Debuting fighters will square off at UFC Stockholm as Sergey Khandozhko now faces Rostem Akman after an injury to Khandozhko’s original opponent.
The UFC is coming to Stockholm, Sweden, on June 1 in the Ericsson Globe Arena. The card is full and it is headlined between Anthony Smith and Alexander Gustafsson. Also on the card are many rising stars and six debuting prospects. That includes Sergey Khandozhko, who was supposed to take on Bartosz Fabinski. Unfortunately, Fabinski pulled out due to injury and would be replaced by the debuting Rostem Akman.
“Kurdimus Prime”
6’0″
Welterweight
27-years-old
Stockholm, Sweden
Fightzone Stockholm
6-0
5 KO/TKO
1 Submission (Heel Hook)
How Does Rostem Akman Fare in the UFC:
Akman is only 6-0 as a professional but had a long amateur career going 14-2. As an amateur, he was a two-time IMMAF European Champion and a two-time Swedish Champion in 2014 and 2015. Akman has been taken down by lesser fighters but has done a good job getting back to his feet. He also has a heel hook victory from his back. He has some experience in boxing and that’s shown as it’s his striking that is his strong suit. Akman has good hands going to the body and head impressively. He’s got some good pop behind his punches as it’s his shot selection and precision that stands out. Overall, I think this is a good signing from the UFC and he may have a high ceiling but his debut will tell a lot about him going forward.
- Striking: B+
- Kickboxing: C+
- Clinch: C
- Wrestling: C
- Grappling: C+
- Striking Defense: C+
- Takedown Defense: C-
- Cardio: C+
- Biggest Strength: Striking
- Biggest Weakness: TDD
How Rostem Akman Matches Up with Sergey Khandozhko:
The biggest issue for both guys would probably be their takedown defense. Sergey would most likely be the one to get the takedowns but has shown his grappling isn’t good enough. Sergey relies on counters and his distance control but his rhythm is off and Akman is easily the better striker. Sergey has tons more experience and has fought way better competition only ever losing to good fighters. Akman should be better on the feet as he presses forward more and is just the more technical striker. Sergey may have the advantage on the mat but I’m not being too impressed with his wrestling and grappling. I’m confident in Akman winning.
