Career Averages - Jorge Masvidal
Career Averages - Tim Means
Jorge Masvidal - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert Burns | 0 | 42 of 99 | 42% | 72 of 135 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 5:41 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 39 of 91 | 42% | 77 of 130 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gilbert Burns | 0 | 13 of 39 | 33% | 15 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 15 of 38 | 39% | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Gilbert Burns | 0 | 7 of 16 | 43% | 27 of 40 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:05 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 32 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 3 | Gilbert Burns | 0 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 30 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 19 of 42 | 45% | 25 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert Burns | 42 of 99 | 42% | 34 of 84 | 3 of 7 | 5 of 8 | 37 of 90 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 9 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 39 of 91 | 42% | 14 of 61 | 8 of 11 | 17 of 19 | 38 of 90 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gilbert Burns | 13 of 39 | 33% | 7 of 29 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 15 of 38 | 39% | 5 of 26 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 10 | 15 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Gilbert Burns | 7 of 16 | 43% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Gilbert Burns | 22 of 44 | 50% | 21 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 19 of 42 | 45% | 8 of 29 | 3 of 5 | 8 of 8 | 19 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Burns (-490), Masvidal (+390)
Round 1
The loudest pop of the evening almost certainly goes to Miami’s own Masvidal (35-16, 12-9 UFC), who walks out to this tough stylistic matchup as a heavy underdog on a losing streak. In his face for a maximum of three rounds will be “Durinho” Burns (21-5, 14-5 UFC), who can present problems on the feet and ground, depending on where his mood takes him. Action is virtually a guarantee here, and the watchful eye of referee Marc Goddard looks on. With ample respect, the gloves get touched when Goddard brings them together. There is no flying knee try from Masvidal, for those expecting him to come out firing this. Burns walks forward, but Masvidal takes the center of the cage. The two are hesitant to engage with little more than jabs, other than a single low kick from “Gamebred.” Burns throws one back, and they proceed to go tit-for-tat with these slapping strikes. Chants for “305” and “Let’s Go Jorge” rain down, but it does not spur the local fighter into action. Burns whiffs on a left hook, and neither man seems willing to commit to anything of note. Burns reaches out with a few jabs that miss the mark, but a right hand splits the guard and draws a smile from his opponent. Burns darts in with a straight right, and Masvidal slides out of the way and resets. Masvidal blitzes suddenly with three punches and a leg kick, and the crowd goes wild. Masvidal sinks another kick home on the lead calf, and Burns replies with a leg kick and one to the ribs. Masvidal sticks his tongue out, and Burns attacks with a pair of looping, blocked punches. Burns ducks a big punch and nearly takes the fight down, but Masvidal moves out of the way before he gets tripped. The Brazilian lands a single kick to the body, and he switches stances a few times and catches Masvidal with a right hand. Masvidal connects with another leg kick, and Burns chops down low. Masvidal surges into action, throwing a few heavy punches, but a left hand from Burns keeps him honest. Burns loops a right hand around the guard, and Masvidal shakes it off and pins three punches on the guard. Burns cracks him with a serious right hand, and Masvidal waves him on. Burns slings a right hand, changes levels and throws Masvidal to the ground. Burns postures up, flailing punches, and Masvidal goes crazy throwing offense from his back. The round ends, and the two high five.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Round 2
The second round opens up with Burns pushing forth a jab, and he slams his fist onto Masvidal’s jaw and knocks him off his feet. Masvidal jumps back to his feet, but Burns meets him with a double. When Masvidal defends with a guillotine, Burns simply lifts him off the ground like a sack of flour and slams him down to the ground. Burns lands in the guard and Masvidal is quickly warned for punches to the back of the head. Burns maintains heavy top pressure while getting off occasional strikes, but Goddard asks him to do more. Masvidal hangs on in hopes of forcing a standup, and Burns is unable to get off much offense from above. Goddard again tells Burns to work, and Masvidal clings to him to shut it down. Burns slashes down with a single elbow, and Masvidal works his way to put his head and neck against the wire. Burns partially stands up to step over, but Masvidal wall-walks at the same time and somersaults to break the grip. This backfires, as Burns takes his back and hangs onto it while Masvidal stands. Burns slams “Gamebred” on his face in a subsequent takedown, and Masvidal leans up against the wall and even threatens the BJJ world champion with a guillotine choke. Burns completely ignores it, and Masvidal manages to fight back to his feet. Burns presses him tightly in the clinch, and Masvidal spins him around and knees him a few times. Burns turns him back around, and he gets pushed back to split them up with 30 seconds to spare. Masvidal wings an inaccurate right hand, and he plants his shin on the body. Burns runs at him with his hands flying, and they both clash together with right hands. Burns acknowledges it, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Round 3
The fighters touch ‘em up to open the final frame, and Burns puts his foot upside the head. Masvidal shrugs it off and chops the calf with a single strike. The crowd puts its support behind the local competitor, and Burns punches him square in the face with his right hand. Masvidal blocks a lunging right hook but eats a pair of jabs. Masvidal gets off a strong low kick, and he comes up short on an uppercut. The leg kicks continue working for “Gamebred,” whose offense is otherwise generally muted. Masvidal suddenly spins with a back kick to the body, and Burns steps through it and snipes Masvidal with a left. Burns lands another, and Masvidal smiles at him. Burns lands a one-two on the chin, and Masvidal wobbles back to the fence and waves Burns on. A home run of a right hand skims off the chin, and Masvidal is still rocked but survives it. Masvidal gets some space and appears to have the cobwebs shaken out, as he puts a one-two on the Brazilian’s jaw. Burns lets his hands fly and smashes Masvidal in the face, and Masvidal again stumbles back to the fence. Burns jabs instead of falling into a Masvidal trap, so Masvidal kicks his foe’s lead leg and flashes out his own jab. Burns lands a left and a right, and “Gamebred” toughs it out and gets Burns’ respect with a few punches. The Brazilian changes levels in pursuit of a takedown, and Masvidal stands him up. Burns continues to go after it, and he trips Masvidal and throws him on his back, where he lands in side control. Burns slams Masvidal in the face with elbows, and he moves to half guard to keep Masvidal pinned to the mat. Burns considers an arm-triangle choke, but Masvidal uses two-on-one wrist control to stifle it. Masvidal is warned for grabbing inside the gloves, and Burns slides around to nearly take the back. Masvidal works to his knees, and the fight comes to a close. After the scores are read, Burns calls for a title shot. Masvidal, however, takes his gloves off and calls it a career after "20 long years."
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burns (30-27 Burns)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Burns (30-27 Burns)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Burns (30-27 Burns)
The Official Result
Gilbert Burns def. Jorge Masvidal via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Gilbert Burns but is not betting due to the steep -450 odds. He notes that Masvidal has solid takedown defense and good hands, and if the fight stays on the feet, Masvidal is the better striker. He thinks Burns will grind out a win but is wary of Masvidal's ability to defend takedowns and potentially win a decision in his hometown.
Big Brady picks Gilbert Burns to win by decision, citing his wrestling advantage and Masvidal's age. He notes Burns should take the fight to the mat and control Masvidal, who has good takedown defense but can be controlled once taken down. He does not see a finish and warns against betting at -500 odds.
