Career Averages - Randy Brown
Career Averages - Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
Randy Brown - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Holland | 0 | 56 of 91 | 61% | 137 of 176 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 4:05 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 46 of 95 | 48% | 67 of 121 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:43 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Holland | 0 | 20 of 34 | 58% | 48 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:41 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 18 of 39 | 46% | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Kevin Holland | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 25 of 37 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 1:42 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 14 of 26 | 53% | 19 of 32 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 | |
| 3 | Kevin Holland | 0 | 17 of 26 | 65% | 64 of 77 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:25 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Holland | 56 of 91 | 61% | 24 of 55 | 10 of 11 | 22 of 25 | 39 of 68 | 11 of 15 | 6 of 8 |
| Randy Brown | 46 of 95 | 48% | 25 of 65 | 14 of 17 | 7 of 13 | 31 of 75 | 12 of 17 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Holland | 20 of 34 | 58% | 9 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 13 | 14 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 8 |
| Randy Brown | 18 of 39 | 46% | 8 of 26 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 8 | 14 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | |
| 2 | Kevin Holland | 19 of 31 | 61% | 6 of 18 | 4 of 4 | 9 of 9 | 16 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 14 of 26 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 3 | 10 of 21 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Kevin Holland | 17 of 26 | 65% | 9 of 17 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 15 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 14 of 30 | 46% | 9 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 19 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Randy Brown, expressing frustration with Kevin Holland's unreliability and lack of care. He believes Brown is better everywhere, more serious, and has more power. He ends the cycle of picking Holland with caveats, stating Brown is the clear choice.
Big Brady is done with Kevin Holland due to his poor fight IQ and inconsistency. He thinks Randy Brown is the more skilled striker and will outstrike Holland, but worries about Brown's chin (recent KO losses). He expects a striking match and picks Brown by decision, but will not bet on the fight.
Cody also picks Brown, noting Holland's one-foot-in-one-foot-out mentality and Brown's speed advantage. He thinks Brown's desire and game plan will edge out a close fight.
Connor picks Randy Brown because Kevin Holland is cooked and doesn't care about fighting anymore. He notes that Holland is a goofy, messy fighter who doesn't want to do the right things, while Brown is capable of impressive performances despite occasional dumb mistakes. He expects a fun fight but trusts Brown's ability to outwork Holland.
Daniel Vreeland picks Randy Brown as part of the 'fade Kevin Holland world tour.' He believes Holland lacks motivation and fight IQ, while Brown is more focused and has the tools to outpoint him. He notes that Brown's jab and technical striking should be enough to win a decision or even get a finish.
Daniel is on the 'Fade Kevin Holland' tour, citing Holland's poor mentality and fight IQ. He thinks Brown will care more and perform better under less pressure.
James picks Kevin Holland, believing he has more power and durability, and will come on as the fight progresses. He notes Brown may start well but expects Holland to find his rhythm.
Brown is the better technical striker with a huge reach advantage. Holland's ego may lead him to strike with Brown, which is a mistake. Brown can pick Holland apart from distance and has good defensive grappling to avoid Holland's submissions. Holland's recent losses show he struggles against disciplined strikers. Brown should win a decision or even get a finish.
Paul picks Brown, citing Holland's declining desire and Brown's speed and crisp striking. He thinks Brown's jab and right hand will be effective against the similar-framed Holland.
The MMA Guru picks Randy Brown over Kevin Holland. He thinks Brown will fight on the outside with low kicks and body shots, while Holland is an opportunist who doesn't follow game plans. He notes Brown's chin is suspect but believes he can win a 29-28 decision, possibly with Holland taking a close round.
Zane picks Randy Brown, agreeing that Kevin Holland is cooked and doesn't care about fighting. He notes that Holland is a mercenary who fights for money and has no goal other than getting paid, while Brown is more focused and capable. He expects a fun fight but trusts Brown to win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Bonfim | 1 | 35 of 64 | 54% | 35 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 33 of 87 | 37% | 33 of 87 | 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 | Gabriel Bonfim | 0 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 24 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 19 of 61 | 31% | 19 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Gabriel Bonfim | 1 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 14 of 26 | 53% | 14 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Bonfim | 35 of 64 | 54% | 11 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 27 | 33 of 62 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 33 of 87 | 37% | 11 of 48 | 9 of 21 | 13 of 18 | 33 of 87 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Bonfim | 24 of 43 | 55% | 6 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 22 | 23 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 19 of 61 | 31% | 7 of 33 | 3 of 14 | 9 of 14 | 19 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Gabriel Bonfim | 11 of 21 | 52% | 5 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 14 of 26 | 53% | 4 of 15 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 14 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bonfim (-180); Brown (+150)
Round 1
We’re here. It’s the main event. Without a doubt, this is one of the headliners of all time. Welterweights grace the Octagon for the next five rounds or fewer, and at night’s end, only one of these two athletes will likely be ranked—right now, only Bonfim (18-1, 5-1 UFC) is for the UFC. Brown (20-6, 14-6 UFC) feels he has finally turned the corner, other than a pair of tough losses to Bryan Battle and Jack Della Maddalena holding him back from breaking out of the “action fighter” category of his division. Referee Mark Smith brings them to the middle to issue final instructions, stepping back to allow the athletes to touch ‘em up. They do. It’s on with the show.
The athletes are tentative to engage, stabbing out jabs and the occasional low kick as the bout begins. Brown slowly, steadily builds up a work rate with distance in his favor, but the Brazilian is still able to reach him with kicks. Brown checks one kick, but a few more land with audible thuds. Bonfim keeps battering the lead leg, so Brown kicks him in the chest to back him off. The Brazilian strides through to connect with another chopping kick, and Brown is struggling to react to it. When he kicks, Brown throws himself off-balance, as he his having a hard time putting his full weight on his lead calf. Bonfim keeps targeting it with impunity, and he uses it to open up jabs. The kicks by themselves are proving extremely effective, as Brown rushes forward after taking one and knees Bonfim in the sternum. Brown wings a left hand, and he has to switch stances from the damage to his limb.
Bonfim kicks the front leg when available, catching Brown before Brown can punch him. The calf of Brown is swelling and welted just three minutes into the bout, and Brown’s power is already declining due to his struggles planting on his lead wheel. Bonfim works his way in through the gangly arms of his adversary to tag him with punches, with the leg kick rarely far away. Brown rattles off a one-two, but Bonfim’s low kicks have made Brown limp. The Brazilian chambers and fires a low kick on the other leg, nearly knocking Brown down. Brown goes for his own calf kick, and it gets checked hard. Brown bounces on his heels before doubling up on a jab to hurl a right hand behind it, and Bonfim sways with it and resets. A calf kick from Bonfim is so immediately effective that Brown leaps at him with his knee out, hand extended, and his finger jams in Bonfim’s eye socket. Luckily, Bonfim takes a few seconds to clear his vision, and they resume and stay generally out of range until the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bonfim
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Bonfim
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bonfim
Round 2
Brown leads behind his jab to start off the round and keep his distance, although his front kick reaches out to cover much more ground. He uses it to set up a right hand, and strings several strikes behind it to the body and head. Bonfim counters and reaches his man with a pair of left hands. Brown gets up close to trade hands, and Bonfim meets him in the middle and ends his combo with a calf kick. He drives home a kick a bit higher on the thigh, and rips a right hand that Brown barely shoulder rolls in time. Bonfim doubles up on his chopping kick, and Brown is not a happy camper just six-and-a-half minutes into their fight. Bonfim flicks out a jab, and Brown ducks down to throw back a right hand. Bonfim answers with a crushing knee on the jaw, and Brown falls to his back with his hands at his side, the back of his melon clattering off the Octagon floor. On first glance, it appeared to be a double knockdown because Bonfim hits the canvas as well, but it was because he threw himself off-balance tossing the knee. Smith sprints over to stop the fight, with Brown not defending himself, but Brown rolls to his side and raises a ruckus that it was an early stoppage. He is cooled down quickly as replays show this was probably a fair and just stoppage—those that bet on Brown may disagree—but some fans, media and commentator Dominick Cruz express frustration that Brown did not have any more time to defend himself or possibly recover. The winning Brazilian calls for just one name: Colby Covington, whom he says he will retire. If that fight comes together, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
The Official Result
Gabriel Bonfim def. Randy Brown R2 1:40 via TKO (Knee)
Angelo picks Randy Brown because he believes Brown is the better striker with great range and solid takedown defense. He notes that Gabriel Bonfim struggled with takedowns against Wonderboy and that Brown's length and boxing from the outside will be key. He also mentions that Brown was screwed in a previous decision and is a very good fighter.
