Career Averages - Jacobe Smith
Career Averages - Preston Parsons
Jacobe Smith
Preston Parsons
Jacobe Smith - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobe Smith | 0 | 33 of 47 | 70% | 37 of 51 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Josiah Harrell | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacobe Smith | 0 | 33 of 47 | 70% | 37 of 51 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Josiah Harrell | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobe Smith | 33 of 47 | 70% | 18 of 29 | 9 of 10 | 6 of 8 | 23 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 10 |
| Josiah Harrell | 7 of 14 | 50% | 1 of 6 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacobe Smith | 33 of 47 | 70% | 18 of 29 | 9 of 10 | 6 of 8 | 23 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 10 |
| Josiah Harrell | 7 of 14 | 50% | 1 of 6 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Cody thinks Smith is the better all-around fighter with superior wrestling and power. He notes Harrell's short notice and size disadvantage. He expects Smith to win, possibly by late stoppage, but acknowledges Harrell's toughness.
Connor picks Smith but acknowledges the risk. He notes that Smith is a raw but explosive athlete with knockout power, and that Harrell is taking the fight on short notice. He points out that Smith gassed badly against Nico Price, but Harrell's size disadvantage and lack of range striking could allow Smith to land a big shot early.
The host understands why Harrell is a -290 favorite based on past performances, but notes that Harrell is making his UFC debut on short notice, which adds risk. He finds the odds too wide to bet Harrell and is not interested in betting Smith as a +224 underdog. He passes on the fight entirely.
Smith has a wrestling advantage and a full training camp, but Harrell is undefeated and has good takedown defense and cardio. Both are similar archetypes, but Smith's wrestling may be the difference. However, the line is too wide; Harrell could make it competitive. Smith should win a decision, but it's low confidence. The over 1.5 rounds is a better play.
Paul agrees, citing Smith's wrestling credentials and athleticism. He thinks Harrell's undefeated record is deceiving and that Smith's power and pace will be too much. He expects Smith to win, possibly by decision or late finish.
The MMA Guru picks Jacobe Smith, citing his size, athleticism, and UFC experience. He notes that Harrell is taking the fight on short notice, is smaller, and has had health scares. Smith has two UFC wins and a learning experience against Nico Price. He predicts a decision or late finish.
Zane picks Harrell as a long shot, citing Smith's poor cardio and inability to control a fight. He notes that Harrell is a dog who thrives in grimy fights and has experience overcoming adversity. He believes that if Smith doesn't finish early, Harrell's pressure and durability will take over in later rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niko Price | 0 | 34 of 61 | 55% | 46 of 76 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jacobe Smith | 0 | 46 of 74 | 62% | 73 of 101 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 5:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niko Price | 0 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 23 of 42 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jacobe Smith | 0 | 33 of 53 | 62% | 46 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:06 | |
| 2 | Niko Price | 0 | 15 of 24 | 62% | 23 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jacobe Smith | 0 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 27 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niko Price | 34 of 61 | 55% | 19 of 43 | 4 of 7 | 11 of 11 | 27 of 49 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 8 |
| Jacobe Smith | 46 of 74 | 62% | 39 of 66 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 41 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 31 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niko Price | 19 of 37 | 51% | 10 of 26 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 17 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Jacobe Smith | 33 of 53 | 62% | 27 of 46 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 17 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 21 | |
| 2 | Niko Price | 15 of 24 | 62% | 9 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 15 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 6 |
| Jacobe Smith | 13 of 21 | 61% | 12 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 10 |
Angelo picks Jacobe Smith because he sees him as a strong prospect with wrestling and finishing ability, while Niko Price is older, has a weak chin, and is being fed to prospects. He notes that Price is fun but past his prime, and Smith's wrestling and pace will be too much. He warns against betting such heavy favorites, saying risking $1400 to make $100 is not worth it.
Big Brady is very confident in Jacobe Smith, describing it as a bad matchup for Niko Price. He notes Price is older, has taken a lot of damage, and is on a decline, while Smith has power and wrestling. Brady believes Smith can knock Price out on the feet or take him down and use vicious ground and pound. He predicts a first-round knockout, comparing it to the Wellmaker vs Moutinho fight.
Connor agrees, picking Smith. He notes Price is too slow and awkward, while Smith hits hard and throws clean punches. Smith should finish Price, but the odds are too steep to bet.
