Career Averages - Christian Leroy Duncan
Career Averages - Denis Tiuliulin
Christian Leroy Duncan
Denis Tiuliulin
Christian Leroy Duncan - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Dolidze | 0 | 10 of 34 | 29% | 40 of 94 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 7:07 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 54 of 99 | 54% | 78 of 125 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Dolidze | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 3 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:33 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 16 of 29 | 55% | 23 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 | |
| 2 | Roman Dolidze | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 9 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 28 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 | |
| 3 | Roman Dolidze | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 28 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:01 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 18 of 26 | 69% | 27 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Dolidze | 10 of 34 | 29% | 8 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 54 of 99 | 54% | 18 of 52 | 6 of 12 | 30 of 35 | 51 of 92 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Dolidze | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 16 of 29 | 55% | 5 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 9 of 9 | 13 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | |
| 2 | Roman Dolidze | 5 of 19 | 26% | 4 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 20 of 44 | 45% | 6 of 24 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 15 | 20 of 42 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Roman Dolidze | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 18 of 26 | 69% | 7 of 11 | 1 of 4 | 10 of 11 | 18 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan because of his speed, athleticism, and striking advantage. He notes Roman Dolidze is a world champion grappler but doesn't always use his wrestling and has poor fight IQ. He is not betting on this fight because Roman can be dangerous on any given day and CLD is not a genius himself.
Big Brady confidently picks Christian Leroy Duncan, noting that Duncan is seven years younger, much quicker, and has more variety on the feet. He points out that Roman Dolidze looked bad in his last fight against Fluffy Hernandez and doesn't wrestle enough (less than one takedown per 15 minutes). He thinks Duncan will pick apart Dolidze over 15 minutes and win a decision, as Dolidze is tough but unlikely to get the fight to the ground.
Cody agrees, citing Duncan's dynamic striking and Dolidze's susceptibility to speed. He expects a finish or clear decision for Duncan.
Connor picks Duncan but is hesitant, agreeing with Zane that the fight could be ugly. He notes that Duncan has a 'meme fighter' aura and can look like a killer in bursts, but lacks a clear idea of how to win rounds. Connor points out that Dolidze is a big, strong galoot who is happy to hold opponents against the fence. He thinks the odds are too wide and calls it more of a coin flip.
Daniel Vreeland picks Christian Leroy Duncan to win by knockout. He highlights Duncan's athleticism, speed, and recent improvements, while noting Dolidze is older and slower. He expects Duncan to land at will and eventually finish Dolidze.
Daniel is high on CLD, believing his speed and athleticism will be too much for Dolidze. He thinks CLD will have a breakout performance and knock Dolidze out, giving him his first real knockout loss. He notes Dolidze's gas tank issues and CLD's improved fight IQ.
Duncan is a favorable stylistic matchup for the British fighter. Dolidze is old, slow, and flat-footed; Duncan is fast, athletic, and accurate. Duncan should dominate on the feet and win easily. The price is too steep to bet, but Duncan should win comfortably.
James picks Christian Leroy Duncan, believing he is the much better striker and will knock out Roman Dolidze. He notes that Dolidze is not a great wrestler and will struggle to take Duncan down. He thinks Duncan's dynamic strikes and clinch work will be too much.
The host picks Christian Leroy Duncan by knockout but is hesitant due to the wide line. He notes Duncan's improved clinch game and knockout power, but warns that Dolidze's pressure and toughness could cause Duncan to break mentally. He expects Duncan to land big shots and get the KO, but advises caution.
Paul sees Duncan as the younger, faster fighter heading in the right direction, while Dolidze is declining. He expects Duncan to win by KO or decision.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan to finish Roman Dolidze in round two or three. He praises Duncan's chin, composure, and dynamic striking, noting he took big shots from Gregory Rodrigues. He criticizes Dolidze as a plodding, technical grappler who was outgrappled by Anthony Hernandez. He expects Duncan to win the low kick battle, defend takedowns, and land a brutal combination.
Zane picks Duncan but is hesitant, noting several ways the fight could be terrible. He believes Duncan is a better striker and has 70% takedown defense, which should be enough against Dolidze's poor wrestling. However, he worries that Dolidze's strength and clinch work could lead to a grinding fight. Zane sees Duncan's path to a showcase win but acknowledges Dolidze is a tough, strong fighter who can make it ugly.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 23 of 46 | 50% | 40 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 27 of 57 | 47% | 42 of 75 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 13 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 15 of 25 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:31 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 15 of 28 | 53% | 27 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Marco Tulio | 0 | 19 of 40 | 47% | 27 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 23 of 46 | 50% | 11 of 27 | 3 of 7 | 9 of 12 | 20 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Marco Tulio | 27 of 57 | 47% | 13 of 36 | 3 of 7 | 11 of 14 | 22 of 49 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 8 of 18 | 44% | 3 of 8 | 1 of 4 | 4 of 6 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Marco Tulio | 8 of 17 | 47% | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 13 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 15 of 28 | 53% | 8 of 19 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 13 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Marco Tulio | 19 of 40 | 47% | 11 of 27 | 2 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 16 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | ODDS : Tulio (-190); Duncan (+160)
Round 1
Knockout rates of 70% or higher for these two middleweights means that referee Mark Smith will need to be ready at a moment’s notice. Of the two men setting foot in the cage next, Duncan (12-2, 5-2 UFC) has earned a higher stoppage rate but has fewer overall wins inside the distance compared to Chute Boxe Diego Lima product Tulio (14-1, 2-0 UFC). Smith steps back after clocking the athletes in, allowing them to tap gloves before engaging.
Duncan has his hands down as he moves to the center of the cage, offering a pair of stomp kicks and a sudden jump knee. Tulio scoots out of the way and drills the lead leg of the Brit several times. Duncan throws back with his own hard calf kick, and he spins with an elbow that splits Tulio’s forehead open. Tulio quickly ties him up to prevent his dynamic offense from coming forth, and he trips Duncan and puts him on his seat. Tulio smothers from on top, imposing his weight as Duncan turns to his knees. Tulio tries to spin on the break, but Duncan bails on it and swings for the bleachers. Tulio throws back hammers, and Duncan crashes forward and blasts him in the face with an overhand right. He spins with a back elbow, and it skims the top of the head as Tulio clinches him.