Big Brady sees this as Bonfim early or Brown late. He notes Bonfim has power and an opportunistic submission game, and Brown has been submitted and knocked out before. He thinks Bonfim can get an early finish, possibly by first-round submission, but if it goes to the third round, Brown will take over. He mentions a potential live bet on Brown.
Cody thinks Bonfim's cardio is suspect in a five-round fight and that Brown's length, straight punches, and volume will pose problems as the fight goes on. He notes Bonfim's takedowns are explosive early but fade, and Brown can survive early rounds and take over later. He prefers to bet Brown live after the first round rather than straight up.
Lucrative James picks Gabriel Bonfim to win, but he is not confident. He notes Bonfim's strong first round and submission threat (72% of wins via submission), but questions his cardio and ability to finish Randy Brown. He expects Bonfim to win round one and then edge out a decision, as Brown's style may not pressure Bonfim into gassing. He also mentions a potential over bet or goes to decision prop.
The host expects chaos and considers the under 2.5 rounds at plus money. He believes Bonfim will drag Brown to the ground and use his superior BJJ to secure a submission within two and a half rounds.
Paul picks Bonfim but has no interest in the minus 180 price. He thinks Bonfim's cardio has improved and he can get a finish early, possibly by submission or knockout. He suggests betting the under 2.5 rounds as a better play than the moneyline.
The Guru picks Randy Brown to win by third-round TKO. He believes Brown's experience and striking will be key, especially if he survives Bonfim's early grappling. He notes Bonfim's tendency to fade if he doesn't get a quick submission, and Brown's ability to stuff takedowns and pick him apart at range.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 1 | 54 of 114 | 47% | 58 of 118 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 1 | 26 of 74 | 35% | 40 of 90 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 0 | 22 of 52 | 42% | 26 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 1 | 15 of 39 | 38% | 29 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:22 | |
| 2 | Randy Brown | 1 | 32 of 62 | 51% | 32 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 11 of 35 | 31% | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 54 of 114 | 47% | 45 of 103 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 54 of 114 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 26 of 74 | 35% | 12 of 52 | 1 of 3 | 13 of 19 | 25 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 22 of 52 | 42% | 19 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 15 of 39 | 38% | 6 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 9 of 15 | 14 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Randy Brown | 32 of 62 | 51% | 26 of 55 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 32 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Nicolas Dalby | 11 of 35 | 31% | 6 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brown (-238), Dalby (+195)
Round 1
A clash of well-traveled welterweights keeps the main card pushing. Looking to get back in the win column, Brown (19-6, 13-6 UFC) will have to outlast the ultra-durable Dane Dalby (23-5-1, 2 NC; 7-4-1, 1 NC UFC) as the latter has never been finished. Referee Keith Peterson is prepped and ready should this go the full duration, and he commences the nonsense-free bout as Brown sprints at his opponent without a glove touch in sight. Brown pulls back before crashing into his opponent, and he repositions himself to his preferred distant striking range with significant reach in his favor on the hands and legs. He uses those long arms to set up jabs and stay away from Dalby’s reaching left hook, but the slapping kick from Dalby is effective on the front leg. He goes for it two more times before having to reset and absorb a right hand on the chin. Dalby gets off with another kick, and Brown freezes him with a clubbing right hook. The Dane gathers himself and slings back, but the only one that lands is his low kick on the calf. Brown leaves himself wide open and is skipped with a left hand on the temple. Frustrated by the strike, “Rude Boy” puts everything he has into a left and a vicious right hand, not only staggering Brown but completely shattering his nose like Marsha and the football. Eternally tough, Dalby manages to bounce off the fencing and swing back, but he is compromised from a damage and breathing perspective. Brown does not go for broke, instead picking his shots carefully, and he inflicts further harm and swells up Dalby’s left eye. Dalby complains about an eye poke, and Peterson tells Brown to not leave his fingers outstretched. Brown acknowledges this and wings a right hand, only to get belted with a massive hook that knocks him off his feet. Dalby pounces, blood pouring from his destroyed nose, and he works Brown over with short ground strikes. Dalby uses his arm to control Brown, and he drops down one more elbow before the bell. The doctors are quick to assess Dalby’s condition, and they appear to partially reset his beak while tending to it. It probably will not stay that way for long when getting punched again in the next round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brown
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brown
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brown
Round 2
Dalby is good to go, giving Peterson a thumbs-up even as his left eye is nearly closed. He is fired up, rushing after “Rude Boy” with swarming punches and swinging kicks. Brown flicks out jabs and front kicks, allowing Dalby to buzz past him, and he punctuates a combo with a hard body kick. Dalby strikes the front leg and comes up short with an overhand right, and Brown continues to pepper the face with jabs and a mean-spirited front kick. Brown’s jab keeps Dalby at bay until Dalby has had enough of taking them, walking through a knee to the body and launching a huge right hand. Brown bounces off the fence, in trouble but still in the fight, and he separates and backpedals. Dalby continues crashing towards his opponent, launching big right hands that force Brown to take desperate measures to stay out of danger. Brown grabs hold of Dalby in a brief clinch to turn him around and his back to the wall, and he measures his target with a step-in knee and a short but sweet right hand directly on the jaw that buckles Dalby’s knees. Dalby recognizes this and bounces on them to try to shake it off, and Brown uncorks a nasty right hand on the jaw that hurts “Danish Dynamite” badly. Dalby uses the fence behind him to stay upright, and Brown waits for Dalby to stand straight up and smashes him in the face with a ferocious overhand right and a speedy left to follow. Dalby not only takes them on the chin but fires back with his own short salvo, catching Brown but taking some punishment on the way in. The 40-year-old has to take a second to step back and assess his condition, and he evades a massive uppercut by a matter of millimeters. Brown keeps swinging, ignoring anything coming back his direction and unloading a nuclear missile of a right hand that explodes on the temple and puts Dalby down once and for all. Brown walks away, saluting his fallen adversary, while Peterson rushes in along with a doctor to check on Dalby who is crumpled in a heap. “Knockout of the Year,” you have a new contender as Dalby had never been finished as a professional and he is laying down face-first in a pool of his own blood. What an incredible knockout, concluding a titanic brawl that will remain on highlight reels for years to come. Dalby comes to, and he is able to applaud Brown for his handiwork.
The Official Result
Randy Brown def. Nicolas Dalby R2 1:39 via KO (Punch)
Angelo picks Randy Brown, citing his youth, speed, technical striking, and high fight IQ. He notes that Nicolas Dalby relies on cardio and weird breathing, but Brown should piece him up and avoid danger. The only concern is a rogue judge who might appreciate Dalby's pressure, but Brown is the cleaner fighter.
Big Brady picks Randy Brown, citing his youth, reach advantage, and the big cage favoring his range striking. He expects Brown to pick Dalby apart over three rounds and win a decision. He notes Brown often makes fights closer than expected, but still favors him.
Connor picks Dalby because of his relentless pressure and drive to win rounds, contrasting with Randy Brown's inconsistency and tendency to lose focus. Dalby's multi-layered pressure, durability, and strength will make the fight miserable for Brown, who often gets cornered and loses. Connor notes that Brown has all the tools but lacks the discipline to use them consistently.
The host believes Dalby's reliance on his hardware will deteriorate at age 40, allowing Brown to showcase flaws and batter Dalby from distance for a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Randy Brown, citing his improved savvy in three-round fights and ability to handle Dalby's pressure. He notes Brown's reach advantage and that Dalby's head kick won't work on a taller opponent. He expects Brown to win by decision or late TKO, as Dalby is older and has more wear and tear.
