Career Averages - Bryan Battle
Career Averages - Kevin Jousset
Bryan Battle
Kevin Jousset
Bryan Battle - Fight History
Angelo has been a big supporter of Ruziboev since his UFC debut and picks him here. He highlights Ruziboev's wrestling and grappling prowess, his size at 6'5, and his power, noting that Battle missed weight and is moving up to middleweight where his power may not carry. He believes Battle is not big enough for the weight class and that Ruziboev's chin and skills will prevail. He bet on Ruziboev at +150.
Big Brady picks Nursulton Ruziboev to win by second-round knockout. He notes Ruziboev has massive size, reach, and power, and that Battle has poor striking defense (44%). He thinks Battle will walk into big shots and could get knocked out. He also mentions Ruziboev's takedown defense is improving and Battle is not a wrestler at middleweight. He acknowledges Ruziboev is low volume but dangerous, and could win by damage-based decision or knockout.
The Guru picks Nursulton Ruziboev to win by TKO in the first two rounds. He believes Ruziboev's height and reach advantage will be problematic for Bryan Battle, who won't be able to use his physicality as he did against Randy Brown. The Guru notes that Ruziboev is a dirty fighter who will cheat to win, extending fingers and grabbing the cage. He also mentions Ruziboev's dynamic movement and ability to dart in and out, which will be difficult for Battle to handle.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 60 of 111 | 54% | 80 of 135 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:46 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 57 of 110 | 51% | 109 of 175 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 7:25 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 29 of 56 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 21 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 22 of 41 | 53% | 56 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:37 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 24 of 37 | 64% | 30 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 21 of 38 | 55% | 35 of 54 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 60 of 111 | 54% | 32 of 79 | 22 of 26 | 6 of 6 | 49 of 96 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 57 of 110 | 51% | 20 of 64 | 31 of 38 | 6 of 8 | 27 of 76 | 30 of 34 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 21 of 45 | 46% | 11 of 32 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 14 of 31 | 45% | 4 of 17 | 9 of 11 | 1 of 3 | 11 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 15 of 29 | 51% | 11 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 22 of 41 | 53% | 6 of 23 | 13 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 25 | 15 of 16 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 24 of 37 | 64% | 10 of 22 | 10 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 17 of 28 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 21 of 38 | 55% | 10 of 24 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 24 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, believing his forward pressure and dirty boxing will frustrate the more technical Randy Brown. He notes Battle's improvements and work ethic, but acknowledges he gets hit a lot. Angelo thinks the clash of styles favors Battle, as he can brawl the boxer. He is monitoring the line movement and may bet if Battle's odds drop to -150.
Cody picks Battle, citing his power and improving skills. He notes Brown's tendency to struggle against pressure fighters and thinks Battle will land big shots. He expects a knockout win for Battle.
Connor is confident in Battle because his new pressure-fighting style is the exact antidote to Randy Brown. He notes that Brown has historically struggled against pressure fighters who are willing to eat shots and counter, as seen in his losses to Jack Della Maddalena and Vicente Luque. Connor believes Battle's aggression, power, and willingness to trade will overwhelm Brown, who tends to hit the fence and fall apart. He also points out that Battle's recent performances show a clear, winning game plan.
Daniel picks Brown as an underdog, citing his experience, reach, and cleaner technique. He believes Battle's competition has been weak and that Brown's length and footwork will be too much. He expects Brown to pick Battle apart.
Battle's aggressiveness in the clinch and grappling will break down Randy Brown and lead to a second or third round finish.
Paul picks Battle, emphasizing his momentum and power. He notes Brown's age and suspect chin, and thinks Battle's pressure will be too much. He expects a finish inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, citing his volume, hustle, and cardio. He thinks Battle will out-volume Brown on the feet and that Brown lacks takedown threats to mix in. He notes Brown has lost close decisions before and that lesser fighters have made it close with Brown. He predicts a close 29-28 decision, possibly split.
Zane also confidently picks Battle, agreeing that his pressure style is the key to beating Brown. He notes that Brown has always struggled against fighters who walk him down and put combinations together against the fence. Zane highlights that Battle has evolved from a reactive fighter to an aggressive pressure fighter, and that this new approach makes him a dangerous matchup for Brown. He believes Battle will overwhelm Brown with volume and power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 58 of 97 | 59% | 63 of 107 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 97 of 170 | 57% | 118 of 194 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 29 of 40 | 72% | 32 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 26 of 57 | 45% | 36 of 69 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:54 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 29 of 57 | 50% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 71 of 113 | 62% | 82 of 125 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 58 of 97 | 59% | 31 of 66 | 10 of 12 | 17 of 19 | 46 of 84 | 12 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 97 of 170 | 57% | 79 of 146 | 17 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 80 of 145 | 17 of 25 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 29 of 40 | 72% | 16 of 26 | 6 of 7 | 7 of 7 | 19 of 29 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 26 of 57 | 45% | 19 of 46 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 49 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 29 of 57 | 50% | 15 of 40 | 4 of 5 | 10 of 12 | 27 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 71 of 113 | 62% | 60 of 100 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 59 of 96 | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle and has a small bet on him. He highlights Battle's constant forward pressure, tenacity, and improving skills. He notes that Battle never quits, as seen in his loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov. He acknowledges Jousset is good and could slow the pace, plus home territory might affect judging, but believes Battle's pressure and range will get the job done.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle by decision, citing his toughness, output, sneaky power, and opportunistic grappling. He notes Battle is improving rapidly and has more ways to win. He thinks the striking could be competitive but Battle has the grappling edge.