Tulio squeezes on Duncan against the wire while his fingers are hooked in the chain links, allowing him to sneakily hold Duncan until Duncan explodes to turn him around. Shoulder strikes from Duncan land with audible thuds, and he tries to trip Tulio out like Tulio got him before. Tulio redirects his effort and nearly gets off his own, but he lets it go so he can elbow the Brit in the face. The two split apart, and Duncan runs at the Brazilian with his foot flying. Duncan’s subsequent spinning wheel kick allows Tulio to bowl him over to the mat. Duncan twists before a choke can materialize, and he stands up and lifts Tulio to slam him down with 30 seconds left in the round. Duncan puts himself in side control and then relocates himself to full mount, where he elbows Tulio on the side of the head and rides out back control when Tulio turns until the round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Round 2
The middleweights touch gloves, and then let go simultaneous low kicks that results in their shins clashing. Duncan circles around, flustering the Brazilian with a varied offense that range from flying kicks to spinning strikes and haymakers that could knock down a building. Tulio settles himself down and pierces the pocket with a right hand that cuts Duncan’s left eye. Tulio walks Duncan down with constant pressure and lays into him, keeping him from getting off much wild offense. Duncan still manages to get going, pawing at his bloodied eye and lashing out with swinging fists until the two result clinched up against the wall. Tulio wants to take the fight down, and Duncan stonewalls him. Tulio stays tightly pressed on his man while letting go with short strikes, and Smith is watching on as they break apart.
Duncan’s immediate offense results in another quick tie-up, and Tulio’s first effort to throw the Brit down fails. They offer alternating jabs, and Duncan spins with a back fist and slips when resetting.
Duncan sees the success of the blow and stutter-steps to delay firing off another spinning back fist. The strike connects square on Tulio’s nose, sending him staggering back. Duncan knows his man is in trouble and walks him down with a fierce, straight left and a monstrous right that completely deprives Tulio of all of his senses. Tulio slumps to the mat, already unconscious, but Smith is still trying to get between them.
This allows Duncan to hammer down one final, devastating right hand while Tulio is off dreaming, to fully punctuate the contest. Tulio lays on his stomach lifelessly for a seemingly long time, until medical professionals tend to him and he revives. The triumphant Duncan has reached rarified air, becoming one of a small number of athletes to record multiple stoppage wins in the Octagon by spinning strikes. He joins names like Dennis Siver, Molly McCann and the upcoming Muslin Salikhov, in having achieved this spin-related feat.
The Official Result
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Marco Tulio R2 3:20 via KO (Spinning Back Fist and Punches)
Angelo picks Marco Tulio, stating he is better everywhere. He believes Marco's takedown defense will be good enough to keep the fight standing, and that Christian Leroy Duncan will resort to takedowns too late after getting touched up. He is surprisingly confident given the line.
Big Brady leans toward Tulio, noting his incredible striking volume and wrestling/grappling upside. He worries about Tulio's hittability and past knockout loss, but thinks Duncan is KO or bust. He predicts Tulio wins comfortably on the scorecards if Duncan doesn't land a knockout.
Cody picks Tulio, citing his high volume and pressure. He thinks Duncan's lack of volume and tendency to clinch will be neutralized, and Tulio will outwork him.
Lucrative James picks Marco Tulio, citing his higher ceiling and more vicious striking. He notes Tulio's offensive output and grappling upside, while criticizing Christian Leroy Duncan's lackluster performances against top competition. He acknowledges Tulio's hand injury but believes he has recovered. He expects Tulio to win, though not dominate.
The host disagrees with the betting public favoring Tulio, believing Duncan is the better striker with good clinch strength. He expects Duncan to wear Tulio down and eventually land a big shot for a knockout.
Paul picks Tulio, noting his volume and pressure. He thinks Duncan's durability is fine but Tulio's pace will be too much, and the fight likely goes over 2.5 rounds.
The Guru picks Marco Tulio over Christian Leroy Duncan. He believes Tulio has more natural pop in his punches and a better flow state, while Duncan relies on flashy techniques. He expects a close fight with Tulio landing the more significant shots and winning a hard-fought decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 18 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 27 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 18 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 27 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 24 of 43 | 55% | 9 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 13 | 20 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 24 of 43 | 55% | 9 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 13 | 20 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan despite questioning his fight IQ. He notes Duncan is the better striker with solid takedown defense and cardio, but he can be an idiot with game plans. If Duncan decides to wrestle, Anders could bully him. However, Anders' chin is declining, so Duncan should win if he strikes.
Big Brady is confident in Christian Leroy Duncan, though he notes Duncan sometimes lacks effort. He points out that Anders has been knocked down in his last three fights by lesser strikers like Jamie Pickett and Chris Weidman, indicating a decline. Brady believes if Duncan cares even a little, he will knock out Anders early. He predicts a first-round knockout for Duncan.
Connor picks Duncan, noting that Anders is limited as a strategist and technician, and that Duncan's dynamic striking and range management will be too much. He points out that Anders has only beaten low-level opponents in recent years and is slow-footed, while Duncan is dangerous and annoying to fight. Connor expects Duncan to win and move toward a top 15 matchup.
The host believes Duncan's speed and power will be too much for Anders, who is slowing down and was hurt badly by Weidman in his last fight. He thinks it's just a matter of time before Duncan lands a clean shot and puts Anders down and out.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan, calling it a potential schooling. He notes Anders' recent wins are over old fighters and that Anders has become too technical. He expects Duncan to piece up Anders and win a dominant decision, possibly with a 10-8 round.
