Career Averages - Cub Swanson
Career Averages - Dustin Poirier
Cub Swanson - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 2 | 37 of 49 | 75% | 40 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Nate Landwehr | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 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 | Cub Swanson | 2 | 37 of 49 | 75% | 40 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Nate Landwehr | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 37 of 49 | 75% | 23 of 33 | 7 of 7 | 7 of 9 | 35 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Nate Landwehr | 15 of 30 | 50% | 9 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 37 of 49 | 75% | 23 of 33 | 7 of 7 | 7 of 9 | 35 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Nate Landwehr | 15 of 30 | 50% | 9 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Cub Swanson in his retirement fight, citing his superior technique, fight IQ, and all-around skills. He notes Landwehr's reliance on his chin, which has given out, and believes Swanson is the better fighter everywhere. He expects the crowd support to help in a decision.
Big Brady expects a war, noting both fighters are durable and willing to brawl. He thinks Landwehr could use his grappling to submit Swanson, who has been submitted seven times. He worries about Landwehr's recent knockout losses and damage taken, but leans Landwehr by submission in the second or third round.
Cody also picks Swanson, citing Landwehr's loss of speed and durability. He thinks Swanson's speed and volume will be too much for Landwehr, who has been knocked out recently.
Connor picks Landwehr, arguing that Swanson is too slow now and that Landwehr's pressure and durability will be too much. He notes that Swanson's last fight against Billy Quarantillo was tooth-and-nail, and that Swanson can't move his feet anymore. Connor believes Landwehr is still capable of winning a grimy pocket fight, and that Swanson's age (42) and layoff will catch up to him. He thinks Swanson will end up in Landwehr's kind of fight and get chin-checked.
Daniel respects Swanson but thinks Landwehr's pace and calf kicks will be too much for the 42-year-old. He sees Landwehr winning by accumulation of damage or submission.
Daniel Vreeland picks Nate Landwehr, believing that Landwehr's pressure, leg kicks, and grappling will overwhelm the aging Cub Swanson. He notes that Swanson's cardio fades after the first round and that Landwehr is durable and gets better as the fight goes on. He also mentions that Swanson's retirement fight may be a paycheck fight.
The host leans towards Landwehr due to Swanson's long layoff (2 years) at age 42, which could lead to significant decline. He notes Landwehr's more recent fight showed better cardio, while Swanson slowed in his last fights. He also thinks Landwehr is more likely to be fully focused, while Swanson has outside business distractions. However, he acknowledges both fighters are old and inconsistent, so confidence is low.
James picks Cub Swanson, citing his experience in wars and technical striking advantage. He acknowledges Landwehr's pressure but believes Swanson's durability and power will prevail.
Swanson's technical striking and counter-punching should be the difference. Landwehr is durable but tends to run into shots and has been knocked out recently. Swanson's footwork and experience allow him to land clean counters. Landwehr may try to grapple, but Swanson's defensive grappling is solid. Swanson should get the knockout in his retirement fight.
Paul picks Swanson, noting his experience, speed, and training with young killers. He believes Landwehr's durability is declining and Swanson's crisp striking will prevail.
The MMA Guru picks Cub Swanson over Nate Landwehr. He believes Swanson still has it, with recent wins over Billy Quarantillo and a split decision with Andre Fili. He notes Landwehr gets caught and KO'd, and Swanson can land a looping overhand. He predicts a TKO win in round one or two, with Swanson having a retirement send-off.
Zane picks Swanson, arguing that Landwehr is too simplistic and one-dimensional. He notes that Swanson still has head movement and pocket comfort, and that Landwehr has no footwork, feints, or subtlety. Zane believes Swanson can outclass Landwehr, comparing it to Swanson fighting a downgraded version of Jeremy Stevens. He acknowledges Swanson's age but thinks his experience and savvy will prevail. He hopes Swanson wins and retires on a high note.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 99 of 158 | 62% | 114 of 173 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 97 of 237 | 40% | 108 of 249 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 0 | 0 | 2:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 39 of 57 | 68% | 40 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 37 of 88 | 42% | 37 of 88 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 40 of 69 | 57% | 54 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 38 of 105 | 36% | 49 of 117 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 | |
| 3 | Cub Swanson | 1 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 20 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 22 of 44 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 99 of 158 | 62% | 74 of 127 | 13 of 18 | 12 of 13 | 95 of 154 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 97 of 237 | 40% | 65 of 188 | 20 of 32 | 12 of 17 | 91 of 222 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 39 of 57 | 68% | 23 of 38 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 9 | 39 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 37 of 88 | 42% | 22 of 66 | 6 of 10 | 9 of 12 | 37 of 87 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 40 of 69 | 57% | 35 of 61 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 36 of 65 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 38 of 105 | 36% | 31 of 91 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 32 of 91 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Cub Swanson | 20 of 32 | 62% | 16 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 22 of 44 | 50% | 12 of 31 | 8 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 22 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans toward Quarantillo because he will be a touch faster with better movement, but he acknowledges Cub Swanson's toughness and all-around skills. He notes Quarantillo's aggression, BJJ, and volume striking, while Swanson is old and slow but still dangerous. He is considering betting the over 1.5 rounds and a plus 3.5 spread on Swanson, expecting a close decision.
Big Brady picks Billy Quarantillo to win by third-round submission. He thinks Quarantillo's pressure, volume, and grappling can break Swanson, especially if he gets the fight to the mat. He notes Swanson has been submitted many times. However, he worries about Quarantillo's chin and durability, as Swanson still has power.
Cody picks Billy Quarantillo, citing his high volume striking (7.36 strikes per minute), pressure, and submission threat. He notes Cub Swanson's age (41), mileage, and recent losses, and believes Billy's pace and durability will overwhelm Cub. Cody also mentions the hometown advantage for Billy in Tampa.
Connor also picks Swanson, citing that Quarantillo's style is similar to Colby Covington's and ages out quickly. He notes that Swanson is still sharp and dangerous, with better boxing and power, and that Quarantillo's wrestling is not a reliable path to victory. Connor thinks Quarantillo may be 'shot' and that Swanson's experience will prevail.
Daniel Vreeland picks Cub Swanson for the upset, despite being a fan of Billy Quarantillo. He argues that Quarantillo's comeback style relies on taking damage early, and at 36, that may be harder to sustain. Vreeland notes Swanson's speed, accuracy, and experience in wars, comparing this to Swanson's fight against Darren Elkins. He believes Swanson will land significant damage before Quarantillo can drag him into deep waters.
Lucrative James picks Cub Swanson as an underdog, acknowledging it's a close fight. He believes Swanson has more knockout upside early and can land heavy shots to stop Quarantillo's pressure. He notes Swanson's veteran savvy and power, but admits concerns about Swanson's age (41) and potential cardio decline. He sees value in Swanson at plus odds, though he is not fully confident.
