Michał Oleksiejczuk

10-7
Record
Age / DOB 31
(Feb 22, 1995)
Height 6' 0"
Weight 185 lbs.
Reach 74"
Stance Southpaw
Career Averages
5.85 Sig. Strikes / Min
53.0% Sig. Strike Acc.
4.5 Absorbed / Min
59.0% Strike Defense
1.02 TD Avg / 15 min
42.0% TD Accuracy
52.0% TD Defense
0.0 Sub. / Fight
Win Methods (10)
KO/TKO 8
Submission 0
Decision 2
Loss Methods (7)
KO/TKO 0
Submission 5
Decision 2

Fight History

Result / Opponent
Event & Date
Method/Round
Links
Comments
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Abus Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Magomedov (-130); Oleksiejczuk (+110)

Round 1
The main card of UFC Baku kicks off with middleweights Magomedov and Oleksiejczuk, who operate under the auspices of referee Jim Perdios. Oleksiejczuk is southpaw, Magomedov orthodox, and Perdios strikes first with a warning to Magomedov for advancing with his fingers extended. Magomedov kicks the calf. Oleksiejczuk lands an uppercut to the body. Perdios warns Magomedov about the fingers again. Magomedov is active with the low kicks early, and Oleksiejczuk is thus far choosing to eat them and answer with punches. Magomedov clinches and runs Oleksiejczuk to the fence. They pummel for underhooks, and Magomedov hits the Pole with a big knee to the body. Oleksiejczuk shucks him off and they return to space. Magomedov blasts the oncoming Oleksiejczuk with a beautiful elbow that hurts him badly.
Oleksiejczuk stumbles backwards and Magomedov gives chase, dropping a few more punches, then wrapping his foe’s neck in a tight guillotine. Magomedov gets a leg up over the back and the choke is lethal. Oleksiejczuk taps, but goes out before Perdios can get there to stop the fight.
Very impressive work from Abus Magomedov.

The Official Result
Abus Magomedov def. Michal Oleksiejczuk R1 3:25 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Expert Picks (16)
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Confident picked Jun 22, 2026 (5 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

AJ picks Oleksiejczuk by knockout, citing Magomedov's poor cardio and tendency to fade after round one. Oleksiejczuk has improved grappling defense and power, and should survive the first round to take over and finish Magomedov in the second or third.

Over 1.5 rounds -136. Oleksiejczuk +120 underdog.
"I'm going Ole Jchic knockout. I think he sleeps him in the second or third round."
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Confident picked Jun 23, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

AJ picks Oleksiejczuk as an underdog, believing he has improved his takedown defense with Fighting Nerds and has the cardio advantage. He notes Magomedov fades after the first round and that Oleksiejczuk can put him away with big shots in the later rounds. AJ expects a knockout in round 2 or 3.

Knockout +200
"I think Ole Jchuk is putting him away with big shots. So, I'm going second or third round KO Jchuk."
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Confident picked Jun 24, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

AJ DeVito is confident that Michał Oleksiejczuk will defeat Abusupiyan Magomedov, who he believes is declining and has a weak will to win. He expects Oleksiejczuk to win by KO in round two or three, citing Magomedov's tendency to gas and melt under pressure. He likes the moneyline at -115 and also mentions the KO prop at +175.

Oleksiejczuk by KO at +175; Oleksiejczuk by KO round 2 at +700; round 3 at +1000.
"I really think we're looking at um Avis Momedov kind of in a similar spot to Michelle Pereira, he's falling off... I'm going McColl Juk. I think he wins by KO. Minus 115 is a pretty nice line."
AJ
AJ DeVito Expert Confident picked Jun 25, 2026 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

AJ picks Oleksiejczuk by knockout, believing Magomedov is fragile and has suspect cardio. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's hands are dangerous and that he will come on strong in rounds 2 and 3, while Magomedov fades. He likes Oleksiejczuk by KO in round 2 or 3.

Oleksiejczuk by KO +195; Oleksiejczuk round 2 KO +700; Oleksiejczuk round 3 KO +1000.
"I like Jchuk, dude. Ole Jchuk gang."
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jun 24, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov

Angelo is surprised Abus Magomedov has flipped to underdog and thinks he wins the fight. He notes that Michał Oleksiejczuk has dangerous hands but poor cardio and grappling, and has been knocking out bums. Abus is more technical and can wrestle, so if he weathers the early storm and gets grappling going, he should run away with it.

over 1.5 rounds
"Abus Magomedov, I don't know how he flipped to the underdog. I'm surprised. He was the favorite, he's now the dog... and as a dog, I think he wins this fight."
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jun 23, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov

Angelo picks Magomedov, citing his multiple paths to victory: he can outstrike Oleksiejczuk, outgrapple him, or weather the early storm and win as Oleksiejczuk fades. He notes both have bad cardio, but Magomedov's is slightly better.

"Aboose is the pick. He has multiple ways to win. He could potentially outstrike MCL. McCall's going to be so much faster, hit so much harder, but Aboose can manage the range. He can certainly outgra and if he just weathers an early storm and has three minutes of cardio instead of one and a half, he can win this fight as well."
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jun 21, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov

Angelo picks Abus because he has multiple paths to victory (striking and grappling) while Michał only has striking. He notes that both fighters have cardio issues, but Abus can fall back on wrestling. He expects a fun start but a boring finish once Abus starts shooting takedowns.

"Abus can win this fight multiple ways, right? He could potentially be the better striker here. He can definitely be the better grappler here. And McCall only has one path, and that's be the better striker."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Jun 21, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov

Big Brady picks Abusupiyan Magomedov to win by submission. He highlights Magomedov's grappling credentials, having taken down and submitted black belts like Bruno Ferreira. Oleksiejczuk has terrible grappling, submitted multiple times. Brady expects Magomedov to take him down early and submit him in round one, though he notes Magomedov's questionable cardio and durability could lead to a second-round knockout loss if he gasses.

win by submission, under probably a good look
"I'm going to pick Abus Magda by submission, but I think like an under probably a good look in this fight."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Jun 24, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov

Cody picks Magomedov, agreeing with Paul. He highlights Oleksiejczuk's defensive wrestling issues and Magomedov's wrestling pedigree. He thinks Magomedov can take him down and control the fight, though he acknowledges Oleksiejczuk's power and finishing ability.

"I'm going with wrestling over uh I know I've been mostly taking damage over control time, but these guys are middleweights and like the control time will probably outweigh, you know, the half dozen punches that are landed standing."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Jun 23, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel Levi picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to upset Abusupiyan Magomedov, citing his improved confidence and training at Fighting Nerds after moving from a garage gym. He notes Oleksiejczuk's marauding pressure, body shots, and recent win streak, while Magomedov has a history of fading in fights. Levi believes Oleksiejczuk's level-up and aggression will be key, though he acknowledges Magomedov's grappling threat.

"I'm going to pick Mihal to come out here, get this upset over Abus Magomedov, Inbaku Azer Bejan, climb the ranks."
JA
Jacob Lines Expert Confident picked Jun 23, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov

Jacob picks Magomedov, calling him one of the better plays on the card. He thinks Magomedov is bigger and can bully Oleksiejczuk, who fades hard after round one. He dismisses Oleksiejczuk's win streak as beating cans and notes his grappling holes.

"I think Aboose minus 130. One of the better plays on this card. I think he has the submission path. He has the knockout path."
LU
Lucrative James Expert Confident picked Jun 21, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Lucrative James picks Michał Oleksiejczuk (Michelle Alex) because he believes Alex has better cardio, heart, will to win, and power. He notes that Abus Magomedov is more skilled technically but tends to crumble when pressured and has poor cardio. He expects Abus to start well and possibly get takedowns, but predicts the momentum will shift and Alex will finish him in round two. He also mentions that if Abus is a big underdog, he might be worth a bet, but his pick is Alex via KO.

If Abus is a big underdog, which I kind of feel like he's going to be a decent underdog, maybe that is a good bet.
"I will pick Michelle Alex to win the fight via KO in round two."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jun 23, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Oleksiejczuk has elite durability and has improved his striking and cardio with the Fighting Nerds. Magomedov has cardio issues and tends to fade. Oleksiejczuk will deal with early adversity and then walk him down for a knockout.

Oleksiejczuk by knockout
"I'm going to go Ole Shuk here. I think he deals with the early adversity here from Mamedov and then I think he starts walking him down and eventually finds a big knockout."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Jun 24, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The host acknowledges Magomedov's early danger with explosivity and power, but believes in Oleksiejczuk's improvements to avoid an early finish. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's pressure striking style will catch up to Magomedov, leading to a knockout win.

Oleksiejczuk wins by knockout
"I believe in the improvements of Oleksiejczuk enough that he won't get finished early, and I think his pressure striking style is going to catch up to Magomedov leading to Olexiy winning this fight by knockout."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Jun 24, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov

Paul picks Magomedov, citing his wrestling edge and Oleksiejczuk's poor takedown defense. He notes Oleksiejczuk's cardio issues and tendency to fade, and believes Magomedov can win early rounds and possibly coast. He prefers Magomedov pre-fight but suggests live betting Oleksiejczuk if he survives the first.

"I think like pre-fight flop I got to go with the guy that I think is going to be winning early and might be able to continue it and that's a boost from a live betting perspective."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jun 26, 2026 (1 day before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The Guru picks Oleksiejczuk, citing his pressure, boxing, and takedown defense. He believes Oleksiejczuk will mitigate Magomedov's kicks by moving forward and land in exchanges. He expects a finish, possibly in the first round.

"I'm going to go with Michał Oleksiejczuk to get the job done though."
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 140 of 221 63% 143 of 225 1 of 3 33% 0 0 0:30
Marc-André Barriault 0 77 of 201 38% 79 of 204 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:02
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 47 of 73 64% 47 of 73 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:08
Marc-André Barriault 0 19 of 54 35% 19 of 54 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 41 of 68 60% 42 of 69 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Marc-André Barriault 0 33 of 80 41% 34 of 81 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
3 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 52 of 80 65% 54 of 83 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:22
Marc-André Barriault 0 25 of 67 37% 26 of 69 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:02
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 140 of 221 63% 91 of 161 39 of 49 10 of 11 138 of 218 1 of 1 1 of 2
Marc-André Barriault 77 of 201 38% 57 of 178 16 of 19 4 of 4 59 of 173 18 of 28 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 47 of 73 64% 32 of 56 8 of 9 7 of 8 46 of 71 0 of 0 1 of 2
Marc-André Barriault 19 of 54 35% 9 of 44 6 of 6 4 of 4 19 of 54 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Michał Oleksiejczuk 41 of 68 60% 27 of 49 11 of 16 3 of 3 40 of 67 1 of 1 0 of 0
Marc-André Barriault 33 of 80 41% 28 of 74 5 of 6 0 of 0 21 of 60 12 of 20 0 of 0
3 Michał Oleksiejczuk 52 of 80 65% 32 of 56 20 of 24 0 of 0 52 of 80 0 of 0 0 of 0
Marc-André Barriault 25 of 67 37% 20 of 60 5 of 7 0 of 0 19 of 59 6 of 8 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oleksiejczuk (-330); Barriault (+270)

Round 1
Every now and then, the matchmaking plans are glaringly obvious as to what the UFC would like from a particular pairing. This middleweight slugfest is one such bout, as Oleksiejczuk (21-9, 1 NC; 9-7, 1 NC UFC) vs. Barriault (17-10, 1 NC; 6-9, 1 NC UFC) is practically destined for a knockout. Referee Chris Tognoni is ready whether this goes 15 seconds or the whole distance, and he gathers himself as the combatants bump gloves together.
Oleksiejczuk moves himself to the center of the cage and slowly works his way forward, but Barriault strikes first with a hefty body kick. Barriault loops a right hand over the guard, and he gets countered when trying. Oleksiejczuk swipes out a few lefts to wrap them around the raised hands, looking to hand-fight to pull down one glove and open up a big right. Oleksiejczuk stings “Power Bar” with a hard left hand, backing Barriault up to the wall but not pouncing. He swats away a responsive left to chop at the lead leg with a kick, and he leans back to watch punches buzz past him. Barriault clips Oleksiejczuk when Oleksiejczuk loads up on power, and he tosses out a naked kick that has him get his jaw jacked. Oleksiejczuk hammers the body with a kick, and he loops a right hand upstairs to follow. Barriault advances, driving home a knee up the middle and peeling back.
Oleksiejczuk has a leg kick checked, and he nails the body with a resounding thud. Barriault probes out with his jab, trying to disrupt the power flying at his melon, and he zips in an uppercut to keep Oleksiejczuk honest. Oleksiejczuk walks through it to loose a leg kick, and he rolls with a left hook to put two fists on Barriault’s face. Oleksiejczuk keeps his guard up to knock Barriault back with a heavy fist, and Barriault is fighting defensively enough to defend the big stuff upstairs but his midsection is wide open. Oleksiejczuk kicks so low, it practically hits the ankle, and he goes to the body again. Barriault’s looping response is a few feet off, and he gets clubbed with two straight lefts. Oleksiejczuk bloodies up his foe’s nose with his big swings, and he hacks at the lead leg with an inside kick. Oleksiejczuk catches a body kick, lashes out with a left and hurls Barriault to the mat in hopes of pounding on him. Barriault ties him up as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk

Round 2
The middleweights touch gloves, and Oleksiejczuk advances as the initial aggressor. Both men paw out their jabs, and Oleksiejczuk briefly drops Barriault to a knee with a heavy inside low kick. He swipes a right over the top, and he takes a left on the chin that he no-sells. Oleksiejczuk racks up a pair of punches on the chin, and “Power Bar” is hanging in tough and very much in this fight. Barriault swings body to head, and Oleksiejczuk does the same, both men scoring strikes. Barriault keeps his right hand pinned to his melon, and he has his guard split with a jab. Barriault loops a right to the ribs, and he catches Oleksiejczuk at the end of a pair of hooks. Oleksiejczuk slips and rips with a right hand on the jaw, and he meanders out a follow-up right that leads to him getting countered. Oleksiejczuk drives home a one-two, backing Barriault up, and he connects with a body kick with a sound like a 2-by-4 hitting a side of beef. Barriault steels himself and comes out firing, getting Oleksiejczuk’s attention when he swings with everything he has.
Barriault starts landing cleanly on Oleksiejczuk, changing his strategy completely as he walks Oleksiejczuk down. Oleksiejczuk’s power appears to be fading as Barriault ignores blows that would have irritated him the previous round. Barriault loads up, seeing that Oleksiejczuk could be losing steam, and he pressures him relentlessly. Barriault goes to the body and lands an elbow up top that cuts Oleksiejczuk’s forehead. Oleksiejczuk swings wildly with body shots and the occasional one to the head, and Barriault is on top of him forcing him to react. Oleksiejczuk lands a left that may have hit the cup, and he has a spinning back fist glance off the side of the head. Barriault marches forward, not reacting to anything that lands on him while forcing Oleksiejczuk to backpedal. The horn sounds to end a close round.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barriault
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Barriault
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Barriault

