Career Averages - Nikolas Motta
Career Averages - Maheshate
Nikolas Motta
Maheshate
Nikolas Motta - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 1 | 93 of 150 | 62% | 102 of 161 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:29 |
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 66 of 157 | 42% | 76 of 168 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 39 of 63 | 61% | 45 of 70 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:05 |
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 36 of 82 | 43% | 44 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 1 | 54 of 87 | 62% | 57 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 30 of 75 | 40% | 32 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 93 of 150 | 62% | 60 of 114 | 25 of 27 | 8 of 9 | 58 of 109 | 33 of 38 | 2 of 3 |
| Nikolas Motta | 66 of 157 | 42% | 46 of 136 | 16 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 54 of 135 | 12 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 39 of 63 | 61% | 21 of 43 | 12 of 13 | 6 of 7 | 25 of 46 | 14 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 36 of 82 | 43% | 23 of 68 | 9 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 28 of 72 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 54 of 87 | 62% | 39 of 71 | 13 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 33 of 63 | 19 of 21 | 2 of 3 |
| Nikolas Motta | 30 of 75 | 40% | 23 of 68 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 63 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Nazim Sadykhov, praising his striking and footwork. He notes that Nazim is a very good striker and has looked fantastic since his only loss. He acknowledges that Nikolas Motta is a good fighter with fast hands and power, but thinks Nazim is the slightly better striker and can win by finish. He warns that Motta is dangerous and the fight could get weird.
Big Brady is a big fan of Sadykhov in this matchup, citing durability as the key factor. He notes Sadykhov has never been knocked out, while Motta has been finished in all five losses. Brady thinks Sadykhov is more well-rounded, has better cardio, and a good ground game. He predicts Sadykhov will knock out Motta, possibly in the second round, but wouldn't be surprised by a submission.
Connor picks Sadykhov, agreeing that Motta's tendency to jump in with combinations and lack of distance management will be exploited by Sadykhov's countering and physicality. He notes that Sadykhov is not shallow in any area and is a tough, durable fighter who can take a shot and keep coming. He believes Motta's confidence issues, as seen against Ogden, will resurface against a strong opponent like Sadykhov.
The host is surprised Sadykhov is such a big favorite. He acknowledges Sadykhov's knockout power but thinks Motta has rounded out his game enough to eat big shots and put together a better body of work. He expects Motta to touch up Sadykhov, mix in takedowns, and win on the scorecards, noting Motta is live as a +340 underdog.
The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, calling him 'really, really good'. He acknowledges Nikolas Motta's underrated skills and dangerous hooks but believes Sadykhov's defensive striking and pressure will prevail. He warns about Motta's lunging hooks but expects Sadykhov to adjust and finish late second or third round via TKO.
Zane picks Sadykhov, noting that Motta's recklessness and chin-first approach will play into Sadykhov's power and physicality. He points out that Motta has been broken by lesser fighters like Trey Ogden, and that Sadykhov is a brute who is physical in all areas and has proven durability against Bonfim. He believes Sadykhov will survive Motta's early aggression and catch him with a fight-ending shot.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 56 of 169 | 33% | 60 of 173 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 2 | 78 of 166 | 46% | 87 of 183 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 16 of 44 | 36% | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 1 | 25 of 63 | 39% | 32 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 24 of 66 | 36% | 24 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 16 of 59 | 27% | 20 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 1 | 28 of 49 | 57% | 30 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 56 of 169 | 33% | 29 of 133 | 9 of 13 | 18 of 23 | 53 of 160 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 78 of 166 | 46% | 61 of 144 | 7 of 11 | 10 of 11 | 67 of 147 | 2 of 7 | 9 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 16 of 44 | 36% | 7 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 25 of 63 | 39% | 18 of 52 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 24 of 60 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nikolas Motta | 24 of 66 | 36% | 11 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 12 | 24 of 62 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 25 of 54 | 46% | 19 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 24 of 50 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nikolas Motta | 16 of 59 | 27% | 11 of 49 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 15 of 57 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 28 of 49 | 57% | 24 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 12 |
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as an underdog, citing Maheshate's sloppiness and hittability. He believes Motta is faster, more accurate, and a better striker. He notes both are chinny but Motta's technical edge should prevail. He will sprinkle if the line widens to +200 or +250.
Big Brady picks Maheshate to win by second-round knockout. He notes Maheshate is seven years younger, has a height and reach advantage, and is the more active striker. He highlights that Nikolas Motta has been finished in all five of his losses, including four by knockout, while Maheshate has only one knockout loss. Brady believes both have knockout power but Maheshate has better durability.
Cody picks Maheshate, citing his power and youth. He notes that Motta has been knocked out multiple times and fades in later rounds. Maheshate's durability and improving cardio should allow him to win by knockout or decision. He expects a violent finish in Maheshate's favor.
Daniel Vreeland acknowledges Motta's devastating knockout power, noting 10 of his 14 wins are by KO. However, he believes Maheshate has more tools on the feet and can win a decision if he avoids getting knocked out. He leans towards Maheshate due to his youth, size, and more diverse striking, but admits Motta always has a puncher's chance.
Paul picks Maheshate but is hesitant, noting that both have power and can finish. He thinks Motta has more power but less heart, and Maheshate's volume and durability will be key. He suggests a live bet on Motta by KO early, but expects Maheshate to win if it goes past the first round.
The MMA Guru initially considered Maheshate due to his size and reach, but changed his mind after noting Maheshate's split decision win over Gabriel Benitez, which he views as unimpressive. He believes Motta won't get knocked out early and will warm into the fight, ultimately picking Motta to start the card. However, he acknowledges Maheshate's knockout of Steve Garcia, showing hesitation.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 21 of 40 | 52% | 21 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Tom Nolan | 0 | 12 of 20 | 60% | 12 of 20 | 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 | Nikolas Motta | 1 | 21 of 40 | 52% | 21 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Tom Nolan | 0 | 12 of 20 | 60% | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 21 of 40 | 52% | 19 of 35 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 13 of 20 |
| Tom Nolan | 12 of 20 | 60% | 5 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 21 of 40 | 52% | 19 of 35 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 13 of 20 |
| Tom Nolan | 12 of 20 | 60% | 5 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nolan (-298), Motta (+240)
Round 1
Two power-punching lightweights enter the Octagon to make some waves. Motta (13-5, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC) may be fighting for his job, depending on the result, while unbested Aussie Nolan (6-0, 0-0 UFC) wants to leave a lasting impression in his promotional debut. Referee Dan Miragliotta draws the charge for this fight that might not need the full 15 minutes, and it opens up with a glove touch from the two combatants. Nolan quickly whips a leg kick on the inside, and he follows it with two punches. Nolan crowds his man and swings hard, and Motta bites down on his mouthpiece and throws back with a vengeance. Nolan sits down on a few kicks as he mixes in punches, while Motta fires off two body kicks that land with loud slaps. Motta takes a few punches on the chin, says “please sir, may I have some more,” and retaliates with a left hand and a vicious right that drops the unbeaten Australian to his seat.
