Career Averages - Christian Leroy Duncan
Career Averages - Marco Tulio
Christian Leroy Duncan - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 10 of 34 | 29% | 40 of 94 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 7:07 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 54 of 99 | 54% | 78 of 125 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Dolidze | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 3 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:33 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 16 of 29 | 55% | 23 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 | |
| 2 | Roman Dolidze | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 9 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 28 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 | |
| 3 | Roman Dolidze | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 28 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:01 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 18 of 26 | 69% | 27 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Dolidze | 10 of 34 | 29% | 8 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 54 of 99 | 54% | 18 of 52 | 6 of 12 | 30 of 35 | 51 of 92 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Dolidze | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 16 of 29 | 55% | 5 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 9 | 13 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | |
| 2 | Roman Dolidze | 5 of 19 | 26% | 4 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 20 of 44 | 45% | 6 of 24 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 15 | 20 of 42 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Roman Dolidze | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 18 of 26 | 69% | 7 of 11 | 1 of 4 | 10 of 11 | 18 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan because of his speed, athleticism, and striking advantage. He notes Roman Dolidze is a world champion grappler but doesn't always use his wrestling and has poor fight IQ. He is not betting on this fight because Roman can be dangerous on any given day and CLD is not a genius himself.
Big Brady confidently picks Christian Leroy Duncan, noting that Duncan is seven years younger, much quicker, and has more variety on the feet. He points out that Roman Dolidze looked bad in his last fight against Fluffy Hernandez and doesn't wrestle enough (less than one takedown per 15 minutes). He thinks Duncan will pick apart Dolidze over 15 minutes and win a decision, as Dolidze is tough but unlikely to get the fight to the ground.
Cody agrees, citing Duncan's dynamic striking and Dolidze's susceptibility to speed. He expects a finish or clear decision for Duncan.
Connor picks Duncan but is hesitant, agreeing with Zane that the fight could be ugly. He notes that Duncan has a 'meme fighter' aura and can look like a killer in bursts, but lacks a clear idea of how to win rounds. Connor points out that Dolidze is a big, strong galoot who is happy to hold opponents against the fence. He thinks the odds are too wide and calls it more of a coin flip.
Daniel Vreeland picks Christian Leroy Duncan to win by knockout. He highlights Duncan's athleticism, speed, and recent improvements, while noting Dolidze is older and slower. He expects Duncan to land at will and eventually finish Dolidze.
Daniel is high on CLD, believing his speed and athleticism will be too much for Dolidze. He thinks CLD will have a breakout performance and knock Dolidze out, giving him his first real knockout loss. He notes Dolidze's gas tank issues and CLD's improved fight IQ.
Duncan is a favorable stylistic matchup for the British fighter. Dolidze is old, slow, and flat-footed; Duncan is fast, athletic, and accurate. Duncan should dominate on the feet and win easily. The price is too steep to bet, but Duncan should win comfortably.
James picks Christian Leroy Duncan, believing he is the much better striker and will knock out Roman Dolidze. He notes that Dolidze is not a great wrestler and will struggle to take Duncan down. He thinks Duncan's dynamic strikes and clinch work will be too much.
The host picks Christian Leroy Duncan by knockout but is hesitant due to the wide line. He notes Duncan's improved clinch game and knockout power, but warns that Dolidze's pressure and toughness could cause Duncan to break mentally. He expects Duncan to land big shots and get the KO, but advises caution.
Paul sees Duncan as the younger, faster fighter heading in the right direction, while Dolidze is declining. He expects Duncan to win by KO or decision.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan to finish Roman Dolidze in round two or three. He praises Duncan's chin, composure, and dynamic striking, noting he took big shots from Gregory Rodrigues. He criticizes Dolidze as a plodding, technical grappler who was outgrappled by Anthony Hernandez. He expects Duncan to win the low kick battle, defend takedowns, and land a brutal combination.
Zane picks Duncan but is hesitant, noting several ways the fight could be terrible. He believes Duncan is a better striker and has 70% takedown defense, which should be enough against Dolidze's poor wrestling. However, he worries that Dolidze's strength and clinch work could lead to a grinding fight. Zane sees Duncan's path to a showcase win but acknowledges Dolidze is a tough, strong fighter who can make it ugly.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 40 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 27 of 57 | 47% | 42 of 75 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 13 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 15 of 25 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:31 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 15 of 28 | 53% | 27 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 19 of 40 | 47% | 27 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 23 of 46 | 50% | 11 of 27 | 3 of 7 | 9 of 12 | 20 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Marco Tulio | 27 of 57 | 47% | 13 of 36 | 3 of 7 | 11 of 14 | 22 of 49 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 8 of 18 | 44% | 3 of 8 | 1 of 4 | 4 of 6 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Marco Tulio | 8 of 17 | 47% | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 13 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 15 of 28 | 53% | 8 of 19 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 13 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Marco Tulio | 19 of 40 | 47% | 11 of 27 | 2 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 16 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | ODDS : Tulio (-190); Duncan (+160)
Round 1
Knockout rates of 70% or higher for these two middleweights means that referee Mark Smith will need to be ready at a moment’s notice. Of the two men setting foot in the cage next, Duncan (12-2, 5-2 UFC) has earned a higher stoppage rate but has fewer overall wins inside the distance compared to Chute Boxe Diego Lima product Tulio (14-1, 2-0 UFC). Smith steps back after clocking the athletes in, allowing them to tap gloves before engaging.
Duncan has his hands down as he moves to the center of the cage, offering a pair of stomp kicks and a sudden jump knee. Tulio scoots out of the way and drills the lead leg of the Brit several times. Duncan throws back with his own hard calf kick, and he spins with an elbow that splits Tulio’s forehead open. Tulio quickly ties him up to prevent his dynamic offense from coming forth, and he trips Duncan and puts him on his seat. Tulio smothers from on top, imposing his weight as Duncan turns to his knees. Tulio tries to spin on the break, but Duncan bails on it and swings for the bleachers. Tulio throws back hammers, and Duncan crashes forward and blasts him in the face with an overhand right. He spins with a back elbow, and it skims the top of the head as Tulio clinches him.
