Career Averages - Azamat Bekoev
Career Averages - Zachary Reese
Azamat Bekoev - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 1 | 70 of 115 | 60% | 128 of 175 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:57 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 78 of 113 | 69% | 98 of 136 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 4:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 35 of 61 | 57% | 46 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 33 of 46 | 71% | 34 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 | |
| 2 | Azamat Bekoev | 1 | 30 of 46 | 65% | 54 of 71 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 25 of 40 | 62% | 40 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 | |
| 3 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 28 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 20 of 27 | 74% | 24 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:55 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 70 of 115 | 60% | 33 of 58 | 30 of 50 | 7 of 7 | 49 of 91 | 11 of 12 | 10 of 12 |
| Tresean Gore | 78 of 113 | 69% | 51 of 85 | 8 of 8 | 19 of 20 | 62 of 92 | 9 of 14 | 7 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 35 of 61 | 57% | 11 of 22 | 19 of 34 | 5 of 5 | 29 of 55 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 33 of 46 | 71% | 22 of 35 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 8 | 30 of 42 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Bekoev | 30 of 46 | 65% | 20 of 32 | 9 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 28 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 12 |
| Tresean Gore | 25 of 40 | 62% | 17 of 32 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 28 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 2 | |
| 3 | Azamat Bekoev | 5 of 8 | 62% | 2 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 20 of 27 | 74% | 12 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 7 | 15 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
Angelo is extremely confident in Azamat Bekoev, calling him a bargain at -550 and stating he should be -550,000. He notes Bekoev is well-rounded with powerful strikes and solid takedown defense, while Tresean Gore is inconsistent and has not proven himself at this level. Angelo believes Bekoev dominates everywhere and that Gore has no path to victory.
Big Brady picks Azamat Bekoev by first-round knockout. He criticizes Tresean Gore's striking defense and notes he was knocked out by Cody Brundage and out-struck by Rodolfo Vieira. He expects Bekoev to knock out Gore rather than wrestle, as Gore has good takedown defense.
Cody picks Bekoev but warns against the -650 line, noting Bekoev's cardio issues and Gore's potential to survive early rounds. He expects Bekoev to win if he gets an early KO, but considers live betting Gore.
Connor picks Bekoev confidently, emphasizing that Gore has no confidence or comfort, and panics under pressure. He notes that Bekoev's style of rushing into a tie-up and making the fight miserable will be effective, and that Bekoev is not at a size disadvantage. Gore's record and tendency to lose to anyone who pushes him make this an easy pick.
The host discusses the wide odds, noting Bekoev is a heavy favorite but unplayable due to poor value, while Gore is a tempting underdog but his recent poor performance against Vieira makes him too risky. He concludes that pre-fight betting is not viable, but he will watch for live betting opportunities.
James picks Azamat Bekoev, expecting him to rebound after a loss. He notes Bekoev's wrestling and training with Russian freestyle team, while Gore has been undisciplined and inconsistent. He predicts a decision win, but acknowledges Gore's power and weird fight outcomes make it uncertain. He believes Bekoev's takedowns and control will be the difference.
The host expects Bekoev to win, likely by decision, due to his grappling and improved striking. He notes Gore's takedown defense could make it close, but trusts Bekoev's ability to mix grappling and keep Gore defensive. He advises against betting the heavy chalk or sprinkling on Gore, preferring to pass.
Paul leans towards Bekoev but is wary of the price. He notes Bekoev's power and wrestling defense, but thinks Gore could make it competitive if he survives the first round.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Azamat Bekoev, criticizing Tresean Gore's 6-4 record and questioning why he's still in the UFC. He believes Bekoev's grappling and striking are superior and predicts a TKO finish as Gore lowers his hands after defending takedowns.
Zane picks Bekoev confidently, noting that Bekoev is a dangerous front-foot fighter with strong wrestling and ground-and-pound. He contrasts Gore, who panics and gets overwhelmed when dragged into deep water. Bekoev is more technical and well-rounded, and at 20-4 against a 5-4 fighter, the pick is clear.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 24 of 77 | 31% | 27 of 83 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:18 |
| Yousri Belgaroui | 0 | 102 of 138 | 73% | 110 of 148 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 10 of 30 | 33% | 11 of 33 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 2:13 |
| Yousri Belgaroui | 0 | 37 of 51 | 72% | 41 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 13 of 41 | 31% | 15 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:05 |
| Yousri Belgaroui | 0 | 38 of 57 | 66% | 42 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 | |
| 3 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Yousri Belgaroui | 0 | 27 of 30 | 90% | 27 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 24 of 77 | 31% | 18 of 71 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 75 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Yousri Belgaroui | 102 of 138 | 73% | 73 of 108 | 17 of 17 | 12 of 13 | 94 of 130 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 10 of 30 | 33% | 7 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Yousri Belgaroui | 37 of 51 | 72% | 25 of 38 | 7 of 7 | 5 of 6 | 35 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Azamat Bekoev | 13 of 41 | 31% | 10 of 38 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Yousri Belgaroui | 38 of 57 | 66% | 25 of 44 | 7 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 32 of 51 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Azamat Bekoev | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yousri Belgaroui | 27 of 30 | 90% | 23 of 26 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 27 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov (likely referring to Azamat Bekoev) to win, citing his knockout power, wrestling ability, and versatility. He notes that Bekoev is undersized but can dictate where the fight takes place. He dismisses Yousri Belgaroui's kickboxing background, comparing him to Alex Pereira but stating he lacks the takedown defense to keep the fight standing.
