Career Averages - Rong Zhu
Career Averages - Austin Hubbard
Rong Zhu
Austin Hubbard
Rong Zhu - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 101 of 197 | 51% | 104 of 201 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 75 of 226 | 33% | 77 of 228 | 2 of 12 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 20 of 46 | 43% | 21 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 18 of 59 | 30% | 18 of 59 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 | |
| 2 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 29 of 62 | 46% | 31 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 28 of 68 | 41% | 29 of 69 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 | |
| 3 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 52 of 89 | 58% | 52 of 90 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 29 of 99 | 29% | 30 of 100 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rong Zhu | 101 of 197 | 51% | 65 of 154 | 21 of 28 | 15 of 15 | 98 of 189 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 75 of 226 | 33% | 43 of 169 | 30 of 54 | 2 of 3 | 71 of 215 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rong Zhu | 20 of 46 | 43% | 9 of 32 | 1 of 4 | 10 of 10 | 19 of 43 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 18 of 59 | 30% | 10 of 46 | 7 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 18 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rong Zhu | 29 of 62 | 46% | 15 of 47 | 11 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 27 of 57 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 28 of 68 | 41% | 13 of 48 | 14 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 62 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rong Zhu | 52 of 89 | 58% | 41 of 75 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 52 of 89 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 29 of 99 | 29% | 20 of 75 | 9 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 94 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
Angelo slightly leans Rong Zhu due to his volume and striking, but is surprised by the -300 odds, calling them berserk. He notes that Austin Hubbard is gritty and decent everywhere, and just had a close loss to a very good fighter. He thinks Hubbard could make it tricky if he marches forward and fakes takedowns.
Big Brady picks Rong Zhu to win by decision, citing his youth, rapid improvement, and striking power. He notes that Zhu has been working on takedown defense and anti-grappling, which will be key against Hubbard's wrestling. He believes Zhu will win a damage-based decision over 15 minutes, as Hubbard has never been knocked out.
The host is historically higher on Hubbard than most, but thinks this is a horrible stylistic matchup for him. He doesn't think Hubbard will be able to get to his wrestling game, allowing Rong Zhu to dictate the striking and eventually land a big knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Rong Zhu to win by 29-28 decision, but notes that he thinks Zhu is a bit of a big favorite and that there is value on Austin Hubbard. He believes Zhu is more talented and works well on the back foot, but acknowledges Hubbard could win the third round. He mentions that Zhu is young (25) and has had mixed results, including a loss to an underrated lightweight prospect.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rong Zhu | 1 | 125 of 241 | 51% | 126 of 243 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:18 |
| Kody Steele | 0 | 59 of 209 | 28% | 59 of 209 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 34 of 76 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:08 |
| Kody Steele | 0 | 27 of 86 | 31% | 27 of 86 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Rong Zhu | 1 | 32 of 64 | 50% | 32 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Kody Steele | 0 | 9 of 36 | 25% | 9 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 60 of 102 | 58% | 60 of 102 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kody Steele | 0 | 23 of 87 | 26% | 23 of 87 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rong Zhu | 125 of 241 | 51% | 108 of 220 | 4 of 8 | 13 of 13 | 125 of 241 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kody Steele | 59 of 209 | 28% | 47 of 194 | 10 of 11 | 2 of 4 | 58 of 205 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rong Zhu | 33 of 75 | 44% | 27 of 69 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 33 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kody Steele | 27 of 86 | 31% | 21 of 79 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 26 of 82 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rong Zhu | 32 of 64 | 50% | 28 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 32 of 64 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kody Steele | 9 of 36 | 25% | 8 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 9 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rong Zhu | 60 of 102 | 58% | 53 of 92 | 1 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 60 of 102 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kody Steele | 23 of 87 | 26% | 18 of 82 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 87 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady is a fan of Kody Steele, noting his BJJ black belt and improved striking. He believes Steele has a massive grappling advantage over Rong Zhu, who has been submitted four times. However, he worries that Steele might fall in love with his hands and stand and bang, which could give Rong a chance. Brady predicts a second-round submission if Steele mixes in takedowns.
Daniel Levi discusses Kody Steele's UFC debut, noting his impressive Contender Series performance and Dana White's praise. He mentions Steele's opponent Rong Zhu, who has been in the UFC before. He does not pick a winner, only advising viewers to pay attention to Steele.
Rong Zhu's experience and striking advantage are expected to overcome Steele's undefeated record. Steele will struggle to get the fight to the ground due to Rong Zhu's improved defensive grappling. The pick is for Rong Zhu to win by decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Padilla | 0 | 49 of 88 | 55% | 49 of 88 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 68 of 105 | 64% | 73 of 110 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Padilla | 0 | 27 of 54 | 50% | 27 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 35 of 53 | 66% | 35 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Chris Padilla | 0 | 22 of 34 | 64% | 22 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 33 of 52 | 63% | 38 of 57 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Padilla | 49 of 88 | 55% | 26 of 61 | 12 of 13 | 11 of 14 | 43 of 81 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Rong Zhu | 68 of 105 | 64% | 36 of 51 | 8 of 12 | 24 of 42 | 62 of 98 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Padilla | 27 of 54 | 50% | 15 of 38 | 4 of 5 | 8 of 11 | 27 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Rong Zhu | 35 of 53 | 66% | 16 of 22 | 4 of 7 | 15 of 24 | 35 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Chris Padilla | 22 of 34 | 64% | 11 of 23 | 8 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 27 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Rong Zhu | 33 of 52 | 63% | 20 of 29 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 18 | 27 of 45 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Chris Padilla as an underdog because he is well-rounded, explosive, and composed, with multiple ways to win. He notes that Rong Zhu's wins are on the regional scene and he headhunts, while Chris can scramble and snatch submissions. He plans to wait for prop bets like plus 3.5 rounds or win inside distance.
