Career Averages - Cam Rowston
Career Averages - Robert Bryczek
Cam Rowston
Robert Bryczek
Cam Rowston - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 0 | 79 of 150 | 52% | 125 of 217 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 10:10 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 17 of 37 | 45% | 39 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 24 of 56 | 42% | 29 of 67 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:03 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 17 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 32 of 56 | 57% | 45 of 74 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:00 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 23 of 38 | 60% | 51 of 76 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:07 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 79 of 150 | 52% | 69 of 137 | 6 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 32 of 82 | 2 of 2 | 45 of 66 |
| Robert Bryczek | 17 of 37 | 45% | 5 of 22 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 17 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 24 of 56 | 42% | 19 of 49 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 |
| Robert Bryczek | 8 of 17 | 47% | 1 of 8 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 32 of 56 | 57% | 29 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 35 |
| Robert Bryczek | 7 of 15 | 46% | 3 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Cam Rowston | 23 of 38 | 60% | 21 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 21 |
| Robert Bryczek | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
“Battle Giraffe” Rowston (14-3; 2-0 UFC) seeks to continue his impressive UFC run at the expense of Poland’s Bryczek (18-6; 1-1 UFC), with referee Lukasz Bosacki in charge of rules enforcement. Both men are in orthodox stance to start things off, and it’s Bryczek stalking forward as Rowston gives ground and looks for counters. Bryczek is doing a lot of hand fighting, trying to get inside on the much taller, rangier Aussie, but Rowston is wise to it and catches him with the right cross twice in a row. Bryczek wades into the pocket and lands a flurry of hooks to the body. They appear to have had an effect, because Rowston changes levels for a takedown. He hauls Bryczek to his seat, but Bryczek will not concede the position, scooting and using underhooks to get back up. Rowston changes levels again, drives Bryczek to the fence and scoops him up for an easy-looking takedown. Rowston is in his opponent’s full guard at the base of the fence with 90 seconds to go, trying to posture up and drop punches while Bryczek controls the wrists. Bryczek switches to butterfly hooks and kicks Rowston off, but Rowston dives back into his guard before he can get up. Rowston smashes Bryczek with a couple of hard ground punches before the horn. 10-9 Rowston.
Round 2
Rowston strikes first with a calf kick from distance. Bryczek surges forward and Rowston tags him with a three-punch salvo. As Bryczek backs off, Rowston gives chase, changing levels for a double-leg attempt against the fence. Rowston can’t finish the takedown and they circle away from the cage. Rowston comes forward for another takedown attempt, which Bryczek intercepts with a front headlock. Rowston pops his head out and finishes the takedown. Rowston is in Bryczek’s full guard at the base of the cage, posturing up and landing a couple of strikes. Rowston applies shoulder pressure, sets up a possible arm-triangle choke and passes to side control. Bryczek is surviving for the moment, but making no moves to escape, let alone launch any offense of his own. Rowston gives up on the choke, stands up from side control and nails Bryczek with a couple of standing-to-ground punches. Rowston keeps bombarding his man with long punches from above. Bryczek gets Rowston back into guard, but this slows, rather than halts, the onslaught. Thirty seconds to go and the round has been all Rowston so far. Bryczek survives to hear the horn after a lopsided five minutes. 10-9 Rowston.
Round 3
The momentum is all with the home fighter as they come out for Round 3. They exchange punches in the center of the cage, with both men landing bur Rowston getting the better of it. Rowston lands a slapping left kick to the midsection. Rowston grabs the Thai clinch and drives a knee up the middle, then lets go, changes levels as Bryczek straightens, and plows him to the floor effortlessly. Rowston sets up in half guard, lands a couple of strikes and passes to side control. Rowston is riding high, weighing heavy on Bryczek’s chest and possibly looking for a topside choke, but slithers to his opponent’s back when Bryczek bridges. Rowston is on Bryczek’s back for a moment, but Bryczek manages to spin back to guard. Bryczek gets butterfly hooks, elevating Rowston, but Rowston’s reach is such that he’s pelting him in the face anyway. Rowston gets back to full guard, postures up and lands a couple of elbows as he passes to half guard. Rowston passes to side control, then takes back control when Bryczek turtles up. Bryczek gets back to guard, but Rowston keeps throwing punches. Rowston shrugs off a last-ditch leglock attempt and keeps dropping strikes until the final horn. Dominant performance by Cam Rowston. 10-8 Rowston (30-26 Rowston).
The Official Result
Cam Rowston def. Robert Bryczek via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Cam Rowston but is very hesitant, calling it a trap. He notes that Cam is very hittable and Robert Bryczek is a clean boxer, but Cam has a good chin and grappling upside. He thinks the -260 odds are too wide and plans to avoid betting, possibly taking the over on rounds.
Big Brady picks Cam Rowston to win by decision. He likes Rowston as a prospect with good grappling and power, and notes that Robert Bryczek is not a wrestler and has poor cardio. Brady expects Rowston to take over as the fight goes on, as long as his chin holds up, and mentions Bryczek's only chance is an early knockout.
Cody picks Rowston but is hesitant, noting his tall man defense and vulnerability to power punchers. He believes Rowston's cardio and volume will outlast Bryczek, but acknowledges the risk of a knockout loss.
Connor picks Bryczek because he thinks Rowston may not fight a good fight, similar to how Poitier didn't. He notes that Rowston does poorly when forced to go backwards, and Bryczek is willing to press forward into the pocket. He sees it as a fine filler fight between two action-forward middleweights.
