Career Averages - Muhammad Naimov
Career Averages - Bogdan Grad
Muhammad Naimov
Bogdan Grad
Muhammad Naimov - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 18 of 48 | 37% | 35 of 69 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:08 |
| Mairon Santos | 1 | 27 of 45 | 60% | 43 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 11 of 18 | 61% | 20 of 30 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:00 |
| Mairon Santos | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 15 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 6 of 26 | 23% | 14 of 35 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
| Mairon Santos | 0 | 16 of 24 | 66% | 24 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mairon Santos | 1 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 18 of 48 | 37% | 7 of 29 | 6 of 10 | 5 of 9 | 13 of 40 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Mairon Santos | 27 of 45 | 60% | 11 of 27 | 8 of 10 | 8 of 8 | 19 of 34 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 11 of 18 | 61% | 3 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Mairon Santos | 7 of 15 | 46% | 2 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 6 of 26 | 23% | 3 of 18 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Mairon Santos | 16 of 24 | 66% | 6 of 13 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 17 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Mairon Santos | 4 of 6 | 66% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 |
Angelo picks Mairon Santos because he sets a better pace, moves forward, and has power in both hands and feet. He notes that Naimov is well-rounded but lacks urgency and danger, often just trying to win minutes rather than finish. Angelo expects the optics of Santos moving forward and Naimov slowing the pace to favor Santos. He also mentions the over on the round line as a potential bet due to both fighters' durability.
Big Brady picks Mairon Santos over Muhammad Naimov. He criticizes Naimov's volume, cardio, and cheating, calling him one of the biggest cheaters in the UFC. He believes Santos is the better striker with more volume and room for growth, and expects Santos to win by decision as long as he stuffs takedowns and his chin holds up.
Cody picks Santos, citing his youth, takedown defense, and striking. He notes that Santos trains with Fighting Nerds and has improved. He believes Naimov is one-dimensional and low-volume, and that Santos will stuff takedowns and outpoint him. He expects Santos to win by decision.
Connor picks Mairon Santos, noting that Santos is a physical phenom with explosive power and speed. He acknowledges that Santos can be inactive and has poor positioning, but believes Naimov is so hittable that Santos will land big shots. Connor cites Naimov's lack of defense and Santos's power advantage.
Daniel picks Santos, citing his technical striking, improved takedown defense, and overall skill. He believes Santos will dictate the fight on the feet and outclass Naimov, who is solid but not special. He sees Santos as a future top-15 fighter.
Lucrative James believes Mairon Santos is the better striker and will light up Muhammad Naimov on the feet. He notes Naimov's grappling-heavy game plan will cause him to gas out, while Santos' youth and improvement give him a higher ceiling. He predicts Santos wins, possibly by finish or decision, and is confident in the pick.
The host believes Santos is physical enough to stop Naimov's takedowns and is the better striker. He expects Santos to counter Naimov's power shots effectively, batter his legs, and eventually secure a knockout victory.
Paul agrees, noting that Santos is a much better striker and that Naimov's takedowns are his only path. He believes Santos will defend takedowns and win a decision. He mentions that Santos by decision is around even money and is a good play.
The Guru picks Mairon Santos over Muhammad Naimov, citing Santos' superior standup and damage ability compared to Naimov's control-based wins. He notes that Naimov's recent victories were close decisions relying on control time, while Santos has a clear win over Sadique Youssef and a KO of Kofley. The Guru believes Santos will finish Naimov in round two by KO.
Zane picks Mairon Santos, noting that Santos is more dangerous moment to moment and has the physical tools to compete. He acknowledges that Naimov could use pressure and wrestling to neutralize Santos, but believes Santos's power and explosiveness give him the edge. Zane calls it a good matchup.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 18 of 54 | 33% | 70 of 119 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:53 |
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 31 of 64 | 48% | 49 of 88 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 0 | 0 | 5:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 24 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 23 of 39 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:04 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 6 of 21 | 28% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 15 of 27 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:01 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 2 of 11 | 18% | 34 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:30 |
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 11 of 22 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 18 of 54 | 33% | 11 of 45 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 6 | 16 of 50 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Bogdan Grad | 31 of 64 | 48% | 7 of 30 | 14 of 19 | 10 of 15 | 18 of 46 | 13 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 10 of 22 | 45% | 6 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 19 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Bogdan Grad | 15 of 30 | 50% | 3 of 12 | 6 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 18 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 6 of 21 | 28% | 3 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Bogdan Grad | 10 of 21 | 47% | 3 of 11 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 2 of 11 | 18% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bogdan Grad | 6 of 13 | 46% | 1 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Muhammad Naimov, but with reservations. He thinks Naimov is slightly better everywhere and will win a close decision, but notes that Naimov doesn't chase finishes and may coast. He acknowledges Bogdan's finishing ability and the risk of a finish if Bogdan's cardio holds. He fades Naimov for fantasy due to low scoring potential.