Cody picks Bryan Battle to win but expresses hesitation, noting that Kevin Jousset is more technical and could be competitive at home in France. He highlights Battle's effective striking, submission grappling, better competition, and ability to fight through adversity. However, he also mentions Jousset's leg kicks and Judo background as potential threats. Cody ultimately leans Battle but is second-guessing his pick.
Cody picks Jousset as a plus-money underdog, highlighting Battle's poor grappling defense. He notes that Battle has been controlled by grapplers like Rinat Fakhretdinov, while Jousset has a strong takedown game and submission threat. Jousset's forward pressure and ability to mix in wrestling should neutralize Battle's counter-striking.
Connor picks Jousset because he believes Jousset's consistent, technical striking from City Kickboxing will allow him to outwork Battle over three rounds. He notes that Battle's counter-punching is dangerous but Jousset's jab and lead hand will be difficult to counter. Connor also points out that Jousset has never been finished and is physically imposing, while Battle's success has come against fighters who fall into his counter game. He sees Jousset controlling the range and winning a decision.
Daniel Vreeland picks Kevin Jousset as a slight underdog. He thinks Jousset has good durability, cardio, and striking, and that Battle can be hit in the clinch. He expects a close fight and sees value in Jousset at plus money, possibly winning by decision.
JP picks Bryan Battle because he thinks Battle is faster, has a reach advantage, and is better on the ground. He notes Jousset is slow and calculated, and once in a negative position, his confidence fades. He predicts Battle will dominate and submit him.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that if the fight stays standing it's 50/50, but Jousset's wrestling gives him an edge. He believes Battle is overvalued at -175 and that Jousset's grappling advantage makes him a solid underdog pick.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle over Kevin Jousset, citing Battle's reach advantage and momentum. He criticizes Jousset's performances, including going to decision with Song Kenan. He believes Battle will finish Jousset and become a mainstay in the welterweight rankings.
Zane picks Jousset because he trusts Jousset's technical consistency and believes Battle's counter-punching will be less effective against a disciplined striker. He notes that Jousset is stiff but has a solid jab and good fundamentals, while Battle tends to rely on opponents overextending. Zane also points out that Jousset is durable and has never been finished, making it likely he can weather Battle's power and win on points.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 27 of 75 | 36% | 28 of 78 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 26 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 23 of 63 | 36% | 24 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 17 of 44 | 38% | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 27 of 75 | 36% | 16 of 56 | 10 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 69 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Ange Loosa | 23 of 54 | 42% | 6 of 34 | 8 of 9 | 9 of 11 | 22 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 23 of 63 | 36% | 12 of 45 | 10 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 57 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Ange Loosa | 17 of 44 | 38% | 4 of 29 | 6 of 6 | 7 of 9 | 16 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ange Loosa | 6 of 10 | 60% | 2 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is a big fan of Battle, noting his incredible improvement every fight. He worries that Battle needs to be the better wrestler and may not be able to take Loosa down, and he doesn't see Battle winning a striking match. However, he has blind faith in Battle's rapid improvement and thinks the latest version of Battle, with added improvements, will win. He is monitoring the line before betting.
Big Brady picks Ange Loosa to win by decision as an upset. He thinks Loosa's wrestling and takedown defense will be key, as Battle has poor takedown defense. He expects a close, competitive fight but favors Loosa's ability to mix in takedowns.
Cody sides with the underdog Ange Loosa, citing Bryan Battle's suspect takedown defense (45% overall) and Loosa's improved wrestling. He notes Battle is a good counter puncher but lacks physical strength and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. Loosa has shown volume striking and takedowns in recent fights, which should sway rounds. He sees this as close to 50/50 and likes the plus money.
Lucrative James believes Bryan Battle is the much better fighter overall. He notes that Ange Loosa is durable but lacks technique and grappling strength, and that Battle can scramble if taken down. He sees Battle winning via finish, possibly by submission or head kick, and mentions that Loosa's path to victory is limited to a knockout or three rounds of grappling, which he doubts Loosa has the gas tank for.
