UFC ON ESPN 52: Reese vs. Brundage 12/2/23 – The next UFC on ESPN event takes place on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, with an intriguing middleweight bout between the undefeated Zach Reese and veteran Cody Brundage. This MMA performance analysis will break down the stats, skills, and recent performances of both fighters to provide insights who has the edge.
UFC ON ESPN 52: Zachary Reese vs. Cody Brundage 12/2/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Moody Center, Austin, Texas, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Zachary “Savage” Reese Analysis
Zachary Reese has burst onto the UFC scene with a perfect 6-0 record, showcasing high-level striking accuracy and underrated grappling defense. Reese lands a staggering 6.49 significant strikes per minute while maintaining solid 61% accuracy, demonstrating patience in picking his shots until openings emerge. Once he hurts opponents, Reese swarms with ruthless killer instinct, overwhelming them with knees and elbows in the clinch. Despite his striking proficiency, Reese does absorb a concerning 8.92 significant strikes per 15 minutes. His defense rate of only 31% indicates durability issues could arise as he faces elite competition.
However, Reese has yet to allow a single takedown in his UFC run, stopping all 8 attempts with stellar anti-wrestling. He keeps fights where he wants them, unleashing his dynamic kickboxing without having to worry about grappling exchanges. Reese’s last win over Malkoun followed this exact formula, as he stuffed takedowns before uncorking a fight-ending combination of elbows and knees to earn the first round KO. The undefeated upstart demonstrates no glaring weaknesses besides defensive holes and unproven cardio, making him a threat to work up the middleweight ranks if he can shore up those flaws.
Cody Brundage Analysis
Cody Brundage enters this main card battle as a seasoned veteran, holding a respectable 9-5 record built on submission skills and athletic wrestling. Brundage attempts an average of 2.51 takedowns per 15 minutes, completing them at a solid 50% clip, while also showcasing stellar 73% takedown defense. Once on the mat, he aggressively hunts for submissions, especially guillotines and rear naked chokes. Brundage has secured multiple submission wins by capitalizing on opponent’s mistakes, catching them in quick chokes as they shoot for sloppy takedowns.
However, Brundage has clear holes in his standup game – he lands just 1.69 significant strikes per minute at only 54% accuracy. Brundage tends to push forward behind looping punches, leaving himself open to counters. He absorbs 2.52 significant strikes per minute and has suffered multiple KO losses when opponents exploit these defensive liabilities. Brundage’s last fight saw him finish Malkoun with a guillotine choke, but prior he was knocked out cold by Brendan Allen after reckless striking exchanges.
Zachary Reese vs. Cody Brundage Stats
| Reese | Brundage | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 6-0-0 | 9-5-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 1:14 | 6:44 |
| Height | 6′ 4″ | 6′ 0″ |
| Weight | 185 lbs. | 185 lbs. |
| Reach | 77″ | 72″ |
| Stance | Switch | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 6.49 | 1.69 |
| Striking Accuracy | 61% | 54% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 8.92 | 2.52 |
| Defense | 31% | 43% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.00 | 2.51 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 0% | 50% |
| Takedown Defense | 0% | 73% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 12.2 | 1.1 |
Zachary Reese vs. Cody Brundage Betting Pick
The pick here is Zachary “Savage” Reese to remain undefeated with another striking clinic. Cody Brundage has a path to victory if he floors Reese with a well-timed punch or locks in a submission during a scramble. But Reese should have the technical boxing advantage on the feet, and has shown stellar takedown defense to keep fights standing. Reese will punish Brundage with precision combinations before scoring another KO win late in round 2, potentially elevating himself into the division’s top 15 rankings.
Free Pick: Zachary “Savage” Reese -225
The handicapping insights favor Zachary Reese for the victory against Cody Brundage in their upcoming clash at UFC on ESPN 52. Reese’s striking prowess, combined with his impressive reach and finishing ability, positions him well against Brundage’s more grappling-centric style. This matchup is expected to be a dynamic and telling contest, providing insights into the potential and growth of both fighters in the middleweight division.