Tulio squeezes on Duncan against the wire while his fingers are hooked in the chain links, allowing him to sneakily hold Duncan until Duncan explodes to turn him around. Shoulder strikes from Duncan land with audible thuds, and he tries to trip Tulio out like Tulio got him before. Tulio redirects his effort and nearly gets off his own, but he lets it go so he can elbow the Brit in the face. The two split apart, and Duncan runs at the Brazilian with his foot flying. Duncan’s subsequent spinning wheel kick allows Tulio to bowl him over to the mat. Duncan twists before a choke can materialize, and he stands up and lifts Tulio to slam him down with 30 seconds left in the round. Duncan puts himself in side control and then relocates himself to full mount, where he elbows Tulio on the side of the head and rides out back control when Tulio turns until the round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Round 2
The middleweights touch gloves, and then let go simultaneous low kicks that results in their shins clashing. Duncan circles around, flustering the Brazilian with a varied offense that range from flying kicks to spinning strikes and haymakers that could knock down a building. Tulio settles himself down and pierces the pocket with a right hand that cuts Duncan’s left eye. Tulio walks Duncan down with constant pressure and lays into him, keeping him from getting off much wild offense. Duncan still manages to get going, pawing at his bloodied eye and lashing out with swinging fists until the two result clinched up against the wall. Tulio wants to take the fight down, and Duncan stonewalls him. Tulio stays tightly pressed on his man while letting go with short strikes, and Smith is watching on as they break apart.
Duncan’s immediate offense results in another quick tie-up, and Tulio’s first effort to throw the Brit down fails. They offer alternating jabs, and Duncan spins with a back fist and slips when resetting.
Duncan sees the success of the blow and stutter-steps to delay firing off another spinning back fist. The strike connects square on Tulio’s nose, sending him staggering back. Duncan knows his man is in trouble and walks him down with a fierce, straight left and a monstrous right that completely deprives Tulio of all of his senses. Tulio slumps to the mat, already unconscious, but Smith is still trying to get between them.
This allows Duncan to hammer down one final, devastating right hand while Tulio is off dreaming, to fully punctuate the contest. Tulio lays on his stomach lifelessly for a seemingly long time, until medical professionals tend to him and he revives. The triumphant Duncan has reached rarified air, becoming one of a small number of athletes to record multiple stoppage wins in the Octagon by spinning strikes. He joins names like Dennis Siver, Molly McCann and the upcoming Muslin Salikhov, in having achieved this spin-related feat.
The Official Result
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Marco Tulio R2 3:20 via KO (Spinning Back Fist and Punches)
Angelo picks Marco Tulio, stating he is better everywhere. He believes Marco's takedown defense will be good enough to keep the fight standing, and that Christian Leroy Duncan will resort to takedowns too late after getting touched up. He is surprisingly confident given the line.
Big Brady leans toward Tulio, noting his incredible striking volume and wrestling/grappling upside. He worries about Tulio's hittability and past knockout loss, but thinks Duncan is KO or bust. He predicts Tulio wins comfortably on the scorecards if Duncan doesn't land a knockout.
Cody picks Tulio, citing his high volume and pressure. He thinks Duncan's lack of volume and tendency to clinch will be neutralized, and Tulio will outwork him.
Lucrative James picks Marco Tulio, citing his higher ceiling and more vicious striking. He notes Tulio's offensive output and grappling upside, while criticizing Christian Leroy Duncan's lackluster performances against top competition. He acknowledges Tulio's hand injury but believes he has recovered. He expects Tulio to win, though not dominate.
The host disagrees with the betting public favoring Tulio, believing Duncan is the better striker with good clinch strength. He expects Duncan to wear Tulio down and eventually land a big shot for a knockout.
Paul picks Tulio, noting his volume and pressure. He thinks Duncan's durability is fine but Tulio's pace will be too much, and the fight likely goes over 2.5 rounds.
The Guru picks Marco Tulio over Christian Leroy Duncan. He believes Tulio has more natural pop in his punches and a better flow state, while Duncan relies on flashy techniques. He expects a close fight with Tulio landing the more significant shots and winning a hard-fought decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 18 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 27 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 18 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 27 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 24 of 43 | 55% | 9 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 13 | 20 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 24 of 43 | 55% | 9 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 13 | 20 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan despite questioning his fight IQ. He notes Duncan is the better striker with solid takedown defense and cardio, but he can be an idiot with game plans. If Duncan decides to wrestle, Anders could bully him. However, Anders' chin is declining, so Duncan should win if he strikes.
Big Brady is confident in Christian Leroy Duncan, though he notes Duncan sometimes lacks effort. He points out that Anders has been knocked down in his last three fights by lesser strikers like Jamie Pickett and Chris Weidman, indicating a decline. Brady believes if Duncan cares even a little, he will knock out Anders early. He predicts a first-round knockout for Duncan.
Connor picks Duncan, noting that Anders is limited as a strategist and technician, and that Duncan's dynamic striking and range management will be too much. He points out that Anders has only beaten low-level opponents in recent years and is slow-footed, while Duncan is dangerous and annoying to fight. Connor expects Duncan to win and move toward a top 15 matchup.
The host believes Duncan's speed and power will be too much for Anders, who is slowing down and was hurt badly by Weidman in his last fight. He thinks it's just a matter of time before Duncan lands a clean shot and puts Anders down and out.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan, calling it a potential schooling. He notes Anders' recent wins are over old fighters and that Anders has become too technical. He expects Duncan to piece up Anders and win a dominant decision, possibly with a 10-8 round.
