Career Averages - Ramiz Brahimaj
Career Averages - Punahele Soriano
Ramiz Brahimaj - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 38 of 67 | 56% | 43 of 73 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 0 | 0 | 3:48 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 40 of 92 | 43% | 66 of 123 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 5:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 31 of 56 | 55% | 31 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 17 of 52 | 32% | 21 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 10 of 12 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:47 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 26 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:35 | |
| 3 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 5 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 19 of 32 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 38 of 67 | 56% | 16 of 42 | 21 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 35 of 63 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 40 of 92 | 43% | 29 of 79 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 74 | 14 of 15 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 31 of 56 | 55% | 13 of 37 | 17 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 30 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 17 of 52 | 32% | 14 of 47 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 5 of 7 | 71% | 2 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 16 of 28 | 57% | 13 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 19 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 1 |
Angelo picks Punahele Soriano, citing his power, wrestling credentials, and ability to stay safe on top. He acknowledges Ramiz Brahimaj's submission threat but believes Soriano's wrestling and striking will prevail. He notes the line has flipped but remains confident in Soriano.
Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to defeat Punahele Soriano, citing Brahimaj's recent underdog wins and Soriano's poor takedown defense and cardio. He notes Soriano has success early but fades, and Brahimaj is tough and has good submissions. He predicts Brahimaj will survive the early storm, mix in takedowns, and submit Soriano in the second round. He references Soriano's losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and Nick Maximov as evidence of his vulnerability.
Cody thinks Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu and hometown crowd give him an edge. He notes Soriano's inconsistency and cardio issues. He expects Brahimaj to win by submission or decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Soriano. He notes that Soriano's recent wins are more trustworthy and indicative of a step forward, while Brahimaj's wins are against fighters with no defense. Connor also mentions that if Court McGee could grind Brahimaj, Soriano can too.
The host leans towards Soriano, noting his advantage on the feet with power and aggression, and his improved cardio since dropping to welterweight. He believes Soriano can outstrike and outgrapple Brahimaj if his gas tank holds up. However, he is not betting because Brahimaj has proven cardio and could make Soriano work hard, and both fighters are evolving, making it difficult to predict which version shows up.
James picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing his superior jiu-jitsu and front choke series. He notes that Soriano's wrestling could put him in danger of submissions, and that Brahimaj is the better striker over 15 minutes. James believes Brahimaj will catch Soriano in a front headlock and submit him.
Brahimaj has improved his cardio and takedown defense since moving to Chicago, and he is more calculated now. Soriano is a power puncher but relies on wrestling to grind out wins, and he doesn't threaten submissions. Brahimaj's grappling defense should be good enough to keep it standing or scramble, and he can catch Soriano in a submission. The under 2.5 rounds also makes sense.
Paul thinks Soriano at 170 is a different beast with better cardio and power. He acknowledges Brahimaj's grappling but thinks Soriano's wrestling and strength will be enough. He calls it a pick'em and leans Soriano.
The MMA Guru picks Punahele Soriano, citing his nasty knockout power, solid chin, and physicality. He believes Soriano won't be lost on the feet and can avoid Brahimaj's guillotine. He notes Brahimaj's wins are over lesser competition and that Soriano has dominated grapplers before. He predicts a TKO finish in round one or two.
Zane picks Soriano, believing he will bully Brahimaj with his athleticism and power. He notes that Soriano has options and is too dangerous. If Soriano chooses to wrestle, he might get caught in a submission, but that's a thin chance. Zane trusts Soriano's recent wins more than Brahimaj's.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 21 of 35 | 60% | 46 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0:37 |
| Austin Vanderford | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 13 of 24 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 4 of 13 | 30% | 16 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Austin Vanderford | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 12 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:30 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 17 of 22 | 77% | 30 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0:37 |
| Austin Vanderford | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 21 of 35 | 60% | 18 of 29 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 23 | 8 of 8 | 4 of 4 |
| Austin Vanderford | 5 of 16 | 31% | 4 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 4 of 13 | 30% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Austin Vanderford | 4 of 12 | 33% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 17 of 22 | 77% | 16 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 8 of 8 | 4 of 4 |
| Austin Vanderford | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo sees this as a grappler vs grappler matchup. He believes Austin Vanderford is the better wrestler, which is the key factor since both have similar jiu-jitsu and striking. He notes that Ramiz Brahimaj can get stuck on his back and that his jiu-jitsu off his back is not as good as on top. He expects Vanderford to get takedowns and control the fight, but is not very confident in a finish.
Big Brady acknowledges that Ramiz Brahimaj is live in the first round, as he typically wins early. However, he believes Vanderford can survive the early storm, extend the fight, and mix in takedowns as the fight goes on. He notes that Brahimaj has slowed down in longer fights and that Vanderford is a good grappler. He predicts Vanderford by decision.
Connor picks Brahimaj hesitantly, noting that while both fighters are similar, Brahimaj will bring an aggressive fight and is more likely to push the pace. He acknowledges that Vanderford is vulnerable and that Brahimaj has power, but admits there is not much to separate them.
The host believes Vanderford will utilize his grappling excellence to stay out of Brahimaj's submission danger and eventually secure a second or third round TKO finish.
The MMA Guru picks Austin Vanderford, believing his size, wrestling, and durability will be too much for Ramiz Brahimaj. He notes Brahimaj's inconsistency and poor performances against solid competition, while Vanderford has shown grit and improving grappling. He predicts a decision win for Vanderford.
Zane picks Vanderford hesitantly, noting that both fighters are similar: good grapplers but not slick strikers. He gives Vanderford the edge because he can lay on opponents better and is more likely to control the fight, though he is also more likely to get knocked out when he screws up. Zane admits it's a coin flip.
Angelo picks Oban Elliott confidently, noting his well-rounded skills, cardio, and ability to get back to his feet after takedowns. He contrasts this with Ramiz Brahimaj's tendency to grapple off his back and lack of striking. He expects the odds to widen further and advises betting early.
Big Brady picks Billy Goff despite the wide line, noting that Ramiz Brahimaj is essentially first-round sub or bust and fades after the first five minutes. Goff is tough, has great cardio, and applies constant pressure. Brady expects Goff to break Brahimaj and finish him in the second round, possibly by knockout.
Matt picks Billy Goff to win by decision. He notes that Goff is an all-gas fighter who wears opponents down, while Brahimaj is an early-finish threat who fades. Goff has never been finished and should survive the early onslaught, then take over in the second and third rounds. Matt likes Goff by decision at +220.
The MMA Guru picks Billy Goff over Ramiz Brahimaj, citing Goff's pressure, body work, and grit. He criticizes Brahimaj's level, noting losses to Court McGee and others. He predicts Goff will win by second or third round TKO, mixing body shots and low kicks.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Billy Goff | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 9 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Billy Goff | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 9 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:42 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Goff | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Goff | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 28 of 41 | 68% | 30 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mickey Gall | 1 | 31 of 56 | 55% | 31 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 28 of 41 | 68% | 30 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Mickey Gall | 1 | 31 of 56 | 55% | 31 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 28 of 41 | 68% | 25 of 38 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Mickey Gall | 31 of 56 | 55% | 27 of 50 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 43 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 28 of 41 | 68% | 25 of 38 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 26 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Mickey Gall | 31 of 56 | 55% | 27 of 50 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 43 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 4 |
Angelo picks Mickey Gall, reasoning that Gall is a good grappler in his own right and a better wrestler than Brahimaj, so Brahimaj won't submit him. He notes that Brahimaj is submission-or-bust and that Gall has raw talent and athleticism. However, he advises against betting on this low-level fight due to Gall's poor recent record.