Quarantillo's relentless and smothering grappling style will cause Cub Swanson trouble. He will crowd Swanson's space, jump on his back, and sink in a rear-naked choke, with the finish coming within 10 minutes.
Paul picks Billy Quarantillo but with some hesitation. He notes that Billy's pace can be stifled by wrestling, but Cub Swanson is unlikely to use that approach. Paul sees it as a standup affair where Billy's volume and pressure should win out, though he acknowledges Cub's toughness and the possibility of a competitive first round.
The MMA Guru picks Cub Swanson as an underdog, calling Billy Quarantillo 'absolute garbage'. He criticizes Quarantillo's lack of explosiveness and poor distance management, and notes that Swanson has better hands, power, and body work. He predicts Swanson will target the body and possibly get a body shot TKO in round two. He also notes that Quarantillo has been exposed in recent fights.
Zane picks Swanson because Quarantillo's pressure style is aging poorly and he has been getting hurt and finished in recent fights. He notes that Swanson still has solid boxing fundamentals and power, and that Quarantillo's wrestling is not good enough to control Swanson, who is active off his back. Zane believes Quarantillo's style is falling apart.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Fili | 0 | 62 of 111 | 55% | 90 of 140 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 67 of 147 | 45% | 70 of 151 | 2 of 11 | 18% | 0 | 0 | 3:50 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Fili | 0 | 20 of 31 | 64% | 20 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 18 of 42 | 42% | 19 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Andre Fili | 0 | 12 of 29 | 41% | 22 of 39 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 18 of 35 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:27 | |
| 3 | Andre Fili | 0 | 30 of 51 | 58% | 48 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 31 of 70 | 44% | 33 of 73 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Fili | 62 of 111 | 55% | 43 of 86 | 7 of 11 | 12 of 14 | 53 of 101 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 67 of 147 | 45% | 49 of 118 | 13 of 22 | 5 of 7 | 52 of 126 | 15 of 21 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Fili | 20 of 31 | 64% | 9 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 9 | 18 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 18 of 42 | 42% | 12 of 31 | 4 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 36 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Andre Fili | 12 of 29 | 41% | 11 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 18 of 35 | 51% | 14 of 29 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 29 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Andre Fili | 30 of 51 | 58% | 23 of 41 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 24 of 44 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 31 of 70 | 44% | 23 of 58 | 5 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 24 of 61 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Fili but is not confident due to his recent knockout losses. He notes that Fili is younger and faster, but his chin is questionable. Cody believes Fili's volume and wrestling could give him an edge, but acknowledges that Swanson is a fan favorite who often gets close decisions. He warns that Fili needs to finish Swanson to avoid a controversial decision loss.
Daniel is picking Swanson as a plus 210 underdog, citing Swanson's path to victory via knockout and his strong performance against Hakim Dawodu at similar odds. He notes that Fili is hot and cold and can be chinned. He envisions a retirement moment for Swanson where he knocks out Fili and puts his gloves down in the Octagon.
The host does not discuss this fight at all in the transcript. The entire podcast is focused on the Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight, which is not on the provided fight card. Therefore, no pick is made for this fight.
The host picks Fili to win on the scorecards, but criticizes the -260 line as too high, saying Fili should be closer to -150 or -180. He expects a competitive striking battle that goes to decision, and recommends the over 2.5 rounds at -110. He notes Swanson is a live underdog at +210.
Paul picks Swanson, citing his experience and durability. He notes that Swanson has a history of winning close decisions and that Fili has been knocked out recently. Paul believes Swanson's volume and toughness will be key, and that he can win a decision or even catch Fili with a knockout. He also mentions that Swanson is a fan favorite, which may help in a close fight.
The Guru picks Andre Fili over Cub Swanson. He believes Fili is bigger, stronger, and more explosive at this stage. He notes Swanson's age (40) and size disadvantage. He likes Fili's low kicks and thinks he can finish Swanson by TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 77 of 156 | 49% | 107 of 195 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 0 | 95 of 176 | 53% | 129 of 224 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 3:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 0 | 29 of 56 | 51% | 29 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 28 of 51 | 54% | 52 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 0 | 29 of 55 | 52% | 48 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:20 | |
| 3 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 26 of 63 | 41% | 32 of 74 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:21 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 0 | 37 of 65 | 56% | 52 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:50 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 77 of 156 | 49% | 41 of 112 | 27 of 31 | 9 of 13 | 59 of 135 | 18 of 21 | 0 of 0 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 95 of 176 | 53% | 41 of 104 | 29 of 37 | 25 of 35 | 79 of 158 | 16 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 23 of 42 | 54% | 11 of 25 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 7 | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 29 of 56 | 51% | 9 of 28 | 8 of 9 | 12 of 19 | 29 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 28 of 51 | 54% | 19 of 42 | 8 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 18 of 39 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 29 of 55 | 52% | 13 of 33 | 10 of 13 | 6 of 9 | 20 of 44 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Cub Swanson | 26 of 63 | 41% | 11 of 45 | 11 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 18 of 54 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 37 of 65 | 56% | 19 of 43 | 11 of 15 | 7 of 7 | 30 of 58 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Dawodu based on age and speed, noting Swanson looked old in his last fight. He acknowledges Swanson could win via takedowns and decision, but leans Dawodu.
Big Brady picks Hakeem Dawodu to knock out Cub Swanson in the second round. He notes Swanson's age (39) and recent durability issues, especially in the Jonathan Martinez fight where he was hurt to the head, body, and legs. He believes Dawodu's mixing of strikes will wear down Swanson and lead to a finish. He expects this to be Swanson's retirement fight.
Cody is torn on this fight. He notes Cub Swanson is nearing 40 and coming off a brutal loss to Jonathan Martinez, but also has a history of pulling off upsets. He criticizes Hakeem Dawodu's low output and lack of finishing ability, but acknowledges Cub's age and damage. He ultimately decides to pass on betting, saying he has other underdogs he prefers.
James picks Dawodu, believing Swanson is past his prime. He thinks Dawodu is the better striker now with better durability, though he notes Dawodu's chin is questionable. James sees little path for Swanson to win, as he doesn't think Swanson can grapple or out-strike Dawodu. He mentions Swanson could land a knockout due to his unorthodox style, but overall favors Dawodu clearly.
Dawodu is a technical striker who uses combination striking and kicks. Swanson is 40 and on a 3-6 run over his last nine, with wins over sketchy competition. Dawodu should land the more impactful strikes and get the nod from judges. However, Swanson's unorthodox style could make it closer than the odds suggest.
Paul picks Cub Swanson but with low confidence. He thinks the line is accurate and would prefer Dawodu at a better price. He sees Cub having a puncher's chance and notes that if Dawodu fights at his usual low volume, Cub could outwork him and eke out a decision. However, he admits he's not confident and has other underdogs he'd rather bet.