The host admits this is the fight he is least confident in picking. He sides with Loosa's explosive power striking and notes that Battle hasn't utilized the style that made him successful at 185 lbs, possibly due to the weight cut to 170. He expects Loosa to be on the front foot, using power punches to keep Battle defensive, and even try grappling where he can hold Battle down. He acknowledges Battle's submission threats but believes Loosa wins on the scorecards.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Battle's low volume and poor takedown defense. He points out that Loosa has durability and the plus 155 line offers value, as he sees the fight closer to 50/50. He mentions Loosa by decision at +275 as an interesting prop.
The Guru picks Bryan Battle, noting his size, power, and grappling. He criticizes Loosa for getting hurt easily and nearly finished in fights. He believes Battle is a level above and will either TKO or outpoint Loosa. He mentions Battle's recent grappling performances against AJ Fletcher.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 45 of 80 | 56% | 63 of 105 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:30 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 25 of 51 | 49% | 29 of 57 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 23 of 50 | 46% | 23 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 18 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 22 of 30 | 73% | 40 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:30 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 45 of 80 | 56% | 9 of 25 | 34 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 29 of 61 | 16 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 25 of 51 | 49% | 6 of 26 | 6 of 9 | 13 of 16 | 20 of 41 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 23 of 50 | 46% | 5 of 19 | 16 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 22 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 18 of 38 | 47% | 4 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 15 | 15 of 32 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 22 of 30 | 73% | 4 of 6 | 18 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 15 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 7 of 13 | 53% | 2 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo's most confident pick on the card. He notes Battle improves every fight, has great hands, and never stops working. He thinks Fletcher will struggle with Battle's reach and movement, and will make poor decisions like pulling guillotine. He has a 1.5 unit bet on Battle.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle to win by second-round submission, citing Fletcher's poor cardio and striking defense. He notes Battle has a 10-inch reach advantage and is dangerous on the feet and ground. He expects Fletcher to win the first round with wrestling but fade, allowing Battle to capitalize. He mentions this is a good live betting spot.
Cody picks Bryan Battle, citing his reach advantage (10 inches), volume striking, and ability to fight off his back foot. He acknowledges Fletcher's wrestling and athleticism but notes Battle's takedown defense and counter-striking. He sees Fletcher's path to victory as narrow and prefers Battle's proven skills.
Daniel sees value in Fletcher at plus money, believing the line should be closer to pick'em. He notes Battle backs up and relies on counters, while Fletcher pressures and mixes takedowns. He thinks Fletcher's cardio has been addressed by training at elevation in Colorado. He only needs a close decision to cash, and thinks Fletcher can win rounds with pressure and grappling.
Lucrative James picks Battle but is hesitant due to Fletcher's early wrestling and durability. He notes Fletcher gasses out but stays tough, so Battle may come back late. He doesn't want to lay -200 on a fighter with cardio issues, but expects Battle to win via late finish or decision. He also considers a small bet on Fletcher but ultimately passes.
The host picks Battle to win inside the distance, citing his reach advantage and ability to touch Fletcher from distance with leg kicks and body shots. He expects Battle's cardio and pressure to wear on Fletcher, leading to a late finish (round 2 or 3). He notes Fletcher's power but questions his durability and cardio, and that Fletcher's wins rely on early finishes.
Paul also picks Battle, but sees a path for Fletcher via wrestling and pressure. He notes Battle's 38% takedown defense but believes Battle's best characteristic is fighting moving backwards, which counters Fletcher's forward pressure. He mentions the reach advantage and Battle's experience.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, citing his 10-inch reach advantage and better overall skills. He notes Battle lost to Renat Khetagurov via wrestling but believes AJ Fletcher's grappling is not at that level. He criticizes Fletcher's short reach and tendency to get wild, predicting Battle will counter him at range. He expects a TKO in late round two, similar to Battle's last fight where he fired back in the pocket.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Gabe Green | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 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 | Bryan Battle | 1 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Gabe Green | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Gabe Green | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Gabe Green | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, noting his constant pressure and improving skills. He says Battle never quit in his last loss and that grinding loss prepared him. He thinks the striking will be even but Battle will have the more dangerous ground game. He bet 0.2 units on Battle at +110.
Big Brady likes Gabriel Green because he has a clear path to victory: taking down Bryan Battle. He notes Battle has poor takedown defense, citing his debut against Urbin and his last fight against Fakhretdinov where he was controlled for 14 minutes. Green is a brown belt in BJJ and has good cardio. Brady expects Green to grind out a decision, as both guys are tough and durable. He thinks the fight is competitive on the feet but Green's wrestling gives him the edge.
Cody picks Battle as an underdog, citing his lateral movement and ability to fight off his back foot. He notes that Green is a grimy forward pressure fighter but lacks cage cutting skills. He expects Battle to win a competitive decision, but worries about Battle's wrestling liability and short notice. He proposes a second Shoei bet.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Battle's style is not honed and that Green's constant pressure and tirelessness will create opportunities. He points out that Battle's path to victory is unclear, while Green's game is straightforward and effective. Connor expects Green to control the fight and win.
