Flyweight, Nick Piccininni (7-0) Vs. Luis Gurule (9-0)
Notable Notes
- This is the second fight this season on the DWCS for Piccininni, who is looking to go 2-0.
- Gurule is taking this fight on short notice.
- Neither has a loss in MMA.
- Piccininni is a three-time NCAA Division I All-American and a four-time Big 12 Conference champion.
- Gurule is coming off a win over DWCS alum Jacob Silva winning the Fury FC flyweight title.
Nick Piccininni
Pros
- High-level wrestling
- Good timing on takedown entries
- Physically strong
- Good technique
- Strong jiu-jitsu
- Lock-down top control
- Submission threat (neck hunter)
- Strikes to wrestler well
Cons
- One-dimensional
Luis Gurule
Pros
- Physically strong
- Forward pressure
- Crowds with volume
- Well conditioned
- Scrambles well
- Good elbows
Cons
- Sits in the pocket too long
- Advances in with head on the centerline
Prediction: This is a short-notice fight for Gurule but it’s just as short notice for Piccininni since Jack Duffy who his opponent was for months. That was a rematch of their fight early in the DWCS 2024 season, which ended in a split decision.
Gurule is a much different style of fighter than Duffy. He’s a pressure fighter that doesn’t take a step backwards. He’s not the most powerful striker or the fastest but he does a great job smothering with output. Gurule does hang around the pocket too long but he is very active with his weapons on the inside. He’s also a good wrestler and is active on top as well.
Piccininni is a wrestler and Gurule has been taken down but has always sprung back up. It just depends on how well, and how thoroughly, Piccininni can keep Gurule down. Piccininni got some flack after his last fight due to his striking and cardio. Cardio I don’t think is an issue because he did take that fight on short notice. I do think his striking is a problem and Gurule would probably overwhelm him with his output.
I have Gurule in this fight because he is the better striker and there is no evidence that he can be controlled off his back when taken down. I’ve got Gurule by TKO in round three and on that front I’m 40% confident.