The MMA Guru picks Hakeem Dawodu over Cub Swanson, citing Swanson's accumulated damage and small size for featherweight. He notes Dawodu's strength and clinch work, predicting he will hurt Swanson to the body with knees and get a finish in the third round. He references Swanson's past body-shot losses to Tatsuya Kawajiri and Max Holloway.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 51 of 79 | 64% | 60 of 88 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Cub Swanson | 2 | 62 of 102 | 60% | 66 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 3:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 31 of 50 | 62% | 38 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 33 of 59 | 55% | 35 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:16 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 20 of 29 | 68% | 22 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 29 of 43 | 67% | 31 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 51 of 79 | 64% | 10 of 35 | 9 of 10 | 32 of 34 | 48 of 73 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Cub Swanson | 62 of 102 | 60% | 40 of 77 | 15 of 18 | 7 of 7 | 37 of 64 | 12 of 14 | 13 of 24 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 31 of 50 | 62% | 5 of 23 | 5 of 6 | 21 of 21 | 29 of 47 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
| Cub Swanson | 33 of 59 | 55% | 21 of 45 | 10 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 39 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 14 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 20 of 29 | 68% | 5 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 13 | 19 of 26 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 29 of 43 | 67% | 19 of 32 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 16 of 25 | 7 of 8 | 6 of 10 |
Angelo leans Cub Swanson, citing his experience, fight IQ, and still-solid chin. He notes that Jonathan Martinez has holes in his game, particularly handling pressure, and that Cub can exploit that in a technical kickboxing match. However, he is not highly confident and calls it a tough pick, acknowledging Martinez's power and recent wins.
Big Brady picks Cub Swanson for the upset by first-round knockout. He notes that Swanson has looked phenomenal lately, has power and volume, while Martinez has a questionable chin (knocked down multiple times). He thinks Swanson's pressure and hard shots will be too much, but says he'll check the weigh-ins to see if Swanson looks drained from the weight cut. He calls it a super close fight.
Cody leans Martinez for the pick but is more confident in the under 2.5 rounds at +130. He notes Cub Swanson still fights with hands down and chin up, and while he has power, Martinez is faster and more technical. He expects violence in a small cage and thinks the fight ends early.
Connor picks Martinez, citing the age and weight cut concerns for Swanson. He notes that Martinez's range kicking game could cause problems for Swanson, and that Swanson's tendency to struggle against range strikers is a factor. He admits it's a coin flip but goes with the younger, established bantamweight.
Swanson is a live underdog at +165 due to his unorthodox striking and power, which could expose Martinez's chin. Martinez is a good striker with kicks and combinations, but he has shown he can be hurt. Swanson's experience and ability to crack opponents make this competitive. However, the weight cut to 135 pounds is a concern; the host wants to see how Swanson looks at weigh-ins before committing. Prediction is Swanson by knockout.
Paul is tempted by Cub Swanson as a live underdog, especially since the fight is at bantamweight, a new weight class for Swanson. He questions Martinez's chin and weight cut issues, noting Martinez has been dropped before and struggled at 135. He thinks Swanson's power and pace could break Martinez if it becomes a scrap.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez over his favorite fighter Cub Swanson, citing momentum and Martinez's age (28) as key factors. He notes that Swanson is moving down to bantamweight, which often leads to poor performances initially. He praises Martinez's leg kicks and slick striking, and predicts a body finish due to Swanson's weaker torso at the new weight.
Zane picks Swanson, reasoning that if he would pick Swanson at featherweight, he has to still pick him at bantamweight despite the weight cut concerns. He believes Swanson's aggression and ability to punish Martinez's poor defense on the back foot will be key. He acknowledges the risk but trusts Swanson's veteran savvy.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 18 of 30 | 60% | 18 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Darren Elkins | 0 | 2 of 19 | 10% | 5 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 1 | 18 of 30 | 60% | 18 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Darren Elkins | 0 | 2 of 19 | 10% | 5 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 18 of 30 | 60% | 16 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Darren Elkins | 2 of 19 | 10% | 2 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 18 of 30 | 60% | 16 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Darren Elkins | 2 of 19 | 10% | 2 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Darren Elkins, citing the constant threat of takedowns and grinding pressure. He believes Elkins can make the fight ugly and frustrate Swanson, who is the better all-around fighter but needs to keep it standing. Angelo notes that Elkins has power in his hands but his clear path is grappling. He placed a moneyline bet on Elkins because the odds were too good at +170, thinking it should be closer to a pick'em.
Big Brady picks Cub Swanson by decision, citing his striking advantage (higher volume, accuracy, defense) and improved takedown defense in recent fights. He notes Elkins' low striking accuracy and believes Swanson can keep the fight standing. He acknowledges Elkins' grappling but thinks Swanson's takedown defense has improved enough to avoid trouble.
Cody picks Swanson but doesn't like the -200 price. He thinks Swanson's superior footwork and striking technique will allow him to box up Elkins on the feet. He notes that Elkins needs takedowns to win, and Swanson's takedown defense (60% career) might be enough. Cody suggests taking Swanson by decision at +150 instead of the moneyline, as he believes Swanson is unlikely to finish Elkins.
Daniel Levi picks Cub Swanson but admits he is sketched out by Elkins's comeback ability. He believes Swanson will dominate the striking early, using his speed, kicks, and explosiveness. However, Levi worries that if Elkins gets top position or takes Swanson's back, he could submit him. He references Jeremy Stephens's blueprint of keeping the fight standing and busting Elkins up, which Swanson can follow. Levi expects Swanson to win a decision, possibly 30-27, but acknowledges the risk of Elkins pulling off a submission.
Jacob picks Cub Swanson, his favorite fighter, and is very confident. He argues that Swanson is the better all-around fighter and equally tough. Jacob believes Swanson will dominate the fight, noting that Swanson looked great in his last win and that Elkins' wins come from out-toughing opponents, but nobody out-toughs Swanson. He thinks the odds are fair and that Swanson will win.
The host picks Swanson by KO, citing the striking disparity and Elkins' declining reactions. He believes Swanson will tee off on Elkins and finish him. He likes the KO prop at +250 and also parlayed Swanson moneyline with Barcelos.
Paul is leaning towards Elkins as a dog, citing Elkins's incredible durability and never-quit attitude. He thinks Swanson may start fast but could fade, and Elkins's pressure and wrestling could take over. Paul plans to bet Elkins live if Swanson slows down, expecting a better number than +170. He calls it a 'dogger pass' situation pre-fight.
