Pyfer vs Stoltzfus, Yanez vs Huang, Demopoulos vs McKenna Fight Picks

Joseph Pyfer vs Dustin Stoltzfus

  • Joseph Pyfer
  • Age: 23
  • Pro Record: 7-1
  • Key Losses: Submitted by a 5-3 striker.
  • Tools: Pyfer has average striking (50). He also has above average wrestling (60) and average grappling (50).
  • Dustin Stoltzfus
  • Age: 28
  • Pro Record: 12-1
  • Key Wins: Beat a 10-2 wrestler.
  • Tools: Stoltzfus has average striking (50). He also has wrestling that’s a little above average (55) and grappling that’s a little above average (55).

I was wrong about Pyfer. After looking at just his record and who he’s fought against, I thought this was going to be striker vs grappler. Before I watched Pyfer fight, just looking at his record, I questioned his upside. But then I watched and then understood why he’s in the main event. I watched him fight cans, which isn’t my preference, but his wrestling is explosive. And there’s a difference between beating a can, finishing a can, and absolutely dominating a can Khabib style. That’s what I saw from Pyfer. Stoltzfus is going to be a good challenge because he has wrestling too, but projection wise, Pyfer is developing at a much faster rate at his age. I think both his wrestling and striking could take steps forward here. I’m going to go out on a limb and pick the upset.

Chris’ Pick: Pyfer finishes Stoltzfus in the 2nd round by TKO ground and pound.


Adrian Yanez vs Brady Huang

  • Adrian Yanez
  • Age: 26
  • Pro Record: 10-3
  • Key Losses: Split decision losses to Domingo Pilarte in 2017 and Miles John in 2018.
  • Key Wins: Submitted a 5-2 grappler.
  • Tools: Yanez has average striking (50). He also has wrestling that’s a little above average (55) and average grappling (50).
  • Brady Huang
  • Age: 27
  • Pro Record: 11-1
  • Tools: Huang has average striking (50) and fringe average grappling (45).

Huang has a nice record, but 11 of his 12 fights have been against tomato cans. His only quality fight was against UFC fighter Martin Day, and Huang got knocked out. Yanez has the best tool in this fight. It’s his wrestling. And that ability to mix and match striking with takedowns will carry him to winning.

Chris’ Pick: Yanez by decision.


Vanessa Demopoulos vs Cory McKenna

  • Vanessa Demopoulos
  • Age: 31
  • Pro Record: 5-1
  • Key Wins: Submitted a well rounded 4-0 fighter.
  • Tools: Demopoulos has fringe average striking (45) and above average grappling (60).
  • Cory McKenna
  • Age: 20
  • Pro Record: 4-1
  • Key Losses: Split decision loss to a well rounded 5-1 fighter when she was 18 years old.
  • Key Wins: Split decision over a 3-0 grappler.
  • Tools: McKenna has fringe average striking (45) and grappling that’s a little above (55).

McKenna has a bright future as she’s already made it to this stage at 20 years of age. But she takes on a grown woman who’s done much better against quality competition than she has. Sam Hughes is a legit top prospect and Demopoulos submitted her. Meanwhile, McKenna went up against Contender alum Micol DiSegni and lost a split decision. McKenna also fought a 3-0 grappler and barely eked out a split decision win. Thing to keep in mind is that McKenna just needs to grow and get stronger. But in this fight, Demopulos having the better grappling will make the difference.

Chris’ Pick: Demopoulos via decision.


TJ Laramie vs Daniel Swain

  • TJ Laramie
  • Age: 22
  • Pro Record: 11-3
  • Key Losses: Knocked out by an 8-3 wrestler.
  • Key Wins: Knocked out a 5-2 striker. Beat Charles Jourdain when he was 19 years old. Also beat a 5-1 grappler and a 6-2 grappler.
  • Tools: Laramie has average striking (50) and average wrestling (50).
  • Daniel Swain
  • Age: 29
  • Pro Win: 20-9-1
  • Key Losses: Submitted by a 10-7 wrestler. Knocked out by a 7-4 grappler.
  • Key Draws: Fought a 2-1 wrestler to a draw.
  • Key Wins: Submitted a 14-4 grappler, a 7-2 striker, and a well rounded 12-2 fighter.
  • Tools: Swain has fringe average striking (45) and grappling that’s a little above average (55).

Swain is a journeyman but has won 4 of his last 5 fights. But in my opinion, he’s lost to fighters worse than Laramie. Laramie should have the wrestling to stuff the takedowns. Laramie will have a big advantage on the feet. I see a quick fight.

Chris’ Pick: Laramie knocks Swain out in the 1st round.


Impa Kasanganay vs Anthony Adams

  • Impa Kasanganay
  • Age: 26
  • Pro Record: 6-0
  • Key Wins: Beat a 4-0 striker
  • Tools: Kasanganay has above average striking paired with average power (60-50). He also has wrestling that’s a little above average (55) and fringe average grappling (45).
  • Anthony Adams
  • Age: 32
  • Pro Record: 8-1
  • Key Wins: Beat a well rounded 8-2 fighter. Split decision over a well rounded 9-2 fighter
  • Tools: Adams has average striking paired with below average power (50-40). He also has average wrestling (50).

Kasanganay is really good. Kailan Hill was a -500 favorite to beat Kasangany last year on the contender. I thought it was going to be a striker vs wrestler fight, but to my shock, Kasanganay actually out struck Hill. Adams looked okay on the Contender a couple years ago. Lost a split decision. But he fought on 5 days notice above his weight class. He’s only fought once since then, so he’s probably going to be improved here. But Kasanganay’s tools will be too much. Fight for sure will be on the feet. Kasanganay’s striking will be noticeably better.

Chris’ Pick: Kasanganay by decision.

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