Uroš Medić
Career Averages
Win Methods (7)
Loss Methods (3)
Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Neal | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geoff Neal | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Neal | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 10 of 19 | 52% | 4 of 10 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geoff Neal | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 10 of 19 | 52% | 4 of 10 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Kerry Hatley is the referee. Medic takes the center of the cage to start. Neal probes with a double jab. Neal moves in and lands another jab. Meanwhile, Medic uses front kicks to try to control distance. Neal kicks the body. After a little bit of a feeling out process, the welterweights decide to plant their feet and trade. Both Medic and Uros are swinging with bad intentions, but the most devastating blow by far comes from “The Doctor,”
who clips his opponent with a left hook to the temple. Neal is unconscious as he collapses to the canvas.
This one is a wrap, and Medic has his third consecutive first-round finish in the Octagon.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Geoff Neal via KO (Punch) R1 1:19
Expert Picks (10)
Angelo picks Geoff Neal despite recent knockout loss, citing his overall experience and well-rounded skill set. He acknowledges Uroš Medić's power and finishing ability but notes Medić's questionable chin. He is hesitant because Neal is 35 and coming off a KO, but believes Neal is the better fighter.
Big Brady picks Geoff Neal to defeat Uroš Medić, citing Medić's suspect chin and Neal's heavy hands. He notes that Medić has been dropped by lesser punchers like Gilbert Urbina, while Neal hits like a truck. He predicts a first-round knockout, possibly requiring a stretcher for Medić. He acknowledges Neal was knocked out in his last fight but calls that a fluke spinning elbow that would KO most of the division.
Cody buys into Neal's sobriety narrative and thinks this is his easiest fight in a while. He notes Medić is an under machine who either finishes or gets finished, and expects Neal to win by KO early. He recommends under 1.5 rounds.
Connor picks Neal confidently, stating that Medić is a glass cannon who gets hurt easily and sells out on his shots, leaving him vulnerable to counters. He notes that Neal has been tested against much better competition and has always been competitive, while Medić's wins have aged poorly. He believes Neal's composure and athleticism will be too much for Medić.
The host rules out betting on Neal due to red flags from an interview where Neal discussed past issues with drugs, alcohol, and diet, making him unreliable at -225. He is tempted by Medic as a +178 underdog, noting Medic's dynamic striking and power, but passes because Medic has slowed in past fights and Neal has excellent cardio. He concludes it's an easy pass on both sides.
James picks Geoff Neal to win by first-round KO, citing Neal's experience against elite competition and the step down in competition for Medic. He notes that Medic is volatile and prone to getting knocked out early, and that Neal's power and boxing should be enough to finish him. James also likes the under 1.5 rounds and doesn't go to decision props.
Neal is a crafty striker with good power and range management, and he has fought tougher competition. Medic is a Muay Thai specialist but has durability issues and poor grappling defense. Neal should be able to land a big shot and finish Medic, likely in the first round. The line is fair given Neal's experience and home crowd.
Paul thinks Neal's step up in competition is significant and that Medić's chin is suspect. He notes Neal has fought top welterweights and held his own, while Medić has been knocked out by lesser opponents. He expects Neal to win by KO, possibly in the first round.
The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Geoff Neal, despite concerns about his chin and motivation after a KO loss. He believes Medić makes mistakes and is explosive but can be caught coming in. He predicts Neal will find a way to put Medić away in round two after Medić expends his energy.
Zane agrees with Connor, calling Medić a 'one hitter quitter' who is extremely vulnerable on the counter. He notes that Medić has no defense and gets hurt easily, even in fights he wins. He believes Neal is significantly better in the pocket and should be able to weather Medić's early power and then take over.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 13 | 61% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 13 | 61% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Medic (-180); Salikhov (+150)
Round 1
If rankings and relevant pairings do not litter the lineup, at least the matchmakers have lined up a few bangers. At 41, Salikhov (22-5, 9-4 UFC) may be looking as good as ever, with three wins in a row including two knockouts making his twilight years quite something. He will have to contend with brick-fisted Serb Medic (11-3, 5-3 UFC), who has come from Alaska to train down in California at Kings MMA. The two welterweights will be joined in the Octagon by referee Kerry Hatley, who has already donned his proverbial hard hat, fully cognizant that this one could be a doozey. There is a touch of gloves to open things up.
Medic tries early to swat away Salikhov’s staging left hand, stomping his way forward to threaten with strikes to the lead knee. Both men lash out with blows at the same time, and they need some time before re-engaging. They kick simultaneously, with Medic putting a scare in the Dagestan native by going upstairs. Medic tosses one out with his other leg, wrapping it around the back of the Russian’s melon.
Salikhov has to back off, and Medic rifles off a straight left hand that puts Salikhov on his seat. Salikhov tries to scoot around to grab hold of the leg of “The Doctor,” but Medic slams him in the side of the head with his angry Alaskan fist a few times until Salikhov shells up.
