Career Averages - Daniel Marcos
Career Averages - Aoriqileng
Daniel Marcos - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Johns | 0 | 28 of 54 | 51% | 33 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 |
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 27 of 47 | 57% | 42 of 69 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 | 0 | 3:59 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miles Johns | 0 | 8 of 20 | 40% | 13 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 12 of 21 | 57% | 25 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:36 | |
| 2 | Miles Johns | 0 | 20 of 34 | 58% | 20 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 17 of 34 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 2:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Johns | 28 of 54 | 51% | 21 of 45 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 28 of 49 | 0 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Marcos | 27 of 47 | 57% | 15 of 33 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 14 of 34 | 13 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miles Johns | 8 of 20 | 40% | 4 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Marcos | 12 of 21 | 57% | 5 of 13 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 12 | 9 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Miles Johns | 20 of 34 | 58% | 17 of 29 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 32 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Marcos | 15 of 26 | 57% | 10 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Daniel Marcos because of his superior cardio and cleaner striking. He notes that Miles Johns will come out hot and win the first round, but will fade as the fight goes on, allowing Marcos to take over. He also mentions a potential bet on Miles Johns plus 3.5 rounds, as Johns is likely to win one round.
Big Brady sees this as a close fight, noting that Daniel Marcos has a nice record but he thought Marcos lost the Davey Grant fight. He mentions Miles Johns has a wrestling background and surprisingly good cardio lately, while Marcos has slowed down in past fights. He favors Marcos' distance striking but thinks Johns has more power and the fight goes to a split decision, leaning toward Johns due to the corrupt judges.
Cody picks Johns as a dog, citing his improved performance against Matsumoto and Marcos' inconsistency. He thinks Johns' wrestling and volume can earn him a decision.
Lucrative James does not provide a clear pick for this fight. He discusses Adrian Yanez vs Christian Quinones instead, which is not on the card. He mentions Miles Johns and Daniel Marcos only in passing, but does not give a prediction.
The host believes Marcos has a better all-around game and will pick Johns apart from distance, especially by chewing away at the lead leg. This should slow Johns down and allow Marcos to win on the scorecards in deep water.
Paul leans Johns but is passing due to uncertainty. He notes both fighters' inconsistency and the short-notice changes, but likes Johns at plus money.
The Guru picks Daniel Marcos over Miles Johns. He notes that Marcos has been competitive with top bantamweights like Davy Grant and Montel Jackson, while Johns is on a two-fight losing streak. He highlights Marcos's nasty knees up the middle as a key factor against the stationary Johns. He predicts a TKO finish, as Johns doesn't move enough to avoid Marcos's pressure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montel Jackson | 0 | 30 of 66 | 45% | 67 of 106 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 3:37 |
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 17 of 32 | 53% | 24 of 43 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 5:45 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montel Jackson | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 22 of 31 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:07 |
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 7 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:26 | |
| 2 | Montel Jackson | 0 | 15 of 28 | 53% | 22 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 7 of 12 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:55 | |
| 3 | Montel Jackson | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 23 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 1:04 |
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 10 of 20 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montel Jackson | 30 of 66 | 45% | 25 of 58 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 27 of 62 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Marcos | 17 of 32 | 53% | 5 of 18 | 5 of 7 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montel Jackson | 4 of 12 | 33% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Marcos | 4 of 7 | 57% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Montel Jackson | 15 of 28 | 53% | 12 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Marcos | 7 of 12 | 58% | 1 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Montel Jackson | 11 of 26 | 42% | 11 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Daniel Marcos | 6 of 13 | 46% | 2 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jackson (-205), Marcos (+170)
Round 1
Bantamweights are up again in Des Moines, this time red-hot rising contenders Marcos and Jackson, with Gary Copeland on referee duty. Jackson is southpaw, Marcos orthodox, and they exchange a couple of glancing punches from outside before Marcos closes the distance and clinches with the much taller American. Jackson grounds Marcos with a beautiful foot sweep, and takes top position in Marcos’ guard. He lets “Soncora” up quickly, and they go back to kickboxing, where Marcos continues to try and solve the puzzle of Jackson’s huge height and reach advantages. They clinch again, this time with Marcos’ back against the fence, and Jackson drives his knee into Marcos’ thigh and midsection before they break off and move away from the fence. Marcos rushes forward and pushes Jackson to the fence, where he takes a turn firing short knees as they vie for head position and wrist control. Marcos changes levels, peels Jackson off the fence and takes him down. Marcos is in Jackson’s guard, but only briefly, as Jackson hips out, gives his back up and stands. He turns to face Marcos, completing the escape, just before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Round 2
Marcos comes forward, working to navigate his foe’s reach by springing in with big overhand rights. Marcos jumps in again, but this time he changes levels and completes a takedown in the center of the Octagon. Marcos is in Jackson’s guard, but Jackson will not concede the position, keeping his hips active and looking to get his feet on Marcos’ hips and kick him off. Marcos lets his man up and they go back to work on the feet. Jackson is connecting with a fast, long jab that comes up from near his beltline, while Marcos is keeping his chin tucked and looking for his moment to land a big punch. Marcos steps into the pocket and shoves Jackson to the fence, where they exchange a couple of blows in close before breaking the clinch. Marcos wades right back into range and drives the taller man to the cage again. He locks his hands and, after a moment’s adjustment, hoists Jackson and puts him on the ground. Jackson springs right back to his feet and they move back to the fence. Jackson reverses position and is pushing Marcos into the chain-link at the end of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Round 3
The final round begins with Marcos landing a nice body kick to the open side. Jackson comes back with a pair of punches, one of which might have grazed Marcos’ right eye in an awkward way, as he comes away guarding that side of his face closely. Jackson moves in and tries for a takedown near the fence, but Marcos sprawls well in close quarters. Marcos goes for a takedown of his own and gets Jackson off his feet, then moves to the back as Jackson gets back up. Marcos works from standing back control for a few moments before Jackson spins out of his grasp and off of the fence. Marcos immediately closes the distance again, bending at the waist and trying to pull Jackson’s hips away from the cage. Jackson turns his back and Marcos takes a rear waistlock, but he can only get off a few knees to the thigh before Jackson escapes again. Jackson comes forward, stalking a suddenly tired-looking Marcos, and gets an easy takedown. As Marcos stands, Jackson snares him in a D’Arce choke, dragging him back to the mat as he does so. Marcos remains calm and defends against the choke, but the final horn sounds seconds later, possibly without “Soncora” having landed a single strike this round. Barring some extreme judging malfeasance, one of the UFC’s two dozen or so undefeated fighters is about to go down.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-27 Jackson)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-27 Jackson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-27 Jackson)
The Official Result
Montel Jackson def. Daniel Marcos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo goes against the public and picks Daniel Marcos as an underdog. He trusts Marcos's cardio and takedown defense, and believes he can win a close decision similar to his last fight. He suggests a +3.5 spread bet if the odds remain wide.
Big Brady picks Montel Jackson, citing his significant height and reach advantage, power, and wrestling upside. He notes that Jackson's losses came against wrestlers who took him down, but Marcos is not a wrestler; Jackson may get takedowns instead. Brady questions Marcos's ceiling, pointing out close decisions against Adrien Yanez and Davey Grant, where Grant outlanded Marcos. He expects Jackson to win a decision, mixing in wrestling and landing big shots.
Connor picks Marcos, believing his defensive awareness and ability to slip past length will neutralize Jackson's reach. He notes that Jackson's striking is aimless and he has struggled against pressure fighters like Brent Johns and Ricky Simone. Connor thinks Marcos can get inside and land meaningful shots, and that Jackson's lack of process will be exposed. However, he admits Marcos tends to walk a fine line and doesn't control fights completely.
Jackson will shut down Marcos's calf kicking and grappling game. He will land his big power and muscle Marcos, getting a KO finish within 10 minutes.
The MMA Guru picks Montel Jackson to win by TKO in the first or second round. He praises Jackson's power, reach, and wrestling defense, noting that he has never been held down. He believes Daniel Marcos lacks the grappling threat and power to trouble Jackson, and that Jackson will find a finish. He thinks Jackson should be a -250 favorite, so -198 is good value.
Zane picks Jackson, citing his size, reach, and fight-changing power as key advantages. He notes that Marcos has never faced a fighter with Jackson's physical attributes and may struggle to get inside. Zane acknowledges that Marcos is skilled and defensively aware, but worries that Jackson's power will be the difference if Marcos can't neutralize the reach. He admits it's a close fight and not confident.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 79 of 183 | 43% | 85 of 189 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:15 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 86 of 147 | 58% | 95 of 156 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 24 of 55 | 43% | 29 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 29 of 46 | 63% | 30 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:46 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 41 of 98 | 41% | 41 of 98 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 39 of 70 | 55% | 39 of 70 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 15 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 26 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 79 of 183 | 43% | 57 of 156 | 8 of 10 | 14 of 17 | 79 of 182 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 86 of 147 | 58% | 60 of 111 | 9 of 16 | 17 of 20 | 81 of 142 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 24 of 55 | 43% | 15 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 29 of 46 | 63% | 14 of 30 | 4 of 5 | 11 of 11 | 27 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 41 of 98 | 41% | 29 of 82 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 10 | 41 of 97 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 39 of 70 | 55% | 29 of 52 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 8 | 39 of 70 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 14 of 30 | 46% | 13 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 18 of 31 | 58% | 17 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Angelo picks Yañez as the better boxer with faster hands, expecting a striking-only fight. He notes Yañez's technical boxing, fight IQ, and 100% takedown defense, while Marcos is undefeated but untested against high-level strikers. He believes Marcos will be forced into a boxing match where Yañez has the edge. He cannot bet on this fight due to unknowns about Marcos.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos to win by second-round knockout. He likes Marcos's diverse striking (leg kicks, body kicks, head kicks) and thinks Yañez is hittable and has durability issues, noting Yañez was knocked out by Rob Font. He expects Marcos to hurt Yañez and finish him.
Cody picks Daniel Marcos, citing his durability, cardio, and pressure fighting. He notes that Yañez has been knocked out by strikers and struggles against volume. Marcos's ability to take a shot and keep coming forward is key. Cody sees this as a striker vs striker matchup where Marcos's durability gives him the edge.
Connor picks Marcos, citing that his game has smaller gaps and he is more consistent. He notes that Marcos can target Yañez's leg kicks and build momentum over rounds, while Yañez may fade if his initial blitz fails. Connor acknowledges it's a close fight and could go either way.
Daniel Vreeland picks Daniel Marcos, citing his high fight IQ and well-rounded skills. He notes that Yañez is one-dimensional with fast hands but predictable, while Marcos can box, kickbox, wrestle, and do jiu-jitsu. Vreeland expects Marcos to avoid unnecessary pocket exchanges and use a varied attack. He mentions the price (-225) is a bit high but still picks Marcos.
Lucrative James picks Daniel Marcos to win, citing Marcos' superior striking skills, clinch work, and leg kicks. He acknowledges Marcos' cardio issues in round three but believes Marcos has enough early upside to win the first two rounds or secure a finish. He notes Yañez's toughness and cardio but points out Yañez's vulnerabilities to leg kicks and head punches, as seen in past losses.
Marcos's calf-kicking abilities will render Yañez defenseless, leading to a TKO victory within the second or third round. The public line movement from -170 to -230 supports this pick.
Paul leans towards Marcos, citing his durability and undefeated record. He notes that Yañez has questionable durability and has been knocked out before. Paul is concerned if Marcos doesn't push the pace, but overall favors Marcos's volume and pressure.
