Rodrigo Sezinando vs Daniil Donchenko, scheduled for UFC 319 in Chicago, this fight was postponed after Rodrigo Sezinando suffered a minor injury during fight week.
The matchup has now been rebooked for Noche UFC 3 in San Antonio, making it the official finale of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33.
Both fighters will be making their UFC debuts with high stakes on the line—the winner will be crowned the new TUF champion and secure a strong entry into the welterweight division.
Fighter Profiles
Rodrigo Sezinando
- Record: 8–1 professional
- Fighting Style: A well-rounded finisher with the ability to win by knockout, submission, or decision.
- Strengths: Aggressive striking, solid grappling transitions, and calm under pressure.
- Weaknesses: Has lost once by decision, which shows he can be drawn into longer, grinding fights.
Daniil Donchenko
- Record: 11–2 professional
- Fighting Style: Striker with finishing ability and high-paced offensive bursts.
- Strengths: Strong stand-up game, knockout power, and youthful energy.
- Weaknesses: Less tested in prolonged grappling exchanges, making him vulnerable against well-rounded opponents.
Technical Breakdown
Striking:
Sezinando brings a diverse, striking arsenal, mixing punches with setups for takedowns. He is comfortable pressing forward and using combinations.
Donchenko is more of a pure striker, relying on heavy hands and early pressure to overwhelm opponents.
Grappling and Wrestling:
Sezinando’s record highlights his submission ability, which could be the difference-maker here. If he manages to bring Donchenko down, his top control and transitions will become a major factor.
Donchenko, while not helpless on the ground, has shown less comfort when forced to grapple extensively.
Cardio and Durability:
Both fighters are in their early twenties, so conditioning should not be an issue. However, Sezinando has proven himself capable of adapting to longer fights, while Donchenko often looks to finish early.
If the fight drags into the later rounds, Sezinando may have the advantage.
Keys to Victory
Rodrigo Sezinando:
- Mix striking with takedowns to keep Donchenko guessing.
- Push the fight into deeper waters where his experience matters.
- Use grappling to neutralize Donchenko’s striking advantage.
Daniil Donchenko:
- Keep the fight standing and control the distance with power shots.
- Prevent Sezinando from initiating clinches and takedowns.
- Look to land big early strikes to unsettle Sezinando before he establishes rhythm.
Rodrigo Sezinando vs Daniil Donchenko: Prediction
This is a fascinating clash of styles. Donchenko’s knockout power makes him dangerous from the opening bell, but his tendency to rely on striking leaves him open to a more balanced fighter.
Sezinando can adapt, mixing grappling with controlled striking, and that versatility could be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Rodrigo Sezinando wins by unanimous decision. His ability to withstand early pressure and transition into grappling control should carry him through. Donchenko is live for a knockout, but the safer bet is on Sezinando’s well-rounded approach.