a big knee that Clark is just barely able to block. Clark starts to rip a few knees to the body until Menifield shoves him away, and Clark clips him with a jab that sends Menifield diving in for some kind of a takedown. Clark keeps throwing with one eye closed and tags Menifield a few more times, forcing Menifield to shake out the cobwebs and fall right into a takedown attempt. Clark cannot quite land it, and Menifield turns him about to the fence as the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Round 2
The cardio could be a factor as we reach the second round -- a rare occasion for Menifield -- and Clark’s eye is mostly closed. As Menifield wades forward, he gets dinged by a wild punch from Clark. Menifield regathers himself and races in to fire off a head kick and land some bombs. They clinch up for a moment, and Menifield takes a breath to unload a salvo of slowing punches. Clark does not see as affected by these strikes as he was the first round, and he fires right back at him and does some damage as well. When they are clinched up, Menifield passes the mark for the longest fight in his ten-bout career. Clark works some of those low kicks and wings a right hand and then a left when they break. Clark gets racked with an uppercut that bloodies his mouth up, and as he falls to the fence Menifield tries to blast him with hooks but Clark protects himself. Clark goes wild with some looping shots but is bullrushed into the fence, where Menifield puts his full body weight on him. When they are clinched, Clark keeps the knees going and sets up a Thai clinch to score some more. Menifield finally decides to throw punches in the clinch, as Clark’s strikes are adding up fast. Even with his back mashed against the fence wall, Clark is the one working and doing damage with knees to the gut and punches around the head. Menifield has no answer for the knees, and as they separate, Clark goes ballistic with a string of heavy punches until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Clark
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Clark
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Clark
Round 3
Clark starts off the round as aggressively as he ended the second, with a bevy of big punches that hurt Menifield. The unbeaten fighter can do nothing but clinch up, and as they break for a moment, Menifield still manages to sting Clark with a left and a knee up the middle. Clark pushes away only to shoot in low for a single, and Menifield sprawls to defend it and walks his man down. Like the previous frame, Clark works knees to the body and forces Menifield to consider his own takedown. Clark defends it by partially grabbing the fence, and he manages to turn Menifield around and goes to the body with some thudding punches. As they try to mount offense, Clark manages to finally wrestle the other man down. Clark is on top, and Menifield is flatted out and likely exhausted. A rear-naked choke opportunity goes unnoticed for Clark as “The Brown Bear” has full back control, but Clark instead wants to pound him out. Menifield twists and turns to get to his back sitting down against the cage. Clark flirts with a guillotine choke but does not have enough to keep Menifield down, and Menifield stands back to his feet. The two continue to jockey for position against the fence, and Clark keeps throwing punches and knees until he shoves Menifield away. Clark uses the moment to dive in deep for a takedown, but Menifield catches up and stands him up until they walk across the floor to the other side of the wall. Although Clark is still with his back to the fence and Smith is calling for action, Clark keeps short but effective offense going. They separate at the 10-second clapper, and decide to end the fight in style by throwing bombs until the final bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Clark (29-28 Clark)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Clark (29-28 Clark)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Clark (29-28 Clark)
The Official Result
Devin Clark def. Alonzo Menifield via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Big Brady confidently picks Alonzo Menifield, citing Clark's poor performance against Ryan Spann and his tendency to get finished. He believes Menifield will impose his physicality and finish Clark early, likely in the first round. He notes Clark's only chance is takedowns, but doubts Clark will execute.
Daniel dismisses the myth that Menifield can't grapple, praising his underhook instincts and physicality. He notes Menifield has developed submissions and ground-and-pound on the regional scene. He criticizes Clark's mentality and tendency to fold under pressure, predicting Menifield will knock him out in the first round. He mentions the line moved due to public betting on Clark, but he's confident in Menifield.
Alonzo Menifield has huge power and is a top-five power puncher in the division. Devin Clark has a suspect chin and has been finished multiple times. Menifield's path to victory is a knockout, likely in the first round. However, Clark has good wrestling and cardio, and if he can survive the early onslaught, he could take over. The fight is a pass for betting, but the pick is Menifield by first-round KO.
The MMA Guru picks Alonzo Menifield over Devin Clark. He believes Menifield is the younger, more rapidly evolving fighter with knockout power, as seen in his wins over Paul Craig and Vinicius Moreira. He notes that Clark is coming off a KO loss and that Menifield has been in training camp, giving him an edge. He is confident in Menifield's potential and expects him to get the job done.
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