Durability: Rua finished 6× on record
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The stored numbers are close enough that this is a fight about execution and adjustments rather than one obvious mismatch.
Opposite stances create an open-side geometry from the first exchange — lead-foot position and the rear-hand lane matter more than usual.
Supporting evidenceExperience: 8 vs 0 five-round fights
| Attribute | Santos | Tuivasa |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 34 | 25 |
| Height | 6′4″ | 6′2″ |
| Reach | 77″ | 75″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Rank | Unranked | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Santos has 8 archived five-round fights to Tuivasa’s 0; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors SantosSantos has been finished 3 times in the archive and absorbs 3.3 strikes per minute; Tuivasa has never been stopped in the stored record.
Favors TuivasaSantos holds a 2-inch reach edge (77" to 75"); Tuivasa has to cross distance to land, and opposite stances open the lead-side lane.
Favors SantosTuivasa has 2 first-round finishes in the last 3 archived results — the opening minutes carry real finishing risk.
With the stored numbers close, the middle rounds come down to adjustments: who solves the opening read first, with strike defense at 56% and 42%.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