Big Brady picks Muhammad Naimov, citing his power as a key factor. He notes that Bogdan Grad absorbs a high volume of strikes (8 per minute) and that Naimov has knockout power, having slept Jamie Mullarkey and hurt others. Brady thinks Naimov is more durable and has takedown defense to keep the fight standing. He predicts Naimov wins by first-round knockout, though he acknowledges Grad has more heart.
Connor picks Naimov, agreeing that Naimov's athleticism and strength will overwhelm Grad, who is not strong in tie-ups and relies on outlasting opponents. He notes that Naimov's mistakes and over-aggression won't be punished by Grad, who lacks the athleticism to capitalize. He believes Naimov will be able to impose his will and win the fight.
The host doesn't understand the love for Naimov outside of power punching. He thinks if Naimov can't get Grad out early, Grad will push a pace and pressure that Naimov can't keep up with, leading to a submission in the second or third round.
The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov, criticizing Bogdan Grad's lackluster performances. He notes Naimov's power and ability to manhandle opponents, and despite a loss to Felipe Lima, he sees Naimov as the better fighter. He predicts a dominant decision or first-round finish.
Zane picks Naimov, citing his superior athleticism and physicality compared to Grad. He notes that Grad is a pace fighter who relies on accumulation, but lacks strength in tie-ups and is foot-slow. Naimov, despite being reckless, is strong and powerful in the clinch and will maul Grad. He draws a parallel to Rębecki vs Orolbai, where the more brutish fighter won.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 32 of 92 | 34% | 79 of 176 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 5:36 |
| Kaan Ofli | 0 | 31 of 66 | 46% | 57 of 97 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 14 of 34 | 41% | 32 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:55 |
| Kaan Ofli | 0 | 11 of 27 | 40% | 23 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:21 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 10 of 33 | 30% | 25 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
| Kaan Ofli | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 19 of 31 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:03 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 8 of 25 | 32% | 22 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:25 |
| Kaan Ofli | 0 | 9 of 18 | 50% | 15 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 32 of 92 | 34% | 23 of 79 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 73 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 13 |
| Kaan Ofli | 31 of 66 | 46% | 5 of 30 | 16 of 21 | 10 of 15 | 14 of 44 | 17 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 14 of 34 | 41% | 7 of 23 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 30 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Kaan Ofli | 11 of 27 | 40% | 2 of 12 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 6 | 6 of 21 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 10 of 33 | 30% | 8 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Kaan Ofli | 11 of 21 | 52% | 1 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 6 of 16 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 8 of 25 | 32% | 8 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 13 |
| Kaan Ofli | 9 of 18 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 5 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 7 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Muhammad Naimov, citing his well-rounded skills, speed, and athleticism. He notes that Kaan Ofli is a BJJ black belt but lacks the length and wrestling to be effective at this level. He believes Naimov's striking and takedown defense will be key, and he is growing more confident in Naimov as fight week progresses.
Big Brady is not high on Muhammad Naimov but thinks this is a good matchup for him. He notes Kaan Ofli laid an egg in his last fight and was brutally knocked out. Brady expects Naimov to be the better striker and knock Ofli out in the first round, though he would never lay -300 on Naimov.
Connor picks Naimov, citing his superior athleticism and strength. He notes that both fighters are similar brawlers, but Naimov is a slightly better athlete and has a more durable chin. Connor believes Naimov's physicality and ability to win scrambles will be the difference, and that Ofli's tendency to crash the pocket will play into Naimov's strengths.
Naimov has more powerful striking and will land more often, winning on the scorecards if he can't get a late finish. Both fighters like to wrestle and have power, but Naimov's output and power are expected to be the difference.