The MMA Guru picks Cub Swanson to win by 29-28 decision. He notes Swanson has improved his grappling defense significantly, as shown in the second Edgar fight where he wasn't taken down. He thinks Swanson's stand-up advantage will be key and he won't gas out like other Elkins opponents. He expects a scrappy war but Swanson's veteran savvy will carry him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 1 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 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 | Giga Chikadze | 1 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 12 of 18 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Cub Swanson | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 12 of 18 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Cub Swanson | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Giga Chikadze to win a close decision, but he is hesitant and hates the line. He acknowledges Chikadze's improvements, especially in takedown defense and striking output, as seen in the Morales fight. However, he notes that Swanson is durable and on a roll, and that Chikadze has been taken down in the past. Brady thinks the line should be closer and that Swanson could be live if he wrestles more, but he ultimately goes with Chikadze's flashier strikes.
Cody sees Cub Swanson as a live underdog with many variables in his favor: savvy veteran experience, ground game advantage, and a history of performing well as an underdog. He notes that Swanson has a BJJ black belt and wrestling advantage, and that Giga has not faced a grappler who actually uses their ground game. However, he is concerned that Giga is tall for the division and a tricky striker, and that Swanson needs to use his wrestling to win. He labels this a 'dogger pass' situation and mentions DraftKings still has +160 available.
Daniel Levi picks Giga Chikadze to win, emphasizing that Chikadze is a superior striker with better range and footwork. He believes Cub Swanson's style of swinging big hooks plays into Chikadze's straight shots down the middle. Levi also notes that Swanson's recent win over Pineda is overrated and that Chikadze's cardio held up in his last fight.
The host picks Giga Chikadze by decision, citing his striking advantage and reach. He expects Giga to fight safe and outpoint Swanson, who may look for takedowns. He notes that Swanson is a veteran but believes Giga's kicking game will be too much.
Paul does not have a strong lean on this fight. He notes that Giga has been given favorable matchups and that Swanson has the ground game advantage, but he is not confident enough to make a pick. He mentions that the action is coming in on Swanson and that he can understand why, but he doesn't commit to a side.
The MMA Guru picks Giga Chikadze over Cub Swanson, citing Chikadze's size advantage, reach, and improving MMA skills. He notes that Swanson is a natural bantamweight and took damage in his last fight against Daniel Pineda. He predicts Chikadze will chop at Swanson's legs and jab his way to a 30-27 unanimous decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 2 | 46 of 66 | 69% | 51 of 71 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 40 of 65 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 1 | 31 of 47 | 65% | 34 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 35 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 1 | 15 of 19 | 78% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 5 of 15 | 33% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 46 of 66 | 69% | 35 of 51 | 7 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 37 of 54 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 9 |
| Daniel Pineda | 21 of 45 | 46% | 9 of 28 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 13 | 19 of 43 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 31 of 47 | 65% | 23 of 36 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 23 of 36 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 8 |
| Daniel Pineda | 16 of 30 | 53% | 6 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 10 | 14 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 15 of 19 | 78% | 12 of 15 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Daniel Pineda | 5 of 15 | 33% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Daniel Pineda to win by first-round submission. He highlights Pineda's 100% finish rate (27 wins all finishes) and Swanson's history of being submitted six times. He likes Pineda's recent form and believes he is in his prime, while Swanson is past his prime and coming off injury. He recommends betting Pineda inside the distance at +140.
Daniel is impressed with Pineda's resurgence, noting his 29 finishes and recent dominant performances. He questions Cub Swanson's level of competition and thinks Swanson is on his way out. He predicts Pineda will catch Cub with a submission, possibly his 20th submission win.
Pineda's wrestling and top pressure will be a nightmare for Swanson, who has struggled with grapplers. Pineda should be able to take Swanson down repeatedly and finish him via ground and pound or submission. Swanson's recent losses have come via submission, and Pineda's style matches up well. The under 2.5 rounds is a good prop.
The MMA Guru picks Cub Swanson, despite the long layoff due to injury. He believes Swanson's experience against good jiu-jitsu guys and his stand-up will be the difference. He expects Swanson to keep the fight standing and win a unanimous decision. He dismisses Daniel Pineda's wins as unimpressive and notes Pineda's past PED issues.
Dustin Poirier - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Holloway | 1 | 198 of 375 | 52% | 201 of 378 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:32 |
| Dustin Poirier | 1 | 109 of 255 | 42% | 109 of 255 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Holloway | 1 | 26 of 64 | 40% | 26 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Max Holloway | 0 | 44 of 67 | 65% | 47 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:24 |
| Dustin Poirier | 1 | 25 of 43 | 58% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 3 | Max Holloway | 0 | 38 of 61 | 62% | 38 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 21 of 49 | 42% | 21 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Max Holloway | 0 | 44 of 84 | 52% | 44 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 22 of 68 | 32% | 22 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Max Holloway | 0 | 46 of 99 | 46% | 46 of 99 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 25 of 63 | 39% | 25 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Holloway | 198 of 375 | 52% | 103 of 253 | 64 of 80 | 31 of 42 | 182 of 351 | 0 of 1 | 16 of 23 |
| Dustin Poirier | 109 of 255 | 42% | 94 of 235 | 6 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 102 of 243 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Holloway | 26 of 64 | 40% | 9 of 39 | 11 of 16 | 6 of 9 | 23 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 |
| Dustin Poirier | 16 of 32 | 50% | 12 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Max Holloway | 44 of 67 | 65% | 31 of 52 | 11 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 31 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 16 |
| Dustin Poirier | 25 of 43 | 58% | 21 of 36 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 19 of 34 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 6 | |
| 3 | Max Holloway | 38 of 61 | 62% | 18 of 36 | 9 of 12 | 11 of 13 | 38 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 21 of 49 | 42% | 15 of 41 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Max Holloway | 44 of 84 | 52% | 23 of 57 | 15 of 18 | 6 of 9 | 44 of 84 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 22 of 68 | 32% | 21 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Max Holloway | 46 of 99 | 46% | 22 of 69 | 18 of 22 | 6 of 8 | 46 of 98 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 25 of 63 | 39% | 25 of 63 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 61 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Max Holloway, but with low confidence. He notes that Dustin is the better all-around fighter but may be pressured by his retirement fight and home crowd, leading him to brawl instead of using his full skillset. He expects Holloway's volume striking to win a decision. He will not bet on this fight.
Big Brady leans Max Holloway, citing Holloway's improvement at lightweight and youth (33 vs 36). He worries about Holloway's chin after his first KO but believes Holloway's volume will be key. He notes Poirier's retirement and hometown advantage could sway a close decision, so he's not betting.
Connor believes Holloway has evolved into a more complete striker since their last fight, with improved footwork, counterpunching, and kicking game. He thinks Holloway was close to winning the second fight and that his cleaner combinations and pressure can overcome Poirier's power if he survives the turning points. He also notes Poirier's retirement talk as a potential factor that could affect his focus.