Zane agrees, calling Duncan a meme fighter with flashy skills but noting that Anders is a limited opponent who has struggled against similar fighters. He highlights that Anders has only beaten Kyle Daukaus, Jamie Pickett, and an aged Chris Weidman in recent years, while Duncan's athleticism and tricky style will cause problems. Zane thinks Duncan will win and eventually get exposed against top competition.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 73 of 141 | 51% | 116 of 187 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 5:36 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 18 of 55 | 32% | 36 of 78 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 16 of 34 | 47% | 44 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:50 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 4 of 11 | 36% | 14 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 28 of 57 | 49% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 12 of 36 | 33% | 14 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 3 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 29 of 50 | 58% | 41 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:04 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 8 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 73 of 141 | 51% | 35 of 87 | 17 of 28 | 21 of 26 | 47 of 105 | 26 of 36 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 18 of 55 | 32% | 8 of 43 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 14 of 48 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 16 of 34 | 47% | 6 of 17 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 7 | 8 of 23 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 4 of 11 | 36% | 1 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 28 of 57 | 49% | 10 of 33 | 5 of 9 | 13 of 15 | 27 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 12 of 36 | 33% | 6 of 28 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 34 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 29 of 50 | 58% | 19 of 37 | 7 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 26 | 17 of 24 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 2 of 8 | 25% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Duncan (-625), Pulyaev (+455)
Round 1
Jason Herzog will be the third man in the cage for this middleweight bout. Duncan lands a couple leg kicks early. Pulyaev just misses on a head kick. Duncan applies pressure and then moves in behind a spinning back elbow and a punching combination against the fence. Duncan forces the clinch and throws a few knees in close quarters.Pulyaev is able to reverse and turn his foe into the fence. Pulyaev tries to lift Duncan but is unsuccessful as they remain engaged. Now Duncan reverses position as the clinch battle continues. Duncan creates space to land a right hand but they remain in something of a stalemate. Duncan lands some knees and Herzog checks with Pulyaev to make sure they weren’t low. Pulyaev says he’s good. The grinding fight continues, and it’s Duncan staying busy with knees to the thighs and body. With about 50 seconds to go, Herzog breaks them up. Pulyaev lands a body kick and Dunan moves forward with a jab. Pulyaev slams a kick up high off Duncan’s forearm. They end the round at distance.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Round 2
Duncan lands a kick to the knees and then another up high. Pulyaev answers with a high kick that’s blocked. Duncan pressures with punches, backing Pulyaev up before shooting for the takedown. Now we’re back in the clinch, with Duncan shoving the Russian into the wire. Pulyaev uses a body lock to turn his man around and he lands a solid knee. They seprate and Duncan moves in with a clean right hand .Duncan keeps the pressure on, as Pulyaev is on the defensive. A spinning back kick from Duncan lands on his foe’s leg. Duncan lands a leg kick. A left partially lands for the Englishman. Pulyaev kicks the body, but Duncan answers with a 1-2 and a kick to the body. A spinning back elbow and a left puts Pulyaev on the defensive. Duncan keeps moving forward with a front kick. Pulyaev finds space to land a body kick. Duncan keeps stalking, looking for openings. He lands a couple solid leg kicks as Pulyaev circles on the outside. Duncan misses on a spinning high kick at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Round 3
Duncan gets back to work with a kick heavy attack, some that land, and some that keep his opponent guessing. Pulyaev has a head kick blocked. Duncan grabs the clinch and lands a forceful shoulder strike, pulling his foe’s head down from the plum. They battle for control in the clinch, a recurring theme at various times in this fight. Herzog urges the fighters to keep working and they separate on their own. Pulyev gets a body lock, but Duncan denies the takedown. Pulyaev has double underhooks, but not much is happening here. Pulyaev throws an elbow as they break. Duncan misses a right and Pulyaev forces the clinch again. Duncan reverses and lands a knee against the fence. Duncan whiffs on a spinning elbow and the Russian takes the opportunity to shove his man into the cage. Pulyaev briefly gets a rear body lock, but it’s fleeting, as Duncan takes control of the ongoing clinch battle. Duncan creates space and lands a forceful knee. Moments later, Duncan lands a glancing flying knee before the combatants return to the clinch. Herzog tells them to work. Duncan finds space and lands a few elbows. Late in the round, Duncan hurts his foe near the fence and tees off with punches, elbows and knees. Pulyaev covers up and is able to survive until the end of the fight.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (30-27 Duncan)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (30-27 Duncan)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (30-27 Duncan)
The Official Result
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Andrey Pulyaev via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) R3 5:00
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan as a massive favorite, stating the odds are spot on. He notes that while Duncan was out-wrestled in his last fight, Pulyaev's striking is limited to an occasional jab, so Duncan won't have to worry about power. He believes Duncan's takedown defense will hold up, and as the fight goes on, Pulyaev's takedowns will become sloppier.
Brady sees Duncan as a big favorite who beats lower-level guys in spectacular fashion. He thinks Pulyaev is in the same category as Duncan's previous wins. Brady predicts a second-round knockout, noting Pulyaev looked good on the contender series but fought a punching bag.
Connor agrees with Zane, calling Pulyaev a failed experiment with very low level competition. He notes Duncan is tough, athletic, and has developing clinch skills. Connor thinks Pulyaev's main instinct to yank his head back will be exploited by Duncan's dynamic striking.
The host believes Duncan is far more athletic, powerful, and quicker on the feet, which will lead to a knockout in the second or third round. He emphasizes Duncan's physical advantages.
The Guru confidently picks Christian Leroy Duncan, believing he is too powerful and dense for Pulyaev, who he describes as frail and manipulatable. He expects Duncan to pressure Pulyaev backwards, push him against the cage, and land knees and elbows. He predicts a TKO in round two, as Pulyaev becomes more hesitant after being pressured early.
Zane picks Duncan confidently, noting Pulyaev's wins are built on being the only tall guy on his regional scene. He thinks Pulyaev has bad defensive reactions and is hittable, while Duncan is athletic, fast, powerful, and aggressive. Zane believes Duncan will cover distance well and find the holes in Pulyaev's game.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 29 of 48 | 60% | 53 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:45 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 45 of 79 | 56% | 78 of 120 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 8:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 9 of 19 | 47% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 12 of 21 | 57% | 21 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:01 | |
| 2 | Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 24 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 26 of 43 | 60% | 40 of 58 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 1:39 | |
| 3 | Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 17 of 28 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory Rodrigues | 29 of 48 | 60% | 13 of 28 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 23 of 40 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 45 of 79 | 56% | 37 of 69 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 55 | 12 of 18 | 5 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gregory Rodrigues | 9 of 19 | 47% | 3 of 10 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 12 of 21 | 57% | 9 of 16 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | |
| 2 | Gregory Rodrigues | 13 of 17 | 76% | 8 of 11 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 10 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 26 of 43 | 60% | 21 of 38 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 27 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Gregory Rodrigues | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 7 of 15 | 46% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan but with very low confidence, calling it a 51% lean. He cites Duncan's sharp striking and hometown advantage, but acknowledges that Gregory Rodrigues is incredibly durable and dangerous. Angelo warns that Duncan can get too comfortable and showboat, potentially getting caught. He describes this as a very tough fight to pick.
Cody picks Christian Leroy Duncan, citing his superior striking, footwork, and precision. He notes that Gregory Rodrigues has a suspect chin and has been knocked out multiple times when standing. Cody believes Duncan can knock him out if Rodrigues chooses to brawl, but acknowledges that Rodrigues could win by grappling. However, he thinks Rodrigues is likely to engage in a striking battle, which favors Duncan.
Daniel picks Gregory Rodrigues (RoboCop), impressed by his knockout of Brad Tavares and his takedown ability. He questions Duncan's competition (exhausted Claudio Ribeiro, Dennis Tiuliulin) and notes that Duncan struggled against Armen Petrosyan. He trusts Rodrigues' power and wrestling, and notes Rodrigues has four knockouts in his last five fights.
Daniel acknowledges Christian Leroy Duncan's athleticism and flashy style but thinks Gregory Rodrigues has more paths to victory: decision, submission, or knockout. He notes Rodrigues' power, durability, and Jiu-Jitsu, while Duncan may be 'kill or bust.' He is hesitant due to Rodrigues' defensive flaws and stiff movement.
