Career Averages - Charles Johnson
Career Averages - Bruno Silva
Charles Johnson - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 0 | 85 of 162 | 52% | 110 of 189 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 73 of 136 | 53% | 101 of 171 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:43 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 18 of 34 | 52% | 18 of 36 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 12 of 19 | 63% | 15 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 33 of 60 | 55% | 38 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 27 of 53 | 50% | 37 of 66 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:21 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 34 of 68 | 50% | 54 of 88 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 34 of 64 | 53% | 49 of 83 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:29 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 85 of 162 | 52% | 43 of 101 | 30 of 46 | 12 of 15 | 61 of 132 | 24 of 30 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 73 of 136 | 53% | 52 of 106 | 14 of 21 | 7 of 9 | 71 of 131 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 18 of 34 | 52% | 7 of 18 | 7 of 10 | 4 of 6 | 11 of 26 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 12 of 19 | 63% | 6 of 11 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 33 of 60 | 55% | 17 of 37 | 10 of 16 | 6 of 7 | 29 of 56 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 27 of 53 | 50% | 18 of 39 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 5 | 27 of 52 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 34 of 68 | 50% | 19 of 46 | 13 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 50 | 13 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 34 of 64 | 53% | 28 of 56 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 32 of 60 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-200); Silva (+170)
Round 1
Keith Peterson is the referee. Silva with an inside low kick early. Johnson shoots behind a punch. Silva defends and they’re in the clinch. Johnson lands a hook on the break. Johnson fakes a shot behind a left. Johnson with a front kick. The American shoots from long distance and Silva defends easily. Silva shoves his foe into the fence. Silva backs off. A right lands for Johnson, who follows with a leg kick. A sharp right connects for the Brazilian. Silva kicks the body. Johnson appears to be bothered by the pressure. Silva clinches again and locks his hands. Johnson lands an elbow in close quaters and Silva backs off. Silva lands in an exchange. They trade low kicks. Silva with a right as Johnson moves forward. Johnson partially lands a high kick. Johnson mixes in a low kick and a front kick. Silva answers by kicking the body. Silva keeps the pressure on late in the round.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Round 2
Johnson kicks the body and they trade in the pocket. Silva blocks a head kick. Silva is pressuring and Johnson is forced to defend a takedown. Johnson lands a knee and shoves his foe away. A jab lands for Johnson before Silva shoots. Johnson denies the takedown and the flyweights clinch against the fence. Silva backs off and Johnson lands a combination. A kick by Silva lands below the belt and time is called. Johnson is ready to go right away. They trade low kicks. Silva again looks for the takedown, shoving Johnson into the fence. Johnson lands a knee before they separate. Johson lands a kick and Silva counters. A straight left gets through for Johnson. Silva clinches behind an uppercut and they break quickly. Johnson fires a high kcik, but it doesn’t land clean. Another uppercut for Silva, who clinches with his opponent again. Johnson lands a short elbow in close. Silva lands a combination against the fence. A body kick lands for Johnson. The flyweights clash heads in the clinch and Johnson seemed to get the worst of it. Time is called. Silva fires a front kick and it lands low. It’s the second low blow of the round, and Johnson is in more pain than he was from the first foul. No point is taken, however. Johnson grabs a leg but lets it go. Silva with a body kick before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Round 3
Johnson catches a kick and lets the leg go. Johnson lands a left and they clinch. Inside leg kick for Johnson, and they clinch in the center of the cage. Silva shoves Johnson into the fence. Silva drops low in pursuit of the takedown, but Johnson defends well. Jonson jabs and they trae in close quarters. Both men land before the flyweights clinch. They battle for position before separating. This time Johnson initiates the clinch. Silva lands a combination at range and he’s pressuring Johnson, who is in defense mode. Silva ties up with his opponent against the cage. Johnson denies a takedown attempt. Johnson with a high kick on the break. Silva tries a spinning back elbow. Johnson with kicks and a right hand in hopes of creating space. Silva closes the distance again, shoving Johnson into the fence. He briefly gets the American down, but he’s up in short order. Silva moves in and lands an uppercut before clinching. They battle it out in the clinch, and Johnson lands a nice knee. Silva moves forward and goes back to the uppercut. Jonson responds with a slashing elbow. Silva keeps moving forward. but Johnson is landing plenty of offense. Both men are slugging it out in the waning moments of the fight. Johnson is finding the mark quite often. Another elbow lands for Johnson. They trade right up until the final horn, with Silva getting in a few more shots.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (30-27 Johnson)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (30-27 Johnson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (30-27 Johnson)
The Official Result
Charles Johnson def. Bruno Silva via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00
Angelo picks Charles Johnson but admits nervousness due to Bruno Silva's one-punch knockout power. He notes Johnson's excellent footwork, hand speed, and cardio, and believes if Johnson gets going early, he can avoid the big shot and win a decision. He acknowledges Johnson has been knocked out before but thinks his high IQ will prevail.
Big Brady picks Charles Johnson to win by third-round knockout, but expresses wariness due to Johnson's recent knockout loss and chin concerns. He likes the stylistic matchup, noting Silva's front-loaded power and tendency to fade, but worries Johnson might get knocked out early. He calls Johnson inconsistent.
Cody picks Bruno Silva as a dog, citing his wrestling, power, and durability. He notes Johnson's takedown defense issues and recent knockout loss. He thinks Silva can win by decision or submission.
Connor also picks Charles Johnson, emphasizing that Bruno Silva lacks the ability to adjust strategically, while Johnson can figure out his opponent as the fight progresses. He notes that Silva's wins come from opponents making the same mistakes, which Johnson does not do. Connor sees Johnson's adaptability as the key factor.
James picks Charles Johnson to win by decision, but expresses concern about Johnson's quick return after a knockout loss. He notes Johnson's superior cardio, volume, and tools, but worries about his durability and potential recklessness. He believes Johnson is the better fighter overall but is uncertain how he will approach the fight.
The host picks Johnson to win by decision, expecting him to outclass Silva on the feet. He highlights Johnson's reach advantage, defensive grappling, and ability to get back to his feet quickly. He believes Johnson's striking will be too much for Silva, and that Silva's power and grappling won't be enough to overcome Johnson's technical edge.
Paul picks Bruno Silva, noting he bets him every fight. He likes his wrestling and power, and thinks he can outgrapple Johnson. He expects a close fight but Silva has value at plus money.
The Guru picks Charles Johnson, believing he will walk down Bruno Silva as the fight progresses. He notes Johnson's size advantage (5'9" vs 5'4") and reach, and that Silva fights in bursts and lacks consistent finishing ability. He predicts a TKO in the second round.
Zane picks Charles Johnson, citing Johnson's ability to adjust and evolve during fights, unlike Bruno Silva who tends to make the same mistakes repeatedly. He notes that Silva's wins come against fighters who repeat errors, while Johnson adapts and finds solutions. Zane acknowledges Silva's danger but believes Johnson's flexibility gives him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Perez | 2 | 39 of 75 | 52% | 55 of 94 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Charles Johnson | 0 | 8 of 25 | 32% | 8 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Perez | 2 | 39 of 75 | 52% | 55 of 94 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Charles Johnson | 0 | 8 of 25 | 32% | 8 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Perez | 39 of 75 | 52% | 27 of 60 | 9 of 10 | 3 of 5 | 33 of 67 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 2 |
| Charles Johnson | 8 of 25 | 32% | 4 of 14 | 3 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Perez | 39 of 75 | 52% | 27 of 60 | 9 of 10 | 3 of 5 | 33 of 67 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 2 |
| Charles Johnson | 8 of 25 | 32% | 4 of 14 | 3 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-205), Perez (+170)
Round 1
All UFC fights stateside will plug on under the Paramount+ streaming service, so the distinction between early prelims and the “ESPN” or “Fox Sports” prelims is less significant than before. Former UFC Fight Pass maven Ant Evans suggested the breakdown of cards shift to the main card—no change there—the undercard, where the four-fight prelim slot prior to the main card is placed; and any bout before those nine should be considered a prelim. Nevertheless, the action continues in a catchweight affair as the skidding Perez (25-10, 7-6 UFC) failed to make the flyweight limit by two and a half pounds. A quarter of his purse goes to “InnerG” Johnson (18-7, 7-5 UFC), whose unique hairstyle is starting to have a mind of its own. The athletes will be officiated by referee Jason Herzog, and Perez offers his foe an apologetic glove touch that is accepted.
Perez darts straight to the center of the cage, where he tracks Johnson down and parries a body kick to race towards him. Johnson dings him with a right hand and slides out of the way to reset. Perez goes wide on a right hand, and he nearly gets his chin checked with a head kick. Johnson checks a few leg kicks and stays right before Perez, circling on the outside while Perez walks straight towards him. A Perez barrage comes up short, although a second effort does clip Johnson on the chin. Johnson fires back with a high kick, and Perez unloads with a vicious left hand that stuns Johnson and sets him down. Johnson pulls the cage to stand back up, still badly rocked, and he stands in front of Perez as if he wants to bang it out. Perez has no fear, and he drives a few knees into his jaw that hurt him once more. Johnson takes a right hand on the chin that shakes him up and forces him to bounce off the fencing to keep his feet about him, and Perez is all over him.
Perez marches down “InnerG” with impunity, and Johnson is being held up by the cage when Perez blasts him. One more knockdown is registered by Perez, and Johnson drops to his knees to desperately shoot. Perez takes anything Johnson offers and walks through it to tear in to the damaged fighter who has fought back to his feet again.
When Johnson lifts up an anticipatory knee, Perez loads up on a left hand and sends Johnson careening to the canvas for the umpteenth time, and Herzog has seen more than enough and waves things off.
Johnson still gets up on autopilot and runs towards Perez as Perez has walked away to celebrate his handiwork, and he even gets hold of Perez’ leg when Perez is trying to climb the cage wall. Herzog manages to cool Johnson down, who was damaged and in a bad way for much more than a minute. This is a crucial victory for Perez, who had only gotten his hand raised once in his last six outings. It is a bit of a tough break for Perez, because while he won and likely staved off a pink slip, his missing weight makes him eligible for a finish bonus. It takes champion Joshua Van mere moments to post on social media taunting the defeated Johnson, who laughs off any chance at a rematch.
