Career Averages - Sodiq Yusuff
Career Averages - Gabriel Benítez
Sodiq Yusuff - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 36 of 86 | 41% | 60 of 115 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:02 |
| Mairon Santos | 0 | 40 of 83 | 48% | 71 of 114 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:57 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 19 of 30 | 63% | 19 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Mairon Santos | 0 | 9 of 27 | 33% | 9 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 10 of 26 | 38% | 29 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Mairon Santos | 0 | 16 of 27 | 59% | 26 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:35 | |
| 3 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 7 of 30 | 23% | 12 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Mairon Santos | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 36 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 36 of 86 | 41% | 9 of 44 | 9 of 19 | 18 of 23 | 35 of 84 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Mairon Santos | 40 of 83 | 48% | 22 of 56 | 10 of 18 | 8 of 9 | 35 of 77 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 19 of 30 | 63% | 4 of 11 | 7 of 10 | 8 of 9 | 18 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Mairon Santos | 9 of 27 | 33% | 4 of 18 | 2 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sodiq Yusuff | 10 of 26 | 38% | 3 of 15 | 2 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Mairon Santos | 16 of 27 | 59% | 11 of 21 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 23 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sodiq Yusuff | 7 of 30 | 23% | 2 of 18 | 0 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 7 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mairon Santos | 15 of 29 | 51% | 7 of 17 | 4 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Sodiq Yusuff as the underdog, but with hesitation. He notes that Yusuff is a fantastic striker with incredible speed and a wide variety of attacks, but is on a two-fight skid. He contrasts Santos's methodical approach with Diego Lopez's aggressive style that troubled Yusuff, suggesting that if Santos lets Yusuff settle in, Yusuff could win. However, he also acknowledges that Santos is good and could control the pace. Angelo's pick seems influenced by personal affinity for Yusuff's social media presence.
Big Brady picks Mairon Santos, citing his power and durability. He notes Sodiq Yusuff's inactivity, injuries, and questionable chin. He expects a standing banger and predicts Santos wins by first-round knockout, though he is not fully confident.
The host thinks the public is low on Santos due to a controversial decision win, but sees this as a winnable fight for him. He expects Santos to dictate the pace with high output and volume, which should muzzle Yusuff, who needs a knockout to win. He leans with Santos to win on the scorecards.
The Guru picks Mairon Santos, calling him underrated and believing he should have won his last fight against Francis Marshall. He thinks Santos is talented and hungry, while Sodiq Yusuff is chinny and not a full-time fighter anymore. He predicts Santos will finish Yusuff by TKO, noting Yusuff gets wobbled easily.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diego Lopes | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 2 | 26 of 32 | 81% | 29 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diego Lopes | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 2 | 26 of 32 | 81% | 29 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diego Lopes | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 26 of 32 | 81% | 21 of 27 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 7 | 18 of 21 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diego Lopes | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 26 of 32 | 81% | 21 of 27 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 7 | 18 of 21 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lopes (-135), Yusuff (+114)
Round 1
The hits keep right on coming, as well-schooled fist-fighter Yusuff (13-3, 6-2 UFC) would like to professionally break down the surging Lopes (23-6, 2-1 UFC) in front of a wild crowd at the T-Mobile Arena. The lion’s share of Yusuff’s wins have come via strikes, while Lopes is an equal opportunity destroyer. Referee Mark Smith will need to keep his head on a swivel when overseeing these featherweights, and it does not feature a glove touch. Yusuff reaches out with a long low kick, and when that misses, he tries again. Lopes meets him with one that is checked. The two fighters trade calf kicks and little else, until Lopes springs into action with a one-two and a checked low kick. Lopes unloads with an uppercut that knocks “Super Sodiq” off his feet, and Yusuff collapses down to the mat. Lopes gives chase, pounding on his man, and Yusuff fights back to his feet valiantly.
Lopes rushes after him and smashes him in the face with another uppercut, and Yusuff crashes to the ground, totally defeated. Lopes, his mullet waving majestically behind him, drums out a flattened Yusuff with punches to the side of the head, with a seemingly unending barrage of strikes that only concludes when Smith gets between them to call a halt to the one-sided bludgeoning.
This is a huge moment for the meteorically rising Lopes, who will likely be ranked come Monday.
The Official Result
Diego Lopes def. Sodiq Yusuff R1 1:29 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Sodiq Yusuff as the underdog, believing he is the much better striker with good fight IQ to avoid grappling. He notes Lopes has dangerous BJJ but will struggle to get the fight to the ground. He also likes the over 2.5 rounds prop.
Cody fades Diego Lopes again, noting Lopes' wrestling isn't great and he stands tall, leaving himself open to be hit. He points out that Lopes has been taken down by Movsar Evloev and Gavin Tucker. Yusuff is a sharpshooter with good Jiu-Jitsu from Team Lloyd Irvin, and he has cardio and decent power. Cody believes Yusuff can use a point-fight style, staying at range and picking Lopes apart. He also mentions that Yusuff has takedown defense to keep the fight standing. Cody picks Yusuff as an underdog.
Connor picks Lopes, arguing that his relentless chaos and willingness to keep trying different attacks will overwhelm Yusuff. He notes that Yusuff often starts strong but fades as opponents adjust, while Lopes just increases the intensity. Connor admits that Yusuff could win by controlling Lopes on the ground, but he believes Lopes' unpredictability and durability will carry him.
Daniel Vreeland picks Sodiq Yusuff, citing his superior boxing, output, and defensive skills. He believes Yusuff can outpoint Lopes and avoid submissions, noting that Lopes is opportunistic but limited. Vreeland acknowledges Lopes' finishing ability but trusts Yusuff's experience and durability.
Lucrative James does not make a pick for this fight. He calls it a banger and says he is very interested in it, but does not give a prediction. He notes that most people won't know about it unless they are hardcore fans, and that it will be on the prelims.
Yusuff has better experience and a higher level striking game. His takedown defense and ability to keep the fight upright will force Lopes to make mistakes on the feet, allowing Yusuff to counter and find a knockout in round two.
