Career Averages - Gabriel Santos
Career Averages - Yi Zha
Gabriel Santos - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Jenkins | 1 | 34 of 48 | 70% | 39 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:20 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 39 of 61 | 63% | 96 of 123 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 2 | 0 | 6:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Jenkins | 1 | 28 of 36 | 77% | 33 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:17 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 22 of 34 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:50 | |
| 2 | Jack Jenkins | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 24 of 32 | 75% | 58 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:48 | |
| 3 | Jack Jenkins | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 16 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Jenkins | 34 of 48 | 70% | 22 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 22 | 5 of 6 | 16 of 20 |
| Gabriel Santos | 39 of 61 | 63% | 26 of 44 | 6 of 9 | 7 of 8 | 23 of 45 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Jenkins | 28 of 36 | 77% | 19 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 7 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 16 of 20 |
| Gabriel Santos | 9 of 20 | 45% | 3 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jack Jenkins | 5 of 11 | 45% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Santos | 24 of 32 | 75% | 19 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 17 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 12 | |
| 3 | Jack Jenkins | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Santos | 6 of 9 | 66% | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Big Brady is a big fan of Gabriel Santos, believing he is much better than his 1-2 UFC record indicates. He notes Santos's well-rounded skills, power, and BJJ black belt. He thinks Santos has a significant grappling advantage over Jack Jenkins, who was taken down and controlled by Jamal Emmers. Brady predicts Santos will win a decision, possibly with a submission.
Santos is considered the better fighter, slicker with Muay Thai and more aggressive with BJJ. His Muay Thai will allow him to check Jenkins' kicks and counter with straight shots. The fight is expected to go to decision with Santos winning.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 41 of 92 | 44% | 96 of 160 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Yi Zha | 1 | 76 of 112 | 67% | 110 of 150 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 6:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Santos | 0 | 23 of 41 | 56% | 23 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Yi Zha | 1 | 46 of 73 | 63% | 46 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Gabriel Santos | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 23 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 19 of 27 | 70% | 32 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:23 | |
| 3 | Gabriel Santos | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 50 of 68 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 11 of 12 | 91% | 32 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Santos | 41 of 92 | 44% | 26 of 71 | 8 of 13 | 7 of 8 | 40 of 90 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Yi Zha | 76 of 112 | 67% | 45 of 79 | 17 of 18 | 14 of 15 | 53 of 85 | 5 of 5 | 18 of 22 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Santos | 23 of 41 | 56% | 14 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 23 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Yi Zha | 46 of 73 | 63% | 23 of 48 | 12 of 13 | 11 of 12 | 34 of 57 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 12 | |
| 2 | Gabriel Santos | 15 of 40 | 37% | 11 of 33 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yi Zha | 19 of 27 | 70% | 12 of 20 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Gabriel Santos | 3 of 11 | 27% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Yi Zha | 11 of 12 | 91% | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 7 |
Angelo picks Yi Zha as an underdog because he is a powerful grappler who averages almost five takedowns per fight and is always looking for submissions. He believes Yi can find success even if Gabriel Santos gets the first takedown, and that Yi's grappling is good enough to stay safe and make something happen. He notes that Yi is plus 214 and may have value in prop bets like plus 3.5 rounds or win inside distance.
Big Brady picks Gabriel Santos to win by decision. He is very high on Santos despite his 0-2 UFC record, believing he was robbed against Murphy. Brady thinks Santos is better everywhere: better striker, and his BJJ black belt should neutralize Yi Zha's grappling. He notes Yi Zha's record is misleading and that Santos is much better than his record indicates.
Cody agrees with Paul, citing Santos' strong wrestling and striking. He notes Zha's takedown defense is poor and Santos has fought tougher competition. He expects Santos to neutralize Zha and win a decision or get a finish.
Daniel is a big fan of Santos's exciting style but acknowledges his defensive flaws. He criticizes Yi Zha's padded record and boring wrestling style. He thinks Santos's volume, pressure, and activity off his back will overwhelm Zha, and that Zha's takedowns won't be enough to win. He expects Santos to get his first UFC win.