Daniel Levi slightly leans towards Gabriel Green, citing his work rate, durability, and never-say-die attitude. He notes that Bryan Battle was badly exposed in his last fight, landing only three strikes and being taken down seven times. However, Battle has physical advantages in height and reach. Levi sees this as a close fight but favors Green's pressure and leg kicks.
Battle can utilize his range and height advantage to pick apart Green from distance, mix in takedowns, and wear on him with cardio. Green is a durable, hard-nosed striker but may struggle with Battle's pace and grappling. Battle should pull away late and win by decision, though a Green knockout is a possible hedge.
Paul picks Green, citing Battle's poor wrestling and Green's durability. He notes that Green can take Battle down and control him, and that Battle has been taken down multiple times in past fights. He expects a close competitive fight but leans toward Green. He accepts the second Shoei bet.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, noting that he was dealt a bad card in his last fight against a tough opponent. He believes Battle is underrated and can keep up with Green's pace, picking him apart for a 30-27 decision.
Zane picks Gabe Green, citing his constant pressure and output as a style that will overwhelm Bryan Battle, who lacks a clear plan and relies on scrapping. He notes that Battle struggled against wrestlers and that Green's relentless striking will keep him on the back foot. Zane expects Green to win by decision or late stoppage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 3 of 16 | 18% | 25 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 43 of 68 | 63% | 102 of 149 | 7 of 9 | 77% | 0 | 0 | 14:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 19 of 30 | 63% | 37 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 10 of 15 | 66% | 30 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:49 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 35 of 55 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 3 of 16 | 18% | 1 of 11 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 43 of 68 | 63% | 38 of 62 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 33 of 54 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 19 of 30 | 63% | 16 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 25 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 10 of 15 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 14 of 23 | 60% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 17 |
Angelo picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, citing that Bryan Battle is stepping up on short notice and facing the toughest opponent of his career. He believes Fakhretdinov's wrestling will be the difference, as Battle has poor takedown accuracy. He acknowledges Battle is a live underdog and plans to look for prop bets on him.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle as an underdog, citing Fakhretdinov's padded record against low-level competition. He likes Battle's striking, power, opportunistic submission game, and cardio. However, he notes Battle is hittable and has defensive issues, and Fakhretdinov has power. He expects Fakhretdinov to have early success but Battle to wear on him and get a late submission. He needs to see Battle's weight cut to increase confidence.
Cody picks Battle as an underdog, believing his volume and striking can win rounds. He thinks Fakhretdinov's lay-and-pray style may not impress judges. He notes Battle has good takedown defense and cardio. He is not confident but sees value.
Connor picks Fakhretdinov, expecting him to come out dedicated to an ugly wrestling game. He notes Battle is too takedownable and depends on scrambling after bad stuff. He thinks Fakhretdinov's clingy wrestling will be the answer to Battle's volume-based style.
Battle's style, pace, and pressure will cause Fakhretdinov problems, making him work too much and slow down. Battle either finishes in the third or wins a decision. The line moved against the host to +130, but he still likes the matchup. The main question is whether Battle can maintain his cardio at this weight class.
Paul picks Fakhretdinov, noting his wrestling and control. He thinks Battle's takedown defense is not elite and Fakhretdinov will take him down. He is not sure about betting because of judging concerns but picks him.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Bryan Battle, disagreeing with the majority picking Battle. He highlights Fakhretdinov's dominant wrestling, citing 14 minutes of control time against Andreas Michailidis and a recent freestyle wrestling match where he made his opponent retire. He notes Battle took the fight on short notice and questions his preparation, suggesting Battle might be looking for a paycheck before Christmas. He believes Fakhretdinov's grappling is a different level and that Battle's takedown defense won't be enough.
Zane agrees, noting Fakhretdinov's persistent wrestling game is the kryptonite to Battle's style of weathering attacks. He thinks Battle has no full dimension while Fakhretdinov has one strong dimension. He expects Fakhretdinov to take Battle down and test his guard.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 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 | Bryan Battle | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 7 of 10 | 70% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 7 of 10 | 70% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, describing him as a very busy striker with solid volume and head kicks. He notes Battle's grinding style and takedown attempts should earn him a decision win over Sato, who is hittable and lacks head movement. He references his own notes from Battle's previous fight, calling him 'very tough not amazing anywhere but very busy striker.'
Cody also picks Battle, highlighting his long-range kickboxing and ability to avoid takedowns. He notes that Sato's losses come against grapplers, and Battle is not an offensive wrestler. Cody believes Battle will stay at range and outpoint Sato, possibly by decision. He agrees that Battle's takedown total is likely under 2.
Daniel Levi leans Battle but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation, noting Battle's cardio and durability should allow him to break Sato down over time. He warns that Sato has power and could catch Battle, and that laying -270 on an unproven fighter like Battle is not advisable. He prefers Sato as a dog if forced to pick.
