Career Averages - Myktybek Orolbai
Career Averages - Uroš Medić
Myktybek Orolbai
Uroš Medić
Myktybek Orolbai - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Curtis | 0 | 12 of 31 | 38% | 57 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 20 of 28 | 71% | 83 of 102 | 19 of 24 | 79% | 0 | 0 | 12:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Curtis | 0 | 2 of 10 | 20% | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 16 of 21 | 76% | 49 of 65 | 7 of 8 | 87% | 0 | 0 | 4:02 | |
| 2 | Chris Curtis | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 25 of 26 | 7 of 9 | 77% | 0 | 0 | 4:13 | |
| 3 | Chris Curtis | 0 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 25 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 9 of 11 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 0 | 0 | 4:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Curtis | 12 of 31 | 38% | 6 of 25 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 20 of 28 | 71% | 13 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 17 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Curtis | 2 of 10 | 20% | 1 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 16 of 21 | 76% | 13 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 16 | |
| 2 | Chris Curtis | 6 of 13 | 46% | 4 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Chris Curtis | 4 of 8 | 50% | 1 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo confidently picks Myktybek Orolbai, believing his relentless wrestling and pressure will be too much for Chris Curtis. He notes that Curtis had the highest takedown defense in middleweight but was taken down easily by Brendan Allen, and expects Orolbai to do the same. He thinks Orolbai will cruise to a decision win.
Big Brady picks Myktybek Orolbai to win by decision. He is concerned about Chris Curtis's age (38), layoff, and recent close fight with Max Griffin. He believes Orolbai is younger, hits harder, has wrestling upside, and is durable. He thinks Curtis's takedown defense, while good, hasn't been tested by wrestlers like Orolbai.
Cody leans Curtis as a dog, citing his superior striking and takedown defense. He notes Orolbai's clunky technique and hittability. He thinks Curtis can outpoint him or catch him, but acknowledges Curtis is 39 and declining.
Connor picks Orolbai, citing Curtis's tendency to lose focus and get distracted in fights, especially as he ages. He notes that Orolbai's relentless pressure could frustrate Curtis, leading to him arguing with the ref instead of fighting. He also mentions that Curtis has a history of finding ways to lose.
James picks Myktybek Orolbai to win by decision, citing his volume, grappling upside, and the fact that Curtis often underperforms. He notes Curtis is a better striker but may be outworked and taken down. He calls it a strange fight and a potential stayaway for betting.
The host picks Orolbai to win by decision but is hesitant due to the high price. He expects Orolbai's aggression and output to overwhelm Curtis, but acknowledges Curtis is the better striker and could land a knockout. He notes that Orolbai's grappling may not be as effective against Curtis's defensive grappling, so the fight likely stays standing where Orolbai's pressure could edge him rounds. He suggests a hedge on Curtis by KO in round 3.
Paul picks Orolbai, citing his size, power, and youth. He notes Curtis' age and recent split decisions. He thinks Orolbai can bully Curtis and get a finish or decision.
The Guru picks Myktybek Orolbai, citing his lightweight-level skills and toughness. He notes that Curtis struggled against Jack Hermansson, who Orolbai destroyed, and that Curtis's move to welterweight may not help. He predicts a TKO win for Orolbai.
Zane picks Chris Curtis despite being burned by him before. He believes Orolbai's unhampered aggression and lack of management tools will play into Curtis's counterpunching style. He notes Curtis's defensive wrestling and ability to catch Orolbai coming in, but acknowledges Curtis's tendency to lose focus and get frustrated.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 0 | 19 of 38 | 50% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 1 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 0 | 19 of 38 | 50% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 1 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hermansson | 19 of 38 | 50% | 9 of 25 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 15 of 33 | 45% | 9 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Hermansson | 19 of 38 | 50% | 9 of 25 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 15 of 33 | 45% | 9 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Myktybek Orolbai over Jack Hermansson, calling it a life savings on the caveman. He describes Orolbai as a fun grappler with non-stop pressure, cardio, and power, while Hermansson is an aging welterweight moving down in weight, which weakens his chin and cardio. Orolbai's game plan is simple: takedown, smash, win.
Big Brady picks Myktybek Orolbai (Mairbek Tukhugov) by first-round knockout, citing Hermansson's recent brutal KO loss and quick turnaround. He questions Hermansson's chin and weight cut to welterweight, expecting Orolbai to land a big shot and finish him early.
Cody picks Jack Hermansson confidently, pending weight cut. He notes that Orolbai is one-dimensional, a weight bully who relies on takedowns but has poor striking defense. Jack has a reach advantage, excellent wrestling, and BJJ. Cody believes Jack can stuff takedowns and outwork Orolbai, who gasses and gets hit a lot.
Connor picks Orolbai, citing his physicality and grinding style as a problem for Hermansson. He notes that Hermansson is making a drastic weight cut to welterweight, which often fails at this career stage. Connor acknowledges Hermansson's win over Joe Pyfer but sees Orolbai's natural size and aggression as decisive.
Lucrative James picks Myktybek Orolbai, citing the weight class advantage (Orolbai moving up from 155, Hermansson cutting from 185). He believes Orolbai has better striking power, durability, and grappling. He notes Hermansson's recent KO loss and questionable chin. He predicts Orolbai will win, possibly by knockout.
Orolbai is a pressure grappler with solid cardio and finishing ability. Hermansson is dropping to welterweight at 37, with durability concerns and a long layoff. Orolbai should overwhelm Hermansson and finish him via TKO or submission.
Paul picks Jack Hermansson, noting that Orolbai is moving up to welterweight and has struggled with bigger opponents. Jack is a natural welterweight with good wrestling and submission skills. Paul believes Jack's experience and size will be too much for Orolbai, who has poor cardio and striking defense.
The MMA Guru picks Myktybek Orolbai over Jack Hermansson, believing Orolbai's speed and technique will overcome Hermansson's size. He notes Hermansson's KO loss and weight cut to welterweight. He trusts Orolbai's grappling defense and offensive submissions, predicting a win.
Zane picks Hermansson, betting that his size and strength at welterweight will be enough to control Orolbai. He notes that Orolbai's success depends on physicality, and if Hermansson is too strong, Orolbai's one-dimensional pressure will fail. Zane admits it's a risky pick given Hermansson's recent losses.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tofiq Musayev | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 17 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 15 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 0 | 3:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tofiq Musayev | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 17 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 15 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 0 | 3:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tofiq Musayev | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tofiq Musayev | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Orolbai (-170), Musayev (+132)
Round 1
These two fighters were originally scheduled at lightweight but ended up needing an extra 10 pounds—and it was Orolbai (13-2-1, 2-1 UFC) who was going to end up nearly a whole weight class heavy. To preserve the match and keep the purses intact publicly, Musayev (22-5, 0-0 UFC) and his foe agreed to the catchweight at 165 pounds. With a combined 31 finishes in their 35 pro wins, referee Rich Mitchell is buckled up in the event this one goes to the stratosphere. There is a shared glove touch before the frenetic melee commences, but good luck matching the last fight. Both fighters bounce towards and away from one another, with Orolbai shooting in for a takedown 15 seconds in. Orolbai lifts his foe up in the air, but Musayev is able to keep his balance somehow and catch Orolbai with a short uppercut on the way down. Orolbai catches a kick, loops a right hand over the top and tackles Musayev to the floor. Orolbai wrests his shoulder down for a possible arm-triangle choke, possibly serving as a Von Preux given that Musayev holds him with a one-armed guillotine that is going nowhere. Orolbai yanks his neck out, and Musayev uses butterfly hooks to try and fail to get his off of him. Orolbai settles down in the guard, trying to wriggle his arms free so he can unload some offense. The building echoes with Musayev’s name, and Musayev uses the energy to kick Orolbai off of him for a second. Orolbai lowers himself back down and takes Musayev’s back. Orolbai gets a hook in and starts fishing for a choke, and Musayev uses pure muscle to stand. Orolbai, on the other hand, shows off technique by dumping Musayev back down to the mat. Musayev hangs on with a guillotine on the side, cranking it with a single arm but not threatening in any way. Musayev’s butterfly hooks fail to work this time, but he deftly scrambles to turn himself around and burst back to his feet. Musayev grabs his opponent’s gloves, and Mitchell actually pauses the fight and separates them even though it was Musayev who was doing the grabbing, and Orolbai protests. The match resumes, and Orolbai blocks a kick and charges to take Musayev down. Orolbai takes advantage of the situation as he steps to the side and grabs hold of Musayev’s left arm.