The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov to win by KO in the second round or late first. He believes Naimov has wicked grappling skills and knockout power, and that Ofli's short reach (66 inches) will be a disadvantage. He thinks Naimov will have an advantage on the feet and won't be outmuscled.
Zane picks Naimov, agreeing that he is the stronger athlete and more likely to win the physical exchanges. He notes that Ofli's game is one-dimensional and that Naimov's durability and power should carry him. Zane also points out that Ofli's loss to Myron Santos showed he can be overwhelmed, and Naimov presents a similar challenge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felipe Lima | 0 | 30 of 85 | 35% | 55 of 120 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 37 of 70 | 52% | 62 of 98 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 31 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 35 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:43 | |
| 2 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 18 of 54 | 33% | 18 of 54 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 24 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Felipe Lima | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 6 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 2 of 11 | 18% | 3 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felipe Lima | 30 of 85 | 35% | 14 of 60 | 6 of 15 | 10 of 10 | 26 of 72 | 2 of 7 | 2 of 6 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 37 of 70 | 52% | 10 of 37 | 14 of 19 | 13 of 14 | 31 of 60 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felipe Lima | 7 of 19 | 36% | 3 of 13 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 6 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 14 of 23 | 60% | 3 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 18 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Felipe Lima | 18 of 54 | 33% | 10 of 39 | 3 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 51 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 21 of 36 | 58% | 7 of 19 | 8 of 10 | 6 of 7 | 20 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Felipe Lima | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Muhammad Naimov | 2 of 11 | 18% | 0 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 7 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Naimov, citing his power, size, and athleticism. He notes that Felipe Lima is moving up from bantamweight on short notice, which is a significant disadvantage. He acknowledges Lima is a very good prospect but believes the size and power difference will be too much. He is surprised Naimov is not a bigger favorite.
Cody picks Lima despite moving up a weight class on short notice, believing he is the better fighter. He notes Naimov's cardio issues and reliance on power wrestling, and expects Lima to survive early rounds and take over later. He acknowledges the risk of Naimov's size and strength.
Daniel Vreeland picks Felipe Lima but is hesitant due to the 'debut stunt' factor. He believes Lima is the more well-rounded and physical fighter with five-round experience, but worries about debut jitters. He acknowledges Naimov's toughness and improvements but sees Lima as the better fighter overall.
Jacob picks Lima, believing he is the more technical striker and well-rounded fighter. He worries about the short notice and weight cut but thinks Lima's technicality will trouble Naimov. He notes Naimov struggled with Nathaniel Wood, who is not a big featherweight, and thinks Lima could outfight him. He is not sure if he will bet it.
JP picks Naimov by submission, noting that Bagdasarian's only two losses are by submission and Naimov has 3 submission wins. He believes Naimov will take the fight to the ground and submit him. Brevan agrees, adding that Naimov can also win by ground-and-pound. He suggests a prop bet on under 2.5 rounds. Both see Naimov finishing the fight early.
Paul leans towards Naimov, citing his size advantage and the fact that Lima is moving up on short notice. He notes that Naimov has never been finished and that Lima's preparation is questionable. However, he doesn't bet the winner, instead taking the over 2.5 rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov over Felipe Lima, despite expressing dislike for Naimov. He notes that Naimov is a massive featherweight with power, while Lima is a bantamweight moving up and has been out for 11 months. He believes Lima is undersized and lacks finishing potential, while Naimov has shown he can rock opponents. He also cynically suggests that Naimov may cheat if needed, but ultimately picks him to win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Erik Silva | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Erik Silva | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Erik Silva | 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 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Erik Silva | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Naimov as the more well-rounded and dangerous fighter, citing his power and wrestling ability. He notes that Naimov benefited from fouls in his last fight but still believes he should win. He mentions waiting for prop bets on round lines but is confident Naimov gets the job done.
Big Brady picks Muhammad Naimov to win by TKO in the second round. He notes that Naimov came into the UFC on short notice and pulled off a big upset against Jamie Mullarkey, then beat Nathaniel Wood. He criticizes Erik Silva's performance against TJ Brown, saying Silva gassed out in five minutes and makes mistakes on the ground. Brady believes Naimov can hang in grappling early but will break Silva as the fight goes on due to Silva's poor cardio.