The Official Result
Alex Perez def. Charles Johnson R1 3:16 via TKO (Punch)
Angelo picks Alex Perez despite his four-fight losing streak, arguing the losses are to elite fighters and he was winning against Asu Almabaev before a mistake. He praises Perez's striking, low kicks, and wrestling. He notes Charles Johnson is a friend of the show but believes Perez can pull off the upset. He is very low confidence, rating it 51 out of 100.
Big Brady notes Perez finds ways to lose, often getting finished when he's winning. He expects Perez to win round one but fade as Johnson works into the fight. He predicts Johnson will finish Perez, likely by submission, as Perez has been submitted many times.
Cody picks Charles Johnson, citing Perez's poor cardio and tendency to make mistakes. He notes Johnson's improved takedown defense and striking volume, and believes Johnson will win the later rounds. Cody sees Johnson as a live underdog and expects him to win by decision or late stoppage.
Connor questions whether Alex Perez is actually a good flyweight, noting his record of 1 win in 6 fights over 5 years. He sees Perez as a bully on the front foot who lacks durability and defensive striking. Johnson, on the other hand, is clicking better, finding his timing earlier, and has a persistent, awkward style that can frustrate opponents. Connor believes Johnson can survive Perez's hot start and take over, possibly getting a finish.
Daniel Vreeland picks Charles Johnson to finish Alex Perez. He notes that Perez has lost five of his last six and has questionable heart and fight IQ. Vreeland believes Johnson's slow-starting style matches up well against Perez, who tends to fade. He predicts Johnson will find the chin or neck of Perez for a finish.
James picks Johnson, citing his superior striking, cardio, and durability. He notes Perez often gets finished and that Johnson is more locked into MMA. He predicts a finish, possibly by submission or knockout.
The host picks Perez as an underdog, citing his forward pressure, leg kicks, and gas tank. He believes Perez can dictate the pace and outwork Johnson, who can be gunshy. He notes Perez's recent losses are to high-level competition and sees value at +175. He predicts Perez by decision or knockout.
Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing Johnson's improvements and Perez's bad luck. He notes Johnson's knockout power and volume, and believes Perez's cardio will fail him. Paul likes Johnson on the money line and also considers the knockout prop.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Johnson, citing his win over Joshua Van and his range advantage. He notes that Johnson's uppercut game will be effective against Perez's head-tucking hooks. He predicts a close decision, possibly with Perez having a good third round.
Zane agrees with Connor, noting that Perez's wrestling control time is often minimal and that he walks into danger. Johnson has a great flow and timing, and his ability to pressure and exhaust opponents is key. Zane also mentions that Johnson knocked out the flyweight champion and has a Bobby Green-like quality. He thinks Johnson can survive Perez's early pressure and win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 1 | 44 of 81 | 54% | 52 of 89 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Lone'er Kavanagh | 0 | 59 of 120 | 49% | 60 of 121 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 0:59 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 14 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Lone'er Kavanagh | 0 | 36 of 65 | 55% | 37 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 1 | 30 of 56 | 53% | 38 of 64 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Lone'er Kavanagh | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 23 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 0:59 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 44 of 81 | 54% | 18 of 49 | 6 of 10 | 20 of 22 | 37 of 71 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 4 |
| Lone'er Kavanagh | 59 of 120 | 49% | 32 of 83 | 21 of 26 | 6 of 11 | 53 of 111 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 14 of 25 | 56% | 3 of 11 | 2 of 4 | 9 of 10 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Lone'er Kavanagh | 36 of 65 | 55% | 17 of 37 | 14 of 18 | 5 of 10 | 34 of 63 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 30 of 56 | 53% | 15 of 38 | 4 of 6 | 11 of 12 | 23 of 47 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 4 |
| Lone'er Kavanagh | 23 of 55 | 41% | 15 of 46 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 48 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Lone'er Kavanagh but is hesitant, noting that Charles Johnson is a friend of the show and a good fighter. He praises Kavanagh's speed, power, and ability to transition to wrestling instantly. He thinks the odds are too wide and that Johnson is not a 2-to-1 underdog. He says he'll be rooting for Johnson but thinks Kavanagh probably gets it done due to speed and volume.
Big Brady picks Lone'er Kavanagh to win a close decision, noting that Kavanagh is a real prospect with power and takedown ability. He criticizes Charles Johnson for consistently losing first rounds and being takedown-prone. He believes Kavanagh will win rounds one and two, while Johnson may take round three, leading to a decision for Kavanagh.
The host notes that Kavanagh is usually at super chalky odds but here at -180, it's a great entry point. He thinks Johnson may not have the power to get Kavanagh's respect, and while Johnson may have an advantage in output and volume, Kavanagh should mix martial arts well with power strikes, speed, and takedowns to win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Johnson to win by decision as an underdog (+170). He believes Johnson's experience and ability to survive and push the pace will be key. He notes that Kavanagh struggled in close fights against Jose Ochoa and Felipe dos Santos, and that Johnson is hard to outgrapple effectively. He expects Johnson to have a strong third round and win a close decision, though he acknowledges Kavanagh could land a knockout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 0 | 66 of 156 | 42% | 87 of 183 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Ramazan Temirov | 0 | 55 of 139 | 39% | 59 of 146 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 15 of 41 | 36% | 15 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ramazan Temirov | 0 | 21 of 44 | 47% | 21 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 14 of 37 | 37% | 21 of 46 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:50 |
| Ramazan Temirov | 0 | 19 of 46 | 41% | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 37 of 78 | 47% | 51 of 96 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Ramazan Temirov | 0 | 15 of 49 | 30% | 18 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 66 of 156 | 42% | 28 of 104 | 23 of 32 | 15 of 20 | 46 of 129 | 20 of 27 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramazan Temirov | 55 of 139 | 39% | 42 of 117 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 46 of 118 | 9 of 19 | 0 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 15 of 41 | 36% | 5 of 26 | 3 of 6 | 7 of 9 | 13 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramazan Temirov | 21 of 44 | 47% | 14 of 33 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 14 of 37 | 37% | 7 of 22 | 5 of 10 | 2 of 5 | 10 of 32 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramazan Temirov | 19 of 46 | 41% | 14 of 41 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 39 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 37 of 78 | 47% | 16 of 56 | 15 of 16 | 6 of 6 | 23 of 59 | 14 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramazan Temirov | 15 of 49 | 30% | 14 of 43 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 40 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo slightly leans towards Ramazan Temirov, citing his power and the judges' tendency to favor damage over clean technique. He acknowledges that Charles Johnson is more technical and could win a decision if he fights perfectly, but believes Temirov's power and aggression might sway the judges. He does not bet on this fight due to its razor-thin nature.
Big Brady picks Charles Johnson, citing his superior experience, cardio, and output. He notes that Ramazan Temirov relies on power shots but flyweight knockouts are rare, and Johnson has never been finished. He expects Johnson to win by decision, and even made a bet that if Johnson wins, he'll buy a 'Scallet Gang' t-shirt.
The host believes Temirov is a future title contender and will showcase his potential this weekend. He highlights Temirov's footwork, angle cutting, and explosive approach in the pocket, expecting his power shots to be more impactful. He predicts a knockout within the first two rounds.
The Guru picks Charles Johnson over Ramazan Temirov. He acknowledges Temirov's danger and finishing ability but doubts he can land a KO shot on Johnson, who has a great chin, good cardio, and range. He notes Johnson's win over Joshua Van and close fight with Sumudaarji. He predicts a decision win for Johnson, possibly a late TKO if Temirov slows down.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 1 | 65 of 150 | 43% | 84 of 177 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:58 |
| Sumudaerji | 0 | 75 of 144 | 52% | 78 of 149 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 2 | 1 | 0:50 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 19 of 50 | 38% | 33 of 64 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
| Sumudaerji | 0 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 24 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 1 | 30 of 60 | 50% | 34 of 72 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:03 |
| Sumudaerji | 0 | 23 of 44 | 52% | 25 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 0:30 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 16 of 40 | 40% | 17 of 41 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Sumudaerji | 0 | 28 of 57 | 49% | 29 of 58 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 65 of 150 | 43% | 42 of 113 | 15 of 22 | 8 of 15 | 49 of 123 | 5 of 10 | 11 of 17 |
| Sumudaerji | 75 of 144 | 52% | 41 of 96 | 7 of 15 | 27 of 33 | 68 of 135 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 19 of 50 | 38% | 12 of 42 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 44 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Sumudaerji | 24 of 43 | 55% | 12 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 14 | 20 of 39 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 30 of 60 | 50% | 20 of 41 | 5 of 11 | 5 of 8 | 19 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 17 |
| Sumudaerji | 23 of 44 | 52% | 15 of 32 | 2 of 5 | 6 of 7 | 22 of 42 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 16 of 40 | 40% | 10 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 14 of 36 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Sumudaerji | 28 of 57 | 49% | 14 of 38 | 3 of 7 | 11 of 12 | 26 of 54 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-225), Mudaerji (+185)
Round 1
Once with his back firmly against the wall, Johnson (16-6, 5-4 UFC) has given himself plenty of breathing room with a three-fight win streak. While he has plenty of momentum on his side, the matchmaking results him in facing Mudaerji (16-6, 3-3 UFC), who has lost his last two. Whether fortune continues to smile on “InnerG” or the Chinese fighter gets back in the win column, referee Mark Smith will be there for it every step of the way. Fists are bumped, and Johnson walks through a leg kick to immediately swarm Mudaerji with a flurry of fists. Johnson pressures Mudaerji up to and against the wall, kneeing him when they tie up. Johnson lifts knees to the gut while “The Tibetan Eagle” is pinned against it, and Mudaerji tries to get away and ultimately wrenches his way out and raps a right hand on the side of Johnson’s dome. Johnson shakes it off and plods forward, absorbing a few punches and a flush calf kick so he can charge in with his own offense. Johnson misses his strikes, dodges a low kick and keeps marching forward. Mudaerji sticks his man with a calf kick and jabs him to mix things up, and Johnson preemptively picks his leg up after these kicks start to add up. Mudaerji goes on the inside with two kicks, and Johnson sits down on a right hook to drive Mudaerji back. Mudaerji steps in with an elbow, and he flicks out a few jabs and splits the guard with a left. Mudaerji batters the front leg with a kick, and Johnson eats a jab and drops his hands to reset. Johnson checks a kick when crashing the pocket, and he loads up on power punches to the body. Johnson ties him up, and he knees his man in the chest and thighs while Mudaerji is warned for grabbing inside the glove. Mudaerji lashes out with an elbow to break, and he keeps his volume high by picking jabs and low kicks from his preferred range. Johnson crowds his man and unleashes a big right hand, only to get pulled into a Thai clinch and a sharp knee on the chin. Johnson frantically chases after his opponent, loading on up big strikes and forcing Mudaerji to ricochet off the fencing. Mudaerji dodges and weaves the worst of the attacks coming his way, and Johnson backs him against the wall and loads up on him. Johnson lets him have it until the bell sounds mid-exchange.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mudaerji
