Career Averages - Chris Gutierrez
Career Averages - Farid Basharat
Chris Gutierrez
Farid Basharat
Chris Gutierrez - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 31 of 86 | 36% | 61 of 119 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 0:42 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 41 of 110 | 37% | 56 of 126 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:27 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 27 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 9 of 24 | 37% | 23 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:39 | |
| 2 | Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 9 of 33 | 27% | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 20 of 48 | 41% | 21 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 | |
| 3 | Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 19 of 46 | 41% | 23 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 0:42 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 12 of 38 | 31% | 12 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gutierrez | 31 of 86 | 36% | 18 of 63 | 0 of 3 | 13 of 20 | 30 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Farid Basharat | 41 of 110 | 37% | 19 of 75 | 5 of 11 | 17 of 24 | 39 of 104 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gutierrez | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Farid Basharat | 9 of 24 | 37% | 2 of 9 | 0 of 3 | 7 of 12 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | |
| 2 | Chris Gutierrez | 9 of 33 | 27% | 2 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 11 | 9 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Farid Basharat | 20 of 48 | 41% | 11 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 8 | 20 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Chris Gutierrez | 19 of 46 | 41% | 15 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 18 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Farid Basharat | 12 of 38 | 31% | 6 of 30 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-440), Gutierrez (+340)
Round 1
Two bantamweights on the way up will meet in a bout shifted down to the early prelims for some reason, even though the victor may have a number next to their name on Monday. Gutierrez (22-6-2, 10-3-1 UFC) will likely be fighting behind his many kicks, while “Ferocious” Basharat (13-0, 4-0 UFC) has yet to taste defeat in the cage. Referee Herb Dean will take care of business, and the fighters gladly bump fists before engaging.
What results early on is a whole lot of shadowboxing, feinting and faking to find their respective range. The first strike committed to is a spinning back kick from Basharat about 90 seconds in, and Gutierrez pays it no mind and keeps raising his leg up to serve as a shield. Basharat kicks his way into a takedown shot, and his double-leg entry succeeds in bringing Gutierrez to the floor.
Basharat gets busier than the few athletes from earlier tonight that have taken the fight down, but it does not take long for Gutierrez to shut him down from much more. Basharat postures up and drives down a right hand, and it is one-and-done as he gets swallowed up in the guard. Gutierrez maintains a high guard, it seemingly active enough to stave off much offense. Basharat scores another ground strike or two, but he is much more interested getting to half guard. The upkicks from Gutierrez allow him to push Basharat off of him, only for the man born in Afghanistan to climb back on top and ride out the slow round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
Basharat runs out of his corner but stops right in the center of the cage, not willing to go much further ahead. This allows Gutierrez to lobby kicks at him, although Basharat’s punches that he sits down on are much more effective. Gutierrez fakes spins to draw Basharat off-guard, and he punches through the raised hands to scores a straight left. Gutierrez chips at the lead leg from his preferred range of distance kickboxing, and Basharat meets him with one or two back before swinging with a big left and a high kick on the other side to get the American’s attention. Gutierrez blocks a wide overhand right and kicks the lead wheel again, with Basharat offering back a hefty body kick.
Basharat splits the guard with a huge one-two that staggers Gutierrez, and he backs off to celebrate his success. Basharat hurls looping strikes, and a front kick surprises the kickfighter. Gutierrez replies with a spin kick to the ribs, and Basharat gathers his thoughts and sits down on a power right hand. Basharat ties them up against the fencing, and Gutierrez separates without much issue. Gutierrez fakes to spin a few times, and Basharat leaps at him with a jump knee that does not find the mark. A Rolling Thunder kick from Basharat punctuates the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 3
The bantamweights meet in the middle, and Basharat strikes first with a calf kick. Gutierrez hammers him back with a low kick and a combo of punches, and he gets Basharat’s attention. The pressure from the American has surprised Basharat, who is on his heels and on the verge of being taken down. Gutierrez wrenches his man down to the floor, and holds him down from behind without tossing much. Basharat powers back to his feet and throws everything he has into a monster left and right, and Gutierrez dances out of the way without absorbing anything. Basharat pitches a left hand around the guard, and he just misses a spin kick. Basharat’s one-two skims off his intended target, and his spin without a kick just makes him twirl around aimlessly. Gutierrez scoops in a heavy left hook, but it is a single strike and what follows are feints.
Basharat drops to his knees and commits to a picture-perfect explosive double, scooping Gutierrez up and slamming him down to his back. Gutierrez gives his back up standing, and he shimmies Basharat off of him to put the Brit on his back now. Basharat scrambles to his knees and dives for a single-leg takedown, and Gutierrez lets him up and pushes off to fake spin weakly with a back fist. Basharat tries to keep him at bay with a push kick, and he takes a left hand and fires off a body kick that glances the cup. Gutierrez adjusts his athletic supporter and just manages to block a spinning wheel kick, and he crashes the pocket for two punches. Gutierrez reaches his foe with a spinning back fist, and his front kick after it appears much more effective. They both swing for big hooks and crash into one another, and a Gutierrez spin goes wide. Gutierrez knocks Basharat off his feet with a shovel right hand as seconds remain on the clock, and time expires before he can do anything with his opponent on his back.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez (29-28 Basharat)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez (29-28 Basharat)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez (29-28 Basharat)
The Official Result
Farid Basharat def. Chris Gutierrez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo sees Farid Basharat as the better fighter everywhere, with underrated striking and very good wrestling. He notes Chris Gutierrez has wrestling holes, having been taken down seven times in his last four fights. He thinks Farid's takedown defense and movement will be key, and that Gutierrez's leg kicks might not be enough to slow him down. He considers the 4-to-1 odds appropriate.
Big Brady is very confident in Farid Basharat, calling him a massive favorite at -450. He criticizes Chris Gutierrez as a boring fighter who relies on leg kicks and has poor takedown defense and get-up game. He notes that Gutierrez has been taken down by lesser wrestlers, and Basharat has a massive advantage in wrestling and grappling. He predicts Basharat wins by decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Basharat because Gutierrez has shown he cannot handle persistent pressure, as in the Pedro Munhoz fight. He notes that Basharat's real skill is taking openings given to him, using strikes to set up takedowns, and that Gutierrez's frustration will mount. However, he cautions that Basharat has never applied the relentless pressure of Munhoz and may need to adjust to Gutierrez's frustrating style.
Basharat's grinding game is expected to be effective against Gutierrez, who is a fish off his back. The host expects Basharat to be competitive in striking and mix in wrestling for a decision victory.
The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat, citing his offensive grappling and mixing of strikes. He notes Chris Gutierrez's vulnerability to takedowns and lack of finishing ability. He predicts a 29-28 decision.