Hatley sees that Salikhov has physically surrendered at that point and steps in to save the Russian from any further harm. That is two knockouts in a row for Medic right around one minute, as he iced Gilbert Urbina in August in 63 seconds. The 100% finish rate remains intact as well, as Medic calls for bigger opportunities in the future.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Muslim Salikhov R1 1:03 via TKO (Punches)
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Uros Medic because he is younger, faster, and more technical, but he is not confident. He notes that Muslim Salikhov hits extremely hard and has wrestling, making him a phenomenal underdog. He acknowledges that Medic was almost finished by Gilbert Urbina, which raises concerns about his chin.
Big Brady has a hot take predicting Salikhov wins by spinning wheel kick knockout in the first round. He highlights Salikhov's patented spinning wheel kick, which he has used to knock out multiple opponents, including Carlos Leia. He questions Medić's durability, noting he got knocked down by Gilbert Urbina, which is a bad sign. He expects an early knockout.
Cody picks Salikhov, noting his power and counter-striking ability. He thinks Medić's aggressive, forward-moving style plays into Salikhov's hands, and that Salikhov will land a knockout early.
Lucrative James picks Muslim Salikhov despite acknowledging the volatility of the matchup. He notes Salikhov's higher level of competition and experience, as well as his recent training camp improvements. However, he admits both fighters have poor chins and heavy hands, making it a coin flip. He predicts Salikhov wins by knockout in round one, but also considers betting on the under or 'doesn't go to decision'.
The host expects a firecracker fight and loves the under 1.5 rounds. He believes Medic will snipe Salikhov from distance and win by knockout within five minutes.
Paul also picks Salikhov, calling the fight a 'car crash' and expecting a knockout. He likes the plus money on the older fighter and thinks Medić's durability issues will be exposed.
The Guru picks Muslim Salikhov to win by first-round KO. He believes Uroš Medić is too easily hit and erratic, lunging in with punches, while Salikhov has powerful spinning attacks and counters. He expects Salikhov to catch Medić coming in and finish him early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 1 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 1 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 1 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 5 of 9 | 55% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 5 of 9 | 55% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Medic (-400); Urbina (+300)
Round 1
Anchorage, Alaska, native Medic (10-3, 4-3 UFC) has not quite put things together yet in the UFC, even if all four of his wins thus far are by knockout. To try to bounce back from his first knockout loss, “The Doctor” draws BMF Ranch trainee Urbina (7-3, 1-2 UFC). The third man in the Octagon for this welterweight clash is referee Mark Smith, who stands back to allow the competitors to meet in the middle without bumping fists.
Urbina introduces himself with a huge right hand that sends Medic flying, and the Alaskan jumps back up and gathers his thoughts. Urbina does not try to finish the fight, instead allowing Medic to kick at him so he can respond with a hard body kick.
Medic splits the guard with a heavy left, and he drives a knee into the chin. Medic sits down on a piston-like left hand, and the mulleted Urbina ducks directly into the blow and is completely knocked out.
Medic gets off one more big hammerfist before Smith rushes in to call it. “The Doctor” is in as actual doctors rush into the cage to tend to the unconscious Urbina, who is sprawled out on the mat like a starfish. Urbina manages to come to after some time, and he needs to be helped up but otherwise appears ok beyond needing to be checked for concussion protocols. Meanwhile, that is five knockouts for Medic’s five wins in the UFC thus far, and his 100% finish rate remains sparkling.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Gilbert Urbina R1 1:03 via KO (Punch)
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Uroš Medić but hates the odds at -350. He notes Medić is a technical striker with 100% finish rate and killer instinct, but his takedown defense is low. Gilbert Urbina is a grappler with high output but poor striking defense. Angelo thinks Medić will win because strikers are having more success, but the odds are too wide for his liking.
Big Brady is confident in Uroš Medić, citing his 100% finish rate and legitimate striking power. He criticizes Gilbert Urbina's chin, noting he was dropped multiple times by Tawn Gore and knocked out by Charles Raki. Brady believes Medić is a much better striker than Raki and will knock out Urbina early. He predicts a first-round knockout for Medić.
Connor picks Urbina because he thinks Medić's game has been figured out after getting wrecked a few times, and Urbina might not give him respect. He notes Urbina's cage wrestling and good riding skills from his win over Cosce.
Despite not being a big fan of Medic, the host sees this as a winnable fight and expects it to be violent. He thinks Medic will consistently crash the pocket and produce car crashes that could result in a finish, leading him to pick Medic by knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić over Gilbert Urbina, noting that Urbina's height is likely misreported and he lacks presence. He believes Medić has better offensive skills and finishing potential, and that his losses are to higher-level opponents. He predicts a TKO win for Medić.
Zane picks Medić because he is dynamic on the front foot and fast, and Urbina is not a pressure fighter. He notes Medić's tendency to put himself in bad positions but thinks Urbina will give him early opportunities.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 13 of 17 | 76% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 |
| Uroš Medić | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 13 of 17 | 76% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 |
| Uroš Medić | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Six bouts constitute the main card of this Fight Night in the Apex, and the first of those six comes at 170 pounds. Former middleweight brawler Soriano (10-4, 4-4 UFC) has picked up a few new tricks in the form of wrestling, but he will have his hands full with former Anchorage BJJ student Medic (10-2, 4-2 UFC). Fists are sure to fly, and they are bumped first under the watchful eye of referee Mike Beltran. Medic leads the dance with a short left hand, and Soriano gives him one back to think about almost immediately. Soriano kicks the front leg, and Medic blasts him back to the liver.