The MMA Guru initially leans toward Adrian Yañez due to his slick hands and underdog status, but after reviewing Marcos' undefeated record and tougher competition on the regional scene, he switches to Daniel Marcos. He predicts Marcos will use lateral movement and leg kicks to win a close decision (29-28). He admits Yañez may have the talent edge but trusts Marcos' resume.
Zane leans toward Yañez because of his flashier punching and ability to hurt opponents. He notes that Marcos has a tendency to have inactive periods and can be hurt, which could be dangerous against Yañez. However, Zane is concerned about Yañez's leg kick defense and his tendency to start fast and fade.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 60 of 123 | 48% | 68 of 134 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2:12 |
| John Castañeda | 1 | 98 of 171 | 57% | 101 of 177 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 24 of 46 | 52% | 25 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| John Castañeda | 0 | 28 of 52 | 53% | 28 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 13 of 30 | 43% | 20 of 40 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:53 |
| John Castañeda | 0 | 26 of 54 | 48% | 27 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:37 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 23 of 47 | 48% | 23 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| John Castañeda | 1 | 44 of 65 | 67% | 46 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 60 of 123 | 48% | 26 of 75 | 9 of 16 | 25 of 32 | 59 of 122 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| John Castañeda | 98 of 171 | 57% | 71 of 131 | 21 of 31 | 6 of 9 | 81 of 150 | 17 of 20 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 24 of 46 | 52% | 6 of 19 | 3 of 5 | 15 of 22 | 24 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| John Castañeda | 28 of 52 | 53% | 23 of 41 | 2 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 26 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 13 of 30 | 43% | 7 of 24 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| John Castañeda | 26 of 54 | 48% | 22 of 49 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 42 | 9 of 12 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 23 of 47 | 48% | 13 of 32 | 4 of 9 | 6 of 6 | 22 of 46 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| John Castañeda | 44 of 65 | 67% | 26 of 41 | 16 of 19 | 2 of 5 | 38 of 59 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marcos (-120), Castaneda (+100)
Round 1
A pair of bantamweights that hold exactly eight knockout victories and seven triumphs on the scorecards meet as the prelims keep on pushing. Castaneda (21-6, 4-2 UFC) rides a two-fight win streak into this matchup, with a potential pattern brewing of him winning two and losing the third. His Peruvian foe Marcos (15-0, 1 NC; 2-0, 1 NC UFC) has never tasted defeat as a pro, and his lone non-victorious performance came in February when he kicked a flying Qileng Aori in the groin to result in a no contest. The third man in the Octagon for this one will be Dan Miragliotta, and he begins the fight when the two men touch ‘em up. Castaneda springs in and out of range, slapping a few leg kicks on the fiery haired man from Peru. Marcos throws one back, and he walks through a counter low kick to punch “Sexi Mexi” in the face three times. Castaneda slips to the side and keeps snapping out leg kicks, targeting the calf repeatedly while attempting to parry or dodge anything Marcos throws his way. Marcos slowly cuts his foe off, and he lines a right hand down the middle and drills him with a step-in knee. Marcos gets off a body kick, and Castaneda slaps a few more leg kicks off the calf for good measure. Marcos marches in with a heavy right hand, sending Castaneda flying, and Castaneda bounces off the cage wall and hits one knee. Castaneda gets back up and scampers away, and Marcos grins and pursues another overhand right. A body kick is swatted away by Marcos, and he coils and looses his right hand again. Castaneda prods with low kick after low kick, and he is met with a right hand and a pair of knees. Two quick hands from Marcos find the chin of his opponent, and Castaneda’s nose starts to turn red. A front kick from Marcos does not help, as it grazes the beak as Castaneda is retreating. Castaneda pecks with another leg kick and hops away, and Marcos’ right hand marks up the bridge of Castaneda’s nose. Marcos parries a punch and drills Castaneda with three before Castaneda can get away. Marcos plants a kick on the ribs of his foe, and Castaneda’s low kicks keep slapping but are frequently countered by a right hook. A few more from Marcos send Castaneda down to his knees, and Castaneda climbs up and rushes away while Marcos gives chase. As Marcos lands a few more, the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Round 2
Gloves are touched to commence the round, and they trade leg kicks right off the bat. Marcos connects with a quick combination of punches, resulting in Castaneda crashing the pocket and clinching up. Castaneda presses tightly in the clinch, stomping the undefeated fighter’s toes. Marcos breaks off and chases after Castaneda, blasting him in the face with a knee and several right hands. The strikes cause blood to blow from the nose of “Sexi Mexi,” and Marcos targets the same place with a few more knees and rights. Castaneda tries to take the fight down to slow down the onslaught of the Peruvian, where he succeeds in clinging to him and briefly halting the offense. As Marcos turns him about, he knees Castaneda in the face and thigh a few times, as Castaneda leans his shoulder on the wall before splitting off. Castaneda sells out for a double, and Marcos’ defense holds up as he leans his back on the fence and knees Castaneda square in the face. Marcos finds Castaneda’s face with punches, a head kick and a follow-up one-two, and Castaneda is tough but taking damage. Marcos chases after Castaneda and lets Castaneda hit him back so he can slug him harder. Castaneda finds a different angle, rushes forward and scoops “Soncora” up to slam him on the canvas. Marcos turns to a knee and is up after a few seconds, and he lays into Castaneda with punches and a vicious knee until Castaneda shoots once more. Castaneda spins with an elbow that brushes past the shoulder, and Marcos drives him back with a front kick and a leaping right hand. Castaneda counters and bloodies up the bridge of Marcos’ nose, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Round 3
The fighters hug it out to start the last round, and Marcos leads the dance with a clean right hand. Castaneda strafes to the side and responds with a straight right hand, and he spins with a kick that misses the mark. Marcos kicks his foe in the ribs, and he chops at the inside calf and then jams his shin into the solar plexus. Castaneda retaliates with a head kick, and Marcos kicks him back only for the foot to bounce off the stomach and potentially the cup. After a brief look at the replay, Miragliotta tells them it was legal, so they resume fighting and Marcos kicks the same spot. Castaneda cries foul again for a cup shot, and Miragliotta once more tells him they are legal. Marcos rushes at Castaneda, who is turned around and upset, and he punches his way forward until Castaneda grabs hold of him to tie him up. Marcos is turned around, but he muscles his way out of the tie-up. Castaneda goes after him, kicking the lead leg and body before Marcos lines up a right hand down the pipe. Marcos jabs the body with a kick, and Castaneda responds with a low kick. They trade strikes one after the other, and Marcos lands a right as Castaneda trips. Castaneda is upright in an instant, and he throws a few punches that are out of range. Castaneda gets off a solid body kick, and Marcos comes back at him with three punches and a much heavier body kick of his own. Castaneda races forward, keeping Marcos on the back foot, and he throws punches and kicks. Castaneda winds up with a big right hand, and Marcos says, “two can play that game,” and decks Castaneda with his own fastball. Castaneda hits his seat and jumps back up to his feet after the flash knockdown, and Marcos elects to tie him up instead of land much more. On the break, Marcos digs a right to the body and one to the head, and Castaneda punches his foe in the chest in response. Castaneda scores a right hand and lets loose with a head kick, and Marcos suddenly realizes that he is in trouble. Castaneda sprints at him trying to do some finalizing damage, and Marcos gets his feet back and cracks Castaneda with a thudding elbow right before the fight wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Marcos (30-27 Marcos)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Marcos (30-27 Marcos)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Marcos (30-27 Marcos)
The Official Result
Daniel Marcos def. John Castaneda via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks John Castañeda as the underdog. He notes that Daniel Marcos is undefeated but has squeaked out close decisions, and his UFC wins are not dominant. John is all gas, no brakes, with forward pressure, wrestling, and a high pace. Angelo thinks John's wrestling and pressure will be too much for Marcos, who likes to control the tempo. He expects John to win a decision or possibly get a finish.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos to win by decision. He likes Marcos's striking volume and body work, which could break Castañeda as seen in the Santos fight. He doubts Castañeda's wrestling will be effective because Marcos has good takedown defense and get-up game. He expects a war but favors Marcos's striking.
Cody picks Marcos, noting that Castañeda struggles when pressured and Marcos has good leg kicks and volume. He acknowledges Castañeda's wrestling but thinks Marcos' takedown defense and striking will be enough to edge a decision. Cody sees this as a close fight but leans towards Marcos' development.
Daniel picks Marcos as the slicker fighter, expecting a close decision. He praises Marcos' cerebral approach and jab, and notes Castañeda's experience and improved output. He has been picking against Castañeda and continues that trend.
Jacob picks John Castañeda, calling him a former lock of the week. He likes that John doesn't force takedowns but uses his wrestling as a weapon, often setting up takedowns with his boxing. He thinks the striking will be close, but John's wrestling gives him an edge, especially late in rounds. He notes that John was plus money and would have been his lock of the week if the odds were wider earlier.
Castañeda's movement and lateral footwork should help him avoid Marcos' calf kicks and crash the pocket with power strikes. He has more tools and experience, and can hand Marcos his first loss. However, if Marcos establishes the calf kick, he could take over. Close fight, slight lean to Castañeda by decision.
Paul slightly leans towards Castañeda based on his wrestling and volume. He notes that Castañeda moves forward well and has good output. Paul thinks this is a properly priced fight and does not intend to make a significant play.
The Guru picks Marcos after initially considering Castañeda. He says Castañeda hasn't put together wins impressively and his recent fights weren't good-looking. Marcos is 15-0 and active, and though he was given a robbery decision against Dave Grant, the Guru thinks Marcos is better than Castañeda. He notes Marcos looked amazing in the first round against Chang before the no-contest.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 81 of 126 | 64% | 84 of 129 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 45 of 95 | 47% | 45 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 36 of 63 | 57% | 38 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 22 of 54 | 40% | 22 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 45 of 63 | 71% | 46 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 23 of 41 | 56% | 23 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 81 of 126 | 64% | 50 of 84 | 12 of 19 | 19 of 23 | 69 of 113 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 7 |
| Aoriqileng | 45 of 95 | 47% | 26 of 71 | 10 of 12 | 9 of 12 | 43 of 93 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 36 of 63 | 57% | 20 of 41 | 6 of 9 | 10 of 13 | 33 of 60 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Aoriqileng | 22 of 54 | 40% | 13 of 41 | 5 of 6 | 4 of 7 | 22 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 45 of 63 | 71% | 30 of 43 | 6 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 36 of 53 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 7 |
| Aoriqileng | 23 of 41 | 56% | 13 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 21 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marcos (-250), Aori (+205)
Round 1
If the reports and claims are accurate, a billionaire will be in the stands at the UFC Apex this afternoon. Within a matter of minutes, it will be apparent if the tech mogul and personality of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Elon Musk, has received the Mark Zuckerberg treatment of renting the entire place out for himself. If not, a few hundred fans plus the controversial figure will be in the building for this jam-packed 14-fight showcase. The first match of the day comes in the bantamweight division, as flashy undefeated Peruvian Marcos (15-0, 2-0 UFC) aims to keep his spotless record intact at the expense of Inner Mongolia’s Aori (25-11, 3-3 UFC). Referee Jason Herzog will need to be on high alert right out of the gate to keep track of these two quick competitors. The gloves are touched, and it’s on with the show. Aori flicks out an early front kick to measure his range, and he sits back and waits to see if a counter comes his way. It does not. Marcos watches from afar, and he surges into action with a single overhand right that gets Aori’s attention. The two trade low kicks, and they both let their hands go with big, winging punches. In the midst of an exchange, Marcos changes things up with a stern knee on the jaw, and Aori shakes it off. Both men land flush and back off to not get sucked into a brawl. Aori paws out a front kick, and blood trickles down the temple from the power lefts from the Peruvian. Aori leaps forward with a knee, and uses his momentum to press into a clinch. Marcos meets him with a strike that busts Aori’s mouth open, and Aori cannot keep the tie-up and is forced to back off and reset. Marcos comes up short with a front kick, but his looping punches continues to bust up the Chinese competitor, smashing Aori’s nose in the process. Blood leaks from several places on Aori’s face like the Doomguy low on health, but he is very much still in the fight as he lets Marcos have it with a quick combination. Marcos keeps his guard high, so Aori kicks low repeatedly. Marcos retaliates after absorbing one particularly stern low kick, and he whips his right hand into action. Marcos prods out a jab and draws out some oncoming fire from Aori, taking advantage of this by blasting Aori with an uppercut. Aori tanks it and moves forward, and the horn signals the end of the first round.