Santos is the better mixed martial artist despite being 0-2 in the UFC. He has slick BJJ and striking, and should be able to handle Yi Zha's pressure and wrestling. Yi Zha is aggressive but leaves openings. Santos can reverse positions and win on the feet. The under 2.5 rounds at plus money is also favored due to both fighters' pace.
Paul picks Santos, noting his wrestling and striking are superior to Zha's. He believes Santos can take Zha down and control him, and has a better plan B if the wrestling fails. He acknowledges Santos' cardio concerns but thinks he can win two of three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Gabriel Santos over Yi Zha. He dismisses Yi Zha's record as inflated from the Road to UFC show, noting that anyone good has beaten him. He praises Santos for taking Lerone Murphy to a split decision on short notice and for his training at a good gym. He notes Santos is on a two-fight losing streak but believes this is his last chance and he will win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Onama | 1 | 53 of 104 | 50% | 59 of 118 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:53 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 39 of 73 | 53% | 56 of 90 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 1:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Onama | 0 | 27 of 52 | 51% | 30 of 57 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 25 of 50 | 50% | 33 of 58 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 0:36 | |
| 2 | David Onama | 1 | 26 of 52 | 50% | 29 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:30 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 23 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:55 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Onama | 53 of 104 | 50% | 47 of 95 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 42 of 86 | 3 of 5 | 8 of 13 |
| Gabriel Santos | 39 of 73 | 53% | 22 of 46 | 9 of 14 | 8 of 13 | 36 of 70 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Onama | 27 of 52 | 51% | 23 of 48 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 2 |
| Gabriel Santos | 25 of 50 | 50% | 14 of 32 | 5 of 8 | 6 of 10 | 23 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | David Onama | 26 of 52 | 50% | 24 of 47 | 0 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 39 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 11 |
| Gabriel Santos | 14 of 23 | 60% | 8 of 14 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Gabriel Santos, citing his aggression and ability to back Onama up and grind him down like Nate Landwehr did. He notes Santos is fast, strong, and has slick submissions. He mentions David Onama is a great underdog at +195/+200 and hits hard, but Santos gets hit. He would bet the over 1.5 rounds if available.
Big Brady picks Gabriel Santos, impressed by his performance against Lerone Murphy despite the loss. He describes Santos as a killer with next-level grappling and dangerous striking, comparing him to Charles Oliveira. He notes Onama's poor performance against Nate Landwehr where he gassed out. He expects Santos to weather an early storm and finish Onama in the second round, possibly by submission.
Cody picks Santos, emphasizing his explosive style and wrestling. He notes Santos's ability to take down and control opponents, and thinks Onama's striking will be neutralized by Santos's pressure and takedowns. He expects Santos by decision.
Connor picks Santos, agreeing with Zane. He highlights Santos's impressive debut against Laron Murphy on short notice and his superior technique. Onama is reactive and lacks discipline, while Santos is a solid professional who will take advantage of Onama's mistakes. Connor notes that Onama's best wins are against lesser competition and that he struggles against disciplined fighters.
Daniel Levi picks Gabriel Santos, citing his technical soundness, heart, and grappling upside. He thinks Onama is athletic but defensively vulnerable, and Santos can win on feet or mat. He notes Santos's close fight with Lerone Murphy and his LFA title. He is not interested at -230 but picks Santos.
The host picks Gabriel Santos to win by submission in the second or third round. He believes Santos is the far superior fighter with great aggression, forward pressure, and a solid Jiu-Jitsu game. He thinks Santos will wear on Onama and eventually get him out of there, while Onama's only path to victory is a Hail Mary knockout. He expects Santos to dominate.
Paul picks Santos, impressed by his debut performance against Lauren Murphy on short notice. He highlights Santos's takedowns and grappling, and questions Onama's takedown defense. He expects Santos to win by decision and considers betting Santos by decision.
The Guru picks Gabriel Santos based on his performance against Lerone Murphy, which he believes Santos arguably won. He notes Santos has a good chin, took the Murphy fight on short notice, and showed grit. He criticizes Onama's cardio, saying he falls off after the first round, and points to Onama's losses to Mason Jones and Nate Landwehr as evidence. He predicts Santos wins by third-round finish or decision.