Paul picks Battle, noting that Battle is a striker with good range and output. He mentions that Sato is a power puncher who has been taken down by grapplers. Paul thinks Battle will use the threat of takedowns to open up his striking and win a decision. He is concerned about Battle's weight cut to 170.
Kevin Jousset - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Micallef | 1 | 85 of 192 | 44% | 89 of 197 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 67 of 168 | 39% | 71 of 173 | 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 | Jonathan Micallef | 1 | 25 of 49 | 51% | 29 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 16 of 39 | 41% | 20 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Micallef | 0 | 30 of 69 | 43% | 30 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 25 of 60 | 41% | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Micallef | 0 | 30 of 74 | 40% | 30 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 26 of 69 | 37% | 26 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Micallef | 85 of 192 | 44% | 52 of 151 | 28 of 34 | 5 of 7 | 83 of 190 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 67 of 168 | 39% | 32 of 112 | 17 of 34 | 18 of 22 | 66 of 166 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Micallef | 25 of 49 | 51% | 9 of 29 | 13 of 16 | 3 of 4 | 24 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 16 of 39 | 41% | 6 of 20 | 2 of 9 | 8 of 10 | 16 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Micallef | 30 of 69 | 43% | 22 of 59 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 30 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 25 of 60 | 41% | 10 of 39 | 7 of 12 | 8 of 9 | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Micallef | 30 of 74 | 40% | 21 of 63 | 8 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 29 of 73 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 26 of 69 | 37% | 16 of 53 | 8 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 25 of 67 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jousset (-258), Micallef (+210)
Round 1
Moving right along, Australia hopes to keep its momentum going against a regional rival in New Zealand. Micallef (7-1, 0-0 UFC) springboarded into the organization thanks to a stellar showing on the Contender Series, while Jousset (10-3, 2-1 UFC) made his way here by winning on the same fight card—Hex Fight Series 26 in 2023—as his opponent did. Having swam in the same circles early on, they will come to blows in the former’s promotional debut. For the second fight of the night, referee Rich Mitchell draws the charge, clocking the welterweights in as they bump fists. The fighters immediately start out whipping kicks at one another, with Micallef starting first and eating one right back. Micallef steps in with a left hand, and he follows it by bashing Jousset in the ribs with his shin. Micallef circles and goes high with a kick, stumbling and drawing back to his feet before Jousset can get to him. Jousset picks his shots with kicks to varied targets, while Micallef is chambering and launching heavier blows. Jousset digs a kick under the guard, and he backs off but still eats a leg kick before getting away. Jousset jabs a kick forward, absorbs a body kick and follows with an overhand right. Micallef sneaks a leg over the top and connects to the body again with a kick, and he briefly thinks about clinching but backs off to reset instead. Micallef walks into a sharp jab, and a few more from the City Kickboxing fighter produce some swelling under Micallef’s right eye. They go after one another to the ribs with additional kicks, putting a lot into them as they smack into one another with heavy impact. Micallef gets one in low and it slides up to bump the cup, but Jousset waves him off to keep kicking. Jousset chips away from his preferred distance, and Micallef bears down on him to get tied up in a clinch. A few sharp uppercuts and an elbow force the break for “Air Jousset,” who then backs away to measure his target with accurate kicks. Micallef kicks low and then whips one up high that beans Jousset in the temple. Jousset goes down in a heap, but he is still with it and shakes out the cobwebs before Micallef can finish the job. Jousset climbs up to dodge another sweeping head kick, motioning that the blow was extremely close to landing. Jousset walks through a few more body kicks, but they are having an impact as he follows Micallef around. Both men score right hands, and they wrap their shins beneath one another’s guard. The ribcage of Jousset is looked especially marked up as the round closes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Micallef
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Micallef
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Micallef
Round 2
The fighters bump fists before picking up right where they left off. Micallef leads the dance with a left hand, and Jousset pays him back almost immediately in kind. Micallef slides on the outside to evade Jousset’s kicks while responding with some, but a quick head kick from Jousset gets blocked in the nick of time. They both fade back to sway and dodge punches, and their kicks have a much higher accuracy rate. Micallef kicks so hard, the impact on the rib echoes through the arena as fans go “ooh.” Jousset chips back with kicks, but power is not on his side as Micallef is turning his hips into these audible blows. Micallef strafes back and forth to disrupt Jousset’s movement, keeping his guard up to defend the high kick that inevitably comes. Micallef goes up high again, and Jousset breathes a sigh of relief that he could guard against it. Micallef swipes left hands over the top, chaining punches into kicks while staying wise to potential counters. Jousset manages to catch him with a left hand every so often, but the volume and damage are both tilted to the unbeaten fighter’s side. Jousset slams a kick into the raised guard, chasing Micallef around and pawing at him with jabs. When Jousset tries a head kick, Micallef protects himself and retaliates appropriately. Micallef sneaks a kick above the guard again, and Jousset’s eyes go wide as the crowd grows in support of their Aussie. They batter the body once more in rapid succession, with pops so loud that Mitchell smiles when hearing a heavy impact. The two trade punches and kicks while standing directly in front of one another, with Micallef beating Jousset to the punch just enough to matter. Another big head kick from Micallef dings Jousset at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Micallef