Round 3
The middleweights touch ‘em up before commencing the final frame, and it starts like the first round and not the second. Oleksiejczuk plants his feet and pins a one-two on the chin, shoulder-rolling to take some of the sting out of what comes back his way. He swipes out a one-two, and he digs one to the body. Both men are feeling it after their brawl, and Barriault comes out the cleaner as he backs Oleksiejczuk off with a short but effective barrage of punches. Barriault maneuvers himself to the pocket to trade, but this is where Oleksiejczuk wants to be, and he hurls back punches in bunches. Suddenly, the Polish athlete changes things up for a takedown attempt, and Barriault shuts it down as they reset in slugging range.
Both men proceed to trade leather, with Oleksiejczuk ripping body shots while Barriault headhunts. Oleksiejczuk strings three punches together, shooting in for a double behind it and bullying the Canadian to the wall. Barriault shucks it off and swings for the fence, but no one is there to be hit. Oleksiejczuk has backed away to re-engage, and they jab at one another until Oleksiejczuk pitches a high kick that bangs into the raised guard. The clinch tie-up results in a few body shots from Barriault, and a knee on the button freezes Oleksiejczuk. Oleksiejczuk takes a breath and flashes out his power punches, connecting effectively with his left to the liver. Barriault boxes back, and Oleksiejczuk kicks at his lead leg. Barriault lumbers out with a left hand, and they swat at one another with jabs out of range. Oleksiejczuk dips and clubs Barriault upside the head, and not to be outdone, Barriault kicks him in the face. Oleksiejczuk offers a high kick that hits the guard, and they proceed to throw punches, kicks and the kitchen sink at one another until we have—perhaps surprisingly—reached the final bell.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (29-28 Oleksiejczuk)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (29-28 Oleksiejczuk)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (29-28 Oleksiejczuk)

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Marc-Andre Barriault via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Expert Picks (9)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Feb 1, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Angelo picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing his fast hands and power, with 8 knockouts in 9 UFC wins. He notes that Barriault's chin seems to be fading and that Oleksiejczuk hits incredibly hard. He acknowledges Barriault's wrestling could be a problem but thinks Oleksiejczuk's speed and power will prevail. He suggests under 2.5 rounds might be solid.

Under 2.5 rounds might be solid
"I'm going to pick McCall here because I think the chin's kind of fading a little bit on Mark Andre. McCall hits hard as hell."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Feb 1, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Big Brady picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing that Marc-André Barriault's chin has been cracked recently, with three knockout losses in his last four fights. He believes Oleksiejczuk's pressure and power will be too much for Barriault, who has taken a lot of damage. He predicts a first-round finish.

by first round finish
"Mikuel Jose by first round finish."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Feb 4, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Cody agrees, highlighting Oleksiejczuk's 8 first-round KOs in 9 UFC wins. He notes Barriault's history of being knocked out in the first round and his inability to change his game. Cody expects Oleksiejczuk to win by KO or decision, but is confident in the victory.

"He's either going to knock out Mark Andre Barry in the first round or he's going to win a split decision. But I think he wins in either case."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Feb 5, 2026 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Oleksiejczuk is a good athlete who is not shot, while Barriault is past his prime and gets hurt easily. He thinks Oleksiejczuk will put it all on Barriault and likely hurt him early. He mentions that Barriault's only chance is if Oleksiejczuk's cardio fades.

Same odds discussion.
"I'll take a look at Sajak too."
LU
Lucrative James Expert Confident picked Feb 1, 2026 (6 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Lucrative James picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by KO in round one. He believes Barriault's chin is compromised and that Oleksiejczuk's power and early-round danger will be too much. James notes that Barriault's style of walking forward plays into Oleksiejczuk's hands, and he expects a quick finish.

KO in round 1
"My official prediction on this fight is Michelle Alex to KO Mar Andre Bariel in round one."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Feb 3, 2026 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The host picks Oleksiejczuk by knockout, but notes the line is too wide at -350. He believes Oleksiejczuk's power will eventually find Barriault's chin, but warns that Barriault could make it tough if his chin holds up, using clinch work and cardio to wear Oleksiejczuk down. He suggests a live bet on Barriault in later rounds.

plus 285 on Barriault is worth a sprinkle; live betting Barriault in rounds 2-3
"So the prediction is going to be Ole Shuk by knock. I think he eventually lands that big shot and puts Bario away. But in terms of odds, minus 350 is just far too wide to be confident enough on that type of outcome."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Feb 4, 2026 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Paul picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, expecting a first-round knockout. He notes Barriault's recent durability issues and Oleksiejczuk's power, especially since joining Fighting Nerds. Paul believes Oleksiejczuk's improved patience and game planning will lead to an early finish.

"Mikey O knockout round one for me."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Feb 7, 2026 (fight day)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The host picks Michał Oleksiejczuk over Marc-André Barriault. He notes Oleksiejczuk has real power at middleweight and a resurgence since joining Fighting Nerds. He thinks Barriault has been on the receiving end of too many TKO losses. He predicts a first-round TKO.

first round TKO
"I think Michał Oleksiejczuk's dusting him up in round one by TKO."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Feb 5, 2026 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Zane picks Oleksiejczuk because he is not physically washed and has a good multi-level striking attack. He notes that Barriault gets hurt too easily and is vulnerable, as seen in his fight against Shara Bullet. He thinks Oleksiejczuk will hurt Barriault quickly, though if it doesn't work out, it could become a hairy fight.

Oleksiejczuk opened at -225, currently -550; Barriault at +400.
"I think I have to take Michael Oksajuk."
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Gerald Meerschaert 0 3 of 16 18% 3 of 16 0 of 3 0% 0 0 0:00
Michał Oleksiejczuk 1 23 of 51 45% 23 of 51 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:22
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Gerald Meerschaert 0 3 of 16 18% 3 of 16 0 of 3 0% 0 0 0:00
Michał Oleksiejczuk 1 23 of 51 45% 23 of 51 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:22
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Gerald Meerschaert 3 of 16 18% 2 of 14 0 of 0 1 of 2 3 of 16 0 of 0 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 23 of 51 45% 18 of 46 5 of 5 0 of 0 11 of 31 0 of 0 12 of 20
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Gerald Meerschaert 3 of 16 18% 2 of 14 0 of 0 1 of 2 3 of 16 0 of 0 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 23 of 51 45% 18 of 46 5 of 5 0 of 0 11 of 31 0 of 0 12 of 20
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oleksiejczuk (-218), Meerschaert (+180)

Round 1
In the battle of surnames that would likely win against any other pair on Scrabble tonight, it should not last terribly long. In the combined 57 pro victories for Meerschaert (37-19, 12-11 UFC) and Oleksiejczuk (20-9, 1 NC; 8-7, 1 NC UFC), they have needed the judges on six of those occasions. Referee Herb Dean—who gets a bigger pop from the crowd than either athlete—will almost certainly be needed, while the scorers might be able to take this one off. Before throwing down, the violent middleweights bump fists.
The marvelously mustached Meerschaert moves to the center of the cage, and he leans back as a huge left hand buzzes past him. Oleksiejczuk looks for another power punch, and Meerschaert is out of range pitching a low kick at him. Meerschaert ducks under a few punches to go after a single, and the former light heavyweight pops him in the chops on the way out. When “GM3” tries for another takedown, the Polish athlete shuts him down and forces him to stand back up. Oleksiejczuk ignores a leg kick that misses him to clip his foe with a left hand, but it is one-and-done. Oleksiejczuk measures his man with an uppercut, and he avoids counters and is ready to stuff a takedown before it comes to light. Oleksiejczuk narrowly avoids a left hook, and he laughs off a failed shot from the submission specialist. Meerschaert gets off a left hand, and Oleksiejczuk answers him with two big punches that shake him to his core. A third uppercut dings him on the jaw when he goes for a takedown, and “step into my parlor” says the spider to the fly.
Meerschaert does not get Oleksiejczuk to oblige him in playing in the guard, instead backing off to make “GM3” strike with him.
Knowing that Meerschaert is in trouble, Oleksiejczuk jacks his foe in the jaw with three punches that send Meerschaert down to the floor again. With Dean watching in closely, Oleksiejczuk unleashes a bombardment of wide-arcing hammerfists to punish “GM3” for ever considering grappling with him. As the punches continue, with no sign of slowing down, Dean has no choice but to get involved and halts the match.
That marks one more dominant win for a Fighting Nerds competitor, and Oleksiejczuk dons the trademark glasses while also handing commentator Joe Rogan a pair as well.

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert R1 3:03 via TKO (Punches)
Expert Picks (6)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Lean picked Aug 10, 2025 (6 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Angelo notes Oleksiejczuk is a pure striker with power and fast hands, while Meerschaert is a grappler with questionable chin and takedown accuracy. He thinks it's easier for Oleksiejczuk to stay on the feet and land strikes than for Meerschaert to get the fight to the ground. He leans Oleksiejczuk but says he should not be a -225 favorite in such a tricky matchup.

Under no circumstances should he be a minus 225 in a very tricky matchup
"I'm going to lean McCall because I think it's easier for him to stay away from the takedowns while letting his hands fly against a somewhat chinny Gerro Mirard."
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Aug 12, 2025 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Big Brady picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by first-round knockout. He notes Oleksiejczuk is a phenomenal striker with bodywork, volume, and power, while Meerschaert is at a massive striking disadvantage. However, he acknowledges the grappling danger: Meerschaert has 30 submission wins and Oleksiejczuk has been submitted six times. He thinks Oleksiejczuk can keep the fight standing and knock out Meerschaert, especially if he has improved his takedown defense. He mentions Oleksiejczuk's ability to get back up when taken down.

Oleksiejczuk by KO, round 1
"I think Oluk knocks out Mirart, and I think he does it in round number one."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Aug 15, 2025 (1 day before fight)
Gerald Meerschaert

Connor agrees with Zane, picking Meerschaert. He notes that Oleksiejczuk has a history of getting submitted when he has a little success and then panics. He also points out that Meerschaert's recent losses were to tough opponents (de Ridder, Tavares) and that Oleksiejczuk's game is thin. He expects Meerschaert to capitalize on Oleksiejczuk's mistakes.

"I got to trust Meerschart. The past couple of fights for him have been especially bad match ups that we can credit those opponents for being either, for being not as bad as they, they looked."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Aug 15, 2025 (1 day before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The host believes Oleksiejczuk's improvements from training with the fighting nerds will carry over, though it may result in a more measured approach. He expects Oleksiejczuk to wear Meerschaert down with striking and secure a finish in the third round.

finish in the third round
"I think he'll eventually be able to muster up a finish in the third round of this fight as he wears Mirard down with his striking approach"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Aug 13, 2025 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The Guru picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by TKO in the first or second round. He believes Oleksiejczuk has improved since joining the Fighting Nerds and has nasty ground and pound and power. The Guru notes that Meerschaert is on borrowed time and doesn't move his head well, making him vulnerable. He also mentions that Oleksiejczuk has good grappling defense and reversals, so he won't be a fish out of water on the ground.

TKO first or second round; Oleksiejczuk finishes Meerschaert
"I'm going with Macaux. ... TKO first or second round."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Aug 15, 2025 (1 day before fight)
Gerald Meerschaert

Zane picks Meerschaert, reasoning that Oleksiejczuk is prone to getting submitted due to his hyper-aggressive style and poor defensive wrestling. He notes that Oleksiejczuk will likely shoot takedowns himself or fall into submissions, and Meerschaert is a dangerous grappler. He acknowledges the risk that Oleksiejczuk could land a big shot early, but trusts Meerschaert's experience.

"I think that that's going to lead him to getting submitted by Gerald Meerschart."
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Sedriques Dumas 0 3 of 26 11% 3 of 26 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Michał Oleksiejczuk 1 34 of 57 59% 34 of 59 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:18
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Sedriques Dumas 0 3 of 26 11% 3 of 26 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Michał Oleksiejczuk 1 34 of 57 59% 34 of 59 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:18
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Sedriques Dumas 3 of 26 11% 0 of 18 2 of 5 1 of 3 3 of 26 0 of 0 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 34 of 57 59% 27 of 49 7 of 8 0 of 0 13 of 27 0 of 0 21 of 30
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Sedriques Dumas 3 of 26 11% 0 of 18 2 of 5 1 of 3 3 of 26 0 of 0 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 34 of 57 59% 27 of 49 7 of 8 0 of 0 13 of 27 0 of 0 21 of 30
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Sedriques Dumas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oleksiejczuk (-192), Dumas (+160)

Round 1
A potential middleweight brawl takes the top spot on the early preliminary card, with referee Marc Goddard standing by to handle it. Dumas (10-2, 3-2 UFC) still has yet to register a finish since joining the roster a couple years ago, while six of seven UFC victories for Oleksiejczuk (19-9, 1 NC; 7-7, 1 NC UFC) came inside the distance. The two opt to touch gloves ahead of their scheduled melee, and Dumas throws the first strike in the form of a blocked head kick. The Floridian tries two more times with this kick, and Oleksiejczuk is on top of it and parries the subsequent front kick. Oleksiejczuk tries to get his hands on his opponent, and he ends up punching the fighter sporting the “Hood Wolf” tattoo in the chest. Oleksiejczuk mixes in body shots when Dumas ducks down, and he absorbs a flush body kick on the way out. Oleksiejczuk jabs his way into attack, and Dumas practically somersaults and sprints away. Oleksiejczuk plods forward like a Polish Terminator, measuring him with a left hook and backing him to the wall where he can further unload. Two punches are all Oleksiejczuk get off before Dumas rushes away, and Dumas’ body language is not positive at the time. Oleksiejczuk connects with a few left hands, and he ignores a head kick that Dumas tosses up half-heartedly.
Oleksiejczuk plants a one-two on the chin, and a clubbing left hand sends Dumas flying to the mat. Oleksiejczuk pounces, and he unleashes a fury of elbows and punches. Dumas stays shelled up on his back, defending and moving but still taking strikes. With Goddard watching closely, Oleksiejczuk bombards his downed foe with one final barrage of punches and elbows
, and Goddard determines that Dumas is no longer intelligently defending himself and waves the fight off. The Floridian immediately protests, motioning that he was moving back and forth, but there is nothing more he can do. Proudly training with former foe Caio Borralho, Oleksiejczuk maximizes his time on the microphone by donning the Fighting Nerds glasses and calling out Paul Craig.