Daniel Vreeland picks Robert Bryczek as an underdog, believing the odds are off. He notes Bryczek's superior boxing and power, and Rowston's tendency to leave his head on the center line. He took Bryczek at plus 230 and sees value at plus 155.
Bryczek is a good bet at underdog odds because this fight is 50/50 at worst. Rowston is tall and lanky, slow, clunky, and bad defensively, while Bryczek is ultra-aggressive, powerful, and pressures well. Bryczek's takedown defense is unknown but his body type makes him hard to take down. The fight spread on Bryczek is also interesting but not locked in.
Lucrative James picks Cam Rowston to win via decision. He acknowledges Robert Bryczek's power and durability make this a dangerous fight, but believes Rowston's superior skill set and multiple paths to victory (striking from outside, grappling) will earn him the win. He plans to study more tape on the wrestling matchup.
The host thinks Rowston will fight a safe game, mixing in clinch and ground work to wear down Bryczek. He expects a TKO or submission inside the distance, noting Rowston's striking power and BJJ brown belt. The host suggests a sprinkle on Bryczek KO as a hedge, but believes Rowston wins.
Paul leans towards Bryczek, citing his power and the possibility that his poor UFC debut was due to jitters. He likes the KO prop and thinks Bryczek can catch Rowston.
The MMA Guru picks Cam Rowston, citing his nasty KO wins and confidence from finishing Cody Brundage. He believes Rowston's striking will be effective against Robert Bryczek, who he expects to stand and trade. He predicts a TKO in round three and mentions fight of the night potential.
Zane picks Rowston because he believes Rowston's bad grappling instincts won't be as problematic against Bryczek, who is a hooks man limited to the pocket. He thinks Rowston will eventually figure out to use his reach and throw straight punches, avoiding the stupid fight that could get him knocked out. However, he acknowledges it could easily go either way.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 0 | 57 of 119 | 47% | 73 of 139 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:04 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 29 of 65 | 44% | 31 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 23 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 21 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 34 of 65 | 52% | 50 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:53 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 9 of 22 | 40% | 10 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 57 of 119 | 47% | 41 of 96 | 7 of 13 | 9 of 10 | 32 of 70 | 6 of 8 | 19 of 41 |
| Cody Brundage | 29 of 65 | 44% | 22 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 27 of 61 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 23 of 54 | 42% | 15 of 41 | 1 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 20 of 50 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 20 of 43 | 46% | 14 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 34 of 65 | 52% | 26 of 55 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 41 |
| Cody Brundage | 9 of 22 | 40% | 8 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rowston (-360), Brundage (+285)
Round 1
It remains to be seen if Rowston (13-3, 1-0 UFC) pulled his “Battle Giraffe” nickname from One Piece character Kaku, but at least he has a nickname. Brundage (11-7-1, 1 NC; 5-6-1, 1 NC UFC), who could easily call himself “Mr. Unlucky,” does not sport a fighting name. This match for him is a crucial one to see if he can rectify his record to an even .500. Referee Jim Perdios draws the charge for this middleweight affair, one that could take place anywhere before it is all said and done. The athletes do not have any plan on touching gloves before competing.
The tall, rangy Rowston stands firm in the center of the cage, and he gets batted back by a few jabs. He answers with a clean one-two and a low kick, and he checks a leg kick coming back at him. Brundage comes up short when looking for a left hook, and the two men trade hacking leg kicks. Rowston jabs and holds his left hand extended to set up additional punches, and he gets knocked back a step by the American. Rowston takes a left hook square on the chin when threatening with his jab, and Brundage charges him to close his distance and smashes his fist on Rowston’s jaw a few more times. Rowston answers with a knee right on the button, and he lines up and fires off another. Brundage spins with a back fist and stings Rowston, who falls to his hands and gets right back up. Brundage sells out with his big swings to hurt Rowston again, and the Aussie backs off the reset and clear out the cobwebs.
Brundage whiffs on a spinning back fist, and Rowston’s counter meets Brundage cleanly. Rowston steps in with a knee to the sternum, and he takes a right hand across the forward bow. Rowston fakes and feints his way in to draw out reactions, and he dances away from the big swings from the Factory X fighter. Rowston sticks his foe with a pair of jabs, and he kicks low as his foot slides up the leg and bangs into Brundage’s cup. Perdios sees it and immediately calls time, and fans realize it is a foul on the replay. Brundage only needs about 20 seconds to shake it off, and with a minute remaining on the clock, Rowston leads the dance with long jabs and even longer front kicks. Brundage’s counters fall short, as he loads up and puts plenty of arc on his punches while Rowston’s are straight down the middle most of the time. Rowston reaches Brundage with a one-two down the middle, and he walks into a right hand when Brundage digs down deep with a huge hook. Rowston kicks the front leg and jabs, and he slides away from the responses as the round wraps up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Round 2
Brundage comes out of his corner with a giant smile on his face, and it fades as he starts to deal with the feints and fakes that Rowston constantly offers. Rowston draws out ample reactions by Brundage, and he checks the kick aimed at his leg. Brundage grits his teeth and winds up with bombs, chasing Rowston around and only partially landing. Rowston kicks out Brundage’s leg to disrupt a combination, and he puts a one-two firmly on the chin. Brundage reaches at the end of a left hook, and he bounces off the wall and takes a knee but allows Rowston to get close so he can start slugging. Rowston swings with a big right hand, and Brundage ducks and counters him. Rowston digs a kick to the liver, and he bends Brundage over with a right hand down the middle. Brundage shakes out his right hand after connecting with it, and he continues to hurl it even as Rowston is able to pick up on it. Rowston laughs off a big swing so he can knee Brundage in the face, and Brundage responds with a takedown shot.