“Story Time” steels himself and charges like a bull, and a right hand sends Medic flying. With Medic crumpled in a heap on his side, Soriano jackhammers him with additional punches until Medic goes out and Beltran has seen enough.
Soriano rushes away to celebrate, where he drops to his hands and rattles off over a dozen pushups.
The Official Result
Punahele Soriano def. Uros Medic R1 0:31 via KO (Punches)
Expert Picks (10)
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, citing his superior striking, speed, and power. He notes that Punahele Soriano's only path to victory is wrestling, but Medić's takedown defense is a concern. However, he believes Medić is the better striker and will land clean shots. He has Medić in a parlay with César Almeida, though he expresses some nervousness about the bet.
Big Brady sees a clear path for Soriano: take Medić down. He notes Medić's takedown defense and ground game are questionable, and Soriano looked dominant at welterweight against Baeza, landing 331 strikes. He worries Soriano might strike instead of wrestle, but believes if he uses his wrestling, he can win by TKO or decision. He picks Soriano to win, possibly by TKO via ground and pound.
Cody picks Medić, questioning Soriano's one good performance at 170 against a shot Miguel Baeza. He believes Medić's power and pace will cause Soriano to fatigue. He notes Medić's finishing ability and Soriano's history of gassing.
Connor picks Soriano because he believes Soriano's wrestling and physicality will be effective at welterweight. He notes that Soriano showed a grinding game against Miguel Baeza, and Medić is bad at dealing with sustained pressure and takedowns. While Soriano is uncreative and has shown little improvement, Connor thinks his size and strength advantage will allow him to control the fight. He acknowledges it's not a smart pick but sees a path.
Daniel notes Medić is more technically sound on the feet with better volume and diversity, while Soriano has big power in his left hand but shaky in-between and cardio concerns at welterweight. He thinks Medić will win the minutes, but Soriano could land a big shot or use wrestling. He picks Medić but is not interested in betting.
Lucrative James picks Uroš Medić to win, citing Medić's superior striking and cleaner kickboxing. He acknowledges Soriano's wrestling advantage and power, but believes Medić's skill on the feet will prevail over three rounds. He notes Soriano's cardio issues and that Medić has decent takedown defense. He also mentions that Soriano moved down from 185 and Medić moved up from 155, but still favors Medić's higher ceiling.
Soriano is a solid wrestler as shown in his welterweight debut against Miguel Baeza. He will get to his grappling, keep Medić on his back, and grind out a decision win as long as he doesn't get finished early.
Paul picks Soriano as a plus-money underdog, citing his impressive wrestling at 170 in his last fight. He expects fireworks and has bet under 1.5 rounds. He acknowledges Medić's danger but likes Soriano's path via takedowns.
The Guru picks Medić, noting his size as a big lightweight at welterweight, his KO of Tim Means, and his better technique and speed. He criticizes Soriano's recent performances, including losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and a poor showing against Miguel Baeza. He predicts an early TKO for Medić.
Zane picks Medić because he is a more dangerous finisher and expects Soriano to struggle to impose his game plan. Medić's movement and kicks could frustrate Soriano, who is hittable and plotting. Zane notes that Soriano's win over Baeza was more about Baeza's poor performance than Soriano's skill. Medić's ability to keep the fight in open space and avoid being clinched gives him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Means immediately changes levels and gets a body lock. Medic is defending well but eats some knees to the legs. They separate as Medic lands a sharp elbow. Means looks for another takedown. Medic counters well with a throw. They separate back to striking range.
Means comes in and eats an explosive left uppercut that sits him down. Referee Herb Dean stops the fight after a follow-up punch puts Means out.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Tim Means via TKO (Punches); R1, 2:09.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo is very confident Uroš Medić wins, citing his youth, speed, power, and superior striking. He notes Medić has a 100% finish rate and killer instinct. The only concern is Medić's 46% takedown defense, but he thinks Tim Means at 40 years old may not be able to exploit it. He expects a finish and suggests waiting for prop bets, hoping for a 2.5 round line to bet the under.
Cody picks Means as a dog, citing his experience and cleaner striking. He notes Means' body work and straight left, and believes he can hurt Medić, who has been rocked before. However, he admits Means' age and cardio are concerns, making it a doger pass.
Daniel thinks Means is durable but at 40 may not dig deep when hurt. He notes Medić is younger, more dangerous, and showed heart in the Semelsberger fight. He leans Medić but won't bet at -310, though he might take Means as a dog if the price gets better.
Medić is younger, faster, and more powerful. Means is 40 with a lot of mileage. Medić's Muay Thai and power should overwhelm Means as the fight goes on. I expect Medić to finish Means, possibly by knockout. The inside distance prop is a good option.
