Career Averages - Javid Basharat
Career Averages - Victor Henry
Javid Basharat
Victor Henry
Javid Basharat - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 1 | 59 of 97 | 60% | 85 of 132 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 5:38 |
| Gianni Vazquez | 0 | 24 of 108 | 22% | 41 of 132 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 0:25 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 1 | 31 of 50 | 62% | 35 of 54 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
| Gianni Vazquez | 0 | 7 of 32 | 21% | 8 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 16 of 27 | 59% | 26 of 41 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:50 |
| Gianni Vazquez | 0 | 14 of 43 | 32% | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 3 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 12 of 20 | 60% | 24 of 37 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:50 |
| Gianni Vazquez | 0 | 3 of 33 | 9% | 9 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 59 of 97 | 60% | 33 of 64 | 13 of 17 | 13 of 16 | 44 of 78 | 1 of 2 | 14 of 17 |
| Gianni Vazquez | 24 of 108 | 22% | 13 of 87 | 4 of 9 | 7 of 12 | 23 of 98 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 8 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 31 of 50 | 62% | 13 of 27 | 9 of 12 | 9 of 11 | 19 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 11 of 13 |
| Gianni Vazquez | 7 of 32 | 21% | 4 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 7 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 16 of 27 | 59% | 12 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Gianni Vazquez | 14 of 43 | 32% | 7 of 34 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 4 | 13 of 41 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Javid Basharat | 12 of 20 | 60% | 8 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Gianni Vazquez | 3 of 33 | 9% | 2 of 28 | 0 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 8 |
Angelo picks Javid Basharat, calling him the overall better fighter with offensive and defensive wrestling and good striking. He notes that Javid has been struggling lately with a loss and a robbery, but he breaks it down fresh. He thinks Javid can get the fight to the ground if needed and stay safe. He is not confident enough to bet on him but suggests over 2.5 rounds as a solid play.
Big Brady picks Javid Basharat despite considering him overrated, because he thinks opponent Sad Magomedov is even more overrated with poor cardio and takedown defense. He believes Basharat can mix in takedowns to tire Magomedov and win a decision on volume striking.
Cody agrees, highlighting Vazquez's low volume and tendency to tire. He notes Basharat's wrestling and striking should be enough to win rounds. Cody expects a decision win for Basharat, possibly with a live bet opportunity.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Basharat. He notes that Nurmagomedov is a tricky striker but lacks the wrestling to dominate Basharat, and that Basharat's pressure and boxing will be too much. Connor also mentions that Nurmagomedov's guillotine submissions often come from losing positions.
Lucrative James picks Javid Basharat to win by decision. He expects Basharat to use his wrestling and cardio to take over in rounds two and three, as Saif Magomedov tends to gas out. James notes that Basharat has trained with elite fighters and has better fight IQ and grappling.
The host picks Basharat, noting he is the more skilled fighter but has questions about his mentality after a knockout loss. He believes Basharat's submission defense will hold up against Nurmagomedov's early threats, and that Basharat can mix martial arts well to win on the scorecards. He likes the line movement from -160 to -115, making it a better value.
Paul picks Javid Basharat, noting his wrestling advantage and the discount after his KO loss. He expects Basharat to use takedowns and control to win a decision. Paul believes Basharat's durability is fine and that he can outwork Vazquez.
The host picks Javid Basharat over Gianni Vazquez (referred to as Johnny Vasquez). He notes Vazquez has no UFC wins and missed weight, suggesting short notice. Basharat has won most of his UFC fights except a KO loss to Ricky Simon. He predicts a decision win for Basharat.
Zane picks Basharat, noting that he is more reliable and has a more winning style. He argues that Basharat's pressure will break Nurmagomedov, who tends to crumble when attacked repeatedly. Zane also notes that Nurmagomedov is unlikely to finish Basharat with strikes and that Basharat is a more nuanced boxer.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky SimĂłn | 1 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 18 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 20 of 36 | 55% | 21 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ricky SimĂłn | 1 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 18 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 20 of 36 | 55% | 21 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky SimĂłn | 11 of 21 | 52% | 9 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Javid Basharat | 20 of 36 | 55% | 12 of 27 | 7 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 20 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ricky SimĂłn | 11 of 21 | 52% | 9 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Javid Basharat | 20 of 36 | 55% | 12 of 27 | 7 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 20 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Javid Basharat but is hesitant because of Javid's frustratingly passive performance in his last fight. He acknowledges Ricky SimĂłn's relentless wrestling pressure and cardio could sway judges if Javid is too patient. He trusts Javid's takedown defense and superior striking, but admits it's hard to be confident given Javid's tendency to stare.
Big Brady picks Javid Basharat despite not loving the -300 price tag. He notes that Ricky SimĂłn looks washed at only 32, with poor recent performances against Vinicius Oliveira, Mario Bautista, and Song Yadong. He believes SimĂłn needs to wrestle for 15 minutes but doubts he can take down or hold down Basharat. He predicts Basharat wins by decision.
The host notes SimĂłn is on a three-fight losing streak and faces a tough opponent in Basharat, who has stellar takedown defense and superior striking. He expects Basharat to pick SimĂłn apart from distance and win on the scorecards.
The Guru feels Ricky SimĂłn has lost his mojo, citing recent losses where he was walked down. He believes Basharat is at a level similar to Victor Henry and will outpoint SimĂłn in a striking fight. He doesn't see SimĂłn overpowering Basharat in grappling or striking, predicting a decision win for Basharat.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 75 of 174 | 43% | 77 of 176 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 67 of 205 | 32% | 67 of 205 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 12 of 38 | 31% | 12 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 14 of 56 | 25% | 14 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 26 of 58 | 44% | 26 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 28 of 73 | 38% | 28 of 73 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 37 of 78 | 47% | 39 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 25 of 76 | 32% | 25 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 75 of 174 | 43% | 51 of 130 | 16 of 26 | 8 of 18 | 74 of 172 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Javid Basharat | 67 of 205 | 32% | 33 of 147 | 27 of 44 | 7 of 14 | 67 of 203 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 12 of 38 | 31% | 5 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 7 | 12 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Javid Basharat | 14 of 56 | 25% | 4 of 35 | 7 of 15 | 3 of 6 | 14 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aiemann Zahabi | 26 of 58 | 44% | 19 of 44 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 3 | 26 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Javid Basharat | 28 of 73 | 38% | 15 of 57 | 10 of 12 | 3 of 4 | 28 of 71 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aiemann Zahabi | 37 of 78 | 47% | 27 of 59 | 6 of 11 | 4 of 8 | 36 of 76 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Javid Basharat | 25 of 76 | 32% | 14 of 55 | 10 of 17 | 1 of 4 | 25 of 76 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-700), Zahabi (+500)
Round 1
When the dust settles, one of these bantamweights’ momentum will come to a conclusive halt. Once known best as on the receiving end of an all-time highlight reel knockout, Zahabi (10-2, 4-2 UFC) has reeled off three straight victories including two concussive knockouts. On the other side of the equation, Basharat (14-0, 1 NC; 3-0, 1 NC UFC) did encounter his first career blemish when an accidental groin kick ended his last fight, but he maintains a 15-fight unbeaten streak. Before the red falls on someone’s ledger, referee Chris Tognoni is there to keep things clean. The fighters touch gloves, and Basharat prances forward with his kick leg outstretched. Basharat tosses out a few body kicks and one low, and he checks one coming back. Zahabi attempts to retaliate, but Basharat is able to reach him with slightly longer legs. Zahabi overswings with a huge right hand, and Basharat dances out of the way and continues to prod with kicks to the low midsection and thigh. Zahabi attempts to close the distance, only for Basharat to be able to dodge everything thrown at him as he zips back and to the side. Zahabi reaches out with a left hand, and Basharat pops his lead leg with a loud kick. Basharat jabs with the ball of his foot, and he spins with a kick that misses the mark. Zahabi catches Basharat darting in with a left hand, but it is one-and-done before Basharat gets back to his preferred kicking range. Basharat ducks down, landing a few punches and going to the ribs with a resounding kick. On his way in, Basharat may have clashes head with his opponent, but it goes uncalled. Zahabi swats away a one-two and gives a calf kick back, but he takes a shovel uppercut on the cheek. Basharat jumps in the air with a kick, and as soon as Zahabi is about to counter him, Basharat puts him on his seat with a side kick to the sternum. Zahabi climbs back up without issue, and he aims his kick at Basharat’s lead wheel. Basharat misses with two wide hooks, but his high kick does bounce off the guard. Zahabi replies with two blocked body kicks, and he guards against a front kick aimed at his nose. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
The second round begins where the two men left off, with Basharat keeping his distance with long kicks while Zahabi largely comes up short with punches. Basharat puts a few punches on the reddening face of his opponent, and Zahabi reaches him back with two right hooks. Basharat ignores them and sticks out a jab, and he breaks up Zahabi’s offense with the jab. Zahabi has a low kick checked, and he swarms his man with several punches until Basharat turns to the side to get away. Basharat resets and marks up Zahabi’s nose with jab after unanswered jab, and he follows a few with a right hand or a front kick. Basharat reaches out with a high kick, and when that does not connect, he plants a knee on the chest and cracks Zahabi with an uppercut. The Canadian takes it flush and swings back with bad intentions. Basharat sees the big strikes coming and stays light on his feet to avoid them. Basharat pushes off with a pair of teep kicks, and he nearly gets decked with a huge right hand from Zahabi. Zahabi continues to swing for the fences, and Basharat backs him off with jabs and his diverse kicking game. “The Snow Leopard” charges for a takedown, and Zahabi stands him up but absorbs an elbow on the break. Zahabi plants his feet and winds up with a stern right hand that collides with the temple, and Basharat shakes it off and continues to move forward. Zahabi goes after a body kick and a left hand, and the latter misses. Basharat races in with a takedown, and Zahabi intercepts him with a jump knee and lands to set up a guillotine choke. Basharat continues to spam takedowns, and every time they fail, he is ready to stand up and land at least one big strike. Zahabi opens up with a huge haymaker of a right, and Basharat’s balance nearly gives way as he wobbles to the side and then gets his sea legs beneath him. As Basharat advances to end the round, Zahabi pops him again, and the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Round 3
The last round kicks off with Basharat appearing no worse for wear after the rough ending to the round, with long jabs and a spinning back kick to the side. The distance Basharat keeps disallows Zahabi from reaching him, and he peppers and chips away at a wide berth. Zahabi finally lands his own punch after a minute, and it is a right hand that gets Basharat’s attention. During the ensuing exchange, Basharat leaves his fingers out, and he jabs Zahabi in the eye. Tognoni calls time briefly, but Zahabi is good to go. Basharat apologizes and then gets back into his groove of rangy strikes. Zahabi continues to find his range with right hands, and he swipes out with a left as Basharat nods at him. Zahabi plods forward looping punches, and Basharat hops in and out with body shots and an escape. The two start trading leather, with Basharat less concerned about his defense than before, and this allows Zahabi to touch him back. Zahabi lands three hooks, and Basharat slides to the side to snipe his foe with one that makes the Canadian backpedal. Basharat eats a left hand coming forward, and Zahabi belts him upside the head with a kick. Basharat no-sells it, but Zahabi chains several punches after it. Basharat tags him with a right hand in response, and the two continue to lay into one another with heavy punches. Basharat leans down and gets caught with an uppercut, and they clinch together. Basharat attempts a hip toss, and Zahabi keeps his balance and he keeps chasing after his opponent. Zahabi lands the flusher strikes, and the two swing wildly right to the bitter end. Basharat gets off a final knee to punctuate the fight, and they hug it out when the final horn sounds. It could go either way, and it is entirely possible the unbeaten fighter is undefeated no more.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Javid Basharat via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Javid Basharat, noting he has incredible offensive and defensive wrestling and can also kickbox. He believes Basharat should avoid Aiemann Zahabi's power and win likely by decision. He mentions he has picked and bet on both Basharat brothers before and is confident in Javid.
