Career Averages - Chris Duncan
Career Averages - Bolaji Oki
Chris Duncan
Bolaji Oki
Chris Duncan - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renato Moicano | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 62 of 84 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 3:16 |
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 27 of 62 | 43% | 30 of 66 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renato Moicano | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 16 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 |
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 17 of 38 | 44% | 19 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 | |
| 2 | Renato Moicano | 0 | 7 of 16 | 43% | 46 of 62 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:03 |
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 10 of 24 | 41% | 11 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renato Moicano | 21 of 36 | 58% | 16 of 31 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Chris Duncan | 27 of 62 | 43% | 8 of 39 | 5 of 7 | 14 of 16 | 25 of 60 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renato Moicano | 14 of 20 | 70% | 10 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Chris Duncan | 17 of 38 | 44% | 3 of 22 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 13 | 15 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Renato Moicano | 7 of 16 | 43% | 6 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Chris Duncan | 10 of 24 | 41% | 5 of 17 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Chris Duncan, noting his durability and never-quit attitude. He acknowledges Moicano is more technical and experienced but believes Moicano is old and used up. He points out that Duncan has a history of winning fights he's not supposed to and that Moicano's recent focus may not be enough. Angelo has no bet on this fight.
Big Brady picks Chris Duncan to win by third-round knockout. He notes that Moicano is dangerous in the first round but fades after that, citing the Dariush fight where Moicano did nothing in the last 10 minutes. He believes Duncan has better cardio, durability, and power, and that his takedown defense has improved since the Manuel Torres loss. He expects Duncan to drop the first round but take over and eventually knock out Moicano.
Cody picks Duncan due to his momentum, youth, and ability to take over in later rounds. He notes Moicano's losing streak and potential lack of focus, but acknowledges the fight could be competitive early. He expects Duncan's superior striking and work rate to secure a win.
The host finds it difficult to bet pre-fight. He notes Duncan is easy to take down, which plays into Moicano's strength, but Moicano's chin and cardio are questionable in a five-round fight. He sees value on neither side and will watch for live betting. He also notes the odds for 'fight doesn't go to decision' are terrible.
Lucrative James picks Chris Duncan to win, citing Duncan's upward trajectory, age advantage (32 vs 36), superior cardio, durability, and will to win. He notes Moicano's possible decline due to outside interests and a longer camp. James expects a war but believes Duncan's physicality and recoverability will carry him, especially in later rounds. He mentions Duncan's power and takedown defense as key factors, though he acknowledges Moicano's early speed and submission threat. James states he won't bet publicly due to friendship bias but will have 'beer money' on Duncan.
Lucrative James picks Chris Duncan to win, citing his durability and power advantage over Moicano. He believes Duncan's momentum and shorter camp have him in peak form, and he predicts a fourth-round TKO finish. James also notes that Duncan's confidence is high from training with Moicano and seeing his own improvement.
James is rooting for his friend Chris Duncan and has released a full breakdown video with him. He mentions Chris is his friend and he will be rooting for him against Moicano, indicating a clear pick for Duncan.
The host expects Duncan to counter Moicano effectively, showcase good grappling defense, and eventually break Moicano for a finish inside the distance. He notes Moicano's recent struggles, poor durability, and questionable gas tank, while Duncan is on a four-fight winning streak with evolving skills. The host predicts a second-round TKO or submission for Duncan.
Paul leans towards Duncan, citing that Moicano struggles when outwrestled. He expects Duncan to use takedowns and control to win, though he's not heavily invested and plans to live bet.
The MMA Guru picks Chris Duncan, admitting he has doubted him before but is now convinced. He believes Duncan's durability, grit, and damage output will overcome Moicano, especially if the fight gets scrappy. He notes Moicano hasn't looked himself and that Duncan has good submission defense. He predicts a third-round TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrance McKinney | 0 | 31 of 57 | 54% | 31 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Duncan | 1 | 38 of 55 | 69% | 53 of 75 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Terrance McKinney | 0 | 31 of 57 | 54% | 31 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Duncan | 1 | 38 of 55 | 69% | 53 of 75 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrance McKinney | 31 of 57 | 54% | 26 of 50 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 45 | 6 of 11 | 1 of 1 |
| Chris Duncan | 38 of 55 | 69% | 36 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 20 | 6 of 8 | 22 of 27 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Terrance McKinney | 31 of 57 | 54% | 26 of 50 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 45 | 6 of 11 | 1 of 1 |
| Chris Duncan | 38 of 55 | 69% | 36 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 20 | 6 of 8 | 22 of 27 |
Angelo picks Terrance McKinney despite acknowledging his poor durability and cardio. He believes McKinney is incredibly dangerous early and can get the fight to the ground to find a finish. He notes that Chris Duncan is extremely durable and often comes back from being hurt, but Angelo thinks McKinney's early explosiveness will be enough. He advises against betting due to the high risk.
Big Brady picks Chris Duncan, noting McKinney's tendency to fade after early bursts and his seven career finishes. He highlights Duncan's improved ground game and chin, and expects Duncan to weather the early storm and knock out McKinney late in the first round.
Cody leans toward McKinney, citing his explosive start and finishing ability. He notes that McKinney's fights are usually over in the first round and that Duncan has shown a questionable chin. He mentions that if McKinney doesn't finish early, Duncan's cardio advantage could come into play, but he trusts McKinney's early burst.
Connor picks Chris Duncan, noting that Duncan has improved significantly at ATT, developing a calm, consistent striking game with good shot selection and power. He contrasts McKinney's all-gas-no-brakes style that fades after two minutes, and believes Duncan has the answers to McKinney's early blitz.
Daniel picks Duncan, reasoning that if he survives McKinney's first-round onslaught, he will take over. He notes McKinney has never been past the first round and fades, while Duncan has shown durability and finishing ability. He sees Duncan winning by knockout or submission in later rounds.
Lucrative James acknowledges his bias as a friend of Chris Duncan but provides detailed reasoning. He believes McKinney's only chance is an early finish, while Duncan's physicality, cardio, and improving grappling defense will carry him through. He notes Duncan's training with Grant Dawson and focus on back-take defense. He predicts Duncan wins inside the distance, likely by KO.
The host acknowledges the recent love for McKinney but expects Duncan to take advantage of McKinney's overaggressive style and find a finish within one and a half rounds.
Paul picks Duncan, emphasizing his multiple paths to victory. He notes that McKinney's win condition is a first-round finish, while Duncan has power, a guillotine choke, and cardio. He mentions that Duncan trains at American Top Team and has prepared for McKinney's wrestling. He believes if McKinney doesn't finish early, Duncan will take over.
The Guru picks Terrance McKinney despite acknowledging Duncan may be the better fighter. He believes McKinney's speed and first-round explosiveness will catch Duncan, who is hittable early. The Guru predicts a first-round TKO, possibly in the first minute.
