Tristan Connelly
"Boondock"Career Averages
Win Methods (1)
Loss Methods (2)
Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Elkins | 0 | 75 of 151 | 49% | 165 of 259 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 7:52 |
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 66 of 117 | 56% | 106 of 158 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darren Elkins | 0 | 19 of 39 | 48% | 55 of 84 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 |
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 26 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 2 | Darren Elkins | 0 | 28 of 56 | 50% | 40 of 70 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2:07 |
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 34 of 50 | 68% | 37 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 3 | Darren Elkins | 0 | 28 of 56 | 50% | 70 of 105 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 25 of 49 | 51% | 43 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Elkins | 75 of 151 | 49% | 66 of 141 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 38 of 107 | 29 of 34 | 8 of 10 |
| Tristan Connelly | 66 of 117 | 56% | 48 of 96 | 9 of 12 | 9 of 9 | 42 of 87 | 21 of 27 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darren Elkins | 19 of 39 | 48% | 17 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 9 |
| Tristan Connelly | 7 of 18 | 38% | 7 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Darren Elkins | 28 of 56 | 50% | 27 of 55 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 42 | 11 of 13 | 1 of 1 |
| Tristan Connelly | 34 of 50 | 68% | 22 of 38 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 7 | 23 of 38 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 2 | |
| 3 | Darren Elkins | 28 of 56 | 50% | 22 of 49 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 37 | 16 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
| Tristan Connelly | 25 of 49 | 51% | 19 of 41 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 33 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 |
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Tristan Connelly, though he acknowledges Elkins is never out of a fight. He thinks the damage is catching up to Elkins after his KO loss to Cub Swanson. He believes Connelly can avoid takedowns and land big punches to sneak out a win, but notes Elkins' toughness and ability to make fights ugly.
Big Brady picks Darren Elkins but is hesitant, calling the fight a mess. He notes Elkins' experience and wrestling, but worries about his age and damage taken. He expects Elkins to mix in takedowns and win a decision, though he acknowledges it could go either way.
Cody also picks Connelly, noting Elkins' age and wear. He thinks Connelly's cardio and BJJ will allow him to survive early takedowns and take over later. Cody references Connelly's fight against Pat Sabatini, where he lost the first two rounds but dominated the third. He believes Connelly's speed and pressure will be too much for Elkins, and that Connelly could even submit him.
Daniel Levi picks Darren Elkins but is not confident. He believes the best version of Elkins would grind out Connelly, but questions how much damage Elkins has taken over his career, comparing him to BJ Penn's decline. He also questions if Connelly belongs at UFC level, noting his win over Michel Pereira was more about Pereira beating himself. Levi is not comfortable laying -175 and passes on betting.
The host leans Connelly as an underdog, citing his cardio and BJJ. He notes Elkins is slowing down and has taken massive damage, while Connelly has good cardio and can match Elkins' pressure. Connelly's striking is better if kept standing, and his jiu-jitsu can neutralize Elkins' wrestling. He expects a competitive fight that could go to decision, with Connelly having a live chance.
Paul picks Tristan Connelly as a live underdog, citing Elkins' accumulated damage and age (in fight years). He notes Connelly's BJJ black belt and endless cardio, and his ability to defend takedowns and get back up. Paul thinks Connelly's speed and pressure will be key, and that Elkins may be damaged goods after the Cub Swanson loss. He mentions Connelly's guillotine choke as a potential threat.
The Guru picks Tristan Connelly, citing Elkins' accumulated damage and recent KO loss to Cub Swanson. He believes Connelly is younger with less wear and tear, and has shown tenacity in coming back in fights. The Guru notes Connelly's good third round against Pat Sabatini and his win over TJ Laramie. He thinks Elkins' chin is starting to go and that Connelly has more heat in his punches. He predicts Connelly will grind out a decision or get a late finish.