Zane picks Santos, praising his discipline, well-roundedness, and technical striking. He notes that Onama is talented but lacks control and makes terrible decisions, often turning fights into brawls. Santos is a finished product who controls pace, works the body, and has good wrestling. Zane expects Santos to exploit Onama's tendency to gas and scramble wildly.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lerone Murphy | 0 | 93 of 161 | 57% | 115 of 183 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:18 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 69 of 122 | 56% | 87 of 141 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 0 | 0 | 4:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lerone Murphy | 0 | 33 of 58 | 56% | 37 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 36 of 54 | 66% | 37 of 55 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 | |
| 2 | Lerone Murphy | 0 | 25 of 44 | 56% | 36 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 26 of 46 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:45 | |
| 3 | Lerone Murphy | 0 | 35 of 59 | 59% | 42 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 20 of 36 | 55% | 24 of 40 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:36 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lerone Murphy | 93 of 161 | 57% | 59 of 117 | 27 of 37 | 7 of 7 | 77 of 144 | 12 of 12 | 4 of 5 |
| Gabriel Santos | 69 of 122 | 56% | 32 of 73 | 24 of 34 | 13 of 15 | 55 of 105 | 14 of 15 | 0 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lerone Murphy | 33 of 58 | 56% | 18 of 39 | 12 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 29 of 54 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Gabriel Santos | 36 of 54 | 66% | 16 of 31 | 13 of 16 | 7 of 7 | 29 of 45 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Lerone Murphy | 25 of 44 | 56% | 13 of 30 | 10 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 36 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 3 |
| Gabriel Santos | 13 of 32 | 40% | 8 of 22 | 3 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 27 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Lerone Murphy | 35 of 59 | 59% | 28 of 48 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 30 of 54 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Gabriel Santos | 20 of 36 | 55% | 8 of 20 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 6 | 17 of 33 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo thinks Murphy should win because he is the better striker with good footwork and power, and he has a full camp. However, he is wary of Murphy's layoff and the short-notice opponent. He notes Murphy's takedown defense is low but he scrambles well. He is staying away from betting due to the uncertainty.
Big Brady picks Murphy, citing his power (knockout wins over Makwan Amirkhani and Ricardo Ramos) and Santos' hittability and questionable durability. He notes Santos is dangerous everywhere but took the fight on short notice and is making a long flight. He predicts a second-round knockout, but acknowledges Santos could have success early.
Cody picks Murphy, citing his precise striking, lateral movement, and high ring IQ. He notes Murphy has fought good wrestlers and defended takedowns well. He thinks Santos, on short notice, won't be able to take Murphy down and will lose a decision. He mentions Murphy's 16-month layoff is a concern but believes he's still a good fighter.
Connor picks Murphy but expects a close fight. He notes that Murphy starts slow but is resourceful and has great cardio, often coming back to win. Santos is a solid, well-rounded fighter but may run out of ideas as the fight goes on. Connor also mentions the short-notice factor favoring Murphy.
Jacob picks Murphy but with low confidence due to his defensive wrestling holes. He thinks Murphy is the better striker but if Santos gets the fight to the ground, it could be trouble. He notes Murphy's takedown defense has been improving. He is not betting but would feel better if Murphy stuffs the first takedown.
Murphy is explosive with big power and a good calf kick, but has grappling flaws and a layoff due to head injury. Santos is a short-notice replacement with a wild pressure style and defensive holes. Murphy's speed and power should exploit Santos's striking deficiencies, leading to a knockout. The fight doesn't go to decision is the favorite spot.
Paul picks Murphy but hesitantly, as he hasn't done full research on Santos. He says Murphy is a solid fighter on a good run, but the layoff and short-notice opponent are unknowns. He says the pick is Murphy but could change after looking at tape.
The MMA Guru picks Lerone Murphy over Gabriel Santos, acknowledging Santos is a dangerous prospect but noting he is on short notice. Murphy has a full camp and has shown composure against tough opponents like Zubaira Tukhugov. He predicts Murphy will win a 29-28 decision after a rough first round, trusting his experience and well-rounded game.