Big Brady acknowledges Bekoev's hype and two first-round KOs but has questions about his cardio. He notes Belgaroui's kickboxing background and size advantage but believes Bekoev should resort to wrestling, where he has good control and a sneaky submission game. He sees Bekoev winning by any method but picks a decision.
Cody leans Bekoev, citing his wrestling and power. He notes Belgaroui has poor takedown defense. However, Cody is wary of the price and Belgaroui's striking credentials. He plans to wait for better odds.
Connor picks Bekoev, citing his violent performances and ability to dominate physically. He notes that Belgaroui is a kickboxing convert who lacks MMA wrestling and distance management, and that Bekoev's aggression and takedown threat will be decisive. Connor also mentions Belgaroui's size but doubts his ability to handle pressure.
James views this as a striker vs grappler matchup, with Bekoev's wrestling being the key. He acknowledges Belgaroui's high-level striking and dangerous knees but believes Bekoev will secure takedowns and control the fight. James predicts a decision win for Bekoev.
The host thinks Belgaroui will struggle with Bekoev's wrestling and improved striking. He expects Bekoev to mix things up well and grind Belgaroui down to win on the scorecards.
Paul leans Bekoev, citing his wrestling and power. He notes Belgaroui's grappling is a question mark. However, Paul is cautious about the line and expects it to move. He plans to use Bekoev in parlays sparingly.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov (Bekoev) over Yousri Belgaroui. He acknowledges Belgaroui's kickboxing background and training with Alex Pereira but notes his inexperience and poor performance in the Contender Series. He highlights Murzakanov's experience, training at American Top Team, and his first-round finish over Ryan Bader. He predicts Murzakanov will not fear Belgaroui's striking and will mix in grappling and KO blows, finishing by ground and pound in the first or second round.
Zane also picks Bekoev, emphasizing that Belgaroui has not faced a credible wrestling threat and that Bekoev will likely dash in and take him down. He notes that Belgaroui's kickboxing style is not well-attuned to MMA and that he subtracts tools due to takedown fear. Zane expects Bekoev to be aggressive and punishing.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Loder | 0 | 13 of 25 | 52% | 15 of 27 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Azamat Bekoev | 2 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 39 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Loder | 0 | 13 of 25 | 52% | 15 of 27 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Azamat Bekoev | 2 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 39 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Loder | 13 of 25 | 52% | 6 of 15 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 17 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Azamat Bekoev | 23 of 46 | 50% | 21 of 42 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 31 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Loder | 13 of 25 | 52% | 6 of 15 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 17 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Azamat Bekoev | 23 of 46 | 50% | 21 of 42 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 31 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 4 |
Angelo believes the fight will come down to who gets the first takedown, as neither fighter is comfortable on their back. He thinks Azamat Bekoev's experience (22 fights) and well-rounded skills give him an edge over Ryan Loder's cautious wrestling approach. He expects Bekoev to time his takedown and win.
Big Brady picks Azamat Bekoev, believing it's a bad matchup for Ryan Loder. He notes that Loder has a wrestling background but often fails to take down opponents worse than Bekoev, and his striking is poor. Bekoev has good takedown defense and get-up ability, and he has the striking advantage and power. Brady expects Bekoev to win by decision, possibly hurting Loder, though Loder has never been knocked out.
Connor picks Bekoev because he has more experience and a dynamic first layer of offense, even if his game plateaus later. He notes that Bekoev tends to stay in fights and make them hard, while Loder is a good wrestler but lacks a well-rounded MMA game and may fall apart against a good opponent. He also mentions that Bekoev is big, strong, and powerful, and if Loder gives up a bad position, Bekoev will flatten him.
Many overlook Loder's wrestling and that Bekoev struggles against grapplers who provide resistance. Loder will shut down Bekoev's grappling, initiate scrambles, and come out on top. I expect a close fight and Loder wins by decision.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Bekoev, noting he is well-rounded and trains at a good gym. He believes Bekoev's strength in scrambles and his ability to make it a tricky MMA bout will be too much for Ryan Loder. He mentions that Loder has lost on the regional scene and that Bekoev should be a slight favorite, but the odds are wide. He also notes that Loder has decent value as an underdog.