The Kyrgyzstani fighter knows exactly what he is searching for, gripping a two-on-one wrist lock to isolate the kimura. Orolbai steps his leg over Musayev’s head and cranks the limb with every bit of energy he has. Musayev’s face contorts into pain as the submission is wrecking his arm, with onlookers imagining his ligaments and tendons straining and snapping like overtuned guitar strings. Before his shoulder is totally and completely destroyed, an agonized Musayev surrenders.
The crowd is silenced immediately, with their home country fighter getting finished in the first round in his UFC debut on home soil. There is a bit of an unwritten blemish on the victory, as it might have been a different turn of events if Orolbai could reach the lightweight cap.
The Official Result
Myktybek Orolbai def. Tofiq Musayev R1 4:35 via Submission (Kimura)
Angelo picks Myktybek Orolbai, citing his wrestling and toughness. He notes that Orolbai has shown he can win fights and has a good chin. He is concerned about Tofiq's two-year layoff and questions whether he is truly prepared. He thinks Orolbai's takedowns will be the difference and that $8,500 is a discount.
Big Brady picks Myktybek Orolbai (referred to as 'my tittyback') to grind out a decision. He notes Orolbai is very durable, has good cardio, and is relentless with wrestling and grappling. He is concerned about Musayev's striking power but thinks Orolbai's toughness and ability to get takedowns will be key. Brady expects a close, greasy war and predicts Orolbai by decision.
Connor picks Orolbai, agreeing that Musayev's potshotting style and reliance on wrestling as a backup won't hold up against Orolbai's relentless pace. He notes that Orolbai's losses to Rębecki and Brenner came against fighters who set or accepted a high pace, and that Musayev hasn't faced that kind of pressure. He believes Orolbai's physicality and ability to force exchanges will overwhelm Musayev.
The host notes Musayev is a solid power puncher but has sketchy takedown defense and defensive grappling. He expects Orolbai to eat some big shots but push through, land takedowns, possibly get a submission, but ultimately grind out a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Myktybek Orolbai, praising his footwork and straight punches. He contrasts Orolbai's modern fight game with Tofiq Musayev's inferior footwork. He notes Orolbai's durability against Rebecki and expects him to take over in later rounds, predicting a 29-28 decision.
Zane picks Orolbai, citing the pace advantage that UFC-level fighters have over regional standouts. He notes that Musayev has not been tested by a high-pace fighter who constantly makes the fight happen, and that Orolbai's pressure and wrestling will be difficult for Musayev to handle. He acknowledges Musayev's technical edge but believes the pace will be the deciding factor.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mateusz Rębecki | 1 | 71 of 146 | 48% | 93 of 174 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 2:24 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 61 of 135 | 45% | 85 of 162 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 1 | 2:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mateusz Rębecki | 0 | 27 of 57 | 47% | 27 of 57 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 22 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mateusz Rębecki | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 24 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 25 of 57 | 43% | 28 of 61 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 3 | Mateusz Rębecki | 1 | 21 of 34 | 61% | 42 of 61 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:09 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 35 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 1:21 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mateusz Rębecki | 71 of 146 | 48% | 52 of 123 | 10 of 11 | 9 of 12 | 54 of 126 | 5 of 6 | 12 of 14 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 61 of 135 | 45% | 46 of 114 | 6 of 11 | 9 of 10 | 60 of 133 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mateusz Rębecki | 27 of 57 | 47% | 15 of 43 | 7 of 7 | 5 of 7 | 26 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 22 of 51 | 43% | 13 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 8 | 22 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mateusz Rębecki | 23 of 55 | 41% | 17 of 47 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 22 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 25 of 57 | 43% | 19 of 50 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mateusz Rębecki | 21 of 34 | 61% | 20 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 16 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 14 |
| Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 27 | 51% | 14 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cerqueira (-112), Aslan (-108)
Round 1
Another victim of a weigh-in day switcheroo, the two lightweights in Rebecki (19-2, 3-1 UFC) and Orolbai (13-1-1, 2-0 UFC) now find themselves competing at a 160-pound catchweight. It is currently unclear which man struggled to make weight properly—or it could be both—as they comfortably reached that mark together. Referee Vitor Ribeiro draws the charge for this matchup outside of standard weight divisions, and he checks the fight in as the two men tap their gloves together. Rebecki strides forward ready to throw hands, and he punches his way in and clashes his chest against his opponent’s. Orolbai pushes him back, and gets tagged by a left hand. The sheer momentum of the two make them crash together more than once, and Rebecki is throwing everything he has at his opponent. Rebecki pitches out a left hand that reddens the nose of his adversary, and leg kicks are traded. Orolbai sneaks in a short right, and Rebecki slides to the side and batters his opponent on both sides of the head with power punches. Orolbai pushes out a right hand, and they bang their heads together when coming towards one another. Rebecki punches his way into a clinch, and he escapes before Orolbai can take advantage of it. Rebecki chops at the front leg and spins around, and he loads up on heavy blows that do not make Orolbai budge one inch. Orolbai tosses out a head kick after a one-two, and Rebecki counters with a clubbing left hand. Rebecki’s face begins to turn red from a few absorbed blows back his direction, and he pays it no mind as he loads up on his big left. Orolbai sticks his opponent with a right and gets blasted with a scooping left hand, and it causes immediate damage that swells up his right eye. Orolbai’s eye balloons from the power punches, and Rebecki targets it like a bullseye. Rebecki chops down the front leg, and Orolbai walks him down and just misses with a head kick. A left hand from the Polish fighter opens up the nose, and he gets knocked down from a counter right that might have been from him being off-balance. The horn sounds as Rebecki scrambles back upright to attack again.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Round 2
Ribeiro calls in the physician to example Orolbai’s swollen right eye, which has almost completely closed between rounds. Orolbai passes the vision test and is cleared to continue for now. He starts off the round looking for a takedown, hoping to stifle the momentum of Rebecki. The Polish fighter loads up so hard with his left hand that he dislodges his own mouthpiece, and resets it and eats a huge right hand on the jaw. Orolbai connects with a head kick and shoots for a takedown, and the tree stump that is Rebecki stops it in its tracks. Orolbai splits the guard with an uppercut, and he loads up on massive right hands in hopes of hurting Rebecki or opening something up. This allows Rebecki to wrap his hands around the waist and push him against the fence. Orolbai drops down to the floor for a takedown, and although he trips Rebecki up, he cannot ground Rebecki. “Chinczyk” checks Orolbai’s chin with a left hand, and Orolbai has to take a moment to recover from it and absorbs a thunderous left on the busted eye. The beacon of a swollen eye is the perfect place for Rebecki to punch, and Rebecki punches it again and again. Rebecki uses a leg kick to open up a right hook, and he gets caught by a right hand from his opponent but does not budge. Instead, Rebecki surges forward with a wild left hand, and he dips away from an uppercut. Rebecki hammers the front leg with a kick and goes up top with a left, and Orolbai checks a second kick and shoots in for a double. Rebecki uses the fence at his back to stay upright, but a subsequent effort from Orolbai drags him to the ground. Before they hit the canvas, Orolbai appears to crash his head into his opponent’s and a cut on Rebecki’s eye splits open and starts pouring blood. Rebecki wipes at it but keeps swinging with full power, and Orolbai measures him with uppercuts and somehow counters him. Orolbai rolls with the punches and snaps the head to the side with an elbow, and he gets popped with two right hooks and completely shrugs them off. Orolbai connects with a left, absorbs a one-two, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Round 3