Advertisement
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Round 2
The fighters touch ‘em up before getting back to it, and Marcos is ready to engage first as he clubs Aori with a short right hand. The unbeaten Peruvian presses forward into a clinch, and he presses Aori against the fence. When circling away, Marcos lines up a low kick that disrupts the balance of his opponent. Aori hits the deck, and Marcos pounces in an effort to finish the fight with a flurry of heavy firsts. Aori survives the worst of it and gets back to his feet, and crimson fluid trickles from additional places on his face after taking serious damage. Marcos spins with a back elbow that misses the mark, and he continues assaulting Aori’s lead calf with gnarly kicks. Aori tries valiantly to throw back and even catches Marcos with a two-punch salvo, but Marcos’ volume and power is breaking Aori. “Soncora” sits down on a left to the liver that lands with an audible thud, and he appears to find his mark almost every time he throws a strike. Aori swings backs, and his fingers stretch out as one drifts into Marcos’ eye. Marcos needs just a few seconds to recover, and when they get back to business, Marcos aims a front kick to the body but ends up glancing it off the cup. Aori takes 30 seconds to catch his wind before resuming, and he gets right in Marcos’ face and throws a few punches. Aori concludes his combination with a kick square on Marcos’ cup that looks to be a bit of payback, and Marcos groans as Herzog pauses the action for the third time in a few seconds after a trio of unfortunate fouls. Herzog warns Aori for his strike, and Marcos is ready to go after about 45 seconds of recovery. Marcos lets loose with a kick, and Aori responds with one that slaps into his inner thigh and draws a reaction from Marcos. Aori jumps in the air with an attempted strike, and Marcos meets him in the air with a front kick to the groin. Herzog rolls his eyes and calls time, and informs both fighters through their translators that there are to be no more accidents, and that points will be deducted for any additional fouls. Aori drops to his knees and dry heaves from the groin strike, and Herzog allows Aori to recover for a minute before calling in the doctor. Aori pulls himself back to his feet after two minutes elapse, but he is clearly compromised and not having a good time right now. Not wanting to cool down, Marcos shadowboxes and jogs in his corner, but Aori crouches down and drops back to a knee. Time continues to tick off the clock, and Aori reaches the five-minute mark. Herzog asks him if he is able to continue, and Aori does not say anything and bends over. Herzog recognizes that Aori is in no shape to fight another professional combatant aiming to take his head off, and he waves the fight off. Due to the inadvertent groin strike—Aori was in the air when Marcos caught him with a front kick, a total accident—and the fact that it did not reach Round 3, this fight should be declared a no contest. When the result is read, Marcos breaks into tears, with his stellar performance invalidated due to a fluke kick. On the other side of the equation, Aori is assisted out of the cage, with the damage of two direct groin shots too much to bear on his own.
The Official Result
Daniel Marcos vs. Qileng Aori is Ruled a No Contest (Accidental Groin Kick) R2 3:28
Angelo acknowledges that Daniel Marcos looked poor in his last fight against Davey Grant, with low volume and a lack of pressure. However, he emphasizes looking at the broader body of work, where Marcos has shown effective striking, power, and takedown defense. He believes Marcos should be more technical and busy, and should win, but the recent performance makes him hesitant. He notes the odds are -200, which he finds a bit rich given the last fight.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos to win by decision. He notes that Marcos is a much more skilled striker with a lot of tools on the feet, while Aoriqileng is a brawler who is very hittable. He expects the fight to go 15 minutes and Marcos to outpoint Aoriqileng, though he mentions a slight concern about corrupt judges.
Cody picks Marcos, noting he is a superior fighter with good volume. Aoriqileng is fun but often falls behind on the scorecards and has takedown defense issues. Marcos should outpoint him. Cody suggests a prop on Marcos by decision or by KO at +300.
Marcos has a solid all-around game with good calf kicks and the ability to mix in grappling. He should be able to batter Aoriqileng's lead leg and eventually look for takedowns. Aoriqileng has struggled against better competition and his wins are against subpar opponents. Marcos is undefeated and should continue his run with a decision victory.
Paul also picks Marcos, calling it a massive mismatch. He notes Aoriqileng's low output and poor takedown defense. Marcos is a volume striker who should pick him apart. Paul likes Marcos by KO at +300 as a prop.
The MMA Guru picks Daniel Marcos because he believes Aoriqileng is a worse version of Davey Grant, who Marcos already faced. He notes that Marcos showed good striking defense against Grant's unorthodox style and expects Aoriqileng to slow down after the first round, allowing Marcos to win a decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 70 of 215 | 32% | 70 of 215 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 48 of 140 | 34% | 49 of 141 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 16 of 49 | 32% | 16 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 13 of 35 | 37% | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 26 of 75 | 34% | 26 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 15 of 51 | 29% | 15 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 28 of 91 | 30% | 28 of 91 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 20 of 54 | 37% | 21 of 55 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 70 of 215 | 32% | 17 of 127 | 27 of 55 | 26 of 33 | 70 of 213 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 48 of 140 | 34% | 21 of 90 | 6 of 24 | 21 of 26 | 47 of 139 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 16 of 49 | 32% | 1 of 28 | 7 of 10 | 8 of 11 | 16 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 13 of 35 | 37% | 1 of 15 | 2 of 8 | 10 of 12 | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 26 of 75 | 34% | 9 of 48 | 8 of 15 | 9 of 12 | 26 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 15 of 51 | 29% | 4 of 33 | 3 of 8 | 8 of 10 | 14 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 28 of 91 | 30% | 7 of 51 | 12 of 30 | 9 of 10 | 28 of 89 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 20 of 54 | 37% | 16 of 42 | 1 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 20 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marcos (-140), Grant (+120)
Round 1
In the one corner, “Dangerous Davey” Grant (15-6, 6-5 UFC) stands firm, ready to represent his home country. In the other, lead-fisted and lead-kneed Peruvian Marcos (14-0, 1-0 UFC) puts his unblemished record on the line. Grant has only been defeated in the past via submission, while Marcos has never before forced a foe to tap out. Something’s gotta give in this newly minted bantamweight main card opener that could be a banger, and it begins with a glove touch. Referee Marc Goddard adjusts his gloves, pulls up his pants and sits back to observed the proceedings, and The two fighters come out to the middle of the cage to engage, and Grant goes first with a heavy leg kick. Grant walks down Marcos and kicks on the inside, and he throws one more to the outer calf. Marcos replies with one that sends Grant off-balance, but the Brit adjusts himself and continues coming forward. Grant pushes out a front kick, and he wings a right hand that slides off the top of the guard to bounce off Marcos’ temple. Marcos shrugs at him and kicks so hard on the calf that he takes Grant off his feet. Grant jumps back up and rips a kick to the ribs, and he checks a kick that comes his way. Grant turns an uppercut into a spinning back fist, and Marcos dances out of the way and keeps his guard up high to stop another strike from getting through. Grant comes out swinging, throwing a right hook that puts himself off-balance, and Marcos does not capitalize on it but is able to eat up Grant’s calf with another kick. Grant strides in with a side kick, and he jumps forward with a stomping kick to the knee. The unbeaten fighter ducks down and absorbs a side kick, and Grant then plants the ball of his foot on the chest to follow. Grant snipes out a left hook when Marcos advances, and he jumps forward with a knee that glances off his intended target. Grant counters a leg kick with a clean right hand, and he kicks the body and backs off when Marcos throws hands. Marcos walks “Dangerous Davey” down and kicks him in the chest, and Grant is able to time a right hand when Marcos loads up. Grant sweeps the leg as he comes forward, and he chains a calf kick into a head kick with the same leg. Marcos gives a body kick back, only for Grant to defend against it. Marcos reaches his man with a right hook, and Grant spins with a wheel kick that ricochets off the chest of his foe. Marcos rubs his chest, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 2
The 135ers bump fists before getting after it, and Grant spurs into action in a hurry with several kicks to multiple targets. Grant sprints and pulls back to draw a reaction, and he does this to clip Marcos with a short left hook. Grant aims a right hand when Marcos rushes at him with a jump knee, and Grant scampers away before it reaches him. Grant kicks the side and goes with a hook kick up high, and they proceed to throw fists at the same time. Marcos catches Grant with a solid right hand, and Grant gathers his thoughts and chips at the lead wheel of his foe. Grant punches his way into a combination that ends with a low kick, and he misses with a wheel kick as Marcos backs off. Grant nails a leg kick and wings a right hook over the top, and Marcos ignores it and tries to counter with a right hand. A few jabs from the Peruvian fighter have bloodied Grant’s nose up, and Grant pays it no mind as his offense is still as active as ever. Grant strings three hooks together and pushes off the chest with the ball of his foot when Marcos attempts to reply. Marcos swings as hard as he can with a right hand, and Grant ducks and nails Marcos with a front kick on the chin. Grant swings a high kick that grazes off the red hair of his opponent, and Marcos responds with two punches and a step-in kick that splits the uprights and slams square into Grant’s cup. Grant grimaces and bends over as Goddard calls time, and Grant tells Goddard he is good to go after about 45 seconds off. When restarting, Marcos offers an apologetic glove touch. Grant gets going again with a huge right hand, and he watches Marcos comes towards him and raise up a hook kick. Grant plants his shin on the lower calf of “Soncora,” and he steps in with an elbow. Grant trips on Marcos’ leg when spinning with a strike, and Marcos’ jabs are starting to bloody Grant up further. “Dangerous Davey” plants a dangerous right hand on the nose, and Marcos shakes his head and defends against the standing hook kick. Grant lets go with several punches and a side kick, and he gives chase as Marcos backpedals. The round ends with the lower part of Grant’s face covered in blood.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 3
Grant nods and winks at Marcos to lead off the last round, and the two hug it out before getting down to business. Marcos strikes first with a calf kick, and Grant strides forward and lets go with a spinning wheel kick. It only takes a jab or two from Marcos to bust up Grant’s nose again. Grant absorbs a jab and goes forward into a takedown. The unbeaten fighter stands him up, and the two fighters stand in the pocket and trade. Marcos backs off first, and Grant follows him down with a head kick, a front kick and a right hand. Grant puts three fists on Marcos before Marcos is able to land one. Marcos, out of nowhere, jumps at his man with a knee, and Grant takes it flush and keeps coming ever forward. Marcos waves his arms around, and Grant comes at him with a knee. Marcos swats him aside and strafes on the outside, and it is up to Grant to initiate the offense. Grant spins with a back fist, and then keeps spinning to throw other strikes. Marcos nods approvingly from the strikes, and he keeps backing off as Grant is pushing the pace. Grant walks through jabs to swing with far harder strikes, and one such blow comes in the form of a right to the body. Marcos jabs up his man, and Grant unloads with a right hand that bounces off the shoulder. Grant walks Marcos down, getting in a leg kick and a right hand, and Marcos tries to reply with a left hook that only slightly connects. Grant ducks a flailing fist to come in and land a straight right to the body, and a subsequent kick makes Marcos drops his guard and back off. Grant jumps with a knee, and when he misses and lands, Marcos greets him with a stern right hand down the pipe. Grant doggedly pursues his opponent, throwing everything and the kitchen sink at him. Marcos times a takedown out of nowhere, hitting it with ease. Grant frantically works his way up with the fence behind him, and he separates. Grant spins with a wheel kick that bounces off the shoulder, and he raise his arm to draw Marcos into a final brawl. Grant spams any kind of kick he can think of, all while Marcos backs away, until time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant (30-27 Grant)
The Official Result
Daniel Marcos def. Davey Grant via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is very confident in Daniel Marcos, believing the odds are incredible value. He thinks Davey Grant is chinny and if he can't get a takedown (which he hasn't since 2021), he will get lit up on the feet. He has a half-unit bet at -121 and calls it some of the best value on the card.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos by decision. He likes Marcos' striking and volume, and thinks he can outwork Grant over 15 minutes. He notes Grant is durable and has power, but Marcos is younger and has upside. He is concerned about Marcos' chin not being tested. He thinks it will be close but Marcos' volume and youth give him the edge.