Paul also picks Means, highlighting his experience against better competition and his opportunistic submission game. He thinks Means' grappling advantage could be key, as Medić has poor takedown defense. He calls it a clear doger pass.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić, calling him more explosive and dangerous on the feet. He criticizes Tim Means as hitting a veteran decline and notes his loss to Matt Semelsberger. He highlights Medić's good cardio and nasty body kicks, predicting a TKO via liver shot. He also mentions Medić's near-finish of Orolbai and his ability to handle Means' grinding style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 8 of 20 | 40% | 16 of 31 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 1 | 0 | 7:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 6 of 14 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 0 | 0 | 3:49 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 10 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 27 | 51% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 14 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 20 | 40% | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 25 | 56% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Uroš Medić | 5 of 13 | 38% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Orolbai (-140), Medic (+130)
Round 1
The main card begins with an action fight that may not last too long. With nine finishes in his nine pro wins, Medic (9-1, 3-1 UFC) will try to make Kyrgyzstani newcomer Orolbai (11-1-1, 0-0 UFC) have to see a medic after their welterweight clash. In his own right, Orolbai posts 10 stoppages across his 11 victories. Referee Mike Beltran is ready for what happens when the two do not touch gloves. Medic greets the debutant with a pair of body kicks, and Orolbai swats at him with a left hook. Medic attacks the midsection with a third kick, and Orolbai lunges at him in an effort to reach the longer fighter. Medic bounces a pair of kicks off the guard, and he keeps a wide berth until stepping in with a one-two. Orolbai lowers himself down, and Medic drills him in the face with a knee. Orolbai is stunned, and he tries to level change and lift up Medic. The man from Kyrgyzstan succeeds in tripping Medic’s rear leg out to set him down, and Medic is quick to walk up with the fence behind him. Orolbai lands a mat return and steps over to take Medic’s back, and Medic tugs on the fence to stand back up. Beltran warns him, and Orolbai enforces this by slamming Medic back down. Medic shrugs at the control that is being imposed on him, and he stands back up once more and tries to frame off by pushing his leg off of Orolbai’s chest. Orolbai drops down and hits a double, planting Medic on his seat. “The Doctor” climbs upright with Orolbai hanging on from behind him, and Orolbai ragdolls him with another takedown. Orolbai laces his legs around Medic’s to trap him on his back, and he drags Medic away from the fence and stacks him up. Medic lets fly a few upkicks, but Orolbai is able to lower himself back down and step over to get a hook around Medic’s leg. Orolbai slugs Medic in the face with a left hand, and some swelling starts to grow around Medic’s left eye. Orolbai hacks down with a few punches and elbows until the round wraps up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Round 2
The second round opens up with Medic kicking at a safe distance, but Orolbai is quick to crowd him again. Orolbai slings a right hand over the top to close in, and Medic skirts to the side so he does not put his back up against the wall. Orolbai swings another right hand that allows him to get up close, and he secures a double and deposits Medic to the floor. Medic gets stuck with his back against the wall and his legs on the floor, as Orolbai tries to drag him into an uncomfortable position and start to work him over. Orolbai elbows as he gets pulled back to the guard, and he keeps control of Medic’s wrist to stifle him from getting up. Orolbai lets Medic turn over so he can take the back, and both of his hooks comes around as he grips his right arm on the chin of his opponent. Orolbai locks up the body triangle and softens Medic up with right hands around the back, until Medic scrambles to get to his feet. Orolbai drags him back down to a knee and then to his backside, and Medic sharply exhales in frustration. Orolbai clings to him and makes Medic’s life miserable with control and sporadic ground-and-pound. Orolbai fastens his arm under the chin, but Medic turns out of it.
Orolbai readjusts his grip and elects to squeeze on Medic’s face while wrenching the neck in a nasty direction. As Orolbai continues to torque the neck, Medic hangs tough until he cannot take it anymore, and he taps out.
Coming in on short notice, Orolbai puts on a show and manhandles a tough out to introduce himself to the promotion.
The Official Result
Myktybek Orolbai def. Uros Medic R2 4:12 via Submission (Neck Crank)
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, expecting his technical striking and patience to light up the brawler Johnny Parsons. He notes Medić has speed, footwork, and a killer instinct. He warns that Parsons is always live for a knockout but does not think he will find it here.
Big Brady was impressed with Orolbai's skills but notes he's coming in on short notice, which affects his cardio for a wrestling-heavy game plan. He thinks Medić is dangerous, has shown three-round cardio, and can finish fights late. He picks Medić by third-round knockout, but says on a full camp he would pick Orolbai. He doesn't see himself betting this fight.
Cody does not make a clear pick due to lack of information on Orolbai. He notes the fight was added late and he hasn't studied it. He mentions Orolbai looks like a 'bad man' but is on short notice. He leans towards passing or taking the favorite but is uncertain.
Orolbai has relentless grappling and crushing top pressure, with improved striking leading to knockouts. Medić is a striker with questionable ground game. Orolbai will dictate the pace with wrestling, land big shots, and find a finish in the second round. The fight doesn't go to decision is a favorite prop.