Nolan turns over and tries to survive, but Motta follows him and proceeds to batter him with right hands. The thudding punches continue to connect on the side of the head, and Nolan is showing no signs of recovering at this point. Miragliotta recognizes this and intervenes,
and Nolan thinks about protesting but decides against it as his circuits are still somewhat scrambled. Motta rushes off and proceeds to celebrate with his eclectic corner of Ray Sefo, Jake Shields and Julian Erosa.
The Official Result
Nikolas Motta def. Tom Nolan R1 1:03 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Tom Nolan, believing he is the better striker with good accuracy, power, and pressure. He notes Nolan's poor takedown defense but thinks Motta won't exploit it as he averages zero takedowns per fight. He is slightly concerned about Motta's veteran savvy and explosive striking, and finds the -330 odds too steep for a UFC debutant. He plans to leave the fight alone rather than bet.
Big Brady acknowledges Tom Nolan's defensive flaws but believes Nikolas Motta's confidence and durability are shot. He notes Motta has been knocked out repeatedly and even struggled against low-output fighters. Brady expects Nolan's power and aggression to overwhelm Motta, predicting a first-round knockout.
Cody picks Nolan but is hesitant, noting that Motta is a shell of himself and has lost confidence. He acknowledges Nolan's inexperience and defensive flaws, but believes Motta's recent performances are so poor that Nolan can win. He says it's a trappy fight and he's not confident.
Daniel Vreeland picks Tom Nolan to win, but is hesitant due to Nolan's inexperience. He compares Nolan to a green Carlos Condit, praising his length and variety of strikes. Vreeland worries about Nolan making rookie mistakes against the experienced Motta, who has knockout power. He thinks Nolan can get a finish if he avoids Motta's big hooks.
James does not discuss this fight in the transcript.
Tom Nolan is an undefeated 23-year-old with a massive 6'3" frame and 76-inch reach, giving him a significant height and reach advantage over Motta. He earned his UFC contract by destroying Bogdan Grad on the Contender Series, showcasing his speed and power. Motta has durability issues and has been hurt in multiple fights, which Nolan can exploit. I expect Nolan to use his physical advantages to brutalize Motta and finish him inside the first round by KO. The minus 330 line is a bit steep for a debutant, but the matchup favors Nolan heavily.
Paul picks Nolan as a fade of Motta, noting that Motta's durability and confidence are gone. He says he has no intention of betting Motta and that Nolan is unproven but likely wins. He calls it a trappy fight and is not confident.
The MMA Guru picks Tom Nolan, highlighting his size, reach, and finishing ability. He notes that Nikolas Motta has been too finishable recently, with KO losses to Manel Torres, Trey Ogden, and Jim Miller. He believes Nolan's power and size will catch Motta's chin and put him away by TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Ogden | 0 | 58 of 83 | 69% | 96 of 128 | 3 of 16 | 18% | 1 | 0 | 4:28 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 14 of 80 | 17% | 16 of 82 | 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 | Trey Ogden | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 35 of 49 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 2 of 17 | 11% | 2 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Trey Ogden | 0 | 41 of 56 | 73% | 43 of 59 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 12 of 58 | 20% | 12 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Trey Ogden | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 18 of 20 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:47 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Ogden | 58 of 83 | 69% | 49 of 74 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 44 of 65 | 13 of 17 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 14 of 80 | 17% | 8 of 73 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 80 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trey Ogden | 16 of 25 | 64% | 11 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 2 of 17 | 11% | 0 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Trey Ogden | 41 of 56 | 73% | 37 of 52 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 31 of 43 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 12 of 58 | 20% | 8 of 53 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Trey Ogden | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Motta (-135), Ogden (+114)
Round 1
Moving on to the lightweight division, two fighters will set foot in the cage hoping right the ship after losses earlier in the year, and the next victory will even their UFC record. Whether it is Ogden (16-6, 1-2 UFC) or Motta (13-5, 1-2 UFC), they will have the next three rounds or less to decide. Referee Mike Beltran draws the charge, and he sits back as the fighters do not choose to touch ‘em up. Both fighters fake jabs at one another, and then they reach out with jabs that do not find their targets. The first land is from Ogden in the form of a prodding jab, and he wipes his hands on his shorts. Ogden snaps out another jab as Motta comes in, and Motta sits down on a leg kick in response. Ogden gets in a jab and dodges when Motta counters, and he ducks away as Motta swings at him. Motta throws a kick, and Ogden catches it and goes after a single. Ogden presses his foe against the fence when the takedown does not materialize, and he is warned for grabbing the fence to keep Motta trapped on it. Ogden softens the body up with a few knees before pushing off, and he drops down for another single and bails on it to go up top with a right and a left. Ogden snipes his foe with another sharp jab, snapping the head back and disrupting the power coming back at him. Ogden shoots for a naked double-leg takedown, and Motta stands him up but gets popped with another jab. Motta prepares for another takedown and halts it, and Ogden once more sticks him with the jab. Ogden kicks low and rifles out a few jabs, and Motta is unable to let go with power punches as a result. Motta’s nose begins to glow like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and he defends against another shot but eats a number of jabs. Ogden snake-charms his opponent with jabs, and as Motta overswings on a right hand, he drops down low and secures a double to dump the Brazilian on his back. Ogden moves right to half guard with ease, and he grinds out the remainder of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Round 2
Ogden is ready and rearing to pick up right where he left off, and he pushes out a jab and beats Motta to the punch a few times. Motta rushes out throwing big punches, but Ogden sees them coming and evades them. Motta looks for a head kick at the end of a few strikes, and Ogden parries and strafes to the side. Ogden ducks and runs to the side when Motta swings for the bleachers, and he gets back into position and pierces the guard with a jab. An overzealous Motta runs into a takedown attempt, and he manages to stop it and throw hand back. Ogden keeps composed and rolls with the punches, what few Motta has landed. Motta unloads a right hand that skims past the side of his foe’s head, and Ogden answers this with a double attempt. Motta stifles this and chomps down on a few more jabs as mis mouth opens from the blows. Ogden fails on another takedown attempt, but his follow-up punches are largely finding their mark while Motta swings back hitting air. Ogden stands in one place a little too long and takes a right hand on the chin, and this wobbles him as he stumbles away. Motta tries to give chase, but Ogden takes a quick count of his teeth and smacks the Brazilian with a left hook. The jabs continue to mount by the busy Ogden, who regains his sea legs as he further marks up Motta’s face. Ogden fakes out his foe to grab hold of him with a body lock, and he delivers a pair of knees to the body. Motta pushes off and continues to throw wildly, and every so often he does manage a land. Motta dips down to block a takedown, and Ogden opens up with three punches and a blocked head kick. Ogden slings Motta to the ground with sheer strength, and Motta climbs back up and takes a knee up the middle and a right hand. Motta shakes it off and continues relentlessly throwing power punches, but Ogden sees most of them coming and does work with his jab and follow-up hook. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Round 3
The two have reached the final round, and they meet in the middle and trade hands. Ogden hops back away from the power right hand, and he glances it off the cheek and surprises Ogden. The Marathon MMA fighter doggedly goes after a takedown, and Motta hops across the cage and keeps his balance. Ogden exerts himself and dumps the Brazilian to his seat, and he wraps his legs around Motta’s for a partial mount position. Motta sits himself against the fence, and Ogden drags him flat to his back as he slides himself a bit higher to claim full mount. “Samurai Ghost” maintains heavy chest pressure and bonks Motta in the side of the head with open palm strikes, and he squeezes down to set up an arm-triangle choke and slips his left arm behind Motta’s head. Ogden adjusts his grip and talks to his corner, and he follows their instructions to lock down the arm-triangle choke. Ogden steps over to the side as he presses down with all his might.
