Heavyweight fighters Augusto Sakai and Don’Tale Mayes are set to fight at UFC Vegas 70. The fight will take place on the main card of the event. Although Sakai was a Top 10 heavyweight fighter not so long ago, he has had a tough time as of late. However, Sakai’s job is not going to be an easy one, as Mayes is on a decent run.
Augusto Sakai is coming off 4 back to back defeats. He has lost against Alistair Overeem, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Tai Tuivasa, and Sergey Spivak. There is no denying that all four of the above-mentioned fighters are elite. But it is not a good look for the Brazilian to lose so many fights in a row. With such a tumultuous recent record, he may be heading for a harsh exit from the UFC if he loses.
Sakai vs. Mayes pic.twitter.com/QrJPktZpdn
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) February 24, 2023
Don’Tale Mayes lost to Ciryl Gane in October 2019 and Rodrigo Nascimento in May 2020. However, since then, Meyes has beaten Roque Martinez and Josh Parisian. Although he lost to Hamdy Abdelwahab in the last bout via split decision, the result was later overturned into a No-Contest due to Hamdy testing positive for PEDs. So which heavyweight between the two has the better chance of winning? Let’s find out!
UFC Vegas 70: Augusto Sakai vs Don’Tale Mayes, Stats
Stats | Augusto Sakai | Don’Tale Mayes |
---|---|---|
Wins | 7 | 13 |
Losses | 1 | 2 |
Height | 5 ft 11 in | 5 ft 11 in |
Division | Middleweight | Middleweight |
Reach | 73 in | 72.5 in |
Team | Fusion X-Cel | Frankers Fight Team |
Sakai vs Mayes: Fight Breakdown
Heavyweight fights very seldom last the entire duration. However, this being a 3-round affair, increases the chances of the contest going the full distance. Augusto Sakai has been finished in all 4 of his last losses. While the bout against Overeem went to the 5th round, the rest of his fights ended within 2 rounds. Hence, Sakai may not employ a very aggressive game plan.
As per UFC stats, Sakai has had a decent output throughout his UFC run. He has averaged 4.73 strikes per minute while absorbing 4.07 strikes. But, with only 0.13 takedowns per fight, Sakai is not too big on grappling. Don’Tale Mayes, on the other hand, has a takedown average of 1.11. But his striking average is not as good as Sakai’s. As a result, Mayes may try to land some big takedowns early in the fight. Sakai is yet to fall prey to submission in his career. Don’Tale may just change that after UFC Vegas 70.
DOMINATION inside the APEX 💢
👏 @LordKongMayes came in with something to prove! #UFCVegas45 pic.twitter.com/8NPB4MAuJ7
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2021
It is very evident that Don’Tale Mayes will be the favorite this weekend. There are massive question marks over Sakai’s constantly diminishing chin. On top of that, so many successive losses may have compromised his self-confidence as well. However, there is nothing more dangerous than a fighter who is backed into a corner. But as things stand, Don’Tale Mayes is the smart pick.