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Mudaerji
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Mudaerji
Round 2
The fighters touch ‘em up to get going in the second stanza, and Johnson dashes out of his corner to engage. Mudaerji is prepared to defend the initial blitz, succeeding in staving off the most threatening of the strikes. Mudaerji keeps shifting and moving actively, occasionally getting backed to the wall but never truly cornered. Mudaerji catches Johnson coming in with a right hand, and he scores two low kicks before Johnson can get to him. Johnson goes high with a kick that bounces off the guard, and he stomps the knee with his foot twice. Mudaerji shifts to the left to tag Johnson with a straight strike, and he flicks out a front-leg side kick and a number of punches to follow. Mudaerji wings big right hands that land behind the head, and he stumbles Johnson coming forward thanks to a low kick. Johnson finds his range with a left hook, but it is one-and-done as Mudaerji keeps moving and did not take the brunt of it. Mudaerji lines up a left hook around the guard, and Johnson barely blocks it in time. Mudaerji intercepts Johnson coming in once more, with Johnson leaving his hands low after throwing big. Johnson runs forward, hands by his side, and he jacks Mudaerji in the jaw with a vicious right hand. Mudaerji tries to escape, but Johnson is a dog with a bone chasing after him. Johnson backs Mudaerji to the fence and uppercuts him so hard, Mudaerji’s head snaps back like a Pez dispenser. Johnson lays into his opponent with a long barrage of punches, hurting Mudaerji badly and putting him down. Johnson tries to finish the job, swinging his way into the guard, where Mudaerji manages to survive and circle around to threaten with a triangle that transitions into an armbar. Johnson fights through it, gets put on his back, fights back up and somehow puts Mudaerji on the mat. Mudaerji sweeps him as soon as his seat hits the floor, and a mad exchange of grappling magic ensues until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Round 3
The third round kicks off with Mudaerji tough as nails ready and willing to trade. Mudaerji sticks out two front kicks, spins with a wheel kick and smashes it on the side of Johnson’s dome. The forward pressure of Mudaerji allows him to trip Johnson up, and he slams the American to the mat. Johnson jumps back up and meanders forward, checking kicks but otherwise breathing hard and not striking. Mudaerji splits the guard with a left hand, potshotting Johnson coming forward while Johnson’s offense is practically nonexistent. Johnson grits his teeth after taking a few jabs to plow forward with telegraphed hooks, and the Chinese fighter sees them coming from a mile away. Johnson slings a right to open up a straight left, and the latter catches Mudaerji on the chin. Mudaerji chops his front leg back a few times, and he turns his hips into a body kick and then resets to land one more to the inner calf of “InnerG.” Johnson stalks Mudaerji down, walking through strikes but taking more than he is landing back. Johnson’s pressure results in a brief clinch, and Mudaerji fights his way out of it and just misses with a head kick. Mudaerji times a level change when Johnson wings a right hand, and Johnson reverses him with a throw to put “The Tibetan Eagle” on his back. Mudaerji scrambles wildly to get to his feet, and he breaks away from a clinch with an overhand right. Mudaerji puts three punches on the chin as Johnson shoots for a takedown, and he sets up a brabo choke to hurl Johnson to his knees. Johnson fights the hands to break up the submission, and he drops to one knee so he does not absorb a knee from the Chinese fighter. Johnson and Mudaerji swing it out right to the final bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mudaerji (29-28 Mudaerji)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Mudaerji (29-28 Mudaerji)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Mudaerji (29-28 Mudaerji)
The Official Result
Charles Johnson def. Su Mudaerji via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is very confident in Charles Johnson, citing his high output, technical striking, and ability to maintain pace for 15 minutes. He notes Sumudaerji's takedown defense is untested (only one takedown attempt in UFC) and that Johnson has survived tough moments before. He expects Johnson to pressure forward, be the cleaner striker, and take over as the fight goes on. He also mentions Johnson's activity and recent success.
Big Brady picks Charles Johnson by second-round submission. He highlights Sumudaerji's poor takedown defense and six submission losses. Johnson has good wrestling and submission attempts, though no UFC submission wins. He warns that if Johnson strikes, it's a different fight, but expects him to mix in takedowns and submit Sumudaerji.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Johnson as a craftsman who should handle Sumudaerji's straightforward style. He notes that Sumudaerji lacks footwork to be a true sniper and that Johnson is durable and calculating. He expects Johnson to get on his front foot and take over in round two.
This fight was not discussed in the transcript.
Both are strikers, but Johnson has a better gas tank, better discipline striking, and good enough footwork and defensive striking to stay away from Sumudaerji's power. Johnson will chip away and win by decision or get a late finish.
The Guru picks Charles Johnson despite not liking him personally, citing Johnson's recent momentum and wins over Joshua Van and Jake Hadley. He criticizes Sumudaerji's lack of power and relevant wins, noting he was dominated by Tim Elliott and struggled against Matt Schnell. He believes Johnson can take the fight to the ground if needed and predicts a later-rounds finish.
Zane picks Johnson, expecting him to calculate and counter Sumudaerji's linear, lunging strikes. He notes that Sumudaerji is a one-track fighter who backs straight out after throwing, and Johnson's durability and craftiness should allow him to take over in round two. He acknowledges that Johnson might be lackadaisical against a less dangerous opponent.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 0 | 67 of 133 | 50% | 72 of 140 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
| Joshua Van | 1 | 88 of 191 | 46% | 90 of 195 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 22 of 46 | 47% | 27 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
| Joshua Van | 0 | 44 of 80 | 55% | 46 of 83 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 44 of 83 | 53% | 44 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joshua Van | 0 | 36 of 100 | 36% | 36 of 101 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joshua Van | 1 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 67 of 133 | 50% | 44 of 106 | 17 of 20 | 6 of 7 | 60 of 123 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 1 |
| Joshua Van | 88 of 191 | 46% | 44 of 124 | 25 of 41 | 19 of 26 | 84 of 184 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 22 of 46 | 47% | 13 of 36 | 8 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 37 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 1 |
| Joshua Van | 44 of 80 | 55% | 18 of 41 | 13 of 23 | 13 of 16 | 41 of 74 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 44 of 83 | 53% | 30 of 66 | 9 of 11 | 5 of 6 | 43 of 82 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Joshua Van | 36 of 100 | 36% | 19 of 74 | 11 of 16 | 6 of 10 | 36 of 100 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Joshua Van | 8 of 11 | 72% | 7 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Van (-205), Johnson (+170)
Round 1
Capping off the prelims is the flyweights, who will likely engage in a high-paced frenzy of feet and fists. Van (10-1, 3-0 UFC), training out of 4oz Fight Club in Texas, comes in on an eight-fight win streak with stoppages in six of those. While he has only won two in a row, Johnson (15-6, 3-4 UFC) is on the first winning stretch of his UFC career as he has already picked up two decisions this year. This speedy affair will be joined in the cage by referee Joe Coca, and it kicks off with an appropriately quick glove touch. Johnson leads off in a hurry with a leg kick, a jab to the body and a high kick. Van blocks a subsequent body kick, and he keeps his guard up to defend a jab. Johnson picks at him from distance, mixing his attack up to all targets. As Johnson crashes forward, he clips Van with a right hand, and Van takes it flush and does not bat an eye. Johnson stays active with several chopping low kicks, flicking out jabs and flustering Van. Van tries to close the distance with his own strikes, but Johnson is far more active than the self-described slow starter. Johnson peppers him with jabs and low kicks, pushing out a front kick to make Van back away. Van pushes in with a jab and an overhand right, and he uses it to tie Johnson up. “InnerG” turns him around and pounds Van in the thigh and breadbasket with knees, and Van tries to fight out of it to no avail. Johnson shoots in for a double, and Van stonewalls him and backs him away with his own jab. Van protects his ribs with a kick and sets his right hand on the chin. Johnson strings together three punches in response, and he brushes his face to say Van did not land. Van ignores this and touches him two more times with an overhand right, and Johnson stumbles and escapes when backed to the cage. Van brings up a knee that bounces into the cup, and Johnson tells Coca he is fine and that there is no stoppage necessary. Van walks Johnson down, fighting behind a jab and landing right hands to follow. Van knocks his man off his feet, and Johnson defends with an armbar off his back. Johnson jumps back to his feet when Van pulls out of the submission, and he shoots for a takedown that fails. Johnson prods out jabs, and Van busts him in the chops with a right and a left. Van makes Johnson shell up with a right hand and two body shots, and the power difference is fast. Van puts a lot more behind his strikes, and he gets the reactions he seeks when landing until the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Van
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Van
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Van
Round 2
Van comes out of his corner ready to pick up where he left off, marching “InnerG” down and landing a few strikes on the way in. Johnson is also similarly active, picking and poking with distance strikes. Van smashes him in the face with an uppercut, and Johnson does not like this and circles away. Van gives chase, chaining three punches together as Johnson escapes. The Terminator-like Van plods forward, aiming strikes to the body when not going up top. Johnson reaches out with a swiping left hook, and it does not make Van back up one inch. Van comes out throwing with two hooks, and Johnson barely gets out of the way. Johnson jabs twice and powers out a left hand, and Van no-sells him and gives him back a sharp jab that makes Johnson turn his head dismissively. Van pops him with a left and comes at him with a head kick, and Johnson bounces off the cage and lets loose with a right hand. Johnson whiffs on two hooks, and Van stays tightly compact and dings Johnson with a left hook on the nose. Van buckles the leg with a kick, ignoring Johnson’s jabs and straight punches. Johnson scores a left, and Van does too. Van jabs his way into a short combination, and Johnson punches back as he strafes to the side. Van nails him with a right hand, and Johnson shakes it off and throws back. Van loops a few right hands around the guard, and Johnson strikes back and gets in an elbow down the middle. Van keeps pursuing his foe, and the two flyweights are trading without fear. Johnson steps through with a knee, and Van responds with a right hand over the top and barely blocks a spinning back elbow in time. Van misses with a right as Johnson jumps forward, and his head kick is blocked. Two Johnson jabs end the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Van
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Van
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Van
Round 3
There is a brief glove touch to begin the last round, and Johnson lands the first strike with a right hand. As they both swing for the fences, Johnson nails his opponent with a right hand. Johnson blasts the body with a kick and ducks to avoid a screaming left hook, and he fakes a leg kick to spin with an elbow that bounces off Van’s forehead. Van tries to make him pay with an overhand right, but Johnson’s own fast right finds its mark and gets Van’s attention. Johnson jabs the body and comes up top with two punches, and his crisp right staggers “The Fearless.”