Cody picks Silva as a PRP pick, noting Naimov's suspect cardio, wrestling, and striking. He thinks Silva can wrestle and take Naimov down, holding him for two rounds. He acknowledges Silva may gas but Naimov will too. He sees value at the plus price and is fading Naimov.
The host acknowledges the heavy betting line on Naimov (close to -600) but believes Naimov's pure wrestling advantage and aggressive style will overcome any altitude concerns. He expects Naimov to out-grind Silva, who is an early finisher but will be overwhelmed by Naimov's pressure.
Paul does not make a clear pick for this fight. He calls it a dog-or-pass situation, noting Naimov's suspect cardio and Silva's wrestling but also Silva's age and submission losses. He is not interested in parlaying Naimov and doesn't commit to either side.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 50 of 72 | 69% | 70 of 94 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 2:44 |
| Nathaniel Wood | 0 | 48 of 81 | 59% | 100 of 140 | 4 of 9 | 44% | 0 | 1 | 6:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 10 of 17 | 58% | 17 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Nathaniel Wood | 0 | 18 of 28 | 64% | 49 of 64 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 1 | 2:37 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 6 of 6 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:32 |
| Nathaniel Wood | 0 | 11 of 13 | 84% | 30 of 34 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:59 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 39 of 54 | 72% | 47 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Nathaniel Wood | 0 | 19 of 40 | 47% | 21 of 42 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 50 of 72 | 69% | 37 of 57 | 6 of 7 | 7 of 8 | 36 of 56 | 5 of 6 | 9 of 10 |
| Nathaniel Wood | 48 of 81 | 59% | 31 of 60 | 10 of 13 | 7 of 8 | 24 of 48 | 11 of 14 | 13 of 19 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 10 of 17 | 58% | 4 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Nathaniel Wood | 18 of 28 | 64% | 13 of 21 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 11 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 12 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Nathaniel Wood | 11 of 13 | 84% | 4 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 7 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 39 of 54 | 72% | 32 of 46 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 28 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 10 |
| Nathaniel Wood | 19 of 40 | 47% | 14 of 33 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 36 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Nathaniel Wood but doesn't love the odds at 3-to-1. He trusts Wood's durability after the war with Andre Fili and his takedown defense. He worries about Naimov's power and the fact that Naimov is untested at 145 with a full camp. Wood is not in any of his parlays, indicating lower confidence.
Big Brady picks Nathaniel Wood to win by decision. He highlights Wood's high volume (over 6 significant strikes per minute), solid wrestling, and ability to dictate where the fight takes place. The main concern is Wood's chin, as he has been dropped and finished before, giving Naimov a puncher's chance. However, Brady believes Wood will win a clear 30-27 decision if his durability holds.
Cody picks Wood, emphasizing his speed, wrestling, and volume. He notes that Naimov is a one-dimensional power puncher who lost to Colin Anglin. Cody believes Wood's skill set will overwhelm Naimov, but he acknowledges the power threat.
Daniel picks Nathaniel Wood to win, acknowledging that Wood is a much better fighter overall but is in a high-risk, low-reward spot against a dangerous opponent. He notes Wood's chin issues and the letdown spot after fighting higher-ranked opponents. He believes Wood should win clearly but warns that Naimov is KO or bust and could catch Wood. He still picks Wood but is cautious.
Wood is the more complete fighter with relevant experience. At featherweight, he doesn't have to cut extra weight and can use his speed and footwork to stay away from Naimov's power. Expects Wood to put on a masterclass from striking to takedowns to Jiu-Jitsu, winning by decision.
Paul picks Wood but is hesitant due to Wood's durability issues. He notes that Wood is faster and more skilled, but Naimov has power and could knock him out. Paul expects Wood to win if he avoids big shots, but he is worried about the chin.