Cody picks Burns but is hesitant at -450. He notes Masvidal is very difficult to take down, as shown in five-round fights against Usman and Covington. Cody thinks Burns wins 8 out of 10 times but sees value on Masvidal due to the Florida crowd and Masvidal's power. He mentions PrizePicks under 2.5 takedowns for Burns as a potential play because Burns might not wrestle or could get a quick submission.
Connor picks Burns because Masvidal has regressed significantly: his boxing has become sloppy, he relies on trick shots that he's no longer fast enough to land, and he lets opponents dictate the fight. Burns is aggressive, assertive, and will take full advantage of Masvidal's tendency to back up and corner himself. Connor notes that Masvidal used to be a great scrambler and wrestler, but now he seems to hate grappling and makes poor decisions. He also mentions Masvidal's ego and age have eroded his game.
Jacob is extremely confident in Gilbert Burns, calling Masvidal overrated and saying he is here to collect a check. He believes Burns will take Masvidal down, slam him, and submit him. He notes that Masvidal has only defended wrestlers like Usman and Colby, but Burns is a powerful grappler who will use strength and technique to finish the fight.
Masvidal is on a three-fight losing streak but those were against the division's elite. He has slick boxing, deceptive power, and excellent takedown defense and get-up game. Burns is a BJJ specialist but his striking is decent, and he doesn't have the cardio or wrestling to replicate what Colby did to Masvidal. I think Masvidal's striking advantage and the Miami crowd will carry him to a knockout win.
Paul acknowledges the best version of Masvidal could beat Burns, but believes Masvidal at 38 has lost a step and lacks the fire. He notes Masvidal's takedown defense is good but Burns' pressure and wrestling should wear him down. Paul expects Burns to take Masvidal down, control rounds, and win a decision or late finish. He cautions that Masvidal could keep it close in Florida but ultimately picks Burns.
The MMA Guru picks Gilbert Burns to drop Masvidal in round one and submit him with an arm triangle. He expects Masvidal to lead with kicks, and Burns will time a right hand over the top, dropping Masvidal. Burns will then take mount, land big shots, and as Masvidal scrambles, he will give up an arm triangle and tap with 30 seconds left in the round.
Zane picks Burns because Masvidal's game has fallen off: he's slower, gasses now, and his boxing is worse. He used to be a well-rounded technician, but now he looks for highlight-reel shots and doesn't have the speed for them. Burns will out-grapple him and doesn't even need to do that the whole time; he can just pressure Masvidal, who backs up too easily and corners himself. Zane notes that Masvidal's ego and age have combined to make him a shadow of his former self.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colby Covington | 0 | 94 of 201 | 46% | 218 of 338 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 1 | 1 | 16:14 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 67 of 140 | 47% | 90 of 166 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colby Covington | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 29 of 45 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 6 of 17 | 35% | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Colby Covington | 0 | 20 of 58 | 34% | 25 of 63 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:21 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 31 of 63 | 49% | 36 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 3 | Colby Covington | 0 | 21 of 40 | 52% | 62 of 86 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 4:34 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 19 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Colby Covington | 0 | 33 of 66 | 50% | 37 of 70 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:13 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 21 of 46 | 45% | 21 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Colby Covington | 0 | 13 of 19 | 68% | 65 of 74 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:34 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colby Covington | 94 of 201 | 46% | 84 of 190 | 9 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 63 of 160 | 6 of 8 | 25 of 33 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 67 of 140 | 47% | 38 of 94 | 10 of 19 | 19 of 27 | 55 of 125 | 12 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colby Covington | 7 of 18 | 38% | 5 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 6 of 17 | 35% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 3 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Colby Covington | 20 of 58 | 34% | 16 of 53 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 55 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 31 of 63 | 49% | 18 of 42 | 5 of 8 | 8 of 13 | 24 of 54 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Colby Covington | 21 of 40 | 52% | 18 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 19 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 8 of 12 | 66% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Colby Covington | 33 of 66 | 50% | 32 of 65 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 31 of 64 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 21 of 46 | 45% | 12 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 19 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Colby Covington | 13 of 19 | 68% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 14 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Colby Covington due to his relentless wrestling and high pace. He notes that Covington's non-stop takedowns and pressure will be a problem for Masvidal, similar to the first Usman fight. He mentions that Masvidal has success on the feet but Covington cuts distance quickly. He also references a source from American Top Team saying Covington dominated Masvidal in training but Masvidal would touch him up on the feet.
Big Brady picks Colby Covington to win by decision, citing Covington's relentless wrestling pace and volume striking. He notes that Covington will likely take Masvidal down repeatedly, especially early, and that Masvidal's path to victory is only by knockout. Brady believes Covington's cardio and pressure will be too much for the 37-year-old Masvidal, who has slowed down. He mentions that Covington has successfully implemented this game plan against other top welterweights like Robbie Lawler and Rafael dos Anjos.
Cody sees Colby as an elite welterweight who pushed Usman to the limit, with superior pace, wrestling, and durability. He believes Colby's chain wrestling and cardio will overwhelm Masvidal, who has poor takedown defense and fades late. Cody has already parlayed Colby with Kevin Holland and also bet Colby by round 5 at +3000, expecting a late finish or decision.
Daniel Levi picks Colby Covington to win by unanimous decision. He emphasizes Covington's relentless pace and takedown attempts, noting that even if the first few takedowns are stuffed, Covington will keep shooting and eventually grind down Masvidal. He acknowledges Masvidal's underrated takedown defense and dangerous striking, especially early, but believes Covington's pressure and cardio will be decisive in the later rounds. He also mentions that Covington's recent war with Usman might be a concern but still favors him.
Colby Covington is neck and neck with Kamaru Usman, one of the best in the world, and his wrestling threat will force Masvidal to think too much. Covington's cardio, improved striking, and volume will overwhelm Masvidal over five rounds. Masvidal is the better technical striker but lacks the wrestling and cardio to keep up. Covington via decision is the likely outcome.
Paul argues that Colby is a premier talent while Masvidal is a journeyman with 15 losses and poor takedown defense. He highlights Colby's wrestling pressure and cardio as decisive, noting Masvidal's wins are early finishes and his losses come when opponents survive the first two rounds. Paul plans to bet Colby live if Masvidal is competitive early, expecting Colby to take over in rounds 3-5.
The MMA Guru picks Colby Covington over Jorge Masvidal, despite acknowledging Masvidal's KO power and the odds being too wide. He praises Covington's chin, referencing his ability to take clean shots from Kamaru Usman. He predicts Covington will use cage pressure, takedowns, and grinding to wear Masvidal down, eventually securing a rear-naked choke in the fourth round. He notes Masvidal's age, inactivity, and potential rib injury as factors, and believes Covington's active style and improved striking will be key.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamaru Usman | 1 | 21 of 40 | 52% | 32 of 54 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:42 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 31 of 52 | 59% | 56 of 79 | 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 | Kamaru Usman | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 25 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:39 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 48 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Kamaru Usman | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 8 of 10 | 80% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamaru Usman | 21 of 40 | 52% | 15 of 32 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 31 of 52 | 59% | 13 of 33 | 3 of 4 | 15 of 15 | 27 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kamaru Usman | 14 of 30 | 46% | 8 of 22 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 23 of 42 | 54% | 12 of 30 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 9 | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | |
| 2 | Kamaru Usman | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 8 of 10 | 80% | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo relays Glover Teixeira's pick of Masvidal, noting that with a full camp Masvidal has takedown defense and striking edge. He agrees with the logic, mentioning Glover's ties to American Top Team and his training with Masvidal. Angelo seems to endorse the pick, calling it good insight.
