Career Averages - Bo Nickal
Career Averages - Cody Brundage
Bo Nickal
Cody Brundage
Bo Nickal - Fight History
AJ is hesitant on picking Daukaus because Nickal is a freak athlete and elite wrestler. He mentions Daukaus is tricky out of southpaw but does not commit to a pick.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 1 | 77 of 121 | 63% | 94 of 143 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:28 |
| Rodolfo Vieira | 0 | 24 of 64 | 37% | 31 of 71 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 28 of 46 | 60% | 37 of 60 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:05 |
| Rodolfo Vieira | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 11 of 23 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 38 of 59 | 64% | 46 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Rodolfo Vieira | 0 | 14 of 39 | 35% | 17 of 42 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 | |
| 3 | Bo Nickal | 1 | 11 of 16 | 68% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rodolfo Vieira | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 77 of 121 | 63% | 56 of 93 | 13 of 19 | 8 of 9 | 64 of 103 | 7 of 9 | 6 of 9 |
| Rodolfo Vieira | 24 of 64 | 37% | 7 of 38 | 6 of 12 | 11 of 14 | 23 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 28 of 46 | 60% | 22 of 38 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 29 | 6 of 8 | 6 of 9 |
| Rodolfo Vieira | 7 of 19 | 36% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 38 of 59 | 64% | 27 of 45 | 7 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 37 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Rodolfo Vieira | 14 of 39 | 35% | 4 of 24 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 14 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bo Nickal | 11 of 16 | 68% | 7 of 10 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Rodolfo Vieira | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-225), Vieira (+185)
Round 1
Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Nickal opens with a jab and then a left. He backs up and lands a front kick and a leg kick. They collide and Nickal lifts Viera and executes an emphatic slam. He unleashes a barrage of short punches to the head as Vieira strands. Nickal switches to knees and then lands an elbow that cuts the grappling ace. Vieira turns nickal into the fence and lands some close quarters offense of his own. Nickal frees himself and they’re back int the center of the Octagon. Nickal just misses a left. Vieira ducks under a high kick and Vieira shoots for a takedown against the fence. Nickal briefly threatens with a guillotine but Vieira is OK. Vieira stands and Nickal lands a hard elbow before they break. Vieira fires off a straight right .Nickal has a head kick blocked. A couple lefts land for the American. Vieira probes with a low kick. Nickal pumps a jab and then lands a front kick. Vieira keeps the pressure on , but Nickal is active with his striking, particularly left hands. Another left and a jab get through for Nickal. The round ends without further incident.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Round 2
Vieira opens with a solid right hand. Vieira catches Nickal coming forward with another rigth. Nickal steps in with a hard body kic. Nickal freezes Vieira with a combination, then lands another body kick. Nickal lunges in and lands another left hand. A couple jabs form Nickal snap Vieira’s head back. Nickal is winning exchanges, relying on combinations and superior hand speed. Vieira is bleeding profusely now. The Brazilian counters a kick with a right and then shoots for a takedown against the fence. Vieira gets an underhook and lands some punches before Nickal frees himself. Another straight left gets through for Nickal. Vieira lands a right as Nickal moves forward. Nickal rocks Vieira with a left and then finds the range on a short uppercut. Vieira is still in the fight, but he’s still bleeding and his eye is swelling shut. Nickal sprawls on a takedown with about 20 seconds left. Nickal lands some short punches and a knee as Vieira stands.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Round 3
Vieira lands a decent right during an initial exchange. Nickal pumps out his jab. Nickal lunges in with a left and then lands another left to the body. Another lunging left connects for the Penn State All American. Nickal with a hard inside leg kick. The crowd is getting restless with the pace of the bout, which is mostly one shot at a time — but that’s working well for Nickal. Nickal connects on a 1-2 and then seemingly out of nowhere,
he unleashes a left head kick that lands clean. An unconscious Vieira collapses in a heap on the canvas
, and Nickal knows he needs no follow-up offerings. Nickal climbs on the cage and flips off the crowd in celebration as he rebounds from his first career defeat in emphatic fashion.
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Rodolfo Vieira via KO (Head Kick) R3 2:24
Angelo picks Bo Nickal but is hesitant due to the high price (-220) and Nickal's recent loss. He believes Nickal will play it safe, use his scrambling skills, and win a decision. He thinks the opening odds (Nickal as underdog) were more accurate. He expects a boring fight and does not bet.
Big Brady picks Bo Nickal but is unenthusiastic, calling it the worst fight on the card. He expects a boring decision, similar to Nickal's fight with Paul Craig, where Nickal avoided grappling and struck for 15 minutes. Brady believes Nickal can dictate where the fight takes place but thinks both fighters may prefer to strike, leading to a sloppy decision. He predicts Nickal wins a 'greasy decision' with the crowd behind him.
Cody picks Vieira as a value underdog. He notes that Bo Nickal's striking has looked poor in recent fights and that he may be hesitant to wrestle Vieira due to his BJJ. Cody believes that if the fight stays on the feet, Vieira can out-strike Nickal, and if it goes to the ground, Vieira has the advantage. He also speculates that the UFC may be setting Nickal up to fail.
Connor also picks Vieira but is hesitant, agreeing with Zane that the fight is a coin flip. He notes that both fighters have shown they can melt down, and expects a staring contest. Connor mentions that Vieira has a jab but Bo Nickal is southpaw, which could lead to a miserable fight.
Daniel sees this as Nickal's fight to lose, as he has the wrestling to neutralize Vieira's jiu-jitsu and the athleticism to improve rapidly. However, he is cautious because Nickal looked broken in his last fight and needs to show he has rebounded. He picks Nickal but plans to watch and learn rather than bet heavily.
Lucrative James picks Bo Nickal to win by decision, but with low confidence after Nickal's poor performance against Paul Craig. He believes Nickal has better wrestling and striking, and can defend Vieira's takedowns and submissions. He expects Nickal to use his athleticism to control the fight on the feet and avoid danger on the ground. He predicts a decision win for Nickal.
Nickal lands bigger shots on the feet, stuffs Vieira's takedowns, and punishes him with enough volume to win on the scorecards. Vieira won't step on the gas like Paul Craig did.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that he already bet Vieira at plus odds. He points out that Nickal's striking has been exposed and that Vieira is a live underdog. Paul thinks that even if the fight is a close striking affair, Vieira has a chance to win a decision. He is comfortable with the value and believes it's a good betting spot.
The Guru hesitantly picks Bo Nickal to win a close 29-28 decision. He notes that Nickal has learned from his loss to Dolidze and should be able to outpoint Vieira, who lacks finishing threat on the feet and has cardio issues. However, he acknowledges Vieira's submission threat and the possibility of a grappling exchange. The Guru expects a low-action striking match.
Zane picks Vieira but is hesitant, noting the fight is entirely dependent on whether Vieira can get out of his own head. He highlights that both fighters have similar problems with inexperience and mental fragility, and expects a bad fight. Zane thinks it's a coin flip and would be happy with even odds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinier de Ridder | 1 | 22 of 32 | 68% | 91 of 104 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:09 |
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 8 of 21 | 38% | 24 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:24 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reinier de Ridder | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 43 of 49 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:52 |
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 17 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:00 | |
| 2 | Reinier de Ridder | 1 | 17 of 22 | 77% | 48 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinier de Ridder | 22 of 32 | 68% | 9 of 18 | 13 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 15 | 15 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| Bo Nickal | 8 of 21 | 38% | 2 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 14 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reinier de Ridder | 5 of 10 | 50% | 2 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Bo Nickal | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Reinier de Ridder | 17 of 22 | 77% | 7 of 11 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 10 | 11 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Bo Nickal | 6 of 15 | 40% | 1 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 10 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: ODDS: Nickal (-325), de Ridder (+260)
Round 1
The co-main event of UFC on ESPN 67 features a couple of middleweight ground specialists who have yet to suffer defeat in the Octagon, but the similarities end there, as former ONE two-division champ de Ridder will pit his Brazilian jiu-jitsu chops against Nickal, perhaps the most accomplished amateur wrestler ever to cross over to mixed martial arts this early in his athletic prime. Something’s got to give, and Mike Beltran will be charged with keeping things legal. Both fighters come out in southpaw stance, and Nickal wastes no time in clinching and driving the taller man to the cage. After some pummeling for position, but no serious takedown attempts by either man, they break things off and move away from the fence. It’s “The Dutch Knight” who initiates the next clinch, appearing to contemplate a takedown of his own, but Nickal spins him against the fence. De Ridder reverses him again and throws a couple of short punches to the body. Nickal drops for a single-leg, picks the opposite ankle and grounds de Ridder with ease near the base of the fence. As de Ridder begins to stand, Nickal grabs a guillotine, closes his guard and tries to submit the submission specialist. There’s nothing doing there, and Nickal is forced to give up the choke. Worse, he is forced to give up top position to de Ridder, who sets up in half guard. Nickal gets up and de Ridder threatens to take his back. Nickal gets his hips out and uses a double-leg to stand, then ground de Ridder. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder
Round 2
De Ridder comes forward fearlessly to open Round 2, throwing a knee up the middle and driving Nickal towards the fence. They clinch and de Ridder uses an overhook to hold the shorter man in place for a couple of left knees to the breadbasket. Nickal hauls de Ridder away from the fence, but de Ridder follows him and nails him with a big knee to the sternum. It takes a few seconds for de Ridder to realize how badly he has his man hurt, but he sticks with what brought him to the dance, driving more knees into the retreating American. Nickal staggers back to the fence and slides to his right as de Ridder follows, pouring on the punishment.
Nickal tries to come off the fence with an overhand left, but it misses badly and de Ridder keeps crushing him as he goes careening all the way across the cage. A final right knee to the jaw melts Nickal, who collapses to all fours at the base of the fence. With Nickal having taken about 20 unanswered strikes and making no move to defend himself, referee Beltran moves in to halt the onslaught.
Reinier de Ridder has taken care of business, putting away one of the UFC’s most highly touted prospects in shockingly one-sided fashion. Time will tell how this result ages, and where these two men’s career tracks diverge from here, but in the moment, this did not even look like the upset it supposedly was.
The Official Result
Reinier de Ridder def. Bo Nickal R2 1:53 via TKO (Knees)
Angelo picks Bo Nickal but is hesitant due to de Ridder's size and jiu-jitsu. He acknowledges that Nickal is the better wrestler but warns that de Ridder could get the first takedown and win on the ground. He decides not to bet on this fight despite the affordable odds, preferring to watch.
Big Brady is confident in Bo Nickal, expecting a knockout. He praises Nickal's fight IQ in the Paul Craig fight for not grappling with a dangerous submission artist. He notes that de Ridder will struggle to take Nickal down, and Nickal is the better striker with improving skills, better durability, and cardio. De Ridder has gassed out and quit in fights before. Brady predicts Nickal will knock out de Ridder in the second round.