Big Brady picks Basharat, noting Zahabi's low-volume counter-striking style and reliance on a knockout. He thinks Basharat is a much higher-level fighter and will cruise to a decision, winning minutes. He acknowledges Zahabi has power but believes Basharat's chin will hold up.
Cody picks Basharat by decision, noting his superior volume and wrestling. He points out that Zahabi's career-high in significant strikes is 54, which would be a career low for Basharat. Cody believes Basharat will outwork Zahabi on the feet and take him down, winning a clear unanimous decision. He mentions the price is inflated but still sees Basharat as a safe pick.
Basharat is one of the best prospects at 135 lbs, with smooth striking, excellent footwork and distance management, and improving grappling. Zahabi is 36 and past his prime, while Basharat is much closer to his. Basharat's striking defense should keep him safe from Zahabi's power, and he may even take the fight to the ground. Basharat likely wins by decision, but the line is too high to bet straight; parlay value may exist.
Paul picks Basharat, noting his high volume and well-rounded skills. He mentions Zahabi's low output and reliance on a single counter punch, which won't work against Basharat's pressure. Paul believes Basharat will double Zahabi's strike output and mix in takedowns for a clear decision win. He acknowledges the minus-900 price is tough but sees Basharat as safe.
The MMA Guru picks Basharat, citing his unorthodox striking, movement, and dynamic attacks (spinning attacks, low kicks, stance switching). He thinks Zahabi is too simple and that Basharat's dynamic style will be the difference, though the boxing may be even.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 30 of 43 | 69% | 33 of 46 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 25 of 36 | 69% | 30 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 29 of 42 | 69% | 32 of 45 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 25 of 36 | 69% | 30 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 30 of 43 | 69% | 8 of 21 | 8 of 8 | 14 of 14 | 26 of 39 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 25 of 36 | 69% | 3 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 16 of 20 | 23 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 29 of 42 | 69% | 8 of 21 | 8 of 8 | 13 of 13 | 25 of 38 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 25 of 36 | 69% | 3 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 16 of 20 | 23 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-535), Henry (+400)
Round 1
Referee Lukasz Bosacki will need to go into overdrive if he hopes to keep up with this next bout in the bantamweight division. With 14 wins opposite zero defeats, Basharat (14-0, 3-0 UFC) rockets his way into his pairing with proud UWF USA rep Henry (23-6, 2-1 UFC). Whether the victor needs 15 seconds or 15 minutes to get things done, one man may put himself in prime position at the talent-rich 135-pound category by prevailing. There is no glove touch to get this one started. Basharat walks through a leg kick and parries two jabs to get his own range. Henry kicks the leg, sweeping it out, and Basharat falls to the ground and climbs back up while wagging his finger. Both men trade leg kicks, and Henry breaks it up with a front kick. Basharat digs another kick on the calf, and Henry greets him with one back while ducking two looping punches. Basharat connects with another front kick, and he checks a kick. Henry swats out with multiple low kicks while Basharat crowds him, and when Basharat backs off, he plants a side kick on Henry’s waist. Basharat sneaks in a jab and follows it with an inside low kick, and Henry defends against a head kick while kicking low. Basharat gets off a left hand, and when he kicks the body, Henry catches it. Henry releases it after landing a few punches, and his own kick gets caught. This forces a scramble that results in both fighters hitting the mat, but the two are active enough to spring back up while still tied up. Basharat attempts a single, and he abandons it to go up high with a left hand on the break. Basharat chops with a kick and lands two punches, but it is his spinning back kick that finds its target with emphasis. Basharat scores kicks, and Henry does the same while getting one more checked. Henry doubles up on a kick from each leg, and he pecks away while Basharat slowly meanders towards him. Henry kicks the waist and closes in to hunt for an inside trip. The round ends with the two trading knees from up close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
The 135ers meet one another in the middle of the cage,
Basharat kicks his opponent square in the groin to start off the round. Henry falls straight on his face and rolls around, moaning in agony.
Basharat tries to apologize, and Bosacki tells him to stay in the neutral corner. Henry shows no sign of improvement after 90 seconds, still on the ground in pain. There is a brief bit of discussion as to whether the strike landed on his groin, and Henry yells that it was all his genitals. After over three minutes, Henry is helped to his feet, but he is still totally compromised. Five full minutes elapse, and Bosacki waves the fight off, much to the displeasure of the crowd. The doctor incredulously tries to tell Henry that the strike should not have hurt him like it did, or that it was not a direct shot on his groin, but Henry is no actor and his reaction is quite legitimate. Henry’s corner, the legendary Josh Barnett, carries Henry out of the cage, as Henry is struggling to stay on his feet. As the foul was accidental and the time was early into Round 2, it should be declared a no contest.
The Official Result
Victor Henry vs. Javid Basharat is Ruled a No Contest (Accidental Groin Kick) R2 0:15
Angelo is confident Javid Basharat dominates this fight with his wrestling. He notes Victor Henry's win over a Brazilian national champion wrestler (Him Barcelos) but thinks Javid's timing, control, and flow from striking to grappling will be too much. He has Javid in parlays.
Big Brady picks Javid Basharat to win by decision, but expects a competitive fight. He notes that Victor Henry is being disrespected by the odds, as he has good cardio, toughness, and takedown defense. However, Basharat is younger, improving, and the UFC is pushing him. Brady believes Basharat can use wrestling to control the fight and win a close decision, possibly aided by judging in Abu Dhabi.
Cody picks Basharat but is hesitant, noting that Basharat is talented but untested. He acknowledges Henry's wrestling and volume could make it close, but believes Basharat's speed and mixing of takedowns will edge him a decision. Cody does not love the price.
Daniel picks Javid Basharat to win but considers the -625 line too high. He praises Basharat's skills and youth but notes that Victor Henry has never been finished in 30 fights and has incredible volume, as seen in his fight against Barcelos. He expects a competitive fight where Basharat edges out a decision rather than dominating. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and suggests a small bet on Henry might be worthwhile.
Basharat is one of the best strikers with elite footwork and pull counters. He will touch up Henry whenever Henry crashes the pocket with volume. Basharat stays within himself and sticks to the game plan, likely winning by decision. This is a horrible stylistic matchup for Henry.
Paul picks Henry as a dog, arguing that Basharat is overvalued and has not faced tough competition. He notes that Henry has excellent volume, takedown defense, and durability, and has fought higher-level opponents. Paul believes Henry's pressure and output will make the fight close, and at plus money, he sees value.
The MMA Guru picks Javid Basharat by decision, but notes that Victor Henry is a live underdog worth betting. He compares their common opponent Tony Gravely, noting Basharat had a clearer win. He cites Basharat's youth (28 vs 36), reach, and height advantages. He expects a competitive fight with a swing round, but thinks Basharat will do a little more to win a decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 95 of 130 | 73% | 125 of 164 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 5:19 |
| Mateus Mendonça | 0 | 29 of 88 | 32% | 70 of 133 | 2 of 11 | 18% | 0 | 0 | 2:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 32 of 51 | 62% | 35 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Mateus Mendonça | 0 | 12 of 43 | 27% | 14 of 45 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:09 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 35 of 45 | 77% | 53 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:28 |
| Mateus Mendonça | 0 | 7 of 24 | 29% | 20 of 39 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 3 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 28 of 34 | 82% | 37 of 46 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:30 |
| Mateus Mendonça | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 36 of 49 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 95 of 130 | 73% | 62 of 93 | 25 of 28 | 8 of 9 | 60 of 90 | 10 of 14 | 25 of 26 |
| Mateus Mendonça | 29 of 88 | 32% | 21 of 72 | 3 of 6 | 5 of 10 | 25 of 83 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 32 of 51 | 62% | 18 of 36 | 9 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 27 of 43 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 |
| Mateus Mendonça | 12 of 43 | 27% | 8 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 6 | 11 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 35 of 45 | 77% | 27 of 35 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 14 of 23 | 5 of 6 | 16 of 16 |
| Mateus Mendonça | 7 of 24 | 29% | 5 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | |
| 3 | Javid Basharat | 28 of 34 | 82% | 17 of 22 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 19 of 24 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 8 |
| Mateus Mendonça | 10 of 21 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo is very confident in Basharat, having placed a 3-unit bet at -309. He praises Basharat's well-rounded game, striking defense, and grappling. He believes Mendonça's competition is weak and his style is not suited for MMA. He expects Basharat to win comfortably.
Big Brady picks Javid Basharat confidently, praising his well-rounded skills and impressive win over Tony Gravely. He notes that Basharat outwrestled Gravely, a top wrestler, and has good striking, power, and cardio. He thinks Mendonça is talented but too inexperienced for this step up, and that Basharat will pull away as the fight goes on. He predicts a decision win for Basharat, though Mendonça may have early moments.