Zane agrees, calling Duncan a meme fighter with flashy skills but noting that Anders is a limited opponent who has struggled against similar fighters. He highlights that Anders has only beaten Kyle Daukaus, Jamie Pickett, and an aged Chris Weidman in recent years, while Duncan's athleticism and tricky style will cause problems. Zane thinks Duncan will win and eventually get exposed against top competition.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 73 of 141 | 51% | 116 of 187 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 5:36 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 18 of 55 | 32% | 36 of 78 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 16 of 34 | 47% | 44 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:50 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 4 of 11 | 36% | 14 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 28 of 57 | 49% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 12 of 36 | 33% | 14 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 3 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 29 of 50 | 58% | 41 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:04 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 8 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 73 of 141 | 51% | 35 of 87 | 17 of 28 | 21 of 26 | 47 of 105 | 26 of 36 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 18 of 55 | 32% | 8 of 43 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 14 of 48 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 16 of 34 | 47% | 6 of 17 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 7 | 8 of 23 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 4 of 11 | 36% | 1 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 28 of 57 | 49% | 10 of 33 | 5 of 9 | 13 of 15 | 27 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 12 of 36 | 33% | 6 of 28 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 34 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 29 of 50 | 58% | 19 of 37 | 7 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 26 | 17 of 24 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 2 of 8 | 25% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Duncan (-625), Pulyaev (+455)
Round 1
Jason Herzog will be the third man in the cage for this middleweight bout. Duncan lands a couple leg kicks early. Pulyaev just misses on a head kick. Duncan applies pressure and then moves in behind a spinning back elbow and a punching combination against the fence. Duncan forces the clinch and throws a few knees in close quarters.Pulyaev is able to reverse and turn his foe into the fence. Pulyaev tries to lift Duncan but is unsuccessful as they remain engaged. Now Duncan reverses position as the clinch battle continues. Duncan creates space to land a right hand but they remain in something of a stalemate. Duncan lands some knees and Herzog checks with Pulyaev to make sure they weren’t low. Pulyaev says he’s good. The grinding fight continues, and it’s Duncan staying busy with knees to the thighs and body. With about 50 seconds to go, Herzog breaks them up. Pulyaev lands a body kick and Dunan moves forward with a jab. Pulyaev slams a kick up high off Duncan’s forearm. They end the round at distance.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Round 2
Duncan lands a kick to the knees and then another up high. Pulyaev answers with a high kick that’s blocked. Duncan pressures with punches, backing Pulyaev up before shooting for the takedown. Now we’re back in the clinch, with Duncan shoving the Russian into the wire. Pulyaev uses a body lock to turn his man around and he lands a solid knee. They seprate and Duncan moves in with a clean right hand .Duncan keeps the pressure on, as Pulyaev is on the defensive. A spinning back kick from Duncan lands on his foe’s leg. Duncan lands a leg kick. A left partially lands for the Englishman. Pulyaev kicks the body, but Duncan answers with a 1-2 and a kick to the body. A spinning back elbow and a left puts Pulyaev on the defensive. Duncan keeps moving forward with a front kick. Pulyaev finds space to land a body kick. Duncan keeps stalking, looking for openings. He lands a couple solid leg kicks as Pulyaev circles on the outside. Duncan misses on a spinning high kick at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Round 3
Duncan gets back to work with a kick heavy attack, some that land, and some that keep his opponent guessing. Pulyaev has a head kick blocked. Duncan grabs the clinch and lands a forceful shoulder strike, pulling his foe’s head down from the plum. They battle for control in the clinch, a recurring theme at various times in this fight. Herzog urges the fighters to keep working and they separate on their own. Pulyev gets a body lock, but Duncan denies the takedown. Pulyaev has double underhooks, but not much is happening here. Pulyaev throws an elbow as they break. Duncan misses a right and Pulyaev forces the clinch again. Duncan reverses and lands a knee against the fence. Duncan whiffs on a spinning elbow and the Russian takes the opportunity to shove his man into the cage. Pulyaev briefly gets a rear body lock, but it’s fleeting, as Duncan takes control of the ongoing clinch battle. Duncan creates space and lands a forceful knee. Moments later, Duncan lands a glancing flying knee before the combatants return to the clinch. Herzog tells them to work. Duncan finds space and lands a few elbows. Late in the round, Duncan hurts his foe near the fence and tees off with punches, elbows and knees. Pulyaev covers up and is able to survive until the end of the fight.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (30-27 Duncan)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (30-27 Duncan)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan (30-27 Duncan)
The Official Result
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Andrey Pulyaev via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) R3 5:00
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan as a massive favorite, stating the odds are spot on. He notes that while Duncan was out-wrestled in his last fight, Pulyaev's striking is limited to an occasional jab, so Duncan won't have to worry about power. He believes Duncan's takedown defense will hold up, and as the fight goes on, Pulyaev's takedowns will become sloppier.
Brady sees Duncan as a big favorite who beats lower-level guys in spectacular fashion. He thinks Pulyaev is in the same category as Duncan's previous wins. Brady predicts a second-round knockout, noting Pulyaev looked good on the contender series but fought a punching bag.
Connor agrees with Zane, calling Pulyaev a failed experiment with very low level competition. He notes Duncan is tough, athletic, and has developing clinch skills. Connor thinks Pulyaev's main instinct to yank his head back will be exploited by Duncan's dynamic striking.
The host believes Duncan is far more athletic, powerful, and quicker on the feet, which will lead to a knockout in the second or third round. He emphasizes Duncan's physical advantages.
The Guru confidently picks Christian Leroy Duncan, believing he is too powerful and dense for Pulyaev, who he describes as frail and manipulatable. He expects Duncan to pressure Pulyaev backwards, push him against the cage, and land knees and elbows. He predicts a TKO in round two, as Pulyaev becomes more hesitant after being pressured early.