Zane picks Bekoev because he has a dynamic first layer of offense and experience, while Loder is a good wrestler but lacks a complete MMA game. He notes that Bekoev's losses have been to talented fighters, and that he tends to stay in fights and keep making them hard. He also points out that Loder's wrestling is impressive for tenacity but not for maintaining control, and that Bekoev will not go away like Loder's previous opponent Valentin did.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 13 of 24 | 54% | 22 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 21 of 26 | 80% | 52 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 13 of 24 | 54% | 22 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 21 of 26 | 80% | 52 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 13 of 24 | 54% | 13 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 |
| Zachary Reese | 21 of 26 | 80% | 16 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 20 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 13 of 24 | 54% | 13 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 |
| Zachary Reese | 21 of 26 | 80% | 16 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 20 |
Angelo picks Zachary Reese, calling him the better fighter overall. He notes Reese's size, power, and well-rounded skills, while criticizing Cedric Dumas' lack of ground game and reliance on corner instructions. He believes the -260 price is a discount and expects the line to widen further.
Cody picks Zachary Reese as an underdog, citing his size (6'4", 77-inch reach) and well-rounded skills. He notes that Bekoev has been underwhelming in the US and has a split decision win over Dylan Budka, who has struggled in the UFC. Reese has shown good striking, grappling, and cardio in his recent fights. Cody believes Reese's length and submission threat will be problematic for Bekoev, especially if the fight goes to the ground. He plans to watch more tape but leans Reese.
The host notes Bekoev is the LFA middleweight champion making a short-notice UFC debut. If Bekoev can use his wrestling to stay safe early, he should put Reese through the ringer and win on the scorecards.
Paul leans Reese as a dog, noting the size advantage and that Bekoev's win over Budka is not impressive. He mentions that Reese has shown cardio and takedown ability in his last fight. Paul is skeptical of the 'Russian tax' and thinks the line is off. He plans to watch more tape but is leaning towards taking the shot on Reese at plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Bekoev over Zachary Reese but is hesitant. He notes Reese lost to Cody Brundage and is not impressed, while Bekoev has momentum and is coming into his prime. He acknowledges Reese could be too athletic and land shots early, but he sides with Bekoev's grappling and recent wins. He predicts a decision win for Bekoev.
Zachary Reese - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 74 of 148 | 50% | 81 of 160 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 63 of 132 | 47% | 70 of 139 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 23 of 51 | 45% | 26 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 18 of 40 | 45% | 25 of 47 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:42 | |
| 2 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 24 of 44 | 54% | 28 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 22 of 42 | 52% | 22 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 3 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 27 of 53 | 50% | 27 of 55 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 23 of 50 | 46% | 23 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 74 of 148 | 50% | 24 of 90 | 30 of 38 | 20 of 20 | 72 of 142 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 63 of 132 | 47% | 29 of 75 | 31 of 53 | 3 of 4 | 53 of 119 | 9 of 11 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zachary Reese | 23 of 51 | 45% | 4 of 29 | 8 of 11 | 11 of 11 | 23 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 18 of 40 | 45% | 8 of 21 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 35 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Zachary Reese | 24 of 44 | 54% | 9 of 25 | 11 of 15 | 4 of 4 | 23 of 41 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 22 of 42 | 52% | 12 of 25 | 9 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 35 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Zachary Reese | 27 of 53 | 50% | 11 of 36 | 11 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 26 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 23 of 50 | 46% | 9 of 29 | 12 of 18 | 2 of 3 | 22 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Herb Dean is the referee. Pereira lands a hard body kick to begin the main card. Pereira counters a kick with a glancing overhand, but Reese seems to be OK. Pereira jabs the body. Pereira counters another kick with a right hand and Reese goes down. Pereira welcomes Reese back to his feet. Reese lands a body kick. Pereira with a front kick down the middle. Pereira jabs the body. Reese moves in and lands a knee to the body. Reese attempts an inside leg kick, but Herb Dean calls time because it apparently landed low. The crowd isn’t buying it but Pereira takes about a minute. Pereira tries for that same overhand counter following a Reese kick but it’s not as successful as it was earlier. Reese moves in and lands a combination to the body. Reese kicks the body, and Pereira grimaces, as it landed below the belt again. A replay review determines that it was indeed a foul, despite the protests of the fans. Reese lands a kick and they engage in the clinch, with both men swinging wildly during a brief exchange. An errant spinning attack by Reese results in a takedown for Pereira. Reese stands, but Pereira grabs the neck and lands a couple knees on the break. Pereira stabs the body with a front kick. Reese leaps in wildly, but Pereira can’t capitalize. Reese makes his foe stumble with a low kick before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Round 2
