One of a handful of debuts at UFC Uruguay will see Rodrigo Vargas face off against Alex Da Silva, after Rafael Fiziev was forced out of the fight.
The UFC is coming to Montevideo, Uruguay on August 10. The card is now filled out, but has taken many hits. So far, there have been five canceled fights. One of those left behind being Rafael Fiziev, who was set to fight Alex da Silva. Now, Silva will take on Mexico’s Rodrigo Vargas.
“Kazula”
5’7″
Lightweight
33-years-old
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexican Pride Gym
11-2
7 KO/TKO
3 Submissions (2 Guillotines, 1 Armbar)
How will Vargas fare in the UFC:
The UFC started off the year with strong, deserving signings but lately there have been some question marks. Vargas has some heavy hands, but lacks combinations and output in general. His best weapon is probably his wrestling but he has problems with control, and his grappling isn’t where it should be. His cardio has been found lacking in past fights as well, and being already 33-years-old these flaws won’t see him fare well against top competition. If he doesn’t end it early in the first, you may very well see him struggling.
Here’s our report card on Vargas:
- Striking: C
- Kickboxing: C+
- Clinch: C+
- Wrestling: C+
- Grappling: D+
- Striking Defense: C+
- Takedown Defense: D
- Cardio: C-
How he matches up with Da Silva:
Silva has ten more fights than Vargas and is ten years younger as well. He didn’t look great in his debut but lost to a better fighter in Alexander Yakovlev. Da Silva is just better everywhere, on the feet and on the mat. His cardio like Vargas isn’t too great, so it could be closer in the later rounds. Da Silva is a good striker with good combinations and good power. The smart pick is Alex Da Silva. It will also be interesting to see if Vargas can make a quick turnaround, with UFC Mexico City going down in September.