Zane picks Chris Duncan, emphasizing that McKinney has never won a UFC fight outside the first two minutes and loses when his initial blitz fails. He notes Duncan's improved striking and power, and believes Duncan can weather the early storm and take over. Zane thinks the odds should be wider in Duncan's favor.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 114 of 267 | 42% | 123 of 278 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Mateusz Rębecki | 0 | 92 of 222 | 41% | 95 of 225 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 32 of 74 | 43% | 38 of 81 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:00 |
| Mateusz Rębecki | 0 | 19 of 62 | 30% | 19 of 62 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 38 of 88 | 43% | 38 of 88 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Mateusz Rębecki | 0 | 25 of 62 | 40% | 26 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 44 of 105 | 41% | 47 of 109 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Mateusz Rębecki | 0 | 48 of 98 | 48% | 50 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 114 of 267 | 42% | 88 of 235 | 7 of 13 | 19 of 19 | 104 of 256 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Mateusz Rębecki | 92 of 222 | 41% | 67 of 181 | 20 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 85 of 214 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 32 of 74 | 43% | 20 of 61 | 1 of 2 | 11 of 11 | 30 of 72 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Mateusz Rębecki | 19 of 62 | 30% | 10 of 47 | 6 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 19 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Chris Duncan | 38 of 88 | 43% | 32 of 78 | 0 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 38 of 88 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mateusz Rębecki | 25 of 62 | 40% | 17 of 48 | 8 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 25 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Chris Duncan | 44 of 105 | 41% | 36 of 96 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 36 of 96 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Mateusz Rębecki | 48 of 98 | 48% | 40 of 86 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 41 of 90 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rebecki (-200); Duncan (+170)
Round 1
Remaining in the lightweight division for the co-main event, a pair of friends and training partners at American Top Team will throw down for Coconut Creek bragging rights. Both men happen to be a win or two from ranked opposition, so this “separating wheat from chaff” matchup has fairly high stakes relative to most other fights on the card—the preceding Rosa vs. Cornolle pairing was the lone bout on the card between two ranked combatants. Rebecki (20-2, 4-1 UFC) and Duncan (13-2, 4-1 UFC) will handle their business with matching 4-1 records in the UFC at stake, and referee Kerry Hatley will serve as the third man in the Octagon. The teammates touch gloves before determining how exactly how much pain they wish to inflict on one another.
Duncan leads off immediately with a head kick, and Rebecki comes right after him swinging. Rebecki loads up on his left hand, and Duncan knocks him back with his own right hook. The two are talking to one another as they load up with massive power—at this point, it appears they are going brawl it out. Rebecki knocks Duncan down to the ground with his swinging shots, and Duncan is able to get back to his feet. As they trade again, a giant mouse develops on the top right corner of Rebecki’s head. Rebecki takes Duncan down briefly, and Duncan threatens off his back with an elbow and then tries to get hold of a submission. Rebecki backs out and stands up, with Duncan following suit. Rebecki is quick get put his foot on the gas once more, and Duncan fires back with impunity and opens a cut on Rebecki’s forehead above his right eyebrow. Duncan sits down on an elbow that Rebecki eats like a steak, and Rebecki continues to walk through damaging blows.
Duncan stays on his back foot attacking with body kicks, and Rebecki gets close to him and drives home three quick punches. Duncan strikes with another elbow and whiffs on a head kick, and he recovers after getting countered. Duncan goes for a body kick, and Rebecki counters cleanly with a right hook. Duncan drives a knee to the body and falls to his back, and Rebecki tackles him down and looks to get to the guard. Duncan turns over while under fire to get to his feet, and Rebecki is clinging to him from behind. Rebecki leans on his training partner, and Duncan grabs the fence to get a better position. Duncan breaks out of the grip around his waist, and they proceed to trade long straight punches. Duncan steps in with a knee and is wobbled by an overhand right. Rebecki swings with everything he has, a left hand jacking Duncan in the jaw but not hurting him. Duncan scores a few elbows, and the tense, vicious round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Round 2
Rebecki comes right out of his corner ready to attack, and he does just that by nailing Duncan with a crisp one-two. Duncan counters with a right hand, and he is reached by a left hook upstairs. Duncan delivers a body kick as Rebecki comes at him, and he does this again as Rebecki is trying to swing for the bleachers. Duncan misses on a kick, and Rebecki is bleeding again and strikes the body to open up head shots. Rebecki lobs a big left and a right that land flush on the sides of his foe’s head, and Duncan appears to get his foe’s attention with a sharp right hand. The Scotsman follows with a head kick that Rebecki somehow absorbs, barely still with it. Rebecki blinks it out and shoots for a double, and he takes a knee on the jaw on the way in. Duncan worms his way out the position to work back upright, and he elbows his teammate in the cut that has developed swelling around the gaping wound.
Rebecki does not care about the damage, blood in his eyes and a golf ball on his forehead, as he loops huge punches at Duncan again and again. Rebecki’s huge haymakers have swelled up Duncan’s eyes, and both men are going to need some recovery time when this is all said and done. Duncan rips a kick to the body and then stabs him in the torso with his toes. Rebecki lowers his guard to defend his guts, compromised from the strike, so Duncan attacks him with an elbow up top. Duncan goes to the body with kicks, and even when blocked, Rebecki takes them hard on the arms. Rebecki loads up on three punches to the dome, and he chases after Duncan with left hands as Duncan’s right eye balloons. Duncan kicks the front leg and jabs the gaping wound on his foe’s head, while Rebecki chases after him. Duncan knees him in the belly, and they trade hands right to the bell. Rebecki’s right eye is nearly swollen shut, and this one might not make it to the third round because of how trashed his face is.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Round 3
Rebecki is cleared between rounds, and he comes out of his corner like a berserker. Swinging his way forward to shoot for takedown, he gets Duncan down and pops back up without concern. Rebecki lets him up so he can punch him in the face, and they proceed to trade hilariously heavy leather. Duncan intercepts his hard-swinging foe with faster strikes, backing off the Polish brawler and forcing a shot out of him. Duncan stops it and blocks the oncoming fire, but Rebecki still gets through. Duncan lands a body kick, and Rebecki still manages to shoot in on his hips. Duncan hits the deck and threatens with an anaconda choke, rolling through it to lock it down, but Rebecki rolls through it further to escape. They both get up, and Duncan aims a head kick at Rebecki’s leaking visage. Rebecki looks for takedowns as he appears to be fading, while Duncan beats on him with elbows. Rebecki rips open a cut on Duncan’s left eye, and Duncan completely ignores it as he bashes Rebecki in the swollen eye. Just bleed indeed.