Big Brady picks Usman to win a comfortable decision. He expects Usman to implement his game plan of takedowns, cage control, and foot stomps, grinding out Masvidal. He notes Masvidal has power but Usman has never been KO'd and has excellent takedown defense. He considers Usman a safe parlay piece.
Cody agrees with Paul, emphasizing Usman's wrestling and grinding style. He notes Masvidal's age (36) and journeyman status, and that Usman's jab and clinch work will wear him down. He sees a similar outcome to the first fight, with Usman winning by decision. He mentions the -425 price is in line with an 80% win rate and that Usman by decision is a likely prop.
Daniel picks Kamaru Usman to retain his belt, expecting him to take over in the later rounds as Masvidal fades. He acknowledges Masvidal's improved conditioning with a full camp and his one-punch KO power, but believes Usman's work rate and pressure will be too much. He notes the odds are wide and calls it a dog or pass situation from a betting perspective.
I think Usman will repeat his performance from the first fight: grinding Masvidal against the cage, using foot stomps, and controlling the pace. Masvidal is durable and hasn't been finished in 12 years, so a decision is likely. Usman's cardio and wrestling are superior. I like Usman by decision at -130, which improves the moneyline odds.
Paul believes Usman will replicate the first fight: grinding Masvidal against the cage, using his wrestling and jab to control the fight. He notes Masvidal's durability and puncher's chance but sees Usman as the superior technician. He expects a decision win, similar to the first fight, and thinks the -425 price is fair but not a value bet.
The MMA Guru picks Kamaru Usman by decision. He notes that Usman had a full camp for Masvidal this time, unlike the short-notice first fight, and that Usman's striking has improved under Trevor Whitman. He believes Usman's grappling is too good and that Masvidal hasn't made significant improvements. He predicts Usman will win with a possible 10-8 round, though Masvidal may take the first round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamaru Usman | 0 | 94 of 151 | 62% | 263 of 341 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 0 | 0 | 16:38 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 66 of 125 | 52% | 88 of 157 | 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 | Kamaru Usman | 0 | 18 of 40 | 45% | 25 of 50 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 34 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Kamaru Usman | 0 | 27 of 32 | 84% | 94 of 107 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 21 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Kamaru Usman | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 46 of 61 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 3:14 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 12 of 19 | 63% | 17 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Kamaru Usman | 0 | 23 of 31 | 74% | 75 of 90 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:37 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 9 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Kamaru Usman | 0 | 12 of 21 | 57% | 23 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 4 of 16 | 25% | 7 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamaru Usman | 94 of 151 | 62% | 43 of 96 | 49 of 53 | 2 of 2 | 42 of 86 | 39 of 49 | 13 of 16 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 66 of 125 | 52% | 23 of 69 | 29 of 39 | 14 of 17 | 38 of 90 | 27 of 34 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kamaru Usman | 18 of 40 | 45% | 7 of 27 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 30 | 7 of 8 | 2 of 2 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 24 of 43 | 55% | 13 of 28 | 5 of 9 | 6 of 6 | 16 of 32 | 7 of 10 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Kamaru Usman | 27 of 32 | 84% | 10 of 15 | 17 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 14 | 16 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 20 of 32 | 62% | 5 of 16 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 10 of 21 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Kamaru Usman | 14 of 27 | 51% | 10 of 23 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 14 | 2 of 5 | 6 of 8 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 12 of 19 | 63% | 2 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 15 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Kamaru Usman | 23 of 31 | 74% | 9 of 15 | 13 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 14 | 14 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 6 of 15 | 40% | 2 of 9 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 8 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Kamaru Usman | 12 of 21 | 57% | 7 of 16 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 6 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 4 of 16 | 25% | 1 of 8 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 3 | 2 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Kamaru Usman by comfortable decision, citing Usman's wrestling and takedowns as the key. He notes Masvidal has been taken down often and Usman is a smart fighter who won't stand and trade. He thinks the line should be wider and Masvidal's only chance is a knockout off his back, which is unlikely.
Daniel Levi leans toward Kamaru Usman, citing his full camp, size, wrestling, and cardio. He expects Usman to use a clinch-heavy, grinding game plan to wear down Masvidal. However, he acknowledges Masvidal's momentum and power, and says he wouldn't be surprised by an upset. He picks Usman by decision, but as a fan he roots for Masvidal.
Usman is a nightmare matchup for Masvidal with his relentless pace, pressure, cardio, and wrestling. Masvidal's only chance is a Hail Mary strike, but Usman's striking is good enough to close the distance and implement his grappling. The line at -225 is great value; Usman should dominate and win by decision. This is the lock of the night.
The Guru is confident Usman wins, predicting he will maul Masvidal. He notes that Masvidal has a 25% chance of landing something big in the first round but doesn't see it happening. He emphasizes Usman's size, wrestling, and the fact that Masvidal is taking the fight on short notice.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge Masvidal | 2 | 112 of 179 | 62% | 114 of 184 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 6:56 |
| Nate Diaz | 0 | 43 of 104 | 41% | 125 of 194 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jorge Masvidal | 1 | 35 of 54 | 64% | 37 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:58 |
| Nate Diaz | 0 | 13 of 27 | 48% | 34 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Jorge Masvidal | 1 | 39 of 58 | 67% | 39 of 60 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Nate Diaz | 0 | 11 of 31 | 35% | 34 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 3 | Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 38 of 67 | 56% | 38 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:53 |
| Nate Diaz | 0 | 19 of 46 | 41% | 57 of 86 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge Masvidal | 112 of 179 | 62% | 78 of 136 | 27 of 35 | 7 of 8 | 52 of 92 | 20 of 25 | 40 of 62 |
| Nate Diaz | 43 of 104 | 41% | 23 of 74 | 12 of 21 | 8 of 9 | 33 of 91 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jorge Masvidal | 35 of 54 | 64% | 21 of 34 | 12 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 15 | 7 of 9 | 18 of 30 |
| Nate Diaz | 13 of 27 | 48% | 7 of 19 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 22 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jorge Masvidal | 39 of 58 | 67% | 29 of 47 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 32 | 11 of 13 | 10 of 13 |
| Nate Diaz | 11 of 31 | 35% | 4 of 21 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 27 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jorge Masvidal | 38 of 67 | 56% | 28 of 55 | 8 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 24 of 45 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 19 |
| Nate Diaz | 19 of 46 | 41% | 12 of 34 | 5 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 42 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge Masvidal | 1 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Ben Askren | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 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 | Jorge Masvidal | 1 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Ben Askren | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge Masvidal | 3 of 3 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Ben Askren | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jorge Masvidal | 3 of 3 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Ben Askren | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge Masvidal | 1 | 21 of 43 | 48% | 22 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Darren Till | 1 | 35 of 72 | 48% | 41 of 79 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jorge Masvidal | 1 | 13 of 27 | 48% | 14 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
| Darren Till | 0 | 19 of 39 | 48% | 24 of 45 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Darren Till | 1 | 16 of 33 | 48% | 17 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge Masvidal | 21 of 43 | 48% | 17 of 39 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 39 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 2 |