Big Brady picks Rong Zhu to win by decision. He notes Zhu is a big favorite at -265 and is improving at 24 years old. Brady thinks Zhu is the much better striker and his takedown defense is improving. He acknowledges Padilla can wrestle but lacks top control, so he expects Zhu to keep it on the feet and win a decision.
Cody picks Padilla, arguing that Zhu's competition on Road to UFC is weak and he has been taken down by lesser fighters. He notes Padilla's wrestling and submission skills, and believes he can neutralize Zhu's striking. He sees the -220 line on Zhu as too wide and takes the plus money.
Daniel thinks Rong Zhu has matured since his first UFC stint and is now ready. He believes Zhu's takedown defense is good enough to keep the fight standing, and that his volume, calf kicks, and athleticism will overwhelm Padilla. He expects Zhu to stuff takedowns and chip away at Padilla, possibly winning a decision.
Rong Zhu is a dangerous striker with improved takedown defense and get-ups. Padilla is a power puncher who relies on grappling, but Rong Zhu should nullify that and find a finish within two rounds. The host sees a more mature version of Rong Zhu now.
Paul is interested in Padilla's submission prop at +600, noting his recent submission wins and wrestling advantage. He believes Padilla can take Zhu down and control him, as Zhu has been taken down by lesser competition. He sees value at plus money and picks Padilla as an underdog.
The MMA Guru picks Rong Zhu over Chris Padilla. He criticizes Padilla's recent losses and long career, while praising Zhu's youth (24), activity, and evolution as a fighter. He notes Zhu has been fighting higher-level competition and is on a streak since being cut from the UFC. He expects Zhu to have a good performance.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ignacio Bahamondes | 0 | 48 of 129 | 37% | 49 of 130 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 126 of 194 | 64% | 133 of 204 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 1:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ignacio Bahamondes | 0 | 9 of 17 | 52% | 9 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 42 of 66 | 63% | 48 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:11 | |
| 2 | Ignacio Bahamondes | 0 | 31 of 83 | 37% | 31 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 60 of 97 | 61% | 61 of 98 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Ignacio Bahamondes | 0 | 8 of 29 | 27% | 9 of 30 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 24 of 31 | 77% | 24 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ignacio Bahamondes | 48 of 129 | 37% | 34 of 114 | 9 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 46 of 126 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Rong Zhu | 126 of 194 | 64% | 86 of 151 | 25 of 28 | 15 of 15 | 117 of 178 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ignacio Bahamondes | 9 of 17 | 52% | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Rong Zhu | 42 of 66 | 63% | 24 of 46 | 11 of 13 | 7 of 7 | 36 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 13 | |
| 2 | Ignacio Bahamondes | 31 of 83 | 37% | 20 of 71 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 30 of 81 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Rong Zhu | 60 of 97 | 61% | 43 of 80 | 11 of 11 | 6 of 6 | 59 of 96 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ignacio Bahamondes | 8 of 29 | 27% | 8 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Rong Zhu | 24 of 31 | 77% | 19 of 25 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Ignacio Bahamondes to win by decision. He praises Bahamondes' takedown defense shown against Roosevelt Roberts, where he stuffed 12 takedowns. He notes Bahamondes throws high volume (over 7.5 significant strikes per minute) and has a significant reach advantage. He criticizes Rong Zhu's striking, pointing out that he was outlanded 94-40 by Kazula Vargas at distance. Brady believes Bahamondes will keep the fight on the feet and outwork Zhu.
Cody picks Bahamondes by decision, citing his size, volume, and takedown defense. He notes Bahamondes' improvement and ability to stuff takedowns, while Zhu is still raw. Cody likes the decision prop at +150 and plans to bet it later in the week.
Daniel Levi leans Ignacio Bahamondes but is cautious. He notes Bahamondes has a tendency to fight to the level of his competition and sometimes underperforms. Levi praises Bahamondes' striking and chin, but worries about Rong Zhu's talent and youth. He calls it a dog-or-pass situation and says if Bahamondes performs to his potential, he wins.
The host is confident in Bahamondes, citing his volume striking, takedown defense, and ability to overwhelm opponents. He notes that Bahamondes stuffed takedowns from Roosevelt Roberts and expects similar success against Rong Zhu. He thinks Rong Zhu's only chance is a knockout, but Bahamondes should control the fight and win by decision.
Paul agrees with Bahamondes by decision, noting his pressure, volume, and takedown defense. He acknowledges Zhu's power but believes Bahamondes' size and output will win rounds. Paul also likes the decision prop at +150.