The host expects Jacobe Smith to flatline Niko Price within the first round and a half, citing Smith's youth and power. He notes the odds are steep at minus 2000, but still predicts an early knockout finish.
The host calls this a 'big lock of the card', confidently predicting Jacobe Smith to win by first-round TKO. He highlights Smith's impressive KO debut and believes he will repeat that performance against an aging Niko Price who looked geriatric in his last fight. The host notes that Smith's grappling and power will be too much for Price.
Zane picks Smith, noting Price is past his prime and has lost most recent fights. Smith is a fast, powerful wrestler with clean combinations who should sleep Price. However, Zane warns the odds are too wide to bet.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobe Smith | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Preston Parsons | 1 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacobe Smith | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Preston Parsons | 1 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobe Smith | 7 of 14 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 12 of 23 | 52% | 8 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacobe Smith | 7 of 14 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 12 of 23 | 52% | 8 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Angelo picks Jacobe Smith (Andreas Gustofson) but with very low confidence. He believes Smith is the better pure wrestler and that his wrestling will be the difference, as Preston Parsons is clueless if he can't get takedowns. However, he notes that Smith is a UFC debutant and a 2-to-1 favorite, which he considers a bad bet. He thinks Smith's jiu-jitsu is good enough to avoid submissions. He advises against betting on Smith.
Big Brady is very high on Jacobe Smith, calling him a top-three contender series prospect. He praises Smith's wrestling, devastating ground and pound, and power. He notes Parsons is hittable and has poor performances when he can't get takedowns, like against Oban Elliott. Brady predicts Smith will outwrestle Parsons and land a big shot, winning by second-round TKO.
Cody is confident in Smith, citing his elite wrestling pedigree and physicality. He notes Parsons's struggles against strong wrestlers like Oban Elliott. He expects Smith to dominate with takedowns and control.
Daniel is high on Smith's wrestling credentials (D1 from Oklahoma State) and KO power, but notes the -525 price and short notice are concerns. He thinks Smith's wrestling and power will be too much for Parsons, who is chinny and lost to Trevin Giles. He picks Smith but passes on betting due to lack of value.
Smith is making his UFC debut on very short notice but is a much better wrestler and grappler than Parsons. He will keep Parsons in bad positions and grind out a decision win.
Paul also picks Smith, calling him a real deal prospect. He notes Smith's violent Contender Series performance and All-American wrestling. He believes Smith will impose his will and move up the ranks quickly.
The Guru picks Smith, impressed by his contender series performance and offensive grappling. He thinks Smith's athleticism and relentlessness will out-hustle Parsons, who he considers not fast enough to lead. He notes Parsons has given trouble to fighters like Matthew Semelsberger and Trevin Giles but believes Smith's grappling will be the difference.
Preston Parsons - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobe Smith | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Preston Parsons | 1 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacobe Smith | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Preston Parsons | 1 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobe Smith | 7 of 14 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 12 of 23 | 52% | 8 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacobe Smith | 7 of 14 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 12 of 23 | 52% | 8 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Angelo picks Jacobe Smith (Andreas Gustofson) but with very low confidence. He believes Smith is the better pure wrestler and that his wrestling will be the difference, as Preston Parsons is clueless if he can't get takedowns. However, he notes that Smith is a UFC debutant and a 2-to-1 favorite, which he considers a bad bet. He thinks Smith's jiu-jitsu is good enough to avoid submissions. He advises against betting on Smith.
Big Brady is very high on Jacobe Smith, calling him a top-three contender series prospect. He praises Smith's wrestling, devastating ground and pound, and power. He notes Parsons is hittable and has poor performances when he can't get takedowns, like against Oban Elliott. Brady predicts Smith will outwrestle Parsons and land a big shot, winning by second-round TKO.
Cody is confident in Smith, citing his elite wrestling pedigree and physicality. He notes Parsons's struggles against strong wrestlers like Oban Elliott. He expects Smith to dominate with takedowns and control.
Daniel is high on Smith's wrestling credentials (D1 from Oklahoma State) and KO power, but notes the -525 price and short notice are concerns. He thinks Smith's wrestling and power will be too much for Parsons, who is chinny and lost to Trevin Giles. He picks Smith but passes on betting due to lack of value.
Smith is making his UFC debut on very short notice but is a much better wrestler and grappler than Parsons. He will keep Parsons in bad positions and grind out a decision win.