| Darren Till | 35 of 72 | 48% | 18 of 51 | 10 of 12 | 7 of 9 | 31 of 65 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jorge Masvidal | 13 of 27 | 48% | 10 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 2 |
| Darren Till | 19 of 39 | 48% | 10 of 27 | 6 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 17 of 34 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jorge Masvidal | 8 of 16 | 50% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Darren Till | 16 of 33 | 48% | 8 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 14 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Thompson | 1 | 70 of 156 | 44% | 70 of 156 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 42 of 142 | 29% | 42 of 142 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Thompson | 0 | 13 of 27 | 48% | 13 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 12 of 33 | 36% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Stephen Thompson | 1 | 18 of 43 | 41% | 18 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 14 of 43 | 32% | 14 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 | |
| 3 | Stephen Thompson | 0 | 39 of 86 | 45% | 39 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 0 | 16 of 66 | 24% | 16 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Thompson | 70 of 156 | 44% | 49 of 117 | 17 of 34 | 4 of 5 | 70 of 155 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 42 of 142 | 29% | 9 of 79 | 5 of 13 | 28 of 50 | 39 of 137 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Thompson | 13 of 27 | 48% | 9 of 19 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 13 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 12 of 33 | 36% | 0 of 13 | 2 of 5 | 10 of 15 | 12 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Stephen Thompson | 18 of 43 | 41% | 14 of 37 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 14 of 43 | 32% | 3 of 23 | 0 of 3 | 11 of 17 | 12 of 40 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Stephen Thompson | 39 of 86 | 45% | 26 of 61 | 12 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 39 of 85 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 16 of 66 | 24% | 6 of 43 | 3 of 5 | 7 of 18 | 15 of 64 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Tim Means - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court McGee | 0 | 14 of 24 | 58% | 19 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:58 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Court McGee | 0 | 14 of 24 | 58% | 19 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:58 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court McGee | 14 of 24 | 58% | 9 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 5 of 13 | 38% | 2 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Court McGee | 14 of 24 | 58% | 9 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 5 of 13 | 38% | 2 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Court McGee, believing the fight is 50-50 and McGee's wrestling and pressure can be the difference. He notes Tim Means is a 2-to-1 favorite, which he considers unjustified given both fighters are old and worn. He placed a small bet on McGee at +195.
Big Brady is hesitant on this fight, noting that both fighters are veterans and he doesn't trust either. He leans towards Tim Means because he believes Means still has a little left in the tank, while Court McGee hasn't had a finish since 2010 and has been losing to lower-level competition. He expects McGee to attempt takedowns but thinks Means will do better work on the feet and win a decision.
Cody picks McGee, citing his home-field advantage in Utah and cardio. He notes Means' tendency to gas and get submitted. He believes McGee can outlast Means and possibly win by submission.
Connor picks Means based on sentiment, acknowledging it's not a sound analysis. He notes that Means is old and has lost speed, but Court McGee is not a powerful striker and Means' craft might be enough. He wants Means to go out on a win.
Daniel Vreeland picks Tim Means, citing his slick striking and improved wrestling. He notes that Court McGee has slowed down drastically and was nearly beaten by Alex Morono. Vreeland expects Means to knock out McGee, though he is hesitant to lay heavy chalk on a fighter who has lost four of his last five.
The host believes Tim Means is the better overall fighter and will utilize his clinch with knees and elbows, as well as distance striking with kicks and long-range weapons, to pick apart Court McGee. He expects Means to win on the scorecards, noting that McGee lacks significant knockout power.
Paul picks McGee, emphasizing his durability and wrestling. He thinks McGee can mix in takedowns and control the fight. He sees value at plus 170 and expects a close decision or late finish.
The MMA Guru picks Court McGee over Tim Means, citing McGee's training at altitude in Utah as a key advantage. He notes both fighters are past their prime but believes McGee is less finishable and will employ a boring cage control game, failing takedowns but winning the pressure game. He predicts a decision victory for McGee, as neither fighter is likely to finish early.
Zane also picks Means for sentimental reasons, calling himself a long-time Dirty Bird fan. He acknowledges that Means has lost a step but notes that McGee is not a dangerous striker and Means' experience might carry him. He admits it's not a pick based on sound analysis.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo is very confident Uroš Medić wins, citing his youth, speed, power, and superior striking. He notes Medić has a 100% finish rate and killer instinct. The only concern is Medić's 46% takedown defense, but he thinks Tim Means at 40 years old may not be able to exploit it. He expects a finish and suggests waiting for prop bets, hoping for a 2.5 round line to bet the under.
Cody picks Means as a dog, citing his experience and cleaner striking. He notes Means' body work and straight left, and believes he can hurt Medić, who has been rocked before. However, he admits Means' age and cardio are concerns, making it a doger pass.
Daniel thinks Means is durable but at 40 may not dig deep when hurt. He notes Medić is younger, more dangerous, and showed heart in the Semelsberger fight. He leans Medić but won't bet at -310, though he might take Means as a dog if the price gets better.
Medić is younger, faster, and more powerful. Means is 40 with a lot of mileage. Medić's Muay Thai and power should overwhelm Means as the fight goes on. I expect Medić to finish Means, possibly by knockout. The inside distance prop is a good option.
Paul also picks Means, highlighting his experience against better competition and his opportunistic submission game. He thinks Means' grappling advantage could be key, as Medić has poor takedown defense. He calls it a clear doger pass.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić, calling him more explosive and dangerous on the feet. He criticizes Tim Means as hitting a veteran decline and notes his loss to Matt Semelsberger. He highlights Medić's good cardio and nasty body kicks, predicting a TKO via liver shot. He also mentions Medić's near-finish of Orolbai and his ability to handle Means' grinding style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Means | 2 | 104 of 143 | 72% | 134 of 178 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:51 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 51 of 103 | 49% | 56 of 110 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Means | 1 | 39 of 53 | 73% | 44 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 19 of 47 | 40% | 19 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Tim Means | 0 | 48 of 69 | 69% | 73 of 99 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:29 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 29 of 50 | 58% | 32 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 | |
| 3 | Tim Means | 1 | 17 of 21 | 80% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Means | 104 of 143 | 72% | 66 of 103 | 33 of 35 | 5 of 5 | 56 of 87 | 30 of 35 | 18 of 21 |
| André Fialho | 51 of 103 | 49% | 32 of 75 | 15 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 35 of 86 | 16 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Means | 39 of 53 | 73% | 21 of 34 | 16 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 36 | 8 of 10 | 6 of 7 |
| André Fialho | 19 of 47 | 40% | 8 of 31 | 8 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 41 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tim Means | 48 of 69 | 69% | 33 of 53 | 14 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 39 | 14 of 16 | 12 of 14 |
| André Fialho | 29 of 50 | 58% | 24 of 44 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 19 of 39 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tim Means | 17 of 21 | 80% | 12 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 12 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo thinks Means can ugly up the fight and squeak out a close decision. He notes Means is tough, busy, and has fought a who's who of welterweights. However, he is concerned about Means' age (39) and Fialho's power. He has very low confidence.