Cody picks Basharat but is less confident, noting Mendonça's potential and youth. He sees Basharat winning by decision and likes the 'Basharat by decision' prop at +150. He acknowledges Mendonça could be live if he lands a front kick.
Jacob picks Mendonça despite acknowledging Basharat is the better fighter. He believes Mendonça's aggression and power could overwhelm Basharat early. He notes Basharat's low guard and vulnerability to pressure. He is not betting the moneyline but may look at inside the distance props.
Paul is confident in Basharat, citing his wrestling, cardio, and experience against tougher opponents (Trevin Jones, Tony Gravely). He sees Mendonça as unproven and limited, and expects Basharat to win wherever the fight goes. He considers Basharat by decision at +150.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 33 of 113 | 29% | 39 of 119 | 2 of 13 | 15% | 0 | 0 | 1:43 |
| Tony Gravely | 0 | 80 of 149 | 53% | 106 of 177 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 15 of 42 | 35% | 15 of 42 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:12 |
| Tony Gravely | 0 | 17 of 36 | 47% | 24 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 5 of 22 | 22% | 11 of 28 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Tony Gravely | 0 | 21 of 31 | 67% | 40 of 52 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 | |
| 3 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 13 of 49 | 26% | 13 of 49 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Tony Gravely | 0 | 42 of 82 | 51% | 42 of 82 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 33 of 113 | 29% | 17 of 84 | 2 of 11 | 14 of 18 | 30 of 106 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Tony Gravely | 80 of 149 | 53% | 50 of 113 | 24 of 30 | 6 of 6 | 69 of 134 | 6 of 10 | 5 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 15 of 42 | 35% | 7 of 30 | 2 of 4 | 6 of 8 | 14 of 39 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tony Gravely | 17 of 36 | 47% | 7 of 24 | 7 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 31 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 5 of 22 | 22% | 3 of 15 | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 19 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tony Gravely | 21 of 31 | 67% | 14 of 23 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 5 | |
| 3 | Javid Basharat | 13 of 49 | 26% | 7 of 39 | 0 of 2 | 6 of 8 | 12 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tony Gravely | 42 of 82 | 51% | 29 of 66 | 12 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 41 of 80 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Basharat because he is more well-rounded, with excellent offensive and defensive wrestling and technical striking. He notes that Gravely is a dominant wrestler but has cardio issues and questionable submission defense. Angelo acknowledges that Gravely's pressure and takedown attempts could be a problem, but believes Basharat's footwork and striking advantage will carry him.
Big Brady picks Javid Basharat to win, but with hesitation. He acknowledges that Tony Gravely has fought much better competition and has a phenomenal wrestling resume, but Brady is concerned about Gravely's cardio, chin, and submission defense. Brady notes that Basharat is dangerous everywhere—striking, wrestling, and submissions—and thinks Basharat can catch Gravely in a submission as the fight goes on. He also mentions that Gravely has been finished six times (five by submission). However, Brady says he would not bet the moneyline due to question marks about Basharat's takedown defense, which hasn't been tested against a wrestler of Gravely's caliber.
Cody agrees, citing Basharat's size, cardio, and durability. He notes Gravely's tendency to get submitted when tired and that Basharat's wrestling and pressure will be key. He thinks Basharat can survive early adversity and win.
Daniel Levi leans Javid Basharat due to his output, length, and well-roundedness, but is not confident. He sees Tony Gravely as a tough prospect tester with power and wrestling, but prone to bonehead mistakes. He thinks Basharat projects higher but this is a tough test. He does not bet, preferring to watch.
Jacob picks Basharat, agreeing with Angelo that Gravely will wrestle nonstop but that Basharat's footwork and technical striking give him a major advantage. He notes that Gravely's takedowns are not always successful and that Basharat can keep it standing. Jacob also mentions that the minus 150 odds are more appetizing than the initial two-to-one line.
Basharat has slick striking and excellent defensive grappling, which should neutralize Gravely's takedowns. Gravely may land takedowns but struggles to keep opponents down, and Basharat will work back to his feet and land bigger shots. Basharat's cardio and finishing ability are factors. I like Basharat by decision at +300 or a late finish. However, this is Basharat's toughest test, so I'm not betting the moneyline.
Paul thinks Basharat's cardio and durability will wear down Gravely, who tends to fade. He notes Gravely's losses come from being broken down over time. He expects Basharat to out-grapple and out-last Gravely.
The MMA Guru picks Javid Basharat by 29-28 decision. He thinks Tony Gravely is talented but perhaps overrated, noting his close fights and losses to Nate Maness and Brett Johns. He believes Basharat is on that level, trains at a great gym, and will out-strike Gravely on the feet, ripping the body and landing head shots. He expects Gravely to win the first round via grappling but Basharat to take over in rounds 2 and 3 based on damage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 62 of 178 | 34% | 62 of 178 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Trevin Jones | 0 | 89 of 164 | 54% | 89 of 164 | 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 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 18 of 47 | 38% | 18 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Trevin Jones | 0 | 31 of 57 | 54% | 31 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 20 of 59 | 33% | 20 of 59 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Trevin Jones | 0 | 27 of 44 | 61% | 27 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 24 of 72 | 33% | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Trevin Jones | 0 | 31 of 63 | 49% | 31 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 62 of 178 | 34% | 33 of 142 | 16 of 23 | 13 of 13 | 61 of 177 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Jones | 89 of 164 | 54% | 52 of 119 | 21 of 28 | 16 of 17 | 79 of 154 | 10 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 18 of 47 | 38% | 9 of 33 | 7 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Jones | 31 of 57 | 54% | 18 of 40 | 10 of 14 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 51 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 20 of 59 | 33% | 10 of 48 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Jones | 27 of 44 | 61% | 15 of 29 | 3 of 5 | 9 of 10 | 25 of 42 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Javid Basharat | 24 of 72 | 33% | 14 of 61 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Trevin Jones | 31 of 63 | 49% | 19 of 50 | 8 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 29 of 61 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Javid Basharat, praising his constant movement and ability to avoid power while getting his own takedowns. He notes that Trevin Jones is dangerous but Basharat's wrestling and distance management should be the difference. He acknowledges the Contender Series fade narrative but dismisses it.
Big Brady hesitantly picks Javid Basharat to win a close decision. He acknowledges Basharat's impressive Contender Series performance but has concerns about his level of competition. He notes Trevin Jones has power and a black belt in BJJ, but his UFC performances have been inconsistent (getting beaten up before scoring knockouts). He thinks Basharat can get takedowns and control the fight, but it's a tough call.
Cody is confident in Basharat, citing his well-rounded skills and Jones' limitations. He notes Jones' power but believes Basharat's distance and timing will prevail. He likes the under 2.5 rounds prop.
Daniel Levi picks Javid Basharat, praising his length, pace, and well-rounded skills. He notes that Basharat fights with his hands down a bit, which could be a concern against Trevin Jones's power, but believes Basharat will win the minutes and overwhelm Jones. Levi thinks Jones's last performance was poor and that Basharat will come forward and knock him out.
Basharat is a Contender Series alum with a diverse finishing ability and good takedown defense. He is a slick striker who uses range well and can scramble. Jones may land takedowns but will struggle to hold him down and has cardio issues. Basharat is predicted to win by second-round TKO or submission.
Paul is confident in Basharat, citing his well-rounded skills and Jones' limitations. He notes Jones' power but believes Basharat's distance and timing will prevail. He likes the under 2.5 rounds prop.
The MMA Guru picks Javid Basharat over Trevin Jones, favoring his grappling-heavy approach. He notes that Jones has knockout power but was swarmed in his last fight, and he trusts Basharat's grappling to control Jones for three rounds. He predicts a 30-27 decision, with Basharat outgrappling Jones and not getting finished. He acknowledges possible octagon jitters but believes Basharat's grappling will be the difference.