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Micallef
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Micallef
Round 3
A final glove touch gets things going after 10 minutes of kickfighting, and they decide to do more of that. They take turns kicking at one another, with the fighters seemingly trying to outdo the other they slug it out. Micallef strafes from one side to the other to deliver a payload of a booming kick to the liver. Micallef keeps chewing up the body with successful kicks, not letting Jousset get his tempo for much more than a counter or a long pair of punches. Micallef shrugs off jabs so he can continue welting up Jousset’s sides with kicks, and he even lets Jousset kick him to open up responses. Jousset gets irritated by an exchange and walks forward with dangerous intent, tagging Micallef with lunging punches and cutting Micallef off when trying to escape. Jousset stands in the pocket too long, eating a trio of punches before Micallef can back off to reset. Micallef strides forward, kicking, punching and kicking again, and Jousset keeps his feet planted when not hurling kicks right back. Micallef doubles up on a jab to loose a head kick, and it skims the side of the dome but does not shake “Air Jousset” up. Jousset instead bites down on his gumshield and slings vicious leather, opening up a cut on the bridge of Micallef’s nose while swinging with bad intentions. Micallef circles to his right, away from the power, but not far enough away to avoid big kicks. Fans appreciate the hard work these two have put in so far, rewarding the fighters with big cheers, and the competitors show their gratitude by banging it out. Micallef kicks Jousset square in the noggin, and the City Kickboxing fighter does not bat an eye and instead is right there to throw back harder. They display inaccurate head kicks until reaching the final horn, leaving most of it in the cage after three violent rounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jousset (29-28 Micallef)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jousset (29-28 Micallef)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Jousset (29-28 Micallef)
The Official Result
Jonathan Micallef def. Kevin Jousset via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Big Brady is not a huge fan of Kevin Jousset's style but likes him in this matchup. He notes that Jousset is a technical striker with good takedown defense, while Micallef has poor striking defense and tends to panic wrestle. Brady believes Jousset will win by decision, possibly a knockout, but he doesn't trust Jousset to finish. He predicts a three-round decision.
Jousset is favored due to his Judo background which can stop Micallef's takedowns. From there, his striking advantage will allow him to pick apart Micallef. The fight is expected to go the full 15 minutes with Jousset winning by decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 58 of 97 | 59% | 63 of 107 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 97 of 170 | 57% | 118 of 194 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 29 of 40 | 72% | 32 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 26 of 57 | 45% | 36 of 69 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:54 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 29 of 57 | 50% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 71 of 113 | 62% | 82 of 125 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 58 of 97 | 59% | 31 of 66 | 10 of 12 | 17 of 19 | 46 of 84 | 12 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 97 of 170 | 57% | 79 of 146 | 17 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 80 of 145 | 17 of 25 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 29 of 40 | 72% | 16 of 26 | 6 of 7 | 7 of 7 | 19 of 29 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 26 of 57 | 45% | 19 of 46 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 49 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 29 of 57 | 50% | 15 of 40 | 4 of 5 | 10 of 12 | 27 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 71 of 113 | 62% | 60 of 100 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 59 of 96 | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle and has a small bet on him. He highlights Battle's constant forward pressure, tenacity, and improving skills. He notes that Battle never quits, as seen in his loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov. He acknowledges Jousset is good and could slow the pace, plus home territory might affect judging, but believes Battle's pressure and range will get the job done.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle by decision, citing his toughness, output, sneaky power, and opportunistic grappling. He notes Battle is improving rapidly and has more ways to win. He thinks the striking could be competitive but Battle has the grappling edge.
Cody picks Jousset as a plus-money underdog, highlighting Battle's poor grappling defense. He notes that Battle has been controlled by grapplers like Rinat Fakhretdinov, while Jousset has a strong takedown game and submission threat. Jousset's forward pressure and ability to mix in wrestling should neutralize Battle's counter-striking.
Cody picks Bryan Battle to win but expresses hesitation, noting that Kevin Jousset is more technical and could be competitive at home in France. He highlights Battle's effective striking, submission grappling, better competition, and ability to fight through adversity. However, he also mentions Jousset's leg kicks and Judo background as potential threats. Cody ultimately leans Battle but is second-guessing his pick.
Connor picks Jousset because he believes Jousset's consistent, technical striking from City Kickboxing will allow him to outwork Battle over three rounds. He notes that Battle's counter-punching is dangerous but Jousset's jab and lead hand will be difficult to counter. Connor also points out that Jousset has never been finished and is physically imposing, while Battle's success has come against fighters who fall into his counter game. He sees Jousset controlling the range and winning a decision.