Zane picks Basharat because he believes Basharat's pressure and wrestling will break Gutierrez, who has a history of emotional breakdowns when fights get difficult, as seen against Pedro Munhoz. He notes that Basharat's game allows for connective pressure, and even if Gutierrez frustrates him early, Basharat's versatility will eventually overwhelm Gutierrez's neutralization game.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gutierrez | 1 | 46 of 85 | 54% | 65 of 112 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| John Castañeda | 0 | 41 of 77 | 53% | 76 of 118 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:50 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gutierrez | 1 | 9 of 16 | 56% | 19 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
| John Castañeda | 0 | 6 of 17 | 35% | 17 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:58 | |
| 2 | Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 29 of 50 | 58% | 29 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| John Castañeda | 0 | 23 of 43 | 53% | 23 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 17 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| John Castañeda | 0 | 12 of 17 | 70% | 36 of 46 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:52 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gutierrez | 46 of 85 | 54% | 20 of 50 | 5 of 9 | 21 of 26 | 44 of 81 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 |
| John Castañeda | 41 of 77 | 53% | 16 of 34 | 8 of 13 | 17 of 30 | 36 of 71 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gutierrez | 9 of 16 | 56% | 4 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 6 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| John Castañeda | 6 of 17 | 35% | 1 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 11 | 6 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Chris Gutierrez | 29 of 50 | 58% | 11 of 25 | 3 of 7 | 15 of 18 | 29 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| John Castañeda | 23 of 43 | 53% | 13 of 26 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 11 | 22 of 41 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Chris Gutierrez | 8 of 19 | 42% | 5 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| John Castañeda | 12 of 17 | 70% | 2 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 8 | 8 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gutierrez (-130), Castaneda (+110)
Round 1
Both fighters normally bantamweights, the short-notice nature of this rescheduled tilt shifted it up 10 pounds to featherweight. It was originally scheduled for UFC 313, only to fall through on Fight Night when Castaneda (21-7, 4-3 UFC) suffered a fight-scratching illness. Ready to finally get in there, Gutierrez (21-6-2, 9-3-1 UFC) as his shins sharpened and ready for combat. Joining the two fighters in the cage will be referee Keith Peterson, who reaches the cage after bouncing nonsense from the premises. They clap hands, and Gutierrez comes out throwing kicks from both legs. Castaneda backs off all the way to the fence, moving side to side to not present a stationary target. Castaneda attempts his own low kick, aiming a second on the inside when the first succeeds. Gutierrez rips the inner thigh back with a kick, and Castaneda switches stances briefly. Gutierrez slips a punch and works the front calf, and he parries three of four punches but gets caught with the fourth on the nose. Gutierrez’ kicks keep Castaneda moving, who is constantly trying not to get nailed with a head kick, a spin kick or something else fired his way. Gutierrez steps in, tosses a kick to the ribs and trips. Castaneda’s eyes light up, as he jumps down to claim top position uncontested. Castanada steps into half guard, flattening Gutierrez out while exerting his body weight down. The audience does not love the relative inaction with the wrestling, audibly letting the fighters know of this. Gutierrez gets some space using butterfly hooks to push off the hips, and he grabs one of Castaneda’s ankles while searching for upkicks. Gutierrez decides to just stand up, and Castaneda seemingly lets him back up without issue. Gutierrez thanks him for this with a straight right hand down the pipe, sending “Sexi Mexi” to the ground in a heap. As Castaneda lays on his side defending himself, time expires before Gutierrez can get the finish he was seeking.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Round 2
The fighters clap hands to re-engage, and Castaneda swings with everything he has into a reintroductory right hand. Gutierrez needs a moment to recover, and he gathers his thoughts and lets loose with a spinning wheel kick that misses the mark. Gutierrez kicks his foe so hard in the front leg, he puts Castaneda on his seat. Castaneda climbs back up, directly into a crippling low kick that makes him limp almost immediately. Gutierrez sells out for a big punch, and Castaneda meets him with his own at the same time. Castaneda strikes the body and head, circling away before Gutierrez can get to him. Castaneda goes wide with a wheel kick, and when he lands, he reaches out with a long left hand. Castaneda chips at the front leg with a kick, and Gutierrez actually shoves him away rather than striking him. Gutierrez pump-fakes a spin, and he checks a kick and has his guard up to prevent Castaneda from getting off on him. Gutierrez sneaks out a left hand, and he again fakes a spin. Castaneda does not bite and instead loads up on a right hand, and Gutierrez frowns at him. Castaneda gives chase, walking through kicks to his lead leg and a few punches. The two proceed to trade it out from close range, and Gutierrez slams his shin on the inside of his foe’s lead leg to give him brief pause. Gutierrez kicks the outside of the leg, and Castaneda responds in kind. Gutierrez probes out with a jab and a step-in knee, and Castaneda has to shake out the cobwebs but is forced to deal with jabs and leg kicks when doing so. They both land straight punches at the same time, and Gutierrez shoots for a single-leg takedown suddenly. Castaneda grins at him and hammers him with two heavy hooks, and Gutierrez is quick to abandon the shot. Castaneda goes high with two kicks that are blocked, and Gutierrez bloodies his nose up with a right hand at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Round 3
The fighters are so amped up to get going again, Peterson has to tell them to back off before he says go. When he does, they do not hang back, and instead engage with one another in close range. Both men land cleanly on one another, and Gutierrez has to back off and disengage rather than keep letting hands fly. Castaneda’s wheel kick effort bounces harmless off the guard, but when he plants his leg, he is able to score three low kicks in rapid succession. Gutierrez flicks out a few jabs, and Castaneda kicks him once more. Gutierrez punches his way into a clinch, and he abandons the level change when the leverage is not right. Castaneda slings a kick to the body, and Gutierrez comes out swinging and misses the mark. This allows Castaneda to grip hold of his foe and push him against the fencing, all while looking for a trip. Castaneda elects to lift Gutierrez all the way in the air, slamming him down on his back hard. Castaneda smothers his foe on top, moving to side control to not let Gutierrez go anywhere. Gutierrez tries to scramble, and Castaneda responds with a guillotine choke with one arm while using his body weight to press on him. Castaneda lets it go and lands a few punches, and Gutierrez drags him back to the closed guard. As Gutierrez fights off the grappling and pushes off, Castaneda kicks him in the legs a few times when his foe stands. The horn sounds, and the fight is over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-28 Gutierrez)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-28 Castaneda)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-28 Gutierrez)
The Official Result
Chris Gutierrez def. John Castaneda via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks John Castañeda, believing his pressure wrestling will neutralize Chris Gutierrez's leg kicks. He notes that Gutierrez was taken down by Quang Le and that Castañeda's Division 2 wrestling and forward pressure will keep the fight in close range, preventing Gutierrez from planting and kicking. He is waiting for better plus money odds.
Big Brady leans toward Chris Gutierrez, citing his leg kicks and better striking, but expects a close fight typical of Gutierrez. He notes Gutierrez often wins on thin margins and predicts a competitive decision. He expresses low interest in the fight and mentions the line at -140 makes sense.
The host expects Gutierrez to stop takedowns, use calf kicks to slow Castañeda, and then land hands when Castañeda blitzes recklessly, leading to a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Chris Gutierrez, but with hesitation. He likes Gutierrez's low kicks and movement, and notes Castañeda's lack of urgency and flat-footedness. However, he questions Gutierrez's ability to dominate and expects a very close decision. He mentions the big cage favors Gutierrez's movement.
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Song (-380), Gutierrez (+300)
Round 1
All hands are on deck for what should be action-packed headliner at 135 pounds. The winner should position himself closer to the top of the landscape at bantamweight, although a logjam of title suitors still sits in front of them. Whether they need one more win or five to get to the top of the mountain, Song (20-7-1, 1 NC; 9-2-1 UFC) and Gutierrez (20-5-2, 8-2-1 UFC) are ready to take that next step by going through the other. Striking totals and the power behind them will likely be high, so referee Herb Dean is on high alert for the next 25 minutes or less. When they are brought together, they touch gloves to signal there is no ill will for one another. Gutierrez paws out low kicks more as range-finders than as actual scoring strikes, and Song lunges at him and nods when a fist glances off the side of Gutierrez’ head. Gutierrez suddenly spins with a kick, and Song is well out of harm’s way. Gutierrez flicks a head kick at his foe, and Song is able to block it without concern and sweep the leg in response. Gutierrez prods out with low kicks on both sides of the leg of his opponent, and Song prepares a counter but does not release it when seeing Gutierrez is not committing to the strikes. Gutierrez dips out of the way of a spinning back fist that whizzes past him, and they trade low kicks. Gutierrez uses his kicks as distance-keeping weapons, not putting much into some of them and simply tossing them out to keep Song from closing in recklessly. Song peppers Gutierrez with leg kicks, and Gutierrez lands a few stomp kicks on the knee back. Gutierrez fakes a spin, and then sells out and spins with a fist that rebounds off the gloves. Song slams his shin on the lead leg of “El Guapo,” and he leaps forward with two hooks. The leg kicks prompt a stance switch, and when Gutierrez scores a left hand, Song smiles at him and shrugs. Song then lunges ahead, missing with a punch, but they both drive leg kicks home. Gutierrez kicks the body, and Song waves him on, asking for more. “Kung Fu Kid” races ahead, but he misses with strikes as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 2