Jeff picks Christian Leroy Duncan, believing he will knock out Rodrigues. He notes that Rodrigues gets hurt in every fight and Duncan has shown power. He cites Duncan's four-inch reach advantage and thinks Duncan's striking will be the difference.
Paul also picks Duncan, noting that the fight ending inside the distance is likely. He points out that Rodrigues' chin has been checked many times and that Duncan has never been finished. Paul believes Duncan will knock out Rodrigues, but he also considers the possibility of Rodrigues using grappling, which could expose Duncan's wrestling. He plans to bet on the fight ending inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Gregory Rodrigues, citing his grappling edge and KO power. He notes that Rodrigues has better takedowns and can out-grapple Christian Leroy Duncan, who may struggle with grappling defense. The Guru also believes Rodrigues has more punching power and that Duncan hasn't faced someone with that level of power. He references Duncan's fight against Arman Petrosyan, where he was taken down, and suggests Rodrigues can replicate that success.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 65 of 92 | 70% | 75 of 105 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:15 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 0 | 4 of 26 | 15% | 13 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 41 of 61 | 67% | 48 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 0 | 3 of 20 | 15% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 24 of 31 | 77% | 27 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 0 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 65 of 92 | 70% | 39 of 62 | 8 of 10 | 18 of 20 | 31 of 50 | 12 of 15 | 22 of 27 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 4 of 26 | 15% | 1 of 19 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 41 of 61 | 67% | 16 of 34 | 8 of 9 | 17 of 18 | 29 of 46 | 12 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 3 of 20 | 15% | 1 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 24 of 31 | 77% | 23 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 27 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan as the more technical fighter, noting that both are dangerous strikers but Duncan has better technique. He expects the fight to end inside the distance due to both fighters' recklessness. He mentions that Cláudio Ribeiro is nuts dangerous but Duncan should win.
Big Brady picks Duncan to finish Ribeiro by knockout in the second round. He notes Duncan is much more skilled, with good defensive wrestling and a ton of striking tools. He criticizes Ribeiro's 31% striking defense and poor cardio, and expects Duncan to wear him out and finish him late second round.
Cody picks Duncan, emphasizing Ribeiro's poor durability and lack of defense. He notes that Ribeiro is explosive for one round but fades quickly, and Duncan's precision striking from the outside will be effective. Cody compares Ribeiro to Dennis Tulin, whom Duncan already beat. He expects Duncan to win by knockout in the second or third round.
Duncan is the bigger, stronger fighter and should control the majority of the fight. He can clinch Ribeiro against the cage, wear on him with knees and elbows, and deflate Ribeiro's power and explosiveness. Duncan's maturity was shown in his last fight against Tulan, where he slowed the pace and found the finish in the second round. The over 1.5 rounds at plus money is intriguing, but Duncan should get the knockout in the second round.
Paul picks Duncan, noting his technical striking and ability to fight at range. He contrasts Ribeiro's one-dimensional brawling style and poor cardio. Paul believes Duncan will counter Ribeiro's wild swings and finish him inside the distance, similar to how he handled Dennis Tulin. He acknowledges the small cage could be a factor but favors Duncan's skill.
The MMA Guru believes Duncan has better movement, kickboxing, and strength in the clinch. He notes Ribeiro has no good wins and is coming off a KO loss, while Duncan is coming off a TKO win. He predicts a highlight-reel KO for Duncan.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 65 of 87 | 74% | 90 of 123 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:51 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 30 of 71 | 42% | 37 of 81 | 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 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 13 of 15 | 86% | 38 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:37 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 12 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 52 of 72 | 72% | 52 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 23 of 57 | 40% | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 65 of 87 | 74% | 44 of 65 | 8 of 9 | 13 of 13 | 46 of 65 | 16 of 17 | 3 of 5 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 30 of 71 | 42% | 19 of 57 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 26 of 66 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 13 of 15 | 86% | 6 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 7 of 14 | 50% | 4 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 52 of 72 | 72% | 38 of 57 | 5 of 6 | 9 of 9 | 40 of 57 | 9 of 10 | 3 of 5 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 23 of 57 | 40% | 15 of 46 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 21 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans Christian Leroy Duncan, hoping his loss to Arman Petrosian woke him up to be less flashy and more focused. He notes Duncan is the better wrestler and should take the fight to the ground. He expects a finish and does not see it going the distance.
Big Brady thinks Tiuliulin is not UFC caliber, with no striking defense and the worst ground game in the UFC. He sees Duncan having multiple paths: picking him apart and knocking him out, or taking him down and submitting him. He predicts a first-round knockout, noting Tiuliulin's only chance is landing a big shot.
Cody picks Christian Leroy Duncan confidently, citing his movement, footwork, and counter-striking. He notes that Tiuliulin is a brawler with poor footwork and cardio, coming in on short notice. Duncan can pick him apart and likely get a TKO. Cody sees this as an excellent stylistic matchup for Duncan.
Duncan relies on speed, explosiveness, and early power to finish fights. Tiuliulin has been finished by grapplers but Duncan is a striker. Duncan's power and speed should be too much early, leading to a knockout in the first round. However, Duncan is reliant on finishes and may fade if it goes longer. Tiuliulin could make it closer if he survives the early onslaught.
Paul agrees, noting Tiuliulin's rudimentary style and poor grappling. He believes Duncan can hang out at range and avoid danger. Paul mentions Tiuliulin's history of getting finished and expects Duncan to win by TKO or submission.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan to win by body kick KO in round two. He notes Tiuliulin is hittable and requires breaking opponents, and is coming off a nasty KO. He believes Duncan is a much better striker with good cardio and movement, and that Tiuliulin taking the fight on short notice makes it a no-brainer.