Zane also picks Murphy, noting that Murphy's ability to adapt and his physicality will be key. He points out that Santos looked good in his LFA fight but may struggle with Murphy's pressure and clinch work. Zane expects momentum shifts and a competitive fight.
Yi Zha - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaan Ofli | 0 | 48 of 107 | 44% | 53 of 114 | 0 of 7 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:57 |
| Yi Zha | 1 | 68 of 124 | 54% | 75 of 133 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaan Ofli | 0 | 23 of 38 | 60% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:20 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 19 of 34 | 55% | 22 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Kaan Ofli | 0 | 10 of 38 | 26% | 10 of 39 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Yi Zha | 1 | 31 of 57 | 54% | 34 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 | |
| 3 | Kaan Ofli | 0 | 15 of 31 | 48% | 15 of 31 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 18 of 33 | 54% | 19 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaan Ofli | 48 of 107 | 44% | 22 of 78 | 19 of 22 | 7 of 7 | 38 of 91 | 7 of 11 | 3 of 5 |
| Yi Zha | 68 of 124 | 54% | 44 of 93 | 17 of 24 | 7 of 7 | 58 of 109 | 5 of 7 | 5 of 8 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaan Ofli | 23 of 38 | 60% | 10 of 24 | 12 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 26 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 5 |
| Yi Zha | 19 of 34 | 55% | 14 of 26 | 1 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 18 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Kaan Ofli | 10 of 38 | 26% | 5 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yi Zha | 31 of 57 | 54% | 20 of 44 | 9 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 26 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 7 | |
| 3 | Kaan Ofli | 15 of 31 | 48% | 7 of 21 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 27 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Yi Zha | 18 of 33 | 54% | 10 of 23 | 7 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 28 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yi (-218), Ofli (+180)
Round 1
The promotion itself handled the first three matches tonight differently, even going so far as to declare they were the Road to UFC 4 finals while the rest are UFC 325—for Fight Finder purposes, we consider them all as UFC fights, and do not separate the two cards for record keeping. Those out of the way, we move on to the reason most fans are here as Jon Anik takes over on the mic. Giving locals someone to root for early, Ofli (12-4-1, 1-2 UFC) reps his home country against China’s Yi (26-5, 1-2 UFC). The third man in the Octagon will be referee Jim Perdios, and the featherweights touch ‘em up before proceeding.
Yi gets right to the center of the cage, aiming his jab to the head and body and landing once to the latter. Yi swipes out a right to the body, and Ofli replies with four speedy hooks. Ofli punches his way into a takedown, and Yi slips out of the way and forces Ofli to abandon it. Ofli keeps after Yi, belting him with a right hand and using a body lock to drag the fight down. Yi flips him around, and the ensuing scramble between the energized athletes leads to Ofli winding up on top. Yi tries to utilize butterfly hooks to keep Ofli off of him, and he even flirts with an armbar off his back, but it is all for naught when Ofli smashes him in the face with a vicious right hand. Just like that, Yi turns to the side as he does not want to eat another one of those shots, and he leans on the fencing so that Ofli cannot take his back. Yi postures in hopes of standing, and Ofli controls him and knees him flush to the body. Yi is wrangled back to the canvas, with Ofli tripping the Chinese fighter up to keep him grounded.