With damage on both right eyes, doctors clear them without even needing to check on the fighters’ conditions. Orolbai opens up in the final round with an elbow, aimed at the cut. Rebecki unloads a left hand on the swollen eye socket, and it is miraculous that Orolbai can see out if it. Rebecki blasts his man in the face with a right hand as Orolbai is attacking with an elbow, and a bomb of a second right hand sends Orolbai crashing to the mat. Rebecki pours it on with an onslaught of right hands, smashing Orolbai’s nose to pieces and causing blood to spray across the Octagon. Ribeiro watches on closely but does not intervene, and Rebecki beats Orolbai like a rented mule. Rebecki wrenches Orolbai to the floor, hammering the fighter from Kyrgyzstan but not eliciting referee intervention. Orolbai muscles his way to a knee and his feet, and he continues to take destructive right hands and pursues a single. Rebecki remains on his feet despite Orolbai’s attempts, and he lowers himself to a knee and starts absorbing rights of his own. Rebecki turns the tables on his opponent and dumps him to his backside, climbing into top position while blood covers both men. It comes from both fighters, who leak and cover the mat as well. Through sheer force of will, Orolbai turns his opponent around and pounds on him with left hands and elbows to the body. Orolbai considers an arm-triangle choke but slips off the side due to the massive blood flow. Orolbai sits in half guard as Rebecki clings to his wrist, and Rebecki bursts back to his feet and is pushed to the wall. Orolbai is pushed away, and he drives a one-two on the chin. Rebecki tanks it and eats another power punch, and Orolbai rocks him with a huge right hook. Rebecki is totally spent, and he leans his back to the wall and survives to the bell. What a fantastic bloodbath, one instantly worthy of “Fight of the Night” and plenty of attention from physicians in the next few minutes. Just bleed.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki (30-27 Rebecki)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki (29-28 Rebecki)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki (29-28 Rebecki)
The Official Result
Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Myktybek Orolbai in a close fight. He notes Orolbai has better cardio, can close the gap and get takedowns, and has a good chin. He thinks Rębecki's only hope is a knockout, but Orolbai is durable. He acknowledges Rębecki is good and has been reliable in the past, but leans toward Orolbai's pressure and grappling.
Big Brady picks Orolbai, expecting a chaotic scramble-fest. He notes that Rębecki slows down as fights go on, as seen against Fiori and Carlos Diego Ferreira. He believes Orolbai's pace will be too much for Rębecki and that Orolbai will take over as the fight progresses. He predicts a decision win, possibly with a late finish.
Cody picks Myktybek Orolbai, citing his massive size and reach advantage over Rębecki. He notes that Rębecki gassed out in his last fight and has no plan B when his wrestling fails. Orolbai's size, power, and ability to lean on opponents will wear down Rębecki. Cody believes Orolbai will win by decision or late finish.
Connor picks Orolbai, agreeing that he is more determined and a better round winner. He notes that Rębecki is a better puncher but more amorphous in his process, while Orolbai demands control and will not let Rębecki off the hook. Connor sees Rębecki winning the first round but losing the last two due to Orolbai's pressure.
Daniel Vreeland picks Orolbai, noting that Rębecki gassed out in his last fight after spamming overhands. He argues that Rębecki's wrestling won't work against Orolbai, who is a better wrestler and scrambler. Vreeland expects Orolbai to wear Rębecki down and finish him.
Daniel Vreeland picks Mateusz Rębecki to win, but primarily because he sees value on the underdog at the current line. He believes the fight is closer than the odds suggest and that Rębecki's experience and pace could be decisive. Vreeland notes that Orolbai has shown vulnerability when things go south, as seen in the Brener fight.
Jeff Fox agrees with Vreeland, picking Orolbai. He mentions that Orolbai has been impressive since joining the UFC and that he took him in his debut on short notice. Fox trusts Orolbai's skills and expects him to win.
Orolbai has the cardio and scrambling advantage, allowing him to avoid early danger and grind out a win. He could get a third-round finish or win on the scorecards. This is a grapple-heavy matchup.
Paul picks Orolbai, agreeing that Rębecki was exposed in his last fight and that Orolbai's size and strength will be too much. He notes that Orolbai is a mountain of a man at 155 and that Rębecki's cardio issues will be exploited. Paul is confident Orolbai will win.
The Guru picks Myktybek Orolbai, citing his relentless pace and ability to dig deep. He notes that Orolbai pushed through adversity against Uros Medic and has shown good cardio. He believes Rębecki is good but may fade in the later rounds, while Orolbai's pressure and takedown attempts will break him. The Guru also mentions the humid Abu Dhabi environment favoring the tougher fighter.
Zane picks Orolbai because he is pot-committed to pressing forward and forcing his wrestling, and he is incredibly focused on making his fight happen. Even if Rębecki has early success, Orolbai's relentless pressure will gas him out and take over in later rounds. Zane notes that Orolbai is a round winner who stays calm and confident.
Zane picked Orolbai but was worried he would hit a wall due to not being a physical force and having poor striking. He noted that Orolbai gets a lot done on heart and determination, but Rębecki crushed him in round one. Zane credited Orolbai for coming back and winning the second round, but ultimately scored the third for Rębecki because Orolbai was nearly dead earlier in the round. He called it a well-earned win for Rębecki.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 48 of 91 | 52% | 79 of 125 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 | 2 | 2:55 |
| Elves Brener | 1 | 65 of 119 | 54% | 83 of 138 | 5 of 17 | 29% | 0 | 0 | 7:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 14 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:30 |
| Elves Brener | 0 | 20 of 35 | 57% | 26 of 41 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:06 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 21 of 34 | 61% | 33 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Elves Brener | 0 | 28 of 49 | 57% | 35 of 57 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 0 | 0 | 2:56 | |
| 3 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 17 of 38 | 44% | 32 of 55 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 1 | 2:05 |
| Elves Brener | 1 | 17 of 35 | 48% | 22 of 40 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 48 of 91 | 52% | 24 of 61 | 7 of 12 | 17 of 18 | 35 of 75 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 13 |
| Elves Brener | 65 of 119 | 54% | 52 of 103 | 10 of 11 | 3 of 5 | 32 of 76 | 3 of 3 | 30 of 40 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 10 of 19 | 52% | 6 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
| Elves Brener | 20 of 35 | 57% | 16 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 13 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 21 of 34 | 61% | 10 of 21 | 4 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 15 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 |
| Elves Brener | 28 of 49 | 57% | 21 of 41 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 13 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 24 | |
| 3 | Myktybek Orolbai | 17 of 38 | 44% | 8 of 25 | 2 of 6 | 7 of 7 | 14 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Elves Brener | 17 of 35 | 48% | 15 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Angelo is confident in Orolbai, disagreeing with the public narrative that Brener is a good underdog. He views Brener as a grappler despite his knockout wins, and believes Orolbai's relentless wrestling and cardio will overwhelm him. He compares it to Orolbai's win over Uros Medic.