The gangly, coordinated Aussie stifles it and turns the corner, where he starts pounding on the side of Brundage’s head. Rowston is able to manhandle Brundage and keep him on his knees, elbowing him a few times and stepping over to set up a choke. Brundage desperately tries to get up and survive but is taking fire on either side of the dome.
Rowston pounds on Brundage, alternating a never-ending stream of lefts and rights on the ear as Brundage’s posture slowly deteriorates. The Aussie keeps on battering the Factory X fighter until Perdios saves the unsuccessful Brundage from his own toughness.
In victory, the man who may or may not still be known as “Battle Giraffe” moves to 2-0 in the Octagon with two knockouts to his credit.
The Official Result
Cameron Rowston def. Cody Brundage R2 4:08 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cam Rowston, citing his durability and ability to weather the storm. He notes that Cody Brundage is talented but inconsistent, with cardio and durability issues. He thinks Rowston will survive the first round and take over in the second and third. He says no bet because he wants to root for Cody without worrying about money.
Big Brady is confident in Cam Rowston, praising his grappling and knockout power. He notes Rowston is long, rangy, and has submissions over half his wins. He sees no path for Cody Brundage, predicting a second-round submission.
Cody is very confident in Rowston, criticizing Brundage's tendency to quit and find ways to lose. He notes that Rowston is a big middleweight with good cardio and power, and that Brundage has been outworked and finished in most of his fights. He expects Rowston to win by knockout or decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Rowston. He emphasizes that Brundage is a bad fighter who should not be in the UFC, and Rowston's size and awkwardness will be too much. Connor also notes that Rowston is a heavy favorite and the odds are fine.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Rowston to finish Brundage, citing Brundage's history of quitting when pressured and his mental weakness. He notes that Rowston is a confident Australian prospect with dangerous elbows and ground-and-pound, and that Brundage's jet lag and lack of confidence will work against him.
James picks Rowston to win, noting his better striking and jiu-jitsu, and that Brundage is inconsistent and gasses out. He expects Rowston to finish in later rounds, possibly by rear-naked choke. James acknowledges Brundage's wrestling but believes Rowston's cardio and skill advantage will prevail.
Rowston is a long striker with improving confidence and BJJ. He has shown the ability to snipe opponents from distance and finish with strikes or submissions. Brundage is a wild card with durability issues and a tendency to look for an exit when hurt. Rowston should see Brundage's shots coming and counter effectively, possibly getting a club-and-sub finish. The host expects Rowston inside the distance.
Paul echoes Cody's sentiments, detailing Brundage's history of controversial results and lack of finishing ability. He believes Rowston's size, volume, and durability will be too much for Brundage, who needs a finish or DQ to win.
The Guru predicts a first-round TKO for Cam Rowston, citing his development at CKB, six-inch reach advantage, and real power in his hands. He dismisses Cody Brundage's grappling, noting Brundage was outgrappled by Dumas. He believes Rowston will put Brundage away early.
Zane picks Cam Rowston (referred to as Ralston) because he is a huge, awkward wrestler who will make a nuisance of himself. He notes that Brundage tends to go apeshit and lose track of the fight, and Rowston's awkward striking and size advantage should allow him to drag Brundage into his world. Zane acknowledges Rowston is not a great wrestler but believes his awkwardness will be enough.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 1 | 12 of 36 | 33% | 20 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 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 | Cam Rowston | 1 | 12 of 36 | 33% | 20 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 12 of 36 | 33% | 8 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 17 |
| Andre Petroski | 7 of 13 | 53% | 0 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 12 of 36 | 33% | 8 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 17 |
| Andre Petroski | 7 of 13 | 53% | 0 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Andre Petroski despite his unreliability (knocked himself out shooting a takedown). He believes Petroski is the better wrestler with more power, and that Cam Rowston's quick turnaround and lack of elite skills make this too much too soon. Angelo notes Petroski's fight IQ and ability to adapt game plans, while Rowston is a good striker but has poor wrestling.
Big Brady picks Cam Rowston to win by third-round submission. He acknowledges Petroski has a clear path via takedowns but questions his chin, cardio, and short-notice travel. He believes Rowston can capitalize on Petroski's fatigue and mistakes, potentially snatching a submission late.
Cody picks Rowston as a dog, citing his size, cardio, and get-up game. He believes Petroski's low volume and cardio issues will be exposed as Rowston comes forward and lands strikes. He notes Rowston trains with elite strikers and has the hometown advantage, but admits it's a risky pick.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Rowston's only notable loss to Torres Finney showed he can be neutralized by a grappler. He notes that Petroski has the power and wrestling to handle Rowston, and that Rowston's aggression will likely lead him into Petroski's game. He also points out that Rowston's competition has been terrible.
James picks Cam Rowston despite acknowledging his bias as a City Kickboxing affiliate. He believes Rowston's takedown defense is technically sound and that Petroski's cardio fades in round two, while Rowston can capitalize on the feet. He admits the pick is influenced by bias and that Petroski's jiu-jitsu is a threat if he gets top position.