The MMA Guru picks Nathaniel Wood by late rounds TKO, specifically in the third round. He argues that Wood's technical striking, high guard, and tucked chin will make it difficult for Naimov to land a knockout. He also notes that Wood's shorter stature will help him stuff takedowns and counter Naimov's big shots. He dismisses Naimov's upset win over Jamie Mullarkey because Mullarkey's striking defense was poor.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 39 of 71 | 54% | 40 of 73 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 2:28 |
| Jamie Mullarkey | 1 | 28 of 70 | 40% | 30 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 23 of 45 | 51% | 24 of 46 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:41 |
| Jamie Mullarkey | 0 | 16 of 35 | 45% | 18 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 16 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Jamie Mullarkey | 1 | 12 of 35 | 34% | 12 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 39 of 71 | 54% | 15 of 43 | 14 of 18 | 10 of 10 | 27 of 56 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 1 |
| Jamie Mullarkey | 28 of 70 | 40% | 17 of 56 | 5 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 20 of 60 | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 23 of 45 | 51% | 5 of 24 | 11 of 14 | 7 of 7 | 15 of 34 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 1 |
| Jamie Mullarkey | 16 of 35 | 45% | 7 of 24 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 16 of 26 | 61% | 10 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Mullarkey | 12 of 35 | 34% | 10 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 5 |
Angelo picks Mullarkey due to short notice for Naimov, but is not touching the odds (-590). He thinks Mullarkey is a jack of all trades and should win, but Naimov is decent and could cause trouble. He notes Mullarkey was preparing for a good striker, so his grappling should be on point. He is not confident enough to bet.
Cody picks Mullarkey, noting his favorable matchup after originally facing a tough wrestler. He highlights Mullarkey's solid cardio, ground game, and power. Cody recalls Naimov's poor Contender Series performance where he was outwrestled and out struck. He thinks Mullarkey's wrestling and durability will be too much for Naimov, even if Naimov has a puncher's chance.
Connor picks Mullarkey, agreeing with the size and short-notice factors. He notes that Naimov's game is based on pocket exchanges and clinch knees, but Mullarkey's toughness and ability to survive should allow him to take over. Connor also points out that Naimov struggles when pressured, and Mullarkey can put his foot on the gas.
Daniel picks Mullarkey, noting that Naimov is a step up in competition and Mullarkey's experience should carry him. He acknowledges the line is high but thinks Mullarkey can use wrestling to control the fight. He mentions that Naimov showed cardio issues in his Contender Series fight, gassing in the third round.
Jacob picks Mullarkey, believing the path to victory via wrestling is obvious. He thinks Naimov is dangerous with unorthodox striking, but Mullarkey should grapple early and win easily. Jacob notes Mullarkey has more power than people think and is a tough matchup. He is confident Mullarkey wins but acknowledges the odds are too high.
Mullarkey is the better overall fighter with a well-rounded game. Naimov is a short-notice debutant with questionable cardio and level of competition. Mullarkey will mix striking and grappling, pull ahead later, and win by decision. The odds are too high (-350), but Mullarkey should win.
Paul picks Mullarkey confidently despite the high price. He notes Mullarkey's toughness, having been dropped by Michael Johnson and recovered. Paul thinks Mullarkey's wrestling and cardio are superior, and that Naimov's Contender Series performance was unimpressive. He expects Mullarkey to take Naimov down, grind him out, and get a TKO in the second or third round. Paul acknowledges the price is steep but sees Mullarkey as safe.
The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov, calling this the main event for him. He notes that Jamie Mullarkey looked good in his last win but that Michael Johnson arguably beat him. He believes Naimov is a different level, with a split decision win over Damir Ismagulov and a win over Matteus Gamrot. He thinks Naimov's body kicks will be key, as Mullarkey keeps his guard high, leaving the body open. He predicts Naimov will open up shots to the head after body work.
Zane picks Mullarkey, citing his size advantage and toughness. He notes that Naimov is a natural featherweight taking the fight on short notice, and his blitzing style may not work against Mullarkey's durability. Zane expects Mullarkey to weather any early storm and take over with his range-based game.
Bogdan Grad - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 17 of 24 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 3:55 |
| Luke Riley | 1 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 20 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Grad | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 16 of 20 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 3:55 |
| Luke Riley | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bogdan Grad | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Luke Riley | 1 | 11 of 16 | 68% | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Grad | 7 of 13 | 53% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 |
| Luke Riley | 14 of 23 | 60% | 11 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Grad | 6 of 9 | 66% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 |
| Luke Riley | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bogdan Grad | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Luke Riley | 11 of 16 | 68% | 10 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 11 |
Angelo leans Luke Riley over Bogdan Grad, citing Riley's speed and cleaner striking. He notes Grad has a wrestling advantage but Riley has shown good takedown defense in every fight. Angelo warns that Cage Warriors prospects can be overhyped, so he's cautious but picks Riley due to speed being the biggest factor.