Rebecki has his right eye closed, and Duncan closes in to tie him up to get a few seconds to catch his wind before they re-engage. Duncan stabs the body with his foot, and Rebecki is right in his face slugging him. Rebecki loops a left hand and zips an uppercut through the guard. Both men are bloodied and battered, but they continue to bang. Duncan wobbles back, starting to feel it himself, and Rebecki somehow is willing himself into a second or third wind. Duncan pushes “Chinczyk” to the fence, and Rebecki explodes out and hurls punches in bunches. Duncan boots him in the head, and Rebecki is impossibly tough as he tanks it and keeps throwing caution to the wind. Duncan lines up a knee to the forehead, and Rebecki unloads several uppercuts on the inside. They split up, and smash one another in the face right until time expires. Blood pours out of various wounds on both men, and Rebecki collapses to his knees while Duncan raises his arms in the air. What a titanic tussle, somehow outdoing the match before it and putting itself in contention for “Fight of the Year.” TLDR? Go back and watch this somehow.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (29-28 Duncan)
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (29-28 Rebecki)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (29-28 Rebecki)
The Official Result
Chris Duncan def. Mateusz Rebecki via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Connor picks Duncan despite the fight being a toss-up. He believes Duncan is more naturally dangerous as a finisher and power striker, and that his improved shot selection and calmness under pressure will allow him to land big shots. He acknowledges Rębecki's pressure and durability could wear Duncan down, but trusts Duncan's one-shot power to turn the fight.
Lucrative James admits bias as a friend of Chris Duncan but provides a detailed breakdown. He believes Duncan has the size and reach advantage, better overall striking with kicks and range management, and the power to hurt Rębecki. He thinks Rębecki will struggle to take Duncan down due to Duncan's strength and ability to get back up, and that Rębecki may gas out if he grapples too much. He predicts a war where Duncan hurts Rębecki and finishes with a submission in round 2. He also mentions playing an under on the fight not going to decision.
Zane picks Rębecki, noting that Rębecki's constant pressure, body work, and clinch grinding could overwhelm Duncan, who has struggled against aggressive fighters like Manuel Torres. He questions whether Duncan's improved shot selection will hold up against Rębecki's relentless pace. Zane sees Rębecki as a more consistent process fighter who can wear down opponents over time.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Vucenic | 0 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 22 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Chris Duncan | 1 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 24 of 50 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 1 | 0 | 5:37 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Vucenic | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Chris Duncan | 1 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 16 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:55 | |
| 2 | Jordan Vucenic | 0 | 15 of 23 | 65% | 18 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 6 of 27 | 22% | 8 of 29 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 | 0 | 1:42 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Vucenic | 16 of 26 | 61% | 13 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 12 of 22 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Chris Duncan | 15 of 40 | 37% | 9 of 31 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 4 | 8 of 30 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 8 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Vucenic | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Chris Duncan | 9 of 13 | 69% | 5 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 8 | |
| 2 | Jordan Vucenic | 15 of 23 | 65% | 12 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Chris Duncan | 6 of 27 | 22% | 4 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Jordan Vucenic but is hesitant due to the heavy -350 odds. He acknowledges Vucenic looked good in his debut despite the loss, showing durability and danger. He worries about Chris Duncan's incredible durability and ability to come back from being beaten. He decides not to bet the fight due to the poor value.
Brady is high on Vucenic, praising his striking and opportunistic submission game. He thinks Vucenic has advantages everywhere: speed, durability, and grappling. He notes Chris Duncan is a walking punching bag and was submitted by Manuel Torres. Brady predicts a second-round submission.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Vucenic. He emphasizes Vucenic's technical boxing, lead right hand, and ability to finish fights, while Duncan struggles going backwards and lacks a jab. He believes Vucenic will boss Duncan around from the start.
The host thinks the line is a bit wide but expects Vucenic to put together a better body of work and win on the scorecards. He suggests the over 1.5 rounds is the best way to bet this fight.
The Guru is confident in Jordan Vucenic, citing his speed, technical striking, and composure. He notes that Vucenic is much faster than Duncan and has reach at lightweight. He expects Vucenic to school Duncan over three rounds, winning a 30-27 decision, as Duncan is too slow and susceptible to getting caught in submissions.
Zane picks Vucenic confidently, highlighting his improved pressure fighting, technical striking, and finishing instincts. He contrasts Duncan's lack of a range game and poor defense going backwards, predicting Vucenic will overwhelm him. He notes Vucenic's loss to Kutateladze was competitive and he has since improved.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 28 of 50 | 56% | 29 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:11 |
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 28 of 50 | 56% | 29 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:11 |
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 28 of 50 | 56% | 25 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 39 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 3 |
| Bolaji Oki | 10 of 25 | 40% | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 28 of 50 | 56% | 25 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 39 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 3 |
| Bolaji Oki | 10 of 25 | 40% | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Chris Duncan as an underdog. He believes Duncan's willingness to stand in the pocket and pump a jab non-stop will frustrate Oki, who has defensive issues and gets hit often. Duncan's durability and ability to survive being dropped are key factors. Angelo notes he might sprinkle a small bet if Duncan's line becomes a bigger underdog.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki but is hesitant due to Chris Duncan's poor striking defense (49%) and tendency to walk into shots. He notes Oki has power and could hurt Duncan, but thinks the fight could be close and competitive. He expects Oki to win by decision, possibly dropping Duncan at some point.
Cody leans towards Duncan as an underdog, citing Oki's questionable cardio and takedown defense. He notes that Duncan has wrestling and can take Oki down, potentially tiring him. However, he acknowledges Oki's power and the risk of getting knocked out. He doesn't plan to bet heavily.
Cody picks Bolaji Oki as his tournament play, highlighting his physicality, power, and early knockout potential. He notes Oki is minus 105 to win inside the distance and that Chris Duncan has been badly hurt in past fights. Cody believes Oki is a more technical and powerful striker with better durability, making him a sneaky tournament target at 8.8k.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Oki is a much cruder fighter despite being a better athlete. He thinks Duncan's experience and ability to game plan will be key. Connor also mentions that Duncan has shown flexibility in his approach, which should help him avoid Oki's early power.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bolaji Oki to win by knockout. He thinks Oki is much faster and more powerful on the feet, and that Duncan is hittable and slow. He notes Oki's good takedown defense and counter-striking. He expects Oki to hurt Duncan and finish him, possibly with body shots.
JP picks Bolaji Oki because of his power and nine-fight win streak. He notes Oki has never been finished and Chris Duncan has been KO'd by Slava Claus and submitted by Manuel Torres, which he views as poor performances. JP believes Oki's power will be too much for Duncan.
Paul leans towards Oki, believing his power will eventually catch Duncan, who has a questionable chin. He notes that Oki's takedown defense is a concern, but Duncan's wrestling isn't elite. He expects Oki to land a knockout at some point, though he's not confident enough to bet heavily.
The MMA Guru picks Bolaji Oki over Chris Duncan, citing Oki's superior speed and fluidity. He notes that Duncan is slow for the division and hasn't impressed, while Oki looked technical in his UFC debut. He predicts Oki will land more damaging shots and win by decision.