Paul sides with Cody, noting that Yusuff should have advantages at range. He acknowledges a red flag: Edson Barboza, not known for wrestling, took Yusuff down three times, so Lopes could get the fight to the ground. However, Paul believes Yusuff has enough takedown defense and ground skills to survive. He thinks the fight could go to decision and mentions the decision prop at +250. Paul expects Yusuff to keep the fight upright and win a decision.
The MMA Guru picks Diego Lopes to win by rear-naked choke, despite initially considering Sodiq Yusuff. He notes Yusuff struggled against Alex Caceres and that Lopes thrives under pressure. He believes Lopes's finishing ability and scrambling will be too much for Yusuff, who may be hesitant after a five-round war.
Zane picks Yusuff, believing his wrestling and clinch control will neutralize Lopes' chaotic style. He notes that Yusuff is a strong wrestler and physically powerful, and Lopes' car-crash approach often leads to him being controlled. Zane acknowledges that Lopes could catch Yusuff with a submission or knockout, but he trusts Yusuff's consistency and defensive grappling.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edson Barboza | 1 | 178 of 351 | 50% | 206 of 397 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:56 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 1 | 164 of 324 | 50% | 178 of 347 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 3:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edson Barboza | 1 | 42 of 80 | 52% | 55 of 103 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:15 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 13 of 25 | 52% | 14 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Edson Barboza | 0 | 42 of 79 | 53% | 43 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 31 of 65 | 47% | 33 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Edson Barboza | 0 | 29 of 58 | 50% | 29 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 1 | 32 of 68 | 47% | 42 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:04 | |
| 4 | Edson Barboza | 0 | 35 of 79 | 44% | 39 of 84 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 47 of 90 | 52% | 48 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 5 | Edson Barboza | 0 | 30 of 55 | 54% | 40 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 41 of 76 | 53% | 41 of 77 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edson Barboza | 178 of 351 | 50% | 126 of 284 | 14 of 20 | 38 of 47 | 148 of 311 | 15 of 18 | 15 of 22 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 164 of 324 | 50% | 71 of 204 | 89 of 112 | 4 of 8 | 134 of 290 | 25 of 27 | 5 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edson Barboza | 42 of 80 | 52% | 39 of 77 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 54 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 22 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 13 of 25 | 52% | 8 of 19 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Edson Barboza | 42 of 79 | 53% | 24 of 56 | 3 of 6 | 15 of 17 | 34 of 69 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 31 of 65 | 47% | 7 of 31 | 23 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 25 of 57 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Edson Barboza | 29 of 58 | 50% | 17 of 42 | 5 of 7 | 7 of 9 | 29 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 32 of 68 | 47% | 14 of 44 | 16 of 20 | 2 of 4 | 27 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 | |
| 4 | Edson Barboza | 35 of 79 | 44% | 24 of 64 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 13 | 35 of 78 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 47 of 90 | 52% | 24 of 63 | 22 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 42 of 85 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Edson Barboza | 30 of 55 | 54% | 22 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 8 | 27 of 52 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 41 of 76 | 53% | 18 of 47 | 23 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 63 | 13 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo sees this as a razor-thin striking match where youth vs experience is the key factor. He believes Sodiq's speed and youth will give him a slight edge over the 37-year-old Barboza, who is still technical but may have slowed. He notes that if it were a well-rounded MMA fight he'd lean experience, but as a striking match he favors the younger fighter. He plans to just watch rather than bet, calling it even money.
Big Brady picks Sodiq Yusuff to win by KO in the third round. He notes that Edson Barboza is 37 years old and cutting to featherweight, which is taxing. He worries about Barboza's durability and cardio in a five-round fight, while Yusuff is younger and has power. He expects Yusuff to finish late as Barboza fades.
Cody picks Barboza, emphasizing his consistent high-level competition and ability to still perform at an elite level. He highlights Barboza's leg kicks, left hook, and durability, noting that he has never slowed down despite many wars. Cody questions Yusuff's durability and wrestling ability to get Barboza down, and believes Barboza's experience and power will prevail.
The host picks Sodiq Yusuff but is hesitant due to the long layoff and herniated disc issues. He notes Yusuff's power and patience, expecting him to land a big shot as Barboza slows down with age. However, he dislikes the minus 170-180 price and prefers to pass on betting. He predicts Yusuff by knockout.
Paul picks Barboza as the underdog, citing his elite striking, durability, and experience against top competition. He notes Barboza's ability to land big shots and his consistent performance despite age. Paul is concerned about Yusuff's durability and lack of high-level wins, and believes Barboza's volume and power will be too much.
The MMA Guru leans towards Edson Barboza over Sodiq Yusuff, calling it a close 50/50 fight. He cites Barboza's momentum, size advantage (4-inch reach, taller), and experience in main events. He questions Yusuff's chin, noting he got wobbled by Arnold Allen, and his long layoff due to spinal surgery. He also thinks Yusuff's win over Alex Caceres was mostly low kicks, which won't work against Barboza. However, he expresses frustration that underdogs often win in nonsensical ways, showing low confidence.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 9 of 9 | 100% | 9 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Don Shainis | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 9 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 9 of 9 | 100% | 9 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Don Shainis | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 9 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 9 of 9 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Don Shainis | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 9 of 9 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Don Shainis | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Sodiq Yusuff to win, but is not fully sold on him due to his tendency to fight to his opponent's level and get hit. He acknowledges Shainis has a puncher's chance but believes Yusuff's talent and experience will prevail. He prefers the under (fight doesn't go to decision) as a bet, noting that Shainis usually finishes or gets finished.
Paul picks the under (fight doesn't go to decision) rather than a side, believing that either Yusuff finishes Shainis or Shainis catches Yusuff early. He notes that Shainis has power and Yusuff has been wobbled before, but Yusuff is the more talented fighter. He sees value in the 'fight doesn't go to decision' prop at -200 and expects it to move to -300. He also mentions parlaying this prop with other picks.