When the second round begins, the two kick and kick and kick. They trade kicks to the lead leg, Song goes high, and Gutierrez emulates him with one of his own. Gutierrez plants the ball of his foot on Song’s face, and Song grins and laughs it off. Song lashes out, and when he misses, Gutierrez spins with a back fist and partially catches him with it. Gutierrez looks for a second front kick, and Song picks up on it but only partially. Gutierrez chips away with low kicks, and he checks one that comes back at him. Song reaches him with three punches, getting off at the end of one, and Gutierrez bounces away and picks and pokes with low kicks. Song looks to split the guard with a right hand, and Gutierrez kicks his leg out and sends him careening off-balance when Song spins. Gutierrez kicks the lead leg and backs away from a counter, and he pokes out with a front kick. Song tries to crowd him, and Gutierrez parries and evades the blows. Song connects with a few low kicks, and Gutierrez pushes off his face and pokes Song in both eyes. Dean calls time and tells Gutierrez to stop leading with his fingers, and he allows Song to recover. Song tries to hurry back, and Dean gives him more time, but Song wants to fight so they resume after about 45 seconds off. Gutierrez starts up again with his front leg raised, and he chambers and fires it at his foe. Gutierrez circles away from the oncoming offense, avoiding any of the power punches and getting off his own strikes. Song rushes forward, practically tackling Gutierrez to the ground. Gutierrez sets up butterfly hooks to try to sweep his foe from China, and he kicks off Song’s hips but cannot lift him off. Song slowly works with occasional strikes, and Gutierrez looks to throw his legs up with a high guard or something more. Song keeps Gutierrez pressed against the fence, until Dean calls time and issues a hard warning to Gutierrez for grabbing Song’s gloves. Dean resets them in position, and Song rides out the round on top landing right hands.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 3
The two bantamweights touch ‘em up before opening the third round, and kicks are the first item on the menu. Song fires off a high kick, and he shoots in for a takedown. Gutierrez defends it, but he gets popped on the way out with a right hook. Gutierrez lands a front kick, and Song outstretches his hand and a finger jams deep into Gutierrez’ eye socket. Dean pauses the fight and allows Gutierrez to recover. Gutierrez takes 90 seconds and a hand wipe before he is good to go, and they resume. Gutierrez pushes out several front kicks with both legs, interrupting Song’s movement and combinations. Song reaches him with a left hand, and ducks back as Gutierrez spins with a wheel kick. The leg kicks land one after the other for both men, and Gutierrez raises his guard at the right moment to block a left hook that blazes at him. Song sticks out a jab, and Gutierrez answers him with a right hook. Gutierrez kicks the knee and fakes with spins, and the two crash together without landing of note. Gutierrez snaps up a question mark kick that Song mostly defends, and Song tries to make him pay but Gutierrez is well out of the way. Song delivers a stern leg kick that lands with an audible thud, and he tosses up his other leg to Gutierrez’ face—Gutierrez protects himself from it. Gutierrez drops low to change levels, drawing a huge reaction out of Song. Gutierrez fakes another takedown to again make Song think about defending, and he goes up high with a right hand. Gutierrez jabs the lead leg with his own leg, and he gets cornered by the Chinese fighter and skirts away after eating a three-punch serving. Song reaches Gutierrez with a left, and he clubs him with a right before Gutierrez escapes. Song takes a knee up the middle while throwing hands, and he takes a straight right hand after landing a few strikes. Gutierrez slides to the side to let a spinning wheel kick land on his shoulder, and he throws a high kick in response. Song catches it and dumps him to the mat with seconds to go, and Song does not do anything with it as the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 4
The bantamweights reach the championship rounds, and feet are in play before fists. Gutierrez blocks a head kick and takes two low kicks, and he connects with a clean front kick up the middle. Song tries to chase him down and corner him, but it ends with him falling over. Gutierrez spins with a back fist, and when that misses, Song belts him with a huge right hand that shocks him and sends him crashing down to the floor. Song jumps on top, but Gutierrez closes his guard and stifles any further offense from getting through. Gutierrez recovers, as Song resides on top of him without worry. Gutierrez slaps Song on the side of the head as he stays stuck on his back, and Song occasionally gets in a few strikes to keep Dean from standing them up. Song stacks Gutierrez up any time Gutierrez tries to do some finagling of his guard, and Gutierrez claims several strikes land to the back of his head. The strikes from Song, methodical and effective, open up a cut on Gutierrez’ left eyebrow. Song grinds the remainder of the round out, and Gutierrez is extremely frustrated.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 5
Reaching the last rounds, the two men come together but do not engage quite as quickly as they did before. Gutierrez keeps his range, until out of nowhere he attempts an Imanari roll for a leglock. This is a poor decision, as Song completely bowls him over and gets right back to the position where he ended the last frame. Song has no qualms about smacking Gutierrez around with short punches and a few elbows, all while precious time ticks off the clock for the underdog Gutierrez. Song postures up every so often to hammer down an elbow, and Gutierrez scoots himself back to the wall to try to lean off of it and get up. Song drags him back down and drives home a number of elbows, until Gutierrez desperately turns and pushes his legs off the fencing. Dean warns him for hooking his toes in the fence, and Song celebrates this moment of confusing by punching Gutierrez in the face. With 30 seconds left in the fight, Song opens up with a stream of left hands and hammerfists as he holds Gutierrez in an awkward position. Gutierrez looks for a low-percentage leglock that allows him to get bludgeoned a few more times, and the long five-round engagement comes to a close. There is just one more UFC event in 2023, and it may be one to remember with two title fights and plenty of action fights booked. We will be here for it, and we hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song (49-46 Song)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Song (50-45 Song)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song (50-45 Song)
The Official Result
Yadong Song def. Chris Gutierrez via Unanimous Decision (50-44, 50-45, 50-45)
Connor picks Gutierrez, agreeing that Munhoz has lost his edge since moving to American Top Team. He notes that Munhoz's old Kings MMA style of relentless pressure is gone, replaced by a more tentative approach. Connor believes Gutierrez's consistent output and target selection will outwork Munhoz, who has become too passive and reliant on a jab and footwork that don't suit his natural aggression.
Zane picks Gutierrez, highlighting his improvement and confidence versus Munhoz's decline. He notes that Munhoz has lost his aggressive, four-limbed attack and become more technical but less effective. Zane believes Gutierrez's volume, kicking game, and ability to attack all targets will overwhelm Munhoz, who has poor defensive footwork and has been vulnerable to leg kicks historically.
Farid Basharat - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Matsumoto | 0 | 76 of 220 | 34% | 111 of 263 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 0 | 0 | 4:40 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 80 of 152 | 52% | 95 of 172 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 1 | 2:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jean Matsumoto | 0 | 19 of 52 | 36% | 29 of 68 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 20 of 36 | 55% | 24 of 41 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 | |
| 2 | Jean Matsumoto | 0 | 20 of 66 | 30% | 30 of 77 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 31 of 52 | 59% | 33 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:33 | |
| 3 | Jean Matsumoto | 0 | 37 of 102 | 36% | 52 of 118 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 29 of 64 | 45% | 38 of 75 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Matsumoto | 76 of 220 | 34% | 40 of 162 | 20 of 29 | 16 of 29 | 62 of 197 | 14 of 23 | 0 of 0 |
| Farid Basharat | 80 of 152 | 52% | 63 of 132 | 14 of 16 | 3 of 4 | 66 of 136 | 14 of 16 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jean Matsumoto | 19 of 52 | 36% | 11 of 40 | 0 of 1 | 8 of 11 | 16 of 48 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Farid Basharat | 20 of 36 | 55% | 13 of 28 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 15 of 31 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jean Matsumoto | 20 of 66 | 30% | 8 of 44 | 8 of 11 | 4 of 11 | 14 of 56 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Farid Basharat | 31 of 52 | 59% | 25 of 46 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 26 of 46 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jean Matsumoto | 37 of 102 | 36% | 21 of 78 | 12 of 17 | 4 of 7 | 32 of 93 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Farid Basharat | 29 of 64 | 45% | 25 of 58 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 59 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-280); Matsumoto (+230)
Round 1
It takes a lot to get ranked in the jam-packed bantamweight division, and the winner between Matsumoto (17-1, 3-1 UFC) and Basharat (14-0, 5-0 UFC) may still be another victory away from getting a number next to their name come Monday. They both still have time, clocking in at 26 and 28 years of age, respectively. Former professional fighter and current ref Herb Dean will have the age disadvantage in this affair, but he can still keep up just fine. The fighters touch gloves.
The commentary booth notes that when both Basharat brothers fight on the same card together, they always win. We will see if that trend continues. Matsumoto does not want that to happen, and he gets right in front of Basharat and slugs it out with him. When Basharat responds, Matsumoto fires off a jump knee that skims his intended target. Matsumoto slowly advances, and he takes a spinning back fist on the side of the dome. Matsumoto gathers himself and chucks a low kick, and he absorbs a step-in elbow that slashes open his cheek. Basharat continues pressuring his opponent to the wall, grabbing the fence to hold him there with both hands, and Dean finally sees it and tells him to stop. Matsumoto turns him about when Basharat is not illegally grabbing the cage wall, and they split apart. Matsumoto works his way forward, taking a jab and a low kick that forces a stance switch. He swarms Basharat with his fists, and Basharat slides to the side and bounces off the wall. They toss out left hooks, and Basharat connects with another elbow. He follows the strike with a bullying takedown attempt, pushing Matsumoto back but hitting the wire and springing around.
Basharat spins with a back elbow that partially connects, and he flashes out a jab that knocks Matsumoto’s head back each time. Matsumoto turns the tables and shoots in for a double, and he transitions to a single as Basharat hops around. Matsumoto elevates and dumps him, and Basharat gets right to his knees no worse for wear. Matsumoto grinds and works short punches on the inside until Basharat explodes back upright again in the clinch. Basharat drops down for a single, and an up-elbow from Matsumoto makes Basharat rethink his choice to hang in tight. Matsumoto walks Basharat down, swinging hard but largely whiffing, while Basharat cleanly counters him. Matsumoto whiffs on a spinning back kick and a takedown effort, and Basharat clips him with a right on the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
Matsumoto charges out of his corner but into the waiting arms of Basharat, who grabs him and turns him around in the clinch. The two jockey for position until Matsumoto splits off, and Basharat thanks him for this with a spin kick that grazes the side. Basharat clips Matsumoto with a short burst of punches, backing up the Brazilian but not taking full advantage of the damage. Matsumoto comes back after him, and Basharat intercepts him, drives a knee into his chest and chucks him carefree to the floor. Matsumoto scampers back up and is met with knees from Basharat, who further bloodies Matsumoto up with his strikes. Matsumoto knees him back, but the impact is substantially different. Basharat voluntarily drops to a knee so that he is a grounded fighter and will not be kneed in the face, so Matsumoto lifts him off the floor and slams him back down. Basharat stands, and Matsumoto takes his back while upright. Basharat grabs the fence again to nearly stop a takedown, but Dean’s admonishment forces him to release it.