Zane picks Duncan as an experience pick, noting that Duncan is reasonably well-rounded and can game plan. He thinks Duncan can lean on wrestling or aggressive striking to pressure Oki. However, he acknowledges Duncan has meltdown potential, but Oki doesn't have a grappling threat to trouble Duncan.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Torres | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Torres | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Chris Duncan | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 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 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Chris Duncan | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Torres as the more dangerous fighter, citing his length and finishing ability. He acknowledges Duncan's durability and toughness but believes Torres will eventually break him. He mentions that over 1.5 rounds might be solid but Torres is the pick.
Big Brady picks Manuel Torres to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Torres has 15 finishes in 16 fights, all in the first round, and is a chaotic striker. He criticizes Chris Duncan's 49% striking defense and notes that Duncan has been knocked down and knocked out before. Brady believes Torres will draw Duncan into a brawl and that Torres has more power and durability. He expects the fight to end in the first round.
Cody picks Duncan as an underdog, noting that Torres is a first-round finisher with suspect cardio and grappling. He believes Duncan can take Torres down, make him carry weight, and grind him out. He mentions Duncan's improved wrestling and game plan against Ashmus. He acknowledges the risk of getting melted early but likes the plus price.
The host acknowledges Torres's power and early finishes but notes he overextends and can be countered. He believes Duncan is a more educated striker with a well-rounded game. If Duncan can survive the early onslaught, he can grind Torres against the cage and on the mat, finding a finish in the second or third round as Torres slows down.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Duncan. He notes Torres is an offensive dynamo but has cardio issues and poor grappling defense. Duncan's takedowns and pressure could be key. He mentions Duncan's camp at American Top Team and his improved fight IQ. He thinks Duncan can avoid a gunfight and grind out a win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 85 of 206 | 41% | 87 of 209 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Yanal Ashmouz | 0 | 35 of 98 | 35% | 36 of 100 | 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 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 19 of 60 | 31% | 19 of 60 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Yanal Ashmouz | 0 | 9 of 28 | 32% | 9 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 26 of 60 | 43% | 26 of 60 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Yanal Ashmouz | 0 | 14 of 36 | 38% | 14 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 40 of 86 | 46% | 42 of 89 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Yanal Ashmouz | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 13 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 85 of 206 | 41% | 54 of 161 | 23 of 30 | 8 of 15 | 82 of 200 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Yanal Ashmouz | 35 of 98 | 35% | 15 of 68 | 8 of 14 | 12 of 16 | 34 of 96 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 19 of 60 | 31% | 11 of 46 | 2 of 5 | 6 of 9 | 19 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yanal Ashmouz | 9 of 28 | 32% | 4 of 20 | 2 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Chris Duncan | 26 of 60 | 43% | 12 of 41 | 12 of 14 | 2 of 5 | 26 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yanal Ashmouz | 14 of 36 | 38% | 6 of 26 | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 14 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Chris Duncan | 40 of 86 | 46% | 31 of 74 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 37 of 80 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Yanal Ashmouz | 12 of 34 | 35% | 5 of 22 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 8 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo likes Chris Duncan's forward pressure and grit, noting that Duncan has been dropped but never out of a fight. He questions Yanal Ashmouz's takedown defense and thinks Duncan's wrestling will be a factor. He has placed a half-unit bet on Duncan at near even money.
Big Brady picks Shauna Bannon as a dog, but admits he hates the pick and won't bet it. He thinks Bannon has a path to victory through wrestling, as Brasil has poor takedown defense (45%). He notes Brasil is the more skilled striker but looked awful in her debut. He is not high on either fighter.
Cody picks Ashmouz, citing his power and aggression. He notes Duncan was knocked out by Borshchev and has suspect durability. He thinks Ashmouz's wrestling and power are advantages, and likes the plus money.
Daniel leans toward Chris Duncan, citing his improved grappling and cage work shown in his last fight, as well as his physicality. He notes Duncan is training at ATT and getting high-level looks. However, he is not sold on Duncan's durability and thinks he is hittable. He is not interested in betting Duncan at -140 due to the unknowns about Ashmouz. He says he needs to see more from both fighters.
James picks Chris Duncan to win. He thinks Duncan is a better striker overall, with size and reach advantages. He believes Ashmouz will struggle to wrestle Duncan, making it a striking fight where Duncan has the edge. James notes that Ashmouz was a +300 underdog in his last fight and is now -110, which he sees as a market overcorrection. He acknowledges that both fighters have knockout power and the fight is volatile, but he favors Duncan.
The host picks Yanal Ashmouz, citing his durability, explosiveness, and power to find an early finish. He expects both to grapple initially but thinks it becomes a fistfight where Ashmouz's power prevails. He suggests the fight doesn't go to decision and that unders are safe.
Paul picks Ashmouz, recalling his KO of Sam Patterson. He thinks Duncan is stiff and hittable, and Ashmouz's power is a real threat. He notes Duncan's wrestling looked good against Morales but still favors the dog.
The MMA Guru picks Yanal Ashmouz, calling Chris Duncan's favorite status 'straight up incorrect odds'. He criticizes Duncan's UFC debut as one of the worst, showing no skill on the feet and a slow grappling game against an older Omar Morales. He notes Duncan has been finished before on the Contender Series. The Guru highlights Ashmouz's explosiveness and KO power, predicting a first-round TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 53 of 83 | 63% | 62 of 92 | 5 of 14 | 35% | 0 | 0 | 6:31 |
| Omar Morales | 0 | 47 of 80 | 58% | 53 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 24 of 40 | 60% | 24 of 40 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Omar Morales | 0 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 27 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 14 of 24 | 58% | 20 of 30 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
| Omar Morales | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 15 of 19 | 78% | 18 of 22 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 3:37 |
| Omar Morales | 0 | 14 of 21 | 66% | 16 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 53 of 83 | 63% | 12 of 25 | 17 of 21 | 24 of 37 | 43 of 73 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 7 |
| Omar Morales | 47 of 80 | 58% | 32 of 64 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 10 | 41 of 73 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 24 of 40 | 60% | 6 of 13 | 6 of 8 | 12 of 19 | 21 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Omar Morales | 26 of 42 | 61% | 18 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 6 | 22 of 37 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Chris Duncan | 14 of 24 | 58% | 1 of 4 | 5 of 7 | 8 of 13 | 9 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
| Omar Morales | 7 of 17 | 41% | 4 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Chris Duncan | 15 of 19 | 78% | 5 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Omar Morales | 14 of 21 | 66% | 10 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo likes Chris Duncan because of his toughness and ability to recover from being dropped. He thinks Omar Morales' chin is effectively gone after back-to-back stoppage losses. He placed a half-unit bet on Duncan at -108 and expected the line to move. He believes Duncan will take damage but get the win.
Big Brady picks Chris Duncan as a slight underdog, citing his youth (29 vs 37), power, and toughness despite terrible striking defense. He notes Morales has not shown finishing ability at UFC level and is getting older. He predicts a second-round knockout, but admits he could care less about this fight and finds it hard to call.
Cody picks Morales, despite his low volume and recent KO loss. He notes Duncan is a brawler who gets hit a lot and has poor defense. He thinks Morales has power and can land a big shot, especially with his training at Kill Cliff. He says Morales needs to show aggression and pounce if he hurts Duncan. He admits it's a risky pick but sees value.