Daniel Vreeland picks Kevin Jousset as a slight underdog. He thinks Jousset has good durability, cardio, and striking, and that Battle can be hit in the clinch. He expects a close fight and sees value in Jousset at plus money, possibly winning by decision.
JP picks Bryan Battle because he thinks Battle is faster, has a reach advantage, and is better on the ground. He notes Jousset is slow and calculated, and once in a negative position, his confidence fades. He predicts Battle will dominate and submit him.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that if the fight stays standing it's 50/50, but Jousset's wrestling gives him an edge. He believes Battle is overvalued at -175 and that Jousset's grappling advantage makes him a solid underdog pick.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle over Kevin Jousset, citing Battle's reach advantage and momentum. He criticizes Jousset's performances, including going to decision with Song Kenan. He believes Battle will finish Jousset and become a mainstay in the welterweight rankings.
Zane picks Jousset because he trusts Jousset's technical consistency and believes Battle's counter-punching will be less effective against a disciplined striker. He notes that Jousset is stiff but has a solid jab and good fundamentals, while Battle tends to rely on opponents overextending. Zane also points out that Jousset is durable and has never been finished, making it likely he can weather Battle's power and win on points.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 62 of 156 | 39% | 88 of 188 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Kenan | 0 | 134 of 235 | 57% | 158 of 263 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Jousset | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 21 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Kenan | 0 | 45 of 68 | 66% | 46 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Kevin Jousset | 0 | 22 of 60 | 36% | 33 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Kenan | 0 | 43 of 85 | 50% | 51 of 94 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Kevin Jousset | 0 | 19 of 51 | 37% | 34 of 70 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Kenan | 0 | 46 of 82 | 56% | 61 of 100 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Jousset | 62 of 156 | 39% | 43 of 128 | 8 of 10 | 11 of 18 | 55 of 145 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Kenan | 134 of 235 | 57% | 78 of 171 | 15 of 20 | 41 of 44 | 121 of 219 | 13 of 16 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Jousset | 21 of 45 | 46% | 12 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 11 | 21 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Kenan | 45 of 68 | 66% | 23 of 44 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 20 | 44 of 67 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kevin Jousset | 22 of 60 | 36% | 16 of 52 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 54 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Kenan | 43 of 85 | 50% | 28 of 66 | 5 of 8 | 10 of 11 | 39 of 79 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Kevin Jousset | 19 of 51 | 37% | 15 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 15 of 46 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Kenan | 46 of 82 | 56% | 27 of 61 | 7 of 8 | 12 of 13 | 38 of 73 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Kevin Jousset, though he acknowledges Song Kenan is a popular dog. He notes that Jousset's striking is basic but he has grappling upside. Cody points out that Song Kenan has never faced a wrestler who actively shoots takedowns, and Jousset could exploit that. He thinks if Jousset mixes in takedowns, he can win. Cody prefers the fighter with some grappling over the one with mediocre striking and no grappling defense.
Paul picks Song Kenan as an underdog. He notes that Song has much more experience and has fought better competition. Paul wasn't impressed by Jousset's debut and thinks Song's power and experience are live. He mentions that Song dropped Ian Garry and had competitive moments against top guys. Paul bets a small amount on Song but understands the grappling risk.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 29 of 58 | 50% | 39 of 69 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Kiefer Crosbie | 0 | 39 of 59 | 66% | 45 of 66 | 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 | Kevin Jousset | 0 | 29 of 58 | 50% | 39 of 69 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Kiefer Crosbie | 0 | 39 of 59 | 66% | 45 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Jousset | 29 of 58 | 50% | 18 of 44 | 4 of 5 | 7 of 9 | 25 of 54 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Kiefer Crosbie | 39 of 59 | 66% | 20 of 37 | 9 of 12 | 10 of 10 | 36 of 52 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Jousset | 29 of 58 | 50% | 18 of 44 | 4 of 5 | 7 of 9 | 25 of 54 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Kiefer Crosbie | 39 of 59 | 66% | 20 of 37 | 9 of 12 | 10 of 10 | 36 of 52 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Kiefer Crosbie but with very low confidence. He notes that Kiefer sets an insane early pace and could get a quick finish if he comes out hot. However, if the fight lingers, Kevin's boring, plodding style and size advantage will likely win a decision. Angelo acknowledges Kevin is probably the smarter pick but goes with Kiefer's danger.
Big Brady picks Kevin Jousset because he believes Jousset is the better fighter everywhere, with a judo background and technical striking. He notes Jousset's extreme toughness from the Jack Della Maddalena fight. He worries about Jousset's low volume but thinks Crosby leaves openings and Jousset can get takedowns. He predicts a decision win.
Cody picks Jousset but is leaning, noting that neither fighter should be in the UFC. He believes Jousset's wrestling and grappling advantage will be enough, but acknowledges that Crosbie has power and could win by knockout in the first round. Cody suggests a live bet on Jousset after the first round if he survives.
