UFC Fantasy: Significant Stats – UFC Vegas 13: Santos vs Teixeira

Key Stats: 11 KO/TKO wins (tied 1st all-time), +2.25 striking differential, 68% takedown defense

What It Means: “Maretta” (which translates to “Sledgehammer”) lives up to his nickname, combining dynamic striking with Earth-shattering power that carried up from his home at middleweight, catapulting him up the light heavyweight ranks. Santos throws everything with heat, whether it’s a huge overhand or powerful kick – it all carries fight-ending power. He’s coming off a major knee injury, so how that impacts the Brazilian is yet to be seen, but at all times during a fight, he can end it in a blink. When he senses an opponent wilting, he swarms to terrifying effect.

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Key Stats: 11 finishes (tied 1st all-time among LHW), 5 submissions (tied 1st all-time among LHW), 1.87 takedowns per 15 minutes

What It Means: A veteran knockout artist, Teixeira’s game has matured to make the most of his vast experience in the Octagon. Though he still has plenty of power, Teixeira’s grappling has been the shining light in several of his most recent fights, as he’s been patient while threatening for submissions when they present themselves. He showed against Anthony Smith that he can take damage and still turn the fight around quickly and, at 41, he is still very much a threat in all aspects of a fight.

What to Look For in the Fight: This bout is Santos’ first since he blew out his knee against Jon Jones more than a year ago, so how any potential rust manifests itself is a key question mark in this fight. What won’t be rusty is the power he carries in each strike, and he’s strong and technical enough on the ground to ward off any wily grappling with which Teixeira may attack. Between the two, Teixeira probably fights cleaner, but when Santos explodes, it can come with devastating impact.

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Key Stats: 4.54 strikes landed per minute, 2.85 strikes absorbed per minute, 100% takedown defense

What It Means: The Canadian is one of the more mobile heavyweights in the division. He darts in and out well, throwing heat in the pocket before getting back out of range and managing distance. He keeps a high work rate, as well, not letting his opponent dictate the pace too much without presenting problems for them to think about. While he definitely has power, his speed is probably the most eye-catching trait about Boser, and he’s able to capitalize on that in beginning and ending striking exchanges.

What to Look For in the Fight: These are two of the more agile, methodical heavyweights in the division. Neither looks for the one-punch finish, though both are capable of doing just that. More of their work is done in combinations and dictating the dance on the feet. Arlovski could choose to mix it up and use his grappling, as he is the more credentialed of the two, but Boser has shown good defensive wrestling when it is called upon. Boser is probably the faster and more powerful of the two whereas Arlovski is the cleaner fighter in terms of technique and holds more experience than anyone he walks into the cage with at this point.