Connor picks Morales but with alarm bells, noting that Morales has mentally deteriorated after three hard losses and a failed weight cut. He believes the matchup is winnable because Duncan is a brawler who will trade at Morales's preferred range. However, he worries that Morales may break if frustrated, as seen in his last fight where he brawled wildly.
Jacob picks Omar Morales, citing experience and technical striking. He thinks Chris Duncan is slower than Uros Medic and not as relentless a wrestler as Jonathan Pearce, who beat Morales. He believes Morales can touch up Duncan on the feet and that Duncan will default to wrestling, where Morales is no joke on the ground.
Morales is a disciplined striker with good distance management and kicks, while Duncan is a brawler who leaves himself open to counters. Morales should use his technical advantage to pick Duncan apart from range, likely winning a decision. If Duncan gets reckless, Morales could even get a knockout.
Paul picks Morales, echoing that Duncan is not UFC caliber. He notes Morales used to be durable but questions his chin after the KO. He thinks Morales has a better camp and can win, but if it goes to decision, the UK crowd might favor Duncan. He says it's a pick'em price and expects fireworks.
The MMA Guru picks Chris Duncan over Omar Morales, citing Duncan's youth and toughness. He notes Duncan had a rough weight cut before his contender series loss but has since recovered. Morales is 37 and coming off a KO loss, and his competition outside the UFC is not impressive. He predicts a fun scrap with Duncan winning a 29-28 decision, having more in the tank.
Zane also picks Morales but is cautious. He notes that Duncan is a wild brawler who gets hurt often, and Morales has the counter ability and sharpness to exploit that. However, he acknowledges that Morales's recent performances have been poor and that the fight is a referendum on where Morales is mentally.
Bolaji Oki - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 84 of 170 | 49% | 108 of 196 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
| Manoel Sousa | 2 | 71 of 179 | 39% | 86 of 196 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 1:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 20 of 26 | 76% | 42 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:51 |
| Manoel Sousa | 1 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 23 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:59 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 32 of 72 | 44% | 34 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Manoel Sousa | 0 | 13 of 66 | 19% | 15 of 68 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 32 of 72 | 44% | 32 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Manoel Sousa | 1 | 48 of 92 | 52% | 48 of 93 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 84 of 170 | 49% | 42 of 111 | 28 of 44 | 14 of 15 | 62 of 143 | 17 of 19 | 5 of 8 |
| Manoel Sousa | 71 of 179 | 39% | 48 of 150 | 16 of 21 | 7 of 8 | 62 of 161 | 8 of 14 | 1 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 20 of 26 | 76% | 8 of 14 | 9 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 7 | 12 of 12 | 5 of 7 |
| Manoel Sousa | 10 of 21 | 47% | 8 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 4 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 32 of 72 | 44% | 16 of 49 | 11 of 18 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 65 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 1 |
| Manoel Sousa | 13 of 66 | 19% | 7 of 56 | 4 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 61 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 32 of 72 | 44% | 18 of 48 | 8 of 17 | 6 of 7 | 31 of 71 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Manoel Sousa | 48 of 92 | 52% | 33 of 76 | 10 of 11 | 5 of 5 | 46 of 88 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Manoel Sousa, praising his incredible aggression, power, and pace. He notes that Bolaji Oki is a dangerous striker but fades significantly, and Sousa can go a full 15 minutes. He also mentions Sousa's win over Mauricio Ruffy and believes the UFC will invest in him.
Big Brady picks Manoel Sousa to win by third-round knockout. He likes Sousa's pressure style, power, and gas tank, and questions Oki's chin and durability. He notes Oki has been hurt and slowed down in fights, and believes Sousa will break him as the fight goes on. He acknowledges Oki has a path via wrestling but doubts he can maintain it for 15 minutes.
Cody picks Sousa, citing his technical striking and power. He notes Oki's poor cardio and decision-making. He thinks Sousa will catch Oki as he tires.
Connor also picks Oki, emphasizing that Sousa has learned all the wrong things and lacks defensive acumen. He notes that Oki is fearless and a fantastic athlete, while Sousa is designed to snipe opponents who are afraid of him. Connor believes Oki's functional rawness will prevail over Sousa's flawed style.
James picks Manoel Sousa to win by knockout, citing his power, pace, and pressure. He notes Oki's questionable chin and tendency to gas out after a fast start. He acknowledges Oki's grappling upside but believes Sousa's relentless style will overwhelm him.
The host picks Sousa to win by knockout but is hesitant about the high price. He believes Sousa's Muay Thai and power will eventually land on Oki, but acknowledges Oki's own power and the possibility of an upset. He would prefer the line closer to -185 and suggests waiting for better odds. He notes that Sousa's grappling improvement and learning from the Perez fight will help him keep the fight standing.
Paul picks Sousa, noting his power and technical striking. He thinks Oki's cardio and ring IQ are issues. He expects Sousa to win by knockout.
The Guru picks Manoel Sousa, citing his crafty veteran experience from Bellator and his ability to work into fights. He notes that Oki is explosive but fades after the first round, and that Sousa has the durability and finishing ability to take over in later rounds. He predicts a TKO in round 2 or 3.
Zane picks Bolaji Oki, noting that Sousa is a raw fighter with poor defense and a tendency to lunge in without setup. He believes Oki's athleticism and fearlessness will overwhelm Sousa, who struggles against aggressive opponents. Zane compares the fight to Oki's bout with Timmy Kwamba, where Oki's functional rawness outperformed Kwamba's flawed style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 1 | 38 of 99 | 38% | 40 of 101 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Mason Jones | 1 | 57 of 136 | 41% | 67 of 147 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 1 | 29 of 73 | 39% | 31 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Mason Jones | 1 | 20 of 57 | 35% | 25 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:16 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 9 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mason Jones | 0 | 37 of 79 | 46% | 42 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 38 of 99 | 38% | 26 of 76 | 8 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 14 |
| Mason Jones | 57 of 136 | 41% | 52 of 128 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 5 | 23 of 84 | 2 of 3 | 32 of 49 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 29 of 73 | 39% | 21 of 61 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 14 |
| Mason Jones | 20 of 57 | 35% | 17 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 12 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 10 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 9 of 26 | 34% | 5 of 15 | 2 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mason Jones | 37 of 79 | 46% | 35 of 77 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 39 |
Angelo slightly leans towards Mason Jones, citing his superior wrestling and ability to frustrate Oki with a busy jab. He notes that Oki struggles when backing up and that Jones' offensive takedowns are better. He calls it a competitive fight but thinks Jones' wrestling gives him the edge.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki in a close fight, citing Oki's high volume and power. He questions Mason Jones' fight IQ, noting he didn't grapple when he should have. He expects the fight to stay standing and go to a split decision, with Oki landing the bigger shots.