Basharat gets pulled to the floor after clinging to the cage, and Matsumoto mat returns him and briefly takes control of his back. Basharat quickly, calmly reverses the position to wind up on top, where he slices through the guard but cannot keep Matsumoto down. Basharat dings him with a knee on the way out, and he throws out another as Matsumoto comes at him. Matsumoto lines up a one-two down the pipe, and he takes a punch while shooting. Basharat considers jumping guard for a guillotine, but he lets it go so he can return to a knee. Matsumoto works Basharat on the side of the head, taking his back again and even briefly hopping on it. He lets go and knees Basharat in the face and clubs him with a left, and is met with quick punches coming back at him. Matsumoto wildly flails to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 3
Matsumoto swarms his man as soon as the round kicks off, backing Basharat to the fence with big swings and catching him with some. Matsumoto’s sheer pressure result in a brief clinch, and Basharat separates and shoots for a double. Matsumoto stonewalls him and knees him in the stomach before giving him and elbow to think about, and his head kick is barely blocked in the nick of time. Matsumoto lands at the end of a left, and he knocks Basharat’s head around with a subsequent stream of punches. Basharat times a perfect takedown to sweep Matsumoto off his feet and deposit him gingerly to the floor. Matsumoto scoots his way to the fence and wall-walks to stand after a few seconds, and Basharat grabs the cage again as the rules mean nothing when all you have is Herb Dean yelling at you. Matsumoto ducks and dips when Basharat engages, as both men trade hands in flurries. Matsumoto goes for a double, and Basharat takes a knee to defend it.
The Brit stands once more, putting his back to the wall, and he spins out quickly to escape the tie-up. Basharat dings the increasingly bloody Matsumoto with a one-two, and he beats Matsumoto to the punch with faster strikes. Matsumoto is starting to swing with more labored, arcing strikes, but he manages to tag Basharat with one and stun him. Basharat settles down to use straight punches to keep Matsumoto at bay, and he shoots for a double and puts Matsumoto down. Matsumoto rolls through to partially reverse the position, and both men stand back up and start duking it out. Matsumoto keeps his foot on the gas, backing up Basharat with heavy punches as Basharat tries to parry and keep his head on a swivel. Matsumoto chains a takedown into his attack, dragging Basharat to the mat and considering a back take. Basharat stands up before that can happen, which leads Matsumoto to throwing caution to the wind. Basharat absorbs serious punishment and goes for a desperate takedown, dragging the Brazilian to the floor in the waning seconds of the fight. Basharat drops down an elbow and illegally knees Matsumoto in the head with Matsumoto’s knee down on the floor. Matsumoto stands back up and throws leather, ignoring the many fouls inflicted upon him this match, and the close tilt comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto (29-28 Matsumoto)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto (29-28 Matsumoto)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto (29-28 Basharat)
The Official Result
Farid Basharat def. Jean Matsumoto via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Angelo picks Farid Basharat, noting he is the better of the Basharat brothers and a well-rounded wrestler with solid striking. He thinks Farid will work on the outside, touch and go, and get takedowns. He warns that Vegas doesn't care about wrestling, so if Farid doesn't do anything with takedowns, it may not matter. He acknowledges Jean Matsumoto's potential but thinks his lack of defense is a problem.
Big Brady picks Farid Basharat, calling him the better prospect. He notes that Matsumoto has poor takedown defense (53%) and has been taken down multiple times in past fights. Basharat is a good wrestler and grappler, and Brady expects him to take the fight to the ground and win a decision.
Cody also picks Basharat, emphasizing his wrestling advantage and Matsumoto's tendency to be taken down. He notes both fighters are decision-oriented, making the over a strong play. Cody expects Basharat to control the fight with takedowns and win a clear decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, praising Basharat's ability to solve problems and his technical wrestling. He notes that Matsumoto is a tough, indefatigable bully, but Basharat has the tools to handle him. He thinks Basharat's wrestling and fight IQ will be the difference, though Matsumoto's durability could make it a tough fight.
Lucrative James picks Farid Basharat to win by decision. He expects Basharat to employ a grappling-heavy game plan, using his elite cardio and takedown volume to control the fight. James notes that Matsumoto has been taken down multiple times in past fights and that Basharat's wrestling will be the key to victory.
The host picks Basharat, believing his overall game and grappling will be the difference. He notes Basharat's reach and height advantage, and his ability to mix in takedowns after striking. He expects Basharat to snipe Matsumoto from distance, then use control time and top damage to win on the scorecards. He acknowledges Matsumoto's striking could make it competitive but thinks Basharat's grappling edge is decisive.
Paul picks Farid Basharat, citing his high ring IQ and ability to stick to game plans. He notes Matsumoto's poor takedown defense and defensive striking. Paul expects Basharat to mix takedowns with striking and win a decision, recommending a prop on Basharat by decision.
The host picks Farid Basharat over Jean Matsumoto. He notes Matsumoto's recent performances have been lackluster, while Basharat has size and physicality. He thinks Basharat's mix of striking and grappling will be too much, and he can bully Matsumoto against the cage and in scrambles.
Zane picks Basharat because of his impressive game planning and technical wrestling. He notes that Basharat has shown he can adapt to any opponent, using pressure boxing against Gutierrez, counter wrestling against Hugo, and wrestling against Lapelis. He thinks Basharat's technical wrestling will be too much for Matsumoto, who relies on scrambling and physicality.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 31 of 86 | 36% | 61 of 119 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 0:42 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 41 of 110 | 37% | 56 of 126 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:27 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 27 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 9 of 24 | 37% | 23 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:39 | |
| 2 | Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 9 of 33 | 27% | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 20 of 48 | 41% | 21 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 | |
| 3 | Chris Gutierrez | 0 | 19 of 46 | 41% | 23 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 0:42 |
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 12 of 38 | 31% | 12 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gutierrez | 31 of 86 | 36% | 18 of 63 | 0 of 3 | 13 of 20 | 30 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Farid Basharat | 41 of 110 | 37% | 19 of 75 | 5 of 11 | 17 of 24 | 39 of 104 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gutierrez | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Farid Basharat | 9 of 24 | 37% | 2 of 9 | 0 of 3 | 7 of 12 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | |
| 2 | Chris Gutierrez | 9 of 33 | 27% | 2 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 11 | 9 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Farid Basharat | 20 of 48 | 41% | 11 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 8 | 20 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Chris Gutierrez | 19 of 46 | 41% | 15 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 18 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Farid Basharat | 12 of 38 | 31% | 6 of 30 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-440), Gutierrez (+340)
Round 1
Two bantamweights on the way up will meet in a bout shifted down to the early prelims for some reason, even though the victor may have a number next to their name on Monday. Gutierrez (22-6-2, 10-3-1 UFC) will likely be fighting behind his many kicks, while “Ferocious” Basharat (13-0, 4-0 UFC) has yet to taste defeat in the cage. Referee Herb Dean will take care of business, and the fighters gladly bump fists before engaging.
What results early on is a whole lot of shadowboxing, feinting and faking to find their respective range. The first strike committed to is a spinning back kick from Basharat about 90 seconds in, and Gutierrez pays it no mind and keeps raising his leg up to serve as a shield. Basharat kicks his way into a takedown shot, and his double-leg entry succeeds in bringing Gutierrez to the floor.
Basharat gets busier than the few athletes from earlier tonight that have taken the fight down, but it does not take long for Gutierrez to shut him down from much more. Basharat postures up and drives down a right hand, and it is one-and-done as he gets swallowed up in the guard. Gutierrez maintains a high guard, it seemingly active enough to stave off much offense. Basharat scores another ground strike or two, but he is much more interested getting to half guard. The upkicks from Gutierrez allow him to push Basharat off of him, only for the man born in Afghanistan to climb back on top and ride out the slow round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
Basharat runs out of his corner but stops right in the center of the cage, not willing to go much further ahead. This allows Gutierrez to lobby kicks at him, although Basharat’s punches that he sits down on are much more effective. Gutierrez fakes spins to draw Basharat off-guard, and he punches through the raised hands to scores a straight left. Gutierrez chips at the lead leg from his preferred range of distance kickboxing, and Basharat meets him with one or two back before swinging with a big left and a high kick on the other side to get the American’s attention. Gutierrez blocks a wide overhand right and kicks the lead wheel again, with Basharat offering back a hefty body kick.
Basharat splits the guard with a huge one-two that staggers Gutierrez, and he backs off to celebrate his success. Basharat hurls looping strikes, and a front kick surprises the kickfighter. Gutierrez replies with a spin kick to the ribs, and Basharat gathers his thoughts and sits down on a power right hand. Basharat ties them up against the fencing, and Gutierrez separates without much issue. Gutierrez fakes to spin a few times, and Basharat leaps at him with a jump knee that does not find the mark. A Rolling Thunder kick from Basharat punctuates the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 3
The bantamweights meet in the middle, and Basharat strikes first with a calf kick. Gutierrez hammers him back with a low kick and a combo of punches, and he gets Basharat’s attention. The pressure from the American has surprised Basharat, who is on his heels and on the verge of being taken down. Gutierrez wrenches his man down to the floor, and holds him down from behind without tossing much. Basharat powers back to his feet and throws everything he has into a monster left and right, and Gutierrez dances out of the way without absorbing anything. Basharat pitches a left hand around the guard, and he just misses a spin kick. Basharat’s one-two skims off his intended target, and his spin without a kick just makes him twirl around aimlessly. Gutierrez scoops in a heavy left hook, but it is a single strike and what follows are feints.