Marco Tulio - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Kopylov | 3 | 61 of 124 | 49% | 69 of 132 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:34 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 62 of 160 | 38% | 80 of 178 | 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 | Roman Kopylov | 0 | 15 of 39 | 38% | 15 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 22 of 61 | 36% | 22 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Roman Kopylov | 1 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 23 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 26 of 57 | 45% | 36 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Roman Kopylov | 2 | 24 of 41 | 58% | 31 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 14 of 42 | 33% | 22 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Kopylov | 61 of 124 | 49% | 46 of 97 | 12 of 17 | 3 of 10 | 46 of 102 | 4 of 5 | 11 of 17 |
| Marco Tulio | 62 of 160 | 38% | 28 of 105 | 18 of 34 | 16 of 21 | 62 of 159 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Kopylov | 15 of 39 | 38% | 6 of 22 | 7 of 10 | 2 of 7 | 15 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marco Tulio | 22 of 61 | 36% | 7 of 37 | 8 of 14 | 7 of 10 | 22 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Roman Kopylov | 22 of 44 | 50% | 19 of 38 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 12 |
| Marco Tulio | 26 of 57 | 45% | 11 of 37 | 7 of 11 | 8 of 9 | 26 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Roman Kopylov | 24 of 41 | 58% | 21 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 15 of 31 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Marco Tulio | 14 of 42 | 33% | 10 of 31 | 3 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 14 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tulio (-198), Kopylov (+164)
Round 1
It is a battle between two finish-first middleweights to move things along, with the loser dropping to a .500 record with the organization. The victor between Kopylov (14-5, 6-5 UFC) and Tulio (14-2, 2-1 UFC) will earn their first win in over a year. Referee Gasper Oliver will be there every step of the way, including the sporting glove touch he watches to open things up.
Both men flirt with out-of-range strikes to get in on one another, and it is Tulio who lands first with a sweeping low kick. Kopylov walks him down but is not ready to engage yet, so Tulio jams him up with a body shot. Kopylov offers up his own calf kick, answered immediately by the Brazilian. Kopylov parries an overhand right and rips a kick to the ribs. Tulio jabs his way forward, following with one to the stomach and just evading an overhand right. Tulio chews up the front leg with kicks that form a welt on his foe’s front leg. Tulio keeps working the calf, and he keeps his hands up when Kopylov storms him with four punches that largely careen off his gloves and arms.
Tulio snaps the head back with a long right hand, and he reaches another to the body as Kopylov retreats. Kopylov comes up short with a high kick, and he lunges out with a left hand but is met with a stern right to the ribs. Tulio sneaks a head kick behind it, and Kopylov tanks it and plods forward. Kopylov retaliates with a body shot, but it is one-and-done as Tulio parries a high kick after it. Kopylov drives a one-two down the middle, one that might have knocked out small fry he faced in the past but is not nearly enough to get more than Tulio’s attention. Kopylov leaps with a knee, and Tulio pushes him to the side and belts him with a few punches before the conclusion of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Round 2
They touch gloves to get going again, flashing their jabs in alternating stances. Kopylov drills Tulio with a check hook as Tulio is about to come in, and the Brazilian wears it well and is back to working the front leg before long. Kopylov lashes out with a one-two, seemingly getting the time of the advancing Brazilian and timing his explosions well. Tulio goes to the body and head, and Kopylov is quick to counter. Kopylov drills a kick to the side that lands with an audible thud, and hands are subsequently traded. Tulio kicks out the lead leg as Kopylov is about to throw, and he wings a head kick on the other side. Kopylov starts to leak from a wound on his right cheek, but he pays it no mind as he wants to throw hands. He slips on the way in, and dances away when Tulio spins but does not let anything go after it.
Tulio rifles off a right hand down Broadway, and his left hand opens up the cut on Kopylov’s face much more. There is another gash on Kopylov’s eyebrow, and he transforms to a horror movie as blood streams down his face. Tulio is able to take advantage of the damage and snaps out a hard right hand, but he walks directly into the inferno that is suddenly raging inside of Kopylov. Kopylov unleashes a pair of fiery fists that knock Tulio off his feet. Kopylov chases after the Brazilian, who is able to get back to his feet, and swings his way into a clinch. Rather than doing more damage or ending the fight, Kopylov just holds on until the conclusion of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Round 3
The 185ers touch gloves to get going, and Kopylov goes hellbent for leather as soon as Oliver says go. Blasting Tulio in the face with a short but devastating combination, he hurts and knocks the Brazilian down at the end of a vicious left hand early on. As he plans on punishing Tulio further, Kopylov elects to take the fight down. Completing a solid double-leg takedown, Kopylov grounds Tulio, but he just holds him there again. Tulio slowly, methodically works back to his feet without absorbing much more offense, and he starts to stalk Kopylov again.
Tulio jabs at the wound on Kopylov’s face, planting a kick on his ribs and eating a left hand over the top for his effort. Kopylov stands firm when Tulio engages, forcing the Brazilian to backpedal after a trio of punches come flying. Tulio jabs the stomach with the ball of his foot outstretched, and his head kick comes up just short. They trade hands, with Kopylov getting the better of the exchanges. Tulio spins to let go with a back kick, and Kopylov keeps him honest with a body kick and head kick. Tulio swings his fists to turn into a back fist, and he slugs Kopylov in the face with a big overhand right but cannot put him down as the buzzer sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov (29-28 Kopylov)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov (29-28 Kopylov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov (29-28 Kopylov)
The Official Result
Roman Kopylov def. Marco Tulio via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Marco Tulio because he has more ways to win, including grappling. He notes that Tulio has good wrestling and can take the fight to the ground if needed, while Roman Kopylov has no backup plan. He acknowledges that Kopylov is a good striker but believes Tulio's versatility will be the difference.
Angelo picks Marco Tulio, noting he is more well-rounded and can wrestle if needed. He thinks Tulio will shoot takedowns after being knocked out in his last fight. He mentions Tulio's grappling success against Yorsy Baraguri. He has doubts about Tulio's chin but expects him to use wrestling to avoid striking exchanges. He is fairly confident in this pick.
Big Brady picks Marco Tulio, noting Kopylov's recent lack of output and willingness. He acknowledges Kopylov could knock out Tulio, but trusts Tulio's volume and grappling upside. Brady predicts Tulio wins by decision, as Kopylov is tough and has never been knocked out, but Tulio should outwork him.
Cody picks Tulio, citing his volume and Kopylov's tendency to be outworked. He notes Tulio's high output and Kopylov's complacency. Cody expects Tulio to win by decision.
Connor also picks Kopylov, agreeing that Tulio lacks the sophistication to exploit Kopylov's weaknesses. He notes that the guys who beat Kopylov (Rodriguez, Costa) did so with diligent positional work, which Tulio doesn't have. Connor expects Tulio to look like he's winning for stretches, but Kopylov's power and counter-striking will eventually pay off.
Daniel picks Tulio, noting his confidence and edge on the mat despite a recent knockout loss. He believes Tulio will stand and bang and has a big advantage if he gets the fight to the ground.
Predicted method: KO/TKO Round 2. Tulio is a powerful striker (6.69 SLpM, 58% accuracy) with KO wins in two of his three UFC fights, while Kopylov has lost three of his last four and has been knocked out multiple times. Kopylov's takedown defense (88%) is excellent, but he tends to fade in striking exchanges (5.18 SApM). Tulio's pressure and power should be too much for Kopylov, who has a tendency to get hit. Expect Tulio to land a knockout in the first two rounds.