Beltran tells Motta to show him he is still in the fight, and Motta fights the grip and is still with it. Beltran checks on Motta’s hand and believes that Motta is out, and he steps in to stop the fight. Motta immediately screams at Beltran, saying he was not out and asking why the fight is over.
By first glance, it appears to be a bit of a premature stoppage, as Motta was not rendered unconscious and his attempts to signal Beltran something like a thumbs-up would put him further in danger. For now, the result is what it is, a win by technical submission for Ogden, unless the replay goes over the footage and determines something else. As it turns out, they do.
The Official Result
Trey Ogden vs. Nikolas Motta is Ruled a No Contest (Premature Stoppage) R3 3:11
Angelo leans towards Nikolas Motta, expecting him to stay busy on the feet and keep Trey Ogden out of his wrestling rhythm. He notes Motta has solid takedown defense and explosive striking. He predicts a decision win for Motta.
Big Brady calls this a terrible fight, criticizing Trey Ogden for being a point striker who doesn't engage and has zero knockout wins. He thinks Motta has a questionable chin but will land big shots because Ogden will be running around. He predicts Motta wins by decision because he looks like he wants to be there, but he has little interest in the fight.
Cody picks Nikolas Motta, citing his superior striking and hand speed. He notes that Ogden has no knockout power and low volume. Motta's chin is a concern, but Ogden is unlikely to exploit it. Cody expects Motta to out-strike Ogden and win.
Ogden is a BJJ black belt who can implement his grappling pressure similar to his win over Zellhuber. He will walk Motta down, land kicks and punches, then change levels for takedowns. Motta has questionable durability and grappling acumen, having been knocked out recently and not tested on the ground. Ogden can find a submission victory.
Paul picks Motta, noting his better boxing and speed. He mentions Ogden's lack of power and inability to wrestle effectively. Paul thinks Motta can win by decision or TKO if he avoids getting hit clean.
The MMA Guru picks Trey Ogden over Nikolas Motta, citing Motta's lack of momentum after being knocked out by Manuel Torres and Jim Miller. He notes Ogden's tricky style and competitive fights against Ignacio Bahamondes and Daniel Zellhuber, and believes Ogden can outpoint Motta on the outside to a decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 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 | Manuel Torres | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 13 of 17 | 76% | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 7 of 14 | 50% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 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 | Manuel Torres | 13 of 17 | 76% | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Nikolas Motta | 7 of 14 | 50% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as the underdog. He believes Motta is the more powerful striker and will avoid Torres's plum clinch and takedowns. Torres has a BJJ advantage but will struggle to get the fight to the ground. Angelo plans to bet Motta plus 3.5 points on the judge's scorecard, so a 29-28 loss still pays.
Big Brady picks Manuel Torres to win by first-round knockout. He describes Torres as a wild, relentless fighter who pushes a high pace and looks for finishes. Brady notes Torres has been finished twice by submission but has good durability and chin, while Motta has been knocked out multiple times. He believes Torres will make it his fight and overwhelm Motta with pressure and volume. Brady expects a chaotic car crash of a fight ending early in Torres' favor.
Cody is high on Torres, citing his finishing ability, good volume, durability, and multiple ways to win. He notes that Torres has a nasty submission game and striking, and that his only losses came via leg locks early in his career. Cody thinks Torres will overwhelm Motta with volume and eventually catch him, predicting a knockout after the over 1.5 rounds. He acknowledges Motta's durability is a question mark.
Connor picks Torres, citing his chin and comfort in the pocket. He notes that Motta is a sharp counter puncher but gets hit cleanly and lacks durability. Connor expects Torres to fire back when hit and eventually overwhelm Motta with power.
Daniel Levi picks Nikolas Motta, citing Motta's superior technical striking and counter boxing. He notes Torres's reckless striking leaves openings, and Motta can exploit them. He also mentions Motta's grappling as a potential path to tire Torres. He acknowledges the danger in the first few minutes but believes Motta can weather the storm and take over.
Torres has cardio issues and is mostly an early knockout threat. Motta is a better technical striker with more experience. If Motta survives the early onslaught, he can take over in the second round and find his own knockout. The fight likely ends inside the distance. Motta wins by knockout.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Torres puts on a high pace early and often, and that his significant strike totals are impressive. He questions whether Torres can maintain that pace if the fight extends, but given Motta's durability issues, he thinks Torres will get the job done. Paul likes the over 37.5 significant strikes for Torres on PrizePicks.
The MMA Guru picks Manuel Torres over Nikolas Motta, citing Torres as a good prospect with momentum and a reach advantage. He notes Motta was slept by Jim Miller and has questionable striking defense. He expects a stand-up fight favoring Torres, who has improved over a year off.