Connor also picks Jones, agreeing that Oki is undercooked and that Jones's fully formed game can handle a variety of opponents. He notes that Oki's technique falls apart when the fight gets out of control, and Jones will exploit that. He sees Jones as a much more reliable fighter at this level.
The host acknowledges the fight is a potential fight of the night contender and notes the odds are shifting towards Oki. However, he picks Jones due to his experience and ability to mix up the game better. He expects Jones to land more damage, outgrapple Oki, and win on the scorecards as the fight goes into deeper waters.
The Guru picks Mason Jones, acknowledging Oki's speed and power but noting Jones' granite chin and grinding style. He believes Jones' grappling and cardio will wear Oki down as the fight progresses. He predicts a 29-28 decision, with Jones losing the first round but taking over in the second and third.
Zane picks Mason Jones because he is a known quantity with a durable, aggressive style that will test Oki's inexperience. He notes that Oki has physical talent but poor footwork and decision-making, and that Jones will turn the fight into a brawl where Oki is uncomfortable. He believes Jones's wrestling and durability will be key.
Angelo picks Marquel Mederos as an underdog, citing his cleaner striking technique and defensive soundness. He believes Mederos can use his jab to get through Bolaji Oki's guard and that Oki's power and speed will be less effective as he slows down. He also mentions a potential plus 3.5 round spread bet.
Big Brady likes Bolaji Oki's volume and power, noting his strong performance against Chris Duncan before getting caught in a guillotine. He criticizes Marquel Mederos for close fights against lower-level opponents like Lanni Quinonez and Austin Hubbard, and believes Oki can out-strike and potentially out-grapple Mederos. He picks Oki by decision.
The MMA Guru picks Marquel Mederos as an underdog, citing his versatility in multiple ranges (clinch, inside, distance) compared to Bolaji Oki who is primarily effective at range. He notes Mederos' composure and Oki's occasional overzealousness. He predicts a TKO in later rounds or a decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 136 of 303 | 44% | 136 of 303 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Aswell | 0 | 118 of 309 | 38% | 118 of 309 | 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 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 36 of 92 | 39% | 36 of 92 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Aswell | 0 | 24 of 84 | 28% | 24 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 54 of 108 | 50% | 54 of 108 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Aswell | 0 | 42 of 100 | 42% | 42 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 46 of 103 | 44% | 46 of 103 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Aswell | 0 | 52 of 125 | 41% | 52 of 125 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 136 of 303 | 44% | 92 of 243 | 36 of 48 | 8 of 12 | 135 of 300 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Aswell | 118 of 309 | 38% | 92 of 270 | 19 of 29 | 7 of 10 | 117 of 305 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 36 of 92 | 39% | 23 of 75 | 9 of 11 | 4 of 6 | 36 of 92 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Aswell | 24 of 84 | 28% | 16 of 72 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 8 | 24 of 84 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 54 of 108 | 50% | 31 of 77 | 19 of 25 | 4 of 6 | 53 of 106 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Aswell | 42 of 100 | 42% | 35 of 87 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 42 of 98 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 46 of 103 | 44% | 38 of 91 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 46 of 102 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Aswell | 52 of 125 | 41% | 41 of 111 | 10 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 51 of 123 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oki (-375), Aswell (+300)
Round 1
Ever the internationally focused organization, where else can one find a tried-and-true Texan throwing down with a “Zulu Warrior” from Belgium? Right here in the Octagon is where it’s at, as “The Texas Kid” Aswell (10-2, 0-0 UFC) has made it to the promotion after riding the wave of Fury FC for a few years. He meets Oki (9-2, 1-1 UFC), who would like nothing more than to punch a hole in Aswell’s chest a la Ray Longo. The third man in the cage for this lightweight affair will be referee Herb Dean, who clocks the two in as they bump fists. It’s off to the races for these two, who quickly engage quickly with stern right hands. Oki sinks down a heavy low kick, and the two crash together. Oki backs off and pushes out a few jabs, and he swings a leg kick that makes him topple over. Aswell cannot reach him before he recovers, but he does walk Oki down and try to nail him with a right hand. Instead, it is Oki who clubs Aswell, with a nasty right hand followed by a left to the body. Oki does this again, walking through Aswell’s hammers that are swinging at the same time. Aswell calms himself down to toss out a few calf kicks, and he dodges a hook to clip Oki with a right hand. Oki shows no ill effects, and Aswell walks him down with his jab outstretched. Oki drills Aswell on the temple with a straight right hand, and Aswell busts him in the chops and may have hurt him for a second as Oki retreats. It does not take long for Oki to get back to lobbing bombs, and he mixes in a few body shots but gets popped on the way out. These two are trading effectively and flush on one another, and their chins are holding up at the three-minute mark but the pace may not be maintainable as they continue. The right hand from Oki splits a cut on the corner of Aswell’s left eyebrow, with the blood leaking into his eye slightly but not hampering his sight. Aswell still nails Oki with heavy hands, setting them up with jabs and knocking him back with a pair of rights. Aswell connects with another right, walks through a jab and fires off a right hook. Oki snaps his head back with a long jab, and his left hook to the belly finds its home a couple times. Both lightweights land hard at the end of the round, with Aswell knocking Oki back a step and possibly stealing the round with one concussive blow.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aswell
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aswell
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aswell
Round 2
A glove touch prompts the lightweights to get right in front of one another and punch. Oki backs him off with a step-in knee and tries to chain a high kick into it, but it is Aswell who stands firm and punches him square in the stomach. Oki sits down on big punches, but Aswell is able to roll with them just enough to not get his chin checked. Oki times another knee when Aswell steps in, and he slips back and tags Aswell as Aswell rushes at him. Oki measures several more body shots, and Aswell busts him in the chops with a right hand. Aswell fires off another right hook that snaps the head to the side, and Oki sticks his tongue out and puts three fists on Aswell’s face in rapid succession. Aswell lands a few punches, and Oki spins with a back kick to the belly. Aswell connects with two punches and is out of the way before getting countered, and he steps in and bops Oki in the chops with a left. Oki knocks him back thanks to his power punches, and he works a left to the ribs and a right up top. They both land at the same time, and Oki dodges an elbow to send Aswell retreating. Oki chains a knee into a right hand, and Aswell is tough as nails but is standing still when Oki puts hands on him. Aswell goes for two, and Oki’s lead jab and check hook to the damage. Oki knees his foe again, and he trips as he swings for the fences and recovers quickly. Oki takes a low kick on the calf and drills Aswell with a short combo, forcing the Texan to ricochet off the wall. Oki’s right hand further pounds Aswell on the jaw, and he jumps forward with a knee that flies past his foe on the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Round 3
One final glove touch kicks off the last round, and Oki starts off quickly with a jab and a chin-shaking right hand. Aswell displays near otherworldly durability as Oki is not taking it easy on him, but it is Oki in the driver’s seat. The power is substantially in his favor, and he has Aswell reacting to his strikes while he largely shrugs off the ones coming back his way. Even with Aswell’s likely higher volume, the right and left hooks from Oki are far more impactful. A few such hooks land on the chin, and Oki eats a counter, pats himself on the head to ask Aswell to bring it on and throws back. Oki leads off with his left hook, and three punches of his back Aswell up to the fence. Oki continue to chase after his opponent as Aswell is in retreat mode now, and he keeps his guard high to let Aswell’s swings bounce off him. Oki takes a hard right hand, and when Aswell doubles up his jab, Oki smiles at him and asks for more. Aswell obliges, but not before Oki clips him again hard. The strike totals are sky-high in this fight and the numbers are likely quite close, but Oki has figured out how to put volume together while still hitting Aswell harder than he gets hit back. Oki marks up Aswell’s left eye with his power right hand, and Aswell is looking for answers as his mighty swings seem to have no effect on the Belgian. Oki walks into and through a right hand, and he winds up with three hearty swings that bounce Aswell’s head around. Oki is determined to swing it out to the bell, and he does just that.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
The Official Result
Bolaji Oki def. Michael Aswell via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Matt picks Bolaji Oki to win by decision. He highlights Oki's power punching and ability to maintain his gas tank over three rounds, while Aswell is a basic pressure fighter moving up a weight class on short notice. He expects Oki to land the more eye-catching shots and win on the scorecards, noting Aswell's durability but lack of power.