Zane picks Duncan confidently, noting Pulyaev's wins are built on being the only tall guy on his regional scene. He thinks Pulyaev has bad defensive reactions and is hittable, while Duncan is athletic, fast, powerful, and aggressive. Zane believes Duncan will cover distance well and find the holes in Pulyaev's game.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 29 of 48 | 60% | 53 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:45 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 45 of 79 | 56% | 78 of 120 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 8:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 9 of 19 | 47% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 12 of 21 | 57% | 21 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:01 | |
| 2 | Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 24 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 26 of 43 | 60% | 40 of 58 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 1:39 | |
| 3 | Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 17 of 28 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory Rodrigues | 29 of 48 | 60% | 13 of 28 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 23 of 40 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 45 of 79 | 56% | 37 of 69 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 55 | 12 of 18 | 5 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gregory Rodrigues | 9 of 19 | 47% | 3 of 10 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 12 of 21 | 57% | 9 of 16 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | |
| 2 | Gregory Rodrigues | 13 of 17 | 76% | 8 of 11 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 10 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 26 of 43 | 60% | 21 of 38 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 27 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Gregory Rodrigues | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 7 of 15 | 46% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan but with very low confidence, calling it a 51% lean. He cites Duncan's sharp striking and hometown advantage, but acknowledges that Gregory Rodrigues is incredibly durable and dangerous. Angelo warns that Duncan can get too comfortable and showboat, potentially getting caught. He describes this as a very tough fight to pick.
Cody picks Christian Leroy Duncan, citing his superior striking, footwork, and precision. He notes that Gregory Rodrigues has a suspect chin and has been knocked out multiple times when standing. Cody believes Duncan can knock him out if Rodrigues chooses to brawl, but acknowledges that Rodrigues could win by grappling. However, he thinks Rodrigues is likely to engage in a striking battle, which favors Duncan.
Daniel picks Gregory Rodrigues (RoboCop), impressed by his knockout of Brad Tavares and his takedown ability. He questions Duncan's competition (exhausted Claudio Ribeiro, Dennis Tiuliulin) and notes that Duncan struggled against Armen Petrosyan. He trusts Rodrigues' power and wrestling, and notes Rodrigues has four knockouts in his last five fights.
Daniel acknowledges Christian Leroy Duncan's athleticism and flashy style but thinks Gregory Rodrigues has more paths to victory: decision, submission, or knockout. He notes Rodrigues' power, durability, and Jiu-Jitsu, while Duncan may be 'kill or bust.' He is hesitant due to Rodrigues' defensive flaws and stiff movement.
Jeff picks Christian Leroy Duncan, believing he will knock out Rodrigues. He notes that Rodrigues gets hurt in every fight and Duncan has shown power. He cites Duncan's four-inch reach advantage and thinks Duncan's striking will be the difference.
Paul also picks Duncan, noting that the fight ending inside the distance is likely. He points out that Rodrigues' chin has been checked many times and that Duncan has never been finished. Paul believes Duncan will knock out Rodrigues, but he also considers the possibility of Rodrigues using grappling, which could expose Duncan's wrestling. He plans to bet on the fight ending inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Gregory Rodrigues, citing his grappling edge and KO power. He notes that Rodrigues has better takedowns and can out-grapple Christian Leroy Duncan, who may struggle with grappling defense. The Guru also believes Rodrigues has more punching power and that Duncan hasn't faced someone with that level of power. He references Duncan's fight against Arman Petrosyan, where he was taken down, and suggests Rodrigues can replicate that success.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 65 of 92 | 70% | 75 of 105 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:15 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 0 | 4 of 26 | 15% | 13 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 41 of 61 | 67% | 48 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 0 | 3 of 20 | 15% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 24 of 31 | 77% | 27 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 0 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 65 of 92 | 70% | 39 of 62 | 8 of 10 | 18 of 20 | 31 of 50 | 12 of 15 | 22 of 27 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 4 of 26 | 15% | 1 of 19 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 41 of 61 | 67% | 16 of 34 | 8 of 9 | 17 of 18 | 29 of 46 | 12 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 3 of 20 | 15% | 1 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 24 of 31 | 77% | 23 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 27 |
| Cláudio Ribeiro | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan as the more technical fighter, noting that both are dangerous strikers but Duncan has better technique. He expects the fight to end inside the distance due to both fighters' recklessness. He mentions that Cláudio Ribeiro is nuts dangerous but Duncan should win.
Big Brady picks Duncan to finish Ribeiro by knockout in the second round. He notes Duncan is much more skilled, with good defensive wrestling and a ton of striking tools. He criticizes Ribeiro's 31% striking defense and poor cardio, and expects Duncan to wear him out and finish him late second round.
Cody picks Duncan, emphasizing Ribeiro's poor durability and lack of defense. He notes that Ribeiro is explosive for one round but fades quickly, and Duncan's precision striking from the outside will be effective. Cody compares Ribeiro to Dennis Tulin, whom Duncan already beat. He expects Duncan to win by knockout in the second or third round.
Duncan is the bigger, stronger fighter and should control the majority of the fight. He can clinch Ribeiro against the cage, wear on him with knees and elbows, and deflate Ribeiro's power and explosiveness. Duncan's maturity was shown in his last fight against Tulan, where he slowed the pace and found the finish in the second round. The over 1.5 rounds at plus money is intriguing, but Duncan should get the knockout in the second round.
Paul picks Duncan, noting his technical striking and ability to fight at range. He contrasts Ribeiro's one-dimensional brawling style and poor cardio. Paul believes Duncan will counter Ribeiro's wild swings and finish him inside the distance, similar to how he handled Dennis Tulin. He acknowledges the small cage could be a factor but favors Duncan's skill.
The MMA Guru believes Duncan has better movement, kickboxing, and strength in the clinch. He notes Ribeiro has no good wins and is coming off a KO loss, while Duncan is coming off a TKO win. He predicts a highlight-reel KO for Duncan.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 65 of 87 | 74% | 90 of 123 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:51 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 30 of 71 | 42% | 37 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 13 of 15 | 86% | 38 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:37 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 12 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 52 of 72 | 72% | 52 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 23 of 57 | 40% | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 65 of 87 | 74% | 44 of 65 | 8 of 9 | 13 of 13 | 46 of 65 | 16 of 17 | 3 of 5 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 30 of 71 | 42% | 19 of 57 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 26 of 66 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 13 of 15 | 86% | 6 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 7 of 14 | 50% | 4 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 52 of 72 | 72% | 38 of 57 | 5 of 6 | 9 of 9 | 40 of 57 | 9 of 10 | 3 of 5 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 23 of 57 | 40% | 15 of 46 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 21 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans Christian Leroy Duncan, hoping his loss to Arman Petrosian woke him up to be less flashy and more focused. He notes Duncan is the better wrestler and should take the fight to the ground. He expects a finish and does not see it going the distance.