Paul also does not make a clear pick, stating he hasn't looked into Orolbai enough. He mentions Medić's toughness and power but cannot confidently pick a side. He suggests the fight will be violent but passes on betting.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić to finish Myktybek Orolbai with a body kick. He notes Medić's size at welterweight and his win over Matthew Semelsberger, where he survived a knockdown and finished him in the third round at altitude. He criticizes Orolbai for making Danny Roberts look competitive and believes Medić's reach and height advantage will lead to a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 52 of 120 | 43% | 53 of 121 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 1 | 69 of 128 | 53% | 76 of 135 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 1 | 17 of 36 | 47% | 18 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:54 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 19 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 25 of 55 | 45% | 26 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 31 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 52 of 120 | 43% | 31 of 91 | 8 of 14 | 13 of 15 | 42 of 106 | 3 of 5 | 7 of 9 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 69 of 128 | 53% | 49 of 98 | 17 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 50 of 104 | 13 of 18 | 6 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 17 of 36 | 47% | 10 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 9 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 18 of 31 | 58% | 12 of 22 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 24 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 24 of 58 | 41% | 12 of 40 | 3 of 8 | 9 of 10 | 23 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 25 of 55 | 45% | 16 of 43 | 7 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 24 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Uroš Medić | 11 of 26 | 42% | 9 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 26 of 42 | 61% | 21 of 33 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 27 | 7 of 9 | 6 of 6 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Semelsberger (-205), Medic (+175)
Round 1
Welterweights take center stage next, as two action fighters prepare to only leave one man standing. “Semi the Jedi” Semelsberger (11-5, 5-3 UFC) has his full array of Jedi mind tricks at his disposal, while “The Doctor” Medic (8-1, 2-1 UFC) wants to show on short notice that mind tricks do not work on him – only money, and punches. This potential thriller draws oversight from referee Tyler Tomlinson, and it kicks off as the two men bump fists. Semelsberger is the initial aggressor, launching an early head kick that bounces off the raised guard. Medic kicks, and the two clash together as Medic topples to the mat. In a furious exchange, Medic gets off some upkicks, but Semelsberger circles around to take the back. Medic defends with a possible leglock as they continue to roll, and this forces them to lean up against the cage and walk up it. Medic breaks off and scores a short right hand, and the two reset. Medic leaves a lazy right hook out too long, and Semelsberger snaps the head back with a straight right hand. Semelsberger paws out a one-two, and Medic replies with a similar pair of punches that split the guard. Medic kicks low, and Semelsberger slowly crowds him but does not let go. They both get off single strikes, with Semelsberger’s right hand a big one. Medic winds up with a heft left hook, causing the mullet of Semelsberger to wave behind him. Medic backs up against the fence, bounces off it, and tosses a high kick that makes Semelsberger nod at him. Semelsberger counters a kick with an overhand left that lands loudly, and a straight right hand knocks Medic clean off his feet. Semelsberger lowers himself down into the guard, as his corner desperately cries for him to not play in the guard. Semelsberger stands up, and Medic blasts him in the chops with an upkick. Medic trips Semelsberger up, and Semelsberger stumbles to his back. Medic jumps up and chases after him, and he drills Semelsberger with a few punches. Semelsberger comes back firing with a right hand, dropping Medic down to his face. Medic tries to recover with a takedown attempt, and Semelsberger swirls around to take his back. The two break up and take breaths after the ferocious exchange. Semelsberger plants two solid right hands on the chin, and he measures Medic and bobs up and down as he works his way in. Semelsberger sneaks up a high kick as Medic misses a hook, and Semelsberger busts open a cut on the bridge of the nose with a right hand. Medic strikes the body with a kick, and Semelsberger whiffs with a counter as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Round 2
The welterweights are fired up to get back after it, as they clap their hands together. Medic leads off with a solid one-two, and Semelsberger responds with a missile of a right hand back at him. Medic kicks the body with body legs, and he disrupts an advancing Semelsberger with a few punches. They both fire off kicks to the midsection, and Semelsberger tries to follow one with an overhand right that misses the mark by a wide margin. Medic paws out with a few left hands, and Semelsberger crowds him with a trio of punches. Medic counters his man on the inside, and Semelsberger hammers his lead leg three times in a row. Medic follows a left hand with a low kick, and Semelsberger is right in front of him to fire out a one-two. Semelsberger doubles up on a jab, and a left hand shakes Medic up. The Alaskan by way of Serbia grits his teeth and gets back into the pocket, only to dance out of the way when Semelsberger is throwing hands. They trade right hands, but Semelsberger lands flusher. Medic delivers a kick to the body, and Semelsberger does the exact same thing and then kicks Medic’s lead wheel for good measure. Semelsberger rashes the pocket and tags Medic a few times, only to get backed off when Medic tries to initiate a brawl. Semelsberger hooks a right hand on the ear, and Medic backs off and aims a kick at the dome. Semelsberger mimics him with his own high kick, after nodding at Medic for the effective strike. Semelsberger keeps his guard up high as Medic strings punches together, but a few manage to get through. Semelsberger eats a left hand on the end of an exchange, and this results in heavy counters from both men. Semelsberger use head movement to evade a few strikes, and he takes a front kick to the chest. Semelsberger blocks a head kick, and he powers forward to miss with a right hand. Semelsberger steps in with a knee that misses, and a right hand that does not. Medic scores a right hand and follows with a blocked head kick, and the close round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Medic
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Round 3
Semelsberger is the one fired up coming out of his corner, swinging with big punches and kicks. Medic stands in the pocket to counter, and he eats a right hand as he powers forward. Medic rips a shin to the liver, and Semelsberger might be compromised but he sticks his tongue out to keep a poker face. Semelsberger pushes forward, blocking the punches that soar towards him so that he can clinch up. Semelsberger presses Medic against the wire, but Medic turns the corner and stuns him with a right hand on the break. Semelsberger digs a shin to the calf, and Medic swings right back. Semelsberger gets off a crisp right hand, and Medic has to hop back a few steps to get his balance. Medic targets the body, and he leans back from a big right hand and swings a high kick up. Semelsberger is able to block it, and he pushes out a one-two that gets parried. Semelsberger lands a right, and Medic jabs him back. Semelsberger whiffs on a leg kick, and the two start trading with bad intentions. Semelsberger unloads with a right hand, and Medic returns fire with a thudding right hand on the temple that rocks “Semi the Jedi.” Semelsberger laughs it off, but he is hurt badly.