Connor picks Nickal, but with low confidence. He acknowledges that de Ridder is a dangerous grappler with a swarming style, but believes Nickal's superior athleticism and wrestling could shut down de Ridder's game. Connor notes that de Ridder's defensive flaws on the feet make him vulnerable to Nickal's power, and if Nickal can land early, he may finish. However, he admits Nickal's inexperience and poor showing against Craig make this a risky pick.
Many are low on Nickal after the Paul Craig fight, but that was just for live striking experience. Here, he may mix in wrestling to keep de Ridder guessing. I expect Nickal to land a big shot and win by knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by TKO in the first or second round. He believes Nickal's wrestling instincts and speed will be too much for Reinier de Ridder, who he thinks is stationary and vulnerable to straight shots. He notes that de Ridder struggled with Gerald Meerschaert and that Nickal will piece him up on the feet. He predicts Nickal will drop de Ridder early and finish him.
Zane picks de Ridder, drawing parallels to the GM3 fight where a less athletic but more experienced grappler outworked a younger wrestler. He notes that Nickal's lack of experience and poor performance against Paul Craig suggest he may struggle against de Ridder's pressure and scrambling. Zane worries that Nickal will get tired or panic if he can't impose his wrestling, leading to a late submission loss. However, he acknowledges Nickal's higher athletic ceiling could change the outcome.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 54 of 85 | 63% | 54 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paul Craig | 0 | 47 of 129 | 36% | 48 of 130 | 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 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 16 of 31 | 51% | 16 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paul Craig | 0 | 13 of 35 | 37% | 14 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 22 of 26 | 84% | 22 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paul Craig | 0 | 21 of 48 | 43% | 21 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 16 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paul Craig | 0 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 13 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 54 of 85 | 63% | 24 of 50 | 13 of 16 | 17 of 19 | 54 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Paul Craig | 47 of 129 | 36% | 21 of 93 | 14 of 23 | 12 of 13 | 47 of 129 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 16 of 31 | 51% | 5 of 17 | 3 of 5 | 8 of 9 | 16 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Paul Craig | 13 of 35 | 37% | 4 of 24 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 22 of 26 | 84% | 10 of 13 | 8 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 22 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Paul Craig | 21 of 48 | 43% | 11 of 33 | 8 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 21 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bo Nickal | 16 of 28 | 57% | 9 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 6 | 16 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Paul Craig | 13 of 46 | 28% | 6 of 36 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-1100), Craig (+700)
Round 1
A pair of middleweights with 100% finish rates throw down in a clash that could find the winner with a number next to their name come Tuesday. Nickal (6-0, 3-0 UFC) has not encountered much opposition in the cage thus far as a pro, while Craig (17-8-1, 9-8-1 UFC) cannot say the same. Referee Dan Miragliotta is the third man in the Octagon for this one. There is no touch of gloves. Nickal starts out the initial aggressor, faking takedowns and tossing out a front kick. Nickal comes up short on a reaching left hand, and he changes stances to find another look. Craig absorbs a heavy calf kick, and he keeps his guard up to block a huge swinging left hand. Nickal chops at the front leg two more times as Craig walks him down, and Craig lets loose a body kick. Nickal absorbs a knee on the chin and a left hand, and a hard Craig leg kick makes Nickal take a funny step. Both men unload with power punches at the same time and glance off one another, and Nickal chambers and fires a huge right hand that misses. Craig checks a kick and fires off one that ricochets off the raised guard, and he has a second also blocked. Craig raises his leg as a body shield, and Nickal is unable to get his hands on him. Nickal reaches out with a side kick and a left hand, and Craig kicks him twice in response. Nickal wings another left hand, reaching out far and landing with a glancing blow. Craig checks a kick and slides back to not let Nickal get to him. Craig spins with a fake kick, and he slides back as Nickal aims a body shot. Craig pump-fakes several kicks until letting one loose, and Nickal doubles up on the left hook. Craig jabs his way in, and he starts talking to the unbeaten fighter. Nickal has one kick checked, and the second is not. Craig throws a kick that grazes the shoulder, and he rolls with a right hand that buzzes his hair. Nickal absorbs a right hand on the chin, which holds up well as he backpedals. Craig gets drilled with a left hook, and Nickal pitches another fastball that gives Craig brief pause. Craig again brings up a knee to intercept Nickal, and he chops at the front leg of his foe. Craig kicks his foe in the gloves, and the close round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Craig
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Craig
Round 2
Between rounds, Craig tells his corner how much fun he is having in the cage, grinning from ear to ear. The two start off the round again, with Craig jabbing his way forward into a head kick that comes up short. Craig kicks with his other leg, and he almost falls over but manages to keep his balance. Nickal has a huge right hand come over the top, and he has a kick caught. Craig chatters to his adversary, and Nickal does not change his expression. Nickal scores at the end of a left hand, and Craig responds with a right hand and keeps on talking. Craig swats away Nickal’s outstretched hand, whipping a kick to the guard. Nickal aims a body shot and goes over the top with a left hand, and Craig’s eyes open up a bit wider. Craig blocks a body kick with his knee, and Nickal jabs him in the chest and blasts him with an overhand right. Craig swarms forward with two punches and a high front kick, and he flicks out a jab. Nickal scores a body shot, and he cannot quite block the body kick that comes back his direction. Craig just misses with an uppercut as Nickal ducks down, and he takes a left hand on the chin. Craig lets fly two kicks and eats a body shot on the way back, with Nickal swinging hard with his left hand. The Scot checks a kick and talks to his opponent, and after they shadowbox, he lets fly one more body kick. Nickal winds up with a left hand and thumps his man in the chin, and Craig’s responsive elbow misses by a tiny margin. Craig sticks out a left and then a right, and he launches a body kick that hammers into the wrestler’s arms. Nickal splits the guard with a left and is disciplined enough to block the body kick he knows his coming at him, and he shells up to defend against a second. Nickal steps in with a right hand and catches Craig with a second, and the two both smack one another before the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Round 3
The fighters meet in the middle to start the final frame, and Craig is the one marching forward first. After about 20 seconds, Craig tosses a half-hearted low kick, and Nickal counters him with a heavy right hand over the guard. Craig uses a side kick to push off, and he blocks a body kick. Nickal considers a takedown but abandons it, and he steps back as Craig’s leg whizzes past him. Nickal stands still and lets Craig walk around him, and he laughs and claps hands with his confused foe. Craig kicks the front leg twice, and he aims his shin at the chest after Nickal changes stances. Craig rifles a right hand down the pipe, and Nickal kicks him in the lead leg to respond. Nickal fakes a level change, and the audience showers the fighters with boos for their sparring match. Craig lets loose a high kick, and Nickal thanks him by clapping him on the side of the head with a right hook. Nickal skirts away, blocking a head kick and clipping Craig with a huge left hand. Craig grabs his eye, which starts swelling immediately and he backs up to the cage wall. Nickal corners him but picks his shots very carefully, and he does not engage with more than a right hook. Nickal springs away from a high kick and wings a left hand on the damaged eye, further hurting the Scot. Nickal kicks the front leg and dances away from danger, zipping in and out without much concern of reprisal. Craig jabs a few times, whiffs on a head kick and a front kick. Nickal rips a left to the body, and Craig starts pointing at him as the fans chant “overrated” at Nickal. Craig checks a kick, and Nickal draws his foot back uncomfortably. With seconds to spare, the Penn State wrestler sells out with haymakers, dinging Craig again and eating one in response. The disappointment of a fight comes to an end, and Nickal mimes swinging a golf club and goes over to talk to President-elect Donald Trump, who has been in the building since the end of the prelims.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nickal (29-28 Nickal)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nickal (30-27 Nickal)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Nickal (29-28 Nickal)
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Bo Nickal, calling it a clear win. He notes Nickal's elite wrestling and that Paul Craig is dangerous on the ground but Nickal can grapple with anyone. He speculates Nickal might test his striking since Craig is not dangerous on the feet. He is unsure about betting due to uncertainty over method of victory.
Big Brady picks Bo Nickal by first-round knockout, agreeing with Paul Craig that Nickal should keep the fight standing. He notes that Craig is chinny and has been knocked out multiple times, while Nickal has quick hands and power. He believes Nickal will follow Kyle Daukaus' blueprint and knock out Craig early. He also likes the under on 1.5 takedowns for Nickal on PrizePicks.
Cody picks Bo Nickal by submission, citing Nickal's elite wrestling and positional dominance. He notes Paul Craig is a one-trick pony with a suspect chin and weak wrestling, and that Nickal can take the fight wherever he wants. Cody expects Nickal to submit Craig, possibly with a rear-naked choke.
Connor also picks Nickal but is hesitant, acknowledging that Craig's submission game is dangerous. He thinks Nickal's wrestling and athleticism will allow him to scramble and wear Craig out, but Craig could catch him in a submission if Nickal gets too aggressive. Connor is interested in the fight as a test for Nickal.
Vreeland picks Craig as a big underdog because he sees value in Craig's submission threat. He notes Craig subbed Magomed Ankalaev and that Bo Nickal is still inexperienced in Jiu-Jitsu. Vreeland thinks Craig can catch a guillotine on one of Nickal's takedowns or take his back. He also points out that Nickal took over 8 minutes to finish Cody Brundage, suggesting he is not invincible.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal, acknowledging Paul Craig's impressive submission wins but believing Nickal's wrestling credentials and grappling ability will neutralize Craig's game. He thinks Nickal can keep the fight standing or on the ground and avoid Craig's submissions. He calls it a 'boring' pick but sees Nickal as the clear favorite.
Fox picks Nickal, citing his athleticism, youth, and wrestling as a cheat code. He believes Craig has no chance against a wrestler of Nickal's caliber. Fox acknowledges the line is steep but is confident Nickal will win.
Lucrative James confidently picks Bo Nickal, the massive -1000 favorite. He believes Nickal's wrestling can dictate where the fight goes, and even if he shoots takedowns into Craig's guard, he can dominate from top position. He thinks Nickal is smart enough to keep it standing and knock Craig out, or slam him and finish on the ground. He notes Craig's dangerous submissions but feels Nickal will stay safe and win inside the distance, likely in round one.
The host expects Nickal to utilize his striking more effectively, looking for a knockout rather than going into Craig's dangerous guard. However, he notes the plus 200 submission prop on Nickal is worth considering. He officially picks Nickal by knockout.