The Official Result
Michael Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas R1 2:49 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)
Expert Picks (3)
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Lean picked Apr 11, 2025 (1 day before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Connor picks Michał Oleksiejczuk out of spite, believing he has faced much better competition than Dumas and should be capable of putting pressure on him. He notes that Oleksiejczuk's game plan should be simple: throw the same one-two, pressure, and not fall in on his strikes. Connor acknowledges that Oleksiejczuk often does something stupid and loses, but hopes he can execute a basic game plan.

Same odds commentary as Zane.
"I think I'm going to pick Olexagic just out of like dogged. Spite."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Apr 16, 2025 (fight day)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel Levi was happy to see Michał Oleksiejczuk get a first-round stoppage over Sedriques Dumas. He praises Oleksiejczuk for changing his training environment to the Fighting Nerds and showing maturity and measured striking, outstriking Dumas 34 to 3 in under three minutes.

"What I was really happy about was seeing Mllicha go out there and get that first round stoppage over Cedric's Dumas."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Lean picked Apr 11, 2025 (1 day before fight)
Sedriques Dumas

Zane picks Sedriques Dumas, reasoning that Oleksiejczuk has a tendency to self-destruct spectacularly, and Dumas' physicality and athleticism will allow him to capitalize on Oleksiejczuk's mistakes. He notes that Oleksiejczuk loves to explode without warning, and Dumas can wait for that to happen. Zane acknowledges Dumas' losses to Josh Fremd and Abu Sultan Rozybaev show he struggles against non-cans, but believes Oleksiejczuk's impulsiveness will be his downfall.

Oleksiejczuk opened at -197, now -194; Dumas opened at +162, now +172.
"I think I have to pick Dumas."
Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28) R3 5:00
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Sharabutdin Magomedov 0 97 of 178 54% 123 of 209 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 77 of 146 52% 94 of 172 3 of 7 42% 0 0 2:39
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Sharabutdin Magomedov 0 40 of 74 54% 42 of 76 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 35 of 53 66% 36 of 54 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:08
2 Sharabutdin Magomedov 0 35 of 64 54% 37 of 67 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 24 of 52 46% 28 of 58 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:44
3 Sharabutdin Magomedov 0 22 of 40 55% 44 of 66 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 18 of 41 43% 30 of 60 2 of 3 66% 0 0 1:47
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Sharabutdin Magomedov 97 of 178 54% 52 of 112 33 of 52 12 of 14 89 of 163 8 of 15 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 77 of 146 52% 45 of 103 18 of 27 14 of 16 72 of 138 4 of 6 1 of 2
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Sharabutdin Magomedov 40 of 74 54% 16 of 39 17 of 26 7 of 9 38 of 69 2 of 5 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 35 of 53 66% 23 of 38 9 of 11 3 of 4 34 of 50 1 of 3 0 of 0
2 Sharabutdin Magomedov 35 of 64 54% 24 of 48 7 of 12 4 of 4 33 of 60 2 of 4 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 24 of 52 46% 12 of 35 5 of 9 7 of 8 22 of 50 2 of 2 0 of 0
3 Sharabutdin Magomedov 22 of 40 55% 12 of 25 9 of 14 1 of 1 18 of 34 4 of 6 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 18 of 41 43% 10 of 30 4 of 7 4 of 4 16 of 38 1 of 1 1 of 2
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Magomedov (-238), Oleksiejczuk (+195)

Round 1
The latest hot commodity out of Russia for the UFC, Magomedov (13-0, 2-0 UFC) has a stiff test in front of him in the power-punching Pole Oleksiejczuk (19-8, 1 NC; 7-6, 1 NC UFC). “Shara Bullet” has passed every previous exam set before him, winning most thus far via strikes. Together, they have performed 25 knockouts, so referee Dan Movahedi is prepped and ready for the potential of a 26th. Interested in lopping the other’s head off at the stem, they pass right by touching gloves. Bouncing towards and away from one another in alternating stances, Oleksiejczuk is the first to reach his opponent. Oleksiejczuk reaches his foe with a right and a left while Magomedov kicks. Oleksiejczuk jabs and defends a right hand and a trio of kicks. Oleksiejczuk knocks his man off his seat with a left hand, and Magomedov pulls on the fence to stand back up. Oleksiejczuk bears down on him with two left hooks, and he aims a left to the body while Magomedov kicks him twice in the side. Oleksiejczuk connects with a left hand and eats a left hand counter, and he digs a left to the torso. Magomedov chips with two kicks and absorbs another flush left hand, and Oleksiejczuk aims another heavy left at the ribs. Magomedov tries to spin with a punch, and he catches Oleksiejczuk coming in with a knee. Oleksiejczuk windmills a left hand, and the second he throws lands flush. Magomedov replies with a short few punches, and an elbow gets Oleksiejczuk’s attention and shreds him open. Magomedov knees him and pushes Oleksiejczuk away, but Oleksiejczuk walks right towards him again and parries two high kicks. Oleksiejczuk digs a left to the side and absorbs a clean knee and a side kick to the same spot, and he loops a right hand over the guard. Magomedov lands a body kick and pulls on the top of the head, getting off a head kick and taking a left hand off the forehead. Magomedov lands and gets tagged, but his knee connects cleanly as Oleksiejczuk tries to tie him up. There is a brief Thai clinch, and they separate as Oleksiejczuk swarms with left hooks. Oleksiejczuk kicks the front leg and tries to catch a side kick, as Magomedov buzzes him with spinning back elbow. Magomedov skirts away and pitches out side kicks, and he has a leg kick checked. Oleksiejczuk wings a left up high when a head kick flies at him, and he backs Magomedov of with a second left. Oleksiejczuk pounds on the body with a knee and a kick, and he swipes out with a right hand. Oleksiejczuk drills the chest with a straight left, and he lumbers forward swinging lefts. Magomedov gets off a body kick and ducks a swinging punch, and he dodges the worst of the wild punches except for one. The Russian misses a head kick right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov

Round 2
Oleksiejczuk is so amped up to go, Movahedi has to back him up halfway across the cage. They practically sprint out of their corners to start fighting again, with Oleksiejczuk backing the Russian off immediately. Magomedov snipes at his opponent while backing off, with a side kick, low kick and check left hook. Oleksiejczuk lumbers at him with looping punches, and Magomedov’s head movement keeps him largely safe. Magomedov scores with front kicks, and Oleksiejczuk lands a left to the body and then one up top. Magomedov stuns his foe with a Superman punch, and Oleksiejczuk turns him around with a left hand. Magomedov fakes a spin, and his front leg gets kicked when recovering. Oleksiejczuk uses a body lock to try to take the fight down, and Magomedov blatantly grabs the fence to stay on his feet and is not called because Movahedi is on the wrong side. Oleksiejczuk releases him and eats a right to the body and a right to the head that briefly shakes him up. Blood flows from the left side of his head on multiple wounds, and he still is headhunting and throwing everything he has. Oleksiejczuk kicks the front leg and whiffs on a left hook, and he walks into a check hook and a jab. Oleksiejczuk responds with a clean left hand, and Magomedov stands firm and answers with a straight right hand down the pipe. They both throw hands at the same time, with Oleksiejczuk landing cleaner as he dodges the sneaky front-leg head kick. Oleksiejczuk gets in a left hand as Magomedov bounces and moves, and he has a massive left hand miss him by a matter of millimeters. Oleksiejczuk rips a left to the side as he jabs his way forward, and a left hook brushes the beard. Oleksiejczuk blocks a head kick as the crowd oohs, and Magomedov is quick to throw another low kick. Magomedov jumps into his offense, and he lines up several knees before Oleksiejczuk can push him away. Oleksiejczuk reaches his foe with a left and a right, and he takes a deep breath. Magomedov slips a punch and zips a counter up high, and he remains in perpetual motion while not staying in the same spot for long. Oleksiejczuk kicks the front leg and loops a left over the top, and he dodges a left hook and counters cleanly. Magomedov connects with a head kick, and Oleksiejczuk throws him to the floor and hops onto the back when they hit the mat. Oleksiejczuk sneaks a single hook in and considers a choke, but Magomedov hand-fights to prevent anything from materializing. Oleksiejczuk fastens one arm beneath the chin, and Magomedov punches him from behind until the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov

Round 3
The middleweights meet in the middle after 10 minutes of blood and guts battle. Magomedov misses with a knee, and Oleksiejczuk belts him in the jaw. “Shara Bullet” mocks him, asking if that is all he has, and Oleksiejczuk swings hard in response. Oleksiejczuk loops a left over the top, and he gets kicked in the guts while wading forward. Oleksiejczuk telegraphs a left hand that Magomedov is able to block, and speed is on the side of the Russian at this point. Magomedov delivers a kick to the body, and he laughs off the attacks from Oleksiejczuk. Oleksiejczuk whiffs on looping shots as he walks forward, and Magomedov keeps his hands down and moves from side toe side. Oleksiejczuk is an inch out of range from a brutal left hand, and he follows him around and scores one. Magomedov knees him in the face and then side kicks him square on the jaw, and Oleksiejczuk can do nothing but tank it. Magomedov connects with a side kick, and Oleksiejczuk punches him in the body back. Magomedov swats with left hands and side kicks, and he leans back when Oleksiejczuk loads up on his left hand. Magomedov hammers the body with several knees, and he kicks the Polish fighter in the head, who does not budge. Oleksiejczuk lands a leg kick and wings a left hook, and Magomedov once more boots him upside the head. Oleksiejczuk grabs hold of him and throws him to the canvas in response, and Magomedov wall-walks and keeps his balance to prevent the mat return. Oleksiejczuk attempts a double, and Magomedov stops it. Magomedov stands him up and slashes him with an elbow, and Oleksiejczuk keeps his chin tucked and unleashes a left hand. With a minute to go, Oleksiejczuk sprints forward and grabs hold of a single, dumping “Shara Bullet” to the canvas. Magomedov lands several rabbit punches to the back of the head, and Movahedi warns him for the fouls. Magomedov hacks with elbows from his back, and these may have cut Oleksiejczuk a few more times. Oleksiejczuk tries to mount some offense, and they proceed to trade strikes right to the final horn.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov (30-27 Magomedov)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov (30-27 Magomedov)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov (30-27 Magomedov)

The Official Result
Sharabudtin Magomedov def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Expert Picks (7)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jul 28, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov

Angelo picks Magomedov despite concerns about his recent activity and lack of killer instinct. He thinks Magomedov is still very powerful and should be good enough to win, especially as Oleksiejczuk fades late. He notes Magomedov's busy schedule and possible lack of camp, but still expects a win.

Over 1.5 rounds if line available
"Char marov is going to be the pick"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Aug 1, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov

Big Brady is confident in Sharabutdin due to Oleksiejczuk's concerning situation: he is not with a team, training in his garage, talking about retirement, and has been finished quickly in recent fights. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's heart is not in it and he will fold after the first few minutes, predicting a first-round knockout for Sharabutdin.

"I got to go sh here I I'm not sure what's going on with meluk but whatever is going on it's it's super weird"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Jul 30, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov

Cody picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, noting that Michał Oleksiejczuk has one foot out the door, training in his garage and talking about retirement. He believes Shara is still improving and has more upside, while Oleksiejczuk has stagnated. Cody thinks Shara's cardio and grappling will improve fight to fight, and that Oleksiejczuk's only path is an early knockout. He also mentions Shara is being fed winnable opponents.

"Char is the pick."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked Jul 31, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov

Daniel believes Shara has a superior striking arsenal and will capitalize on Oleksiejczuk's overly aggressive style. He notes that Oleksiejczuk makes bonehead mistakes on the mat and likes to brawl, which plays into Shara's hands. He thinks Shara will blast the body and take advantage of openings, and that the time to fade Shara is not now but against a real grappler.

"give me Shara there to come out here and get the dub"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Aug 1, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Oleksiejczuk will crowd Magomedov, causing issues for his kicking game. If he reins in his durability, he should land big power and possibly knock out Magomedov in the first two rounds.

knockout in first two rounds
"ol shj has a little bit of a durability issue but if he can Reign it in for this matchup and really keep Mago medov on the back foot he should be able to land that big Power and I think he could possibly knock out malov in the first two rounds"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Jul 30, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov

Paul picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, citing Oleksiejczuk's poor cardio and submission losses. He notes that Oleksiejczuk has been submitted multiple times and that Shara's striking is good enough to outvolume him. Paul expects Shara to finish late or win a decision, and mentions a potential Shara late finish prop. He also points out that Oleksiejczuk has no cardio and poor grappling.

Shara late finish prop
"I'd be interested in like um Mega mov late prop maybe this squeez into the third round."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Jul 30, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov

The MMA Guru picks Sharabutdin Magomedov over Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing Magomedov's superior striking and low kicks. He notes Oleksiejczuk's poor mindset, having commented that he will probably lose. He thinks Magomedov's technical outside work will be enough, despite his weak ground game. He mentions Oleksiejczuk's vulnerability to low kicks while moving backwards.

"I'm going to pick Shara magedov to win this fight I think he's better than maau Alex Atri on the feet"
Technical Submission (armbar) R1 1:34
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Kevin Holland 0 8 of 17 47% 8 of 17 0 of 0 --- 1 0 0:16
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 8 of 18 44% 9 of 19 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:31
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Kevin Holland 0 8 of 17 47% 8 of 17 0 of 0 --- 1 0 0:16
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 8 of 18 44% 9 of 19 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:31
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Kevin Holland 8 of 17 47% 5 of 13 3 of 4 0 of 0 8 of 17 0 of 0 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 8 of 18 44% 5 of 15 3 of 3 0 of 0 6 of 13 0 of 0 2 of 5
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Kevin Holland 8 of 17 47% 5 of 13 3 of 4 0 of 0 8 of 17 0 of 0 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 8 of 18 44% 5 of 15 3 of 3 0 of 0 6 of 13 0 of 0 2 of 5
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Holland (-265), Oleksiejczuk (+215)

Round 1
After a while at welterweight, the ultra-active Holland (25-11, 1 NC; 12-8, 1 NC UFC) is bouncing back to 185 pounds for a relatively short-notice affair. He takes on powerful Polish slugger Oleksiejczuk (19-7, 1 NC; 7-5, 1 NC UFC) in a fight between two men with finish rates around 80%. Referee Herb Dean has donned his hard hat for what’s about to come, as it could end quickly and violently. The fighters share a swift fist bump ahead of the melee, and Holland is backed off in a hurry from a heavy right hand from the Polish man. Holland slides away from another, and Oleksiejczuk is headhunting and loaded for bear. Holland stays on his bike, keeping just out of reach, and he sits down on a kick and pushes Oleksiejczuk away. At the same time, Oleksiejczuk unleashes a left hand, and he knocks Holland to his seat. Holland falls to his back, getting pounded on from hammerfists, and he clears his head and snatches up an armbar in the blink of an eye. Oleksiejczuk tries to step over, and in the process, Holland rolls his foe over, wrenching on it with all his might. Oleksiejczuk tries to sit up, and Holland tells Dean that he broke Oleksiejczuk’s arm. Dean looks down at the damaged limb, and he has immediate flashbacks of Tim Sylvia against Frank Mir and waves the fight off when seeing the elbow is backwards and something appears to be protruding that should not be doing that. Oleksiejczuk protests, but he cannot raise his arm and it is clearly in dire straits. An elated “Trailblazer” climbs up and jumps out of the cage to share words with Trump, White, Hunter Campbell and matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard. Holland proudly declares himself the ultimate gatekeeper—his words, not ours—and he says he will fight anyone at 170, 185 or higher.

