André Fialho
Career Averages
Win Methods (2)
Loss Methods (5)
Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Means | 2 | 104 of 143 | 72% | 134 of 178 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:51 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 51 of 103 | 49% | 56 of 110 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Means | 1 | 39 of 53 | 73% | 44 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 19 of 47 | 40% | 19 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Tim Means | 0 | 48 of 69 | 69% | 73 of 99 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:29 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 29 of 50 | 58% | 32 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 | |
| 3 | Tim Means | 1 | 17 of 21 | 80% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Means | 104 of 143 | 72% | 66 of 103 | 33 of 35 | 5 of 5 | 56 of 87 | 30 of 35 | 18 of 21 |
| André Fialho | 51 of 103 | 49% | 32 of 75 | 15 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 35 of 86 | 16 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Means | 39 of 53 | 73% | 21 of 34 | 16 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 36 | 8 of 10 | 6 of 7 |
| André Fialho | 19 of 47 | 40% | 8 of 31 | 8 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 41 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tim Means | 48 of 69 | 69% | 33 of 53 | 14 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 39 | 14 of 16 | 12 of 14 |
| André Fialho | 29 of 50 | 58% | 24 of 44 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 19 of 39 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tim Means | 17 of 21 | 80% | 12 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 12 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 3 of 6 | 50% | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Expert Picks (8)
Angelo thinks Means can ugly up the fight and squeak out a close decision. He notes Means is tough, busy, and has fought a who's who of welterweights. However, he is concerned about Means' age (39) and Fialho's power. He has very low confidence.
Big Brady picks André Fialho to win by first-round knockout, citing his power advantage and youth (10 years younger). He notes both fighters have poor durability, but Fialho hits like a truck. He worries about Fialho's horrible cardio and thinks he must finish early. He says nobody should be confident on either side.
Cody picks Tim Means as a live underdog, citing Fialho's poor chin and hesitancy against strikers. He notes Means's crafty striking, wrestling, and experience. He believes Means can outwork Fialho, who has been knocked out by lesser competition.
Daniel hesitantly picks Fialho based on youth and power, but admits he doesn't trust either fighter. He notes Means is 39 and doesn't react well to shots anymore, while Fialho has three straight KO losses. He thinks Means is the better technical fighter but age and chin are concerns. He expects a violent fight and leans Fialho by KO, but with low confidence.
Lucrative James feels Fialho will knock out Means, citing Means' declining durability and reaction times. He likes Fialho's left hook and calm striking style. He considers betting Fialho inside the distance but notes the line is -135, which he doesn't love. He also mentions Means decision as a possible hedge.
The host picks Fialho to win by first-round knockout, despite normally fading him. He notes Fialho's power advantage and Means' questionable durability and age (39). He expects Fialho to land a barrage early and finish Means. He also likes the prop 'fight doesn't go to decision' as a safer play, expecting either an early Fialho KO or a late Means finish.
Paul picks Tim Means simply because he refuses to lay chalk on Fialho. He notes both fighters are quick starters and expects a finish. He has no strong confidence but likes the plus money.
The MMA Guru initially leans toward André Fialho but changes his pick to Tim Means after a lengthy internal debate. He worries about Means' age and declining athleticism but has a 'sneaky feeling' Means will catch Fialho. He notes Fialho's tendency to get knocked out and Means' effective one-two combinations. He predicts a TKO in round one, with Means backing Fialho against the cage and landing a one-two. He admits he is hesitant and almost picked Fialho.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquin Buckley | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 22 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| André Fialho | 1 | 26 of 89 | 29% | 27 of 90 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joaquin Buckley | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 10 of 36 | 27% | 10 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Joaquin Buckley | 0 | 14 of 32 | 43% | 14 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 1 | 16 of 53 | 30% | 17 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquin Buckley | 22 of 51 | 43% | 14 of 42 | 7 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 26 of 89 | 29% | 12 of 66 | 9 of 18 | 5 of 5 | 26 of 89 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joaquin Buckley | 8 of 19 | 42% | 4 of 15 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 10 of 36 | 27% | 6 of 29 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Joaquin Buckley | 14 of 32 | 43% | 10 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 16 of 53 | 30% | 6 of 37 | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Buckley (-225), Fialho (+190)
Round 1