Zane picks Dalby, agreeing that Dalby's relentless pressure and ability to make fights ugly will overwhelm Brown, who is prone to making poor decisions and getting cornered. Zane points out that Brown's loss to Brian Battle is a blueprint for how Dalby can win. Dalby may not have the tools to dominate, but his drive and consistency will earn him rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 60 of 111 | 54% | 80 of 135 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:46 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 57 of 110 | 51% | 109 of 175 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 7:25 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 29 of 56 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 21 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 22 of 41 | 53% | 56 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:37 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 24 of 37 | 64% | 30 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 21 of 38 | 55% | 35 of 54 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 60 of 111 | 54% | 32 of 79 | 22 of 26 | 6 of 6 | 49 of 96 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 57 of 110 | 51% | 20 of 64 | 31 of 38 | 6 of 8 | 27 of 76 | 30 of 34 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 21 of 45 | 46% | 11 of 32 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 14 of 31 | 45% | 4 of 17 | 9 of 11 | 1 of 3 | 11 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 15 of 29 | 51% | 11 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 22 of 41 | 53% | 6 of 23 | 13 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 25 | 15 of 16 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 24 of 37 | 64% | 10 of 22 | 10 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 17 of 28 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 21 of 38 | 55% | 10 of 24 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 24 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, believing his forward pressure and dirty boxing will frustrate the more technical Randy Brown. He notes Battle's improvements and work ethic, but acknowledges he gets hit a lot. Angelo thinks the clash of styles favors Battle, as he can brawl the boxer. He is monitoring the line movement and may bet if Battle's odds drop to -150.
Cody picks Battle, citing his power and improving skills. He notes Brown's tendency to struggle against pressure fighters and thinks Battle will land big shots. He expects a knockout win for Battle.
Connor is confident in Battle because his new pressure-fighting style is the exact antidote to Randy Brown. He notes that Brown has historically struggled against pressure fighters who are willing to eat shots and counter, as seen in his losses to Jack Della Maddalena and Vicente Luque. Connor believes Battle's aggression, power, and willingness to trade will overwhelm Brown, who tends to hit the fence and fall apart. He also points out that Battle's recent performances show a clear, winning game plan.
Daniel picks Brown as an underdog, citing his experience, reach, and cleaner technique. He believes Battle's competition has been weak and that Brown's length and footwork will be too much. He expects Brown to pick Battle apart.
Battle's aggressiveness in the clinch and grappling will break down Randy Brown and lead to a second or third round finish.
Paul picks Battle, emphasizing his momentum and power. He notes Brown's age and suspect chin, and thinks Battle's pressure will be too much. He expects a finish inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, citing his volume, hustle, and cardio. He thinks Battle will out-volume Brown on the feet and that Brown lacks takedown threats to mix in. He notes Brown has lost close decisions before and that lesser fighters have made it close with Brown. He predicts a close 29-28 decision, possibly split.
Zane also confidently picks Battle, agreeing that his pressure style is the key to beating Brown. He notes that Brown has always struggled against fighters who walk him down and put combinations together against the fence. Zane highlights that Battle has evolved from a reactive fighter to an aggressive pressure fighter, and that this new approach makes him a dangerous matchup for Brown. He believes Battle will overwhelm Brown with volume and power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 0 | 67 of 141 | 47% | 89 of 166 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 0:42 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 26 of 76 | 34% | 42 of 94 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 1 | 0 | 5:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 0 | 34 of 71 | 47% | 35 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 9 of 34 | 26% | 9 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | Randy Brown | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 15 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 0:32 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 19 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 0 | 3:52 | |
| 3 | Randy Brown | 0 | 25 of 52 | 48% | 39 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 14 of 35 | 40% | 14 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 67 of 141 | 47% | 50 of 120 | 5 of 8 | 12 of 13 | 61 of 133 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 26 of 76 | 34% | 8 of 50 | 3 of 9 | 15 of 17 | 24 of 73 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 34 of 71 | 47% | 24 of 60 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 8 | 33 of 70 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 9 of 34 | 26% | 2 of 22 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 9 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Randy Brown | 8 of 18 | 44% | 7 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Randy Brown | 25 of 52 | 48% | 19 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 24 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 14 of 35 | 40% | 4 of 22 | 0 of 3 | 10 of 10 | 13 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Randy Brown but with reduced confidence after studying Elizeu Zaleski. He believes Brown's length and range striking will keep him safe, and that Zaleski is chinny and can be dropped. However, he acknowledges Zaleski's toughness and ability to rally, so he leaves Brown out of the safety parlay.
Big Brady is fading Randy Brown, expecting the fight to go to decision. He thinks Brown won't shoot takedowns or get an early finish, and doesn't expect crazy volume. He notes if there is a finish, it likely comes from Zaleski dos Santos. He is comfortable staying away from Brown.
Cody picks Brown but is hesitant, acknowledging Zaleski's danger. He likes Brown's length, jab, and game plan but notes Brown has slowed down and his defensive grappling is suspect. Cody worries that Zaleski's power and forward pressure could sway judges. He plans to keep Brown low on parlays and might switch to Zaleski after weigh-ins.
Daniel Vreeland agrees with Jeff, emphasizing that Zaleski dos Santos relies on distance striking and leg kicks, but Brown's reach and takedown ability neutralize that. He sees Brown piecing him up from distance and potentially taking him down. Vreeland notes Brown is crafty everywhere and can adapt to any scenario.
Daniel likes Brown's recent confidence and footwork, and thinks Zaleski's chin is declining. He expects Brown to find openings with his jab and straight right, possibly getting a first-round KO. He laid -160 for two units.
Jeff Fox picks Randy Brown, citing his size advantage (4 inches height, 5 inches reach) and well-rounded skills. He notes Brown is sneaky good, has no real weaknesses, and can win on the feet or with takedowns. Fox believes Zaleski dos Santos will struggle to deal with Brown's reach and pressure, and that Brown can mix in wrestling to keep things interesting.
The host expects Brown to use his size, reach, and footwork to keep Zaleski at range and win a decision. Zaleski's inactivity and age are concerns, and his unorthodox style may not overcome Brown's disciplined jab and movement. Brown's recent improvements in range management should allow him to cruise to a decision victory.
Paul leans toward Zaleski as a dog, citing his forward pressure, damaging blows, and ability to land bigger shots. He notes Brown's style is conservative and may not impress judges, while Zaleski's aggression and power could sway them. Paul mentions Zaleski's age (37) but says he still throws heat and has good cardio. He sees this as a 50/50 fight and likes the plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Randy Brown, believing his height and reach will trouble Zaleski dos Santos. He notes that Zaleski struggles against taller opponents and is older (37) with potential decline. Brown has good boxing at range and recent TKO wins. He predicts Brown by TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 1 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 13 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 10 of 22 | 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 | Randy Brown | 1 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 13 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 13 of 46 | 28% | 6 of 33 | 1 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 12 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 10 of 22 | 45% | 0 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 9 of 11 | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 13 of 46 | 28% | 6 of 33 | 1 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 12 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 10 of 22 | 45% | 0 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 9 of 11 | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brown (-245), Salikhov (+200)
Round 1
A killer welterweight matchup originally scheduled for UFC 296 in December, rescheduled due to Brown falling ill, now blesses “UFC Vegas 85.” While Brown and Salikhov lose the full-arena vibe, they do see their scrap promoted from curtain-jerker to feature fight. Lubbock, Texas’ own Kerry Hatley draws his final referee assignment of the night. The “Rude Boy” and “King of Kung Fu” immediately begin exchanging kicks. Salikhov goes low with quick calf kicks, which Brown counters with long flicking front kicks to the midsection. Salikhov tries a spinning wheel kick which falls short, but had murderous speed on it. A minute and a half in, not much has landed outside of low kicks, but it feels as though either man might bust this fight—and maybe his foe—wide open at any moment. Salikhov’s chopping kicks to Brown’s lead leg are starting to land with increasing frequency and force. Brown reaches out with his left hand and the extended fingers swipe Salikhov’s eye. The two touch hands in recognition of the foul before Hatley even calls time, but Salikhov does take his time to blink it out. They go back to work and Brown stocks out a fast jab, feints with his right hip and then comes back with a kick from the other side.
Out of nowhere, Brown crushes Salikhov with a jab and a blistering right cross. Salikhov goes down and Brown appears to hesitate before following up. With no stoppage forthcoming Brown lands a single standing-to-ground right on the turtled Russian, and that’s enough to spur Hatley into action.
Highlight-reel knockout from Randy Brown.
The Official Result
Randy Brown def. Muslim Salikhov R1 3:17 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Randy Brown, citing his length and range management. He notes that Muslim Salikhov is dangerous but slowing down at 39, losing cardio and power. He expects Brown to use his reach, work takedowns, and out-technique the aging veteran.
Big Brady picks Randy Brown to win by second-round submission (club and sub). He notes that Brown is younger, bigger, has a massive reach advantage, better cardio, and better grappling. He questions Salikhov's age (believes he's older than 39) and notes his low volume, poor cardio, and grappling holes. Brady has been burned by Brown as a favorite before but thinks this is a good matchup.