Big Brady picks André Fialho to win by first-round knockout, citing his power advantage and youth (10 years younger). He notes both fighters have poor durability, but Fialho hits like a truck. He worries about Fialho's horrible cardio and thinks he must finish early. He says nobody should be confident on either side.
Cody picks Tim Means as a live underdog, citing Fialho's poor chin and hesitancy against strikers. He notes Means's crafty striking, wrestling, and experience. He believes Means can outwork Fialho, who has been knocked out by lesser competition.
Daniel hesitantly picks Fialho based on youth and power, but admits he doesn't trust either fighter. He notes Means is 39 and doesn't react well to shots anymore, while Fialho has three straight KO losses. He thinks Means is the better technical fighter but age and chin are concerns. He expects a violent fight and leans Fialho by KO, but with low confidence.
Lucrative James feels Fialho will knock out Means, citing Means' declining durability and reaction times. He likes Fialho's left hook and calm striking style. He considers betting Fialho inside the distance but notes the line is -135, which he doesn't love. He also mentions Means decision as a possible hedge.
The host picks Fialho to win by first-round knockout, despite normally fading him. He notes Fialho's power advantage and Means' questionable durability and age (39). He expects Fialho to land a barrage early and finish Means. He also likes the prop 'fight doesn't go to decision' as a safer play, expecting either an early Fialho KO or a late Means finish.
Paul picks Tim Means simply because he refuses to lay chalk on Fialho. He notes both fighters are quick starters and expects a finish. He has no strong confidence but likes the plus money.
The MMA Guru initially leans toward André Fialho but changes his pick to Tim Means after a lengthy internal debate. He worries about Means' age and declining athleticism but has a 'sneaky feeling' Means will catch Fialho. He notes Fialho's tendency to get knocked out and Means' effective one-two combinations. He predicts a TKO in round one, with Means backing Fialho against the cage and landing a one-two. He admits he is hesitant and almost picked Fialho.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Morono | 0 | 40 of 87 | 45% | 45 of 92 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:46 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 33 of 92 | 35% | 42 of 102 | 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 | Alex Morono | 0 | 32 of 64 | 50% | 34 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 18 of 58 | 31% | 27 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Alex Morono | 0 | 8 of 23 | 34% | 11 of 26 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 15 of 34 | 44% | 15 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Morono | 40 of 87 | 45% | 16 of 52 | 18 of 29 | 6 of 6 | 30 of 74 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 33 of 92 | 35% | 29 of 86 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 31 of 86 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Morono | 32 of 64 | 50% | 10 of 32 | 16 of 26 | 6 of 6 | 23 of 52 | 9 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 18 of 58 | 31% | 16 of 55 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 52 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alex Morono | 8 of 23 | 34% | 6 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 15 of 34 | 44% | 13 of 31 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans on Morono, noting his clean striking and recent improvements. He says Tim Means is gritty and well-rounded, and that unless you're ranked or dangerous, you shouldn't be a 2-to-1 favorite over Means. He calls it a close fight and is not betting on it.
Big Brady is a huge Tim Means fan but has serious concerns about Means' durability at 39 years old and after 48 fights. He notes Means has been getting dropped and finished recently, and questions his focus as he seems more into coaching. Brady compares this to the Morono vs. Cerrone fight, predicting Morono will land a big shot, swarm, and finish Means. He picks Morono by second-round knockout and suggests Means may retire after this fight.
Cody picks Morono, citing Tim Means' age (39) and 50 pro fights, leading to durability and speed decline. He notes Means' tendency to gas after the first round and Morono's volume and pressure. He expects Morono to chew away at Means and possibly get a late stoppage. He acknowledges Means' skill but believes his best days are behind him.
Connor picks Morono, agreeing that Means is past his prime and gets hurt too often. He highlights Morono's lateral movement, jab, and counter-punching, which will frustrate Means. He thinks Means will have moments but ultimately lose a decision or get dropped.
Daniel Levi picks Alex Morono but with low confidence, citing Tim Means' age (39-40) and declining durability as the deciding factor. He notes that statistically, Means is competitive and would be a live dog if younger, but Means' recent fights show he can't take damage like before. Levi expects a competitive fight but favors Morono's unorthodox style and durability. He passes on betting due to the price, calling it a dog-or-pass situation.
Morono's pressure, pace, and volume will be too much for Means, who has diminished durability at 39. Means is the better technical striker but can't take shots like before. Morono will march forward, land big shots, and likely find a knockout or submission. Means may have moments but Morono's relentless style will overwhelm him.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Morono. He notes that Means gasses after 6-7 minutes and lacks a grappling game. He mentions that Morono might mix in takedowns and fish for a submission, and that the market has moved on that prop. He sees Morono as the rightful favorite.
The MMA Guru picks Alex Morono, noting that he had a full training camp and has better hand speed and cardio. He believes Tim Means has slowed down and will struggle with Morono's pace. He predicts a dominant decision or a late finish.
Zane picks Morono, citing Tim Means' age (39) and tendency to get hurt now. He notes that Means' pressure-counter style leaves him vulnerable, and Morono's awkward but effective striking, good footwork, and jab will cause problems. He thinks Morono will land a big counter and potentially drop Means, though a decision is likely.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Griffin | 0 | 47 of 115 | 40% | 143 of 215 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 1:27 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 42 of 78 | 53% | 56 of 96 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 5:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Griffin | 0 | 17 of 49 | 34% | 21 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 25 of 42 | 59% | 26 of 43 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:54 | |
| 2 | Max Griffin | 0 | 20 of 53 | 37% | 48 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 14 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 | |
| 3 | Max Griffin | 0 | 10 of 13 | 76% | 74 of 79 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 16 of 22 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:44 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Griffin | 47 of 115 | 40% | 18 of 64 | 18 of 36 | 11 of 15 | 37 of 103 | 7 of 9 | 3 of 3 |
| Tim Means | 42 of 78 | 53% | 25 of 52 | 9 of 15 | 8 of 11 | 35 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Griffin | 17 of 49 | 34% | 8 of 27 | 3 of 14 | 6 of 8 | 13 of 43 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 25 of 42 | 59% | 16 of 29 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 4 | 20 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 7 | |
