Eric McConico
USA
Picks up first UFC win
McConico defeated Cody Brundage via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28) at UFC Vegas 109 on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
This was an airtight matchup with scorecards all over the place from both the judges and media members. McConico ceded both the striking and wrestling/control numbers to Brundage in Rounds 1 and 2, but he had a big moment early in the fight that may have stolen him the frame and could have very well made the difference. He was also the fresher fighter in Round 3, a testament to his cardio, which allowed him to even up the striking numbers and leave a good final impression. This was a much-needed bounce-back effort after a lopsided debut loss to Nursulton Ruziboev in February. Look for McConico to return to the middleweight division after this.
This was an airtight matchup with scorecards all over the place from both the judges and media members. McConico ceded both the striking and wrestling/control numbers to Brundage in Rounds 1 and 2, but he had a big moment early in the fight that may have stolen him the frame and could have very well made the difference. He was also the fresher fighter in Round 3, a testament to his cardio, which allowed him to even up the striking numbers and leave a good final impression. This was a much-needed bounce-back effort after a lopsided debut loss to Nursulton Ruziboev in February. Look for McConico to return to the middleweight division after this.
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Booked versus Brundage
McConico is set to fight Cody Brundage at UFC Vegas 109 on Aug. 9, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
McConico, who lost his UFC debut in February in an uninspiring performance, will have a chance to bounce back with this short notice bout with Brundage. Brundage is 0-1-1 in his two fights this year. The two fighters are the same height but McConico holds a three-inch reach advantage.
McConico, who lost his UFC debut in February in an uninspiring performance, will have a chance to bounce back with this short notice bout with Brundage. Brundage is 0-1-1 in his two fights this year. The two fighters are the same height but McConico holds a three-inch reach advantage.
Not competitive in UFC debut
McConico lost to Nursulton Ruziboev via TKO (punches) at 0:33 of Round 2 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Seattle.
ANALYSIS
McConico accepted this fight, his UFC debut, about 10 days ago. Ruziboev is a quality opponent, but he appeared overwhelmed by the moment. McConico mostly stood around, landing just six total strikes in the fight. To be fair, Ruziboev was equally ineffective in Round 1, but he opened up at the start of the second frame, and McConico was quickly finished. He'll get another shot with the company, but little should be expected from the 34-year-old Oregon native moving forward.
McConico accepted this fight, his UFC debut, about 10 days ago. Ruziboev is a quality opponent, but he appeared overwhelmed by the moment. McConico mostly stood around, landing just six total strikes in the fight. To be fair, Ruziboev was equally ineffective in Round 1, but he opened up at the start of the second frame, and McConico was quickly finished. He'll get another shot with the company, but little should be expected from the 34-year-old Oregon native moving forward.
Fighting Ruziboev in February
McConico will take on Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Seattle on February 22, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
McConico will make his UFC debut against Ruziboev in Seattle. The 6-foot American will head into the fight riding a five-fight win streak across promotions. McConico will have to overcome both height and reach disadvantages against the younger fighter from Uzbekistan. McConico must be wary of Ruziboev's power as both of the American's professional defeats have come via KO/TKO.
McConico will make his UFC debut against Ruziboev in Seattle. The 6-foot American will head into the fight riding a five-fight win streak across promotions. McConico will have to overcome both height and reach disadvantages against the younger fighter from Uzbekistan. McConico must be wary of Ruziboev's power as both of the American's professional defeats have come via KO/TKO.