The host expects Petroski to use his wrestling and power striking to muzzle Rowston. He predicts Petroski will accumulate control time, good top position, and land shots on the feet to win on the scorecards.
The Guru picks Andre Petroski, believing his chain wrestling will overwhelm Cam Rowston, who has been taken down repeatedly by lesser grapplers like Torres Finney. He expects Petroski to secure takedowns and finish via ground-and-pound or submission, possibly an arm triangle in the third round.
Zane sees Petroski as a much more experienced and proven UFC fighter, while Rowston is a limited prospect who was blanketed by Torres Finney. He notes that Rowston's wins are against terrible competition and that he stands tall and tries to grapple, which plays into Petroski's strengths. He is surprised Petroski is only a slight favorite.
Robert Bryczek - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 0 | 79 of 150 | 52% | 125 of 217 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 10:10 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 17 of 37 | 45% | 39 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 24 of 56 | 42% | 29 of 67 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:03 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 17 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 32 of 56 | 57% | 45 of 74 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:00 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 23 of 38 | 60% | 51 of 76 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:07 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 79 of 150 | 52% | 69 of 137 | 6 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 32 of 82 | 2 of 2 | 45 of 66 |
| Robert Bryczek | 17 of 37 | 45% | 5 of 22 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 17 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 24 of 56 | 42% | 19 of 49 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 |
| Robert Bryczek | 8 of 17 | 47% | 1 of 8 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 32 of 56 | 57% | 29 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 35 |
| Robert Bryczek | 7 of 15 | 46% | 3 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Cam Rowston | 23 of 38 | 60% | 21 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 21 |
| Robert Bryczek | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
“Battle Giraffe” Rowston (14-3; 2-0 UFC) seeks to continue his impressive UFC run at the expense of Poland’s Bryczek (18-6; 1-1 UFC), with referee Lukasz Bosacki in charge of rules enforcement. Both men are in orthodox stance to start things off, and it’s Bryczek stalking forward as Rowston gives ground and looks for counters. Bryczek is doing a lot of hand fighting, trying to get inside on the much taller, rangier Aussie, but Rowston is wise to it and catches him with the right cross twice in a row. Bryczek wades into the pocket and lands a flurry of hooks to the body. They appear to have had an effect, because Rowston changes levels for a takedown. He hauls Bryczek to his seat, but Bryczek will not concede the position, scooting and using underhooks to get back up. Rowston changes levels again, drives Bryczek to the fence and scoops him up for an easy-looking takedown. Rowston is in his opponent’s full guard at the base of the fence with 90 seconds to go, trying to posture up and drop punches while Bryczek controls the wrists. Bryczek switches to butterfly hooks and kicks Rowston off, but Rowston dives back into his guard before he can get up. Rowston smashes Bryczek with a couple of hard ground punches before the horn. 10-9 Rowston.
Round 2
Rowston strikes first with a calf kick from distance. Bryczek surges forward and Rowston tags him with a three-punch salvo. As Bryczek backs off, Rowston gives chase, changing levels for a double-leg attempt against the fence. Rowston can’t finish the takedown and they circle away from the cage. Rowston comes forward for another takedown attempt, which Bryczek intercepts with a front headlock. Rowston pops his head out and finishes the takedown. Rowston is in Bryczek’s full guard at the base of the cage, posturing up and landing a couple of strikes. Rowston applies shoulder pressure, sets up a possible arm-triangle choke and passes to side control. Bryczek is surviving for the moment, but making no moves to escape, let alone launch any offense of his own. Rowston gives up on the choke, stands up from side control and nails Bryczek with a couple of standing-to-ground punches. Rowston keeps bombarding his man with long punches from above. Bryczek gets Rowston back into guard, but this slows, rather than halts, the onslaught. Thirty seconds to go and the round has been all Rowston so far. Bryczek survives to hear the horn after a lopsided five minutes. 10-9 Rowston.
Round 3
The momentum is all with the home fighter as they come out for Round 3. They exchange punches in the center of the cage, with both men landing bur Rowston getting the better of it. Rowston lands a slapping left kick to the midsection. Rowston grabs the Thai clinch and drives a knee up the middle, then lets go, changes levels as Bryczek straightens, and plows him to the floor effortlessly. Rowston sets up in half guard, lands a couple of strikes and passes to side control. Rowston is riding high, weighing heavy on Bryczek’s chest and possibly looking for a topside choke, but slithers to his opponent’s back when Bryczek bridges. Rowston is on Bryczek’s back for a moment, but Bryczek manages to spin back to guard. Bryczek gets butterfly hooks, elevating Rowston, but Rowston’s reach is such that he’s pelting him in the face anyway. Rowston gets back to full guard, postures up and lands a couple of elbows as he passes to half guard. Rowston passes to side control, then takes back control when Bryczek turtles up. Bryczek gets back to guard, but Rowston keeps throwing punches. Rowston shrugs off a last-ditch leglock attempt and keeps dropping strikes until the final horn. Dominant performance by Cam Rowston. 10-8 Rowston (30-26 Rowston).
The Official Result
Cam Rowston def. Robert Bryczek via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Cam Rowston but is very hesitant, calling it a trap. He notes that Cam is very hittable and Robert Bryczek is a clean boxer, but Cam has a good chin and grappling upside. He thinks the -260 odds are too wide and plans to avoid betting, possibly taking the over on rounds.