Daniel Levi picks Kevin Jousset, noting his Judo background and physicality. He describes Crosbie as a 'poor man's Mike Perry' who is dangerous early but fades. Levi believes if Jousset can survive the first few minutes, he can take over with trips and top control. He warns that Crosbie throws heat early, so Jousset must be careful.
Jousset has a solid kickboxing background from City Kickboxing, with consistent leg kicks and counter striking. He also showed ability to implement grappling when needed, controlling opponents on the mat. Crosby is an SBG Ireland product on a win streak but was finished in his last two Bellator losses. Jousset should keep Crosby at range with technical striking and possibly finish in the second or third round.
Paul picks Jousset but is leaning, noting that Crosbie is a defensive liability and that Jousset should be able to take him down. He likes the fight doesn't go to decision prop. Paul is not confident in either fighter but sees Jousset as the more likely winner.
The MMA Guru picks Kevin Jousset because he sees him as a more dynamic and versatile striker than Kiefer Crosbie, who is primarily a boxer. He notes that Crosbie has put MMA on the back burner to participate in a Kingpin boxing tournament against Aaron Chalmers, a celebrity fighter, which he views negatively. Additionally, he mentions that Jousset trains at City Kickboxing and has reportedly outstruck Israel Adesanya in training, indicating high-level skills. He believes Jousset's versatility and grappling advantage will be key to winning.
Expert Picks (10)
Angelo picks Bryan Battle and has a small bet on him. He highlights Battle's constant forward pressure, tenacity, and improving skills. He notes that Battle never quits, as seen in his loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov. He acknowledges Jousset is good and could slow the pace, plus home territory might affect judging, but believes Battle's pressure and range will get the job done.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle by decision, citing his toughness, output, sneaky power, and opportunistic grappling. He notes Battle is improving rapidly and has more ways to win. He thinks the striking could be competitive but Battle has the grappling edge.
Cody picks Bryan Battle to win but expresses hesitation, noting that Kevin Jousset is more technical and could be competitive at home in France. He highlights Battle's effective striking, submission grappling, better competition, and ability to fight through adversity. However, he also mentions Jousset's leg kicks and Judo background as potential threats. Cody ultimately leans Battle but is second-guessing his pick.
Cody picks Jousset as a plus-money underdog, highlighting Battle's poor grappling defense. He notes that Battle has been controlled by grapplers like Rinat Fakhretdinov, while Jousset has a strong takedown game and submission threat. Jousset's forward pressure and ability to mix in wrestling should neutralize Battle's counter-striking.
Connor picks Jousset because he believes Jousset's consistent, technical striking from City Kickboxing will allow him to outwork Battle over three rounds. He notes that Battle's counter-punching is dangerous but Jousset's jab and lead hand will be difficult to counter. Connor also points out that Jousset has never been finished and is physically imposing, while Battle's success has come against fighters who fall into his counter game. He sees Jousset controlling the range and winning a decision.
Daniel Vreeland picks Kevin Jousset as a slight underdog. He thinks Jousset has good durability, cardio, and striking, and that Battle can be hit in the clinch. He expects a close fight and sees value in Jousset at plus money, possibly winning by decision.
JP picks Bryan Battle because he thinks Battle is faster, has a reach advantage, and is better on the ground. He notes Jousset is slow and calculated, and once in a negative position, his confidence fades. He predicts Battle will dominate and submit him.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that if the fight stays standing it's 50/50, but Jousset's wrestling gives him an edge. He believes Battle is overvalued at -175 and that Jousset's grappling advantage makes him a solid underdog pick.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle over Kevin Jousset, citing Battle's reach advantage and momentum. He criticizes Jousset's performances, including going to decision with Song Kenan. He believes Battle will finish Jousset and become a mainstay in the welterweight rankings.
Zane picks Jousset because he trusts Jousset's technical consistency and believes Battle's counter-punching will be less effective against a disciplined striker. He notes that Jousset is stiff but has a solid jab and good fundamentals, while Battle tends to rely on opponents overextending. Zane also points out that Jousset is durable and has never been finished, making it likely he can weather Battle's power and win on points.
Comments (1)
Kevin took a tempo beating. Bryan turned on the pace, stayed in the pocket kept punching. Spam to death with punches and poor grabbling gets the win.
Middleweight debut for Bryan. Bryan has never been knocked out but has always been a bit bigger. Should be an entertaining fight. As they are both aggressive and need to be in the driving seat. I expect some fence grabbing, cheating. Some knockdowns?
Being Bryan Battle must suck on fight day, he has to be punched a few times before he can make it a scrap.
Such a quick turnaround for Ruz, he is still figuring out a jab, style ect. He's raw, cheats, big, head kick, ect Bryan is so basic will continue to spam what works in his limited arsenal. It works but its limited.