The MMA Guru is very confident in Sodiq Yusuff, calling the fight a mismatch. He notes that Yusuff has fought and beaten high-level competition, while Don Shainis's opponents have been low-level. He believes Yusuff can win however he wants, whether by striking or wrestling. He acknowledges the short-notice factor but thinks Yusuff's skills are far superior. He does not bet due to the heavy favorite price.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 64 of 123 | 52% | 74 of 133 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 66 of 138 | 47% | 71 of 143 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 8 of 25 | 32% | 17 of 34 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:24 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 13 of 23 | 56% | 18 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 2 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 29 of 48 | 60% | 29 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 25 of 53 | 47% | 25 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 27 of 50 | 54% | 28 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 28 of 62 | 45% | 28 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 64 of 123 | 52% | 18 of 70 | 12 of 16 | 34 of 37 | 59 of 117 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 66 of 138 | 47% | 43 of 107 | 14 of 20 | 9 of 11 | 64 of 133 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 8 of 25 | 32% | 1 of 17 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 13 of 23 | 56% | 8 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sodiq Yusuff | 29 of 48 | 60% | 5 of 22 | 5 of 6 | 19 of 20 | 27 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 25 of 53 | 47% | 18 of 42 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 5 | 25 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sodiq Yusuff | 27 of 50 | 54% | 12 of 31 | 3 of 5 | 12 of 14 | 25 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 28 of 62 | 45% | 17 of 47 | 8 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 26 of 59 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Sodiq Yusuff because he is too powerful and fast on the feet for Alex Caceres. He notes that Caceres averages less than one takedown per fight and likely won't use his wrestling, so he will lose the striking exchanges. However, he suggests Caceres might be worth a plus 3.5 bet (buying a round on scorecards) as he could have moments of success.
Big Brady picks Sodiq Yusuff to win by decision. He notes Yusuff has more power and will land the harder shots, while Caceres is a volume striker with a black belt in BJJ but rarely goes for takedowns. He thinks the smaller cage favors Yusuff's pressure. He expects a competitive fight but Yusuff's power will be the difference, possibly hurting or dropping Caceres, but ultimately winning a decision.
Cody leans Yusuff but is not confident. He notes Caceres' submission threat but believes Yusuff's power and pressure will be too much. He worries about Caceres' grappling but thinks Yusuff's takedown defense and ability to get up will suffice.
Daniel Levi picks Sodiq Yusuff, noting that he has been on Yusuff every fight except the Arnold Allen one. He believes Yusuff will walk Caceres down and use his Nigerian power and underrated ground game. Levi mentions that he has a bet on Yusuff at minus 220. He acknowledges Caceres's veteran tricks but thinks Yusuff's physicality and pressure will be too much.
Yusuff is a powerful striker returning from a loss to Arnold Allen. He has knockout power and good boxing, but cardio can be a concern if he grapples heavily. Caceres is on a five-fight win streak but against lesser competition, and was nearly finished by Seungwoo Choi. Yusuff is expected to land a big shot and knock out Caceres, likely in the first round.
Paul leans Yusuff but is not confident. He notes Caceres' submission threat but believes Yusuff's power and pressure will be too much. He worries about Caceres' grappling but thinks Yusuff's takedown defense and ability to get up will suffice.
The MMA Guru picks Sodiq Yusuff over Alex Caceres, citing Yusuff's maturity in grappling situations and his composure on the feet. He notes that Yusuff stayed calm against Andre Fili and Arnold Allen, showing good sprawls and top control. He believes Yusuff's power will be a difference-maker and predicts a second-round KO. However, he admits Caceres is a good underdog and that the odds are too wide, suggesting a small bet on Caceres might be worth it. He still thinks Yusuff prevails.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 1 | 21 of 61 | 34% | 26 of 68 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 5:09 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 47 of 113 | 41% | 79 of 164 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 1 | 10 of 28 | 35% | 11 of 30 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 13 of 30 | 43% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 9 of 27 | 33% | 13 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 18 of 53 | 33% | 29 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 21 of 61 | 34% | 15 of 53 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 16 of 52 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 3 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 47 of 113 | 41% | 24 of 85 | 12 of 17 | 11 of 11 | 29 of 86 | 18 of 27 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 10 of 28 | 35% | 8 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 8 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 13 of 30 | 43% | 3 of 16 | 5 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 24 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 9 of 27 | 33% | 6 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 2 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 18 of 53 | 33% | 10 of 45 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 16 of 49 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 16 of 30 | 53% | 11 of 24 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 13 | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In what many deemed the likely “Fight of the Night” candidate, the co-main event pits surging featherweights Yusuff (11-1, 4-0 UFC) and Allen (16-1, 7-0 UFC) against one another. Lengthy win streaks for both men are at stake, and even referee Jason Herzog realizes what may be at stake here. There is no touch of gloves, as both throw long strikes at one another instead. Yusuff steps in with a jab, and Allen circles around the outside to take a slapping leg kick. Allen is on his bike early, as Yusuff chases after him and scores a big right hand. When Yusuff aims a body kick, “Almighty” scoops him up and puts him down on his back. Yusuff scoots to the fence to walk up, but Allen keeps his leg trapped to ground the American. Yusuff keeps a guillotine grip tight to defend the position, and the choke is tight as he uses it to sweep Allen and put the Brit on his back. Allen escapes from the position and scampers back to his feet, and Yusuff follows him. The American puts on the pace by landing heavy shots, but Allen fires back with a few heavy punches. When Allen reaches out with a jab, Yusuff blasts him in the lead leg. Both featherweights trade front kicks, and Yusuff comes at him ready to take Allen’s head off. Allen counters with a left hand, and Yusuff bears down on him throwing heavy shots. Allen nails Yusuff with a laser-like left hand and send the American tumbling to the canvas, but Yusuff is able to gather himself and get back up as Allen kicks so hard he falls over. As Yusuff retreat to the cage instead of pursuing his opponent, Allen is able to get back up and rush forward to land a takedown. Yusuff wall-walks to his feet, and Allen grinds him against the fencing. Allen keeps heavy pressure and controls Yusuff against the wire, until Yusuff gains separation and backs off. Allen lands to the body and head, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 2
