Austin Lingo

"Lights Out"
2-3
Record
Age / DOB 31
(Jul 10, 1994)
Height 5' 10"
Weight 145 lbs.
Reach 70.0"
Stance Orthodox
Career Averages
3.86 Sig. Strikes / Min
37.0% Sig. Strike Acc.
4.86 Absorbed / Min
57.0% Strike Defense
0.43 TD Avg / 15 min
66.0% TD Accuracy
75.0% TD Defense
0.0 Sub. / Fight
Win Methods (2)
KO/TKO 0
Submission 0
Decision 2
Loss Methods (3)
KO/TKO 0
Submission 1
Decision 2

Fight History

Result / Opponent
Event & Date
Method/Round
Links
Comments
Decision (unanimous) (30–26, 30–27, 30–27) R3 5:00
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Melquizael Costa 0 39 of 139 28% 39 of 140 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Austin Lingo 0 100 of 220 45% 108 of 236 3 of 8 37% 1 0 2:44
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Melquizael Costa 0 14 of 56 25% 14 of 56 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Austin Lingo 0 43 of 94 45% 45 of 96 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
2 Melquizael Costa 0 17 of 56 30% 17 of 56 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Austin Lingo 0 37 of 83 44% 38 of 84 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
3 Melquizael Costa 0 8 of 27 29% 8 of 28 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Austin Lingo 0 20 of 43 46% 25 of 56 3 of 7 42% 1 0 2:44
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Melquizael Costa 39 of 139 28% 24 of 114 11 of 17 4 of 8 39 of 139 0 of 0 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 100 of 220 45% 39 of 133 48 of 73 13 of 14 93 of 209 6 of 9 1 of 2
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Melquizael Costa 14 of 56 25% 9 of 44 4 of 9 1 of 3 14 of 56 0 of 0 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 43 of 94 45% 18 of 53 20 of 35 5 of 6 42 of 92 1 of 2 0 of 0
2 Melquizael Costa 17 of 56 30% 9 of 46 5 of 6 3 of 4 17 of 56 0 of 0 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 37 of 83 44% 13 of 52 18 of 25 6 of 6 36 of 81 1 of 2 0 of 0
3 Melquizael Costa 8 of 27 29% 6 of 24 2 of 2 0 of 1 8 of 27 0 of 0 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 20 of 43 46% 8 of 28 10 of 13 2 of 2 15 of 36 4 of 5 1 of 2
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Melquizael Costa vs. Austin Lingo
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Costa (-210), Lingo (+180)

Round 1
LFA veterans will come to blows in a featherweight affair that could be fast and furious for as long as it lasts. Fortis MMA’s Lingo (9-2, 2-2 UFC) and Brazilian Costa (19-6, 0-1 UFC) are equal opportunity finishers, so anything may be in play coming next. Referee Keith Peterson is ready for wherever the fight may take them unless it involves nonsense, and he sits back as they come together without bothering to touch gloves. Lingo is the initial aggressor, making the blue-haired Costa backpedal quickly. Costa looks for a step-in knee, and when Lingo swings at him, Costa’s head comes up and bumps Lingo in the chin. Lingo shakes it off and blocks a front kick, and he races forward throwing left hooks. Costa retaliates with a left hand and a leg kick, and the latter is checked. Costa springs in with a right hand, and Lingo sends him back into the cage wall with a left hand. Costa scores a low kick and a body kick, and Lingo drops his guard when the latter slams home. Costa sneaks in a left, and Lingo grits his teeth and tags Cost with two punches. Costa works the body with another kick, and he spins with a back kick that is just out of range. Lingo rushes forward and loads up with a left to the body, and he proceeds to muscle Costa to the floor. Costa jumps back up and eats a jab, and he unloads with a head kick. Costa pierces the guard with a jab to bloody up the nose, and he slams his shin on the midsection. Costa sticks Lingo with a left hand, and his body kick doubles Lingo over. Lingo bounces off the wall, and Costa knows he has his man hurt. Costa loads up on two more body kicks, and Lingo is wearing it. Costa kicks high when Lingo has his guard down, and Lingo is tough and wears the strikes well enough to keep going. Lingo slings a big right hand, only to walk into a knee to the midsection. Costa works him over with another kick to the ribs, and he is feeling himself as he spins with a back kick. Lingo’s body language is not great as the kicks continue to break his body down, but he still throws hands. Costa jabs his toes in the sternum, smacks “Lights Out” with a high kick and then spins with a wheel kick that slaps off the raised guard. Lingo jabs his way in and still absorbs a body kick, and he takes a flush head kick right on the beard. Lingo crowds his man with a combination, and he is pushed away and kicked. Costa spins with one last kick to the body, and his wheel kick misses at the bell.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Costa
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Costa
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Costa