Apr 24, 2021
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 1 | 26 of 45 | 57% | 73 of 98 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 | 0 | 9:58 |
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 19 of 50 | 38% | 87 of 125 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 1 | 11 of 16 | 68% | 33 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 4:05 |
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 30 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 4:18 |
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 47 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 10 of 17 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:35 |
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 12 of 27 | 44% | 34 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | 26 of 45 | 57% | 18 of 36 | 7 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 11 of 27 | 4 of 6 | 11 of 12 |
| Tristan Connelly | 19 of 50 | 38% | 10 of 41 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 42 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Sabatini | 11 of 16 | 68% | 9 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 6 |
| Tristan Connelly | 3 of 8 | 37% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Pat Sabatini | 8 of 15 | 53% | 6 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 6 |
| Tristan Connelly | 4 of 15 | 26% | 3 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Pat Sabatini | 7 of 14 | 50% | 3 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Tristan Connelly | 12 of 27 | 44% | 5 of 20 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 20 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Beginning the ESPN preliminary portion of the card is a featherweight matchup as former welterweight Connelly (14-6, 1-0 UFC) contends with promising UFC newcomer Sabatini (13-3, 0-0 UFC) at featherweight. These two men both post submission rates over 60 percent, and grappling may be on full display before referee Josh Rutgers. There is a glove touch in front of these excited fans, and away we go. Connelly stalks the newcomer down and lands a few right hands, all while absorbing a leg kick. Sabatini circles around the outside and lands a few crisp punches, and Connelly walks through them to continue chasing. Sabatini ducks a punch and blasts Connelly in the face with a right hand, setting the Canadian down. Sabatini does not miss a beat, pushing his foe flat on his back while landing strikes. The American exerts heavy top pressure as the “USA” chant rings through the arena for the first time of the night. Sabatini holds tight in half guard, and when Connelly sits up, he slides his arm under Connelly’s neck. The newcomer elbows Connelly in the head when Connelly rolls to his side, and this also thwarts a potential sweep attempt for “Boondock.” Sabatini squeezes down with his full body weight as he looks to advance to either three-quarter mount or full mount, and he sets up an arm-triangle choke that forces Connelly to surrender his back. Sabatini gets his hooks in and snags a rear-naked choke, but Connelly fights off the grip. “Boondock” starts taking punches to the side of the head as Sabatini secures a body triangle, and he fishes for the choke every so often as he softens Connelly up. Connelly rolls towards the fence to try to break the body triangle, and Sabatini sneaks his arm under the neck for a second, only to get it pulled away. The seconds peel off the clock as Sabatini maintains back control, and he rides out the round in this position.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Round 2
The two touch gloves, and both kick early. Sabatini leaps in the air with a knee, and Connelly pushes it away and tries to land an overhand right. The newcomer goes back to his bike, but he scores a one-two as Connelly is advancing. In one explosive movement, Sabatini crashes forward and nails a double leg takedown that puts Connelly square on his back. The Canadian hacks with elbows from his back, and he sits up but Sabatini is not letting him up. Sabatini tries to readjust his position and pass guard by standing up, and he blocks an upkick to wade down into side control. The Pennsylvanian holds tight with his shoulder pressing on Connelly’s neck, and Connelly knees him in the side to little effect. Sabatini hops to three-quarter mount, but Connelly drags him back to half guard. Sabatini is fine with this, as he drops down punches while Connelly rolls. Connelly swirls through to his knees, and Sabatini threatens with a potential leglock to snag back control. Connelly falls to his back and Sabatini takes side control, until Connelly rolls through and gives up his back. Sabatini thanks him by taking his back, and Sabatini quickly locks up a body triangle again. Sabatini considers sliding into mount, until Connelly rolls to his knees to try to escape this disadvantageous position. “Boondock” topples to his back and into arm-triangle danger, and the two continue to scramble as Sabatini takes the back again. Connelly bucks free of the body kick, and Sabatini meets him by adjusting his hooks. Connelly elbows the thigh to try to spin around, and Sabatini snags the body triangle one last time before the round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Round 3