Paul picks Bo Nickal by knockout, arguing Craig is chinny and has been knocked out in four of his last five losses. He expects Nickal to take Craig down, soften him with ground and pound, and eventually knock him out as Craig tires. Paul likes the under 1.5 rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal, expecting a first-round KO. He acknowledges Paul Craig's submission threat but believes Nickal's wrestling and striking will overwhelm Craig. He notes Nickal's early finishes and thinks Craig's limited striking will be exposed.
Zane picks Nickal but is not confident, noting that Nickal is raw and was coached through basic grappling in his last fight. He thinks Nickal's athleticism and scrambling ability will wear out Craig, but Craig's submission threat is real. Zane finds the fight interesting because it's a genuine test for Nickal.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 45 of 59 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 7:25 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 33 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 24 of 28 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:25 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 16 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 21 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 3:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 8 of 13 | 61% | 6 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 |
| Cody Brundage | 4 of 12 | 33% | 1 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 5 of 7 | 71% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Cody Brundage | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Cody Brundage | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-2100), Brundage (+1100)
Round 1
The main card opens up with the widest discrepancy on the betting lines tonight by a mile. As a prohibitive -1400, Nickal (5-0, 2-0 UFC) is largely expected to walk through the tough but outmatched-on-paper Brundage (10-5, 3-4 UFC). There are many questions that could be answered, as the unbeaten four-time DI NCAA All-American has never before competed beyond the three-minute mark in an MMA match. Whether this match lasts 15 seconds or 15 minutes, referee Chris Tognoni is on the call and ready for action. The underdog offers a glove touch, but Nickal wants nothing to do with it. Instead, Nickal fakes shooting for a takedown almost immediately. Brundage is well out of the way, and he fires off a flying head kick and a jump knee. Brundage lands a hard right hand to surprise the unbeaten fighter, and Nickal responds with a power punch and a takedown attempt. Brundage rolls through to get back to his feet, and Nickal presses him hard against the fence. Nickal scoops Brundage up and slams him down, and Brundage pops right back up without batting an eye. Nickal succeeds to get a mat return, dropping Brundage down to his knees, but Brundage stands up before Nickal can get hooks in. Nickal pushes down his full body weight to trap Brundage down on the ground, and he slithers a hook in and sneaks his arm under the chin for a second. Brundage turns his head to the side to thwart the choke, and Nickal keeps one arm on the chin to threaten. Brundage hand-fights to stop the choke from landing, and Nickal elects to just brute force squeeze his head like a nutcracker. Brundage pushes off enough to get space, and Nickal steps over to full mount while claiming a guillotine. Nickal sits up and has Brundage’s left arm trapped beneath his legs, and he starts beating on Brundage with elbows. Brundage times a shifting Nickal to turn to his knees and lean against the wall, and Nickal stays on him without a hook in fishing for a choke. Nickal gets a hook in from behind, and Brundage keeps two-on-one wrist control to stop any submission danger. Nickal bops him in the face with feeble punches, and Brundage laughs him off as the crowd gives it up for him. Brundage maintains control on the wrist and signals for Tognoni to let him up, and he rides out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Round 2
As soon as the round begins, Tognoni calls time to remove some debris from the Octagon. The fighter begin, and Brundage walks Nickal down and lines up an overhand right. Nickal throws a high kick from an odd angle, and when he tries to transition to a takedown, Brundage slings him mightily to the ground. Brundage goes after him and tries to lay into him with strikes, but Nickal recovers, shoots and completes a takedown. Brundage turns to his side as he tries to stand, and Nickal lands sporadic ground-and-pound as he moves into half guard. The crowd gets restless again at Nickal wrestling so heavily, but he ignores it and passes the full mount. Brundage throws punches from his back, and Nickal presses his chest down to set up an arm-triangle choke. Nickal lets it go to land a punch, and he hunts for elbows while Brundage holds onto his face. Nickal postures up and slams down some ground-and-pound, forcing Brundage to turn around and give up his back. Brundage finds himself in immediately submission danger, with Nickal latching onto a rear-naked choke grip that is not yet beneath the chin. Brundage fights off the choke, and Nickal switches arms and slithers the forearm under the chin. Brundage knows he has been outhustled here, and he surrenders before the choke puts him out. Nickal releases the grip on the tap, and he stands up and starts booing himself while putting both thumbs down. He appears not impressed with his own performance.
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Cody Brundage R2 3:38 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, calling the -2400 odds correct with 96% implied probability. He notes Brundage has power and could land a lucky shot, but Nickal's wrestling is overwhelming. He advises against parlaying Nickal due to poor value and suggests under 1.5 rounds as a better bet.
Cody is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, noting his elite wrestling and the low level of competition he's faced. He points out that Brundage has poor fight IQ, citing his pulling guard on Ralek Gracie when he was winning, and his tendency to gas out. Cody mentions Brundage has been taken down by Nick Maximov and has no dynamic striking. He expects Nickal to dominate and finish inside the distance, likely by TKO or submission, and thinks the fight won't go past the first round and a half.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal, noting that even high-IQ Cody Brundage plays into Nickal's strengths. He mentions that Brundage's path to victory is narrow, possibly a knockout, but that Nickal's wrestling and jiu-jitsu are world-class. He suggests that if betting Brundage, one should take a KO prop at high odds rather than the moneyline.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal to win, but notes he is not laying 25 units to win one. He acknowledges Nickal's wrestling advantage and expects a first-round finish, but warns that Brundage has knockout power and could pull off an upset. Vreeland is curious to see Nickal past round one but believes he will dominate.
Jeff Fox picks Bo Nickal, agreeing with Vreeland. He notes that if he had $100 to bet and didn't want to lose it, he'd bet Nickal. He mentions that Brundage could knock Nickal out, but that's a low-probability event, and that Nickal is the safe pick.
Lucrative James does not make a pick for this fight. He says it is what it is but it's good to see Bo Nickal continue his rise. He mentions Cody Brundage has cashed tickets for him in the past. No prediction is given.
Nickal will get to his takedown quickly and rain down big shots from top position for a TKO win. Brundage is the toughest opponent Nickal has faced but it won't be enough.
Paul sees this as a clear mismatch. He notes that Nickal hasn't faced any adversity yet, so his chin and resolve are untested, but Brundage is not the guy to test them. Paul calls Brundage 'Cody Bumd' and points out his poor performances, including getting knocked out by Alexei Kunchenko and being outgrappled by Nick Maximov. He believes Nickal will easily take Brundage down and finish him. Paul says the moneyline is too short to bet, but everyone will take Nickal inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round finish, calling Cody Brundage a sacrificial lamb. He criticizes Brundage's recent wins as flukes and believes Nickal is superior everywhere. He notes Nickal's high-pressure experience and predicts a rear-naked choke or TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Val Woodburn | 0 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 2 of 9 | 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 | Bo Nickal | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Val Woodburn | 0 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 2 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Val Woodburn | 2 of 9 | 22% | 2 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Val Woodburn | 2 of 9 | 22% | 2 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-2400), Woodburn (+1200)
Round 1
On quite short notice, this middleweight main card opener has changed. No longer squaring off with Tresean Gore, Nickal (4-0, 1-0 UFC) now will meet promotional newcomer and Combat Night staple Woodburn (7-0, 0-0 UFC). Someone’s 0 has got to go, but based on the incredible -1600 line (or higher) in favor of the Penn State wrestler, the consensus expectation is that Nickal will proceed unscathed. This sport is a wild one, and anything truly can happen. Whether it is a monumental upset or smooth sailing, referee Chris Tognoni will proceed over the whole kit and caboodle. The 185ers do not bother to touch gloves, and they work their way towards one another. Nickal feints and fakes takedowns, and Woodburn chambers a right hand. Woodburn whiffs on a huge right hand, and Nickal crashes forward but disengages before he eats a shot. Nickal connects with a right hand, and Woodburn’s bell is rung. Nickal does not think to change levels, and instead times a blistering left hand that catches Woodburn right on the chin. The wrestler unloads with an uppercut, knocking Woodburn clean off his feet. As Woodburn falls to the ground, Nickal considers hammering the nail but Tognoni is already rushing between them to wave the fight off. Even though Nickal was largely expected to blow through this challenge, he still managed to make a statement by dispatching Woodburn handily with strikes. At 5-0, Nickal is definitely one to watch in the middleweight category.
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Valentine Woodburn R1 0:38 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo is extremely confident in Nickal, saying he will dominate and finish. He dismisses the idea that Nickal only won his last fight due to a nutshot. He notes Nickal's wrestling pedigree and that Woodburn is a regional wrestler who didn't use wrestling until his last fight. He advises against parlaying Nickal due to minus-1400 odds, but suggests looking for prop bets like first-round submission.
Big Brady picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round submission. He notes that Nickal is a phenomenal wrestler with dangerous grappling, and he expects him to take Woodburn down and choke him out. He questions what happens if Woodburn survives the first round, but believes Nickal will finish early. He comments that the odds (-1400) are wide but that Nickal should win easily. He says we will learn nothing about Nickal from this fight.
Cody is confident Nickal wins inside the distance. He notes Nickal's wrestling is elite and he will take Woodburn down and submit him quickly. He mentions Woodburn is a short-notice replacement with no path to victory. He says the moneyline is unplayable at -2500 but inside distance is the way to go.
Connor picks Nickal, emphasizing that Woodburn's poor striking at range and tendency to crowd himself will make him easy to take down. He notes that Woodburn's only comfortable punching range is in the clinch, which is exactly where Nickal wants to be. Connor is critical of the odds but still sees Nickal as a clear winner.
Daniel Levi picks Nickal, emphasizing his elite wrestling pedigree and finishing ability. He notes that Woodburn is a short, stocky fighter with a good base for takedown defense, but that Nickal's level of wrestling is too high. Levi expects Nickal to finish Woodburn in the first round, possibly by submission or ground-and-pound. He respects Woodburn for taking the fight on short notice but believes this is a mismatch.
James thinks Bo Nickal will destroy Val Woodburn in round one, but he criticizes the line making Nickal the biggest favorite in UFC history. He argues that we don't know Nickal's chin or cardio, so the line is too wide. He considers a small bet on Woodburn for value but ultimately expects Nickal to win easily.
Nickal is a high-level wrestler with improving MMA skills, while Woodburn is a short-notice replacement with limited gas tank and mediocre skills. Nickal will take Woodburn down early and secure a submission. The under 1.5 rounds is a very chalky but confident play.
Paul agrees Nickal wins easily. He notes Woodburn is a regional fighter with no chance. He says Nickal will take him down and submit him. He mentions the significant strikes prop at 10.5 might be high because Nickal usually finishes quickly with few strikes.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by submission (rear-naked choke). He acknowledges Woodburn's guillotine threat but believes Nickal's superior wrestling and preparation will overcome it. He notes that Woodburn was taken down by Brian Battle, and Nickal is a much better wrestler. He suggests a small bet on Woodburn by finish due to the odds.