Big Brady picks Mickey Gall despite calling it a low-level fight. He notes that Ramiz Brahimaj has 10 wins, all by first-round submission, and is 0-5 when he doesn't submit his opponent in the first round. Brady believes Gall has improved striking and better cardio, and that the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Gall. He also mentions Brahimaj's long layoff and poor performance in his last fight, predicting a decision win for Gall.
Cody picks Mickey Gall, arguing Brahimaj is a fraud with poor striking and wrestling. He notes Brahimaj's only wins are against low-level opponents, and Gall has improved and has better striking and comparable grappling. Cody expects Gall to win by decision or TKO.
Connor picks Gall because he thinks Gall is more dynamic and might be able to hurt Brahimaj. He notes that Gall's striking has improved significantly, though he still has many holes. Connor acknowledges that Brahimaj could out-wrestle Gall, but he leans toward Gall's power.
Vreeland picks Brahimaj, noting he has never won a fight without a submission. He believes Brahimaj will submit Mickey Gall, who has good Jiu-Jitsu but Brahimaj's submission game is strong.
Daniel Vreeland reluctantly picks Mickey Gall, citing Brahimaj's poor performances when he doesn't get early submissions. He notes Gall's durability and activity, despite his technical flaws. He acknowledges Brahimaj's submission threat but doubts his ability to execute. He calls it a 'reluctant' pick.
Fox does not make a clear pick for this fight. He mentions Vreeland's pick but does not state his own opinion.
The host acknowledges both fighters are flaky but leans with Gall's overall advantages. He notes Brahimaj is dangerous in grappling but so is Gall, and expects Gall's Viking pressure to eventually break Brahimaj and win on the scorecards.
Paul picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing his BJJ and the plus money. He notes Gall has lost to everyone decent he's faced, and Brahimaj has a chance if he can get the fight to the ground early. Paul is not confident but likes the underdog value.
The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Mickey Gall, despite acknowledging Gall's poor UFC record. He criticizes Ramiz Brahimaj's performances, calling him 'terrible' and noting his ear injury loss to Max Griffin. He expects a close decision win for Gall.
Zane picks Brahimaj because he thinks Brahimaj will try to impose his wrestling game and it will probably work. He notes that Gall's grappling has disappeared and that Brahimaj has a set process. However, he acknowledges that Gall is a decent puncher and could hurt Brahimaj.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 43 of 52 | 82% | 110 of 134 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 0 | 1 | 10:13 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 15 of 20 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 3:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 34 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:20 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 9 of 10 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 | |
| 2 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 15 of 20 | 75% | 28 of 35 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 3:42 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 | |
| 3 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 23 of 27 | 85% | 48 of 62 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 of 2 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Themba Gorimbo | 43 of 52 | 82% | 9 of 13 | 31 of 35 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 10 | 35 of 38 | 2 of 4 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Themba Gorimbo | 5 of 5 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Themba Gorimbo | 15 of 20 | 75% | 1 of 2 | 12 of 15 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 13 of 15 | 0 of 1 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Themba Gorimbo | 23 of 27 | 85% | 7 of 10 | 15 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 18 of 19 | 2 of 3 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gorimbo (-135), Brahimaj (+114)
Round 1
Full of emotion, Gorimbo (12-4, 2-1 UFC) takes to the cage today and fights with a heavy weight on his shoulders. Earlier in the week, his coach’s mother passed away, and the Zimbabwe native vowed that he would win for her. He faces submission specialist Brahimaj (10-4, 2-2 UFC), who holds a 100% sub rate as a pro but is coming off a nearly career-ending injury. This emotional welterweight clash will be officiated by referee Mark Smith, and the fighters do not bump fists. Gorimbo is the initial aggressor, walking Brahimaj around the cage while measuring his jab. Gorimbo gets off a front kick, and Brahimaj immediately closes in on him to change levels. Gorimbo turns him around and pushes him to the fence, and Brahimaj settles for this position by landing several knees to the belly. Brahimaj turns him about and drags Gorimbo down, bringing Gorimbo on top of him in a sacrifice throw. Brahimaj scoots his way to the wall and stands up without taking any damage, and he knees Gorimbo in the hand to break up his grip momentarily. Gorimbo lifts Brahimaj up in the air but sets him down when he cannot find the right angle to put him on the mat. The two fighters push one another in the clinch, and Brahimaj once more tries to take the fight down only to land on his back. Brahimaj turns to his side and tries to sneak around the back, but Gorimbo stops him from getting anywhere. Brahimaj climbs up with the fence behind him, and Gorimbo knees him a few times. Brahimaj spins him around and delivers a solid knee to the sternum, and Gorimbo answers with his own knee and an elbow for good measure. The grinding round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Round 2
Gorimbo reintroduces himself to his foe with a front kick and a low kick, and he tries another leg kick but is out of range. Brahimaj closes in, and Gorimbo nails him in the calf with a kick. Brahimaj regains his balance and practically runs forward to engage in a clinch. Gorimbo meets him and instantly turns him around, and it does not take long for Smith to ask for more action as they stall out. Brahimaj turns things around with one arm between Gorimbo’s legs, but Gorimbo manages to muscle his opponent down to the floor. Brahimaj considers a guillotine choke, but the leverage is wrong given that his right side is against the cage. Brahimaj sits up and puts his back to the wall, and he stands up. Gorimbo uses a body lock to hurl Brahimaj to the mat, and Brahimaj scrambles to fight his way back upright. Gorimbo leans heavily on his opponent, making life miserable for Brahimaj and the audience watching as he clings with zero offense offered. Brahimaj turns him about and takes a knee to the belly as Smith clasp for them to do something, anything. The wall-and-stall continues as Gorimbo pushes him back to the fence. Brahimaj slides around and attempts to take the back and get hold of a choke, but he falls off the back and goes down to his seat. Brahimaj scoots his way to the wire and stands, and Gorimbo knees him in the groin. Smith tells him to watch out, and they continue embracing the grind. Gorimbo gets off a few more knees and gains enough space to land and elbow, before tripping Brahimaj up and setting him down to the floor. Gorimbo, with one hook around the side, fishes for a one-armed choke. Smith sees there is nothing from this position and asks for more work. There is no more work from either man until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Round 3
The two have five minutes left to handle their business, and they come out of their corners in a labored pace. Gorimbo strikes first, with a few punches and a leg kick before shooting for a takedown. “The Answer” successfully pushes the submission artist against the wall, but they wind up in the same position they have spent the majority of the lackluster encounter. Brahimaj goes after a single, and Gorimbo gets away with a fence grab to keep himself on his feet. Brahimaj fails to get him down, and Gorimbo turns him around as the grueling tie-up continues. Gorimbo plants a few knees to the belly before he is spun around, and Smith warns someone for grabbing the cage. Nothing happens absent a few minor knees from Gorimbo, and time slowly ticks off the clock as the remain stuck together in the clinch. Brahimaj flirts with a takedown effort but is nowhere close to getting anything, and Smith asks for more work. Gorimbo grinds, grinds and grinds away as he spams short knees. Brahimaj goes after another trip, and for the third time this fight, he falls on his own back feebly. While he manages to get back up without taking any damage, it is because Gorimbo is not striking. Gorimbo wrenches him back down, and he apologizes to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby for the anti-“Fight of the Night” performance. The kind Shelby flashes him double thumbs-up signs, as he does not wish to kick anyone while they are down. The miserable matchup ends after 15 long minutes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
The Official Result
Themba Gorimbo def. Ramiz Brahimaj via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo sees Themba Gorimbo as a distance striker with good takedown defense and now proven power. Ramiz Brahimaj is a submission specialist who has been away for two years and tends to grapple off his back. Angelo thinks Brahimaj will struggle to get past Gorimbo's range and takedown defense, making Gorimbo the clear pick. He may parlay Gorimbo with Piera Rodríguez.