Victor Henry - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Henry | 1 | 73 of 151 | 48% | 139 of 227 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 3 | 4:10 |
| Pedro FalcĂŁo | 0 | 57 of 117 | 48% | 69 of 133 | 4 of 13 | 30% | 0 | 0 | 2:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Henry | 1 | 22 of 53 | 41% | 50 of 87 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 |
| Pedro FalcĂŁo | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 26 of 52 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 | |
| 2 | Victor Henry | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 38 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 2 | 0:56 |
| Pedro FalcĂŁo | 0 | 24 of 45 | 53% | 28 of 50 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 | |
| 3 | Victor Henry | 0 | 28 of 44 | 63% | 51 of 70 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 1:36 |
| Pedro FalcĂŁo | 0 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 15 of 31 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Henry | 73 of 151 | 48% | 44 of 115 | 21 of 27 | 8 of 9 | 57 of 127 | 9 of 14 | 7 of 10 |
| Pedro FalcĂŁo | 57 of 117 | 48% | 34 of 91 | 11 of 13 | 12 of 13 | 55 of 114 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Henry | 22 of 53 | 41% | 13 of 44 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
| Pedro FalcĂŁo | 20 of 43 | 46% | 12 of 34 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Victor Henry | 23 of 54 | 42% | 9 of 35 | 11 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 19 of 47 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Pedro FalcĂŁo | 24 of 45 | 53% | 14 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 7 | 22 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Victor Henry | 28 of 44 | 63% | 22 of 36 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 23 of 36 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 3 |
| Pedro FalcĂŁo | 13 of 29 | 44% | 8 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Henry (-218), Falcao (+180)
Round 1
It’s all speed and action for this next bantamweight contest, as Henry (24-7, 1 NC; 3-2, 1 NC UFC) constantly defies his age—currently 37—every time he hits the cage. His Nova Uniao-trained foe Falcao (16-4, 0-1 UFC) will come in five years the younger, but not nearly as much combat experience on his ledger. Referee Keith Peterson drew nonsense-free straws and was picked for this matchup, one that kicks off with a fist bump before they are released into the wild. Falcao gets right in Henry’s face with a jab early, peppering him with mixed-in low kicks. Henry fires back with his own leg kick, and he sees a takedown coming and turns the corner to lean himself against the fencing. Falcao hangs on from behind, where he turns Falcao’s aggression against him and hits a trip to put the Brazilian on his back. Henry smacks up Falcao’s leg and posterior with deceptively heavy kicks, talking to him all the while. Falcao decides he should stop eating kicks and should stand up, and he does that without any resistance. Falcao gets back behind the driver’s seat and surges forward behind his right hand, and his follow-up left reddens Henry’s temple. “La Mangosta” unleashes a bomb of a right hand that detonates on the chin of the Brazilian, who falls to his back as Henry gives chase with a barrage of hammerfists. Falcao keeps himself safe enough to force Henry back to standing, and he again hangs out too long on his back while Henry chops at his legs. They may not be as effective as Donald Cerrone’s mean-spirited kicks on Myles Jury, but they add up fast until again Falcao decides to just get back up. Henry allows him to do this so he can punch his man in the liver. Falcao stays pressing forward, Henry slipping his left hook a few times but getting caught with a third. Falcao punches his way into a single-leg takedown, and the catchwrestler trained by Josh Barnett does not budge and regains his footing. They separate, and Henry parries a few jabbing kicks to get into his preferred throwing range. Falcao dips in and out with a combination, and he has a kick checked and eats a few punches at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Round 2
Henry comes out of his corner loaded for bear, and after he gets off a few punches, Falcao hammers his front leg and trips him up. Henry awkwardly climbs back up, fighting to wake his leg back up, and Falcao slams his front leg with another. Henry lands two back, and Falcao’s to the calf is more effective and accurate. Falcao misses with a pair of haymakers, and he scores a left but is driven back by a pair of punches. Henry jumps in the air with a knee, and Falcao catches his leg and looks for a takedown. When Henry hops out of it, Falcao follows him and completes a high-amplitude takedown. Falcao advances to half guard, pressing his chest down until Henry explodes to his feet. Falcao follows him, slams him down from behind, and cannot quite keep a tight grip on his man. Henry rolls all the way through it, and Falcao hits his back and latches onto an armbar. Henry elbows his way out of it, and he drills Falcao with a few kicks before Falcao stands back up and tries to grapple. They sit down on single hooks, and Henry’s lands cleaner and forces Falcao to reset. The Brazilian works his way forward, walking through a body shot so he can give Henry one back to ponder. Falcao drops down to a knee and hits another takedown to dump Henry on his back. Henry turns to his knees and gives up his back, and he somersaults through a scramble to wrap up a scarf hold position on the Brazilian. Falcao scrambles with this furiously, and the two work their way back to their feet. Falcao lands first in an exchange, and Henry scores last. Henry walks Falcao down and slugs him in the face and midsection, and the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Falcao
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Falcao
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Falcao
Round 3
A clap of hands leads to a huge, which leads to a takedown try from Falcao. Henry scrambles to flip him over, only to find himself having to keep moving as Falcao has suddenly taken his back. Henry turns to his side and a knee, hoping to go all the way over. He succeeds, fighting off an armbar while putting Falcao on his back. Henry jams down short strikes until he gets a little space when Falcao kicks him off. Falcao shoots naked for a takedown, and “La Mangosta” shuts him down and knees him in the jaw. Falcao fails on another shot, and he bails on it to reset. Two jabs from Falcao are answered with a clean right hand, and Henry stands in front of him and kicks him in the lower body. Three overhand rights get over the guard, and Henry manages to score a fourth before Falcao fires back. Henry nods at him, and the two trade hands and feet. Falcao shoots for a takedown, and Henry tackles him over to the mat. Falcao starts fishing for a leglock before Henry can escape the grappling, and Falcao rolls over and hooks his knees around Henry’s foot. Henry continues to twist until his leg is free, and Falcao presses him tightly against the wall, both men upright again. Henry pushes off and drills Falcao with a right hand, and his left hand wobbles the Brazilian. A desperate takedown from Falcao is met with a sprawl and several annoying left hands. Henry loads up with an uppercut, and he catches “Pedrinho” at the end of a hooking right. Falcao cannot buy a takedown at this stage in the fight, and Henry walks off and starts doing the Running Man. Falcao shrugs at him, takes a few kicks to the gut, and the horn sounds. The Brazilian practically falls over to his seat from exhaustion, while Henry appears to still be able to go two more rounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry (29-28 Henry)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Henry (29-28 Henry)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Henry (29-28 Henry)
The Official Result
Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo initially wanted to pick Pedro FalcĂŁo due to Victor's age and sloppiness, but after tape study he notes Victor still has juice left and got takedowns in his last fight. He sees Victor as an established UFC guy who doesn't suck at anything, while Pedro has gaps and hasn't proven himself at this level. Angelo picks Victor but acknowledges Pedro could be a decent underdog.
Big Brady likes Victor Henry despite the line moving against him. He believes Henry has underrated BJJ, good takedown defense, and a significant striking advantage. He expects Henry to stuff most of FalcĂŁo's takedowns and win via late knockout, specifically a third-round KO.
Henry is loved in this spot as he can shut down FalcĂŁo's BJJ black belt and put on a pace and pressure that FalcĂŁo is uncomfortable with in the striking realm. Henry is expected to win on the scorecards.
The Guru picks Victor Henry, citing his sprawl-and-pitter-patter style and ability to keep the fight standing. He notes Pedro FalcĂŁo spammed takedowns against Victor Hugo and failed most, and Henry is good at stuffing takedowns and out-voluming opponents. He expects a decision win, likely 29-28, with Henry winning the second and third rounds due to superior cardio.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 0 | 39 of 73 | 53% | 50 of 87 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 24 of 54 | 44% | 39 of 75 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:49 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 28 of 46 | 60% | 38 of 59 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 18 of 34 | 52% | 28 of 45 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 | |
| 2 | Charles Jourdain | 0 | 11 of 27 | 40% | 12 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 6 of 20 | 30% | 11 of 30 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Jourdain | 39 of 73 | 53% | 19 of 49 | 14 of 18 | 6 of 6 | 31 of 62 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 24 of 54 | 44% | 8 of 30 | 11 of 17 | 5 of 7 | 22 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Jourdain | 28 of 46 | 60% | 12 of 27 | 13 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 21 of 36 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 18 of 34 | 52% | 5 of 15 | 8 of 12 | 5 of 7 | 16 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Charles Jourdain | 11 of 27 | 40% | 7 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 6 of 20 | 30% | 3 of 15 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-125), Henry (+105)
Round 1
Meeting in the middle after plenty of time in different divisions, ex-featherweight Jourdain (15-8-1, 6-7-1 UFC) shifts gears down to 135 pounds in hopes of keeping that explosiveness. He greets former flyweight Henry (24-6, 1 NC, 3-1, 1 NC UFC) at bantamweight, with the two drawing oversight from referee Black Grice. Speed will be the name of the game in this one, and they intend on showing it off just as soon as they complete their expected glove touch. Jourdain slowly plods forward, hand-fighting Henry’s probing jabs. Henry lands a pair of low kicks as Grice issues a warning for outstretched fingers. Jourdain whips a kick up high that is barely blocked, and Henry gets busy with low and body kicks. Henry secures a body kick that splits the guard, and he absorbs a clean low kick that makes him recoil his limb. Jourdain leaps in the air with a knee, and Henry swats it away. The two trade low kicks, and Jourdain prods out a front kick that knocks Henry back a step. A Jourdain jab is met with a leg kick, and Henry walks his foe down and connects with a left hook. Jourdain looses another quick head kick, and he races forward and puts as right hand on the jaw of “La Mangosta.” Henry keeps striding forward, but Jourdain is pecking at him with low kicks and longer punches. Henry attacks the body and lead leg with kicks, and Jourdain comes out firing with a pair of looping hooks. Henry gets off a body kick, and Jourdain trips Henry up and dumps him to the floor. The well-schooled Henry does not show any concern when Jourdain grips hold of a guillotine choke, and he escapes and resets. Henry walks him down and trips him out, putting Jourdain on his back thanks to sheer pressure. Jourdain posts off an arm to sit up, and Henry slickly shuts him down. Jourdain still explodes to his feet despite Henry’s wishes, and he trips Henry to a knee but does not complete it. Jourdain stands, wraps up a guillotine, and releases it to nails Henry with a flush elbow on the forehead. Henry blinks it out and loads up on a pair of right hands, and he gets countered and clips. Jourdain’s power shakes Henry up briefly, but Henry keeps marching onward throwing punches. Jourdain uses a sharp front kick and a head kick to slow Henry, and he tries to time a jump knee but Henry is wise to it and waits to press forward into a clinch. As Jourdain looks to frame off of Henry’s face, Henry trips his legs out. Henry no-sells a guillotine choke until the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Round 2
The two touch gloves before getting going, and Henry is quick to assert heavy pressure. Jourdain is lighter on his feet, swinging harder and landing cleaner. Jourdain clips Henry, forcing Henry to close in on him and trying to clinch. Jourdain shucks him off and rips an uppercut up the middle, and he chews up Henry’s lead leg and strafes to the side. Henry gives chase, pushing out a front kick and a body kick, and he gets caught with an uppercut moving forward. Henry keeps his guard high, allowing Jourdain’s offense to throw him off-balance. Henry wrangles Jourdain to the floor, and he wraps up his opponent with a body lock while fishing for a rear-naked choke. Henry rolls when Jourdain scrambles, and he hunts for a choke any time he can spot an opening. Jourdain defends well and keeps turning, eventually settling to lean his side against the cage. Henry is warned for an elbow to the spine, and he lets Jourdain turn over so he can slip an arm on the side of the chin. Henry moves into top position, but he is dragged back to the guard of “La Mangosta.” Jourdain snatches up a guillotine choke on his back, and Henry pays it no mind as it is not locked up. The Canadian hacks with elbows off his back, and he sits up and nearly works his way up. Henry stifles a guillotine choke without issue by remaining calm, and Jourdain uses the grip to work to his feet.
The choke is still wrapped around Henry’s neck, and Jourdain jumps guard to set up and lock down the guillotine. This time, it is exceptionally tight, and Henry does not have a way out. With no more options, Henry frantically taps out, surrendering for the first time in his lengthy career.
Jourdain sends a message to his new division with his stoppage win, while also showing off his new, impressive back tattoo.
The Official Result
Charles Jourdain def. Victor Henry R2 3:43 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Angelo is confident Victor Henry wins, calling Charles Jourdain 'just not that good' despite being fun. He thinks Henry has better technique and cardio, and will outwork Jourdain. He notes Henry is 37 but still looks good and fights smart. He placed a half unit bet on Henry at even money (minus 110). He acknowledges Jourdain has a fanbase but insists he is not an upper echelon fighter.