The host notes Poirier is up 2-0 in the series and believes his power punching approach will be more effective than Holloway's volume, referencing the second matchup where Poirier won 4-1 on scorecards. He expects Poirier to repeat that and win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Max Holloway over Dustin Poirier, predicting a decision win. He cites Holloway's superior striking and the fact that Poirier is retiring after this fight, which may affect his intensity. The Guru also notes that Holloway nearly won their second fight and is now properly prepared at lightweight, unlike the short-notice rematch. He believes Poirier's striking has regressed due to focusing on takedown defense, while Holloway's striking remains sharp. He expects a competitive fight but sees Holloway as a step ahead.
Zane agrees with Connor that Holloway can win, citing Holloway's improved back-foot game and the fact that he was close in the second fight. He also points to Poirier's age and potential emotional state in his retirement fight as reasons Holloway might finally get the win. However, he expresses nervousness about picking against the trend of the first two fights.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | 0 | 88 of 156 | 56% | 147 of 222 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 2 | 0 | 10:23 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 74 of 183 | 40% | 104 of 218 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islam Makhachev | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 46 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:23 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Islam Makhachev | 0 | 26 of 46 | 56% | 30 of 50 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 32 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 | |
| 3 | Islam Makhachev | 0 | 18 of 24 | 75% | 24 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:10 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 15 of 36 | 41% | 16 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 4 | Islam Makhachev | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 29 of 53 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 2:28 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 23 of 61 | 37% | 34 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 5 | Islam Makhachev | 0 | 18 of 33 | 54% | 18 of 33 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 0:33 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 11 of 23 | 47% | 11 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | 88 of 156 | 56% | 81 of 148 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 71 of 136 | 11 of 14 | 6 of 6 |
| Dustin Poirier | 74 of 183 | 40% | 53 of 159 | 18 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 51 of 157 | 23 of 26 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islam Makhachev | 6 of 9 | 66% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Dustin Poirier | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Islam Makhachev | 26 of 46 | 56% | 23 of 42 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 17 of 36 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 3 |
| Dustin Poirier | 24 of 58 | 41% | 18 of 51 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 47 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Islam Makhachev | 18 of 24 | 75% | 18 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Dustin Poirier | 15 of 36 | 41% | 13 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Islam Makhachev | 20 of 44 | 45% | 17 of 41 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 23 of 61 | 37% | 12 of 49 | 11 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 50 | 11 of 11 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Islam Makhachev | 18 of 33 | 54% | 17 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 11 of 23 | 47% | 9 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Islam Makhachev confidently, citing his superior wrestling and pressure. He believes Islam will get takedowns at will and potentially finish Dustin Poirier. He acknowledges Poirier's toughness and one-punch power but thinks the grappling gap is too wide. He mentions a fantasy scenario where Poirier wins by submission but calls it highly unlikely.
Big Brady is heavily on Islam Makhachev, calling him his favorite play on the board and planning 100% exposure. He expects Islam to get takedowns and finish in the second or third round. He acknowledges Dustin Poirier's power and cheap price but sees a very limited path for Poirier. He will sprinkle a little on Poirier but is confident Islam gets the job done inside the distance.
Cody agrees Makhachev is the favorite but notes Poirier's puncher's chance and the appealing +500 underdog price. He discusses Poirier's win over Benoît Saint Denis, which he considers tainted due to Saint Denis having a staph infection. Cody believes Makhachev will take Poirier down and grind him out, likely submitting him late or winning by TKO. He also likes the over 2.5 rounds at +145.
Daniel acknowledges Islam's dominant grappling and improved striking, noting his win over Volkanovski. He points out that Dustin has faced grapplers like Khabib and Oliveira, but the Dagestani style is uniquely relentless. He mentions the possibility of Poirier landing a check hook like Martins did, but ultimately sees Islam's path to victory as more likely. He is rooting for Poirier but picks Islam as a pure pick.
Daniel Vreeland picks Makhachev but disagrees that he's a better striker than Poirier. He notes Makhachev's striking is overrated based on the Volkanovski fight. However, he believes Poirier will give up too many positions and won't be on his feet long enough to win a decision. Vreeland thinks Poirier's only path is a finish, but Makhachev is durable and has gone 25 minutes with Volkanovski. He suggests Poirier's props (KO or submission) are better value than his moneyline.
Jeff Fox picks Makhachev, calling him 'Khabib with hands.' He believes Poirier has no advantage anywhere, especially now that Makhachev is knocking people out on the feet. Fox sees no realm where Poirier is better and expects Makhachev to dominate.
The host expects Makhachev to take the fight to the ground and submit Poirier, similar to how Khabib and Oliveira did. Poirier's grappling defense has been exploited by elite wrestlers, and Makhachev's pressure and top control should lead to a rear-naked choke. The host sees this as an easy win for Makhachev and likes the submission prop.
Paul picks Makhachev to win, noting Poirier's age (35) and the historical stat that fighters over 35 under 155 lbs are 0-15 in title fights. He believes Makhachev's takedowns will be there whenever he wants, but warns that Makhachev has had bad performances before (like against Adriano Martins and Volkanovski) and could get into trouble if he stands with Poirier. He suggests betting the over 1.5 or over 2.5 rounds instead of the moneyline at -700.
The MMA Guru picks Islam Makhachev, predicting a first-round submission via arm triangle or Von Flue choke. He explains that Poirier's habit of going for guillotines leaves his arm in a vulnerable position. He also notes that Makhachev's striking has evolved to be more counter-based, reducing the chance of getting caught. He mentions Poirier's hip issues limiting his kicks and takedown defense.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | 1 | 28 of 34 | 82% | 30 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 4 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 0 | 50 of 74 | 67% | 69 of 97 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 | 0 | 4:53 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Poirier | 0 | 12 of 13 | 92% | 14 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 3 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 0 | 38 of 49 | 77% | 53 of 68 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:20 | |
| 2 | Dustin Poirier | 1 | 16 of 21 | 76% | 16 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 0 | 12 of 25 | 48% | 16 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | 28 of 34 | 82% | 24 of 30 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 25 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 50 of 74 | 67% | 25 of 46 | 18 of 20 | 7 of 8 | 17 of 37 | 31 of 35 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Poirier | 12 of 13 | 92% | 11 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 38 of 49 | 77% | 21 of 31 | 10 of 10 | 7 of 8 | 13 of 22 | 23 of 25 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Dustin Poirier | 16 of 21 | 76% | 13 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 15 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 12 of 25 | 48% | 4 of 15 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 15 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Benoît Saint Denis, citing his pressure, power, and wrestling. He worries that Dustin Poirier's chin may have deteriorated after the Justin Gaethje knockout. He thinks Saint Denis can overwhelm Poirier early. However, he won't bet because he's rooting for Poirier.