Big Brady picks Luke Riley by third-round knockout, impressed by his power and striking. He notes Grad's hittability and questionable chin, and expects Riley to find the chin as Grad slows down. He acknowledges Grad's grappling path but doesn't think he'll fight smart.
Cody picks Luke Riley, believing his volume and cardio will overwhelm Grad. He notes that Grad has poor takedown defense and tends to lose position. Cody thinks Riley can work his way back into the fight if taken down and finish via knockout.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Riley. He notes that Riley is speedy, crafty, and scrappy, and if Grad shows any weakness on the feet or fails to get takedowns, Riley will build a brutal assault. He mentions Riley's age (26) and potential to develop physicality. He also notes that Riley got hurt in a previous fight but showed inexperience.
Riley is a nasty striker with good takedown defense, but the odds are too wide. Grad has grappling opportunities and could win by submission or decision. Riley by TKO is the prediction, but a sprinkle on Grad is considered.
Paul leans towards Luke Riley but is tempted by Bogdan Grad as an underdog. He notes Riley's all-action style and gas tank, but acknowledges Grad's wrestling could be a problem. Paul ultimately sides with Riley due to his volume and finishing ability.
The MMA Guru picks Luke Riley over Bogdan Grad, believing Riley's size and striking will be too much. He notes Grad's struggles in the clinch against Naimov. He expects Riley to rip body shots and finish by TKO in the second or third round, though he acknowledges Grad is dangerous early.
Zane picks Riley but acknowledges it's a fight he might lose. He notes that Grad is a high-motor, experienced fighter who can test Riley physically. He thinks Riley is faster, more precise, and smarter on the feet, and that Grad is slow and awkward with bad shot selection. He worries about Riley's physicality and takedown defense but believes Riley can fight his way back if not finished early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 18 of 54 | 33% | 70 of 119 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:53 |
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 31 of 64 | 48% | 49 of 88 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 0 | 0 | 5:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 24 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 23 of 39 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:04 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 6 of 21 | 28% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 15 of 27 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:01 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 0 | 2 of 11 | 18% | 34 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:30 |
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 11 of 22 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Naimov | 18 of 54 | 33% | 11 of 45 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 6 | 16 of 50 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Bogdan Grad | 31 of 64 | 48% | 7 of 30 | 14 of 19 | 10 of 15 | 18 of 46 | 13 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Naimov | 10 of 22 | 45% | 6 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 19 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Bogdan Grad | 15 of 30 | 50% | 3 of 12 | 6 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 18 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Muhammad Naimov | 6 of 21 | 28% | 3 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Bogdan Grad | 10 of 21 | 47% | 3 of 11 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Muhammad Naimov | 2 of 11 | 18% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bogdan Grad | 6 of 13 | 46% | 1 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Muhammad Naimov, but with reservations. He thinks Naimov is slightly better everywhere and will win a close decision, but notes that Naimov doesn't chase finishes and may coast. He acknowledges Bogdan's finishing ability and the risk of a finish if Bogdan's cardio holds. He fades Naimov for fantasy due to low scoring potential.
Big Brady picks Muhammad Naimov, citing his power as a key factor. He notes that Bogdan Grad absorbs a high volume of strikes (8 per minute) and that Naimov has knockout power, having slept Jamie Mullarkey and hurt others. Brady thinks Naimov is more durable and has takedown defense to keep the fight standing. He predicts Naimov wins by first-round knockout, though he acknowledges Grad has more heart.
Connor picks Naimov, agreeing that Naimov's athleticism and strength will overwhelm Grad, who is not strong in tie-ups and relies on outlasting opponents. He notes that Naimov's mistakes and over-aggression won't be punished by Grad, who lacks the athleticism to capitalize. He believes Naimov will be able to impose his will and win the fight.
The host doesn't understand the love for Naimov outside of power punching. He thinks if Naimov can't get Grad out early, Grad will push a pace and pressure that Naimov can't keep up with, leading to a submission in the second or third round.
The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov, criticizing Bogdan Grad's lackluster performances. He notes Naimov's power and ability to manhandle opponents, and despite a loss to Felipe Lima, he sees Naimov as the better fighter. He predicts a dominant decision or first-round finish.