Basharat drops to his knees and commits to a picture-perfect explosive double, scooping Gutierrez up and slamming him down to his back. Gutierrez gives his back up standing, and he shimmies Basharat off of him to put the Brit on his back now. Basharat scrambles to his knees and dives for a single-leg takedown, and Gutierrez lets him up and pushes off to fake spin weakly with a back fist. Basharat tries to keep him at bay with a push kick, and he takes a left hand and fires off a body kick that glances the cup. Gutierrez adjusts his athletic supporter and just manages to block a spinning wheel kick, and he crashes the pocket for two punches. Gutierrez reaches his foe with a spinning back fist, and his front kick after it appears much more effective. They both swing for big hooks and crash into one another, and a Gutierrez spin goes wide. Gutierrez knocks Basharat off his feet with a shovel right hand as seconds remain on the clock, and time expires before he can do anything with his opponent on his back.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez (29-28 Basharat)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez (29-28 Basharat)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez (29-28 Basharat)
The Official Result
Farid Basharat def. Chris Gutierrez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo sees Farid Basharat as the better fighter everywhere, with underrated striking and very good wrestling. He notes Chris Gutierrez has wrestling holes, having been taken down seven times in his last four fights. He thinks Farid's takedown defense and movement will be key, and that Gutierrez's leg kicks might not be enough to slow him down. He considers the 4-to-1 odds appropriate.
Big Brady is very confident in Farid Basharat, calling him a massive favorite at -450. He criticizes Chris Gutierrez as a boring fighter who relies on leg kicks and has poor takedown defense and get-up game. He notes that Gutierrez has been taken down by lesser wrestlers, and Basharat has a massive advantage in wrestling and grappling. He predicts Basharat wins by decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Basharat because Gutierrez has shown he cannot handle persistent pressure, as in the Pedro Munhoz fight. He notes that Basharat's real skill is taking openings given to him, using strikes to set up takedowns, and that Gutierrez's frustration will mount. However, he cautions that Basharat has never applied the relentless pressure of Munhoz and may need to adjust to Gutierrez's frustrating style.
Basharat's grinding game is expected to be effective against Gutierrez, who is a fish off his back. The host expects Basharat to be competitive in striking and mix in wrestling for a decision victory.
The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat, citing his offensive grappling and mixing of strikes. He notes Chris Gutierrez's vulnerability to takedowns and lack of finishing ability. He predicts a 29-28 decision.
Zane picks Basharat because he believes Basharat's pressure and wrestling will break Gutierrez, who has a history of emotional breakdowns when fights get difficult, as seen against Pedro Munhoz. He notes that Basharat's game allows for connective pressure, and even if Gutierrez frustrates him early, Basharat's versatility will eventually overwhelm Gutierrez's neutralization game.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 60 of 126 | 47% | 89 of 168 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 4:37 |
| Victor Hugo | 0 | 45 of 125 | 36% | 48 of 128 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 0:18 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 22 of 38 | 57% | 27 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Victor Hugo | 0 | 10 of 38 | 26% | 11 of 39 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 2 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 30 of 71 | 42% | 30 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Victor Hugo | 0 | 25 of 66 | 37% | 25 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 | |
| 3 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 32 of 47 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:53 |
| Victor Hugo | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farid Basharat | 60 of 126 | 47% | 39 of 98 | 8 of 13 | 13 of 15 | 54 of 116 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 7 |
| Victor Hugo | 45 of 125 | 36% | 23 of 82 | 14 of 28 | 8 of 15 | 43 of 122 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Basharat | 22 of 38 | 57% | 11 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 9 of 10 | 20 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 |
| Victor Hugo | 10 of 38 | 26% | 4 of 24 | 3 of 8 | 3 of 6 | 10 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Farid Basharat | 30 of 71 | 42% | 22 of 59 | 5 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 29 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Hugo | 25 of 66 | 37% | 11 of 40 | 9 of 17 | 5 of 9 | 25 of 66 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Farid Basharat | 8 of 17 | 47% | 6 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Victor Hugo | 10 of 21 | 47% | 8 of 18 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 18 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-625), Hugo (+455)
Round 1
Once preparing for a bantamweight contest, Basharat (12-0, 3-0 UFC) learned on Friday morning that his opponent Hugo (25-4, 1-0 UFC) was about to come in 10 pounds over the 136-pound limit. Rather than the match falling apart, the Brit born in Afghanistan decided to allow Hugo to weigh in at that newly agreed range of featherweight. Basharat will officially clock in eight pounds lighter than his opponent as a result, and the bout may not have remained together if the event were running with commission oversight. This 145-pound tilt will be officiated by referee Kerry Hatley, and because of what would have been a nearly historic miss, there is no interest in a glove touch. The fight begins with Hugo diving after a takedown, missing so badly that Basharat stands firm and slugs him in the chops on the way up. Hugo walks his man down, and Basharat is lighter on his feet, sniping him from a safe distance. Hugo steps in with a solid right hand, and Basharat gathers himself, bounces off the fence and pays the Brazilian back with his own right hook. Hugo catches a front kick and trips his man up, and Basharat regains his balance and winds up with a right hand. Hugo keeps chasing, fighting behind a jab and a front kick, and Basharat connects with a leg kick on the outside. Basharat shoots for a single, and he bails on it when seeing it will not succeed. Leg kicks come on both sides, and Hugo whips a high kick at him that is blocked. Basharat slips and rips a right hand over the top, and walks face-first into a spinning back elbow. The man from Afghanistan wears it well and chops down the front leg a few times, and Hugo dives for a rolling heel hook and succeeds in dragging Basharat to the floor. Basharat turns to the side and gets out of danger, where he walks over to side control easily and opens up a cut on the corner of Hugo’s left eye with strikes. Hugo explodes back to his feet and leans back to dodge a spinning wheel kick, and he meanders forward to throw hands with his opponent. Basharat lines up a right hand and a left, beating the heavier man to the punch and getting off a quick kick before intercepting a spinning Hugo. Basharat wraps his hands around his foe’s waist and pushes off to reset, and he dodges a looping punch and drives a right hand over the top. Hugo leaps after another heel hook, and Basharat wags his finger at his opponent at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
The fight resumes with both men meeting in the middle measuring their strikes. Basharat pushes off a few punches, and Hugo fights behind kicks to the lead leg and body. Hugo crashes the pocket, and Basharat times a perfect jump knee that bashes his man in the face. Hugo keeps a stiff upper lip and rebounds off the fence, and he lets loose a number of unanswered calf kicks. Basharat lets fly a right hook, and he switches stances to work his way in and connect with another. Hugo spins with a back fist that makes him hit the deck, and he springs back up when Basharat does not want to deal with him on the mat. Basharat instead allows Hugo up so he can stick out a right hand, and Hugo spins with nothing and chains a kick into it. Basharat works the body a few times with long left hands, and Hugo drops his hands and lines up a low kick. Hugo clips Basharat with a left, and Basharat blinks it out and counters him cleanly a few times. Basharat’s footwork allows him to slip and rip strikes, rolling with counters if they land at all and giving him the proper distance to get in and get away. They trade jabs, and Basharat fakes a takedown to draw out a reaction. Hugo loads up on power strikes, and he raises his arms in the air after they nail one another with heavy blows. Hugo gets his foe’s attention with a sharp left hand, and he follows it with another to wobble Basharat’s legs briefly. Hugo’s momentum allows him to grip hold of the Afghan-born fighter, lifting him in the air to slam him on his seat. Basharat wall-walks to get up and free, and he lets Hugo swing at him wildly so he can counter slickly. Hugo spins with another elbow that dings his man in the chin, and Basharat wags his finger at him. The jabs from Basharat have reopened Hugo’s cut, and Hugo shrugs at him and tries to engage a brawl. Basharat stays light on his feet, pushing through to grab Hugo when Hugo spins. The horn sounds when they clash together.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 3
Hugo is loaded for bear to begin the final frame, swinging wildly with punches and kicks. Basharat uses his footwork and head movement to stay safe until Hugo catches him with a right hand and knocks him across the cage with a spinning back kick to the ribcage. Basharat rebounds off the fence and back upright, and he circles away to get some space. Hugo’s momentum gets him tied up, and Basharat knees him in the chest, but Hugo is exploding to do anything and his punches have some serious heat on them. This forces him off-balance, and Basharat sees this and times a smart takedown to put the Brazilian on his back. Hugo throws his legs up to threaten off his back as soon as he hits the ground, and Basharat wriggles out of it and assumes side control. Hugo gets hold of an unorthodox triangle from the side, and Basharat forces his way out once more and rolls Hugo to his back. Hugo attempts a brief shoulder lock, and Basharat softens him up with some ground-and-pound. Hugo works to his feet, only to succumb to a mat return. Basharat climbs on the back, and he fastens a rear-naked choke that is on the jaw. Hugo does not show any concern, instead pulling on the fence to stand back up. Hatley sees this and swats his hand away, and Basharat remains focused on wrenching the newcomer to the floor and taking his power away. Hugo rolls for a leglock, and this forces Basharat to abandon ship. Hugo charges like a bull, swinging wildly and into another takedown from the unbeaten fighter. Basharat easily puts Hugo on his knees, where he slips a hook in and takes the back. Basharat wraps a body triangle around the waist, preventing the Brazilian from turning while smacking him upside the head with an elbow. Before Basharat can assume full mount, Hugo turns to his back, and Basharat rains down another sharp elbow. Hugo pursues one final leglock, and Basharat grabs the fence to break free. They both stand up, and Hugo races at him but cannot reach him before time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
The Official Result
Farid Basharat def. Victor Hugo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Farid Basharat with medium confidence. He highlights Farid's well-rounded skills, especially his wrestling, and expects him to take Victor Hugo down and control him. He notes Victor is dangerous but wild, and Farid's wrestling should neutralize that. He also mentions the over 2.5 rounds is probably safe.