Round 2
The featherweights are ready and rearing to go, rushing out of their corners to get the hostilities started again. Lingo swats away a leg kick, and when he comes forward with a left hand, Costa is there with a left hook and a shin to the chin. Lingo blocks a kick and evades a spinning one, and he pressures Costa and gets off a jab. Costa jabs him back, and the two trade leg kicks. Lingo reaches out with an overhand right that brushes off the nose, and Costa unloads with a leg kick that forces Lingo to turn around awkwardly. Costa reaches out with a right hand, and he uses it to disallow Lingo from reaching him. Costa doubles up on body kicks, and Lingo shakes his head at him. Lingo turns his hips into a high leg kick, and he jabs only to eat a left hook. Lingo doubles up a jab only to eat a kick to the breadbasket, and Costa is able to tee off on him at range. Costa goes high with a shin, and he stabs his toes to the liver. Costa kicks the liver and absorbs a flush jab, and a straight left hand that follows drops Costa to his knees. Lingo lets him back up and strikes him in the face a few times, but Costa gathers his thoughts, shakes his head and kicks Lingo in the ribs. Costa’s nose bleeds, and he sways back from an overhand right and brushes his shoulder. The two crash together in the pocket and throw bombs, and Costa slips back and pushes out a straight left. Costa kicks the lead leg, the side, and lines a straight left hand down Broadway. Lingo is shaken up but still very much in the fight, as he throws a hammer back. Costa drives another kick home to the body, and Lingo belts him in the chin with a left hook. Lingo digs a right to the body, and he is answered by a kick to the side. Costa slides a kick upside the head, and Lingo completely no-sells it so that he can blitz forward with his own short barrage of punches. Costa jumps with a knee, and Lingo watches it land as he sits down on a right hand. They both smack each other with hooks, and Costa spins with a kick to the body as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Costa
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Costa
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Costa

Round 3
The two have reached the last round, and Lingo pushes the pace immediately. Walking straight into and through a few body kicks, Lingo nevertheless comes forward and lines up his left hand. Costa counters with a takedown, and Lingo shoves him away and tags him with a right hand. Costa slides to the side and kicks the ribs, and he trips Lingo to the floor when they tie up. Lingo fights his way up and thwarts a second toss so that he can give chase and chamber his right hook. Costa backpedals and kicks the side, and he doubles up on it as Lingo bends over to try to block the worst of it. Lingo jabs the body and keeps his guard up high to defend against a spin kick to his face. Costa parries a Lingo swarm and kicks Lingo in the face, and Lingo’s toughness is off the charts as he does not seem fazed from the head or body work. Lingo overswings with a right hand, and Costa tackles him to the ground from behind. Lingo sits up, and Costa threatens by looping his arms under the armpits of his opponent. Lingo stops a rear-naked choke and subsequent kimura try to work back to his feet, and Costa drags him right back down from behind. “Melk” snatches up a rear-naked choke from behind while he hops on the back, and Lingo leans over and tries to shimmy Costa off of him. Costa is too heavy to do this, and he pressures Lingo to his knees. Costa leans back and snags hold of the rear-naked choke he was seeking, but Lingo instantly falls to his back and lowers his chin to defend from it. Lingo gets out of the choke and turns to his back, and he pushes off Costa’s chest. Costa bullies him down as Lingo turns to his knees, but Lingo is still able to stand. Costa tries to trip him down, and Lingo looks at the clock which says 40 seconds remaining. The Brazilian slings Lingo to his seat, and Lingo jumps back up. Costa drops down for a guillotine choke, and Lingo rolls to his side to defend it properly. Lingo gives the thumbs-up with the choke not securely fastened, and the fight ends in this position.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Costa (30-27 Costa)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Costa (30-27 Costa)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Costa (30-27 Costa)