Medic tactically comes forward, spinning with a back fist that ends connects with the forearm and sends Semelsberger careening to the canvas. Medic stands over him and hammers the nail with several standing-to-ground punches, and Tomlinson steps in to wave the fight off.
Semelsberger immediately protests, claiming he was not out, but when he stands up, he is still very wobbly. The victorious Medic retains his 100% finish rate by informing fight fans that “The Doctor” is in.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Matthew Semelsberger R3 2:36 via TKO (Spinning Back Fist and Punches)
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Semelsberger because he believes Semelsberger has enough chin to weather Medić's striking and can then work in his grappling advantage. He notes that Semelsberger has solid leg kicks, body work, and power, but can be sloppy. He trusts Semelsberger to close the gap and drag the fight into later rounds, where his grappling should take over. He already placed a half-unit bet at -150.
Big Brady picks Matthew Semelsberger to win by second-round knockout. He argues that Semelsberger has more paths to victory: better durability, cardio, wrestling, and grappling, plus massive power (nine knockdowns in eight fights). He expects Medić, coming up in weight on short notice at elevation, to fade after an early onslaught, and Semelsberger's chin will hold up to finish him.
Cody picks Semelsberger but is hesitant at -200. He notes Medić's power and early finishing ability but questions his cardio. Semelsberger has good volume and takedown defense issues but can survive early onslaughts. He suggests a live bet on Semelsberger if he survives the first round.
James believes Medić is a cleaner striker with better timing and technique, while Semelsberger has more power but an elite chin that may eventually crack. He notes the line has moved heavily toward Semelsberger, creating value on Medić as an underdog. He thinks the fight is fairly even and that Medić's striking prowess gives him the edge.
Semelsberger has more knockdowns than fights and his forward pressure and power punching will be too much for Medić. Medić is a glass cannon with a hand injury history and doesn't have the grappling to exploit Semelsberger's weakness. Semelsberger will land a big punch and knock him out. Fight doesn't go to decision is a great play.
Paul also picks Semelsberger, citing his superior cardio and volume. He notes Medić's limited cardio and tendency to fade after the first round. Semelsberger has faced wrestlers and power punchers but has shown durability. He advises a live bet if Medić doesn't finish early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 33 of 85 | 38% | 33 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Omar Morales | 2 | 47 of 86 | 54% | 47 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 17 of 52 | 32% | 17 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Omar Morales | 0 | 24 of 50 | 48% | 24 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 16 of 33 | 48% | 16 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Omar Morales | 2 | 23 of 36 | 63% | 23 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 33 of 85 | 38% | 18 of 64 | 8 of 14 | 7 of 7 | 32 of 82 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Omar Morales | 47 of 86 | 54% | 21 of 57 | 13 of 16 | 13 of 13 | 45 of 83 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 17 of 52 | 32% | 6 of 37 | 7 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 17 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Omar Morales | 24 of 50 | 48% | 11 of 35 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 16 of 33 | 48% | 12 of 27 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Omar Morales | 23 of 36 | 63% | 10 of 22 | 5 of 6 | 8 of 8 | 22 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-150), Medic (+130)
Round 1
Chris Tognoni will referee this matchup of Dana White’s Contender series alums. Medic lands a front kick down the middle to open things up. A counter right by Morales gets his opponent’s attention. Medic lands a straight left to the body. Another front kick for Medic, who then has a head kick blocked. Morales responds with a body kick. An inside leg kick lands for Medic. Morales backs up Medic with a hard counter right hand behind the ear. Medic pressures with an inside leg kick. A heavy high kick by Morales is blocked. Medic sticks a jab. Another counter right puts Medic on the retreat, and Morales connects with a straight to the body. The lightweights trade body kicks. Morales with an inside leg kick, and Medic answers with on of his own. Morales lands a solid combination. They clinch and Morales whiffs on a big right hand. Morales lands several rights to the body and pressures forward. Medic clips the Venezuelan with a short shot coming in just before the end of the frame.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Medic
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Medic
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Medic
Round 2
Medic takes the center of the cage behind a pair of front kicks. Morales lands an inside leg kick. Medic follows a superman punch with an outside leg kick. Morales is throwing everything with full power, but is not landing consistently. Morales has developed a mouse under his left eye, a product of Medic’s jab. Another front kick lands for Medic, but Morales attacks with a combination, ending it with a head kick. Medic with a left to the body followed by a front kick. Medic is throwing a variety of strikes to keep his adversary off balance, including a hook kick that just misses and draws a smile from Morales. Moments later, a straight left from Medic puts Morles on his seat. Morales is up quickly and Medic buckles him again with another left hand to the chin shortly thereafter. Though he kept his feet, Morales is reeling now and Medic smells blood.