Zane picks Nickal easily, noting that Woodburn's crude technique and reliance on the clinch for punching will play into Nickal's wrestling strength. He acknowledges that Nickal is still raw as an MMA striker but believes his wrestling advantage is overwhelming. Zane warns that Nickal's odds are too high for a prospect, but he still expects a win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 3 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 2 | 0 | 2:30 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 3 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 2 | 0 | 2:30 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-1400), Pickett (+850)
Round 1
The main card of UFC 285 begins with the hotly anticipated debut of elite college wrestler Nickal (3-0, 0-0 UFC), who is entering only his fourth pro fight with a combined two minutes and 27 seconds of fight time under his belt not counting his amateur outings. He meets Pickett (13-8, 2-4 UFC), whose last trip to the cage lasted nearly 10 minutes, or nearly twice much time as Nickal’s pro and amateur career combined. Nickal comes in as a nonsensical favorite of -2000 or above in some books, and referee Keith Peterson will be the one to clock them in despite that nonsense. The middleweights do not touch gloves, as they would rather get right to it. Nickal leaps forward, jumps in the air with a kick that misses, and he hits the floor. Nickal shoots for a takedown, and Pickett stuffs it on the first try. Nickal shoves him against the wall and knees him a few times, and Pickett grimaces from an apparent knee to the groin. The foul uncalled, Nickal throws his man to his knees, and searches for a possible brabo choke, only to release it to circle around and take the back. Nickal grabs hold of a rear-naked choke, and he changes it to a neck crank but lets it go to look for another opening. Nickal jumps to the side, and he wraps his left arm beneath Pickett’s chin and squeezes with an arm-triangle choke. Pickett talks to Nickal the whole time while the submission is being attempted, and Pickett is able to survive the first strong squeeze. Pickett defends with his left arm between the neck and the choke, and Nickal adjusts and fastens it tighter. Pickett stays composed and calm as Nickal keeps squeezing, and Pickett pushes off the hip and stays with it. The wrestler keeps the vice-like grip as tight as can be, and he forces Pickett to finally surrender, thereby boosting his young record to 4-0 with four finishes on his ledger. Nickal has made good on his promotional debut, and the next question will soon be what the UFC does with him next with all the hype surrounding him. The victorious Nickal claims in his post-fight interview that he will be not only the champion, but the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Jamie Pickett R1 2:54 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Angelo is certain Bo Nickal will win, stating he will wrestle immediately and finish the fight. He notes that the odds are extremely high and there is no value, but Nickal is the closest thing to a guarantee in the sport. Angelo advises against betting due to the poor odds.
Big Brady is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, calling him a next-level wrestler with power and submission ability. He notes Jamie Pickett has poor takedown defense and has been submitted before. He predicts a first-round submission for Nickal, welcoming him to the UFC.
Cody is confident Nickal wins inside the distance, likely by submission. He thinks Nickal will overwhelm Pickett early and finish him in the first round. He recommends under 1.5 rounds and says Nickal ends up on parlay tickets.
Connor is extremely confident Nickal wins, calling it a soft touch. He notes Pickett is a good athlete but easily cowed by superior athletes, with poor body language and a tendency to crumble. He expects Nickal to finish via TKO or submission, though Pickett may avoid submission briefly.
Jacob agrees that Bo Nickal will win, but questions whether Nickal will go for a quick takedown or try to show off his striking. He notes that Jamie Pickett folds under pressure and that this matchup was made for a reason. Jacob sees no value in betting on Nickal at these odds.
Nickal is a decorated wrestler with good submissions. Pickett is on a two-fight losing streak and likely fighting for his job. Nickal will get a takedown and submit him in the first round. Look for early finishing props.
Paul agrees Nickal will win easily but notes the odds are too short to bet the moneyline. He mentions the under 1.5 rounds is heavily juiced and considers a small sprinkle on the over as a contrarian play, but ultimately expects a quick finish.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round submission, likely a rear-naked choke. He criticizes Pickett's lack of quality wins and believes Nickal's wrestling will be too much.
Zane agrees, calling Pickett a 'gentle giant' who crumbles under pressure. He notes Pickett was submitted by Kyle Daukaus and TKO'd by Jordan Wright, so a finish is probable. He sees no path for Pickett.
Cody Brundage - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 1 | 43 of 60 | 71% | 44 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 21 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:56 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 21 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:56 | |
| 2 | Cody Brundage | 1 | 37 of 50 | 74% | 38 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 43 of 60 | 71% | 40 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 35 of 48 |
| Andre Petroski | 8 of 17 | 47% | 2 of 7 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 6 of 10 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andre Petroski | 8 of 16 | 50% | 2 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Cody Brundage | 37 of 50 | 74% | 37 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 35 of 48 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Chris Tognoni is the referee. It’s a deliberate beginning for the middleweights. Petroski land a low kick. Petroski fires a combination and Brundage circles out. Petroski backs his man up and lands a calf kick. Brundage partially lands a straight right. Both men remain very patient as we reach the halfway point of the round. Burndage lands a front kick to the gut and eats a series of calf kicks. Petroski catches Brundage with a knee as he moves forward. Petroski shoots and lands in side control to negate a guillotine attempt from Brundage. Brundage keeps his grip for a while before relen. Brundage seems content to hold his opponent close to limit offense. Petroski creates some space and lands a few right hands from top position. Petroski goes knee on belly and then achieves mount as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Round 2
Brundage throws a looping right and then seconds later, drops his foe with a massive left hook after feinting another right.
Brundage pounces and unleashes a hailstorm of ground-and-pound in pursuit of the finish. Petroski is defending well at first, but Brundage is relentless. The shots are beginning to get through and Tognoni is taking a close look. The veteran official gives Petroski plenty of leeway, but the Pennsylvania-based fighter isn’t improving his situation — so the fight is waved off.
That ends a four-bout winless streak for Burndage.
The Official Result
Cody Brundage def. Andre Petroski via TKO (Punches) R2 0:44
Angelo picks Cody Brundage despite acknowledging his inconsistency and cardio issues. He believes Brundage is the better wrestler and striker with more power, and has faced tougher competition. However, he is hesitant due to Brundage's tendency to fade. He loves the +170 odds but is unsure about betting.
Big Brady picks Cody Brundage for the upset, citing Petroski's glass chin and Brundage's early power. He notes that Brundage has wrestling to stuff takedowns early and only needs one shot to knock out Petroski. He admits this is a greasy pick and rarely picks Brundage.
Cody picks Cody Brundage as a dog, despite his poor record, because he believes this is a winnable matchup. He notes that Brundage has struggled against long, rangy fighters, but Andre Petroski is his size and has a similar wrestling style. Cody thinks Brundage's speed and overhand right can catch Petroski, who has poor durability and gasses. He predicts a Brundage knockout in round one.
Connor picks Petroski, agreeing with Zane. He describes Petroski as a busted experiment who is tense and fragile, but Brundage is even worse—a panicking fighter with no technique who corners himself. He notes Brundage could knock himself out by level-changing into a knee.
Lucrative James confidently picks Andre Petroski to win by submission, citing Petroski's superior grappling and top control. He notes Brundage's tendency to quit when pressured and Petroski's ability to take him down. He predicts an inside-the-distance finish.
The host believes Petroski is the better fighter but is hesitant to trust him at -200, as Brundage has power and could land an early knockout. He expects Petroski's wrestling and top pressure to wear down Brundage, leading to a decision win. He is interested in the Petroski decision prop if at +200 or better.
The host picks Andre Petroski over Cody Brundage, expecting Petroski's wrestling to take over in deep water. He notes that Petroski's durability must hold up early, but if it does, Petroski will grind out a decision win.
Paul also leans toward Cody Brundage, joining Cody in the Brundage by KO prop. He notes that Petroski knocked himself out on Malcoun's hip and has suspect durability. He believes Brundage has a chance to land a big shot and finish the fight early.
Zane picks Petroski because he thinks Petroski will get Brundage down and should be enough. He notes Brundage's only idea is to shell up and throw a desperate overhand, and he often panics. However, he acknowledges Brundage could land a big punch.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donte Johnson | 0 | 45 of 106 | 42% | 84 of 146 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 3:32 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 31 of 83 | 37% | 34 of 88 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 4:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 29 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 5 of 20 | 25% | 6 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:21 | |
| 2 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 13 of 30 | 43% | 28 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 3:01 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 8 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:45 | |
| 3 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 27 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 20 of 49 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donte Johnson | 45 of 106 | 42% | 35 of 92 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 35 of 92 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 14 |
| Cody Brundage | 31 of 83 | 37% | 19 of 70 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 10 | 31 of 82 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donte Johnson | 10 of 25 | 40% | 8 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 5 of 20 | 25% | 4 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Donte Johnson | 13 of 30 | 43% | 12 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 14 |
| Cody Brundage | 6 of 14 | 42% | 1 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Donte Johnson | 22 of 51 | 43% | 15 of 41 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 22 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 20 of 49 | 40% | 14 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 6 | 20 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-620), Brundage (+400)
Round 1
It’s time to officially begin the UFC on CBS era, as this is the first fight from this organization airing on the network. It will also serve as the widest betting disparity on the lineup, this middleweight slobberknocker, as undefeated finisher Johnson (7-0, 1-0 UFC) clocks in around -800 against the skidding Factory X product Brundage (11-8-1, 1 NC; 5-7-1, 1 NC UFC). There are no sure things in MMA, and anything is possible for as long as the fight is on. Referee Marc Goddard will make sure everything is on the up-and-up for its duration, and he bears witness to a sporting glove touch to open the match.
Johnson springs at Brundage after the glove touch, and this puts himself off-balance to the point that Brundage tackles him to the floor in response. Brundage sits on top in half guard, while Johnson scoots himself towards the wall in hopes of escaping. Brundage grinds rather than unleashing any offense, pressing Johnson down with his shoulder. Fans are not amused. Brundage briefly flirts with an arm-triangle choke, and Johnson shakes his neck out of the brief danger. Brundage commits to the arm-triangle, and Johnson leans his shoulder on the wall to take the leverage out of it. Time ticks off the clock with nothing else going on besides Brundage hanging out on top.