Reese targets the body with kicks. They clinch, and Pereira lands a pair of hard knees to the gut. They clinch and Pereira lands another knee before pushing Reese to the wire. They separate in short order. Pereira lands a right followed by a knee. Reese had his fingers extended during an exchange, and he poked Pereira in the eye. This results in the third timeout of the fight due to a foul by Reese. No point is taken and the action resumes. Reese quickly lands a takedown in the center of the cage. Reese peppers the Brazilian with left hands from half guard. Reese maintains a body lock as Pereira stands. Reese is busted open. Reese lands a body kick. A counter left freezes Pereira where he stands. Pereira throws a right to the body. Reese moves in and Pereira land a leaping knee. They crash forward, with both men landing in an exchange. Reese is holding his hands low as he lands a right. Pereira jabs the body while avoiding a high kick. Another body kick for Reese. Reese lands a two-punch combination. Reese throws a front kick to the body and Pereira urges him on. Reese just misses with a flying knee. Pereira responds with a rolling somersault kick at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Reese
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Reese
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Reese
Round 3
Reese opens with a body kick. Pereira throws a push kick to the body. Reese lands a leg kick and is warned to keep his hands closed. Reese attacks the body with another kick. They collide in the clinch and separate. Reese closes distance and lands a knee. Pereira connects with a straight right. A lead leg head kick lands for Reese, as these two keep trading one-off attacks. Reese with a two-punch solid combination. Pereira sticks a jab. Reese kicks the body. Pereira lands a counter right. Reese lands a right uppercut to the body followed by a left hand over the top. Pereira closes the distance and Reese nearly had a choke locked. Periera was a ble to scramble up. That sets the stage for another exchange. Both men land heavy shots initially, but they’re mostly swinging and missing in the waning seconds, save for a Pereira knee down the middle.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Reese (29-28 Reese)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Reese (29-28 Reese)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Reese (29-28 Reese)
The Official Result
Michel Pereira def. Zachary Reese via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00
Angelo picks Michel Pereira despite recent poor form, citing his superior athleticism, speed, wrestling, and training partners. He acknowledges Pereira's mental state is a question mark after a public divorce, but believes the version from 2024 would dominate. He goes with his brain over his gut.
Big Brady picks Zachary Reese to defeat Michel Pereira, but with clear disgust and hesitation. He believes Pereira is washed, citing his terrible performances against Abus Magomedov and a 40-second knockout loss to Kyle Daukaus. He calls the fight 'disgusting' and hopes it gets canceled. He notes Reese is the underdog but feels he has more faith in Reese at this point. He predicts a first-round knockout, reasoning that if Daukaus could KO Pereira, Reese can too.
Cody thinks Pereira's desperation and flashy style will lead to an early finish. He notes Reese's durability issues and poor cardio. He expects Pereira to win by KO or submission in the first round.
Connor picks Pereira despite acknowledging he looks shot. He notes that Pereira has better technique and experience, and that Reese has never beaten a good fighter. He points out that Pereira's creativity and speed could still be enough against a limited opponent like Reese, but admits it's a terrible fight and Pereira could lose if he's truly broken.
The host heavily leans towards Pereira, citing his superior striking, cardio, and ground game compared to Reese. However, he cannot bet Pereira at -155 because of the red flag from Pereira's passive performance against Abus Magomedov, which may indicate decline. He notes that if Pereira shows up and fights to his potential, he wins easily, but the inconsistency makes him unbettable.
James picks Michel Pereira to win by first-round finish, but with hesitation due to Pereira's recent poor performances and questionable chin. He notes that Pereira has far better tools and competition wins, but if he doesn't get an early finish, Reese could take over. James prefers the under 1.5 rounds as a betting angle.
Pereira is on a three-fight losing streak but has faced tough competition and should be motivated to save his roster spot. He is the better fighter on paper with more experience. Reese is dangerous but has durability questions. If Pereira comes back at 80% of his former self, he should find a finish. The under 1.5 rounds is also a good play as both are finishers.
Paul agrees, citing Pereira's ability to finish fights early and Reese's tendency to get knocked out. He thinks Pereira's wrestling is underrated and that he can win on the ground if needed. He expects a first-round finish.
The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Michel Pereira, trusting his ability despite a recent loss to Hernandez. He notes Pereira's cardio issues but thinks he can find Reese's chin. He is unsure due to Pereira's inconsistency but believes Reese's fundamental ability is lacking.