Medic backs Morales up into the fence and drops him once more with a short left to the chin and this time, Tognoni has seen enough.
And with that, Morales has been knocked out for the first time in his professional career.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Omar Morales via TKO (Punches) R2 3:05
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Omar Morales because he believes Morales's strength and ability to mix in grappling will be the difference. He notes that Uroš Medić is a kill-or-be-killed first-round striker who has shown poor grappling defense. Morales needs to survive the first round and work takedowns to avoid danger. Angelo expects a decision win for Morales.
Big Brady picks Omar Morales to win by second-round submission, but expresses low confidence due to Morales' poor fight IQ. He notes Morales has a BJJ black belt and should take the fight to the mat to exploit Medić's weak ground game and cardio. However, he worries Morales might stand and trade, which would give Medić a knockout chance. He says he cannot trust Morales at -160.
Cody picks Morales, citing his durability, experience, and return to lightweight where he performed best. He notes Medić's tendency to fade after the first round and lack of deep fight experience. He expects Morales to weather an early storm and take over as Medić tires, possibly winning by decision or late finish.
The host does not make a clear pick for this fight. He mentions it as a potential live bet spot (Medic after round one) and includes it in a totals parlay (under 2.5 rounds), but does not state a winner.
Paul agrees with Cody, saying Morales' durability and return to lightweight should be key. He notes Medić's early explosiveness but thinks Morales can survive and take over. He is confident in Morales.
The MMA Guru picks Omar Morales, citing his toughness and durability. He worries about Uroš Medić's cardio and thinks Morales can survive the early storm and take over in later rounds. He notes Morales has a reach advantage and can pressure Medić in the second and third rounds. He predicts a 29-28 unanimous decision for Morales.
Sep 25, 2021
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalin Turner | 0 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 25 of 47 | 53% | 40 of 68 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:24 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jalin Turner | 0 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 25 of 47 | 53% | 40 of 68 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 2:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalin Turner | 6 of 11 | 54% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 25 of 47 | 53% | 16 of 36 | 8 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 16 of 31 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jalin Turner | 6 of 11 | 54% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 25 of 47 | 53% | 16 of 36 | 8 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 16 of 31 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 13 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In this early preliminary headliner, neither the undefeated Medic (7-0, 1-0 UFC) nor his opponent “The Tarantula” Turner (10-5, 3-2 UFC) have ever gone the distance in victory. It’s going to be a wild one between these two lightweights, and referee Jason Herzog will be holding on tight for as long as it lasts. The gloves are touched before they are traded, and Turner takes the center of the age and advances with a reaching right hand. He sticks out a jab and a low kick, but Medic is well out of harm’s way from anything Turner is throwing at him. They suddenly come together throwing heavy hands, but they are only glancing blows, so Medic backs off the kick his foe’s lead leg. Medic slings a head kick, and even though it clangs into the side of Turner’s head, Turner grabs that leg and throws Medic down to his back. In side control, Turner holds heavy shoulder pressure on the neck while thumping his shoulder into Medic’s chin every so often. As Turner hunts for full mount, Medic times a kick-off so that he can recover his full guard. “The Doctor” scoots his way to the wall, ignoring punches as he tries to work back up. Turner notices this and ties his foe’s leg up to keep him grounded. Medic pushes off with the ball of his feet, and Turner climbs back on top but grabs the fence and has his hand slapped. Turner lets Medic back up so that he can lay into him with heavy punches, and he rips a left hand to the body that makes Medic double over. “The Tarantula” swarms his hurt foe with punches, and he smashes him with heavy punches and rocks Medic and knocks him back against the cage wall. As the damage continues to mount from Turner’s combinations to the body and the head, he slams his foot into to Medic’s liver and Medic winces.
A speedy salvo of devastating punches makes Medic drop to his knees, and Turner leaps after him and takes his back. Like a spider trapping a fly, “The Tarantula” grabs hold of the neck and wrenches a rear-naked choke for all he is worth.
He does not need to torque it for long before Medic taps out, and Turner has now become the first fighter to defeat Medic as a pro with a slick performance leading to a submission.