Johnson traps his foe’s left hand between his legs to stop any submission from coming together, and Goddard tells them to work. Johnson explodes back to his feet, and Brundage welcomes him back up with a knee to the head. The underdog sticks out a nab, and he catches Johnson flush with a right hand as Johnson’s chin is up in the air as if he were asking to get hit. Brundage blocks and counters with a left, and he knocks Johnson back a few steps. Brundage chips at the front leg, and Johnson splits his guard with a jab. Brundage comes up short with a looping right hand, and he parries and replies with an overhand right. Johnson gets Brundage’s attention with two punches, but Brundage fires back. Brundage shoots for a takedown at the bell, and fans in the building boo him heartily.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 2
Johnson offers up a glove touch to start off the second round, and does not leap into attack this time. He measures out with a head kick, and Brundage lets go with a right hand. Johnson gets in the pocket to trade, and Brundage is ready and willing to bang it out. Johnson rips a kick to the side and swings for the fences, and he is prepared to defend against a tackling takedown by grabbing hold of Brundage’s neck and pushing him flat to the ground. Brundage remains on his knees and chills out, not concerned about a submission or looking to push any further. Johnson hooks his left arm under the chin but does not go for a guillotine, instead standing back up so he can bust Brundage in the face. Brundage pushes through to take the fight down on his own terms, and he scrambles to get hold of the undefeated fighter’s back.
Johnson looks to shimmy Brundage off of him, as Brundage is high on the back, and this results in Brundage hitting the floor in search of an armlock. Johnson defends the kimura to armbar setup and wrenches his arm out, and he unleashes a flurry of punches to either side of the head. Johnson holds Brundage down with a head lock, smacking him in the side of the head with short but ultimately ineffectual right hands on the inside. Brundage turns to sit himself down with his back to the fencing, and Johnson pops him in the chops with right hand after unanswered right hand. Brundage clings to Johnson, who is flirting with a choke but not committing to it. Johnson pushes off Brundage’s forehead and stands back up, and he slaps Brundage as a finger jams firmly into his eye. Goddard calls time, and Brundage takes a few seconds but wants to get back to business. On the restart, Johnson comes out swinging, and both men land one or two before the awkward round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Round 3
Johnson meanders out of his corner recklessly and unafraid of what comes at him, and Brundage sits back on his heels looking for a counter so that he can set up a double. Johnson pushes him down face-first to the floor and stands back up, and Brundage follows him. Johnson tees off with jabs and the occasional left hand, and Brundage’s body language is poor as he does not look to have much fight left in him. Brundage loops a right hand behind the head, and he kicks the front leg but gets nailed with a counter. Brundage flicks out a few jabs, and one connects while Johnson is marching forward, resulting in him taking a funny step. Johnson tosses out a high kick and offers out a right hand, walking down the offensively muted Brundage. Johnson splits the guard with a jab, and he is answered with one back.
Brundage’s jab does manage to stop Johnson’s biggest of swings, and he suddenly spurs into action with two hooks. Johnson backs off before re-engaging, and the two land single strikes one another. Brundage damages the calf with a few kicks, and he opens a mouse under Johnson’s right eye with his jab. Johnson clubs his man with a right hook, and Brundage answers with a body lock and failed takedown attempt. Johnson frames off and is met with jabs, as Brundage takes a long look at the clock that reads one minute. Brundage loads up on two hooks and looks to the time again. Both lunge with jabs, and Brundage shoots for a double that is stopped in its tracks. Brundage hooks his fingers in the glove to get a takedown, but Johnson rips his hand away and they stand back up. When the 10-second clapper sounds, both men swing it out, with neither landing flush and both struggling until time mercifully expires. Welcome to the UFC on CBS era, indeed.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Johnson)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
The Official Result
Donte Johnson def. Cody Brundage via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Big Brady picks Donte Johnson over Cody Brundage. He highlights Johnson's size, power, and quick hands, noting he looked good at middleweight. Brundage took the fight on short notice after a recent KO loss and has a history of quitting when put on his back. Brady expects Johnson to finish Brundage quickly, likely by first-round TKO, as long as he avoids hitting the back of the head.
Cody also picks Johnson, highlighting his explosiveness and improved grappling. He notes Brundage's tendency to get knocked out or disqualified. He expects Johnson to win by knockout.
Connor picks Johnson because Brundage is a limited fighter with poor technique and a tendency to fold when his one idea fails. Johnson is a power wrestler who should outwrestle Brundage, as even lesser wrestlers have done. He notes that Johnson is small for middleweight but that Brundage is not a significant size threat.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Dashon Johnson, citing his athleticism, undefeated record, and serious approach. He believes Johnson will finish Cody Brundage, who is inconsistent and often loses when facing adversity. Vreeland notes that Brundage is a killer-be-killed fighter but thinks Johnson's confidence and physicality will prevail.
The host is undecided on this fight. He notes that Johnson is a heavy favorite (-683) but has only 7 pro fights and has never been past round one, making his cardio unknown. Brundage has improved cardio and is tough, but the host considers it a high-risk bet. He plans to wait until weigh-ins to decide, as he wants to see if Brundage looks compromised. He estimates Brundage might have a 25-30% chance, which would make the +468 odds valuable, but he hasn't committed.
James picks Dashon Johnson to win by knockout, citing Johnson's athleticism, power, and composure. He notes that Brundage is coming in on short notice and took recent punishment, making him vulnerable. James sees Johnson as a high-ceiling prospect who will overwhelm Brundage.
Johnson is explosive and powerful, but untested. Brundage is durable and can grind early. Johnson should eventually find a knockout in the second or third round. The over 1.5 rounds is a better bet than the heavy moneyline.
Paul picks Johnson, citing his prospect status and power. He notes Brundage's short notice and poor durability. He expects Johnson to win by knockout, though the price is high.
The MMA Guru picks Donte Johnson, calling him a great prospect who should destroy Brundage. He notes Johnson's wrestling and power, and predicts a first-round TKO. He criticizes Brundage for taking short-notice fights.
Zane agrees that Johnson should win, calling Brundage a 'fungal infection' who has only beaten low-level opponents. He notes that Brundage has no footwork, no punching technique, and a rudimentary understanding of range. Johnson's wrestling should be enough to take him down and control him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 0 | 57 of 119 | 47% | 73 of 139 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:04 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 29 of 65 | 44% | 31 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 23 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 21 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 34 of 65 | 52% | 50 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:53 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 9 of 22 | 40% | 10 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 57 of 119 | 47% | 41 of 96 | 7 of 13 | 9 of 10 | 32 of 70 | 6 of 8 | 19 of 41 |
| Cody Brundage | 29 of 65 | 44% | 22 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 27 of 61 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 23 of 54 | 42% | 15 of 41 | 1 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 20 of 50 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 20 of 43 | 46% | 14 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 34 of 65 | 52% | 26 of 55 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 41 |
| Cody Brundage | 9 of 22 | 40% | 8 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rowston (-360), Brundage (+285)
Round 1
It remains to be seen if Rowston (13-3, 1-0 UFC) pulled his “Battle Giraffe” nickname from One Piece character Kaku, but at least he has a nickname. Brundage (11-7-1, 1 NC; 5-6-1, 1 NC UFC), who could easily call himself “Mr. Unlucky,” does not sport a fighting name. This match for him is a crucial one to see if he can rectify his record to an even .500. Referee Jim Perdios draws the charge for this middleweight affair, one that could take place anywhere before it is all said and done. The athletes do not have any plan on touching gloves before competing.
The tall, rangy Rowston stands firm in the center of the cage, and he gets batted back by a few jabs. He answers with a clean one-two and a low kick, and he checks a leg kick coming back at him. Brundage comes up short when looking for a left hook, and the two men trade hacking leg kicks. Rowston jabs and holds his left hand extended to set up additional punches, and he gets knocked back a step by the American. Rowston takes a left hook square on the chin when threatening with his jab, and Brundage charges him to close his distance and smashes his fist on Rowston’s jaw a few more times. Rowston answers with a knee right on the button, and he lines up and fires off another. Brundage spins with a back fist and stings Rowston, who falls to his hands and gets right back up. Brundage sells out with his big swings to hurt Rowston again, and the Aussie backs off the reset and clear out the cobwebs.
Brundage whiffs on a spinning back fist, and Rowston’s counter meets Brundage cleanly. Rowston steps in with a knee to the sternum, and he takes a right hand across the forward bow. Rowston fakes and feints his way in to draw out reactions, and he dances away from the big swings from the Factory X fighter. Rowston sticks his foe with a pair of jabs, and he kicks low as his foot slides up the leg and bangs into Brundage’s cup. Perdios sees it and immediately calls time, and fans realize it is a foul on the replay. Brundage only needs about 20 seconds to shake it off, and with a minute remaining on the clock, Rowston leads the dance with long jabs and even longer front kicks. Brundage’s counters fall short, as he loads up and puts plenty of arc on his punches while Rowston’s are straight down the middle most of the time. Rowston reaches Brundage with a one-two down the middle, and he walks into a right hand when Brundage digs down deep with a huge hook. Rowston kicks the front leg and jabs, and he slides away from the responses as the round wraps up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Round 2
Brundage comes out of his corner with a giant smile on his face, and it fades as he starts to deal with the feints and fakes that Rowston constantly offers. Rowston draws out ample reactions by Brundage, and he checks the kick aimed at his leg. Brundage grits his teeth and winds up with bombs, chasing Rowston around and only partially landing. Rowston kicks out Brundage’s leg to disrupt a combination, and he puts a one-two firmly on the chin. Brundage reaches at the end of a left hook, and he bounces off the wall and takes a knee but allows Rowston to get close so he can start slugging. Rowston swings with a big right hand, and Brundage ducks and counters him. Rowston digs a kick to the liver, and he bends Brundage over with a right hand down the middle. Brundage shakes out his right hand after connecting with it, and he continues to hurl it even as Rowston is able to pick up on it. Rowston laughs off a big swing so he can knee Brundage in the face, and Brundage responds with a takedown shot.
The gangly, coordinated Aussie stifles it and turns the corner, where he starts pounding on the side of Brundage’s head. Rowston is able to manhandle Brundage and keep him on his knees, elbowing him a few times and stepping over to set up a choke. Brundage desperately tries to get up and survive but is taking fire on either side of the dome.
Rowston pounds on Brundage, alternating a never-ending stream of lefts and rights on the ear as Brundage’s posture slowly deteriorates. The Aussie keeps on battering the Factory X fighter until Perdios saves the unsuccessful Brundage from his own toughness.
In victory, the man who may or may not still be known as “Battle Giraffe” moves to 2-0 in the Octagon with two knockouts to his credit.
The Official Result
Cameron Rowston def. Cody Brundage R2 4:08 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cam Rowston, citing his durability and ability to weather the storm. He notes that Cody Brundage is talented but inconsistent, with cardio and durability issues. He thinks Rowston will survive the first round and take over in the second and third. He says no bet because he wants to root for Cody without worrying about money.
Big Brady is confident in Cam Rowston, praising his grappling and knockout power. He notes Rowston is long, rangy, and has submissions over half his wins. He sees no path for Cody Brundage, predicting a second-round submission.