Paul also picks Smith, calling him a real deal prospect. He notes Smith's violent Contender Series performance and All-American wrestling. He believes Smith will impose his will and move up the ranks quickly.
The Guru picks Smith, impressed by his contender series performance and offensive grappling. He thinks Smith's athleticism and relentlessness will out-hustle Parsons, who he considers not fast enough to lead. He notes Parsons has given trouble to fighters like Matthew Semelsberger and Trevin Giles but believes Smith's grappling will be the difference.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oban Elliott | 0 | 44 of 125 | 35% | 49 of 142 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:56 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 36 of 93 | 38% | 71 of 133 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 1:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oban Elliott | 0 | 9 of 35 | 25% | 12 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:56 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 25 of 50 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 2 | Oban Elliott | 0 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 14 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:54 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 29 | 55% | 23 of 38 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 | |
| 3 | Oban Elliott | 0 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 8 of 30 | 26% | 23 of 45 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oban Elliott | 44 of 125 | 35% | 36 of 116 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 41 of 122 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 36 of 93 | 38% | 15 of 66 | 4 of 9 | 17 of 18 | 31 of 85 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oban Elliott | 9 of 35 | 25% | 6 of 32 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 12 of 34 | 35% | 3 of 21 | 2 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 9 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Oban Elliott | 13 of 46 | 28% | 9 of 42 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 16 of 29 | 55% | 7 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 15 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Oban Elliott | 22 of 44 | 50% | 21 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 8 of 30 | 26% | 5 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Parsons (-155), Elliott (+130)
Round 1
Capping off the early prelims is now a welterweight clash between Welshman Elliott (10-2, 1-0 UFC) and submission specialist Parsons (11-4, 2-2 UFC). The Floridian will try to become the first man to tap out Elliott and spoil his six-fight win streak, while aiming to go on his own run for the first time since 2021. Referee Dan Movahedi draws the charge for this stylistic clash, and it kicks off with a spirited clap of hands. Elliott tries to strike first with a spinning wheel kick, and Parsons walks past it slinging hands. “Pressure” pressures his opponent right to the wall, and Elliott spins him around and nails him with an elbow. The two jockey for position against the wire, peppering one another with elbows until Parsons decides to disengage and try another way in. As he circles, he lands a low kick, and his head kick that follows goes wide. Elliott spins with a back kick that lands right above the cup, and Parsons shows no concern and goes right at his man kicking the upper thigh twice. As Elliott parries punches, he is forced to deal with a spin kick to the ribs. Elliott gives him a strike back immediately in the form of a spinning wheel kick, and the two take turns punching one another. Elliott marches forward but his leg is kicked out, and Parsons tries to take advantage but is shoved to the fencing. Elliott flirts with a takedown, and Parsons meets him low with a guillotine setup to thwart it. Parsons fights out of the tie-up and walks forward swinging for the fences. Elliott meets him in the middle, gunslinging right back, and he allows Parsons to leap at him with a Superman punch to tag him with a right hand in response. Elliott shuts down a takedown effort from Parsons and squeezes him against the wall until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Round 2
The two hurry out of their corners so promptly that they forget they want to touch gloves and are too close to one another to offer. They elect to throw hands, and Parsons ducks down to time a single-leg entry that Elliott successfully and comfortable defends. Elliott manages to turn Parsons around and push him against the cage, and he releases the grip and dodges or parries most of the kicks that fly at him. Parsons gets off an effective calf kick and has his head snapped back with a jab, and he comes up just short of a counter left hook. Parsons reaches his man with a left hand, swaying to dodge the counter, and he ducks a trio of punches to shoot on the hips. Elliott perfectly defends the double-leg takedown and sprawls away, managing to circle around and take the back standing in the process. Elliott drags Parsons to a knee for a moment, and he releases his hands clasped around the waist and backs away to reset. Parsons surges after him swinging with a big right hand, and Elliott effectively counters him and ducks a punch to try to take Parsons down. Parsons stays on his feet while Elliott’s hands wrap around his waist, and Parsons grabs the fence but is still taken down. Parsons powers back to his feet and frees himself from the grip, but Elliott is right there in front of him to box him up. Elliott slips back to avoid the counter and escapes, and Parsons gives chase and connects at the end of a right hand. Elliott steps in with a knee to the body and sticks out a jab, and the pressure of “Pressure” continues as he doggedly pursues a takedown he cannot find. The Welshman defends flawlessly and uses a kimura to roll Parsons over, sweeping his man and jumping back up before Parsons can get hold of him to initiate more ground fighting. Elliott pushes his man on the links until the conclusion of Round 2.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Round 3