The Official Result
Kevin Holland def. Michal Oleksiejczuk R1 1:34 via Technical Submission (Armbar)
Expert Picks (9)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked May 26, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Kevin Holland

Angelo picks Kevin Holland despite the short notice, believing his range, accuracy, and experience will overcome Michał Oleksiejczuk's early power. He notes that Holland is the bigger fighter and has a massive advantage on the ground. He is a little worried about Oleksiejczuk's fast hands but is confident Holland will win.

"Kevin Holland is going to be the pick I'm pretty confident in him to get it done"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked May 31, 2024 (1 day before fight)
Kevin Holland

Big Brady likes Kevin Holland a lot, stating he should not only win but win dominantly by finish (KO or submission). He believes Holland has advantages everywhere and that Oleksiejczuk is a round-one knockout bust if the fight goes to the second. He acknowledges Holland's poor fight IQ but thinks this is a big step down in competition. He expects a finish, possibly in the first round.

Kevin Holland wins inside the distance, finish in first round possible
"I like Holland here and he's not too expensive he's only 9k I think he's live for a finish it could be early as well"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked May 29, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Kevin Holland

Cody picks Holland, calling Oleksiejczuk a 'glass cannon' who fades after the first round. He notes Oleksiejczuk's six first-round KOs but argues his wins are over low-level opposition. Cody believes Holland's durability, volume, and pace will be too much, and that Holland's frame at 185 lbs is fine. He suggests Holland is a better value at -280 than Makhachev at -700.

"Oleksiejczuk is a front runner... his game just totally falls apart when the fight extends beyond the first round... Kevin Holland is the pick."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Confident picked May 28, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel fades Holland due to his tendency to fool around and rely on physical gifts. He believes Oleksiejczuk's pressure and durability will break Holland, citing his fights with Krylov and Jacoby. He worries about Holland's neck attacks but sees value in the underdog.

"I'm gonna go on a limb here and actually take the underdog"
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert Hesitant picked May 30, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Kevin Holland

Daniel Vreeland picks Kevin Holland despite being unhappy about it. He argues that Holland doesn't walk into shots on the feet and has survived fights with excellent strikers like Jack Della Maddalena and Michael Venom Page without being knocked out. Vreeland doesn't see Oleksiejczuk as the guy to finally tag Holland, nor does he think Oleksiejczuk can win a decision. He acknowledges Holland fights stupidly but sees no path for Oleksiejczuk.

"I don't see a way that Ola shck gets his hands on him"
JE
Jeff Fox Expert Confident picked May 30, 2024 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Jeff Fox picks Oleksiejczuk because he has no faith in Kevin Holland fighting smart. He notes Holland has lost two straight and tends to eat shots. Fox points to Oleksiejczuk's knockout of Sam Alvey and his power, believing he can catch Holland. He dismisses Holland's durability against top strikers, saying Oleksiejczuk is the type to land a big shot.

"I don't have any faith in Kevin Holland I'm taking here"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked May 27, 2024 (5 days before fight)
Kevin Holland

The host expects Holland to use his length and footwork to keep Oleksiejczuk at range and eventually find a finish. Oleksiejczuk's pressure style may be nullified by Holland's striking and sneaky submission game. However, the host notes that Holland is tough to trust at -260, but if he fights smart, he should win inside the distance.

inside the distance
"I'm going to go Holland and Holland inside the distance."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked May 29, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Kevin Holland

Paul picks Holland, noting his incredible chin and durability. He expects Oleksiejczuk to have early success but fade, and Holland to find his groove and finish via submission (club and sub). He mentions Holland's submission skills and Oleksiejczuk's poor cardio. Paul likes Holland by submission at +275.

Holland by submission (+275)
"Holland for all his flaws his chin is incredible... I feel like Oleksiejczuk will have some big time success early and then Holland will find his groove... I kind of see this ending in a club and sub type of situation."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Hesitant picked May 27, 2024 (5 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The MMA Guru picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, though he is hesitant. He believes Kevin Holland has lost his snap and grit, and that Oleksiejczuk will have a weight advantage at 185. He notes Oleksiejczuk's underrated grappling and ability to outgrapple Holland. He worries about Holland's motivation and thinks Oleksiejczuk has more drive.

"I'm going to go with maau atrick though I think he's got more drive"
Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) R1 1:01
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michel Pereira 0 11 of 15 73% 11 of 15 0 of 0 --- 1 0 0:18
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 1 of 4 25% 1 of 4 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michel Pereira 0 11 of 15 73% 11 of 15 0 of 0 --- 1 0 0:18
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 1 of 4 25% 1 of 4 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michel Pereira 11 of 15 73% 5 of 9 6 of 6 0 of 0 9 of 13 2 of 2 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 1 of 4 25% 0 of 3 1 of 1 0 of 0 1 of 4 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michel Pereira 11 of 15 73% 5 of 9 6 of 6 0 of 0 9 of 13 2 of 2 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 1 of 4 25% 0 of 3 1 of 1 0 of 0 1 of 4 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Michel Pereira
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pereira (-148), Oleksiejczuk (+124)

Round 1
A casual observer might look at this battle of Michel vs. Michal and not immediately know which one competed at light heavyweight recently. By the size of Pereira (29-11, 2 NC; 7-2 UFC), he does not look like the kind of person that made welterweight in 2022. On the other hand, Oleksiejczuk (19-6, 1 NC; 7-4, 1 NC UFC) appears well-suited for his newer, lighter weight class, and his knockout last year over Chidi Njokuani shines on his ledger. Pereira is psyched to compete in Miami, and he brings his cousin with him to do a synchronized, choreographed dance before walking out. This potentially wild 185-pound affair will be officiated by referee Dan Miragliotta, and there is a quick glove touch from the competitors to get it going. Pereira hops back and forth, changing stances, and he dodges a right hand and rips two kicks to the body. Oleksiejczuk goes over the top with a right hook, and Pereira backs off and skirts to the side. Pereira lands two speedy punches before springing to the side, and he drives a right hand on the solar plexus and hurts Oleksiejczuk. Oleksiejczuk backs off to the fence, bent over but trying to remain on his feet, and Pereira charges at him and knees him twice in the same spot to buckle the Polish fighter’s knees.
Oleksiejczuk slumps to the ground, and Pereira leaps around to take his back and grab hold of a rear-naked choke without even bothering to get a hook in. The Brazilian locks down the choke and his forearm slides beneath the chin, and he squeezes with all his might. Oleksiejczuk does not once consider tapping, and he fades into unconsciousness as the submission puts him all the way out.
Miragliotta pulls them apart when recognizing Oleksiejczuk is out cold, and Pereira rushes to the center of the cage and breakdances to celebrate. What a performance for Pereira, who has now won seven in a row and may soon be a contender at his new weight class of middleweight.

The Official Result
Michel Pereira def. Michal Oleksiejczuk R1 1:01 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Expert Picks (6)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Mar 3, 2024 (6 days before fight)
Michel Pereira

Angelo picks Michel Pereira, citing his better cardio, power, and grappling. He notes Oleksiejczuk has a great chin but can fade. He has a half-unit bet on Pereira at -130, but keeps it small because Oleksiejczuk could survive early and outpoint him.

Half unit bet on Pereira at -130.
"I still think P wins this fight and I do like the odds at minus 130 I've got a little bit of a bet on that as well half a unit on P here"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Mar 5, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Big Brady picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by decision. He notes that while Pereira has a BJJ black belt, he doesn't wrestle often and lacks the cardio to grapple for 15 minutes. He expects the fight to stay on the feet, where Oleksiejczuk's forward pressure, body work, and volume will wear down Pereira and win the later rounds.

win by decision
"I'm going to go Mel o to win this fight Win It by decision I think the bodyw work's going to come into play the cardio the volume is all going to come into play"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Mar 6, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Michel Pereira

Cody notes that Pereira has matured and now fights more conservatively, using his accuracy and wrestling. He thinks Oleksiejczuk is a reckless brawler with poor takedown defense, and Pereira will counter him and mix in takedowns to win a decision.

"I will go with Pereira"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Mar 4, 2024 (5 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Oleksiejczuk has great durability and forward pressure, marching forward and breaking opponents with his boxing. He has eaten clean shots and continued to push. Pereira is dangerous early with his unorthodox power, but Oleksiejczuk's durability should allow him to weather the early storm. As the fight goes on, Oleksiejczuk will start to catch Pereira, coral him against the cage, and land combinations. I expect Oleksiejczuk to get a finish in the second or third round, possibly by knockout.

Oleksiejczuk by knockout, live betting Oleksiejczuk after first round
"I have to lean with the O shuk side here as I believe that his durability will allow him to kind of just way through the early threat that Pera normally uh implements in his fights and from there I think that o shuk will start to catch up with Pereira"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Mar 6, 2024 (3 days before fight)
Michel Pereira

Paul agrees, highlighting Pereira's improved fight IQ and the fact that he looked great at 185. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's wrestling is exploitable and that Pereira has multiple ways to win.

"Pereira is the pick for me as well"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Mar 5, 2024 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The MMA Guru picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing concerns about Michel Pereira's finishing ability and cardio. He notes Pereira failed to finish chinny fighters like Andre Fialho and Nico Price, and that Oleksiejczuk is extremely tough and has power. He predicts Oleksiejczuk will pressure Pereira, take him down, and finish with a body shot TKO in round two.

round two body shot TKO
"I'm GNA say round two body shot TKO from maau Alex huk"
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 29 of 57 50% 30 of 58 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:09
Chidi Njokuani 0 44 of 72 61% 54 of 85 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:36
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 29 of 57 50% 30 of 58 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:09
Chidi Njokuani 0 44 of 72 61% 54 of 85 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:36
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 29 of 57 50% 7 of 21 18 of 32 4 of 4 19 of 37 10 of 20 0 of 0
Chidi Njokuani 44 of 72 61% 31 of 59 12 of 12 1 of 1 17 of 36 4 of 5 23 of 31
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 29 of 57 50% 7 of 21 18 of 32 4 of 4 19 of 37 10 of 20 0 of 0
Chidi Njokuani 44 of 72 61% 31 of 59 12 of 12 1 of 1 17 of 36 4 of 5 23 of 31
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Chidi Njokuani vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oleksiejczuk (-115), Njokuani (-105)

Round 1
The middleweight strikers go to work at the behest of referee Thomas Fan. Njokuani immediately grabs a thai clinch and punishes Oleksiejczuk with knees up the middle. Njokuani fires off a salvo of push kicks. Oleksiejczuk closes the distance and Njokuani grabs another clinch, then fires off more knees. Oleksiejczuk lands a body punch. Njokuani clinches, but gives up his back standing. Njokuani breaks the grip and escapes. Njokuani lands a kick, then an ill-advised takedown attempt which the Pole pancakes, taking top position. Oleksiejczuk returns to the feet and Njokuani catches him with an intercepting knee, then a head kick that rocks him badly. Njokuani gives chase, punishing Oleksiejczuk with short elbows and knees. Oleksiejczuk throws back a right hand that lands flush and Njokuani is on wobbly legs.
Oleksiejczuk pursues, grounds Njokuani and pours on a stream of punches as Njokuani covers up. Referee Fan looks on closely, and after Njokuani rolls onto his side, intervenes for the stoppage.
Wild end to a wild one-round fight.

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Chidi Njokuani R1 4:16 via TKO (Punches)
Expert Picks (8)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Hesitant picked Aug 20, 2023 (6 days before fight)
Chidi Njokuani

Angelo likes Njokuani's speed, power, and distance control, but worries about his low volume and tendency to let others dictate pace. He notes that Oleksiejczuk has a solid chin but gets hit, and Njokuani could fall behind on scorecards. He picks Njokuani but with low to medium confidence and plans to stay away from betting or check props.

"Chidi will be the pick here because while McCall does have a solid chin he gets hit"
BI
Big Brady Expert Hesitant picked Aug 21, 2023 (5 days before fight)
Chidi Njokuani

Big Brady likes both fighters but is concerned about Oleksiejczuk's size disadvantage, as Njokuani has a six-inch reach advantage and will tower over him. He thinks the fight will stay standing and Njokuani's power and reach will be key. He acknowledges Oleksiejczuk's body work and chin but picks Njokuani to land a big shot early. He calls it his least confident pick.

first round knockout
"I'm gonna pick Chidi and jaquani here to to land a big shot early"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Aug 24, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Cody picks Oleksiejczuk, noting his power and forward pressure. He thinks Njokuani is vulnerable and may fade. Cody expects a finish inside the distance, likely by knockout.

fight ends inside distance
"I just feel like maybe he's vulnerable and uh a guy like Michael Alexa check can go out there and capitalize"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Lean picked Aug 24, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing his insane pressure and body work. He notes that Chidi doesn't like pressure fighters and has a questionable gas tank. He mentions that Michał is hittable but comes forward relentlessly. He is not confident, calling it a slight lean, and thinks the fight ends inside the distance. He suggests betting both KO props for profit.

Fight ends inside the distance (minus 280), Chidi by KO +215, Michał by KO +190
"I like Nicole here I'm waiting The Lion King people keep betting chitty so I'm just gonna wait as this line goes down and I'm gonna try to hit Nicole hopefully at the bottom"
LU
Lucrative James Expert Confident picked Aug 26, 2023 (fight day)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

James picks Michał Oleksiejczuk after initially leaning the other way. He believes Chidi Njokuani can be a flake if things don't go his way, and his cardio drops when he's not dominating. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's pressure, volume, and boxing will break Njokuani late, and he also has round one knockout upside. He notes Oleksiejczuk has never been finished and is dropping to a better weight class.

bet on Michał Oleksiejczuk moneyline
"I've got a bet on Michelle here"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Aug 22, 2023 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The host acknowledges Chidi Njokuani's Muay Thai and speed advantage, but believes he does not handle pressure well. He expects Michał Oleksiejczuk's forward pressure and body work to break Njokuani down, leading to a finish in the second or third round. The host notes that Oleksiejczuk has improved his grappling defense and that Njokuani is primarily a striker, so the Pole won't have to worry about takedowns.