Big Brady is impressed with Orolbai's upside, calling him 'great everywhere' and noting his dominant debut. He acknowledges Brener's toughness and finishing ability but believes Orolbai has more ways to win. He predicts a decision due to both fighters' durability.
Cody picks Brener as a dog, citing his takedown defense, scrambling, and striking advantage. He notes Orolbai is coming down from 170 and may have weight cut issues, and his wrestling-heavy style may not impress judges. Cody expects Brener to win a close decision or get a finish.
Daniel Vreeland picks Orolbai, comparing his wrestling style to Khabib Nurmagomedov. He highlights Orolbai's pressure, takedown entries against the cage, and ability to stick to opponents. He believes Orolbai's suffocating style will be too much for Brener, who may struggle to create separation. He is willing to lay juice on Orolbai due to his dominant attributes.
Orolbai is very dangerous with his relentless grappling approach and better gas tank. He will put Brener through the ringer and finish him in the second or third round. The money line around -250 is acceptable.
Paul picks Orolbai, citing his physical strength and takedown ability. He notes Brener has been taken down before and Orolbai's power at lightweight will be a factor. Paul expects Orolbai to get takedowns and control the fight.
The MMA Guru picks Myktybek Orolbai, expecting him to use his size, strength, and wrestling to control Elves Brener. He notes Orolbai's takedown ability and ground-and-pound, and believes Brener's scrappy style will be neutralized as the fight goes on. He also mentions Orolbai's experience against good opponents and his physical advantages.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 8 of 20 | 40% | 16 of 31 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 1 | 0 | 7:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 6 of 14 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 0 | 0 | 3:49 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 10 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 27 | 51% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 14 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 20 | 40% | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 25 | 56% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Uroš Medić | 5 of 13 | 38% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Orolbai (-140), Medic (+130)
Round 1
The main card begins with an action fight that may not last too long. With nine finishes in his nine pro wins, Medic (9-1, 3-1 UFC) will try to make Kyrgyzstani newcomer Orolbai (11-1-1, 0-0 UFC) have to see a medic after their welterweight clash. In his own right, Orolbai posts 10 stoppages across his 11 victories. Referee Mike Beltran is ready for what happens when the two do not touch gloves. Medic greets the debutant with a pair of body kicks, and Orolbai swats at him with a left hook. Medic attacks the midsection with a third kick, and Orolbai lunges at him in an effort to reach the longer fighter. Medic bounces a pair of kicks off the guard, and he keeps a wide berth until stepping in with a one-two. Orolbai lowers himself down, and Medic drills him in the face with a knee. Orolbai is stunned, and he tries to level change and lift up Medic. The man from Kyrgyzstan succeeds in tripping Medic’s rear leg out to set him down, and Medic is quick to walk up with the fence behind him. Orolbai lands a mat return and steps over to take Medic’s back, and Medic tugs on the fence to stand back up. Beltran warns him, and Orolbai enforces this by slamming Medic back down. Medic shrugs at the control that is being imposed on him, and he stands back up once more and tries to frame off by pushing his leg off of Orolbai’s chest. Orolbai drops down and hits a double, planting Medic on his seat. “The Doctor” climbs upright with Orolbai hanging on from behind him, and Orolbai ragdolls him with another takedown. Orolbai laces his legs around Medic’s to trap him on his back, and he drags Medic away from the fence and stacks him up. Medic lets fly a few upkicks, but Orolbai is able to lower himself back down and step over to get a hook around Medic’s leg. Orolbai slugs Medic in the face with a left hand, and some swelling starts to grow around Medic’s left eye. Orolbai hacks down with a few punches and elbows until the round wraps up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Round 2
The second round opens up with Medic kicking at a safe distance, but Orolbai is quick to crowd him again. Orolbai slings a right hand over the top to close in, and Medic skirts to the side so he does not put his back up against the wall. Orolbai swings another right hand that allows him to get up close, and he secures a double and deposits Medic to the floor. Medic gets stuck with his back against the wall and his legs on the floor, as Orolbai tries to drag him into an uncomfortable position and start to work him over. Orolbai elbows as he gets pulled back to the guard, and he keeps control of Medic’s wrist to stifle him from getting up. Orolbai lets Medic turn over so he can take the back, and both of his hooks comes around as he grips his right arm on the chin of his opponent. Orolbai locks up the body triangle and softens Medic up with right hands around the back, until Medic scrambles to get to his feet. Orolbai drags him back down to a knee and then to his backside, and Medic sharply exhales in frustration. Orolbai clings to him and makes Medic’s life miserable with control and sporadic ground-and-pound. Orolbai fastens his arm under the chin, but Medic turns out of it.
Orolbai readjusts his grip and elects to squeeze on Medic’s face while wrenching the neck in a nasty direction. As Orolbai continues to torque the neck, Medic hangs tough until he cannot take it anymore, and he taps out.
Coming in on short notice, Orolbai puts on a show and manhandles a tough out to introduce himself to the promotion.
The Official Result
Myktybek Orolbai def. Uros Medic R2 4:12 via Submission (Neck Crank)
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, expecting his technical striking and patience to light up the brawler Johnny Parsons. He notes Medić has speed, footwork, and a killer instinct. He warns that Parsons is always live for a knockout but does not think he will find it here.
Big Brady was impressed with Orolbai's skills but notes he's coming in on short notice, which affects his cardio for a wrestling-heavy game plan. He thinks Medić is dangerous, has shown three-round cardio, and can finish fights late. He picks Medić by third-round knockout, but says on a full camp he would pick Orolbai. He doesn't see himself betting this fight.
Cody does not make a clear pick due to lack of information on Orolbai. He notes the fight was added late and he hasn't studied it. He mentions Orolbai looks like a 'bad man' but is on short notice. He leans towards passing or taking the favorite but is uncertain.
Orolbai has relentless grappling and crushing top pressure, with improved striking leading to knockouts. Medić is a striker with questionable ground game. Orolbai will dictate the pace with wrestling, land big shots, and find a finish in the second round. The fight doesn't go to decision is a favorite prop.
Paul also does not make a clear pick, stating he hasn't looked into Orolbai enough. He mentions Medić's toughness and power but cannot confidently pick a side. He suggests the fight will be violent but passes on betting.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić to finish Myktybek Orolbai with a body kick. He notes Medić's size at welterweight and his win over Matthew Semelsberger, where he survived a knockdown and finished him in the third round at altitude. He criticizes Orolbai for making Danny Roberts look competitive and believes Medić's reach and height advantage will lead to a finish.