When the round begins, Parsons is the initial aggressor until he walks face-first into a one-two, and he thinks twice about this approach. Elliott beats him to the punch repeatedly, splitting the guard to frustrate Parsons further. Parsons hunts for a takedown in open cage, and Elliott scrambles quickly to defend it. Parsons jumps after a submission, and Elliott wrenches his limb out and shuts down Parsons’ subsequent double that does not work. Parsons stands up labored when Elliott backs off, and he allows Parsons to meander forward so he can counter him with a solid combination. A one-two from Elliott gets Parsons’ attention, who loads up on strikes and gets popped with another one-two before getting bullied to the wall. Elliott disengages so he can keep working Parsons over from boxing range, and he ignores a low kick while fighting behind his jab. Parsons comes up well short with a head kick and eats a jab, and he overswings but manages to connect with a left hook. Elliott pushes “Pressure” to the wall again and sneaks in a left hand on the way, stifling a takedown as well. Elliott elbows on the break, and he ducks a right hook to flash out a jab. Elliott meets a diving takedown and gets pushed back to the chain links, and Parsons manages to scoop his man up and toss him down but falls directly into an armbar setup. The Welshman holds tight on the submission while Parsons holds his knee down on the face, and Elliott continues hanging on with the maneuver and has his toes interlocked in the fence. Parsons shucks it off and turns the corner, but both men get back to their feet in the clinch. Parsons works the body with knees and a few punches, and the fight comes to a conclusion.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott (30-27 Elliott)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Parsons (29-28 Elliott)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott (30-27 Elliott)
The Official Result
Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Preston Parsons, expecting him to dive for takedowns and either submit or decision Oban Elliott. He notes that Oban is well-rounded but not dangerous, and Parsons has 9 submissions in 11 wins. Angelo acknowledges the fight could be boring but believes Parsons will get the grappling going and win.
Cody picks Preston Parsons, citing his relentless pressure, grappling, and power. He notes that Oban Elliott was taken down by Val Woodburn, which is a red flag, and that Parsons has better wrestling and cardio. Cody believes Parsons can grind out a win or even knock Elliott out.
Daniel thinks Preston Parsons is more battle-tested and has faced better competition. He notes Oban Elliott is unathletic and boring but tough. He picks Parsons but not confidently, citing potential jet lag and judging issues.
Daniel picks Modestas Bukauskas inside the distance as his prop. He notes Bukauskas has good takedowns and back-takes from his Cage Warriors days, and expects him to work his grappling. He thinks there's a real chance of a ground-and-pound finish, and the inside distance line at +240 offers value.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Elliott's takedown defense is questionable and that Parsons' wrestling will be the difference. He mentions that Parsons has a clear game plan and that Elliott's love from the betting market is unwarranted.
The MMA Guru picks Preston Parsons, believing he is the better fighter with tougher competition. He notes Parsons' well-rounded game, including grappling and submission attempts, and his impressive win over Matthew Semelsberger. The Guru is less impressed with Oban Elliott's striking, calling it slow, and thinks Parsons will mix things up effectively. He acknowledges Elliott's size and potential but trusts Parsons' experience and skill.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 33 of 77 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 3:08 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 47 of 87 | 54% | 116 of 165 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 2 | 1 | 6:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 11 of 29 | 37% | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 20 of 35 | 57% | 45 of 62 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 10 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 17 of 31 | 54% | 36 of 53 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 1 | 0 | 2:24 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:54 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 35 of 50 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 1 | 3:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 28 of 69 | 40% | 18 of 55 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 23 of 60 | 3 of 7 | 2 of 2 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 47 of 87 | 54% | 25 of 62 | 9 of 11 | 13 of 14 | 25 of 59 | 11 of 13 | 11 of 15 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 11 of 29 | 37% | 5 of 20 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 27 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 20 of 35 | 57% | 5 of 19 | 7 of 8 | 8 of 8 | 17 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 9 of 21 | 42% | 6 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 15 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 17 of 31 | 54% | 10 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 19 | 8 of 9 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 8 of 19 | 42% | 7 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 10 of 21 | 47% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 11 |
Angelo picks Preston Parsons as a slight underdog, hoping he can weather an early storm and get takedowns like Jeremiah Wells did. He acknowledges Parsons' cardio issues and Semelsberger's one-punch knockout power, which is why his bet is only a quarter unit. He also plans to bet Semelsberger inside the distance as a prop, believing Parsons won't submit him.