The Official Result
Melquizael Costa def. Austin Lingo via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Expert Picks (6)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Lean picked Jul 9, 2023 (6 days before fight)
Melquizael Costa

Angelo picks Melquizael Costa, believing a full camp Costa is better than a full camp Lingo. He notes Costa is a creative striker who uses his grappling well, while Lingo is a tough, well-rounded striker. However, he is not confident enough to bet on Costa, calling it a perfect fight to see how good a prospect Costa is. He advises against throwing money on this fight.

"melk's gonna be the pick but man I would not be throwing money on a fight like this"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jul 13, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Melquizael Costa

Big Brady picks Melquizael Costa, citing his superior striking volume, kicks, and offensive grappling. He notes Costa is hittable but tough, while Lingo has power but hasn't translated it at UFC level. He thinks Costa has more ways to win, though the fight may be closer than the line suggests. He calls -205 'kind of stupid' but expects Costa to get the job done.

"give me Costa here I think he's going to be the better Striker overall like I said more tools on the feet more volume better cardio uh probably better toughness"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Jul 12, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Melquizael Costa

Cody picks Costa, citing his faster, crisper striking and Lingo's basic, robotic style. He notes Lingo's inactivity and injuries, and that Costa's takedown defense won't be tested since Lingo doesn't wrestle. He thinks Costa's combination punching and power will be too much, and that Lingo's one-two pattern will get figured out.

"I feel like you got to go milk Costa here's a guy that looks like a first round power puncher... I feel like his striking is fast explosive you know some combination punching good right hand"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jul 11, 2023 (4 days before fight)
Melquizael Costa

The host thinks Costa's footwork, speed, and kicking game will keep him safe at distance, allowing him to touch up Lingo en route to a decision. He compares it to Lingo's fight with Luis Saldana, but believes Costa has the cardio to go the full 15 minutes unlike Saldana.

"give me Costa here I think he paints a picture um and you know Lake kicks his way to a decision victory"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Jul 12, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Melquizael Costa

Paul picks Costa, citing his more well-rounded skill set on the feet. He thinks Costa will win with volume and precise striking over 15 minutes. He doesn't love the moneyline but sees it as a necessary play on a greasy card. He also mentions a PrizePicks prop for under 1.5 takedowns for Costa, as he doesn't expect wrestling to be part of the game plan.

under 1.5 takedowns for Costa on PrizePicks
"I'm with you I like Costa to get the job done... I feel like he just wins this fight with volume and uh and with the more precise technical damaging strikes over the course of 15 minutes"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jul 11, 2023 (4 days before fight)
Melquizael Costa

The MMA Guru picks Melquizael Costa over Austin Lingo, dismissing Lingo's talent and noting his weak UFC wins over lower-level opponents. He highlights Costa's dangerous striking, good regional performances, and a Contender Series KO, while noting Lingo's quick turnaround after a KO loss to Nate Landwehr. He predicts Costa wins by KO in the later rounds.