Big Brady picks Victor Henry to win by decision. He likes Henry's nonstop volume (8.5 significant strikes per minute) and notes that Jourdain is a slow starter and has struggled with wrestling recently. Brady thinks Jourdain won't be able to take Henry down and that Henry's pace will overwhelm Jourdain over 15 minutes. He is picking against another Canadian.
Cody picks Victor Henry, citing his volume, wrestling, and experience. He questions Jourdain's weight cut to bantamweight and notes his recent KO loss and poor performances. He believes Henry's well-rounded game and durability will allow him to outwork Jourdain, especially if Jourdain struggles with the cut. He expects a close decision but favors Henry.
Daniel Vreeland picks Charles Jourdain to win his bantamweight debut, citing the size advantage after dropping down. He believes Jourdain's movement, kicks, and range will trouble Victor Henry, who has been outclassed by faster opponents. Vreeland notes Henry's toughness but thinks Jourdain's experience at higher weight classes and finally being the bigger fighter will lead to a win, though he wants to see the weigh-ins first.
Henry is a very experienced and difficult opponent who has never been finished in his 30-fight career. He will put a pace, pressure, and volume that Jourdain is not used to, allowing Henry to grind out a win on the scorecards.
Paul also picks Henry, noting his superior volume and wrestling. He is concerned about Jourdain's weight cut and recent knockout loss, and believes Henry's pressure and grappling will be too much. He sees the fight as close but expects Henry to edge it out, possibly by split decision.
The Guru picks Charles Jourdain over Victor Henry, citing Jourdain's physicality and dynamic striking. He believes Jourdain's clinch work and knees to the body will be key, and he predicts a TKO finish from the clinch. He notes that if Jourdain makes bantamweight effectively, he will have a significant advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Henry | 0 | 54 of 109 | 49% | 56 of 111 | 0 of 10 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Rani Yahya | 2 | 109 of 205 | 53% | 150 of 260 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Henry | 0 | 21 of 39 | 53% | 23 of 41 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Rani Yahya | 0 | 19 of 30 | 63% | 26 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:00 | |
| 2 | Victor Henry | 0 | 24 of 51 | 47% | 24 of 51 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rani Yahya | 1 | 56 of 115 | 48% | 70 of 136 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 | |
| 3 | Victor Henry | 0 | 9 of 19 | 47% | 9 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rani Yahya | 1 | 34 of 60 | 56% | 54 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Henry | 54 of 109 | 49% | 28 of 76 | 6 of 9 | 20 of 24 | 51 of 105 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Rani Yahya | 109 of 205 | 53% | 84 of 176 | 21 of 24 | 4 of 5 | 89 of 173 | 2 of 5 | 18 of 27 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Henry | 21 of 39 | 53% | 7 of 19 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 15 | 18 of 36 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Rani Yahya | 19 of 30 | 63% | 13 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 26 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Victor Henry | 24 of 51 | 47% | 15 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Rani Yahya | 56 of 115 | 48% | 43 of 98 | 11 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 48 of 103 | 0 of 1 | 8 of 11 | |
| 3 | Victor Henry | 9 of 19 | 47% | 6 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Rani Yahya | 34 of 60 | 56% | 28 of 54 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 16 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Yahya comes out throwing leg kicks. Henry looks to counter with punches and catches Yahya with a left hook. Yahya goes for a takedown and gets a waistlock. Henry gets thrown on the floor, but Henry gets back up. They separate. Henry lands a straight right to the body. Yahya goes for another takedown, but Henry gets up again immediately afterward. Henry can't get his offense off, as he has to keep defending against Yahya. The round ends with Yahya wildly throwing punches.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yahya
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Yahya
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Yahya
Round 2
Yahya lands a nice overhand right. Yahya wildly dives for a leg but can't get it. Leg kick lands for Yahya. Henry pumping out his jab but isn't putting much power behind it. Yahya goes for a takedown, but it is stuffed. Henry eats a left hook. A right hook lands for Yahya. Henry sneaks in an elbow that hurts Yahya, and a left hand comes shortly afterward. Nice straight right by Henry. Yahya is getting backed up against the fence. Henry finding much more success this round. Henry uses his kicks to determine the distance. Henry lands a thudding right hand. Yahya's head is snapping back due to jabs. Henry throws Yahya off him and lets him back up. Henry is overwhelming Yahya with punches, who falls to the ground. Henry unloads with punches and landing hammerfists. Yahya survives the round.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-8 Henry
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Round 3
Henry comes out working his jab. Yahya is eating a lot of shots and dives for a takedown. Yahya looks for a leg. Henry is willing to go down to the ground and lands a nice punch. Henry allows his opponent back up. Yahya looks exhausted. Henry lands a push kick and follows up with a right hook that puts Yahya down. Yahya turtles up. Henry lands punches, but Yahya is able to get half-guard. Henry gets back up and starts punishing the body with punches.
A head kick lands for Henry. Yahya turtles up on the feet and the fight is waved off.
Yahya had nothing left after the beating he took in Round 2.
The Official Result
Victor Henry def. Rani Yahya via TKO (Head Kick and Punches); R3, 2:36.
Angelo is confident Victor Henry wins but refuses to touch the -500 line, calling it 'kick rocks.' He notes Rani Yahya looked old and slow in his last fight, getting knocked out, and that good things don't happen after that in MMA. He points out Henry has lost to a 40-year-old before (Raphael Assunção), making him unreliable at such short odds. He picks Henry but says if he were -150 he'd love it.
Cody picks Henry, calling him the best favorite on the card. He notes Yahya's one-dimensional BJJ and poor striking, and believes Henry's wrestling and grappling will neutralize Yahya. He expects a dominant decision or late finish.
Daniel notes Henry has never been finished in 29 fights and has a catch wrestling background. He thinks Henry's output and striking will overwhelm Yahya, who is 42 and relies on jiu-jitsu. He expects Henry to look like a -400 favorite and win comfortably.
Henry has good defensive grappling and should be able to keep the fight upright, using his movement and output to chip away at Yahya. Yahya is dangerous on the ground but Henry's takedown defense is high level. I expect Henry to win on the scorecards. The over 2.5 rounds is also a good prop.
Paul agrees, citing Yahya's age (40), inactivity, and lack of wrestling. He thinks Henry can mimic Ricky Simon's game plan of stuffing takedowns and landing strikes. He considers Henry a solid favorite despite the poor line.
The MMA Guru picks Victor Henry as one of the locks of the card. He criticizes Rani Yahya as very old at 39 and notes his recent losses to Montel Jackson and weak competition. He praises Henry's consistency, difficulty to finish, and ability to survive on the ground. He predicts a unanimous decision or late TKO, and says he would be very shocked if Henry loses.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 30 of 43 | 69% | 33 of 46 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 25 of 36 | 69% | 30 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 29 of 42 | 69% | 32 of 45 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 25 of 36 | 69% | 30 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javid Basharat | 30 of 43 | 69% | 8 of 21 | 8 of 8 | 14 of 14 | 26 of 39 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 25 of 36 | 69% | 3 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 16 of 20 | 23 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javid Basharat | 29 of 42 | 69% | 8 of 21 | 8 of 8 | 13 of 13 | 25 of 38 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 25 of 36 | 69% | 3 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 16 of 20 | 23 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Javid Basharat | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-535), Henry (+400)
Round 1
Referee Lukasz Bosacki will need to go into overdrive if he hopes to keep up with this next bout in the bantamweight division. With 14 wins opposite zero defeats, Basharat (14-0, 3-0 UFC) rockets his way into his pairing with proud UWF USA rep Henry (23-6, 2-1 UFC). Whether the victor needs 15 seconds or 15 minutes to get things done, one man may put himself in prime position at the talent-rich 135-pound category by prevailing. There is no glove touch to get this one started. Basharat walks through a leg kick and parries two jabs to get his own range. Henry kicks the leg, sweeping it out, and Basharat falls to the ground and climbs back up while wagging his finger. Both men trade leg kicks, and Henry breaks it up with a front kick. Basharat digs another kick on the calf, and Henry greets him with one back while ducking two looping punches. Basharat connects with another front kick, and he checks a kick. Henry swats out with multiple low kicks while Basharat crowds him, and when Basharat backs off, he plants a side kick on Henry’s waist. Basharat sneaks in a jab and follows it with an inside low kick, and Henry defends against a head kick while kicking low. Basharat gets off a left hand, and when he kicks the body, Henry catches it. Henry releases it after landing a few punches, and his own kick gets caught. This forces a scramble that results in both fighters hitting the mat, but the two are active enough to spring back up while still tied up. Basharat attempts a single, and he abandons it to go up high with a left hand on the break. Basharat chops with a kick and lands two punches, but it is his spinning back kick that finds its target with emphasis. Basharat scores kicks, and Henry does the same while getting one more checked. Henry doubles up on a kick from each leg, and he pecks away while Basharat slowly meanders towards him. Henry kicks the waist and closes in to hunt for an inside trip. The round ends with the two trading knees from up close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
The 135ers meet one another in the middle of the cage,
Basharat kicks his opponent square in the groin to start off the round. Henry falls straight on his face and rolls around, moaning in agony.
Basharat tries to apologize, and Bosacki tells him to stay in the neutral corner. Henry shows no sign of improvement after 90 seconds, still on the ground in pain. There is a brief bit of discussion as to whether the strike landed on his groin, and Henry yells that it was all his genitals. After over three minutes, Henry is helped to his feet, but he is still totally compromised. Five full minutes elapse, and Bosacki waves the fight off, much to the displeasure of the crowd. The doctor incredulously tries to tell Henry that the strike should not have hurt him like it did, or that it was not a direct shot on his groin, but Henry is no actor and his reaction is quite legitimate. Henry’s corner, the legendary Josh Barnett, carries Henry out of the cage, as Henry is struggling to stay on his feet. As the foul was accidental and the time was early into Round 2, it should be declared a no contest.
The Official Result
Victor Henry vs. Javid Basharat is Ruled a No Contest (Accidental Groin Kick) R2 0:15
Angelo is confident Javid Basharat dominates this fight with his wrestling. He notes Victor Henry's win over a Brazilian national champion wrestler (Him Barcelos) but thinks Javid's timing, control, and flow from striking to grappling will be too much. He has Javid in parlays.