A welterweight striker’s delight is about to be on display between the power-punching Fialho (16-6, 1 NC; 2-3 UFC) and furious finisher Buckley (15-6, 5-4 UFC). With 24 knockouts across their 31 pro wins, referee Kerry Hatley will need to bring his A-game to the party. Interested solely in trying to knock the other’s block off shortly, they do not share a glove touch. The offense is relatively muted for the first 30 seconds, until Buckley engages with a swift body kick. Buckley attempts a kick on the other side, and Fialho watches him closely without striking back. “New Mansa” skims the top of the head with his shin, and Fialho shakes it off and keeps his arm high to block it. The kicks keep coming from Buckley, and he darts forward with a looping right hand that Fialho turns his face to barely avoid. Buckley throws two punches and a kick, and he spins with a wheel kick. Buckley charges with another spinning kick, and Fialho finally attempts to counter with a check hook. Buckley runs at his foe, throwing fists, and Fialho sits down on his punches to respond. They trade fierce fists, and Fialho kicks Buckley in the head when Buckley is leaned over. The former middleweight eats it like a steak, and he walks forward to throw two booming hooks. Fialho backs him off with a jab, and he dodges a flying knee and a right hand to score a short left when Buckley lands. Buckley explodes into a takedown attempt, dumping the Portuguese fighter to the mat. Fialho is not on the ground for more than a second before climbing back up. Buckley spins without throwing anything, and he absorbs a loud body kick on the way out. Buckley gets tagged on the way forward, and he runs from one side of the cage to the other to deposit Fialho to the canvas. Once more, Fialho works his way up, and he is thrown to the mat right as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Round 2
The welterweights meet in the middle, and Fialho loops a left hand around the guard and follows it with a body kick that bumps into the cup. Buckley immediately protests as the fight is paused by Hatley, and he takes about 25 seconds before going again. Fialho starts off again with a head kick, and he reaches his foe with a straight right hand. Buckley shakes it off and is tagged once again, and he rushes out with a barrage of inaccurate punches. The two trade punches, with Buckley ending the exchange with a right over the top. Buckley races in with a flying knee, and he wings a right hand and a left that bangs into the temple. Fialho appears no worse for wear, and Buckley kicks up to the same spot but it is blocked. Buckley, in a blitz, reaches Fialho and makes the Portuguese fighter bounce off the wall. Fialho gathers his bearings and lets off another body kick that hits the cup. Buckley shakes it a few times and they get back to trading. Fialho looks to time an advancing Buckley with a right hook, and Buckley attacks awkwardly without a lot of telegraphing to take advantage of. Fialho walks Buckley down with straight punches, but Buckley backs him away before long with a looping right hand and a spinning kick to the ribs. Buckley dances on the outside and sprints in, and he bangs his head into Fialho’s chin. Fialho takes a few seconds to clear his thoughts, and Buckley is on him.
Releasing a vicious head kick that slams square into the ear, Buckley knocks Fialho clean off his feet and down for the count. Fialho, grinning but barely clutching to his consciousness, succumbs to one follow-up right hand with Buckley lording over him that knocks him senseless. Hatley, who considered stopping the fight from the kick itself but waited an extra second, moves in to shove Buckley off of the downed Fialho when that last fist bashes into Fialho’s skull, with that blow arguably a late hit as Hatley had his hands on Buckley at the time.
There will be a question of whether Fialho should have taken some extra time after the clash of heads, but the head kick sealed the deal and then some. Buckley, in his victorious post-fight interview, maximizes his mic time by calling out the UFC sponsor of Prime and the Paul brother that runs it, telling them to sponsor athletes and not just the promotion itself.
The Official Result
Joaquin Buckley def. Andre Fialho R2 4:15 via TKO (Head Kick)
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo picks Buckley to win because he has wrestling if needed, better defense, and is faster and more athletic. However, he is wary of betting at -170 since both fighters have been knocked out recently. He suggests waiting for props, possibly 'does not go the distance' if the line is good.
Big Brady picks André Fialho as the underdog to knock out Joaquin Buckley in the first round. He notes both fighters have power and poor durability, but he likes Fialho's early-round danger. He also mentions Buckley is moving down to welterweight after five years, which could affect his performance. He expects a stand-up war and believes Fialho lands the big shot first.
Cody believes Buckley's power and athleticism will be too much for Fialho, who has questionable durability and cardio. He expects Buckley to knock Fialho out, possibly early. He notes Buckley's move to welterweight is a positive and that Fialho's striking defense is lacking.
Connor also picks Buckley, echoing Zane's reasoning. He highlights that Fialho's indecision and poor chin are major liabilities, and that Buckley's creative striking will cause problems. He notes that Fialho has moments of being a good fighter but is inconsistent, and that Buckley's ability to mix up his attacks will keep Fialho guessing. He also expresses doubt about Buckley's move to welterweight but thinks Fialho is not the fighter to exploit it.