Cody picks Brown, citing Salikhov's age (39), poor cardio, and low volume. Brown's reach and movement should keep him safe, and he expects Brown to win a decision or possibly a late finish. He notes Salikhov's only path is an early KO.
Brown uses his long reach and distance striking to pick opponents apart, and should be able to circle away from Salikhov's power. Salikhov is 39 and slowing down, with a speed disadvantage. Brown's takedown defense and ability to get back to his feet if taken down will be key. The host expects Brown to win decisively by decision.
Paul picks Brown, agreeing with Cody. He notes Brown's 9-inch reach advantage and Salikhov's decline. He likes Brown by decision at +120 but says the market is accurate and he may not bet it heavily.
The MMA Guru picks Randy Brown over Muslim Salikhov, predicting a late TKO. He notes Salikhov is 39 and has looked his age, while Brown has an 8-inch reach advantage. He believes Brown can keep Salikhov at range with jabs, teeps, and low kicks, and that Salikhov's power is limited to a few shots. He trusts Brown's ability to avoid Salikhov's right hand, as he did against Khaos Williams.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 0 | 64 of 134 | 47% | 78 of 156 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:47 |
| Wellington Turman | 0 | 55 of 105 | 52% | 96 of 153 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 0 | 31 of 69 | 44% | 31 of 69 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Wellington Turman | 0 | 25 of 52 | 48% | 26 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Randy Brown | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 28 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:21 |
| Wellington Turman | 0 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 42 of 54 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 | |
| 3 | Randy Brown | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Wellington Turman | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 28 of 46 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:43 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 64 of 134 | 47% | 21 of 85 | 17 of 23 | 26 of 26 | 53 of 121 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| Wellington Turman | 55 of 105 | 52% | 19 of 60 | 10 of 14 | 26 of 31 | 43 of 90 | 12 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 31 of 69 | 44% | 10 of 46 | 7 of 9 | 14 of 14 | 31 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Wellington Turman | 25 of 52 | 48% | 5 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 18 of 23 | 24 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Randy Brown | 15 of 30 | 50% | 3 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 20 | 10 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Wellington Turman | 12 of 18 | 66% | 4 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 12 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Randy Brown | 18 of 35 | 51% | 8 of 22 | 7 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 17 of 32 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Wellington Turman | 18 of 35 | 51% | 10 of 24 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 27 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is confident in Randy Brown, citing his length, power, takedown defense, and BJJ. He expects Brown to stay on the outside and jab, avoiding a ground game. He notes Wellington Turman's striking looked good in his last fight but doesn't think it will be enough against Brown's reach and skills.
Big Brady picks Randy Brown, citing a significant striking advantage with a six-inch reach advantage. He notes Turman's questionable chin, having been knocked out by Andrew Sanchez. He acknowledges Turman's path to victory via wrestling but believes Brown's grappling is good enough to defend. He predicts a first-round knockout, especially if Turman has a bad weight cut.
Cody picks Brown, noting his speed and linear striking. He expects Turman to gas after the first round and Brown to take over. He mentions Turman's poor takedown accuracy and cardio issues.
Connor believes Randy Brown should win this fight easily. He notes that Brown has limitations like poor kick defense and a tendency to throw one shot from range that puts him out of position, but Turman's game is entirely based on dogged toughness and cage wrestling. Turman's takedowns come from the cage, not open space, and Brown is a great clinch fighter and hard to take down against the cage. Connor also points out that Turman is dropping down a division and has a six-inch reach disadvantage, making Brown feel fast. He thinks there's a lot of room for error for Brown, meaning a lot of room for fun.
Daniel Levi picks Randy Brown, citing his length, skill, and experience. He notes Brown's occasional showboating and chin questions but thinks he is the more skilled fighter. He is not laying -220 due to Brown's inconsistency and Turman's danger, but picks Brown to win.
The host picks Randy Brown to win by decision. He believes Brown's slick striking and distance management will be too much for Turman, who struggles to close the distance and get takedowns. He notes Turman's grappling advantage is nullified if he can't get the fight to the ground, and expects Brown to pick him apart from range.
Paul picks Brown, citing his speed and reach advantage. He expects Brown to use his jab and movement to win a decision, though he notes Turman's strength and potential grappling. He considers live betting if Turman wins the first round.
The Guru picks Randy Brown, expressing concern about Wellington Turman moving down to welterweight. He believes Brown has a clear skill advantage on the feet and that Turman's weight cut will leave him vulnerable. He predicts Brown will pick Turman apart with knees and elbows in the clinch and finish by TKO in the second round after Turman fails takedown attempts.
Zane agrees that Randy Brown should win. He notes that Brown has limitations like poor kick defense and a tendency to throw one shot from range that puts him out of position, but Turman's game is entirely based on dogged toughness and cage wrestling. Turman's takedowns come from the cage, not open space, and Brown is a great clinch fighter and hard to take down against the cage. Zane also points out that Turman is dropping down a division and has a six-inch reach disadvantage, making Brown feel fast. He thinks there's a lot of room for error for Brown, meaning a lot of room for fun.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Della Maddalena | 1 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:15 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 11 of 39 | 28% | 11 of 39 | 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 | Jack Della Maddalena | 1 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:15 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 11 of 39 | 28% | 11 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Della Maddalena | 14 of 31 | 45% | 9 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 11 |
| Randy Brown | 11 of 39 | 28% | 6 of 33 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Della Maddalena | 14 of 31 | 45% | 9 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 11 |
| Randy Brown | 11 of 39 | 28% | 6 of 33 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Della Maddalena (-315), Brown (+260)
Round 1
Two welterweights on solid win streaks will enter, and only one will leave with it intact. Since losing his first two pro outings, Maddalena (13-2, 3-0 UFC) has strung 13 wins in a row, while Brown (16-4, 10-4 UFC) has rattled off four straight in the Octagon. A spot in the top 15 and a big next matchup likely looms for the victor, but this is no easy ask for either man first. Referee Marc Goddard will take charge of the cage in this “featured fight of the night,” and there is no fist bump before it all goes down. Brown uses his reach right out of the gate, pushing out a long jab to split the guard of the heavy-handed Aussie. A rude chant rains down against Brown, who is fighting a Perth local. Brown stays on the outside with front kicks, jab, single strikes and accurate blows to not let Maddalena close in on him. Maddalena strikes the low calf a few times, and Brown pushes off with his fingers outstretched and is warned for this. Brown picks and pokes at his foe with reaching strikes, switching stances and scoring teep kicks while circling away from Maddalena’s power. Maddalena blazes forward, and with a fiery right hand he scorches his opponent behind the ear. The resounding blow separates Brown from his faculties, who falls face-first to the mat. Maddalena leaps on top to pound on Brown, delivering punishment with hammerfist after unanswered hammerfist. Brown works his way to the wall, but in the process, he surrenders his back. Maddalena latches on from behind, and he sinks both hooks in and simultaneously sets up the rear-naked choke. The two are still dry and Maddalena is at full strength, so his squeeze is undeniable and the choke is securely fastened. The roof positively blows off as Brown taps out, with Perth’s own putting a stamp on a terrific performance. In an interview where he can barely hear himself think, Maddalena calls for a ranked opponent when he comes back from holiday, and he hopes to fight again in front of a home crowd soon.
The Official Result
Jack Della Maddalena def. Randy Brown R1 2:13 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo picks Jack Della Maddalena, citing his high-volume jab and takedown defense. He notes that Randy Brown is a solid striker with reach and BJJ, but Jack's constant jab will disrupt Brown's rhythm. He warns that if Jack becomes a headhunter, Brown could find success, but he expects Jack to fight smart and win a decision.
Big Brady is high on Della Maddalena, citing his power, hand speed, and forward pressure. He acknowledges Brown's length and durability concerns but thinks Della Maddalena will close the distance and knock him out. He predicts a first-round knockout.
Cody is high on Della Maddalena, praising his volume, body work, and boxing technique. He notes Della Maddalena has finished all his UFC opponents by working the body and then landing kill shots. He thinks Randy Brown is hittable and will struggle with Della Maddalena's pressure and body attack. Despite the -300 price, he likes Della Maddalena stylistically.