Cody picks Grant, questioning Marcos's hype. He notes Grant has fought tougher competition (Vera, Yanez) and is a gatekeeper. He thinks the line is an overreaction to Marcos's win over Oliveira. He sees Grant as a live dog.
Daniel picks Daniel Marcos, calling him the best Peruvian prospect ever and praising his professional approach, training in Florida, and high-tech recovery. He thinks Marcos's pressure and intensity make opponents fight uncharacteristically, as seen in the Simon Oliveira fight. He acknowledges Davey Grant's toughness and experience but believes Marcos is catching him at the right time. However, he is not willing to lay -140 and says he would be interested if the price drops to around -115. He passes on betting but picks Marcos to win.
James picks Daniel Marcos to win. He thinks Marcos is a better striker than Grant, with cleaner technique and better footwork. He believes Marcos can play the range game and punish Grant with straight shots. James notes that Grant is older and may be slowing down, while Marcos is on an upward trajectory. He acknowledges that this is a step up in competition for Marcos and that Grant has knockout power, but he favors Marcos's skills and potential.
The host picks Daniel Marcos, believing his overall game, output, grappling, and calf kicks will neutralize Grant's power. He expects Marcos to withstand Grant's early power and win by decision. He notes it's a stiff test but thinks Marcos passes.
Paul leans toward Marcos, noting his undefeated record and willingness to engage. He thinks Marcos can outwork Grant, though Grant has power and grappling advantages. He is not fully confident and calls it a dog or pass.
The MMA Guru picks Davey Grant, initially considering Daniel Marcos but ultimately favoring Grant's experience and power. He notes Grant's win over Aiemann Zahabi is underrated and that Marcos was timid in his fight against Simon Oliveira. The Guru believes Grant's size, power, and front kicks will overwhelm Marcos, and predicts a KO win in a scrap against the cage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 23 of 70 | 32% | 25 of 73 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:15 |
| Saimon Oliveira | 1 | 53 of 78 | 67% | 59 of 84 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 13 of 40 | 32% | 15 of 43 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Saimon Oliveira | 0 | 27 of 40 | 67% | 31 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:42 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 10 of 30 | 33% | 10 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Saimon Oliveira | 1 | 26 of 38 | 68% | 28 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 23 of 70 | 32% | 7 of 47 | 3 of 7 | 13 of 16 | 20 of 63 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Saimon Oliveira | 53 of 78 | 67% | 31 of 52 | 20 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 36 of 58 | 16 of 19 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 13 of 40 | 32% | 4 of 27 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 10 of 35 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Saimon Oliveira | 27 of 40 | 67% | 16 of 28 | 10 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 30 | 10 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 10 of 30 | 33% | 3 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 8 | 10 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Saimon Oliveira | 26 of 38 | 68% | 15 of 24 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 19 of 28 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 |
Big Brady is not extremely impressed with either fighter but sees more paths to victory for Daniel Marcos. He notes Marcos made significant improvements from his earlier fights to the Contender Series, particularly in striking and takedown defense. He believes Marcos can get takedowns against Oliveira, who has poor takedown defense, though Oliveira is dangerous off his back. He calls it a sketchy fight he's staying away from betting.
Cody picks Daniel Marcos as a slight underdog, noting his striking and power. He says Marcos showed good volume and power on Contender Series, and that Oliveira is reckless and has poor wrestling. He thinks Marcos can win a striking battle. He mentions Marcos' cardio issues but thinks he can push through. He says this is a 50/50 fight and he'll take the plus money.
Connor agrees, noting Oliveira has more experience and is more aggressive. Marcos may struggle with Oliveira's pressure and guillotine threat.
Paul picks Daniel Marcos, agreeing with Cody. He notes Oliveira's recklessness and poor wrestling. He says Marcos has good striking and power. He mentions Marcos' cardio issues but thinks he can win. He says he's not confident but will pick Marcos.
The Guru sees this as a 50/50 matchup but leans towards Marcos as the underdog. He notes that Oliveira barely scraped by on the contender series and was ragdolled by Tony Gravely, who got 11 takedowns on him. Marcos showed good takedown defense against Brandon Lewis, stuffing 11 of 13 takedowns, and has been more active recently, while Oliveira hasn't fought in a year. The Guru gives a slight grappling advantage to Marcos due to his hustle and stubbornness in positions.
Zane picks Oliveira because he is cleaner and more aggressive. Marcos is gritty but lacks clean technique. Oliveira's experience and aggression should give him the edge. He notes Oliveira's guillotine could be a threat.
Aoriqileng - Fight History
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Haddon (-350); Aori (+280)
Round 1
Aussie bantamweight prospect Haddon (8-1; 1-0 UFC) looks to follow up on his debut win against Aoriqileng (26-12, 1 NC; 4-4, 1 NC UFC), who will attempt to turn things around for the host country, as Chinese fighters are 0-2 on the evening thus far. Jason Herzog is the referee on duty. Both fighters are orthodox and Aoriqileng looks a full weight class larger than Haddon. It’s Haddon pushing the action, however, sliding forward into the pocket and exchanging glancing punch combinations with the “Mongolian Murderer.” Neithen man lands anything clean, but Haddon steps into the pocket again, tries a knee pick, and then uses a body lock to hoist and slam Aori. He slides to the back and pounds his foe’s head with both fists as they sink to the canvas. Haddon is in complete control, mindful of his postur and position as he continues to hammer the near-helpless Aori. Making things worse, Aori’s right arm becomes pinned under his body for a moment, and the Australian takes full advantage, pounding away with elbows and punches. Herzog is hovering nearby, but letting Aori work his way out of danger, and his patience is vindicated as Aori rolls and frees his arm. It’s still 100% Haddon, however, and with under a minute to go he pauses the unending storm of punches to try for a rear-naked choke. Aori spins out of back mount, forcing Haddon to give up the choke, but he continues to pour on the punishment until the horn sounds. Complete thrashing in Round 1 by the younger man.
10-8 Haddon.
Round 2
Aori looks much recovered to start Round 2, and he comes forward right away, swinging hooks with both hands. Haddon drops for a takedown and gets absolutely pancaked, recovers and enters again, only for Aori to catch him in a front headlock and snap him down. Aori looks for the guillotine and is legitimately threatening Haddon’s neck, but Haddon eventually extricates himelf from the choke and they return to their feet. From there, he is quick to enter once again, dropping for a smooth-looking double leg.
Aori stands him up with underhooks, at which point Haddon hits him with two knees to the liver, the second of which absolutely melts him. Haddon follows Aori back to the mat and pours on the punches at the base of the fence, and it’s clear that Aori is cooked.
Herzog steps in for the save and the domination is complete. Brutal, brutal work by the man from Western Australia.
The Official Result
Cody Haddon def. Qileng Aori R2 2:21 via TKO (Knees to the Body and Punches)
AJ confidently picks Haddon, praising his clean boxing, combinations, and forward pressure. He thinks Haddon's striking is faster and more powerful than Aoriqileng's, and expects a finish, possibly by KO. AJ notes Haddon is a blue-chip prospect and Aoriqileng is a tough but less technical veteran.
AJ is a fan of Cody Haddon as a prospect, praising his hands, boxing pressure, high output, and slickness. He thinks Haddon's volume and speed will overwhelm Aoriqileng, who has dangerous offense but is hittable. AJ believes Haddon will outwork him, possibly with a finish, and that Haddon's talent is superior. He notes Haddon is coming off a layoff but expects the best version.
Angelo picks Cody Haddon but is hesitant due to the two-year layoff and major surgery. He acknowledges Cody is the better fighter and if he is even 80% of what he was, he should win. However, he cannot touch the odds due to the uncertainty.
Angelo picks Cody Haddon, praising his pressure, pace, and well-rounded skills. He is concerned about Haddon's long layoff due to injury but still believes he is the better overall fighter. However, he plans to fade Haddon in DraftKings due to high price and potential scoring issues.
Angelo picks Cody Haddon based on his skills and performance against Dan Argueta, but he is hesitant due to Haddon's two-year layoff from a torn ligament. He questions what version of Haddon will show up and notes the risk of fighting in enemy territory. He cannot bet on Haddon at -350 given the uncertainty, but he is rooting for him.
Big Brady picks Cody Haddon by decision, praising his clean boxing, fast hands, volume, and wrestling. He notes Haddon is good everywhere and has been out with injuries but is only 27. He acknowledges Aoriqileng is tough and durable but believes Haddon will outland him and mix in takedowns if needed.
Cody is high on Haddon, calling him a legitimate prospect with crisp boxing, good volume, durability, and improving wrestling. He notes Haddon's takedown defense and scrambling looked good against Dan Argueta. Richie Lang is an older, slower fighter who struggles with volume and has been knocked out by lesser punchers. Cody expects Haddon to outwork and potentially finish Lang.
Connor picks Cody Haddon, praising his lazy but effective style: a calm, flat-footed fighter with a long jab, good head movement, and combinations to the body. He notes Haddon's poise is a strength, though it could later lead to a fight being ripped away.
Jacob picks Cody Haddon and is confident despite the layoff. He notes that Cody has a boxing background and wrestling as a backup plan. He thinks Cody should use wrestling early to take the pop out of Aoriqileng's shots. He acknowledges the risk but believes Cody is the better fighter.
Lucrative James is high on Cody Haddon, calling him 'championship material' with superior boxing, volume, and body work. He notes Aoriqileng's only path is power punches, but Haddon's chin and defensive skills should prevail. He expects Haddon to win a beatdown decision, possibly with late finish attempts, but Aori is tough. He mentions Haddon's injury history but believes in his skill level.
The host picks Haddon to win inside the distance, citing his technical superiority in all aspects and speed advantage. He believes Haddon's slick striking and grappling will cause Aoriqileng problems, and that Aoriqileng's overaggression will open up finishing opportunities. He cannot decide between knockout or submission but is confident in a finish.
The host is a big Cody Haddon fan and believes this is a perfect matchup for him. He expects Haddon to showcase sharper striking and good grappling, eventually finding a big shot to finish Aoriqileng inside the distance.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Haddon's well-rounded skills and volume. He mentions that Lang's wins are over low-level opponents and that Haddon's pace will be too much. Paul sees Haddon as a strong play.