Daniel Levi picks Joaquin Buckley but notes he missed the better line. He believes Buckley is faster, has better volume, and that 170 lbs is the right weight class for him. He worries about Buckley's tendency to engage in pocket exchanges, where Fialho's power could be dangerous, but thinks if Buckley fights smart on the outside, he can out-volume Fialho. He calls it a 'pure pick' and says he's not interested in betting at -225.
The host picks Joaquin Buckley, expecting a knockout as Fialho fades in later rounds. He notes Buckley's technical boxing and high guard should allow him to crash the pocket and land cleaner punches. He likes the fight doesn't go to decision prop and predicts a round three TKO.
Paul agrees, noting that Buckley's move to welterweight is beneficial and that Fialho's durability is a concern. He mentions that Buckley can be methodical and that the fight could end early. He also likes the under on significant strikes for Buckley.
The MMA Guru sides with Joaquin Buckley, despite praising Fialho's activity. He worries about Fialho's chin and notes he took damage in recent fights without enough time to improve. He believes Buckley is more elusive and has a better chin, and that Fialho lacks one-shot KO power. He expects Buckley to win, possibly by KO, but acknowledges it could go either way if there's a finish.
Zane picks Buckley, noting that despite Buckley's predictable entries and history of getting knocked out, Fialho's inconsistency and poor chin make him vulnerable. He argues that Fialho's confidence breaks easily and he tends to become indecisive, while Buckley's creative combinations and willingness to trade will overwhelm him over time. He also mentions that Fialho has been staggered by relatively innocuous shots.
Nov 19, 2022
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 17 of 66 | 25% | 29 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 56 of 95 | 58% | 77 of 123 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 11 of 38 | 28% | 20 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 11 of 22 | 50% | 19 of 35 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 | |
| 2 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 37 of 57 | 64% | 50 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:48 | |
| 3 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 1 of 10 | 10% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 17 of 66 | 25% | 10 of 55 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 5 | 14 of 60 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 56 of 95 | 58% | 38 of 70 | 14 of 21 | 4 of 4 | 35 of 60 | 3 of 8 | 18 of 27 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 11 of 38 | 28% | 6 of 29 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 4 | 8 of 34 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 11 of 22 | 50% | 5 of 12 | 2 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 9 of 17 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Muslim Salikhov | 5 of 18 | 27% | 3 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 37 of 57 | 64% | 28 of 47 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 17 of 26 | |
| 3 | Muslim Salikhov | 1 of 10 | 10% | 1 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 8 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 8 of 16 | 50% | 5 of 11 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fialho (-110), Salikhov (-110)
Round 1
Striker faces striker in what has slotted itself in the “featured fight of the night” spot, although their approaches could scarcely be more different even if the end result is the same. The heavy-handed Portugal native Fialho (16-5, 1 NC; 2-2 UFC) will throw down with a spinning specialist nicknamed “King of Kung Fu” in Salikhov (18-3, 5-2 UFC), and referee Chris Tognoni will have his hands full here. The respect is ample with a clap of hands to begin the scheduled melee, and Salikhov strikes first with a calf kick. Fialho responds with two. A front kick from the Dagestan native pushes Fialho back as Fialho delivers a third kick to the lead leg. Fialho gets his balance and leaps forward with a left hook, but it hits the guard of his opponent. Fialho looks to sweep the leg, and Salikhov responds with his own low kick. A left hand from Salikhov splits the guard, and he sits down on a loud low kick to follow. The tense striking match largely consists of single-shot offerings, and Salikhov spins with a wheel kick but misses the mark. Fialho slips a winging right hand and drives Salikhov back with a straight left hand, and he finds the mark with an uppercut shortly thereafter. Salikhov absorbs a right hand and spins with a back kick, and he surprisingly grabs hold of Fialho’s leg and drags him down to the floor. Salikhov wades into the closed guard of his opponent, and Fialho defends with hacking elbows off his back. The fighter from Portugal defends himself from danger as he swats at Salikhov while on his back, and he jumps up and absorbs a spinning back kick right to the midsection. Fialho drives a right hand into the eye socket, and Salikhov blinks it out and swelling develops quickly. Fialho blasts him with an uppercut, with Salikhov grabbing hold of his foe and ramming a few knees to the midsection to slow Fialho down. Fialho settles for a clinch as he gets his back turned to the wall, and he frees himself right as the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fialho
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Fialho
Round 2