Connor picks Della Maddalena, citing his relentless pressure and body punching as key advantages. He notes that Brown has a tendency to abandon his game plan and engage in brawls, which plays into Della Maddalena's strengths. Connor also mentions that Della Maddalena's combination punching and ability to mix targets will overwhelm Brown, who is inconsistent defensively. He acknowledges that Brown could win if he fights smart, but expects him to revert to bad habits.
Della Maddalena's combination striking and power will be too much for Brown. He mixes targets well (head and body) and has shown finishing ability with body shots. Brown's length and movement may cause early issues, but Della Maddalena will close distance and land. Brown's defensive grappling is solid but Della Maddalena's discipline and patience will allow him to find the knockout within the first 10 minutes. Expect a round two KO.
Paul agrees Della Maddalena is a rightful favorite, noting Brown is hittable and has been knocked down before. He mentions Brown's close fights and high strikes absorbed. However, he avoids betting -300 lines and thinks inside the distance is already minus money, so he'll pass on betting.
The MMA Guru picks Jack Della Maddalena over Randy Brown, praising his unique boxing style and head movement. He expects a first-round TKO via body-head combinations against the cage. He notes Brown has been finished recently and is older, but admits the odds are too high and sees some value in Brown.
Zane also picks Della Maddalena, emphasizing his pressure and body work. He notes that Brown is prone to getting distracted and fighting his opponent's fight, which will be fatal against a relentless fighter like Della Maddalena. Zane highlights that Della Maddalena's ability to mix punches to the body and head will exploit Brown's tall frame. He also mentions that Brown's best chance is to keep the fight at range, but he likely won't maintain that discipline.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neil Magny | 0 | 42 of 67 | 62% | 80 of 113 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 20 of 42 | 47% | 42 of 69 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 4:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neil Magny | 0 | 17 of 36 | 47% | 29 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 18 of 36 | 50% | 24 of 42 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:03 | |
| 2 | Neil Magny | 0 | 25 of 31 | 80% | 51 of 63 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:03 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 18 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neil Magny | 42 of 67 | 62% | 38 of 61 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 2 | 19 of 43 | 3 of 3 | 20 of 21 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 20 of 42 | 47% | 5 of 24 | 4 of 5 | 11 of 13 | 17 of 38 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neil Magny | 17 of 36 | 47% | 13 of 30 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 2 | 16 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 18 of 36 | 50% | 5 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 11 | 15 of 32 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Neil Magny | 25 of 31 | 80% | 25 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 21 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Connor picks Zaleski, noting that Magny has looked increasingly hurtable and gun-shy, while Zaleski still has power and violence in his game. He acknowledges both fighters may be declining, but Zaleski's underlying physicality and scrambling ability give him the edge. Connor doubts Magny can replicate his past comeback wins.
Zane also picks Zaleski, pointing out that Magny's recent performances show a decline in output and durability. He notes that Zaleski has historically struggled against rangy strikers, but Magny's current form may not pose that threat. Zane believes Zaleski's wrestling and scrambling will be too much for Magny to handle.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chidi Njokuani | 1 | 46 of 87 | 52% | 46 of 88 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 17 of 49 | 34% | 19 of 54 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chidi Njokuani | 0 | 23 of 45 | 51% | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 9 of 25 | 36% | 11 of 30 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 | |
| 2 | Chidi Njokuani | 1 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 8 of 24 | 33% | 8 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chidi Njokuani | 46 of 87 | 52% | 17 of 38 | 16 of 32 | 13 of 17 | 36 of 71 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 13 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 17 of 49 | 34% | 5 of 28 | 2 of 5 | 10 of 16 | 13 of 44 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chidi Njokuani | 23 of 45 | 51% | 3 of 12 | 13 of 23 | 7 of 10 | 22 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 9 of 25 | 36% | 3 of 13 | 0 of 2 | 6 of 10 | 5 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Chidi Njokuani | 23 of 42 | 54% | 14 of 26 | 3 of 9 | 6 of 7 | 14 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 13 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 8 of 24 | 33% | 2 of 15 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 6 | 8 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos over Chidi Njokuani. He acknowledges Njokuani is a better striker and younger, but he's concerned about Njokuani's volume being a one-off. Angelo trusts Zaleski's durability and wrestling, noting he almost finished Rakhmonov late. He suggests a prop bet on Njokuani winning inside distance with decision no action as a possible alternative.
Big Brady picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, noting that despite being 38, he still has good performances left. He highlights Zaleski's durability, cardio, and grappling advantage, and points out that Chidi Njokuani has a history of quitting when faced with adversity, especially when taken down. Brady believes if Zaleski gets on top or hurts Njokuani, the fight will end quickly. He predicts a second-round finish, either by KO or submission.
Cody picks Erceg despite the high price, citing his level of competition and size advantage. He acknowledges Ode Osborne's reach and speed could cause early problems, but expects Erceg to take over as Osborne fades due to short notice. He is wary of the minus 600 line but still sees Erceg winning.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Njokuani's desire to brawl in the pocket is exactly what Zaleski wants. He notes that Zaleski has a good chin and can outlast brawlers, and that Njokuani's range fighting is not his natural game. He also mentions that Zaleski can take the fight to the ground if needed.
Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.
The host believes Njokuani can replicate what Randy Brown did against Zaleski, using a distance striking approach and mixing in clinch Muay Thai. He expects Njokuani to land more damage and win at least two of three rounds on the scorecards.
Paul also picks Erceg, noting his superior technique and experience against top competition. He mentions Ode Osborne's power and submission threat but believes Erceg will outclass him. He considers an Ode Osborne KO prop but prefers Erceg on the moneyline.
The MMA Guru picks Chidi Njokuani, citing his physical presence, 7-inch reach advantage, and nasty clinch effectiveness. He thinks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, a rangy kicker, will struggle with Njokuani's size and pressure. He notes Zaleski dos Santos often wins close decisions and is 38, while Njokuani is a slight underdog with good value. He predicts a 2-1 decision or a Njokuani finish.
Zane picks Zaleski because Njokuani is a phone booth fighter who wants to brawl in the clinch, which plays into Zaleski's strengths. He notes that Zaleski is durable, can out-grapple Njokuani, and has a path to victory if he mixes in takedowns. He also points out that Njokuani has poor takedown defense and is too content to play guard.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 11 of 35 | 31% | 11 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Zachary Scroggin | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 11 of 35 | 31% | 11 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Zachary Scroggin | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 11 of 35 | 31% | 7 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 29 |
| Zachary Scroggin | 3 of 8 | 37% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 11 of 35 | 31% | 7 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 29 |
| Zachary Scroggin | 3 of 8 | 37% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Zaleski but with low confidence. He thinks Zaleski has heavier hands and can get takedowns, but worries about his cardio. He expects Zaleski needs to win the first two rounds because he will likely lose the third. He might consider a plus 3.5 round bet on Scroggin if the odds are favorable. He understands people picking Scroggin due to his cardio and durability.
Big Brady sees this as a mismatch, with Zaleski being far more experienced and skilled. He notes Scroggin's low level of competition, poor takedown defense, and hittability. He believes Zaleski will win easily, likely by first-round knockout.
Cody is very confident in Zaleski, calling Scroggin a 'dead man walking.' He points out Scroggin's lack of power, poor wrestling, and weak competition. Cody notes Zaleski's experience, power, and ability to take down Randy Brown, and expects a dominant finish or clear decision.
Connor picks Zaleski as a lock, calling it a 'pick him fight'. He notes Zaleski's ability to outbrawl opponents and that Scroggin is a severely undercooked submission grappler with dreadful striking. Connor mentions Zaleski hasn't knocked anyone out in six years but wouldn't be surprised if he does here. He also comments on the odds being wide.
Daniel Vreeland picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, believing his experience and level of competition will be too much for UFC newcomer Zach Scroggin. He notes Scroggin's padded record and lack of tested skills, while Zaleski has fought top competition and has knockout power. Vreeland expects a rude welcome for Scroggin.
Scroggin is taking a huge step up in competition and despite his grappling, Zaleski should shut that down and use his striking advantage to find a finish in round two.
Paul agrees, noting Scroggin's short-notice debut and unimpressive regional competition. He highlights Zaleski's power and veteran savvy, and expects him to overwhelm Scroggin on the feet. Paul thinks the -500 line is fair but warns of banana peel pricing.