Zane picks Reese as a counter to Connor, arguing that Pereira's confidence is shattered after the Hernandez loss and he has looked terrible in his last two fights. He notes that Reese is dangerous early and that Pereira's recent performances suggest he no longer knows how to fight. He admits it's a terrible fight and that Reese could easily lose, but he's willing to take the chance.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson McVey | 0 | 32 of 42 | 76% | 81 of 97 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:24 |
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 56 of 73 | 76% | 68 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 2:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson McVey | 0 | 31 of 40 | 77% | 61 of 74 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 53 of 67 | 79% | 65 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 2:23 | |
| 2 | Jackson McVey | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 20 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:26 |
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson McVey | 32 of 42 | 76% | 21 of 31 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 15 of 19 | 16 of 21 | 1 of 2 |
| Zachary Reese | 56 of 73 | 76% | 28 of 39 | 27 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 19 | 47 of 54 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson McVey | 31 of 40 | 77% | 21 of 30 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 14 of 18 | 16 of 21 | 1 of 1 |
| Zachary Reese | 53 of 67 | 79% | 26 of 34 | 26 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 16 | 45 of 51 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jackson McVey | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Zachary Reese | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Valentin (-160); McVey (+130)
Round 1
It’s fight day, like many Saturdays before this one. With a dozen bouts playing out the next six-ish hours at the UFC Apex, ranked talents may be at a premium but hopefully the action makes this night worthwhile. The broadcast kicks off without touching on the betting scandal that blossomed last week, so it’s anyone’s guess which direction that will take. Bring on the mutual combat. With this pairing coming together this week, a pair of middleweights elected to set this bout at 195 pounds to alleviate some of the pain of weight cutting. McVey (6-1, 0-1 UFC) was planning on Robert Valentin, but in his injured stead will be Texas’ Reese (9-2, 1 NC; 3-2, 1 NC UFC). The athletes bump fists in front of referee Chris Tognoni to open up the festivities.
McVey offers out an oblique kick, and Reese immediately counters with a left hand over the top. Reese sits down on a nasty calf kick and takes McVey off-balance, prompting McVey to surge forward and attack. McVey bashes his man from up close with elbows and short strikes, and Reese shakes them off and delivers a plethora of damaging uppercuts to shake McVey up. The two proceed to rip into one another, hammering one another in a brutal muay thai fashion with blood already flowing a minute in and some harm inflicted on both sides. Reese takes a few elbows up top and pushes McVey from one side of the cage to the other, but it is McVey who is still in the driver’s seat. McVey punishes his opponent with knees to the body, and one particularly effective one puts Reese on his knees. Reese explodes back to his feet and comes back firing, but it is McVey who is hitting harder.
Reese has some success when under fire, and he gets a bit of unwelcome relief when McVey drives a knee directly into his cup. Reese groans, and Tognoni immediately calls time as McVey apologizes. Reese walks off to recover, and Tognoni calls in the doctor to check on the fresh cut above his eyebrow that spans nearly halfway from end to end. Reese is cleared to continue, and he paces back and forth to keep getting his wind back. A mouse starts to develop on the forehead of “Savage,” who does not appear compromised but may have gassed himself out in the first few minutes of fury so he gets some of that back. The Apex is quiet so there is no external pressure for him to hurry back to placate bloodthirsty fans, allowing Reese to comfortably walk back and forth adjusting his cup. Tognoni keeps him informed, and after 2:30 of time off, they resume and immediately start brawling.
McVey’s swings back Reese up quickly, and they proceed to tie one another up and trade to bash one another with clinch strikes. Reese keeps McVey honest with a few elbows, and he drives a shot to the body to open up more attacks upstairs. Reese presses forward and his momentum bowls McVey over as he lands on top. McVey defends off his back with feeble elbows, because Reese easily clears his hips and moves to side control to isolate one arm for a kimura. Reese goes over a little too far, so he sets up an inverted triangle choke and flirts with an armbar as well. McVey rolls him over and stacks Reese up, and they ride the round out. McVey has now officially completed one round of combat for the first time as a pro.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McVey
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 McVey
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McVey
Round 2
The fighters bump fists to reintroduce themselves, and Reese starts off with a sticking leg kick. McVey responds by powering forward to set up his preferred clinch range to let loose with elbows and knees to the body. As Reese sees this coming, he trips “The Moose” up and puts him on his back to take most of his weapons away. Reese postures up to drive down a huge strike, and McVey times him perfectly to spin to the side and get to his knees. Rather than fight back up, however, McVey instead tries to snatch onto a guillotine choke and jump for it. Reese pops out of it almost immediately, and he looks to engage with ground-and-pound. McVey turns to get out, but in the process, he gives up his back.
Reese gladly accepts it, locks up the body triangle and secures a rear-naked choke. McVey’s corner shouts that he cannot give up, but the choke has him dead to rights with no way out. Rather than go out on his shield, “The Moose” calls it quits by tapping out on Reese’s arm a few times.
This marks the first time that Reese had ever performed a stoppage out of the first round.
The Official Result
Zachary Reese def. Jackson McVey R2 1:38 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo picks Robert Valentin because he has seen him be tough and get after it, and he knows he can work in takedowns. However, he is not confident and advises against betting on this fight, calling it a mess. He notes that both fighters are not UFC level and it's a win-or-go-back-to-regional matchup.
Big Brady is not sold on Jackson McVey after his poor debut where he looked atrocious and got armbarred in the first round. He notes that Zachary Reese has powerful striking and a sneaky submission game, though his chin and cardio are questionable. Despite not wanting to lay -300, he believes Reese should finish McVey easily, predicting a first-round submission.