The gloves are touched to start off the second round, and within seconds, Salikhov bull-rushes forward to get a body lock and attempt a takedown. Fialho turns around and protects against a subsequent single, and this too fails from the Russian. Fialho lands a right hand on the break, but Salikhov replies with a kick to the liver. A left hand wraps around the guard of the Portugal native, and Salikhov gets on his bike and takes potshots of front kicks and reaching punches. Fialho prepares himself to take a flush spinning back kick as he plods forward, with his offense falling off a cliff while Salikhov is still swinging for the fences. Salikhov jabs the body and stays light on his feet, and Fialho returns fire with a jab and a low kick. “King of Kung Fu” spins with a back fist that pounds into the side of the head, and Fialho wobbles and takes a clean spinning wheel kick on the neck as well. Fialho bites down on his mouthpiece and throws hammers, leading to Salikhov clinching him up and pursuing some form of takedown. Fialho takes several punches on the chin as he slowly walks forward, still offensively muted as Salikhov picks and rips with single effective strikes. Salikhov is able to put a front kick on the body and a superman punch on the side of the head, and Fialho’s balance is shot as he swings so hard that he falls down to the ground. The Russian looks to finish the job by raining down a long series of powerful hammerfists, and Tognoni implores Fialho to fight back or show some signs of life. Salikhov slows down and makes sure not to fully gas himself out, and the damage on Fialho's face shows his nose is busted up and leaking crimson fluid on the mat. The ground strikes continue until the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Salikhov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Salikhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Salikhov
Round 3
The final round begins with an aggressive Fialho, who leaps forward to swing his fists at his opponent. Salikhov hops and springs away from the brunt of the damaging strikes, and he chambers and fires a high kick. Salikhov spins with a perfect spinning back kick to the body, and Fialho falls back against the wall but does not go down. He leans back and allows Salikhov to advance, and he might be playing possum as he suddenly springs to action with huge punches in response.
“King of Kung Fu” showcases his skills to the finest with a magnificent spinning wheel kick that smashes into the side of Fialho’s head, and Fialho clutches his head and is in a bad way. Tognoni thinks about intervening, but allows Salikhov to bludgeon Fialho with a couple more punches before stepping in for the standing TKO.
Fialho immediately protests the stoppage, but his body language before the finish was anything but positive as he was getting destroyed by the flashier striker. For the fifth time in his career, Salikhov has pulled off a finish with a spinning kick, with this one bigger than any he had registered in the past.
The Official Result
Muslim Salikhov def. Andre Fialho R3 1:03 via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches)
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 18 of 51 | 35% | 19 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 1 | 47 of 89 | 52% | 47 of 89 | 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 | Jake Matthews | 0 | 12 of 38 | 31% | 13 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 27 of 53 | 50% | 27 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jake Matthews | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 1 | 20 of 36 | 55% | 20 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Matthews | 18 of 51 | 35% | 13 of 44 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 18 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 |
| André Fialho | 47 of 89 | 52% | 35 of 75 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 10 | 44 of 86 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jake Matthews | 12 of 38 | 31% | 8 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 |
| André Fialho | 27 of 53 | 50% | 16 of 41 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 9 | 27 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jake Matthews | 6 of 13 | 46% | 5 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 20 of 36 | 55% | 19 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 17 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Allen (-280), Malkoun (+225)
Round 1
Before losing the Rogerio Bontorin vs. Manel Kape pairing – Bontorin withdrew due to a botched weight cut that hospitalized him with kidney issues – this welterweight fight was slated to take place on the prelims. As such, Fialho (16-4, 1 NC; 2-1 UFC) and Matthews (17-5, 10-5 UFC) will be the benefactors of that unfortunate situation, slotting on the main card right before a rematch of one of the greatest fights of all time. Fialho has somehow quietly strung together two solid knockouts since mid-April, and a third win in 57 days, knockout or not, would smash the record for the quickest accumulation of three victories in the UFC’s modern era. Whether he can do it or get rebuffed, referee Jason Herzog will be the first to know. There is no glove touch, and Fialho begins to stalk Matthews down early on. Matthews stays on the outside with a few low kicks, and Fialho replies with a single jab. Matthews continues to move and work the lead calf with kicks, reddening and welting it up early. Fialho replies with one of his own, and he slips when Matthews throws a straight left hand at him. Matthews reaches Fialho with a swiping right hand, and he scores a few low kicks and wings a head kick over the top that clangs off the top of Fialho’s head. Matthews tries to pre-emptively counter Fialho on the way in, and Fialho is stuck guessing and not able to pull the trigger. Matthews kicks the leg to solid success, and a left hand to follow is flipped out to decent effect. Matthews just brushes the side of the head with a wide right hand, and Fialho wades into the fray and gets clipped with a right hook. Matthews slides past his man, and he gets touched with a right hand that backs him up to the wall. Fialho crowds Matthews, and they both smash one another on the jaw with clean punches, and it is Fialho that has to back off and gather his thoughts. Matthews jumps forward with a front kick to the body, and he checks a low kick that zips at his calf. Fialho strikes with his shin on Matthews’ lead leg, and he tags his foe with crisp punches. They nail one another with heavy blows, and Matthews lands clean and makes Fialho back up. With seconds to spare, Fialho drills Matthews with a single punch, and Matthews’ legs give way seconds later in a delayed reaction. Matthews falls to his back, threatening with a submission off his back, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Matthews