The Guru picks Nicholas Dalby, citing his high output and cardio. He notes that Zaleski dos Santos is 37 and hasn't had a KO since 2018. He expects Dalby to push a pace and break Zaleski over the fight, though he acknowledges Zaleski could win by TKO.
Zane picks Zaleski as a lock, describing Scroggin as a regional-level fighter with a submission grappling style and empty striking. He notes Zaleski is a really good opponent and that Scroggin has never faced a good opponent. Zane says Zaleski can go to war with anyone and it's up to him how he wins.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 0 | 67 of 141 | 47% | 89 of 166 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 0:42 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 26 of 76 | 34% | 42 of 94 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 1 | 0 | 5:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 0 | 34 of 71 | 47% | 35 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 9 of 34 | 26% | 9 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | Randy Brown | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 15 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 0:32 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 19 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 0 | 3:52 | |
| 3 | Randy Brown | 0 | 25 of 52 | 48% | 39 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 14 of 35 | 40% | 14 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 67 of 141 | 47% | 50 of 120 | 5 of 8 | 12 of 13 | 61 of 133 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 26 of 76 | 34% | 8 of 50 | 3 of 9 | 15 of 17 | 24 of 73 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 34 of 71 | 47% | 24 of 60 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 8 | 33 of 70 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 9 of 34 | 26% | 2 of 22 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 9 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Randy Brown | 8 of 18 | 44% | 7 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Randy Brown | 25 of 52 | 48% | 19 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 24 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 14 of 35 | 40% | 4 of 22 | 0 of 3 | 10 of 10 | 13 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Randy Brown but with reduced confidence after studying Elizeu Zaleski. He believes Brown's length and range striking will keep him safe, and that Zaleski is chinny and can be dropped. However, he acknowledges Zaleski's toughness and ability to rally, so he leaves Brown out of the safety parlay.
Big Brady is fading Randy Brown, expecting the fight to go to decision. He thinks Brown won't shoot takedowns or get an early finish, and doesn't expect crazy volume. He notes if there is a finish, it likely comes from Zaleski dos Santos. He is comfortable staying away from Brown.
Cody picks Brown but is hesitant, acknowledging Zaleski's danger. He likes Brown's length, jab, and game plan but notes Brown has slowed down and his defensive grappling is suspect. Cody worries that Zaleski's power and forward pressure could sway judges. He plans to keep Brown low on parlays and might switch to Zaleski after weigh-ins.
Daniel Vreeland agrees with Jeff, emphasizing that Zaleski dos Santos relies on distance striking and leg kicks, but Brown's reach and takedown ability neutralize that. He sees Brown piecing him up from distance and potentially taking him down. Vreeland notes Brown is crafty everywhere and can adapt to any scenario.
Daniel likes Brown's recent confidence and footwork, and thinks Zaleski's chin is declining. He expects Brown to find openings with his jab and straight right, possibly getting a first-round KO. He laid -160 for two units.
Jeff Fox picks Randy Brown, citing his size advantage (4 inches height, 5 inches reach) and well-rounded skills. He notes Brown is sneaky good, has no real weaknesses, and can win on the feet or with takedowns. Fox believes Zaleski dos Santos will struggle to deal with Brown's reach and pressure, and that Brown can mix in wrestling to keep things interesting.
The host expects Brown to use his size, reach, and footwork to keep Zaleski at range and win a decision. Zaleski's inactivity and age are concerns, and his unorthodox style may not overcome Brown's disciplined jab and movement. Brown's recent improvements in range management should allow him to cruise to a decision victory.
Paul leans toward Zaleski as a dog, citing his forward pressure, damaging blows, and ability to land bigger shots. He notes Brown's style is conservative and may not impress judges, while Zaleski's aggression and power could sway them. Paul mentions Zaleski's age (37) but says he still throws heat and has good cardio. He sees this as a 50/50 fight and likes the plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Randy Brown, believing his height and reach will trouble Zaleski dos Santos. He notes that Zaleski struggles against taller opponents and is older (37) with potential decline. Brown has good boxing at range and recent TKO wins. He predicts Brown by TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 | 87 of 186 | 46% | 109 of 216 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 1 | 4:25 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 75 of 152 | 49% | 115 of 211 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 1:24 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 | 37 of 61 | 60% | 47 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:43 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 10 of 34 | 29% | 14 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 27 of 73 | 36% | 32 of 78 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 22 of 50 | 44% | 25 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 23 of 52 | 44% | 30 of 63 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:29 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 43 of 68 | 63% | 76 of 119 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 1:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 87 of 186 | 46% | 50 of 144 | 11 of 16 | 26 of 26 | 65 of 156 | 7 of 8 | 15 of 22 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 75 of 152 | 49% | 47 of 113 | 17 of 26 | 11 of 13 | 57 of 129 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 20 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 37 of 61 | 60% | 17 of 40 | 5 of 6 | 15 of 15 | 21 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 21 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 10 of 34 | 29% | 5 of 25 | 2 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 27 of 73 | 36% | 15 of 57 | 3 of 7 | 9 of 9 | 24 of 70 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 22 of 50 | 44% | 12 of 38 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 46 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 23 of 52 | 44% | 18 of 47 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 43 of 68 | 63% | 30 of 50 | 9 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 28 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 17 |
Angelo is very high on Fakhretdinov, calling him the pick done right. He highlights Fakhretdinov's non-stop wrestling, power, and pressure. He thinks the 36-year-old Zaleski won't have what it takes. Angelo has made money on Fakhretdinov in every UFC fight and likes him even more now. He considers Fakhretdinov safe to parlay.
Big Brady picks Rinat Fakhretdinov to win by decision. He notes Fakhretdinov's dominant wrestling, controlling Brian Battle for 14 minutes and taking down Andreas Michailidis five times. He believes Fakhretdinov can take down Zaleski and grind out a decision, though he's not sure about a finish. He acknowledges Zaleski's toughness and BJJ but favors Fakhretdinov's wrestling and cardio.
Daniel Levi picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, impressed by his incredible stats: absorbs less than one strike per minute, 67% striking accuracy, over 5 takedowns per 15 minutes, and 100% takedown defense. He sees Fakhretdinov as a dominant wrestler who can control and finish fights. Levi respects Zaleski's toughness and highlight-reel kicks, but believes at 36 years old and coming off a suspension, Zaleski is in a tough spot. He expects Fakhretdinov to pressure, take him down, and possibly finish him.
James bet on Zaleski at +290, believing the line is too wide. He argues that Zaleski has much better takedown defense than Fakhretdinov's previous opponents and that if the fight stays on the feet, Zaleski is the more educated striker with nasty setups. He worries that Zaleski may be washed and can get hurt early, as seen in the Abubakar fight, but he also has Russian intel suggesting Fakhretdinov may be dealing with an injury and might strike more than grapple. James sees value in Zaleski as an underdog.
Fakhretdinov is a strong grappler with high-level cardio who chains takedowns together well. Zaleski may fend off takedowns early, but as the fight goes on, Fakhretdinov's pressure will be too much. He will accumulate top control time and win by decision. The line is a bit wide but Fakhretdinov should implement his style without too much resistance.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. He acknowledges Zaleski's underrated resume but notes his age and recent performances. The Guru highlights Fakhretdinov's dominant win over Brian Battle and his improving hands, combining grappling and striking. He believes Fakhretdinov's athleticism and pressure will be too much for the older Zaleski, predicting a decision or late finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 29 of 54 | 53% | 48 of 76 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 6:16 |
| Abubakar Nurmagomedov | 0 | 42 of 113 | 37% | 50 of 132 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 12 of 16 | 75% | 15 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:39 |
| Abubakar Nurmagomedov | 0 | 10 of 34 | 29% | 10 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 20 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:20 |
| Abubakar Nurmagomedov | 0 | 14 of 32 | 43% | 19 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 3 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 13 of 23 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 |
| Abubakar Nurmagomedov | 0 | 18 of 47 | 38% | 21 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 29 of 54 | 53% | 13 of 37 | 6 of 7 | 10 of 10 | 23 of 48 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Abubakar Nurmagomedov | 42 of 113 | 37% | 16 of 75 | 13 of 22 | 13 of 16 | 27 of 87 | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 12 of 16 | 75% | 5 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Abubakar Nurmagomedov | 10 of 34 | 29% | 3 of 21 | 5 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 22 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 5 of 16 | 31% | 2 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Abubakar Nurmagomedov | 14 of 32 | 43% | 3 of 17 | 4 of 6 | 7 of 9 | 10 of 26 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 12 of 22 | 54% | 6 of 15 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Abubakar Nurmagomedov | 18 of 47 | 38% | 10 of 37 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 39 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Nurmagomedov, citing the long layoff for Zaleski (1.5 years) and Nurmagomedov's wrestling pressure. He thinks Zaleski tends to lose to wrestlers and has been taken down by non-wrestlers. Angelo bet Nurmagomedov at +120 for a quarter unit. He acknowledges the line is tightening but still favors the active fighter.