Lucrative James picks Robert Valentine, but the matchup is actually Jackson McVey vs Zachary Reese. He mistakenly refers to Valentine as the opponent. He notes Valentine's superior grappling and predicts an inside-the-distance win, likely by submission. He criticizes McVey's UFC debut loss via armbar and questions his level.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sedriques Dumas | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 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 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sedriques Dumas | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sedriques Dumas | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 3 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 | Zachary Reese | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sedriques Dumas | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Reese (-240); Dumas (+200)
Round 1
Mike Beltran is the referee. Dumas comes out aggressively, with a double jab-straight combination. Fighting from opposing stances, the middleweights trade low kicks. A hard inside low kick lands for Dumas, but moments later, “The Reaper” absorbs an audible kick to the groin from Reese. Dumas immediately collapses to the canvas in agony and the crowd groans upon viewing the replay. Now a doctor has come in to talk to Dumas, who remains on his knees. He informs the doctor that, “I cannot feel my right ball.” Beltran tries to encourage Dumas to stand up, but he says he can’t get up. After that revelation, Beltran waves off the fight. Reese yells in frustration before walking over to apologize to Dumas. This one will be a no contest due to the accidental foul.
The Official Result
Zachary Reese vs. Sedriques Dumas is Ruled a No Contest (Accidental Foul) R1 0:51
Angelo picks Reese confidently, calling Dumas a disaster and not very good. He notes Reese is a massive middleweight with size and strength, well-rounded, though his wrestling is inconsistent. He says Dumas is scrappy but not skilled or dangerous, and if Reese lands a takedown or big bomb, he finds a finish. He mentions Reese is almost a 3-to-1 favorite and should be.
Big Brady picks Reese because Dumas has shown no durability, heart, or volume in the UFC. He criticizes Dumas's training environment and legal issues. He predicts Reese finishes Dumas in the first round by submission, though he notes Reese himself has questionable durability and cardio.
Connor also picks Reese, agreeing that Dumas is technically poor and lacks coordination. He notes that Reese is not great but is an aggressive grappler, and Dumas has no finishing ability. He mentions that Reese lost to Cody Brundage, but Dumas is even worse.
Reese is expected to return to his early finishing ways after defending Dumas's takedowns. The host believes Reese will dictate the pace, land big shots, and produce a round one knockout, showing strong confidence in his power and timing.
The MMA Guru picks Zachary Reese, citing his athleticism, kicks at range, and ability to finish. He expects Reese to hurt Dumas with body kicks and predicts a finish late in the first or second round. He also questions Dumas's discipline and commitment due to legal issues, making him untrustworthy.
Zane picks Reese, noting that Dumas is awkward and uncoordinated on the feet, and Reese is an aggressive grappler who can find a submission. He mentions that Dumas only beats bad opponents and has no finishing ability, while Reese has shown some submission skills.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 50 of 108 | 46% | 73 of 135 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Duško Todorović | 0 | 35 of 65 | 53% | 73 of 109 | 4 of 13 | 30% | 1 | 1 | 5:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 19 of 27 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Duško Todorović | 0 | 10 of 15 | 66% | 31 of 38 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 | 1 | 3:01 | |
| 2 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 17 of 30 | 56% | 25 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Duško Todorović | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 18 of 29 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:10 | |
| 3 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 27 of 67 | 40% | 29 of 70 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Duško Todorović | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 24 of 42 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 50 of 108 | 46% | 21 of 72 | 20 of 23 | 9 of 13 | 43 of 98 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Duško Todorović | 35 of 65 | 53% | 22 of 50 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 22 of 50 | 6 of 6 | 7 of 9 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zachary Reese | 6 of 11 | 54% | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Duško Todorović | 10 of 15 | 66% | 8 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 8 | |
| 2 | Zachary Reese | 17 of 30 | 56% | 7 of 19 | 7 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 15 of 27 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Duško Todorović | 8 of 16 | 50% | 2 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Zachary Reese | 27 of 67 | 40% | 11 of 46 | 10 of 12 | 6 of 9 | 26 of 65 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Duško Todorović | 17 of 34 | 50% | 12 of 28 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Zachary Reese but is hesitant due to Reese's tendency to play jiu-jitsu off his back and give up positions. He acknowledges Reese's power and size advantages and Todorović's questionable chin, but worries Reese might make bad decisions. He rates it as medium confidence on the website.
Big Brady fades Zachary Reese despite being a favorite, citing Reese's poor takedown defense (33%) and tendency to get finished. He notes Todorović has good ground-and-pound and can take Reese down. Although Todorović has terrible striking defense, Brady thinks Reese lacks the power to knock him out. He picks Todorović by second-round TKO.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Reese because Todorović is a technical mess and easy to hit. He notes that Reese is also flawed but has more aggression and power. Connor emphasizes that this is a low-level fight and hard to pick with confidence.
Matt picks Zachary Reese to win by knockout in round one. He expects a short fight, noting that Reese is explosive and violent with 7 of 8 wins in the first round, while Todorović has deteriorating durability and often gets finished. Matt likes the under 1.5 rounds and Reese round one knockout prop, and also mentions Reese by submission round one as a long shot.