Cody is very confident in Rowston, criticizing Brundage's tendency to quit and find ways to lose. He notes that Rowston is a big middleweight with good cardio and power, and that Brundage has been outworked and finished in most of his fights. He expects Rowston to win by knockout or decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Rowston. He emphasizes that Brundage is a bad fighter who should not be in the UFC, and Rowston's size and awkwardness will be too much. Connor also notes that Rowston is a heavy favorite and the odds are fine.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Rowston to finish Brundage, citing Brundage's history of quitting when pressured and his mental weakness. He notes that Rowston is a confident Australian prospect with dangerous elbows and ground-and-pound, and that Brundage's jet lag and lack of confidence will work against him.
James picks Rowston to win, noting his better striking and jiu-jitsu, and that Brundage is inconsistent and gasses out. He expects Rowston to finish in later rounds, possibly by rear-naked choke. James acknowledges Brundage's wrestling but believes Rowston's cardio and skill advantage will prevail.
Rowston is a long striker with improving confidence and BJJ. He has shown the ability to snipe opponents from distance and finish with strikes or submissions. Brundage is a wild card with durability issues and a tendency to look for an exit when hurt. Rowston should see Brundage's shots coming and counter effectively, possibly getting a club-and-sub finish. The host expects Rowston inside the distance.
Paul echoes Cody's sentiments, detailing Brundage's history of controversial results and lack of finishing ability. He believes Rowston's size, volume, and durability will be too much for Brundage, who needs a finish or DQ to win.
The Guru predicts a first-round TKO for Cam Rowston, citing his development at CKB, six-inch reach advantage, and real power in his hands. He dismisses Cody Brundage's grappling, noting Brundage was outgrappled by Dumas. He believes Rowston will put Brundage away early.
Zane picks Cam Rowston (referred to as Ralston) because he is a huge, awkward wrestler who will make a nuisance of himself. He notes that Brundage tends to go apeshit and lose track of the fight, and Rowston's awkward striking and size advantage should allow him to drag Brundage into his world. Zane acknowledges Rowston is not a great wrestler but believes his awkwardness will be enough.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric McConico | 0 | 31 of 65 | 47% | 43 of 78 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 5:28 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 26 of 72 | 36% | 54 of 102 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric McConico | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 2 | Eric McConico | 0 | 11 of 20 | 55% | 19 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:56 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 7 of 23 | 30% | 20 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 3 | Eric McConico | 0 | 12 of 27 | 44% | 16 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 16 of 38 | 42% | 26 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:44 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric McConico | 31 of 65 | 47% | 26 of 57 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 19 of 45 | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 26 of 72 | 36% | 18 of 58 | 7 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 53 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric McConico | 8 of 18 | 44% | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 3 of 11 | 27% | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Eric McConico | 11 of 20 | 55% | 8 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 5 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 7 of 23 | 30% | 4 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 11 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Eric McConico | 12 of 27 | 44% | 11 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 16 of 38 | 42% | 12 of 30 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brundage (-190); McConico (+160)
Round 1
Don’t look now, but this event taking place tonight at the UFC Apex is the last one scheduled in the building on this year’s current lineup. There are 37 events in UFC confirmed thus far this year, so five-ish more are not yet on the slate and it is entirely possible that November or December shells up with another Apex show. Until then, it’s world traveling after Saturday. This ESPN show—also the last one on the official main ESPN slate for a while, as other sports will be kicking in and taking over like the NFL and their new deal with the UFC’s current broadcast partner. The night beings with a matchup that no one saw coming a week ago. Both fighters jumping up to light heavyweight due to the late notice of the pairing, Brundage (11-6-1, 1 NC; 5-5-1, 1 NC UFC) makes a quick turnaround after his loss overturned to a draw against Tuff-N-Uff veteran McConico (9-3-1, 0-1 UFC). These two could really use a win, and they will try to achieve it under the watchful eye of referee Chris Tognoni. They touch gloves to start off the night, and it’s on with the show.
Advertisement
McConico starts as the initial aggressor, walking the veteran down and looping a massive left hand at his opponent. Brundage throws a kick at the same time, and the booming fist blasts him in the face and sits him down. Brundage tries to preserve himself by shooting for a takedown, and McConico stands up and puts his back to the wall while hacking down with elbows. Tognoni asks for more activity as this action stalls out, so Brundage transitions to a single-leg takedown. McConico keeps his hips wide, and Tognoni splits them up as Brundage fully commits to the single. Neither fighter does much for a spell as they measure one another, with McConico coming up short with a front kick and nothing else. Brundage charges behind big swings, and McConico is well out of harm’s way in time. As McConico bears down on his foe, Brundage counters with a double-leg takedown that he uses to tackle the MMA Lab fighter across the cage and down to his seat.
Brundage lands on top and laces his legs around McConico’s, but McConico is still able to wriggle out and wall-walk to stand. Brundage leans on him from behind, imposing his weight and letting McConico turn around so he can score a right hand. McConico backs off and blocks a head kick, and he probes out with a jab that draws out a knee. Brundage walks through a body kick to fire off his own overhand right, and he gives chase and nails McConico with a few more punches. Brundage launches a head kick and follows with a few step-in knees, and he starts feeling himself and lets his hands go, clubbing McConico and making him bounce off the fencing. McConico grips hold of him to ride out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Round 2
The 205ers typically competing as middleweights touch ‘em up to get going, and McConico starts out firing to back Brundage to the wall. He rips an elbow or two up top, and Brundage responds with hammerfists to the thigh. McConico drives a knee into the gut, and he winds up and blasts Brundage in the midsection again to almost lift him off the ground. Brundage lashes out with an elbow that surprises his opponent, and McConico takes a step back and grits his teeth. The Oregon native unleashes a flurry of fists and knees, and Brundage bounces back at him with fiery fists that catch McConico on the chin and force him to think twice about this brawl. As McConico shakes his head and retreats, Brundage charges after him and takes him to the floor. McConico does not stay on his seat for long, working his way to his feet, although as he leans on the cage, Brundage leans on him.
Brundage pursues the single above all else, and McConico smacks him with an undercut or two beneath Brundage’s elbow. McConico starts spamming elbows to the side of the head when he feels comfortable that he has his balance, and Brundage elevates him slightly to keep threatening. Tognoni asks for more, and Brundage chains into a double and clasps his hands together. After a prolonged effort, Brundage drags McConico away from the fence and deposits him to his back right on top of the Octagon’s central Monster Energy logo. Brundage immediately loops his own legs around McConico’s to keep him stuck on the floor, and Tognoni thinks he is not doing enough and asks for more action. McConico stands up, and Brundage greets him with a head kick. McConico starts stalking his foe down, booting him with his own high kick, digging his shin in the ribs and going upstairs one last time before the round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 3
It could be anyone’s fight going into the third stanza, and McConico appears to be the fresher fighter and he demonstrates this by immediately marching forward to attack when the last round commences. Multiple lead-leg kicks come from McConico, who is able to push Brundage back to the wall but not land much cleanly on him. Brundage steps in behind a right hand, and McConico has to reset. The MMA Lab fighter cracks his foe with two left hands, and Brundage takes a hard look at the clock or view screen. McConico engages in the clinch, kneeing the veteran and staying busy enough to not let Brundage counter with a takedown. McConico lets go with an elbow and an uppercut, and Tognoni tells him to not grab the gloves. The elbow cuts the top of Brundage’s head, and blood trickles down his hairline.
Tognoni separates them with a little more than two minutes remaining, and Brundage has a bit of energy and offers it with a looping right hand. McConico walks through it to fire back, but it is Brundage who tags him again with another short but effective right. Brundage rushes forward, and McConico gears up and surges into action with a salvo of punches mixed in with body kicks. Brundage keeps his back against the wall, circling away before darting forward with a knee. Brundage clips McConico with a right hand, who staggers back and regains his footing. Brundage wings a right hand, and he tries a second when the first succeeds. McConico shrugs it off and smacks him with a left hook and a head kick. McConico ducks down to set up a big left, and he narrowly avoids a spinning back fist. Brundage ends the fight with a massive right hand that McConico blinks out, and the close match concludes with judges likely having their hands full.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 McConico (29-28 McConico)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McConico (29-28 McConico)
The Official Result
Eric McConico def. Cody Brundage via Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Big Brady is confident in Cody Brundage, noting that Brundage is typically an underdog but this matchup favors him. He criticizes McConico's performance in his last fight, where he landed only four strikes in the first round before getting knocked out. Brady believes Brundage won't have to worry about a murderous power puncher or high-level grappler, and expects Brundage to shine and get a finish. He picks Brundage by first-round knockout.
The host believes the short notice nature of the matchup favors Cody Brundage, allowing him to make the fight chaotic from the start. He predicts Brundage will find a knockout under one and a half rounds, indicating confidence in Brundage's ability to finish early.