Johnson walks Van down and clobbers him with a thunderous uppercut, sending Van careening to the mat. As Johnson leaps down to smash Van with a big right hand, Coca dives between them, and Van’s head bounces off the mat to bring him back around.
While Van sits up to potentially protests the stoppage, he realizes he got his bell rung and that there is nothing more he can do. Johnson celebrates his wild comeback victory after a thrilling battle, and he sets the crowd up to drown out the arena with “USA” chants.
The Official Result
Charles Johnson def. Joshua Van R3 0:20 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Charles Johnson as an underdog, citing his experience against higher-level competition and short-notice adaptability. He acknowledges Joshua Van's power and prospect status but believes Johnson's veteran savvy and awkward style could frustrate Van. Angelo has a small bet ($25, quarter unit) on Johnson at +170 and mentions a potential plus 3.5 round bet as a safer alternative.
Cody picks Van, citing his youth, volume, and cardio. He notes Van's slow starts but believes his pace will overwhelm Johnson, who tends to fade. He expects Van to win by decision or late finish.
Daniel Vreeland picks Charles Johnson to win a close decision. He notes that Johnson is a veteran who has been in tough battles and has prepared well for the altitude. He acknowledges Van's talent but thinks Van may face a roadblock. He likes the plus 180 underdog value and expects a split decision type fight.
Joshua Van's style is more reliable with consistent output. Despite a height and reach disadvantage, Van will crash the pocket and land body shots, setting up his striking game. The minus 200 line is a bit wide, but Van should win on the scorecards.
Paul picks Van, citing his volume and cardio. He notes Johnson's tendency to lose rounds early and then fade, while Van gets stronger as the fight goes on. He expects Van to outwork Johnson and win a decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 1 | 70 of 168 | 41% | 88 of 188 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Jake Hadley | 0 | 48 of 128 | 37% | 50 of 130 | 0 of 11 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 19 of 40 | 47% | 22 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Hadley | 0 | 17 of 47 | 36% | 17 of 47 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 1 | 32 of 74 | 43% | 37 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Jake Hadley | 0 | 20 of 38 | 52% | 22 of 40 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 19 of 54 | 35% | 29 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Hadley | 0 | 11 of 43 | 25% | 11 of 43 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 70 of 168 | 41% | 36 of 125 | 12 of 18 | 22 of 25 | 66 of 159 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 7 |
| Jake Hadley | 48 of 128 | 37% | 15 of 86 | 15 of 22 | 18 of 20 | 46 of 124 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 19 of 40 | 47% | 5 of 21 | 5 of 8 | 9 of 11 | 19 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Hadley | 17 of 47 | 36% | 3 of 27 | 6 of 10 | 8 of 10 | 15 of 43 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 32 of 74 | 43% | 19 of 58 | 4 of 7 | 9 of 9 | 28 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 7 |
| Jake Hadley | 20 of 38 | 52% | 6 of 22 | 5 of 7 | 9 of 9 | 20 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 19 of 54 | 35% | 12 of 46 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 19 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Hadley | 11 of 43 | 25% | 6 of 37 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans towards Jake Hadley because he cannot trust Charles Johnson's one phenomenal showing over several mediocre ones. He notes Hadley has good takedowns and BJJ, though his takedown accuracy is low due to bailing on attempts. He acknowledges that if the version of Johnson that beat Azat Maksum shows up, he wins, but that version has only appeared once.
Big Brady picks Charles Johnson, citing the hometown advantage in St. Louis and the possibility that Johnson can do enough on the feet while mixing in takedowns. He notes that Johnson has been taken down in every UFC fight but that Hadley has zero takedowns in the UFC, so the fight likely stays standing. He is not confident because Johnson can be low volume and hesitant, but if the version that fought Maxim shows up, he can win. He expects a decision and thinks the hometown rub could help Johnson in a close fight.
Cody picks Johnson as a confident underdog. He argues that Hadley is overhyped, with poor cardio, weak striking, and a questionable chin. Johnson has excellent get-up game, having been taken down many times but always getting back up. He also has superior boxing and volume. Cody believes Johnson can stuff takedowns or get up quickly, and outwork Hadley on the feet. He notes that Hadley has looked bad against wrestlers and grapplers, and Johnson is a tough veteran.
Daniel Vreeland picks Charles Johnson, noting that the fighters who beat Johnson are relentless wrestlers, which Hadley is not. He believes Johnson's cardio and volume will be key, and that Hadley's weight cut (walking around 160 lbs) will be a factor. He predicts a unanimous decision win for Johnson.
Paul picks Johnson, echoing Cody's reasoning. He notes that Johnson showed improved takedown defense in his last fight and has never been submitted. Hadley's cardio and striking are suspect, and Johnson's volume should win rounds. Paul thinks Johnson's get-up game and durability will be key. He is confident in the underdog.
The MMA Guru picks Charles Johnson as an underdog over Jake Hadley. He criticizes Hadley's performance against Cody Durden, particularly his inability to secure takedowns and his stationary style. He praises Johnson's elusiveness, outside movement, Olympic-level cardio, and world-class takedown defense. He believes Johnson's style will frustrate Hadley and that Hadley's best wins come against fighters who stand in front of him.
Bruno Silva - Fight History
The host picks Bruno Silva, noting that Silva is better on the mat and can counter while moving forward on the feet. He believes Silva's opportunistic takedowns and slick transitions will give him the edge. He also mentions that Silva does not accept bottom position and is quick to attack submissions.
AJ picks Bruno Silva due to his well-rounded game, strong wrestling, and experience against elite competition. He views Cháirez as having questionable fight IQ and less proven wins. AJ expects Silva to outwork Cháirez over three rounds, possibly winning a decision, and notes Silva's toughness and activity as green flags.
AJ sees Bruno Silva as the better fighter with a speed and physicality advantage over Édgar Cháirez. He expects Silva to outwork Cháirez over three rounds, possibly winning a decision. AJ notes Cháirez's recent split decision win was unimpressive and Silva's striking and wrestling are superior.
Angelo picks Bruno Silva, citing his power and output advantage. He believes Silva will be the one moving forward and dictating pace, making Cháirez uncomfortable. He notes that when pressured, Cháirez tends to back up and doesn't fight as comfortably, and may get taken down where he throws up random submissions.
Big Brady picks Édgar Cháirez to win by third round knockout. He thinks the market is low on Cháirez after a poor performance in Mexico City, but expects Cháirez to return to his aggressive style. He notes that Bruno Silva is older and has been finished multiple times, and that Cháirez has a good chance to land a big shot late.
Édgar Cháirez is the underdog but has power and range with head kicks and jabs. Bruno Silva is past his prime and likely won't take the fight to the ground. Cháirez will win by decision, using his reach advantage and boxing, as Silva's recent performances have been poor.
Cody picks Cháirez as a slight underdog, noting it's a 50/50 fight. He cites Cháirez's youth, reach advantage, and better gas tank. Silva is older and may slow down. He prefers the plus money on Cháirez.
Bruno Silva is picked because he has faster hands, more power, and better wrestling than Édgar Cháirez. Cháirez struggled against Felipe Bunes and has a tendency to pull guard and sit in his guard. Silva's aggressive pressure and ground and pound should overwhelm Cháirez. The host expects a decision win, as both are durable.
Silva has more pathways to victory with his grappling and wrestling advantage. Chavez has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. Silva should bank the first round with takedowns and win a decision.
Lucrative James picks Édgar Cháirez, citing Bruno Silva's age (36) and recent decline at flyweight, where fighters peak young. He notes Cháirez's finishing ability, having hurt top fighters like Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira, and Silva's increased vulnerability. He predicts Cháirez will hurt Silva on the feet and secure a submission, possibly a guillotine or rear-naked choke.
Silva's pressure, calf kicks, and boxing combinations should overwhelm Cháirez, who lacks one-punch knockout power. Silva dictates the pace and avoids submission threats, grinding out a decision. The -135 line is acceptable.