Big Brady picks Cam Rowston to win by decision. He likes Rowston as a prospect with good grappling and power, and notes that Robert Bryczek is not a wrestler and has poor cardio. Brady expects Rowston to take over as the fight goes on, as long as his chin holds up, and mentions Bryczek's only chance is an early knockout.
Cody picks Rowston but is hesitant, noting his tall man defense and vulnerability to power punchers. He believes Rowston's cardio and volume will outlast Bryczek, but acknowledges the risk of a knockout loss.
Connor picks Bryczek because he thinks Rowston may not fight a good fight, similar to how Poitier didn't. He notes that Rowston does poorly when forced to go backwards, and Bryczek is willing to press forward into the pocket. He sees it as a fine filler fight between two action-forward middleweights.
Daniel Vreeland picks Robert Bryczek as an underdog, believing the odds are off. He notes Bryczek's superior boxing and power, and Rowston's tendency to leave his head on the center line. He took Bryczek at plus 230 and sees value at plus 155.
Bryczek is a good bet at underdog odds because this fight is 50/50 at worst. Rowston is tall and lanky, slow, clunky, and bad defensively, while Bryczek is ultra-aggressive, powerful, and pressures well. Bryczek's takedown defense is unknown but his body type makes him hard to take down. The fight spread on Bryczek is also interesting but not locked in.
Lucrative James picks Cam Rowston to win via decision. He acknowledges Robert Bryczek's power and durability make this a dangerous fight, but believes Rowston's superior skill set and multiple paths to victory (striking from outside, grappling) will earn him the win. He plans to study more tape on the wrestling matchup.
The host thinks Rowston will fight a safe game, mixing in clinch and ground work to wear down Bryczek. He expects a TKO or submission inside the distance, noting Rowston's striking power and BJJ brown belt. The host suggests a sprinkle on Bryczek KO as a hedge, but believes Rowston wins.
Paul leans towards Bryczek, citing his power and the possibility that his poor UFC debut was due to jitters. He likes the KO prop and thinks Bryczek can catch Rowston.
The MMA Guru picks Cam Rowston, citing his nasty KO wins and confidence from finishing Cody Brundage. He believes Rowston's striking will be effective against Robert Bryczek, who he expects to stand and trade. He predicts a TKO in round three and mentions fight of the night potential.
Zane picks Rowston because he believes Rowston's bad grappling instincts won't be as problematic against Bryczek, who is a hooks man limited to the pocket. He thinks Rowston will eventually figure out to use his reach and throw straight punches, avoiding the stupid fight that could get him knocked out. However, he acknowledges it could easily go either way.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Tavares | 0 | 42 of 102 | 41% | 50 of 111 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| Robert Bryczek | 1 | 68 of 138 | 49% | 77 of 149 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brad Tavares | 0 | 17 of 40 | 42% | 25 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| Robert Bryczek | 1 | 39 of 73 | 53% | 48 of 84 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 | |
| 2 | Brad Tavares | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 15 of 40 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 9 of 28 | 32% | 9 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 3 | Brad Tavares | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 10 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 20 of 37 | 54% | 20 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Tavares | 42 of 102 | 41% | 17 of 69 | 8 of 13 | 17 of 20 | 41 of 100 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 68 of 138 | 49% | 47 of 104 | 16 of 27 | 5 of 7 | 43 of 101 | 9 of 16 | 16 of 21 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brad Tavares | 17 of 40 | 42% | 12 of 34 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 39 of 73 | 53% | 26 of 56 | 11 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 46 | 9 of 14 | 8 of 13 | |
| 2 | Brad Tavares | 15 of 40 | 37% | 3 of 23 | 3 of 6 | 9 of 11 | 15 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 9 of 28 | 32% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 7 | 2 of 4 | 9 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Brad Tavares | 10 of 22 | 45% | 2 of 12 | 2 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 20 of 37 | 54% | 17 of 31 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 27 | 0 of 2 | 8 of 8 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tavares (-220); Bryczek (+190)
Round 1
Longtime veteran Tavares (21-10, 16-10 UFC) had his most recent contract come to an end, and after a brief time of uncertainty he was brought back to the promotion he joined by winning the 11th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” While he has faced many of the best fighters in the history of the middleweight division, he draws a Polish adversary in Bryczek (17-6, 0-1 UFC) that may be a bit less decorated but is just as dangerous given his stoppage rate above 70%. Referee Lukasz Bosacki draws the charge to handle the 185ers, who clap hands to initiate the match.
Bryczek puts his foot on the gas, chasing the longtime vet around, and he finds himself in the pocket with Tavares. This results in them both trading, and Tavares backs off and takes a body shot and a jab up top. Tavares replies with a pushing front kick, and he catches Bryczek ducking down with a pair of punches on the temple. Tavares stays on his back foot, firing off kicks as Bryczek advances towards him. Bryczek continues marching ever forward, with Tavares more than ready to counter, his right hand ready for action. Bryczek smacks the front leg of his foe with a kick, and puts his guard up to block a one-two that he expects. Bryczek swings for the fences and knocks Tavares clean off his feet. Tavares works his way up with the wall, but Bryczek is swarming him with fists to the dome and guts. Tavares ties him up to clear the cobwebs, and Bryczek settles for a few knees to the thigh before breaking off.
