Distance: 2-inch reach difference
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a volume gap (4.1 vs 2.2 strikes per minute); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Opposite stances create an open-side geometry from the first exchange — lead-foot position and the rear-hand lane matter more than usual.
Supporting evidenceDistance: 4-inch reach difference
| Attribute | Rockhold | Philippou |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 29 | 34 |
| Height | 6′3″ | 5′11″ |
| Reach | 77″ | 73″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Rank | Unranked | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Rockhold holds a 4-inch reach edge (77" to 73"); Philippou has to cross distance to land, and opposite stances open the lead-side lane.
Favors RockholdRockhold lands 4.1 significant strikes per minute to Philippou’s 2.2: a real volume gap.
Favors RockholdRockhold has 1 archived five-round fight to Philippou’s 0; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors RockholdWho sets the range in round one: Rockhold holds the longer reach, so early success for the shorter fighter usually requires feints and fast entries.
The middle rounds belong to whoever sets the pace: Rockhold averages 4.1 landed per minute to Philippou at 2.2, so Philippou needs the counters to land clean (35% accuracy on record).
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
