UFC on ESPN 72: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, set for August 9, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features an intriguing middleweight matchup between Factory X product Cody Brundage and MMA Lab representative Eric McConico. With both men looking to solidify their UFC roster spots, this clash offers an opportunity for one fighter to break out in the 185-pound division.

Cody Brundage

Cody Brundage (11-6-1, 1 NC) has made a name for himself as a scrappy, all-action middleweight with knockout power, opportunistic submissions, and a willingness to engage in brawls. A former collegiate wrestler, Brundage blends his grappling base with heavy hands and a tendency to push forward early.

His UFC run has been turbulent, featuring highlight-reel finishes, such as his slam KO of Zachary Reese, and rough losses against high-level talent like Bo Nickal and Michal Oleksiejczuk. While he has shown resilience and fight-ending ability in multiple ways, Brundage has also struggled with consistency, sometimes gassing out after fast starts or falling victim to defensive lapses.

Cody Brundage – Last 5 Fights:

1. Draw vs. Mansur Abdul-Malik – Overturned – UFC on ESPN 69, June 14, 2025
2. Win vs. Julian Marquez – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN 253, March 1, 2025
3. NC vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan – No Contest (Illegal Elbows) – UFC on ESPN 59, July 13, 2024
4. Loss vs. Bo Nickal – Submission (RNC) – UFC 300, April 13, 2024
5. Win vs. Zachary Reese – KO (Slam & Punches) – UFC on ESPN 52, December 2, 2023

Brundage will aim to leverage his wrestling and early-fight aggression to overwhelm McConico before the fight settles into a range striking battle.

Eric McConico

Eric McConico (9-3-1) makes his sophomore UFC appearance after a second-round TKO loss to Nursulton Ruziboev in February 2025. Despite the setback, McConico’s pre-UFC résumé showed him as a well-rounded finisher, capable of ending fights with sharp kickboxing or slick rear-naked chokes.

Fighting out of MMA Lab, McConico has a composed striking style, often looking to set up head kicks and counter opportunities. His recent regional wins over veterans like Maki Pitolo and Kevem Felipe highlighted his patience and ability to adapt as fights progress. However, all three of his career losses have come via knockout, raising questions about his chin against powerful punchers like Brundage.

Eric McConico – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Nursulton Ruziboev – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN 252, February 22, 2025
2. Win vs. Jarome Hatch – Submission (RNC) – Tuff-N-Uff 138, July 26, 2024
3. Win vs. Tyler Ray – Decision (Unanimous) – Tuff-N-Uff 135, February 2, 2024
4. Win vs. Maki Pitolo – TKO (Head Kick & Punches) – Tuff-N-Uff 134, November 12, 2023
5. Win vs. Kevem Felipe – Decision (Unanimous) – LFA 158, May 19, 2023

McConico’s best chance lies in keeping the fight standing, using footwork to avoid Brundage’s wrestling entries, and finding counters as Brundage pressures forward.

Brundage thrives in chaos, especially when he can blend heavy strikes with opportunistic takedowns. McConico is the cleaner technician on the feet, particularly with his kicking game, but his history of knockout losses is a glaring vulnerability against Brundage’s power.

Cardio could play a role. Brundage’s output often dips in later rounds, while McConico has shown the ability to rally late. However, if Brundage secures early control or lands clean in the pocket, McConico’s defensive gaps could be exposed quickly.

McConico’s defensive wrestling hasn’t been tested extensively in the UFC, and Brundage’s mix of pressure, clinch work, and ground-and-pound may be enough to dictate the fight’s pace.

Prediction

This fight likely comes down to whether McConico can survive Brundage’s early onslaught. If it goes into the second half of the fight, McConico’s measured striking could take over. However, given his susceptibility to knockouts and Brundage’s aggressive starts, the safer call is a first-round finish for the Factory X fighter.

Prediction:
Cody Brundage def. Eric McConico via TKO (Punches) – Round 1

A win here would give Brundage back-to-back victories for the first time since 2022 and help him regain momentum in a deep middleweight division.