The MMA Guru picks Cody Brundage, noting that despite Brundage's odd career, he found an opponent he can beat. He believes Brundage was winning against Mansour Abdul-Malik before the no contest and can replicate that performance. He expects Brundage to mix in grappling and win by decision, possibly 29-28 or 30-27.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 25 of 73 | 34% | 25 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 30 of 67 | 44% | 30 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 10 of 28 | 35% | 10 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 10 of 31 | 32% | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 11 of 30 | 36% | 11 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansur Abdul-Malik | 25 of 73 | 34% | 17 of 55 | 3 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 18 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 |
| Cody Brundage | 30 of 67 | 44% | 18 of 49 | 2 of 8 | 10 of 10 | 29 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 4 of 15 | 26% | 2 of 10 | 0 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 11 of 21 | 52% | 5 of 12 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 10 of 28 | 35% | 5 of 18 | 2 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 10 of 31 | 32% | 4 of 22 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 11 of 30 | 36% | 10 of 27 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 |
| Cody Brundage | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Abdul-Malik (-800), Brundage (+500)
Round 1
The line on this middleweight pairing may not be quite as ludicrous as Wellmaker vs. Moutinho, but Abdul-Malik (8-0, 2-0 UFC) is coming in as a favorite anywhere from -950 to -1200, give or take. With eight finishes across his eight victories, prognosticators believe that his battle with Brundage (11-6, 1 NC; 5-5, 1 NC UFC) may not last long, win or lose. Referee Brent McKeehan is distinctly aware of the possibility, and is on his A-game right out of the gate. Fists are bumped before they are traded, and Brundage fires off some early warning kicks to demonstrate he is not going to be such an easy out. He lands a low kick as Abdul-Malik comes towards him, and he connects with a clean right hand. Brundage’s front kick pushes off the chest, and Abdul-Malik’s is much heavier in response. Brundage stands firm and delivers a kick to the body and one to the lead leg, and Abdul-Malik is unable to find his way in. The middleweights trade punches, and Abdul-Malik drives a front kick through the guard that surprises Brundage. Abdul-Malik walks him down but lets him entirely off the hook. Brundage strikes the front leg and fires a front kick down the middle, before lunging with an overhand right. Abdul-Malik swings a body kick and leaps at his foe with a jump knee, and Brundage steels himself and wings a pair of body shots back at him. The cautious round ends, and again fans drown the competitors out with boos.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Round 2
After a quick fist bump, the two meet in the middle of the cage without trading. Abdul-Malik tests the waters with a low kick, and he chambers a head kick and is met on the way down with an inside leg kick. Neither fighter is willing to commit to anything, resulting in a lull in action. Abdul-Malik decides to start fighting suddenly, running at Brundage and catching him with a right hand. Brundage retaliates with a flying knee, and Abdul-Malik tags him with another right on the ear as he plants his feet. The blow cuts Brundage behind his ear, which starts bleeding heavily down his neck. He paws at it and pays it little mind, instead winging a right hand at the overwhelming favorite. Abdul-Malik walks into a left hand as he tries to attack with a knee, and then they back off and measure one another for a while. Abdul-Malik eventually pushes out a front kick, and Brundage finds a way in and connects with two punches. Brundage’s overhand right just misses as the crowd gasps, seemingly desperate for a clean, solid strike to land. Brundage crashes the pocket but backs off when taking a low kick. Abdul-Malik spins with a back kick, and Brundage retaliates with an overhand right. The horn sounds to wrap the disappointing round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 3
Abdul-Malik runs at his opponent as soon as the round begins, railing Brundage with a flying knee. This immediately devolves in a ludicrous brawl, where both fighters wing hooks with everything they have. Abdul-Malik hurts Brundage, Brundage returns fire, and they proceed to bang it out. Brundage closes in and drives in a knee, and Abdul-Malik turns the corner and rails his opponent with a flush knee to the sternum and a direct head clash. Brundage goes down in a heap, shelling up as Abdul-Malik unloads on him with fiery fists. Abdul-Malik swings with bad intentions, and McKeehan gives Brundage every opportunity to recover before waving the fight off. Brundage immediately protests that he went down because of the clash of heads and not the knee, and the replay official is called upon to show the clear clash of heads. One of the unluckiest fighters in the sport has yet another bizarre ending in his strange tenure with the UFC, and it is up to McKeehan and the officials to send this one to the scorecards for a technical decision due to the fight-ending headbutt and the bout reaching the third round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
The Official Result
Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Cody Brundage via Technical Decision (Unanimous) R3 0:36
Angelo picks Mansur because he believes the adversity in his last fight gave him a wake-up call. He expects Mansur to wrestle and avoid a firefight with Cody, who is dangerous early. He notes that if Mansur engages in a firefight, he is screwed.
Big Brady picks Mansur Abdul-Malik by first-round knockout. He expects a violent fight where both swing, but believes Malik's power and ground-and-pound will be too much for Brundage. He notes Brundage is dangerous early but has been fed tough opponents, and Malik is the most terrifying yet.
Connor picks Abdul-Malik, emphasizing the massive reach advantage (79.5 vs 72 inches) and Brundage's tendency to implode when his initial plan fails. He notes that Abdul-Malik is a composed, powerful fighter who will make Brundage work to get inside, leaving him open to counters. Connor thinks Brundage's only chance is an early guillotine, but that is unlikely.
Abdul-Malik's athleticism, explosivity, and power will find a big shot to put Brundage away early. Brundage is expected to break quickly under that pressure.
The Guru picks Mansur Abdul-Malik, calling him a powerful prospect who will finish Cody Brundage in the first round. He notes Brundage's tendency to 'tuck up in a ball' when grappling doesn't go his way, as seen against Sedriques Dumas. He expects a TKO, though he acknowledges Brundage could win if he gets a guillotine.
Zane picks Abdul-Malik confidently, noting that Brundage's shallow game plan and inability to adjust will leave him exposed. He points out that Abdul-Malik is young, powerful, and composed, and that Brundage's only path is to wrestle, but he lacks the depth to maintain it. Zane compares this to the Abdul-Razak Alhassan fight where Brundage was brutally finished.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 1 | 44 of 79 | 55% | 68 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Julian Marquez | 0 | 37 of 73 | 50% | 53 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 1 | 44 of 79 | 55% | 68 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Julian Marquez | 0 | 37 of 73 | 50% | 53 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 44 of 79 | 55% | 39 of 71 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 34 of 65 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 |
| Julian Marquez | 37 of 73 | 50% | 31 of 64 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 51 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 44 of 79 | 55% | 39 of 71 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 34 of 65 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 |
| Julian Marquez | 37 of 73 | 50% | 31 of 64 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 51 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marquez (-155), Brundage (+130)
Round 1
The year is 2025, and the UFC has placed Brundage (10-6, 1 NC; 4-5, 1 NC UFC) and Marquez (9-5, 3-4 UFC)—two men with UFC records below .500—in a co-main event slot. With dueling walkouts of “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey for the former and the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” for the latter, all 50 or so people visible in the Apex are having a blast. The middleweights will be joined in the cage by referee Mark Smith. They touch gloves. Marquez runs forward and stops just before getting kicked in the head, but Brundage comes at him with a knee and a massive right hand. A second bomb of a right hand hurts Marquez, who stumbles back and bounces off the fence to stay afloat. Brundage leaps at him with a flying knee, and when he misses, Marquez pushes him away and may have gotten away with an eye poke. Brundage wipes at his eye and lets loose a head kick, and he chops at the front leg with a kick. Brundage sits down on a right hand when Marquez is aiming at the body, and he beats “The Cuban Missile Crisis” to the punch with a jab and an overhand right. Brundage snaps the head back with an uppercut, and he gets pushed back from the blunt force of a clubbing punch from his opponent. Brundage leaps at his man and lands on the ground, and Marquez dives down for a possible takedown. Brundage locks up a Dave Schultz front headlock, and Marquez fights out of it, gets to his feet and drills Brundage with a left hand. Brundage shakes it off and strikes back with a right hand up top, and both men start swinging for the fences from up close. Brundage breaks up the firefight with a head kick, and he leans back as a right hook zooms past him. Brundage settles himself down and chips at the front leg, and Marquez snaps out a power jab and follows it with a monster right hand that dislodges Brundage’s mouthpiece. Brundage, in grave danger, leans over and finds himself in guillotine choke danger. Through sheer force of will, Brundage leans up and surges into action with hilariously damaging punches. Brundage knocks Marquez’ mouthpiece out as well in a scene out of an action movie, and both men blast one another with everything they have. Smith finds a moment to pause and give them both their gumshields back, and they replace them and come back out swinging.
With shades of the Toughman contests of old, both middleweights decide that it is time to slug one another in the face violently and brutally until Marquez hits the deck courtesy of a tremendous right hand. Brundage leaps on top and starts blasting with his free right hand, and Marquez desperately shoots for a takedown to try to get his wits back. Brundage does not let his man off the hook, hammering the MMA Lab fighter with thudding blows. Smith implores Marquez to fight back, but the way Brundage is positioned from behind with his left arm wrapping up Marquez, Marquez is unable to posture up or defend himself. As punches continue rapping Marquez upside the head, Smith has no choice but to say enough is enough and call an end to this ridiculous slobberknocker.
Overcome with emotions, a tear-stricken Brundage roars, and the Apex gets about as loud as it possibly can be after that gunslinger’s duel giving it up for the two men in the Octagon. Marquez removes his gloves after the terrific match but does not appear to leave them in the cage, perhaps deciding not to make a rash decision after such a fun clash.
The Official Result
Cody Brundage def. Julian Marquez R1 4:45 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cody Brundage, citing his wrestling background, power, and the fact that Julian Marquez is coming off back-to-back knockout losses with a year layoff. He acknowledges Brundage's questionable fight IQ but believes he is a good fighter overall. He also notes that both fighters are exciting and expects the fight to end early.
Big Brady hesitantly picks Julian Marquez, citing his durability and heart, as well as a slick submission game. He notes Cody Brundage is more skilled but has a bad nail and may quit if hurt. He predicts Marquez will win by first-round submission after Brundage gets hurt and shoots for a takedown.
Connor picks Marquez, noting that Brundage has a single idea that quickly exhausts, while Marquez is a willing scrapper who can fight through adversity. He mentions that Marquez has been getting knocked out lately but still has the toughness to outlast Brundage. Connor also jokes about Marquez's personality but sticks with him as the pick.
The host expects a chaotic matchup and suggests the under 1.5 rounds is the best bet. He leans with Marquez, believing his power striking and slick submissions can catch Brundage, who has been hurt repeatedly. However, he notes Brundage could also catch Marquez, who has lost three straight by knockout. He predicts a club-and-sub within the first round and a half.
The Guru picks Cody Brundage over Julian Marquez. He notes Marquez is on a three-fight losing streak, older, and possibly struggling with drinking. Brundage is younger, hungrier, and has finishing potential. He predicts a finish for Brundage.
Zane picks Marquez despite his recent knockout losses, citing Marquez's willingness to scrap and fight through adversity. He notes that Brundage has a one-plan approach that falls apart after 30 seconds, and while Brundage might have a good idea early, Marquez's brawling will eventually overwhelm him. Zane acknowledges the fight is low-level but favors Marquez's toughness.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 23 of 30 | 76% | 24 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 23 of 30 | 76% | 24 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 23 of 30 | 76% | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 26 |
| Cody Brundage | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul Razak Alhassan | 23 of 30 | 76% | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 26 |
| Cody Brundage | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Alhassan (-162), Brundage (+136)
Round 1
To kick off the main card, the UFC matched up two middleweight finishers that do not like to waste much time in the cage. All 12 victories for “Judo Thunder” Alhassan (12-6, 6-6 UFC) have come by knockout, while Brundage (10-6, 4-5 UFC) has seen eight of his 10 pro wins come inside the distance. Keeping control of the cage for this clash will be referee Dan Miragliotta, and the fighters touch gloves. Brundage whips a one-two at his foe and shoots for a takedown. Alhassan laughs in the face of the takedown and stops it in its tracks while elbowing Brundage in the side of the head, and he shoves Brundage over and busts him in the face with a number of ferocious punches. Brundage rolls around to survive the onslaught, and Alhassan keeps pounding on him. Brundage gets to his knees, and Alhassan hacks at him with elbows that drill the Factory X fighter in the side and back of the head. When two slam into his noggin illegally, Miragliotta emphatically calls time and breaks the fighters apart because of the fouls. Miragliotta informs Alhassan of the bad strikes and also tells him that the angle was close to 12-6 as well. Brundage remains on the ground, struggling to clear his vision as he is clearly compromised from the blows. Miragliotta has Brundage stand up to try to get his head straight, and he calls in the doctor to check on Brundage’s condition. Brundage is in a bad way, as he leans against the cage and is not having a good day. The bloodthirsty crowd hollers at Brundage, and he takes a seat against the cage and tells the doctor that his day is over. Brundage yells at Alhassan, who is upset that there will be a stoppage but not a win. Miragliotta consults with referee Herb Dean to confirm that the ruling will be a no contest due to accidentally illegal elbows, and the fight is waved off with Miragliotta making the normal arm motions that signal a fight’s conclusion. Meanwhile, Brundage’s coach tells him what happened, as Brundage appears to have no recollection of the fight. It is a disappointing result after the bonkers opening seconds, and one hopes the promotion puts this match back together in a month or two.