Paul picks Silva but is hesitant, noting both fighters are durable and the fight likely goes to decision. He prefers the over 2.5 rounds prop as the best bet. He admits Silva is a fan pick.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 0 | 85 of 162 | 52% | 110 of 189 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 73 of 136 | 53% | 101 of 171 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:43 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 18 of 34 | 52% | 18 of 36 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 12 of 19 | 63% | 15 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 33 of 60 | 55% | 38 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 27 of 53 | 50% | 37 of 66 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:21 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 0 | 34 of 68 | 50% | 54 of 88 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 34 of 64 | 53% | 49 of 83 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:29 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Johnson | 85 of 162 | 52% | 43 of 101 | 30 of 46 | 12 of 15 | 61 of 132 | 24 of 30 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 73 of 136 | 53% | 52 of 106 | 14 of 21 | 7 of 9 | 71 of 131 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Johnson | 18 of 34 | 52% | 7 of 18 | 7 of 10 | 4 of 6 | 11 of 26 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 12 of 19 | 63% | 6 of 11 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Charles Johnson | 33 of 60 | 55% | 17 of 37 | 10 of 16 | 6 of 7 | 29 of 56 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 27 of 53 | 50% | 18 of 39 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 5 | 27 of 52 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Charles Johnson | 34 of 68 | 50% | 19 of 46 | 13 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 50 | 13 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 34 of 64 | 53% | 28 of 56 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 32 of 60 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-200); Silva (+170)
Round 1
Keith Peterson is the referee. Silva with an inside low kick early. Johnson shoots behind a punch. Silva defends and they’re in the clinch. Johnson lands a hook on the break. Johnson fakes a shot behind a left. Johnson with a front kick. The American shoots from long distance and Silva defends easily. Silva shoves his foe into the fence. Silva backs off. A right lands for Johnson, who follows with a leg kick. A sharp right connects for the Brazilian. Silva kicks the body. Johnson appears to be bothered by the pressure. Silva clinches again and locks his hands. Johnson lands an elbow in close quaters and Silva backs off. Silva lands in an exchange. They trade low kicks. Silva with a right as Johnson moves forward. Johnson partially lands a high kick. Johnson mixes in a low kick and a front kick. Silva answers by kicking the body. Silva keeps the pressure on late in the round.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Round 2
Johnson kicks the body and they trade in the pocket. Silva blocks a head kick. Silva is pressuring and Johnson is forced to defend a takedown. Johnson lands a knee and shoves his foe away. A jab lands for Johnson before Silva shoots. Johnson denies the takedown and the flyweights clinch against the fence. Silva backs off and Johnson lands a combination. A kick by Silva lands below the belt and time is called. Johnson is ready to go right away. They trade low kicks. Silva again looks for the takedown, shoving Johnson into the fence. Johnson lands a knee before they separate. Johson lands a kick and Silva counters. A straight left gets through for Johnson. Silva clinches behind an uppercut and they break quickly. Johnson fires a high kcik, but it doesn’t land clean. Another uppercut for Silva, who clinches with his opponent again. Johnson lands a short elbow in close. Silva lands a combination against the fence. A body kick lands for Johnson. The flyweights clash heads in the clinch and Johnson seemed to get the worst of it. Time is called. Silva fires a front kick and it lands low. It’s the second low blow of the round, and Johnson is in more pain than he was from the first foul. No point is taken, however. Johnson grabs a leg but lets it go. Silva with a body kick before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Round 3
Johnson catches a kick and lets the leg go. Johnson lands a left and they clinch. Inside leg kick for Johnson, and they clinch in the center of the cage. Silva shoves Johnson into the fence. Silva drops low in pursuit of the takedown, but Johnson defends well. Jonson jabs and they trae in close quarters. Both men land before the flyweights clinch. They battle for position before separating. This time Johnson initiates the clinch. Silva lands a combination at range and he’s pressuring Johnson, who is in defense mode. Silva ties up with his opponent against the cage. Johnson denies a takedown attempt. Johnson with a high kick on the break. Silva tries a spinning back elbow. Johnson with kicks and a right hand in hopes of creating space. Silva closes the distance again, shoving Johnson into the fence. He briefly gets the American down, but he’s up in short order. Silva moves in and lands an uppercut before clinching. They battle it out in the clinch, and Johnson lands a nice knee. Silva moves forward and goes back to the uppercut. Jonson responds with a slashing elbow. Silva keeps moving forward. but Johnson is landing plenty of offense. Both men are slugging it out in the waning moments of the fight. Johnson is finding the mark quite often. Another elbow lands for Johnson. They trade right up until the final horn, with Silva getting in a few more shots.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (30-27 Johnson)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (30-27 Johnson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (30-27 Johnson)
The Official Result
Charles Johnson def. Bruno Silva via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00
Angelo picks Charles Johnson but admits nervousness due to Bruno Silva's one-punch knockout power. He notes Johnson's excellent footwork, hand speed, and cardio, and believes if Johnson gets going early, he can avoid the big shot and win a decision. He acknowledges Johnson has been knocked out before but thinks his high IQ will prevail.
Big Brady picks Charles Johnson to win by third-round knockout, but expresses wariness due to Johnson's recent knockout loss and chin concerns. He likes the stylistic matchup, noting Silva's front-loaded power and tendency to fade, but worries Johnson might get knocked out early. He calls Johnson inconsistent.
Cody picks Bruno Silva as a dog, citing his wrestling, power, and durability. He notes Johnson's takedown defense issues and recent knockout loss. He thinks Silva can win by decision or submission.
Connor also picks Charles Johnson, emphasizing that Bruno Silva lacks the ability to adjust strategically, while Johnson can figure out his opponent as the fight progresses. He notes that Silva's wins come from opponents making the same mistakes, which Johnson does not do. Connor sees Johnson's adaptability as the key factor.
James picks Charles Johnson to win by decision, but expresses concern about Johnson's quick return after a knockout loss. He notes Johnson's superior cardio, volume, and tools, but worries about his durability and potential recklessness. He believes Johnson is the better fighter overall but is uncertain how he will approach the fight.
The host picks Johnson to win by decision, expecting him to outclass Silva on the feet. He highlights Johnson's reach advantage, defensive grappling, and ability to get back to his feet quickly. He believes Johnson's striking will be too much for Silva, and that Silva's power and grappling won't be enough to overcome Johnson's technical edge.
Paul picks Bruno Silva, noting he bets him every fight. He likes his wrestling and power, and thinks he can outgrapple Johnson. He expects a close fight but Silva has value at plus money.
The Guru picks Charles Johnson, believing he will walk down Bruno Silva as the fight progresses. He notes Johnson's size advantage (5'9" vs 5'4") and reach, and that Silva fights in bursts and lacks consistent finishing ability. He predicts a TKO in the second round.
Zane picks Charles Johnson, citing Johnson's ability to adjust and evolve during fights, unlike Bruno Silva who tends to make the same mistakes repeatedly. He notes that Silva's wins come against fighters who repeat errors, while Johnson adapts and finds solutions. Zane acknowledges Silva's danger but believes Johnson's flexibility gives him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 1 | 46 of 74 | 62% | 60 of 92 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 1 | 0 | 4:49 |
| Park Hyun-sung | 0 | 31 of 108 | 28% | 56 of 136 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 20 of 33 | 60% | 20 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Park Hyun-sung | 0 | 10 of 31 | 32% | 15 of 37 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:42 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 1 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 26 of 36 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:25 |
| Park Hyun-sung | 0 | 7 of 31 | 22% | 27 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 14 of 23 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Park Hyun-sung | 0 | 14 of 46 | 30% | 14 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 46 of 74 | 62% | 30 of 57 | 14 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 44 of 72 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Park Hyun-sung | 31 of 108 | 28% | 18 of 86 | 11 of 15 | 2 of 7 | 23 of 95 | 8 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 20 of 33 | 60% | 13 of 25 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 19 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Park Hyun-sung | 10 of 31 | 32% | 5 of 20 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 5 | 7 of 26 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 12 of 18 | 66% | 8 of 14 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Park Hyun-sung | 7 of 31 | 22% | 6 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bruno Silva | 14 of 23 | 60% | 9 of 18 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Park Hyun-sung | 14 of 46 | 30% | 7 of 37 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 40 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Park (-250); Silva (+200)
Round 1
The good news for these two flyweights is that one of them will get back in the win column. The bad is that the losing party will be on or will continue their losing streak, and that is not a great place to be after the UFC signed more fighters from this year’s Contender Series than any other. Silva (14-7-2, 1 NC; 4-4, 1 NC UFC) has dropped two straight after registering a mighty four-fight finish streak, while South Korea’s Park (10-1, 3-1 UFC) is aiming to bounce back from his first career defeat. Referee Sal Ram draws the charge for these action-packed 125ers, who race together to bump fists.
The athletes immediately start with jabs from either side, trying to figure out how far away they need to be to engage. Silva is the aggressor, although neither man commits to much in the opening 55 seconds. The Brazilian races forward with a flurry of punches, and Park ducks them and hits a counter double to take the wind out of Silva’s sails. Park climbs on from the side, and before he can get his legs around his foe, Silva explodes up to his feet. Silva leaps forward after his opponent to score a pair of scooping uppercuts, and Park shrugs them off and drops to his knees in pursuit of a takedown. Silva sprawls and spins around to take the back.
Silva lifts Park up from behind and slams him to the floor, and Park works his way up and knees Silva in the sternum to break. Silva’s uppercut scores again, but this time Park is waiting for it with a counter overhand right. Silva sneaks in an uppercut that bloodies Park’s mouth, who smiles at him and fires back with a vengeance. Silva hops back and forth between stances, and his swiping left hand further damages Park’s lower mandible. Silva aims that punch at the same target again, and Park stands him up with a head kick. Silva pushes off and a finger scrapes the eye, and Park protests but the foul is not called. A few seconds later, Ram tells Silva to watch his fingers. Silva answers with a hacking elbow that splits a cut open on the top of Park’s hairline. Blood dribbles down his forehead, and he looks for a spinning back elbow but Silva is out of the way in time. When Silva escapes, he points at Park. They both trade short punches on the inside when clashing together, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Round 2
A high-five is shared to open things up, and Park reintroduces himself with a chopping low kick and a pair of looping hooks. When Silva fires back, Park clips him with a right on the temple. The Brazilian puts everything behind a leaping left hook, and he knocks the South Korean to the canvas. The speedster Silva leaps on top and keeps Park from standing, assuming back control and following Park’s scrambles to briefly threaten. Park spins and works his way upright, chasing Silva around the cage, whipping an elbow at his man. Both men swing for the bleachers with right hooks, and Silva gets his fist on Park’s face first and disorients him. “Bulldog” bull-rushes his man and tackles him to the mat, and he tosses aside a submission setup to establish top control.
Silva smothers to keep Park from escaping, and Park tries creative scrambles, twist and turns to get out. Silva maintains his position by securing half guard, only for Park to pull his own feet beneath himself so he can pop back up to his feet. Silva rushes right at him, bullying the South Korean to the fence and working him over with short but effective left hands. Silva lifts Park’s leg up, and Park threatens by wrapping his arms around the neck. Silva backs off, and he welcomes the opportunity for Park to swing on him because he is hitting harder and more accurately. A pair of uppercuts get Park’s attention, and Silva manages to bowl Park back over and reestablish himself on top. Silva largely holds Park down for the remainder of the round, smacking him with the occasional ground strike.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Round 3
Ram calls time when the round begins to bring in the doctor and check on Park’s lip that is split. He is cleared to continue without issue. The fighters come together and touch gloves, and then go right after it. Park starts to smile as he connects with quick punches, and he swings while cognizant that a level change is coming. Park shuts down a takedown shot and he cracks Silva, forcing Silva to sprint away to recover. Park marches his man down, laying into him and shutting down takedown efforts. Silva just misses with a spinning back fist, and Park is still on him giving him everything he can handle. Silva replies with an uppercut, and Park catches him with a right hand. “Bulldog” steps in with a crisp knee to the solar plexus, and he catches a kick and wrenches Park to the floor. Park turns over immediately so he can post off and stand, and Silva grabs him from behind and mat returns him. Park’s mouth hangs open after the damage he has taken in this match, and Silva wraps his hooks around the waist and threatens with a choke. Park spins all the way around the break up the submission and get to his knees, but Silva follows him every step of the way. Silva hops on to snatch up an unusual rear-naked choke without a single hook in, crouched behind his adversary squeezing the life out of him. It only takes seconds before Park frantically taps out, with the choke completely locked up and going nowhere. Silva immediately releases his grip and climbs atop the cage to perform a skillful back flip, nearly sticking the landing but not having quite enough left in the tank to keep himself upright. Instead, he backwards somersaults and has a laugh, having sprung the upset by placing Park on his first career losing streak.