Big Brady picks Javid Basharat to win by decision, but expects a competitive fight. He notes that Victor Henry is being disrespected by the odds, as he has good cardio, toughness, and takedown defense. However, Basharat is younger, improving, and the UFC is pushing him. Brady believes Basharat can use wrestling to control the fight and win a close decision, possibly aided by judging in Abu Dhabi.
Cody picks Basharat but is hesitant, noting that Basharat is talented but untested. He acknowledges Henry's wrestling and volume could make it close, but believes Basharat's speed and mixing of takedowns will edge him a decision. Cody does not love the price.
Daniel picks Javid Basharat to win but considers the -625 line too high. He praises Basharat's skills and youth but notes that Victor Henry has never been finished in 30 fights and has incredible volume, as seen in his fight against Barcelos. He expects a competitive fight where Basharat edges out a decision rather than dominating. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and suggests a small bet on Henry might be worthwhile.
Basharat is one of the best strikers with elite footwork and pull counters. He will touch up Henry whenever Henry crashes the pocket with volume. Basharat stays within himself and sticks to the game plan, likely winning by decision. This is a horrible stylistic matchup for Henry.
Paul picks Henry as a dog, arguing that Basharat is overvalued and has not faced tough competition. He notes that Henry has excellent volume, takedown defense, and durability, and has fought higher-level opponents. Paul believes Henry's pressure and output will make the fight close, and at plus money, he sees value.
The MMA Guru picks Javid Basharat by decision, but notes that Victor Henry is a live underdog worth betting. He compares their common opponent Tony Gravely, noting Basharat had a clearer win. He cites Basharat's youth (28 vs 36), reach, and height advantages. He expects a competitive fight with a swing round, but thinks Basharat will do a little more to win a decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Henry | 0 | 154 of 244 | 63% | 190 of 281 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 1:20 |
| Tony Gravely | 0 | 75 of 154 | 48% | 90 of 169 | 3 of 17 | 17% | 0 | 0 | 3:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Henry | 0 | 29 of 53 | 54% | 41 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Tony Gravely | 0 | 22 of 42 | 52% | 25 of 45 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 | |
| 2 | Victor Henry | 0 | 71 of 107 | 66% | 90 of 127 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:55 |
| Tony Gravely | 0 | 17 of 37 | 45% | 18 of 38 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:26 | |
| 3 | Victor Henry | 0 | 54 of 84 | 64% | 59 of 89 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 0:24 |
| Tony Gravely | 0 | 36 of 75 | 48% | 47 of 86 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Henry | 154 of 244 | 63% | 92 of 176 | 55 of 60 | 7 of 8 | 102 of 183 | 46 of 55 | 6 of 6 |
| Tony Gravely | 75 of 154 | 48% | 44 of 113 | 20 of 29 | 11 of 12 | 52 of 127 | 18 of 22 | 5 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Henry | 29 of 53 | 54% | 11 of 35 | 14 of 14 | 4 of 4 | 22 of 44 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Tony Gravely | 22 of 42 | 52% | 9 of 24 | 5 of 9 | 8 of 9 | 17 of 36 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Victor Henry | 71 of 107 | 66% | 42 of 76 | 28 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 45 of 74 | 20 of 27 | 6 of 6 |
| Tony Gravely | 17 of 37 | 45% | 14 of 31 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 30 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Victor Henry | 54 of 84 | 64% | 39 of 65 | 13 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 35 of 65 | 19 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
| Tony Gravely | 36 of 75 | 48% | 21 of 58 | 13 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 61 | 9 of 10 | 4 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Henry (-140), Gravely (+120)
Round 1
Well-traveled bantamweights Henry (22-6, 1-1 UFC) and Gravely (23-8, 4-3 UFC) come to blows in the next fight on the prelims. Referee Mark Smith laces his running shoes, as this one could take place anywhere and everywhere over the next three rounds if needed. There is a clap of hands to initiate the matchup, and Gravely leads the dance with a body kick. As their legs collide, a foot may have grazed the cup as Smith warns the fighters to stay careful. Gravely steps back and boots Henry in the lower leg as Henry is kicking higher, sweeping Henry off his feet and dumping him to the mat, Thai style. Henry climbs back up, and Gravely tries to do the same again. Henry gathers himself and walks forward with jabs, backing the shorter man up but not able to stop the inside calf kicks from popping him. Henry doubles up on a jab and kicks the side, and he catches Gravely coming in with a straight right hand. Henry connects with a front kick to the chest, and he has a lower body kick graze off the cup to elicit a warning but not draw a stoppage. Henry shucks off a possible level change and lets loose a head kick, and the two up close sling punches and kicks without budging. They break apart, and proceed to trade leather one after the other. Gravely pushes the pace in pursuit of a takedown, and he jams Henry back to the wall. Gravely works the body with knees while pressing on his opponent, and Henry breaks off and takes the center of the cage. Gravely scores two punches including a sharp uppercut, and Henry changes things up to blast the body with a side kick. Gravely pulls back on a low kick try, and Henry decides to follow through with his own, and he chains that kick into a few punches including an uppercut that splits the guard. Gravely sits down on a right hand that just misses, and a left that does connect as Henry tries to shoulder roll. Gravely crashes the pocket with a double, tripping Henry out and putting him on his seat for a second. “La Mangosta” powers back up thanks to the wall behind him, and Gravely circles around to take his back standing and slide a hook in for a trip. Gravely elects to lift Henry up in the air and drop him back down, and Henry springs back up. The two tumble to the mat as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Round 2
The bantamweights slap hands to get things started again, and they immediately engage recklessly and wildly. Henry lets off a few kicks, Gravely slings leather, and as Gravely takes a few punches, he changes levels and hits the deck on his face. Henry lets him back up and lays into him with a few punches, forcing Gravely to shoot in for an ill-advised takedown. Henry threatens with a front choke, and he lets it go to allow Gravely to stand up, so that he can continue working Gravely over. Henry slips punches and moves, frustrating Gravely and landing flush while Gravely responds hitting little more but air. Henry gets caught with an overhand right, but he grits his teeth and throws back with a vengeance. As Gravely gets teed off on, he looks to tie Henry up and take the fight down. Henry pushes him back and gets away with glove grabs to keep Gravely pinned to the wire. As Gravely looks to explode, Henry slashes with an elbow and chains a few punches together. Gravely leaps forward to take the fight down, and he successfully puts Henry on the floor. Henry tries to burst upright, and he manages to work his way up walking off the cage. Henry spins around, rips a knee to the body and makes Gravely back off. Henry continues assaulting Gravely’s body as Gravely backs off, and he strings punches and elbows together as he has Gravely on the ropes. Henry pounds knees to the body, and one makes Gravely drop down for a failed takedown entry. Henry’s pace is sky-high as he batters Gravely with everything and the kitchen sink, driving Gravely back to the wall. Gravely slows him down by clinching up and dropping down for a double, and Henry intercepts him with a barrage of elbows to the side of the head. The angle is very close, and Smith is watching closely to make sure the elbow strikes are legal, and Gravely drops to his knees from the damage. Gravely musters whatever energy he has to force Henry to the mat, but they land in a 50-50 position. Henry climbs right back up and knees Gravely repeatedly in the midsection. Gravely pushes off and aims a body kick, and Henry backs him off and continues striking until the bell and Smith’s intervention as the round has ended.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Round 3
The bantamweights meet in the middle to high five, and they pick up immediately where they left off. Gravely has a bit more space to throw hands back, but Henry’s pace drives him back to the wall and draws a takedown from Gravely. Gravely abandons it and throws hands with his opponent, and Henry welcomes this type of technical slugfest. Gravely drops down to his knees for another takedown effort, and Henry’s defense is immaculate as he keeps himself upright. Henry breaks off and takes a kick to his ribs, as Gravely unloads with a series of punches including a solid right hand that chin-checks Henry. “La Mangosta” does not bat an eye as he continues to throw caution to the wind, trading fists with his opponent and staying active with head movement. Gravely swings and misses with high-arcing strikes that Henry dodges, and Henry intercepts a takedown with a calf kick and a few knees to the dome. Gravely releases the grip and throws haymakers, and Henry staggers him with a few right back. Fighting in a phone booth, they trade ferocious leather one after the other, and strike totals are likely to be quite high at the fight’s conclusion. Henry backs off to measure a body kick, and Gravely throws hammers while Henry marks him up with a consistent and accurate salvo of blows. Henry connects with a few more strikes until he decides to go after a single, but this might be to catch his breath and not because he wants to change levels. Gravely belts him with a few looping shots, and as he moves down for a takedown, Henry drops down to hit the ground in pursuit of a leglock. Henry attacks a heel hook, and he bails on it to grab hold of a kneebar. Gravely defends with several solid punches to the body, and he slides his knee to a safer place and continues to beat on Henry. Henry loses the grip, and Gravely drops down on top of him to grab hold of an arm-triangle choke. Henry explodes upright, taking the back of his opponent but letting it go so they can keep trading. Henry knees him in the body as they are close up, and the wild fight comes to an end with the two tied up. The first and third rounds could be close on the scorecards, so this one might go either way.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry (30-27 Henry)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gravely (29-28 Henry)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gravely (29-28 Henry)
The Official Result
Victor Henry def. Tony Gravely via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Angelo leans toward Tony Gravely because of his wrestling and power, but acknowledges uncertainty about Victor Henry's takedown defense. He notes that if Henry's defense holds up like it did against Hani Barcelos, he could win dominantly, but if he performs as he did against Assunção, Gravely will take him down. He suggests a live bet if Gravely gets an early takedown.
Big Brady slightly leans Victor Henry in a close fight. He notes Henry's takedown defense is very good and his get-up game is incredible, which will be a problem for Gravely who tends to slow down. Brady thinks Henry will keep the fight on the feet for a good chunk, using volume and cardio to outwork Gravely, but he has low confidence and expects a close decision.
Cody picks Henry, emphasizing his experience and wrestling defense. He thinks Henry can survive Gravely's early wrestling and take over in later rounds. He likes Henry by decision at +210.
Connor picks Henry confidently, noting that Henry is a builder who constantly increases pressure and output, while Gravely is a starter who fades. He compares it to the Bosch-Rott fight, where Gravely struggled with a similar style. Henry's length, jab, and ability to find openings should lead to a clear decision or late finish.
I believe Henry's forward pressure, volume, and ability to work back to his feet will overwhelm Gravely. Gravely relies on wrestling, but Henry has good takedown defense and an active guard. Henry's striking output will break Gravely down as the fight goes on. I expect Henry to win by decision, with a possible late finish.