Bigrady picks Basharat, believing he has Hugo covered everywhere. He notes that Hugo is a grappler who can be taken down and controlled, and that Basharat is the better striker and can easily get takedowns if needed. He thinks the price is a bit high but expects Basharat to cruise to a decision win.
Cody picks Farid Basharat, praising his high ring IQ and relentless grappling. He notes that Basharat's chain wrestling and control will neutralize Hugo, who has poor takedown defense. Cody believes Basharat will dominate with takedowns and control time, winning by decision or submission. He considers Basharat a top play.
Connor picks Basharat, agreeing that he is a very simple call. He notes that Basharat is a really technical wrestler and grappler with a functional striking game, and he has handled tough opponents. Hugo's game is based on opportunistic grappling, but Basharat will shut that down easily.
Daniel Vreeland sees Basharat as clearly better on the feet and expects him to have multiple takedowns if needed. He notes that Hugo got out-wrestled in his Contender Series fight and only won via a kneebar, which won't work against Basharat. Vreeland predicts Basharat cruises to an easy win, though with low finishing upside.
Daniel Vreeland picks Farid Basharat to win, citing his superior process and minute-winning ability. He acknowledges that Victor Hugo is a tough veteran with a long unbeaten streak but believes Basharat's volume and pressure will be the difference. Vreeland notes that Hugo's leg lock attacks could pose a threat if Basharat takes him down.
Jeff Fox agrees with Vreeland, stating that Basharat is better at what Hugo likes to do and worse at what Hugo hates. He implies Basharat's wrestling and pace will be too much for Hugo, and expects a dominant performance.
Basharat is the better brother, mixing his grappling behind educated striking. He should grind out Victor Hugo and win on the scorecards. His overall game is superior.
Paul picks Basharat, noting that Hugo is a step down in competition and that Basharat's grappling will be too much. He mentions that Hugo has been taken down by lesser fighters and that Basharat's wrestling is elite. Paul is confident Basharat wins, possibly by submission.
The Guru picks Farid Basharat, citing his well-roundedness and UFC experience. He was unimpressed with Victor Hugo's last performance against Pedro Falcao, noting Hugo spent too much time being controlled. He believes Basharat's mixing of strikes and takedowns will outwork Hugo, who is more of a striker with takedown defense. The Guru also mentions Basharat's wins over Da'Mon Blackshear and Mario Bautista as solid.
Zane picks Basharat confidently, noting that he is really good everywhere and has handled three completely different tricky opponents effortlessly. Hugo is an opportunistic grappler who can be backed up easily, and Basharat will shut down his grappling and control the fight anywhere.
Zane picked Basharat emphatically, using the fight to argue against the idea that missing weight is a huge advantage. He noted that Hugo missed weight by 10 pounds and looked massive, but Basharat fought way better, took good counters, and made the most of opportunities. Zane believes that if one pound is the difference between winning and losing, the fighter's game is too limited.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 42 of 100 | 42% | 55 of 116 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 1 | 0 | 6:58 |
| Taylor Lapilus | 0 | 40 of 93 | 43% | 41 of 94 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 14 of 35 | 40% | 20 of 41 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
| Taylor Lapilus | 0 | 14 of 29 | 48% | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 18 of 37 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:28 |
| Taylor Lapilus | 0 | 19 of 39 | 48% | 19 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 17 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 2:53 |
| Taylor Lapilus | 0 | 7 of 25 | 28% | 7 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farid Basharat | 42 of 100 | 42% | 14 of 53 | 7 of 19 | 21 of 28 | 39 of 92 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 3 |
| Taylor Lapilus | 40 of 93 | 43% | 24 of 67 | 11 of 16 | 5 of 10 | 34 of 86 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Basharat | 14 of 35 | 40% | 2 of 16 | 1 of 7 | 11 of 12 | 14 of 33 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Taylor Lapilus | 14 of 29 | 48% | 7 of 19 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 8 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | |
| 2 | Farid Basharat | 15 of 33 | 45% | 6 of 17 | 4 of 9 | 5 of 7 | 12 of 27 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
| Taylor Lapilus | 19 of 39 | 48% | 11 of 28 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Farid Basharat | 13 of 32 | 40% | 6 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 13 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Taylor Lapilus | 7 of 25 | 28% | 6 of 20 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-278), Lapilus (+225)
Round 1
Treating fans next is a historic bantamweight clash pitting Afghanistan against France, as Basharat (11-0, 2-0 UFC)—who currently resides and trains in England—collides with MMA Factory’s Lapilus (19-3, 4-1 UFC). The former still has his zero intact, while the latter has earned six victories in a row, the most important of which was his last triumph that came over the highly touted Caolan Loughran. The third man in the cage will be referee Chris Tognoni, and he starts the clock as the fighters do not touch gloves. Basharat starts the fight off with two kicks up top, and Lapilus leans back to evade them. Basharat changes it up with a pair of calf kicks, and he gets in an axe kick to surprise his opponent. Lapilus aims several punches at his foe, but Basharat is able to avoid and continue scoring kicks. Basharat suddenly shoots in for a single, and he succeeds in setting the Frenchman on his seat for a second before Lapilus bounces right back up. Lapilus gets away with a fence grab as he keeps scrambling, and Basharat cannot keep his foe down for long. Lapilus defends a takedown effort by wrapping up a choke, and Basharat drops to his back in order to escape it. Lapilus gets back to striking range when both fighters get back up, and he absorbs or blocks a number of kicks from the distant man from Afghanistan. Both men land single punches, but it is Basharat who is following with kicks. When “Double Impact” attempts his own kick, Basharat snatches up his leg and dumps him to the ground. Lapilus pops back up, sneaks in a knee and pushes off. Basharat prods and pokes with low kicks, until Lapilus grabs hold of him to blast him in the chest with a knee. Basharat retreats and dodges a left hand, and he keeps his guard up to defend from a high kick. Basharat kicks the side twice and shoots for a double, and Lapilus falls to his knees and grabs the cage wall for a moment. Lapilus elbows his foe in the spine a few times to draw a pair of warnings, and Basharat pulls his legs out from beneath him to end the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
Lapilus turns up his volume slightly to start off the second round, and Basharat retaliates with his own kicks high and low. Lapilus slaps his foot off the side of his opponent’s head, and Basharat grabs his hand to try to keep him stuck on one position. When Basharat does this, Lapilus wraps his other foot around the top and smacks Basharat in the face. Basharat backs off and suddenly attacks with a takedown effort, but the Frenchman shuts it down much easier than before. Basharat goes to the body with a kick, and Lapilus responds with a punch and a high kick that glances off the shoulder. Lapilus is just out of his range with his fists, and he ducks away from a spinning back fist. Basharat drops down for a single, and on his second attempt, he succeeds in grounding his foe. Lapilus gets to a knee, and Basharat circles around to take his back. As this happens, Lapilus scrambles to get out of the bad position and right back to his feet. Lapilus prods out several jabs, as Basharat kicks him in the sternum. Lapilus lets his hands go as he walks Basharat down, and Basharat absorbs or blocks some of them before sprinting and tackling Lapilus to his seat. Basharat lowers himself down to trap Lapilus, sitting in half guard and shutting down any escape attempts from “Double Impact.” Lapilus tugs his toes on the fencing several times to try to improve position, and Basharat elbows him twice before the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 3
The final round kicks off with both bantamweights meeting one another in the center of the cage. Basharat strikes first with a head kick attempt, and Lapilus responds with a kick that glances off the pectoral. Lapilus kicks low and punches high, and Basharat backs him off with a right hand. The two hand-fight, leading to Basharat trying to locate another head kick. Lapilus evades it and sticks out a big left hand, forcing Basharat to reset. Lapilus lands another solid left hand, and Basharat is there in his face with an overhand right. The two clash their shins together with kicks until Basharat shoots for a single. Lapilus defends and backs himself to the wall, but the London Shootfighters product is able to elevate him and dump him to his backside. Lapilus leans his back on the wall as he tries to sit up, and Basharat drags his legs down and pulls him away from the wire to stop him from wall-walking. Lapilus scoots himself towards the barrier and works his way up, and he thanks Basharat for his takedown by punching him in the face a few times. Lapilus sits down on a heavy left hand, and Basharat shakes it off. “Ferocious Farid” lashes out with a punch, a kick and a takedown try. The single allows Basharat to drag his foe to the floor, and he climbs into side control and maintains heavy chest pressure. Basharat considers moving into mount, but Lapilus defends his effort even as he is pinned to his back. Basharat grinds his elbow on the face and lands a few punches, and he looks to lock down one of Lapilus’ arms before shifting the other direction to north-south position. The space Basharat leaves allows Lapilus to turn to get out, but Basharat locks down a brabo choke that is suddenly quite tight. Lapilus manages to break the grip and explode back to his feet, and time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
The Official Result
Farid Basharat def. Taylor Lapilus via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Farid Basharat confidently, citing his superior wrestling and solid striking. He notes that Taylor Lapilus is a good kickboxer with decent takedown defense but was taken down twice by C.J. LaRue, and Farid is a much better wrestler. He believes Farid will win on the feet and in grappling exchanges with forward pressure. He likes the over 2.5 rounds and has it in a parlay.