The MMA Guru picks Ignacio Bahamondes to win by 29-28 decision. He believes Bahamondes has more potential and a higher ceiling than Rong Zhu, citing Bahamondes' impressive performance against Roosevelt Roberts and his toughness in the John McDermott fight. He criticizes Zhu's loss to Rodrigo Vargas and thinks Bahamondes will pressure Zhu, lose the first round, but come back in the second and third with better pacing to take Zhu into deep waters and win the last two rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rong Zhu | 1 | 86 of 134 | 64% | 134 of 198 | 6 of 8 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 9:27 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 0 | 41 of 105 | 39% | 67 of 138 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rong Zhu | 1 | 35 of 51 | 68% | 38 of 55 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:01 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 0 | 22 of 56 | 39% | 23 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 30 of 46 | 65% | 57 of 74 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 4:00 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 27 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:04 | |
| 3 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 21 of 37 | 56% | 39 of 69 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:26 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 0 | 9 of 27 | 33% | 17 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rong Zhu | 86 of 134 | 64% | 71 of 118 | 8 of 9 | 7 of 7 | 43 of 74 | 1 of 1 | 42 of 59 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 41 of 105 | 39% | 17 of 69 | 7 of 16 | 17 of 20 | 36 of 98 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rong Zhu | 35 of 51 | 68% | 24 of 40 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 18 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 19 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 22 of 56 | 39% | 5 of 32 | 3 of 8 | 14 of 16 | 20 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Rong Zhu | 30 of 46 | 65% | 28 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 18 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 10 of 22 | 45% | 7 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 17 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Rong Zhu | 21 of 37 | 56% | 19 of 34 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 22 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 9 of 27 | 33% | 5 of 19 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Dakota Bush (Brandon Jenkins) because he thinks Zhu Rong is the better striker but needs to dictate the pace. He believes Dakota's willingness to come forward, mix in wrestling, and make it a dirty fight will put Zhu on the back foot, causing him to react rather than inflict. He notes Zhu's record is a bit hollow.
Big Brady picks underdog Rong Zhu, believing he is better than his poor UFC debut showed. He thinks Zhu has cardio and striking advantages, and can stuff Jenkins' takedowns. He notes Jenkins has poor takedown defense and may slow down. He predicts a decision win for Zhu but is not overly confident.
Cody does not make a firm pick, noting that Rong Zhu looked shell-shocked in his debut but has potential, while Brandon Jenkins is a short-notice replacement with mediocre technique. He suggests the under might be the best play if the price is right, as both fighters are aggressive finishers.
Daniel Levi picks Rong Zhu to win but calls it a dog-or-pass situation. He notes Zhu underperformed in his last fight due to the flight from China, but this time he trained at ATT in Florida, so the flight won't be an issue. He thinks Zhu should be around -175 to -200, not -350. He acknowledges Jenkins is an opportunistic finisher and hittable, but if he were to bet a side, he would bet Jenkins. As a pure pick, he goes with Zhu.
Preet leans Rong Zhu but thinks the line is too wide. He believes Zhu is a crisper striker and may have a grappling advantage, but Jenkins is durable and has better timing. He expects chaos and likes the under 2.5 rounds at -125.
Paul does not make a pick, noting that the fight was just booked and he hasn't studied it. He mentions he would be interested in the under if the total is set reasonably, as both fighters have finishing ability.
The MMA Guru picks Rong Zhu over Brandon Jenkins, noting Zhu's youth (21) and experience (18-5). He criticizes Jenkins' lack of notable wins and believes Zhu will improve from his debut. He predicts a TKO win for Zhu.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazula Vargas | 0 | 96 of 176 | 54% | 111 of 192 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 1:10 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 42 of 105 | 40% | 49 of 114 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 2:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kazula Vargas | 0 | 47 of 82 | 57% | 47 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 13 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Kazula Vargas | 0 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 23 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 1:10 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 7 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 | |
| 3 | Kazula Vargas | 0 | 41 of 81 | 50% | 41 of 81 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 27 of 66 | 40% | 29 of 70 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazula Vargas | 96 of 176 | 54% | 50 of 121 | 29 of 34 | 17 of 21 | 94 of 174 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Rong Zhu | 42 of 105 | 40% | 40 of 101 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 40 of 100 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kazula Vargas | 47 of 82 | 57% | 17 of 47 | 18 of 21 | 12 of 14 | 47 of 82 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Rong Zhu | 13 of 32 | 40% | 11 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Kazula Vargas | 8 of 13 | 61% | 3 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Rong Zhu | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | |
| 3 | Kazula Vargas | 41 of 81 | 50% | 30 of 66 | 9 of 11 | 2 of 4 | 41 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Rong Zhu | 27 of 66 | 40% | 27 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 63 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 |
Big Brady picks Rong Zhu to win by second-round knockout. He believes Rong Zhu is a much more technical striker with harder hits, and that Vargas is wild and low-output. He also notes Rong Zhu has good ground and pound if he takes Vargas down. He expects a finish because both fighters have high finish rates.
Cody leans toward Zhu, noting his youth and striking. He acknowledges Vargas's wrestling but thinks Zhu's aggression and cardio will be factors. He is not confident due to the lack of tape on Zhu and the -255 price. He passes on betting.
Daniel picks Rong Zhu, believing he is the best Chinese prospect on the card and that Kazula Vargas is not UFC caliber. He notes Zhu's length and aggression, and expects him to land better shots. He is not sure about the -250 line but still picks Zhu to win.
I think Rong Zhu has the most potential among the Chinese debutants. He's well-rounded with solid grappling and striking, and he's only 21 with 20 pro fights. Vargas is durable but limited; he's been finished only by Jose Caceres. I expect the fight to stay standing and Zhu to outpoint him, possibly finishing late. The prop I like is Zhu by KO at +135, but I'm not investing serious money due to the unknowns.
Paul picks Vargas as a dog, citing Zhu's takedown defense issues and Vargas's wrestling. He notes Zhu's youth and potential but thinks Vargas can exploit the grappling gap. He likes the plus money and thinks the line should be closer to a pick 'em. He also mentions that Zhu is on the card because of the Chinese market.
The MMA Guru picks Rong Zhu by TKO in the second round. He is impressed by Zhu's highlight reel and activity, noting he has a 10-fight win streak and disguises his wins among lesser competition. He thinks Vargas is older and not as good, and that Zhu will finish him via ground and pound after Vargas survives a bit.