Allen leads the dance in the early going until Yusuff turns up the pace and charges forward with punches and kicks. Allen goes back to his circling around the outside as Yusuff marches him down to throw big shots. Allen is able to escape any meaningful strikes, and he blocks a thudding left hand but eats a right on the chin. Allen absorbs a jab and scores an uppercut, and Yusuff is back to stalking him down. The Brit just comes up short with a left hand, and Yusuff takes some power off his shots so that he can land more effectively. Both men connect with shots, and Allen starts to swing wildly and whiff repeatedly. Allen digs a left hand to the body, and Yusuff pays it no mind as he pops Allen with a leg kick. Allen tries to catch it, but he sets it down when Yusuff loops a right hand at him. Allen blasts Yusuff with a clean head kick, and Yusuff takes a moment before reacting, as he wobbles back on baby deer legs. “Almighty” tries to impose his might, but he cannot get the finish as Yusuff regains his bearings and fights off a potential takedown attempt. The pace wanes as Yusuff kicks Allen in the chest, and Allen retreats on the outskirts of the cage as Yusuff kicks him in the ear leg. Allen comes up short with a counter, and he ties up Yusuff to bully him into the chain links. Yusuff kicks off the cage but cannot break this grip or get any distance, and Allen grinds him for the good part of a minute until Yusuff finally gets free. Allen has a head kick blocked, and Yusuff races forward for a final barrage but does not throw anything before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 3
Yusuff starts the round aggressively, only for Allen to turn him around and pursue a single leg takedown almost immediately. The American stuffs it and is pinned against the fence, with Allen trying to lift up his opponent’s leg. When Yusuff pushes off, he just misses with a head kick. Yusuff stuffs a takedown attempt in the center of the cage, and he circles around to lock on with a guillotine choke. Allen frees his neck and spins him around to attack a double, and Yusuff sprawls against the fence before turning around. Yusuff looks to knee his man in the head, but Allen keeps his hands on the canvas to make him a downed fighter. Yusuff does not make the mistake many have been making lately, and instead pulls Allen’s hands off the mat to knee him a few times. The two rising featherweights jockey for position until they break, and they come out swinging. Yusuff starts loading up on shots, and Allen is able to sneak in an uppercut but gets cracked. Yusuff bites down on his mouthpiece and throws heavy shots until Allen ties him up, and the time just ticks by in this position. Yusuff occasionally brings up knees to the thigh to little effect, and Allen smartly keeps hold of underhooks to trap Yusuff in this placement. The clinch walks into the center of the cage, and Yusuff gets of a few solid knees to the body until Allen turns the tables and pushes the American back into the fencing. A single leg takedown attempt allows Allen to stall out much of the rest of the round, with Yusuff elbowing him in the side of the head until Allen abandons it. With a second or two to spare, Allen separates to wing a spinning back elbow, and the fight ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (29-28 Allen)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (29-28 Allen)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (29-28 Allen)
The Official Result
Arnold Allen def. Sodiq Yusuff via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Big Brady slightly leans toward Yusuff, citing his power, volume, and pressure. He notes that Yusuff lands 6.10 significant strikes per minute with 49% accuracy, while Allen is defensively sound but lower volume. Brady thinks the smaller cage favors Yusuff's pressure. However, he is not overly confident and acknowledges Allen's defensive skills and the money coming in on Allen. He has no bet on this fight.
Cody picks Yusuff, praising his refined Muay Thai and well-rounded game. He notes Yusuff's losses are old and he's improved, while Allen relies on grappling but may not get takedowns. He thinks Yusuff wins striking exchanges and has better cardio.
Daniel Levi picks Sodiq Yusuff, giving him a slight edge due to his 'Nigerian horsepower' and superior grappling, particularly his top control and get-up game reminiscent of Jose Aldo. He notes that Yusuff has been wobbled in fights but recovers quickly due to his conditioning. Levi respects Arnold Allen's clean boxing and fight IQ but thinks Yusuff's power and wrestling might be the difference. He calls it a high-level fight that could go either way.
The host likes Allen's technical striking, balance, and defensive soundness. He thinks Allen will be faster to the punch and that Yusuff's chin is suspect. He picks Allen to win by decision, noting that the line is close and that Allen offers good value as a slight underdog.
Paul picks Yusuff, highlighting his striking advantage and Allen's reliance on grappling. He notes Allen's close fights and favorable matchmaking, while Yusuff is sharper and has better cardio. He suggests the fight goes the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Arnold Allen as an underdog, noting he would have picked him even as a slight favorite. He believes Allen has better technique, more experience, and a proven chin, while Yusuff has been rocked in past fights. He thinks Allen will use straight shots, calf kicks, and front kicks to outpoint Yusuff, who relies on looping hooks. He mentions Allen's broken hand in the Nick Lentz fight but still won every round. He predicts a 30-27 unanimous decision for Allen.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 49 of 145 | 33% | 56 of 152 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Andre Fili | 0 | 73 of 155 | 47% | 90 of 177 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 4:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 23 of 63 | 36% | 25 of 65 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
| Andre Fili | 0 | 35 of 69 | 50% | 39 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:42 | |
| 2 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 11 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Andre Fili | 0 | 22 of 37 | 59% | 35 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:32 | |
| 3 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 20 of 69 | 28% | 20 of 69 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Andre Fili | 0 | 16 of 49 | 32% | 16 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 49 of 145 | 33% | 36 of 129 | 10 of 12 | 3 of 4 | 46 of 140 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
| Andre Fili | 73 of 155 | 47% | 54 of 131 | 10 of 15 | 9 of 9 | 50 of 120 | 3 of 5 | 20 of 30 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 23 of 63 | 36% | 16 of 55 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Andre Fili | 35 of 69 | 50% | 30 of 62 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 28 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 8 | |
| 2 | Sodiq Yusuff | 6 of 13 | 46% | 3 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 |
| Andre Fili | 22 of 37 | 59% | 11 of 25 | 8 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 14 of 22 | |
| 3 | Sodiq Yusuff | 20 of 69 | 28% | 17 of 65 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 20 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andre Fili | 16 of 49 | 32% | 13 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Daniel picks Sodiq Yusuff to win, likely by knockout. He highlights Yusuff's pure Nigerian power, calf kicks, and conditioning. He notes that Fili has been wobbled before and doesn't check leg kicks, and that Yusuff's fight IQ and calmness in the pocket will be key.
The host briefly mentions picking Sodiq Yusuff over Andre Fili in quick picks, but provides no detailed analysis. He later comments that the fight could be a letdown despite hype, and considers the under 2.5 rounds but is not sure if he'll bet it.