Zane picks Torres because of his durability and ability to navigate wild exchanges. He notes that Motta is fragile and has been knocked out multiple times, while Torres has never been KO'd. Zane believes that in a pocket exchange, Torres will land the harder shots and Motta will break.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 1 | 24 of 45 | 53% | 24 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 15 of 40 | 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 | Nikolas Motta | 1 | 24 of 45 | 53% | 24 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 24 of 45 | 53% | 22 of 41 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 15 of 40 | 37% | 7 of 26 | 4 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 24 of 45 | 53% | 22 of 41 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 15 of 40 | 37% | 7 of 26 | 4 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Motta because he believes Motta is the better striker, with explosive athleticism and solid takedown defense. He notes that VanCamp is a wild brawler with power but is kill-or-be-killed, and that Motta should be able to pick him apart if he keeps a tight guard. However, he acknowledges the odds are wide and VanCamp is a live underdog, making him hesitant.
Big Brady picks Nikolas Motta to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Motta has dynamite in his hands and hits very hard, while Cameron VanCamp has poor striking defense (29% striking defense) and keeps his hands down with his chin up. Brady believes Motta's power will be too much for VanCamp, who has been knocked out multiple times. He also mentions that VanCamp is cutting down to 155 for the first time in a while, which could affect his performance. Brady predicts a first-round knockout for Motta.
Cody thinks VanCamp's size and reach advantage at 155 will be key. He notes Motta's questionable chin and low volume. He says VanCamp looked good in his last fight despite the KO loss and can out-point Motta from distance.
Daniel Levi leans Nikolas Motta, citing his brawling style and durability compared to VanCamp, who has been knocked out at 170 and is moving down. He thinks Motta is more UFC-ready and has improved by training in the US. He is not crazy about the price and does not bet.
Jacob picks VanCamp despite being biased because he trains with a friend of VanCamp. He highlights VanCamp's tenacity, length, power, and finishing ability, noting that he hurt Fiallo in his debut before getting caught. Jacob also took the under 1.5 rounds, expecting a brawl. He acknowledges Motta is more technical but believes VanCamp's pressure and power will prevail.
Motta is the slicker striker with better technique, while VanCamp is loose and defensively flawed. Both have durability issues, but Motta should capitalize on VanCamp's poor striking defense and counter him. The fight likely ends inside the distance. I prefer the fight doesn't go to decision at -170 to -225 rather than Motta's moneyline at -195.
Paul does not give a clear pick for this fight. He says he has no thoughts and defers to Cody.
The MMA Guru picks Cameron VanCamp as a massive underdog. He believes Nikolas Motta is not special after losing to Jim Miller, and that VanCamp's size, grappling, and full camp will be decisive. He predicts a first-round submission via rear naked choke, noting VanCamp's teeps and calf kicks to wear down opponents. He acknowledges Motta may start fast but thinks VanCamp's youth and experience give him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Miller | 1 | 48 of 92 | 52% | 49 of 93 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 21 of 57 | 36% | 21 of 57 | 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 | Jim Miller | 0 | 26 of 54 | 48% | 27 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 14 of 35 | 40% | 14 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jim Miller | 1 | 22 of 38 | 57% | 22 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 7 of 22 | 31% | 7 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Miller | 48 of 92 | 52% | 24 of 67 | 6 of 7 | 18 of 18 | 34 of 68 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 21 |
| Nikolas Motta | 21 of 57 | 36% | 17 of 53 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Miller | 26 of 54 | 48% | 8 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 13 of 13 | 23 of 51 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Nikolas Motta | 14 of 35 | 40% | 12 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jim Miller | 22 of 38 | 57% | 16 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 21 |
| Nikolas Motta | 7 of 22 | 31% | 5 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The widest gap in Octagon experience comes in this lightweight tilt, as the most active fighter in company history in the legendary Miller (33-16, 1 NC; 22-15, 1 NC UFC) comes to blows with the debuting Motta (12-3, 0-0 UFC). Miller has fought more than twice as many times in the UFC as Motta has competed in his whole career, but the 29-year-old from Brazil is undaunted. Watching closely to see if Motta can pass this difficult test is referee Keith Peterson, and Motta shows plenty of reverence but not a lick of nonsense as he chooses not to touch gloves with the longtime vet. Miller begins with several jabs, and he chains a few together into a slapping leg kick. Miller gets off a one-two, and he swats away the quick hands coming back at him from the Brazilian. Miller gets cracked with a short combination, but he give its right back to Motta. “Iron Motta” connects with a short punch, and Miller steps in with an elbow to keep him honest. Miller slings a high kick, and Motta sticks him with a right hand that hurts Miller cut does not send him down to the mat. Motta does not capitalize on this, and he lets the vet off the hook. Motta sticks him with a jab, stunning Miller again, but Miller attacks with a leg kick on the inside. Miller blocks another power right hand so that he can kick Motta’s lead leg once more, and Motta visibly reacts from it. A kick from Miller may have glanced off the cup, but Motta signals that he can keep fighting and they don’t slow down. Miller chops down Motta’s leg again, leading Motta to stumble forward and try to find his footing. Although Miller gives chase, Motta is able to duck out of the way and recover. “A-10” charges ahead with a short salvo of long punches, and Motta escapes the brunt of the damage but cannot escape the low kick from the vet. Motta rips the body with a left, and he barely avoids a looping left hand from Miller. Miller scores a leg kick, and he gets tagged with a clean counter right, but he shows no worse for wear from it. Miller continues to sting the leg a few more times, and Motta winces from the strikes. Miller leaps forward with a superman punch, using his forward momentum to tie the newcomer up and press him tightly against the fencing. Miller uses several close clinch strikes to his advantage, including a few knees to the inner thigh, until Motta pushes off to reset. Motta zips a high kick up and wraps his foot around Miller’s guard, and the New Jersey native wears it well and continues to assault his foe’s lead leg. One more leg kick from Miller ends the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Round 2
When Miller reaches out with a right hand to start off the second stanza, Motta replies with a pair of punches to break it up and catch Miller standing still. Miller revs up his engine and slams his shin into the inner thigh of his opponent, and Motta hops back only to take one on the outside. Miller stands firm when Motta advances, landing a check right hook on the inside and sending the Brazilian back. Motta escapes and circles away, and Miller gives chase and scores another solid right hand when Motta tries to get strikes going over the top. “A-10” is relentless when it comes to the inside leg of his opponent, and one big kick gives Motta all sorts of problems.
