It is, without question, an action-packed week for combat sports fans. The PFL, LFA, Bellator, ONE, KSW, and the UFC are all in action, and that’s on top of the smaller organizations (plus a bit of boxing). Over all, there’s a lot of MMA to choose from — and a small army of prospects with fights lined up. Here’s a look at some of the best.
RCC | Russia | Wednesday
Bantamweight, Bekhzod Usmonov (9-3)
Usmonov has a Sambo and Muay Thai background. He’s a three-time Muay Thai champion and has a 37-5-1 record. Usmonov is a submission threat, a good striker, a knockout threat, and can go the distance no problem. The overall skill level is a question but he is very fun to watch. He fights Maksim Usoyan (6-3).
ONE Championship | Singapore | Friday
Heavyweight, Reinier de Ridder (14-0)
Don’t let Reinier de Ridder’s stand-up game fool you: ten of his thirteen finishes have come by submission. He’s great in the clinch, and de Ridder fights well at a distance as he has an excellent jab. When he lets his hands go, he is really accurate. de Ridder throws good long strikes and puts together strikes and kicks well. The mat is where de Ridder wants to be, however, as he is an expert jiu-jitsu practitioner — the sort who can time perfect double-leg takedowns. If de Ridder is in the clinch, expect him to get the takedown as his hips are excellent and judo tosses are his best weapon. On top, or even on the mat in general, de Ridder is the one in control. He is always moving and searching for submissions and that’s why he has eight submission wins. He fights Kiamrian Abbasov (23-4).
Featherweight, Fabricio de Andrade (6-2)
Andrade made a huge statement his last fight beating well-known Kai Wen Li. Andrade is a Muay Thai fighter who has two submissions. The Brazilian can grapple but on the feet he is in his wheelhouse. Andrade loves to use step in knees and elbows in the clinch. He’s even more effective in range with snipping long punches and kicks. Being extremely accurate in everything he throws, Andrade is a serious threat. He fights Jeremy Pacatiw (11-4).
Light heavyweight, Daniyal Zainalov (7-0)
Zainalov hasn’t fought in two years but he’s an undefeated bigger guy that has potential. The Russian is light on his feet and will throw both his hands and kicks. He’s pretty athletic and quick for a 205’er. Although footage him is scarce, he seems to be a strong wrestler too and could be a nightmare on top. Zainalov does need to prove more being off so long and has a chance in this fight to do so. He fights Yuri Simoes (0-1).
UAE Warriors 25 | Abu Dhabi | Friday
Welterweight, Wisem Hammami (6-0)
Hammami has good hands from the looks of things, and seems to have some knockout power. He has a good one-two and can sit on the outside with a jab and leg kicks. Hammami is even more of a wrestler and on top is where he’s comfortable. In the fights I’ve watched he’s been able to quickly get into the mount. From there he’s got good finishing ability with his ground and pound. Hammami fights Shido Boris Soto Esperanca (5-0).
Welterweight, Shido Soto (5-0)
Soto is quite unknown in the MMA world with five quiet fights under his belt. Soto has competed in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and in many grappling tournaments such as the IBJJF. With little tape available, what can be seen is strong slams, thunderous ground and pound, superb athleticism, and aggression. Can’t get a good read on him but he is worth keeping an eye on. He fights Wisem Hammami (6-0).