Ofli clasps his hands around the waist, letting them go so he can wind up and smack Yi in the face with several left hands. Yi ignores them and fights back to his feet, taking a couple knees to the stomach and an elbow that irritates him. Yi breaks off, and Ofli chases after him with a push kick and a punch. They loose hooks at the same time, with Ofli taking Yi off-balance with a ferocious hook. Yi stumbles and gathers his thoughts, getting right back up but notably retreating. Yi looks for a counter while Ofli is advancing, and Ofli falls over when landing a kick and takes a right hand on the way up. Yi clips the Aussie with a left and waves him on, and Ofli backs off and absorbs a few kicks to the body and legs. Ofli suddenly surges into action, but he is met by a stone wall in Yi who does not take many steps back. Ofli digs a kick to the body and is wobbled by a left hand, and Yi shrugs at him like a Diaz brother and headhunts him to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ofli
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ofli
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ofli
Round 2
Before the round begins, Perdios issues Yi a stern warning to close his fists, as he has had his fingers outstretched towards his opponent—as a reminder, this is a foul under the Unified Rules, with pokes/gouges a second foul. Yi acknowledges this and is fired up, and he proceeds to go right after Ofli when the round begins. As Yi swarms the Aussie, he knocks Ofli clean off his feet with a left hand. Ofli rolls to the side, protects himself from further damage, and gets back upright. Yi does not let him get a moment to breathe, splitting his guard with a piston-like left hand that forces Ofli to check on his nose to make sure it is not broken. Yi runs at his opponent and tees off on him, and when Ofli hits the deck trying to escape, Yi sprints and knees him in the side while grounded. Ofli is tough and stands up once more, but he is firmly in the Danger Zone and has not offered much offense back since getting clubbed. When Ofli tries to give off something, Yi counters him with a left to shut him down again.
Ofli grits his teeth and bats Yi upside the head with a right hand, ignoring the opposing right at his dome so he can keep swinging. It is Yi who lands the cleaner of the two, and his left hand continues to find its mark and make Ofli backpedal. Yi goes to the head, opens up the body and blasts the liver with a left hand to double over his opponent. Ofli gathers any remaining steam and shoots for a takedown, one the Chinese fighter tosses out of the way like a father wrestling with his kid. Yi has Ofli on the proverbial ropes, knocking him down or seemingly hurting him every time he connects. Ofli hits the deck and bounces off the floor as if he had springs in his torso, and Yi knows Ofli may not have much left and keeps after him. Ofli offers a sign of life with a pair of punches and a low kick, but he is far down on the scorecards in this one. Yi probes his guard with jabs rather than selling out as the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Yi
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Yi
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Yi
Round 3
Yi offers a hug, and Ofli gladly accepts it as it gives him a few more seconds to get his wits about him. Ofli starts off hot, chasing Yi down and swinging hard but not catching him with much. Ofli does land a body kick with a resounding slap, and Yi taunts him as if to say “is that all you got?” Ofli lets loose with a calf kick, and Yi’s response is far less jovial. Instead, he appears compromised, so Ofli goes after it again and draws a slight limp. Yi changes stances, and Ofli kicks him in the other knee. Ofli keeps pressing the action, swinging hard in hopes of catching Yi concerned about the kicks, and he mixes in a takedown effort. When that fails, he punches his way into another attempt, where he jams Yi against the wall but goes no further as Yi breaks free. Yi splits the guard with a left to further irritate the damaged beak of the Aussie, and he ducks a telegraphed hook but walks square into a body kick.
Yi slings a left hand down the pipe, and Ofli meets him in the middle and slugs him in the jaw. Ofli ducks a hook and shoots for a double, and Yi scampers away. On the reset, Yi marches after the fading Ofli, and he knocks him back a way with a solid left. Yi’s own energy reserves are not particularly high after 13-plus minutes of fist fighting, and he takes a calf kick that makes him frown. Yi stonewalls another takedown that comes at him, turning the tables immediately to shoot for a double-leg takedown that Ofli can only defend with a guillotine setup. Yi easily pulls his neck free, and the two scramble for position until Ofli stands up and Yi follows him. Ofli uses the close range to crack Yi with an elbow, and he drives a right hand through after it. Yi replies with a tackling takedown, putting Ofli on his face for a moment until Ofli jumps back up. Yi dodges a spinning back elbow, and both men spin with back kicks and laugh when their legs collide. The horn sounds to end the close fight, one where a draw could be in play depending on how judges assessed the action.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yi (29-27 Yi)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Yi (29-27 Yi)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yi (29-27 Yi)
The Official Result
Kaan Ofli def. Zha Yi via Majority Decision (29-28, 28-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Kaan Ofli as a slight lean, stating he is the better grappler and if he shoots first, he can have success because Yi Zha's takedown defense sucks. He acknowledges Yi Zha is the better striker and offensive grappler, but thinks Ofli's jiu-jitsu is better on the ground. He says betting moneyline would be dumb, but plus 3.5 might make sense.