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Matthews
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Matthews
Round 2
Fialho begins the second round confidently, marching Matthews down while chambering a right hand. Matthews tries to keep his distance with long jabs, and he gets off a shovel uppercut that hurts Fialho. Matthews cracks his man with a right hand, and he gives chase with an uppercut that buckles Fialho. The man from Portugal does not go down, but he is still on baby deer legs, and he manages to swing wide enough to make Matthews think twice. Fialho gets nipped with a right and an uppercut, and he darts back and bounces off the wall while Matthews is feeling himself. Matthews goes up high with a kick, and it slaps off the high guard. Matthews rings Fialho’s bell with a straight right hand over the top, and Fialho appears to have gathered himself right until Matthews cracks him with another right. Fialho backpedals and loads up on everything he has, sensing he might be in trouble and needs to get Matthews to respect his power. Matthews does not let him off the hook, eating a few shots and firing back harder, with his furious fists crashing into Fialho’s dome. “The Celtic Kid” scores a clean left hand that wobbles Fialho, and he chains punches to the body and the head until Fialho is on the ropes. The Aussie unleashes a fury with one final combination, separating Fialho from his senses and putting him down to the mat for good. Herzog recognizes that there is no more fight left in the ferocious Fialho, and he steps in to save Fialho from further punishment. Matthews puts himself back on the map with that performance, outslugging an exceedingly dangerous striker and beating the power puncher at his own game.
The Official Result
Jake Matthews def. Andre Fialho R2 2:24 via KO (Punches)
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Fialho despite his own gut feeling, citing Fialho's activity and recent knockout streak. He notes Fialho is hittable but believes Matthews' poor fight IQ will lead him to strike instead of wrestle. He acknowledges if Matthews wrestles, he could win, but he trusts Fialho's momentum.
Big Brady picks Jake Matthews as an underdog, expecting him to survive Fialho's early power and take over as the fight progresses. He notes that Fialho has poor cardio and is hittable, while Matthews is well-rounded with solid wrestling and cardio. He predicts a decision win for Matthews, barring a first-round knockout from Fialho.
Cody picks Matthews as a live underdog, citing Fialho's untested grappling and Matthews' improved striking and size at 170. He thinks Matthews can take Fialho down and control him, and notes Fialho's losses have come against grapplers. He is wary of Matthews' history but sees value.
Daniel Levi picks André Fialho, citing Jake Matthews' history of being broken in fights and his poor training situation with his dad. He believes Fialho has the left hook to knock Matthews out, as Matthews leaves openings. He notes that Matthews has been finished multiple times and that Fialho has overcome adversity. He is not crazy about the price but sees Fialho winning, possibly by knockout.
Matthews is the better grappler and has never been knocked out; his only TKO loss was due to grappling. Fialho is on a hot streak but his wins are over fighters with questionable chins. Matthews has the experience and the grappling to neutralize Fialho's power. The line is inflated due to recency bias. I'm all in on Matthews, and the submission prop at +900 is egregious value.
Paul also leans Matthews, agreeing that Fialho's grappling is unproven. He notes Matthews' improvements and thinks he can grind out a win. He acknowledges Matthews' past inconsistencies but sees this as a good spot.
The MMA Guru picks André Fialho to win by late second-round TKO. He argues that Fialho's activity (fourth fight this year) and pressure will be key against Jake Matthews, who has been out for over a year. He believes Matthews is a good all-rounder but doesn't excel in any area, and that Fialho's scrappy style will overwhelm him. He notes that Matthews was wobbled by Emil Meek, and Fialho is a better finisher. He expects Matthews to win the first round but Fialho to take over in the second.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| André Fialho | 1 | 17 of 24 | 70% | 17 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 19 of 31 | 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 | André Fialho | 1 | 17 of 24 | 70% | 17 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 19 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| André Fialho | 17 of 24 | 70% | 12 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 19 of 31 | 61% | 9 of 19 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 6 | 19 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | André Fialho | 17 of 24 | 70% | 12 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Cameron VanCamp | 19 of 31 | 61% | 9 of 19 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 6 | 19 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Expert Picks (5)
Big Brady picks André Fialho to win by first-round knockout. He believes this is a massive mismatch, as VanCamp is stepping up in competition and Fialho has fought tougher opponents. Fialho has excellent takedown defense and devastating power, as shown in his knockout of Miguel Baeza. VanCamp will want to take the fight down but will struggle to do so. Brady expects Fialho to starch VanCamp in the first round, noting that Fialho's power is some of the best in the division.