Big Brady sees this as a striker vs. grappler matchup. He highlights Semelsberger's incredible power, having knocked down opponents in 7 of 9 UFC fights. He believes if Semelsberger stuffs takedowns, he will knock out Parsons brutally. Parsons' path is via submission, but Brady favors the power of Semelsberger.
Cody picks Parsons, citing his wrestling advantage and full camp, while Semelsberger is on short notice. He notes Semelsberger's suspect chin and cardio due to weight cuts, and that Parsons can take him down and hold him down. He admits it's not a high-confidence play but likes the dog at plus money.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Matthew Semelsberger to knock out Preston Parsons. He acknowledges Semelsberger's power and knockdown rate, but worries about his tendency to end up on his back. Vreeland thinks if Semelsberger can avoid getting taken down, he will bust up Parsons standing. He hopes Semelsberger has fixed the mental issues that held him back.
James does not discuss this fight in the transcript.
Preston Parsons is a pressure grappler who uses relentless forward movement and takedowns to control opponents. He has a strong wrestling base and can grind out decisions. Matthew Semelsberger has power but has struggled against grapplers, as seen in the Jeremiah Wells fight where he was controlled on the mat. Parsons' pace and grappling should neutralize Semelsberger's striking. At plus 110, Parsons is a good value pick, and I expect him to win by decision through control and pressure.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Parsons as the wrestler on a full camp at plus money. He notes that Semelsberger has never impressed him and that Parsons has a clear path via wrestling. He mentions that Semelsberger's weight cut and short notice could be factors.
The MMA Guru picks Matthew Semelsberger despite acknowledging his tendency to mess up TKO finishes. He notes Semelsberger's size, reach, and power, and believes he has a high likelihood of landing a big KO shot. He is not impressed by Preston Parsons, except for his win over Trevin Giles, which he attributes to Giles' mistakes.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 55 of 108 | 50% | 71 of 129 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 4:14 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 42 of 95 | 44% | 62 of 130 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 3 | 1 | 5:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 14 of 26 | 53% | 17 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:26 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 14 of 28 | 50% | 23 of 43 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 1:52 | |
| 2 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 18 of 40 | 45% | 29 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 18 of 40 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 1 | 1:30 | |
| 3 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 25 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:25 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 21 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:54 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevin Giles | 55 of 108 | 50% | 51 of 102 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 34 of 83 | 7 of 9 | 14 of 16 |
| Preston Parsons | 42 of 95 | 44% | 24 of 77 | 6 of 6 | 12 of 12 | 34 of 84 | 7 of 10 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevin Giles | 14 of 26 | 53% | 14 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 |
| Preston Parsons | 14 of 28 | 50% | 9 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Trevin Giles | 18 of 40 | 45% | 15 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 6 |
| Preston Parsons | 13 of 32 | 40% | 7 of 26 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Trevin Giles | 23 of 42 | 54% | 22 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 6 |
| Preston Parsons | 15 of 35 | 42% | 8 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 13 of 32 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Parsons, noting his slick grappling and the fact that he showed he can go three rounds in his last fight. He thinks Giles is overrated due to the Roman Dolidze win, which he argues Dolidze actually won. He believes Parsons will get the wrestling going and win, possibly inside the distance. He has a half-unit moneyline bet on Parsons at -105.
Big Brady picks Preston Parsons by submission in the second round. He questions Trevin Giles' fight IQ, durability, and volume, noting that Giles has been finished in all four losses. Brady believes Parsons' pressure and cardio will break Giles, and that Giles' weight cut to 170 will hurt his gas tank. He expects Parsons to mix takedowns, get on top, and secure a submission.
Cody picks Parsons, citing Giles' inconsistency, low output, and recent durability issues. He notes Parsons is younger, improving, and has solid wrestling. He worries about Texas judging but believes Parsons can edge out a decision or get a takedown. He calls it a 50/50 fight but leans Parsons.