The MMA Guru picks Zachary Reese by first-round TKO, very confident. He notes Reese's size advantage (6'4") and Todorović's poor durability and chin. He mentions Todorović has been KO'd many times and Reese's pace is strong. He also had a PrizePicks bet on Reese under 5.25 minutes.
Zane picks Reese because he thinks Reese still has unchecked aggression and faith in his game, whereas Todorović seems to have lost confidence after a brutal loss. He notes that both fighters are low-level, but Todorović's tendency to knock himself out and his poor technical game make him the riskier pick.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 13 of 24 | 54% | 22 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 21 of 26 | 80% | 52 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 13 of 24 | 54% | 22 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 21 of 26 | 80% | 52 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 13 of 24 | 54% | 13 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 |
| Zachary Reese | 21 of 26 | 80% | 16 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 20 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 13 of 24 | 54% | 13 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 |
| Zachary Reese | 21 of 26 | 80% | 16 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 20 |
Angelo picks Zachary Reese, calling him the better fighter overall. He notes Reese's size, power, and well-rounded skills, while criticizing Cedric Dumas' lack of ground game and reliance on corner instructions. He believes the -260 price is a discount and expects the line to widen further.
Cody picks Zachary Reese as an underdog, citing his size (6'4", 77-inch reach) and well-rounded skills. He notes that Bekoev has been underwhelming in the US and has a split decision win over Dylan Budka, who has struggled in the UFC. Reese has shown good striking, grappling, and cardio in his recent fights. Cody believes Reese's length and submission threat will be problematic for Bekoev, especially if the fight goes to the ground. He plans to watch more tape but leans Reese.
The host notes Bekoev is the LFA middleweight champion making a short-notice UFC debut. If Bekoev can use his wrestling to stay safe early, he should put Reese through the ringer and win on the scorecards.
Paul leans Reese as a dog, noting the size advantage and that Bekoev's win over Budka is not impressive. He mentions that Reese has shown cardio and takedown ability in his last fight. Paul is skeptical of the 'Russian tax' and thinks the line is off. He plans to watch more tape but is leaning towards taking the shot on Reese at plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Bekoev over Zachary Reese but is hesitant. He notes Reese lost to Cody Brundage and is not impressed, while Bekoev has momentum and is coming into his prime. He acknowledges Reese could be too athletic and land shots early, but he sides with Bekoev's grappling and recent wins. He predicts a decision win for Bekoev.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 75 of 129 | 58% | 101 of 162 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 1 | 1 | 5:57 |
| José Daniel Medina | 0 | 32 of 74 | 43% | 53 of 97 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 34 of 54 | 62% | 40 of 63 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 1 | 2:08 |
| José Daniel Medina | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 13 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:46 | |
| 2 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 26 of 53 | 49% | 31 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| José Daniel Medina | 0 | 18 of 41 | 43% | 20 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 | |
| 3 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 15 of 22 | 68% | 30 of 41 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:49 |
| José Daniel Medina | 0 | 10 of 18 | 55% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 75 of 129 | 58% | 42 of 85 | 20 of 30 | 13 of 14 | 57 of 101 | 2 of 4 | 16 of 24 |
| José Daniel Medina | 32 of 74 | 43% | 20 of 55 | 5 of 12 | 7 of 7 | 30 of 72 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zachary Reese | 34 of 54 | 62% | 23 of 42 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 13 of 19 |
| José Daniel Medina | 4 of 15 | 26% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Zachary Reese | 26 of 53 | 49% | 10 of 31 | 8 of 13 | 8 of 9 | 26 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| José Daniel Medina | 18 of 41 | 43% | 11 of 29 | 2 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 18 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Zachary Reese | 15 of 22 | 68% | 9 of 12 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 5 |
| José Daniel Medina | 10 of 18 | 55% | 7 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Zachary Reese, acknowledging that Reese burned him in the past but attributing that loss to a freak powerbomb. He notes Reese's size, power, and BJJ, but warns that if Reese plays the 'Jiu-Jitsu nerd game' and throws up triangles, he could get ground-and-pounded by Medina. He thinks Reese is the better fighter and should win, but is cautious.
Cody picks Reese because he is a finisher with power and submission skills. He notes that Medina has poor takedown defense and has been dominated on the ground. He thinks Reese will take him down and finish him early. He also mentions that Medina is dropping down to middleweight and may not handle the cut well.
Daniel Vreeland picks Zachary Reese but is not confident due to Reese's unknown cardio past the first round. He notes Medina is tough and could survive early onslaught and finish late, but believes Reese's power and aggression will likely get the job done early.
Brevin picks Reese by decision, dismissing his slam KO loss to Cody Brundage as a freak accident. He notes Reese was nearly submitting Brundage before the slam. He thinks Medina is unimpressive and will try to pressure grapple but Reese is better. JP is more confident, picking Reese by KO, calling Medina bad, out of shape, and noting Reese is much bigger and stronger. He calls the Brundage slam a one-off.