Big Brady thinks Tiuliulin is not UFC caliber, with no striking defense and the worst ground game in the UFC. He sees Duncan having multiple paths: picking him apart and knocking him out, or taking him down and submitting him. He predicts a first-round knockout, noting Tiuliulin's only chance is landing a big shot.
Cody picks Christian Leroy Duncan confidently, citing his movement, footwork, and counter-striking. He notes that Tiuliulin is a brawler with poor footwork and cardio, coming in on short notice. Duncan can pick him apart and likely get a TKO. Cody sees this as an excellent stylistic matchup for Duncan.
Duncan relies on speed, explosiveness, and early power to finish fights. Tiuliulin has been finished by grapplers but Duncan is a striker. Duncan's power and speed should be too much early, leading to a knockout in the first round. However, Duncan is reliant on finishes and may fade if it goes longer. Tiuliulin could make it closer if he survives the early onslaught.
Paul agrees, noting Tiuliulin's rudimentary style and poor grappling. He believes Duncan can hang out at range and avoid danger. Paul mentions Tiuliulin's history of getting finished and expects Duncan to win by TKO or submission.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan to win by body kick KO in round two. He notes Tiuliulin is hittable and requires breaking opponents, and is coming off a nasty KO. He believes Duncan is a much better striker with good cardio and movement, and that Tiuliulin taking the fight on short notice makes it a no-brainer.
Denis Tiuliulin - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedriques Dumas | 0 | 49 of 88 | 55% | 95 of 140 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 0 | 0 | 6:00 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 26 of 70 | 37% | 183 of 246 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 2:27 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sedriques Dumas | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 35 of 41 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:22 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 44 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:28 | |
| 2 | Sedriques Dumas | 0 | 26 of 40 | 65% | 39 of 57 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:38 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 10 of 24 | 41% | 116 of 136 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sedriques Dumas | 0 | 17 of 38 | 44% | 21 of 42 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 13 of 39 | 33% | 23 of 57 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedriques Dumas | 49 of 88 | 55% | 28 of 66 | 9 of 10 | 12 of 12 | 40 of 79 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 8 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 26 of 70 | 37% | 10 of 49 | 13 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 24 of 67 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sedriques Dumas | 6 of 10 | 60% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 3 of 7 | 42% | 1 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sedriques Dumas | 26 of 40 | 65% | 13 of 27 | 4 of 4 | 9 of 9 | 18 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 8 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 10 of 24 | 41% | 3 of 13 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sedriques Dumas | 17 of 38 | 44% | 12 of 32 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 13 of 39 | 33% | 6 of 31 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dumas (-218), Tiuliulin (+180)
Round 1
Fight fans on the West Coast of the U.S. will be having combat with coffee this morning, as the UFC takes to Abu Dhabi with a show featuring a number of fighters that struggle to get into the U.S. Plenty of international talent litters this event, with over a dozen countries repped at one point tonight. The fist pairing of the evening is more regular rivalry between America and Russia, as the
much-maligned
Dumas (9-2, 2-2 UFC) battles the struggling Tiuliulin (10-9, 1 NC; 1-4 UFC) in a match that might lead to at least one roster cut. Both men prefer the knockout, with the Evolve Gym fighter more inclined to headhunt. The middleweights choose not to bump fists to start the day’s festivities, and referee Keith Peterson is ready to cut all nonsense out of the equation. They lash out with dueling low kicks, and Dumas whiffs on a head kick. When Dumas fires off a low kick, he is countered by a knee that busts him in the chops. Tiuliulin gets his foe’s attention with a few additional punches, but Dumas surges forward and takes him off his feet with a sudden tackling takedown. Tiuliulin works his way towards the wall to get back up, and Dumas holds him down and knees him in the thigh repeatedly. Peterson asks for more activity, with Dumas in a holding pattern while the Russian is stuck on a knee. Dumas drags Tiuliulin down to his seat for a second, peppering the same spot with knee after short knee. Tiuliulin muscles his way upright, turning the corner and falling on top of his opponent in a surprise reversal. Dumas is on his backside and bursts his way up, and he eats a knee while standing but is no worse for wear as he looks to chuck Tiuliulin to the mat. The American presses his foe to the wire, and Dumas’ knees work the body and thigh until one bangs into the cup. There is a quick apology from Dumas, and Tiuliulin knows it was a total accident and takes a little under 30 seconds to get his wind back. When they resume, Dumas lunges forward with a right hand, and he belts Tiuliulin in the face with a lead-leg high kick. Dumas shoots in on a takedown and gets rebuffed, with Tiuliulin shoving him away and resetting. They fire off alternating jabs when upright, and Tiuliulin reaches with a one-two that leaves him vulnerable for a takedown effort from Dumas that drags Tiuliulin back to a single knee again. Dumas peppers the leg with irritating knees on the welted area until the horn awkwardly blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dumas
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dumas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dumas
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Round 2
Tiuliulin is the immediate aggressor to begin the second stanza, firing off frantic offense including a knee that catches the chin. Dumas swings back, calming himself down and sticking out jabs, but Tiuliulin stings him with a few more wild strikes before slowing. Dumas flicks out a few more jabs and shoots for a reactive double, and Tiuliulin shuts it down and is pushed away. Dumas blasts the thigh with another kick—the first developed a huge welt in the previous round—and fights behind his sharp jab. Dumas whips a kick up around the guard, and ducks a punch in pursuit of a double. Tiuliulin counters with a step-in knee, and Dumas pushes through it and presses the Russian to the wire. Dumas successfully drags Tiuliulin to his backside, and Tiuliulin is quick to return to a knee and grabs the fence to try to improve position but is warned. Tiuliulin bops his man with a number of meaningless right hands, ones that are technically scoring but have absolutely no effect while Dumas hangs on and knees him. After a lengthy stalemate, Tiuliulin finally works his way upright with the fence behind him and a minute remaining on the clock. Dumas stays pinned to him like a cheap suit, and Peterson splits them apart. Dumas restarts with a big one-two, and Tiuliulin walks him down a shrugs off a right hook. Dumas intercepts the advancing Russian with an uppercut, and his range is giving Tiuliulin fits with jabs and long punches. Dumas lets a knee fly past him, and a body kick grazes him. Dumas ends the round with a reverse crescent kick that ricochets off the raised guard.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dumas