The Guru picks Haddon due to superior well-roundedness. He notes Haddon has good striking with body work, combinations, and leg kicks, plus solid grappling and scrambling. Aoriqileng has forward pressure and power but poor defense and takedown defense. Experience favors Aoriqileng but skill favors Haddon.
The Guru picks Cody Hadden over Iori (Aoriqileng), citing Hadden's well-rounded skills, high volume, and durability. He believes Hadden's technical striking and cardio will outwork Iori, who is an explosive pocket brawler. He notes Iori's limited ceiling and Hadden's potential.
The MMA Guru picks Cody Haddon to win by finish. He notes that Haddon is younger, faster, and has good hand speed, while Aoriqileng is slower and can be pressured. He believes Haddon can keep the fight on the feet or take it down if he wants, and that Haddon's speed and pressure will lead to a finish.
Zane picks Cody Haddon as a young prospect coming off a strong debut against a seasoned veteran. Aoriqileng is a midcard action fighter who can be outwrestled and outgrappled. Zane calls it a squash match but a useful one against a tough veteran.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Gibson | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aoriqileng | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Gibson | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aoriqileng | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Gibson | 3 of 3 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Aoriqileng | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Gibson | 3 of 3 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Aoriqileng | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gibson (-160); Aori (+130)
Round 1
Previously on the main card, this bantamweight battle between two men below .500 in the promotion has slid down into the prelims. A win will be crucial for either man here, with backs likely against the wall. Gibson (21-11, 3-6 UFC) is a ways away from evening things out, while Aori (25-12, 1 NC; 3-4, 1 NC UFC) could hit that precious midpoint win rate by prevailing. The third man in the Octagon for the two athletes will be referee Mitch Cadlick. A fist bump is shared.
Gibson opens up with a massive right hand to say hello, skimming the side of the Chinese fighter’s cheek. When he offers a leg kick behind it, Aori says “two can play that game” and launches back a missile of a right that jacks Gibson cleanly on the jaw.
Gibson takes a step back to gather his thoughts, his cheek already swelling up from the one blow absorbed, and he walks face-first into another when pitching a naked leg kick. This one nearly shuts the lights out and puts Gibson down for the count.
“The Mongolian Murderer” leaps on top to batter Gibson with ground strikes, and Cadlick watches on to see how Gibson is defending himself. Gibson’s hands are not where Cadlick thinks they should be to intelligently defend himself, and the Donkey Kong-esque hammerfists do the job and force Cadlick to wave the fight off. The defeated “Renegade” sits up and issues a protest, his cheek growing in size by the second, and his cries fall on deaf ears as the fight is over and he has lost. Aori runs over to his team to embrace them, and he dons a glorious hat that is a brilliant shade of blue. When it comes time for the post-fight interview, the promotion drops the ball completely by bringing in his coach, Eddie Cha, as the translator. Cha is, unfortunately, a Korean man who promptly explains that he cannot speak Chinese.
The Official Result
Qileng Aori def. Cody Gibson R1 0:21 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cody Gibson, citing his length, striking, and takedown ability. He expects Gibson to use a similar game plan as against Anne Hallegren, with multiple takedowns and control time. He notes Aori Qileng's vulnerability to takedowns, as seen against Raul Rosas.
Big Brady sees a clear grappling edge for Gibson, noting Qileng's poor takedown defense. He compares it to Gibson's win over Chad Anheliger where he controlled the fight with takedowns. He questions Gibson's fight IQ and cardio but picks him by decision.
Cody picks Gibson, citing his size, wrestling background, and durability. He notes Gibson has never been knocked out and has high volume. Qileng lacks power and has poor takedown defense. Cody expects Gibson to outwork Qileng and win by decision or late stoppage.
Connor picks Gibson, noting his improved boxing and technical proficiency. He points out that Gibson works hard on the technical side and showed sharp combinations against Blackshear. However, Connor notes Gibson's tendency to overpush and tire, which could be a problem against Aoriqileng's durability. He still favors Gibson's more purposeful game.
James sees Gibson's wrestling as a clear path to victory, but worries about his age (38) and Qileng's improvements in takedown defense. He expects Gibson to grind out a decision with takedowns and top control, though Qileng's striking could be dangerous if the fight stays on the feet.
The host believes Gibson is a better striker and wrestler than Qileng. As long as Gibson can muzzle Qileng's aggressive style, he should mix the martial arts well and win on the scorecards.
Paul picks Gibson, agreeing with Cody. He notes Qileng's low volume and questionable takedown defense. Gibson's wrestling and pressure will be key. Paul sees Gibson winning about 70% of the time and thinks the line is fair.
The MMA Guru picks Cody Gibson over Aori Qileng. He likes Gibson's pressure and volume, noting Qileng has been walked down before. He believes Gibson will throw twice as many shots and win a decision if neither finishes. He admits neither has great wins but trusts Gibson's output.
Zane picks Gibson, citing his more functional game and ability to bank early momentum. He notes that Gibson's boxing has improved and he fights with purpose, while Aoriqileng is a scrappy but less purposeful fighter. Zane worries about Gibson's tendency to fade in round three, but believes he will build a two-round lead before tiring.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 0 | 41 of 94 | 43% | 98 of 158 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 7:32 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 22 of 54 | 40% | 80 of 118 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raul Rosas Jr. | 0 | 11 of 22 | 50% | 41 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:13 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 4 of 10 | 40% | 18 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Raul Rosas Jr. | 0 | 17 of 49 | 34% | 17 of 49 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 17 of 42 | 40% | 17 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Raul Rosas Jr. | 0 | 13 of 23 | 56% | 40 of 54 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:19 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 45 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 41 of 94 | 43% | 21 of 59 | 7 of 20 | 13 of 15 | 27 of 70 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 24 |
| Aoriqileng | 22 of 54 | 40% | 12 of 43 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raul Rosas Jr. | 11 of 22 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 6 |
| Aoriqileng | 4 of 10 | 40% | 1 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Raul Rosas Jr. | 17 of 49 | 34% | 9 of 35 | 2 of 6 | 6 of 8 | 17 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Aoriqileng | 17 of 42 | 40% | 11 of 36 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Raul Rosas Jr. | 13 of 23 | 56% | 7 of 14 | 4 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 18 |
| Aoriqileng | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rosas Jr. (-850), Aori (+575)
Round 1
It’s time for something new. It’s time for something different. Out of the UFC Apex, and not even posted up in its standard haunt of the T-Mobile Arena, instead the UFC is putting on a night of combat inside of the vaulted Sphere in Las Vegas. While some have seen snippets of previews, the occasional Twitter leak and some other sneak peeks, this will be fresh to fans and media alike. We don’t quite know what to expect, and that makes it exciting. This 10-fight showcase that celebrates Mexican fighters on Mexican Independence Day—along with a spangly-haired kid from Montana against a robot from Georgia, not to mention Saudi Arabia thrown in for good measure—and as a result, Mexican combatants will be the focus and betting favorites almost every step of the way. The matchup of the evening will also serve as the one with the widest betting lines, as grappling wunderkind Rosas Jr. (9-1, 3-1 UFC) comes in with odds in his favor around -1000 against well-traveled China export Aori (25-11, 1 NC; 3-3, 1 NC UFC). Although referee Chris Tognoni signed up to officiate this event like any other, even he is surprised at the spectacle unfolding around them. The bantamweights touch gloves, and it’s time for something new. Rosas lashes out first with a low kick, and he is warned for outstretched fingers. He switches stances and kick Aori two more times on the lead leg. Rosas goes to the body with a kick, and chants for “chiwiwis” rain down in support of Rosas. Aori springs into action with a lunging combination, and the Mexican youngster bats them out of the way and circles off. Rosas whiffs on a pair of looping shots, and he gets caught with a right hand and just misses on the counter. Rosas attacks the front leg a few more times, and when he stands still, Aori potshots him with a solid right hand. Rosas jumps back and forth between stances, and he is once more warned for his fingers pointing out. Rosas charges in from a distance to go after a takedown, and after they bounce off the wall, he succeeds in dragging the Chinese competitor down. Rosas opens up with several loud body shots while Aori looks for sweeps and butterfly hooks, but he elects instead to pass to half guard. Rosas climbs over to side control, and he moves to mount in a hurry. Aori times the guard pass to buck and sit up, but this only allows Rosas to circle around him and take his back. Aori is warned for pulling his toes in the cage as additional chants for “chiwiwis” loudly call for Rosas. Rosas grips a brief face crank, but he bails on it when the grip is not tight. As Aori turns to his side, Rosas punches him in the side of the head a few times. With seconds to spare, Rosas slides over to the mount position to rain down elbows, and the horn sounds.
Advertisement
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rosas
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rosas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rosas
Round 2
The bantamweights touch ‘em up to get going, and Rosas opens up with a kick or two before Aori surges at him with punches outstretched. Aori reaches his foe with a right hand amidst an exchange, and he hops away when Aori jumps at him with a knee. Rosas paws with a few more low kicks, and one slides up and bumps into the cup apparently. Aori waves it off, and he winds up with a massive right hand that brushes past the hair of the youngster. Rosas shoots for a takedown, and Aori tosses it aside. Aori jabs his way in but misses on the overhand right, and he stops another takedown effort coming his way. Rosas peppers the lead leg with kicks, keeping to the outer edge to not allow Aori to reach him with anything of significance. When Aori does connect, Rosas fires back angrily. The warning comes for Rosas again for pointing his fingers out, and Aori loads up on an overhand right to smash the kid in the chops. Aori chambers and fires another big overhand right, and Rosas wears it well and keeps moving and switching stances. Aori goes for a right hand to the body, and he tries for two more wide hooks. Rosas walks towards him and wants to brawl, and Aori happily obliges him. Aori tags him during an exchange, and he fights off a takedown up close. Aori stalks after the younger fighter and flicks out a jab or two, and he goes to the body with a right hand. Aori parries a kick and gives a loud one back to the body, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rosas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Round 3
The fighters come together to hug it out before the last round commences, with Rosas showing a little trickle of blood on his lip. When they disengage, Aori is quick to pick up where he left off, walking the 19-year-old down and kicking him in the ribs. To fire up Rosas, the crowd chants “chiwiwis” again, and this results in him charging in for a tackling takedown that puts Aori to his seat. Aori wall-walks, and Rosas quickly mat returns him with a body lock, landing in side control. Aori scrambles, and in the process, he gives up his back when turning to his knees. Rosas reaches way back to slam down knees to the shoulder, landing several until Aori sells out by somersaulting. This forces “Mongolian Murderer” to his back once more, with Rosas comfortably on top of him in the guard. Rosas stays busy on top with ground-and-pound, more of the frustrating variety than with anything individually damaging. Tognoni asks for more activity from on top, and Rosas sits up to fling one right hand down. It’s “chiwiwis” again for the audience, but Rosas does not take any additional chances or let anything special fly. At 19 years of age, the young Rosas has not let the surroundings or his hype get the better of him, as he smothers the power puncher and keeps him flat on his back. Rosas drops down an elbow and a left hand, and Aori responds with an elbow from his back. As seconds tick off the clock, both fighters swing at one another, and the less-than-thrilling match comes to an end. Barring something unusual, Mexico is on the board, and the audience may hope that things spice up a bit.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rosas (29-28 Rosas)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rosas (30-27 Rosas)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rosas (29-28 Rosas)
The Official Result
Raul Rosas Jr. def. Qileng Aori via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Raul Rosas Jr. but with caution. He notes Rosas is young (19), a relentless grappler with 12 takedowns in 5 fights, but his striking is still raw and he can be reckless. Angelo points out that Rosas lost the first round in his last fight and gassed out badly two fights ago against CR Rod. He warns against overexposure on the -700 line, suggesting Rosas could still make mistakes. The pick is Rosas, but Angelo advises betting conservatively.