The Official Result
Bruno Silva def. Hyun Sung Park R3 2:15 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo picks Bruno Silva as an underdog, arguing he is tough, gritty, and dangerous everywhere. He notes Silva's recent losses were to elite strikers (Joshua Van, Manel Kape) and believes he can win a dogfight. He acknowledges Park's grappling and power but questions his resume and durability.
Big Brady notes Park is unproven against top competition but likes his youth, power, and slick grappling. He worries about Bruno Silva's age, damage taken, and questionable durability. He thinks Park will pressure and finish Silva as the fight goes on, predicting a third-round finish.
Cody picks Silva, citing his power and durability. He notes Park has been knocked down by lesser competition and has poor durability. Silva is a dog who fights for your dollar. Cody expects Silva to win by knockout or decision.
Connor picks Bruno Silva, highlighting Silva's dynamic counter-punching and ability to find big shots even when losing. He notes that Park has thrived on athleticism and size but lacks technical depth, and that Silva's right hand is a major threat to Park's square stance. Connor also points out that Park's only real test was against Tatsuro Taira, who dominated him, and that Silva is a much tougher step up.
James is torn on this fight. He acknowledges Bruno Silva's skills but questions his durability and age (35) after two brutal knockout losses. He also notes Park's finishing ability but doubts his cardio if the fight goes long. James plans to do more tape study before making a final decision.
The host sees this as a great spot for Park to get back in the win column, utilizing his athleticism, speed, and power advantages over the veteran Bruno Silva. He expects Park to land a seminal blow in the second or third round and win by knockout.
Paul picks Silva, agreeing with Cody. He notes Park's striking is not elite and his durability is questionable. Silva has fought tougher competition and has power. Paul sees value at plus 215.
The MMA Guru picks Bruno Silva over Kyung Ho Kang Park (Park Hyun-sung). He notes Silva's dangerous striking and BJJ, and believes he won't be submitted. He thinks Park's loss to Tatsuro Taira shows he is bottom-of-the-barrel flyweight level. He predicts a hard-fought split decision win for Silva, taking him as an underdog.
Zane also picks Bruno Silva, citing Silva's underrated toughness and ability to figure out opponents who crash into him. He notes that Park has been pushed past his level of experience and has no easy answers to problems. Zane believes Silva is a lot more difficult than he gets credit for, and that Park's athleticism won't be enough.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 76 of 149 | 51% | 77 of 150 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Joshua Van | 3 | 125 of 217 | 57% | 149 of 241 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 22 of 40 | 55% | 22 of 40 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joshua Van | 1 | 28 of 55 | 50% | 28 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 22 of 49 | 44% | 22 of 49 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Joshua Van | 2 | 52 of 93 | 55% | 76 of 117 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:55 | |
| 3 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 32 of 60 | 53% | 33 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joshua Van | 0 | 45 of 69 | 65% | 45 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 76 of 149 | 51% | 37 of 101 | 13 of 19 | 26 of 29 | 73 of 146 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Joshua Van | 125 of 217 | 57% | 108 of 196 | 11 of 14 | 6 of 7 | 97 of 177 | 4 of 5 | 24 of 35 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 22 of 40 | 55% | 7 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 13 of 14 | 22 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Joshua Van | 28 of 55 | 50% | 24 of 48 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 26 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 22 of 49 | 44% | 9 of 33 | 5 of 8 | 8 of 8 | 22 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Joshua Van | 52 of 93 | 55% | 45 of 86 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 33 of 65 | 2 of 3 | 17 of 25 | |
| 3 | Bruno Silva | 32 of 60 | 53% | 21 of 46 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 7 | 29 of 57 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Joshua Van | 45 of 69 | 65% | 39 of 62 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 38 of 60 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Van (-625), Silva (+455)
Round 1
Vitor Ribeiro will oversee our last preliminary fight. Silva immediately scores a knockdown with his opening leg kick. Van pops back up. Both men are feeling each other out early. Silva scores with several inside leg kicks. Van fires back with a jab and then a straight right hand just barely misses. Silva scores again with a leg kick. Van lands a right-hand counter and then sneaks in an uppercut after Silva tries to flurry. The sharp striking of Van is really hurting Silva each time he lands. Silva tries to enter by charging forward. A straight right that is followed by a left hook floors Silva. Van is in complete control. Van lands a left hook as Silva misses with an overhand right. Silva goes back to his leg kicks, which is the only success he is having. Silva is eating jabs.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Van
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Van
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Van
Round 2
Van comes out aggressive to start the second round. Silva clinches with Van to slow down the pace, but can't keep control of him. Van is working his jab while avoiding the punches of Silva. Van sneaks in a jab as Silva tries to throw a hook. Silva's face is reddened, while it doesn't look like Van has taken a single punch. Silva goes back to leg kicks, which are still effective. Nice hook to the body for Silva, who tries to throw a front kick, but it misses. Van drops Silva with a straight right hand that came as Silva was rushing forward. Van scores with ground and pound, but Silva gets back to his feet and charges for a takedown. While successful, Silva can't keep Van on the ground. Van lands a right hook that wobbles Silva. Van lands a knee to Silva as his opponent was changing levels. Van is in guard and lands punches before letting Silva up as the round expires.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Van
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Van
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Van
Round 3
Silva uses the outside and lands a nice body kick. Van is working his jab well and then slips in a right straight. It feels as if every punch Van throws finds its mark. A nice 1-2 lands for Van, who follows it up with an uppercut. Silva is throwing back, even if he's outgunned and is showing some serious toughness. Van eats a right hand, which Silva follows with a leg kick. So far, this is Silva's best round, but he's still getting pieced up. A right hand for Van lands, bloodying the nose of Silva. A heavy jab lands for Van before landing another 1-2. Silva walks into a right hook, which stuns him. Van takes full advantage as he charges forward with uppercuts that knock Silva down, and then
Van rains down punches for the TKO victory
.
The Official Result
Joshua Van def. Bruno Silva via TKO (Punches); R3, 4:01.
Angelo picks Joshua Van because of his rapid improvements and clean technique. He acknowledges Bruno Silva's power and toughness but thinks Bruno is sloppy and older. He worries about Joshua's chin after the Charles Johnson KO but believes Joshua's striking will be too clean. He notes the odds are becoming unusable at 5-to-1.
Big Brady picks Joshua Van but acknowledges this is his toughest test. He likes Van's volume, pressure, and pace, and thinks he will break Silva in the later rounds. He notes Silva's power and that Van has been finished before, but expects Van to overcome early adversity and knock Silva out in the third round. He cites Silva's history of being finished in the third round.
The fight may be competitive early, but Van's classic style is expected to take over as he batters Bruno Silva through the last 12.5 minutes. Van wins on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Joshua Van, citing his composure, distance control, and improving takedown defense. He notes Bruno Silva is underrated and has power, but Van can slow the fight down and build momentum. He predicts a unanimous decision win for Van, possibly 30-27, with a scare if Van's back is taken.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manel Kape | 1 | 111 of 168 | 66% | 111 of 168 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 57 of 112 | 50% | 60 of 115 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manel Kape | 0 | 32 of 48 | 66% | 32 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 19 of 34 | 55% | 21 of 36 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Manel Kape | 0 | 39 of 66 | 59% | 39 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 27 of 43 | 62% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Manel Kape | 1 | 40 of 54 | 74% | 40 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 11 of 35 | 31% | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manel Kape | 111 of 168 | 66% | 71 of 127 | 18 of 19 | 22 of 22 | 109 of 165 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
| Bruno Silva | 57 of 112 | 50% | 27 of 74 | 21 of 29 | 9 of 9 | 55 of 110 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manel Kape | 32 of 48 | 66% | 21 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 9 | 31 of 47 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 19 of 34 | 55% | 7 of 18 | 10 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Manel Kape | 39 of 66 | 59% | 25 of 52 | 5 of 5 | 9 of 9 | 38 of 65 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruno Silva | 27 of 43 | 62% | 13 of 27 | 7 of 9 | 7 of 7 | 26 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Manel Kape | 40 of 54 | 74% | 25 of 38 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 40 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Bruno Silva | 11 of 35 | 31% | 7 of 29 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Kape (-345), Silva (+275)
Round 1
Keith Peterson will referee the final flyweight fight on the UFC calendar. Kape's striking looks extremely quick. Silva throws out some kicks but eats a right hand for leaving it out. Nice leg kick by Kape, who then follows it up with punches. A big overhand right for Silva lands. A low blow hits Kape. The fight is restarted after a brief break. Silva keeps getting caught by Kape after he throws out leg kicks. Kape is the faster fighter. Kape gets kicked in the groin again. No point is taken. Kape finishes off the round in control and misses a spinning back fist.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kape
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kape
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kape
Round 2
Silva charges forward, trying to get a takedown attempt, but it's unsuccessful. Kape catches Silva with a hook. Silva gets hurt with a right hook. Kape taunts him and then lands a huge right hand as well. Silva's power is just not respected by Kape. Yet another low blow as Kape goes down. Peterson finally takes a point from Silva. Kape looks reenergized. After hitting Silva with a right hook, Kape mocks him and dances as he avoids another punch. Incredible theater here and quite embarrassing for Silva, who is getting clowned up despite landing several illegal strikes. A solid right hand lands for Silva. Kape finishes the round with a solid body kick.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Kape
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Kape
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Kape
Round 3
Silva comes out recklessly swinging as he knows he needs a finish. A right hand cracks Kape, but he doesn't show any signs of being hurt. Kape is continuing to piece up Silva, landing a combination of punches to the body. Silva walks backward into the fence while Kape lands hooks to the body. Silva charges forward and lands a left hook.
