Bantamweight: Muin Gafurov vs. Chad Anheliger
Tale of the Tape
26-years-old
5’8″
From Tajikistan but living in Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Xtreme Couture
17-3
Eight KO/TKOs, Seven submissions
34-years-old
5’6″
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Champion’s Creed Martial Arts
10-5
Eight-fight win streak
Pros and Cons
Muin Gafurov
Pros
- Fast starter
- Scrambles really well
- Good wrestling
- Solid jiu-jitsu
- Frequent output
- Good chin
- Diverse attack/like to spin
- Good kickboxing
- Very aggressive/Constant pressure
Cons
- TDD needs work
- Will throw wild
- Gets sloppy as the fight goes on
Chad Anheliger
Pros
- Solid boxing skills
- Good jab
- Good calf kicks
- Dangerous guillotine
- Good cardio
Cons
- Poor TDD
- Head sits on the centerline
- Needs work off his back
Prediction
Anheliger at one time was 2-5. On a three-fight skid, he switched camps and has won his last eight. Yet while Anheliger has gotten considerably better, the problem is Gafurov is a beast. Gafurov has fought a lot of good competition and is a combat sambo world champion. I can’t see Anheliger creating much of a threat as Gafurov is far better everywhere. This is a mismatch and will be a showcase fight for Gafurov as he has the advantage everywhere.
I predict Chidi Njokuani, Muin Gafurov, Bruno Korea, and Josh Quinlan to get the UFC contract. I expect Njokuani and Gafurov to get easy contracts after dominant performances. Korea I expect to have the most competitive fight of this week. The UFC needs flyweights and Korea has an exciting style that would fit in. With the Quinlan and Urban fight, I expect it to be the best fight of the card. Quinlan is the definition of what the Contender Series is about and Dana will love him.
