Featherweight: Diego Lopes vs Joanderson Brito
Tale of the Tape
26-years-old
5’11″
From Brazil but living in Puebla de Zaragoza, México
Legacy MMA / Brazilian Warriors
19-3
26-years-old
5’8″
Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
American Top Team/Tiger Muay Thai
Chute Boxe Bauru
11-2-1
Pros and Cons
Diego Lopes
Pros
- Huge submission threat
- Diverse submission attack
- Good leg kicks
- Hands high
- Solid gas tank
- Active ground and pound
- Good wrestling
- Excellent back take
- Throws in volume
- Strikes to wrestle very well
- Glue-like grappling
- Dangerous off his back
Cons
- Vulnerable to the jab
- Head sits on the centerline when exchanging
Joanderson Brito
Pros
- Very aggressive
- Hits hard
- Heavy hands
- Heavy kicks
- Good wrestling
- Good cardio/Solid pace
Cons
- TDD needs work
- Stuck off his back
- Throws a lot of wild looping punches
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Brito
Speed: Brito
Output/Volume: Brito
Knockout Power: Brito
Chin: Even
Kickboxing: Lopes
Footwork: Lopes
Wrestling: Lopes
Grappling: Lopes
Submissions: Lopes
Cardio: Brito
Prediction
This is a fantastic bout between two athletes who are absolutely UFC-ready guys at this very moment. Lopes has beaten the better competition, but Brito is his toughest test to date, and vice-versa.
When it comes down to it, Brito vs. Lopes will be all about the power and aggression of Brito taking on the high-level BJJ of Lopes. Brito’s biggest chance of victory is on the feet and knocking out Lopes. Lopes has a clear advantage on the mat and Brito has struggled with takedown defense, and fighting off his back.
Then there’s the x-factor. Lopes is taking this fight on short notice, but for Brito, compared to original opponent Khusein Askhabov, Lopes is a completely different fighter. All Lopes has to do is use his range on the feet and not exchange with Brito. I’m fully confident if Lopes takes it down just once, he finds a submission. There is a clear path to victory for Lopes and a not-so-clear path for Brito.