Big Brady picks Benoît Saint Denis to win by second-round submission. He notes that Saint Denis is younger, hungrier, and has grappling upside. He believes Saint Denis will get Poirier down and submit him, similar to how Michael Chandler did. He acknowledges Poirier's striking advantage but thinks Saint Denis's durability and pressure will be too much.
Cody points to Poirier's declining volume and durability, noting he has been outstruck in recent fights and is showing signs of wear. He contrasts that with Saint Denis's relentless pressure, cardio, durability, and progression. He believes Saint Denis will break Poirier's will as the fight goes on.
Daniel picks Poirier but is very hesitant due to Poirier's age and coming off a head kick KO loss. He acknowledges Poirier is the more skilled striker and believes he can knock out Saint Denis on the feet. However, he worries about Saint Denis's pressure, grappling, and durability, and whether Poirier still has the will and cardio to go five rounds. Daniel notes that if Poirier drops Saint Denis, he might follow him to the ground unlike against Charles Oliveira. He ultimately leans on Poirier's skill advantage.
Daniel Vreeland picks Benoît Saint Denis but expresses discomfort with the -205 price. He believes BSD's wrestling and pace will be too much for Poirier, especially given Poirier's recent knockout loss. Vreeland notes that BSD has finished all his opponents and has never been finished. However, he calls the line a 'dog or pass' spot because BSD has never fought anyone as tough as Poirier. He says he would rather see BSD fight someone like Rafael Fiziev before this step up. Despite the price, he picks BSD because he has never picked against him.
Jeff Fox picks Benoît Saint Denis as well, noting that he has never picked against BSD and won't start now. He acknowledges the massive step up in competition from Matt Frevola to Dustin Poirier, but believes BSD's wrestling and finishing ability are real. Fox points out that Poirier has been knocked out recently and that BSD has the power to put him away. He also mentions that BSD is younger and has a relentless pace. However, he says he won't bet real money on this fight due to the price and the step up.
Saint Denis is a relentless pressure fighter with five straight finishes. He uses leg kicks, body work, and clinch pressure to break opponents, then works to the back for rear-naked chokes. Poirier is a better striker but struggles against aggressive grapplers who can close the distance, as seen in losses to Khabib and Oliveira. Poirier does not want this fight and may be mentally checked out. I expect Saint Denis to break Poirier within the first two rounds and secure a submission.
Paul emphasizes Poirier's mileage and the fact that he didn't even know the fight was on until recently, suggesting he hasn't been sparring hard. He contrasts that with Saint Denis's hunger and youth, and notes that Saint Denis has never been finished and has shown incredible durability and pace.
The MMA Guru picks Benoît Saint Denis, believing he will overwhelm Dustin Poirier with body kicks, takedowns, and pressure. He notes Poirier's wide hips and square stance make him vulnerable to body kicks, and that Poirier struggled with Chandler's body kicks. He predicts Saint Denis will finish Poirier by ground-and-pound TKO in round two, leading to Poirier's retirement.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Gaethje | 0 | 27 of 52 | 51% | 27 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dustin Poirier | 1 | 41 of 66 | 62% | 41 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justin Gaethje | 0 | 27 of 51 | 52% | 27 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 33 of 56 | 58% | 33 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Justin Gaethje | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dustin Poirier | 1 | 8 of 10 | 80% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Gaethje | 27 of 52 | 51% | 21 of 46 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 49 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 41 of 66 | 62% | 23 of 48 | 7 of 7 | 11 of 11 | 38 of 63 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justin Gaethje | 27 of 51 | 52% | 21 of 45 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 48 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 33 of 56 | 58% | 18 of 41 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 10 | 31 of 54 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Justin Gaethje | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 8 of 10 | 80% | 5 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Dustin Poirier, expecting a similar fight to their first meeting but without a finish. He believes Poirier's technical striking and fight IQ will outpoint Gaethje over five rounds. He notes that both have evolved at the same pace, but if Gaethje uses wrestling, it could change things. He is excited for the fight but not betting on it.
Big Brady picks Dustin Poirier to win by late third-round finish. He references the first fight where Poirier landed 142 head strikes and broke Gaethje in the fourth round. He trusts Poirier's durability (only two KO losses in 36 fights) and volume, and expects damage to accumulate. However, he is not confident, acknowledging Gaethje's improvements and power. He calls it a toss-up but leans Poirier.
Cody picks Poirier based on the first fight where Poirier adjusted after leg kicks and knocked Gaethje out. He notes Poirier's training partners at ATT (Chris Duncan, Grant Dawson) have had career-best performances recently, suggesting good camp. He acknowledges Gaethje's leg kicks and durability but believes Poirier's boxing and ability to weather the storm give him the edge. He does not plan to bet pre-fight.
James picks Poirier, trusting his boxing accuracy, durability in wars, and ability to adjust to leg kicks. He notes Gaethje has improved technically but still gets hit and has been finished in wars before. He expects a war that goes into championship rounds, with Poirier's dog and cardio giving him the edge.
Poirier's precision striking and combinations will hurt Gaethje eventually and put him away. The fight doesn't go to decision is the spot I lean into most. Poirier by knockout, probably in the fourth or fifth round. Gaethje's leg kicks were effective in the first fight but Poirier's hands will find the big shot again.
