The UFC Fight Night co-main event features Dan Ige versus Andre Fili. Both fighters are entering the octagon with significant experience and are looking to climb up the featherweight rankings with a win.
Dan Ige Smashes Andre Fili at UFC Vegas 86
“50k” Ige brings a professional MMA record of 17-7, including 5 TKO/KO wins and 5 submissions. Known for his striking, Ige has demonstrated his prowess in the octagon with a significant strike rate of 3.76 per minute and a solid 57% striking defence. He’s also adept on the ground, averaging 1.07 takedowns per 15 minutes. Ige’s recent performance includes a tough decision loss to Bryce Mitchell, but he’s known for his resilience and ability to bounce back. Before this loss, he was on a two-fight win streak, with a KO victory over Damon Jackson and a UD win over Nate Landwehr. Dan Ige has never been finished in his 7 losses – a testament to his durability with coming up against dangerous finishers such as Josh Emmett and The Korean Zombie.
Andre Fili
“Touchy” Fili steps in as a replacement for Lerone Murphy. He holds a record of 23-10, with 10 wins by TKO/KO and 3 by submission. Fili is a versatile fighter, combining a high volume of strikes, averaging 3.86 significant strikes landed per minute, with effective grappling, evidenced by his average of 2.19 takedowns per 15 minutes. His last fight saw him securing a first-round TKO win over Lucas Almeida, reinforcing his finishing ability.
Both fighters exhibit high-level striking and grappling skills. Ige is noted for his powerful jab and defensive skills, often managing to land the better shots in exchanges. His ability to mix striking with takedown attempts makes him a tough night at the office for any fighter. Fili, on the other hand, utilizes his length to control the distance, employing well-timed jabs and crosses, complemented by his powerful kicks from both stances.
Ige’s power and grappling defence could be key, but Fili’s experience and reach advantage present unique challenges. In terms of predictions, there’s a slight edge towards Ige, primarily due to his striking and durability. However, Fili’s range and timing makes him a dangerous opponent capable of securing victory.
In the opening few minutes, both men tried to feel one another out after training with each other in the past. However, with a chip on his shoulder, Ige found his mark in typical Dan Ige fashion and flatlined Andre Fili in the first-round.
Official result: Dan Ige def. Andre Fili by KO in round one.