| 2 | Max Griffin | 20 of 53 | 37% | 7 of 32 | 8 of 15 | 5 of 6 | 20 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 13 of 29 | 44% | 5 of 16 | 2 of 6 | 6 of 7 | 13 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Max Griffin | 10 of 13 | 76% | 3 of 5 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
| Tim Means | 4 of 7 | 57% | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
An interesting, all-action welterweight contest will serve as the co-main attraction of this Fight Night event, with a storied veteran battling it out against a man fighting his way back to contention. At 38 years of age, Means (32-13-1, 1 NC; 14-10, 1 NC UFC) is still cruising in the division, with three wins in his last four including a few stellar performances over Nicolas Dalby and Mike Perry in recent memory. While his adversary Griffin (18-9, 6-7 UFC) started off going just 3-6 in the Octagon, he has turned things around as of late with a similar 3-1 stretch as Means. Drawing the assignment is referee Dan Miragliotta, and the 170-pounders do not touch gloves as they want to immediately get down to business. They start trading almost immediately, with rangy punches and chopping low kicks to match the other. Griffin fires a left hand over the top, and a right hand knocks Means down to his backside. Griffin leaps on top to finish the job, and Means latches on to an armbar off his back to keep his man honest and survive the onslaught. As Means continues to work, he turns to his side, grabs hold of a leg and drives Griffin back to the wall. Means separates, and he appears to have his bearings back as he measures a high kick from his lead leg and a body kick from his rear. Means just misses with a knee as Griffin bears down on him with a combination, and he works the calf to slow down the advancing Griffin. “The Dirty Bird” whiffs on a one-two into a head kick, but the calf kick that follows does connect. Griffin throws fire with a right hand to stun Means for a moment, as he chains it into a power punch that Means tanks seemingly without issue. Means continues to do work on the upper calf, making investments as he also strikes the body. Griffin snaps out a jab that gest Means’ attention, and a right hand that follows it stings Means. Means gives chase with a high kick, and Griffin walks through a pair of open-handed slaps so that he can shoot in for a double. Means keeps his balance as they remain clinched until the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Noah Gagnon scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Round 2
The welterweights meet in the middle, and Means strikes first in the form of a slapping low kick. The legs from Means continue to fly, and he draws Griffin into a brief but fierce slugfest. The punches turn to slaps for Means, which could signify some sort of damage to a hand, but he shucks any of those concerns by throwing a punch that pops Griffin in the chops. Means keeps Griffin guessing with head kicks, and Griffin finds his way in to land a heavy low kick. Means slaps him upside the head like a Diaz brother, only they are intended as damaging strikes and not disrespectful ones. Griffin jabs his way in, and he blocks a head kick once closing in. Griffin intercepts a rushing Means with a kick to the lead calf, and Means winces and tries to pay Griffin back. Means cuts his opponent off as he advances, and this slows the offense coming back his direction. Means works the body with a left and a right, and he slides back to plant the ball of his foot on the breadbasket before Griffin can land him. The two trade body kicks, and Means jumps at his adversary with a knee that glances off the side. Griffin considers a level change, and as this fails, he hops back. Means hammers a low kick on the inside of the knee, and this slows the movement momentarily. Means walks face-first into a right hand, and this rocks Means and separates him from his balance. As Means falls to the ground, Griffin finds himself taking top position while punching the side. They trade short blows as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Noah Gagnon scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Round 3
Means comes out of his corner aggressively, and he strikes his way into a takedown effort. Griffin stuffs it and drops to his knees, and Means smashes his own knee into the sternum. Griffin reels and whirls around to counter Means’ takedown with his own attempt, and he manages to suck Means’ legs out and drag him to the floor. Means squeezes tightly to keep Griffin pinned to him, and he lands several heel strikes to the thigh as he constantly remains busy off his back with irritating blows. Griffin remains heavy with top pressure and not willing to sit up and fall into potential submission danger, as he wisely grinds out and considers a guard pass. Means turns to his side in an effort to escape, but Griffin hangs on to keep him trapped. Means scoots his back to the wall, only for “Pain” to yank him back down. When Griffin postures up to rain down blows, Means attacks with a submission attempt that he uses to stand back up. Griffin pressures him against the wall and locks his hands with a double, and this sets Means on his seat again much to the disappointment of “The Dirty Bird.” Means continues to smack Griffin with short, frustrating strikes to the body and head, all while working his way to his knees to get upright. Griffin pursues a single, and he lowers his head right into a knee that Means cracks him with. Means takes Griffin down to turn the tables, and he rips the body with a fierce knee before securing a double with seconds to spare. For one final exclamation point, Means lifts his opponent up and slams him down hard. The fight comes to an end.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Means (29-28 Griffin)
Noah Gagnon scores the round: 10-9 Griffin (30-27 Griffin)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Griffin (30-27 Griffin)
The Official Result
Max Griffin def. Tim Means via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Big Brady picks Max Griffin to win by second-round knockout. He notes that Griffin's power has improved recently, as seen in his knockout of Aalon Cruz, while Means' durability has declined with age and damage. He mentions that Means has been hurt in recent fights by lesser punchers, and Griffin's durability is excellent. He expects Griffin to land hard shots and finish Means.
Cody acknowledges Tim Means' plus money appeal but points to Means' durability issues at 38 years old and his tendency to fade in later rounds. He notes that Means has been relying more on wrestling as he ages, but Max Griffin has good takedown defense (as seen against Neil Magny) and a solid jab. Cody expects Griffin to beat Means to the jab, stuff takedowns, and eventually land a big shot or win two rounds. He is not betting the fight but picks Griffin.
Daniel Levi picks Max Griffin, citing his momentum, confidence, and aspirations to break into the top 15. He notes Griffin's dangerous striking and recent close fight with Neil Magny. He questions Tim Means' durability and suggests Means may be near retirement. However, he has no interest in laying the -190 price and will just watch.
Jacob picks Tim Means, expecting him to survive Griffin's early power and then wear him down with pace, pressure, and wrestling. He compares it to Griffin's fight with Neil Magny, where Griffin faded. Jacob thinks Means wins by decision.
Griffin has athletic advantages and more left in the tank compared to Means, who is slowing down. Means has better combinations but Griffin's power could catch him. Griffin by knockout at +250 is appealing, but no bet at the current moneyline. Live betting Griffin if Means has early success is a potential strategy.
Paul leans toward Tim Means as a dog, expecting a close stand-up fight where Means may get a hot start. However, he admits Means' cardio and durability are concerns, and he does not love the bet. He picks Means for the show but says he won't bet it, noting the over 2.5 rounds at -160 seems about right.