Paul leans Gaethje due to plus money and Gaethje's proven ability to break opponents down in later rounds, referencing the Fiziev fight where Gaethje faded Fiziev in the third. He questions Poirier's durability and willingness to take damage at 34, noting Poirier's recent fights have been early finishes or high-damage affairs. He also highlights Gaethje's camp in Colorado producing good results. He calls it a 'dog or pass' and prefers the plus money ticket.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 38 of 76 | 50% | 63 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Michael Chandler | 0 | 43 of 100 | 43% | 65 of 135 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 5:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Poirier | 0 | 28 of 57 | 49% | 31 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Chandler | 0 | 23 of 69 | 33% | 24 of 73 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:05 | |
| 2 | Dustin Poirier | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 23 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Chandler | 0 | 18 of 25 | 72% | 39 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:34 | |
| 3 | Dustin Poirier | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 9 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Michael Chandler | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | 38 of 76 | 50% | 34 of 71 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 32 of 66 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 6 |
| Michael Chandler | 43 of 100 | 43% | 32 of 80 | 10 of 17 | 1 of 3 | 25 of 76 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 22 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Poirier | 28 of 57 | 49% | 25 of 53 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 25 of 53 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Chandler | 23 of 69 | 33% | 16 of 54 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 3 | 21 of 66 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Dustin Poirier | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Chandler | 18 of 25 | 72% | 16 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 21 | |
| 3 | Dustin Poirier | 8 of 16 | 50% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 |
| Michael Chandler | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Poirier (-210), Chandler (+180)
Round 1
Two of the lightweight division’s best action fighters are set to square off, and both Poirier and Chandler are hoping to get back in the championship picture after recent losses in title bouts. Dan Miragliotta is the third man in the cage. Chandler misses on a big low kick. Poirier misses his first leg kick too, and Chandler answers with a right hand. Chandler comes forward and lands a hard body kick. Chandler shoots and Poirier shucks him off. Poirier jabs the body. Chandler has a leg kick checked. Chandler pressures with punches and front kicks, but Poirier defnds well. Moments later, a right lands clean for Chandler, and Poirier is on the defensive. Chandler lands some heavy shots with his foe’s back to the fence. Poirier gets off the fence and they’re back in the center of the cage. Chandler is swinging heavy leather as usual. A crisp right connects for Poirier. They collide heads and Chandler tees off with right hands. he backs Poirier into the fence and continues to land power punches. Poirier looks hurt and Chandler takes him down near the fence. Chandler thinks about a kimura, but Poirier scoots to the fence. Chandler almost jumps on the back as Poirier works his way up. Chandler has a body lock and he gets Poirier down once, then follows with a suplex. Poirier is right back up, and he’s moving forward with punches now. They’re trading, and it’s Poirier who buckles his man with a right. Poirer goes on the attack, and he’s unloading on a reeling Chandler near the fence as time runs out. Chandler, whose face is battered and bloodied, may have been saved by the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Poirier
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Poirier
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Poirier
Round 2
Poirier sticks a jab at the outset. Chandler presses forward with a body-head combo followed by a kick. That sets up a high amplitude takedown, and now Chandler is in Poirier’s closed guard. Poirier lands elbows from his back. Chandler is leaking blood from his nose, and it’s getting all over Poirier. Poirier is framing a triangle, but Chandler passes and takes the back. Chandler attempts to get his left arm under the chin, but Poirier defends well. Chandler gets both hooks in and continues to hunt for the choke. Chandler is too high and the choke isn’t under the neck, but he is winning the round at this point. Chandler continues to hold a dominant position, but Poirier is able to turn and get his back to the cage. Poirier has full guard and he frames a kimura. Chandler makes him eat a big right and he gives up on that. Chandler switches to hammerfists and Miragliotta warns him for landing blows to the back of the head. Chandler relents and he traps the wrist of Poirier while landing solid right hands to the head. Chandler stays heavy on top as the round draws to a close, and he’ll end a dominant frame in top position.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Round 3
Poirier attacks the lead leg of Chandler. Poirier with a straight left. Chandler blocks a head kick and then is denied on a half-hearted takedown. Chandler pressures behind a combination and changes levels. He gets a high crotch and lifts Poirier for a slam, only to see Poirier scramble into top position on the deposit. From there, Poirier transitions to the back of his opponent. Poirier has a body triangle secured with Chandler still on his knees in the center of the Octagon. Poirier locks in a rear-naked choke and falls back to the canvas, drapping his adversary with him. Poirier’s arm is under the chin and the squeeze is tight. Chandler has no choice but to tap in a matter of seconds.
The Official Result
Dustin Poirier def. Michael Chandler via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 2:00
Angelo acknowledges Chandler's power and wrestling but does not trust him to fight to win rather than slug it out. He believes Poirier is the smarter, more composed fighter focused on winning a title. He picks Poirier because Chandler cannot be trusted to try to win, though he expects an exciting fight.
Big Brady picks Dustin Poirier to win by knockout in the second round. He believes Poirier is the better technical striker with better cardio, and that Chandler's chin is questionable after taking damage. He compares it to Chandler's fight with Gaethje, but notes Poirier has more power and better cardio. He expects a stand-up war with no takedowns, and that Chandler will slow down as the fight goes on.
Cody picks Michael Chandler as a plus money underdog, expecting chaos in the fight. He notes that both fighters will eat massive shots and that Chandler has a legitimate chance on any given night due to his athleticism, wrestling, and power. Cody believes Chandler's willingness to throw down and his durability make him live at the plus price, and he sees the fight as a 50/50 proposition.
Daniel Levi picks Dustin Poirier to knock out Michael Chandler, citing Poirier's volume, knockout power, and finishing ability when he smells blood. He notes that Chandler is susceptible to calf kicks and tends to get wild, which could lead to a straight left from Poirier. Levi respects Chandler's explosiveness and D1 wrestling but believes Poirier's experience and the 'Poirier Blitz' will be the difference. He mentions that he wanted to bet Poirier but missed the line at -175, so he is passing on a bet. He also discusses the danger of Chandler's one-punch power and the potential for a first-round knockout from either side.
The host sees Poirier as the better technical striker and believes his discipline will keep him out of trouble. He acknowledges Chandler's power and speed but thinks Poirier will outbox him and potentially get a late KO. He notes the line at -210 is a bit wide but still picks Poirier. He expects knockdowns and a possible finish from Poirier.
Paul picks Dustin Poirier by TKO, believing Poirier's boxing combinations and durability will be the difference. He notes that Chandler has durability issues and has been knocked out before, and that Poirier's pressure and volume will break Chandler down. Paul also mentions that Poirier is highly motivated and looks good in training, and that Chandler's recklessness could lead to him getting caught. He prefers the Poirier by TKO prop at plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Dustin Poirier, emphasizing Chandler's tendency to get hit and Poirier's granite chin and experience against elite competition. He believes Poirier will trade in the pocket and finish Chandler with a first-round TKO, noting that Chandler only shoots takedowns when hurt and may gas from wrestling. He references Chandler's struggles against Ferguson on the feet.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | 0 | 73 of 131 | 55% | 98 of 157 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 3 | 1 | 5:41 |
| Dustin Poirier | 1 | 58 of 94 | 61% | 69 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 0 | 48 of 92 | 52% | 51 of 96 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Dustin Poirier | 1 | 54 of 87 | 62% | 58 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Charles Oliveira | 0 | 23 of 32 | 71% | 45 of 54 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 4:27 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 3 | Charles Oliveira | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 3 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | 73 of 131 | 55% | 48 of 99 | 22 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 38 of 86 | 17 of 19 | 18 of 26 |
| Dustin Poirier | 58 of 94 | 61% | 56 of 92 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 49 of 80 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 48 of 92 | 52% | 28 of 66 | 17 of 23 | 3 of 3 | 35 of 76 | 13 of 15 | 0 of 1 |
| Dustin Poirier | 54 of 87 | 62% | 52 of 85 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 47 of 76 | 5 of 7 | 2 of 4 | |
| 2 | Charles Oliveira | 23 of 32 | 71% | 19 of 27 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 25 |
| Dustin Poirier | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | |
| 3 | Charles Oliveira | 2 of 7 | 28% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Poirier | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Charles Oliveira to win by submission in the second round, but with low confidence. He notes that Oliveira has improved immensely, answering questions about his cardio and chin. He believes Oliveira can get the fight to the mat, where he is a wizard, and submit Poirier. Poirier has the striking advantage and good takedown defense, but has been taken down by grapplers like Dan Hooker. Brady is staying away from moneyline bets and is playing props.