"I feel like Olex will break into kawani and then find that finished in the second or third round."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Aug 24, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Paul picks Oleksiejczuk, citing his better durability and power. He notes Njokuani's takedown defense issues and expects a brawl. Paul is not highly confident but leans Oleksiejczuk.

fight ends inside distance
"The pick is mikeyo confidence isn't very high"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Aug 22, 2023 (4 days before fight)
Chidi Njokuani

The MMA Guru picks Chidi Njokuani over Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing Njokuani's significant reach and height advantage (80-inch reach vs 74). He believes the fight will be mostly stand-up, where Njokuani's frame and presence will be imposing. He notes Oleksiejczuk's split decisions and less impressive wins, while Njokuani had close fights against Albert Duraev and Gregory Rodrigues. He predicts a TKO win for Njokuani.

TKO finish predicted
"I'm gonna have to go with Chinese here ... I like the frame of chidina jaquani here the imposure the presence in the cage"
Submission (rear-naked choke) R2 2:49
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Caio Borralho 0 34 of 55 61% 52 of 74 3 of 6 50% 1 0 2:39
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 30 of 65 46% 30 of 65 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:13
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Caio Borralho 0 25 of 45 55% 30 of 50 1 of 4 25% 0 0 0:41
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 26 of 55 47% 26 of 55 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:13
2 Caio Borralho 0 9 of 10 90% 22 of 24 2 of 2 100% 1 0 1:58
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 4 of 10 40% 4 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Caio Borralho 34 of 55 61% 19 of 37 10 of 13 5 of 5 18 of 37 5 of 7 11 of 11
Michał Oleksiejczuk 30 of 65 46% 13 of 44 17 of 21 0 of 0 26 of 61 4 of 4 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Caio Borralho 25 of 45 55% 12 of 29 10 of 13 3 of 3 13 of 31 5 of 7 7 of 7
Michał Oleksiejczuk 26 of 55 47% 12 of 38 14 of 17 0 of 0 22 of 51 4 of 4 0 of 0
2 Caio Borralho 9 of 10 90% 7 of 8 0 of 0 2 of 2 5 of 6 0 of 0 4 of 4
Michał Oleksiejczuk 4 of 10 40% 1 of 6 3 of 4 0 of 0 4 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Caio Borralho vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Borralho (-360), Oleksiejczuk (+295)

Round 1
Borralho has compiled three straight UFC victories after needing two appearances on Dana White’s Contender Series to earn a contract with the promotion. He’s the biggest betting favorite on the card against Oleksiejczuk, who is coming off back-to-back first-round KO/TKO victories. Jason Herzog is the referee for the co-main event. Oleksiejczuk moves in and partially lands a big left. The Pole jabs the body but Borralho answers with a hard leg kick. Oleksiejczuk attacks the body again. The Pole ducks under a punch and lands a stiff counter. Borralho just misses on a jumping knee. Oleksiejczuk digs to the body and then tags Borralho with a two punch combination. Oleksiejczuk counters with a left after absorbing a leg kick. Borralho shoots for a single leg but Oleksiejczuk keeps his feet. They separate from the clinch and Oleksiejczuk wings an overhand that misses the mark. A right hook by Borralho stuns Oleksiejczuk for a moment. Borralho lands a knee and uppercut in the clinch. Oleksiejczuk sits down on an overhand left but Borralho takes it. The Pole with a right hook to the body before clinching. He throws a knee and Herzog calls time, determining that it landed low. Action resumes in short order. A jumping knee from Borralho but Oleksiejczuk is undeterred. A straight left from Oleksiejczuk tags the Brazilian . Oleksiejczuk stuffs a takedown but eats a knee in close. Borralho lands a left hand followed by an uppercut to the body. Borralho gets a takedown from the rear waistlock and he works his way around to the back near the fence. Oleksiejczuk is on all fours trying to survive the final seconds. Borralho lands a few knees to the body before the horn.

Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Borralho

Round 2
Oleksiejczuk pressures early and he jabs the body. Borralho lands a right hook to the head in response. Oleksiejczuk steps in with a straight left and Borralho answers with a pair of low kicks. Borralho times a double leg takedown perfectly but Oleksiejczuk returns to his feet immediately. Borralho peels the Pole off the fence and settles into half guard. The Brazilian passes to mount and drops a big elbow. Borralho controls one hand and peppers Oleksiejczuk with short lefts. Oleksiejczuk gives up his back and Borralho secures a body triangle. Borralho punches under the armpit and then the side of the head.
The Brazilian then swiftly slides his left arm under the chin of his foe and locks in the rear-naked choke. Oleksiejczuk taps in a matter of seconds.
Borralho has won four straight in the Octagon and has his first finish in UFC competition.

The Official Result
Caio Borralho def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 2:49
Expert Picks (4)
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Apr 26, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Caio Borralho

Cody picks Borralho despite the high price, citing Borralho's superior grappling, wrestling, and cardio advantages. He notes that Borralho is a smart fighter with high ring IQ who will use his grappling to control the fight, even if it's not exciting. He acknowledges Oleksiejczuk's power and chance early, but believes Borralho's path to victory is clear through takedowns and control.

"I think Kyle will do the right thing which is use his grappling which is the easiest path to victory for him here so I do think he's gonna win"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert Confident picked Apr 27, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Connor is unimpressed with Borralho's striking, calling it a 'paper tiger' with low activity and poor defense. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's chaotic pressure and durability will overwhelm Borralho, and that Borralho's takedown game won't be enough to control Oleksiejczuk for three rounds. He notes Oleksiejczuk's tendency to gas but believes Borralho lacks the discipline to exploit it.

Odds mentioned: Borralho opened -292, currently -338. Oleksiejczuk opened +248, currently +280.
"I am also going to pick Alex Sajak largely because Bihalyo hasn't lost yet."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Apr 26, 2023 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Paul is intrigued by Oleksiejczuk as a live underdog, noting his power and that he is a superior striker who can keep the fight standing. He points out that Oleksiejczuk has a history of first-round finishes and that Borralho has struggled to finish fights. Paul took a small bet on Oleksiejczuk by KO at +650, acknowledging the risk but seeing value.

Michał Oleksiejczuk by KO +650
"I found a Mikey Oh by KO plus 650 and I couldn't help myself I took a little dabble of that because that is wild and that's how he wins most of his fights"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert Confident picked Apr 27, 2023 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Zane agrees with Connor, citing Borralho's poor striking and decision-making. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's pressure and scrambling will cause Borralho problems, and that Borralho's takedowns won't be enough to secure a win. He notes the odds are wide but sticks with his feeling that Oleksiejczuk can do real damage.

Same odds commentary as Connor.
"I am also going to pick Alex Sajak largely because Bihalyo hasn't lost yet."
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 0 of 2 0% 1 of 3 3 of 3 100% 0 0 1:53
Cody Brundage 0 15 of 29 51% 25 of 40 0 of 0 --- 0 1 1:12
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 0 of 2 0% 1 of 3 3 of 3 100% 0 0 1:53
Cody Brundage 0 15 of 29 51% 25 of 40 0 of 0 --- 0 1 1:12
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 of 2 0% 0 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0
Cody Brundage 15 of 29 51% 13 of 27 2 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 1 0 of 0 15 of 28
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 of 2 0% 0 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 0
Cody Brundage 15 of 29 51% 13 of 27 2 of 2 0 of 0 0 of 1 0 of 0 15 of 28
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Cody Brundage vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oleksiejczuk (-275), Brundage (+230)

Round 1
The main card kicks off in the middleweight division, as two proud finishers come to blows in hopes of moving up the ladder in a wide-open 185-pound category. On the heels of two first-round stoppages, Brundage (8-2, 2-1 UFC) will battle it out against ex-light heavyweight Oleksiejczuk (17-5, 1 NC; 5-3, 1 NC UFC), who has also secured his last two victories in Round 1. It might be a short night at the office for referee Mark Smith, who is nevertheless prepared should we go all the way. The sportsmen touch fists to commence their scheduled melee, and Oleksiejczuk is quick to dart in and out with a left hand. Brundage sprints forward and takes one leg out, and he drags Oleksiejczuk straight down to the floor with a single. Brundage sits on top and hooks the leg to keep the Polish fighter down, but Oleksiejczuk still manages to work his way back up. Brundage leverages his body weight to drag Oleksiejczuk down from behind, and Oleksiejczuk grabs the fence to stop it but is sternly warned for the foul. Brundage still manages to get Oleksiejczuk down, and he hits a mat return as soon as Oleksiejczuk stands once more. Oleksiejczuk has his hand slapped out of the fence as he tugs on it to get a better spot, and Brundage slides to the side and attempts to claim mount. Oleksiejczuk turns the tables brilliantly to flip Brundage to his back, and he is quick to slam down fists and elbows to make up for lost time. Oleksiejczuk belts the American with vicious punches and elbows, all while moving Brundage away from the wall so he cannot stand up.
Oleksiejczuk wings wide left hands that collide on the dome, and Brundage drifts in and out of consciousness as he absorbs these unblocked, brutal blows. Oleksiejczuk continues pounding on Brundage, unleashing a fury of hellacious punches until Smith has seen enough and Brundage might have gone out.
The Polish fighter makes a statement by showing that he can survive off his back long enough to turn the tables, and laying a beating on the American wrestler.

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Cody Brundage R1 3:16 via KO (Punches)
Expert Picks (6)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Dec 11, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Angelo picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing that Cody Brundage is on short notice and he is wary of short notice fights at the end of the year. He thinks Oleksiejczuk can weather an early storm and potentially take a decision or late finish. He notes Oleksiejczuk has shoddy takedown defense but believes his speed and power will be enough.

Plans to bet on Cody Brundage more takedowns (prop bet) if the line is reasonable (e.g., -350 to -400)
"I think McCall's going to be able to weather an early storm potentially take a decision or even maybe a late finish McCall's gonna be the pick"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Dec 15, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Big Brady picks Oleksiejczuk to win by first-round knockout, noting his striking advantage and power. He acknowledges Brundage has good wrestling and could submit Oleksiejczuk if he gets takedowns, but thinks Oleksiejczuk's takedown defense may have improved. He expects the fight to start on the feet where Oleksiejczuk has a significant edge and will finish early.

Oleksiejczuk wins by KO in round 1
"I'll take Ola zaychuk to knock out Cody Brundage here... I'll take old zhuk to win by first round finish here knockout"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Dec 14, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Cody picks Oleksiejczuk, emphasizing his dynamic striking and power. He notes Brundage is there to get hit and has slow starts. He thinks Oleksiejczuk's cardio may be better at 185 and he will finish early. He likes under 2.5 rounds and inside the distance by knockout.

under 2.5 rounds, inside the distance by knockout
"I'm gonna go with the the Michael Alexa Chuck um inside the distance more specifically by knockout I think he gets the job done"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Dec 17, 2022 (fight day)
Cody Brundage

Oleksiejczuk looks like a killer but struggles when taken down and put on his back. Brundage has the ground game to get him down and either submit or TKO from top position. It will be a sweat getting the fight to the ground, but once there, Brundage should dominate.

1 unit at +230
"the fact of the matter is when guys are able to get him to the ground uh he looks like a fish water out of water off of his back"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Dec 14, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Paul picks Oleksiejczuk, noting he looked good at middleweight against Sam Alvey. He thinks Brundage is not elite and has been in tough spots. He expects Oleksiejczuk to land a knockout, as he is more talented and younger. He is concerned about cardio but thinks the power will be enough.

Oleksiejczuk inside the distance, specifically by knockout
"Mikey oh Mikey oh knockout is that how this one shakes out what do you think"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Dec 13, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The MMA Guru picks Michał Oleksiejczuk over Cody Brundage, citing Oleksiejczuk's crisp striking and experience. He notes Brundage is explosive but has a fluke factor to his wins, and was getting beaten up by Daukšas before finding a guillotine. He believes Oleksiejczuk is more prepared, having trained for a similar opponent, and predicts a first-round KO. He also mentions Brundage took the fight on short notice, which may affect his performance.

"I'm going with Macau Alex a truck here over Cody brandage"
TKO (punches) R1 1:56
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 3 of 11 27% 3 of 11 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Sam Alvey 2 22 of 37 59% 40 of 57 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:57
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 3 of 11 27% 3 of 11 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Sam Alvey 2 22 of 37 59% 40 of 57 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:57
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 3 of 11 27% 1 of 9 2 of 2 0 of 0 3 of 11 0 of 0 0 of 0
Sam Alvey 22 of 37 59% 18 of 33 4 of 4 0 of 0 10 of 19 0 of 1 12 of 17
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 3 of 11 27% 1 of 9 2 of 2 0 of 0 3 of 11 0 of 0 0 of 0
Sam Alvey 22 of 37 59% 18 of 33 4 of 4 0 of 0 10 of 19 0 of 1 12 of 17
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Sam Alvey vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oleksiejczuk (-560), Alvey (+430)

Round 1
To conclude this briefer than expected prelim card, striker battles striker when the much-maligned Alvey (33-17-1, 1 NC; 10-12-1 UFC) tries to finish his UFC contract on a high note and end a nearly historic skid against Oleksiejczuk (16-5, 1 NC; 4-3, 1 NC UFC). With 30 knockouts across their 49 wins, compared to just four submissions between them, it is clear what the gameplan is for both middleweights. Alvey struggled to hit his marks, while Oleksiejczuk dropped down to 185 for the first time. The fight opens with a partial glove touch, and Alvey’s smile is so infectious that even referee Herb Dean cracks one. Oleksiejczuk gives chase and immediately throws a left hand from downtown. Oleksiejczuk is out for blood, and he swings wildly and catches Alvey with his looping punches. Alvey escapes out the side and sneaks out a right hand, and Oleksiejczuk has to take a moment to recalculate his decision. Oleksiejczuk winds up with an absolutely massive left hand, and he knocks “Smile’n Sam” clear off his feet. Oleksiejczuk dives on top to pound on Alvey, and Alvey survives but is bloodied from the blows. Oleksiejczuk swarms him and forces Alvey to turn to his knees, and he pounds on Alvey with a long slew of left hands. Alvey explodes back up and shrugs at Oleksiejczuk, and he times an Oleksiejczuk punch with a double-leg takedown shot. Oleksiejczuk stuffs it and pushes Alvey back. Alvey pops his foe with a right hand, and Oleksiejczuk comes out guns blazing.
The Polish fighter rips a left to the body, pushes out a distracting right up high and follows it with a bomb of a left hand that detonates on Alvey’s jaw. Alvey hits the floor like a sack of potatoes as his children cry out from the outskirts of the cage, and Dean rushes in to rescue a busted up Alvey from his own toughness.
With the fight over, the defeated Alvey leans back with a bloody grimace, not protesting the stoppage this time. He sits up, and stands to go stick his tongue out at the camera, showing that he is not as hurt as he seemed. Unfortunately for Alvey, his nine-fight winless stretch is now a new UFC record, breaking a tie with B.J. Penn. Meanwhile, Oleksiejczuk announces himself in his new division with a crushing knockout of a durable foe.