Tavares circles away, letting fly kicks and a pair of punches up high, and the Polish athlete is incensed and ready for destruction. He lays into Tavares with punches in bunches, dropping Tavares to a knee as he tries to put his man away. Tavares is able to get back up despite being under fire, and he even manages some looping counters. When Bryczek overcommits on his attack, Tavares times a magnificent double-leg takedown to put the heavy-handed Polish fighter on his back. The nose of the Hawaiian is busted open and leaking on the mat, but he pays it no mind as he climbs into half guard and recovers. Tavares does some work on top but is largely content to control the remainder of the round and take a possible 10-8 score off the table—although that remains to be seen if judges believe the damage was substantial enough to award such a score. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Bryczek
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Bryczek
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-8 Bryczek
Round 2
The second round kicks off with a barrage of kicks from the Hawaiian, using them to keep distance and prevent Bryczek from hurling big hands at him. The low kicks are starting to mark up the lead leg of Bryczek, who is lumbering awkwardly on it as he advances. Tavares is the quicker of the two, as Bryczek may have punched himself out in the first round, because Bryczek cannot reach him. As Bryczek plods towards his man, Tavares shoots in on his hips. Bryczek knows it is coming and defends it, and he stands up and avoids a right hand zooming at his jaw.
Bryczek bears down on Tavares, replying with his own chopping kicks as he makes his way forward. Tavares lets fly a three-punch salvo that hits nothing but air, but his technical kickboxing is stifling Bryczek for the most part. Tavares backs himself to the wall and quickly realizes he needs to reposition himself, scurrying to the side as he spams the leg kick. Bryczek no-sells a head kick as he goes after Tavares, but his offense is otherwise fairly muted. The fans do not like this pick-and-poke strategy of low intensity, perhaps spoiled by the action of the previous bouts as well as this one’s first round, and they start booing heartily. A storied veteran with a lot of decisions on his ledger, the audience has no effect on the Hawaiian. He keeps his distance and probes with kicks and one-twos until the not-so-great round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Round 3
The middleweights touch ‘em up to show some respect opening the final frame, and Bryczek gets back to his forward-or-bust strategy. Tavares welcomes this, as he is able to simultaneously hop on his bike and land enough strikes to gain the upper hand. The Hawaiian puts some mustard into a body kick, and Bryczek does not like it and twirls around to take some of the sting out of it. When Bryczek gathers his thoughts, he marches Tavares down and guns for him with big, swinging fists. Tavares’ are straighter, jabbing and getting off one-twos. With a full head of steam, Bryczek attacks. Backing Tavares up to the fence, Bryczek strings together a prolonged combination of looping punches, cracking Tavares with a heavy right hand.
Stunned, Tavares starts to go down to a knee while still under fire, and Bryczek continues battering the grizzled veteran with all he has. With Bryczek hammering away with hammerfists as some land directly on the back of the head, Bosacki steps in, and Tavares immediately protests the stoppage.
His team is equally upset about what they feel was premature referee intervention, but as the referee is the sole arbiter of the bout, that’s a wrap. Bryczek notches his first UFC victory and it is a huge scalp he collects by melting a formerly ranked fighter in Tavares.
The Official Result
Robert Bryczek def. Brad Tavares R3 1:43 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo leans towards Brad Tavares based on experience and toughness, but is surprised Tavares is nearly a 3-to-1 favorite given his age and decline. He acknowledges Bryczek's clean boxing and power, and notes that a one-punch knockout or decision win for Bryczek wouldn't surprise him. He advises against betting Tavares at these odds, warning that Bryczek is not a bum.
Big Brady is hesitant but picks Brad Tavares, as he wants to fade Tavares but cannot trust Bryczek after his poor performance. He notes Tavares has looked done since taking heavy damage, but Bryczek looked even worse, gassing quickly. He expects a decision win for Tavares.
Connor picks Bryczek, agreeing that Tavares is past his prime and that Bryczek's power could be a factor. He notes that Tavares has struggled against aggressive fighters in the past and that Bryczek's one-dimensional style might be effective if he lands clean. Connor also expresses dislike for the matchup but sees Bryczek as the more likely winner.
The host expects a classic performance from Tavares but notes his deteriorating durability and decline. He acknowledges Bryczek could spoil plans with a big shot, but thinks Tavares keeps it clean and outpoints Bryczek to a decision victory.
The Guru picks Brad Tavares, dismissing Robert Bryczek as 'terrible' and 'dog [__]'. He criticizes Bryczek's debut performance and regional record, while noting Tavares has been competitive against proven UFC fighters. He expects a standup fight and predicts a 29-28 split decision for Tavares, citing his experience and well-roundedness.