The MMA Guru picks Max Griffin over Tim Means, believing Griffin's calf kicks will be effective against Means' heavy lead leg. He notes Griffin's improved boxing and ability to drop opponents, as seen against Neil Magny. He thinks Means, at 38 and coming off a loss to Kevin Holland, will struggle with Griffin's pressure and predicts Griffin wins by 29-28 decision, taking over as the fight goes on.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Holland | 0 | 21 of 46 | 45% | 25 of 52 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 36 of 90 | 40% | 53 of 109 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Holland | 0 | 14 of 34 | 41% | 18 of 40 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 27 of 70 | 38% | 44 of 89 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Kevin Holland | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 7 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tim Means | 0 | 9 of 20 | 45% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:07 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Holland | 21 of 46 | 45% | 8 of 25 | 11 of 17 | 2 of 4 | 20 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 36 of 90 | 40% | 26 of 71 | 3 of 9 | 7 of 10 | 33 of 85 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Holland | 14 of 34 | 41% | 7 of 22 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 13 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 27 of 70 | 38% | 21 of 57 | 2 of 6 | 4 of 7 | 24 of 65 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kevin Holland | 7 of 12 | 58% | 1 of 3 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 9 of 20 | 45% | 5 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Holland (-275), Means (+220)
Round 1
With the loss of Cerrone vs. Lauzon (again), this welterweight banger has been elevated to the co-main event slot. UFC President Dana White should keep his checkbook handy to write out a bonus for this one (and the rest of the night, to boot), if the histories of “The Dirty Bird” Means (32-12-1, 1 NC; 14-9, 1 NC UFC) and “Trailblazer” Holland (22-7, 1 NC; 9-4, 1 NC UFC) are any indication of what to expect now. Identical knockout rates of 59% are celebrated by both men, and they have both landed exactly five submissions to their credit as well. Good-spirited action and excitement is about to come, and referee Kerry Hatley practically has to keep them back in their corners before sprinting out to battle. The 170ers do touch gloves, and Means uses a push kick to the knee to back Holland away from him early. Holland paws out with a left over the head, and Means walks in to brawl. Holland steps back and rips a left to the jaw on the inside, and he lands again to force Means into a double-leg takedown attempt. The crowd starts to boo immediately, and Holland shoves him back and lets go with a left. Holland powers off the cage wall with a flurry of fists, and Means greets him with a few of his own. Means takes a few punches on the inside to land a few, and “Trailblazer” slashes with a clean elbow over the top to break them up. Holland goes to the body with a side kick and then up high with a head kick, and he charges in with a knee right down Broadway. Means is tough and does not flinch, and instead spins with a wheel kick. Means catches a knee from his opponent, and he lifts Holland up and sets him down on the mat. Holland springs up and connects with three blistering punches to sting Means. Means tries to stop the blows from scoring by tying Holland up and pressing him into the wall, and he gathers himself and works the thigh with knees. Holland pushes away to take the center of the cage back, and he sticks out several jabs and a head kick. Means blows his nose out from the kick, and Holland puts three punches on him to knock Means’ head around. They talk to one another with seemingly friendly banter about hitting each other, and Holland takes a few steps back to get off three kicks in rapid succession. Holland chains together a few punches, and Means replies and draws a huge smile out of “Trailblazer.” They slug it out recklessly and entertainingly, and Holland resets first so he can let loose with a high kick. Holland splits the guard with a left hand, and Means is hurt. Two more punches from the Texan connect cleanly, forcing a takedown effort from Means. Holland hits the mat and powers right back up, and the round ends in the clinch.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Round 2
Gloves get touched by the action-packed welterweights before engaging, and they both score side kicks to start off the round. Means targets the body, and Holland tags him with four or five punches before Means can react. Holland spins with a back fist that comes up short, and when he turns about, Holland goes to his lead leg. Means blocks several punches, and Holland swarms him with punches before measuring Means with punches as Means shells up against the wall ready to counter.
Holland lets Means off the hook so that he can fight at his safer range, and when back in his preferred distance, he clocks Means with a right hand that strips Means legs away almost instantly. Before falling over, Means leans into a takedown try, but he leaves his neck exposed. They do not even hit the mat before Holland uses his long arms to snake around the neck, where he snatches up a smooth brabo choke. It is tight in a hurry, and when the two land on the ground, Means turns to his side but is in even worse position than before. Knowing his goose is cooked, Means does not fight it any further or risk going out from this blood choke, and he wisely surrenders.
“Trailblazer” has announced himself as a force to be reckoned with in his new division, and the Texas crowd bellows its affection for its local fighter.
The Official Result
Kevin Holland def. Tim Means R2 1:28 via Submission (Brabo Choke)
Angelo picks Kevin Holland, noting his striking accuracy and power. He acknowledges Holland's poor takedown defense but believes Tim Means doesn't have the raw athleticism or power to exploit it like others. He thinks the 3-to-1 odds are crazy but still picks Holland.
Big Brady picks Kevin Holland to win by second-round knockout. He notes Holland has a significant reach advantage and power, while Means is older with diminishing durability and chin. He believes Means' best chance is grappling, but Means rarely implements that game plan, and Holland's BJJ black belt and improved get-up game should keep the fight standing where Holland can knock him out.
Cody is high on Kevin Holland at 170, citing his improved takedown defense, BJJ black belt, and size advantage. He thinks Tim Means lacks the wrestling and cardio to exploit Holland, and Holland will chip away for a late finish or decision. He notes Holland's guard is active and Means' recent wins are over lower-level competition.
Daniel Levi picks Kevin Holland to win via an opportunistic finish, citing Holland's unorthodox style and ability to create chaos. He acknowledges Tim Means is well-rounded and may have early success, but believes Holland's length and creativity will prevail. However, he is not confident Holland covers the -300 spread, noting Holland's takedown defense issues and that Means can mix in takedowns. Levi sees it as a high-variance fight where Holland finds a way, but the price is too steep for a comfortable bet.
Paul agrees Holland should win but is wary of the -275 price. He notes Holland's size, reach, and guard are advantages, but the high favorite line gives him pause. He doesn't love the matchup for Means but isn't sure he'll bet Holland at that price.
The MMA Guru picks Kevin Holland, calling it straightforward. He notes Holland's reach advantage and youth, and believes Tim Means will get cracked and hurt. He predicts Holland will win by KO via elbows in the clinch in the first round, similar to his win over Anthony Hernandez. He doesn't worry about Holland's grappling at welterweight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Means | 0 | 53 of 93 | 56% | 94 of 134 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 8:03 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 54 of 116 | 46% | 84 of 146 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Means | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 38 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:07 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 11 of 20 | 55% | 21 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Tim Means | 0 | 29 of 49 | 59% | 35 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:45 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 24 of 60 | 40% | 28 of 64 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 | |
| 3 | Tim Means | 0 | 9 of 18 | 50% | 21 of 30 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 19 of 36 | 52% | 35 of 52 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Means | 53 of 93 | 56% | 20 of 55 | 29 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 32 of 70 | 17 of 19 | 4 of 4 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 54 of 116 | 46% | 37 of 93 | 13 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 35 of 88 | 19 of 28 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Means | 15 of 26 | 57% | 6 of 16 | 7 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 20 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 11 of 20 | 55% | 8 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 11 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tim Means | 29 of 49 | 59% | 12 of 30 | 15 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 18 of 36 | 9 of 11 | 2 of 2 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 24 of 60 | 40% | 17 of 49 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 53 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tim Means | 9 of 18 | 50% | 2 of 9 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 14 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 19 of 36 | 52% | 12 of 28 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 24 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Up next at welterweight, the man formerly known as “Lokomotivo” now sports a fancy new nickname of “Danish Dynamite” as Dalby (19-3-1, 2 NC; 3-2-1, 1 NC UFC) squares off with longtime vet and longtime nicknamed “The Dirty Bird” Means (31-12-1, 1 NC; 11-9, 1 NC UFC). Action is the name of the game here, and referee Jason Herzog may have his hands full as these two throw down. There is no chance of a glove