The two featherweights clap hands to clock in the last round, and Connelly stalks Sabatini down in the early going. Connelly loads up on a right hand, and Sabatini latches on to him to clinch him up and threaten a takedown. Sabatini adjusts, grabs a single and nearly plants Connelly down. Connelly wings a right hand as Sabatini backpedals, and the Canadian comes up short with a head kick. The two clinch up in the center of the cage, twisting around and trading knees as they try to be the advancing party. Sabatini changes levels and is rebuffed to take the fight down, grasping a single to wrench the fight to the canvas. Connelly does not let this happen, so Sabatini starts to work the body in the clinch. Connelly grabs hold of a guillotine choke from a standing position, and Sabatini pays it no mind and continues to press his foe heavily on the wire. The two turn back and forth, and Rutgers calls for the fighters to work. Sabatini obliges him with a combination to the body and head. Connelly bites on a takedown attempt to get smacked in the head, and he appears frustrated as he chases Sabatini down. “Boondock” reaches out with a few jabs, and Sabatini counters with a left hand. Connelly cracks him with a right, leading Sabatini to touch his jaw to taunt him. Sabatini ducks down for a takedown, and it is stuffed and the two tangle against the cage. Connelly breaks free and eats a left hook on the chin, but he is no worse for wear. Connelly wings a right hook to respond, and Sabatini dips and gives him one back. Connelly presses him back to the fence, where he executes a trip takedown and gets to half guard. Sabatini sits up into a guillotine choke, and Connelly gives up on it as he tries to pass guard. Sabatini threatens with a leg lock off his back, forcing Connelly to stand up. Sabatini lands a few upkicks, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Connelly (29-28 Sabatini)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Connelly (29-28 Sabatini)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Connelly (29-27 Sabatini)
The Official Result
Pat Sabatini def. Tristan Connelly via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Expert Picks (6)
Big Brady picks Sabatini to win by dominant decision. He favors Sabatini in striking, wrestling, and grappling, noting Sabatini is a black belt in BJJ with a wrestling background. He dismisses Connelly's upset win over Pereira because Pereira gassed out. He expects Sabatini to control the fight for three rounds.
Cody picks Sabatini, noting his wrestling and grappling advantage. He mentions Connelly's long layoff and neck surgery, and that Sabatini is a tough debut. He thinks Sabatini's pressure and ground game will be decisive. He also notes that the line has moved significantly, indicating sharp money on Sabatini.
Daniel leans with Pat Sabatini, citing his better overall MMA game and youth. He discredits Tristan Connelly's win over Michel Pereira, attributing it to Pereira's antics. He is concerned about Connelly dropping two weight classes and a two-year layoff, but calls it a dog or pass situation and would not lay the current odds.
I think Sabatini is the better wrestler and grappler, and he's younger and hungrier. Connolly is coming off a long layoff and neck surgery, and he's dropping to 145 for the first time in years. Sabatini should grind him out over three rounds. I like the under 2.5 at +175 and Sabatini by submission at +340, but the safest play is Sabatini by decision.
Paul picks Sabatini, citing his wrestling, grappling, and youth. He notes Connelly's long layoff (two years), neck surgery, and drop to featherweight. He thinks Sabatini's pressure and ground game will be too much for Connelly, who may struggle with the weight cut. He acknowledges Connelly's cardio and heart but believes Sabatini is the better fighter.
The MMA Guru picks Pat Sabatini over Tristan Connelly. He notes that Connelly's upset win over Michael Pena was at welterweight and Pena was showboating, so he doesn't take it too seriously. He believes Sabatini's speed at featherweight will be too much, and Connelly has been out for a long time with neck surgeries. He predicts a unanimous decision win for Sabatini, 29-28.
Sep 14, 2019
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tristan Connelly | 0 | 32 of 75 | 42% | 56 of 107 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 3:03 |
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 64 of 125 | 51% | 151 of 222 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 5:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tristan Connelly | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 18 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 15 of 37 | 40% | 28 of 52 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 | |
| 2 | Tristan Connelly | 0 | 13 of 34 | 38% | 33 of 59 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:23 |
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 18 of 44 | 40% | 46 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Tristan Connelly | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 5 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Michel Pereira | 0 | 31 of 44 | 70% | 77 of 97 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 3:45 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tristan Connelly | 32 of 75 | 42% | 13 of 44 | 17 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 66 | 9 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 64 of 125 | 51% | 51 of 106 | 7 of 13 | 6 of 6 | 23 of 71 | 14 of 20 | 27 of 34 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tristan Connelly | 17 of 34 | 50% | 6 of 19 | 10 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 30 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 15 of 37 | 40% | 13 of 32 | 0 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 25 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 4 | |
| 2 | Tristan Connelly | 13 of 34 | 38% | 6 of 19 | 6 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 30 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 18 of 44 | 40% | 12 of 36 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 34 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tristan Connelly | 2 of 7 | 28% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Michel Pereira | 31 of 44 | 70% | 26 of 38 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 23 of 30 |
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