Zane picks Bryczek hesitantly, noting that Tavares is past his prime and that Bryczek's one-dimensional power punching could catch him. He acknowledges that Tavares has a history of frustrating opponents but believes Bryczek's physicality and aggression might be enough to overwhelm him. Zane also mentions that Tavares's recent win over GM3 was against a shot opponent.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ihor Potieria | 0 | 32 of 133 | 24% | 41 of 143 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Robert Bryczek | 1 | 67 of 168 | 39% | 77 of 181 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihor Potieria | 0 | 12 of 35 | 34% | 16 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 14 of 41 | 34% | 22 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 | |
| 2 | Ihor Potieria | 0 | 12 of 56 | 21% | 12 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Bryczek | 0 | 28 of 62 | 45% | 28 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Ihor Potieria | 0 | 8 of 42 | 19% | 13 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Robert Bryczek | 1 | 25 of 65 | 38% | 27 of 68 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ihor Potieria | 32 of 133 | 24% | 19 of 103 | 10 of 24 | 3 of 6 | 30 of 127 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 67 of 168 | 39% | 47 of 139 | 5 of 12 | 15 of 17 | 61 of 156 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihor Potieria | 12 of 35 | 34% | 7 of 26 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 14 of 41 | 34% | 5 of 26 | 1 of 5 | 8 of 10 | 12 of 35 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ihor Potieria | 12 of 56 | 21% | 6 of 41 | 3 of 10 | 3 of 5 | 12 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 28 of 62 | 45% | 20 of 51 | 3 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ihor Potieria | 8 of 42 | 19% | 6 of 36 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 37 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Bryczek | 25 of 65 | 38% | 22 of 62 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 59 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bryczek (-198), Potieria (+164)
Round 1
Just one of the 14 fights on this card featured someone missing weight—Flowers and Marcos both missed initially and then came back to hit their proper marks. Former light heavyweight Potieria (19-5, 1-3 UFC) took his fight against Bryczek (17-5, 0-0 UFC) on short notice, and he clocked in one and a half pounds over the middleweight limit. As a result, Potieria surrenders 20% of his purse to the Polish slugger. Whether that 20% will be from Potieira’s one check or two, the two men have the next 15 minutes or less to decide it. Referee Mike Beltran checks them in as they touch gloves. Potieria is the aggressor as he pitches kicks from his rear leg to the waist and knee. Bryczek allows Potieria to crash the pocket, so he can sit down on two punches that stop Potieria in his tracks. The Ukrainian shakes out immediate cobwebs and continues to move forward, looking for a right hook that is not there. Bryczek takes a kick to the ribs and responds with a right hand, and he pushes off as a finger jabs into Potieria’s eye. Beltran sees it immediately and calls time, and he lets Potieria wipe it out with a towel as he brings in the doctor. Potieria remarks that he is a little bleary in his eye, but that he is otherwise good to continue. After two minutes, the fighters resume their mutual combat in the center of the cage. Potieria tosses out low kicks, and one lands with a thump instead of a slap. Bryczek loops punches to the body, and Potieria scores a solid kick and a right hand. Bryczek opens up with a huge right hand, and he cracks Potieria again. Bryczek lets loose several more punches, and Potieria bounces away and absorbs one more flush right hand on the jaw. As Potieria backpedals, he parries a right hand from the Polish fighter, which rebounds square into Potieria’s cup in an unlucky turn of events. Beltran recognizes the unintentional foul and allows Potieria to recover once more, and Potieria takes all the time he needs. This results in another lengthy stoppage of three minutes long, and Beltran loudly and sternly admonishes Bryczek that he will lose a point if he fouls again. When they resume, Bryczek is ready and rearing to throw hands, and he lands several hard ones to force Potieria to shoot for an ill-advised takedown. Bryczek stops it, but he gets pressed into the fence from behind, with Potieria kneeing him in the back of the thigh frustratingly. Bryczek spins around with seconds to go, and they bang it out right to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bryczek
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Bryczek
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bryczek
Round 2
The fighters meet in the middle and jab at one another from range, with neither landing much early. Potieria misses with an overhand right, but he plants a kick on the inside of the Polish fighter’s calf. Potieria shoots for a takedown, and he abandons it right when Bryczek sprawls so that he can aim an uppercut on the dome. Bryczek sees it at the last second and dodges it, and he ducks a subsequent spinning back fist. Potieria drops his hands and lands a few punches from a safe distance, and he punctuates a combination with a low kick. The two clash together and bang heads, but it does not result in anything more problematic. Bryczek digs a left to the body, and Potieria shrugs at him and then shoots for a single. Potieria again follows that failed takedown with an uppercut, and this one brushes the side of the UFC newcomer’s head. Bryczek looks for a right hand over the top, and he kicks the body as Potieria again shrugs at him mockingly. Potieria sprints in for a single, and Bryczek hops away and walks Potieria down. Potieria intercepts him with a spinning back kick to the midsection, and Bryczek takes it cleanly and keeps his guard up to block and overhand left. Potieria taps his chest and drops down to the floor with a Mortal Kombat-esque leg sweep. Bryczek look at him confusedly. Potieria is in his groove, having fun and dodging and weaving anything coming from Bryczek. Potieria clips his man a few times with short shots, and he catches Bryczek on the chin with an uppercut. Bryczek headhunts and struggles to reach his opponent, and they trade one big punch right as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Potieria
Round 3
There is a final glove touch to check in the last round, and Potieria stays firmly in his groove with jabs and funky hand movements. Bryczek reaches his foe with a straight left hand, but it is one-and-done. Bryczek loads up on a right hand, only to get countered with a left hook that shakes him up. Bryczek charges into action with a huge left hook, and Potieria’s head snaps back like a Pez dispenser. Potieria replies with a three-punch salvo that knocks Bryczek off his feet, and Bryczek barely keeps with it courtesy of a desperation takedown. Bryczek gets back to his feet, and Potieria chases after him and swings for the bleachers. Bryczek does the same, and he manages to catch Potieria coming in but is taking shots as well. Both men use a ton of energy, and Potieria presses the Polish fighter into the wall and strings four elbows together. Bryczek slips and rips Potieria with big punches, and he splits Potieria’s eyebrow open in the process. Potieria rips an elbow that misses slightly, but he blasts Bryczek with an elbow and several punches from up close. Bryczek turns his man around in the tie-up, and he sneaks an elbow up top before breaking away. Potieria reaches his foe with a few punches, and Bryczek tags him back with his own short flurry. The two clash together, and Potieria clinches up to wear on the exhausted Bryczek. Bryczek gets space with 10 seconds to go, and the two throw down and knee one another right as time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Potieria (29-28 Potieria)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Potieria (29-28 Potieria)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Potieria (29-28 Potieria)
The Official Result
Ihor Potieria def. Robert Bryczek via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo notes that Ihor Potieria has good striking power and accuracy but poor cardio and is hittable. Robert Bryczek is a trained boxer with good footwork, feints, and power, and solid takedown defense. Angelo believes Bryczek just needs to survive Potieria's early danger and then take over as Potieria fades. He calls this one of his most confident picks and suggests a potential under 2.5 rounds bet.