The Official Result
Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage is Ruled a No Contest (Illegal Elbows) R1 0:37
Angelo picks Cody Brundage as an underdog, citing his insane early pressure, wrestling ability, and power. He notes that Abdul Razak Alhassan rarely uses his high-level judo defensively, leading to a striking match where Brundage's well-roundedness gives him an edge. Angelo also jokes about Brundage's new hairline (Turkish Hair Replacement) boosting confidence. He cautions against betting the under 1.5 rounds as it didn't hit in Brundage's last fight.
Cody picks Alhassan, citing his power and durability. He notes Brundage's tendency to quit and believes Alhassan's cardio, though poor, is better than Brundage's. He expects a first-round knockout or a grind where Alhassan's toughness prevails.
Daniel Vreeland picks Abdul Razak Alhassan to win. He dismisses the idea that Cody Brundage will wrestle for 15 minutes, calling Brundage a 'kill or be killed' fighter who folds under adversity. He notes that Brundage has poor cardio and has never won a decision against quality opposition. He expects Alhassan's power to overwhelm Brundage early.
Cody Brundage will apply a grinding approach to wear on Alhassan's gas tank. If Brundage doesn't get squashed early, he should push through in deep waters and grind out a decision. The plus 450 decision prop is a good look.
Paul picks Alhassan, citing his power and durability. He notes Brundage's history of quitting and believes Alhassan's toughness will be the difference. He expects a finish, possibly by knockout, but acknowledges both fighters have cardio issues at altitude.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 45 of 59 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 7:25 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 33 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 24 of 28 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:25 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 16 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 21 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 3:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 8 of 13 | 61% | 6 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 |
| Cody Brundage | 4 of 12 | 33% | 1 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 5 of 7 | 71% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Cody Brundage | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Cody Brundage | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-2100), Brundage (+1100)
Round 1
The main card opens up with the widest discrepancy on the betting lines tonight by a mile. As a prohibitive -1400, Nickal (5-0, 2-0 UFC) is largely expected to walk through the tough but outmatched-on-paper Brundage (10-5, 3-4 UFC). There are many questions that could be answered, as the unbeaten four-time DI NCAA All-American has never before competed beyond the three-minute mark in an MMA match. Whether this match lasts 15 seconds or 15 minutes, referee Chris Tognoni is on the call and ready for action. The underdog offers a glove touch, but Nickal wants nothing to do with it. Instead, Nickal fakes shooting for a takedown almost immediately. Brundage is well out of the way, and he fires off a flying head kick and a jump knee. Brundage lands a hard right hand to surprise the unbeaten fighter, and Nickal responds with a power punch and a takedown attempt. Brundage rolls through to get back to his feet, and Nickal presses him hard against the fence. Nickal scoops Brundage up and slams him down, and Brundage pops right back up without batting an eye. Nickal succeeds to get a mat return, dropping Brundage down to his knees, but Brundage stands up before Nickal can get hooks in. Nickal pushes down his full body weight to trap Brundage down on the ground, and he slithers a hook in and sneaks his arm under the chin for a second. Brundage turns his head to the side to thwart the choke, and Nickal keeps one arm on the chin to threaten. Brundage hand-fights to stop the choke from landing, and Nickal elects to just brute force squeeze his head like a nutcracker. Brundage pushes off enough to get space, and Nickal steps over to full mount while claiming a guillotine. Nickal sits up and has Brundage’s left arm trapped beneath his legs, and he starts beating on Brundage with elbows. Brundage times a shifting Nickal to turn to his knees and lean against the wall, and Nickal stays on him without a hook in fishing for a choke. Nickal gets a hook in from behind, and Brundage keeps two-on-one wrist control to stop any submission danger. Nickal bops him in the face with feeble punches, and Brundage laughs him off as the crowd gives it up for him. Brundage maintains control on the wrist and signals for Tognoni to let him up, and he rides out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Round 2
As soon as the round begins, Tognoni calls time to remove some debris from the Octagon. The fighter begin, and Brundage walks Nickal down and lines up an overhand right. Nickal throws a high kick from an odd angle, and when he tries to transition to a takedown, Brundage slings him mightily to the ground. Brundage goes after him and tries to lay into him with strikes, but Nickal recovers, shoots and completes a takedown. Brundage turns to his side as he tries to stand, and Nickal lands sporadic ground-and-pound as he moves into half guard. The crowd gets restless again at Nickal wrestling so heavily, but he ignores it and passes the full mount. Brundage throws punches from his back, and Nickal presses his chest down to set up an arm-triangle choke. Nickal lets it go to land a punch, and he hunts for elbows while Brundage holds onto his face. Nickal postures up and slams down some ground-and-pound, forcing Brundage to turn around and give up his back. Brundage finds himself in immediately submission danger, with Nickal latching onto a rear-naked choke grip that is not yet beneath the chin. Brundage fights off the choke, and Nickal switches arms and slithers the forearm under the chin. Brundage knows he has been outhustled here, and he surrenders before the choke puts him out. Nickal releases the grip on the tap, and he stands up and starts booing himself while putting both thumbs down. He appears not impressed with his own performance.
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Cody Brundage R2 3:38 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, calling the -2400 odds correct with 96% implied probability. He notes Brundage has power and could land a lucky shot, but Nickal's wrestling is overwhelming. He advises against parlaying Nickal due to poor value and suggests under 1.5 rounds as a better bet.
Cody is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, noting his elite wrestling and the low level of competition he's faced. He points out that Brundage has poor fight IQ, citing his pulling guard on Ralek Gracie when he was winning, and his tendency to gas out. Cody mentions Brundage has been taken down by Nick Maximov and has no dynamic striking. He expects Nickal to dominate and finish inside the distance, likely by TKO or submission, and thinks the fight won't go past the first round and a half.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal, noting that even high-IQ Cody Brundage plays into Nickal's strengths. He mentions that Brundage's path to victory is narrow, possibly a knockout, but that Nickal's wrestling and jiu-jitsu are world-class. He suggests that if betting Brundage, one should take a KO prop at high odds rather than the moneyline.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal to win, but notes he is not laying 25 units to win one. He acknowledges Nickal's wrestling advantage and expects a first-round finish, but warns that Brundage has knockout power and could pull off an upset. Vreeland is curious to see Nickal past round one but believes he will dominate.
Jeff Fox picks Bo Nickal, agreeing with Vreeland. He notes that if he had $100 to bet and didn't want to lose it, he'd bet Nickal. He mentions that Brundage could knock Nickal out, but that's a low-probability event, and that Nickal is the safe pick.
Lucrative James does not make a pick for this fight. He says it is what it is but it's good to see Bo Nickal continue his rise. He mentions Cody Brundage has cashed tickets for him in the past. No prediction is given.
Nickal will get to his takedown quickly and rain down big shots from top position for a TKO win. Brundage is the toughest opponent Nickal has faced but it won't be enough.
Paul sees this as a clear mismatch. He notes that Nickal hasn't faced any adversity yet, so his chin and resolve are untested, but Brundage is not the guy to test them. Paul calls Brundage 'Cody Bumd' and points out his poor performances, including getting knocked out by Alexei Kunchenko and being outgrappled by Nick Maximov. He believes Nickal will easily take Brundage down and finish him. Paul says the moneyline is too short to bet, but everyone will take Nickal inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round finish, calling Cody Brundage a sacrificial lamb. He criticizes Brundage's recent wins as flukes and believes Nickal is superior everywhere. He notes Nickal's high-pressure experience and predicts a rear-naked choke or TKO.
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, calling the -2400 odds correct with 96% implied probability. He notes Brundage has power and could land a lucky shot, but Nickal's wrestling is overwhelming. He advises against parlaying Nickal due to poor value and suggests under 1.5 rounds as a better bet.
Cody is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, noting his elite wrestling and the low level of competition he's faced. He points out that Brundage has poor fight IQ, citing his pulling guard on Ralek Gracie when he was winning, and his tendency to gas out. Cody mentions Brundage has been taken down by Nick Maximov and has no dynamic striking. He expects Nickal to dominate and finish inside the distance, likely by TKO or submission, and thinks the fight won't go past the first round and a half.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal, noting that even high-IQ Cody Brundage plays into Nickal's strengths. He mentions that Brundage's path to victory is narrow, possibly a knockout, but that Nickal's wrestling and jiu-jitsu are world-class. He suggests that if betting Brundage, one should take a KO prop at high odds rather than the moneyline.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal to win, but notes he is not laying 25 units to win one. He acknowledges Nickal's wrestling advantage and expects a first-round finish, but warns that Brundage has knockout power and could pull off an upset. Vreeland is curious to see Nickal past round one but believes he will dominate.
Jeff Fox picks Bo Nickal, agreeing with Vreeland. He notes that if he had $100 to bet and didn't want to lose it, he'd bet Nickal. He mentions that Brundage could knock Nickal out, but that's a low-probability event, and that Nickal is the safe pick.
Lucrative James does not make a pick for this fight. He says it is what it is but it's good to see Bo Nickal continue his rise. He mentions Cody Brundage has cashed tickets for him in the past. No prediction is given.
Nickal will get to his takedown quickly and rain down big shots from top position for a TKO win. Brundage is the toughest opponent Nickal has faced but it won't be enough.
Paul sees this as a clear mismatch. He notes that Nickal hasn't faced any adversity yet, so his chin and resolve are untested, but Brundage is not the guy to test them. Paul calls Brundage 'Cody Bumd' and points out his poor performances, including getting knocked out by Alexei Kunchenko and being outgrappled by Nick Maximov. He believes Nickal will easily take Brundage down and finish him. Paul says the moneyline is too short to bet, but everyone will take Nickal inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round finish, calling Cody Brundage a sacrificial lamb. He criticizes Brundage's recent wins as flukes and believes Nickal is superior everywhere. He notes Nickal's high-pressure experience and predicts a rear-naked choke or TKO.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!