The host initially leans toward Sodiq Yusuff but changes his mind, picking Andre Fili as an underdog. He believes Fili will use his wrestling, training at Team Alpha Male, to take Yusuff down and win. He notes that Yusuff's hype is unproven and that Fili's wrestling advantage is too juicy to pass up.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 24 of 72 | 33% | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 34 of 79 | 43% | 34 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 24 of 72 | 33% | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 34 of 79 | 43% | 34 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 24 of 72 | 33% | 11 of 55 | 4 of 8 | 9 of 9 | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 34 of 79 | 43% | 25 of 70 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 30 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 24 of 72 | 33% | 11 of 55 | 4 of 8 | 9 of 9 | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 34 of 79 | 43% | 25 of 70 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 30 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 |
Gabriel Benítez - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maheshate | 0 | 121 of 295 | 41% | 121 of 296 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 97 of 312 | 31% | 97 of 312 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maheshate | 0 | 23 of 69 | 33% | 23 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 21 of 66 | 31% | 21 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Maheshate | 0 | 51 of 104 | 49% | 51 of 104 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 43 of 116 | 37% | 43 of 116 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 3 | Maheshate | 0 | 47 of 122 | 38% | 47 of 123 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 33 of 130 | 25% | 33 of 130 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maheshate | 121 of 295 | 41% | 81 of 247 | 13 of 21 | 27 of 27 | 120 of 291 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 97 of 312 | 31% | 67 of 261 | 26 of 47 | 4 of 4 | 93 of 304 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maheshate | 23 of 69 | 33% | 9 of 51 | 4 of 8 | 10 of 10 | 23 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 21 of 66 | 31% | 13 of 49 | 6 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 66 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Maheshate | 51 of 104 | 49% | 35 of 87 | 3 of 4 | 13 of 13 | 51 of 103 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 43 of 116 | 37% | 29 of 100 | 12 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 42 of 115 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Maheshate | 47 of 122 | 38% | 37 of 109 | 6 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 46 of 119 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 33 of 130 | 25% | 25 of 112 | 8 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 123 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Maheshate but with very low confidence, calling it 'the tiniest sliver of confidence.' He notes Maheshate is young (24), faster, and stronger, but makes young mistakes and lets opponents dictate the pace. The pick is driven largely by recency bias, as Gabriel Benítez looked poor in his last fight after a layoff. Angelo acknowledges Benítez is a good underdog value because he may have shaken off ring rust.
Cody picks Benítez as a dog, citing his technical striking and volume. He notes Maheshate is low-volume and relies on one-punch power. He believes Benítez's experience and durability (if chin holds) will allow him to outwork Maheshate.
Daniel believes Maheshate belongs at UFC level, while Benítez is a gatekeeper who loses to fighters who belong. He notes Maheshate's right-side strikes (hand, high kick, knee) will be key against the southpaw Benítez. He predicts a knockout from the right side, possibly a right hand or high kick.
Maheshate has a 4-inch height advantage and similar reach, and his ability to establish range with footwork and straight shots down the middle will cause Benítez trouble. He has aligned himself with Fight Ready MMA, which has solid striking coaches. I expect Maheshate to counter Benítez effectively and line up a knockout shot, putting him back into winning ways.
Paul also picks Benítez, noting his high volume and takedown defense. He thinks Maheshate's low output plays into Benítez's hands, and that Benítez can win by decision if he avoids Maheshate's power. He acknowledges Benítez's chin issues but believes his volume will carry him.
The MMA Guru picks Maheshate to win by TKO in the third round. He notes that Maheshate has shown composure and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win, including eye pokes and takedowns when being outstruck. He criticizes Gabriel Benítez for falling apart in fights and lacking finishing ability, as seen in his failure to put away Billy Quarantillo. The Guru believes Maheshate is hungrier and more technical on the feet.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Miller | 0 | 80 of 140 | 57% | 96 of 157 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:55 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 80 of 182 | 43% | 84 of 188 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Miller | 0 | 32 of 64 | 50% | 33 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 32 of 77 | 41% | 32 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 | |
| 2 | Jim Miller | 0 | 28 of 38 | 73% | 42 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:52 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 22 of 48 | 45% | 26 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jim Miller | 0 | 20 of 38 | 52% | 21 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:46 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 26 of 57 | 45% | 26 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Miller | 80 of 140 | 57% | 50 of 108 | 10 of 12 | 20 of 20 | 67 of 125 | 5 of 7 | 8 of 8 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 80 of 182 | 43% | 51 of 145 | 13 of 21 | 16 of 16 | 79 of 181 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Miller | 32 of 64 | 50% | 17 of 47 | 5 of 7 | 10 of 10 | 30 of 60 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 32 of 77 | 41% | 18 of 56 | 7 of 14 | 7 of 7 | 31 of 76 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jim Miller | 28 of 38 | 73% | 19 of 29 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 18 of 28 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 7 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 22 of 48 | 45% | 17 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jim Miller | 20 of 38 | 52% | 14 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 26 of 57 | 45% | 16 of 47 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 26 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Miller (-120), Benitez (+100)
Round 1