Jacob disagrees strongly, arguing that Kopylov is the better wrestler and that Marco Tulio cannot wrestle him. He points out that Gregory Rodriguez, a high-level wrestler, struggled to take Kopylov down. Jacob believes Kopylov is the more dangerous striker and durable, and that he should be the favorite. He likes the value on Kopylov as a dog.
Lucrative James leans towards Marco Tulio because he believes Tulio has a grappling advantage and better cardio. He notes that Kopylov has a history of low volume and gassing out, while Tulio mixes in wrestling and has more paths to victory. He predicts Tulio wins by knockout, though he acknowledges the fight is close and could go either way.
The host picks Kopylov as an underdog, believing he is the better striker and has the grappling to handle Tulio. He notes that Tulio is overhyped and hittable, and coming off a knockout loss may affect his confidence. He expects Kopylov to counter Tulio's forward pressure and potentially get a knockout. He acknowledges Kopylov's recent losses but sees this as a favorable matchup.
Paul leans Tulio but does not love laying chalk. He agrees with Cody's assessment but is not fully confident.
The MMA Guru picks Marco Tulio, citing Kopylov's recent poor performances against Paulo Costa and Gregory Rodriguez where he shut down after getting hit. He believes Tulio's pressure and momentum will lead to a TKO in round two. He notes Tulio's wins over Tong Gore and Usman Belgui show his finishing ability.
Zane picks Kopylov hesitantly. He notes that Kopylov has become a better counter striker and has shown he can solve pressure fighters, as seen in the Curtis fight. However, Kopylov is terrible going backwards and could struggle if Tulio pressures effectively. Zane thinks Tulio's predictability and lack of sophistication will allow Kopylov to find openings, but it's a tough call.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 40 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 27 of 57 | 47% | 42 of 75 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 13 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 15 of 25 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:31 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 15 of 28 | 53% | 27 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 19 of 40 | 47% | 27 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 23 of 46 | 50% | 11 of 27 | 3 of 7 | 9 of 12 | 20 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Marco Tulio | 27 of 57 | 47% | 13 of 36 | 3 of 7 | 11 of 14 | 22 of 49 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 8 of 18 | 44% | 3 of 8 | 1 of 4 | 4 of 6 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Marco Tulio | 8 of 17 | 47% | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 13 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 15 of 28 | 53% | 8 of 19 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 13 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Marco Tulio | 19 of 40 | 47% | 11 of 27 | 2 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 16 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | ODDS : Tulio (-190); Duncan (+160)
Round 1
Knockout rates of 70% or higher for these two middleweights means that referee Mark Smith will need to be ready at a moment’s notice. Of the two men setting foot in the cage next, Duncan (12-2, 5-2 UFC) has earned a higher stoppage rate but has fewer overall wins inside the distance compared to Chute Boxe Diego Lima product Tulio (14-1, 2-0 UFC). Smith steps back after clocking the athletes in, allowing them to tap gloves before engaging.
Duncan has his hands down as he moves to the center of the cage, offering a pair of stomp kicks and a sudden jump knee. Tulio scoots out of the way and drills the lead leg of the Brit several times. Duncan throws back with his own hard calf kick, and he spins with an elbow that splits Tulio’s forehead open. Tulio quickly ties him up to prevent his dynamic offense from coming forth, and he trips Duncan and puts him on his seat. Tulio smothers from on top, imposing his weight as Duncan turns to his knees. Tulio tries to spin on the break, but Duncan bails on it and swings for the bleachers. Tulio throws back hammers, and Duncan crashes forward and blasts him in the face with an overhand right. He spins with a back elbow, and it skims the top of the head as Tulio clinches him.
Tulio squeezes on Duncan against the wire while his fingers are hooked in the chain links, allowing him to sneakily hold Duncan until Duncan explodes to turn him around. Shoulder strikes from Duncan land with audible thuds, and he tries to trip Tulio out like Tulio got him before. Tulio redirects his effort and nearly gets off his own, but he lets it go so he can elbow the Brit in the face. The two split apart, and Duncan runs at the Brazilian with his foot flying. Duncan’s subsequent spinning wheel kick allows Tulio to bowl him over to the mat. Duncan twists before a choke can materialize, and he stands up and lifts Tulio to slam him down with 30 seconds left in the round. Duncan puts himself in side control and then relocates himself to full mount, where he elbows Tulio on the side of the head and rides out back control when Tulio turns until the round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Round 2
The middleweights touch gloves, and then let go simultaneous low kicks that results in their shins clashing. Duncan circles around, flustering the Brazilian with a varied offense that range from flying kicks to spinning strikes and haymakers that could knock down a building. Tulio settles himself down and pierces the pocket with a right hand that cuts Duncan’s left eye. Tulio walks Duncan down with constant pressure and lays into him, keeping him from getting off much wild offense. Duncan still manages to get going, pawing at his bloodied eye and lashing out with swinging fists until the two result clinched up against the wall. Tulio wants to take the fight down, and Duncan stonewalls him. Tulio stays tightly pressed on his man while letting go with short strikes, and Smith is watching on as they break apart.
Duncan’s immediate offense results in another quick tie-up, and Tulio’s first effort to throw the Brit down fails. They offer alternating jabs, and Duncan spins with a back fist and slips when resetting.
Duncan sees the success of the blow and stutter-steps to delay firing off another spinning back fist. The strike connects square on Tulio’s nose, sending him staggering back. Duncan knows his man is in trouble and walks him down with a fierce, straight left and a monstrous right that completely deprives Tulio of all of his senses. Tulio slumps to the mat, already unconscious, but Smith is still trying to get between them.
This allows Duncan to hammer down one final, devastating right hand while Tulio is off dreaming, to fully punctuate the contest. Tulio lays on his stomach lifelessly for a seemingly long time, until medical professionals tend to him and he revives. The triumphant Duncan has reached rarified air, becoming one of a small number of athletes to record multiple stoppage wins in the Octagon by spinning strikes. He joins names like Dennis Siver, Molly McCann and the upcoming Muslin Salikhov, in having achieved this spin-related feat.
The Official Result
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Marco Tulio R2 3:20 via KO (Spinning Back Fist and Punches)
Angelo picks Marco Tulio, stating he is better everywhere. He believes Marco's takedown defense will be good enough to keep the fight standing, and that Christian Leroy Duncan will resort to takedowns too late after getting touched up. He is surprisingly confident given the line.