Uroš Medić - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Neal | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 10 of 19 | 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 | Geoff Neal | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Neal | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 10 of 19 | 52% | 4 of 10 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geoff Neal | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 10 of 19 | 52% | 4 of 10 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Kerry Hatley is the referee. Medic takes the center of the cage to start. Neal probes with a double jab. Neal moves in and lands another jab. Meanwhile, Medic uses front kicks to try to control distance. Neal kicks the body. After a little bit of a feeling out process, the welterweights decide to plant their feet and trade. Both Medic and Uros are swinging with bad intentions, but the most devastating blow by far comes from “The Doctor,”
who clips his opponent with a left hook to the temple. Neal is unconscious as he collapses to the canvas.
This one is a wrap, and Medic has his third consecutive first-round finish in the Octagon.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Geoff Neal via KO (Punch) R1 1:19
Angelo picks Geoff Neal despite recent knockout loss, citing his overall experience and well-rounded skill set. He acknowledges Uroš Medić's power and finishing ability but notes Medić's questionable chin. He is hesitant because Neal is 35 and coming off a KO, but believes Neal is the better fighter.
Big Brady picks Geoff Neal to defeat Uroš Medić, citing Medić's suspect chin and Neal's heavy hands. He notes that Medić has been dropped by lesser punchers like Gilbert Urbina, while Neal hits like a truck. He predicts a first-round knockout, possibly requiring a stretcher for Medić. He acknowledges Neal was knocked out in his last fight but calls that a fluke spinning elbow that would KO most of the division.
Cody buys into Neal's sobriety narrative and thinks this is his easiest fight in a while. He notes Medić is an under machine who either finishes or gets finished, and expects Neal to win by KO early. He recommends under 1.5 rounds.
Connor picks Neal confidently, stating that Medić is a glass cannon who gets hurt easily and sells out on his shots, leaving him vulnerable to counters. He notes that Neal has been tested against much better competition and has always been competitive, while Medić's wins have aged poorly. He believes Neal's composure and athleticism will be too much for Medić.
The host rules out betting on Neal due to red flags from an interview where Neal discussed past issues with drugs, alcohol, and diet, making him unreliable at -225. He is tempted by Medic as a +178 underdog, noting Medic's dynamic striking and power, but passes because Medic has slowed in past fights and Neal has excellent cardio. He concludes it's an easy pass on both sides.
James picks Geoff Neal to win by first-round KO, citing Neal's experience against elite competition and the step down in competition for Medic. He notes that Medic is volatile and prone to getting knocked out early, and that Neal's power and boxing should be enough to finish him. James also likes the under 1.5 rounds and doesn't go to decision props.
Neal is a crafty striker with good power and range management, and he has fought tougher competition. Medic is a Muay Thai specialist but has durability issues and poor grappling defense. Neal should be able to land a big shot and finish Medic, likely in the first round. The line is fair given Neal's experience and home crowd.
Paul thinks Neal's step up in competition is significant and that Medić's chin is suspect. He notes Neal has fought top welterweights and held his own, while Medić has been knocked out by lesser opponents. He expects Neal to win by KO, possibly in the first round.
The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Geoff Neal, despite concerns about his chin and motivation after a KO loss. He believes Medić makes mistakes and is explosive but can be caught coming in. He predicts Neal will find a way to put Medić away in round two after Medić expends his energy.
Zane agrees with Connor, calling Medić a 'one hitter quitter' who is extremely vulnerable on the counter. He notes that Medić has no defense and gets hurt easily, even in fights he wins. He believes Neal is significantly better in the pocket and should be able to weather Medić's early power and then take over.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 13 | 61% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 13 | 61% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Medic (-180); Salikhov (+150)
Round 1
If rankings and relevant pairings do not litter the lineup, at least the matchmakers have lined up a few bangers. At 41, Salikhov (22-5, 9-4 UFC) may be looking as good as ever, with three wins in a row including two knockouts making his twilight years quite something. He will have to contend with brick-fisted Serb Medic (11-3, 5-3 UFC), who has come from Alaska to train down in California at Kings MMA. The two welterweights will be joined in the Octagon by referee Kerry Hatley, who has already donned his proverbial hard hat, fully cognizant that this one could be a doozey. There is a touch of gloves to open things up.
Medic tries early to swat away Salikhov’s staging left hand, stomping his way forward to threaten with strikes to the lead knee. Both men lash out with blows at the same time, and they need some time before re-engaging. They kick simultaneously, with Medic putting a scare in the Dagestan native by going upstairs. Medic tosses one out with his other leg, wrapping it around the back of the Russian’s melon.
Salikhov has to back off, and Medic rifles off a straight left hand that puts Salikhov on his seat. Salikhov tries to scoot around to grab hold of the leg of “The Doctor,” but Medic slams him in the side of the head with his angry Alaskan fist a few times until Salikhov shells up.
Hatley sees that Salikhov has physically surrendered at that point and steps in to save the Russian from any further harm. That is two knockouts in a row for Medic right around one minute, as he iced Gilbert Urbina in August in 63 seconds. The 100% finish rate remains intact as well, as Medic calls for bigger opportunities in the future.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Muslim Salikhov R1 1:03 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Uros Medic because he is younger, faster, and more technical, but he is not confident. He notes that Muslim Salikhov hits extremely hard and has wrestling, making him a phenomenal underdog. He acknowledges that Medic was almost finished by Gilbert Urbina, which raises concerns about his chin.
Big Brady has a hot take predicting Salikhov wins by spinning wheel kick knockout in the first round. He highlights Salikhov's patented spinning wheel kick, which he has used to knock out multiple opponents, including Carlos Leia. He questions Medić's durability, noting he got knocked down by Gilbert Urbina, which is a bad sign. He expects an early knockout.
Cody picks Salikhov, noting his power and counter-striking ability. He thinks Medić's aggressive, forward-moving style plays into Salikhov's hands, and that Salikhov will land a knockout early.
Lucrative James picks Muslim Salikhov despite acknowledging the volatility of the matchup. He notes Salikhov's higher level of competition and experience, as well as his recent training camp improvements. However, he admits both fighters have poor chins and heavy hands, making it a coin flip. He predicts Salikhov wins by knockout in round one, but also considers betting on the under or 'doesn't go to decision'.
The host expects a firecracker fight and loves the under 1.5 rounds. He believes Medic will snipe Salikhov from distance and win by knockout within five minutes.
Paul also picks Salikhov, calling the fight a 'car crash' and expecting a knockout. He likes the plus money on the older fighter and thinks Medić's durability issues will be exposed.
The Guru picks Muslim Salikhov to win by first-round KO. He believes Uroš Medić is too easily hit and erratic, lunging in with punches, while Salikhov has powerful spinning attacks and counters. He expects Salikhov to catch Medić coming in and finish him early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 1 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 1 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 1 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 5 of 9 | 55% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 5 of 9 | 55% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Medic (-400); Urbina (+300)
Round 1
Anchorage, Alaska, native Medic (10-3, 4-3 UFC) has not quite put things together yet in the UFC, even if all four of his wins thus far are by knockout. To try to bounce back from his first knockout loss, “The Doctor” draws BMF Ranch trainee Urbina (7-3, 1-2 UFC). The third man in the Octagon for this welterweight clash is referee Mark Smith, who stands back to allow the competitors to meet in the middle without bumping fists.
Urbina introduces himself with a huge right hand that sends Medic flying, and the Alaskan jumps back up and gathers his thoughts. Urbina does not try to finish the fight, instead allowing Medic to kick at him so he can respond with a hard body kick.
Medic splits the guard with a heavy left, and he drives a knee into the chin. Medic sits down on a piston-like left hand, and the mulleted Urbina ducks directly into the blow and is completely knocked out.