KO in later rounds
"I'm gonna have to go with him here over Austin lingo I reckon he'll win this one by KO in the later rounds"
Submission (rear-naked choke) R2 4:11
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Nate Landwehr 0 64 of 153 41% 68 of 160 1 of 2 50% 1 0 0:24
Austin Lingo 0 48 of 146 32% 50 of 148 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Nate Landwehr 0 34 of 78 43% 34 of 78 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Austin Lingo 0 30 of 91 32% 31 of 92 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Nate Landwehr 0 30 of 75 40% 34 of 82 1 of 1 100% 1 0 0:24
Austin Lingo 0 18 of 55 32% 19 of 56 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Nate Landwehr 64 of 153 41% 36 of 104 9 of 25 19 of 24 61 of 148 0 of 1 3 of 4
Austin Lingo 48 of 146 32% 28 of 116 17 of 26 3 of 4 48 of 146 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Nate Landwehr 34 of 78 43% 20 of 52 2 of 9 12 of 17 34 of 78 0 of 0 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 30 of 91 32% 19 of 75 8 of 12 3 of 4 30 of 91 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Nate Landwehr 30 of 75 40% 16 of 52 7 of 16 7 of 7 27 of 70 0 of 1 3 of 4
Austin Lingo 18 of 55 32% 9 of 41 9 of 14 0 of 0 18 of 55 0 of 0 0 of 0
Expert Picks (8)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Hesitant picked Mar 22, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Nate Landwehr

Angelo picks Landwehr but is hesitant, citing concerns about Lingo's short-notice weight cut. He notes that Landwehr is high-pressure and gritty, but that Lingo hits hard and has good takedown defense. He thinks Landwehr's pace and grappling will be key, but acknowledges Lingo is much better than the odds suggest. He says he is not betting on this fight because the odds are unappealing.

"Nate's gonna be the pick but not touching it don't like these odds Austin lingo is much much better than what these odds are saying."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Mar 22, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Nate Landwehr

Big Brady picks Nate Landwehr by submission, noting that Landwehr has a sneaky submission game and can mix in takedowns. He acknowledges Lingo's power and early danger but believes Landwehr's cardio and pressure will break Lingo as the fight goes on. Brady points out that Lingo has been taken down easily on the regional scene and expects Landwehr to capitalize late, predicting a third-round submission.

Landwehr by submission in round 3
"I'll say Nate land where third round sub but yeah this fight's going to be very very fun"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Mar 22, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Nate Landwehr

Cody picks Landwehr despite the -225 price, citing his relentless pressure, cardio, and ability to break opponents. He notes Landwehr is a slow starter but comes on strong, and that Lingo is a one-dimensional boxer with no takedown defense. He acknowledges the risk of Landwehr getting KO'd due to his reckless style but believes Lingo won't get a quick finish. He expects Landwehr to back Lingo up and break him down.

Landwehr wins inside distance; over 2.5 rounds
"I like betting him because I know that he's either going to win me some money or he's going to die trying"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Mar 23, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Nate Landwehr

Connor picks Landwehr despite acknowledging Lingo has a puncher's chance. He notes Landwehr is a better athlete and super tough, but his brawling style will give Lingo opportunities. He thinks Landwehr's physicality and willingness to brawl will allow him to push Lingo to the cage and slow him down.

Mentions odds: Lingo opened +250, currently +184; Landwehr opened -300, currently -230. Notes the line is getting closer.
"I'm still going to pick him. He's a better athlete. He's super duper tough."
JA
Jacob Lines Expert Lean picked Mar 22, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Nate Landwehr

Jacob picks Landwehr but is not confident, noting that Landwehr is the better fighter but often fights recklessly for entertainment. He points out that Landwehr almost got knocked out in his last fight and that Lingo is dangerous. He says the fight is a coin flip if Landwehr chooses to stand and trade. He might throw a small bet on Lingo as an underdog depending on weigh-ins.