Connor initially hesitates but ultimately sides with Zane's pick of Preston Parsons. He acknowledges that Parsons will eat a lot of straight punches early and that Giles is fast and a good straight puncher, but he doesn't trust Giles's application of his tools or his defensive absence at welterweight. Connor notes that Giles looked okay against Louis Cosce but not great, and he believes Parsons's physical pressure will be enough to exploit Giles's weaknesses.
Jacob also picks Parsons, agreeing that Giles is a good boxer but does not use his jab enough and struggles with pressure. He thinks Parsons will get in Giles' face, disrupt his striking, and win inside the distance. He says he is 'pressing Parsons all the way'.
The host likes Parsons' relentless grappling style and believes he can push a pace that Giles may not handle at welterweight. He notes Parsons showed good cardio in his last fight, and expects him to find a finish from top dominant position. He has questions about Giles' energy levels and weight cut.
The Guru picks Giles, citing his experience and athleticism. He notes that Parsons hasn't fought since his debut and lacks a standout skill. He expects Giles to win by decision, using his physicality and technique.
Zane picks Preston Parsons because he believes Trevin Giles's athletic advantages are less pronounced at welterweight and his defensive flaws are more exploitable. Giles backs up with his hands down and is prone to getting hurt, while Parsons is a pressuring bully who will walk through shots and wear Giles down. Zane notes that Giles has not knocked anyone out since 2017 and tends to gas when having success, making him vulnerable to Parsons's relentless pressure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 75 of 112 | 66% | 121 of 160 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 5 | 1 | 7:48 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 27 of 60 | 45% | 34 of 67 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 1:47 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 23 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:16 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 15 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 40 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 1 | 2:55 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 2 | 0:52 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 43 of 59 | 72% | 58 of 76 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:37 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 8 of 23 | 34% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 75 of 112 | 66% | 60 of 94 | 9 of 11 | 6 of 7 | 33 of 58 | 7 of 11 | 35 of 43 |
| Evan Elder | 27 of 60 | 45% | 12 of 43 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 26 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 16 of 28 | 57% | 13 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
| Evan Elder | 12 of 22 | 54% | 5 of 15 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 16 of 25 | 64% | 12 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 8 |
| Evan Elder | 7 of 15 | 46% | 3 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 43 of 59 | 72% | 35 of 49 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 26 of 33 |
| Evan Elder | 8 of 23 | 34% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Evan Elder (referred to as Luis Cose, but likely Evan Elder given the matchup). He likes Elder's power and pressure, and thinks Parsons' takedowns aren't good enough to be a constant threat. He sees it as a sprawl-and-brawl matchup where Elder can settle in and let his hands go. He notes Elder was dominating his last fight before gassing.
Cody picks Elder, citing his striking and preparation for a grappler. He notes Parsons' one-dimensional grappling and tendency to get knocked out. He thinks Elder will stuff takedowns and land a knockout.
The host picks Evan Elder in his quick picks list and includes the fight in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds. He does not provide detailed reasoning for the pick.
Paul agrees, noting Elder's training at Sanford MMA and preparation for a wrestler. He thinks Elder's striking will be too much for Parsons. He suggests Elder should be around -185 favorite.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder (referred to as 'Louis Coskey' in transcript, likely a mispronunciation) over Preston Parsons. He describes Elder as explosive and dangerous early, noting his debut loss but good performance. He criticizes Parsons for being unimpressive and easily handled by Daniel Rodriguez. He predicts Elder will be more patient this time and get a first-round KO, citing power difference. He mentions Elder's recent KO loss but believes he will bounce back.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Rodriguez | 0 | 45 of 83 | 54% | 46 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 23 of 43 | 53% | 24 of 44 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Rodriguez | 0 | 45 of 83 | 54% | 46 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 23 of 43 | 53% | 24 of 44 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Rodriguez | 45 of 83 | 54% | 36 of 72 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 38 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 12 |