Zane picks Naimov, citing his superior athleticism and physicality compared to Grad. He notes that Grad is a pace fighter who relies on accumulation, but lacks strength in tie-ups and is foot-slow. Naimov, despite being reckless, is strong and powerful in the clinch and will maul Grad. He draws a parallel to Rębecki vs Orolbai, where the more brutish fighter won.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Grad | 0 | 46 of 66 | 69% | 59 of 86 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 4:18 |
| Lucas Alexander | 0 | 34 of 52 | 65% | 47 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Grad | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 13 of 20 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 |
| Lucas Alexander | 0 | 15 of 23 | 65% | 28 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:13 | |
| 2 | Bogdan Grad | 0 | 41 of 57 | 71% | 46 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:01 |
| Lucas Alexander | 0 | 19 of 29 | 65% | 19 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Grad | 46 of 66 | 69% | 42 of 60 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 34 of 44 |
| Lucas Alexander | 34 of 52 | 65% | 19 of 37 | 7 of 7 | 8 of 8 | 29 of 45 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bogdan Grad | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Lucas Alexander | 15 of 23 | 65% | 10 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | |
| 2 | Bogdan Grad | 41 of 57 | 71% | 37 of 52 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 34 of 44 |
| Lucas Alexander | 19 of 29 | 65% | 9 of 19 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 18 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bogdan Grad because of his well-rounded skills, methodical approach, and high finishing rate (11 stoppages in 14 wins). He notes that Lucas Alexander is dangerous but coming off a KO loss to a low-level opponent. He believes Grad's control and pace will be mistaken for inability to finish, but Grad finds finishes without being reckless.
Big Brady likes Lucas Alexander's striking and thinks he trains with good guys. He notes Alexander has been submitted three times and has questionable takedown defense, but believes Alexander will piece up Bogdan Grad across three rounds. Grad is tough and has heart but is a walking punching bag. Brady would have liked Alexander more at +170 but thinks pick 'em is about accurate.
Alexander's Muay Thai striking and ability to fight from both stances will allow him to pick apart Grad's erratic style. Grad's explosivity and grappling may cause early trouble, but Alexander's technical striking and work off the back foot should secure a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Bogdan Grad, believing he is good enough on the feet to hang with Lucas Alexander and will have a takedown threat advantage. He notes Alexander is coming off a first-round TKO loss and has been out for over a year. He thinks Grad can get the job done early.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Muhammad Naimov, but with reservations. He thinks Naimov is slightly better everywhere and will win a close decision, but notes that Naimov doesn't chase finishes and may coast. He acknowledges Bogdan's finishing ability and the risk of a finish if Bogdan's cardio holds. He fades Naimov for fantasy due to low scoring potential.
Big Brady picks Muhammad Naimov, citing his power as a key factor. He notes that Bogdan Grad absorbs a high volume of strikes (8 per minute) and that Naimov has knockout power, having slept Jamie Mullarkey and hurt others. Brady thinks Naimov is more durable and has takedown defense to keep the fight standing. He predicts Naimov wins by first-round knockout, though he acknowledges Grad has more heart.
Connor picks Naimov, agreeing that Naimov's athleticism and strength will overwhelm Grad, who is not strong in tie-ups and relies on outlasting opponents. He notes that Naimov's mistakes and over-aggression won't be punished by Grad, who lacks the athleticism to capitalize. He believes Naimov will be able to impose his will and win the fight.
The host doesn't understand the love for Naimov outside of power punching. He thinks if Naimov can't get Grad out early, Grad will push a pace and pressure that Naimov can't keep up with, leading to a submission in the second or third round.
The MMA Guru picks Muhammad Naimov, criticizing Bogdan Grad's lackluster performances. He notes Naimov's power and ability to manhandle opponents, and despite a loss to Felipe Lima, he sees Naimov as the better fighter. He predicts a dominant decision or first-round finish.
Zane picks Naimov, citing his superior athleticism and physicality compared to Grad. He notes that Grad is a pace fighter who relies on accumulation, but lacks strength in tie-ups and is foot-slow. Naimov, despite being reckless, is strong and powerful in the clinch and will maul Grad. He draws a parallel to Rębecki vs Orolbai, where the more brutish fighter won.
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