Big Brady picks Robert Bryczek to win by first-round KO. He notes that Bryczek has unreal power and has been knocking out opponents cold in his recent fights, while Potieria has poor striking defense (41%) and limited cardio. He expects a one-round banger where both fighters swing, but Bryczek's power and the fact that Potieria is cutting to middleweight on short notice give him the edge.
Cody is hesitant but picks Potieria as a dog. He questions Bryczek's level of competition, noting he's 33, making his UFC debut, and has fought lower-level opponents. Potieria has faced better competition at 205 and showed competitiveness against Rodolfo Vieira. Cody thinks Bryczek's physique and quick finishes may not translate against a UFC-level opponent, and Potieria's power at 185 could be a factor.
Bryczek has speed, power, and athleticism. He should be able to land an early knockout against Potieria, who is making his middleweight debut on short notice. Potieria has poor durability and slows down in deep waters. The under 1.5 rounds is a strong play. Bryczek by first-round knockout.
Paul is also hesitant but picks Potieria. He notes that Bryczek's record is padded with low-level competition and that he has never fought at this level. Potieria, despite his losses, has fought good fighters and has power. Paul thinks Bryczek's size and possible PED concerns are red flags, and that Potieria at his natural weight class could surprise.
The MMA Guru picks Robert Bryczek because Potieria is taking the fight on short notice after a recent TKO loss, and has been finished multiple times. He notes Bryczek is a dangerous knockout artist in his prime, with a full camp. He expects Bryczek to get a first-round finish.
Expert Picks (11)
Angelo picks Cam Rowston but is very hesitant, calling it a trap. He notes that Cam is very hittable and Robert Bryczek is a clean boxer, but Cam has a good chin and grappling upside. He thinks the -260 odds are too wide and plans to avoid betting, possibly taking the over on rounds.
Big Brady picks Cam Rowston to win by decision. He likes Rowston as a prospect with good grappling and power, and notes that Robert Bryczek is not a wrestler and has poor cardio. Brady expects Rowston to take over as the fight goes on, as long as his chin holds up, and mentions Bryczek's only chance is an early knockout.
Cody picks Rowston but is hesitant, noting his tall man defense and vulnerability to power punchers. He believes Rowston's cardio and volume will outlast Bryczek, but acknowledges the risk of a knockout loss.
Connor picks Bryczek because he thinks Rowston may not fight a good fight, similar to how Poitier didn't. He notes that Rowston does poorly when forced to go backwards, and Bryczek is willing to press forward into the pocket. He sees it as a fine filler fight between two action-forward middleweights.
Daniel Vreeland picks Robert Bryczek as an underdog, believing the odds are off. He notes Bryczek's superior boxing and power, and Rowston's tendency to leave his head on the center line. He took Bryczek at plus 230 and sees value at plus 155.
Bryczek is a good bet at underdog odds because this fight is 50/50 at worst. Rowston is tall and lanky, slow, clunky, and bad defensively, while Bryczek is ultra-aggressive, powerful, and pressures well. Bryczek's takedown defense is unknown but his body type makes him hard to take down. The fight spread on Bryczek is also interesting but not locked in.
Lucrative James picks Cam Rowston to win via decision. He acknowledges Robert Bryczek's power and durability make this a dangerous fight, but believes Rowston's superior skill set and multiple paths to victory (striking from outside, grappling) will earn him the win. He plans to study more tape on the wrestling matchup.
The host thinks Rowston will fight a safe game, mixing in clinch and ground work to wear down Bryczek. He expects a TKO or submission inside the distance, noting Rowston's striking power and BJJ brown belt. The host suggests a sprinkle on Bryczek KO as a hedge, but believes Rowston wins.
Paul leans towards Bryczek, citing his power and the possibility that his poor UFC debut was due to jitters. He likes the KO prop and thinks Bryczek can catch Rowston.
The MMA Guru picks Cam Rowston, citing his nasty KO wins and confidence from finishing Cody Brundage. He believes Rowston's striking will be effective against Robert Bryczek, who he expects to stand and trade. He predicts a TKO in round three and mentions fight of the night potential.
Zane picks Rowston because he believes Rowston's bad grappling instincts won't be as problematic against Bryczek, who is a hooks man limited to the pocket. He thinks Rowston will eventually figure out to use his reach and throw straight punches, avoiding the stupid fight that could get him knocked out. However, he acknowledges it could easily go either way.
Comments (1)
They're both terrible will never see them in the UC again hopefully I will see the Aussie guy maybe.
They're both terrible will never see them in the UC again hopefully I will see the Aussie guy maybe.