Cody picks Nurmagomedov, citing Zaleski's poor takedown defense (67%) and history of being taken down by wrestlers. He notes Zaleski has never faced a wrestler like Nurmagomedov, and that his long layoff and past drug test issues are red flags. Cody thinks Nurmagomedov's wrestling will be enough to grind out a win, even if he's not a high-volume takedown artist.
Connor picks Zaleski despite acknowledging Abubakar's wrestling advantage, because he believes Abubakar's poor athleticism and tendency to gas will lead to a fade. He notes that Zaleski is a physical freak who doesn't fall apart easily, and that Abubakar's wrestling often leads to his own cardio issues. Connor expects Zaleski to rally after an initial tough round, possibly winning by KO as Abubakar tires.
Daniel picks Abubakar, citing Zaleski's age (36) and recent PED suspension as reasons he may not look the same. He believes Abubakar is catching him at the perfect time and can outwork him with a grinding decision. He notes that Zaleski has historically been a violence king, but the suspension and age are major concerns.
Jacob picks Zaleski, believing his leg kicks and striking will neutralize Nurmagomedov's takedowns. He thinks Zaleski's performance against Saint Denis showed improved takedown defense. Jacob notes Nurmagomedov is flat-footed and not overly dominant in wrestling. He expects Zaleski to light up the lead leg and win by finish or decision.
Nurmagomedov has shown improved striking and a reliable grappling game. Zaleski is dangerous but coming off a long layoff and suspension. Nurmagomedov will land takedowns, control from top, and grind out a decision. Zaleski could pull off a submission or knockout, but the Dagestani wrestler is the safer pick.
Paul picks Zaleski dos Santos as a slight underdog. He notes the line movement to Nurmagomedov as favorite is undeserved, and that Zaleski is the more dangerous striker with freakish power. Paul mentions Zaleski's takedown defense is a concern, but he thinks if the fight stays standing, Zaleski has a significant advantage. He also notes Zaleski's long layoff and past drug test issues but still sides with him.
The MMA Guru picks Abubakar Nurmagomedov, comparing the matchup to a knockoff Khabib vs Edson Barboza. He notes that Zaleski dos Santos throws a lot of kicks on the back foot and lacks pace, and hasn't fought since October 2021 (over a year and a half off). He believes Nurmagomedov's grappling, pressure, and pace will be the difference, though he acknowledges Nurmagomedov has had iffy performances. He thinks the grappling of Nurmagomedov gets the win.
Zane picks Abubakar Nurmagomedov based on his strong positional grappling and wrestling advantage. He notes that Zaleski has poor takedown defense, having been taken down six times by Nicolas Dalby, and that few opponents have tested his wrestling since. Zane believes Abubakar's takedowns and top control will be decisive, though he acknowledges Abubakar's cardio issues could be a factor if he fails to finish early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 149 of 259 | 57% | 167 of 279 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:00 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 0 | 67 of 148 | 45% | 80 of 162 | 2 of 14 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 1:55 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 30 of 53 | 56% | 31 of 54 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 0 | 19 of 45 | 42% | 21 of 47 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 | |
| 2 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 94 of 160 | 58% | 106 of 173 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 0 | 28 of 67 | 41% | 37 of 76 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 | |
| 3 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 25 of 46 | 54% | 30 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:15 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 0 | 20 of 36 | 55% | 22 of 39 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 149 of 259 | 57% | 96 of 200 | 37 of 42 | 16 of 17 | 112 of 207 | 32 of 47 | 5 of 5 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 67 of 148 | 45% | 40 of 114 | 20 of 27 | 7 of 7 | 64 of 140 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 30 of 53 | 56% | 11 of 34 | 9 of 9 | 10 of 10 | 29 of 50 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 19 of 45 | 42% | 7 of 29 | 8 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 43 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 94 of 160 | 58% | 76 of 139 | 17 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 63 of 116 | 29 of 42 | 2 of 2 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 28 of 67 | 41% | 22 of 59 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 62 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 25 of 46 | 54% | 9 of 27 | 11 of 13 | 5 of 6 | 20 of 41 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 20 of 36 | 55% | 11 of 26 | 7 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Angelo picks the underdog Benoît Saint Denis, citing his wrestling style as a key advantage. He notes that Benoît's low-level takedowns and pressure on top can neutralize Zaleski's dangerous capoeira striking. However, he expresses concern about Benoît's inexperience at this level, as he is only 8-0 and this is a big step up. He mentions he would bet if the line moved to +170, but is hesitant at current odds.
Big Brady picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos to win by knockout in the second or third round. He views Saint Denis as too green, sloppy, and making too many mistakes. Zaleski is a well-rounded veteran with good striking and grappling. He expects Zaleski to teach Saint Denis a veteran lesson and get a finish. He is confident in the pick despite Saint Denis's finishing ability.
Cody agrees, noting Zaleski's experience and wins over Sean Strickland, Lyman Good, Max Griffin. He thinks Saint Denis will have early success with wrestling but will fatigue, and Zaleski will take over. He compares Saint Denis to a Contender Series fighter who gassed when faced with resistance.
Daniel picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, citing his battle-tested experience and versatility. He notes Zaleski's wins over Sean Strickland and his submission game. Daniel believes there are levels to the game and Zaleski will catch Saint Denis on a sloppy shot, possibly by submission or flying knee. He respects Saint Denis's regional success but thinks the step up in competition is too much.
Jacob picks Zaleski, believing his striking and ability to get back to his feet in scrambles will be decisive. He acknowledges Benoît's wrestling but thinks Zaleski can hold his own on the ground and win the striking exchanges. He is not super confident and dislikes the -850 line, but if forced to pick, he goes with Zaleski.
Zaleski is the more experienced veteran with good takedown defense and striking. Saint Denis is a submission hunter who gives up positions; if he doesn't finish early, Zaleski will find a knockout on the feet. Zaleski should survive the early onslaught and finish in the second round.
Paul picks Zaleski, citing his experience (12 UFC fights) and striking advantage. He thinks Saint Denis is hittable and robotic. He notes Zaleski has BJJ black belt in case it goes to the ground. He expects Zaleski to use veteran craftiness to keep it standing and eventually finish or win a decision.
