Junior Tafa vs Tuco Tokkos
Light Heavyweight · Prelims · UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira
Who wins, by source
Each row splits one source's view of the fight. The dashed line is even odds. Where the models sit further from the market, they are claiming an edge.
Tale of the tape
Career UFC averages. Bars are scaled within each row, so compare left against right, not row against row. The stronger side is highlighted, and for strikes absorbed the lower number is the better one.
How it ends
Each model's split across the ways this fight can finish, out of 100.
The analysis
This matchup heavily favors Tafa's striking-centric approach against Tokkos' defensive vulnerabilities. Tafa maintains a positive striking differential (+0.52) while Tokkos has been absorbing significantly more strikes than he lands (-1.31). Tafa's recent form shows improvement with back-to-back KO victories, demonstrating his finishing power at heavyweight. Tokkos' submission losses in both UFC appearances expose a vulnerability on the ground, but his 100% takedown accuracy suggests he may attempt to neutralize Tafa's striking through grappling. However, Tafa's 77% takedown defense should allow him to keep the fight standing where he holds a decisive advantage. Tokkos' move down to light heavyweight after competing at heavyweight raises questions about his durability against Tafa's heavyweight power.
Given the data, Tafa's better striking defense and higher takedown defense seem to give him the edge. Although Tokkos has a perfect takedown accuracy, he may struggle to execute this against Tafa's solid takedown defense. Furthermore, Tafa has a higher significant strikes landed per minute (SLPM) and striking accuracy which could allow him to outscore Tokkos in the event of a decision.