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dumas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dumas
Round 3
Dumas reintroduces himself with piston-like jabs, and Tiuliulin senses he might be down on the scorecards and approaches the last frame as such. Tiuliulin walks Dumas down, loading up on strikes, but it is his partial jump knee that catches Dumas on the jaw. Dumas staggers briefly and gets his bearings, strafing to the side and winging a right hand over the guard. Dumas ducks into a looping uppercut that comes up short, and Tiuliulin walks forward with his own uppercut that also misses the mark. Tiuliulin digs a left to the body and gets out of range of the kicks that fly at him, and Dumas spams body kicks and avoids a huge pair of hooks. Dumas jabs into a takedown, and Tiuliulin flips him all the way over and winds up on top at the three-minute mark. Tiuliulin smothers his man from above, dropping down some sporadic ground-and-pound while staying just busy enough to remain in the position. Dumas hand-fights in hopes of getting a standup, but when that does not come, he kicks off his opponent and explodes to his feet. With 60 seconds left on the clock, Tiuliulin is loaded for bear, but he finds that he has to dodge a quick spinning back fist and stifle a takedown. Tiuliulin is about to unleash a big right hand, but Dumas shoots again on the hips. Tiuliulin gets away from it and leaps with a knee that is way off the target. Tiuliulin cracks Dumas with a right hand, and Dumas appears rocked and totally spent. This does not stop Dumas from pitching kicks and looping strikes back at him. Tiuliulin ends the fight with a final takedown, with Dumas considering a guillotine but not nearly enough gas in the tank to get it.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tiuliulin (29-28 Dumas)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tiuliulin (29-28 Dumas)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tiuliulin (29-28 Dumas)
The Official Result
Sedriques Dumas def. Denis Tiuliulin via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Angelo thinks both fighters are not very good, but he gives a slight edge to Dumas because he is tough, can eat shots, and has shown some takedown ability. He notes Tiuliulin has zero grappling and poor technique, but has power. He advises saving money and not betting unless Dumas becomes an underdog.
Big Brady is shocked that Dumas is a -220 favorite given his poor UFC performances. He notes Dumas has been tentative and unimpressive, while Tiuliulin is more active and lands bigger shots on the feet. However, he has little confidence in Tiuliulin due to his poor grappling defense. He predicts Tiuliulin wins by second-round knockout.
Cody picks Denis Tiuliulin, citing Dumas's low volume and poor wrestling. He notes that Dumas has been out struck by lesser opponents and has no power. Cody thinks Tiuliulin has better volume and power, and that Dumas's takedown game is not good enough to neutralize him. He also mentions that Tiuliulin is training under Renat Fakhretdinov and improving his takedown defense.
Daniel leans towards Dumas, citing his youth, reach, and wrestling ability against Tiuliulin's subpar grappling. He notes Tiuliulin's durability is waning and that Dumas can grind out a win. However, he warns against laying -235 on Dumas due to his low fight IQ and past struggles, calling it a lean but not a confident bet.
Tiuliulin is the superior striker if he can show takedown defense. He should be able to touch up Dumas and find a knockout.
Paul picks Denis Tiuliulin, noting that Dumas has low volume and has not shown knockout power. He thinks Tiuliulin's striking volume and power are superior. Paul also mentions that Dumas's wrestling is not elite and that Tiuliulin can defend takedowns. He believes the line is mispriced and that Tiuliulin has a good chance to win.
The MMA Guru picks Sedriques Dumas over Denis Tiuliulin, citing Dumas's youth (28 vs 36), longer reach, and wrestling advantage. He notes Tiuliulin's known weakness in wrestling and expects Dumas to mix in takedowns for control time, leading to a 29-28 decision. He mentions Dumas's recent loss was due to eye pokes, not a true defeat.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 65 of 87 | 74% | 90 of 123 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:51 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 30 of 71 | 42% | 37 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 0 | 13 of 15 | 86% | 38 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:37 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 12 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 52 of 72 | 72% | 52 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 23 of 57 | 40% | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 65 of 87 | 74% | 44 of 65 | 8 of 9 | 13 of 13 | 46 of 65 | 16 of 17 | 3 of 5 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 30 of 71 | 42% | 19 of 57 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 26 of 66 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 13 of 15 | 86% | 6 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 7 of 14 | 50% | 4 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Christian Leroy Duncan | 52 of 72 | 72% | 38 of 57 | 5 of 6 | 9 of 9 | 40 of 57 | 9 of 10 | 3 of 5 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 23 of 57 | 40% | 15 of 46 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 21 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans Christian Leroy Duncan, hoping his loss to Arman Petrosian woke him up to be less flashy and more focused. He notes Duncan is the better wrestler and should take the fight to the ground. He expects a finish and does not see it going the distance.
Big Brady thinks Tiuliulin is not UFC caliber, with no striking defense and the worst ground game in the UFC. He sees Duncan having multiple paths: picking him apart and knocking him out, or taking him down and submitting him. He predicts a first-round knockout, noting Tiuliulin's only chance is landing a big shot.
Cody picks Christian Leroy Duncan confidently, citing his movement, footwork, and counter-striking. He notes that Tiuliulin is a brawler with poor footwork and cardio, coming in on short notice. Duncan can pick him apart and likely get a TKO. Cody sees this as an excellent stylistic matchup for Duncan.
Duncan relies on speed, explosiveness, and early power to finish fights. Tiuliulin has been finished by grapplers but Duncan is a striker. Duncan's power and speed should be too much early, leading to a knockout in the first round. However, Duncan is reliant on finishes and may fade if it goes longer. Tiuliulin could make it closer if he survives the early onslaught.