Big Brady sees this as a clear mismatch, with Raul Rosas Jr. being a massive favorite. He notes Aoriqileng's poor takedown defense and history of submissions, predicting Rosas will get a takedown and finish quickly. He expects a first-round submission win.
Daniel picks Raul Rosas Jr., noting his size, grappling, and relentless pressure. He expects Rosas to take down Qileng and submit him, possibly in the second round. He mentions Qileng's counter right hand but believes Rosas' grappling will be too much.
Rosas Jr. is a phenom who will get the fight to the ground as he always does. Aoriqileng has shown decent grappling defense but will struggle with Rosas Jr.'s aggression. Expects Rosas Jr. to get him out in the first round, likely by submission.
The MMA Guru picks Raul Rosas Jr. to win by submission in the first or second round. He notes that Aoriqileng has lost to fighters he wouldn't describe as extremely talented, and that Rosas Jr. is a rising prospect with good grappling and pace. He trusts Rosas Jr. to get the grappling going early and secure a submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 81 of 126 | 64% | 84 of 129 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 45 of 95 | 47% | 45 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 36 of 63 | 57% | 38 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 22 of 54 | 40% | 22 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 45 of 63 | 71% | 46 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 23 of 41 | 56% | 23 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 81 of 126 | 64% | 50 of 84 | 12 of 19 | 19 of 23 | 69 of 113 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 7 |
| Aoriqileng | 45 of 95 | 47% | 26 of 71 | 10 of 12 | 9 of 12 | 43 of 93 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 36 of 63 | 57% | 20 of 41 | 6 of 9 | 10 of 13 | 33 of 60 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Aoriqileng | 22 of 54 | 40% | 13 of 41 | 5 of 6 | 4 of 7 | 22 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 45 of 63 | 71% | 30 of 43 | 6 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 36 of 53 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 7 |
| Aoriqileng | 23 of 41 | 56% | 13 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 21 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marcos (-250), Aori (+205)
Round 1
If the reports and claims are accurate, a billionaire will be in the stands at the UFC Apex this afternoon. Within a matter of minutes, it will be apparent if the tech mogul and personality of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Elon Musk, has received the Mark Zuckerberg treatment of renting the entire place out for himself. If not, a few hundred fans plus the controversial figure will be in the building for this jam-packed 14-fight showcase. The first match of the day comes in the bantamweight division, as flashy undefeated Peruvian Marcos (15-0, 2-0 UFC) aims to keep his spotless record intact at the expense of Inner Mongolia’s Aori (25-11, 3-3 UFC). Referee Jason Herzog will need to be on high alert right out of the gate to keep track of these two quick competitors. The gloves are touched, and it’s on with the show. Aori flicks out an early front kick to measure his range, and he sits back and waits to see if a counter comes his way. It does not. Marcos watches from afar, and he surges into action with a single overhand right that gets Aori’s attention. The two trade low kicks, and they both let their hands go with big, winging punches. In the midst of an exchange, Marcos changes things up with a stern knee on the jaw, and Aori shakes it off. Both men land flush and back off to not get sucked into a brawl. Aori paws out a front kick, and blood trickles down the temple from the power lefts from the Peruvian. Aori leaps forward with a knee, and uses his momentum to press into a clinch. Marcos meets him with a strike that busts Aori’s mouth open, and Aori cannot keep the tie-up and is forced to back off and reset. Marcos comes up short with a front kick, but his looping punches continues to bust up the Chinese competitor, smashing Aori’s nose in the process. Blood leaks from several places on Aori’s face like the Doomguy low on health, but he is very much still in the fight as he lets Marcos have it with a quick combination. Marcos keeps his guard high, so Aori kicks low repeatedly. Marcos retaliates after absorbing one particularly stern low kick, and he whips his right hand into action. Marcos prods out a jab and draws out some oncoming fire from Aori, taking advantage of this by blasting Aori with an uppercut. Aori tanks it and moves forward, and the horn signals the end of the first round.
Advertisement
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Round 2
The fighters touch ‘em up before getting back to it, and Marcos is ready to engage first as he clubs Aori with a short right hand. The unbeaten Peruvian presses forward into a clinch, and he presses Aori against the fence. When circling away, Marcos lines up a low kick that disrupts the balance of his opponent. Aori hits the deck, and Marcos pounces in an effort to finish the fight with a flurry of heavy firsts. Aori survives the worst of it and gets back to his feet, and crimson fluid trickles from additional places on his face after taking serious damage. Marcos spins with a back elbow that misses the mark, and he continues assaulting Aori’s lead calf with gnarly kicks. Aori tries valiantly to throw back and even catches Marcos with a two-punch salvo, but Marcos’ volume and power is breaking Aori. “Soncora” sits down on a left to the liver that lands with an audible thud, and he appears to find his mark almost every time he throws a strike. Aori swings backs, and his fingers stretch out as one drifts into Marcos’ eye. Marcos needs just a few seconds to recover, and when they get back to business, Marcos aims a front kick to the body but ends up glancing it off the cup. Aori takes 30 seconds to catch his wind before resuming, and he gets right in Marcos’ face and throws a few punches. Aori concludes his combination with a kick square on Marcos’ cup that looks to be a bit of payback, and Marcos groans as Herzog pauses the action for the third time in a few seconds after a trio of unfortunate fouls. Herzog warns Aori for his strike, and Marcos is ready to go after about 45 seconds of recovery. Marcos lets loose with a kick, and Aori responds with one that slaps into his inner thigh and draws a reaction from Marcos. Aori jumps in the air with an attempted strike, and Marcos meets him in the air with a front kick to the groin. Herzog rolls his eyes and calls time, and informs both fighters through their translators that there are to be no more accidents, and that points will be deducted for any additional fouls. Aori drops to his knees and dry heaves from the groin strike, and Herzog allows Aori to recover for a minute before calling in the doctor. Aori pulls himself back to his feet after two minutes elapse, but he is clearly compromised and not having a good time right now. Not wanting to cool down, Marcos shadowboxes and jogs in his corner, but Aori crouches down and drops back to a knee. Time continues to tick off the clock, and Aori reaches the five-minute mark. Herzog asks him if he is able to continue, and Aori does not say anything and bends over. Herzog recognizes that Aori is in no shape to fight another professional combatant aiming to take his head off, and he waves the fight off. Due to the inadvertent groin strike—Aori was in the air when Marcos caught him with a front kick, a total accident—and the fact that it did not reach Round 3, this fight should be declared a no contest. When the result is read, Marcos breaks into tears, with his stellar performance invalidated due to a fluke kick. On the other side of the equation, Aori is assisted out of the cage, with the damage of two direct groin shots too much to bear on his own.
The Official Result
Daniel Marcos vs. Qileng Aori is Ruled a No Contest (Accidental Groin Kick) R2 3:28
Angelo acknowledges that Daniel Marcos looked poor in his last fight against Davey Grant, with low volume and a lack of pressure. However, he emphasizes looking at the broader body of work, where Marcos has shown effective striking, power, and takedown defense. He believes Marcos should be more technical and busy, and should win, but the recent performance makes him hesitant. He notes the odds are -200, which he finds a bit rich given the last fight.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos to win by decision. He notes that Marcos is a much more skilled striker with a lot of tools on the feet, while Aoriqileng is a brawler who is very hittable. He expects the fight to go 15 minutes and Marcos to outpoint Aoriqileng, though he mentions a slight concern about corrupt judges.
Cody picks Marcos, noting he is a superior fighter with good volume. Aoriqileng is fun but often falls behind on the scorecards and has takedown defense issues. Marcos should outpoint him. Cody suggests a prop on Marcos by decision or by KO at +300.
Marcos has a solid all-around game with good calf kicks and the ability to mix in grappling. He should be able to batter Aoriqileng's lead leg and eventually look for takedowns. Aoriqileng has struggled against better competition and his wins are against subpar opponents. Marcos is undefeated and should continue his run with a decision victory.
Paul also picks Marcos, calling it a massive mismatch. He notes Aoriqileng's low output and poor takedown defense. Marcos is a volume striker who should pick him apart. Paul likes Marcos by KO at +300 as a prop.
The MMA Guru picks Daniel Marcos because he believes Aoriqileng is a worse version of Davey Grant, who Marcos already faced. He notes that Marcos showed good striking defense against Grant's unorthodox style and expects Aoriqileng to slow down after the first round, allowing Marcos to win a decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aoriqileng | 1 | 44 of 66 | 66% | 120 of 159 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 5:39 |
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | 0 | 7 of 36 | 19% | 31 of 73 | 4 of 11 | 36% | 3 | 0 | 4:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aoriqileng | 0 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 23 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | 0 | 1 of 10 | 10% | 10 of 28 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 0 | 2:56 | |
| 2 | Aoriqileng | 0 | 13 of 19 | 68% | 51 of 61 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:33 |
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:27 | |
| 3 | Aoriqileng | 1 | 24 of 36 | 66% | 46 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:03 |
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | 0 | 5 of 21 | 23% | 16 of 35 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 1:07 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aoriqileng | 44 of 66 | 66% | 24 of 41 | 8 of 11 | 12 of 14 | 28 of 45 | 1 of 3 | 15 of 18 |
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | 7 of 36 | 19% | 5 of 30 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 3 | 7 of 33 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aoriqileng | 7 of 11 | 63% | 5 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | 1 of 10 | 10% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aoriqileng | 13 of 19 | 68% | 5 of 10 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 5 |
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aoriqileng | 24 of 36 | 66% | 14 of 25 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 14 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 12 |
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | 5 of 21 | 23% | 3 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aori (-112), Munoz (-108)
Round 1
When the dust settles after this bantamweight battle, one of the two competitors will likely be back in the win column – barring something strange or a draw. Additionally, the victor will move back to a .500 record with the promotion, while the defeated may find themselves on the chopping block. Whether that is China’s Aori (24-11, 2-3 UFC) or “Kid Kvenbo” Munoz Jr. (12-3, 2-3 UFC), they will have 15 minutes or less to decide that. Referee Keith Peterson draws the charge for this nonsense-free matchup, and the fighters do not have time for a touch of gloves first. Instead, Aori wants to stalk straight forward and fire off a leg kick. The pace wanes as they try to find their distances, with Aori’s occasional low kick the only strikes after about 90 seconds. Aori suddenly sprints into action with a left to the body and a hard right to the head, and Munoz has to shake it off and shoots for a takedown in response. Aori easily stops it and delivers a stern leg kick. Munoz whips a right hand over the top, stinging his opponent and backing him to the fence. Instead of taking advantage of the situation with more strikes, “Kid Kvenbo” settles to shoot in for a double-leg takedown. Munoz gets his man down momentarily, and Aori powers back up. Although Munoz gets a mat return, Aori again has little issue standing, but he does give up his back. Munoz uses this to trip up Aori from behind, and he gets his hooks in and secures back control when Aori hits the ground. The Chinese fighter is quick to hand-fight to not allow any submission attempt get anywhere close to completion, and Munoz tries to soften him up with a few body shots and slide his right arm around the chin. Aori looks to push his feet off the fence to get a bit of leverage, and he spins around quickly. This allows Munoz to snatch up an armbar, and Aori struggles momentarily but breaks the grip and stands up. One big kick from Aori to Munoz’ thigh concludes the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Munoz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Munoz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Munoz
Round 2
Aori immediately starts the round aggressively, putting hands on Munoz and hurting him early. Munoz responds with a few strikes but is bowled over, and Aori moves himself into the guard of his opponent. Munoz protests that Aori is clawing his eyes or sticking fingers up his nose, and Peterson tells Aori to keep it clean. Munoz considers a submission attempt from his back, and he slides his leg up and around to set up an armbar. Aori wrenches his limb free from the sub, and he lowers himself back down to the guard. Munoz uses his active guard to force Aori to think twice and stand back up, and when Aori gets up, he starts slapping his feet into Munoz’ legs. Aori times a diving right hand to smash Munoz in the face, and Munoz smiles at him. Aori gets back to his feet, and Peterson has Munoz stand after a few awkward moments. Aori nails his man with a calf kick, and he clips Munoz with a few punches. Munoz shakes it off and backpedals, loosing a head kick that sails past his opponent. Munoz shoots for a takedown, and although Aori stops it, Munoz succeeds in jamming Aori up to the fencing. Munoz quickly goes for a body lock takedown, looking for some way to leverage Aori down, but Aori is strong and not only stops it but turns Munoz around. Aori sneaks in an elbow, and Munoz does not like this, so the American decides to jump for a guillotine choke while he wraps his legs around Aori’s waist. With Munoz’ back to the wall, there is nothing to the submission, so he releases it right before the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Round 3
The bantamweights race to meet one another, throwing big right hands one after the other. Aori walks into a jab, and he digs a right hand to the belly. Aori looks for a jump knee when Munoz ducks down, and Munoz eats part of it and laughs, offering a glove touch for the solid blow. Munoz circles to the side, and when he aims a left hand over the top, Aori counters him with two punches as he slides away. Munoz shoots in low for a takedown, and “The Mongolian Murderer” kills the setup and pins Munoz against the wall. Peterson tells the fighters not to grab the fence, and the fighters break away and return to striking distance. A Munoz kick grazes the cup, and Aori adjusts his groin when there is no stoppage. Munoz shoots for a takedown, and Aori perfectly times a body shot that ultimately nails Munoz in the chin and sets him down. Munoz stands back up, and fails on another takedown. When the attempt fails, he gets cracked with another right and flops to his back. Aori jumps down into the open guard of his foe, looking for ground-and-pound. Aori gets some strikes off, racking up the points while not allowing Munoz to get in on a submission. Munoz sells out for a leglock when Aori tries to pass guard, and Munoz finds himself in a strange position that is a partial calf slicer. Aori lays to his back and is not overly concerned about the maneuver, and he drives several hammerfists on the side and back of the head. Peterson is watching closely, warning Aori for a few illegal blows, but Munoz toughs them out and explodes for one last takedown try. Aori staves it off, is pressed to the cage, and the fight comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aori (29-28 Aori)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aori (29-28 Aori)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aori (29-28 Aori)
The Official Result
Qileng Aori def. Johnny Munoz Jr. via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Johnny Muñoz Jr. with low confidence, calling him a 'squirt' but acknowledging his BJJ and power. He notes that Aoriqileng is tough but can be out-grappled. He is waiting for prop bets like a +3.5 spread on Aoriqileng, as Muñoz could be dangerous early but fade. He emphasizes this is a low-confidence pick.