Smelling blood, Miller leaps forward to blast Motta in the face with a huge right hand, and Motta’s legs give way beneath him. With Motta falling to the ground with one arm trapped beneath his body, Miller is there to maul him with a blinding barrage of punches and hammerfists. The longtime vet does not take his foot off the gas, knowing he is about to finish the job, as Peterson gives Motta every possible chance to get out of it. With nothing left to offer from Motta, Peterson steps in, and Jim “Expletive Deleted” Miller has done it again.
Not only does Miller hold the most fights in company, but he is also now the winningest fighter in UFC history alongside Donald Cerrone with 23 victories apiece.
The Official Result
Jim Miller def. Nikolas Motta R2 1:58 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta despite loving Jim Miller. He notes Motta is explosive, athletic, has great power, and is patient. He believes Miller's chin and durability are declining, and Motta's striking is too slick and athletic for the aging Miller. He acknowledges Miller's ground advantage but doubts Miller can take the damage to get there.
Big Brady picks Nikolas Motta, noting he hits hard and is nine years younger. He believes Motta's takedown defense has improved and that Jim Miller's gas tank is poor. He predicts Motta will knock out Miller in the second round, though he acknowledges Miller could win early.
Cody is hesitant but leans toward Motta. He acknowledges that Jim Miller is a live underdog with excellent submission skills and sneaky power, but he is concerned about Miller's age (38) and Lyme disease, which may affect his cardio. Cody notes that Miller tends to fade in later rounds and that Motta, despite a questionable chin, has power and could finish early. He ultimately doesn't have the courage to pick Miller straight up, so he goes with Motta.
Levi is confident in Motta, highlighting his brutal knockout power (devastating KOs over Joe Solecki and Cesar Balmaceda) and improved discipline. He notes that Jim Miller historically struggles past the first round, and Motta has the jiu-jitsu to survive early grappling. Levi expects Motta to weather the early storm and finish Miller in the second or third round.
This fight is likely to end inside the distance. Miller will look for a submission early, but if he fails, his cardio fades and Motta can knock him out. The under 2.5 rounds is a strong play regardless of who wins. Motta by KO is also a possibility, but the under is the safer bet. Miller by submission at +350 is a live dog prop.
Paul picks Jim Miller as a dog, arguing that the line has moved too far in Motta's favor. He points out that Motta's takedown defense is untested and that Miller, with 39 UFC fights, has a massive experience advantage. Paul believes Miller can take Motta down and submit him, or even knock him out. He acknowledges Miller's age and potential cardio issues but thinks the value is on the veteran at +155.
The MMA Guru picks Nikolas Motta to win by late second-round TKO. He disagrees with the public favoring Jim Miller, arguing that Motta is a better prospect with a solid chin and good technique. He notes that Motta beat Joe Solecki, who controlled Miller on the ground, and that Motta's grappling is better than previous prospects Miller has beaten. He thinks Motta's youth and durability will carry him.
Maheshate - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge Young | 0 | 66 of 150 | 44% | 79 of 166 | 0 of 7 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 112 of 200 | 56% | 131 of 221 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gauge Young | 0 | 18 of 44 | 40% | 21 of 48 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 31 of 53 | 58% | 34 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 | |
| 2 | Gauge Young | 0 | 24 of 52 | 46% | 27 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 45 of 78 | 57% | 49 of 83 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 | |
| 3 | Gauge Young | 0 | 24 of 54 | 44% | 31 of 63 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 36 of 69 | 52% | 48 of 82 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge Young | 66 of 150 | 44% | 42 of 118 | 12 of 18 | 12 of 14 | 60 of 143 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 112 of 200 | 56% | 64 of 138 | 23 of 32 | 25 of 30 | 103 of 189 | 8 of 10 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gauge Young | 18 of 44 | 40% | 5 of 29 | 6 of 7 | 7 of 8 | 18 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 31 of 53 | 58% | 9 of 25 | 9 of 13 | 13 of 15 | 27 of 49 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Gauge Young | 24 of 52 | 46% | 18 of 45 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 49 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 45 of 78 | 57% | 32 of 59 | 7 of 10 | 6 of 9 | 43 of 75 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Gauge Young | 24 of 54 | 44% | 19 of 44 | 3 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 20 of 50 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 36 of 69 | 52% | 23 of 54 | 7 of 9 | 6 of 6 | 33 of 65 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The top prelim bout at UFC Shanghai, for whatever that distinction is worth on an all-ESPN card, features Midwest lightweight veteran Young against the mononymous Tibetan Maheshate. Referee Herb Dean motions the fighters to go to work and they comply, setting up in matching orthodox stances. Young strikes first with a body kick. Maheshate stalks forward, landing a kick of his own, and snaps Young’s head back with a right cross. Dean cautions the native fighter not to extend his fingers. Maheshate tags Young with another long, straight right hand. Young is bleeding a bit from the brow. Maheshate comes up short with a pair of murderous-looking hooks, and Young nails him on the counter, dropping him to his seat, mostly off balance. Maheshate pops back to his feet and lands a jab. Young with a hard low kick. Dean pauses the action and warns both fighters to watch their fingers. A few seconds later, he stops them again and gives the same warning, but when they go back to work, the fingers are once again extended—especially Maheshate’s. Young changes levels for a nice double-leg, running Maheshate to the cage, where he uses the fence to stand. Maheshate tries a whizzer kick but can’t get Young down. They end up the round tangled against the fence.
10-9 Hayisaer.
Round 2
Maheshate lands the first solid strike of the round, a straight right as Young is coming forward. Young drops down for a takedown attempt, but Maheshate allows himself to be driven to the cage, which keeps him upright. They disengage. Young lands a nice low kick and eats a jab on the counter. Young with another leg kick. Young is doing a solid job getting into range on the faster and much taller fighter. Young snaps back the head of Maheshate with a double jab, takes one in return and then comes back with another. Maheshate steps forward and Young grabs a double collar tie, punishing him with a knee up the middle. Young seems to be building momentum, landing more and better shots than his foe, but with 90 seconds to go in the round, Maheshate plants his feet and lands a solid right. Young shakes it off, comes in behind punches and changes levels for a takedown. He hauls his man down, moves to mount and takes his foe’s back with 10 seconds to go. Maheshate shakes him over the top and gets back to his feet at the horn.
10-9 Young.