Medic gets off one more big hammerfist before Smith rushes in to call it. “The Doctor” is in as actual doctors rush into the cage to tend to the unconscious Urbina, who is sprawled out on the mat like a starfish. Urbina manages to come to after some time, and he needs to be helped up but otherwise appears ok beyond needing to be checked for concussion protocols. Meanwhile, that is five knockouts for Medic’s five wins in the UFC thus far, and his 100% finish rate remains sparkling.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Gilbert Urbina R1 1:03 via KO (Punch)
Angelo picks Uroš Medić but hates the odds at -350. He notes Medić is a technical striker with 100% finish rate and killer instinct, but his takedown defense is low. Gilbert Urbina is a grappler with high output but poor striking defense. Angelo thinks Medić will win because strikers are having more success, but the odds are too wide for his liking.
Big Brady is confident in Uroš Medić, citing his 100% finish rate and legitimate striking power. He criticizes Gilbert Urbina's chin, noting he was dropped multiple times by Tawn Gore and knocked out by Charles Raki. Brady believes Medić is a much better striker than Raki and will knock out Urbina early. He predicts a first-round knockout for Medić.
Connor picks Urbina because he thinks Medić's game has been figured out after getting wrecked a few times, and Urbina might not give him respect. He notes Urbina's cage wrestling and good riding skills from his win over Cosce.
Despite not being a big fan of Medic, the host sees this as a winnable fight and expects it to be violent. He thinks Medic will consistently crash the pocket and produce car crashes that could result in a finish, leading him to pick Medic by knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić over Gilbert Urbina, noting that Urbina's height is likely misreported and he lacks presence. He believes Medić has better offensive skills and finishing potential, and that his losses are to higher-level opponents. He predicts a TKO win for Medić.
Zane picks Medić because he is dynamic on the front foot and fast, and Urbina is not a pressure fighter. He notes Medić's tendency to put himself in bad positions but thinks Urbina will give him early opportunities.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 13 of 17 | 76% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 |
| Uroš Medić | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 13 of 17 | 76% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 |
| Uroš Medić | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Six bouts constitute the main card of this Fight Night in the Apex, and the first of those six comes at 170 pounds. Former middleweight brawler Soriano (10-4, 4-4 UFC) has picked up a few new tricks in the form of wrestling, but he will have his hands full with former Anchorage BJJ student Medic (10-2, 4-2 UFC). Fists are sure to fly, and they are bumped first under the watchful eye of referee Mike Beltran. Medic leads the dance with a short left hand, and Soriano gives him one back to think about almost immediately. Soriano kicks the front leg, and Medic blasts him back to the liver.
“Story Time” steels himself and charges like a bull, and a right hand sends Medic flying. With Medic crumpled in a heap on his side, Soriano jackhammers him with additional punches until Medic goes out and Beltran has seen enough.
Soriano rushes away to celebrate, where he drops to his hands and rattles off over a dozen pushups.
The Official Result
Punahele Soriano def. Uros Medic R1 0:31 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, citing his superior striking, speed, and power. He notes that Punahele Soriano's only path to victory is wrestling, but Medić's takedown defense is a concern. However, he believes Medić is the better striker and will land clean shots. He has Medić in a parlay with César Almeida, though he expresses some nervousness about the bet.
Big Brady sees a clear path for Soriano: take Medić down. He notes Medić's takedown defense and ground game are questionable, and Soriano looked dominant at welterweight against Baeza, landing 331 strikes. He worries Soriano might strike instead of wrestle, but believes if he uses his wrestling, he can win by TKO or decision. He picks Soriano to win, possibly by TKO via ground and pound.
Cody picks Medić, questioning Soriano's one good performance at 170 against a shot Miguel Baeza. He believes Medić's power and pace will cause Soriano to fatigue. He notes Medić's finishing ability and Soriano's history of gassing.
Connor picks Soriano because he believes Soriano's wrestling and physicality will be effective at welterweight. He notes that Soriano showed a grinding game against Miguel Baeza, and Medić is bad at dealing with sustained pressure and takedowns. While Soriano is uncreative and has shown little improvement, Connor thinks his size and strength advantage will allow him to control the fight. He acknowledges it's not a smart pick but sees a path.
Daniel notes Medić is more technically sound on the feet with better volume and diversity, while Soriano has big power in his left hand but shaky in-between and cardio concerns at welterweight. He thinks Medić will win the minutes, but Soriano could land a big shot or use wrestling. He picks Medić but is not interested in betting.
Lucrative James picks Uroš Medić to win, citing Medić's superior striking and cleaner kickboxing. He acknowledges Soriano's wrestling advantage and power, but believes Medić's skill on the feet will prevail over three rounds. He notes Soriano's cardio issues and that Medić has decent takedown defense. He also mentions that Soriano moved down from 185 and Medić moved up from 155, but still favors Medić's higher ceiling.
Soriano is a solid wrestler as shown in his welterweight debut against Miguel Baeza. He will get to his grappling, keep Medić on his back, and grind out a decision win as long as he doesn't get finished early.
Paul picks Soriano as a plus-money underdog, citing his impressive wrestling at 170 in his last fight. He expects fireworks and has bet under 1.5 rounds. He acknowledges Medić's danger but likes Soriano's path via takedowns.
The Guru picks Medić, noting his size as a big lightweight at welterweight, his KO of Tim Means, and his better technique and speed. He criticizes Soriano's recent performances, including losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and a poor showing against Miguel Baeza. He predicts an early TKO for Medić.
Zane picks Medić because he is a more dangerous finisher and expects Soriano to struggle to impose his game plan. Medić's movement and kicks could frustrate Soriano, who is hittable and plotting. Zane notes that Soriano's win over Baeza was more about Baeza's poor performance than Soriano's skill. Medić's ability to keep the fight in open space and avoid being clinched gives him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Means immediately changes levels and gets a body lock. Medic is defending well but eats some knees to the legs. They separate as Medic lands a sharp elbow. Means looks for another takedown. Medic counters well with a throw. They separate back to striking range.
Means comes in and eats an explosive left uppercut that sits him down. Referee Herb Dean stops the fight after a follow-up punch puts Means out.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Tim Means via TKO (Punches); R1, 2:09.
Angelo is very confident Uroš Medić wins, citing his youth, speed, power, and superior striking. He notes Medić has a 100% finish rate and killer instinct. The only concern is Medić's 46% takedown defense, but he thinks Tim Means at 40 years old may not be able to exploit it. He expects a finish and suggests waiting for prop bets, hoping for a 2.5 round line to bet the under.
Cody picks Means as a dog, citing his experience and cleaner striking. He notes Means' body work and straight left, and believes he can hurt Medić, who has been rocked before. However, he admits Means' age and cardio are concerns, making it a doger pass.
Daniel thinks Means is durable but at 40 may not dig deep when hurt. He notes Medić is younger, more dangerous, and showed heart in the Semelsberger fight. He leans Medić but won't bet at -310, though he might take Means as a dog if the price gets better.
Medić is younger, faster, and more powerful. Means is 40 with a lot of mileage. Medić's Muay Thai and power should overwhelm Means as the fight goes on. I expect Medić to finish Means, possibly by knockout. The inside distance prop is a good option.
