Pace: 6.3 vs 3.5 landed / min
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a grappling gap (5.3 vs 0.6 takedowns per 15); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Supporting evidenceGrappling: 5.3 takedowns / 15 vs 74% defense
| Attribute | Nurmagomedov | Iaquinta |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 29 | 30 |
| Height | 5′10″ | 5′10″ |
| Reach | 70″ | 70″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Rank | Unranked | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Nurmagomedov averages 5.3 takedowns per 15 minutes; Iaquinta has stopped 74% of attempts on record.
Favors IaquintaIaquinta has been finished 2 times in the archive and absorbs 4.5 strikes per minute; Nurmagomedov has never been stopped in the stored record.
Favors NurmagomedovIaquinta has 1 archived five-round fight to Nurmagomedov’s 0; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors IaquintaWatch the first takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov: whether it lands, and how expensive it looks, tells you the shape of the fight.
Rounds two and three turn on whether Nurmagomedov keeps landing takedowns at 5.3 per 15 minutes; if Iaquinta stays upright, the striking rates (4.1 vs 4.1 landed per minute) take over.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