Big Brady is not high on either fighter and calls this his least favorite fight on the card. He criticizes Johnny Muñoz Jr. for quitting in his last fight and notes that Aoriqileng has shown decent takedown defense and the ability to get back to his feet. He believes Aoriqileng can stuff takedowns and keep the fight standing, leading to a decision win. He is not betting this fight.
Cody picks Aoriqileng, citing his physicality, pressure, and power. He notes that Muñoz lacks power and has unimpressive wrestling. Aoriqileng should land the bigger shots and win a decision or late stoppage.
Daniel Levi picks Aoriqileng, citing his heavy hitting and durability. He notes that Johnny Muñoz has suspect striking and doesn't like to get hit, and that Aoriqileng can crack him. He acknowledges Muñoz's jiu-jitsu threat but thinks Aoriqileng's power and grit will be the difference.
Lucrative James believes Aoriqileng has a massive advantage on the feet and will hurt Muñoz to the body. He thinks Muñoz is flaky and will get finished on the feet, predicting a knockout. He also likes the under 2.5 rounds at even money, noting that Muñoz's wrestling is not good enough to get the fight to the ground consistently.
Aoriqileng has improved his takedown defense and trains with strong wrestlers. He should be able to keep the fight standing and use his volume striking to overwhelm Muñoz. Muñoz has struggled to get fights to the ground and relies on BJJ, but his striking and wrestling have been poor. Aoriqileng should win by decision, possibly with some ground and pound.
Paul leans toward Aoriqileng, expecting him to land the more punishing strikes over 15 minutes. He is unsure about the wrestling matchup but believes Aoriqileng's pressure will be effective. He would not bet this fight with his own money.
The MMA Guru picks Johnny Muñoz Jr. over Aoriqileng. He notes Muñoz didn't look bad against Daniel Santos, who is a good finisher, and that Muñoz showed enough striking defense to avoid being finished. He believes Aoriqileng is dangerous only in round one and then fades, while Muñoz is consistently okay throughout the fight. He suggests a betting strategy: if Aoriqileng wins the first round, bet on Muñoz Jr. as Aoriqileng tends to gas.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Aoriqileng | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Aoriqileng | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aori (-125), Zahabi (+105)
Round 1
In his sixth year with the company, Tristar Gym’s own Zahabi (9-2, 3-2 UFC) will remarkably be entering into only bout no. six in the Octagon. This is a far cry from Chinese combatant Aori (24-9, 2-2 UFC), who is about to have five outings under his belt in a little over two years when referee John Cooper clocks them in. The bantamweight combatants do not touch ‘em up to start, and Aori instead walks forward and fires off several kicks to the body. Zahabi blitzes with a few punches, and Aori parries them effectively. From afar, Aori chips with a few kicks, including a thudding leg kick. The Chinese fighter does not recoil his leg fast enough to get his guard up, and Zahabi reaches out with a takedown to threaten.
As Aori leans back, Zahabi swarms him with a right hand that hits air, and a left hand that smashes Aori square on the chin. Aori drops to the mat like a sack of potatoes, and Zahabi raises his arms in the air to celebrate what he thinks is a walk-off knockout. Cooper does not actually call the fight off, as Aori lands and turns to his side in a daze. The Canadian, learning he has to keep hitting the defeated fighter, reluctantly goes over to Aori and lowers himself to slug Aori with two more left hands to conclude the match once and for all.
This is a huge win for Zahabi, and the crowd goes wild. When Aori comes to, he squares up like he wants to keep fighting, seemingly not knowing that he was knocked out cleanly. So far, the home fans have had plenty to cheer about tonight.
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Qileng Aori R1 1:04 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Aiemann Zahabi as an underdog. He notes that Zahabi is well-rounded with big power, and that his performance against Ricky Turcios was impressive. He believes Zahabi will be more technical and a step ahead of Aoriqileng. He plans to monitor line movement and may bet if Zahabi becomes a larger underdog.
Big Brady picks Aiemann Zahabi because he is the more active striker, landing 6.07 significant strikes per minute compared to Aoriqileng's 3.01. He notes that Aoriqileng has low volume, doesn't use his BJJ, and has poor takedown attempts. Zahabi is younger, more experienced, and has never been knocked out. He expects Zahabi to outwork Aoriqileng over three rounds and win a decision.
Cody picks Aoriqileng, citing his volume and pressure style. He notes that Zahabi is a low-volume counter puncher who doesn't wrestle much, and Aoriqileng will come forward with blitzes and constant pressure. He believes Zahabi's wrestling is not good enough to neutralize Aoriqileng, and the volume difference should win rounds. He acknowledges the risk of a bad Canadian decision but still picks Aoriqileng.
Connor also picks Aoriqileng, noting that Zahabi's wins came against fighters who wouldn't engage or lacked physicality, while his losses to Vince Morales and Ricardo Ramos were not close. He points out that Aoriqileng is a little slow-paced but has more promise in his fights with Jeff Molina and Cody Durden, where a method was visible. Connor suggests it would be a good time for Zahabi to show wrestling, but Aoriqileng is not easy to keep down.
Daniel Levi does not make a pick for this fight, stating he has no interest in betting it. He notes that Aoriqileng has power but questionable takedown defense, while Zahabi has low activity and is older. He defers to the co-host who has a teammate in the fight.
James picks Aoriqileng, noting his momentum with two straight wins and improved takedown defense and striking. He contrasts Aoriqileng's aggressive pressure and volume with Zahabi's technical but low-volume outside fighting style. James believes Aoriqileng can land heavier shots and push the pace to win on the scorecards. He warns that if Aoriqileng reverts to a brawler style, Zahabi could catch him with straight shots, but overall he likes Aoriqileng's spot and the even-money price.
Aoriqileng has shown improved defensive grappling since moving to bantamweight and has a volume and output advantage. Zahabi is a technical striker but often too timid, and his low activity is a concern. Aoriqileng's pressure and accuracy should earn him a decision, though Zahabi could win if he uses his jiu-jitsu. Low confidence due to Zahabi's potential grappling edge.
Paul picks Aoriqileng, emphasizing the volume disparity: Aoriqileng averages 6.07 strikes per minute vs Zahabi's 3.01. He notes that Zahabi's fights are low-output, and Aoriqileng's constant pressure should win rounds. He expects a close fight but believes Aoriqileng's output will be enough, though a bad Canadian decision is possible.
The MMA Guru picks Aiemann Zahabi over Aoriqileng, praising Zahabi's fight IQ and game planning. He notes Aoriqileng is predictable with big power shots and telegraphs his moves, while Zahabi can figure out opponents and mix things up. He believes Zahabi's size and heat behind his shots will keep Aoriqileng honest, predicting a 30-27 decision.
