Daniil Donchenko
Ukraine
Bonus winner in Baku
Donchenko defeated Theodor Berggren via TKO (head kick and punches) at 1:35 of Round 2 at UFC Baku on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Originally slated to take on Andreas Gustaffsson and dealing with an opponent change roughly a month ago, Donchenko had no issues here with his debuting opponent. He dominated the striking stats in Round 1 before a head kick got through Berggren's guard and put him on the canvas in Round 2. Berggren got back before Donchenko could chase him down, but a few follow-up shots ended with Donchenko's second credited knockdown of the evening, and ultimately, the finish. Donchenko is a perfect 3-0 since officially joining the UFC following season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter. 11 of his 14 career wins have been by stoppage. The UFC might have something here with the 24-year-old Ukrainian prospect.
Originally slated to take on Andreas Gustaffsson and dealing with an opponent change roughly a month ago, Donchenko had no issues here with his debuting opponent. He dominated the striking stats in Round 1 before a head kick got through Berggren's guard and put him on the canvas in Round 2. Berggren got back before Donchenko could chase him down, but a few follow-up shots ended with Donchenko's second credited knockdown of the evening, and ultimately, the finish. Donchenko is a perfect 3-0 since officially joining the UFC following season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter. 11 of his 14 career wins have been by stoppage. The UFC might have something here with the 24-year-old Ukrainian prospect.
Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
More Fantasy News
Will face new opponent
Donchenko will now take on Theodor Berggren in a welterweight matchup at UFC Baku on June 27, Marcel Dorff of Heavy on Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Donchenko was set to face off against Andreas Gustafsson (chest) in a welterweight bout. Unfortunately, Gustafsson was forced to withdraw due to a heart problem and was eventually released from the UFC roster. Donchenko is coming off an assertive, unanimous decision win over Alex Morono in his UFC debut last February. He will look to keep his momentum alive against Berggren, who is making his own UFC debut.
Donchenko was set to face off against Andreas Gustafsson (chest) in a welterweight bout. Unfortunately, Gustafsson was forced to withdraw due to a heart problem and was eventually released from the UFC roster. Donchenko is coming off an assertive, unanimous decision win over Alex Morono in his UFC debut last February. He will look to keep his momentum alive against Berggren, who is making his own UFC debut.
Next fight scheduled
Donchenko will take on Andreas Gustafsson in a welterweight matchup at UFC Baku on June 27, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
After winning the TUF 33 welterweight tournament, Donchenko went on to pick up a lopsided decision over Alex Morono in his UFC debut last February. He now draws Gustafsson, who is coming off a first-round TKO loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov in September. Donchenko will be at a slight height and reach disadvantage against an opponent in Gustafsson who has more offensive wrestling chops. But it's Donchenko who enters with more knockout upside and a higher striking volume.
After winning the TUF 33 welterweight tournament, Donchenko went on to pick up a lopsided decision over Alex Morono in his UFC debut last February. He now draws Gustafsson, who is coming off a first-round TKO loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov in September. Donchenko will be at a slight height and reach disadvantage against an opponent in Gustafsson who has more offensive wrestling chops. But it's Donchenko who enters with more knockout upside and a higher striking volume.
Shines in UFC debut
Donchenko defeated Alex Morono via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Donchenko earned his UFC contract with a first-round knockout win on Dana White's Contender Series in September. He made his officially company debut here against a tenured veteran and found himself a -750 favorite, largest on the entire card. The price tag ultimately proved to be justified. Donchenko, who has massive power, essentially finished Morono off immediately with a handful of huge leg kicks. The latter was hobbled the rest of the way, and Donchenko took full advantage, landing the more damaging blows throughout. He did appear to tire as the fight progressed, but Morono could not take advantage of the situation. Donchenko won't be 25 years of age until August, so it's reasonable to expect future improvements on a fight-by-fight basis.
Donchenko earned his UFC contract with a first-round knockout win on Dana White's Contender Series in September. He made his officially company debut here against a tenured veteran and found himself a -750 favorite, largest on the entire card. The price tag ultimately proved to be justified. Donchenko, who has massive power, essentially finished Morono off immediately with a handful of huge leg kicks. The latter was hobbled the rest of the way, and Donchenko took full advantage, landing the more damaging blows throughout. He did appear to tire as the fight progressed, but Morono could not take advantage of the situation. Donchenko won't be 25 years of age until August, so it's reasonable to expect future improvements on a fight-by-fight basis.
Set to fight Morono
Donchenko will fight Alex Morono at UFC Vegas 113 on Feb. 7, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Donchenko defeated Rodrigo Sezinando in September to capture his first UFC victory, and he'll now receive his second test in the form of Morono. What Donchenko lacks in experience compared to Morono, he makes up for in momentum, as the former has won each of his last five fights while the latter has dropped three straight.
Donchenko defeated Rodrigo Sezinando in September to capture his first UFC victory, and he'll now receive his second test in the form of Morono. What Donchenko lacks in experience compared to Morono, he makes up for in momentum, as the former has won each of his last five fights while the latter has dropped three straight.
Earns UFC contract with win
Donchenko defeated Rodrigo Sezinando via TKO (punches) at 4:27 of Round 1 in the welterweight final of Season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter at UFC Noche on Saturday in San Antonio.
ANALYSIS
This fight ended up being postponed about a month due to injury, but Donchenko left with the contract he set out for at the beginning of the season. Both men had their moments in what was a wild brawl. The biggest blow of the bout was a short elbow from Donchenko which rearranged the top of Sezinando's face. He eventually ended up in a dominant position and unloaded blows until referee Kerry Hatley had seen enough. The 24-year-old Ukrainian should be making his official UFC debut in short order.
This fight ended up being postponed about a month due to injury, but Donchenko left with the contract he set out for at the beginning of the season. Both men had their moments in what was a wild brawl. The biggest blow of the bout was a short elbow from Donchenko which rearranged the top of Sezinando's face. He eventually ended up in a dominant position and unloaded blows until referee Kerry Hatley had seen enough. The 24-year-old Ukrainian should be making his official UFC debut in short order.