The Official Result
Jalin Turner def. Uros Medic R1 4:01 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Expert Picks (8)
Angelo picks Medić, citing his power, striking technique, and killer instinct. He acknowledges the lack of information on Medić's ability to handle adversity but believes his pressure and kicks will overcome Turner's technique. Angelo calls Medić his 'new guy' and predicts he'll be a future champion.
Big Brady picks Jalin Turner to win by second-round submission. He believes Turner is more well-rounded, has fought better competition, and has a path to victory via takedowns and ground game. He notes that Medić has never been past the second round and has shown poor takedown defense. However, he acknowledges Medić could knock Turner out early.
Cody leans towards Turner, citing his reach advantage, cleaner striking, and experience going rounds. He notes Medić has never fought past the first round and questions his cardio. He thinks Turner could win if he survives the early onslaught.
Daniel Levi picks Uroš Medić, believing he can expose Jalin Turner's chin issues. He notes that Medić has power and trains at Kings MMA with Beneil Dariush, which should level up his game. Levi is concerned about Turner's history of being knocked out and thinks Medić's power will be the difference, though he acknowledges the question of what happens if the fight goes past the first round.
Jacob picks Medić, admitting he previously discounted him but has learned his lesson. He notes Turner's experience but believes Medić's dominance and finishing ability are too much. Jacob thinks the odds are fair and that Medić will win impressively.
The host picks Jalin Turner by second-round submission. He believes Turner has the advantage on the ground with long, gangly arms good for chokes. He expects Medić to come out strong but slow down, allowing Turner to survive the early onslaught and get his grappling going. He notes that Medić's grappling looks suspect when pushed later in fights and that Turner is better than his record indicates.
Paul does not have a clear pick. He considers the under 2.5 rounds due to Medić's finishing ability and Turner's history of being knocked out. He thinks it's a low-priority fight and prefers live betting.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić over Jalin Turner, impressed by Medić's ease in finishing opponents. He notes that Turner is a huge lightweight who has been knocked out four times in his career and is draining himself to make weight. He expects Medić's speed and power to be too much, predicting a first-round TKO. He references Medić's last fight against Aalon Cruz, where he landed a close-range hook to put him down.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 45 of 63 | 71% | 55 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Aalon Cruz | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 1 | 45 of 63 | 71% | 55 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Aalon Cruz | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 45 of 63 | 71% | 43 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 35 of 52 |
| Aalon Cruz | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 45 of 63 | 71% | 43 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 35 of 52 |
| Aalon Cruz | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Moving now to the lightweight division, the appropriately nicknamed “The Doctor” Medic (6-0, 0-0 UFC) looks to make his promotional debut against fellow Dana White’s Contender Series alum Cruz (8-3, 0-1 UFC). Drawing the second assignment of the evening is referee Mark Smith, and there is no sporting touch of gloves to start things off. Instead, Cruz rushes out of his corner with a big front kick that Medic dodges. Cruz fires off a few more kicks, and Medic avoids them and throws back hard. When Cruz crashes in, Medic clips him with a left hand, and Cruz’ legs nearly give out. Medic pushes off an ensuing takedown attempt, hurts Cruz with a left hand and fires off a flying knee. Cruz falls back into the fence, and Medic assaults him with a barrage of punches. Cruz falls over, desperately attempting a takedown, and Medic pounds on him with punch after unanswered punch. Cruz rolls through and stays just busy enough to stave off a stoppage, so Medic keeps dropping bombs. Smith keeps a close eye on the proceeding, but Cruz is done.
Cruz keeps surviving, albeit barely, and “The Doctor” is defying the Hippocratic Oath to keep slamming his fists into Cruz' head and body. The stoppage could come at any time; as Cruz practically flattens out still taking punishment, Smith finally intervenes.
Still undefeated with seven finishes in seven outings, Medic’s brutal beating of Cruz proved that he done messed up, A-A-lon.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Aalon Cruz R1 1:40 via TKO (Punches)
Expert Picks (4)
Big Brady picks Uroš Medić but expresses hesitation due to Medić's unproven competition and never having been to a third round. He notes Medić has a 100% finish rate and trains at King's MMA, but Cruz has a 7-inch reach advantage. He predicts a first-round knockout, but admits he doesn't feel great about the pick.
Daniel picks Uroš Medić by knockout, highlighting Medić's devastating kicks and training at King's MMA. He notes that despite a reach disadvantage, Medić's kickboxing will be effective, and he questions Aalon Cruz's toughness after his UFC debut loss.
Cruz has better competition and a significant reach advantage (78 inches at lightweight). He uses his length well with kicks and volume. The host notes Cruz's durability is a question after a KO loss, but believes that was an anomaly. Medić is raw with only 6 fights and porous takedown defense.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić to win by TKO in the first round. He praises Medić's vicious body kicks and kickboxing background, and notes that Cruz has been losing early in fights. He believes Medić's size and leg kicks will overwhelm Cruz, and that Cruz's grappling is not enough to counter Medić's dangerous ground game off his back.
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