Paul also picks Means, highlighting his experience against better competition and his opportunistic submission game. He thinks Means' grappling advantage could be key, as Medić has poor takedown defense. He calls it a clear doger pass.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić, calling him more explosive and dangerous on the feet. He criticizes Tim Means as hitting a veteran decline and notes his loss to Matt Semelsberger. He highlights Medić's good cardio and nasty body kicks, predicting a TKO via liver shot. He also mentions Medić's near-finish of Orolbai and his ability to handle Means' grinding style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 8 of 20 | 40% | 16 of 31 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 1 | 0 | 7:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 6 of 14 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 0 | 0 | 3:49 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 10 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 27 | 51% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 14 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 20 | 40% | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 25 | 56% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Uroš Medić | 5 of 13 | 38% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Orolbai (-140), Medic (+130)
Round 1
The main card begins with an action fight that may not last too long. With nine finishes in his nine pro wins, Medic (9-1, 3-1 UFC) will try to make Kyrgyzstani newcomer Orolbai (11-1-1, 0-0 UFC) have to see a medic after their welterweight clash. In his own right, Orolbai posts 10 stoppages across his 11 victories. Referee Mike Beltran is ready for what happens when the two do not touch gloves. Medic greets the debutant with a pair of body kicks, and Orolbai swats at him with a left hook. Medic attacks the midsection with a third kick, and Orolbai lunges at him in an effort to reach the longer fighter. Medic bounces a pair of kicks off the guard, and he keeps a wide berth until stepping in with a one-two. Orolbai lowers himself down, and Medic drills him in the face with a knee. Orolbai is stunned, and he tries to level change and lift up Medic. The man from Kyrgyzstan succeeds in tripping Medic’s rear leg out to set him down, and Medic is quick to walk up with the fence behind him. Orolbai lands a mat return and steps over to take Medic’s back, and Medic tugs on the fence to stand back up. Beltran warns him, and Orolbai enforces this by slamming Medic back down. Medic shrugs at the control that is being imposed on him, and he stands back up once more and tries to frame off by pushing his leg off of Orolbai’s chest. Orolbai drops down and hits a double, planting Medic on his seat. “The Doctor” climbs upright with Orolbai hanging on from behind him, and Orolbai ragdolls him with another takedown. Orolbai laces his legs around Medic’s to trap him on his back, and he drags Medic away from the fence and stacks him up. Medic lets fly a few upkicks, but Orolbai is able to lower himself back down and step over to get a hook around Medic’s leg. Orolbai slugs Medic in the face with a left hand, and some swelling starts to grow around Medic’s left eye. Orolbai hacks down with a few punches and elbows until the round wraps up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Round 2
The second round opens up with Medic kicking at a safe distance, but Orolbai is quick to crowd him again. Orolbai slings a right hand over the top to close in, and Medic skirts to the side so he does not put his back up against the wall. Orolbai swings another right hand that allows him to get up close, and he secures a double and deposits Medic to the floor. Medic gets stuck with his back against the wall and his legs on the floor, as Orolbai tries to drag him into an uncomfortable position and start to work him over. Orolbai elbows as he gets pulled back to the guard, and he keeps control of Medic’s wrist to stifle him from getting up. Orolbai lets Medic turn over so he can take the back, and both of his hooks comes around as he grips his right arm on the chin of his opponent. Orolbai locks up the body triangle and softens Medic up with right hands around the back, until Medic scrambles to get to his feet. Orolbai drags him back down to a knee and then to his backside, and Medic sharply exhales in frustration. Orolbai clings to him and makes Medic’s life miserable with control and sporadic ground-and-pound. Orolbai fastens his arm under the chin, but Medic turns out of it.
Orolbai readjusts his grip and elects to squeeze on Medic’s face while wrenching the neck in a nasty direction. As Orolbai continues to torque the neck, Medic hangs tough until he cannot take it anymore, and he taps out.
Coming in on short notice, Orolbai puts on a show and manhandles a tough out to introduce himself to the promotion.
The Official Result
Myktybek Orolbai def. Uros Medic R2 4:12 via Submission (Neck Crank)
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, expecting his technical striking and patience to light up the brawler Johnny Parsons. He notes Medić has speed, footwork, and a killer instinct. He warns that Parsons is always live for a knockout but does not think he will find it here.
Big Brady was impressed with Orolbai's skills but notes he's coming in on short notice, which affects his cardio for a wrestling-heavy game plan. He thinks Medić is dangerous, has shown three-round cardio, and can finish fights late. He picks Medić by third-round knockout, but says on a full camp he would pick Orolbai. He doesn't see himself betting this fight.
Cody does not make a clear pick due to lack of information on Orolbai. He notes the fight was added late and he hasn't studied it. He mentions Orolbai looks like a 'bad man' but is on short notice. He leans towards passing or taking the favorite but is uncertain.
Orolbai has relentless grappling and crushing top pressure, with improved striking leading to knockouts. Medić is a striker with questionable ground game. Orolbai will dictate the pace with wrestling, land big shots, and find a finish in the second round. The fight doesn't go to decision is a favorite prop.
Paul also does not make a clear pick, stating he hasn't looked into Orolbai enough. He mentions Medić's toughness and power but cannot confidently pick a side. He suggests the fight will be violent but passes on betting.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić to finish Myktybek Orolbai with a body kick. He notes Medić's size at welterweight and his win over Matthew Semelsberger, where he survived a knockdown and finished him in the third round at altitude. He criticizes Orolbai for making Danny Roberts look competitive and believes Medić's reach and height advantage will lead to a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 52 of 120 | 43% | 53 of 121 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 1 | 69 of 128 | 53% | 76 of 135 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 1 | 17 of 36 | 47% | 18 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:54 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 19 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 25 of 55 | 45% | 26 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 31 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 52 of 120 | 43% | 31 of 91 | 8 of 14 | 13 of 15 | 42 of 106 | 3 of 5 | 7 of 9 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 69 of 128 | 53% | 49 of 98 | 17 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 50 of 104 | 13 of 18 | 6 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 17 of 36 | 47% | 10 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 9 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 18 of 31 | 58% | 12 of 22 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 24 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 24 of 58 | 41% | 12 of 40 | 3 of 8 | 9 of 10 | 23 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 25 of 55 | 45% | 16 of 43 | 7 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 24 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Uroš Medić | 11 of 26 | 42% | 9 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 26 of 42 | 61% | 21 of 33 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 27 | 7 of 9 | 6 of 6 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Semelsberger (-205), Medic (+175)
Round 1