Paul leans towards Reese but is concerned about the price and Reese's cardio. He notes that Reese has never fought past the first round and could fade. He thinks Medina's durability could be a factor if Reese doesn't finish early. He prefers to look at live betting or late props on Medina.
The MMA Guru picks Zachary Reese because he considers José Medina not UFC-level and 'garbage'. He notes Reese is a talented finisher with good submissions off his back and KO power on the feet, despite a previous loss where he was slammed on his head. He dismisses Medina's resume as weak.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Julian Marquez | 1 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 6 of 9 | 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 | Zachary Reese | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Julian Marquez | 1 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Reese | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Julian Marquez | 6 of 9 | 66% | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zachary Reese | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Julian Marquez | 6 of 9 | 66% | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
Angelo leans Zachary Reese, but with low confidence. He notes that Reese is massive for the weight class and has power, but he looked stiff in his last fight and was power bombed. Julian Marquez is tough and dangerous everywhere, but he has been knocked out in his last two fights and has a year layoff. Angelo thinks Reese can weather the early storm and beat a fading Marquez.
Big Brady picks Julian Marquez to win by first-round knockout. He is not sold on Zachary Reese's UFC caliber, noting his poor competition and tendency to end up on bottom. He thinks Marquez is the much better striker and will smoke Reese if his suspicions are correct.
Cody picks Reese as a slight underdog, noting that Marquez has significant health issues and has not looked good in recent fights. Reese is a big, athletic fighter with first-round finishing ability, but his cardio is untested. Cody believes if Reese can survive the first round, Marquez's poor cardio and durability issues will allow Reese to take over. He acknowledges it's a shot in the dark but leans towards Reese.
Daniel picks Marquez based on experience, noting that Reese has never faced real competition and was fraud-checked by Cody Brundage. He acknowledges Marquez has looked terrible since returning from injury but believes his durability and veteran tactics can overcome Reese's size and reach. He calls it a dart throw but leans Marquez.
Jacob picks Julian Marquez, noting that Reese eats right hands and was slammed by Cody Brundage. He thinks Marquez will come forward and land bombs, and Reese's chin is suspect. He also warns that going to the ground with Reese is dangerous due to his length, but Marquez's power should be enough. Jacob is confident Marquez gets the win.
Marquez is a veteran power puncher with a sneaky submission game, while Reese is reckless and was knocked out by a slam in his last fight. This should be a barn burner with both throwing heavy shots. Marquez should finish Reese quickly, making under 1.5 rounds a strong play at -155.
Paul picks Reese, citing Marquez's health issues and inactivity. He notes that Reese is younger, longer, and has more pop in his hands. Paul thinks this will be a sloppy fight and favors the younger fighter with less wear and tear. He expects Reese to have a chance if he can avoid Marquez's early power.
The Guru picks Reese because he questions Marquez's motivation, saying Marquez seems more focused on being a personality than fighting. He notes Marquez has taken a lot of damage in his last two fights (losses to Mark-Andre Barriault and Gregory Rodrigues). Reese is younger and hungrier, and the Guru thinks Reese will catch Marquez in the first round. He acknowledges Reese lost to Cody Brundage by slam KO but was going for a submission.
Expert Picks (5)
Angelo picks Zachary Reese, calling him the better fighter overall. He notes Reese's size, power, and well-rounded skills, while criticizing Cedric Dumas' lack of ground game and reliance on corner instructions. He believes the -260 price is a discount and expects the line to widen further.
Cody picks Zachary Reese as an underdog, citing his size (6'4", 77-inch reach) and well-rounded skills. He notes that Bekoev has been underwhelming in the US and has a split decision win over Dylan Budka, who has struggled in the UFC. Reese has shown good striking, grappling, and cardio in his recent fights. Cody believes Reese's length and submission threat will be problematic for Bekoev, especially if the fight goes to the ground. He plans to watch more tape but leans Reese.
The host notes Bekoev is the LFA middleweight champion making a short-notice UFC debut. If Bekoev can use his wrestling to stay safe early, he should put Reese through the ringer and win on the scorecards.
Paul leans Reese as a dog, noting the size advantage and that Bekoev's win over Budka is not impressive. He mentions that Reese has shown cardio and takedown ability in his last fight. Paul is skeptical of the 'Russian tax' and thinks the line is off. He plans to watch more tape but is leaning towards taking the shot on Reese at plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Bekoev over Zachary Reese but is hesitant. He notes Reese lost to Cody Brundage and is not impressed, while Bekoev has momentum and is coming into his prime. He acknowledges Reese could be too athletic and land shots early, but he sides with Bekoev's grappling and recent wins. He predicts a decision win for Bekoev.
Comments (1)
Took down, and got ground and pound. Back of the head shots plus the ref with the extra bang. Reese was fannying about with legs rubber guard ect
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