Austin Hubbard - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rong Zhu | 0 | 101 of 197 | 51% | 104 of 201 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 75 of 226 | 33% | 77 of 228 | 2 of 12 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 20 of 46 | 43% | 21 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 18 of 59 | 30% | 18 of 59 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 | |
| 2 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 29 of 62 | 46% | 31 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 28 of 68 | 41% | 29 of 69 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 | |
| 3 | Rong Zhu | 0 | 52 of 89 | 58% | 52 of 90 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 29 of 99 | 29% | 30 of 100 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rong Zhu | 101 of 197 | 51% | 65 of 154 | 21 of 28 | 15 of 15 | 98 of 189 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 75 of 226 | 33% | 43 of 169 | 30 of 54 | 2 of 3 | 71 of 215 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rong Zhu | 20 of 46 | 43% | 9 of 32 | 1 of 4 | 10 of 10 | 19 of 43 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 18 of 59 | 30% | 10 of 46 | 7 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 18 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rong Zhu | 29 of 62 | 46% | 15 of 47 | 11 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 27 of 57 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 28 of 68 | 41% | 13 of 48 | 14 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 62 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rong Zhu | 52 of 89 | 58% | 41 of 75 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 52 of 89 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 29 of 99 | 29% | 20 of 75 | 9 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 94 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
Angelo slightly leans Rong Zhu due to his volume and striking, but is surprised by the -300 odds, calling them berserk. He notes that Austin Hubbard is gritty and decent everywhere, and just had a close loss to a very good fighter. He thinks Hubbard could make it tricky if he marches forward and fakes takedowns.
Big Brady picks Rong Zhu to win by decision, citing his youth, rapid improvement, and striking power. He notes that Zhu has been working on takedown defense and anti-grappling, which will be key against Hubbard's wrestling. He believes Zhu will win a damage-based decision over 15 minutes, as Hubbard has never been knocked out.
The host is historically higher on Hubbard than most, but thinks this is a horrible stylistic matchup for him. He doesn't think Hubbard will be able to get to his wrestling game, allowing Rong Zhu to dictate the striking and eventually land a big knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Rong Zhu to win by 29-28 decision, but notes that he thinks Zhu is a bit of a big favorite and that there is value on Austin Hubbard. He believes Zhu is more talented and works well on the back foot, but acknowledges Hubbard could win the third round. He mentions that Zhu is young (25) and has had mixed results, including a loss to an underrated lightweight prospect.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquel Mederos | 0 | 44 of 68 | 64% | 57 of 81 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:33 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 26 of 65 | 40% | 62 of 121 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 1 | 0 | 7:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marquel Mederos | 0 | 23 of 35 | 65% | 23 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 17 of 39 | 43% | 19 of 41 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:50 | |
| 2 | Marquel Mederos | 0 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 18 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 4:12 | |
| 3 | Marquel Mederos | 0 | 15 of 22 | 68% | 28 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:28 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 6 of 17 | 35% | 25 of 45 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquel Mederos | 44 of 68 | 64% | 21 of 41 | 7 of 7 | 16 of 20 | 32 of 55 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 9 |
| Austin Hubbard | 26 of 65 | 40% | 16 of 51 | 6 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 22 of 60 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marquel Mederos | 23 of 35 | 65% | 9 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 10 of 12 | 21 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 17 of 39 | 43% | 10 of 28 | 4 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 15 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marquel Mederos | 6 of 11 | 54% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marquel Mederos | 15 of 22 | 68% | 9 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 9 |
| Austin Hubbard | 6 of 17 | 35% | 4 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Connor picks Mederos, noting his Tony Ferguson-like style of fighting in the pocket with high activity and creativity. He thinks Mederos's pressure will overwhelm Hubbard, who is reactive and lacks power. He acknowledges that Mederos's style puts him in danger but believes he can go far before a potential fall.
Zane picks Mederos, agreeing that his aggressive pocket fighting will be too much for Hubbard. He notes that Hubbard's game is reactive and low-power, and that Mederos's willingness to eat a shot and come back is a key advantage. Zane thinks the matchup favors Mederos's mentality.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Hernandez | 0 | 63 of 191 | 32% | 65 of 193 | 0 of 12 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 79 of 204 | 38% | 91 of 217 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Hernandez | 0 | 10 of 44 | 22% | 11 of 45 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 23 of 60 | 38% | 23 of 60 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Alexander Hernandez | 0 | 22 of 66 | 33% | 22 of 66 | 0 of 7 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 26 of 71 | 36% | 32 of 77 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 3 | Alexander Hernandez | 0 | 31 of 81 | 38% | 32 of 82 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 30 of 73 | 41% | 36 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Hernandez | 63 of 191 | 32% | 32 of 142 | 25 of 42 | 6 of 7 | 60 of 177 | 3 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 79 of 204 | 38% | 41 of 144 | 22 of 38 | 16 of 22 | 78 of 203 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Hernandez | 10 of 44 | 22% | 2 of 27 | 7 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 42 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 23 of 60 | 38% | 10 of 43 | 4 of 7 | 9 of 10 | 23 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alexander Hernandez | 22 of 66 | 33% | 12 of 53 | 7 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 19 of 58 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 26 of 71 | 36% | 13 of 48 | 8 of 16 | 5 of 7 | 26 of 71 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Alexander Hernandez | 31 of 81 | 38% | 18 of 62 | 11 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 31 of 77 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 30 of 73 | 41% | 18 of 53 | 10 of 15 | 2 of 5 | 29 of 72 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hernandez (-215), Hubbard (+170)
