Dennis Buzukja vs Francis Marshall — Fight recap

Francis Marshall defeated Dennis Buzukja via split decision after three rounds on August 24, 2024, in a striking-heavy bout where Marshall's control time and a knockdown proved decisive. Buzukja landed the cleaner volume, connecting on 66 of 145 significant strikes (45%) with strong head strike accuracy of 46 of 110, but Marshall's superior cage control of 5:26 to Buzukja's 0:08 and a knockdown in the fight shifted the judges' scorecards in his favor despite landing fewer significant strikes at 57 of 150 (38%).

Marshall also secured one takedown on six attempts while Buzukja failed his lone takedown try, establishing dominance in positional wrestling. Both fighters avoided submission attempts, keeping the fight in the striking realm where Marshall's physical presence and control edge outweighed Buzukja's volume and accuracy.

Marshall's split-decision victory signals he remains competitive in the middleweight mix, while Buzukja faces questions about closing distance against wrestlers.