Cody provides a detailed breakdown: Gorimbo has a great story and work ethic, but his grappling defense is a concern. However, Brahimaj is a one-trick pony who relies on first-round submissions and has terrible cardio if he doesn't get them. Cody notes Brahimaj's losses come when he can't secure a takedown, and Gorimbo's cardio and power should take over if he survives the first round. He also mentions live betting Gorimbo if he loses the first round.
Gorimbo is reckless on the feet and has holes in his game. Brahimaj is a slick BJJ specialist who sets up takedowns well and has finishing ability. Both guys have cardio issues, but Brahimaj should find a submission opportunity early. The fight not going to decision is a strong play.
Paul agrees with Cody that the line has moved to a pick 'em for good reason. He notes Gorimbo's cardio and work ethic are his biggest weapons, while Brahimaj has a history of gassing if he doesn't get a first-round submission. Paul believes Gorimbo's improvements at MMA Masters and his raw power make him the play at this price.
The MMA Guru picks Themba Gorimbo over Ramiz Brahimaj, citing Gorimbo's better finishing potential and training at MMA Masters. He notes that Brahimaj lost to Court McGee, which he considers a bad sign for a prospect. He expects Gorimbo to stuff takedowns and eventually finish Brahimaj in round two or three, possibly due to cardio advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 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 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Micheal Gillmore | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj has only won by first-round submission and has never won by knockout or decision. He criticizes Gillmore's takedown defense and grappling, saying Gillmore has been finished in all four losses, three by submission. However, he is cautious because Brahimaj is on short notice and has poor cardio if the fight goes past the first round. He calls the -350 line 'terrifying' but believes Brahimaj is the much better fighter.
Cody picks Brahimaj by submission, noting his 9 career wins all by submission and Gillmore's 4 losses all by submission. He believes Brahimaj will take Gillmore down and submit him early, but acknowledges Brahimaj's cardio issues if it goes past the first round. Cody bets Brahimaj by submission at +100.
Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win via first-round submission. He notes Brahimaj's wins are mostly first-round submissions and that Gillmore has a history of getting tapped. Levi acknowledges Brahimaj's confidence may be shaken after two losses, but believes Gillmore is a step down in competition. He expects Brahimaj to get back on track.
The host is very confident in Brahimaj, expecting him to take the fight to the ground with ease and find a submission. He notes that Gillmore has been submitted before and that Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu is more finesse and should lead to a finish. He prefers betting Brahimaj inside the distance at -125 rather than the moneyline.
Paul agrees with Brahimaj by submission, citing the stylistic matchup. He notes Gillmore's poor takedown defense and Brahimaj's wrestling background. Paul is concerned about Brahimaj's cardio but expects a first-round submission.
The MMA Guru picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win by first-round rear-naked choke. He dismisses Micheal Gillmore as not UFC-caliber, citing his losses to Gilbert Urbina and Andre Petroski by submission. The Guru believes Brahimaj's grappling is a perfect stylistic matchup, predicting he will land a double leg early, take the back, and choke Gillmore out in the first round. He notes that all of Gillmore's losses have been by early submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court McGee | 1 | 54 of 91 | 59% | 76 of 113 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 | 0 | 10:57 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 32 of 62 | 51% | 35 of 65 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Court McGee | 1 | 30 of 51 | 58% | 42 of 63 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:58 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Court McGee | 0 | 21 of 37 | 56% | 24 of 40 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 15 of 26 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 | |
| 3 | Court McGee | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 10 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 4:48 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court McGee | 54 of 91 | 59% | 30 of 63 | 17 of 21 | 7 of 7 | 46 of 81 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 4 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 32 of 62 | 51% | 21 of 51 | 10 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 53 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Court McGee | 30 of 51 | 58% | 13 of 31 | 13 of 16 | 4 of 4 | 28 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 15 of 33 | 45% | 11 of 29 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 30 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Court McGee | 21 of 37 | 56% | 16 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 14 of 25 | 56% | 9 of 20 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Court McGee | 3 of 3 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Brahimaj, citing his world-class jiu-jitsu and the blueprint from Sean Brady's win over McGee. He notes Brahimaj's tendency to strike instead of grapple but expects him to stick to grappling here. He believes Brahimaj will get takedowns and control McGee to a decision win, as McGee is incredibly tough to finish.
Big Brady highlights that Brahimaj has a 100% submission rate but has never been past the first round, while McGee has never been submitted in 30 fights. He expects Brahimaj to slow down after the first round, allowing McGee's cardio and striking to take over. He picks McGee by decision, noting McGee's takedown defense and ability to get back up.
Cody picks Brahimaj, emphasizing his youth, athleticism, and grappling. He notes McGee's skills are outdated and his takedown defense is poor. He expects Brahimaj to win via decision, possibly with a submission attempt. He mentions McGee's cardio but doubts it will be enough.
Daniel Levi picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing youth and momentum. He notes that Brahimaj is a beast on the mat when fresh, but has cardio and plan B concerns. Levi believes Brahimaj can finish Court McGee, who is 37 and has shown signs of slowing. He argues that McGee's recent wins are over older opponents and that Brahimaj's talent will shine. Levi expects a statement finish from Brahimaj.
The host favors Court McGee due to his veteran savvy, cardio, and takedown defense. He notes Brahimaj's all-offense style and suspect cardio, expecting McGee to weather an early storm and take over in later rounds. The host highlights McGee's never-submitted record and ability to get back to his feet. He predicts a decision win for McGee, possibly with a late finish if Brahimaj gasses.
Paul leans toward Brahimaj, noting his youth, athleticism, and grappling. He expects Brahimaj to take McGee down and control him. He questions if Brahimaj can maintain pace for three rounds but thinks his submission threat will be enough. He mentions McGee's durability and cardio as potential factors.