It’s Miller (36-17, 1 NC; 25-16, 1 NC UFC) time. The storied veteran takes on Benitez (23-10, 7-6 UFC) and already has his next date on the calendar circled: April 13. Before then, he has to get past the fiery “Moggly,” who should not just serve as a heavy bag. The co-main event will be covered by referee Dan Miragliotta. The lightweights have all the respect in the world for one another, they touch ‘em up before engaging, and there’s a bad moon on the rise. Miller parries a jab and takes a one-two on the chin, and he walks Benitez down. Benitez tries to back him off with a front kick, and he scores a low kick. Miller gives him one back immediately, and he scores three punches up top and a left to the body. Miller scores a low kick, and he aims a right to the body. Miller walks his foe down and unloads with punches, and Benitez is marked up already and defends with a knee. They trade leg kicks, with Miller throwing harder. Miller chops down the lead leg of his opponent, and Benitez drives a one-two down the pipe. Benitez gets off another one-two, and Miller pushes a front kick out of the way to make Benitez slip. Benitez jumps back up, and he swings heavy punches including a left hand that marks up Miller’s right eye. They connect with right hands at the same time, and Miller blitzes forward to back Benitez off. Miller blasts the body with two loud knees, and Benitez escapes on the outside and gets back to striking range. Miller follows him and swings, and he gets clipped with a left hand. Benitez scores a low kick, Miller fires it back and walks through a jab. Miller plods ahead with punches and an inside leg kick, and he gets one off on the other side. Benitez sticks out a few jabs, and Miller crowds him but does not land flush in an exchange. Miller keeps coming forward, getting off a left hand and a knee up the middle. Benitez ties him up, and Miller aims a body shot before the two split up. Benitez goes to the body, and Miller goes up top. Benitez flicks out a few jabs and gets backed off with a hefty low kick, and he reaches Miller with a long left. Miller loads up on a high kick, and Benitez springs into action with several punches and a body kick. Benitez tags his foe with a left hand, and Miller blinks it out and keeps his guard up to defend another one-two that soars at him at high speed. Miller leaps ahead with a right hook, and he gets met on the way in with a left hand and a low kick. Benitez gets off several jabs and a left hook follows the fourth, and Miller is on him with his own combination to end the spirited round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Round 2
The lightweights touch ‘em up to get started, and fists meet faces shortly thereafter. Benitez wades through a few punches and then backs off, but Miller is right on him and nails him with two leg kicks. Benitez connects with a clean left hand to shake Miller up, and he eats a few punches as Miller is right on him. Miller blasts him with a left hand, lands another, drives up a knee and pounds Benitez with another short left. Miller slashes out an elbow, and Benitez is no worse for wear as he backs away. Miller keeps the high pace and whips down low kicks that have welted up the Mexican’s legs. Benitez looks to get his jab going frequently, and the low kicks from Miller make Benitez lift his leg up preemptively to block them. They land powerful punches, and Miller strides forward confidently to nail Benitez with an elbow. Miller changes things up and hits an easy takedown, and Benitez turns to one side in an effort to set up an armbar. Miller sees it coming and shuts it down, and he stacks Benitez up and works the body. Miller continues to strike, and Benitez moves his legs up to set up a high guard to for a potential submission setup. Miller breaks out of it by connecting with two nasty elbows, and Benitez rolls frantically to grab hold of Miller’s arm and lock down an armbar. Miller moves the proper way through it and gets out of danger, and he again holds himself on top of Benitez and hammers him with standing-to-ground punches. As Benitez turns after absorbing a particularly heavy blow, Miller takes his back and secures a body triangle. Benitez hand-fights to prevent any rear-naked choke, and Miller uses one left to break the wrist lock so that he can isolate Benitez’ neck. Benitez survives to the end of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Round 3
The fighters clap hands together as the last round opens, and they are just as willing to slug it out as ever. They stand in the center of the Octagon and trade leather briefly, and Miller targets the busted lead leg of his foe with a kick. Benitez stands firm and throws punches, and he comes up short with a high kick. Miller punches high and kicks low in response, as his corner cheers the kick as if he were in a muay thai contest. Miller sneaks two left hands around the guard, and Benitez is tough as nails but his nose starts leaking. Miller lands a heavy leg kick, and when Benitez backs him off with a few punches, Miller comes back firing with a kick he turns his hip towards. Benitez walks forward to throw hard, and Miller’s eyes begin to close from swelling. Benitez continues to pepper him with punches and kicks, and Miller staggers him with a straight right hand. Miller wades forward without a care in the world, and Benitez’s volume is starting to frustrate his opponent. Miller connects with another vicious low kick, and he shoots for a double that lands him in half guard easily. Benitez looks to scramble, and he gives his back up.
Miller gets the body lock he was looking for, and he immediately starts pursuing the choke. Benitez turns to his side, but Miller has him locked down and fishing for rear-naked choke grip. Miller cranks down with his forearm on Benitez’ jaw, and he does not even bother to slide it under the chin before he starts squeezing. Knowing that he has no way out, Benitez surrenders to the face crank, and Miller has done it.
He adds to his record with the most victories in UFC history, and hardcore fans around the world are elated at the grizzled veteran getting it done by stoppage once more. Pleasing the crowd and commentator Michael Bisping, Miller proudly declares that he has his sights set on UFC 300 in April, with three names in mind: Paul Felder, Matt Brown and Brock Lesnar.
The Official Result
Jim Miller def. Gabriel Benitez R3 3:25 via Submission (Face Crank)
Angelo picks Jim Miller but with low confidence due to his age (40). He notes Miller's late-career power and toughness, but acknowledges Gabriel Benítez is a dangerous striker with power. He thinks Miller's wrestling and grit could get the win, but won't bet on a 40-year-old.
Big Brady likes Jim Miller's recent form, noting he's been active and knocking people out. He questions Benítez's durability and inactivity, as Benítez has been knocked out multiple times and hasn't fought in over a year. Brady predicts Miller will knock out Benítez in the first round, possibly via a club-and-sub.
Cody picks Benítez, citing his solid takedown defense from training with elite wrestlers, his volume striking, and leg kicks that can immobilize Miller. He notes Miller's lack of volume and takedown attempts in recent fights, and believes Benítez can sprawl and keep the fight standing to win by volume.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Gabriel Benítez, citing his youth and durability. He expects a competitive first round, but if it goes past that, Benítez's kicks and knees will wear down Jim Miller. Vreeland acknowledges Miller's finishing ability but thinks Benítez's chin issues are mitigated by the fact that only heavy hitters have knocked him out.
James does not discuss this fight in the transcript. He only covers fights from the card he mentions, and Jim Miller vs Gabriel Benítez is not mentioned.
Gabriel Benítez is a technical striker with a strong kicking game, especially to the body, and trains at AKA. He has a significant layoff but looked impressive in his last win over Charlie Ontiveros. Jim Miller is 40 years old and tends to fade in later rounds if he doesn't get an early finish. Benítez's technical striking advantage should allow him to outwork Miller from distance and potentially hurt him to the body. I expect Benítez to win by decision, but I'm cautious about the layoff and Miller's power. I'd wait for better odds on Benítez, ideally plus 140 or higher.