Paul picks Henry, citing his volume and ability to outwork Gravely, who tends to fade after the first round. He likes the over 63.5 significant strikes prop for Henry on Prize Picks.
The MMA Guru picks Victor Henry, believing he won't be held down by Tony Gravely. He thinks Henry will do more damage in between takedown attempts and out-hustle Gravely to a decision win. He notes Gravely lacks the slickness of Assunção and the power to earn respect.
Zane picks Henry, agreeing that his constant pressure and building offense will overwhelm Gravely, who tends to start well but fade. He notes that Gravely's wrestling is not dominant enough to control Henry, and Henry's striking is more sophisticated. He sees it as a similar matchup to Gravely's loss to Bosch-Rott.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raphael Assunção | 0 | 60 of 91 | 65% | 78 of 110 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 4:29 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 55 of 126 | 43% | 61 of 134 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raphael Assunção | 0 | 23 of 32 | 71% | 23 of 32 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 22 of 48 | 45% | 25 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Raphael Assunção | 0 | 17 of 29 | 58% | 35 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:16 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 15 of 27 | 55% | 17 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Raphael Assunção | 0 | 20 of 30 | 66% | 20 of 30 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:43 |
| Victor Henry | 0 | 18 of 51 | 35% | 19 of 52 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raphael Assunção | 60 of 91 | 65% | 40 of 65 | 8 of 12 | 12 of 14 | 42 of 70 | 15 of 16 | 3 of 5 |
| Victor Henry | 55 of 126 | 43% | 23 of 85 | 22 of 26 | 10 of 15 | 51 of 120 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raphael Assunção | 23 of 32 | 71% | 13 of 21 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 7 | 17 of 26 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 22 of 48 | 45% | 10 of 32 | 11 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 20 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Raphael Assunção | 17 of 29 | 58% | 11 of 20 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 18 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 5 |
| Victor Henry | 15 of 27 | 55% | 4 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 6 of 9 | 14 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Raphael Assunção | 20 of 30 | 66% | 16 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 26 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Victor Henry | 18 of 51 | 35% | 9 of 40 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 17 of 48 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Henry (-345), Assuncao (+285)
Round 1
At the ripe age of 40, some believe the book on longtime bantamweight contender Assuncao (27-9, 11-6 UFC) is coming towards its conclusion soon. In hopes of snapping a career-long rough patch of four losses in a row, Assuncao will try to show there are still more pages to be written as he takes on the well-traveled Henry (22-5, 1-0 UFC). The 135ers clap hands ahead of their scheduled melee, and referee Kerry Hatley is prepped and ready for what is about to go down. Henry strikes first with a kick to the thigh, and Assuncao responds with the exact same strike. Henry stalks down the UFC vet and lines up a right hand, but he misses the mark. Assuncao is tentative and switching stances, with his own attack largely muted as he seems coiled to wait for a response. Henry rips the body with a kick, and Assuncao catches it, leading to them both trading punches while Henry’s right leg is in the air. Henry pulls his leg out and resets, and he advances while tossing out a front kick. Assuncao sits down on a heavy left hand that graces the chin, and Henry takes note and feints and fakes multiple times. Henry ducks this telegraphed punch and stings his man with a left, and his body kick lands again solidly. Assuncao pushes a front kick up the middle, and he swings a left hook when Henry bears down on him. Henry gets his leg grabbed again, and Assuncao once more cannot set him down, but Assuncao releases it and strings together a solid one-two. Henry blinks it out and continues his constant forward pressure, and they end up clinching him until he can shake off the grip. Assuncao throws with bad intentions, and “La Mangosta” dodges the worst of them and releases a right hand that pops Assuncao in the chops. The Brazilian evades the second such hook, and he snatches Henry and turns him to the wall. Henry shoves him away and gains some space, and he marches on while Assuncao backs himself to the cage on the other side. They trade heavy punches, and a body kick from Henry bounces off the cup. Assuncao shakes his cup and they do not pause, so Henry boots Assuncao upside the head. Assuncao shrugs it off so that he can throw heavy hands, and he fires off alternating punches while Henry is backed up on the fencing. Henry slides out of the way and pushes the action, mixing in body kicks, low kicks and punches. As Henry gets fancy with a crescent kick, Assuncao snipes him with a right hand. Henry wades forward to engage, but the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Round 2
The bantamweights take the center of the cage and begin trading low kicks, and as if they both got the same memo, they switch to front kicks. Henry spins with a back kick, and Assuncao does the same, while neither lands flush. Henry pressures his man while spamming low kicks, softening the Brazilian up and dodging the right hook that wings by him. Assuncao connects with that heavy blow when he tries again, and Henry shakes his head and spins with a wheel kick. Assuncao capitalizes on this and jumps on top to take top position. Henry defends with an armbar setup off his back, but the veteran savvy of Assuncao pays off and allows him to move through it and keep striking. After a handful of powerful fists land on the dome, Henry explodes and gets back to his feet, only to be met with a head kick. Henry shrugs it off and gets out of the close range so he can initiate the offense. Henry swipes out with a left hand, and some swelling has developed on both cheeks of Assuncao. The bantamweights throw hammers at one another in close range, and Henry tries for a kick only for it to get caught. Henry tries to slug it out, but Assuncao lines up several clean right hands to knock Henry from one side of the cage to the other, all while hopping away. Assuncao uses this awkward situation to hit a takedown, and he finds himself in early submission danger. Assuncao punches his way out of it to open a cut on the left side of Henry’s face, but Henry doggedly pursues an armbar. The longtime contender fights off various submission setups including a shoulder lock and a toe hold, and Henry works his way to his feet right before the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Round 3
A touch of gloves commences the final frame, and Henry walks his opponent down and gets slugged in the face with a right hand. Henry tries to make him may, but he gets clubbed with a left hook. Assuncao is connecting with clean, heavy counters, and Henry is taking a beating but still coming forward. Henry has kicks blocked and checked, but he slings a right hand that wobbles Assuncao. Henry strings several punches together, and Assuncao fires back with reckless abandon and far more power. Assuncao scoops up a leg and dumps Henry to the mat, and like the last two rounds, Henry threatens with a submission when landing. Assuncao turns through the possible triangle, but this allows Henry to stand back up. Henry walks Assuncao down and gets punched in the face for his effort, but not before landing a few shots of his own. Henry lashes out with an elbow, and Assuncao backs off and gives him a thumbs-up for the effective blow. Assuncao catches a body kick and drives Henry from wall to wall, but this time, there is no takedown to be had. Henry springs away and walks into a crisp right hand, and Henry shakes it out and eats a follow-up right hand. Henry slides out of the way from a power punch, but they are not one-and-done for the grizzled veteran. Henry absorbs a pair of knees up the middle as they get too close, and he resets and rushes forward with a right hand and a body kick. Assuncao clinches him up, and Henry attempts to dump him down but settles to release him and line up a solid one-two. Assuncao dives down for a double, where he switches to a single and picks Henry’s right leg up but cannot get the leverage to ground him. Henry tries to sneak in short shots on the inside while Assuncao is still hanging on to the leg, and he manages to keep his balance with his back against the wire. Henry sets it down with 10 seconds to spare, and Assuncao cracks him with a left hand. Henry races after him in hopes of one last ditch effort, but the bell rings to conclude the close match before he can reach his aging but very game opponent.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao (29-28 Assuncao)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao (29-28 Assuncao)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao (29-28 Assuncao)
The Official Result
Raphael Assuncao def. Victor Henry via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Victor Henry, citing his impressive UFC debut over Honey Barcelos where he landed 222 strikes and defended six takedowns. He notes that Assunção is on a four-fight losing streak and older, but warns that the line (3-to-1) is wide and that Honey Barcelos looked bad in that fight. He thinks Victor wins but cautions that the odds may be too high for a confident bet.
Big Brady confidently picks Victor Henry to win by decision. He notes that Assunção is 40, on a four-fight skid, and has very low volume, while Henry throws a ton of strikes (352 in his last fight). He believes Henry's pressure and output will overwhelm Assunção, and that Assunção's only path is wrestling, but Henry's takedown defense looked good against Barcelos. Brady sees a potential late finish but calls it a decision.
Cody picks Victor Henry confidently, citing his impressive performance against Ronnie Barcelos where he landed 180 significant strikes. He notes Henry has volume, wrestling, and has fought tough competition in Japan. He thinks Assunção is old, slow, and has declined, and Henry should win by decision or TKO.
Henry is younger and in his prime, while Assunção is 40 and on a four-fight losing streak, with three finishes. Henry's pressure and volume should overwhelm Assunção, who may have declined durability. Henry is not a big power puncher, so a decision is likely. The host recommends parlaying Henry or taking the decision prop at +120.
Paul is confident in Victor Henry, noting his extensive career in Japan with wins over multiple UFC veterans. He thinks Henry's volume and wrestling will be too much for Assunção, who is 40 years old and has been knocked out in his last two fights. He picks Henry by decision but notes a TKO is possible.