Cody picks André Fialho, noting that VanCamp has fought low-level competition and is hittable. Fialho is a power puncher who has improved his chin and cardio. Cody points out that Fialho knocked out Miguel Baeza and is still young (28). He expects Fialho to clip VanCamp and finish him, though the price is high.
Daniel Levi picks André Fialho confidently, expecting a first-round knockout. He notes Fialho's power and activity, and that VanCamp is a low-level regional fighter who does not belong at UFC level. He thinks Fialho will cover the -400 price tag. He does not bet due to the high price but is confident in the pick.
The host picks Fialho to win by first-round knockout but is hesitant due to Fialho's poor performance in longer fights. He notes VanCamp's all-action style and submission threat. He thinks the line is too wide but still expects Fialho to land early. His favorite bet is 'fight doesn't go to decision' at -300, citing both fighters' high finish rates (30 of 39 fights finished inside distance). He also mentions a possible VanCamp submission prop if plus money.
Paul picks André Fialho, agreeing with Cody that Fialho should win. He notes that VanCamp is making his UFC debut against a power puncher and has defensive liabilities. Paul believes Fialho's power and experience will be too much, and that VanCamp's head movement is poor. He expects a Fialho knockout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| André Fialho | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Miguel Baeza | 1 | 32 of 56 | 57% | 32 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | André Fialho | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Miguel Baeza | 1 | 32 of 56 | 57% | 32 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| André Fialho | 24 of 58 | 41% | 15 of 48 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Miguel Baeza | 32 of 56 | 57% | 19 of 41 | 5 of 7 | 8 of 8 | 25 of 49 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | André Fialho | 24 of 58 | 41% | 15 of 48 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Miguel Baeza | 32 of 56 | 57% | 19 of 41 | 5 of 7 | 8 of 8 | 25 of 49 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Miguel Baeza, citing his more technical striking and fantastic grappling. He notes that Baeza has good fight IQ and uses kicks well to wear down opponents. He acknowledges Baeza's chin issues but believes his technical edge will be the difference. He warns that Baeza needs to avoid Fialho's power.
Big Brady picks Miguel Baeza to win by decision. He cites Baeza's speed, volume, cardio, and BJJ black belt as advantages. He notes that Fialho has power but is hittable, low-volume, and fades as the fight goes on. Brady expects Baeza to outpoint Fialho over three rounds, though he acknowledges Fialho's puncher's chance.
Cody leans towards Fialho, noting his improved striking at Sanford MMA and his power. He thinks Fialho can clip Baeza, who has shown durability issues in prolonged striking battles. However, he lacks high confidence, especially if the fight extends into later rounds.
Daniel Levi leans Miguel Baeza but is hesitant due to Baeza's confidence after two losses, including a KO. He notes Baeza's calf kicks, range, and jiu-jitsu black belt, but worries about his mental state and whether he will be hesitant early. Fialho is dangerous early with power and aggression, but Levi expects Baeza to take over as the fight progresses if he survives the initial onslaught. He is not willing to lay the -185 price.
Paul does not make a clear pick, calling it a 'dogger pass'. He notes both fighters have power and chin issues, and expects a striking battle that may not go the distance. He mentions the under 1.5 rounds and fight doesn't go to decision as potential props.