| Preston Parsons | 23 of 43 | 53% | 14 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Rodriguez | 45 of 83 | 54% | 36 of 72 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 38 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 12 |
| Preston Parsons | 23 of 43 | 53% | 14 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Capping off the preliminary card is a welterweight tilt as the hard-hitting Rodriguez (14-2, 4-1 UFC) welcomes short-notice replacement and submission artist Parsons (9-2, 0-0 UFC) to the promotion. The betting line that this fight does not go to decision is high (-250), and referee Mike Beltran and his mustache will need to be on their game as soon as it begins. The fighters do not touch gloves, and Rodriguez instead walks forward to throw hands. Parsons backs him off with a head kick, and he crashes in to pursue a single leg take down early. “D-Rod is not concerned, as he spins around, drops to a knee and breaks away. Parsons touches him with a left hand, and Rodriguez eats it and backs off. Parsons lands another, and Rodriguez gathers himself and starts to get off a few thudding leg kicks. Rodriguez rips the body with a kick and sprawls when Parsons tries to take him down. The California native walks Parsons down to kick him in the lead, and the shin lands with an audible pop. Parsons walks through it to ring home a straight right hand, and he throws kicks from each leg before Rodriguez ties him up. The welterweights trade single punches, and Rodriguez goes to the calf with a kick. Parsons whiffs on a trio of jabs, and he eats a left hand as he tries to find that range. Rodriguez’ leg kicks start adding up, so Parsons looks to give a few back and has two checked. A stinging one-two rings home from Rodriguez, and Parsons stands before him and fire back hard. Parsons gets off a big right hand, and a responsive right hand cracks Persons in the eye and makes Parsons bend over in pain. He backs off, blinking his eye from the punch, and Rodriguez pours it on with heavy punches. Rodriguez shrugs off a takedown, gets off a few heavy punches, and hurts the newcomer again. Parsons bites down on his gumshield and throws heavy leather, but Rodriguez ignores the oncoming fire and continues to tee off on an increasingly damaged Parsons.
The legs give way beneath Parsons as the damage keeps mounting, with a pair of left hands sending Parsons down to the ground. “Pressure” cannot quite handle the pressure of the blows, as Rodriguez lays on one final barrage of punches until Beltran has seen enough.
The victory puts “D-Rod” on a two-fight win streak, and he earns his eighth career knockout by pounding out a game Parsons.
The Official Result
Daniel Rodriguez def. Preston Parsons R1 3:47 via TKO (Punches)
Cody is very confident in Daniel Rodriguez, noting his superior boxing, 10th Planet jiu-jitsu, and experience. He believes Preston Parsons is a can-crusher who has struggled against UFC-level competition. Cody has parlayed Rodriguez with Islam Makhachev, indicating high confidence.
Paul sides with Daniel Rodriguez's experience and striking advantage, but he acknowledges that Preston Parsons is a physically strong grappler who could pose problems if he gets takedowns. He notes Rodriguez's questionable cardio and lack of tested grappling defense, but ultimately believes Rodriguez should win.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Jacobe Smith (Andreas Gustofson) but with very low confidence. He believes Smith is the better pure wrestler and that his wrestling will be the difference, as Preston Parsons is clueless if he can't get takedowns. However, he notes that Smith is a UFC debutant and a 2-to-1 favorite, which he considers a bad bet. He thinks Smith's jiu-jitsu is good enough to avoid submissions. He advises against betting on Smith.
Big Brady is very high on Jacobe Smith, calling him a top-three contender series prospect. He praises Smith's wrestling, devastating ground and pound, and power. He notes Parsons is hittable and has poor performances when he can't get takedowns, like against Oban Elliott. Brady predicts Smith will outwrestle Parsons and land a big shot, winning by second-round TKO.
Cody is confident in Smith, citing his elite wrestling pedigree and physicality. He notes Parsons's struggles against strong wrestlers like Oban Elliott. He expects Smith to dominate with takedowns and control.
Daniel is high on Smith's wrestling credentials (D1 from Oklahoma State) and KO power, but notes the -525 price and short notice are concerns. He thinks Smith's wrestling and power will be too much for Parsons, who is chinny and lost to Trevin Giles. He picks Smith but passes on betting due to lack of value.
Smith is making his UFC debut on very short notice but is a much better wrestler and grappler than Parsons. He will keep Parsons in bad positions and grind out a decision win.
Paul also picks Smith, calling him a real deal prospect. He notes Smith's violent Contender Series performance and All-American wrestling. He believes Smith will impose his will and move up the ranks quickly.
The Guru picks Smith, impressed by his contender series performance and offensive grappling. He thinks Smith's athleticism and relentlessness will out-hustle Parsons, who he considers not fast enough to lead. He notes Parsons has given trouble to fighters like Matthew Semelsberger and Trevin Giles but believes Smith's grappling will be the difference.
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