One of several debuting fighters at UFC 316 this Saturday is Mark Choinski, set for a lightweight showdown with MarQuel Mederos. Choinski is taking the fight on short notice, but did have a bout scheduled against Bellator vet Zach Zane next week, so he’s presumably in fight shape.
Mark “The Shark” Choinski
Standing at five-foot-eight
Fighting at 155 lbs (lightweight)
29-years-old
Fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
Training out of Roufusport MMA Academy
A pro record of 8-0
1 KO/TKO, 5 Submissions
Distance striking: C+
Clinch work: B+
Movement/footwork: C+
Power striking: D
Striking defense: C-
Wrestling in space: C
Cage wrestling: B
Takedown defense: B
Defensive grappling: B+
Top control: B+
Ground and pound: B
Submissions: B+
Endurance: C
Choinski is a three-time All-American wrestler who’s been steadily finding his groove in MMA. He’s already made a mark by capturing the APFC lightweight title, a notable accomplishment on the regional scene. Training out of the respected Roufusport gym has only accelerated his development as a pro.
The key question is whether his collegiate wrestling has truly translated into MMA success. While it’s been a foundation of his game, he hasn’t leaned on it in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s his defensive wrestling that’s been most effective, allowing him to win scrambles and consistently end up in dominant positions. Choinski has been taken down before, but he’s proven difficult to control, thanks to his strong base, solid hips, and ability to quickly turn into his opponent.
He excels in scrambles and uses his wrestling instincts to escape bad positions. Once on top, he’s dangerous. Choinski has five submission victories to his name, including wins via rear-naked choke, arm-triangle, and armbar. He’s shown a knack for doing damage and hunting submissions from dominant positions. His top control is aided by smart positional transitions and solid wrist control, which he uses to land effective ground-and-pound while working to advance.
His submission attempts in transition are aggressive, and although his technique isn’t always textbook, his squeeze is tight and effective.
On the feet, Choinski holds his own. He does some of his best work in the clinch with short elbows and knees. When fresh, he’s capable at range, throwing a sharp jab, a solid one-two, and chopping low kicks. He doesn’t carry much knockout power but compensates with volume and activity.
That said, his cardio has shown to be a limiting factor. As fights progress, his pace remains high, but he becomes more flat-footed and easier to hit. His work rate is admirable, but the dip in mobility has cost him in exchanges.
Overall, Choinski profiles as a fighter who could settle into the UFC lightweight division’s top 50–55. He has the tools and experience to stick around, but at 29, it’s unlikely he develops enough to make a real run toward the top of the division.
How does he match up with Mederos?
Mederos is 2-0 in the UFC, but both wins came by razor-thin margins. He tends to fight on very narrow edges, struggling to separate himself in extended bouts. A volume striker by nature, Mederos is uncomfortable when pressured or forced to absorb damage. While his takedown defense has improved, there are still clear vulnerabilities in his grappling, particularly in how easily opponents can take his back and control him.
This fight feels like it will be close. On the feet, I think it’s competitive, but I give the edge to Mederos due to his cleaner technique and more refined setups at range. Choinski absolutely has a path to victory if he can get the fight to the mat. I’m confident he would have a clear advantage there, but I don’t see him getting enough opportunities to make it count.
Ultimately, I expect Mederos to defend just enough takedowns and edge out the fight with his volume and striking from distance.