Round 3
Young catches Maheshate with a low kick, slips a level elbow inside and then meets a level change head-on and comes out on top in the ensuing scramble. They disengage by mutual assent and go back to work on the feet. Young is suddenly the sharper striker, backing up the taller man and landing accurate punches. Young walks Maheshate into the fence, where he holds him up with an underhook and throws short punches and knees to the body. Maheshate shucks him off, lands a grazing knee and they break up, meeting back in the center of the cage. Half the round is down and the lightweights are exchanging single strikes in the middle of the Octagon. Maheshate runs Young to the fence with a double-leg, switches to a single, but can’t finish the takedown and they come off the fence. Maheshate slips a pair of punches and comes back with a hard right hand. Young clinches, they go careening into the fence and Maheshate tries a hip throw from an overhook. It goes nowhere, and the final horn sounds.
10-9 Young (29-28 Young).
The Official Result
Gauge Young def. Maheshate Hayisaer via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo gives a slight lean to Maheshate, calling him a fun striker who can hang in a firefight and mix in traditional martial arts techniques. He notes that Gauge Young is a well-rounded prospect but hasn't shown success at the UFC level. He admits this is not a confident pick and that he despises tracking picks equally because of low-confidence picks like this.
Big Brady picks Gauge Young to win by decision, though he admits he is not a fan of either fighter. He criticizes Maheshate's low striking accuracy and poor chin, and notes that Young has better volume and durability. He expects a close fight on the feet and believes Young will do enough to win a decision.
The host acknowledges a lot of money has come in on Maheshate, but still believes Young is the superior striker. He thinks Young's durability will help him eat big shots from Maheshate and eventually get to his own volume striking style, leading to a knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Gauge Young, noting that Young looked good on the Contender Series and had a competitive fight with Evan Elder. He admits he doesn't remember much about Maheshate, who has a 50/50 record in the UFC and hasn't beaten anyone good. He believes Young's ability to build as fights go on will be an advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 0 | 56 of 169 | 33% | 60 of 173 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 2 | 78 of 166 | 46% | 87 of 183 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 16 of 44 | 36% | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 1 | 25 of 63 | 39% | 32 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 24 of 66 | 36% | 24 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Nikolas Motta | 0 | 16 of 59 | 27% | 20 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 1 | 28 of 49 | 57% | 30 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Motta | 56 of 169 | 33% | 29 of 133 | 9 of 13 | 18 of 23 | 53 of 160 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 78 of 166 | 46% | 61 of 144 | 7 of 11 | 10 of 11 | 67 of 147 | 2 of 7 | 9 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Motta | 16 of 44 | 36% | 7 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 25 of 63 | 39% | 18 of 52 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 24 of 60 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nikolas Motta | 24 of 66 | 36% | 11 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 12 | 24 of 62 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 25 of 54 | 46% | 19 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 24 of 50 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nikolas Motta | 16 of 59 | 27% | 11 of 49 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 15 of 57 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 28 of 49 | 57% | 24 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 12 |
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as an underdog, citing Maheshate's sloppiness and hittability. He believes Motta is faster, more accurate, and a better striker. He notes both are chinny but Motta's technical edge should prevail. He will sprinkle if the line widens to +200 or +250.
Big Brady picks Maheshate to win by second-round knockout. He notes Maheshate is seven years younger, has a height and reach advantage, and is the more active striker. He highlights that Nikolas Motta has been finished in all five of his losses, including four by knockout, while Maheshate has only one knockout loss. Brady believes both have knockout power but Maheshate has better durability.
Cody picks Maheshate, citing his power and youth. He notes that Motta has been knocked out multiple times and fades in later rounds. Maheshate's durability and improving cardio should allow him to win by knockout or decision. He expects a violent finish in Maheshate's favor.
Daniel Vreeland acknowledges Motta's devastating knockout power, noting 10 of his 14 wins are by KO. However, he believes Maheshate has more tools on the feet and can win a decision if he avoids getting knocked out. He leans towards Maheshate due to his youth, size, and more diverse striking, but admits Motta always has a puncher's chance.
Paul picks Maheshate but is hesitant, noting that both have power and can finish. He thinks Motta has more power but less heart, and Maheshate's volume and durability will be key. He suggests a live bet on Motta by KO early, but expects Maheshate to win if it goes past the first round.
The MMA Guru initially considered Maheshate due to his size and reach, but changed his mind after noting Maheshate's split decision win over Gabriel Benitez, which he views as unimpressive. He believes Motta won't get knocked out early and will warm into the fight, ultimately picking Motta to start the card. However, he acknowledges Maheshate's knockout of Steve Garcia, showing hesitation.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maheshate | 0 | 121 of 295 | 41% | 121 of 296 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 97 of 312 | 31% | 97 of 312 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maheshate | 0 | 23 of 69 | 33% | 23 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 21 of 66 | 31% | 21 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Maheshate | 0 | 51 of 104 | 49% | 51 of 104 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 43 of 116 | 37% | 43 of 116 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 3 | Maheshate | 0 | 47 of 122 | 38% | 47 of 123 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 0 | 33 of 130 | 25% | 33 of 130 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maheshate | 121 of 295 | 41% | 81 of 247 | 13 of 21 | 27 of 27 | 120 of 291 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 97 of 312 | 31% | 67 of 261 | 26 of 47 | 4 of 4 | 93 of 304 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maheshate | 23 of 69 | 33% | 9 of 51 | 4 of 8 | 10 of 10 | 23 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 21 of 66 | 31% | 13 of 49 | 6 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 66 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Maheshate | 51 of 104 | 49% | 35 of 87 | 3 of 4 | 13 of 13 | 51 of 103 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 43 of 116 | 37% | 29 of 100 | 12 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 42 of 115 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Maheshate | 47 of 122 | 38% | 37 of 109 | 6 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 46 of 119 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Benítez | 33 of 130 | 25% | 25 of 112 | 8 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 123 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Maheshate but with very low confidence, calling it 'the tiniest sliver of confidence.' He notes Maheshate is young (24), faster, and stronger, but makes young mistakes and lets opponents dictate the pace. The pick is driven largely by recency bias, as Gabriel Benítez looked poor in his last fight after a layoff. Angelo acknowledges Benítez is a good underdog value because he may have shaken off ring rust.
Cody picks Benítez as a dog, citing his technical striking and volume. He notes Maheshate is low-volume and relies on one-punch power. He believes Benítez's experience and durability (if chin holds) will allow him to outwork Maheshate.
Daniel believes Maheshate belongs at UFC level, while Benítez is a gatekeeper who loses to fighters who belong. He notes Maheshate's right-side strikes (hand, high kick, knee) will be key against the southpaw Benítez. He predicts a knockout from the right side, possibly a right hand or high kick.
Maheshate has a 4-inch height advantage and similar reach, and his ability to establish range with footwork and straight shots down the middle will cause Benítez trouble. He has aligned himself with Fight Ready MMA, which has solid striking coaches. I expect Maheshate to counter Benítez effectively and line up a knockout shot, putting him back into winning ways.
