Featherweight: Kevin Syler vs. Kenny Cross
Tale of the Tape
27-years-old
5’9″
71.5″
Boca Raton, Florida but from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
American Top Team
10-0
25-years-old
6’0″
Novi, Michigan
Michigan Top Team
10-3
Pros and Cons
Kevin Syler
Pros
- Good kicks
- Solid jiu-jitsu
- Good ground and pound
- Good TDD
- Submission threat
- A solid jab
- Good wrestling
Cons
- Is a bit stationary
- The movement does slow as the fight goes
- Needs to move his head a bit better
Kenny Cross
Pros
- Fast starter
- Very explosive
- Good movement
- Athletic
- Good kicks
- Submission threat
- Dangerous left hand
Cons
- Can be overly aggressive
- Questionable cardio
- TDD needs some work
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Cross
Speed: Cross
Output/Volume: Cross
Knockout Power: Cross
Chin: Even
Kickboxing: Syler
Footwork: Cross
Wrestling: Syler
Grappling: Syler
Submissions: Syler
Cardio: Even
Prediction
I wasn’t impressed with Syler leading into his Contender Series fight last season but he was better than expected. Syler is now fighting at 145lbs where I think Cross will have a much more physical advantage. Outside of strength Cross is the much faster and more explosive fighter. The path to victory for Syler is to take this fight down but that’s going be hard to do with the footwork and physical advantage of Cross. The pick is Cross.
It’s worth noting the Cross was originally supposed to fight in Week 1, but original opponent Damonte Robinson was unable to compete due to an eye issue.