Paul agrees, noting Tiuliulin's rudimentary style and poor grappling. He believes Duncan can hang out at range and avoid danger. Paul mentions Tiuliulin's history of getting finished and expects Duncan to win by TKO or submission.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan to win by body kick KO in round two. He notes Tiuliulin is hittable and requires breaking opponents, and is coming off a nasty KO. He believes Duncan is a much better striker with good cardio and movement, and that Tiuliulin taking the fight on short notice makes it a no-brainer.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 6 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 3 of 8 | 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 | Gregory Rodrigues | 0 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 6 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory Rodrigues | 5 of 6 | 83% | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gregory Rodrigues | 5 of 6 | 83% | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Gregory Rodrigues but with low confidence, noting that the fight should be closer to a pick'em than the current odds. He believes Rodrigues has a significant ground advantage and can submit Tiuliulin if he shoots takedowns. However, he worries that Rodrigues might choose to slug it out, which could lead to another knockout loss. He notes Tiuliulin's power fades over three rounds and he has nothing on the ground.
Big Brady confidently picks Gregory Rodrigues to win by first-round submission, emphasizing Rodrigues' elite jiu-jitsu against Denis Tiuliulin's poor ground game. He notes Tiuliulin has been submitted in four of his seven losses and looked lost on the mat against Jun Yong Park. Brady worries Rodrigues might stand and bang, but if he grapples, the fight ends quickly.
Cody expects Rodrigues to take the fight to the ground and submit Tiuliulin, who has poor grappling defense. He notes Rodrigues has questionable ring IQ and may stand and trade, but if he wrestles, he wins easily. He predicts a rear-naked choke submission in the first or second round.
Daniel Levi picks Gregory Rodrigues, expecting him to grapple more after his last knockout loss. He notes that Rodrigues has heavy hands and a dangerous submission game, and that Tiuliulin is vulnerable on the ground, having been submitted before. Levi thinks Rodrigues will submit Tiuliulin in round one or two, but acknowledges that Tiuliulin is dangerous on the feet and has a better chin. He played under 1.5 rounds and submission props.
Lucrative James picks Gregory Rodrigues to win, likely by finish from top position. He acknowledges Rodrigues' poor chin but believes he will overwhelm Tiuliulin. He also likes a prop bet on Tiuliulin by KO due to Rodrigues' chin issues, calling it a system play.
Rodrigues is a high-level BJJ black belt with improving striking. Tiuliulin struggles with grapplers, as seen in his recent losses. Rodrigues will take him down and dominate from top position, likely finishing inside the distance. The moneyline is worth the chalk, but the finish prop offers a discount.
The MMA Guru picks Gregory Rodrigues, though he notes if the odds become ridiculous, betting on Tiuliulin might not be bad. He thinks Rodrigues can win on the feet or by taking the fight to the ground if needed. He criticizes Tiuliulin's hittable style and compares it unfavorably to Diaz/Covington at higher weights. He predicts a KO win for Rodrigues.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 0 | 25 of 38 | 65% | 38 of 52 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:58 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 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 | JunYong Park | 0 | 25 of 38 | 65% | 38 of 52 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:58 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 25 of 38 | 65% | 20 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 11 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 8 of 22 | 36% | 4 of 16 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 25 of 38 | 65% | 20 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 11 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 8 of 22 | 36% | 4 of 16 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady likes Park's cardio, volume, and underrated grappling. He notes Tiuliulin is hittable with poor striking defense and a suspect gas tank. He expects Park to drown Tiuliulin with grappling and eventually find a submission in the second or third round.
Cody picks Tiuliulin at plus money, noting his improved takedown defense and cardio. He thinks Park is prone to brawling and getting knocked out, as seen against Gregory Rodrigues. He expects Tiuliulin to land a knockout, especially if Park engages recklessly. He added Tiuliulin at +190.
Connor agrees, highlighting Park's ability to use aggression against Tiuliulin, running him into jabs and countering. He notes that Tiuliulin is heavily rooted and lumbering, making takedowns easier once Park establishes his jab. He has faith in Park's ability to figure out these matchups despite the physical disadvantages.
Paul picks Tiuliulin, calling him a greasy underdog. He notes Tiuliulin's power and improved takedown defense, while Park has a tendency to brawl and get knocked out. He expects Tiuliulin to win by knockout, especially if Park engages in a firefight. He likes the plus money.
Zane expects Park to win due to his crafty striking and excellent ground and pound. He notes that Tiuliulin is a reckless, aggressive striker who is hyper durable but lacks structure. He believes Park's takedowns and positional grappling will be effective, though he acknowledges that Park often faces physical challenges due to size disadvantages.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denis Tiuliulin | 2 | 73 of 161 | 45% | 87 of 178 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 60 of 111 | 54% | 63 of 114 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 22 of 76 | 28% | 28 of 82 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 35 of 60 | 58% | 37 of 62 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 | |
| 2 | Denis Tiuliulin | 2 | 51 of 85 | 60% | 59 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 25 of 51 | 49% | 26 of 52 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denis Tiuliulin | 73 of 161 | 45% | 53 of 131 | 19 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 52 of 133 | 15 of 15 | 6 of 13 |
| Jamie Pickett | 60 of 111 | 54% | 44 of 90 | 13 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 56 of 103 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denis Tiuliulin | 22 of 76 | 28% | 16 of 64 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 76 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 35 of 60 | 58% | 23 of 46 | 10 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 33 of 57 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Denis Tiuliulin | 51 of 85 | 60% | 37 of 67 | 14 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 30 of 57 | 15 of 15 | 6 of 13 |
| Jamie Pickett | 25 of 51 | 49% | 21 of 44 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 46 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans toward Jamie Pickett, citing his takedowns and ability to win via grappling. He notes Pickett is a solid striker but gun-shy, while Tiuliulin is a brawler with power. He thinks if Pickett manages range and uses takedowns, he can win, but it's a low-confidence pick.
Big Brady picks Denis Tiuliulin as a dog, criticizing Jamie Pickett for being inactive and fighting not to lose. He was impressed by Tiuliulin's debut against a tough prospect and believes Tiuliulin can stuff takedowns and land a big shot. He predicts a first-round knockout, though he expects the fight to be terrible overall.
