Pace: 7.1 vs 4.1 landed / min
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a grappling gap (5.1 vs 0 takedowns per 15) and a volume gap (4.2 vs 6 strikes per minute) and a finishing gap (50% vs 100% of archived wins); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Supporting evidenceGrappling: 5.1 takedowns / 15 vs 100% defense
| Attribute | Blaydes | Daukaus |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 31 | 32 |
| Height | 6′4″ | 6′3″ |
| Reach | 80″ | 76″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Rank | #5 Heavyweight | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Blaydes averages 5.1 takedowns per 15 minutes; Daukaus has stopped 100% of attempts on record.
Favors DaukausBlaydes has 4 archived five-round fights to Daukaus’ 1; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors BlaydesBlaydes holds a 4-inch reach edge (80" to 76"); Daukaus has to cross distance to land.
Favors BlaydesDaukaus has 3 first-round finishes in the last 5 archived results — the opening minutes carry real finishing risk.
Rounds two and three turn on whether Blaydes keeps landing takedowns at 5.1 per 15 minutes; if Daukaus stays upright, the striking rates (4.2 vs 6 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.