Round 1
When this lightweight affair concludes, one of these two fighters will lift their UFC records to .500 while the other will drift further in the wrong direction. Hoping this second stint courtesy of a finals appearance in TUF 31 will go swimmingly, Hubbard (16-7, 4-5 UFC) comes to blows with Texas native Hernandez (14-8, 6-7 UFC). There is no plan of a glove touch to the precede the action while referee Tyler Tomlinson watches on. Don’t worry, fight fans, ref Dave Seljestad is done for the night. He can’t hurt you anymore. Hubbard presses forward right out of the gate, pursuing Hernandez all across the cage after him. The two trade leg kicks until Hernandez lashes out with a right hand down the pipe. Hernandez tosses out a high kick that is blocked, and a right hand is not. Hubbard ducks down and directly into a right hand, and Hernandez keeps it going with a solid uppercut. Hubbard remains in front of Hernandez, but Hernandez is quicker and beats him to the punch. Hubbard jabs his foe in the chest with a kick, and Hernandez responds with a one-two. Hubbard slips back and tags “The Great Ape” with a left hook, backing Hernandez off. Hubbard chases, going for a single and then attacking up high with a kick. Even getting countered often, Hubbard remains right in front of the Texan, and he dings him with a step-in knee as Hernandez goes after a single. The knee busts Hernandez’ nose open, and a thin trickle of blood leak out of it. Hernandez pays it no mind and connects with a one-two, only for Hubbard to come back firing with a body kick. Hubbard misses a front kick by a whisker, and Hernandez’ body shot finds its home. Hubbard whiffs on a right hook and his front kick pushes off the chest, but the active Hernandez tags him with a few kicks and a left hand. Hubbard skims a right hand over the top, and Hernandez is there with two hooks that buckle Hubbard’s knees but do not send him down. “Thud” gathers his thoughts and has a thudding kick bounce off the guard. Hernandez rushes forward with a left hand and a one-two, and Hubbard barely bats an eye and instead attempts an axe kick. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Round 2
Striking exchanges from both men open up the round, with both fighters landing at the end of a few successful blows. Hubbard punches his way into a takedown attempt, and Hernandez rebuffs him with ease and attacks the body. They let go with hooks at the same time, and Hernandez manages to get the better of it. Hubbard continues to maintain heavy pressure, and Hernandez beats him to the punch and drops him to his hands with a straight right hand down the pipe. Hernandez clips Hubbard with a pair of punches, and Hubbard sits down on a low kick that turns “The Great Ape” around. Hubbard drops for a single, and Hernandez manages to fight it off and hop around the cage to stay upright. Hubbard strings together a few punches into a body kick, and Hernandez swats him back with a kick to the thigh. Hernandez sneaks a high kick up, and a left hand gives Hubbard some pause, but Hubbard’s durability holds up. Going after a single, Hubbard turns the corner and takes Hernandez down to his seat from behind but cannot keep him there. Hernandez bounces back up and flashes out a few jabs. Hubbard drills him with a shovel uppercut, and he goes after a takedown, misses and blasts a leaning Hernandez in the face with a crisp knee. Hernandez appears no worse for wear from the destructive blow, and he reaches Hubbard with a left hook. Hubbard slides back and lifts up a knee, and the foot bounces into Hernandez’ cup as Hernandez does not say a word. They do not take a break, instead taking turns to throw at one another. Hernandez punches his way into a double-leg takedown, and Hubbard scoots his way to the fencing to not get taken off his feet. Hubbard breaks free and further bloodies Hernandez’ nose with a left hand. Body shots are traded from the fighters, and they crack one another with right hooks to follow. Hubbard drives forward with a body kick, and Hernandez stands firm and blasts him with a left hand at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Round 3
Fists fly almost immediately to start the last round, and Hernandez charges at Hubbard throwing hands and ending a string of strikes with a knee. Hubbard’s own nose is marked up from oncoming fire, but he is right in there readying himself for a firefight. When a Hubbard takedown is rebuffed once more, he is shoved back and does not eat a strike on the way out this time. Hernandez chains a body shot into two lunging punches, throwing himself off-balance while missing with the strikes. Hubbard catches him with a front kick, two clean punches and a spinning back kick, and Hernandez has to shake it off before responding. When Hernandez darts in, Hubbard has a right hand ready to pop him. Hubbard punches a few times, and Hernandez ducks and eats a knee flush. Hubbard stabs a front kick to the body, fails on a takedown and wings a right hand over the top. Hubbard’s front kick finds its home again, and they jab at the same time. Hernandez dodges a front kick to put a left hand in Hubbard’s face, and Hubbard sells out for a takedown he just cannot find. Hernandez circles around in hopes of taking Hubbard’s back during the attempt, and Hubbard stands and leans against the cage. The two split, and Hernandez connects with an elbow. Hubbard digs a knee to the breadbasket while Hernandez throws hammers, and “Thud” knocks his head around with a combo of hooks. Hubbard’s front kick lands cleanly again, and he hurts Hernandez with another short flurry. Hernandez bites down on his mouthpiece and throws back hard, and they slug it out with punches, kicks, knees and a spinning kick for good measure. The round ends as they go for broke, blood flowing out of Hernandez’ face from numerous clean connects.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hubbard (29-28 Hernandez)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Hubbard (29-28 Hernandez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hubbard (29-28 Hernandez)
The Official Result
Alexander Hernandez def. Austin Hubbard via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Alexander Hernandez, acknowledging his talent but inconsistency. He notes Hernandez has all the tools but often makes poor decisions. He believes this matchup allows Hernandez to be himself, but he is not confident enough to bet on Hernandez as a favorite. He would only bet if Hernandez is an underdog.
Big Brady picks Austin Hubbard as a live dog, citing Hernandez's poor cardio, lack of heart, and short-notice fight at elevation. He expects Hernandez to win the first round but fade, while Hubbard's toughness and cardio will allow him to take over and win a decision, possibly with a late finish.