The MMA Guru picks Victor Henry as a no-brainer, citing his impressive short-notice win over Hani Barcelos. He notes that Assunção has shown a chin change after KO losses and may be hesitant. He believes Henry's pressure, size, and reach advantage will break Assunção over three rounds, winning by unanimous decision 30-27.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Henry | 0 | 134 of 277 | 48% | 134 of 277 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
| Raoni Barcelos | 0 | 181 of 352 | 51% | 222 of 397 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Henry | 0 | 40 of 79 | 50% | 40 of 79 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Raoni Barcelos | 0 | 54 of 113 | 47% | 61 of 120 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 | |
| 2 | Victor Henry | 0 | 39 of 92 | 42% | 39 of 92 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Raoni Barcelos | 0 | 58 of 115 | 50% | 60 of 117 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 3 | Victor Henry | 0 | 55 of 106 | 51% | 55 of 106 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Raoni Barcelos | 0 | 69 of 124 | 55% | 101 of 160 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Henry | 134 of 277 | 48% | 107 of 244 | 10 of 14 | 17 of 19 | 125 of 267 | 8 of 8 | 1 of 2 |
| Raoni Barcelos | 181 of 352 | 51% | 102 of 252 | 64 of 83 | 15 of 17 | 163 of 325 | 18 of 27 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Henry | 40 of 79 | 50% | 32 of 71 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 6 | 38 of 76 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Raoni Barcelos | 54 of 113 | 47% | 28 of 75 | 22 of 34 | 4 of 4 | 44 of 99 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Victor Henry | 39 of 92 | 42% | 31 of 81 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 7 | 37 of 90 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Raoni Barcelos | 58 of 115 | 50% | 32 of 85 | 18 of 21 | 8 of 9 | 57 of 111 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Victor Henry | 55 of 106 | 51% | 44 of 92 | 5 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 50 of 101 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Raoni Barcelos | 69 of 124 | 55% | 42 of 92 | 24 of 28 | 3 of 4 | 62 of 115 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
For the first time on the card – and in the preliminary headliner, no less – a fighter will come in with a winning UFC record. Brazilian bantamweight Barcelos (16-2, 5-1 UFC) is responsible for that record above .500, and he will be taking on the debuting Henry (21-5, 0-0 UFC) in what has been a theme for the evening thus far. Lacing up his running shoes is referee Jason Herzog, who may be needed for 15 seconds or 15 minutes, as these two gentlemen move fast. They do not bother touching hands, and get things going in a hurry as Henry throws out a front kick. Barcelos comes back with a few punches and an inside leg kick, but he gets clipped with an overhand right from the newcomer. Henry chops at the lead leg of the Brazilian, and he follows it with one to the outside. Barcelos delivers the ball of his foot to Henry’s chest, and they proceed to slip and trade blistering uppercuts without budging. Both men wear it well, and Barcelos gets the better of the exchange as he walks through and staggers Henry with a follow-up combo. Henry comes forward to slow the momentum down of his foe, and he walks forward with a knee to the chest. Barcelos backs off and sits down on a right hand, and it snaps Henry’s head back but does not appear to hurt him. Henry is loading up on responsive strikes, but Barcelos is quicker, slipping strikes and countering effectively. Barcelos lands flush with another right hand, and Henry comes back at him with one of his own that appears to rock the Brazilian. Barcelos comes forward with a possible chin-saving takedown, and Henry pushes him away and the both reset. They come together in a flurry, and Henry takes a hard right hand and stumbles. Barcelos comes after him with a few more strikes, but he does not get overaggressive and proceeds to technically work Henry off from a distance. Henry is still game, as he throws back hard and gets Barcelos’ attention. They both land flush on the other, and Henry goes up high with a kick that grazes off the head. Henry does not allow Barcelos to breathe, constantly sticking strikes in his opponent’s face, but Barcelos is able to use head movement to evade the shots. Henry throws a body kick, and Barcelos catches it and throws Henry to the mat. Barcelos lets him back up and suddenly finds Henry coming at him like a bat out of hell. “La Mangosta” throws everything he has at Barcelos, stinging him and doing enough damage to hurt Barcelos and back him up. Henry does not let him off the hook, laying into him with powerful uppercuts until the bell sounds to end the thrilling round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barcelos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Round 2
The second round starts about as furious as the first ended, only Barcelos appears recovered and wiling to throw back even with his nose busted up. They throw down, and Barcelos sits down on an uppercut that tags Henry about as cleanly as it could, but the Josh Barnett disciple is not fazed. Henry continues to pressure Barcelos, and he slips a few punches as Barcelos’ movement and evasiveness is not what it was in the last round. Henry gains a little space to score a front kick up the middle, and chains it into several punches. Henry turns the power down and his volume up, landing flush but not swinging with everything he has. Barcelos winds up with power, and Henry partially deflects it but it still had a major impact. Barcelos lands an inside leg kick or two, and Henry appears to be struggling with it as he anticipatorily picks it up when Barcelos is going to kick. Henry bites down on his gumshield and starts throwing with bad intentions, and Barcelos backs away to gather his bearings as a few of them hurt. Barcelos’ nose is a mess as he continues to get peppered with punches, and Henry sneaks strikes around and through the guard. Barcelos uncorks several bombs that detonate on the chin of his opponent, and Henry takes them all cleanly and fires right back. Barcelos wings a left hand and a right, and several more as Henry tries to counter. Henry clips him with a short elbow, and Barcelos rushes in and secures a quick takedown. Henry pops right back up and the two begin to trade recklessly again, with little concern for defense as they keep connecting on one another. Henry sticks him with a punch, ducks back and narrowly evades a spinning wheel kick, and he comes back in to land as Barcelos sets his foot down. The close round ends with a tense exchange.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Round 3
The bantamweights meet in the middle and are not afraid to engage, with them reintroducing themselves to one another with front kicks up the middle. Barcelos leans forward with punches, and Henry ducks back and lands a popping kick to the body. Barcelos clubs him back with a few punches, and Henry will not back down and give ground. Barcelos scores a leg kick that makes Henry turn around, and Barcelos cracks him with an overhand right that stuns him momentarily. Henry comes right back, ready to brawl it out in very close proximity. They both land flush, and Barcelos gets off a front kick and fakes for a takedown. He succeeds to get Henry off-balance to crack him with a right hand, and Henry laughs it off and proceeds to brawl it out. The pace is astounding, as are the strike totals at this point, and they are evenly matched and giving it all they have. Henry catches Barcelos with a left, a right and an uppercut, and Barcelos is hurt and staggering back. Barcelos chomps down on his mouthpiece and wings a right hand that nails Henry on the side of the head, only for Henry to completely disregard it and continue his assault. Henry bullies Barcelos back to the wall, and he starts working Barcelos’ thighs with powerful knees. Henry is able to make Barcelos lean face-first into the wall so he can grip his hands around him from behind, and he lands a few more strikes until Barcelos spins out. When the Brazilian turns, Henry greets him with a knee right down Broadway. Barcelos eats it like a bowl of Acai so that he can try to return fire, and Henry ducks down face-first into a head kick. Henry appears in danger, and Barcelos senses this and winds up with a barrage of power shots that knock Henry around but do not rock him. Henry is able to keep his wits about him to avoid dangerous blows and ducks away, and Barcelos follows him with a frenzied attack. Henry surprises him with preemptive counters, and they back off to gather themselves with seconds to go, and they throw a few more punches at one another right to the final bell. What a battle, and what an impressive debut from Henry on short notice against an established name like Barcelos.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry (29-28 Henry)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Henry (30-27 Henry)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Henry (30-27 Henry)
The Official Result
Victor Henry def. Raoni Barcelos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Raoni Barcelos, praising his well-rounded skills including power, speed, striking, wrestling, and BJJ. He expects Barcelos to have a tough time on the feet but then move to grappling where he has a solid advantage. He likes the under on rounds as a prop bet, predicting a finish.
Big Brady picks Raoni Barcelos to win by decision, citing Barcelos being on another level compared to Henry. He notes Henry's takedown defense and get-up game are not great, and Barcelos has a black belt in BJJ to control Henry on the ground. He expects Barcelos to win the first two rounds comfortably and notes Henry has never been finished in 26 fights, so decision is likely. The only concern is Barcelos' gas tank, but he still sees Barcelos winning easily.
Cody picks Raoni Barcelos, stating that Barcelos is better than Victor Henry in every facet: boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and cardio. He notes that Barcelos has a wrestling background and is a BJJ black belt. However, Cody warns that Barcelos sometimes fights bad game plans, as seen in his last fight. He considers Barcelos a second-ticket play rather than a top-ticket due to the high price.
Daniel Levi confidently picks Raoni Barcelos to win. He praises Barcelos' boxing and jiu-jitsu, calling him a black belt under a red belt. Levi believes Barcelos is undefeated in the UFC (disputing the loss to Timur Valiev) and that Victor Henry, while tough and never finished, is outmatched. He expects Barcelos to dominate everywhere and predicts a first-round submission or knockout. Levi criticizes Barcelos' management for taking risky fights with little reward.
The host believes Barcelos is the better fighter in all areas: striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. He thinks Henry's only path to victory is if Barcelos has a poor performance like he did against Timur Valiev. He expects Barcelos to win by decision but also likes the submission prop at +455. He plans to use Barcelos in parlays.
Paul picks Raoni Barcelos, agreeing with Cody that Barcelos is the superior fighter. He notes that the line has moved from -375 to -500, indicating public support. Paul believes Barcelos should win but acknowledges the high price makes it less attractive for a large bet.
The MMA Guru picks Raoni Barcelos, calling him a missed gem of the UFC. He notes Barcelos' delayed career due to cancellations but trusts his skills, including leg kicks and takedown defense. He predicts a dominant 30-26 decision, as Victor Henry is tough but not at Barcelos' level.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo is confident Javid Basharat dominates this fight with his wrestling. He notes Victor Henry's win over a Brazilian national champion wrestler (Him Barcelos) but thinks Javid's timing, control, and flow from striking to grappling will be too much. He has Javid in parlays.
Big Brady picks Javid Basharat to win by decision, but expects a competitive fight. He notes that Victor Henry is being disrespected by the odds, as he has good cardio, toughness, and takedown defense. However, Basharat is younger, improving, and the UFC is pushing him. Brady believes Basharat can use wrestling to control the fight and win a close decision, possibly aided by judging in Abu Dhabi.
Cody picks Basharat but is hesitant, noting that Basharat is talented but untested. He acknowledges Henry's wrestling and volume could make it close, but believes Basharat's speed and mixing of takedowns will edge him a decision. Cody does not love the price.
Daniel picks Javid Basharat to win but considers the -625 line too high. He praises Basharat's skills and youth but notes that Victor Henry has never been finished in 30 fights and has incredible volume, as seen in his fight against Barcelos. He expects a competitive fight where Basharat edges out a decision rather than dominating. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and suggests a small bet on Henry might be worthwhile.
Basharat is one of the best strikers with elite footwork and pull counters. He will touch up Henry whenever Henry crashes the pocket with volume. Basharat stays within himself and sticks to the game plan, likely winning by decision. This is a horrible stylistic matchup for Henry.
Paul picks Henry as a dog, arguing that Basharat is overvalued and has not faced tough competition. He notes that Henry has excellent volume, takedown defense, and durability, and has fought higher-level opponents. Paul believes Henry's pressure and output will make the fight close, and at plus money, he sees value.
The MMA Guru picks Javid Basharat by decision, but notes that Victor Henry is a live underdog worth betting. He compares their common opponent Tony Gravely, noting Basharat had a clearer win. He cites Basharat's youth (28 vs 36), reach, and height advantages. He expects a competitive fight with a swing round, but thinks Basharat will do a little more to win a decision.
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