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sam Alvey R1 1:56 via TKO (Punches)
Expert Picks (6)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Jul 31, 2022 (6 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Angelo picks Michał Oleksiejczuk despite his poor performance against Dustin Jacoby. He highlights Oleksiejczuk's speed and pressure, and notes that Sam Alvey's chin may be fading after getting rocked by Brendan Allen. He believes Oleksiejczuk can stay on the outside and avoid Alvey's wild strikes to win.

"michael's going to be my pick here because even though he looked pretty bad in that fight with dustin jacoby he's still lightning fast and we saw that sam alvey's chin might be fading here"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Aug 2, 2022 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Big Brady is very confident in Michał Oleksiejczuk, noting that Sam Alvey is on an eight-fight winless streak and has not won since 2018. He describes Alvey's style as low-volume and predictable, while Oleksiejczuk is a fast starter who throws combinations and attacks the body. He predicts a first-round knockout win for Oleksiejczuk, stating that Alvey's chin is questionable and he expects a statement performance.

first round knockout prediction
"i think ola zach should win this fight and i'm actually going to take all the stage to win by knockout and i'll say he does knock out alvey in the very first round"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Aug 3, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Cody also picks Oleksiejczuk, noting that Alvey's durability is fading and he has been stopped in recent fights. He mentions that Alvey's only chance is a puncher's chance, but his power hasn't been there. Cody believes Oleksiejczuk will swarm Alvey and finish him early, especially if Alvey goes into 'YOLO mode' for his last fight.

Under 1.5 rounds (+140); fight doesn't go to decision (-170)
"Oleksiejczuk gets the job done... I would say the under one and a half rounds... this will be a violent fight."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Aug 3, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel Levi picks Michał Oleksiejczuk as part of a parlay with Jamahal Hill, citing Sam Alvey's eight-fight winless streak, low output, and declining chin. He expects Oleksiejczuk to walk Alvey down and land big body shots and hooks, likely finishing him in the first round. Levi notes Alvey's counter right hand and guillotine as minor threats but believes Oleksiejczuk's power and pressure will be too much.

Parlayed with Jamahal Hill at -158 to win 2 units; predicts first-round KO
"I think Me Hall's gonna walk this dude down and I think he's gonna come out here land big body shots... knock out Sam Alvey in the first round"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Aug 3, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Paul picks Oleksiejczuk but is wary of the -700 price. He notes that Alvey is on a long losing streak and has lost durability. Paul is concerned about Oleksiejczuk's weight cut to 185 and wants to see weigh-ins. He suggests props like Oleksiejczuk by decision (+175) or inside the distance (-140).

Oleksiejczuk by decision (+175) or inside the distance (-140); under 1.5 rounds (+140)
"Oleksiejczuk will be the pick... minus 700 is too wide for me... I want to see the cut."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Aug 1, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The MMA Guru picks Michał Oleksiejczuk by first-round TKO via body shot. He notes Sam Alvey's recent decline, being finished by Brendan Allen and Julian Marquez. He praises Oleksiejczuk's toughness and win over Shamil Gamzatov, and believes Alvey has no answer on the feet or on the ground. He also mentions Oleksiejczuk is only 27 and improving.

first round tko via body shot
"i'm going to go first round tko with her body shot for macaulay alex heychuck against sam alvey"
Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) R3 5:00
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Dustin Jacoby 0 89 of 243 36% 107 of 269 1 of 2 50% 0 0 3:10
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 69 of 173 39% 72 of 176 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:17
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Dustin Jacoby 0 22 of 80 27% 25 of 84 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:12
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 27 of 71 38% 27 of 71 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:06
2 Dustin Jacoby 0 36 of 80 45% 39 of 83 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:14
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 24 of 52 46% 25 of 53 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:11
3 Dustin Jacoby 0 31 of 83 37% 43 of 102 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:44
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 18 of 50 36% 20 of 52 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Dustin Jacoby 89 of 243 36% 74 of 222 13 of 19 2 of 2 70 of 214 18 of 28 1 of 1
Michał Oleksiejczuk 69 of 173 39% 59 of 160 10 of 13 0 of 0 66 of 170 3 of 3 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Dustin Jacoby 22 of 80 27% 13 of 69 8 of 10 1 of 1 22 of 80 0 of 0 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 27 of 71 38% 21 of 64 6 of 7 0 of 0 27 of 71 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Dustin Jacoby 36 of 80 45% 33 of 76 3 of 4 0 of 0 19 of 55 16 of 24 1 of 1
Michał Oleksiejczuk 24 of 52 46% 22 of 49 2 of 3 0 of 0 21 of 49 3 of 3 0 of 0
3 Dustin Jacoby 31 of 83 37% 28 of 77 2 of 5 1 of 1 29 of 79 2 of 4 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 18 of 50 36% 16 of 47 2 of 3 0 of 0 18 of 50 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Dustin Jacoby vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1
Throughout these prelims tonight for UFC 272, holdout fans will have to make the tough decision as to whether this fight card with no titles on the line but two five-round bouts will be worth about $80. Buy or sell, it may all hinge on the grudge match on the top of the billing tonight. Before we get there, we have a dozen matches to get through, and we begin things in the light heavyweight division. Making the most of his second stint with the promotion, former kickboxer Jacoby (16-5-1, 4-2-1 UFC) will aim to go unbeaten in his sixth straight UFC fight as he takes on the newly re-nicknamed “Hussar” Oleksiejczuk (16-4, 1 NC; 4-2, 1 NC UFC). Between them, 21 knockouts across their 32 victories have taken place, and referee Mark Smith may have his hands full to start the night. The gentlemen are happy to touch gloves before coming out swinging, and it’s on! Both men aim strikes at one another right off the bat, with the Polish man letting go with punches down the pipe while Jacoby backs off with a high kick. They miss, but the next blows that come are not inaccurate, as Jacoby sits down on a body kick and a left hand that reddens his foe’s nose up early. Oleksiejczuk goes to the body as he walks Jacoby down, and Jacoby pushes off with his left hand and his finger jabs straight into the eye of “Hussar,” who lets out a wail of pain as Smith is quick to intervene. After about 40 seconds of recovery, Oleksiejczuk blinks it out and is ready to continue but seems a little reticent and keeps his guard high to defend it. Oleksiejczuk scores a solid one-two as Jacoby advances briefly, and he stands right in front of Oleksiejczuk to throw hands with him. Oleksiejczuk sticks and moves, reaching him with a punch before catching a low kick. The Polish fighter lifts Jacoby’s leg up in the air and plants him on the mat, but Jacoby is able to scramble quickly enough to get back to his feet. Oleksiejczuk gets countered with a left as he strides forward, but he plants his right hand square on the nose of his retreating opponent. Oleksiejczuk continues to make Jacoby fight going backwards, taking Jacoby’s kicks out of the equation. “Hussar” gets off a few punches, ducking one and landing a solid left on the side of Jacoby’s jaw. Jacoby reaches up with a knee, and Oleksiejczuk greets him coming forward with a straight left hand that shakes him up. This makes Jacoby shoot in for an unexpected takedown, and he bails on it when there is nothing to it. Oleksiejczuk resets and targets a few punches to the body, putting volume together while Jacoby is more content to throw single power shots. Jacoby gets off a kick to the midsection up close, and he tries to time a counter knee when Oleksiejczuk bears down on him with long, rangy punches to the torso. A left from Jacoby opens a cut beneath Oleksiejczuk’s eye, and he pays it no mind and tags Jacoby with a clean left hook. A brief exchange from both men concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk

Round 2
The two start off the second round with a brief punch exchange, and Jacoby catches him with a short uppercut. Jacoby tags his opponent with a left hand, and he strings together a wild combination consisting of punches, knees to the body and kicks up close that hurt Oleksiejczuk. Jacoby drops his man down to his knees, and Oleksiejczuk is able to recover and spring back up but Jacoby will not let him off the hook. Jacoby throws everything he has to finish the fight, and Oleksiejczuk smartly defends himself and rebounds off the fence while shelling up, possibly on hopes of Jacoby punching himself out. “The Hanyak” slows on his offense and pursues a takedown instead, where he succeeds in grounding his Polish opponent briefly. Oleksiejczuk is able to work his way back up, eating shots all the while, and he stands back up to drill Jacoby in the side of the head with a left hand. Oleksiejczuk appears to have gathered himself, and his lefts are stinging Jacoby now as Jacoby wants to clinch and pursue body lock takedowns. Oleksiejczuk fights his way off the cage wall and turns his man around, and he gains space and ducks when Jacoby aims a right hand at him at the break. Oleksiejczuk gathers himself and starts walking Jacoby down again, and he clubs him with a solid left hand. Jacoby wears it well and gives it right back to him, and Oleksiejczuk shrugs it off and strides forward to engage. The two tie up and pummel against the fence, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby

Round 3
The light heavyweights touch gloves to come out for the last round, and Oleksiejczuk is fired up as he wades forward into the fire with a fast one-two. Jacoby slips the punches and takes a step back, reaching out with a jab and smacking Oleksiejczuk in the face with a follow-up left hand. Jacoby starts flicking out a jab a few times as Oleksiejczuk advances, and he times a lumbering Oleksiejczuk with a few punches. Oleksiejczuk feints and fakes, and he lunges forward only to get clipped with a left. Oleksiejczuk returns fire with two punches, and Jacoby jabs out with outstretched fingers to stab Oleksiejczuk in the same eye again. Smith is not thrilled, and he gives Jacoby a hard warning. Oleksiejczuk recovers after less than 30 seconds, and Jacoby leads the dance with a quick string of punches that get Oleksiejczuk’s attention. Jacoby steps in with a knee and times a left over the top shortly thereafter. Jacoby changes levels after scoring the strikes, going after a double as he jams Oleksiejczuk against the fence. “Hussar” fights off the takedown but continues to remain pressed to the wall, forced to defend from a takedown try from the former kickboxer. Jacoby grinds his man against the wire, occasionally getting off short strikes but far more focused on grounding the Polish fighter. Jacoby gets off a knee and an elbow, and Oleksiejczuk explodes out of the position and walks straight into a leg kick. Jacoby hops out of the way, and the fight comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-28 Jacoby)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-28 Jacoby)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-28 Jacoby)

The Official Result
Dustin Jacoby def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Expert Picks (7)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert Confident picked Feb 25, 2022 (8 days before fight)
Dustin Jacoby

Angelo picks Jacoby confidently, agreeing with the odds. He highlights Jacoby's leg kicks and technical striking. He notes Oleksiejczuk has a speed advantage but Jacoby's leg kicks will neutralize it. He expects Jacoby to win by TKO or one-sided decision.

"pretty confident here in dustin jacoby"
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Feb 28, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Dustin Jacoby

Big Brady picks Dustin Jacoby to win by decision. He notes that Jacoby has a significant size and reach advantage, and that Oleksiejczuk is small for light heavyweight. Brady believes Jacoby's kickboxing background and leg kicks will be key, and that Oleksiejczuk will have to close distance to land power shots. He also mentions that both fighters prefer to strike, and Jacoby is the more technical striker. Brady thinks the odds are about right and that Jacoby should win a decision.

Jacoby by decision
"i think dustin jacoby wins this fight and let's say he does win this fight by decision"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Mar 2, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Dustin Jacoby

Cody believes Jacoby is a bad matchup for Oleksiejczuk. He notes Jacoby's kicking game is a staple, while Oleksiejczuk throws almost no kicks and is a pure boxer. Jacoby can stay on the outside and kick, while Oleksiejczuk is undersized for 205 and may struggle to close distance. Cody expects Jacoby to win a decision or late finish.

"i think dustin jacoby absolutely uh absolutely eats his lunch makes it look pretty easy"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Lean picked Mar 3, 2022 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel Levi picks Michał Oleksiejczuk as a dog, citing the plus 180 odds. He thinks the line is off and that this is a close fight. He acknowledges Jacoby's diverse weapons but believes Oleksiejczuk's pressure and power could lead to a knockout. He notes that Jacoby gets hit and has a kickboxing chin, and that Oleksiejczuk is a dangerous striker. He says he slightly leans Oleksiejczuk from a betting perspective.

plus 180 odds
"i think it is you know mccall is the side if you're going to play this fight i just don't feel comfortable laying jacoby"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Confident picked Mar 2, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Dustin Jacoby

Jacoby is a technically superior striker with great feints, jabs, and leg kicks. Oleksiejczuk is a power puncher who struggles against technical strikers, as seen in the Bukowski fight. Jacoby's size and reach will allow him to control the distance and counter effectively. Oleksiejczuk's only chance is to land a big shot, but Jacoby's chin is solid. Jacoby should win a decision or get a late finish.

sprinkle on round 3 prop
"i already pulled the trigger at minus 194 i think that's a damn good spot i think he has a field day with mihal"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Lean picked Mar 2, 2022 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Paul picks Oleksiejczuk but is not confident. He notes Oleksiejczuk's boxing and aggression could be effective if he can back Jacoby up, but Jacoby's kicking and veteran savvy are concerns. Paul calls it a dog-or-pass fight and leans Oleksiejczuk due to his youth and improvements.

"i think i'm going to take prince michael but you like princess again i don't i don't love it"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Feb 28, 2022 (5 days before fight)
Dustin Jacoby

The MMA Guru picks Dustin Jacoby over Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing Jacoby's superior striking technique, cardio, range control, and chin compared to Modestas Bukauskas, who gave Oleksiejczuk a close fight. He believes Jacoby's kicks will be the difference, keeping Oleksiejczuk at range, and predicts a close 29-28 decision, possibly with a scare where Oleksiejczuk drops Jacoby in one round. He notes Oleksiejczuk has a power advantage but trusts Jacoby's full camp preparation.