May bet on Austin Lingo as underdog (conditional)
"Nate's a better fighter but he's shown I'm willing to not be the better fighter you know and lose a fight to be entertaining."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Mar 20, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Austin Lingo

The host is surprised to see Lingo as such a big underdog, believing his boxing style is perfect to counter Landwehr's wild striking. He thinks Lingo's power and countering opportunities will lead to a knockout. He notes Lingo trains at Fortis MMA and has good durability. He also likes the prop 'fight doesn't go to decision' and Lingo by knockout.

fight doesn't go to decision, Austin Lingo by knockout
"I think that lingo's boxing style is going to be perfect for him here to stay safe when he crashes the pocket against landwear"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Mar 20, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Nate Landwehr

The Guru picks Landwehr, praising his toughness and clinch work. He notes that Lingo's finishing ability has dropped against better competition, while Landwehr has beaten solid fighters like Elkins and Klein. He predicts a late finish or decision win for Landwehr.

"I'm going with Nate Landwehr... I think he will break Austin lingo as the fight goes on especially in the clinch"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Mar 23, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Nate Landwehr

Zane picks Landwehr because Lingo has thrived against opponents who didn't want to brawl, but Landwehr will meet him head-on with pressure. He believes Landwehr's better athleticism and willingness to be the bully will allow him to push Lingo to the cage and take away his brawling ability.

Mentions odds: Lingo +184, Landwehr -230. Notes the line is getting closer.
"Landwehr is much more likely to just meet lingo head on with pressure for pressure and being the better athlete. I think that's much more likely to allow him to push lingo to the cage and slow him down."
Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) R3 5:00
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Austin Lingo 1 73 of 181 40% 74 of 185 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:31
Luis Saldaña 0 77 of 160 48% 81 of 165 0 of 5 0% 0 0 0:19
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Austin Lingo 0 24 of 56 42% 24 of 56 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Luis Saldaña 0 34 of 66 51% 34 of 66 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Austin Lingo 0 33 of 81 40% 33 of 81 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:12
Luis Saldaña 0 29 of 61 47% 29 of 61 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
3 Austin Lingo 1 16 of 44 36% 17 of 48 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:19
Luis Saldaña 0 14 of 33 42% 18 of 38 0 of 4 0% 0 0 0:19
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Austin Lingo 73 of 181 40% 45 of 143 23 of 32 5 of 6 73 of 179 0 of 2 0 of 0
Luis Saldaña 77 of 160 48% 34 of 111 26 of 31 17 of 18 75 of 158 2 of 2 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Austin Lingo 24 of 56 42% 16 of 46 6 of 8 2 of 2 24 of 56 0 of 0 0 of 0
Luis Saldaña 34 of 66 51% 16 of 45 11 of 13 7 of 8 34 of 66 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Austin Lingo 33 of 81 40% 20 of 64 10 of 13 3 of 4 33 of 79 0 of 2 0 of 0
Luis Saldaña 29 of 61 47% 12 of 43 10 of 11 7 of 7 27 of 59 2 of 2 0 of 0
3 Austin Lingo 16 of 44 36% 9 of 33 7 of 11 0 of 0 16 of 44 0 of 0 0 of 0
Luis Saldaña 14 of 33 42% 6 of 23 5 of 7 3 of 3 14 of 33 0 of 0 0 of 0
Expert Picks (5)
BI
Big Brady Expert Hesitant picked Aug 17, 2021 (4 days before fight)
Austin Lingo

Big Brady picks Austin Lingo as a dog, but with low confidence. He likes Lingo's pressure and power, and notes both fighters are finishers. He thinks the fight will end in a knockout and picks Lingo to close the distance and land a hard shot. He also mentions the under 2.5 rounds as a solid bet.

under 2.5 rounds
"i'm actually going to take the dog shot on the lingo as far as the pick goes i don't think i'll get there from a betting perspective if anything i think the under two and a half's a solid look"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Aug 18, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Luis Saldaña

Cody leans toward Saldaña, citing his flashy striking, mobility, and ability to stay at range. He notes Lingo's power but questions his cardio and experience in longer fights. He expects a close decision and sees value on Saldaña.