Big Brady thinks the line is too wide and that Taylor Lapilus is underrated. He believes Lapilus has good takedown defense and fast hands, and if he keeps the fight standing, he can out-strike Basharat. He sees a close fight possibly going to a split decision, and picks Lapilus as a live underdog.
Cody picks Lapilus as a sizable underdog, citing his striking advantage, speed, footwork, and solid takedown defense. He believes Lapilus can stuff takedowns and outpoint Basharat on the feet. He notes that Basharat's wrestling may be overrated and that Lapilus has the experience to win a decision.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Farid Basharat, praising his pace, stance switching, and relentless takedown attempts. He acknowledges Lapilus's technical striking and improved takedown defense, but thinks Basharat's pressure and ground game will be the difference. Vreeland notes that if Lapilus can keep it standing, he might have success, but Basharat's relentless style could make him hesitant.
James does not discuss this fight in the transcript. He discusses a fight between Fared Basherat and Chris Gutierrez, which is not on the card.
Farid Basharat is a talented 26-year-old with crisp striking and a strong grappling game, training at Extreme Couture under Jake Shields. He mixes takedowns well and has a smothering top game. Taylor Lapilus is an experienced striker with decent power but has shown vulnerability to grappling, as seen in the Colin Anglin fight. Basharat's wrestling and control should be the difference, allowing him to grind out a decision. The line at -245 is a bit wide, but Basharat's grappling advantage should secure the win.
Paul picks Lapilus, echoing Cody's sentiments. He notes that Lapilus has a massive advantage on the feet and that Basharat's grappling may not be as effective against a good takedown defender. He believes Lapilus will be making his card at +235.
The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat after considering Taylor Lapilus as an underdog. He rewatched Lapilus's fight with Kyler Phillips and was unimpressed, noting Lapilus lacked versatility and didn't make reads. He believes Basharat is on a different level and will win, though he acknowledges Lapilus could stuff takedowns.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 25 of 36 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 | 0 | 3:15 |
| Kleydson Rodrigues | 0 | 7 of 8 | 87% | 25 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 25 of 36 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 | 0 | 3:15 |
| Kleydson Rodrigues | 0 | 7 of 8 | 87% | 25 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farid Basharat | 4 of 6 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Kleydson Rodrigues | 7 of 8 | 87% | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Basharat | 4 of 6 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Kleydson Rodrigues | 7 of 8 | 87% | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-325), Rodrigues (+260)
Round 1
The action continues in the bantamweight division, when undefeated London Shootfighters product Basharat (10-0, 1-0 UFC) tries to keep his pro record unblemished against former flyweight Rodrigues (8-2, 1-1 UFC). A rarity for this fight card, neither competitor is fighting for French honor and glory in this matchup. With referee Loic Pora keeping a watchful eye on the action, the two men touch gloves ahead of their scheduled melee. Basharat moves right to the center of the cage and pushes Rodrigues back, and he ignores a low kick and absorbs one to the body in rapid succession. “K.R.” wraps his foot around the head of his opponent, and Basharat responds with a speedy takedown effort. Rodrigues stifles it and attempts to take the back standing, only to jump around and try to set up an unorthodox submission maneuver. Basharat stays composed and dumps Rodrigues to his back, and he does not waste much time before passing to half guard. Rodrigues responds with a few elbows to the thigh, and Basharat pays them no mind as he steps over to full mount with little effort. Basharat stays tightly pressed to his opponent instead of setting up some offense, and he takes some of the wind out of the explosive Brazilian’s sails with this pressure. Basharat gets off some short ground-and-pound, until Rodrigues bursts out of the bad position, reverses the position and is about to put Basharat on his back. Before he can, Basharat jumps back to his feet, and the two end up in the clinch. Rodrigues sneaks in several effective strikes on the inside, but he cannot stop Basharat from tripping up one leg and placing “K.R.” on his back. Basharat again methodically looks to pass the guard, and he frustrates Rodrigues with effective blows from above. Rodrigues fights back, only to take several elbows right on the jaw.
Basharat uses shoulder pressure and smoothly sets up a kata gatame, and he steps over to the side while Rodrigues is attempting to break the grip. Basharat presses his full body weight down as he completely secures the arm-triangle choke, and there is nothing more that Rodrigues can do at this point. After a few seconds of this dire position, Rodrigues surrenders
, and Basharat keeps his unbeaten record intact with a slick performance over a dangerous opponent.
The Official Result
Farid Basharat def. Kleydson Rodrigues R1 4:15 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Angelo picks Farid Basharat but with low confidence, noting the betting lines should be closer. He says Farid is the more technically sound fighter but didn't like pressure from Damon Blackshear, and Kleydson is all pressure. If Kleydson brawls, he can win. Angelo is staying away from the -300 line.
Big Brady picks Basharat, emphasizing his size, striking volume, and wrestling advantage. He notes Rodrigues' past weight issues and tough debut at bantamweight. He expects Basharat to use takedowns and control to win a decision, calling it a tough matchup for Rodrigues.
Cody is high on Basharat, calling him a real prospect at 26-0. He likes his movement, striking, and improving wrestling under Jake Shields. Basharat's win over Da'Mon Blackshear is a quality victory. Rodrigues has weight issues (missed weight twice) and is moving up to 135, which will affect his takedown defense. Cody expects Basharat to pick him apart on the feet and mix in takedowns.
Daniel Levi picks Farid Basharat with high confidence, having bet him at -245 earlier. He praises Basharat's footwork, jab, fight IQ, and heart, noting that he passed a tough test against Damon Blackshear. Levi believes Basharat's pace and pressure will be too much for Rodrigues, who is explosive but tends to fade and has been taken down by lesser fighters. He expects a second or third round finish, citing Basharat's ground and pound and submission defense.
I like the chalk on Basharat. He has a slick boxing/kickboxing game and blends in takedowns well. Rodrigues is moving up in weight and has cardio issues. Basharat should establish range, get the fight to the clinch, and take advantage of Rodrigues' gas tank. I also like Basharat round three as a sprinkle. If the fight escapes the first round, Basharat should dominate later rounds.
Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Basharat by decision is basically a pick'em. He notes Rodrigues has never been finished, so a decision is likely. Paul likes Basharat over 2.5 takedowns on prize picks, expecting a takedown per round.