Big Brady picks Yi Zha based on activity, as Kaan Ofli does nothing in fights. He notes Zha is aggressive with wrestling and grappling, while Ofli has shown no output. He expects a decision win for Zha, though he doesn't love the -215 price.
Cody is picking Ofli as a value underdog, noting that Yi Zha has been outmuscled by stronger opponents and that Ofli has shown durability and a strong clinch game. He expects Ofli to win by decision or late stoppage.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Ofli. He notes that Yi Zha's competition is weak and Ofli's power and bullying style should be effective. Connor also comments that the odds are not too bothersome, as both fighters are similar in level.
Daniel Vreeland picks Yi Zha, viewing him as a tough, battle-tested journeyman who is hungrier and more durable than Ofli. He dismisses Ofli as a mid-level fighter and believes Yi Zha's experience and toughness will carry him to victory.
James picks Yi Zha, citing his better boxing, takedown ability, and veteran savvy. He believes Yi Zha can reverse Ofli's takedowns and win scrambles, and that his experience will lead to a decision victory.
Ofli is a BJJ black belt with good wrestling and striking, though he has had some losses. Yi Zha is a grappler but not as aggressive or dominant as Ofli's previous opponents. Ofli should be able to stuff takedowns and have success on the feet, where he has an edge in explosiveness. The host is surprised Ofli is an underdog and expects him to win by decision, possibly pulling off the upset.
Paul also leans toward Ofli, noting that Yi Zha was knocked out by Myron Santos and that Ofli has shown he will cheat to win. He sees value in the underdog.
The Guru picks Yi Zha, calling him underrated and noting his impressive debut knockout of Weston Wilson. He highlights Yi's grappling ability, chin advantage, and striking power. He predicts a first-round TKO, citing Yi's aggression and experience from Road to UFC.
Zane picks Kaan Ofli because he is a powerful, bullying fighter who will overwhelm Yi Zha with aggression. He notes that Yi Zha's record is padded with low-level competition and he does not have applicable skills for the UFC. Ofli's power and athleticism should be too much for Yi Zha.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yi Zha | 2 | 13 of 18 | 72% | 17 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Westin Wilson | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 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 | Yi Zha | 2 | 13 of 18 | 72% | 17 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Westin Wilson | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yi Zha | 13 of 18 | 72% | 10 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Westin Wilson | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 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 | Yi Zha | 13 of 18 | 72% | 10 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Westin Wilson | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is picking Yi Zha but with low confidence, calling the -400 odds an atrocity. He describes Yi Zha as a powerful grappler who uses kicks to manage range and is constantly looking for submissions, but can struggle to maintain position. He notes Westin Wilson is a karate-style striker who is very tall and can be hesitant. He ultimately picks Yi Zha because of his insane toughness shown in his last fight, but warns against betting on this fight.
Big Brady picks Yi Zha to win by first-round submission, noting that Yi Zha is a grappler who will take the fight to the mat and that Westin Wilson has been submitted four times by questionable competition. He acknowledges the -1200 line is ridiculous but believes Yi Zha should get the win. He predicts an armbar or rear-naked choke.
Connor does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses both fighters' flaws but does not state a preference, calling it a coin flip. He notes that Yi Zha can't wrestle at the UFC level and Westin Wilson is fragile, but does not commit to a pick.
The host sees Yi Zha as a big favorite and expects him to wear down Wilson and eventually find a finish within a round and a half. He believes the finish will likely come by submission.
The MMA Guru picks Yi Zha to win by KO, citing his competitive performance against Gabriel Santos and a close fight with Lerone Murphy. He criticizes Westin Wilson's side-on stance, which leaves him open to fast lower-weight fighters. He notes that Wilson has been finished early before and is older (36-38), while Yi Zha has more experience and a better record. He concludes that he simply won't pick Wilson to win fights.