Fight goes to decision; over 2.5 rounds (-140)
"luis saldana is my pick no bet"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Aug 18, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Luis Saldaña

Saldana is a great striker with good combinations and kicks, and he can fight off his back foot. Lingo has knockout power but tends to follow opponents rather than cut off the cage, which plays into Saldana's matador style. I think Saldana cruises to a decision unless Lingo lands a clean shot early.

"i like saldana here uh again one of my stronger reads as long as he doesn't get knocked out early here i do think that he cruises and absolutely beats up osceola"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Aug 18, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Luis Saldaña

Paul picks Saldaña, highlighting his kick-heavy range game and ability to matador Lingo. He notes Lingo's tendency to load up and tire, and believes Saldaña can maintain distance and outpoint him. He expects the fight to go the distance.

Over 2.5 rounds (-135); fight goes the distance (-125)
"i honestly think he gets matador saldana stays at the outside chips away again this thing's gonna be close it's gonna be competitive"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Aug 15, 2021 (6 days before fight)
Austin Lingo

The MMA Guru picks Austin Lingo as an underdog. He sees red flags in Saldaña's game, especially poor takedown defense and losses to lower-level opponents. Lingo is well-rounded with good cardio, grappling, and a good chin. He believes Lingo can exploit Saldaña's holes and get an upset win.

"i'm gonna go over austin lingo here as an underdog in all honesty i think he's well-rounded he's got good cardio he's got good grappling he's got a good chin"
Decision (unanimous) (30–26, 30–26, 30–27) R3 5:00
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Austin Lingo 0 64 of 201 31% 78 of 216 1 of 18 5% 1 0 1:09
Jacob Kilburn 1 95 of 182 52% 110 of 197 1 of 2 50% 0 0 3:50
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Austin Lingo 0 21 of 74 28% 21 of 74 0 of 6 0% 0 0 0:36
Jacob Kilburn 1 44 of 83 53% 45 of 84 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:24
2 Austin Lingo 0 19 of 58 32% 23 of 62 1 of 6 16% 0 0 0:33
Jacob Kilburn 0 26 of 48 54% 26 of 48 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:13
3 Austin Lingo 0 24 of 69 34% 34 of 80 0 of 6 0% 1 0 0:00
Jacob Kilburn 0 25 of 51 49% 39 of 65 0 of 0 --- 0 0 2:13
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Austin Lingo 64 of 201 31% 47 of 172 8 of 19 9 of 10 60 of 190 3 of 8 1 of 3
Jacob Kilburn 95 of 182 52% 81 of 166 10 of 12 4 of 4 93 of 177 2 of 4 0 of 1
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Austin Lingo 21 of 74 28% 15 of 62 5 of 11 1 of 1 20 of 73 1 of 1 0 of 0
Jacob Kilburn 44 of 83 53% 39 of 77 3 of 4 2 of 2 42 of 79 2 of 3 0 of 1
2 Austin Lingo 19 of 58 32% 15 of 51 1 of 4 3 of 3 18 of 51 1 of 6 0 of 1
Jacob Kilburn 26 of 48 54% 21 of 43 4 of 4 1 of 1 26 of 48 0 of 0 0 of 0
3 Austin Lingo 24 of 69 34% 17 of 59 2 of 4 5 of 6 22 of 66 1 of 1 1 of 2
Jacob Kilburn 25 of 51 49% 21 of 46 3 of 4 1 of 1 25 of 50 0 of 1 0 of 0
Expert Picks (4)
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jan 10, 2021 (6 days before fight)
Austin Lingo

Big Brady picks Austin Lingo to win by first-round knockout. He expects both fighters to stand and bang until one falls. He notes that Kilburn has been finished in all three losses by submission, but he thinks Lingo will knock him out. He doesn't love the -225 line but believes Lingo is the more skilled fighter.