The MMA Guru picks Ramiz Brahimaj to win, noting that he is younger, trains at a good gym, and has more finishing ability. He was initially tempted by Court McGee as an underdog but realized Brahimaj is actually the underdog. He trusts Brahimaj's grappling and striking in the early rounds, and believes his desire to return after the ear injury shows dedication. He acknowledges McGee's pressure and toughness could be a factor in later rounds, but thinks Brahimaj will win the early rounds enough to take a decision or finish.
Punahele Soriano - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 38 of 67 | 56% | 43 of 73 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 0 | 0 | 3:48 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 40 of 92 | 43% | 66 of 123 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 5:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 31 of 56 | 55% | 31 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 17 of 52 | 32% | 21 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 10 of 12 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:47 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 26 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:35 | |
| 3 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 5 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 19 of 32 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramiz Brahimaj | 38 of 67 | 56% | 16 of 42 | 21 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 35 of 63 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 40 of 92 | 43% | 29 of 79 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 74 | 14 of 15 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 31 of 56 | 55% | 13 of 37 | 17 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 30 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 17 of 52 | 32% | 14 of 47 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 5 of 7 | 71% | 2 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Ramiz Brahimaj | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 16 of 28 | 57% | 13 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 19 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 1 |
Angelo picks Punahele Soriano, citing his power, wrestling credentials, and ability to stay safe on top. He acknowledges Ramiz Brahimaj's submission threat but believes Soriano's wrestling and striking will prevail. He notes the line has flipped but remains confident in Soriano.
Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to defeat Punahele Soriano, citing Brahimaj's recent underdog wins and Soriano's poor takedown defense and cardio. He notes Soriano has success early but fades, and Brahimaj is tough and has good submissions. He predicts Brahimaj will survive the early storm, mix in takedowns, and submit Soriano in the second round. He references Soriano's losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and Nick Maximov as evidence of his vulnerability.
Cody thinks Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu and hometown crowd give him an edge. He notes Soriano's inconsistency and cardio issues. He expects Brahimaj to win by submission or decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Soriano. He notes that Soriano's recent wins are more trustworthy and indicative of a step forward, while Brahimaj's wins are against fighters with no defense. Connor also mentions that if Court McGee could grind Brahimaj, Soriano can too.
The host leans towards Soriano, noting his advantage on the feet with power and aggression, and his improved cardio since dropping to welterweight. He believes Soriano can outstrike and outgrapple Brahimaj if his gas tank holds up. However, he is not betting because Brahimaj has proven cardio and could make Soriano work hard, and both fighters are evolving, making it difficult to predict which version shows up.
James picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing his superior jiu-jitsu and front choke series. He notes that Soriano's wrestling could put him in danger of submissions, and that Brahimaj is the better striker over 15 minutes. James believes Brahimaj will catch Soriano in a front headlock and submit him.
Brahimaj has improved his cardio and takedown defense since moving to Chicago, and he is more calculated now. Soriano is a power puncher but relies on wrestling to grind out wins, and he doesn't threaten submissions. Brahimaj's grappling defense should be good enough to keep it standing or scramble, and he can catch Soriano in a submission. The under 2.5 rounds also makes sense.
Paul thinks Soriano at 170 is a different beast with better cardio and power. He acknowledges Brahimaj's grappling but thinks Soriano's wrestling and strength will be enough. He calls it a pick'em and leans Soriano.
The MMA Guru picks Punahele Soriano, citing his nasty knockout power, solid chin, and physicality. He believes Soriano won't be lost on the feet and can avoid Brahimaj's guillotine. He notes Brahimaj's wins are over lesser competition and that Soriano has dominated grapplers before. He predicts a TKO finish in round one or two.
Zane picks Soriano, believing he will bully Brahimaj with his athleticism and power. He notes that Soriano has options and is too dangerous. If Soriano chooses to wrestle, he might get caught in a submission, but that's a thin chance. Zane trusts Soriano's recent wins more than Brahimaj's.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 39 of 54 | 72% | 163 of 200 | 4 of 11 | 36% | 1 | 1 | 12:35 |
| Nikolay Veretennikov | 0 | 9 of 12 | 75% | 34 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0:49 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 0 | 21 of 30 | 70% | 82 of 105 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:05 |
| Nikolay Veretennikov | 0 | 6 of 7 | 85% | 21 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 2 | Punahele Soriano | 0 | 11 of 13 | 84% | 34 of 44 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 1 | 4:13 |
| Nikolay Veretennikov | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:28 | |
| 3 | Punahele Soriano | 0 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 47 of 51 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 4:17 |
| Nikolay Veretennikov | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 39 of 54 | 72% | 38 of 51 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 37 of 49 |
| Nikolay Veretennikov | 9 of 12 | 75% | 2 of 2 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 21 of 30 | 70% | 21 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 27 |
| Nikolay Veretennikov | 6 of 7 | 85% | 1 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Punahele Soriano | 11 of 13 | 84% | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 12 |
| Nikolay Veretennikov | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Punahele Soriano | 7 of 11 | 63% | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 |
| Nikolay Veretennikov | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Soriano (-245), Veretennikov (+200)
Round 1
Two knockout-inclined welterweights will ply their trades against one another with continued preliminary action. A win for Soriano (11-4, 5-4 UFC) would keep him above the dreaded .500 line in the promotion, while Kazakhstan’s Veretennikov (13-6, 1-2 UFC) needs to get past “Story Time” to reach that level. If a brawl ensues, referee Marc Goddard will keep a lid on it as best he can. Before that prospective slugfest, they tap gloves.
Soriano takes right to the center of the cage, hopping back to avoid a stomp kick to the knee and springing ahead to fire off a body kick. He aims a second to the same spot, and when Veretennikov counters, Soriano charges with a double and takes Veretennikov off his feet. Veretennikov bounces off and up in the air, and with Soriano on his knees, he measures and blasts the Hawaiian with a mighty knee to the ribs. Veretennikov settles down and wraps up a guillotine choke with his left arm, and when Soriano lifts him up and slams him down, the choke briefly tightens. Soriano sits up and breaks out of the choke, and he starts raining down left hands. Veretennikov attacks back with his own offense from below, but the power differential is drastic from that position. Soriano keeps pounding on his opponent, briefly trapping his foe’s right arm beneath his knee to open up more shots.
Soriano switches to hammering Veretennikov with elbow after unanswered elbow, and his position tying Veretennikov up while not keeping him flat is pinning Veretennikov to the floor. Soriano’s left hands continue to bludgeon the Kazakhstan native, and even though Goddard is not anywhere close to considering stepping in, these consistent blows are draining him. Soriano holds Veretennikov down with his left arm and beats on his ribs with his right, and the ground-and-pound may not be devastating but it is effective as can be. He continues to drive punches down, developing a pattern similar to iambic pentameter in that he lands a soft blow and then a powerful one, and alternates them like ba-dum ba-dum as the sound of the impact echoes around the ring. The one-sided round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Soriano
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Soriano
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Soriano
Round 2
It takes Soriano 15 seconds to commit to a takedown, and he lifts Veretennikov up in the air and deposits him gingerly to the mat. Veretennikov defends instinctively with a guillotine choke, and Soriano uses this opportunity to trap him with a Von Preux shoulder choke. Veretennikov offers a thumbs-up to show he is fine, and he slowly manages to wriggle his neck out of danger. Soriano reintroduces himself with a blistering elbow from above, and even though he has his own leg stuck between Veretennikov’s, he seems to prefer this position lording over his adversary with ground strikes galore. Veretennikov does what he can to tie up Soriano and slow the beating, and Soriano lowers himself down to pursue an arm-triangle choke.