Kape lands a brutal body kick, and Silva turtles up. Kape continues with a flurry of punches, and Silva falls to the floor.
Peterson waves it off as Silva has no fight left in him.
The Official Result
Manel Kape def. Bruno Silva via TKO (Punches); R3, 1:57.
Angelo picks Kape as the cleaner, more technical striker with better footwork. He notes Kape's speed, explosiveness, and ability to bounce in and out of range, while Silva is a tough bruiser who is good everywhere but not technical. He expects Kape to win by decision due to Silva's toughness, and sees value in Kape's odds.
Big Brady picks Manel Kape to win by second-round knockout, but is hesitant due to Kape's inconsistency. He notes Kape has looked like a star in some fights but has also had terrible performances where he did nothing. He thinks Kape has a major skill advantage and should finish Silva, but is not sure he will show up.
Cody picks Bruno Silva as a live underdog, citing Manel Kape's history of tentative performances and poor output. He notes Silva's power, durability, and recent knockout wins, and believes Silva's willingness to push the pace will expose Kape's tendency to sit back. Cody also mentions Silva's training at Fight Ready with high-level partners.
Connor picks Kape, acknowledging Silva's toughness and well-roundedness but noting that Kape's athleticism and speed are superior. He thinks Silva's best chance is to pressure, but that plays into Kape's counterpunching. Connor expects a slow fight where Kape eventually lands a big shot.
Daniel Vreeland picks Manel Kape to win by knockout, citing Kape's fast hands and explosiveness. He notes that Bruno Silva is tough and will stand and trade, which plays into Kape's strengths. Vreeland believes Kape can hurt Silva more than Cody Durman did, and that a finish is likely. He mentions Kape's past issues with overconfidence but thinks he will perform well here.
Lucrative James picks Manel Kape to win, citing Kape's accuracy, athleticism, and durability. He acknowledges Bruno Silva's power and grappling upside, but believes Kape's sharpshooting and ability to land heavy blows will prevail. He notes Silva's recent poor performance against Cody Durden and Kape's overall skill advantage, though he admits Silva has value as an underdog.
Kape's explosiveness, power, and speed will be too much for Bruno Silva. He will land the more damaging strikes, which could lead to a finish, but the prediction is for Kape to win on the scorecards.
Paul leans towards Bruno Silva, agreeing with Cody that the price is too high on Kape. He notes Kape's inconsistency and Silva's power and durability. Paul sees this as a dogger pass situation and is willing to take the plus money on Silva.
The MMA Guru picks Manel Kape, acknowledging Bruno Silva's underrated skills and finishing ability but believing Kape's takedown defense and durability are underrated. He notes that Kape has never been finished and has gone the distance with champions like Pantoja. He predicts Kape will win by TKO or decision, possibly with a flying knee. He dismisses Silva's wins as against lower-level competition.
Zane picks Kape despite his low-output style, because Kape's speed and explosiveness are too much for Silva. He notes that Silva is a counterpuncher who may struggle to time Kape's sporadic attacks, and that if Silva pressures, he risks getting countered. Zane thinks Silva will eventually get frustrated and get 'nuked'.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 28 of 63 | 44% | 31 of 68 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 2:35 |
| Cody Durden | 1 | 42 of 73 | 57% | 45 of 77 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 24 of 57 | 42% | 25 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Cody Durden | 0 | 22 of 47 | 46% | 23 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 2:23 |
| Cody Durden | 1 | 20 of 26 | 76% | 22 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 28 of 63 | 44% | 20 of 52 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 27 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Durden | 42 of 73 | 57% | 31 of 57 | 6 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 24 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 21 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 24 of 57 | 42% | 16 of 46 | 5 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 24 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Durden | 22 of 47 | 46% | 13 of 33 | 5 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 21 of 46 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Durden | 20 of 26 | 76% | 18 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 21 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Durden (-122), Silva (+102)
Round 1
In the only other fight on the billing beyond the main event with UFC-ranked fighter, top-15 Durden (16-5-1, 5-3-1 UFC) would like nothing more than to put a rough face crank submission loss in December behind him. He will meet fellow grappler Silva (13-5-2, 1 NC; 3-2, 1 NC UFC) in the center of the cage, in what could be an interesting clash of styles on the mat. Referee Chris Tognoni is ready whether it lasts three minutes or all three rounds, and he commences the match as the 125ers bump fists. Durden is quick to lash out with a body kick, and he walks Silva down and marks Silva’s left eye up early with punches. Durden changes levels, and the two bonk heads as Tognoni tells them to be careful. Durden keeps chasing after his opponent, and Silva pushes him away and lands a sweeping leg kick. Silva races forward to tie the American up, and he lands a knee to the guts while Durden looks to trip Silva up. Durden scores a right at the break, and chases to land another long right hand before Silva can zip away. Silva pushes off with the ball of his foot, and he jabs the body and avoids a front kick. Durden clips his opponent with three punches, and he ducks when Silva tries to spin with a back fist to counter. Durden sits down on a chopping kick, and he evades a scooping uppercut and stops a takedown effort in its tracks from the Brazilian. Durden surges forward, fighting behind his jab, and he swipes with a left hook on his way in. Durden attacks with a leg kick, and he is countered with an overhand right. Durden connects with two hooks, and he meanders forward pawing with hooks until committing to one up top and another to the body. Silva misses with another big uppercut, but his front kick does land cleanly. Durden winds up with a huge right hand that busts into Silva’s nose, reddening his cheek and nose, and he wears it well. Durden parries a body shot, swipes out with a left hand and drills Silva with a right hand. Silva cries foul, and Tognoni pauses the action and calls for a replay to confirm that Durden’s fingers grazed the eyeball. The Brazilian needs a doctor to come in and wipe away his eye, and Tognoni goes to calmly warn Durden for the accidental foul. Silva informs Tognoni that he can continue, but needs a little more time to recover—he has four more minutes, and no booing crowd to urge him to return to combat sooner than he should. Silva tells Tognoni his eye is spasming, but he can keep going, and they get back to it after two minutes of recovery. Both men rush at one hellbent for leather, and the proceed to throw it hard. Both men tag the other, and Durden is warned for outstretched fingers. Silva kicks low as blood trickles out of his nostril, and Durden turns with a back kick that plants square in the solar plexus. Durden points to his success, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Durden
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Durden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Durden
Round 2
The flyweights clock in for the second round, and Silva is smiling and ready to return to action. He strikes first in the form of a leg kick, and Durden answers him with a twitchy right hand. Durden finds success with it and beans the Brazilian with two more, putting “Bulldog” on skates. Silva backs off and shoots for a takedown, and Durden catches a brabo choke. Silva turns the proper direction, and he fights off a subsequent anaconda choke. Durden tries a third time to land a similar submission, and Silva survives all three and lowers himself to his back. Silva tries to tug off the fence links to find a better angle, and Durden lays flat on top of him. Silva wall-walks to his knees, and Durden is on him and drags him back down when Silva pops up. Durden stays glued to his man, but Silva explodes back to his feet and walks Durden down.
“Bulldog” walks through a jab and drills Durden in the jaw with a ferocious uppercut, knocking his mouthpiece clean out and sending the American crashing to the canvas. Silva pounces and unloads with relentless right hands, pouring it on and drawing blood that sprays the mat as he beats Durden down. Silva continues landing as Tognoni asks for Durden to fight back, and when Durden’s arms go limp, he intervenes.
This is a crazy comeback for Silva, who turns the tables with just one punch and may have performed some unauthorized dental work on the soon-to-be-unranked contender. This sport never fails to surprise, and no fighter is ever totally safe while the cage door is locked and both competitors are still in the fight.
The Official Result
Bruno Silva def. Cody Durden R2 2:58 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cody Durden because his aggressive wrestling pace will be too much for Bruno Silva, leading to a close decision. He notes that Silva has power and could land a knockout, but Durden's chin is a concern. He does not mention a bet, but is confident in the pick.
Cody picks Bruno Silva, highlighting his striking advantage and the fact that he accepted the fight before Durden, indicating confidence from training together. He notes Silva's defensive wrestling is solid and that Durden will struggle to take him down. He also mentions Silva's submission win over Tyson Nam as impressive.
Daniel Vreeland picks his friend Cody Durden, citing Durden's superior wrestling, volume, and training with Pantoja. He acknowledges Bruno's explosive power and opportunistic submissions but believes Durden will outwork him everywhere. Vreeland warns against underestimating Durden's standup and submission defense.
Silva is a +100 underdog. He has a slick boxing approach and BJJ black belt, and his takedown defense and ability to work back to his feet should frustrate Durden. Durden will put himself in danger with his wrestling, and Silva can capitalize with a submission or TKO. Silva's inactivity (16 months) is a concern, but his skills should be enough to get the win.
Paul also picks Bruno Silva, agreeing with Cody's points about Silva's striking and the familiarity from training. He thinks Silva has an advantage on the feet and that Durden will be in trouble if he tries to grapple. He also notes the submission prop as a possibility.