first round knockout
"i'm gonna take austin lingo to win by i'm gonna say first round knockout there"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Jan 12, 2021 (4 days before fight)
Austin Lingo

Daniel Levi is extremely confident in Austin Lingo, calling Jacob Kilburn potentially the worst fighter in the featherweight division. He cites insider information from ATT training partners who dominated Kilburn in sparring, and notes that Lingo's poor debut was due to late notice. He expects Lingo to win by knockout or dominant decision.

one punch knockout
"i'm gonna pick austin lingo to come out here get another one punch knockout"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Lean picked Jan 11, 2021 (5 days before fight)
Austin Lingo

Lingo has dynamite in his hands and is a combination striker with good footwork. Kilburn is a one-and-done puncher who throws spinning attacks but lacks combinations. Both are primarily strikers, so the fight should stay on the feet. Lingo's better technique and camp (Fortis MMA) give him the edge. However, Lingo's price is steep, and he has limited UFC tape. The under 2.5 rounds at plus money is a better bet, as both have finishing ability.

Under 2.5 rounds at +115 is the preferred play; Lingo by KO is the prediction.
"i would rather bet the under two and a half just in case kilburn lands some sort of bomb"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jan 9, 2021 (7 days before fight)
Austin Lingo

The MMA Guru picks Austin Lingo over Jacob Kilburn, citing Lingo's superior ground game as a fallback if striking doesn't work. He notes Kilburn's glaring weakness on the ground, exposed in previous losses. He predicts a finish in the second or third round, either by TKO or submission, as Kilburn slows down.

second or third round finish
"i like austin lingo i think he'll get the job done against jacob kilburn maybe the fight with yusuf zalau was a bit of a step too soon for him but i think he'll be dangerous enough on the feet and if he doesn't like what he's seeing on the feet he has the opportunity to change things up that kilburn doesn't"
Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) R3 5:00
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Youssef Zalal 0 12 of 61 19% 16 of 68 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:25
Austin Lingo 0 31 of 55 56% 49 of 80 6 of 12 50% 2 0 6:38
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Youssef Zalal 0 8 of 30 26% 10 of 32 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:00
Austin Lingo 0 16 of 31 51% 18 of 36 1 of 5 20% 0 0 0:40
2 Youssef Zalal 0 0 of 11 0% 2 of 14 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:16
Austin Lingo 0 5 of 6 83% 13 of 16 2 of 4 50% 2 0 3:33
3 Youssef Zalal 0 4 of 20 20% 4 of 22 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:09
Austin Lingo 0 10 of 18 55% 18 of 28 3 of 3 100% 0 0 2:25
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Youssef Zalal 12 of 61 19% 5 of 47 5 of 10 2 of 4 11 of 56 1 of 5 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 31 of 55 56% 16 of 37 6 of 9 9 of 9 28 of 51 2 of 2 1 of 2
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Youssef Zalal 8 of 30 26% 4 of 22 3 of 6 1 of 2 7 of 26 1 of 4 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 16 of 31 51% 10 of 23 2 of 4 4 of 4 15 of 29 1 of 1 0 of 1
2 Youssef Zalal 0 of 11 0% 0 of 11 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 11 0 of 0 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 5 of 6 83% 2 of 3 1 of 1 2 of 2 4 of 5 1 of 1 0 of 0
3 Youssef Zalal 4 of 20 20% 1 of 14 2 of 4 1 of 2 4 of 19 0 of 1 0 of 0
Austin Lingo 10 of 18 55% 4 of 11 3 of 4 3 of 3 9 of 17 0 of 0 1 of 1
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Austin Lingo vs. Youssef Zalal