The MMA Guru picks Benoît Saint Denis as an underdog. He highlights Saint Denis's great grappling, youth (25 vs 35), and activity. He notes that Zaleski has slowed down in recent fights, throwing less volume to conserve energy. He expects Saint Denis to pressure and stick to Zaleski with sticky grappling, taking him down repeatedly. He predicts a third-round submission as Zaleski fades.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 46 of 138 | 33% | 46 of 138 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 40 of 88 | 45% | 40 of 88 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 20 of 50 | 40% | 20 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 14 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 9 of 41 | 21% | 9 of 41 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 13 of 27 | 48% | 13 of 27 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 17 of 47 | 36% | 17 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 0 | 13 of 38 | 34% | 13 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 46 of 138 | 33% | 23 of 98 | 11 of 25 | 12 of 15 | 35 of 124 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 10 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 40 of 88 | 45% | 23 of 64 | 8 of 14 | 9 of 10 | 38 of 86 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 20 of 50 | 40% | 11 of 36 | 4 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 37 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 10 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 14 of 23 | 60% | 6 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 12 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Muslim Salikhov | 9 of 41 | 21% | 3 of 28 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 4 | 8 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 13 of 27 | 48% | 8 of 20 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Muslim Salikhov | 17 of 47 | 36% | 9 of 34 | 2 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 17 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 13 of 38 | 34% | 9 of 30 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 13 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In what could be a terrific battle between two high-flying strikers, it’s Capoeira vs. Kung Fu as Zaleski dos Santos (22-6, 8-2 UFC) comes to blows with Salikhov (16-2, 0-0 UFC). Hanging on tight is referee Herb Dean, who will have a tall task ahead in this welterweight scrap. The two flashy strikers touch gloves, and both paw out left hands that fall short. Zaleski dos Santos kicks low, and fakes to kick high, drawing a reaction from his opponent. The Dagestani fighter counters with a looping right, and Zaleski dos Santos evades it in time. Salikhov lands with a low kick, and Zaleski dos Santos connects to the body, which marks up Salikhov’s torso immediately. He slaps another body kick, so Salikhov counters with a right and follows it with a leg kick. Salikhov throws a low kick, avoids the counter and catches Zaleski dos Santos at the end of a left hand. Zaleski dos Santos charges forward with a salvo of punches, and lands a few in the process. Salikhov spins with a kick, and Zaleski dos Santos blocks it without much effort. When Zaleski dos Santos kicks to the lead leg, Salikhov times an overhand right that zings across the hair of his foe. Salikhov digs to the body with a spinning back kick, and this time Zaleski dos Santos is not quick enough to defend it. He comes back with a spinning wheel kick, and Salikhov blocks it, so Zaleski dos Santos charges forward with a few punches. Salikhov blocks them and fires another quick spinning back kick to the midsection. A powerful left hand from Salikhov stings Zaleski dos Santos, pausing the Brazilian for a moment. Zaleski dos Santos shoots in low for a takedown, and the Dagestani fighter stuffs it but gets tied up in a clinch. Zaleski dos Santos lifts a few knees up to the body, until Salikhov pushes himself free. Zaleski dos Santos wings up with a massive right hand, hurting Salikhov, so “Capoeira” chases after him with a few more. Salikhov shoots for a desperation takedown, and he lands it, but Zaleski dos Santos reverses the position and ends the round wailing on him with punches.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zaleski dos Santos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zaleski dos Santos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zaleski dos Santos
Round 2
Zaleski dos Santos opens up the round with a low kick, and a one-two finds its home as “King of Kung Fu” looks to back off and get in his own rhythm. Zaleski dos Santos stings him with a right, and Salikhov fires back with a powerful left that makes Zaleski dos Santos take a step back. Salikhov kicks low, and takes a few jabs and backpedals to avoid a blitz from the Brazilian. Salikhov kicks to the body, so Zaleski dos Santos spins with a wheel kick. Salikhov catches the kick in midair, and throws Zaleski dos Santos down to the ground like a sack of flour. When Zaleski dos Santos gets back up, the two laugh it off, until Zaleski dos Santos winds up with a massive right hand that rings his opponent’s bell. As he plows forward with offense, Zaleski dos Santos ties him up and tries to wrench the fight down with a body lock takedown. Salikhov staves it off, so Zaleski dos Santos delivers a couple knees up the middle. Salikhov pushes away, and the two take the center of the cage again. Zaleski dos Santos flicks out a few jabs, and follows one with a windmilling right hand that Salikhov sees coming from a mile away. Salikhov throws another spinning kick, and Zaleski dos Santos returns fire with an identical kick. Zaleski dos Santos chains that kick with a high kick, and Salikhov blocks it and fires a speedy wheel kick that just misses Zaleski dos Santos’s head. The Brazilian pops out a jab, and a one-two is delivered part and parcel. The two trade single strikes until we hear the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zaleski dos Santos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zaleski dos Santos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zaleski dos Santos
Round 3
The two men touch gloves to start the last round, and Zaleski dos Santos introduces his foot to the side of Salikhov’s midsection. A few jabs from the Brazilian keep Salikhov back, until the Dagestani fighter rings home a right hand. Zaleski dos Santos digs to the body with a front kick, and keeps his momentum by spinning into a capoeira kick. Salikhov evades it and responds with an overhand left that gets Zaleski dos Santos’ attention. After a tepid moment where the two lazily throw out jabs, Salikhov misses with a leaping left hand. The two jab each other in the face at the same time, and Zaleski dos Santos works a low kick into a right hand that is inches short of full impact. Salikhov rushes in with a big punch, and Zaleski dos Santos catches him with a thudding counter, forcing Salikhov to take step backwards. “King of Kung Fu” is stalking down Zaleski dos Santos around the cage, with a leg kick and a few punches to try to make the Brazilian back away. A right hand from Salikhov connects, and when he sees a punch coming, he counters Zaleski dos Santos with a stiff right. Two punches swing by Salikhov’s head, so the Dagestani fighter comes back at him with a right. Salikhov jabs to the body as he avoids a foot to the face, but these two strikers are dwindling to single strikes. With no setup, Salikhov fires off a spinning back kick that glances off the side of Zaleski dos Santos’ head. Salikhov stalks him down but does not unload on him, and backs away while goading his opponent to come at him. “Capoeira” winds up with seconds to go with a spinning tornado kick, and Salikhov is well out of the way, applauding as the kick goes flying. Time expires, and this fight goes the distance.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov (29-28 Zaleski dos Santos)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zaleski dos Santos (30-27 Zaleski dos Santos)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov (29-28 Zaleski dos Santos)
The Official Result
Muslim Salikhov def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Big Brady picks Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos by decision, believing he will outwork Salikhov with higher output. He thinks Salikhov's only path is a knockout, but Zaleski has a good chin and can also win via takedowns or submission. He considers Zaleski underrated and the slight favorite should be him.
Daniel Levi picks Muslim Salikhov, emphasizing his speed, accuracy, and power on the feet. He believes Salikhov will knock out Zaleski if they stand, and notes improved takedown defense. He criticizes the narrative that Zaleski can out-volume Salikhov, saying Salikhov's shots are fight-changing. He also mentions the location (Abu Dhabi) may favor Salikhov in a decision.
Zaleski is a better grappler and jiu-jitsu player. He can use his capoeira striking to set up takedowns and exploit Salikhov's flaws on the ground. The line at +115 is good value, as the fight should be closer to a pick'em. Picks Zaleski by second-round submission.
The Guru picks Zaleski dos Santos by TKO, saying he thinks he gets it done by decision or TKO. He does not elaborate further.
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo picks Randy Brown but with reduced confidence after studying Elizeu Zaleski. He believes Brown's length and range striking will keep him safe, and that Zaleski is chinny and can be dropped. However, he acknowledges Zaleski's toughness and ability to rally, so he leaves Brown out of the safety parlay.
Big Brady is fading Randy Brown, expecting the fight to go to decision. He thinks Brown won't shoot takedowns or get an early finish, and doesn't expect crazy volume. He notes if there is a finish, it likely comes from Zaleski dos Santos. He is comfortable staying away from Brown.
Cody picks Brown but is hesitant, acknowledging Zaleski's danger. He likes Brown's length, jab, and game plan but notes Brown has slowed down and his defensive grappling is suspect. Cody worries that Zaleski's power and forward pressure could sway judges. He plans to keep Brown low on parlays and might switch to Zaleski after weigh-ins.
Daniel Vreeland agrees with Jeff, emphasizing that Zaleski dos Santos relies on distance striking and leg kicks, but Brown's reach and takedown ability neutralize that. He sees Brown piecing him up from distance and potentially taking him down. Vreeland notes Brown is crafty everywhere and can adapt to any scenario.
Daniel likes Brown's recent confidence and footwork, and thinks Zaleski's chin is declining. He expects Brown to find openings with his jab and straight right, possibly getting a first-round KO. He laid -160 for two units.
Jeff Fox picks Randy Brown, citing his size advantage (4 inches height, 5 inches reach) and well-rounded skills. He notes Brown is sneaky good, has no real weaknesses, and can win on the feet or with takedowns. Fox believes Zaleski dos Santos will struggle to deal with Brown's reach and pressure, and that Brown can mix in wrestling to keep things interesting.
The host expects Brown to use his size, reach, and footwork to keep Zaleski at range and win a decision. Zaleski's inactivity and age are concerns, and his unorthodox style may not overcome Brown's disciplined jab and movement. Brown's recent improvements in range management should allow him to cruise to a decision victory.
Paul leans toward Zaleski as a dog, citing his forward pressure, damaging blows, and ability to land bigger shots. He notes Brown's style is conservative and may not impress judges, while Zaleski's aggression and power could sway them. Paul mentions Zaleski's age (37) but says he still throws heat and has good cardio. He sees this as a 50/50 fight and likes the plus money.
The MMA Guru picks Randy Brown, believing his height and reach will trouble Zaleski dos Santos. He notes that Zaleski struggles against taller opponents and is older (37) with potential decline. Brown has good boxing at range and recent TKO wins. He predicts Brown by TKO.
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