The MMA Guru picks André Fialho by first-round KO. He criticizes Miguel Baeza's chin and notes his recent KO loss to Khaos Williams. He believes Fialho's training at Sanford MMA and full camp will lead to an early finish, as Baeza may be hesitant after his last KO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 107 of 202 | 52% | 112 of 209 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 45 of 135 | 33% | 48 of 138 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:45 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michel Pereira | 0 | 17 of 43 | 39% | 17 of 45 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 12 of 41 | 29% | 12 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Michel Pereira | 0 | 47 of 81 | 58% | 51 of 85 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 16 of 29 | 55% | 16 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 3 | Michel Pereira | 0 | 43 of 78 | 55% | 44 of 79 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 17 of 65 | 26% | 20 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michel Pereira | 107 of 202 | 52% | 49 of 122 | 44 of 66 | 14 of 14 | 96 of 188 | 11 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 45 of 135 | 33% | 40 of 128 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 36 of 122 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michel Pereira | 17 of 43 | 39% | 4 of 24 | 11 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 12 of 41 | 29% | 12 of 40 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | |
| 2 | Michel Pereira | 47 of 81 | 58% | 18 of 47 | 23 of 28 | 6 of 6 | 37 of 68 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 16 of 29 | 55% | 13 of 25 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 23 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Michel Pereira | 43 of 78 | 55% | 27 of 51 | 10 of 21 | 6 of 6 | 42 of 77 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 17 of 65 | 26% | 15 of 63 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
All bets are off for what should be an absolutely wild welterweight rumble as “Demolidor” Pereira (26-11, 2 NC; 4-2 UFC) greets the UFC newcomer Fialho (14-3, 1 NC; 0-0 UFC) with a giant smile on his face. Before he even arrives to the cage, Pereira gets the Anaheim crowd going by dancing in to his walkout music, sporting American and Brazilian flags over his shoulder. The wild man does a cartwheel into a back flip once he makes it past the Octagon door, but he holds off on the breakdancing as referee Mike Beltran watches on. They gladly touch gloves before engaging, and Fialho decides to hit the ground running with a short surge of punches and even a spinning wheel kick that misses as Pereira backs off. The Brazilian stabs a front kick to the midsection, and he has a subsequent head kick blocked. Fialho does not keep his foot off the gas as he pressures Pereira back, until Pereira partially connects with a superman punch off the cage in a Pettis-esque maneuver. Fialho continues to march Pereira down, and he absorbs another front kick to the lower body as he plods ahead. Pereira swats at him with punches and gets off another front kick, but Fialho’s expression and forward movement does not wane one bit. A sharp jab from the newcomer stumbles Pereira for a moment, but the “Demolidor” gathers his thoughts and circles away. Fialho connects with another clean jab that disrupts Pereira’s movement, but Pereira fires back with a body shot and a right hand over the top. Pereira rips the body with another kick to the same spot as the others, and he chops at his foe’s thigh with a kick. Fialho keeps flicking out his jab, leading Pereira to wind up with a right hand that just brushes off Fialho’s chin. Fialho fakes his way in, using the disruptive movement to get Pereira to bite on a feint and drops his guard enough to get cracked right on the jaw. Pereira is hurt and his nose begins to bleed from the damage, and he lands a few more strikes to Pereira’s chagrin. “Demolidor” jumps in the air with a knee, and Fialho does not bite or allow himself to get struck with it. Fialho stays composed, blocking the wild strikes but still absorbing kicks to the midsection. Pereira ducks into a big punch, and he shoots in low for a takedown that is easily sprawled. Fialho continues to batter Pereira with a jab, and Pereira returns fire with a kick that glances off the cup. Beltran does not pause the action, and lets them continue. Fialho keeps pressing in with jabs, and he steps out of the way from a flying knee to bowl Pereira over and push him down to the ground. From on top, Fialho hammers down with long punches until the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fialho
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fialho
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Fialho
Round 2
The welterweights resume fighting once Beltran clocks them in, and Fialho continues his consistent pressure early. Pereira finds his home with a right hand, and a left opens a cut on Fialho. Pereira finds his range and rocks the newcomer with a huge right hook, and Fialho wobbles back to the cage as Pereira soars at him with a flying knee. Pereira tries to empty his gas tank with a few more wild strikes, pummeling a shelled up Fialho. Fialho manages to survive the assault and back away, and when he retreats, Pereira gives chase and scores with a rolling thunder kick to the dome. Fialho acknowledges the blow and blocks as Pereira continues to try to lay into him with powerful strikes. Pereira rips the body and head, bullying Fialho into the fence on the other side of the cage. From up close, Pereira smashes Fialho in the torso with a few flush knees, and Fialho gives them back to stop Pereira from delivering them to him. The pace slows as both men likely need to take a breath after throwing wildly, and Pereira backs away before swinging a capoeira kick that goes just a little too high. Fialho has a cut above his left eye that is bleeding down into it, and as he advances, Pereira targets the breadbasket with a front kick. Fialho closes the distance to shut the kicks down, and Pereira greets him with several knees to the body. Fialho grits his teeth and pushes off, and the two swing wildly in single-strike attacks. “Demolidor” chains together a front kick into a right hook, a left hook and a left high kick that follows. Fialho starts to take deep breaths from the body work that Pereira is doing, and he takes a right hand to the face and a left to the body. As Fialho attempts to reply, Pereira shoots in with a double that scoops Fialho off the ground and on to the mat. As the fighter out of Portugal climbs back to his knees, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Round 3