Angelo picks Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady because of his relentless pressure and ability to maintain pace, while Bolaji Oki tends to slow down as fights go on. He notes that Al-Selwady had a full camp and is a pressure striker who mixes in takedowns. He acknowledges that Oki is a tough opponent with a good jab and fast sprawls, but believes Al-Selwady's cardio and pressure will be the difference.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 0 | 28 of 50 | 56% | 29 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:11 |
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 0 | 28 of 50 | 56% | 29 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:11 |
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Duncan | 28 of 50 | 56% | 25 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 39 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 3 |
| Bolaji Oki | 10 of 25 | 40% | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Duncan | 28 of 50 | 56% | 25 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 39 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 3 |
| Bolaji Oki | 10 of 25 | 40% | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Chris Duncan as an underdog. He believes Duncan's willingness to stand in the pocket and pump a jab non-stop will frustrate Oki, who has defensive issues and gets hit often. Duncan's durability and ability to survive being dropped are key factors. Angelo notes he might sprinkle a small bet if Duncan's line becomes a bigger underdog.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki but is hesitant due to Chris Duncan's poor striking defense (49%) and tendency to walk into shots. He notes Oki has power and could hurt Duncan, but thinks the fight could be close and competitive. He expects Oki to win by decision, possibly dropping Duncan at some point.
Cody leans towards Duncan as an underdog, citing Oki's questionable cardio and takedown defense. He notes that Duncan has wrestling and can take Oki down, potentially tiring him. However, he acknowledges Oki's power and the risk of getting knocked out. He doesn't plan to bet heavily.
Cody picks Bolaji Oki as his tournament play, highlighting his physicality, power, and early knockout potential. He notes Oki is minus 105 to win inside the distance and that Chris Duncan has been badly hurt in past fights. Cody believes Oki is a more technical and powerful striker with better durability, making him a sneaky tournament target at 8.8k.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Oki is a much cruder fighter despite being a better athlete. He thinks Duncan's experience and ability to game plan will be key. Connor also mentions that Duncan has shown flexibility in his approach, which should help him avoid Oki's early power.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bolaji Oki to win by knockout. He thinks Oki is much faster and more powerful on the feet, and that Duncan is hittable and slow. He notes Oki's good takedown defense and counter-striking. He expects Oki to hurt Duncan and finish him, possibly with body shots.
JP picks Bolaji Oki because of his power and nine-fight win streak. He notes Oki has never been finished and Chris Duncan has been KO'd by Slava Claus and submitted by Manuel Torres, which he views as poor performances. JP believes Oki's power will be too much for Duncan.
Paul leans towards Oki, believing his power will eventually catch Duncan, who has a questionable chin. He notes that Oki's takedown defense is a concern, but Duncan's wrestling isn't elite. He expects Oki to land a knockout at some point, though he's not confident enough to bet heavily.
The MMA Guru picks Bolaji Oki over Chris Duncan, citing Oki's superior speed and fluidity. He notes that Duncan is slow for the division and hasn't impressed, while Oki looked technical in his UFC debut. He predicts Oki will land more damaging shots and win by decision.
Zane picks Duncan as an experience pick, noting that Duncan is reasonably well-rounded and can game plan. He thinks Duncan can lean on wrestling or aggressive striking to pressure Oki. However, he acknowledges Duncan has meltdown potential, but Oki doesn't have a grappling threat to trouble Duncan.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 0 | 60 of 152 | 39% | 61 of 157 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 0 | 33 of 94 | 35% | 35 of 96 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:55 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 29 of 61 | 47% | 30 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 0 | 9 of 43 | 20% | 9 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 13 of 23 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:55 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 0 | 21 of 66 | 31% | 21 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 0 | 13 of 30 | 43% | 13 of 30 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolaji Oki | 60 of 152 | 39% | 51 of 139 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 5 | 58 of 145 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 3 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 33 of 94 | 35% | 20 of 67 | 8 of 14 | 5 of 13 | 26 of 86 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolaji Oki | 29 of 61 | 47% | 24 of 55 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 28 of 56 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 3 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 9 of 43 | 20% | 5 of 30 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 10 | 9 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bolaji Oki | 10 of 25 | 40% | 10 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 11 of 21 | 52% | 9 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 14 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | |
| 3 | Bolaji Oki | 21 of 66 | 31% | 17 of 60 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 64 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Timmy Cuamba | 13 of 30 | 43% | 6 of 22 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: N/A
Round 1
On August 29, 2023, both Oki (8-1, 0-0 UFC) and Cuamba (8-1, 0-0 UFC) competed on the fourth episode of Dana White’s Contender Series in its 2023 season. Both men ended up getting their hands raised—Oki by knockout, and Cuamba by decision—and the former was signed. The latter went back to the regionals, where he fought at Tuff-N-Uff, the former all-amateur promotion, and smoked Michael Stack just one week ago. The round robin of fighters ends with this lightweight pairing of 8-1 newcomers, and it will be joined in the cage by referee Chris Tognoni. There is no plan on touching gloves, as they would rather get down to business. Oki presents himself as the immediate aggressor, chasing Cuamba down and reaching out with a low kick and some wide punches. Cuamba does not engage with much of his own offense in the opening 90 seconds, but for a few jabs and low kicks. Oki throws back one leg kick and unloads with two big right hands that mark up Cuamba’s face. Cuamba looses a right hand of his own back Oki off, but Oki is driving jabs to the increasingly red eye of his opponent. Oki times an advancing Cuamba with a short right, and the offense slows down from both parties. Oki shuffles in place as he tosses out a single right hand, and when that misses, Cuamba lets rip two overhand rights. Oki pokes out several more jabs and avoids the counter, and he lands a low kick with an audible thud. Cuamba comes back with a jab and slings a right hand after it, and he presses forward but pulls back before shooting. Oki gladly remains in boxing range, jabbing his opponent up, until Cuamba spurs into action with a head kick. Oki catches it and pushes Cuamba to the floor, where he unloads with a series of punches until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oki