Veretennikov does not fall victim to the submission, so Soriano hacks at him with a pair of mean-spirited elbows. Soriano’s left hand keeps landing until Veretennikov wills himself to his feet, through sheer horsepower. Soriano trips and Veretennikov pounces, wrapping up a rear-naked choke and tightening it quickly. Soriano explodes out of the bad position and turns the Kazakh over, where he gets back into his groove of methodical ground attacks. Veretennikov flirts with an armbar to keep Soriano honest, but this only allows Soriano to hammer him with four or five long punches. Veretennikov sits up and gets in a position to aim a knee to the sternum, and he drives one or two in before the round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Soriano
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Soriano
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Soriano
Round 3
Hands are clapped to open Round 3, and Veretennikov strikes first with a punch to the body. That one strike is all he gets off before Soriano darts in to pursue a takedown. The two twirl around while Soriano hangs onto the single, and Veretennikov grips a guillotine around the side of the head to further threaten. Soriano lifts and slams Veretennikov with an exclamation point, freeing himself from the choke and pushing his hand off Veretennikov’s face. One of Veretennikov’s coaches claims that Soriano is out from the guillotine that Veretennikov is still holding, and Goddard tells that coach to knock it off as Soriano is fine. In fact, the Hawaiian postures up a moment or two later to get out of the sub, and he works the body and head when establishing himself. Goddard asks for more, so Soriano punches Veretennikov in the face.
Soriano stacks Veretennikov up, who is searching for an armbar or otherwise using a high guard to control or attack something. Soriano steps over easily to the side to break up the setup, and he pounds an elbow down on the jaw. As Soriano slows down, Goddard asks for more activity from the fighters. Not wanting to let them just sit around and smooch—figuratively speaking, of course—he stands the fighters up. Soriano takes a deep breath and shoots for a single from afar, and Veretennikov jumps for a guillotine choke and wraps it up while standing. Soriano’s eyes go wide as he is pulled down on top of the Kazakh, and Veretennikov squeezes the choke with all his might. Soriano signals thumbs-up as he slithers his neck out of danger, and he concludes the match with emphatic elbows.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Soriano (30-26 Soriano)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Soriano (30-27 Soriano)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Soriano (30-27 Soriano)
The Official Result
Punahele Soriano def. Nikolay Veretennikov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo trusts that Punahele Soriano will use his wrestling, as a Division III All-American, to win, despite his tendency to sometimes just strike. He notes Soriano has heavy hands but poor takedown defense, while Veretennikov is a powerful striker who can be taken down. His concern is that Soriano might abandon wrestling after a recent knockout win. He is not betting on this fight.
Big Brady likes Soriano, especially at welterweight, where he seems like a different animal with improved cardio and strength. He notes that Veretennikov has awful cardio and a poor ground game, and that Soriano can wrestle him, get him tired, and finish him on the mat. He predicts a second-round TKO for Soriano.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Soriano but noting that it depends on whether Soriano fights well. He hopes to see a more aggressive, active, and wrestling-minded Soriano, as seen in his welterweight debut, but acknowledges that his previous opponents (Miguel Baeza and Eros Medich) were not reliable tests.
Soriano is expected to put his power on Veretennikov early, and if he doesn't finish within the first minute and a half, he will resort to wrestling and grind out a decision win.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Punahele Soriano, comparing him to Francisco Prado who gave Veretennikov trouble. He notes Soriano's power, pressure, and ability to close distance, while Veretennikov stands too upright and struggles with aggressive fighters. He predicts a first-round KO.
Zane picks Soriano because the welterweight move has made him feel bigger, stronger, and more confident, allowing him to wrestle more effectively. He notes that Veretennikov is a bad wrestler who gave up takedowns to Francisco Prado, and Soriano should be able to exploit that. However, he cautions that Soriano is prone to inactivity and single-idea offense.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 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 | Punahele Soriano | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 13 of 17 | 76% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 |
| Uroš Medić | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 13 of 17 | 76% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 |
| Uroš Medić | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, citing his superior striking, speed, and power. He notes that Punahele Soriano's only path to victory is wrestling, but Medić's takedown defense is a concern. However, he believes Medić is the better striker and will land clean shots. He has Medić in a parlay with César Almeida, though he expresses some nervousness about the bet.
Big Brady sees a clear path for Soriano: take Medić down. He notes Medić's takedown defense and ground game are questionable, and Soriano looked dominant at welterweight against Baeza, landing 331 strikes. He worries Soriano might strike instead of wrestle, but believes if he uses his wrestling, he can win by TKO or decision. He picks Soriano to win, possibly by TKO via ground and pound.
Cody picks Medić, questioning Soriano's one good performance at 170 against a shot Miguel Baeza. He believes Medić's power and pace will cause Soriano to fatigue. He notes Medić's finishing ability and Soriano's history of gassing.
Connor picks Soriano because he believes Soriano's wrestling and physicality will be effective at welterweight. He notes that Soriano showed a grinding game against Miguel Baeza, and Medić is bad at dealing with sustained pressure and takedowns. While Soriano is uncreative and has shown little improvement, Connor thinks his size and strength advantage will allow him to control the fight. He acknowledges it's not a smart pick but sees a path.
Daniel notes Medić is more technically sound on the feet with better volume and diversity, while Soriano has big power in his left hand but shaky in-between and cardio concerns at welterweight. He thinks Medić will win the minutes, but Soriano could land a big shot or use wrestling. He picks Medić but is not interested in betting.
Lucrative James picks Uroš Medić to win, citing Medić's superior striking and cleaner kickboxing. He acknowledges Soriano's wrestling advantage and power, but believes Medić's skill on the feet will prevail over three rounds. He notes Soriano's cardio issues and that Medić has decent takedown defense. He also mentions that Soriano moved down from 185 and Medić moved up from 155, but still favors Medić's higher ceiling.
Soriano is a solid wrestler as shown in his welterweight debut against Miguel Baeza. He will get to his grappling, keep Medić on his back, and grind out a decision win as long as he doesn't get finished early.
Paul picks Soriano as a plus-money underdog, citing his impressive wrestling at 170 in his last fight. He expects fireworks and has bet under 1.5 rounds. He acknowledges Medić's danger but likes Soriano's path via takedowns.
The Guru picks Medić, noting his size as a big lightweight at welterweight, his KO of Tim Means, and his better technique and speed. He criticizes Soriano's recent performances, including losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and a poor showing against Miguel Baeza. He predicts an early TKO for Medić.