Cody leans towards Denis Tiuliulin as a dog, noting that Jamie Pickett is not a great wrestler and that Tiuliulin has power and durability. He mentions that Pickett's takedown defense is not elite and that Tiuliulin can hold his own on the feet. He is not betting it but picks Tiuliulin for the show.
Daniel Levi picks Denis Tiuliulin for the upset. He notes Tiuliulin's knockout power and long striking, while Pickett has been finished before. He acknowledges Pickett's physical advantages and takedown ability, but believes if Tiuliulin can avoid being taken down, he can light up Pickett on the feet. Levi calls it a 'dog or pass' situation.
Jacob strongly disagrees, picking Denis Tiuliulin. He thinks Pickett does not belong in the UFC, is gun-shy, and has telegraphed takedowns. He praises Tiuliulin's striking, power, and toughness, noting he landed clean shots against a dominant wrestler on short notice. He believes Tiuliulin will march forward and find a finish.
The host leans Jamie Pickett but can't back him at -130. He expects Pickett to use his physical attributes to overpower Tiuliulin in the clinch and grind out a decision. He notes Tiuliulin's power but thinks Pickett's durability and bullying style will prevail.
Paul leans towards Jamie Pickett, noting that Tiuliulin has poor takedown defense and cardio, which are Pickett's strengths. He believes Pickett will use his wrestling to lean on Tiuliulin and tire him out. However, he is not confident and says it's a dog or pass fight.
The MMA Guru picks Denis Tiuliulin to win by TKO in the first round. He describes both fighters playing at range early, with Tiuliulin looking for body kicks. Pickett will time punches when Tiuliulin kicks, but as he rushes in, Tiuliulin lands a big shot over the top, rocks Pickett, and finishes with body shots and big shots against the cage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliaskhab Khizriev | 0 | 42 of 67 | 62% | 54 of 79 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 2:46 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 31 of 82 | 37% | 43 of 94 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliaskhab Khizriev | 0 | 29 of 46 | 63% | 41 of 58 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:29 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 17 of 47 | 36% | 29 of 59 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Aliaskhab Khizriev | 0 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 14 of 35 | 40% | 14 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliaskhab Khizriev | 42 of 67 | 62% | 31 of 53 | 8 of 10 | 3 of 4 | 33 of 56 | 1 of 3 | 8 of 8 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 31 of 82 | 37% | 28 of 78 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 80 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliaskhab Khizriev | 29 of 46 | 63% | 21 of 36 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 20 of 35 | 1 of 3 | 8 of 8 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 17 of 47 | 36% | 15 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aliaskhab Khizriev | 13 of 21 | 61% | 10 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 14 of 35 | 40% | 13 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Aliaskhab Khizriev to win by first-round TKO. He notes that Khizriev is a beast with power and excellent wrestling and ground-and-pound, while Tiuliulin has poor takedown defense and has been submitted before. He acknowledges that Tiuliulin looks dangerous on the feet, but believes Khizriev will take him down and finish him. He also mentions that Khizriev is inactive and undersized, but still expects a dominant win.
Cody picks Khizriev, noting his layoff but blaming cancellations. He thinks Tiuliulin is outmatched and on short notice. He expects Khizriev to win quickly. He likes the price compared to other favorites.
Daniel Levi picks Aliaskhab Khizriev, stating he took him at -325 and parlayed him. He praises Khizriev's grappling, lower center of gravity, and ability to take the fight to the ground immediately. He notes Tiuliulin is a dangerous striker but expects Khizriev to submit him in the first round. He acknowledges the line has moved to -800 but is confident in his pick.
The host picks Khizriev but expresses concerns about his size at 185 lbs and the possibility of the fight going over 1.5 rounds. He notes Khizriev's Dagestani wrestling style and expects a TKO in the second or third round. He mentions Tiuliulin's padded record and short notice, but also that Tiuliulin is training at Extreme Couture and may be tougher than expected.
Paul picks Khizriev, expecting an early finish. He notes Khizriev's aggressive style and Tiuliulin's short notice. He thinks the price is high but justifiable. He considers Khizriev a good parlay piece.
The MMA Guru picks Aliaskhab Khizriev over Denis Tiuliulin, acknowledging Tiuliulin's KO power but noting he is a bottom-of-the-barrel short-notice replacement. He believes Khizriev is in his prime, more well-rounded, and has faced better competition, while Tiuliulin has failed at every step up in competition. The Guru predicts a submission win in the first round, but warns that if Khizriev gets KO'd early, Tiuliulin could pull the upset.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo leans Christian Leroy Duncan, hoping his loss to Arman Petrosian woke him up to be less flashy and more focused. He notes Duncan is the better wrestler and should take the fight to the ground. He expects a finish and does not see it going the distance.
Big Brady thinks Tiuliulin is not UFC caliber, with no striking defense and the worst ground game in the UFC. He sees Duncan having multiple paths: picking him apart and knocking him out, or taking him down and submitting him. He predicts a first-round knockout, noting Tiuliulin's only chance is landing a big shot.
Cody picks Christian Leroy Duncan confidently, citing his movement, footwork, and counter-striking. He notes that Tiuliulin is a brawler with poor footwork and cardio, coming in on short notice. Duncan can pick him apart and likely get a TKO. Cody sees this as an excellent stylistic matchup for Duncan.
Duncan relies on speed, explosiveness, and early power to finish fights. Tiuliulin has been finished by grapplers but Duncan is a striker. Duncan's power and speed should be too much early, leading to a knockout in the first round. However, Duncan is reliant on finishes and may fade if it goes longer. Tiuliulin could make it closer if he survives the early onslaught.
Paul agrees, noting Tiuliulin's rudimentary style and poor grappling. He believes Duncan can hang out at range and avoid danger. Paul mentions Tiuliulin's history of getting finished and expects Duncan to win by TKO or submission.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan to win by body kick KO in round two. He notes Tiuliulin is hittable and requires breaking opponents, and is coming off a nasty KO. He believes Duncan is a much better striker with good cardio and movement, and that Tiuliulin taking the fight on short notice makes it a no-brainer.
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