Paul leans towards Benítez as the number climbs, noting that Jim Miller's recent wins are against low-level competition and that Benítez has a speed advantage and kicks very hard. He mentions that if the line moves to +150, he would take a shot on Benítez, but he's not heavily invested.
The MMA Guru picks Jim Miller, admitting bias but citing Miller's consistency and activity. He notes Gabriel Benítez has been inactive for nearly two years and lost to David Onama. He believes Miller still has fast-twitch muscle and finishing ability, predicting a TKO finish in the first round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 37 of 60 | 61% | 47 of 74 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:24 |
| Charlie Ontiveros | 0 | 22 of 47 | 46% | 28 of 55 | 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 | Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 37 of 60 | 61% | 47 of 74 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:24 |
| Charlie Ontiveros | 0 | 22 of 47 | 46% | 28 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Benítez | 37 of 60 | 61% | 26 of 46 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 26 | 2 of 4 | 21 of 30 |
| Charlie Ontiveros | 22 of 47 | 46% | 17 of 40 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Benítez | 37 of 60 | 61% | 26 of 46 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 26 | 2 of 4 | 21 of 30 |
| Charlie Ontiveros | 22 of 47 | 46% | 17 of 40 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Gabriel Benítez, citing his technical kickboxing, speed, and better grappling. He notes Ontiveros has chin issues and low-level competition. Benítez is a safe parlay piece despite being a big favorite.
Big Brady picks Gabriel Benítez to win by first-round knockout. He calls Ontiveros the least durable fighter in the UFC, noting he has been finished eight times and has quit in fights. Benítez has power and durability, though his chin is questionable. Brady expects a stand-up war where Benítez lands a big shot early, possibly a body kick, and finishes Ontiveros.
Cody picks Benítez, calling Ontiveros a 'never was' and noting Benítez's experience and leg kicks. He acknowledges Benítez's durability may be fading but believes Ontiveros' chin is completely gone. Cody thinks Benítez will land clean and finish him early.
Daniel Levi picks Gabriel Benítez, but with caution. He notes that Benítez should win easily due to his experience and heart, but he is coming off a brutal knockout loss. Ontiveros has a puncher's chance in the first two minutes, but if he doesn't land, Benítez will break him down. Levi is not rushing to bet on Benítez at these odds.
The host is high on Ontiveros as a dog, expecting a first-round KO. He mentions that he wants to bet 'fight doesn't go to decision' and under 1.5 rounds, but notes the line is juiced to -240. He also mentions a possible bet on Ontiveros round one at +800. He calls Ontiveros his 'dog of the card' and believes he gets the KO.
Paul picks Benítez, expecting a first-round knockout. He notes Ontiveros has been knocked out 8-9 times and is made of glass. Paul is shocked the under 1.5 rounds is -240, but still thinks Benítez will smash him. He also likes Benítez over 104.5 fantasy points on PrizePicks.
The host picks Gabriel Benítez, expecting him to survive an early onslaught and secure a late second-round TKO against the cage. He notes Ontiveros's loss to Steve Garcia Jr. as a red flag and believes Benítez can hold the gate one more time. He mentions Ontiveros as a good underdog for a first-round KO bet but ultimately sides with Benítez's experience.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Onama | 0 | 46 of 96 | 47% | 46 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 36 of 94 | 38% | 36 of 94 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Onama | 0 | 46 of 96 | 47% | 46 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 36 of 94 | 38% | 36 of 94 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Onama | 46 of 96 | 47% | 19 of 68 | 17 of 18 | 10 of 10 | 45 of 95 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 36 of 94 | 38% | 30 of 86 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 35 of 92 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Onama | 46 of 96 | 47% | 19 of 68 | 17 of 18 | 10 of 10 | 45 of 95 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 36 of 94 | 38% | 30 of 86 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 35 of 92 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks David Onama, citing his speed, power, and versatility advantage in a kickboxing match. He notes Benitez has grappling tools but rarely uses them (only one takedown in 11 UFC fights). He acknowledges Onama's grappling struggles but believes Benitez won't exploit them.
Big Brady picks David Onama but is not very confident, warning against overrating Onama's performance against Mason Jones. He notes Benitez has excellent striking defense and could pull off an upset. However, he likes Onama's youth, size, reach, and cardio, and predicts a late knockout as Benitez slows down.
Cody picks Onama, believing he is a legitimate prospect. He highlights Onama's impressive performance against Mason Jones, where he showed great cardio, durability, and the ability to get up from takedowns. Cody notes that Benítez is a gatekeeper on the decline, with low volume and questionable durability after being dropped by Billy Q. He thinks Onama will out-strike Benítez and possibly finish him.
Levi is confident in Onama, citing Benitez's decline after wars and weight issues. He notes Onama's impressive short-notice performance against Mason Jones and believes his African power will be too much for Benitez's chin. Levi compares this to other prospects beating faded veterans and expects Onama to find a clean knockout.
Benítez is the seasoned veteran with cleaner striking and a strong kicking game. Onama's hype is based on beating a low-level opponent; Benítez's durability is overstated as a concern. Benítez should outpoint Onama with his southpaw kicks and experience. The under 2.5 rounds and Benítez by KO at +500 are also live.
Paul picks Onama, impressed by his ferocity and durability in the Mason Jones fight. He notes that Onama will be massive at 145 and that Benítez's durability is questionable after being dropped by Billy Q. Paul thinks Onama's pace and power will be too much for Benítez.