Paul also picks Benítez, noting his high volume and takedown defense. He thinks Maheshate's low output plays into Benítez's hands, and that Benítez can win by decision if he avoids Maheshate's power. He acknowledges Benítez's chin issues but believes his volume will carry him.
The MMA Guru picks Maheshate to win by TKO in the third round. He notes that Maheshate has shown composure and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win, including eye pokes and takedowns when being outstruck. He criticizes Gabriel Benítez for falling apart in fights and lacking finishing ability, as seen in his failure to put away Billy Quarantillo. The Guru believes Maheshate is hungrier and more technical on the feet.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 0 | 32 of 109 | 29% | 33 of 110 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 3 | 85 of 148 | 57% | 85 of 148 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viacheslav Borshchev | 0 | 22 of 70 | 31% | 23 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 1 | 57 of 100 | 57% | 57 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Viacheslav Borshchev | 0 | 10 of 39 | 25% | 10 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Maheshate | 2 | 28 of 48 | 58% | 28 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viacheslav Borshchev | 32 of 109 | 29% | 26 of 100 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 29 of 99 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 85 of 148 | 57% | 40 of 99 | 17 of 19 | 28 of 30 | 69 of 118 | 11 of 18 | 5 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viacheslav Borshchev | 22 of 70 | 31% | 17 of 63 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 67 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 57 of 100 | 57% | 23 of 64 | 11 of 12 | 23 of 24 | 49 of 81 | 7 of 12 | 1 of 7 | |
| 2 | Viacheslav Borshchev | 10 of 39 | 25% | 9 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 32 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 28 of 48 | 58% | 17 of 35 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 6 | 20 of 37 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 5 |
Angelo picks Borshchev because in a striking match he should win easily, but he is concerned about Borshchev's poor takedown defense (31%) and the possibility that Maheshate could wrestle. He notes Borshchev is tough and never stops working, but is waiting for props before betting.
Big Brady picks Viacheslav Borshchev to knock out Maheshate in the first round. He is happy the UFC is giving Borshchev a striker, as his takedown defense is terrible but he is a beautiful striker with power. He expects Maheshate to stand and trade, which favors Borshchev. He predicts a first-round knockout.
Cody argues that Borshchev's takedown defense is poor, but Maheshate has never attempted a takedown in the UFC. He expects a striking match where Borshchev's volume and power will prevail. He notes Borshchev's ability to get up from takedowns and finish opponents.
Connor picks Maheshate because he believes Borshchev is more hurtable and can be caught with a big counter hook or knee. He notes that Maheshate is bigger, more well-rounded, and has never been knocked out. Connor also mentions the possibility of Maheshate out-grappling Borshchev, who is bad on the ground. He admits part of his pick is to avoid being trolled by a Twitter account claiming to be Maheshate.
Daniel Levi picks Viacheslav Borshchev, assuming the fight stays standing. He notes Borshchev has a clear striking advantage and is the more experienced kickboxer, while Maheshate has attempted zero takedowns in his UFC/Contender Series appearances. Levi acknowledges Borshchev's poor takedown defense but thinks Maheshate won't exploit it. He sees this as a striking match and favors Borshchev's cleaner technique.
The host picks Viacheslav Borshchev, expecting a striking battle where Borshchev's cleaner technique and body work will be key. He thinks Borshchev will slow Maheshate with body kicks and punches, then find a knockout. He likes the under and predicts a TKO victory.
Paul is intrigued by Maheshate's power and durability, and notes that Borshchev's takedown defense is a liability. He thinks Maheshate could land a knockout if Borshchev stands with him. He takes the underdog for value.
The MMA Guru picks Borshchev, believing he is better on the feet and that Maheshate won't be able to dominate him on the ground. He notes Borshchev has been working on his grappling and had moments against Mike Davis. He expects a stand-up fight and predicts Borshchev will finish via late-round TKO to the body. He is not impressed by Maheshate's win over Steve Garcia.
Zane picks Borshchev primarily for his aggression and body punching. He notes that Borshchev is more hittable and easier to get to, but his liver hunting could be a key factor against Maheshate, who has never been knocked out but may not withstand a clean shot to the liver. Zane sees this as a very 50/50 fight and is hesitant, but leans toward Borshchev's offensive pressure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafa García | 0 | 49 of 98 | 50% | 79 of 138 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 0 | 0 | 6:10 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 25 of 141 | 17% | 30 of 148 | 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 | Rafa García | 0 | 16 of 29 | 55% | 16 of 31 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 11 of 62 | 17% | 11 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rafa García | 0 | 13 of 36 | 36% | 27 of 54 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 2:26 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 8 of 52 | 15% | 8 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Rafa García | 0 | 20 of 33 | 60% | 36 of 53 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:15 |
| Maheshate | 0 | 6 of 27 | 22% | 11 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafa García | 49 of 98 | 50% | 29 of 70 | 11 of 17 | 9 of 11 | 28 of 64 | 11 of 13 | 10 of 21 |
| Maheshate | 25 of 141 | 17% | 16 of 110 | 8 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 23 of 138 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rafa García | 16 of 29 | 55% | 8 of 17 | 6 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 15 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Maheshate | 11 of 62 | 17% | 7 of 47 | 3 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 60 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rafa García | 13 of 36 | 36% | 8 of 28 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 10 |
| Maheshate | 8 of 52 | 15% | 5 of 42 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rafa García | 20 of 33 | 60% | 13 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 16 | 5 of 6 | 8 of 11 |
| Maheshate | 6 of 27 | 22% | 4 of 21 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Rafa García, noting that Maheshate gets taken down easily and Rafa has 18 takedowns in his last four fights. He likes Rafa's chin and offensive grappling to get the job done. He mentions the line has flipped from Maheshate being favorite to near even money, and he has already placed a moneyline bet on Rafa for premium members.
Big Brady picks Rafa García but is very hesitant due to lack of information on Maheshate. He notes García's path to victory is takedowns, but his top control is poor and he has cardio issues. Maheshate has a size advantage and may have improved takedown defense. Brady says it's a tough fight to call and he's staying away from betting, but leans García by decision.
Cody picks Garcia, noting his grinding style and cardio improvements. He thinks Garcia will take Maheshate down and grind him out. He notes Maheshate is a slow starter and Garcia has a good chin. He expects a decision win for Garcia.