The MMA Guru picks Cody Durden, trusting in his activity. He notes Bruno Silva has been inactive, fighting only once since 2021, while Durden has been consistently fighting. He highlights Durden's wins over Jake Hadley and Charles Johnson, and believes Durden is more disciplined and focused. He also mentions Durden is bigger for the division.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 0 | 12 of 38 | 31% | 12 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tyson Nam | 1 | 23 of 45 | 51% | 27 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:53 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 12 of 35 | 34% | 12 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tyson Nam | 0 | 19 of 36 | 52% | 19 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tyson Nam | 1 | 4 of 9 | 44% | 8 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 12 of 38 | 31% | 6 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tyson Nam | 23 of 45 | 51% | 14 of 33 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Silva | 12 of 35 | 34% | 6 of 28 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tyson Nam | 19 of 36 | 52% | 10 of 24 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bruno Silva | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tyson Nam | 4 of 9 | 44% | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-195), Nam (+165)
Round 1
Moving right along, flyweights take center stage as two of the heavier handed competitors in the division meet. Fresh off a first-round knockout last August, Nam (21-12-1, 3-3 UFC) at 39 years of age looks to prove he still has some life left, and he steps into the cage against Brazilian bulldog Silva (12-5-2, 1 NC; 2-2, 1 NC UFC). Aware that this one could end in a moment’s notice, referee Chris Tognoni is prepped and ready for what happens next. There is no thought of offering a glove touch, and instead the two want to engage. Silva introduces himself with a whipping leg kick, and Nam smiles at him as he walks him down. Nam hand-fights with his left hand outstretched, and he follows a pawing left with a straight right. Silva circles away as Nam gives chase, with Nam lining up his right hand. Silva darts forward with two hooks, doing enough to make Nam smiles again. The Brazilian fires off another nasty low kick, and his subsequent combination flusters Nam. Silva spins with a back fist that collides perfectly off the side of Nam’s head, and the elder statesman simply grins at him. Tognoni warns Nam for outstretched fingers, and Silva boots his foe in the body. Nam continues to walk Silva down, and they trade low kick for low kick. Silva slides a right hand around the guard, and Nam practically ignores it as he kicks the inside thigh in response. Silva shoots in suddenly for a takedown, and Nam tosses it aside and ducks a looping punch. When Silva aims a kick to the ribcage, Nam catches him with an overhand right. Silva backs off as the jabs from Nam aim at his face, and he connects with a clean right hand while backing away. Nam bears down on him with a short salvo of punches, and Silva is mostly out of harm’s way in time. Silva goes for a takedown to keep Nam honest when Nam backs him against the wall, but Nam keeps his forward momentum when there is nothing to the entry. Nam blocks a spinning back fist as he marches onward, and he eats a body kick when trying to throw hands. Nam gets off his own body kick and scores a few punches to follow before the close round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Round 2
The bantamweights meet in the middle, but it is Silva that takes a backward step when Nam comes at him faster. Nam pushes out jab after inaccurate jab, and Silva times a spectacular front kick up the middle that smashes into Nam’s jaw and sends in crashing to the canvas. Silva leaps down on top in the blink of an eye into Nam’s guard, and he pummels a dazed Nam with ground strikes.
As Nam looks to escape and get his bearings, Silva slithers around to take the back as Nam is standing up. “Bulldog” snatches up a rear-naked choke without even getting a hook in, and Nam falls to the mat as Silva secures the back take. Silva gets his hooks in, and he crushes with his grip while Nam tries and fails to fight the hands and break the grip. As he is attempting to free himself from the submission, Nam goes out,
and Tognoni recognizes this and calls a halt to the match immediately. This is a big win for Silva, who may find himself with a number next to his name next week as he becomes the first man to submit the well-traveled Nam.
The Official Result
Bruno Silva def. Tyson Nam R2 1:23 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo leans toward Bruno Silva because he has more ways to win, being well-rounded with power, wrestling, and submissions. He acknowledges Tyson Nam's one-punch knockout power but prefers the versatility. He suggests the best bet might be Tyson Nam inside the distance (decision no action) due to Nam's toughness and Silva's potential rust from a two-year layoff.
Big Brady picks Bruno Silva because he believes Silva will be the more active striker and has a clear grappling advantage. He notes that Tyson Nam relies on landing a big shot and doesn't grapple, and at 39 years old it's hard to favor him. Brady expects Silva to mix in takedowns and win by decision, as Nam's 100% takedown defense hasn't been tested by grapplers.
Cody picks Silva but is hesitant due to the two-year layoff. He acknowledges Silva's momentum before the layoff and his training, but notes ring rust concerns. He prefers a prop on Nam by KO if the price is right.
Connor picks Nam, favoring his pressure and counter-striking style. He notes that Nam is comfortable in the pocket and accurate with his right hand, while Silva tends to become frantic under pressure and may give Nam the openings he wants. He acknowledges Silva's toughness and tricky entries but thinks Nam's experience and timing will prevail.
I think Silva's improvements in combination striking and his ability to take the fight to the ground will be key. He can avoid Nam's power by dragging him to the mat and controlling the fight there. Nam's decision-making is poor when he can't knock opponents out. Silva should win by decision, but be cautious of Nam's knockout power.
Paul picks Silva, noting his improvements and durability. He thinks Silva's wrestling and chin will be too much for Nam, who is a one-dimensional banger. He likes the -200 price relative to other favorites on the card.
The MMA Guru picks Bruno Silva over Tyson Nam, despite Nam being the popular pick. He believes Silva is technical and has improved his boxing, making him dangerous. He notes Nam is 39 and questions his ability to get another KO win. The Guru predicts Silva will win by TKO finish.
Zane picks Silva, believing his durability and power will be the difference. He notes that Silva is very hard to knock out and will create exchanges, while Nam's low output could be a problem if Silva pressures him. He thinks Silva will do a little more over three rounds, but acknowledges it's a close fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 1 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Victor Rodriguez | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 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 | Bruno Silva | 1 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Victor Rodriguez | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Silva | 6 of 12 | 50% | 4 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 |
| Victor Rodriguez | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 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 | Bruno Silva | 6 of 12 | 50% | 4 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 |
| Victor Rodriguez | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Switching gears to the flyweights once more, what happens when a man named “Bulldog” takes on a fighter that goes by “Vicious”? In this meeting, Brazil’s Silva (11-5-2, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC) squares off against Alaska native Rodriguez (5-3, 0-1 UFC), in a battle of two fighters aiming to even their UFC records to .500. The 125-pound pairing draws oversight from referee Chris Tognoni, who cracks his neck and observes a clean glove touch right before the action begins. The flyweights come out tentative, reaching at one another with jabs from a great distance. Both men wind up with right hands, and neither find their mark as the action is largely stalled. Silva gets off a slapping leg kick, and he twirls out of the way and tags Rodriguez behind the ear with a big right hand. The Alaska native is hurt, and Silva steps in with a knee that rings Rodriguez’ bell.
“Bulldog” smells blood, and he blitzes forward with a massive overhand right that smashes into the side of Rodriguez’ head and puts him down. Rodriguez falls to his knees and may be out cold, and Tognoni rushes in to halt the contest as Silva chains together some punches that are purely academic at that point.
A one-punch knockout is rare at the flyweight division, and even more rare to take place within the first minute. That is two knockouts in just over two months for the Brazilian, who holds up a sign that says “$75K Dana” as he asks for post-fight bonus money. On his way out of the cage, Silva breakdances his way to his interview.
The Official Result
Bruno Silva def. Victor Rodriguez R1 1:00 via KO (Punches)
Big Brady confidently picks Bruno Silva, calling this a massive step down in competition. He highlights Silva's well-rounded skills (striking, wrestling, BJJ) and expects a first-round submission. He notes Rodriguez has never seen a third round and has been finished by questionable opponents.
Cody Saftic picks Bruno Silva, noting that Silva has shown improvement and is training with high-level partners. He believes Rodriguez is a low-level regional fighter who was knocked out by Adrian Yanez in his UFC debut. Saftic thinks Silva's well-rounded game and momentum will be too much for Rodriguez, and that Silva will get a finish. He acknowledges the price is high but sees value.
Daniel Levi picks Bruno Silva, stating that Silva is better everywhere—more explosive, more comfortable—and that Victor Rodriguez comes from a weak Alaskan regional scene and does not belong in the UFC. He predicts Silva will handle Rodriguez easily, possibly by first-round knockout or submission. He advises against laying the -350 price but is confident in the win.
Matt is very confident Bruno Silva finishes Victor Rodriguez, likely in the first or second round. He highlights Silva's performance against JP Buys, where he knocked him out in the second round, and his close fight with Woolen Backoff where he showed good takedown defense. He dismisses Rodriguez's power as a threat, noting Silva has faced heavier hitters. He recommends Silva inside the distance or the under 2.5 rounds, calling it a steal.
Paul Shaughnessy picks Bruno Silva but is hesitant due to the price. He notes that Silva looked good against JP Buys but that Buys is not UFC caliber. He questions whether Silva's improvements are real and whether he can handle a step up. However, he acknowledges that Rodriguez's competition level is very low and that Silva should win. He suggests passing on the moneyline.
The MMA Guru predicts Bruno Silva will win by second-round TKO. He notes Silva's improving pacing and cardio, and expects Rodriguez to have range at flyweight but Silva will make it messy. The finish will come via a counter hook over the top after slipping Rodriguez's jab.
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo picks Charles Johnson but admits nervousness due to Bruno Silva's one-punch knockout power. He notes Johnson's excellent footwork, hand speed, and cardio, and believes if Johnson gets going early, he can avoid the big shot and win a decision. He acknowledges Johnson has been knocked out before but thinks his high IQ will prevail.
Big Brady picks Charles Johnson to win by third-round knockout, but expresses wariness due to Johnson's recent knockout loss and chin concerns. He likes the stylistic matchup, noting Silva's front-loaded power and tendency to fade, but worries Johnson might get knocked out early. He calls Johnson inconsistent.
Cody picks Bruno Silva as a dog, citing his wrestling, power, and durability. He notes Johnson's takedown defense issues and recent knockout loss. He thinks Silva can win by decision or submission.
Connor also picks Charles Johnson, emphasizing that Bruno Silva lacks the ability to adjust strategically, while Johnson can figure out his opponent as the fight progresses. He notes that Silva's wins come from opponents making the same mistakes, which Johnson does not do. Connor sees Johnson's adaptability as the key factor.
James picks Charles Johnson to win by decision, but expresses concern about Johnson's quick return after a knockout loss. He notes Johnson's superior cardio, volume, and tools, but worries about his durability and potential recklessness. He believes Johnson is the better fighter overall but is uncertain how he will approach the fight.
The host picks Johnson to win by decision, expecting him to outclass Silva on the feet. He highlights Johnson's reach advantage, defensive grappling, and ability to get back to his feet quickly. He believes Johnson's striking will be too much for Silva, and that Silva's power and grappling won't be enough to overcome Johnson's technical edge.
Paul picks Bruno Silva, noting he bets him every fight. He likes his wrestling and power, and thinks he can outgrapple Johnson. He expects a close fight but Silva has value at plus money.
The Guru picks Charles Johnson, believing he will walk down Bruno Silva as the fight progresses. He notes Johnson's size advantage (5'9" vs 5'4") and reach, and that Silva fights in bursts and lacks consistent finishing ability. He predicts a TKO in the second round.
Zane picks Charles Johnson, citing Johnson's ability to adjust and evolve during fights, unlike Bruno Silva who tends to make the same mistakes repeatedly. He notes that Silva's wins come against fighters who repeat errors, while Johnson adapts and finds solutions. Zane acknowledges Silva's danger but believes Johnson's flexibility gives him the edge.
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