UFC on FOX: Shevchenko vs. Peña–Behind the Numbers
The UFC’s return to Denver Colorado was a memorable one, as all four fights on the main card resulted in stoppages. A title challenger emerged, and two contenders put their divisions on notice. Let’s go behind the numbers.
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Julianna Peña
Headed into this contest, Valentina Shevchenko was favored to defeat Julianna Peña. However, not many expected her to win the way she did. This bout was being viewed as a classic striker vs. grappler match up. On Saturday night, Shevchenko proved she was more than just a striker as she submitted Julianna Peña with a rear naked choke in the 2nd round. A total of 61% of Verdict predicted Shevchenko to defeat Peña, but only 2% predicted she would win by submission. Those that pedicted Shevchenko to win by submission, catapulted up the global leaderboard.
Donald Cerrone vs. Jorge Masvidal
Saturday night was the coming out party for Jorge Masvidal, as he finished Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone by TKO in the 2nd round. Masvidal was a big underdog headed into this fight, as only 28% of Verdicted predicted him to win. Of those that bet on Masvidal, only 7% predicted him to finish Cerrone by knockout.
Andrei Arlovski vs. Francis Ngannou
The result of this fight was expected by many, as Francid Ngannou finished Andrei Arlovski by 1st round knockout. This was the most predicted outcome of the night, as 57% of Verdict predicted Ngannou to finish the former Heavyweight Champion by 1st round knockout.
Alex Caceres vs.Jason Knight
Jason Knight earned the biggest victory of his career, as he finished Alex Caceres with a rear naked choke in the 2nd round. Of those that predicted Knight to win, only 6% believed he would do it by submission.
Global Leaderboard
Next Event
On February 4th, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung will make his return to the octagon after missing nearly four years of competition. In his first fight back with the UFC, he will battle 9th ranked Featherweight Dennis Burmudez in a five round main event. We will see you on Verdict!