"i'm going to side with dustin jacoby here over macau alexey chuck"
TKO (punches) R1 3:31
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 35 of 67 52% 35 of 67 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
Shamil Gamzatov 1 32 of 55 58% 32 of 55 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:03
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 35 of 67 52% 35 of 67 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
Shamil Gamzatov 1 32 of 55 58% 32 of 55 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:03
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 35 of 67 52% 16 of 45 13 of 16 6 of 6 34 of 65 1 of 2 0 of 0
Shamil Gamzatov 32 of 55 58% 27 of 48 5 of 7 0 of 0 29 of 48 0 of 0 3 of 7
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 35 of 67 52% 16 of 45 13 of 16 6 of 6 34 of 65 1 of 2 0 of 0
Shamil Gamzatov 32 of 55 58% 27 of 48 5 of 7 0 of 0 29 of 48 0 of 0 3 of 7
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Shamil Gamzatov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1
At light heavyweight, Dagestan native Gamzatov’s (14-0, 1-0 UFC) undefeated record will be on the line when he takes on proud Polish brawler Oleksiejczuk (15-4, 1 NC; 3-2, 1 NC UFC). The only four decision wins for Gamzatov have come in his last four fights, while Oleksiejczuk has yet to lose on the scorecards, so something might have to give here. Drawing the assignment is referee Dan Movahedi, who will be ready in case he needs to intervene suddenly. The gloves are not touched, and Oleksiejczuk starts to put on the pressure and lands a quick left hand to the body. Gamzatov stays on the outside, winging a few punches, and Oleksiejczuk avoids them and is ready to fight off the inevitable takedown try. He stuffs the first attempt, breaks the clinch and dodges a nasty uppercut. Gamzatov sits down on a right hand, and another careens off Oleksiejczuk’s head. Oleksiejczuk winds up with a looping left hand that rings Gamzatov’s bell, and he does not chase the finish and instead continues to rip lefts to the body. Gamzatov is throwing punches and appears to be closing his eyes when doing so, and Oleksiejczuk is not giving him much space to breathe. Gamzatov cracks his opponent with a right hand, but Oleksiejczuk eats it like a bowl of bigos and marches Gamzatov down. The punches from Gamzatov do not appear to have nearly the emphasis of his opponent, and Oleksiejczuk walks through strikes to land some of his own. Gamzatov lets loose a body kick, and he counters Oleksiejczuk on the way in with a clean right hand. After the midpoint of the round, Gamzatov takes a deep breath as he is constantly having to backpedal. Oleksiejczuk walks straight into an uppercut, and he laughs it off and stuffs a takedown that follows. Oleksiejczuk lines up a big power punch, and he just dodges a huge right hand that comes at him. When Oleksiejczuk targets the body, Gamzatov nails his opponent with a big right hand.
The body shots pay dividends for the Polish fighter, but it is a lancing uppercut that splits the guard and makes Gamzatov’s legs crumble beneath him. Some might imagine a purple-shirted man appearing in the bottom corner of the screen to shout "Toasty" as the uppercut wrecks Gamzatov. A small swarm of punches is all Oleksiejczuk needs to finish the job, as the unbeaten fighter is turtled up and is now no longer undefeated when Movahedi calls a stop to the fight.
What a performance for “Lord,” who lorded over his opponent with constant pressure and brutal body work to hand the Russian the first loss of his career.

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Shamil Gamzatov R1 3:31 via TKO (Punches)
Expert Picks (6)
BI
Big Brady Expert Lean picked Oct 26, 2021 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Big Brady picks the underdog Michał Oleksiejczuk to win a close decision. He is unimpressed with Gamzatov, noting he doesn't go for takedowns despite Oleksiejczuk's poor takedown defense. He thinks Oleksiejczuk will be more active and aggressive, and the fight will be close, possibly a split decision. He acknowledges Gamzatov has a clear path to victory if he wrestles, but doubts he will.

"I'm going to pick the dog here and mikhail olozaychuk to slightly edge it out."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Lean picked Oct 27, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Cody leans towards Oleksiejczuk as a dog, citing Gamzatov's unimpressive record and poor cardio. He notes Gamzatov hasn't finished anyone in 6 years, has low output, and gasses. Oleksiejczuk is faster, sharper, and has good body work. He thinks Oleksiejczuk can pressure, tire Gamzatov, and take him down.

"i'll finally take the lean towards the dog and take that plus 120 on my kio"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Oct 28, 2021 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel picks Michał Oleksiejczuk for the upset, citing his aggression and output. He notes Gamzatov is a low-output point fighter with unimpressive wins. Daniel believes Oleksiejczuk's forward pressure and body shots will be key. He acknowledges Oleksiejczuk's size disadvantage but thinks his volume and power will overcome it.

"give me michal oleg zaychuk for the upset here just by being the busier guy and landing the bigger blows"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Lean picked Oct 28, 2021 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Oleksiejczuk's constant forward pressure and volume should overwhelm Gamzatov, who prefers to counterstrike. Gamzatov doesn't grapple much, which he would need to slow Oleksiejczuk. Oleksiejczuk likely wins a decision by optically controlling the fight.

Oleksiejczuk by decision +285.
"I gotta favor the guy that's gonna be coming forward pretty much the entire time and in my opinion that's gonna be mihal oleg shayjuk."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert picked Oct 27, 2021 (3 days before fight)
No clear pick

Paul has trust issues with Oleksiejczuk after his poor performance against Modestas Bukauskas. He doesn't commit to a pick, saying he's not sure if he'll get there. He acknowledges the value might be on the dog but doesn't make a clear selection.

"i have trust issues with mikey oh right now i'm not sure if i'm gonna get there"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Oct 24, 2021 (6 days before fight)
Shamil Gamzatov

The MMA Guru picks Shamil Gamzatov over Michał Oleksiejczuk. He acknowledges that Gamzatov had a close fight with Clinton Dabbrow but considers Dabbrow underrated. He uses Ankalaev's similar close fight with Dabbrow as a placeholder, noting that Ankalaev went on to beat top competition. He thinks Oleksiejczuk is too one-dimensional, looking for the KO, and if he can't get it, he has no backup plan. He predicts Gamzatov will win by unanimous decision, possibly after surviving an early scare.

"i just feel like macau alex atrix a little bit too one-dimensional he looks for the ko blow if you can't really get the ko blow i don't really know what he does to try and get a win here"
Decision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 29–28) R3 5:00
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 58 of 167 34% 62 of 172 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:04
Modestas Bukauskas 0 56 of 122 45% 77 of 144 0 of 2 0% 0 0 1:09
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 18 of 62 29% 18 of 63 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Modestas Bukauskas 0 14 of 38 36% 14 of 38 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 23 of 56 41% 23 of 56 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:04
Modestas Bukauskas 0 20 of 40 50% 23 of 43 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:10
3 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 17 of 49 34% 21 of 53 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Modestas Bukauskas 0 22 of 44 50% 40 of 63 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:59
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 58 of 167 34% 44 of 146 14 of 21 0 of 0 55 of 159 3 of 8 0 of 0
Modestas Bukauskas 56 of 122 45% 30 of 93 26 of 29 0 of 0 53 of 119 3 of 3 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 18 of 62 29% 13 of 54 5 of 8 0 of 0 17 of 57 1 of 5 0 of 0
Modestas Bukauskas 14 of 38 36% 9 of 33 5 of 5 0 of 0 14 of 38 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Michał Oleksiejczuk 23 of 56 41% 16 of 48 7 of 8 0 of 0 22 of 54 1 of 2 0 of 0
Modestas Bukauskas 20 of 40 50% 12 of 31 8 of 9 0 of 0 19 of 39 1 of 1 0 of 0
3 Michał Oleksiejczuk 17 of 49 34% 15 of 44 2 of 5 0 of 0 16 of 48 1 of 1 0 of 0
Modestas Bukauskas 22 of 44 50% 9 of 29 13 of 15 0 of 0 20 of 42 2 of 2 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Modestas Bukauskas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1
Hold on tight, we are about to be treated to a light heavyweight brawl between Bukauskas (11-3, 1-1 UFC) and Oleksiejczuk (14-4, 1 NC; 2-2, 1 NC UFC) in an all-Eastern Europe clash. Eighteen knockouts across their combined 25 victories are attributed the 205-pound sluggers, and referee Jason Herzog may have his work cut out for him. There is a respectful glove touch before fists start flying. Bukauskas charges forward with a punch and a spinning back kick, and Oleksiejczuk ducks it and throws a haymaker back at him. There is no feeling-out process here, as Oleksiejczuk lands and Bukauskas fires right back. Bukauskas reaches out with a front kick, and dances out of the way when his Polish foe charges at him with a swarm of punches. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand, and Bukauskas is able to retreat before the others that follow it can find his chin. The Lithuanian lands another front kick, and he is timing the bull-rush of Oleksiejczuk and shoots in with a takedown only to get stood up. Bukauskas stands up and gets off a right hand, but he gets clipped with a left backing away. The two clinch up, only to shove off and trade leather again. Oleksiejczuk stalks him down, cutting off the cage and not letting Bukauskas get away. “Lord” gets off a left hand, but he gets rocked with a right hand. Bukauskas hurts him with follow-up shots, and a front kick to the solar plexus stings him as well. Oleksiejczuk gathers himself and recovers with a right hand, and Bukauskas’ hands are quicker and he reaches out a jab. Oleksiejczuk wings up with a monster right hook and hurts Bukauskas, but the Lithuanian shakes it off and gets back to his range. Oleksiejczuk lands at the end of a right hand, and he rushes forward with a looping left hand that Bukauskas is able toa void. “The Baltic Gladiator” stabs out a front kick a few times, piercing his foe’s midsection a few times with his toes. Bukauskas keeps his distance with long punches, but Oleksiejczuk catches up with him and plants his fist on Bukauskas’ body. Oleksiejczuk puts everything he has into a few wildly inaccurate strikes, and he bobs and weaves when Bukauskas comes back at him. Bukauskas gets off a spinning back kick to the body, and Oleksiejczuk cracks him with a right high kick moments before the bell.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas

Round 2
The round begins with a huge overhand right from Bukauskas, and Oleksiejczuk is barely able to roll with it. Bukauskas circles out as Oleksiejczuk is chasing after him, but Oleksiejczuk is still able to reach him with a left and then a right. Bukauskas blocks a right hand, only for the second punch to get through his guard, but he wears it well. Bukauskas whiffs on a one-two, and Oleksiejczuk rushes forward with a left hand that lands flush to the liver. Oleksiejczuk charges in like a bull, winging left hands and unable to find his mark. Bukauskas stands still to throw a strike, but in doing so, he allows for Oleksiejczuk to counter him. Oleksiejczuk tags him with a left hand, but Bukauskas does not let Oleksiejczuk continue with a barrage as he backs off and kicks the body. Oleksiejczuk returns fire with a punch to the body, and his left hand is finding its home more in this round. Bukauskas puts his foot on Oleksiejczuk’s body, Oleksiejczuk walks through it to throw a pair of big shots. Bukauskas blocks them but they still leave their mark, and the two clinch up and Oleksiejczuk gets off a knee. Oleksiejczuk lumbers forward with wild punches, but this allows Bukauskas to circle off and throw a trio of huge right hands that all come short of his intended target. Bukauskas lets go with a body kick, and although Oleksiejczuk catches it, he cannot take advantage of the position. Oleksiejczuk continues to stride forward to attack, and Bukauskas counters him with a short elbow but he cannot keep the Polish man at bay from clinching. After a brief twirl about on the fence, they separate and Bukauskas boots Oleksiejczuk in the head. Bukauskas’ punches do some damage as he lets them go with reckless abandon, and he chases Oleksiejczuk down and lands several more before the horn blares to signal the end of the frame.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas

Round 3
The light heavyweights touch gloves to clock in the last five-minute period, and Oleksiejczuk blitzes forward to throw several big punches. Bukauskas counters with a right hand, stifling the movement of Oleksiejczuk and allowing Bukauskas to retreat. Bukauskas lands a one-two, and he paws away an oncoming punch as he keeps his distance. Oleksiejczuk has a left hand bounce off Bukauskas’ high guard, and Bukauskas blasts him with an uppercut. Oleksiejczuk eats it like bigos stew and starts to fire back, scoring successfully with his stern left hand on a few occasions. Oleksiejczuk works the body as Bukauskas tries to back off, but Oleksiejczuk is on him and clinches up while blocking a counter elbow up top. Oleksiejczuk keeps his body weight pressed on his foe, but Bukauskas eventually has enough of it and pushes off with a knee up the middle. Oleksiejczuk pours it on with a storm of punches, and Bukauskas is able to keep his composure and counter the strikes while staying on his bike. The Lithuanian spins around and has a back kick bounce off Oleksiejczuk’s shoulder, and Oleksiejczuk returns fire with a left hook. Oleksiejczuk cracks Bukauskas with a right hook, and Bukauskas greets him coming forward with his own left hand. The two start trading recklessly, and Oleksiejczuk hurts Bukauskas badly with a left hand to the liver. Oleksiejczuk does not see that he damaged Bukauskas, and instead goes after a single leg takedown that is thwarted. Bukauskas gathers himself, fires off a high kick, and reaches out with a few punches while staying away from the power punches coming his way. The tense round, and fight, ends with a brief flurry from both sluggers.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (29-28 Bukauskas)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (29-28 Bukauskas)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (29-28 Bukauskas)

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Modestas Bukauskas via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Expert Picks (6)
BI
Big Brady Expert Confident picked Mar 24, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Big Brady picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by first-round knockout. He notes Oleksiejczuk's early power and body work, and that Bukauskas has poor striking defense and is hittable. He acknowledges Bukauskas' cardio and ability to come back late if Oleksiejczuk gasses, but believes the finish will come early. He also likes the prop 'fight doesn't go to decision' as a better bet than the moneyline.

Oleksiejczuk by KO round 1; fight doesn't go to decision (under)
"i'm going to go with olez chuck to win by first round knockout"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert Confident picked Mar 24, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Cody picks Oleksiejczuk but prefers the under 2.5 rounds prop. He notes that Oleksiejczuk has a lot of power and comes out aggressively, but his cardio is poor. He thinks Bukauskas has a tall man stance and suspect chin, so Oleksiejczuk will likely finish him early or gas out and get finished himself. The under 2.5 rounds covers both scenarios.

Under 2.5 rounds -155
"the move here is you probably go for that under two and a half rounds that minus 155"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Lean picked Mar 23, 2021 (4 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel Levi picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to knock out Modestas Bukauskas early. He notes that Oleksiejczuk has better boxing and technique, but worries about his cardio and chin after the OSP fight. Levi believes Bukauskas is a big boy who can come on late if Oleksiejczuk slows down, but he thinks Oleksiejczuk will finish it before that happens. He mentions Oleksiejczuk's size advantage and Bukauskas's tendency to get finished in the first round.

early knockout
"i'ma say it doesn't get there i'm gonna go with mccall early"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert Lean picked Mar 24, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The host leans toward Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by second-round KO. He praises Oleksiejczuk's pressure, body work, and durability, but notes his poor takedown defense. He thinks Bukauskas will struggle to get him down and that Oleksiejczuk's striking will overwhelm him. He wants to see improved grappling from Oleksiejczuk before betting him confidently, but still expects a finish on the feet.

"I'll go mihao via second round ko"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert Confident picked Mar 24, 2021 (3 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Paul picks Oleksiejczuk, citing his power and good strike selection. He notes that Bukauskas has been knocked out before and has poor defense. He thinks Oleksiejczuk will win by knockout, but also likes the under 2.5 rounds prop. He is confident in the pick.

"i think he wins i would be more inclined to bet him by knockout though"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Mar 21, 2021 (6 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

The Guru picks Michał Oleksiejczuk by first-round TKO, citing Bukauskas's weak chin and hesitancy. He notes Bukauskas was KO'd by Jimmy Crute and has been dropped in wins. He compares Crute's game plans: Crute grappled Oleksiejczuk but stood with Bukauskas, indicating Oleksiejczuk's striking is superior. He expects Bukauskas to be gun-shy and get clipped by a combination. He dismisses Bukauskas's UFC win as an illegal finish.