Zane picks Medić because he is a more dangerous finisher and expects Soriano to struggle to impose his game plan. Medić's movement and kicks could frustrate Soriano, who is hittable and plotting. Zane notes that Soriano's win over Baeza was more about Baeza's poor performance than Soriano's skill. Medić's ability to keep the fight in open space and avoid being clinched gives him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 22 of 33 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Miguel Baeza | 0 | 144 of 175 | 82% | 331 of 394 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 0 | 0 | 10:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 11 of 17 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 3 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Miguel Baeza | 0 | 42 of 59 | 71% | 54 of 80 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:27 | |
| 2 | Punahele Soriano | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Miguel Baeza | 0 | 49 of 59 | 83% | 93 of 111 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:46 | |
| 3 | Punahele Soriano | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Miguel Baeza | 0 | 53 of 57 | 92% | 184 of 203 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:45 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 7 of 12 | 58% | 0 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Miguel Baeza | 144 of 175 | 82% | 129 of 158 | 13 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 136 of 163 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 5 of 9 | 55% | 0 of 1 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Miguel Baeza | 42 of 59 | 71% | 40 of 56 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 36 of 49 | |
| 2 | Punahele Soriano | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Miguel Baeza | 49 of 59 | 83% | 43 of 52 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 48 of 58 | |
| 3 | Punahele Soriano | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Miguel Baeza | 53 of 57 | 92% | 46 of 50 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 52 of 56 |
Angelo picks Punahele Soriano, citing Miguel Baeza's three-fight losing streak and two-year layoff, with his last two losses being knockouts. He notes that Soriano has power and wrestling, and while he has been losing, he has been active. He thinks Baeza's chin issues and ring rust are too much to overlook, and Soriano's power could be the difference.
Big Brady picks Miguel Baeza to win by second-round submission. He notes that Baeza is more well-rounded and skilled, but his chin is worrisome after knockout losses. He expects Baeza to survive the first round and then take over as Soriano gasses. He calls it a 'club and sub' finish.
Cody picks Baeza, noting that Soriano has poor cardio and takedown defense, and is moving down to welterweight after struggling at middleweight. Baeza is a BJJ black belt who has been focusing on grappling during his layoff. Cody believes if Baeza can survive the first round, he can take Soriano down and dominate. He expects Baeza to win by decision or submission.
Daniel leans Baeza as the better talent with a nasty jab and calf kicks, but questions his chin and confidence after recent knockout losses. He notes Soriano has power and could knock Baeza out if Baeza's defense is poor. He calls it a pass due to too many question marks.
Jacob picks Miguel Baeza, disagreeing with Angelo. He argues that even at 60-70% of his former self, Baeza has the tools to box up Soriano, who is coming down in weight. He notes that Baeza is fast and has good grappling, and Soriano lacks the speed to counter him. Jacob has placed a big bet on Baeza, believing he will style on Soriano.
Baeza is more complete with his calf kicking and striking, and Soriano's weight cut to welterweight may slow him down. Baeza should chip away and win a decision, but his durability and long layoff are concerns. Soriano has early KO power, so a hedge on Soriano by KO is possible. Leaning Baeza but likely passing.
Paul picks Soriano by knockout in round one, noting that Baeza has been knocked out before and Soriano has power. He acknowledges Soriano's cardio issues but thinks the move to welterweight could help. Paul bet Soriano by knockout at plus 300 and round one knockout at plus 675, expecting an early finish.
The Guru picks Baeza because he thinks Soriano is a middleweight moving down to welterweight, which won't work. He notes Baeza is a big welterweight with reach advantage and won't be bullied. He mentions Baeza took Colby Covington to the third round and didn't get smoked early, so Soriano's power shouldn't be a problem. He predicts a second or third-round finish for Baeza.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Stoltzfus | 0 | 31 of 73 | 42% | 33 of 76 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Punahele Soriano | 1 | 64 of 123 | 52% | 78 of 140 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 1 | 0 | 2:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Stoltzfus | 0 | 22 of 47 | 46% | 22 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Punahele Soriano | 1 | 41 of 79 | 51% | 43 of 82 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 | |
| 2 | Dustin Stoltzfus | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 11 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 23 of 44 | 52% | 35 of 58 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:43 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Stoltzfus | 31 of 73 | 42% | 18 of 56 | 9 of 11 | 4 of 6 | 30 of 72 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 64 of 123 | 52% | 24 of 79 | 23 of 27 | 17 of 17 | 60 of 116 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Stoltzfus | 22 of 47 | 46% | 13 of 35 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 21 of 46 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 41 of 79 | 51% | 15 of 51 | 17 of 19 | 9 of 9 | 37 of 72 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Dustin Stoltzfus | 9 of 26 | 34% | 5 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 23 of 44 | 52% | 9 of 28 | 6 of 8 | 8 of 8 | 23 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Punahele Soriano to win by first-round knockout, citing Soriano's power and wrestling advantage. He notes Soriano has eight knockouts, seven in the first round, and that Stoltzfus is hittable. However, he expresses concern about Soriano's cardio if the fight gets extended, but believes Soriano will finish early.
Cody picks Soriano, noting his power and wrestling base. He thinks Soriano's size advantage is not as big as usual and that Stoltzfus's chin is questionable. He mentions Soriano's cardio issues but believes he can finish early. He likes the Soriano round one KO prop at +335.
Lucrative James picks Punahele Soriano, stating that Dustin Stoltzfus is too hitable and has poor striking defense. He believes Soriano will knock him out, likely in round one. He notes that Soriano is a deserved favorite and could be even higher than the current line.
Soriano has explosive power and typically finishes opponents early. Stoltzfus has a chin issue and was knocked out quickly in his last fight. Soriano is expected to crash the pocket and land big shots for a knockout. However, his gas tank is a concern if the fight goes past the first round. The minus 300 price is steep, so a round 1 prop or under 1.5 rounds is recommended.
Paul picks Soriano but is not super confident. He thinks Soriano's wrestling and power should be enough against Stoltzfus, who has no real X-factor. He notes Soriano's cardio issues but believes the lower level of competition will allow Soriano to look better. He also mentions Stoltzfus's COVID issues and questionable chin.