Cody picks Hubbard, citing Hernandez's inconsistency and cardio issues. He notes Hubbard's toughness and experience at altitude, believing Hubbard can outlast Hernandez and win a decision or late finish.
Connor picks Hernandez despite his confidence issues, noting that Hernandez has the physical tools to win. He points out that Hubbard is a talentless bully who only wins by being more physical, and Hernandez has the speed and power to overwhelm him. However, he acknowledges the altitude and short notice could be factors.
Daniel Vreeland hesitantly picks Austin Hubbard, despite calling him 'harmless Hubbard.' He dislikes Alexander Hernandez, calling him a fraud and a bust. Vreeland notes that Hernandez has lost four of his last five and that Hubbard is durable and has shown output. He is not confident but refuses to bet on Hernandez.
The host leans with the physicality and explosiveness of Alexander Hernandez, believing he will land better shots, defend Hubbard's grappling, and eventually find a knockout in the second or third round. He notes both fighters are from Colorado but gives the edge to Hernandez.
Paul picks Hubbard, agreeing with Cody about Hernandez's cardio and durability. He thinks Hubbard's pressure and altitude advantage will be key. He expects Hubbard to win by decision or submission.
The MMA Guru picks Alexander Hernandez after flipping a bottle of mayonnaise, which landed on Hernandez's side. He acknowledges Hernandez is better at lightweight and dangerous, but worries about altitude and Hernandez's tendency to gas out. He notes Hubbard trains at elevation but believes Hernandez's lightweight performances are superior. He predicts a TKO early in the fight.
Zane picks Hubbard, citing the altitude and Hernandez's short notice as key factors. He notes that Hernandez has confidence problems and may struggle with the weight cut and altitude. Hubbard is a big strong guy who can grind out a decision if he imposes his physicality.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 88 of 206 | 42% | 99 of 220 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Michał Figlak | 0 | 92 of 210 | 43% | 100 of 218 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Hubbard | 0 | 19 of 57 | 33% | 27 of 67 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Michał Figlak | 0 | 26 of 59 | 44% | 27 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Austin Hubbard | 0 | 37 of 85 | 43% | 37 of 86 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michał Figlak | 0 | 30 of 81 | 37% | 30 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 3 | Austin Hubbard | 0 | 32 of 64 | 50% | 35 of 67 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Michał Figlak | 0 | 36 of 70 | 51% | 43 of 77 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Hubbard | 88 of 206 | 42% | 55 of 162 | 22 of 29 | 11 of 15 | 85 of 203 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Michał Figlak | 92 of 210 | 43% | 60 of 173 | 16 of 19 | 16 of 18 | 88 of 204 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Hubbard | 19 of 57 | 33% | 11 of 45 | 3 of 5 | 5 of 7 | 18 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Michał Figlak | 26 of 59 | 44% | 15 of 47 | 4 of 5 | 7 of 7 | 26 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Austin Hubbard | 37 of 85 | 43% | 23 of 65 | 11 of 15 | 3 of 5 | 37 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michał Figlak | 30 of 81 | 37% | 18 of 68 | 6 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 30 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Austin Hubbard | 32 of 64 | 50% | 21 of 52 | 8 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 30 of 62 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Michał Figlak | 36 of 70 | 51% | 27 of 58 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 5 | 32 of 64 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo has a half-unit bet on Michał Figlak at -125, beating the line movement. He thinks Figlak is the much better and more dangerous fighter, with powerful striking and solid wrestling used defensively. He worries about Figlak's two-year layoff, noting that strikers with long layoffs often struggle to find rhythm. However, he believes Figlak's talent outweighs the risk at the current odds, though he cautions if Figlak reaches -170 or higher the layoff becomes too risky.
Cody picks Figlak, believing he will show improvement after a poor debut. He likes Figlak's pressure style and volume, and thinks Hubbard is a warm body with no standout skills. He expects Figlak to win by decision or late finish.
Daniel calls Hubbard 'harmless Hubbard' – durable but not a finisher. He thinks Figlak has had two years to improve and has the physicality and takedown defense to outwork Hubbard. He predicts Figlak by decision, noting Hubbard's lack of threat.
Hubbard has a wrestling and grappling advantage and should be able to dictate the pace, take Figlak down, and grind him out from top position. Figlak struggled against a striker in his UFC debut and may not have the resistance to stop Hubbard's pressure. Hubbard wins on the scorecards.
Paul also picks Figlak, citing his potential and Hubbard's limited ceiling. He notes Figlak's youth and room for growth, and believes the 16-month layoff will help him. He is worried about Hubbard's wrestling but trusts Figlak's improvements.
The MMA Guru picks Michał Figlak, noting he has been high on him for a long time. He mentions Figlak's training at Renegades with Leon Edwards and Arnold Allen, and his unrelenting pressure. He criticizes Austin Hubbard for looking awful against Kurt Holobaugh and beating low-level competition. He predicts Figlak will finish Hubbard with body shots to head shots in the late second or third round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kurt Holobaugh | 0 | 61 of 119 | 51% | 85 of 144 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 1:08 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 44 of 107 | 41% | 61 of 125 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kurt Holobaugh | 0 | 37 of 78 | 47% | 58 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 31 of 74 | 41% | 48 of 92 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 | |
| 2 | Kurt Holobaugh | 0 | 24 of 41 | 58% | 27 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 1:08 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 13 of 33 | 39% | 13 of 33 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kurt Holobaugh | 61 of 119 | 51% | 46 of 101 | 10 of 12 | 5 of 6 | 50 of 106 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 3 |
| Austin Hubbard | 44 of 107 | 41% | 25 of 86 | 17 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 31 of 87 | 9 of 12 | 4 of 8 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kurt Holobaugh | 37 of 78 | 47% | 26 of 64 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 30 of 71 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 31 of 74 | 41% | 16 of 58 | 14 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 57 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 8 | |
| 2 | Kurt Holobaugh | 24 of 41 | 58% | 20 of 37 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Austin Hubbard | 13 of 33 | 39% | 9 of 28 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 30 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo likes Kurt Holobaugh as an underdog despite his 0-6 UFC record, noting that his losses were to top competition like Thiago Moises, Shane Burgos, and Humberto Bandenay. He believes Holobaugh's striking combinations and power will be too much for Austin Hubbard, though he acknowledges Hubbard's chin and takedown ability as concerns. He expects Holobaugh to win and become the Ultimate Fighter champion.