Connor picks Garcia, noting he is the well-rounded fighter and should win if he wrestles. He thinks Garcia is tough and can out-wrestle Maheshate, whose defensive wrestling is questionable. He acknowledges Garcia can lose random fights but expects him to win.
Paul picks Maheshate as an underdog, noting his size and striking skills. He is concerned about Garcia's takedowns but thinks Maheshate can land a big shot. He sees value at plus money and is willing to take a shot. He makes it a Shoei bet with Cody.
The MMA Guru picks Rafa García over Hayisaer Maheshate, going against the majority. He notes García's close fight with Jai Herbert and his submission win over Genesis Ronson. He questions Maheshate's competition and KO rate, pointing out that Maheshate took a decision against a 10-15 opponent. He expects García to pressure with a good chin and mix in grappling, potentially getting a late submission or decision win. He also mentions that Maheshate lost to a grappler in M1.
Zane picks Maheshate as a random chance pick, partly to avoid being mocked by a Twitter account he thinks might be Maheshate. He admits Garcia should win but thinks Maheshate could knock him out early. He notes Maheshate has good timing and hand speed.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maheshate | 2 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Steve Garcia | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maheshate | 2 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Steve Garcia | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maheshate | 7 of 10 | 70% | 6 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Steve Garcia | 7 of 19 | 36% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maheshate | 7 of 10 | 70% | 6 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Steve Garcia | 7 of 19 | 36% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-180), Hayisaer (+155)
Round 1
Two victors from seasons of Dana White’s Contender Series collide for this lightweight matchup, when “Mean Machine” Garcia (12-4, 1-1 UFC) welcomes Maheshate (8-1, 0-0 UFC) to the UFC. The youngster Maheshate holds eight wins on his ledger, not six as other sources may list, due to a pair of 2019 victories discovered when Fight Finder staff members deciphered a typo in the promotion itself misspelling his name. Referee Marc Goddard will be on top of the action in this 155-pound affair, and there is a no glove touch from the two competitors to seal the cage around them. Maheshate throws out a front kick, and Garcia leaps back as Maheshate bears down on him. They both trade ferocious leather, and Garcia hurts Maheshate with a right hand. The Chinese competitor replies with a power punch that knocks Garcia down, and Garcia is able to get his wits about him and jam Maheshate into the wall and score several short right hands. Garcia cannot keep his foe pressed to the wall, and Maheshate jumps back.
Maheshate retreats as “Mean Machine” crashes towards him recklessly, and Garcia wings a left hand that comes up short. In response, Maheshate counters with a short but brutal right hand that lands right on the button and completely disables Garcia. The American falls face-first to the mat, totally unconscious.
Maheshate knows his work here is done, and looks down but does not strike as Goddard reaches him to pull him away. Maheshate celebrates with his team after his outstanding UFC debut, as he becomes the first fighter to knock out the UFC and Bellator vet Garcia.
The Official Result
Maheshate Hayisaer def. Steve Garcia R1 1:14 via KO (Punch)
Angelo is confident in Steve Garcia, citing his grappling advantage and experience. He notes Maheshate is young and inexperienced, and Garcia has a clear path to victory by pressuring and using takedowns. He thinks the odds are close but the fighters are worlds apart in grappling and experience.
Big Brady picks Steve Garcia to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Maheshate has poor takedown defense and get-up game, while Garcia is the better striker and wrestler. He expects Garcia to take Maheshate down and finish him with ground and pound, though he acknowledges Garcia's chin is a concern after being dropped multiple times by Charlie Ontiveros.
Cody picks Maheshate as an underdog, believing he is the wrong fighter favorite. He notes Maheshate's youth, durability, and power, and thinks Garcia's wrestling is overrated. He made a bet on Maheshate at +135 and is willing to do a prop bet with Paul.
Daniel Levi confidently picks Steve Garcia, believing Maheshate does not belong in the UFC yet. He notes Garcia's experience against better competition, including a win over Ronnie Lawrence. He acknowledges Garcia's vulnerability to getting hurt but thinks Garcia's wrestling and volume will be too much. He is only concerned about jet lag and judges favoring the Asian fighter.
Garcia has the grappling edge and can take the fight to the ground if needed. He has UFC experience and has fought tougher competition. Maheshate is young and unproven, with wins over low-level opponents. Garcia should be able to grind out a win or find a finish. I'll be on Garcia side but no bet.
Paul picks Garcia, citing his wrestling and top pressure. He thinks Garcia can take Maheshate down and grind out a decision. He acknowledges Garcia's shaky performance against Charlie Ontiveros but believes his grappling will be the difference.
The MMA Guru picks Steve Garcia to win by late second or third round TKO via ground and pound. He criticizes Maheshate's competition level and suggests he was given a UFC contract for marketability. He notes Garcia's experience (fighting since 2012) and better opposition, including fights with Ricky Turcios and Louis Pena. He believes Garcia's pace and pressure will break Maheshate, who is too young and inexperienced. He also doubts Maheshate's ability to knock Garcia out.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Nikolas Motta as an underdog, citing Maheshate's sloppiness and hittability. He believes Motta is faster, more accurate, and a better striker. He notes both are chinny but Motta's technical edge should prevail. He will sprinkle if the line widens to +200 or +250.
Big Brady picks Maheshate to win by second-round knockout. He notes Maheshate is seven years younger, has a height and reach advantage, and is the more active striker. He highlights that Nikolas Motta has been finished in all five of his losses, including four by knockout, while Maheshate has only one knockout loss. Brady believes both have knockout power but Maheshate has better durability.
Cody picks Maheshate, citing his power and youth. He notes that Motta has been knocked out multiple times and fades in later rounds. Maheshate's durability and improving cardio should allow him to win by knockout or decision. He expects a violent finish in Maheshate's favor.
Daniel Vreeland acknowledges Motta's devastating knockout power, noting 10 of his 14 wins are by KO. However, he believes Maheshate has more tools on the feet and can win a decision if he avoids getting knocked out. He leans towards Maheshate due to his youth, size, and more diverse striking, but admits Motta always has a puncher's chance.
Paul picks Maheshate but is hesitant, noting that both have power and can finish. He thinks Motta has more power but less heart, and Maheshate's volume and durability will be key. He suggests a live bet on Motta by KO early, but expects Maheshate to win if it goes past the first round.
The MMA Guru initially considered Maheshate due to his size and reach, but changed his mind after noting Maheshate's split decision win over Gabriel Benitez, which he views as unimpressive. He believes Motta won't get knocked out early and will warm into the fight, ultimately picking Motta to start the card. However, he acknowledges Maheshate's knockout of Steve Garcia, showing hesitation.
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