Welterweights take center stage next, as two action fighters prepare to only leave one man standing. “Semi the Jedi” Semelsberger (11-5, 5-3 UFC) has his full array of Jedi mind tricks at his disposal, while “The Doctor” Medic (8-1, 2-1 UFC) wants to show on short notice that mind tricks do not work on him – only money, and punches. This potential thriller draws oversight from referee Tyler Tomlinson, and it kicks off as the two men bump fists. Semelsberger is the initial aggressor, launching an early head kick that bounces off the raised guard. Medic kicks, and the two clash together as Medic topples to the mat. In a furious exchange, Medic gets off some upkicks, but Semelsberger circles around to take the back. Medic defends with a possible leglock as they continue to roll, and this forces them to lean up against the cage and walk up it. Medic breaks off and scores a short right hand, and the two reset. Medic leaves a lazy right hook out too long, and Semelsberger snaps the head back with a straight right hand. Semelsberger paws out a one-two, and Medic replies with a similar pair of punches that split the guard. Medic kicks low, and Semelsberger slowly crowds him but does not let go. They both get off single strikes, with Semelsberger’s right hand a big one. Medic winds up with a heft left hook, causing the mullet of Semelsberger to wave behind him. Medic backs up against the fence, bounces off it, and tosses a high kick that makes Semelsberger nod at him. Semelsberger counters a kick with an overhand left that lands loudly, and a straight right hand knocks Medic clean off his feet. Semelsberger lowers himself down into the guard, as his corner desperately cries for him to not play in the guard. Semelsberger stands up, and Medic blasts him in the chops with an upkick. Medic trips Semelsberger up, and Semelsberger stumbles to his back. Medic jumps up and chases after him, and he drills Semelsberger with a few punches. Semelsberger comes back firing with a right hand, dropping Medic down to his face. Medic tries to recover with a takedown attempt, and Semelsberger swirls around to take his back. The two break up and take breaths after the ferocious exchange. Semelsberger plants two solid right hands on the chin, and he measures Medic and bobs up and down as he works his way in. Semelsberger sneaks up a high kick as Medic misses a hook, and Semelsberger busts open a cut on the bridge of the nose with a right hand. Medic strikes the body with a kick, and Semelsberger whiffs with a counter as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Round 2
The welterweights are fired up to get back after it, as they clap their hands together. Medic leads off with a solid one-two, and Semelsberger responds with a missile of a right hand back at him. Medic kicks the body with body legs, and he disrupts an advancing Semelsberger with a few punches. They both fire off kicks to the midsection, and Semelsberger tries to follow one with an overhand right that misses the mark by a wide margin. Medic paws out with a few left hands, and Semelsberger crowds him with a trio of punches. Medic counters his man on the inside, and Semelsberger hammers his lead leg three times in a row. Medic follows a left hand with a low kick, and Semelsberger is right in front of him to fire out a one-two. Semelsberger doubles up on a jab, and a left hand shakes Medic up. The Alaskan by way of Serbia grits his teeth and gets back into the pocket, only to dance out of the way when Semelsberger is throwing hands. They trade right hands, but Semelsberger lands flusher. Medic delivers a kick to the body, and Semelsberger does the exact same thing and then kicks Medic’s lead wheel for good measure. Semelsberger rashes the pocket and tags Medic a few times, only to get backed off when Medic tries to initiate a brawl. Semelsberger hooks a right hand on the ear, and Medic backs off and aims a kick at the dome. Semelsberger mimics him with his own high kick, after nodding at Medic for the effective strike. Semelsberger keeps his guard up high as Medic strings punches together, but a few manage to get through. Semelsberger eats a left hand on the end of an exchange, and this results in heavy counters from both men. Semelsberger use head movement to evade a few strikes, and he takes a front kick to the chest. Semelsberger blocks a head kick, and he powers forward to miss with a right hand. Semelsberger steps in with a knee that misses, and a right hand that does not. Medic scores a right hand and follows with a blocked head kick, and the close round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Medic
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Round 3
Semelsberger is the one fired up coming out of his corner, swinging with big punches and kicks. Medic stands in the pocket to counter, and he eats a right hand as he powers forward. Medic rips a shin to the liver, and Semelsberger might be compromised but he sticks his tongue out to keep a poker face. Semelsberger pushes forward, blocking the punches that soar towards him so that he can clinch up. Semelsberger presses Medic against the wire, but Medic turns the corner and stuns him with a right hand on the break. Semelsberger digs a shin to the calf, and Medic swings right back. Semelsberger gets off a crisp right hand, and Medic has to hop back a few steps to get his balance. Medic targets the body, and he leans back from a big right hand and swings a high kick up. Semelsberger is able to block it, and he pushes out a one-two that gets parried. Semelsberger lands a right, and Medic jabs him back. Semelsberger whiffs on a leg kick, and the two start trading with bad intentions. Semelsberger unloads with a right hand, and Medic returns fire with a thudding right hand on the temple that rocks “Semi the Jedi.” Semelsberger laughs it off, but he is hurt badly.
Medic tactically comes forward, spinning with a back fist that ends connects with the forearm and sends Semelsberger careening to the canvas. Medic stands over him and hammers the nail with several standing-to-ground punches, and Tomlinson steps in to wave the fight off.
Semelsberger immediately protests, claiming he was not out, but when he stands up, he is still very wobbly. The victorious Medic retains his 100% finish rate by informing fight fans that “The Doctor” is in.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Matthew Semelsberger R3 2:36 via TKO (Spinning Back Fist and Punches)
Angelo picks Semelsberger because he believes Semelsberger has enough chin to weather Medić's striking and can then work in his grappling advantage. He notes that Semelsberger has solid leg kicks, body work, and power, but can be sloppy. He trusts Semelsberger to close the gap and drag the fight into later rounds, where his grappling should take over. He already placed a half-unit bet at -150.
Big Brady picks Matthew Semelsberger to win by second-round knockout. He argues that Semelsberger has more paths to victory: better durability, cardio, wrestling, and grappling, plus massive power (nine knockdowns in eight fights). He expects Medić, coming up in weight on short notice at elevation, to fade after an early onslaught, and Semelsberger's chin will hold up to finish him.
Cody picks Semelsberger but is hesitant at -200. He notes Medić's power and early finishing ability but questions his cardio. Semelsberger has good volume and takedown defense issues but can survive early onslaughts. He suggests a live bet on Semelsberger if he survives the first round.
James believes Medić is a cleaner striker with better timing and technique, while Semelsberger has more power but an elite chin that may eventually crack. He notes the line has moved heavily toward Semelsberger, creating value on Medić as an underdog. He thinks the fight is fairly even and that Medić's striking prowess gives him the edge.
Semelsberger has more knockdowns than fights and his forward pressure and power punching will be too much for Medić. Medić is a glass cannon with a hand injury history and doesn't have the grappling to exploit Semelsberger's weakness. Semelsberger will land a big punch and knock him out. Fight doesn't go to decision is a great play.
Paul also picks Semelsberger, citing his superior cardio and volume. He notes Medić's limited cardio and tendency to fade after the first round. Semelsberger has faced wrestlers and power punchers but has shown durability. He advises a live bet if Medić doesn't finish early.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, expecting his technical striking and patience to light up the brawler Johnny Parsons. He notes Medić has speed, footwork, and a killer instinct. He warns that Parsons is always live for a knockout but does not think he will find it here.
Big Brady was impressed with Orolbai's skills but notes he's coming in on short notice, which affects his cardio for a wrestling-heavy game plan. He thinks Medić is dangerous, has shown three-round cardio, and can finish fights late. He picks Medić by third-round knockout, but says on a full camp he would pick Orolbai. He doesn't see himself betting this fight.
Cody does not make a clear pick due to lack of information on Orolbai. He notes the fight was added late and he hasn't studied it. He mentions Orolbai looks like a 'bad man' but is on short notice. He leans towards passing or taking the favorite but is uncertain.
Orolbai has relentless grappling and crushing top pressure, with improved striking leading to knockouts. Medić is a striker with questionable ground game. Orolbai will dictate the pace with wrestling, land big shots, and find a finish in the second round. The fight doesn't go to decision is a favorite prop.
Paul also does not make a clear pick, stating he hasn't looked into Orolbai enough. He mentions Medić's toughness and power but cannot confidently pick a side. He suggests the fight will be violent but passes on betting.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić to finish Myktybek Orolbai with a body kick. He notes Medić's size at welterweight and his win over Matthew Semelsberger, where he survived a knockdown and finished him in the third round at altitude. He criticizes Orolbai for making Danny Roberts look competitive and believes Medić's reach and height advantage will lead to a finish.
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