Zane picks Yi Zha, reasoning that he is bad in a 'reasonably MMA in a normal MMA way' and has shown he can take a beating. He notes that Westin Wilson is too fragile and relies on a chaotic guard and clinch game. Zane believes Yi Zha's more conventional approach will win, though he admits both fighters are not UFC caliber.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Santos | 0 | 41 of 92 | 44% | 96 of 160 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Yi Zha | 1 | 76 of 112 | 67% | 110 of 150 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 6:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Santos | 0 | 23 of 41 | 56% | 23 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Yi Zha | 1 | 46 of 73 | 63% | 46 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Gabriel Santos | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 23 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 19 of 27 | 70% | 32 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:23 | |
| 3 | Gabriel Santos | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 50 of 68 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 11 of 12 | 91% | 32 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Santos | 41 of 92 | 44% | 26 of 71 | 8 of 13 | 7 of 8 | 40 of 90 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Yi Zha | 76 of 112 | 67% | 45 of 79 | 17 of 18 | 14 of 15 | 53 of 85 | 5 of 5 | 18 of 22 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Santos | 23 of 41 | 56% | 14 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 23 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Yi Zha | 46 of 73 | 63% | 23 of 48 | 12 of 13 | 11 of 12 | 34 of 57 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 12 | |
| 2 | Gabriel Santos | 15 of 40 | 37% | 11 of 33 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yi Zha | 19 of 27 | 70% | 12 of 20 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Gabriel Santos | 3 of 11 | 27% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Yi Zha | 11 of 12 | 91% | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 7 |
Angelo picks Yi Zha as an underdog because he is a powerful grappler who averages almost five takedowns per fight and is always looking for submissions. He believes Yi can find success even if Gabriel Santos gets the first takedown, and that Yi's grappling is good enough to stay safe and make something happen. He notes that Yi is plus 214 and may have value in prop bets like plus 3.5 rounds or win inside distance.
Big Brady picks Gabriel Santos to win by decision. He is very high on Santos despite his 0-2 UFC record, believing he was robbed against Murphy. Brady thinks Santos is better everywhere: better striker, and his BJJ black belt should neutralize Yi Zha's grappling. He notes Yi Zha's record is misleading and that Santos is much better than his record indicates.
Cody agrees with Paul, citing Santos' strong wrestling and striking. He notes Zha's takedown defense is poor and Santos has fought tougher competition. He expects Santos to neutralize Zha and win a decision or get a finish.
Daniel is a big fan of Santos's exciting style but acknowledges his defensive flaws. He criticizes Yi Zha's padded record and boring wrestling style. He thinks Santos's volume, pressure, and activity off his back will overwhelm Zha, and that Zha's takedowns won't be enough to win. He expects Santos to get his first UFC win.
Santos is the better mixed martial artist despite being 0-2 in the UFC. He has slick BJJ and striking, and should be able to handle Yi Zha's pressure and wrestling. Yi Zha is aggressive but leaves openings. Santos can reverse positions and win on the feet. The under 2.5 rounds at plus money is also favored due to both fighters' pace.
Paul picks Santos, noting his wrestling and striking are superior to Zha's. He believes Santos can take Zha down and control him, and has a better plan B if the wrestling fails. He acknowledges Santos' cardio concerns but thinks he can win two of three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Gabriel Santos over Yi Zha. He dismisses Yi Zha's record as inflated from the Road to UFC show, noting that anyone good has beaten him. He praises Santos for taking Lerone Murphy to a split decision on short notice and for his training at a good gym. He notes Santos is on a two-fight losing streak but believes this is his last chance and he will win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Jeong-yeong | 0 | 25 of 57 | 43% | 66 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:50 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 37 of 74 | 5 of 21 | 23% | 0 | 0 | 8:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lee Jeong-yeong | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 27 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 8 of 11 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 4:15 | |
| 2 | Lee Jeong-yeong | 0 | 12 of 31 | 38% | 18 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 9 of 28 | 32% | 12 of 31 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 | |
| 3 | Lee Jeong-yeong | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 21 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Yi Zha | 0 | 12 of 27 | 44% | 17 of 32 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 0 | 0 | 2:45 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Jeong-yeong | 25 of 57 | 43% | 18 of 50 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 49 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Yi Zha | 24 of 58 | 41% | 17 of 48 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 46 | 7 of 7 | 4 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lee Jeong-yeong | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Yi Zha | 3 of 3 | 100% | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Lee Jeong-yeong | 12 of 31 | 38% | 10 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 27 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Yi Zha | 9 of 28 | 32% | 7 of 26 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Lee Jeong-yeong | 10 of 20 | 50% | 7 of 17 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yi Zha | 12 of 27 | 44% | 8 of 20 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 20 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 4 |
Big Brady highlights Lee's power and finishing ability, noting his quick finishes on Road to UFC. He thinks Yi Zha is uncomfortable on the feet and will be knocked out. He predicts a first-round knockout for Lee.