The two gunslingers hug it out to start off the final round, and when they break up, Pereira kicks the body with gravitas. Fialho gives chase, and he gets clipped with a crisp one-two. Pereira stays out of range with a low kick, and he backs into the wall to unleash another rebounding superman punch, but Fialho sees it coming and is out of range in time. Pereira lets go with a kick to the body, and Fialho avoids it enough to land a pair of punches up top. Pereira escapes as he circles away, and he chips at Fialho’s midsection with several more kicks. Fialho is content to absorb the blows one after the other, with Pereira mixing them up to the leg as he continues to hurl them. Fialho gets stunned by a body kick, which allows Pereira to tag him with a three-punch salvo. Pereira hits a trip takedown as he pushes forward, but Fialho is able to get his bearings and get upright before anything comes of it. Fialho presses forward, throwing out his jab a few times before tying the Brazilian up in the clinch. Pereira pushes off so that he can prod and poke with kicks, and he ducks a left hand from Fialho to go over the top with a left hook. They land punches at the same time, and Fialho gets Pereira’s attention with a left. Pereira throws right back, and the two brawl it out, seemingly taking turns clubbing one another in the face. Pereira ducks right into a punch, and he shrugs it off to fire back. Fialho carries on moving forward, and Pereira leaps off the fence and then kicks Fialho in the chest. They swipe at one another, and Pereira hops around, still light on his feet while Fialho consistently moves towards him. Fialho snaps out a jab, and Pereira winds up on a couple punches that Fialho is largely able to slip. As Pereira lines up a kick to the body, his foot hits the cup as his toes stab into the midsection, and Fialho doubles over in pain from the groin strike. Beltran recognizes this instantly and pauses the fight, allowing Fialho to recover. The newcomer from Portugal takes less than a minute to get his breath, and then pushes forward while Pereira escapes laterally. Fialho catches Pereira in the air with a jumping strike, but Pereira is no worse for wear as he hits the ground. With seconds left on the clock, they both decide that it is time to throw down like Max Holloway and Ricardo Lamas. The ensuing melee is wild and ferocious, with both 170ers connecting cleanly and not wilting. They swing for the fences right to the final bell, and then celebrate their hard-fought battle as Pereira lifts Fialho’s arm in the air.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pereira (29-28 Pereira)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pereira (29-28 Pereira)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pereira (29-28 Pereira)
The Official Result
Michel Pereira def. Andre Fialho via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Michel Pereira, citing his speed, athleticism, and improved cardio. He notes Fialho's lack of head movement and tendency to throw one strike at a time, which Pereira can exploit. However, he acknowledges Fialho's real power and durability, making him dangerous late in the fight.
Big Brady picks Michel Pereira to win by decision, citing Pereira's massive volume, speed, and cardio advantages over Fialho. He notes that Fialho is powerful but low volume, slow, and takes fights on short notice. Pereira is durable (only one KO loss in 37 fights) and has solid wrestling and BJJ as alternate paths. He acknowledges Fialho's power but believes it's a bad matchup for him.
Cody picks Michel Pereira, stating that Pereira is leveled above Fialho in striking and that Fialho's game falls apart if he doesn't finish early. He notes that Fialho has been released by Bellator and PFL, and that his cardio and defensive striking are poor. Cody warns that Pereira can be reckless and may get disqualified, but believes Pereira's speed, durability, and power will prevail. He also mentions that Pereira has shown improved cardio in recent decisions.
Daniel Levi leans toward Michel Pereira but calls it a dog-or-pass situation. He acknowledges Fialho's momentum and power but believes Pereira's athleticism, discipline at 170, and recent improvements make him the pick. Levi notes that Pereira has faced hard hitters before and that Fialho's competition hasn't been at the same level. He expects Pereira to land a big knee or straight right and finish Fialho.
The host sees this as a perfect stylistic matchup for Pereira, who will stay on the outside and avoid Fiallo's preferred boxing range. He notes that Fiallo struggles when opponents dictate the pace and that Pereira's movement and the larger cage will benefit him. He expects Pereira to touch Fiallo up and possibly knock him out, predicting a second-round KO.
Paul picks Michel Pereira but is hesitant due to Pereira's tendency to do reckless things like backflips that could lead to disqualification. He notes that Pereira's cardio is questionable and that he gassed against Niko Price. However, Paul acknowledges that Fialho is not a high-level opponent and that Pereira should win if he fights smart. He advises being careful with the bet.
The MMA Guru picks Michel Pereira, predicting a first-round KO via flying knee. He notes Fialho's power and training at Sanford MMA but believes Fialho's short-notice aggression will leave him open. He compares the matchup to Pereira's win over Chaos Williams, expecting Pereira to land a big shot on the advancing Fialho.
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