UFC Fight Night 236 features a middleweight clash between Robert Bryczek and Ihor Potieira. This is a bout filled with knockout potential from both sides.
Ihor Potieira Upsets Robert Bryczek at UFC Vegas 86
Bryczek steps into the Octagon with a record of 17-5, having showcased his power with five consecutive knockouts in the Oktagon MMA promotion before this fight. His journey to the UFC has been highlighted by his striking ability, particularly his boxing, which has contributed to his impressive 71% finish rate. Bryczek is seen as a dangerous striker who will be looking to extend his knockout tally against Potieria. Despite not having fought the same level of competition as Potieria, Bryczek’s one-time knockout loss suggests he has durability, but this upcoming bout will be a significant test of his skills at the highest level in the UFC.
Potieria
Potieria comes into this fight with a 19-5 record but has faced a challenging run in the UFC so far, with a record of 1-3 in the organization, all ending in knockouts. Notably, Potieria managed to retire the legend Shogun Rua in 2023, marking a high point in his career. However, consecutive losses to Carlos Ulberg and Rodolfo Bellato have put him in a position where he needs to make a statement tonight. Potieria’s move down a weight class for this fight adds an interesting dynamic, as it could impact his durability, especially since he’s stepping in on short notice.
The fight promises to be an intense stand-up battle, with both fighters known for their finishing ability. Bryczek’s power and boxing against Potieria’s willingness to engage and his own knockout capability make this matchup unpredictable. Potieria’s significant strikes per minute and accuracy suggest he can overwhelm Bryczek if he manages to impose his game. However, Bryczek’s elite takedown defence and ability to keep the fight standing may neutralize Potieria’s approach and allow him to dictate the pace.
Bryczek is favoured by the odds, likely due to his knockout streak and Potieria’s susceptibility to being finished. However, Potieria’s experience and striking volume cannot be overlooked, and if he adapts well to the weight cut, he could claim a knockout of his own.
What Unfolded at The Apex
Bryczek entered tonight’s clash with all the hype, and immediately caught Potiera’s attention landing a hook followed by a right hand. 90-seconds into the fight the action was halted briefly due to an accidental eye-poke from Bryczek. The Polish international showed his flair and speed marching forward and landing combination after combination. The action was paused momentarily again after Bryczek was hit with an accidental groin strike this time. Bryczek was dealt with a hard warning, and the fight resumed. In that latter stages of round one Potieria seemed to pick up the pace and find success. A strange round due to the multiple time-outs.
In the second both men finally started to find their rhythms and the pace of the fight began to pick up. Both men exchanged blows in the center of the cage. Potieria’s started to mix everything together well, attacking the head, body, legs, and changing levels, keeping Bryczek guessing. Better round for Ukrainian, who’s frustrating his opponent.
The opening minute of the third, both men hurt each other bad, and shortly after Potieria dropped Bryczek to the canvas and swarmed him with a barrage of punches. The Polish debutant knows he’s behind on the scorecards, but still trying to empty the gas tank to catch Potieira off-guard.
Official result: Ihor Potieira def. Robert Bryczek by unanimous (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