Oleksiejczuk by TKO round 1
"i'm going to go with macau alexay chuck my first round tko over modesto spakauskas"
Submission (kimura) R1 3:29
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Jimmy Crute 0 2 of 8 25% 13 of 23 8 of 10 80% 1 0 3:01
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 3 of 6 50% 7 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Jimmy Crute 0 2 of 8 25% 13 of 23 8 of 10 80% 1 0 3:01
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 3 of 6 50% 7 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Jimmy Crute 2 of 8 25% 2 of 7 0 of 1 0 of 0 2 of 6 0 of 2 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 3 of 6 50% 3 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 0 3 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Jimmy Crute 2 of 8 25% 2 of 7 0 of 1 0 of 0 2 of 6 0 of 2 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 3 of 6 50% 3 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 0 3 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Jim Crute vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1
Our co-main event sees a light heavyweight battle as Crute (10-1, 2-1 UFC) tries to rebound from his first career defeat against Oleksiejczuk (14-3, 1 NC; 2-1, 1 NC UFC). Separating these two finishers (24 wins, 18 stoppages) for the time being is referee John Sharp. The two touch gloves, and Crute fakes a low kick. Oleksiejczuk goes high and Crute drops down to land a quick takedown. The Polish fighter works his way back up, but Crute drags him back down. “Lord” again gets to his feet, but is wrenched down, and this cycle repeats two more times. Less than 90 seconds in, Crute has landed six takedowns, and each time, Oleksiejczuk has popped back up. Crute tries to throw a knee, but instead decides to tie up and toss him to the canvas once more. Oleksiejczuk fights off the hands and grabs the fence a few times to stop the takedowns, and his elbows are bloodied from mat burn already. Oleksiejczuk finally breaks free, and Crute loads up on a left hand and then three more punches, before a high kick is blocked. Crute decides to stop wasting time on the feet, lifts up Oleksiejczuk and slams him down. Crute passes guard like butter, and easily advances to mount where he fishes for an arm-triangle choke.
As Oleksiejczuk fights his way out, Crute hops over to side control and yanks on a kimura. The Aussie torques the arm with all his might, and as the elbow twists in the wrong direction, he gets the tap!
This was a statement for Crute, who bulldozed his fellow light heavyweight with a dominant grappling performance. With this particular submission, he is the first fighter in the UFC to pull off this maneuver in over a year.

The Official Result
Jim Crute def. Michal Oleksiejczuk R1 3:29 via Submission (Kimura)
Expert Picks (2)
DA
Daniel Levi Expert Confident picked Feb 21, 2020 (2 days before fight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk

Daniel Levi picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, arguing that he is more mature and further along in his development than Jimmy Crute. He notes that Oleksiejczuk has faced tougher competition and has shown better composure, while Crute fights with his hands down and lacks discipline. Levi believes Oleksiejczuk's firepower will be too much early, and he predicts a first-round knockout.

first round knockout
"I think that Mikolajczyk has always been more far along than gym crew, I think he's better than gym crew."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert Confident picked Feb 14, 2020 (9 days before fight)
Jimmy Crute

The host picks Jimmy Crute, noting that Michał Oleksiejczuk gasses badly if he doesn't get a finish in the first minute. He believes Crute can wear out Oleksiejczuk's arms in the first round and cruise to a unanimous decision. He also mentions Crute's previous win over Misha Cirkunov.

unanimous decision
"I think Jimmy Cruz gonna get this one done by unanimous decision getting the job done"
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Ovince Saint Preux 0 37 of 78 47% 39 of 80 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:30
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 14 of 48 29% 20 of 54 1 of 2 50% 1 0 0:49
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Ovince Saint Preux 0 33 of 59 55% 35 of 61 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:17
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 5 of 27 18% 5 of 27 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:20
2 Ovince Saint Preux 0 4 of 19 21% 4 of 19 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:13
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 9 of 21 42% 15 of 27 1 of 1 100% 1 0 0:29
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Ovince Saint Preux 37 of 78 47% 23 of 59 13 of 18 1 of 1 32 of 71 2 of 2 3 of 5
Michał Oleksiejczuk 14 of 48 29% 5 of 36 9 of 12 0 of 0 11 of 45 3 of 3 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Ovince Saint Preux 33 of 59 55% 20 of 43 13 of 16 0 of 0 29 of 53 1 of 1 3 of 5
Michał Oleksiejczuk 5 of 27 18% 3 of 23 2 of 4 0 of 0 4 of 26 1 of 1 0 of 0
2 Ovince Saint Preux 4 of 19 21% 3 of 16 0 of 2 1 of 1 3 of 18 1 of 1 0 of 0
Michał Oleksiejczuk 9 of 21 42% 2 of 13 7 of 8 0 of 0 7 of 19 2 of 2 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Ovince St. Preux vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1
Moving up to light heavyweight in the highest division on the card, two men on the outside of the top-15 looking in are set to lock horns, as St. Preux (23-13, 11-8 UFC) goes toe-to-toe with Oleksiejczuk (14-2, 1 NC; 2-0, 1 NC UFC). Our referee for this scrap is Leon Roberts. The two touch gloves, and Oleksiejczuk is already on the offensive, charging towards his opponent. "OSP" tries to counter with a knee, and Oleksiejczuk cracks him with a right hand, and then a left to the body. Oleksiejczuk digs another left to the body, and continues to come forward. "OSP" decides to change the pace of this fight, pursuing a takedown and pushing Oleksiejczuk back against the fence. "Lord" hammers "OSP" with a straight left hand, and then almost ties up a kimura that drags "OSP" down to the canvas. Oleksiejczuk secures a few more body shots that cause "OSP" to bend over, and Oleksiejczuk is battering "OSP" against the fence. "OSP" pushes off with a hand to the face, and Oleksiejczuk claims there is an eye poke, but the action does not stop. "Lord" continues to press the case, but "OSP" tags him with a left hand that gets his opponent's attention. Roberts warns "OSP" for outstretched fingers, who is using open hands to keep his distance. Oleksiejczuk works the body with a few more powerful shots, and leans in on "OSP" against the fence. Taking the clinch to the center of the cage, they separate as St. Preux throws a head kick, but it does not score as the round expires.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-8 Oleksiejczuk

Round 2
Oleksiejczuk opens the second stanza with a leaping body kick, and "OSP" responds by pushing away, causing Roberts to again warn the American for stretching his fingers out. Oleksiejczuk closes the distance, but "OSP" shoves him away. Oleksiejczuk swings with a massive left hand that "OSP" ducks, and the American responds with a strong uppercut in the clinch. After separating briefly, the two return to the clinch, and again St. Preux gets the better of his opponent with strikes. "OSP" shoots in for a takedown, and Oleksiejczuk searches for a guillotine choke.
This is the worst possible idea, as "OSP" immediately knows what to do, setting up a Von Flue choke. Oleksiejczuk flails to try to get out of it, but as it gets tighter, he cannot do anything but tap out. It is time to officially rename this choke
, as St. Preux has now racked up four UFC wins with the submission made famous by Jason Von Flue.

The Official Result
Ovince St. Preux def. Michal Oleksiejczuk R2 2:14 via Submission (Shoulder Choke)
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 6 of 13 46% 6 of 13 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
Gadzhimurad Antigulov 3 8 of 10 80% 8 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:08
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 6 of 13 46% 6 of 13 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
Gadzhimurad Antigulov 3 8 of 10 80% 8 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:08
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 6 of 13 46% 5 of 12 1 of 1 0 of 0 6 of 13 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gadzhimurad Antigulov 8 of 10 80% 8 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0 3 of 5 1 of 1 4 of 4
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 6 of 13 46% 5 of 12 1 of 1 0 of 0 6 of 13 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gadzhimurad Antigulov 8 of 10 80% 8 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0 3 of 5 1 of 1 4 of 4
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Gadzhimurad Antigulov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1
Up next is a light heavyweight bout between Gadzhimurad Antigulov and Michal Oleksiejczuk. The referee is Leon Roberts. Antigulov pushes forward and lands a sharp straight right off the bat. He chases a double leg takedown but Oleksiejczuk moves away. Antigulov moves in again and Oleksiejczuk lands a left hook. Antigulov gets up and Oleksiejczuk lands a left uppercut that drops him. Antigulov gets up and continues to push forward with his hands down.
Oleksiejczuk lands a right hook that knocks Antigulov to the mat, he lands a left uppercut right before he hits the mat, and he lands some finishing punches on the ground before the referee runs in and stops it
. That was quick. Great win for Oleksiejczuk.

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gadzhimurad Antigulov via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:44
TKO (body punch) R1 1:34
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 9 of 20 45% 9 of 20 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gian Villante 1 14 of 22 63% 14 of 22 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:02
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 9 of 20 45% 9 of 20 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Gian Villante 1 14 of 22 63% 14 of 22 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:02
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 9 of 20 45% 6 of 12 0 of 4 3 of 4 9 of 20 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gian Villante 14 of 22 63% 10 of 18 4 of 4 0 of 0 13 of 19 0 of 0 1 of 3
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 9 of 20 45% 6 of 12 0 of 4 3 of 4 9 of 20 0 of 0 0 of 0
Gian Villante 14 of 22 63% 10 of 18 4 of 4 0 of 0 13 of 19 0 of 0 1 of 3
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Gian Villante vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1
Up next is a light heavyweight bout between Gian Villante and Michal Oleksiejczuk. The official in charge of the bout is Marc Goddard. Straight left lands by Oleksiejczuk. Villante returns with a low kick, and another. Overhand right by Villante lands. He follows it up with a kick to the body. Villante lands another hard low kick.
Oleksiejczuk lands a left hook to the body and Villante is hurt badly
. He falls to the mat and Oleksiejczuk follows him down, lands some punches, and the referee calls the fight off. The body shot is what ended it.

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gian Villante via TKO (Punch To The Body) R1, 1:34
No Contest (overturned) R3 5:00
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 52 of 180 28% 67 of 198 0 of 0 --- 1 0 0:00
Khalil Rountree Jr. 0 76 of 130 58% 113 of 171 2 of 3 66% 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 26 of 87 29% 26 of 87 0 of 0 --- 1 0 0:00
Khalil Rountree Jr. 0 33 of 54 61% 35 of 56 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:00
2 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 19 of 71 26% 20 of 72 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Khalil Rountree Jr. 0 36 of 66 54% 36 of 66 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
3 Michał Oleksiejczuk 0 7 of 22 31% 21 of 39 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Khalil Rountree Jr. 0 7 of 10 70% 42 of 49 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Michał Oleksiejczuk 52 of 180 28% 37 of 153 12 of 21 3 of 6 44 of 171 8 of 9 0 of 0
Khalil Rountree Jr. 76 of 130 58% 40 of 89 29 of 33 7 of 8 67 of 120 3 of 4 6 of 6
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Michał Oleksiejczuk 26 of 87 29% 16 of 73 8 of 11 2 of 3 20 of 80 6 of 7 0 of 0
Khalil Rountree Jr. 33 of 54 61% 19 of 39 14 of 15 0 of 0 33 of 53 0 of 1 0 of 0
2 Michał Oleksiejczuk 19 of 71 26% 14 of 58 4 of 10 1 of 3 17 of 69 2 of 2 0 of 0
Khalil Rountree Jr. 36 of 66 54% 15 of 41 15 of 18 6 of 7 33 of 63 3 of 3 0 of 0
3 Michał Oleksiejczuk 7 of 22 31% 7 of 22 0 of 0 0 of 0 7 of 22 0 of 0 0 of 0
Khalil Rountree Jr. 7 of 10 70% 6 of 9 0 of 0 1 of 1 1 of 4 0 of 0 6 of 6
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Khalil Rountree vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1
Rountree kicks the body and throws a combination upstairs. Rountree lands a kick to the body and low kick. The American is throwing everything with power in the early going. Rountree lands a leg kick and Oleksiejczuk tries to counter. They trade in close quarters and Rountree lands a glancing hook. Oleksiejczuk catches a kick and pushes Rountree into the fence. Oleksiejczuk lands a takedown, but Rountree clings to his foe’s neck. Rountree doesn’t have the choke secure, though. He is eventually able to stand, and Rountree connects his arms and squeezes the choke from a standing position. They break and Rountree is winging heavy punches, looking for a finish. Rountree backs up and takes a deep breath. Oleksiejczuk is taking a lot of punches, but he’s still coming. Oleksiejczuk is landing some punches of his own as Rountree’s movement has slowed. Rountree lands a kick to the body. A two punch combination lands clean upstairs for Oleksiejczuk. A front kick follows for the Pole, who is starting to find a rhythm against his tiring foe. Oleksiejczuk is mixing up his attacks well. Oleksiejczuk lands a kee to the cut and follow up with an uppercut to the body.

Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Rountree
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk

Round 2
Rountree begins throwing low kicks and he marches forward with a combination. An overhand left for Rountree lands and a right hand sends Oleksiejczuk backward for a moment. Oleksiejczuk is stalking his foe, keeping his composure. He kicks to the body and ducks a Rountree spinning backfist. A left hand over the top lands for Oleksiejczuk. A counter left uppercut sneaks in for Oleksiejczuk. Again, Rountree has slowed significantly at the halfway point of the round. A straight left for Oleksiejczuk lands and then the Pole lands an uppercut to the body followed by a low kick. Oleksiejczuk is attacking the legs while staying out of Rountree’s range. Another uppercut to the body lands in close quarters for Oleksiejczuk. Rountree connects with an uppercut to the chin and Oleksiejczuk backs up for a moment. They get into close quarters and Rountree lands a knee down the middle. Oleksiejczuk goes to the body with an uppercut and a knee before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk

Round 3
Oleksiejczuk lands an outside leg kick early. Rountree fires off a hard uppercut in close. Oleksiejczuk drops for a single leg and puts Rountree on his back. The Pole is in his opponent’s full guard about one minute into the period. Oleksiejczuk lands a short elbow and follows with punches to the ribs. Oleksiejczuk is still on top, staying just busy enough with his ground-and-pound. Oleksiejczuk passes to side control at about the 2:00 mark. Rountree isn’t doing much to escape. The American gives up his back in an attempt to return to his feet. Oleksiejczuk gives up on the rear-naked choke but he’s back in side control. John McCarthy urges the fighters to work, but he isn’t calling for the standup. Now in half guard, Oleksiejczuk is landing moderate punches near the fence, with Rountree looking basically helpless. That’s where the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (30-27 Oleksiejczuk)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (29-28 Oleksiejczuk)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (30-27 Oleksiejczuk)

The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Khalil Rountree via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00