touch, as these two 170ers are intense and ready to start brawling. Means fires off a head kick early, and Dalby eats it on the chin and starts to brawl. Both men throw caution to the wind immediately, and they hammer one another with alternating shots. As Dalby closes in, Means hits a takedown and puts the Danish fighter on his back. Means passes to side control as he works elbows from on top, slowly and methodically working his way to either advance to mount or otherwise do some damage. When Dalby holds on to him to tie him up, Means slams him down with his chest. Means crawls Dalby over to the cage wall, where he starts smacking his foe in the face with heavy punches. Dalby gets to his knees as he looks to walk up the fence, and Means keeps him grounded and lands some punches. Dalby is practically gasping for air three minutes in, although it does not necessarily mean that he is spent. Means knees him in the chest when he stands up, and Dalby breaks free and bounces around to get his blood flowing again. Means kicks him in the body and fires off a few punches, and Dalby dances out of the way. “Danish Dynamite” looks to explode with a right hand across the forward bow, but Means sees it coming, parries it and gets shoved into the fence. A few strikes for Means have opened up a cut near the bridge of the nose on Dalby’s right eyebrows, and a sharp one-two nearly knocks Dalby off of his feet. “The Dirty Bird” keeps it dirty in the clinch, and he gets off an elbow or two before they break. Dalby shoots in for a takedown right as the round ends, but it does not succeed.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Means
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Means
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Means
Round 2
Dalby fires off a few punches before rushing in to a takedown attempt, and Means is there to thump him in the body a few times. The welterweights tie up against the fence and score short punches, before breaking free. Dalby gets off a single leg kick, and then he changes it up to land flush to the body. Means aims a few punches up top, and a left hand splits the guard. Means sees its success and nails Dalby again, and one more gets Dalby’s attention. Means cracks Dalby on the chin, and the Danish fighter has quite a beard on him as he walks through everything to land a few of his own. Means targets the body and head indiscriminately, and Dalby walks in with a chain of punches into a knee. Dalby shoots in but gets shucked away just in time, and when they get back up, Dalby leaps forward with a left hand. Dalby works two right hands one after the other, and Means greets him with a left hand to the liver. Dalby slings a head kick, and they crash the pocket and score some body shots. When “Danish Dynamite” looses another body kick, Means rushes in to strike before clinching. Breaking free, Dalby slings kicks high and low, but Means’ responsive head kick is much more effective. Means kicks Dalby’s leg out from beneath him, and “The Dirty Bird” hops on top in side control to deal some damage. Means keeps a heavy top pressure to ride out the round, using a few short shoulder strikes when Dalby tries to wall-walk with his feet. Means keeps this position until the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Means
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Means
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Means
Round 3
Means sprints out of his corner to throw a body kick and a left hand, and Dalby is there to fire right back. In a wild exchange, Dalby nails Means with a right hand, smashing the nose of “The Dirty Bird” and hurting him for the first time. Means stumbles back to the wall, and Dalby wraps him up against the fence while flirting with trips. Means spins him around and considers a single leg takedown, but he cannot ground the Danish fighter. Means backs off and re-engages, pressing Dalby tightly into the cage. This stalemate continues for quite some time, as both men look to clear any cobwebs. Dalby knees Means in the face once to break free, and he clips Means again with a strike. Dalby throws everything he has at Means, but the American grabs hold of him and pins him back to the cage wall. Means changes levels for a single, and he chains it into a double leg takedown, but neither succeed. All the while, precious seconds for Dalby are ticking off the clock, who is trying to break free but cannot escape the grip of “The Dirty Bird.” Means scores a few short punches to the body, grinding Dalby out and landing enough to stave off any referee intervention. When Dalby breaks the grip, Means gives him a shove into the fencing, where he clinches up again. At the 10-second clapper, Dalby tries desperately to get off, hurting Means again. Means gloms on to him, tying him up to the final bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Means)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Means)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Means)
The Official Result
Tim Means def. Nicolas Dalby via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Tim Means, citing his high-volume striking, underrated wrestling, and ability to avoid damage. He notes Means picks his shots and takes opponents down when needed. He expects Means to win a decision. He likes less on Means and more on Dalby for the monkey knife fight line.
Big Brady picks Tim Means to win by decision, citing superior striking stats (5.16 sig strikes/min, 48% accuracy, 61% striking defense) and Dalby's negative strike differential. He notes Dalby has been dropped in four of seven UFC fights but never KO'd. He thinks Means will out-volume Dalby on the feet, as Dalby rarely wrestles (only one takedown in last five fights). He is confident Means is the better striker.
Cody picks Dalby as a live underdog. He notes Dalby's toughness and heart, and that Means has lost as a favorite before. He points out that Means had a fight cancelled last week, which could disrupt his preparation. Cody also mentions Dalby's reach advantage and that Means is 37 with wear and tear. He thinks Dalby can grind Means against the cage and take over late if Means doesn't finish early.
Jacob picks Nicolas Dalby, jokingly citing that Dalby fought Darren Till to a draw in 2015 and outstruck him. He seems to be half-joking but picks Dalby to win. He does not provide serious technical analysis.
Means is a much better striker with higher output than Dalby. If Means keeps the fight vertical, he will light up Dalby. Dalby has knockout power but Means' durability is a concern; however, Means should avoid getting knocked out. Means' efficiency and tight striking will earn him a decision. Dalby's speed and timing could pose issues, but Means is the more proven striker.
Paul picks Tim Means, citing Means' better striking and underrated wrestling. He notes Means was supposed to fight last week and had a cancelled bout, but that might not be a big issue. He thinks Means has the skills to win, but acknowledges Dalby's toughness and that Means can fade. He is not confident and suggests watching weigh-ins.
The MMA Guru picks Tim Means by first-round submission (d'arce choke), citing his crisp boxing and ability to land straight shots down the pipe. He identifies defensive holes in Dalby's striking, as seen in the Jesse Ronson fight, and believes Means will hurt Dalby, prompting a bad takedown that leads to a choke. He trusts Means' composure and experience.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Means | 0 | 64 of 161 | 39% | 69 of 166 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 2 | 0 | 3:08 |
| Mike Perry | 0 | 128 of 192 | 66% | 143 of 207 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Means | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 14 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 2:22 |
| Mike Perry | 0 | 27 of 40 | 67% | 30 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Tim Means | 0 | 20 of 60 | 33% | 20 of 60 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Mike Perry | 0 | 44 of 60 | 73% | 44 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 3 | Tim Means | 0 | 30 of 70 | 42% | 35 of 75 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 |
| Mike Perry | 0 | 57 of 92 | 61% | 69 of 104 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Means | 64 of 161 | 39% | 44 of 134 | 8 of 12 | 12 of 15 | 62 of 157 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Mike Perry | 128 of 192 | 66% | 86 of 147 | 26 of 28 | 16 of 17 | 121 of 184 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Means | 14 of 31 | 45% | 7 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Mike Perry | 27 of 40 | 67% | 18 of 31 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 24 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Tim Means | 20 of 60 | 33% | 11 of 46 | 3 of 6 | 6 of 8 | 20 of 59 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Mike Perry | 44 of 60 | 73% | 28 of 43 | 10 of 10 | 6 of 7 | 42 of 58 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tim Means | 30 of 70 | 42% | 26 of 64 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 29 of 68 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Mike Perry | 57 of 92 | 61% | 40 of 73 | 9 of 11 | 8 of 8 | 55 of 90 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady hesitantly picks Tim Means to win by decision. He thinks Means is the more technical and well-rounded fighter, but has durability concerns after being knocked out recently. He notes Perry's headspace is questionable and he didn't look great against Gall, but Means is on short notice.
Daniel picks Means, citing his superior boxing and overall MMA skills. He notes Perry's lack of head movement and poor corner situation. He believes Means can stay disciplined, use volume, and mix in takedowns to avoid Perry's power. He thinks Means should be the favorite.
The host picks Tim Means to win by decision, noting his superior skill set and ability to keep Perry at range with leg kicks and teeps. He is skeptical of Perry's power and thinks Means can outpoint him. He would only bet Means if the line reaches plus 150.
The MMA Guru picks Mike Perry to win by unanimous decision (29-28), but expresses worry. He notes Means took the fight on short notice, and Perry has a full camp now. He expects Perry to use takedowns and outwork Means in the later rounds, but admits Means is dangerous and a full-camp Means might beat Perry.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!