Cody likes Holobaugh's momentum from The Ultimate Fighter, his durability, and power. He thinks Hubbard is a volume pressure fighter but Holobaugh has a chip on his shoulder and nothing to lose. He picks Holobaugh as an underdog to win a decision or late finish.
Daniel Levi picks Austin Hubbard to do his typical thing, turning the fight into a sparring match and not taking risks. He notes that Hubbard is hard to finish and has survived bad spots against high-level grapplers. However, Levi is not laying the price and calls it a dog-or-pass situation. He prefers the over and Holobaugh decision props.
Lucrative James sees value on Kurt Holobaugh as an underdog, believing the fight should be a pick'em. He notes Holobaugh has more finishing threat and has faced better competition, while Austin Hubbard relies on toughness and volume but lacks major skills. However, he acknowledges Holobaugh's age (36) and potential to be out-volumed.
Hubbard has added wrinkles to his game, mixing striking with takedowns. He should be competitive on the feet and then use his wrestling to grind out Holobaugh, who struggles with defensive grappling. Hubbard's kicks and range control will set up takedowns. The line has moved to a reasonable -160/-170 range, making him a good play.
The MMA Guru picks Austin Hubbard over Kurt Holobaugh. He acknowledges Holobaugh's pocket boxing skills but believes Hubbard's straight punches, front kicks, and low kicks will keep him from standing in the pocket. Hubbard also has offensive grappling and excellent takedown defense, allowing him to dictate where the fight takes place. The Guru sees Hubbard's versatility as too much for Holobaugh.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinc Pichel | 0 | 71 of 160 | 44% | 96 of 187 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:29 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 56 of 152 | 36% | 66 of 171 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vinc Pichel | 0 | 21 of 55 | 38% | 27 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 22 of 58 | 37% | 24 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 2 | Vinc Pichel | 0 | 27 of 63 | 42% | 34 of 70 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 19 of 52 | 36% | 24 of 58 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 0:51 | |
| 3 | Vinc Pichel | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 35 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:08 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 15 of 42 | 35% | 18 of 52 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinc Pichel | 71 of 160 | 44% | 28 of 108 | 16 of 23 | 27 of 29 | 59 of 145 | 10 of 12 | 2 of 3 |
| Austin Hubbard | 56 of 152 | 36% | 29 of 110 | 17 of 31 | 10 of 11 | 51 of 145 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vinc Pichel | 21 of 55 | 38% | 4 of 34 | 5 of 8 | 12 of 13 | 20 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 22 of 58 | 37% | 9 of 38 | 8 of 15 | 5 of 5 | 22 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Vinc Pichel | 27 of 63 | 42% | 11 of 44 | 8 of 10 | 8 of 9 | 24 of 59 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 19 of 52 | 36% | 10 of 36 | 5 of 11 | 4 of 5 | 16 of 49 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Vinc Pichel | 23 of 42 | 54% | 13 of 30 | 3 of 5 | 7 of 7 | 15 of 32 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 3 |
| Austin Hubbard | 15 of 42 | 35% | 10 of 36 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
Big Brady picks Vinc Pichel, citing his grappling advantage. He notes Pichel averages 3.83 takedowns per 15 minutes with 60% accuracy, and believes he will win the grappling exchanges. He is concerned about Pichel's age (38) but thinks his gas tank is fine. He predicts a decision win.
Cody picks Pichel, having already bet him. He highlights Pichel's cardio, top control, and BJJ black belt, and notes Hubbard's tendency to fade in later rounds. He believes Pichel's wrestling and pressure will be key, and mentions the value on Pichel by submission at 20-1.
Pichel is a grappler who should have success taking Hubbard down, especially by catching Hubbard's kicks. Hubbard has only fought grapplers recently and has struggled. Pichel's age (38) is a concern but he has low fight mileage. I'm picking Pichel by decision, but the moneyline at even odds is fine.
Paul picks Pichel, citing his strong top game and ability to grind out wins. He notes Pichel's slow starts but finishing strong, and Hubbard's susceptibility to takedowns. He mentions Pichel's training at Factory X and believes his cardio will hold up.