Big Brady leans toward Tulio, noting his incredible striking volume and wrestling/grappling upside. He worries about Tulio's hittability and past knockout loss, but thinks Duncan is KO or bust. He predicts Tulio wins comfortably on the scorecards if Duncan doesn't land a knockout.
Cody picks Tulio, citing his high volume and pressure. He thinks Duncan's lack of volume and tendency to clinch will be neutralized, and Tulio will outwork him.
Lucrative James picks Marco Tulio, citing his higher ceiling and more vicious striking. He notes Tulio's offensive output and grappling upside, while criticizing Christian Leroy Duncan's lackluster performances against top competition. He acknowledges Tulio's hand injury but believes he has recovered. He expects Tulio to win, though not dominate.
The host disagrees with the betting public favoring Tulio, believing Duncan is the better striker with good clinch strength. He expects Duncan to wear Tulio down and eventually land a big shot for a knockout.
Paul picks Tulio, noting his volume and pressure. He thinks Duncan's durability is fine but Tulio's pace will be too much, and the fight likely goes over 2.5 rounds.
The Guru picks Marco Tulio over Christian Leroy Duncan. He believes Tulio has more natural pop in his punches and a better flow state, while Duncan relies on flashy techniques. He expects a close fight with Tulio landing the more significant shots and winning a hard-fought decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 17 of 60 | 28% | 17 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Marco Tulio | 2 | 127 of 175 | 72% | 140 of 195 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tresean Gore | 0 | 13 of 39 | 33% | 13 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Marco Tulio | 1 | 77 of 110 | 70% | 84 of 117 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 2 | Tresean Gore | 0 | 4 of 21 | 19% | 4 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marco Tulio | 1 | 50 of 65 | 76% | 56 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresean Gore | 17 of 60 | 28% | 10 of 47 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 8 | 17 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marco Tulio | 127 of 175 | 72% | 74 of 120 | 40 of 42 | 13 of 13 | 118 of 161 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tresean Gore | 13 of 39 | 33% | 10 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 13 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marco Tulio | 77 of 110 | 70% | 45 of 76 | 25 of 27 | 7 of 7 | 72 of 104 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Tresean Gore | 4 of 21 | 19% | 0 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marco Tulio | 50 of 65 | 76% | 29 of 44 | 15 of 15 | 6 of 6 | 46 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tulio (-355), Gore (+280)
Round 1
Carrying on with the prelims, two aggressive middleweights with finish rates above 75% will duel under the oversight of referee Marc Goddard. Gore (5-2, 2-2 UFC) has only fought once since late 2022, and he will have the honor of welcoming Norma Dumont’s partner Tulio (13-1, 1-0 UFC) to his sophomore UFC appearance. Fists are sure to fly, but before they do, they are tapped together sportingly. Tulio springs to the side to fire off a few jabs and low kicks, and he mixes in a front kick to keep Gore guessing early. Gore swings back, and Tulio takes a step back to wing a spinning back kick. Tulio puts out a one-two, and Gore defends the punches but not the kick that follows and bumps into his cup. Goddard acknowledges the foul, and Gore waves it off and wants to keep throwing leather. Tulio jumps at him with a flying knee, and Gore times him with a marvelous right hand nearly as destructive as Fedor Emelianenko against Andrei Arlovski. Tulio continues to chain big punches and kicks into spinning strikes, and Gore is in close range to prevent the spins from getting to him. The power from the Brazilian mark Gore’s nose up, and he loads up further on power strikes including a trio of vertical elbows from the Anderson Silva playbook. Tulio keeps a high pace, and Gore walks through a few punches to zing a left hook that stumbles “Matuto.” When Gore tries to continue the assault, Tulio blasts him with an elbow that rocks and cuts him at the same time. Gore shakes out the cobwebs and marches Tulio down, and he adjusts his leaking hose as Tulio turns up the pressure. Tulio rips the body with a kick, and his constant jab is further frustrating Gore. Tulio drives home a few low kicks, and he puts together a unique combination with a liver kick, a flying knee and a spinning back kick. The Brazilian hammers his opponent with spinning strikes and huge punches, but it is a short left hook that floors Gore. “Mr. Vicious” scrambles to his feet, steels himself and smashes Tulio in the face with a vicious right hand. Tulio appears to be showing signs of fatigue with less than a minute to go in the round, and he gathers a full head of steam and rails Gore with a spinning wheel kick. Gore somehow tanks it, thanks to the wall behind him, and this absolutely mad round comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Round 2
Somehow, these two flamethrowers got out of the first round, and they are still in good spirits and touch gloves. They proceed to hammer one another on the lead leg, and Tulio follows one with a blistering body kick. Not to be outdone, Gore gives him the same kick back. Tulio prods out with a front kick, and he puts two low kicks behind it that draw a slight limp. Tulio splits the guard with a punch, plants a spinning back kick on the midsection and continues to work the head and body. Gore swings wildly, and Tulio slips it and puts a jab in his face. Tulio wraps a left around the guard, and right goes to the sternum. Tulio jams a front kick to the midsection, and the foot pounds squarely into the groin cup. Tulio apologizes as Gore groans, and Goddard calls time. Despite the impact of the kick, Gore only takes about 20 seconds before getting back to business. Tulio does not let him off the hook, continuing to chain punches, kick and spinning moves together much to Gore’s disappointment. Tulio splits the guard with an uppercut, and Gore’s chin is tough but he is taking serious damage. Tulio finally cracks the chin with a crisp head kick, and Gore hits his seat. Tulio jumps on top and unloads a salvo of elbows, and he pushes Gore flat to the ground to continue beating on him. Gore wills himself to stand up again, and he actually comes out swinging. The Brazilian rifles off a power jab, and Gore’s expression completely changes.
Tulio fires off a jumping switch kick, using it to close the distance, and he lands and plants a right hand about as firmly on the jaw as one can land. Gore’s legs give way beneath him, bloodied and broken, and he leans against the fence clinging to consciousness.
Goddard sprints towards the downed fighter to rescue him from his own toughness, but before he can reach the fallen man, Tulio gets off one single destructive punch to seal the deal. When Goddard gets between them, Tulio informs his corner that his hand broke in the first round. It held up long enough to put on a thriller of a performance, one easily worthy of “Fight of the Night” with the first round in the conversation of “Round of the Year” after all that carnage. Middleweight has a new name to watch out for now.
The Official Result
Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore R2 3:16 via TKO (Punch)
Connor picks Marco Tulio, noting that he is a functional middleweight prospect with power and determination. He acknowledges Tulio's awful mechanics but believes his aggressive forward pressure and power will be enough to beat Tresean Gore, who he doesn't trust to beat anyone with a game. Connor admits Tulio is wide open but thinks his power gives him the edge.