The MMA Guru picks David Onama to win by first-round KO. He notes Onama's close fight with Mason Jones on short notice and believes Onama is a great prospect with a big reach advantage. He thinks Gabriel Benitez's durability has declined after several KO losses and that Onama will crack his chin early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Quarantillo | 1 | 57 of 110 | 51% | 67 of 122 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:50 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 100 of 156 | 64% | 179 of 259 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 | 0 | 8:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 12 of 26 | 46% | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:15 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 25 of 38 | 65% | 60 of 86 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:30 | |
| 2 | Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 23 of 45 | 51% | 23 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 53 of 79 | 67% | 72 of 104 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 2:58 | |
| 3 | Billy Quarantillo | 1 | 22 of 39 | 56% | 27 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 22 of 39 | 56% | 47 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Quarantillo | 57 of 110 | 51% | 38 of 89 | 13 of 15 | 6 of 6 | 44 of 89 | 6 of 9 | 7 of 12 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 100 of 156 | 64% | 73 of 126 | 20 of 23 | 7 of 7 | 61 of 107 | 11 of 12 | 28 of 37 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Billy Quarantillo | 12 of 26 | 46% | 7 of 21 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 25 of 38 | 65% | 17 of 30 | 6 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 17 | |
| 2 | Billy Quarantillo | 23 of 45 | 51% | 14 of 34 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 37 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 53 of 79 | 67% | 39 of 62 | 11 of 14 | 3 of 3 | 35 of 58 | 8 of 9 | 10 of 12 | |
| 3 | Billy Quarantillo | 22 of 39 | 56% | 17 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 17 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 22 of 39 | 56% | 17 of 34 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 8 |
Cody is confident in Gabriel Benítez, citing his physical strength, advanced striking, and leg kicks. He believes Billy Quarantillo's lack of strength and power will be exposed, as seen in the Gavin Tucker fight. Cody thinks Benítez's pressure and durability will overwhelm Quarantillo, and he expects a finish or a clear decision.
Paul is picking against his favorite Billy Quarantillo for the first time. He notes that Benítez is a brick wall with superior strength and striking, and that Quarantillo's cardio and heart won't be enough against a physically stronger opponent. He expects Benítez to win, possibly by decision or late finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 38 of 104 | 36% | 38 of 104 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Justin Jaynes | 0 | 22 of 52 | 42% | 22 of 52 | 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 | Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 38 of 104 | 36% | 38 of 104 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Justin Jaynes | 0 | 22 of 52 | 42% | 22 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Benítez | 38 of 104 | 36% | 20 of 83 | 10 of 12 | 8 of 9 | 34 of 99 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
| Justin Jaynes | 22 of 52 | 42% | 16 of 44 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Benítez | 38 of 104 | 36% | 20 of 83 | 10 of 12 | 8 of 9 | 34 of 99 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
| Justin Jaynes | 22 of 52 | 42% | 16 of 44 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Gabriel Benítez, noting the line flipped from Benítez opening as an underdog to now being a heavy favorite. He likes Benítez's leg kicks and overall striking, and believes if Benítez survives Jaynes's early storm, he will take over. He predicts a second-round knockout, as Jaynes has never been knocked out but Benítez has finishing ability. He notes Jaynes is a 'one-round and bust' fighter with poor cardio.
Daniel picks Gabriel Benítez but with hesitation, noting that Justin Jaynes has first-round power and has scored knockdowns in both his UFC fights. He believes if Benítez can survive the first round, his body kicks and experience will take over. He cites Javier Mendez calling Benítez the hardest kicker he's ever held pads for, harder than Luke Rockhold or Cain Velasquez. However, he acknowledges Benítez's suspect chin and the emotional weight on Jaynes fighting for his sick father, which historically hasn't favored fighters.
The host picks Gabriel Benítez to win by third round TKO. He highlights Benítez's leg kicks, technical striking, and cardio advantage over Justin Jaynes, who has a narrow path to victory and questionable gas tank. He believes Benítez will chew up the lead leg and finish late as Jaynes fades. He is very confident, giving Benítez a 75% chance of winning.
The MMA Guru picks Gabriel Benítez by unanimous decision, expecting him to weather Justin Jaynes' first-round onslaught and take over in the second and third rounds as Jaynes gasses. He notes Benítez has a good chin and has faced tough competition, while Jaynes showed cardio issues in his loss to Gavin Tucker. He predicts a 29-28 scorecard.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omar Morales | 0 | 50 of 179 | 27% | 50 of 179 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 63 of 215 | 29% | 63 of 215 | 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 | Omar Morales | 0 | 15 of 53 | 28% | 15 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 12 of 55 | 21% | 12 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Omar Morales | 0 | 13 of 53 | 24% | 13 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 20 of 60 | 33% | 20 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Omar Morales | 0 | 22 of 73 | 30% | 22 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 31 of 100 | 31% | 31 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omar Morales | 50 of 179 | 27% | 17 of 133 | 21 of 28 | 12 of 18 | 50 of 179 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 63 of 215 | 29% | 36 of 178 | 20 of 28 | 7 of 9 | 61 of 210 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omar Morales | 15 of 53 | 28% | 6 of 39 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 15 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 12 of 55 | 21% | 7 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 12 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Omar Morales | 13 of 53 | 24% | 4 of 39 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 6 | 13 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 20 of 60 | 33% | 9 of 45 | 9 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 59 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Omar Morales | 22 of 73 | 30% | 7 of 55 | 11 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 22 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 31 of 100 | 31% | 20 of 84 | 10 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 29 of 96 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Omar Morales due to Benítez moving up in weight, making Morales the much bigger fighter. He believes Morales can take Benítez down at will and win a comfortable decision, possibly by knockout. He notes Benítez has been knocked out before and that Morales is very green but should dominate due to the size difference.
Daniel Levi picks Omar Morales, predicting a knockout via right high kick or counter. He criticizes Benítez's predictable offense (straight left, left kick) and suspect chin, noting that Morales is a former kickboxer with cleaner technique and power. He believes Morales will move to 2-0 in the UFC.
The MMA Guru picks Gabriel Benítez, stating he is not sold on Omar Morales after his lackluster UFC debut against Dong Hyun Ma. He notes that Benítez is in his prime at 31 and has had good showings in the UFC, including rocking Sadiq Yusuf. He predicts Benítez will win by decision or TKO, calling Morales an 'old man' making his debut too late.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 24 of 72 | 33% | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 34 of 79 | 43% | 34 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 24 of 72 | 33% | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 1 | 34 of 79 | 43% | 34 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodiq Yusuff | 24 of 72 | 33% | 11 of 55 | 4 of 8 | 9 of 9 | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 34 of 79 | 43% | 25 of 70 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 30 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sodiq Yusuff | 24 of 72 | 33% | 11 of 55 | 4 of 8 | 9 of 9 | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 34 of 79 | 43% | 25 of 70 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 30 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 |
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