Daniel Levi picks Dustin Poirier to win the lightweight title. He emphasizes Poirier's finishing instinct, particularly his patented blitz when he hurts opponents, and his ability to throw high volume (350+ strikes in recent fights). Levi notes that Poirier has survived deep submission attempts before, unlike Michael Chandler who made a 'meathead error' against Oliveira. He believes Poirier's composure and experience on big stages will be key, and that he will hurt Oliveira standing and finish him without making a mistake.
This is a volatile fight. Poirier is the slightly better boxer and should weather Oliveira's early aggression. Oliveira's striking has improved, but Poirier's defensive soundness and experience in five-round fights give him an edge. The fight likely ends inside the distance, and Poirier's finishing ability in later rounds is key. The 'fight doesn't go to decision' is a strong play.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Oliveira to win by first-round submission (rear-naked choke). He highlights Oliveira's check hook as a key weapon against Poirier's vulnerability to left hooks. He also notes Poirier's tendency to leave his neck exposed on the ground, as seen against Khabib. He believes Oliveira's confidence in his jiu-jitsu allows him to strike freely, while Poirier will be hesitant due to takedown threats.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | 0 | 36 of 66 | 54% | 36 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:18 |
| Conor McGregor | 0 | 27 of 38 | 71% | 43 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Poirier | 0 | 36 of 66 | 54% | 36 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:18 |
| Conor McGregor | 0 | 27 of 38 | 71% | 43 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | 36 of 66 | 54% | 35 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 46 |
| Conor McGregor | 27 of 38 | 71% | 13 of 21 | 6 of 9 | 8 of 8 | 17 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Poirier | 36 of 66 | 54% | 35 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 46 |
| Conor McGregor | 27 of 38 | 71% | 13 of 21 | 6 of 9 | 8 of 8 | 17 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 11 |
Angelo flips his pick from the last fight, now favoring Conor. He notes that in the first fight, Conor landed everything with power and had Dustin in trouble multiple times, but didn't capitalize due to pacing. He believes Conor will have a plan for the leg kicks this time and will get the job done. He also placed a bet on Conor by KO/TKO for plus odds.
Big Brady picks Conor McGregor to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Conor has the X-factor power, being the hardest hitter pound-for-pound, and that Poirier absorbs a lot of strikes (4.17 per minute). He expects Conor to make adjustments, stuff takedowns, check leg kicks, and keep the fight at range. He acknowledges Poirier's durability but believes Conor will land a knockout.
Cody picks Poirier based on Conor's fading cardio after the first round, Poirier's durability and leg kicks, and the American Top Team camp. He notes Conor's power early but expects Poirier to take over late. He hasn't bet yet, waiting to see how the press conferences affect Poirier's mindset.
Daniel Levi picks Dustin Poirier to win the trilogy. He emphasizes Poirier's superior cardio, output, and durability, noting that Poirier has the most knockouts in UFC lightweight history and has shown he can overcome adversity. He points out that since 2016, Poirier is 7-1 while McGregor is 1-3, and that McGregor struggles in deep waters and has diminishing durability. He predicts a submission win for Poirier, citing the check right hook, calf kicks, takedowns, and clinch work as key factors.
Jacob initially favored Dustin but switched to Conor after rewatching the first fight. He notes Conor landed everything in round one but paced himself too much. He thinks Conor will blitz early to avoid calf kicks and finish in the first round. He also mentions a possible staph infection on Conor's elbow, which could affect cardio and push Conor to an early finish.
I'm going with Poirier here, but I have no real confidence. I think Poirier's durability and cardio have improved at 155, and he can eat McGregor's shots now. McGregor might have a new game plan, but I expect Poirier to take over in the later rounds and finish him, probably in the third or fourth round. I'm not betting this fight myself, but I like Poirier inside the distance and the fight not going to decision.
Paul picks Poirier, citing Conor's durability issues and long layoffs. He notes Conor's power early but believes Poirier's durability and cardio will prevail. He mentions the distraction of Conor's trash talk and the Colby Covington sparring video, but still favors Poirier.
The Guru predicts Poirier will win by TKO in the third round. He expects McGregor to start strong, winning the first two rounds with good striking and body work, but Poirier's calf kicks and clinch work will wear McGregor down. By the third round, McGregor will fatigue, and Poirier will land a big elbow and follow-up shots to finish him against the cage. The Guru notes McGregor will have a more impressive performance than their first fight but the outcome will be the same.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | 1 | 48 of 91 | 52% | 53 of 98 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:42 |
| Conor McGregor | 0 | 29 of 66 | 43% | 52 of 92 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Poirier | 0 | 17 of 37 | 45% | 22 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:40 |
| Conor McGregor | 0 | 15 of 34 | 44% | 38 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:07 | |
| 2 | Dustin Poirier | 1 | 31 of 54 | 57% | 31 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Conor McGregor | 0 | 14 of 32 | 43% | 14 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | 48 of 91 | 52% | 30 of 69 | 0 of 1 | 18 of 21 | 46 of 89 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Conor McGregor | 29 of 66 | 43% | 23 of 60 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 27 of 63 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Poirier | 17 of 37 | 45% | 8 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 11 | 17 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Conor McGregor | 15 of 34 | 44% | 12 of 31 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 31 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Dustin Poirier | 31 of 54 | 57% | 22 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 9 of 10 | 29 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Conor McGregor | 14 of 32 | 43% | 11 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Conor McGregor to win by first-round knockout, similar to their first fight. He notes McGregor's power and accuracy as key advantages, and believes Poirier's cardio won't be a factor because the fight won't go deep. He acknowledges Poirier could be a live dog but ultimately sides with McGregor's striking superiority.
Daniel Levi picks Conor McGregor to win early, citing McGregor's devastating power and ability to finish fights in the first round. He acknowledges Poirier's improved chin at lightweight and his path to victory if he survives the early storm, but believes McGregor's power is too much. Levi expresses personal rooting interest for Poirier but makes a logical pick for McGregor.
McGregor has the precision and power to replicate his first-round knockout from their first fight. Poirier is durable but has been knocked down by lesser power. McGregor's takedown defense is solid, and he should be able to keep the fight on the feet. Poirier's cardio advantage may not matter if McGregor lands early. I see McGregor winning by first-round KO.
The MMA Guru believes Conor McGregor's improved boxing, especially his left hand, will be too much for Dustin Poirier. He notes that Poirier has not thrown many kicks since his hip surgery and will rely on boxing, which plays into McGregor's strengths. He predicts McGregor will land a big left hand in the first round, knocking Poirier out cold around the four-minute mark, similar to the Michael Johnson KO. He dismisses the idea of a 60-second KO but is confident McGregor wins.
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