The MMA Guru picks Punahele Soriano, citing his finishing ability and athleticism. He believes Dustin Stoltzfus lacks knockout power and is coming off a long layoff and a KO loss. He predicts Soriano will get a KO in the second round or late in the first.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Kopylov | 0 | 39 of 107 | 36% | 39 of 107 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 82 of 128 | 64% | 82 of 128 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Kopylov | 0 | 18 of 46 | 39% | 18 of 46 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 35 of 62 | 56% | 35 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 2 | Roman Kopylov | 0 | 21 of 61 | 34% | 21 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 47 of 66 | 71% | 47 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Kopylov | 39 of 107 | 36% | 35 of 101 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 33 of 98 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 82 of 128 | 64% | 56 of 101 | 14 of 15 | 12 of 12 | 76 of 120 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Kopylov | 18 of 46 | 39% | 18 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 35 of 62 | 56% | 22 of 49 | 4 of 4 | 9 of 9 | 34 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Roman Kopylov | 21 of 61 | 34% | 17 of 55 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 53 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Punahele Soriano | 47 of 66 | 71% | 34 of 52 | 10 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 42 of 59 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Soriano (-165), Kopylov (+140)
Round 1
This middleweight scrap may not last long, and referee Kerry Hatley will need to keep his head on a swivel. Dueling 89% finish rates for Soriano (9-2, 3-2 UFC) and Kopylov (9-2, 1-2 UFC) crash into each other like ships in a storm, although neither man has ever been stopped by strikes. Before the fists meet faces, the fists bump into one another respectfully. Kopylov is quick to back off as Soriano comes out guns blazing, with a pair of overhand rights getting his attention in a hurry. “Story Time” suddenly goes for a double, and when that fails, he wings a huge left hand. Kopylov blocks the worst of the haymakers flying towards him, but Soriano is still gunning for him with that big left. Kopylov sticks out a jab to disrupt the swinging hammers, sticking and moving to make Soriano hit air. Kopylov chops at the lead calf and blocks high as he expects a big left aimed at him. He is correct, as it collides off the guard and he resets. Kopylov sticks out several jabs, chaining them into a right hand, and Soriano grits his teeth and slugs right back. Kopylov is more content to touch while Soriano is swinging for the bleachers, and this allows Kopylov to see the strikes coming and block the dangerous ones. The Russian pierces out a jab, splitting the guard repeatedly and stifling the worst of the worst that is fired his direction. The jab continues to find its home, a piston connecting with the nose again and again. Soriano whiffs on a bomb and bounces off the cage wall, and he takes a deep breath just three minutes into the match. Soriano winds up and misses on another overhand left, with Kopylov composed and moving comfortably. Kopylov chips at the leg and paws out jabs, and he shuts down a tackling double-leg entry from the Hawaiian. Kopylov leaves a jab out too long, and Soriano reaches him with a huge left. When Soriano advances, Kopylov turns the tables on him with his own tackle of a takedown that sets his man down briefly. When Soriano scrambles, Kopylov just lets him back up, and the two get back after it on the feet. Kopylov sticks “Story Time” with a pair of punches, and he backs off until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Round 2
The middleweights touch ‘em up to start, and Kopylov decides to lead the dance initially. With a fast chain of punches, he knocks Soriano back, and forces Soriano to attack from a different angle. Soriano slows himself down and starts loading up on single shots, but this lets Kopylov pop him again and again with a stinging jab. Soriano swats the jab out of the way to close in and fire, and he unloads a fastball of a left hand that just misses the mark by a matter of millimeters. Kopylov spins to crack the body like a whip with a spinning back kick, and Soriano takes it flush and groans. Soriano lets them close in so that he can pound a few uppercuts on the nose, and this marks up Kopylov’s nose. Kopylov keeps his right hand out, further disrupting the Hawaiian and frustrating him. Kopylov dogs body shots, and he rips a kick to the ribs as Soriano winces in pain. The Russian knows the body is the weakness, and he targets the majority of his blows at the midsection. Soriano, with every bit of his remaining energy, swings recklessly and keeps Kopylov honest enough to not put him away.
Kopylov takes a breath, and he smashes his shin in the Hawaiian's liver. Soriano is barely on his feet, frozen in time momentarily as he cannot even take a breath. Kopylov chains together a long salvo of punches, and Soriano shells up and bends over but does not go down. Knowing that there is nothing more Soriano has to offer, Hatley mercifully halts the fight.
With that sterling performance in the books, Kopylov has now become the first fighter to ever finish the durable Hawaiian.
The Official Result
Roman Kopylov def. Punahele Soriano R2 3:19 via TKO (Body Kick and Punches)
Angelo picks Soriano because he has more ways to win, including wrestling and power. He notes Kopylov is the better striker but Soriano's wrestling could be the difference. However, he doesn't trust Soriano to execute and advises not betting. He mentions Soriano's takedown defense issues and Kopylov's vulnerability to takedowns.
Big Brady picks Roman Kopylov as an upset, citing Kopylov's technical striking advantage and better cardio. He notes that Soriano has a wrestling background but rarely uses it, and if the fight stays on the feet, Kopylov has more tools and body kicks. He worries about Soriano's power but trusts Kopylov to outwork him as the fight goes on, predicting a decision win. He acknowledges Soriano could knock out Kopylov but leans toward Kopylov's consistency.
Cody leans towards Kopylov, agreeing that Soriano's cardio is a major issue. He notes Soriano fades after 7.5 minutes and doesn't wrestle due to gas concerns. He sees Kopylov as live if the fight goes the distance, and mentions a possible Kopylov by decision bet.
Connor picks Soriano because he is insanely tough and has many ways to win, including powerful striking and a solid wrestling background. He notes that Soriano can soak up damage and has a good left hand and low kicks. However, Connor expresses concern that Soriano doesn't always use his wrestling and can be inconsistent, but believes his toughness and power will carry him against Kopylov's predictable boxing.
Jacob picks Kopylov as a live underdog, believing he is the better striker and may even wrestle. He notes Soriano's poor defensive wrestling and Kopylov's toughness. He thinks Soriano can't be trusted and Kopylov has good value. He mentions Kopylov's camp and takedown defense.
Paul picks Kopylov as an underdog, citing Soriano's poor cardio and reluctance to wrestle. He notes Kopylov's improved performance against Dichirico and believes he can outwork Soriano with leg kicks and combinations. He mentions a possible Kopylov by decision prop at +430.
Zane picks Soriano because he is too tough and has too many other options, including wrestling and low kicks. He notes that Kopylov is a predictable boxer who struggles with opponents who can mix in kicks and takedowns. Zane also points out that Soriano's wrestling background gives him an edge if he chooses to use it, and that Kopylov's lack of defensive wrestling is a liability.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 1 | 17 of 35 | 48% | 19 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Dalcha Lungiambula | 0 | 11 of 22 | 50% | 17 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 0 | 11 of 28 | 39% | 13 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Dalcha Lungiambula | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 16 of 27 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:39 | |
| 2 | Punahele Soriano | 1 | 6 of 7 | 85% | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Dalcha Lungiambula | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 17 of 35 | 48% | 8 of 25 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 26 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 4 |
| Dalcha Lungiambula | 11 of 22 | 50% | 6 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 11 of 28 | 39% | 3 of 19 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Dalcha Lungiambula | 10 of 21 | 47% | 6 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Punahele Soriano | 6 of 7 | 85% | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Dalcha Lungiambula | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Dalcha Lungiambula, citing his power, takedown defense, and durability. He notes Soriano's poor takedown defense and that Lungiambula looked great in his last fight before a bad decision. He placed a half-unit moneyline bet and plans an inside the distance decision no action bet.
Big Brady picks Punahele Soriano to win by decision. He notes that both fighters have poor cardio, but Soriano's is slightly better. He thinks Soriano wins the first round and may take over later. He mentions that Soriano has better finishing ability but expects the fight to go to decision due to both fighters' durability. He does not recommend betting Soriano at -275.