The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat, citing his win over Damon Blackshear as having aged well, and noting that Kleydson Rodrigues has losses to CJ Vergara and a win over Shannon Ross. He believes Basharat is more well-rounded and will drown Rodrigues in the second and third rounds, though he acknowledges Rodrigues could land a spinning kick early. He predicts a 29-28 decision for Basharat.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farid Basharat | 0 | 46 of 117 | 39% | 91 of 164 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 | 1 | 2:38 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 58 of 96 | 60% | 76 of 115 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 5:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 9 of 36 | 25% | 17 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 17 of 31 | 54% | 20 of 34 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:41 | |
| 2 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 15 of 36 | 41% | 30 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 21 of 30 | 70% | 24 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:36 | |
| 3 | Farid Basharat | 0 | 22 of 45 | 48% | 44 of 69 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 0:57 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 0 | 20 of 35 | 57% | 32 of 48 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farid Basharat | 46 of 117 | 39% | 23 of 79 | 12 of 16 | 11 of 22 | 36 of 106 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 3 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 58 of 96 | 60% | 36 of 70 | 14 of 17 | 8 of 9 | 42 of 79 | 4 of 5 | 12 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Basharat | 9 of 36 | 25% | 1 of 19 | 2 of 4 | 6 of 13 | 9 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 17 of 31 | 54% | 8 of 19 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 6 | 16 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Farid Basharat | 15 of 36 | 41% | 7 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 8 | 11 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 21 of 30 | 70% | 13 of 21 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 7 | |
| 3 | Farid Basharat | 22 of 45 | 48% | 15 of 37 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 39 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Da'Mon Blackshear | 20 of 35 | 57% | 15 of 30 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 5 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-410), Blackshear (+330)
Round 1
Keeping things trucking, bantamweights take center stage as Jackson-Wink product Blackshear (12-4-1, 0-0-1 UFC) looks for his first UFC win against the debuting London Shootfighters rep Basharat (9-0, 0-0 UFC). Both men sport a single knockout on their respective ledgers, as well as exactly three decision victories apiece, with the rest by submission. This potentially fun grappling contest will tolerate no nonsense because of the officiating from free referee Keith Peterson, and it begins not with a glove touch but a flying kick from Blackshear. Basharat slides to the side without concern, and he keeps his range from the reaching strikes that follow. Blackshear attempts a jumping switch kick, and Basharat parries it and chops the lead leg. “Da Monster” crashes forward with a jump knee, and he collides into Basharat without landing it. Basharat scores a right hand through the guard, and he kicks the side. Blackshear catches his leg and pushes him back to the wall, smacking him upside the head with a left hand as he did. Blackshear sets it down and gets pushed around when his takedown does not succeed, and Basharat rips the body a few times and lands a left up high. The two fighters trade jabs, and Basharat shoots in for a single-leg takedown and lifts Blackshear’s leg up. When Blackshear balances against the fence, Basharat drags him out and sets him on his seat in the open cage. Blackshear maintains a butterfly guard and looks to sweep, but Basharat remains on top and passes to half guard. Basharat springs over the body to take side control, and he presses his shoulder on Blackshear’s face and drops it on him a few times for good measure. Blackshear explodes in the bad position, and he bucks his hips and escapes to get back to his feet. When on two legs again, Blackshear jumps with a kick, and Basharat fires off a left hand that just misses the mark. Basharat slings a quick head kick that is blocked, and Blackshear paws out push kicks to the knee. The English fighter spins with a back fist, and he parries a jump kick right at the bell to conclude the razor-close round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
The bantamweights meet in the middle without a flying strike this time around, and Blackshear uses his lead leg to keep Basharat at bay until Basharat steps in with a solid right hand. Blackshear darts forward throwing punches from unorthodox angles, ignoring jabs that come his way until he pushes ahead to snag a body lock. “Da Monster” uses the momentum to drive Basharat down to the floor, and he keeps him there for barely a second before Basharat climbs back up. Basharat eats a few strikes and grins at his opponent, and Blackshear loads up with a few head kicks that all collide off the guard. Basharat answers with one of his own that is up close and personal, and this gets blocked as well. Blackshear jumps forward with a knee to the body, and he tries to chain it with a tackling takedown. Blackshear bails on the attempt as they move up against the fence, and he circles around to drag Basharat down from behind. Blackshear stifles a Basharat spin and pushes his foe down to his stomach, and he threatens with a choke at an odd angle. Basharat does not appear concerned, turning about and kicking off the fight to his feet. Before Blackshear can get going with his rangy kicks, Basharat closes the distance to hit a double and land straight in side control. Blackshear recovers to a closed guard despite getting punched in the face, and when he does, “Ferocious Farid” lands some ferocious elbows and punches. The unbeaten fighter rides out the round in this position, landing strikes from close proximity.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Round 3
Blackshear leads off the last round kicking, targeting the legs, body and head indiscriminately. As he moves forward, Basharat greets him with sharp boxing, and the Brit gets stung with a quick counter combination. Blackshear pressures his man with punches in bunches, forcing Basharat to fight off his back foot while throwing knees or heavy strikes. A failed Blackshear takedown try allows Basharat to latch on and push him back to the wall, slowing the wild Blackshear momentarily. Basharat succeeds with an inside trip to drag his foe to the canvas, and in half guard, he comfortably lets go with right hands. Blackshear grips that one wrist with both hands to sit up against the wire, but Basharat does not let him any higher before squeezing him back down flat on his back. Blackshear looks for his butterfly guard to sweep, and he succeeds in doing so by flipping Basharat over. Basharat does not settle here, exploding back to his feet instead, and Blackshear is quick to follow. Blackshear gives chase with a solid left hand, and he wings punches while Basharat sticks him with jabs. Blackshear releases a heavy low kick that buckles Basharat’s knee for a moment, and he considers a takedown that gets stuffed. Basharat gets caught with a knee and pushes forward to bowl Blackshear over, where he lands in the guard and looks to rack up more control time. “Ferocious Farid” lets go with powerful elbows until he extends too far, and Blackshear throws his legs up and locks a triangle choke up with an extended arm in a hurry. Basharat is in the danger zone immediately, but time is Blackshear’s enemy, as the brit is able to survive the awful position and hear the final bell ring before anything comes of it. Like the last fight, this one is ultra-close, and both men have an argument to get their respective hands raised.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (29-28 Basharat)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear (29-28 Basharat)
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (29-28 Basharat)
The Official Result
Farid Basharat def. Da'Mon Blackshear via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is confident in Farid Basharat, praising his impressive striking, foot movement, and wrestling. He notes that Basharat times his takedowns perfectly and can keep the fight standing if needed. The only concern is that Basharat was dropped in a previous fight, but he recovered quickly. Angelo believes Basharat can win on the feet or with wrestling.
Big Brady is confident in Farid Basharat, citing his well-rounded skills, good striking with head kicks and body kicks, and strong takedown defense. He believes Blackshear's path to victory is through grappling, but Basharat can dictate where the fight takes place and is the better striker. He predicts a decision win for Basharat.
Cody is high on Basharat, praising his well-rounded game and training with top guys. He thinks Blackshear's only path is takedowns, but Basharat's grappling defense and cardio will neutralize him. He expects a decision win or late TKO.
Connor picks Da'Mon Blackshear, believing his superior wrestling and scrambling will be the difference. He notes that Basharat is a willowy striker who often ends up on the ground, and Blackshear is a tough grappler who can outwork him there. Connor points out that Basharat's takedown defense and physicality are questionable, while Blackshear has proven durable against good grapplers.
Jacob is very high on Farid Basharat, believing he should keep the fight standing because Blackshear is most dangerous on the ground. He notes that Basharat has good top control and can avoid submissions. Jacob thinks this is a bad matchup for Blackshear and that Basharat will win.
Basharat is the better technical striker with good distance management and a jab. However, Blackshear is a seasoned veteran with experience against tough competition, and the line is too wide. Basharat should win by decision but it will be closer than the odds suggest.
Paul picks Basharat, noting his volume and skill advantage. He thinks Blackshear has never been finished but Basharat's output should win a clear decision. He won't bet the -450 but likes Basharat by decision prop.
The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat, trusting his talent and crisp technique. He notes Blackshear is dangerous but has losses to lesser competition, and believes Basharat's skills will lead to a decision win, possibly 30-27 or 29-28.
Zane also picks Blackshear, though he is less confident. He agrees that Basharat's striking is not enough to keep the fight standing and that Blackshear's wrestling will be a problem. Zane notes that Basharat has shown some clever striking but tends to get taken down, and Blackshear is a strong scrambler. He thinks the odds are too wide and Blackshear has a good chance.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo sees Farid Basharat as the better fighter everywhere, with underrated striking and very good wrestling. He notes Chris Gutierrez has wrestling holes, having been taken down seven times in his last four fights. He thinks Farid's takedown defense and movement will be key, and that Gutierrez's leg kicks might not be enough to slow him down. He considers the 4-to-1 odds appropriate.
Big Brady is very confident in Farid Basharat, calling him a massive favorite at -450. He criticizes Chris Gutierrez as a boring fighter who relies on leg kicks and has poor takedown defense and get-up game. He notes that Gutierrez has been taken down by lesser wrestlers, and Basharat has a massive advantage in wrestling and grappling. He predicts Basharat wins by decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Basharat because Gutierrez has shown he cannot handle persistent pressure, as in the Pedro Munhoz fight. He notes that Basharat's real skill is taking openings given to him, using strikes to set up takedowns, and that Gutierrez's frustration will mount. However, he cautions that Basharat has never applied the relentless pressure of Munhoz and may need to adjust to Gutierrez's frustrating style.
Basharat's grinding game is expected to be effective against Gutierrez, who is a fish off his back. The host expects Basharat to be competitive in striking and mix in wrestling for a decision victory.
The MMA Guru picks Farid Basharat, citing his offensive grappling and mixing of strikes. He notes Chris Gutierrez's vulnerability to takedowns and lack of finishing ability. He predicts a 29-28 decision.
Zane picks Basharat because he believes Basharat's pressure and wrestling will break Gutierrez, who has a history of emotional breakdowns when fights get difficult, as seen against Pedro Munhoz. He notes that Basharat's game allows for connective pressure, and even if Gutierrez frustrates him early, Basharat's versatility will eventually overwhelm Gutierrez's neutralization game.
Comments (1)
Chris was ok. Farid nice takedowns. Went a little for the finish in the second. Farid cardio was weak in rd3 in a fight he mostly controlled. A big issue going foward surely
Chris was ok. Farid nice takedowns. Went a little for the finish in the second. Farid cardio was weak in rd3 in a fight he mostly controlled. A big issue going foward surely