Zane picks Aoriqileng, criticizing Zahabi's last fight as extremely technical but aimless, with fighters standing too far apart. He notes that Zahabi is a brawler who doesn't understand fighting without chaos, while Aoriqileng has a clear method: he works his way forward, applies pressure, and punishes mistakes with quick counters. Zane thinks Aoriqileng is better in a brawl and also better when it's not a brawl, making him the pick.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 72 of 132 | 54% | 102 of 163 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Jay Perrin | 0 | 88 of 167 | 52% | 106 of 188 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 5:59 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aoriqileng | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 24 of 37 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Jay Perrin | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 25 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:04 | |
| 2 | Aoriqileng | 0 | 29 of 43 | 67% | 47 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Jay Perrin | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 24 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:04 | |
| 3 | Aoriqileng | 0 | 25 of 58 | 43% | 31 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jay Perrin | 0 | 48 of 69 | 69% | 57 of 79 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:51 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aoriqileng | 72 of 132 | 54% | 51 of 107 | 14 of 17 | 7 of 8 | 61 of 119 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| Jay Perrin | 88 of 167 | 52% | 63 of 135 | 20 of 25 | 5 of 7 | 73 of 148 | 13 of 16 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aoriqileng | 18 of 31 | 58% | 15 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 16 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jay Perrin | 20 of 49 | 40% | 10 of 35 | 8 of 10 | 2 of 4 | 17 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | |
| 2 | Aoriqileng | 29 of 43 | 67% | 19 of 33 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 26 of 39 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Jay Perrin | 20 of 49 | 40% | 15 of 41 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aoriqileng | 25 of 58 | 43% | 17 of 48 | 7 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 51 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Jay Perrin | 48 of 69 | 69% | 38 of 59 | 9 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 36 of 56 | 12 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aori (-175), Perrin (+130)
Round 1
Former W.A.R.S champion Aori locks horns with ex-Cage Titans ruler Perrin in a bantamweight clash that will be overseen by Tyler Tomlinson. Gloves are touched and we’re underway. Perrin misses the mark on a combination early and a “USA” chant breaks out. Perrin with a quick leg kick. A left hook to the body lands for Perrin and Aori catches the ensuing kick. He releases the grip and sticks a straight right hand. Perrin pressures with a combination, but Aori moves out of danger. It’s a very measured beginning for Aori, who tags Perrin with another straight right. Perrin rushes forward and gets staggered with a short, counter left hook. Aori looks for an opening, backs his man up and launches a flying knee. That allows Perrin to force the clinch and turn Aori into the cage. Aori breaks free and swings heavy punches, including an uppercut he sneaks under Perrin’s left. Aori stalks his foe and lands a couple heavy punches. Perrin looks to clinch, but Aori quickly breaks free. A nice two-punch combination finds the mark for “The Mongolian Murderer.” A leg kick connects for Perrin. Aori lands a hard leg kick and avoids Perrin’s rush. Perrin lands a leaping knee but eats a left hook on the exit. Perrin changes levels, connects the hands and plants Aori on the mat with 20 seconds left. Perrin passes to half guard and then stands to land a few punches before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Noah Gagnon scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Round 2
Perrin just misses a snap kick up the middle. Aori steps in with a body-head combo. Perrin shakes off a jumping knee from Aori and waggles his finger. Perrin catches a low kick fro Aori and capitalizes with a takedown. He dives into top position about a minute in, working from half guard. Aori recovers full guard and slides to the cage, where he wall walks to his knees. Perrin still has his hands locked, but he moves Aori to his feet. Aori reverses position and separates, which prompts a glove touch from Perrin halfway through the round. A short counter right clips Perrin, who seems to recover quickly. Another counter right lands following a Perrin combination. A glancing right lands for Aori and Perrin shakes his head before blitzing forward. Aori is economical with his offense, but is doing the most damage. A hard calf kick lands for Aori, but Perrin keeps the pressure on and gets in on a single leg. Aori defends nicely with his back to the cage. Aori breaks and dodges an elbow. A straight to the body lands for Aori and then a counter right moments later. Perrin keeps wading forward and throwing punches unitl the horn, and a few find the mark.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Noah Gagnon scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Round 3
The combatants touch gloves again before the final stanza. Perrin pressures with a kick to the body, but then gets tagged with a short counter right. They’re trading early, and then it’s Aori who shoots. Perrin stuffs it and shoves his foe into the fence. Perrin with a short elbow in close as he grinds away. Aori separates and returns to the center of the Octagon. Perrin lands a glancing jab. Perrin switches stances and steps in with a left hook. Perrin keeps the pressure on and lands a knee in close. He doesn’t give Aori any space and he gets a takedown. Aori hustles to his feet in a hurry and Perrin presses him into the fence, landing a knee to the body. Perrin drops for a double leg and briefly gets Aori to a knee. He keeps the pressure on and lands a couple short punches and a knee in close quarters. Perrin drops low for another takedown, but Aori stuffs it. Perrin creates an opening to land a short elbow. Aori is staying stuck on the fence this round, allowing Perrin to impose his will a little more than in previous frames. Perrin again thinks about a takedown, but Aori isn’t having it. Finally Aori breaks free with about a minute to go. Perrin pressures with punches and eats a counter right. Perrin lands a leg kick and then tries his luck with a spinning back fist. A straight right lands for Aori, but Perrin answers with a front kick down the middle. Aori stuffs an ensuing takedown shot, but he’s pressed into the fence, and Perrin separates and is teeing off with punches in the waning moments of the round. It’s spirited action in the final seconds, and Perrin appears to have Aori reeling as several solid punches land. The Chinese fighter survives the assault, but it’s a strong finish for Perrin.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Perrin (29-28 Aori)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Perrin (29-28 Aori)
Noah Gagnon scores the round: 10-9 Perrin (29-28 Aori)
The Official Result
Qileng Aori def. Jay Perrin via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00
Angelo picks Aoriqileng (Corey Lang) over Jay Perrin. He describes Lang as a well-rounded fighter with incredible pressure and pace, solid footwork, and a sturdy chin. He notes that Perrin is primarily a wrestler who almost never gets his first takedown and spends time against the cage. Angelo believes Lang's superior striking and ability to work off the cage will earn him his second UFC win. He thinks the -190 line is about right and might try to beat the curve if it moves further.
Big Brady is siding with the underdog Jay Perrin. He notes that Aoriqileng (Richie Long) is a powerful striker but is hittable and has cardio concerns. Perrin fights with a process, relentlessly pursuing takedowns and has excellent cardio. Brady believes Perrin will take Aoriqileng down, wear on him, and win minutes on the mat across three rounds, likely by decision. He trusts Perrin's game plan and sees a clear path to victory.
Cody picks Perrin, citing his wrestling advantage and physicality. He notes Aoriqileng has been taken down before and thinks Perrin can replicate that. He hopes the training with top wrestlers pays off.
Daniel Levi leans toward Aoriqileng (the Mongolian Murderer) but is not confident. He notes that Aoriqileng has one-hitter-quitter power and has faced better competition, but the blueprint to beat him is established (out-volume or out-grapple). Levi is concerned about Aoriqileng's cardio and the effects of travel and elevation if he trained overseas. He thinks if Aoriqileng lands big shots, he wins, but if not, Jay Perrin's solid all-around game could make it competitive.
Jay Perrin is the dog of the night play with 2 units at +132. He expects Perrin to use a grapple-heavy approach similar to Cody Durden's blueprint against Aoriqileng, landing takedowns and controlling the fight on the ground. Perrin has solid durability and has been training at Syndicate MMA, which should help his development. Aoriqileng is the better striker but can be beaten by wrestlers, as seen in the Durden fight.
Paul picks Perrin, citing his wrestling advantage and training with Merab and Aljamain Sterling. He thinks Perrin can take down Aoriqileng and grind out a win. He notes the line has moved and he may have missed the best value.
The Guru predicts Aoriqileng wins by first-round KO. He describes both fighters exchanging shots, with Perrin taking a big shot and shooting a takedown that Aoriqileng stuffs. He sees Aoriqileng landing elbows, body shots, and a big overhand that rocks Perrin, finishing him against the cage via TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aoriqileng | 1 | 37 of 64 | 57% | 49 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 |
| Cameron Else | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aoriqileng | 1 | 37 of 64 | 57% | 49 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 |
| Cameron Else | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aoriqileng | 37 of 64 | 57% | 28 of 55 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 43 |
| Cameron Else | 6 of 12 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aoriqileng | 37 of 64 | 57% | 28 of 55 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 43 |
| Cameron Else | 6 of 12 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
There is no need to adjust your set: the last time you saw Aori (22-11, 0-2 UFC) in the cage, his record listed at 18-9 after his defeat to Cody Durden. Since then, the diligent Sherdog Fight Finder team has unearthed a number of unlisted performances earlier in his career, so his tally may not match what the UFC displays. No matter the discrepancy, what will not change is that British finisher Else (10-5, 0-1 UFC) will be standing across from him with a 100% stoppage rate. The bantamweights will be accompanied in the Octagon by referee Keith Peterson, and aware that they will not get away with any nonsense tonight, the fighters touch gloves to seal the cage around them. Else slowly makes his way forward, backing Aori against the wall, and then trading leg kicks but little else. A solid calf kick from Aori gets his foe’s attention, and Aori charges forward with a pair of looping hooks. They trade heavy shots, and a left from Else clubs Aori on the side of the head. From there, Else pursues a takedown, and Aori spins him around to trip him to the mat. Else scurries back up to his feet, and Aori pressures him tightly on the wall before breaking and loosing an uppercut. Else gets rocked with a few punches, and Aori leaps in the air with a knee. Aori drills his fist into Else’s liver, and Else is reeling from the blow but he gathers himself to throw back hard.
As he does, Aori targets the same spot with a vicious left hand, bending Else over in pain and sending him crashing into the wall behind him. Aori lords over him and punches the body a few more times for good measure after Else crumples to the mat, and Else rolls to give up his back when shelling up to protect himself. “The Mongolian Murderer” continues his bombardment of right hands as he flattens Else out, and Peterson tells the Brit to defend himself. Else holds on to the sides of his heads to block the blows, and Aori will not stop smashing him.
The punches continue until Peterson calls an end to the fight, and Aori has now earned the first win of his UFC career after his third try.
The Official Result
Qileng Aori def. Cameron Else R1 2:48 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo is leaning Cameron Else here, calling it a razor thin fight. He notes Else has real power and is a submission threat, while Aoriqileng is more technical. He factors in Else's short notice loss to Kyler Phillips and quarantine issues. He says he will be watching the scales closely because Else is coming off a long layoff.
Big Brady picks Aoriqileng to finish Cameron Else in the second round by knockout. He notes that Else is a kill-or-be-killed fighter who fades badly after the first round, while Aoriqileng has better durability and cardio. He thinks Aoriqileng can survive the early storm and break Else in the second round.
Cody picks Aoriqileng, citing his physical strength and durability. He notes Else's poor UFC debut and lack of wrestling. He thinks Aoriqileng will clip Else and finish him. He sees Aoriqileng as a good parlay piece.
The host picks Aoriqileng to win, but his bet is on the fight not going to decision. He believes Cameron Else is dangerous early, but if he doesn't get it done, Aoriqileng takes over and finishes later. He prefers the 'fight doesn't go to decision' prop over the moneyline.
Paul agrees, noting Aoriqileng's never been KO'd and Else's lack of grappling. He expects Aoriqileng to press forward and land a knockout. He thinks Else is knockout or bust.
The MMA Guru picks Aoriqileng over Cameron Else, citing Else's padded record and poor competition. He notes Else's submissions come from bad shots, not enforced grappling, and that Aoriqileng has good takedown defense and a great chin. He predicts Else will fall in love with striking and get knocked out late in the first round. He believes Aoriqileng is better in all areas except jiu-jitsu, but Else won't be able to get it to the ground.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo acknowledges that Daniel Marcos looked poor in his last fight against Davey Grant, with low volume and a lack of pressure. However, he emphasizes looking at the broader body of work, where Marcos has shown effective striking, power, and takedown defense. He believes Marcos should be more technical and busy, and should win, but the recent performance makes him hesitant. He notes the odds are -200, which he finds a bit rich given the last fight.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos to win by decision. He notes that Marcos is a much more skilled striker with a lot of tools on the feet, while Aoriqileng is a brawler who is very hittable. He expects the fight to go 15 minutes and Marcos to outpoint Aoriqileng, though he mentions a slight concern about corrupt judges.
Cody picks Marcos, noting he is a superior fighter with good volume. Aoriqileng is fun but often falls behind on the scorecards and has takedown defense issues. Marcos should outpoint him. Cody suggests a prop on Marcos by decision or by KO at +300.
Marcos has a solid all-around game with good calf kicks and the ability to mix in grappling. He should be able to batter Aoriqileng's lead leg and eventually look for takedowns. Aoriqileng has struggled against better competition and his wins are against subpar opponents. Marcos is undefeated and should continue his run with a decision victory.
Paul also picks Marcos, calling it a massive mismatch. He notes Aoriqileng's low output and poor takedown defense. Marcos is a volume striker who should pick him apart. Paul likes Marcos by KO at +300 as a prop.
The MMA Guru picks Daniel Marcos because he believes Aoriqileng is a worse version of Davey Grant, who Marcos already faced. He notes that Marcos showed good striking defense against Grant's unorthodox style and expects Aoriqileng to slow down after the first round, allowing Marcos to win a decision.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!