Daniel Levi notes that Marco Tulio stopped Tresean Gore in the second round after getting rocked earlier. He highlights the striking differential of 127 to 17 significant strikes and praises Tulio's confidence and dominance.
Zane picks Tresean Gore, believing his straight punches will land hard against Marco Tulio, who has terrible mechanics and is wide open to get hit. He notes that Tulio is a Jackson Wink-style power striker with a goofy grab bag of tricks, but his poor defense makes him hittable. Zane acknowledges Tulio's power and determination but thinks Gore can time him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Tulio | 1 | 29 of 54 | 53% | 34 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 6 of 15 | 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 | Marco Tulio | 1 | 29 of 54 | 53% | 34 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Tulio | 29 of 54 | 53% | 20 of 41 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 6 | 17 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 |
| Ihor Potieria | 6 of 15 | 40% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marco Tulio | 29 of 54 | 53% | 20 of 41 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 6 | 17 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 16 |
| Ihor Potieria | 6 of 15 | 40% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
With the recent memory of a spinning back kick knockout to earn him a spot on the UFC roster, Tulio (12-1, 0-0 UFC) surges into what would have been a middleweight affair with plenty of momentum on his side. The same cannot be said for the struggling Potieria (20-7, 2-5 UFC), who has not only dropped four of five but missed weight ahead of what may be a pink-slip matchup. This bout now taking place at 188 pounds will be covered by referee Mark Smith, who is prepped and ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. Potieria offers an apologetic glove touch to get going, and it is accepted. The center of the cage goes to Potieria, who springs away from a low kick early. Tulio unleashes a one-two, and when that comes up short, his leg kick does not. Potieria absorbs a right hand to counter with a hook over the top, and it marks Tulio’s eye up fast. Potieria goes after a second power left hook, and Tulio’s footwork keeps him safe. Tulio chains a punch into a kick, and the two lean towards one another and clack their heads together. Smith calls time to warn them, and they are quick to resume after the warning with two punches from Tulio. Potieria ducks down, and he eats a particularly stern right hand. Tulio lines up another right as he backs away, and he steps in and blasts Potieria in the groin with a knee, drawing a sound that echoes in the arena. Potieria collapses to the mat and does not make a sound, as Smith pauses the fight and tells Potieria he will have five minutes to recover. Smith warns Tulio, and Potieria blows his nose while on one knee. After 90 seconds, Potieria climbs to his feet using the fence, and he tells Smith he does not need the doctor. Three minutes elapse before Potieria is good to go, and they start up again. Tulio is quick to strike again when resuming, with a head kick and standing back fist surprising the Ukrainian. Tulio cracks “The Duelist” with a right hand, and he puts Potieria down with a follow-up right. Potieria’s nose busted open with blood leaking fast. Potieria tries to get hold of an armbar off his back, and Tulio punches and elbows through it.
Potieria turns to his knees, and Tulio clubs him with a devastating undercut beneath his armpit that shuts his lights out. Smith witnesses that Potieria has been deprived of his consciousness and waved the fight off
, and a bloody, beaten Potieria comes to and coughs his mouthpiece out. This is a statement introduction for Tulio, whose performance is slightly marred for the earlier foul but sealed the deal with his fists.
The Official Result
Marco Tulio def. Ihor Potieria R1 3:04 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Marco Tulio, stating that the fight is set up for him to win. He notes Tulio's diverse striking and solid grappling, while Ihor Potieria is a kickboxer with poor takedown defense. He believes Tulio's wrestling and power will be enough, though he dislikes the -500 odds on a UFC debut. He expects Tulio to win, possibly via takedowns and ground control.
Big Brady thinks Tulio is the better fighter overall, with more ways to win. He acknowledges Potieria has looked better than expected, even having moments against Bolat and Almeida, but still considers him bad. Brady notes Tulio can push Potieria against the cage, get takedowns, and is a better striker. He predicts Tulio wins by decision, though he thinks the line is too wide.
Cody picks Potieria as a big underdog, arguing the line is inflated on Tulio. He notes Potieria's power, experience against tough competition, and improvements at 185. He believes Tulio is not a proven prospect and Potieria has a puncher's chance.
Daniel highlights Tulio's confidence and ground game, noting he is nasty on the mat and trains at Shoot the Box. He thinks Potieria is better than his record shows but lacks confidence and is on a losing streak. He predicts Tulio will get the fight to the mat and finish quickly.
This should be a chaotic matchup favoring Tulio, but not enough to justify -500 odds. The host lacks confidence to back Potieria either, but expects chaos and Tulio to win, probably by knockout.
Paul also picks Potieria, calling it a 'dogger pass' fight. He notes Tulio's unimpressive Contender Series performances and Potieria's ability to grapple a little. He expects a competitive striking match where Potieria can land.
The Guru picks Tulio, calling him an underrated prospect with good standup and grappling. He notes Tulio's win over Yusri Belgar on the contender series and his momentum. He sympathizes with Potieria's tough career but thinks Tulio is the better fighter. He mentions Tulio trains at Shooter Box with Diego Lima and has a decent chin.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Marco Tulio, stating he is better everywhere. He believes Marco's takedown defense will be good enough to keep the fight standing, and that Christian Leroy Duncan will resort to takedowns too late after getting touched up. He is surprisingly confident given the line.
Big Brady leans toward Tulio, noting his incredible striking volume and wrestling/grappling upside. He worries about Tulio's hittability and past knockout loss, but thinks Duncan is KO or bust. He predicts Tulio wins comfortably on the scorecards if Duncan doesn't land a knockout.
Cody picks Tulio, citing his high volume and pressure. He thinks Duncan's lack of volume and tendency to clinch will be neutralized, and Tulio will outwork him.
Lucrative James picks Marco Tulio, citing his higher ceiling and more vicious striking. He notes Tulio's offensive output and grappling upside, while criticizing Christian Leroy Duncan's lackluster performances against top competition. He acknowledges Tulio's hand injury but believes he has recovered. He expects Tulio to win, though not dominate.
The host disagrees with the betting public favoring Tulio, believing Duncan is the better striker with good clinch strength. He expects Duncan to wear Tulio down and eventually land a big shot for a knockout.
Paul picks Tulio, noting his volume and pressure. He thinks Duncan's durability is fine but Tulio's pace will be too much, and the fight likely goes over 2.5 rounds.
The Guru picks Marco Tulio over Christian Leroy Duncan. He believes Tulio has more natural pop in his punches and a better flow state, while Duncan relies on flashy techniques. He expects a close fight with Tulio landing the more significant shots and winning a hard-fought decision.
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