Cody picks Soriano but with low confidence, noting that both fighters are untrustworthy. He acknowledges Soriano's durability and power, but also his poor wrestling and cardio. He believes Soriano's chin and training at a world-class gym give him an edge, but he won't bet this fight.
Daniel Levi leans Punahele Soriano but is not confident at the -225 price. He notes both fighters have knockout power and that Soriano is cleaner and more well-rounded, but Lungiambula is dangerous. He considers it closer than the odds suggest and wants more info on sparring sessions before committing.
Paul also picks Soriano but with hesitation, citing Lungiambula's tendency to gas out and make mistakes. He notes that Soriano has a good chin and has shown improvement. However, he agrees the -240 price is too steep and will not bet it.
The MMA Guru picks Punahele Soriano over Dalcha Lungiambula, citing Soriano's toughness and power. He notes Lungiambula's poor cardio and that Soriano is difficult to finish. He predicts Soriano will catch Lungiambula with body shots and knees in the clinch, leading to a second-round TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Maximov | 0 | 45 of 63 | 71% | 74 of 93 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 29 of 45 | 64% | 60 of 82 | 11 of 16 | 68% | 1 | 1 | 8:45 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Maximov | 0 | 15 of 21 | 71% | 22 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 5 of 14 | 35% | 10 of 20 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 | 0 | 2:16 | |
| 2 | Nick Maximov | 0 | 21 of 32 | 65% | 32 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:54 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 13 of 19 | 68% | 19 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 2:20 | |
| 3 | Nick Maximov | 0 | 9 of 10 | 90% | 20 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Punahele Soriano | 0 | 11 of 12 | 91% | 31 of 35 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 4:09 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Maximov | 45 of 63 | 71% | 28 of 46 | 17 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 38 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 23 |
| Punahele Soriano | 29 of 45 | 64% | 19 of 33 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 31 | 10 of 10 | 4 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Maximov | 15 of 21 | 71% | 11 of 17 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 8 |
| Punahele Soriano | 5 of 14 | 35% | 2 of 9 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nick Maximov | 21 of 32 | 65% | 16 of 27 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 |
| Punahele Soriano | 13 of 19 | 68% | 11 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 14 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nick Maximov | 9 of 10 | 90% | 1 of 2 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 9 |
| Punahele Soriano | 11 of 12 | 91% | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 4 |
Angelo picks Punahele Soriano as a striker with power. He notes Soriano's takedown defense is untested but his striking is far superior to Maximov's. Maximov is a BJJ specialist with raw striking and okay takedowns. Angelo expects Soriano to win on the feet, but warns he gassed against Allen. If Soriano gasses, Maximov could take over, making it a live bet situation.
Cody agrees with Soriano but is hesitant due to Soriano's suspect cardio. He notes that Maximov has a wrestling background and could take the fight to the ground, where he has slick transitions. However, Soriano has the striking advantage and power. Cody worries that if Maximov gets an early takedown, Soriano may gas, but he still leans Soriano.
Daniel Levi picks Punahele Soriano, emphasizing his All-American wrestling background which should allow him to stuff Maximov's takedowns. He notes Soriano has faced tougher competition like Dusko Todorovic and Brendan Allen, while Maximov is less tested. Levi expects Soriano to land big shots after stuffing takedowns, potentially getting a finish. He respects Maximov's toughness but sees Soriano as the more proven fighter.
Lock of the Night picks Soriano, expecting him to defend takedowns and land enough on the feet to win a decision. He notes Soriano's wrestling background and power, but questions his durability if extended. He thinks Maximov will close distance irresponsibly and leave himself open to shots, but Soriano may not knock him out. He likes Soriano by decision at +350 and the over 1.5 rounds.
Paul thinks Soriano has the striking and power advantage, and if he keeps the fight upright, he will likely finish Maximov. He notes that Maximov's stand-up is a work in progress and that his grappling transitions looked solid but he struggled with cardio. Paul is concerned about Soriano's cardio but still picks him because Maximov's takedown entries may not be good enough.
The MMA Guru picks Punahele Soriano, criticizing Nick Maximov's lack of athleticism and power. He expects Soriano to stuff takedowns and land a big overhand right, knocking Maximov out in the first round. He references Maximov's fight with Cody Brundage where he did no damage, and calls the matchup a 'mismatch'.
Expert Picks (10)
Angelo picks Punahele Soriano, citing his power, wrestling credentials, and ability to stay safe on top. He acknowledges Ramiz Brahimaj's submission threat but believes Soriano's wrestling and striking will prevail. He notes the line has flipped but remains confident in Soriano.
Big Brady picks Ramiz Brahimaj to defeat Punahele Soriano, citing Brahimaj's recent underdog wins and Soriano's poor takedown defense and cardio. He notes Soriano has success early but fades, and Brahimaj is tough and has good submissions. He predicts Brahimaj will survive the early storm, mix in takedowns, and submit Soriano in the second round. He references Soriano's losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and Nick Maximov as evidence of his vulnerability.
Cody thinks Brahimaj's jiu-jitsu and hometown crowd give him an edge. He notes Soriano's inconsistency and cardio issues. He expects Brahimaj to win by submission or decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Soriano. He notes that Soriano's recent wins are more trustworthy and indicative of a step forward, while Brahimaj's wins are against fighters with no defense. Connor also mentions that if Court McGee could grind Brahimaj, Soriano can too.
The host leans towards Soriano, noting his advantage on the feet with power and aggression, and his improved cardio since dropping to welterweight. He believes Soriano can outstrike and outgrapple Brahimaj if his gas tank holds up. However, he is not betting because Brahimaj has proven cardio and could make Soriano work hard, and both fighters are evolving, making it difficult to predict which version shows up.
James picks Ramiz Brahimaj, citing his superior jiu-jitsu and front choke series. He notes that Soriano's wrestling could put him in danger of submissions, and that Brahimaj is the better striker over 15 minutes. James believes Brahimaj will catch Soriano in a front headlock and submit him.
Brahimaj has improved his cardio and takedown defense since moving to Chicago, and he is more calculated now. Soriano is a power puncher but relies on wrestling to grind out wins, and he doesn't threaten submissions. Brahimaj's grappling defense should be good enough to keep it standing or scramble, and he can catch Soriano in a submission. The under 2.5 rounds also makes sense.
Paul thinks Soriano at 170 is a different beast with better cardio and power. He acknowledges Brahimaj's grappling but thinks Soriano's wrestling and strength will be enough. He calls it a pick'em and leans Soriano.
The MMA Guru picks Punahele Soriano, citing his nasty knockout power, solid chin, and physicality. He believes Soriano won't be lost on the feet and can avoid Brahimaj's guillotine. He notes Brahimaj's wins are over lesser competition and that Soriano has dominated grapplers before. He predicts a TKO finish in round one or two.
Zane picks Soriano, believing he will bully Brahimaj with his athleticism and power. He notes that Soriano has options and is too dangerous. If Soriano chooses to wrestle, he might get caught in a submission, but that's a thin chance. Zane trusts Soriano's recent wins more than Brahimaj's.
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