The MMA Guru picks Austin Hubbard as an underdog. He cites Hubbard's takedown defense and volume striking as keys. He notes Pichel is 38 and coming off a year layoff, while Hubbard is younger and has shown improvement. He expects Hubbard to win the later rounds via decision, possibly 29-28.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 67 of 115 | 58% | 126 of 181 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 2 | 6:42 |
| Dakota Bush | 0 | 41 of 104 | 39% | 54 of 122 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 1 | 1:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Hubbard | 0 | 34 of 65 | 52% | 34 of 65 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Dakota Bush | 0 | 30 of 73 | 41% | 30 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Austin Hubbard | 0 | 13 of 22 | 59% | 30 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:21 |
| Dakota Bush | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 16 of 26 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 | |
| 3 | Austin Hubbard | 0 | 20 of 28 | 71% | 62 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 2 | 3:19 |
| Dakota Bush | 0 | 4 of 16 | 25% | 8 of 23 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 1 | 0:58 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Hubbard | 67 of 115 | 58% | 32 of 76 | 10 of 12 | 25 of 27 | 49 of 91 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 21 |
| Dakota Bush | 41 of 104 | 39% | 17 of 59 | 6 of 20 | 18 of 25 | 41 of 104 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Hubbard | 34 of 65 | 52% | 11 of 38 | 4 of 6 | 19 of 21 | 32 of 63 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Dakota Bush | 30 of 73 | 41% | 10 of 37 | 4 of 15 | 16 of 21 | 30 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Austin Hubbard | 13 of 22 | 59% | 7 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Dakota Bush | 7 of 15 | 46% | 3 of 8 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Austin Hubbard | 20 of 28 | 71% | 14 of 22 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 11 of 14 |
| Dakota Bush | 4 of 16 | 25% | 4 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Austin Hubbard to win by decision. He notes that Bush is coming in on short notice and that Hubbard has faced tough grapplers throughout his UFC career, which should prepare him for Bush's wrestling. He believes Hubbard has superior cardio and toughness, and can survive Bush's early storm. He expects Hubbard to take over in rounds 2 and 3, possibly with a late finish. He is not surprised by the close odds but thinks Hubbard should be a bigger favorite.
Cody thinks Hubbard has proven cardio and the ability to break down wrestlers. He notes that Bush is taking the fight on short notice and is not as good a wrestler as Hubbard's previous opponents. He expects Hubbard to stuff takedowns, pressure Bush, and win by decision or late finish. He is confident in Hubbard.
Daniel Levi picks Dakota Bush for the upset, citing his power and momentum. He notes that Bush is taking the fight on short notice, which is a concern, but believes Bush is the more dangerous fighter and could steamroll Hubbard early. Levi mentions that Hubbard is average and has not shown much, while Bush has fought real competition. He thinks the line should be closer and that Bush has a good chance if he is in shape.
Manpreet leans toward Bush by decision, citing his college wrestling background and Hubbard's history of struggling against grapplers. He believes Bush will take Hubbard down repeatedly and control the fight on the ground, despite coming in on short notice. He notes that Hubbard's takedown defense has been poor against wrestlers and that Bush has never been finished.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Hubbard has faced tough wrestlers and performed well. He thinks Bush is a step down in competition and that Hubbard's cardio and pressure will be too much. He is confident in Hubbard winning.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Solecki | 0 | 9 of 14 | 64% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 13 of 20 | 65% | 36 of 43 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:37 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Solecki | 0 | 9 of 14 | 64% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Hubbard | 0 | 13 of 20 | 65% | 36 of 43 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Solecki | 9 of 14 | 64% | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 13 of 20 | 65% | 8 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Solecki | 9 of 14 | 64% | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Hubbard | 13 of 20 | 65% | 8 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Joe Solecki to win by decision. He notes Hubbard has poor takedown defense (40%) and has been taken down by everyone in the UFC. Solecki has good wrestling and is slick on the ground with transitions to the back. On the feet, Hubbard has the advantage, but Brady expects Solecki to go for takedowns early and control the fight, provided his cardio holds up. He mentions Hubbard's win over Max Rohskopf is overrated because Rohskopf had only one round of gas.
Daniel Levi picks Joe Solecki to win, citing his high-level jiu-jitsu and control on the ground. He notes that Solecki's takedowns may not be elite but he can get the fight to the mat, and Hubbard has been outgrappled before. Levi acknowledges Hubbard's improved conditioning and volume striking but believes Solecki will get takedowns early, build a lead, and survive the third round. He mentions Solecki's dominant performance against Matt Wyman as evidence.
Solecki has great wrestling and jiu-jitsu, but his cardio and ability to finish are questionable. Hubbard has good leg kicks, cardio, and takedown defense, having survived wrestlers like Marco Madsen. Solecki should grind out a decision if he can maintain top control, but Hubbard's gas tank and striking could make it close. I'm pumping the brakes on Solecki until he proves more.
The MMA Guru picks Austin Hubbard, citing his counter-grappling skills and takedown defense as seen in the Mark Madsen fight. He believes Hubbard can avoid submissions and reverse positions, eventually breaking Solecki down for a third-round TKO. He also notes Hubbard's reach advantage and that he should be the favorite.
Expert Picks (4)
Angelo slightly leans Rong Zhu due to his volume and striking, but is surprised by the -300 odds, calling them berserk. He notes that Austin Hubbard is gritty and decent everywhere, and just had a close loss to a very good fighter. He thinks Hubbard could make it tricky if he marches forward and fakes takedowns.
Big Brady picks Rong Zhu to win by decision, citing his youth, rapid improvement, and striking power. He notes that Zhu has been working on takedown defense and anti-grappling, which will be key against Hubbard's wrestling. He believes Zhu will win a damage-based decision over 15 minutes, as Hubbard has never been knocked out.
The host is historically higher on Hubbard than most, but thinks this is a horrible stylistic matchup for him. He doesn't think Hubbard will be able to get to his wrestling game, allowing Rong Zhu to dictate the striking and eventually land a big knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Rong Zhu to win by 29-28 decision, but notes that he thinks Zhu is a bit of a big favorite and that there is value on Austin Hubbard. He believes Zhu is more talented and works well on the back foot, but acknowledges Hubbard could win the third round. He mentions that Zhu is young (25) and has had mixed results, including a loss to an underrated lightweight prospect.
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