Michal Oleksiejczuk
Lord
Poland
Takes war from Marc-Andre Barriault
Oleksiejczuk defeated Marc-Andre Barriault via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Oleksiejczuk joined up with the Fighting Nerds not long ago and quickly picked up back-to-back first-round knockout wins over Gerald Meerschaert and Sedriques Dumas. He fought a tougher, more durable opponent here in Barriault, and although it was a struggle at times, this is the type of fight he would have lost earlier in his career. Oleksiejczuk easily won Round 1, landing a ton of power shots in the process. He effectiveness dipped in Round 2, primarily as a result of Barriault dominating from the clinch. Yet he got right back on the horse in the final frame, dominating from distance and firing off two (unsuccessful) takedown attempts in an effort to keep his opponent off balance. Oleksiejczuk's improvements are noticeable and in many ways this victory was more impressive than immediate knockout wins over fringe-roster competition.
Oleksiejczuk joined up with the Fighting Nerds not long ago and quickly picked up back-to-back first-round knockout wins over Gerald Meerschaert and Sedriques Dumas. He fought a tougher, more durable opponent here in Barriault, and although it was a struggle at times, this is the type of fight he would have lost earlier in his career. Oleksiejczuk easily won Round 1, landing a ton of power shots in the process. He effectiveness dipped in Round 2, primarily as a result of Barriault dominating from the clinch. Yet he got right back on the horse in the final frame, dominating from distance and firing off two (unsuccessful) takedown attempts in an effort to keep his opponent off balance. Oleksiejczuk's improvements are noticeable and in many ways this victory was more impressive than immediate knockout wins over fringe-roster competition.
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Facing Barriault in February
Oleksiejczuk will take on Marc-Andre Barriault at a UFC event in Las Vegas on February 7, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Oleksiejczuk will head into the bout coming off back-to-back victories in 2025. The 30-year-old Polish fighter will face a slight height disadvantage compared to the older Canadian. With the two fighters sporting a combined 27-4 professional record in KO/TKO finishes, fireworks can be expected in this one.
Oleksiejczuk will head into the bout coming off back-to-back victories in 2025. The 30-year-old Polish fighter will face a slight height disadvantage compared to the older Canadian. With the two fighters sporting a combined 27-4 professional record in KO/TKO finishes, fireworks can be expected in this one.
Makes quick work of Meerschaert
Oleksiejczuk defeated Gerald Meerschaert via TKO (punches) at 3:03 of Round 1 at UFC 319 on Saturday in Chicago, Illinois.
ANALYSIS
The outcome seemed like a foregone conclusion within the first minute, as Meershaert plodded along the side of the cage, unable to shake Oleksiejczuk's pressure. It wasn't long before "Lord" threw an uppercut to intercept Meerscahert's takedown attempt, which marked the beginning of the end. Oleksiejczuk 's quick hands have defined his career. If he can stay on his feet against more athletic wrestlers, the Polish fighter may be able to do some damage at middleweight. The 31-year-old moves to 21-9-0 with one no-contest in his professional MMA career.
The outcome seemed like a foregone conclusion within the first minute, as Meershaert plodded along the side of the cage, unable to shake Oleksiejczuk's pressure. It wasn't long before "Lord" threw an uppercut to intercept Meerscahert's takedown attempt, which marked the beginning of the end. Oleksiejczuk 's quick hands have defined his career. If he can stay on his feet against more athletic wrestlers, the Polish fighter may be able to do some damage at middleweight. The 31-year-old moves to 21-9-0 with one no-contest in his professional MMA career.
Fighting Meerschaert in August
Oleksiejczuk will face Gerald Meerschaert in a Middleweight bout at UFC 319 in Chicago on August 16, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Oleksiejczuk will head into the bout looking to continue his positive moemtnum following his recent victory over Sedriques Dumas in April. The 30-year-old fighter from Poland will have to overcome disadvantages in both height and reach against the older American. With a stellar 15-1 professional record in KO/TKO finishes, he will certainly be hoping to end this one early, though he will have to remain wary of the crafty submission specialist.
Oleksiejczuk will head into the bout looking to continue his positive moemtnum following his recent victory over Sedriques Dumas in April. The 30-year-old fighter from Poland will have to overcome disadvantages in both height and reach against the older American. With a stellar 15-1 professional record in KO/TKO finishes, he will certainly be hoping to end this one early, though he will have to remain wary of the crafty submission specialist.
Easily handles Sedriques Dumas
Oleksiejczuk defeated Sedriques Dumas via TKO (strikes) at 2:49 of Round 1 at UFC 314 on Saturday in Miami.
ANALYSIS
Oleksiejczuk lost three fights in five months last year, and his roster spot was in jeopardy as a result. Clearly realizing he needed to change things up, he took his act to Brazil and spent time with the Fighting Nerds team. It clearly helped. The fact Dumas appeared to have no interest in fighting helped, but Oleksiejczuk put forth his best performance in a while. He appeared calm and composed inside the Octagon and didn't rush things, instead letting the finish come to him. Oleksiejczuk's still on shaky ground, but this win will ensure he gets at least one more chance with the promotion.
Oleksiejczuk lost three fights in five months last year, and his roster spot was in jeopardy as a result. Clearly realizing he needed to change things up, he took his act to Brazil and spent time with the Fighting Nerds team. It clearly helped. The fact Dumas appeared to have no interest in fighting helped, but Oleksiejczuk put forth his best performance in a while. He appeared calm and composed inside the Octagon and didn't rush things, instead letting the finish come to him. Oleksiejczuk's still on shaky ground, but this win will ensure he gets at least one more chance with the promotion.
Looks to bounce back at UFC 314
Oleksiejczuk will take on Sedriques Dumas in a middleweight matchup at UFC 314 on April 12, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite hovering around .500 for much of his time with the UFC, Oleksiejczuk lost all three of his fights in the 2024 calendar year. Despite a Fight of the Night bonus his last time out against Shara Magomedov, his roster spot could be in jeopardy with a loss here. He takes on an opponent in Dumas who has won three of his last four, most recently emerging victorious against Denis Tiuliulin in August. He'll be giving up height and reach advantages to Dumas, who is also a capable wrestler that will likely look to exploit his poor takedown defense (48 percent) as well.
Despite hovering around .500 for much of his time with the UFC, Oleksiejczuk lost all three of his fights in the 2024 calendar year. Despite a Fight of the Night bonus his last time out against Shara Magomedov, his roster spot could be in jeopardy with a loss here. He takes on an opponent in Dumas who has won three of his last four, most recently emerging victorious against Denis Tiuliulin in August. He'll be giving up height and reach advantages to Dumas, who is also a capable wrestler that will likely look to exploit his poor takedown defense (48 percent) as well.