Round 2
The lightweights reach out to exchange a glove touch to start off the round, and Oki starts to chase Cuamba around the cage with jabs. Cuamba looks to mix things up with low kicks, but Oki walks through it and doubles up a jab to nail Cuamba with a right hand. Cuamba comes back with a two-punch combination, but it does not fluster Oki in the slightest. Oki continues to jab without fear of reprisal, and even when a counter comes from Cuamba, it is one-and-done. Oki peppers his man with a jab and occasional follow-up punches, and Cuamba attacks in response with a single-leg takedown effort. Oki backs up to the wall in defense, and he stifles Cuamba from getting him down and ends up taking Cuamba’s back in the process. Oki considers a rear-naked choke but falls off the side, although he gets a single hook in momentarily. Cuamba turns him back and stays doggedly pursuing the single, and he transitions to a double and manages to ground Oki after all. Cuamba steps over to the side and sits in an open half guard as he postures up to elbow Oki. When Oki sits up, Cuamba considers a guillotine choke at the 10-second clapper. Oki stands up, ignores a few elbows on the side of his head, and he hangs on as the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba
Round 3
The final round commences as Oki looks to pick up where he left off on the feet with a veritable cornucopia of jabs. Cuamba attempts a kick, but Oki is too close and irritating him with jabs. Oki drops his hands and puts them behind his back to showboat, and Cuamba punches him square in the face. Oki continues to march forward with jabs outstretched, and he surprises his adversary by attempting a level change. Cuamba pushes him away and returns to kickboxing range. Oki welcomes this by reintroducing his jab to the face of his opponent, and he is light enough on his feet to dodge the counters that careen his direction. Cuamba sneaks out a left hand as he gets constantly driven back, but he cannot seem to stop the methodical strategy of “The Zulu Warrior.” Cuamba tries to swing for the fences, and Oki watches them soar past him. Oki sprawls to stop a takedown, and he marches down Cuamba and strings four punches together. Oki catches Cuamba with an uppercut, as he puts a bit more mustard on his punches with less than a minute to go. Cuamba keeps circling and absorbing punches, and he occasionally looks for a brawl but is telegraphing the majority of his power strikes. Oki fearlessly presses ahead with punches in bunches, gets in a knee, and reaches out with a Superman punch right before this lackluster offering comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oki (29-28 Oki)
The Official Result
Bolaji Oki def. Timothy Cuamba via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo describes Bolaji Oki as a busy striker with a good jab, power, and fast sprawl, though he slows down. He notes that Timmy Cuamba (referred to as deir hadzic) is an okay striker who relies on closing distance and takedowns, but his wide strikes leave him open to counters. Angelo believes Oki can defend takedowns and land effectively, and picks him to win. He suggests under 2.5 rounds might make sense.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki to win by decision. He notes that Oki has many ways to win, including wrestling, as Cuamba has the worst takedown defense in the lightweight division. He thinks Oki can brawl on the feet but can also take Cuamba down easily. He is not laying -300 on a debutant but picks Oki.
Cody picks Oki, noting his size and power. He thinks Cuamba is taking the fight on short notice and moving up a weight class, which are disadvantages. Oki has shown good wrestling and knockout power. Cody expects Oki to land the bigger shots and win by decision or late stoppage.
Oki is a young, powerful striker with speed and explosiveness. He should be able to find an early knockout against the aging and injury-returning Hadzovic. Hadzovic's ring rust and knee surgery recovery are major concerns. Oki's power will be too much, and he should win by first-round knockout.
Paul also picks Oki, citing size and preparation. He notes Cuamba fought last week and is moving up, which could affect his performance. Oki is the more proven prospect. Paul is not planning to bet it but leans Oki.
The MMA Guru picks Bolaji Oki because he is a dangerous athlete with good reach and power, and he is facing Timothy Cuamba on short notice. He recalls Oki's nasty first-round finish on the Contender Series. He notes that Cuamba is moving up from featherweight and taking the fight on short notice, which he sees as a disadvantage.
Expert Picks (10)
Angelo picks Chris Duncan as an underdog. He believes Duncan's willingness to stand in the pocket and pump a jab non-stop will frustrate Oki, who has defensive issues and gets hit often. Duncan's durability and ability to survive being dropped are key factors. Angelo notes he might sprinkle a small bet if Duncan's line becomes a bigger underdog.
Big Brady picks Bolaji Oki but is hesitant due to Chris Duncan's poor striking defense (49%) and tendency to walk into shots. He notes Oki has power and could hurt Duncan, but thinks the fight could be close and competitive. He expects Oki to win by decision, possibly dropping Duncan at some point.
Cody picks Bolaji Oki as his tournament play, highlighting his physicality, power, and early knockout potential. He notes Oki is minus 105 to win inside the distance and that Chris Duncan has been badly hurt in past fights. Cody believes Oki is a more technical and powerful striker with better durability, making him a sneaky tournament target at 8.8k.
Cody leans towards Duncan as an underdog, citing Oki's questionable cardio and takedown defense. He notes that Duncan has wrestling and can take Oki down, potentially tiring him. However, he acknowledges Oki's power and the risk of getting knocked out. He doesn't plan to bet heavily.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Oki is a much cruder fighter despite being a better athlete. He thinks Duncan's experience and ability to game plan will be key. Connor also mentions that Duncan has shown flexibility in his approach, which should help him avoid Oki's early power.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bolaji Oki to win by knockout. He thinks Oki is much faster and more powerful on the feet, and that Duncan is hittable and slow. He notes Oki's good takedown defense and counter-striking. He expects Oki to hurt Duncan and finish him, possibly with body shots.
JP picks Bolaji Oki because of his power and nine-fight win streak. He notes Oki has never been finished and Chris Duncan has been KO'd by Slava Claus and submitted by Manuel Torres, which he views as poor performances. JP believes Oki's power will be too much for Duncan.
Paul leans towards Oki, believing his power will eventually catch Duncan, who has a questionable chin. He notes that Oki's takedown defense is a concern, but Duncan's wrestling isn't elite. He expects Oki to land a knockout at some point, though he's not confident enough to bet heavily.
The MMA Guru picks Bolaji Oki over Chris Duncan, citing Oki's superior speed and fluidity. He notes that Duncan is slow for the division and hasn't impressed, while Oki looked technical in his UFC debut. He predicts Oki will land more damaging shots and win by decision.
Zane picks Duncan as an experience pick, noting that Duncan is reasonably well-rounded and can game plan. He thinks Duncan can lean on wrestling or aggressive striking to pressure Oki. However, he acknowledges Duncan has meltdown potential, but Oki doesn't have a grappling threat to trouble Duncan.
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