Round 1
The Octagon debutantes touch gloves and we’re underway, with Lingo quickly taking the center of the cage. Lingo connects with a left but eats a knee to the body before the featherweights clinch. Zalal lands a calf kick and follows up with a high kick. Zalal grabs a leg and shoves Lingo into the fence. Lingo is already bleeding from his nose. Lingo lands a punch to the body before they separate. Zalal goes back to the low kick, but eats a snapping right hand moments later. Zalal attempts to get Lingo down with a body lock. Lingo is up but Zalal maintains a front headlock, where he lands a series of knees to the head before the Fortis MMA member breaks free. Lingo continues to bleed profusely from his nose. Zalal lands a jumping knee as Lingo pressures with a series of punches against the cage. Lingo with a solid right hand before forcing the clinch. Zalal lands another calf quick before circling out of danger. The Factory X representative takes Lingo down with about 45 seconds left. Lingo explodes to his feet and lands a takedown of his own in the waning seconds. 10-9 Zalal.

Round 2
Zalal changes levels and grabs a single leg, forcing Lingo to the fence. Lingo defends as long as he can, but Zalal dumps his man on his seat against the cage. Zalal has settled into Lingo’s full guard as he pulls his foe away from the fence. Lingo is able to free his right arm, which was previously trapped underneath his body. Lingo attempts to scramble up, but he allows Zalal to lock in a brabo choke. Lingo stands, but Zalal still has the choke in place. Zalal falls back and tightens the maneuver. Lingo is able to break free and they stand with 1:30 left in the round. Lingo continues to apply pressure on the feet, but he’s struggling to track Zalal down. Zalal lands another takedown with less than a minute to go. Lingo briefly clings to a guillotine, but Zalal is in no real danger. The combatants return to their feet and Lingo blocks a high kick at the horn. 10-9 Zalal.

Round 3
Zalal goes back to the calf kick. Moments later he throws a head kick, but Lingo blocks it. Zalal comes down the middle with a knee and then follows up by landing a straight left. Zalal with a push kick to the gut and then a rear kick to the body. Lingo pressures with punches, but Zalal forces the clinch. Moments later, Zalal is able to trip Lingo to the canvas in the center of the Octagon. Lingo rolls and recovers full guard as Zalal attempts to move to his foe’s back. Zalal drops some short elbows from top position. Lingo creates space with his legs and hustles up to his feet, but his head is caught in a front headlock. Zalal snaps him down and looks to lock in an anaconda choke. Zalal lets it go and returns to the front headlock. He separates and lands a jab. Lingo forces the clinch, but the featherweights separate and Zalal fires a high kick that’s blocked. With time winding down, Zalal gets Lingo down again, and he threatens with both a guillotine and a brabo choke before the contest ends. 10-9 Zalal (30-27 Zalal).

The Official Result
Youssef Zalal def. Austin Lingo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
Expert Picks (2)
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Feb 7, 2020 (1 day before fight)
Austin Lingo

Daniel Levi picks Austin Lingo to knock out Youssef Zalal. He highlights Lingo's knockout power and consistent pressure from Fortis, while noting Zalal's tendency to be bullied by physical fighters. He believes Lingo will go forward and land heavy shots, possibly finishing the fight.

knockout finish
"I think he gets a knockout finish I'll go Austin Lingo"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert picked Feb 5, 2020 (3 days before fight)
No clear pick

The host does not pick a side but instead focuses on the under 2.5 rounds, citing both fighters' aggressive striking styles and finishing ability. He notes that both have only gone to decision twice in their careers, making the under a strong play. He mentions that if a side were forced, he would lean Zalal but the under is the primary bet.

under 2.5 rounds at -135
"I think the play here is actually gonna be the under on the Tuesday of recording this podcast they don't actually have the over/under out however I think they would set it at two-and-a-half and I think that so the odds here on sport bed or sorry at least on five times in terms of fight goes fight won't go over two-and-a-half but they have a weirdly it's weird how they have actually right now it says fight won't go to thirty round three which pretty much means under two and a half why they don't have it listed like that I have no idea but no other website has really released their unders or overs yet at the time of this recording but at minus 135 under two and a half I'm willing to bite there"