Cody picks Yi Zha as an underdog, noting his experience and wrestling advantage. He thinks Lee is untested and may struggle if taken down. He acknowledges Yi Zha's split decision win over Matsushima was controversial, but sees value at +210. He is not confident enough to bet but picks him for the show.
Connor agrees, adding that Korean fighters tend to cut weight well and Lee is a big, solidly built featherweight. He notes that Yi Zha's wrestling is aimless and lacks physicality, and that Lee's size will make it difficult for Yi to get takedowns. He expects Lee to shrug off grappling and land punches consistently.
Paul picks Lee for the show but is not confident. He notes Lee's quick finishes and power, but has many question marks due to lack of tape. He thinks Yi Zha is a guard puller who loses positions, but the line is too high. He prefers to pass on betting.
Zane sees Lee as a prototypical Korean prospect who plants his feet and trades, confident in his ability to land punches while accepting hits. He notes that Yi Zha is a wrestle-grappler with poor athleticism and shot wrestling, and that Lee's size and physicality will allow him to shrug off takedowns and land punches. He believes Lee's takedown defense is sufficient because he is expecting everything.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Yi Zha as an underdog because he is a powerful grappler who averages almost five takedowns per fight and is always looking for submissions. He believes Yi can find success even if Gabriel Santos gets the first takedown, and that Yi's grappling is good enough to stay safe and make something happen. He notes that Yi is plus 214 and may have value in prop bets like plus 3.5 rounds or win inside distance.
Big Brady picks Gabriel Santos to win by decision. He is very high on Santos despite his 0-2 UFC record, believing he was robbed against Murphy. Brady thinks Santos is better everywhere: better striker, and his BJJ black belt should neutralize Yi Zha's grappling. He notes Yi Zha's record is misleading and that Santos is much better than his record indicates.
Cody agrees with Paul, citing Santos' strong wrestling and striking. He notes Zha's takedown defense is poor and Santos has fought tougher competition. He expects Santos to neutralize Zha and win a decision or get a finish.
Daniel is a big fan of Santos's exciting style but acknowledges his defensive flaws. He criticizes Yi Zha's padded record and boring wrestling style. He thinks Santos's volume, pressure, and activity off his back will overwhelm Zha, and that Zha's takedowns won't be enough to win. He expects Santos to get his first UFC win.
Santos is the better mixed martial artist despite being 0-2 in the UFC. He has slick BJJ and striking, and should be able to handle Yi Zha's pressure and wrestling. Yi Zha is aggressive but leaves openings. Santos can reverse positions and win on the feet. The under 2.5 rounds at plus money is also favored due to both fighters' pace.
Paul picks Santos, noting his wrestling and striking are superior to Zha's. He believes Santos can take Zha down and control him, and has a better plan B if the wrestling fails. He acknowledges Santos' cardio concerns but thinks he can win two of three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Gabriel Santos over Yi Zha. He dismisses Yi Zha's record as inflated from the Road to UFC show, noting that anyone good has beaten him. He praises Santos for taking Lerone Murphy to a split decision on short notice and for his training at a good gym. He notes Santos is on a two-fight losing streak but believes this is his last chance and he will win.
Comments (1)
Iza is your typical Chinese fighter with chin that's suspicious took a beaten, commentary noted that Gabriel Santos has cardio issues
Jack Jenkins is probably on the drugs
Gabriel looked in great shape and his performance matched. Jack clinched early into rd2 and paid.